Reference
AU10/102/1/96
Title
Handwritten letter
Date free text
16 February 1959
Production date
From: 1959 To: 1959
Scope and Content
"The pullover arrived this morning, and I rushed to try it on! It seems to me to fit perfectly - the length is just right - and I have no comments to make except that I like it very much indeed, and that I now look forward to displaying it on me to the Castle inmates! You have not told me how much the wool cost. I told you I would pay for it. Meanwhile, I see the postage was 1/6d and by a coincidence I received this morning the enclosed postal order from Yorkshire: so you are evidently intended to have them. I had written for a copy of my birth certificate in connection with some Bank business: and I sent 1/6d too much.
I had a really wonderful birthday. My guest for the weekend was one Hugo Stafford-Northcote, a brother of Lord Iddesleigh, who was at New College with me more than 30 years ago. I meet him at the annual college dinner at the Savoy, but Hugo I had not seen for 10 years, as he has been in USA and Australia. He is several years younger than Iddesleigh and myself, and lost his wife in tragic circumstances (a motor accident) four years ago. It was nice to celebrate our reunion on my 60th birthday. I had a cocktail party (6 to 8) and had about 20 guests. It was after 10 before they got away, and Hugo and I settled down to cold chicken and salad in the kitchen. My castle neighbours were most kind and gave me flowers in pots (which I hope to train to bloom again and again), and I had a cake in the shape of a heart, covered in green marzipan, and adorned with 60 pink hearts, and arrows and what-not. There is very little left of it now!
You seem to be battling with epidemics. There is nothing of the kind here - the sea air, I suppose. It is a wonderfully healthy climate - I have had not trace of cold so far - not even my old enemy tonsilitis! Valder sent me the parish mag. this morning. I like the Rector's description of Christmas Eve - it certainly is a lovely setting, and brought back memories of my Christmases at Ampthill. Valder says he will be 82 on the 27th. I am glad your father has had a revival. As for Aunt Eva, she is like Miss Eagles' two sisters - likely to go on for ever! I suppose our turn will eventually come, and we can be cantankerous in our turn. You, at any rate, have plenty of relations to be a nuisance to!
You ask about the car. I don't use it a great deal in the winter, apart from the odd bits of shopping, and driving guests to the station. I prefer to walk over the cliffs to B'stairs or Cliftonville. It will have plenty of exercise when, and if, warmer days come when I can push the hood back. It is a smart-looking turn-out, and nice to drive: and very useful to take people staying here to Canterbury and Dover, and such local places of interest.
I see the railway station business is very much in the news, but I should say it is doomed, wouldn't you? I must remember to thank you for your card and birthday greeting. I will re-pack the pullover later and get it off to you tomorrow. I shall be writing letter solidly till Wednesday I expect.
Yours sincerely,"
Level of description
item