10th May 72

P O Box 896 

Singapore

Dear Mum & Dad

Many thanks for your card and present, what an age I have grown to!  I can easily say I am ten years younger.  Margo is home now and will be busy with Elisabeth in hospital and sorting out the house.  Elisabeth had a good trip in the end and even by Jumbo which she said was jus the thing.  No, I do not get paid as a Director - it is just a detail amongst others.  In fact I know next to nothing about H P.  Have some good books to study once present matters are dealt with.  About 1994!  Somewhere in my career I have missed studying to be an architect, labour relations manager, advertising manager, auditor and now I am an instant expert.  Cannot complain of boredom.  Bill Lanchester stayed with me for a couple of nights.  He is the costing expert (trained) and was checking on shop prices etc to see if he could put the pay up based on a raise in the cost of living.  Hope your weather improves.  Margo mentioned it wa wet and misty.  Look after yourselves.

Love Peter.

5 May 72

 (Not dated but used postal date)

P O Box 896

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

Many thanks for your letter and for meeting Adrienne.  We got them all off in the end and Elisabeth still went on a Jumbo.  Margo nearly had a change of plane but at the last moment that was OK too.  I think they all had a good Easter.  Susan scarcely wrote so must have had a good time and we did not hear much from Caroline so guess she was busy too - it is always a good sign.  Very sorry about Phil - it is sad, also for Hilda who has been through so much with Henry.  If you think it suitabloe please send flowers for me and let Margo know.  Guy Sayers the Chairman has come & gone.  He is unchanged and it is a novelty to be able to speak to someone in the that position as a friend.  I have also had HO property man down as am in a tangle with a new building.  The planners will not let us do as we wish & the opening date goes back & back.

Another friend arrives next week to say with me for couple of days - Bill Lanchester - to sample the "Cost of Living" of all things.  The jobs H.O. have these days.  Am starting to get involved with Union Negotiations - the General Manager goes on leave this month so will have more to do, but as ever the first 6 months are the worst in a new job and already it is getting easier on the day to day stuff.  Hope you are both keeping well now the better weather is coming.  I look forward to a good summer.  As for shares - do we sell in May and stay away?

Love Peter

24 4 1972

The HongKong & Shanghai Bank

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

Many thanks for your letter, you have stirred me into action at last, although Margo would be able to give you more news.  Caroline enjoyed her stay with Aland & mentioned he has a lot of gardening to do.  We heard from Susan and all is well there, though not much detail.  Adrienne and Elisabeth are in good health and will be home on Friday.  I think they will be on a Jumbo jet.  Sorry to hear Phil had a stroke and I hope she improves quickly, please give her my love, I will try to write and may have more time soon.  The job is settling dow.  A great deal of what is going on requires research and I ought to be reading a great deal.  There is also a lot that is now coming up but at the same time I find myself doing a lot of tedious routine work which should be delegated but for the running down of Foreign Staff.  The Chairman arrives next week so expect to lose time there but no doubt he will bring news of new activities. Margo will be home on Thursday next week and I will get a report on our garden - overgrown I expect.  A letter went off this week recommending my confirmation in the present job.  Another stage completed.  Did you know I was a director of a hire purchase company?  Only a spare time activity which goes with the job.  How is Henry getting on?  Look after yourself.  You must use some "deep heat" on your back.

Love from us all

Peter

20 Mar 1972

 (Not dated so taken the postal date.)

P O Box 896

Singapore

My dear Mum & Dad,

Peter has just started his new job & with nearly evening booked solid with social events.  I'm sure he won't find time to write!  He is out playing golf this morning so the dog & I have the house to ourselves.  It is a much more comfortable house than the other & it is a joy to be unpacked with our own pictures up etc.  The garden is rather neglected but it will give Peter a hobby while I am away.  I am provisionally booked on April 29th - but may change to a flight a few days later.  Liz goes into hospital on May 8th.  I'm afraid it isn't going to be a very pleasant series of operations but no doubt Liz will be her usual cheerful self.  The hospital is hoping to do another girl at the same time so that they will be company for one another.

We were thinking of you yesterday & hoping all went well for Susan's big day & that the weather remained kind.  Liz had a lovely time for her birthday - I hear she spoke to you on the phone.  In fact I gather it was a very exciting week-end.  Ada & Reg really do a marvellous job - it is such a relief to know how good they are to Liz.  I believe Tony & Vivienne were also at the party so it sounds as tho' matters are improving in that direction.

No more news - must go & get some lunch ready.

Love from us both

Margo & Peter

20 February 1972

C/o The HongKong & Shanghai Bank

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

We have been reading about the power cuts very closely and hope you had some alternative heating.  It is amazing that with nuclear power and natural gas that we still need coal.  Candles and oil stoves are still important.  Alan's move could have been difficult because of the coal strike but hope it was not too bad.  We have not see the Queen but by all accounts the visit has been a great success with the former colony putting on a display of festivity and welcome.  We did see the Britannia close to, steaming down the Straits on her way to Bangkok.  She looked very smart.  Adrienne has been ill with pneumonia, quite a bad do as she did not respond to the first antibiotic used but the headmistress wrote to say she was recovering well.  Funny she followed Susan with it and guess it is a virus.  Susan has been booked to spend Easter in Holland with her friend.  She is very thrilled about it and I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything works as planned.

At last the office has slackened off, mainly due to the the Chinese New Year period.  I shall be taking over my new job in about a month's time and it will all start up again.  The computer is getting easier to deal with but we are still learning.  It was quiet an experience to put it mildly.  We received Henry's Christmas present and will be glad if you will thank him pending our letter.  I also read the pamphlet on the door sealing with interest.  Bye for now and keep warm.

Love Margo and Peter

3rd February 1972

 C/o The HongKong & Shanghai Bank

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

The pace is still fast and it is amazing how things keep cropping up which turn each day into anything other than routine.  The auditors from HO have been in, on top of the local auditors.  The computer still has to be lived with and produces its own crop of problems and there is still much that is new around the office that one can never pause to think.  Have read about your cold weather and trust it moves on fairly soon as power cuts with the miner's strike will be very inconvenient.  The girls sound cheerful.  We will have Adrienne and Elisabeth out at Easter.  I have the pools your address as I did not want them to come here - it is about time I had a win.  Shares are doing OK even Rockware has recovered & London & Northern are doing well.  Wish I had stayed in gold.  Acorn never stopped recommending gold and now are proved right.  Lets hope everything remains strong for a good period.

Hope to get down to the Loyang bunglow this weekend for some sun and air.  It makes a good break and freshens one up.  Elisabeth said she was very happy to see you the other weekend, with Alan and family.  She is to take instruction for confirmation this year.  Cheerio for now and keep warm, wish I could send a spot of our sun.

Love Margo and Peter.

5th January 1971

 Written on Snoopy notepaper

Dear Mum and Dad,

How is the snow?  Malaysia appears to be sinking under water - not where we are though, it starts a few miles away.  Kuala Lumpur was closed to-day as there is 4 feet of water in the office and all phones are cut off.  Have emerged from the year-end balance and once again the figures are satisfactory.  Margo wrote to you about the festivities - the girls had a good time as de we all and enjoyed the presents too.  They are all at the beach bungalow in Singapore this week.  I was down for the weekend and we had a few freinds in for lunch.  Hope the snow clears and they can land on time.  I shall be pleased to have my leave when it arrives but guess we will mis Johore.  It has been one of the better ones.  The office has been in good form this past year, the house is pretty wonderful and Singapore is so convenient.  We have also been lucky with friends around and about.  I do not think there are many other places as good as this and wonder what the next one will be.  I believe they have decided in H.O but it is too early for them the release the news.

It is certainly raining here now and perhaps we will have flooding tomorrow - nothing like paddling to the office.  Cheerio for now and a Happy New Year.

Love Peter

29th Dec 1970

 The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

My dear Mum and Dad,

We do hope you had a good Xmas - we had a lovely day with people dropping in for drinks in the morning & then we had our Turkey lunch at 2 pm & had just finished coffee when some freinds arrived & stayed until tea time.  We spent a quiet evening watching T.V. & eating turkey sandwiches!  Boxing day was not a holiday but being Saturday Peter only had to work in the morning.  We all went to the Langleys in Singapore for a party in the evening &we left Adrienne & Susan there for the night.  Peter & I were due for lunch time drinks at the Levers on Sunday so we left Caroline & Elisabeth at the Dilworths, returning there for a late lunch & collecting the other two on our way home.

Last night we had a very hectic childrens party with ages 9-17 so we played games & the teen-agers finishe up with dancing.  We finally got to bed at 12.30!  I bought Caroline & Adrienne an L.P each from you both & Susan and Elisabeth had annuals & a small record.  Peter had a book & I bought some kitchen storage jars which I wanted.  So we were all very pleased with our gifts.

Your weather sounds terrible - hope you havent had snow too.  We are having very wet & humid weather but we hope it will be better while the girls & I are away at Loyang.

The girls leave here on January 13th & they arrive at Heathrow on the 14th.  They are travelling QUANTAS - flight QF 735 due in about 10.00 am - but I think this should be checked because of the bad weather.  The girls did well at school last term - Caroline knows she has to work for her O's as she is doing mock O's this year.  She is still very keen to go into the police force so I think this will spur her on!

No more news for now,

Have a happy New Year

Love from us all

Margo, Peter & girls

29th October 1970

 (Another one out of order)

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

Dear Mum and Dad,

Tonight is the end of a two day holiday, the first being the Sultan's birthday and the second Deepavali, the Indian festival.  The bank was decorated once again and the town lit up.  More is being done than when we first arrived, to attract tourist mainly and it all looked very gay.  Went to the Istana 8.15 - 12 for the honours presentations, a friend of ours got one, but when she went up they had run out of medals and dashed round to the museum at the back to get one out of the showcase.  All very impressive but long drawn out and tedious.  Coffee and cakes followed.  In the afternoon watched polo.  The Sultan of Pahang was down.  Had dinner in the club house with our Sultan.  For the first time had mouse deer, about the size of a sheep, curried whole.  Glad I did not have to carve, guess the chap who did had sore hands after that lot.  Went on to the Straits View hotel afterwards with the owner and another friend - the one who runs the Charter flights.  Today lunch with an Indian rubber estate owner - very pleasant but vegetable curry only, I prefer chicken.  Tummy will take a few days to get over two curries running.  At 4.30 back to the Istana for the birthday tea, about 400 people.  The Sultan chatted with me on his rounds and asked where Margo was.  He is 76 this year & had shaken hands with the lot.  Forgot to mention had my first champagne out of a genuine gold cup at the polo dinner.  It was one presented this year by the Sultan and won by Johore that afternoon.

Am reading my text book this afternoon but really am not taking much in - but guess we will last.  Cheerio for now and 

all my love Peter.

18th Sunday

 (This is out of order and not sure of the correct date but it came after the one dated 19.12.70)

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

Dear Mum and Dad,

I enjoyed the views of St Ives, so peaceful.  Hope the whole holiday was a success - I have read that the weather has continue fine.  It has been a good year - too muchg to hope that 1971 will be the same.  Margo said she would ring you on your return, so guess you will be up to date - not that there is anything really new.  Much is as might be expected and we look forward to Mrs Aylett's complete recovery.  If this should be so, an end to a long perios of discomfort and pain, then it will be something to relieve Margo of concern.  The girls continue to do well.  Susan had four "A"s at beginning of term and Margo said she is even taller than when she was here.  Susan is the odd one - quite scatty but school work comes without effort.  Caroline works for what she gets and deserves it - quite grown up too so she does feel she does not look her age - unfortunately, she has inherited my high tension for which I am the last person to offer advice.  The best thing is to treat her as a grown up, to which she responds very well, as she is very sensible.  Looking back at the old photos, as we did a short time ago brings the passage of time home iwth a jolt.  Japan and Hong Kong - they seemed so young and small and now racing towards school leaving, whilst we feel as if are standing still.  In these days of theories of management where one endeavours to control or influence events a course on planning ahead for a family would be useful!  Perhaps I can use my course - have just finished the text book "The Rational Manager"

Love Peter.

19.12.70

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

Dear Mum and Dad,

The girls arrived last night, all fit and well a bit late, but at least they got away from London where the strike business is a problem.  Elisabeth has lost a lot of weight after the ? and is much improved.  They all seem taller and if it is possible talk faster than ever.  Have no worry about their school work.  They are all better than I was and Caroline's maths are over 70 in all three subjects.  Elisabeth is in the magazine again and if it is really all her own work she may have a real gift.  One can see vividly what the words describe.  Susan as usual had a steady 3rd place.  I have not seen A's yet but she produces a good average.  Have had a bit of a rest after last week.  The Sultan came to my party after all and so did the Raja Muda.  The rain kept away and it was all most successful.  The factory opening the next day was attended by the Japanese and Indonesian Ambassadors, The chief minister of Sabah and the Japanese ? of the two trading companies from Tokyo.  In the evening we went to a dinner with the same people - all the men wore a Japanese style jacket which we were given (A Happy Coat) and with a number of Japanese women in Kimonos & Malays in Sarongs the event was full of colour.

Love Peter

23rd Sept 1970

 The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thank you for letting us know so soon that the girls had arrived.  They were late leaving having got on and off the plane once and we were glad when they finally left at 12pm.  I heard the plane was searched at each stop so they were bound to be late arriving and I am glad you phoned in for the time.  Margo will be flying home to arrive on 7th Oct as her father is now very ill and her mother will have had the second operation which has been delayed so long.  Margo feels she ought to be there to help and it will be better to be there than to worry from here.  

Have been very busy this month and today the first one I have slackened off.  Lots of new business lining up.  Bill Mosley is paying a flying visit on Friday in his capacity as Staff Controller and I am wondering if he has news of my leave next year.  Am going on one of those American type courses in Singapore next November.  "Problem Analysis and Decision making"  One lives in and works to the "small hours" for a week then returns to find out what has happened in the office in the first week of the month.  Survival of the fittest I guess.

Not much in the share market.  Could do with a little boom to provide an interest.  Thought Westralian Nickel was going to go through the roof.  My club has 100 and we double in one day, but it has come back again.  Now in Mount Isa have come out of Queensland but do not think there is much in it.  Australia looks good for the long term but will have Labour trouble and commodity prices are already coming down.  "Acorn" still tips gold as the only shares to hold - but which? and what of South Africa?  sterling is weakening again so perhaps they are right.  Hope you can manage the battery in the radio and it was what was wanted & the share prices come on.  Sometimes our wave bands are set at different levels to UK.

Bye for now and love Peter.

5 Sept 1970

 The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

Dear Mum and Dad,

We finally got away on holiday, although it was touch and go with the car playing up at the last moment.  The girls loved the swimming and sun.  You may know the thing to do on the east coast is to go out to a beach at night in season and watch the turtles come up to lay their eggs.  We were lucky and saw two - not the biggest and they did not lay, but it was still quite remarkable.  Was busy catching up on returning to the office and a machine breakdown di not help.  Malaysia National Day was a big event this year and we won 2nd prize for our decorations - should have been 1st - however, the only bank out of seven to do so.  Went to collect on Tuesday and sat through a very long speech in Malay.  Wednesday out to an official tea party - these things need a lot of stamina and are boring I am sure even for the locals.  Usual costumes band, anthem, Muslim prayers and hot sun.  The curry puffs were better than usual though.  We can now have the children out twice a year!  So they will come out at Christmas.  They will be returning from her4e QANTAS to arrive about 10.30 am 15 Sept and hope to have Dad's present with them.  HOpe the telegram arrived OK.  We get our cards in Singapore but had not been able to get in with the holiday.  The girls have been out and about - lots of friends for them.  Riding at the Raja Mud's polo ground.  Caroline out today at a Youth Festival with a Canadian friend.  Into Singapore swimming.  Eating mangoes ripe from our tree.  My club had Queensland Mines bought at A$12 sold at A$27 about the best we have done this year: have gone back into Endeavour for third time using profits only.  Fingers crossed.  Think aother devaluation is coming 1 or 2 years - what to do?

Love from us all Peter.

2nd July 1970

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

My dear Mum and Dad,

Many thanks for your letter & card whcih arrived yesterday.  After I had posted my letter to you, Peter told me that he hadn't mentioned that I had been in hospital!  However, it was nothing much - I was having a great deal of pain in my hip & leg so that I was unable to sleep.  My doctor sent me to see an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Singapore for a check up & it was driving this time that the pain became even worse.  I had to be admitted as I needed morphine injections during the night - sleeping tablets being no help at all.  Anyway everything was checked & it was only rheumatism - the Sciatic nerve being badly affected.  My blood was a bit below par so I was pumped with B.12 also B1 for the nerves - various tablets, a heat treatment & massage.  Now I am fine - but the surgeon tells me to watch out for the next monsoon!  Peter is buying an air conditioner for the car as my birthday present!  So it should be more comfortable travelling around.  Perhaps for my birthday present you could get me a tube of "ENDOCIL" night cream (black & gold tube - most chemists have it) & the girls could bring it out.  I have used it for years but now it appears to be unavailable in Singapore.  If not some bubble bath!

No more news - we have had a lot of rain but today is bright & hot.

Lots of love

Margo & Peter

23rd June 1970

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

Dear Mum and Dad,

Just a note to let you know that the girls will be leaving on July 16th on flight BA 798 at 15.45 (3.45hrs) from Heathrow.  So I imagine that they will leave Victoria about 2.30pm.

I came out of hospital last Monday & feel much better but have to take life easily.  We have a driver now & will keep him on at least until after the girls go back.  The hospital was very comfortable & I had an air conditioned room with private bathroom.  The nurses were so nice & I was very thankful that I wasn't in the Johore General hospital!  The only trouble with Gleneagles is that is such a long way for Peter to come but he had the driver so it wasn't too bad.

Elisabeth tells us that you visited her last week - she says it is colder now - but I believe it has been very hot.

Peter & I woke at 6.30am on Friday (midnight for you) as the Forces network was relaying the election results.  It was so exciting that I sat glued to the radio - ringing Peter every hour with the latest results.  Everyone here is elated especially the local Malaysia & Singapore Governments - but of course it is not going to be easy although I have a suspicion that Edward Heath may have more than one has been led to expect.  We shall see! - anyway they couldn't be any worse than Labour whom I felt were turning the UK into a left-wing state.  I've found it more & more depressing each time I've gone home.  It was such a contrast to Singapore where National pride is so noticeable with everyone striving to make a clean city.  (Hippies are banned in Spo & Malaysia) where everything seems so go-ahead - no strikes because the Unions know it will ruin the economy.  (Editor - Feeling a little disquiet at these right wing views knowing what I now know about Singapore!)

No more news

Love M & P

20th June 1970

 The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

Dear Mum and Dad,

Many thanks for your letter.  Presents for Caroline will now rest on clothing I expect, of one sort or another.  Difficult to remember she is 14 but I will be brought up to date very soon when they all come out.  Margo's mother has not gone in yet - a pity as she so much wanted to get it over and has Barbara arriving soon.  The election was thrilling and we had fun hearing results on the British Forces radio.  I do not expect the market to improve but had a little luck on a gambling share - "Endeavour" in Australia.  The second time this year, in & out before payment claimed.  Still the rest looks pretty sick and now look to 1972 before any major upturn.  Meanwhile, the bank is doing very well and we are now in Canada in finance business with a rep in Vancouver.  The operations being similar to those in Australia. Ian Sutherland who was the chap I took over from here, has got one of the top jobs & goes to Manila shortly.  John Howard, who was with me on the inspection tour of Borneo is now a director of the bank.  We now have four foreign staff on the board which is most ? as it used to be only the Chairman in the old old days.

Margo seems quite recovered from her back trouble and it seems the B it injections worked the trick.  Very lucky to make contact with the specialist in Singapore who is well up on this sort of thing.  The private hospital was the best we have seen and the staff were quite charming.  Indeed they were sorry to see Margo go as they were used to dropping in for a little chat during the night before Margo started to sleep properly.  We have been leading a lazy life for the past few weeks and must gear up for the girls arrival.  Luckily we have traced a lot of friends for them this time.  The dog has stopped growing I think and is not too large, but his teeth are, so hope he serves his purpose.

Love & best wishes

Margo & Peter

10th May 1970

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thank you for your card.  We celebrated by going out to dinner in Singapore and had a grand evening.  Henry wrote a long letter to which I have replied.  He said they would be glad to have any of the children in the summer.  I am sure they would love to visit but of course will be coming out here in July.  Hope you  have recovered from Adrienne's stay.  I am afraid she is a bit too quick with her school work but there is little one can do to change this.  At least I did not change.  When you mention 28 waist I trust you you do not mean inches as if so A must be getting pretty tubby.  Elisabeth has been up to Westminister Abbey and No 10, where they had their photos taken.  She writes a good letter.  Her piano playing is the latest thing which she enjoys.  Guy Sayer, who I took over from as Manager Osaka, is now a director as well as one of the three General managers.  He has come a long way in less than four years.  Mike Calvert who stayed in my flat for a time in HK is going to New York as manager.  We had a night out with them when they passed through Singapore for leave.  Lots of rain and thunder here but I see that your weather has been warmer this last week.  A big tree came down in the garden in a storm and we are cutting it up to remove it from the lawn.  A large snake was killed by the Kebun a few days ago and I hope it had not got a mate in the grounds.  We will see.

All our love Margo & Peter xxx

P.S. Will send cheque in another letter - Many thanks for buying A's things.

May 1st 1970

 The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

My dear Mum & Dad,

I have rather left it to Peter to write to you but felt I really must write now & thank you for having Adrienne, she sounded as tho' she had a good time.  My mother enjoyed having the other girls - said they were very helpful & it was nice to have a bit of life around the place.  I think Mum finds it rather quiet as my father doesn't say very much & sleeps a lot so it was a tonic to have Caroline & Susan.

Uncle Reg wrote & said Elisabeth is fine - they saw Alan & Di on Sat & he was saying how lovely Jeffery is.  We glad to hear Di had her op & all is well.  The dog has settled down very well & it's hard to believe he was in such a terrible state when he first arrived.  Think he will grow to be quite big.

I spent all morning at the school - lots of teething trouble moving in to a new place & it takes time getting everything organised.  Had a free afternoon & felt restless - couldn't settle down to sewing so I altered all the furniture around.  I've never liked the study but have now got it more to my liking.  By the time I've finished the house it will be time to go on leave!  No news at all about that so we are prepared for 3 years. Mike Calvert & his wife were in Singapore this week, prior to home leave & thne a posting to New York as Manager.  They have a lovely little girl - adopted in 1967 so they are taking their Chinese Amah with them.

I haven't read much about the weather in the Daily Telegraph so hope it is milder.  We have had 2 very hot days - 96% so that you have to keep drinking to avoid being dehydrated!  Cousin Joyce is nursing 3 days a week - Bill is with Harland & Wolf who aren't doing too well so he's thinking of changing his job.  Andrew, their eldest boy tried to get in the police cadets but failed because of short sight in one eye so he will stay at school & take his A levels.  Cousin Muriel's son starts with the Police Cadets in Sept.  Joan's husband Ken is now a Chief Superintendent & I ofen see his name in the D.T on a murder case.

Hope you are both well

All our love

Margo & Peter

18th Jan 1970

 The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Johore Bahru

West Malaysia

Dear Mum and Dad,

Many thanks for your long letter.  I think the girls enjoyed their Christmas and despite the shocking weather managed to be quite busy.  Elisabeth's report was good - the only one I have seen and she has another story in the school magazine.  It is above average and far better than I could have done at her age. Rockware at well up though have come off the top.  My Target Overseas units have suddenly put on 10%. Sorry I did not tell you about the view but you must have forgotten those pictures I had developed of the house and garden and view before I left.  I have some more photos to send you mostly of the children on Summer holiday.  Another projector should be on its way to you.  It is a second hand one bought & despatched from a friend so there should not be any duty to pay.  You have to be careful with the bulb as before but change slides should be easier & maybe a better picture.  Our orchids are coming out just now and spent some time in the garden today - sunny and a good breeze.  Golf yesterday at a new course in JB.  Very hilly and good exercise.  Am keeping on the go with a few outings but will be glad when things are back to normal once again; although Easter will be with us very soon and it looks as if Elisabeth will not  be happy without Margo.  However I feel happier with the girls having a regular contact and we are lucky to have these cheap flights available.

Cheerio for now and all my love

Peter xxx

Pyjamas arrived - jolly good ones, 

thanks a lot

Peter