The CBB :: View topic - Letters Home - Len/Con/Margot + Joey's reply finished 9/9/06

Letters Home - Len/Con/Margot + Joey's reply finished 9/9/06

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#1: Letters Home - Len/Con/Margot + Joey's reply finished 9/9/06 Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 7:12 pm
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I didn't know where to put this one. EBD wouldn't have written it, neither is it barking or raunchy so here it is. In publishing time, the triplets would have been at Oxford in 1970.

Oxford
20/11/1970

Dear Mamma, Papa and everyone at Freudesheim!
I hope you are all well and happy as I am, except that I am missing you all so much. In my last I waxed lyrical about the glories of Oxford, so in this missive I will tell you something about my life here in college. The course is tremendous, although at first I was in fear and trembling that my languages wouldn't be good enough. However I have been complimented on my accent in both French and German (thank you Mamma, Mdle and Miss Denny!). I know I was so lucky to go to the Chalet school and lots of people I've met are envious of the language teaching I received there. One of the things I love about being here is that I am now totally immersed in languages. No more Maths!
In my group I have met a very nice girl called Alison Gray, who reminds me of Ros Lilley. She's lucky enough to live in the outskirts of Oxford and travels by bus every day. She invited me to tea on Saturday which was awfully kind of her. I wrote down the instructions for getting to her house and with some trepidation made my first solo journey by bus! I felt like a very grown-up and independent young lady! It was quite eay really, as Alison met me at her bus stop, then there was a short walk to her house. It is so tiny and sweet! I discovered that it is called a semi-detached house as it is stuck onto another one exactly the same, which I thought was a nifty idea. There is a wee garden at the front and a garage at the side, then inside a tiny hall where we were met by Mrs Gray, obviously Alison's mother. What a lovely lady she is, rather petite like Miss Ferrars I thought. We were led into the room they call the 'lounge' rather than drawing room or salon. It was very neat and snug, with a sofa, two armchairs, a chest of drawers and a television (something I had never seen before). Mr Gray was watching football on television and greeted me most affably. Alison showed me the kitchen which is small, but so compact. Anna would have loved it. The table was laid for tea and Mrs Gray informed me that they ate all their meals in there. I wanted to wash my hands before tea, so Alison took me to the bathroom which has green fittings and cream walls (you would have approved Mamma!)

Last edited by Mel on Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:06 am; edited 6 times in total

#2: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:22 pm
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Love it Mel - hope you are going to continue - such a mixture from Len - the fact she'd never been on a bus on her own, never seen a TV, her surprise at a 'semi'

Thanks.

#3: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:35 pm
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Thanks Mel, this is really interesting to read and it's great to see the modern world through Len's eyes.

#4: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:35 pm
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That's great, Mel. It really brings out the lack of 'real life' on the Platz.

I particularly like

Quote:

the bathroom which has green fittings and cream walls (you would have approved Mamma!)

having banished similar from our 1940s bathroom only 2 years ago!

#5: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 3:56 am
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Yes, it's odd to think how strange 'ordinary' life would seem to the triplets. Thanks, Mel.

#6: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:53 am
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Thanks Mel - lovely to see Len's new experiences. Very Happy

Any chance we can see her descriptions of Oxford?

#7: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 12:56 pm
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Thanks, Mel. It's good to see Len meeting the real world.

#8: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 9:46 pm
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Lovely to see Len's amazement at life away from the Platz.

Thanks Mel - I hope there will be more of this.

#9: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 4:21 pm
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Loved the *niftiness* of a semi! Laughing

And all the other things she found so surprising.

Thanks, Mel.

#10: Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:09 pm
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Thanks for the comments. I don't know Oxford well enough to write Len's impressions, and the suburb the Grays live in is completely fictitious. Here's some more...

Alison took me into the bedroom she shares with her younger sister, Donna who is twelve. Donna herself was lying on one of the twin beds, reading a magazine (what would Matey say!) and said 'Hello' rather shyly. I was told that fourteen-year old Ian was in his bedroon next door. I could hear loud music and asked if Ian played the guitar. Alison laughed and said that we could hear his 'tranny.' I must have looked completely baffled, so Alison explained that it was a transistor radio, that is, a wireless that works on batteries. A real wire-less!- you should get one Mamma.
During tea I discovered that Mr Gray works in insurance - whatever that is - I didn't like to ask. Surprisingly, Mrs Gray is a Primary teacher. That means that she teaches in a school for children from five up to eleven, which is completely free, I suppose a bit like the village school in Armiford. She teaches a class of seven-year-olds, that is about Cecil's age. I wondered how she could teach and look after her family, but apparently many teachers are married. All three children went to that school, evn Ian!
I chatted about Switzerland and the Chalet School, its history, Old Girls and some pranks, especially yours Mamma! Oddly enough, neither Alison nor Donna had read any of your books. I shall lend them the books I have brought with me. Perhaps they are frightfull poor and can't afford books? After all, they went to a free school and poor Mrs Gray has to go out to work. Earlier, Alison told me that she had won a scholarship to Oxford, and they are for poor girls aren't they?
At one moment during tea, I felt very homesick. It was when Mrs Gray offered me a lemon biscuit and I thought of dear Anna. However, the biscuits were very hard and dry and tasted only faintly of lemon. I tried to be polite by asking Mrs Gray if she did much baking. She laughed and said she did none at all and that the biscuits were courtesy of Huntley and Palmer. I think that means that they were made in a factory as I've seen girls in College with packets of biscuits.
The two menfolk did not have much to say and soon excused themselves, Mr Gray wanted to watch the football resuts for his 'pools.' I had no idea what he was talking about, but couldn't ask. As it was, Donna looked at me as though I had just landed from Mars! She went off to play with a friend and Ian went out to the cinema with some of his friends - which was allowed!
After tea I helped clear up and wondered what we might do next. I had thought that the whole family might want to play paper games which are always such fun at home. Alison suggested a walk, so off we trotted. Not a ramble of course, as it is quite built up and nothing like the centre of Oxford near her home.

#11: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:12 pm
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Thanks Mel, I'm really enjoying this as it's great to see Len experiencing normal life!

#12: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:27 am
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It would be like coming from another planet, wouldn't it?

#13: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:17 am
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It's such a culture shock for poor Len, isn't it? It would be nice to hear what the Grays say about Len when she's gone home! Thanks, Mel.

#14: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 4:22 am
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Yes, I also wonder what the Grays thought of Len - am sure it wasn't too complimentary in parts!

Thanks Mel.

#15: Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:42 am
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It must have been rather a culture shock for Len. This is really interesting! Thankyou

#16: Author: Rosie, Location: Brest. Still amuses me...

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:00 am
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Poor Len! This is brilliant! I too would love to hear the Grays' opinions of Len! Cheers Mel!

#17: Author: jonty, Location: Exeter

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:15 am
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Mel wrote:

Oddly enough, neither Alison nor Donna had read any of your books. I shall lend them the books I have brought with me.

Oh dear. I hope that doesn't spell the end of a beautiful friendship Smile

This is great, Mel.

#18: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:01 pm
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Poor Len, ordinary life must be such a shock for her.

#19: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:50 am
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*g* this is great, Mel.

#20: Author: Rob, Location: Derbyshire, England

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:41 pm
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Ooh! This is brilliant Mel!

*wonders if Mel is considering writing about Con and Margot's initiation into the real world*

#21: Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:41 pm
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Len's letter continued

We turned down a leafy road with older houses set back from the road in their own gardens. I told Alison that we had lived in a similar house in Carnbach. She wanted to know where else we had lived, besides Switzerland. So I told her that we three had been born in Guernsey, then lived in Armiford, then Carnbach, a year in Canada, then Switzerland and about the holiday house in Tyrol. She looked envious really. May I invite her to Freudesheim sometime - or Tyrol? I know she would love it and it would help her languages no end.
We strolled in a tiny park and sat on a bench near a duck-pond for a chat. Alison wants to teach Modern Languages too! After finals she wants to do a PGCE which is a post-graduate certificate in education to study teaching methods, sociology, philosophy of education and lots of other things as well as practising teaching in a real school. Then she wants to teach in a comprehensive school. Although she went to a Girls' High School herself, she wants to teach in one of the comprehensive schools that are emerging all over the country, because, she says that they are much fairer. Children go there at eleven, without paying, or taking an entrance examination, rich or poor, boys and girls, clever or not clever. I was quiet for a moment, because it did seem a very fair system. I do want to teach at the Chalet School eventually, but the PGCE seems a good thing because I know nothing about teaching and might pick up all sorts of useful ideas. And perhaps teaching at a different kind of school, such as a comprehensive, might be good for me, for a while, though I don't know what Reg would say...That afternoon gave me a great deal to think about!
After our walk I said good-bye and thank you to the Grays and set off back to college on the bus.
You will have noticed that I haven't said much about Con, as I know she will be writing with her news. Obviously I see her a great deal, such as going to Mass on Sundays and we work together most evenings. We are trying to lead separate lives as far as possible, but together we have joined a choir and an orchestra. People are most intrigued that we are triplets and want to know where our 'third' is. Oh dear, we do miss Margot so much. However we have a plan to meet sometime, as Con and I would love to see Edinburgh, perhaps for our birthday.
Heigh-ho! what a long letter! Do please pass on the enclosed tiny letters to Geoff, Phil and Claire. I have sent postcards of Oxford to Anna and Rosli. I posted letters to Felicity, Cecil, Ruey, Erica and Adrienne at school, because it is fun to get letters on the slab. Naturally, I have written to all the boys, including the Richardsons.
I can't tell you how thrilled I am at being in Oxford, except for feeling home-sick for you all in Switzerland, so thank you for making it possible.
Give my love to everyone at school and my thanks of course, and tell them I will write soon.
With all my love darlings,
Your own Len XXXXXXXXXX

#22: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:56 pm
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That was a lovely end to the letter, thank you Mel. And I'm hugely impressed and Len's letter writing ability Very Happy

#23: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 4:26 am
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Yes, I'm also impressed by her letters - did she have time to study?! Thanks, Mel.

#24: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 5:16 am
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Good to see her considering other views. A lovely letter.

Thanks Mel.

#25: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 8:44 am
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seeing England (not only is she old fashioned but also really from a different coutnry) through her eyes is interesting.
Other Cs girls must have come from regulsr enlgish homes with TVs etc and have thought the maynard home strange.
Also, Len could have been confusing to people who met her, as she looks and sounds English, but is not really

#26: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 8:31 pm
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17 letters or postcards, not counting any to Margot! (I assume she and Con have written to Margot, but Len hasn't said so.) Echoing Fatima

Quote:

Yes, I'm also impressed by her letters - did she have time to study?!

#27: Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 9:13 pm
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Thanks for the comments. The letters were a bit tongue in cheek. I remember in one of the later Swiss books either Len or Con mentions that they owe Tom Gay a letter. Now Tom left the main school when the triplets where ten. Did they really write to so many Old Girls.
Letters from Con and Margot to follow.

#28: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 6:28 pm
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Really enjoyed this. How strange Len must have felt, entering a "normal" British household!

#29: Author: JustJen, Location: sitting on the steps

Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:32 pm
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I feel so sorry for Len for having such a sheltered life and her assumptions about free schools etc.

#30: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:32 pm
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Thanks, Mel. I hope that Alison and Len will continue to get on well. It's interesting to see how Len views everything.

#31: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:26 pm
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Just found this and it is fantastic! Truly a shock for poor Len. She did lead a sheltered life!

#32: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 9:21 pm
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Laughing

at all Len's letters.

Thanks Mel, this is great. You've captured her perfectly.

#33: Letters Home - Con 20/7/06 Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:29 pm
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Letter fom Con

Darling Mamma, Papa and all the clan,
Oh, it's so lovely here; Oxford in the Autumn is just beautiful. I am loving being here, though I miss you all.
We are really getting down to hard work now that we have all settled in. I am finding the language study, especially Old English, quite fascinating and not too much of a struggle, thanks to the languages I learned at the Chalet School. The Shakespeare too, is wonderful, though some of the plays are new to me; we didn't read Romeo and Juliet or Antony and Cleopatra with either Miss Derwent or Auntie Hilda.
The other people on my course are all very friendly and we spend a lot of our time drinking coffee and talking, mainly about books. I feel as though I am not as widely read as many of the others. Perhaps you could help me, Mamma, as I am sure that you must have read everything! When I mention my own favourites, such as J.M. Barrie, Kipling and Ruskin, no-one seems very keen on them. Instead they talk about novels by writers such as D.H. Lawrence and Graham Green. A few years ago, a book by D.H. Lawrence was considered not fit for publication and there was a big court case about it. The book is called 'Lady Chatterly's Lover' - do you know it? I have bought several paperback books which are marvellous - only 3/6 or so, published by Penguin. Iris Murdoch is another novelist (people tend not to say authoress) that I have read recently. The book, called 'The Bell', was disturbing in some ways. Of course I know that most literature concerns people falling in love, but I came across the notion of a boy falling in love with another boy. How can that be? I am a little confused and wondered if either of you could help? I thought Len might understand, after all she is engaged, but she suggested that I ask you.

#34: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:35 pm
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Poor Con! Thanks, Mel, I'm really enjoying these letters.

#35: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:48 pm
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It must have been quite a shock being out in the real world after the CS.

#36: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 4:08 pm
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Thanks, Mel. I wonder how Joey will respond.

#37: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 4:17 pm
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Definitely looking forward to the Maynard response to that! Laughing

Thanks Mel.

#38: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 9:26 am
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Looking forward to Jack and Jo's answer!

I read The Bell on holiday last year and loved it!

#39: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 3:17 pm
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Gosh, I'm not quite sure how the Maynards are going to respond to these letters!

Thanks Mel Very Happy

#40: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 8:34 pm
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KathrynW wrote

Quote:

Gosh, I'm not quite sure how the Maynards are going to respond to these letters!

Hotfoot it back to Britan to rescue their daughters?!

#41: Author: Rosie, Location: Brest. Still amuses me...

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 9:02 pm
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Oh I'd love to see Jo and Jack's faces when they read that! Hehehehee!

Thanks Mel!

#42: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 10:11 pm
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Brilliant Mel! Brilliant!

(starting chant for more, and what has Margot been up to?) Smile

#43: Letters Home Len/Con/Margot 24/07/06 Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:09 am
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Letter from Con continued

I have made two very jolly new friends : Sarah Wells who comes from the North of England and is sensible and forthright. Also Katy Newsome who is American, loves everything English and calls my hairstyle 'real quaint'! We have become quite a trio, which, to me, feels very comfortable.
Last week they persuaded me to go to a dance, or discotheque they call it. Apparently, it's the kind of dance that anyone may attend; one doesn't need a partner or escort. I wasn't sure what to wear, so asked the girls over to my room to have a look at my yellow silk, which seemed just right, as this dance was not a ball, so no need for an evening gown. Do you remember buying it last summer, Mamma, from Tante Sophie's store in Innsbruck? You chose pink for Len, yellow for me and of course, blue for Margot. The girls thought it a pretty frock (or rather, dress,as no one uses the word frock now) but they both agreed that it needed to be shorter. I have noticed that girls wear very short skirts and dresses so I have shortened it. It now looks 'fab' which is the current word! Actually, it isn't silk but nylon.
On Saturday evening, the two of them arrived early because they wanted to make me up. As you know, I use a light dusting of powder and pink lipstick occasionally, but they applied eyeshadows in purples and greens, mascara, foundation, powder, rouge and lipstick! I was reminded of the Millies' pantomime when I played the Fairy Queen! To complete the look, they persuaded me to keep my hair loose. Sarah's brown hair is always long and loose, though Katy's blonde hair is short and curly - sometimes! I was amazed when she told me that she curled it.

#44: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:53 am
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It's nice to see Con having some fun!

#45: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:13 pm
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Thanks, Mel. I'm glad that Con has made friends.

#46: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:49 pm
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It sounds like Con is having a great time Very Happy

Thanks Mel, it's fab to see more of this

#47: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:19 pm
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I can just imagine Jo's reaction to Con's news about the short skirts and make-up.

#48: Author: JustJen, Location: sitting on the steps

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:51 pm
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Jo must be turning purple right now..

#49: Author: Nic, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:48 pm
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Can you imagine Joey in a disco?! Wink

please write her response it would be hilarious!!!

#50: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 4:57 pm
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Good for Con - this is the era of rock and roll - after all! Laughing

Thanks Mel.

#51: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:09 pm
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Laughing

thanks Mel

#52: Author: Changnoi, Location: Milwaukee, USA

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:28 pm
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Oh, Mel, I am very much enjoying this!

I especially like Con's point about not being widely-read. I wonder how she will react when she gets to James Joyce.

Chang

#53: Letters Home Len/Con/Margot Updated 25/07/06 Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:57 pm
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Letter form Con continued

I didn't know what to expect at the discotheque, though I knew it wouldn't be 'Shepherds'Hey' or 'Green Broom' but I did expect waltzes and polkas. It took place in a cellar or dungeon, very shabby, but with brilliant and gorgeous lighting - very theatrical and effective, but making it difficult to see. There was no orchestra, but a band of young men playing guitar and timpani and singing into electric microphones. At first it seemed hideously loud, but I got used to it and the rhythm was compelling. To dance, the girls form into groups and jig about to the music. Rather fun. It was difficult to talk, but Katy told me that the band was a group called 'The Cooks', which seemd an odd name, but then I saw that the name was painted onto the largest drum: 'The Kooks' which seemed even odder and perhaps a misspelling. Katy had obviously heard them before, as she told me that they compose some of their own songs or sing early 'Beetles' or 'Stones' songs which didn't mean much to me.
After we had been dancing a while, three young men came to dance with us. It was so loud at that time, so I expect they couldn't actually ask us to dance. They pointed to the end of the cellar where they were serving refreshments, so we three followed. It was fairly quiet in this part, so we were able to introduce ourselves and their names were Tim, Simon and Peter. I chose lemonade, the boys had beer (and Sarah!) while Katy had something called 'coke' which sounded horrid as though it should stoke a boiler. Actually it was Coca Cola - do you remember how the boys loved it on holiday last year?
The boys are all freshers like us and very jolly. They have invited us out for a drink next week in a pub and I am quite happy to go along, but should I ask for alcohol? If so what? You have allowed Len, Margot and I to have a glass of wine occasionally and I know you offer sherry to guests and that Papa likes a glass of beer sometimes, but none of those seem quite right.
As you can see from all this, lots of new experiences are coming my way, which is good if I want to be a writer, which I do, of course. I have been very strict with myself about writing so that my work doesn't suffer!
It is wonderful having Len here, though we try to lead separate lives. We have joined a choir and an orchestra together, but I am determined to pluck up the courage to joins OUDS which might be too grand for me, but I don't mind working back-stage. I must see some plays! Oxford Rep is pretty good and I want to see everything! We both miss Margot of course (and Len misses Reg) but we are planning something for our birthday.
Please give all my love to everyone and tell them that I will write individually as soon as I can.
Lots of love and kisses,
Con.

#54: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 8:04 pm
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well thats not going to go down to well with jo! Mel you have to let us see jos reaction!! please, pretty please!! Laughing

#55: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 8:33 pm
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Hmmmm, wonder what Joey's reaction will be? Yet it should be anticipated - after all they must have known that she couldn't be sheltered once at uni.

Thanks Mel.

#56: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:19 pm
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Thanks, Mel. I am also really wanting to see Jo's reaction.

#57: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 4:26 am
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Yes, I think a nice letter from Jo would be wonderful! I'm so pleased that Con's getting the chance to make friends and let her hair down (literally as well as metaphorically!). Thanks Mel.

#58: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 11:26 am
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Thanks, Mel. Also waiting to see Jo's reaction!

#59: Author: Eilidh, Location: North Lanarkshire

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:12 pm
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I love these letters! Do we get Margot next? I can't wait to hear what she's been up to!

#60: Author: RroseSelavy, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:38 pm
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I've just found these and they're great Mel! I loved the image of Con glammed up at a disco. I do hope their fellow students understand their Maynard-ish ways.

#61: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 1:07 pm
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Sounds like Con is having a wonderful time!

Thanks, Mel

#62: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 11:54 am
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What I'm really waiting for is the letter from Margot.

#63: Letters home Len/Con/Margot Updated 31/7/06 Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 3:52 pm
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Letter from Margot

Dear Father, Mother and all the clan!
Greetings from the frozen North! Not really, but there is a definite tang in the air. I'll answer your questions first. Yes, I am eating properly, wrapping up warmly and working hard. Father will know exactly how hard we poor medics work in the first year. It is all marvellous and fascinating, so I'm gobbling it all up.
The medics are a really decent crowd too, not at all stuffy and with more boys than girls of course. We are all pally and spend a great deal of time at the weekends exploring Edinburgh, which is magnificent, especially the castle and all the steep and crooked streets of the Old Town. On Saturday we tackled Arthur's Seat which gave tremendous views across to the sea.
We were starving when we descended, so can you guess what we had for supper? Fish and chips out of a newspaper! Absolutely delicious! Food in Hall is filling and plentiful, but nothing like Anna's cooking (or Karen's) so we often eat out and it is great fun choosing what to eat and where to go. Something I love is Chinese food, which one can eat in a restaurant or all wrapped up in wee boxes and packets to take away.

#64: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 4:21 pm
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Margot sounds happy and settled, even though she's away from her sisters. Thanks Mel.

#65: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:35 pm
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Margot sounds very happy. I'm glad. But surely there's something waiting round the corner ready to surprise her?

(Living in hope)

Smile

#66: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:39 pm
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Ah, fish'n'chips from a newspaper. You don't get that anymore!

#67: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 6:02 pm
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Margot sounds as though she's settling in well.

Thanks Mel.

#68: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:48 pm
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Thanks, Mel. I'm glad that Margot is having a good time.

#69: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 6:13 pm
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all this eating out probably costs money that she may not have

#70: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 9:42 pm
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Just discovered this and loving it...so hope you are going to give us the replies!

#71: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:44 pm
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Carolyn P wrote:

Just discovered this and loving it...so hope you are going to give us the replies!

Ooo - I hope so too!

Thanks, Mel. Very Happy

#72: Author: Sandra, Location: Oxfordshire

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:36 pm
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Please may we have some more? I'm asking nicely and even Miss Annersley couldn't complain about my construction

#73: Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:09 pm
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I have just found this and it is brilliant, thank you. Any chance of some more soon?

#74: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:10 pm
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Only just discovered this one and loving it! *echoes Elle and Sandra* Please may we have some more?

#75: Author: Kat, Location: Kingston-upon-Thames/Swansea

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:25 pm
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Thank you Mel, these are brilliant!

Hope we're allowed some more soon Very Happy

#76: Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:41 pm
—
The rest of Margot's letter...

There are some very interesting people in Uni. In the lab I work with a lovely girl called Nisha who comes from India. She wears a full sari (under her lab-coat!) and I discovered that she is Hindu. David, another member of the group, is Jewish, and in second year there is a young man who is a Sikh. I became so interested that I have joined a kind of multi-cultural society where every week someone gives a presentation about their country of origin, culture and religion. Not only interesting, but helpful to my future life, because I think that it should be medical rather than evangelical.

I am not neglecting my own church-going though. On Sunday evenings I go to the Catholic Chaplaincy, which is great fun. The chaplain, Father Tony is very young and lively. For Mass, we drag armchairs into a semi-circle and Father T. wears the most gaudy vestments which were given to him when he was in Africa. The choir is really a group of students who sing folksy-type hymns, some of which they have composed themselves and accompanied by guitars. I would love to play the guitar. My viola wouldn't fit in somehow! I asked if I could join the choir - and I'm in, as they think my voice isn't too dusty.

Great news! Len and Con are coming up to Edinburgh for our birthday! I'm longing to see them. Luckily, two of the girls in my Hall are going on a Geography Field Trip that weekend and kindly offered to lend their rooms. We are going to ring you at Freudesheim after six on the evening of 5th November, so do stay by the telephone.

Please give my love to everyone at home and at school. I will try to send the kids something, but it might not be more than a postcard.

Lots and lots of love,
Margot
xxx

#77: Author: Kat, Location: Kingston-upon-Thames/Swansea

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:51 pm
—
Good for Margot!

Thanks, Mel! Very Happy

#78: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:14 pm
—
Sounds like Margot's settling in well.

Thanks, Mel Very Happy

#79: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:31 pm
—
Margot seems to be having a great time. Nice to hear her so bubbly and enthusiastic.

Thanks, Mel.

#80: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 11:08 pm
—
Glad Margot's enjoying herself.

Thanks Mel.

#81: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:01 pm
—
These are so much fun! I would so love to be the proverbial fly on the wall when the letters reach the Maynard household. I wonder how much would be *censored* from the little uns?

Thanks Mel.

#82: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:17 pm
—
It's nice to see Margot so happy. Thanks Mel.

#83: Author: Changnoi, Location: Milwaukee, USA

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 4:37 pm
—
Oh, this is very sweet. I really enjoy seeing Margot settle in so well. And I like Con's asking what she ought to order in a pub. It's completely the kind of thing that I can see her wondering about, but I do have to wonder what Joey would say!

Chang

#84: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:29 pm
—
I hope Joey will be understanding. It's a real pity she didn't get to go to university, isn't it? I wonder how different her life would have been.

Thanks Mel. Smile

#85: Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 8:54 pm
—
Joey's Reply

My darlings,

Hello to my big girls! Notice the lovely typed letter? I asked Auntie Rosalie to do it for me as her typing is so much neater than mine - she's lucky not to be scatty and creative like me and probably isn't as busy. Also she can use carbon paper, that's why one letter can be sent to Oxford and one to Edinburgh (Con may share Len's).
It was lovely to read all your news about your busy lives. You are so lucky, as I didn't have the opportunity to go to University, so do make the most of it,

#86: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:19 pm
—
If I were Rosalie I'd have slapped Joey - and definitely wouldn't have typed up her letter! Shocked

#87: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:33 pm
—
Thanks, Joey. I'm sorry that Joey gave Rosalie extra work.

#88: Author: Changnoi, Location: Milwaukee, USA

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:54 pm
—
Joey's reply seems rather short Laughing

At least she knows she's scatty.

Chang

#89: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:55 pm
—
Poor Rosalie - "probably isn't as busy" indeed! & Jo hasn't taken the time to write very much!

#90: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:58 pm
—
I can't believe that she described the letter as Len's - and Con could "share" it. Poor Con, she's so neglected.

Thanks Mel!

#91: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:11 pm
—
Goodness, I hope she at least scribbled some personal notes to go in with it! Margot might not want Len and Con knowing the answers to some of her questions and vice versa!

Thanks, Mel

#92: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:32 am
—
Joey needs a good smack from Rosalie and her triplets! Len's letter! Carbon paper! Not as busy! Joey needs to wake up!

#93: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 1:31 pm
—
Laughing

But can't you just imagine her doing that?!
Thanks Mel.

#94: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:42 pm
—
And the crack about Rosalie not being creative!!!

Thanks Mel.

#95: Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:44 am
—
Joey's Reply - continued

Len - I'm happy to hear that you are working hard as always and will be glad to see your friend if you want to bring her to Freudesheim. As you know, I haven't the slightest use for snobs and never will. As for your doing a PGCE (whatever is that?) and teaching in England for a while, I don't know what Reg will think of that! It will mean leaving your wedding until your mid-twenties, which isn't a good idea.

Con - I couldn't understand all your letter, but it is nonsense to say that you are not well-read! Auntie Hilda and I have seen to that! Remember that if you leave your hair loose you will have frightful tangles at bed-time. Just do your best to fit in if you must, but remember the standards you learned at the Chalet School.

Margot - I hope you are not taking on too much and are being careful. I know that you are no longer delicate - my Bouncing Bet in fact! I still worry about you. You seem to be developing some interesting ideas. Good for you! As for your Indian friend, tell her that your Mamma was in India before the war and knows all about it. I actually met some local folk too and can speak some Hindi.

(To be continued)

#96: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:47 am
—
Aww, I think that's rather sweet. She's like an elderly aunt, isn't she - so out of touch!

Thanks Mel!

#97: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:49 am
—
I suppose she's never really lived in the real world - the only people she ever sees are from either the School or the San!

#98: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:58 am
—
She's making an effort though, which I wasn't sure she would from the whole carboncopy joint letter. Maybe the triplets will end up teaching her something modern life in the UK.

Thanks, Mel Very Happy

#99: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:32 pm
—
Yes, it's good to see her trying to understand and offering advice instead of pouring scorn on it all.

#100: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:33 pm
—
Thanks, Mel. I would love to see the triplets teaching Joey about living in the modern world!

#101: Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 7:10 pm
—
Joey's Reply continued

I was disappointed not to hear about any Old Girls in your letters: surely you have been in touch with some of them? What a pity that Mary-Lou wasn't at Oxford during your time there. She could have looked after Len and Con at least. However, I have some very exciting news about Mary-Lou. She is off to Egypt next month, part of Profesor Hetherinton's team of archaeologists. Stacie tells me that he is very eminent in in his field, so Mary-Lou is quite honoured, as she should be of course. I'm sure it won't be long before we hear of some great discovery found by Miss Trelawny! Now girls, you must all find time to write to her - even you Margot! You all know just how important she is to our familyand what you owe her.

To be continued.

#102: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:34 pm
—
I bet Len and Con are very glad Mary Lou was not at Oxford with them!

#103: Author: kimothy, Location: Glasgow

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:07 pm
—
definetly agrees with sue!

#104: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:48 pm
—
Me too Laughing

#105: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:23 am
—
Yes, I was imagining feelings of relief on that score, too!
Thanks Mel.

#106: Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:05 am
—
Joey's Reply continued

You will be pleased to hear that the boys are all fine, even Mike seems to be settling, judging by his half-term report. Felicity misses you, but feels very important at being the oldest Maynard at the Chalet School and looks after Cecil, now a Junior, like a mother hen. Geoff and Phil are loving St Nicholas House and my youngest soon is finally learning to read! With all the others at school during the day, I have only Baby Claire to play with! Heigh-ho! I'm looking forward to having everyone home for Christmas. What about the Tiernse this year? I know you all love the skating, and so do I.

The school is flourishing as ever and I have had the new girls to tea as usual. Rather a quiet group this year. Ruey took charge, looking very grown-up as a responsible prefect. Adrienne is working as hard as ever. She is so anxious to be a credit to her Auntie Rob whom she resembles more and more. Even that little feather-head Erica has not been in any major rows lately, though she produced some quite remarkable scones in Cookery last week. She decided to add sugar to her cheese scone mixture, which didn't please Frau Mieders at all!

You can be sure that Papa and I will be waiting for your call on your birthday! Your presents are packed and ready and will be posted in good time. It might be a good idea to send them all to Edinburgh, then you can open them together.

I must finish now as I promised Auntie Hilda that I would pop over for elevenses as she wants my advice over some new dormitory curtains and I can post your letters on the way.
Good-bye for now my darlings.
God bless,
from your loving Mamma
xxx
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#107: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:28 am
—
That was a nice ending to the letter. Thanks, Mel.

#108: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:30 am
—
Thanks Mel.

#109: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:58 am
—
Jo's heart is in the right place however much we all moan about her and that shows so well at the end there. Thanks Mel.

#110: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 3:06 pm
—
Are we sure Hilda wants Jo's advice on dormy curtains?!

A very sweet lettter though - thank you Mel

#111: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:51 pm
—
Thanks, Mel. I wonder why Len and Con haven't been to see Mary-Lou! Rolling Eyes

I hope they enjoy their birthday.

#112: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:39 pm
—
She is very out-of-touch, isn't she? And I do wonder if the triplets also feel it's such a hardship that Mary Lou wasn't there for them! It was rather a sweet letter, all the same.

*Cannot imagine Hilda ever worrying about dormitory curtains*

Thanks Mel.

#113: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:06 pm
—
Why can't she phone them on their birthday - they're the broke students!

A wonderful mixture of loving mother and annoyingness in there!

Thanks, Mel Very Happy

#114: Author: Mel, Location: UP NORTH

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 6:01 pm
—
If I remember correctly, student Halls had one communal telephone, which was difficult for incoming calls. Maybe the triplets will reverse the charges. Thanks for the comments.

#115: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:35 pm
—
Thanks Mel! Smile

That was a lovely ending.

#116: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:43 pm
—
Very chucklesome! I remember when my crew first went off (though not all at once) and I understood about one word in three of what they wrote - and I've had a 'normal' life. Poor Jo!

I love the idea of Hilda bothering about the dormitory curtains and needing Jo's advice.

#117: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 1:23 pm
—
Thanks Mel, I really enjoyed seeing Joey's letter - it was very sweet and motherly Very Happy

#118: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 1:57 pm
—
Thanks Mel, I liked Joey's character in the final post.

The CBB -> St Scholastika's House

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