Written on m.s. "ORANJE' headed airmail paper. (Month is possibly Oct or Nov).
to be from Genoa,
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
Thank you for seeing us off on Thursday, we had four seats and therefore plenty of room on the train and the children behaved beautifully. No customs formalities in S'hampton and but for a 15min queue for stamping passports we went straight on to the ship. Your flowers were in our cabin and look very attractive - thank you once again. Henry and Hilda sent a wire wishing us Bon Voyage so we felt that we were being thought of right up to the last moment. The ship sailed promptly at 3pm and is big and fast. We got well into the Bay in the night - not rough but with a big swell and lots of rolling. The children did not mind, but after we had given them breakfast we missed ours. The whole morning and feeding them at lunch was a strain for Margo. Luckily I remained fit enough to help and had a light lunch myself. We ran into fog in the late afternoon which stopped us for a while but nevertheless we had finished with the Bay by evening thanks to a fast ship, and we were both well enough to attend the Captain's cocktail party in the evening and have a light dinner. Bed early and all slept well to wake to the sun and warmth somewhere off southern Spain. The childrens' nursery is excellent and both can be left there all day, which does give a break. We collect them for sleep during the day and also at meal times but I think that all in all the voyage will give Margo a rest. The ship is just what was needed for that. We have met a Mr & Mrs Calvert, the father and mother of one of the foreign staff in Singapore who had mentioned we would be on board. They are a cheery couple.
All our love for the moment and best wishes, and thank you for all you have done for us - it will mean a lot for this tour.
Love from
Margo Peter Caroline and Adrienne xxxx.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
29th April, 58
Typewritten on HSBC Calcutta airmail letter. (All these letters are addressed to Mr & Mrs L.V.C Briggs at 65, Tamworth Park, Mitcham Surrey.UK)
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your long letter, am glad the tea arrived, I sent one to Margaret also and one to Sydenham so hope they arrive. Was amused at your description of Fiona and Mary with Caroline and hope that there are some children at Herne Bay for her to play with . My weight is still up and am doing a steady amount of swimming. A third of a mile last night and shall work up to a mile by the weekend. The club is just round the corner from the office so I go there after work, have tea then splash in for half an hour or so. It passes the time and keeps me occupied; not to mention the appetite that I have for dinner. Its these B12 complex tablets that are doing it and they seem very effective. Thank you for sending the tie I hope it gets through without bother, I shall feel rather old on the ninth... getting on for forty! Yes, I thought it would be a good idea to spend the first night resting. I remember last time that I was absolutely exhausted and this way will have a chance to look more presentable. Still we shall see, it will depend on the plane behaving itself and arriving on time. The inspectors arrive today.. their plane has had a twenty-four hour delay and so the smart dresses worn by the typists and clean trousers on the clerks, instead of dhoties, will be a bit bedraggled by today. Margo mentioned that it is a lot warmer, it must have been awful in that cold and am very pleased that I missed it. Bill Mosely wrote to the same effect saying his first seven weeks were miserable. Is there anything special I can get you here for your birthday? You will have seen one or two things that Margo purchased here and may have something in mind. Let me know.
30th April.
The inspectors did not arrive - they were held up again at Bangkok and should be in this morning. B.O.A.C. are really excelling themselves.
Cheerio for now and Love
Peter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your long letter, am glad the tea arrived, I sent one to Margaret also and one to Sydenham so hope they arrive. Was amused at your description of Fiona and Mary with Caroline and hope that there are some children at Herne Bay for her to play with . My weight is still up and am doing a steady amount of swimming. A third of a mile last night and shall work up to a mile by the weekend. The club is just round the corner from the office so I go there after work, have tea then splash in for half an hour or so. It passes the time and keeps me occupied; not to mention the appetite that I have for dinner. Its these B12 complex tablets that are doing it and they seem very effective. Thank you for sending the tie I hope it gets through without bother, I shall feel rather old on the ninth... getting on for forty! Yes, I thought it would be a good idea to spend the first night resting. I remember last time that I was absolutely exhausted and this way will have a chance to look more presentable. Still we shall see, it will depend on the plane behaving itself and arriving on time. The inspectors arrive today.. their plane has had a twenty-four hour delay and so the smart dresses worn by the typists and clean trousers on the clerks, instead of dhoties, will be a bit bedraggled by today. Margo mentioned that it is a lot warmer, it must have been awful in that cold and am very pleased that I missed it. Bill Mosely wrote to the same effect saying his first seven weeks were miserable. Is there anything special I can get you here for your birthday? You will have seen one or two things that Margo purchased here and may have something in mind. Let me know.
30th April.
The inspectors did not arrive - they were held up again at Bangkok and should be in this morning. B.O.A.C. are really excelling themselves.
Cheerio for now and Love
Peter.
29th March 1958
Written on HSBC Calcutta airmail letter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your lovely letter about Caroline. She is at a wonderful age just now and full of vitality and enjoyment of everything. She has obviously shown you all her paces from animals to dancing. She will sit with Dad if has a magazine or a picture book with Gees Gees but not for long, as is usual with children, their attention is everywhere. The Gurkha KUKRI is meant to be decorative (on a wall) and is only a third of the size worn by our Gurkhas at Middleton Mansions. they act as watchman or DURWANS. It was used a great deal in Burma in the last war and in Malaya when I was there. It is a hunting knife as well as a killing one and the two blades in the pouch or purse at the side should be one sharp and one blunt. These are for diverse purposes such as eating & preparing food and sharpening the bigger knife, but are of course a bit small in the one you have. A ceremonial kukri will take the head of a bullock at one swipe and the ordinary one will do the same to a man. It is the curve and weight of the blade that does it. Yours should be kept polished and hung on the wall. So that concludes the excerpt from the Encylopedia Britainnica! The weather at 105F in the shade (probably 120/30 on the roof of a car) has given me a feverish cold which I have just about thrown off/ Again it is dirt more than anything else and I am now looking forward to those sea breezes at Herne Bay more than ever before. Am closing this off on 31st. The last last day of the month but one to cope with. It is amazing how slack we are now compared to six months ago. virtually making work to do.
Cheerio for now and love,
Peter.
P.S. I did not get a wire off to Tom although it was ready, because of the fever I had on Friday - somehow I remembered Barbaras. P.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your lovely letter about Caroline. She is at a wonderful age just now and full of vitality and enjoyment of everything. She has obviously shown you all her paces from animals to dancing. She will sit with Dad if has a magazine or a picture book with Gees Gees but not for long, as is usual with children, their attention is everywhere. The Gurkha KUKRI is meant to be decorative (on a wall) and is only a third of the size worn by our Gurkhas at Middleton Mansions. they act as watchman or DURWANS. It was used a great deal in Burma in the last war and in Malaya when I was there. It is a hunting knife as well as a killing one and the two blades in the pouch or purse at the side should be one sharp and one blunt. These are for diverse purposes such as eating & preparing food and sharpening the bigger knife, but are of course a bit small in the one you have. A ceremonial kukri will take the head of a bullock at one swipe and the ordinary one will do the same to a man. It is the curve and weight of the blade that does it. Yours should be kept polished and hung on the wall. So that concludes the excerpt from the Encylopedia Britainnica! The weather at 105F in the shade (probably 120/30 on the roof of a car) has given me a feverish cold which I have just about thrown off/ Again it is dirt more than anything else and I am now looking forward to those sea breezes at Herne Bay more than ever before. Am closing this off on 31st. The last last day of the month but one to cope with. It is amazing how slack we are now compared to six months ago. virtually making work to do.
Cheerio for now and love,
Peter.
P.S. I did not get a wire off to Tom although it was ready, because of the fever I had on Friday - somehow I remembered Barbaras. P.
12th March, 1958
Typewritten on HSBC Calcutta airmail letter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter which I was specially pleased to receive as Margo's had been delayed in the post. The airways messup seems typical these days. Despite their boastful advertisements they really do not care very much as they have a full traffic. It was lucky that Margo managed to get an alternative flight so quickly. Thank you for getting the flowers for me. Margo mentioned that she was tired and was suffering from lack of any system in the new conditions, but knowing her ability to settle down it will not be long before everything is sorted out. Coming from the east on leave one should really go into seclusion for a week or two in a comfortable hotel in the country and not meet anyone until fully rested from the trip, otherwise there is a natural temptation to do too much. Am glad Caroline was happy. This will not be a period of quick development for her and I expect her speech will flow more strongly now that there will be so many new things to interest her. Adrienne will be sitting up and looking less babylike even by the time I return. I have been kept occupied since Margo's departure with friends making sure that I do not feel lonely and I shall be glad when next week comes around and I can have a bit of time to myself. Am starting bridge again and fixing up a regular four and hope to interest Margo again ready for the next tour. It is a very suitable way of entertaining and one does not have to be all that expert. Will always be pleased to have your impressions of the children, one knows they are pretty good but it is nice to hear other people say so!
Much love, Peter.
P.S. What does Alan thing of his nieces and god-daughter?
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter which I was specially pleased to receive as Margo's had been delayed in the post. The airways messup seems typical these days. Despite their boastful advertisements they really do not care very much as they have a full traffic. It was lucky that Margo managed to get an alternative flight so quickly. Thank you for getting the flowers for me. Margo mentioned that she was tired and was suffering from lack of any system in the new conditions, but knowing her ability to settle down it will not be long before everything is sorted out. Coming from the east on leave one should really go into seclusion for a week or two in a comfortable hotel in the country and not meet anyone until fully rested from the trip, otherwise there is a natural temptation to do too much. Am glad Caroline was happy. This will not be a period of quick development for her and I expect her speech will flow more strongly now that there will be so many new things to interest her. Adrienne will be sitting up and looking less babylike even by the time I return. I have been kept occupied since Margo's departure with friends making sure that I do not feel lonely and I shall be glad when next week comes around and I can have a bit of time to myself. Am starting bridge again and fixing up a regular four and hope to interest Margo again ready for the next tour. It is a very suitable way of entertaining and one does not have to be all that expert. Will always be pleased to have your impressions of the children, one knows they are pretty good but it is nice to hear other people say so!
Much love, Peter.
P.S. What does Alan thing of his nieces and god-daughter?
13th Feb. 58
Typewritten on HSBC Calcutta airmail letter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
I have not received your usual letter so though this could sent in case something has been lost in the post, though I hope you have the four enlargements sent separately.
The Christening was successful, the weather cool enough to be comfortable. The service was very good and Adrienne behaved herself too. The church had laid out the seating arrangements on three sides of the font and they were packed with our party. I hope that the photos that were taken turn out to be good though I wish I had done them myself to make sure. The party afterwards was great fun, the flat being packed without much room to move. I had enough whisky from Christmas gifts from customers to cover everything and Margo purchased a wonderful cake which was the centre of attraction. Caroline came to the service and clung to my hand quietly all the time. At the party she had more cakes and biscuits than anyone and thought the whole thing to be very fine. Adrienne received some grand presents, dresses, spoons, napkin rings, a gold brooch, premium bonds, bracelets, two charms in gold and other odds and ends. Her godfather made two short speeches and left at 11pm, which seeing that the party started before five was not bad going. There must have been 46 people there in the end.
Margo is packing and the next two weeks will be taken up with various parties and the final packing then off. I myself have less than 4 months to do and expect the time to fly by.
Cheerio for now, must do some work, Love from us all,
Margo, peter, Caroline and Adrienne
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
I have not received your usual letter so though this could sent in case something has been lost in the post, though I hope you have the four enlargements sent separately.
The Christening was successful, the weather cool enough to be comfortable. The service was very good and Adrienne behaved herself too. The church had laid out the seating arrangements on three sides of the font and they were packed with our party. I hope that the photos that were taken turn out to be good though I wish I had done them myself to make sure. The party afterwards was great fun, the flat being packed without much room to move. I had enough whisky from Christmas gifts from customers to cover everything and Margo purchased a wonderful cake which was the centre of attraction. Caroline came to the service and clung to my hand quietly all the time. At the party she had more cakes and biscuits than anyone and thought the whole thing to be very fine. Adrienne received some grand presents, dresses, spoons, napkin rings, a gold brooch, premium bonds, bracelets, two charms in gold and other odds and ends. Her godfather made two short speeches and left at 11pm, which seeing that the party started before five was not bad going. There must have been 46 people there in the end.
Margo is packing and the next two weeks will be taken up with various parties and the final packing then off. I myself have less than 4 months to do and expect the time to fly by.
Cheerio for now, must do some work, Love from us all,
Margo, peter, Caroline and Adrienne
7th Feb 1958
Typewritten on HSBC Calcutta airmail letter. (This is dated incorrectly - I am guessing it is actually 7th Mar, as it is out of sync.)
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
As you can guess this week has been pretty busy and I have delayed writing to you till now. I have not yet had a letter from Margo but imagine that all must have gone well and you will by now have met my daughters. I have been entertained by friends since Margo left and have not had much time to feel lonely although once or twice the flat seemed very empty. Must get down to the final packing this weekend. I don't like packing and have the feeling that I will put it off although it will worry me until it is done. A launch picnic on Wednesday went very well in good weather with some pleasant people. This is the holiday called Holi when everyone throws coloured water, paint, on everyone else and they get in a fine old mess, their clothes being ruined for good. Still they seem to have fun looking scruffier than they do usually. A funny lot. Have some pictures of the picnic which I hope will come out so that I can show you some new faces. Not many pages left in the Calcutta album now. I wonder what the title of the next Album will be. Lots of little Japanese gardens would be rather attractive. Can you please send me an application form for a driving licence. I want to renew my UK one this time to make sure that I remain on the books. Can you tell me if my two sheath knives are still around. The son of a friend of mine has just joined the scouts and I thought he might like them. I hope to visit him at school when I get home.
Cheerio for now and lots of love, let me have a long letter giving all your views and impressions of the children, we started to call them the tortoise and the bee .... you will know which is which.
Dear Mum Dad and Alan,
As you can guess this week has been pretty busy and I have delayed writing to you till now. I have not yet had a letter from Margo but imagine that all must have gone well and you will by now have met my daughters. I have been entertained by friends since Margo left and have not had much time to feel lonely although once or twice the flat seemed very empty. Must get down to the final packing this weekend. I don't like packing and have the feeling that I will put it off although it will worry me until it is done. A launch picnic on Wednesday went very well in good weather with some pleasant people. This is the holiday called Holi when everyone throws coloured water, paint, on everyone else and they get in a fine old mess, their clothes being ruined for good. Still they seem to have fun looking scruffier than they do usually. A funny lot. Have some pictures of the picnic which I hope will come out so that I can show you some new faces. Not many pages left in the Calcutta album now. I wonder what the title of the next Album will be. Lots of little Japanese gardens would be rather attractive. Can you please send me an application form for a driving licence. I want to renew my UK one this time to make sure that I remain on the books. Can you tell me if my two sheath knives are still around. The son of a friend of mine has just joined the scouts and I thought he might like them. I hope to visit him at school when I get home.
Cheerio for now and lots of love, let me have a long letter giving all your views and impressions of the children, we started to call them the tortoise and the bee .... you will know which is which.
Monday, July 13, 2009
18.1.58
Type and handwritten on HSBC Calcutta airmail letter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter, you seemed worried about our health, but all the colds are over for the moment although Adrienne has a snuffle still. As her weight continues to increase this does not appear to matter very much, she is near the 12 lb mark now, can see and produces a rare smile. Margo is booked to arrive in London Airport at 2.30 pm Sunday 2.3.58 and the time seems very short now. Once the inoculations are over and the Christening and packing they will be off. My relief is planning on arriving a few weeks early so that although I will not know the exact date for some time as he is to come on a cargo boat which is not definite on its dates of call, I shall most likely be home in May instead of June. This is all to the good as we will then have less of the winter.
We have had a long letter from Dorothy and one from Margaret, both families are doing well and it will be great to see them again.
This afternoon we are off to the Races again for one of the big events of the season. last Sunday we went to the horse show and the most interesting item was most exciting. Mainly police entered for it and the object was a fast ride on huge chargers, two sword thrusts at sandbags, two jumps with three balloons to be shot with revolver then taking a lance they had to spear two small hanging rings and pick a small piece of wood from the ground. This was all done at the gallop with flying turbans a terrific dash. very small children took part in other events and the general standard to my inexperienced eye seemed to be high. We did not take Caroline as it promised to be hot but I hope to see her doing the same thing in a few years as she is getting in enough practice at the moment using me as a horse. When I get home and before I have managed to gulp a cup of tea it is, "Gee Gee, Daddy!" and a small figure tapping the carpet with imperious air. Very strenuous, especially when Sammy joins in, luckily Adrienne is not interested yet.
Hope your winter is not too severe. Japan has had a very heavy fall of snow but our winter has been quite wild once again and looks as if it may be nearly over. There are two more photos for you soon which you will find amusing - it is the first group of the family I have taken.
Cheerio for now and love,
Margo & Peter
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for your letter, you seemed worried about our health, but all the colds are over for the moment although Adrienne has a snuffle still. As her weight continues to increase this does not appear to matter very much, she is near the 12 lb mark now, can see and produces a rare smile. Margo is booked to arrive in London Airport at 2.30 pm Sunday 2.3.58 and the time seems very short now. Once the inoculations are over and the Christening and packing they will be off. My relief is planning on arriving a few weeks early so that although I will not know the exact date for some time as he is to come on a cargo boat which is not definite on its dates of call, I shall most likely be home in May instead of June. This is all to the good as we will then have less of the winter.
We have had a long letter from Dorothy and one from Margaret, both families are doing well and it will be great to see them again.
This afternoon we are off to the Races again for one of the big events of the season. last Sunday we went to the horse show and the most interesting item was most exciting. Mainly police entered for it and the object was a fast ride on huge chargers, two sword thrusts at sandbags, two jumps with three balloons to be shot with revolver then taking a lance they had to spear two small hanging rings and pick a small piece of wood from the ground. This was all done at the gallop with flying turbans a terrific dash. very small children took part in other events and the general standard to my inexperienced eye seemed to be high. We did not take Caroline as it promised to be hot but I hope to see her doing the same thing in a few years as she is getting in enough practice at the moment using me as a horse. When I get home and before I have managed to gulp a cup of tea it is, "Gee Gee, Daddy!" and a small figure tapping the carpet with imperious air. Very strenuous, especially when Sammy joins in, luckily Adrienne is not interested yet.
Hope your winter is not too severe. Japan has had a very heavy fall of snow but our winter has been quite wild once again and looks as if it may be nearly over. There are two more photos for you soon which you will find amusing - it is the first group of the family I have taken.
Cheerio for now and love,
Margo & Peter
9th Jan 1958
Typewritten on HSBC Calcutta airmail letter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for you letter, I am a little late in replying but we have been enjoying the New Year both in the office and outside. The tie arrived safely and is just the thing. It looks very smart with my new suit. Christmas went off in fine fashion with the usual customers calling, although there was very little whisky this year. Caroline had lots of presents including toys which work off a battery, bricks, books, dolls etc. etc. and once she realised all the packages were hers spent a grand time opening them all. But in the end finished up playing with her favorite toy which is the current tin of talcum powder. She went to a childrens dinner party on Christmas Eve and astonished everyone by polishing off a large plate of turkey etc meant for older children. She feeds herself and drinks from a cup without any trouble now, in fact, the only trouble comes when one tries to feed her which we gave up doing some time ago, and she is getting fatter all the time. New Years Eve was spent at Tollygunge as guests of John Sawtells boss. A lovely evening and we had a great deal of fun. There have been a number of parties since and there are still a few to attend. We gave a small dinner last night which went off well and are now preparing for the Christening on the 2nd. February for near 50 people. After that Margo will be packing for her trip home in now less than two months time. You will be glad to see the children. Adrienne is in very fine form now. The cold has gone and she is sleeping better. She can see now which is an improvement and is still feeding well and putting on weight. Her slightly dark colouring is still apparent and with any luck it will remain. It is still hard to say whether either of them take after one of us and my original opinion remains that they are both a good mixture. Caroline for instance definitely has Margos finger-nails and Adrienne I think will have hazel eyes once the blue goes.
Soul has arrived to take over from Milne-Day who is going on leave next month. By the way Bob Farrell brought the Elephant safely. MacLeod arriveds to take over from me at the end of this month when I shall be taking over Drafts again. Caroline is still not speaking properly yet and I am relying on you to teach her as you taught me. You will see them both grow up through most interesting stages during the time that they are home. I am choosing my car now and have decided on a two pedal Anglia. Same as the last car I had but because of the children only two doors. A light cream in colour and no clutch. This has been written in a rush as I have work to do but at the same time realised that a letter must be sent off or you would be wondering what had happened.
Cheerio & Love
Peter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Many thanks for you letter, I am a little late in replying but we have been enjoying the New Year both in the office and outside. The tie arrived safely and is just the thing. It looks very smart with my new suit. Christmas went off in fine fashion with the usual customers calling, although there was very little whisky this year. Caroline had lots of presents including toys which work off a battery, bricks, books, dolls etc. etc. and once she realised all the packages were hers spent a grand time opening them all. But in the end finished up playing with her favorite toy which is the current tin of talcum powder. She went to a childrens dinner party on Christmas Eve and astonished everyone by polishing off a large plate of turkey etc meant for older children. She feeds herself and drinks from a cup without any trouble now, in fact, the only trouble comes when one tries to feed her which we gave up doing some time ago, and she is getting fatter all the time. New Years Eve was spent at Tollygunge as guests of John Sawtells boss. A lovely evening and we had a great deal of fun. There have been a number of parties since and there are still a few to attend. We gave a small dinner last night which went off well and are now preparing for the Christening on the 2nd. February for near 50 people. After that Margo will be packing for her trip home in now less than two months time. You will be glad to see the children. Adrienne is in very fine form now. The cold has gone and she is sleeping better. She can see now which is an improvement and is still feeding well and putting on weight. Her slightly dark colouring is still apparent and with any luck it will remain. It is still hard to say whether either of them take after one of us and my original opinion remains that they are both a good mixture. Caroline for instance definitely has Margos finger-nails and Adrienne I think will have hazel eyes once the blue goes.
Soul has arrived to take over from Milne-Day who is going on leave next month. By the way Bob Farrell brought the Elephant safely. MacLeod arriveds to take over from me at the end of this month when I shall be taking over Drafts again. Caroline is still not speaking properly yet and I am relying on you to teach her as you taught me. You will see them both grow up through most interesting stages during the time that they are home. I am choosing my car now and have decided on a two pedal Anglia. Same as the last car I had but because of the children only two doors. A light cream in colour and no clutch. This has been written in a rush as I have work to do but at the same time realised that a letter must be sent off or you would be wondering what had happened.
Cheerio & Love
Peter.
7.12.57
Written on HSBC Calcutta airmail letter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
The books have arrived safe and sound and what a wonderful selection they are! Caroline is crazy about dogs and will love the 'Lady and The Tramp' pictures & Margo and I both wanted to read the books sent. (Just one small note please do not use your surname when writing to us, it is Victorian). Margo received your long letter and there was something I wanted to answer in it but for the moment it has slipped my mind. Unfortunately some of our mail has gone astray - a letter from Margo's mother and one of mine & one of Margo's to her - just at the time Adrienne arrived - most annoying. Hope Henry's visit is sucessful I had not realized such a long time had passed since you last saw him. We are progressing towards Christmas - only one days holiday this year - but am looking forward to entertaining Caroline as she did not appreciate much last time. Her double teeth are still on the way and causing a little unsettlement, one has to be very patient especially as she still does not speak enough to tell what she wants, though when understood all is well. It is amazing how intelligent a child of that age can be, and how quick to copy sounds & actions. We still go to the Zoo once a week and I have some more pictures for you soon. This afternoon a 'Sale of Work' at the Cathedral will provide swings and roundabouts and I am in for a little strenuous exercise - Caroline can say 'Dee Daw' (See Saw) all day long and will have a grand time.
Thanks once again for your present and all our love
Margo peter Caroline Adrienne (over 8 1/2 lbs and still hungry)
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
The books have arrived safe and sound and what a wonderful selection they are! Caroline is crazy about dogs and will love the 'Lady and The Tramp' pictures & Margo and I both wanted to read the books sent. (Just one small note please do not use your surname when writing to us, it is Victorian). Margo received your long letter and there was something I wanted to answer in it but for the moment it has slipped my mind. Unfortunately some of our mail has gone astray - a letter from Margo's mother and one of mine & one of Margo's to her - just at the time Adrienne arrived - most annoying. Hope Henry's visit is sucessful I had not realized such a long time had passed since you last saw him. We are progressing towards Christmas - only one days holiday this year - but am looking forward to entertaining Caroline as she did not appreciate much last time. Her double teeth are still on the way and causing a little unsettlement, one has to be very patient especially as she still does not speak enough to tell what she wants, though when understood all is well. It is amazing how intelligent a child of that age can be, and how quick to copy sounds & actions. We still go to the Zoo once a week and I have some more pictures for you soon. This afternoon a 'Sale of Work' at the Cathedral will provide swings and roundabouts and I am in for a little strenuous exercise - Caroline can say 'Dee Daw' (See Saw) all day long and will have a grand time.
Thanks once again for your present and all our love
Margo peter Caroline Adrienne (over 8 1/2 lbs and still hungry)
25th November 1957
Written on HSBC airmail letter from Calcutta.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thanks for your letter. Adrienne is fine and only 30 minutes bother at night not disturbing my sleep at all! Caroline is most intrigued with her and as we make sure that she has all the attention possible will not notice much difference in her way of life. She watches the feeding and bathing and is allowed to kiss the baby good-night. Sam too was equally curious at first but has now accepted the increase in family. The pronounciation of Adrienne will evolve in due course - personally I like 'Adrian' but if she goes on feeding at the present rate she will just be calling 'Fatty'. You need have no apprehension that I am worried about a second girl (I can tot up a balance sheet with anyone.) In anycase if the Premium Bonds come up I fully intend to have half a dozen it seems a more reasonable number. Talking of P Bonds perhaps a Savings Account is the best. I have the full allocation of P Bonds and those Alan holds for Caroline will have to go in Margo's name.
It is Bob Farrel who is coming out to arrive on 19th Dec. He is flying so will not wish to carry very much and Margo has not mentioned anything particular. I am wearing my new suit to-day - can't do it again as it shows everyone else up! Am very pleased with it and hope to afford another with a suit length given me last Christmas. margo is very fit. Tollygunge on Saturday and Zoo yesterday. Its the Guinness I think! Probably helps Adrienne sleep too, I like it very much but very sacrificingly do not have any.
Cheers for now and love from us all,
Peter.
Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,
Thanks for your letter. Adrienne is fine and only 30 minutes bother at night not disturbing my sleep at all! Caroline is most intrigued with her and as we make sure that she has all the attention possible will not notice much difference in her way of life. She watches the feeding and bathing and is allowed to kiss the baby good-night. Sam too was equally curious at first but has now accepted the increase in family. The pronounciation of Adrienne will evolve in due course - personally I like 'Adrian' but if she goes on feeding at the present rate she will just be calling 'Fatty'. You need have no apprehension that I am worried about a second girl (I can tot up a balance sheet with anyone.) In anycase if the Premium Bonds come up I fully intend to have half a dozen it seems a more reasonable number. Talking of P Bonds perhaps a Savings Account is the best. I have the full allocation of P Bonds and those Alan holds for Caroline will have to go in Margo's name.
It is Bob Farrel who is coming out to arrive on 19th Dec. He is flying so will not wish to carry very much and Margo has not mentioned anything particular. I am wearing my new suit to-day - can't do it again as it shows everyone else up! Am very pleased with it and hope to afford another with a suit length given me last Christmas. margo is very fit. Tollygunge on Saturday and Zoo yesterday. Its the Guinness I think! Probably helps Adrienne sleep too, I like it very much but very sacrificingly do not have any.
Cheers for now and love from us all,
Peter.
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