Starring Roles:
Nanny - Mum's Mum
Jean - Neighbour and Mum of one of my old friends, also called Joanne
Pat - Mum's friend and work colleague, and Mick - Pat's husband
Don and Denise - Mum's brother and wife
Old Face Ache Torry - Mum's boss at the dentist where she works
Angie - work colleague from dentist
To our Dearest Joanne/Vince,
Hello again, hope you are both well and that you had a lovely Easter. Hope you didn't make yourselves sick with all the chocolate. We always look forward to Easter because it is the first holiday of the year and it goes so quickly. We are all missing you so much, so I don't mind how quickly the time goes, it just means Christmas will come round faster. Trouble is we will get older quicker!
Hello again, hope you are both well and that you had a lovely Easter. Hope you didn't make yourselves sick with all the chocolate. We always look forward to Easter because it is the first holiday of the year and it goes so quickly. We are all missing you so much, so I don't mind how quickly the time goes, it just means Christmas will come round faster. Trouble is we will get older quicker!
Tuesday 17th April 1990
Easter over, but I don't go back to work till Wednesday. I took an extra day off and was very lazy, but very nice it was too.
I saw Jean this afternoon with Justine's little girl. She is looking after her for the week. She is a funny little thing, spitting image of Justine when she was little.
Easter over, but I don't go back to work till Wednesday. I took an extra day off and was very lazy, but very nice it was too.
I saw Jean this afternoon with Justine's little girl. She is looking after her for the week. She is a funny little thing, spitting image of Justine when she was little.
Wednesday 18th April 1990
Postman got me up this morning, he had your parcel. James and I were both trying to open it, we were both so excited! It was lovely and I won't eat my share of the little eggs. I will leave them in the little wooden basket which is so sweet and I adore the little Chick, he is so lovely and cute. I am putting him in my glass cabinet. I gave him a little kiss and said welcome to our home, just in case he is missing all his little friends. The words in the card were very sweet. Thank you both so very, very much.
Went to the pub with Pat and had a good natter, was talking about you and Vince and bees. She should be getting her new bees soon, so will be back in business.
James and Darren went to meet two girls in Hyde Park today. He came home for his dinner and now has gone to a fair in Danson Park. Sorry I forgot to say, James wants to thank you for his chocolates and chick.
I've just watched Dallas and I'm very confused. You said that April is pregnant, do you know whose it is? Because she's not with Bobby anymore and do they get back together? I do hope so.
Postman got me up this morning, he had your parcel. James and I were both trying to open it, we were both so excited! It was lovely and I won't eat my share of the little eggs. I will leave them in the little wooden basket which is so sweet and I adore the little Chick, he is so lovely and cute. I am putting him in my glass cabinet. I gave him a little kiss and said welcome to our home, just in case he is missing all his little friends. The words in the card were very sweet. Thank you both so very, very much.
Went to the pub with Pat and had a good natter, was talking about you and Vince and bees. She should be getting her new bees soon, so will be back in business.
James and Darren went to meet two girls in Hyde Park today. He came home for his dinner and now has gone to a fair in Danson Park. Sorry I forgot to say, James wants to thank you for his chocolates and chick.
I've just watched Dallas and I'm very confused. You said that April is pregnant, do you know whose it is? Because she's not with Bobby anymore and do they get back together? I do hope so.
Thursday 19th April 1990
Not a bad day today, sunshine and showers, but the showers are very cold and wintery.
After work, went and had my second nail check, she said my own nails are coming along nicely. I have got so used to the ones I have on, I actually forget they are there and literally do everything with them.
Went to see Nanny this afternoon and gave her the Easter card from you and she had a little tear. Don and Denise took her out on Easter Monday. Surprise! Went to some big garden centre and had lunch. She said she enjoyed it. She's having a new trim phone put in on Friday. Don said it is too cold for Nanny to sit in the hall when she's on the phone, so she's having it in the sitting room. So I would imagine he's paying for it if it was his idea! Oh God, that means she will be ringing me all the time now, until the novelty wears off!
Dad nearly made me sick tonight, making his sandwiches for work, with that awful stilton cheese. He got it from Bob at the Bee Club - God, it's disgusting!
Not a bad day today, sunshine and showers, but the showers are very cold and wintery.
After work, went and had my second nail check, she said my own nails are coming along nicely. I have got so used to the ones I have on, I actually forget they are there and literally do everything with them.
Went to see Nanny this afternoon and gave her the Easter card from you and she had a little tear. Don and Denise took her out on Easter Monday. Surprise! Went to some big garden centre and had lunch. She said she enjoyed it. She's having a new trim phone put in on Friday. Don said it is too cold for Nanny to sit in the hall when she's on the phone, so she's having it in the sitting room. So I would imagine he's paying for it if it was his idea! Oh God, that means she will be ringing me all the time now, until the novelty wears off!
Dad nearly made me sick tonight, making his sandwiches for work, with that awful stilton cheese. He got it from Bob at the Bee Club - God, it's disgusting!
Friday 20th April 1990
I can hardly believe it's Friday again. Makes you wonder how we get through all that food I bought last week.
Old Face Ache Torry is a Grandad again, his daughter, Monica, who is the same age as you, has just had a little girl. He is a funny old bugger, you would think he would come into work and tell everyone, but oh no, not him. He told Pat in the surgery, as if it's a big secret and no one else must know, but Pat tells us everything. He doesn't speak to me very much these days, I think he's got the message that I don't like him very much!
James has been working up the butchers all day again. He must be hard up after what he said about it last time haha. He's gone to Danson Park Fair again tonight to spend his wages.
We have just had the Royal film premier of "The Hunt for Red October" in London, so we must be behind you in the film world. It looks as good as you said, so looking forward to seeing it. I do like Sean Connery (he has such a sexy voice). A good film to look out for is "Mountains of the Moon" - it's supposed to be spectacular. You may have already seen it, I think it's a true story.
I can hardly believe it's Friday again. Makes you wonder how we get through all that food I bought last week.
Old Face Ache Torry is a Grandad again, his daughter, Monica, who is the same age as you, has just had a little girl. He is a funny old bugger, you would think he would come into work and tell everyone, but oh no, not him. He told Pat in the surgery, as if it's a big secret and no one else must know, but Pat tells us everything. He doesn't speak to me very much these days, I think he's got the message that I don't like him very much!
James has been working up the butchers all day again. He must be hard up after what he said about it last time haha. He's gone to Danson Park Fair again tonight to spend his wages.
We have just had the Royal film premier of "The Hunt for Red October" in London, so we must be behind you in the film world. It looks as good as you said, so looking forward to seeing it. I do like Sean Connery (he has such a sexy voice). A good film to look out for is "Mountains of the Moon" - it's supposed to be spectacular. You may have already seen it, I think it's a true story.
Saturday 21st April 1990
Dad working till 11 o'clock, so went shopping on my own and I must admit it is the day I miss you most, especially when I walk past where we used to eat. There's such a lot of pretty clothes in the shops at the moment that I wish I had such a lot of money to spend, as we always used to say. This year's fashion seems to be very flowery designs of mixed colours.
Went to Bee Club this afternoon, not so cold as last week. Where we park our cars, opposite the entrance, there is a big tree which is hanging over the roadway. The high winds we had made it more dangerous, so Mick said he would saw it down. He was about 15 feet up the ladder, sawing this big branch off, when it fell onto Mick and knocked him off the ladder. He was stunned for a moment, had some nasty grazes and I'm sure he was hurt more than he let on! Poor Pat just stood with her mouth open and said "oh my God". We will probably laugh about it next week!
James is working all day at the butchers, he has offered him a permanent Saturday job and James said yes. Oh well, that's good then!
Dad working till 11 o'clock, so went shopping on my own and I must admit it is the day I miss you most, especially when I walk past where we used to eat. There's such a lot of pretty clothes in the shops at the moment that I wish I had such a lot of money to spend, as we always used to say. This year's fashion seems to be very flowery designs of mixed colours.
Went to Bee Club this afternoon, not so cold as last week. Where we park our cars, opposite the entrance, there is a big tree which is hanging over the roadway. The high winds we had made it more dangerous, so Mick said he would saw it down. He was about 15 feet up the ladder, sawing this big branch off, when it fell onto Mick and knocked him off the ladder. He was stunned for a moment, had some nasty grazes and I'm sure he was hurt more than he let on! Poor Pat just stood with her mouth open and said "oh my God". We will probably laugh about it next week!
James is working all day at the butchers, he has offered him a permanent Saturday job and James said yes. Oh well, that's good then!
Sunday 22nd April 1990
Dad working till 6 o'clock. James out with Darren, so on my own again. Will be nice when the weather turns warm and I can spend Sunday sitting in the garden and have salads for dinner, instead of cooking roasts.
Did nothing much until you rang. Took me by surprise, but was lovely to hear you talk all about the house you went to look at. Now that your furniture is there, I suppose you both would like to get your own house as soon as possible. James has just come in. I gave him your love, he was sorry he missed you. He is actually getting his own tea because I am busy writing this letter.
It was the London Marathon today. Dad and I gave it a miss this year. He wouldn't be able to keep up with me anyway, now he's put a lot of weight on. Haha.
Dad working till 6 o'clock. James out with Darren, so on my own again. Will be nice when the weather turns warm and I can spend Sunday sitting in the garden and have salads for dinner, instead of cooking roasts.
Did nothing much until you rang. Took me by surprise, but was lovely to hear you talk all about the house you went to look at. Now that your furniture is there, I suppose you both would like to get your own house as soon as possible. James has just come in. I gave him your love, he was sorry he missed you. He is actually getting his own tea because I am busy writing this letter.
It was the London Marathon today. Dad and I gave it a miss this year. He wouldn't be able to keep up with me anyway, now he's put a lot of weight on. Haha.
Monday 23rd April 1990
Boring morning at work. Saw Mick, he has actually got quite a few bruises, but he was up the ladder again this morning at work, clearing the gutters.
Boring morning at work. Saw Mick, he has actually got quite a few bruises, but he was up the ladder again this morning at work, clearing the gutters.
Came home and found out James had your letter. Quite interesting reading your TV schedule. There are quite a few programs that we have too. Anyway, James can get writing now and tell you all his news.
Dad and I walked up the woods this afternoon to collect some old dry rotten wood to put in the bee smoker because we have been told by the Bee Inspector that it is good for the bees. They seem to prefer the smell to corrugated cardboard, so we shall see next time we use it. Our milkman is absolutely fascinated by the bees. He he delivers the milk, he stays and watches them for about half an hour. Hopefully he doesn't get stung, otherwise he'll be leaving the milk at the front door!
Tuesday 24th April 1990
Came down the stairs this morning, just as the postman put your letter through the letterbox, so I took it to work to read. Would you believe it, I was so busy I didn't have time to read it. Good job I didn't read it at work as it was so long it would have taken me all morning (well you know how slow I am at reading and I read every bit twice to make sure I haven't missed anything).
Went through the beehive when I came home and saw the Queen, who looks fine and seems to be working well. So that's good. Poor Dad got stung twice on the same hand, so much for the dry wood we got yesterday. At the moment, one bee is dive-bombing the kitchen window! Help! And I need to get my washing in.
Sat and read your letter - can't get over all these restaurants you keep going to, there can't be that many left for you to try. At least when we come at Christmas, you will know the best ones! Diana Ross sounded good, blimey you've only worked there a short time and already getting free tickets. You certainly know how to pick your jobs, but good for you because you deserve the best. You will definitely have to take me to the Music Box shop, it sounds great. Is the Body Shop just the same as ours over here? Oh and I just have to visit Mavis Street and take a photo! I would love to have seen the Easter Egg Hunt, sounds great fun, although I'm not sure I would have liked to have been on the suspension bridge with all those people!!
We were going to pop up and see Nanny this afternoon, but after reading your letter over and over, we didn't have time.
After Dad went to work, I sat and watched snooker. It's the World Championship and Steve Davis is doing well at the moment.
Came down the stairs this morning, just as the postman put your letter through the letterbox, so I took it to work to read. Would you believe it, I was so busy I didn't have time to read it. Good job I didn't read it at work as it was so long it would have taken me all morning (well you know how slow I am at reading and I read every bit twice to make sure I haven't missed anything).
Went through the beehive when I came home and saw the Queen, who looks fine and seems to be working well. So that's good. Poor Dad got stung twice on the same hand, so much for the dry wood we got yesterday. At the moment, one bee is dive-bombing the kitchen window! Help! And I need to get my washing in.
Sat and read your letter - can't get over all these restaurants you keep going to, there can't be that many left for you to try. At least when we come at Christmas, you will know the best ones! Diana Ross sounded good, blimey you've only worked there a short time and already getting free tickets. You certainly know how to pick your jobs, but good for you because you deserve the best. You will definitely have to take me to the Music Box shop, it sounds great. Is the Body Shop just the same as ours over here? Oh and I just have to visit Mavis Street and take a photo! I would love to have seen the Easter Egg Hunt, sounds great fun, although I'm not sure I would have liked to have been on the suspension bridge with all those people!!
We were going to pop up and see Nanny this afternoon, but after reading your letter over and over, we didn't have time.
After Dad went to work, I sat and watched snooker. It's the World Championship and Steve Davis is doing well at the moment.
Wednesday 25th April 1990
Pay day again. Good O! Very warm and sunny today. Went to work without a coat, but it's not meant to last. Typical!
Went to the pub with Pat and a lot of people were sitting in the garden.
Went to the shopping centre afterwards to try and buy a pair of slacks, but couldn't find anything that I liked. Typical again!
Came home to find poor Dad's hand and arm really swollen. He'll have to get some thicker gloves like mine, especially if he's going to react like this to bee stings!
Took Sam and Caz to the vets this evening. Caz had his claws clipped and the vet said they were not flea bites on Sam, but little mites that got into his fur, making him scratch. You can't see them with the human eye. Poor Sam did look quite indignant when the vet put the thermometer up his bum! Poor thing, but he's got some pills to take so will hopefully feel better soon.
James is going to ask you to help him draft a letter out (in his letter to you). He thinks he would like to be a Blue Coat. He got the idea from you when you said he had a screw loose, so he thinks he could be the camp's idiot!! I would agree with that and I'm sure you do Vince! But Dad thinks he has to be 18 to apply - still it won't hurt him to write off and find out.
Pay day again. Good O! Very warm and sunny today. Went to work without a coat, but it's not meant to last. Typical!
Went to the pub with Pat and a lot of people were sitting in the garden.
Went to the shopping centre afterwards to try and buy a pair of slacks, but couldn't find anything that I liked. Typical again!
Came home to find poor Dad's hand and arm really swollen. He'll have to get some thicker gloves like mine, especially if he's going to react like this to bee stings!
Took Sam and Caz to the vets this evening. Caz had his claws clipped and the vet said they were not flea bites on Sam, but little mites that got into his fur, making him scratch. You can't see them with the human eye. Poor Sam did look quite indignant when the vet put the thermometer up his bum! Poor thing, but he's got some pills to take so will hopefully feel better soon.
James is going to ask you to help him draft a letter out (in his letter to you). He thinks he would like to be a Blue Coat. He got the idea from you when you said he had a screw loose, so he thinks he could be the camp's idiot!! I would agree with that and I'm sure you do Vince! But Dad thinks he has to be 18 to apply - still it won't hurt him to write off and find out.
Thursday 26th April 1990
A nice morning at work without Old Face Ache. Michelle, one of the dentists went to see Miss Saigon last night and said it was brilliant, but very sad. I think I would like to see it, after I have seen Phantom of the Opera. James wants to see it with me. He really surprises me as he has such mixed taste in music. One night he's got head-banging music (trash) blaring out, the next he's listening to Modern Romance - well there's no comparison at all is there?
Went up to see Nanny this afternoon. She looked and seemed quite well. She has her new phone, but it is still in the hall. It's a posh one, dark red. She has not rang me since she's had it. Perhaps she doesn't know how to use it?
James rang Pontins when he came home from school. They said he was too late for this year, but would send all the necessary paperwork to him so he can read up on it and apply in February when they start auditioning. He seems very keen at the moment, but you know James, it could all change tomorrow!
A nice morning at work without Old Face Ache. Michelle, one of the dentists went to see Miss Saigon last night and said it was brilliant, but very sad. I think I would like to see it, after I have seen Phantom of the Opera. James wants to see it with me. He really surprises me as he has such mixed taste in music. One night he's got head-banging music (trash) blaring out, the next he's listening to Modern Romance - well there's no comparison at all is there?
Went up to see Nanny this afternoon. She looked and seemed quite well. She has her new phone, but it is still in the hall. It's a posh one, dark red. She has not rang me since she's had it. Perhaps she doesn't know how to use it?
James rang Pontins when he came home from school. They said he was too late for this year, but would send all the necessary paperwork to him so he can read up on it and apply in February when they start auditioning. He seems very keen at the moment, but you know James, it could all change tomorrow!
Friday 27th April 1990
A lot of excitement when I got to work today. We have been burgled again. They got in through the new fence in the car park, broke in the back door and smashed the inner door. They took the petty cash, which was not much. You never know what's going to happen next in this place - we really need a burglar alarm. The funny thing is, when Mick put the fence up, he put barbed wire on the top so no-one could climb over, but the clever buggers cut a hole in the bottom and crawled through! The police seem to think that whoever it was, knew what they were after.
It was Angie's last day today, she is going on holiday to Spain to see her Dad for a week, he lives there now. She was getting so excited you would think it was the other side of the world. I said "Angie, if Joanne and Vince moved to Spain I would be over there once a month for a long weekend! So good job you moved to Canada eh Vince!!
Went to Sainsbury's after work (boring). Thought I had a cheap week and blimey it was more than it usually was. Sitting here writing this and consoling myself with a brandy!
Poor Steve Davis lost his match against Jimmy White It was 14-16, so he did well. Now he is out of the championship I don't want to see who wins, 'cause I only like to watch Steve. Boo Hoo!
A lot of excitement when I got to work today. We have been burgled again. They got in through the new fence in the car park, broke in the back door and smashed the inner door. They took the petty cash, which was not much. You never know what's going to happen next in this place - we really need a burglar alarm. The funny thing is, when Mick put the fence up, he put barbed wire on the top so no-one could climb over, but the clever buggers cut a hole in the bottom and crawled through! The police seem to think that whoever it was, knew what they were after.
It was Angie's last day today, she is going on holiday to Spain to see her Dad for a week, he lives there now. She was getting so excited you would think it was the other side of the world. I said "Angie, if Joanne and Vince moved to Spain I would be over there once a month for a long weekend! So good job you moved to Canada eh Vince!!
Went to Sainsbury's after work (boring). Thought I had a cheap week and blimey it was more than it usually was. Sitting here writing this and consoling myself with a brandy!
Poor Steve Davis lost his match against Jimmy White It was 14-16, so he did well. Now he is out of the championship I don't want to see who wins, 'cause I only like to watch Steve. Boo Hoo!
Saturday 28th April 1990
My Saturday for working with Old Face Ache. God, it was horrible, like being in prison for a day. Still it's over now for a few months.
Came home and had something quick to eat, and then rushed to Dartford. Bought myself a pretty skirt round the market. After that, went to Bee Club, half-hour late!! It was very enjoyable though. Mick's okay now after his fall last week. He mended the club's lawnmower this week, he seems happier doing something like that than going round the beehives. Pat has got her bees now at last, so she's happy.
On the way home, we called in to Sylvia and Gordon's - you know the ones that live round near Joan and Ron's. Their bungalow backs onto the woods. We went to see their beehives 'cause they kept saying come round. Well, their garden is just beautiful, a pond with trickling waterfalls and very pretty flowers everywhere. The beehive is in one corner and the bees look very content with the woods behind. Very peaceful, ah lovely. Came home and felt sorry for the bees in our little garden with noisy kids next door.
My Saturday for working with Old Face Ache. God, it was horrible, like being in prison for a day. Still it's over now for a few months.
Came home and had something quick to eat, and then rushed to Dartford. Bought myself a pretty skirt round the market. After that, went to Bee Club, half-hour late!! It was very enjoyable though. Mick's okay now after his fall last week. He mended the club's lawnmower this week, he seems happier doing something like that than going round the beehives. Pat has got her bees now at last, so she's happy.
On the way home, we called in to Sylvia and Gordon's - you know the ones that live round near Joan and Ron's. Their bungalow backs onto the woods. We went to see their beehives 'cause they kept saying come round. Well, their garden is just beautiful, a pond with trickling waterfalls and very pretty flowers everywhere. The beehive is in one corner and the bees look very content with the woods behind. Very peaceful, ah lovely. Came home and felt sorry for the bees in our little garden with noisy kids next door.
Sunday 29th April 1990
Got up this morning to a really hot beautiful day. Actually enjoyed cleaning the brass on the front door. It's going to be roast beef with salad today. The garden is looking quite pretty with a few flowers out. The bees are flying, Caz the Budgie is outside in his cage with the bird bath in it and Tommy Tortoise is marching up and down, Lazy Sam cat is laying in the shade washing himself.
Went to get Nanny and after dinner went to Knole Park in Sevenoaks. We haven't been there for a while. Well we were so shocked at the sight of the devastation from the hurricane we had two years ago. It was terrible, there must be 90% of the trees down. They are starting to plant new little trees but it is going to take at least 200 years to get it back to how it looked. The poor deer can't even hide in the trees now, it was so sad. They must have been so scared when the storm was raging.
Got up this morning to a really hot beautiful day. Actually enjoyed cleaning the brass on the front door. It's going to be roast beef with salad today. The garden is looking quite pretty with a few flowers out. The bees are flying, Caz the Budgie is outside in his cage with the bird bath in it and Tommy Tortoise is marching up and down, Lazy Sam cat is laying in the shade washing himself.
Went to get Nanny and after dinner went to Knole Park in Sevenoaks. We haven't been there for a while. Well we were so shocked at the sight of the devastation from the hurricane we had two years ago. It was terrible, there must be 90% of the trees down. They are starting to plant new little trees but it is going to take at least 200 years to get it back to how it looked. The poor deer can't even hide in the trees now, it was so sad. They must have been so scared when the storm was raging.
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| Nanny Annie and her dog Judy, Knole Park, Sevenoaks |
On the way back to the car, I was running and skipping because of ringing you when we got home. I was so pleased and excited to hear your voice - it perks me up for the whole week.
Watched the snooker final in the evening and Steven Hendry won. Still my Steve (Davis) will win it back next year. Poor Nanny fell asleep on and off while snooker was on. I think we wore her out, she walked about 3 miles which was really good for her age. She has not said any more about her boyfriend and she has changed her mind about Don and Denise living with her, she wants to be on her own.
Watched the snooker final in the evening and Steven Hendry won. Still my Steve (Davis) will win it back next year. Poor Nanny fell asleep on and off while snooker was on. I think we wore her out, she walked about 3 miles which was really good for her age. She has not said any more about her boyfriend and she has changed her mind about Don and Denise living with her, she wants to be on her own.
Well my Jo and Vince, I think I better finish this letter. I seem to get carried away. Keep up the good work both of you. Love and miss you very much.
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| Sign-off 29th April, 1990 |
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