Letter to John Valentine from his wife Ursula

Letter to John Valentine from his wife Ursula

Enquires about his return journey and writes of her activities including gardening, working on SSAFA correspondence and arrival of box of eggs. Continues with more chat of her activities and news of friends and family. Concludes with mention of making chutney and other gossip.

1945-08-18

Two page typewritten letter.

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Felmersham,
Saturday 18.8.45
Darling Johnnie,
I wonder how you are enjoying yourself this evening, and how the journey went off. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the weekend very much. I have spent a busy afternoon pruning the raspberries, they look immensely chastened now, and there is another huge pile of stuff for the bonfire. This evening I have been practising and working off some SSAFA correspondence, and when I have finished this I’m going to bed.
The long-awaited box of eggs from Jock Scott arrived this morning, all intact and most beautifully packed in sawdust. I have kept the box and packing in case you would like to return it to him (in hopes of more) but the address on his letter, (enclosed herewith) seemed a bit scanty. [inserted] Not acknowledged yet. [/inserted]
Yesterday afternoon I planted out the vegetable seedlings Mr. Palmer brought round; Frances had invited Philip Sharpe to tea, and I was just coming in, all hot and mucky, to get the tea when who should arrive at the door but Jmo (pronounced Jimmo) and her small son William. She is an old school friend of Barbara’s, from our Jersey days, and is the girl now living in Burton’s Lane, Little Chalfont, in the house that Leverett pointed out as we passed it in his car, 2 or 3 weekends ago. She has been living in Devon for most of the war, and I didn’t know she was home again. Her husband is in the Army
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In Italy but she expects him home soon. His name is Geoffrey Cozens (and she, of course, is Mrs. Cozens!). Their son William is going to 5 next month, and seems a very nice kid. I was so glad to see old Jmo again, she hasn’t a vast amount of brain but plenty of chic and she’s good fun. Her younger sister Miriam is anxiously awaiting news of her husband, interned by the Japs. She has 2 brothers, in the Army.
The photos of Peter’s wedding have come, they are very nice but they set me back 15/- C.O.D.
I made about 8 lbs of plum chutney last night, and some plum jam, which contrary to expectation is really very nice. I have now only got about 6 jam jars left, so I’ll have to call a halt soon. Mrs. Pearcy was as good as her word and sent me up a beautiful plank, over 3 ft long, by her son Brian, which will make a grand shelf. I haven’t had tome to fix it yet, and think I shall probably leave it to you next weekend.
Its nearly 11 p.m. now, so I think I shall trot off to bed. Goodnight, my sweetheart, God bless you.
Yours always
Ursula.
[underlined] P.S. [/underlined] I have got my bike back, old Payne said he has made a new valve in a different place, it remains to be seen if the tyre keeps hard now. Anyway the spokes are fitted. I have got a new battery for the cycle lamp, if you need one.