»  Letter: Monday, September 30, 1974

 

—————————

  Transcription of Letter

From
M^rs J.R. Derbyshire
62, Friars Avenue
Delapre
Northampton
England

To
M^r John Derbyshire Bsc.
57, North Perkins Avenue
Elmsford    N.Y. 10523
    U.S.A.

30.9.74

My dearest son,

how lovely it was to chat to you I felt I could reach out & touch you, I couldn't believe you are 3000 miles away. So many things I wanted to say. Anyway, it was great. I felt sad afterwards to think you have to do washing & get your own meal & wished I could do it for you. Perhaps next year I could come, have a few days with you, go by train across U.S.A & then fly to Honolulu, Judy said you & they would help with fare, wouldn't that be great. Of course a lot depends on Dad's state, I couldn't leave him if he gets frail or sick. Some days he's fine & others I worry. I've been to a funeral today. The husband of a friend died, he was 56 yrs old, had cancer. It was very sad, a bugler sounded the Last Post,^[1] as he had served in the War & belonged to "Telavera" Unit^[2] at Wooton. It depressed me no end but its a lovely day & I intend to do a bit of gardening when I've done this.

By the way love, Allan left a beautiful "Daks" suit here, said I could sell it & keep the money, but I wondered if it would be any use to you. He paid £58 for it from Swanns. I've taken the trousers to the cleaners, but its like new. Its a soft brownish colour with a yellow waistcoat back vent & very smart. If you think it would do you, let me know, otherwise I shall advertise it, Uncle Fred says I could ask £20 easily. However if you want it love, I'll send it Air Mail, so let me know soon.

No news from them this last week. They have a house, so waiting now to see what jobs they get. We get very lonely, but don't worry. if you think you will have problems getting in & out, stay put. We are really fine. Have the usual political carry on with the Election^[3] coming up. I am getting rid of your bed & making the room into a sewing room & retreat for me, shall get a folding bed I can use. You have my room when you come. Have to get new specs, I left mine in Adnitts & somebody pinched them!!

Love Mum &  X  Dad  X