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