BMS/CWK/95/22a/5

Envelope and letter from Bessie Kaye to her parents. Sent from Newnham College, Cambridge

24 Feb 1918

From: 1918 To: 1918

Thanks parents for letter and parcel. 'I wish father would get rid of Mr. Griffin; he is a horrid man.' Has been to rowing coaching. 'It looks so odd to see black men rowing...Of course the black men and Japanese are always very noticeable' Another afternoon has been taken for digging as they have started turning one of the lawns into a potato patch. It is sad to see the grass being taken away, but it is patriotic. Yesterday was 'Common', 'where we cease to be freshers and become first years - not that it makes the slightest practical difference.' As everyone could not dine together, Miss Stephen went round to all the halls and had a course in each. After dinner went to College Hall and for 2 hours there were speeches on the history of the College 'I have never been more bored in my life.' Dancing followed. Next week Melba and Lady Tree are performing at the Guildhall. Writer cannot decide whether to go 'everyone says Melba is not worth going to and yet I should like to hear her.' Describes lectures given by 'Q' regarding Thomas Hardy and Mathew Arnold. Has just arranged to take the 'trip' [tripos?] in 2 years, section B in 1919 and section A in 1920. Explains this decision.

item

Kaye, Bessie,
Griffin,
Melba, Nellie,
Tree

family correspondence, World War One, Cambridge University, Cambridge Newnham College, rowing, concerts, potatoes, ethnic minorities, literature