Letter from Ursula Valentine to her husband John Valentine

Letter from Ursula Valentine to her husband John Valentine

Writes how pleased she was to hear his voice on telephone and that it would be worth the cost of call. Mentions a parcel from him and talks of baby matters. Catches up with family issues. Tells of meeting of local fire watchers and resulting shift patterns. Catches up with local news.

1941-01-06

Four page handwritten letter

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EValentineUMValentineJRM410106-01

Whoopee about Bardia! Lido January 6th
My darling Johnnie, It was so lovely to hear your voice last night - I had been wondering hopefully if you would try to ring up, but rather expect it would be tonight. I shudder to think what our telephone bill will be, but it certainly is worth it. Today your parcel arrived as well. I couldn't find the Boots gift token in it anywhere tho' I searched diligently. Perhaps you forgot to pop it in at the last moment. I didn't realise
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2.
the report & accounts from Phillips was valuable or I wouldn't have scribbled on it. However, you didn't answer my question; may I paint your tall-boy for the baby's chest-of-drawers, or do you want to keep it as a tall-boy for yourself? It will have to be repainted sometime before it can appear in public, but shall it be baby pink (or cream) or mock old oak? Let me know your verdict (of course the baby might have it first & it could then revert to you when you need it). Re the Christmas present from Jean Leuchars, I suggest you write a thank-you letter & send it to your parents for forwarding. I would rather not ring up for her address.
The meeting of the Tenterden Grove Fire Squad
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last night was as parliamentarian as ever, Mr Greenish in the chair. This time however it was enlivened by Mr Pope (Gabriel's father-in-law) who has now taken up residence next door with his wife & 2 daughters. He is very deaf, & there was a good deal of comic byplay & bellowed repetitions which made the meeting quite jolly! The upshot of all the discussion was that the available inhabitants numbering 15 (not counting the Neal children, Barbara & old Mrs Pope) will take 2 hour shifts all night every night, warning or no, & this works out at 2 hours every 4th night. I am starting off tonight with the worst shift, 4-6 am. The Popes do
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the first 3 shifts between the three of them & then knock me up. We are not expected to go out, but only to keep a constant look-out, back & front, through windows or doors, & if there is any sign of incendiaries, ring the fire-bell like mad & get the whole squad out. It is really a good idea & means you can sleep peacefully on your nights off. I'm afraid I always have slept peacefully, but Mr & Mrs Neal & the Greenishes too apparently sleep with one eye open on rowdy nights. Of course I told them I might be going soon, but they are hoping to bring in the other houses up as far as Tenterden Gardens, so that will relieve it anyway – it is very nice to think that when I'm away they will be looking after Lido for us. Thank you so much for the chocolate, you are a darling to have thought of it for me. I haven't seen any for ages. I do hope my parcel arrived today to wish you many happies of Jan 6th – blessed day. I remember what a turmoil I was in this time last year!
All my love - Ursula