12th Oct 1974

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

P O Box 896

Collyer Quay branch

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

We have been out every night since a long time ago.  People have been very kind, so much so that it will be relief to get away.  Our own party at the Hyatt was a huge success with reports still coming in saying how much is was enjoyed.  People stayed on & on.  Last night was the BIG one.  15 tables of 8 or 9 at the top of an hotel overlooking the harbour & Chinese food.  Union & Sports Club as hosts.  President & Gen Sec of main union present.  Terrific speech in praise of self!  Then my own.  As usual a tense moment but I am told it was very good- thank goodness.  Suddenly, after many months of trial and sometimes despondency one feels on top of the world and I will remember the event as being one of the highest of high spots.  We were given a tray & tea & coffee things with a nice engraving & a small pocket radio.

Tickets in hand and a few days to go.  Heard that Labour is in and we have to face many changes but will manage to cope.

See you soon love

Peter xx

This is the last letter from the Far East.  The next is just dated Sunday and seems to have been written in UK.

Dear Mum,

Glad you got though on the phone.  The first part was clear then it went a bit odd.  Usually the operator allows extra time for this but they have to be listening in otherwise I am not sure how contact them without breaking the connection.  I think I go most of it though and understand Dad has had the op & is looking alright but nothing was found.  Very strange if the two X rays showed something.  It is a long shot but could there be anything in connection with the hernia he was complaining of?  Unlikely I suppose.  Hope my going away next weekend does not bother you.  Will be back Monday night anyway.  Feel a bit useless being unable to do anything but guess that is the way it is.  Hope they think of something at the hospital to solve the problem.

All my love and Best Wishes to 

Dad

Peter xxx

My father took early retirement from the bank and took a part time job with a fur company.  He and mum were given a world trip by the bank and another trip when he retired from  the fur company.  They both were invited to Hongkong for the opening of the new bank there.  They moved from Tunbridge Wells where they had moved from Folkestone, to Bickenhall in Somerset.  My dad loved the house in Bickenhall saying it was the best place he had lived.  He only had a year of retirement when he died of lung cancer in 1987 at the age of 60.  My mother lived to the age of 91, moving into Taunton to live.  

29 Sept 1974

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

P O Box 896

Collyer Quay branch

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

Am so pleased you saw the children.  Reg was rushing around on that day and he must have been worried about Ada.  I believe she is home now and trust the treatment will put things right.  I do not expect the girls to marry yet but you never know, however, they are all pretty sensible.  Susan now thinks she will go into a bank, having asked me how we make the profits.  She is doing a few 'O' levels early - in November as we want her & Adrienne to move to another school which will be more suitable for 'A' levels.  We gave our party to the officers & wives on Friday about 100 of us.  Guess that is we do not come out east again, these last parties here will be the last of their kind ever.  Our other party will be in the Hyatt Hotel for 160.

This is a bit scrappy but we will catch up once we are home.  Expect to fly in from Nirobi on 23rd Oct.  Am not sure if we will call on our way.  It will depend on the time.  We have to get home & open up the house.  Liz comes out for half term on 25th and so there is a tight schedule.

All our love

Margo & Peter

xxx

22 Sept 1974

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

P O Box 896

Collyer Quay branch

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

The children have gone and so has the dog - a very empty house.  Packing has started to-day and my relief has arrived.  Farewell instructions are accumulating and we feel we are really about to leave.  It will be a busy few weeks.  The girls' stay with us was one of the most successful and the time passed quickly.  They are good fun and as bright as ever.  They were very popular here and very nice things were said about them.  Elisabeth was asked to stay the night with a young couple in the bank flats and she was very thrilled.  Particularly as the other two had had nights out at friends houses.  They exchanged one at a time with twins and at times I was never sure who was with us and which not.  The dog was equally confused.  She - Pippa - should now be in kennels in Folkestone to complete 6 months quarantine.  

All for now, hope the exlections go the right way.

Love Margo & Peter

xxx 

August 15th 1974

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

P O Box 896

Collyer Quay branch

Singapore

Dear Grandma & Grandpa

I'm sorry that I have not written sooner but we have been doing so many exciting things.  For the past week we have been down at Loyang and the weather was lovely all the while.  We all got quite tanned!

To-day we are going to have our nails done, because this evening we are all going to a dance party.  To-morrow, Adi Eliz and I are going to a "Ship Wreck" party, given by a friend.  Adi is going as a baby, Eliz is going in her pink negligee, and I am going in my swimming costume, with a hat and sarong, glasses and sun cream!

On Saturday, we are going to help at a fete for the whole day.  I am doing the "Lucky Dip" stall.  The others are selling tickets.

On Sunday it is the bank's Sports day, and on Monday we have been invited to swim & lunch at a friends house, as well as Adi & I having a tennis lesson.

Adi & I have been playing alot of squash and tennis lately and we have a tennis lesson on Mondays and Fridays.

Pippa is fine.  When we were down at Loyang, she swam in the sea, and in the pool.  She also went out in the canoe with Mummy!

To-day, though it is very hot and sticky,  & think it will rain.  But we need a bit of cooling down here!

I must go now

Because the car has come,

So Bye for Now

All my love

Susan xx

 

June 16th 74

Mrs Aylett  (my mother's mother.  She went out to live with my aunt and uncle in Canada but returned to UK a few years later)

48 Golf Ave

Pointe Claire

P. Quebec

(Not from the Far East but was included in the pile of letters)

My Dear Lily & Lionel

Was so sorry to hear that Lionel was not at all well.  Hope the news is better now.  It must be such a worry for you and I know all must feel most unhappy when your dear one is sick.  I wrote to you way back when the snow and ice was around.  But very pleased to say I can now get out and about.  Have joined three Senior Citizen's Groups so getting to know quite a few folks around my own age group.

There is an awful lot that goes on for Senior Citizens in Pointe Claire have been to two picnics.  One was put on by one of the T. V. Stations about four long drives into the Country.  So time as been going  very fast.  Also been busy helping to paint and paper Debs bedroom.  Have also finish the chair seats I told you about in my last letter.  Barbara and Alistair are very pleased with them.  and though I say so myself.  They really look nice.  Write and let me know how Lional is if you have time.  Give him my love tell thim I am looking forward to seeing him when I come over.  Take card of yourself Lily.

All the Best

Much love Gladys

9th June 1974

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

P O Box 896

Collyer Quay branch

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

Your letter of 10th May arrived to-day having been to Bangkok and I have also received your letters of 28th May and 5th June, so guess I am up to date.  There seems a lot for Margaret and Ian to do in Scotland.  I wonder if it is worth a visit.  Am pleased you are getting help with transport.  I am getting bi focals now and am having the reading section adjusted.  The ones made in UK were too strong and neither the optician there or here realised it, so I am only in focus very close to.  Am please the new X ray avoided the necessity of an exploring op.  I forgot just where St Helier's is - what a memory.  Is it on the road to Sutton?  I expect to be away Thurs/to Monday next week (15th) as have been given time to get away.  Very unexpected so will fly up to Penang.  The Manager is to go away on UK leave on 22nd & said this morning I should take a break.  Never happened before so must not miss it.  The 1974 wage increase are under discussion - have only finished 1973 in March, but expect agreement on these sooner.  I hope.  The girls are doing their exams.  I think Adrienne has worked hard and really hope she does well.  Have booked Caroline for Canada on 11th July as well as the other 3 to us.  Have not heard from Caroline's new school as yet.

All for now.  Best Wishes and hope all goes well.

Love Peter and Margo,

28th April 1974

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

P O Box 896

Collyer Quay branch

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

Many thanks for your letter.  I too have read the budget news and it does not sound too bright.  We will have to deal with it as it comes, and have to accept things will be a lot different in HK.  Good to hear Ian has got the job after such a long wait.  Liz did not receive the birthday present - she always sends "thank you" letters promptly.  Perhaps it will be at the school when she gets back next week.  They should arrive on 2nd May QF 001 at 8.15 - a bit too early for you this time.  They have all had a lot of swimming and sun, pictures, helping at the second hand shop and so on.  Liz had a good trip out after all and was provided with an escort - extra cost, but of course we were thankful rearrangements were made promptly.  The girls had the greatest worry but soon recovered.

John Cillan came through yesterday from Borneo on leave.  He and I came out together 23 yrs ago.  Unchanged and a reminder of the passage of time.  What would you like for your birthday?

All our love

Peter & Margo