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

7th April 1974

  The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

P O Box 896

Collyer Quay branch

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thank you for the birthday presents sent with the girls, they will be most useful.  Pity you missed Liz after all that food she asked you for.  It was good of you to see them off.  It should be the last trip but one and next time only 3 of them as Caroline plans to go to Canada.  They are all bright and well.  They settle in so quickly it is difficult to believe they have only just go here.  Took them swimming this morning and then out to lunch.  It was a buffet arrangement so they had a variety and as much as they wanted so filled them up for a while at least.  The dog appeared to recognise them and is of course quite spoilt by them.  It was a fine morning but heavy rain later so they used the time for a big turn out of cupboards.  A good exercise, because there are lots of things no longer required and not worth packing.  Must start thinking what car to get and planning other odds & ends.  It is odd to think in different terms than just coming on leave and trying to guess what things will be like.

Cheerio for now and love

Margo and Peter

and the girls

31st March 74

 The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

P O Box 896

Collyer Quay branch

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

I do not seem to have written for ages but it has been a busy time with one person on leave and lots of things going on as usual.  The time is approaching when we will move into Ocean Building although the date has been put back.  We are also moving a nearby office in too shortly afterwards.  Some union matters have been cleared up, but others remain and it is not possible to get them all out of the way for a spell.  The election and budget are over, but I cannot see they solve anything. In fact much will give rise to an increase in all the old grouses with no solution to inflation or balance of payments.  Looking at things from a distance no country is in a strong position and the Chairman' statement at the Bank! AGM spoke of aprehension regarding the future.  

On the cheery side the children will be out next week and we will be on the go once again.  With thoughts of leaving the east we bought our second carpet a Persian "type" made in Pakistan.  Shortly afterwards we picked up 4 tatty ones which when taken for cleaning found one to be real Persian & may be of some interest.  So if shares go down maybe our carpets will go up.  Have to keep the moth out though!

All our love

Margo and Peter

Feb 4th 74

 c/o H & SBC

P O Box 896

Collyer Quay

Singapore

My dear Mum & Dad,

Many thanks for your letter - so glad the girls weren't delayed & had a good trip back.  I've just been out shopping & collected some photos so thought I would write & send them off.  It is a miserable day, damp & overcast.  We were going out on a boat yesterday but it poured with rain so we all went to the club for curry lunch.

I had hoped to do some gardening today but it is too wet so shall write letters instead.  The days rush by & the girls will be back again in no time.  It's a pity that I didn't get a photo of Adrienne with her short hair cut but will try again at Easter.  Peter is up to his eyes in work, their  doesn't seem any end to it.  Tomorrow we are going to a dinner at Singapore's largest hotel to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of one of the Chinese banks.  Imagine it will be a lavish affair.  The following day we go to a cocktail party to meet the chairman of Chubbs, Lord Hayter.

Pippa is settling down well & couldn't understand where the girls had gone.  To make matters worse Chinese New Year followed soon after & the servants were off for 4 days.  Pippa followed Peter & I everywhere.  I think she was afraid we would vanish too!  She has been quite good to house train & now she is no longer shut in one of the bathrooms at night but as the run of the house, with her basket outside our bedroom door.  Luckily we only have female dogs in the compound at present so it shouldn't be too bad when Pippa comes on heat.  I am all prepared with the 'PILL" and "antimate"!!  You can see from the photos that she likes to be carried!  When Peter gets in from the office she runs out to the garden steps ready for her walk on the golf course.  (We have a 3 hole "course" in the compound) & hardly gives him time to take his jacket off.

What do you think of our hi-jackers! -it's put Singapore on the map for awhile.  It all seems a big joke but of course could have been serious if they had succeeded.  It's been all excitement here what with animals escaping from the Z00 a hippo which has taken itself int the reservoir, an eland & of course the black panther which escaped 10 months ago & has just been found (&killed) in the area where our Manager lives.  Friends of ours in the same road lost their dachshund recently & they now think the panther had him.

No other news. do you have Margaret & Ians address?

Love from us both

Peter & Margo

24th Jan 1974

  The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Collyer Quay Branch

21 Collyer Quay

P. O. Box 896

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

It was good to hear the children arrived safely and transport in London was OK.  We live in very odd times with the most modern equipment, but never know whether we can travel from A to B when we want to.  Glad you liked Adrienne's appearance as I thought she looked really special.  It was a great event to get rid of that bushy mass she had before.  I think she is pleased with it & wish Susan would do something similar but guess I have to wait a couple of years till she wants it herself.  At the moment she is worried about her weight.  Chinese New Year once again and we have two days holiday & at the moment perfect weather so it should be a good rest.  As usual the end/beginning of the year seems worse than the previous one and am amazed people still join banks.  Still we do not do so badly.  Had a long rambling letter from Dorothy and must write, I a way out of date.  She talks about our "wee ones" - so is in for a shock when she meets A & S.

All the best and love

Peter & Margo

P.S. Thanks for your letter re the girls' arrival.  Glad you liked A's hairstyle.  They seem to have taken over the aircraft again.  They do better on their own - it would not be as good if we were there.

3 April 1973

 The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Collyer Quay Branch

21 Collyer Quay

P. O. Box 896

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad,

Am getting this on the way because of the girls coming out etc.  It is wonderful to know Elisabeth is coming out, she is so pleased.  Margo says you have been having trouble with our eyes - both of you.  Do not leave these things to get worse.  Instant action please and if any expense is involved let me know.  Margo told me someone of 103 had a successful op!  In court for 2 days this week on the union case and hope that will finish things for a bit.  The do drag on.  Give my regards to Maus.  How is Henry and family these days?  Must write to Henry again, wish I could dictate a letter it is easier, my hand is cramped at the end of a day.  Will get the girls to write.  Shares dull everywhere except gold.  Am reading a life of Disraeli.  So heavy, but very interesting to know the Conservative Party was for the "working class" when opposing Whigs & Liberals but none of them had a consistent policy and were just as muddled as today.  Even wars started because of total misconceptions & lack of knowledge, as they do now.

All my love Peter.

7th January 1973

P O Box 896

Singapore

Dear Mum and Dad

The mail has been delayed over two weeks so guess a gap at this time of year is to be expected.  Hope you had a good Christmas.  I did well with parties, from then to New Yea and continuing this week.  It will continue because we have a new No 1 arriving this month.  A big dance last night at the manager's house, I do not know how many.  Band til 2 am and wore a black tie for the first time since Johore.  I do not know if I have mentioned the No 1s house before - Mount Echo.  It can only be described as palatial, it is so big.  Set on a hill in several acres, it is about the biggest in Singapore.  However, its days are numbered and quite possibly that was the last big party to be held there.  Margo mentioned Ian Macleod is still negotiating his leaving the bank and seems quite determined.

The girls are enjoying their holidays and their letters are gay despite the odd problem which has cropped up.  Elisabeth's last letter was well written.

All for now, trust you are keeping fit.

All my love

Peter

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