May 2, 1966
Dear Mom and Dad,
Now that we're safely back I can say aloud that the Red Swan gave us no more trouble after the speedometer-bit. What a stroke of luck!
I forgot to include in my letter about British customs - WOW! On previous occasions having been waved through most customs with nary a peek at passports (much less stamping same), this "Turn off your engine. Get out, please, Stand over there ..." etc. made us feel as though we were being lined up for God knows what! Actually his manners were friendly enough - luckily it was so, or we all would have been terrified! His character study of us was so accurate that he never opened a thing!
At breakfast Sunday Scott made an impassioned plea to NOT be asked to get in the car OR to walk anywhere - all day! Very touching. We complied and washed the car instead! Then Barbara and Mark, Bob Pritchard and his boys, and the kids and I all went to a mobbed outdoor swimming pool for the afternoon (first day of the season, sunny and HOT!). Scott had no objections to that! But he did leave his watch in the dressing room. Too bad. He was sunk.
After supper we, Bob, and Gundry-Whites went to a pub for a snort. It was great fun - even more so when Bob treated Peter to a yard of ale! What a riot!
Thanks ever-so-much for your waiting letter - so much good news awaited us! (except for Gay, poor dear): Cal and M will be neighbors, I will probably meet Phyllis Ramsell tonight at Campfire training with Notts, Peter Flynn is to go to the Mediterranean for a year and not Vietnam, 2 letters from Lady P-P (which will be answered promptly), a letter from Mr. Way saying Kathy Seelaus has another girl, Ann Edgar's wonderful friends may "pop in" sometime soon, a long letter from Marian Whitaker describing their Empire State visit and how much they enjoyed meeting Unk and also of their happy day with Tom and Mary Lucy, a letter with pictures from Cobi (my new Dutch friend), etc. As Roger said, "It seems as though the world's better off when we're not around"! I don't know ...
By all means - you make an article out of my letters for Campfire. So glad you found them.
Must get to the post office -
Much love,
Mary
* * * * *
May 9, 1966
Dearest Mom and Dad,
On returning to
Skelton Drive after our month in
Europe we found the fireplace filled with piles of soot. We knew not whether this was unusual or merely a normal amount dumped from the heavy rainstorms during our absence, but we called the Hygienic Cleaners, Inc., nevertheless! A most efficient organization, to say the least! A pleasant feminine voice on the phone reassured me when I called that they would be out to the house between 4 and 5 o'clock two days hence - and indeed he was!
A hearty bang, bang, bang on the back door had me scurrying to answer it,only to be taken aback by the sight that appeared: a man of short stature with coal-black face yet with sparkling eyes and an ever-so-cheerful smile.
"Hygienic Cleaners, Madam."
"Yes, sir - this way - come right in."
And in he came carrying the longest, blackest tool box you ever did see! With his blackened overalls and beret cocked on one side of his head he was quite a sight! He suggested we spread newspapers over the hearth-rug, so I did, only to have the Queen's picture turn up in the spot he would inevitably kneel on. Never mind! - it didn't stop him for a moment. Down he went, attaching a large bag to the inside of the fireplace by means of a metal bar screwed to ankle length (like the gym bar we used to have and attach to closet doorways). He then taped the front part of the bag around the opening, pushing a round brush through and up the chimney before finally sealing it all. He took an added length of handle, screwed it on and pushed the brush up the full length, then another handle-length, etc., until he had added enough to push the brush right up and out the top of the chimney! By reversing the process, he brought it back down, untaped and unscrewed the bag, put all tools and bits of equipment back in his dirty, black box, and was on his way no more than twenty minutes after his arrival! We had a very pleasant chat. He was a charming, happy fellow who spoke the most beautiful King's English I've heard since I came!
"Good day, Madam," said he making a gesture toward his beret, "It's been a pleasure chatting with you. I hope you enjoy your stay in our country," and he was gone!
Unfortunately, Phyl Ramsell didn't come to Campfire Training last week, but a good friend of hers, Doreen Whitehouse, took the session and did a really tremendous job. The two gals from
Leicester always plan their sessions thoroughly and project a great deal of enjoyment into their sessions, which is why they are good. Doreen does all that but is also an excellent musician and can get SO much music for minimal effort that it's a treat to be present. I had been asked to do "Long John" again - Doreen fell in love with it (as everyone does) and asked me to send her the music. She's responsible for a half-hour's worth of song-leading at a Guide Rally in
Lincolnshire in June that's to be held on an air field for 6,000 to 7,000! - and thought that Long John was JUST what she needed! I hope she's right! I hope I see her again; she's a marvelous person.
Julia, Ann, and I were given 10 minutes of the Guide meeting last week. You'd have been proud of the girls - we told of our visit to the Chalet, sang a Swiss song in 2 parts, danced to it (steps invented by Ann), and "said it" (Good morning, good evening, good-bye, please, thank you, yes, no ) in German, Italian, and French - ticking off 3 badge requirements and chalking up another experience in entertaining a group and sharing ideas.
Love,
Mary
* * * * *
May 9th, 1966
Dear Mom and Dad,
Did our package ever arrive from
Venice?
After several exchanges of letters with Lady B-P, we've settled on 2 nights (for me only) -
June 15th: to attend "a big party for British Commonwealth people in
London" and spend the night at
Hampton Court
June 16th: "You can do whatever you like" (I assume she means during the day), "and Dot Robie brings some of her Senior Girl Scouts here for tea or supper" ...
So I've accepted, not being one to turn down a big party! I assume that all the people I met in
London will be there plus many other V.I.P.'s I haven't met. I only hope there are some non-coms like myself. Do you have any tips or advice for me? Do they wear uniforms to these parties? Is there anything special I should try to do with my day at
Hampton Court? And which one is Dot Robie - the one who sat next to me at the Abbey service? (on the other side of the gal writing Lady B-P's biography) - Anything else I should know or do?
She sent the pins along. Many thanks to you and her.
The weather here is a duplicate of the horrid stuff you describe at home. The ONLY advantage here is that a fire crackling on the hearth all day does bring an ounce of cheer into an otherwise dismal scene - after it's going and your hands are clean again!
Did I tell you we received a letter from a man in
Philadelphia asking us if we want to sell Glen Meadow? It seems that he had looked at it when it was on the market 3 years ago and now he's decided he'd like it! Sorry, man! If you only knew how we Walmsleys are waiting for the day of our return! If it weren't for Roger's recent experimental excitement, we'd all be ready to shove on the next boat.
The wine Roger inquired about was probably Niersteiner 1961 and/or Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1962.
So sorry about Uncle Leonard. Thanksgiving will never be the same without the sounds of Uncle Leonard's laughter from telling stories to the menfolk out in the butler's pantry where the women aren't!
Much love to you both,
Mary
* * * * *
May 17, 1966
Dearest Mom and Dad,
I thought you might like a photo of your world-traveling grand-children in St. Mark's Square,
Venice. What a crew!
Dorothy and Lesley have moved into a flat on Upper New Walk in town. It's a very nice top floor walk up, roomy but no frig. I expressed surprise. Dorothy said they just can't afford one and can manage without. Lesley added that her Mum and Dad have never had a frig and still don't. I was shocked. Still am.
Roger's birthday dawned sunny and clear. We went down to
Coventry - still a thrill, every time. Then we had lunch and went over to
Abbey
Park for the afternoon. There is little left of the Abbey other than reconstructed foundation stones and a colorful plaque to mark the site of Cardinal
Wolsey's grave, but the Park is extensive and very nice. Everyone in
Leicester was there, yet it wasn't crowded. Roger treated us to a Wimpy soft-ice-cream cone, and then we just looked and wandered.
My, but the sun felt good!
Vicky has been away for a month with Barbara's brother but is now returned. Sheila's in bed with a cold, as is Bob Pritchard and Peter G-W.
Did I tell you that Tom Wood has written Bob asking to come here? Marian Whitaker must have really impressed them!
Love,
Mary
* * * * *
May 17, 1966
Dearest Mom and Dad,
Roger and I set off to see a film the other night, arriving five whole minutes after it had started. There was no one in the foyer to sell us a ticket - not a sign of life. Finally some antiquated female (presumably a cleaning woman or some such thing) appeared and said, "Oh, but the film has started. You can't buy a ticket now. It's too late. The film has started."
Our jaws dropped; we were speechless. An elderly usher appeared from inside the theater and reiterated the statement. We insisted that we didn't mind missing the first five minutes if someone would sell us a ticket. "Oh, you'd have to see the manager," said the usher. "Well, where is he? That's fine," said Roger. "Lead me to him."
So Roger was shown to a door nearby. Knock-knock. We waited. Knock-knock. Finally the door was opened, the manager appeared, and the usher explained the situation. The manager looked overcome! "But the film started several minutes ago!"
"Yes, we realize that but are perfectly willing to pay for our tickets in any case," - etc., etc.
We DID manage to get in - about 15 minutes after the film had started - and join the other twenty people there in enjoying the film. Incredible!
I was in the supermarket the other day queuing at the checkout counter when a dear, elderly lady engaged me in conversation. We chatted happily on, but then she began staring at my face, just staring and staring. It was most awkward! My discomfort must have shown because at long last she said, "I was admiring your ____."
I hadn't caught that last word but smiled anyway. It didn't work - it did not stop her from staring.
She said it again. "I was admiring your ____."
I still didn't get it but knew I'd better find out, so I begged her pardon and said, "My what?"
"Your teeth, my dear. They're beautiful! Are they your own? Even the young nowadays don't have their own!"
The truth is - she's absolutely right - (not that mine are beautiful!). There are false teeth everywhere. The condition of teeth in this country is appalling due to the poor diet and sweets for tea, I'm sure. Even worse, 'though, is the reluctance to go to the dentist to have them repaired. It seems universally accepted that one only goes to the dentist to have them pulled out; consequently there isn't a single smile that doesn't reveal the most dreadful discoloration and dental decay. It's awful, really.
And health is the same. They may say that they're used to the weather and lack of heat; the truth is that their health is POOR. Cold after cold after cold is accepted as the norm. They're uncomfortable, complain constantly about it and their health, and are generally miserable. Not an ounce enviable!
Love,
Mary
May 17, 1966
Dear Mom and Dad,
Shortly before our return from
Europe someone broke into St. Michael's Church and set fire to it. The damage wasn't too extensive, yet it really shook up the parish. Within a week someone broke into the church rooms (where Guide meetings are held) and roughed up the place a bit.
The Vicar felt greatly responsible (although no one can figure out why) and has been over-zealous in his determination to put everything back in good order. He chose Church Parade to announce that there would be a competition between the Brownies, Guides, Cubs, and Scouts of St. Michael's to make a big dent in the 5,000-pounds needed to fix the roof and ceiling.
On top of rummage sales, bazaars, newspaper collections, bob-a-job week, and other fund-raising efforts by the Guides to cover not only the trip to Switzerland next year but the annual dues to Headquarters (which were paid and left the company in debt) - this pronouncement hit below the belt, primarily because it was announced with not a word of consultation with those in charge of these groups.
Dorothy was extremely upset and went to see him. She informed him that the Guides (at their Court of Honor) had voted against another fund-raising activity and that she was against the manner of being informed. He evidently blew his stack, said that if she didn't go along with church policy, he'd have the company closed and its leaders dismissed as incompetent, etc., etc.
Fortunately, in spite of her upset emotions Dorothy had the good sense to go immediately to the District Commissioner for advice. Together they explored the legality of his threats and found that he could do nothing but go through the District Commissioner, who, fortunately, agreed wholeheartedly with Dorothy.
When it came time for Guides Friday night, Dorothy and Lesley had heard nothing and feared the doors might be locked to them; but there was no sign, so we carried on and had one of the best meetings of the year.
It was another eye-opener to me in the advantages of our set-up: separation of church and Scouts so that no rector feels he can dictate program, also our limit on fund-raising.
I do question Dorothy's program on this one count - the trip to
Switzerland is more of a tour than a camping expedition in Scout/Guide fashion. The amount of fund-raising it necessitates is huge, to the exclusion of other Guide activities, particularly during the winter months. She's lined up 2 weekends and one week of camping in June and July - no complaint there - but there are gaps midwinter. I miss music and skits AND service projects.
Love,
Mary
* * * * *
May 23, 1966
Dearest Mom and Dad,
In spite of never seeing anyone beside Guides and family, my days seem to be full. It's final exam week for Julie and Ann, even though school isn't over until July 1st (and then they reopen on August 25th!). The teachers like to have time to correct the papers (and what teacher wouldn't?), but how they manage to keep things going another 6 weeks is beyond me! In any case, it's a hard time for the girls - particularly Julie, as we're asking her to take the 3rd year French final with her class. We can only pray that she makes a showing - a decent showing, that is. One year in which to do 3 years' work is asking a lot, but we're sure she'll be okay if she uses her "best stuff" - and, my, of my, how proud she'd be if she DID succeed! Keep your fingers crossed Wednesday afternoon.
A letter came from
Elizabeth saying that verbal
okays had been given with regard to Julia going to
Belgium. We haven't told Julia yet - not until she's finished worrying over that exam. I still think it'll be a wonderful experience for her. She's done a lot of growing-up suddenly and could take it in stride quite well. It won't be easy, but she will have one month of conversation with her French tutor before she goes, which can be focused on camping vocabulary, etc.
I'm very happy to announce that Roger's escherichia coli have recovered from what Ann called "the measles." Ever since our return from
Europe they haven't been well - very sickly, unwilling to reproduce, weak outer cell walls so that their innards would become "outers" - all very, very pathetic. Roger was really chin-up about the whole thing. He'd been SO anxious to get back and get things rolling again, and then to find "measles"!
Well, .... You know my Roger ... He's not one to take things like illness lying down. Even though everyone's escherichia coli all over the world get this malady periodically and no one's been able to figure out what it's all about, Roger did some fast footwork, analyzed the situation and found that they're glycine-starved! Now what about that?! He was SO proud of himself.
"Nobel prize?" hint I.
He laughs at me again.
Never mind. They've recovered. Now he's all set to begin where he wanted to begin 3 weeks ago. He set them up under a microscope for me to see, and the sick ones really looked poorly. It's the weather.
Barbara's still poorly. Peter still has a bad throat. Vicky's back is bad. Bob Pritchard is as bad as he was a fortnight ago ... etc., etc.
Sun is a great invention.
Love,
Mary
* * * * *
May 23, 1966
Dear Mom and Dad,
Daphne Brown, our Queen's Guide, has been at loose ends again. Real growing pains, I guess - or else a boyfriend. In any case, she told the Captain she didn't want to be patrol leader any more! Well, this put Captain on the spot because it wouldn't set a very good example to the younger Guides to see the highest-ranking member of the company willingly step down to the mere ranks. Her patrol 2nd isn't yet ready to take over, and the other patrol leaders weren't interested in forming a Senior Patrol. So Dorothy comes up with the brilliant suggestion of letting Julia be patrol leader for the rest of the year. Then the Patrol 2nd can be Patrol Leader in camp, and by that time Daphne will either be ready to resume control or be out of the company. I haven't the slightest idea why someone isn't talking up Rangers to Daphne, but Captain did mention that, unless they change companies with their pals, they inevitably drop out. Too bad, because Daphne keeps on coming yet she really is getting old for relay races and the like.
So Julia is Patrol Leader for a while. It's a marvelous experience for her. She's risen to the challenge beautifully. It happened quite suddenly, but she stepped right in and carried on.
Speaking of growing pains - we sure are going through some with Ann. For the irresponsibility she's showing now, she'll probably turn out to be the most responsible of all by the time she's middle-aged, but oh! my aching back in the meantime! As Mr. Quarmby (the usual victim) said, "She's a sweet child and I love her, but she needs watching."
A postcard announced that our record was ready at
Peterborough, so over we went on Sunday. They cut 100 records. We were #100! And how very grateful we are because it is a treasure! We love that choir and that building - but we missed the
Coventry service ever-so-much! Even Julie said the same in no uncertain terms! So back to
Coventry we shall go - and stay there!
Next weekend is "Whit," so we'll probably be off to
Wales for the 4-day holiday.
Roger and I went after
Bosworth Field yesterday. We finally asked directions of a native and were told we'd need an ordinance survey map and hiking boots, as it was a mile from the road! So with ordinance map and picnic it shall be - we are GOING TO FIND BOSWORTH FIELD!
Much love,
Mary
* * * * *
May 23, 1966
Dear Granny,
In Guides I'm working on the "World Trefoil" badge. Number 6 says to find "the types and requirements for national and international events open to Senior Girl Scouts. How girls apply to attend these events." If it's possible, could you please send some information.
Sometime in early June I'm going to have a test on the Guides Traveler badge. One of the clauses says, "Wear uniform correctly and know the rules concerning the wearing of uniform when travelling abroad." The Guides have to wear the Union Jack on their left sleeve. I was wondering what the rules are for our uniforms.
Captain has let me be the Patrol Leader of my patrol until July. I don't know exactly why she said I could be one. It's a strange feeling to be responsible for a group of people. I have about 9 badges on my badge-sash now and I'm getting about 3 more. Exams are here and I've finished two of them. I still have 8 more to go. Yesterday Mom, Dad, and I went up to
Peterborough and got the record. As soon as we got home we put it on a record-player and listened to it. It's really good. Well, that's about all there is to say except for, Goodby.
Love,
Julia
* * * * *
May 23, 1966
Dear Mom and Dad,
Pardon if I sneak in under Julie's stamp -
We've been getting requests for information about the date of our return, etc., and think perhaps it's time we started thinking about it. Dick Beck, who has our car, has been asking - perhaps because he may offer to drive up to
New York to meet us. Others want to know whether or not we'll be going to the Vineyard.
As things look from here, we sail on August 19th and land on the 24th. Roger and I both feel that we could manage well enough to spend the long Labor Day weekend opening the house before he goes in to the lab on Tuesday the 6th - say Fri, Sat, Sun, and Mon - which would leave August 24th late, late evening or 25th to September 1st for a side trip to the Vineyard en route to Philadelphia. If Dick does bring the car up to us in NYC, it would be a simple matter to drop him off at the nearest train and drive straight up to the island.
What we don't know is the extent of red-tape involved in debarking, customs with trunks and all, etc. If these things can be accomplished in the first half of the day, it would be feasible; otherwise, not so.
Roger wants to get the trunks on their way personally. He's afraid that otherwise it'd be another 6 to 8 week delay, which he definitely would rather avoid.
All this pending an invitation, of course! I mean, how bold can you be?
Anxiously awaiting your reactions, I am!
Love,
Mary
