Interesting Stories and Notes

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 'A Life of Lily' 

CHAPTER 12

 The last 30 years (1960 onwards)

When our two sons were courting we used to take them out sometimes for a meal.   One night we went to see Show Boat.   We all sat at a table ready for our meal.  Since I had seen the how before I changed seats with Barbara. She ordered Dover Sole. Unfortunately, our table had a very old man as the waiter, who had the shakes.   He accidentally dropped the fish straight into Barbara's lap.  The Head Waiter came over and sponged down Barbara's dress.  He told her to send it to the cleaners and send them the bill.   That was not all.  A nearby table had a bottle of champagne.  When the cork was popped it flew over and hit Reg on the back of the neck.  He said that he thought he had been shot.   We all had a good laugh and enjoyed ourselves dancing a lot.

On another night we went up the Post Office Tower for a meal.   As the lift doors opened at the top of the tower the lights of London spread out before us.  A wonderful sight.

One night we went to see Eartha Kitt in a cabaret.  We had a meal first and then Eartha sang   'An old fashioned girl with a millionaire'.     Bill fell asleep and was snoring so we had to kick his ankles to wake him up. Very embarrassing.   Then we went onto the dance floor to finish a wonderful evening.

We saw many other shows; Tommy Steele in Half a Sixpence, Anthony Newly in Stop the World I want to get off.

My eldest son, Bill, courted Alice from the time they were at Preston Manor School together.  Alice went to Reading University and when they had finished their studies they decide to marry.   They were 22 years old then. It was a very special day for both sets of parents.  Bill and Alice looked smashing and so much in love.

The funny thing was that I bought my hat at Hounslow and Alice's Mum bought hers in Wembley.   They were exclusive models, but they were identical apart from the colour, one pink and the other blue.   When we saw each other we both said, "Snap," and had a good laugh about it.  After the wedding we had our photos taken and it seems that I have a pair of wings sprouting fr6m my shoulders where I stood in front of an arched gate.

It was only a small reception but as Alice was the only daughter her parents were very kind to them both.  Alice and Bill did not want a large wedding.  The only thing that we bought was the three-tier wedding cake. Believe me that cake was cut and sent to relatives all round the world in little wedding boxes.   The happy couple went on their way for their honeymoon.

When they came back they had a large room to live in, but with a very tiny oven.   They were very happy there until they moved into their house.   Our daughter-in-law is very kind and good to us. She is now a social worker and my son is a lecturer.

My youngest son, Reg, met Barbara when he was visiting my Mum in her top floor flat in Clapham.  He was sent down to the cellar to fetch some coal. Barbara lived downstairs but was in bed with flu.  He said that he felt sorry for her and they chatted each other up.

They were married a year after Bill and had a large white wedding. Barbara's Mum made the dresses and Barbara looked smashing, as did the bridesmaids. They made a lovely pair and it was a happy day for us all.  It was a big reception with plenty to eat and drink and a band. . We helped Barbara's Mum with the reception. In the cine films of the reception all you can see of me is my head going backwards and forwards as I answer questions.

When they left for their honeymoon they didn't have much time to catch their plane. Unfortunately, they were caught in a radar trap as they were speeding to the Airport. After much note taking they were told to go on their way and have a good time. Smiles all round and Reg replied, "Thank you very much." He returned to a summons and it was said that he was sarcastic.  It was soon forgotten and things settled down to normal. 

Barbara is a very down to earth person, and is very kind and good to us.  We are proud to call her our daughter-in-law.

We often used to go and see Reg when he had a go-carting craze.  He was very good at it.

Some times my Bill and I would go dog racing at Slough or Wimbledon.   I used to be very lucky doing the reverse forecast (picking two numbers out of six) at Slough, not so lucky at Wimbledon.  When I was at Slough I used to back a dog called Valley every time it ran.   One day we went and it was the outsider at twenty to one, so I thought I would do it again for the last time. It was the first race so I put a pound on him.  We had quite a bit of a row as Bill told me I was chucking my money away for nothing.  We often sat next to the same people.    This time they were standing and cheering, saying, "Come on Valley you can do it."   It skated home.  They turned to me and said, "Did you do it?"  I said, "Yes, that bloody dog has cost me pounds over the years."   She then said, "That dog happens to belong to me. Anyway we went and got our winnings and had a slap up evening meal in the restaurant.

My husband had a system. He would watch the dogs to see if any had a shit while they were parading.  If a dog had done so he would bet on it.   The system worked for a time but unfortunately sometimes more than one dog would perform, so bang went his bet.

One day we went to the Timber Carriage Pub to have a drink with our friends. I used to love playing darts.  I considered myself quite a good player, partnering my husband.   When like a silly cow I went to the dartboard to tell him where he had to throw for a double nine.  Before I could take my finger away the dart flew and went through my finger and pinned it to the dartboard.   Didn't half hurt at the time.

We often used to go to the Carlton Hotel in London with some Masonic friends to dine and then dance.  Once we went and it was announced that there would be a present for the happiest couple that finished under the spot light. The spotlight circled around and yes you've guessed, it finished shining on us.  So we had to go, everybody cheering, to receive the present, a large bar of scented soap with a blue rabbit shaped sponge for me and a pair of silver cuff links for Bill.

Another time it was a Scottish dance and they came in playing the bagpipes and later carrying a haggis.   The Scots people there ate it up.   On other times we used to go to Diamond Lil near London Airport.   It was a Canadian affair, all the staff wearing cowboy boots and clothes.  The meal there was more than you could eat.  The dance floor was sandy and we used to shuffle around to the tune of 'Tie a ribbon round the old oak tree'.   In between Diamond Lil with her feathers in her hair and sparkles in her blue velvet dress used to sing.  We had good times there.

When the boys were young we had a snooker table in the front sitting room.  One day as the men were playing snooker I thought I would try my hand at it.  Well you can guess what happened.  I tried but the balls went everywhere, onto the floor instead of the holes, and I even managed to scoop the cue ball onto the wall above the fireplace. The men said, "You haven't got a clue."      I replied, "What did I play with? A broom handle?"  We all had a good laugh about that.

As I have written about a parrot and dog I thought I had better tell you about the mynah bird, black with a yellow coloured beak. Reg brought him home and we had him hanging in his cage in the kitchen.  We used to feed him with lots of grapes but we were disappointed that we couldn't get him to talk or swear. He used to screech and we had to put a towel over him at night to shut him up.

My husband was a perfect gentleman; he always was kind and thoughtful, full of life and a very, very good father to his two sons.  He was very good to my parents.  My Dad used to tell him he was better to them than his sons, jokingly of course.  While we were in the shop he used to take me up to see them on Wednesdays (half day closing). I used to bring back washing and on Sunday take it back and help to clean up for them.

When my parents' 60th anniversary wedding day (1967) was approaching the family agreed that they would all help towards a little surprise party for them.  They had all their eight children round them. Also, my Dad's sister, Eadie, and a few friends.   They had flowers, cards and also a few telegrams sent to them; even one from Buckingham Palace! Never had so much in their lives, but both of them deserved it. There was plenty to eat and drink, also a large cake with 60 small candles. A good time was had by all.  In the evening we all sang the old songs, Mum and Dad's favourite 'She's my Annie, I'm her Joe; soon we'll marry never more to part; little Annie is my sweetheart'.   (Their names were Annie and Joe).  It was worth every moment to see the pleasure in their faces.   When it was time to take our leave they both couldn't thank us all, there were tears in their eyes.

My Dad died in 1967 aged 82 and my Mum died a year later also aged 82.  A sad loss to us all.

My brothers, Joe and Tom, carried on living in the house together.  After a year my brother Joe died, which was very sad for me.   Well, Tom was left in a big house, which he couldn't afford to run so, as I had a spare small bedroom above the shop in Hayes, he came to live with me.  He was a soldier in the 1939- 1945 war. He was no trouble, always very clean and honest, and well liked by all who knew him.    I had him with me for seventeen years, as he never got married.  The only thing that aggrieved me was that he used to spend about two hours in the bathroom to get ready to go out.

Sometimes Tom and me would go to the races at Ascot or Epsom.  We agreed that if either of us won then he/she would pay for the evening meal out. We used to do the Tote Double, you bet on two horses and if the first one wins the winnings go on the second horse.

Once when Tom, Bill and me went to the races we had won five pounds between us before the last race.  They told me to put the money on the favourite.   I said I wanted to back a horse ridden by Ron Hutchinson.  "Don't be daft," they said, "you will be chucking our money away."   So I went to the Bookie but only put four pounds on the favourite, and one pound on Hutchinson's horse.

As it was the last race and the crowd was thinning out I was able to run along the rails shouting, "Come on Hutchie, you can do it!"  He did, first past the winning post at 33 to 1.  I was so excited that I rushed back to Bill and Tom and said, "I have backed the winner."  They didn't believe me and snatched the ticket.  They then had the cheek to say, "You silly cow.   Why didn't you put five pounds on it?"  We had a slap up meal on the way home.

After Billy and Alice had been married about three years and got into their own house, we were told the glad news that shortly we would become Grandparents.    We were all very excited and couldn't wait for the baby to be born.  Yes, Carolyn was a lovely chubby and cuddlesome baby.   Very contented, with big brown eyes. We got great enjoyment watching her antics growing up.   She was a good little eater.  She played with her toys, and would fall asleep in the garden.  We use to push her in her pram to the shops and when she started walking, pushing her and her walker round and round.  Too soon she had to go to school and came home with photos of her uniform. Pleased as punch so we all bought one.  She was very clever at school and later became head girl and passed on to University, and got her degree.  Then she had to start work and must say she deserves all that she gets.  She now has got her own house near Leeds.  She has always been a kind and helpful grand­daughter to us.  Well done Carolyn.

Now after about eighteen months Alice again was pregnant.  We were all hoping it would be a little boy.  We were excited just like when she had the first child.  Well it was a boy; he was gorgeous with blue eyes and fair hair and a cheeky smile.   Both his parents and us (now called Nan and Pop) fell over ourselves with joy, so they both had playmates.   As usual they both wanted the same toys to play with when they could walk so there were a few tears now and again.  Soon it was time for him to go to school.  He was also a clever boy and became head boy.   He was always interested in the lighting on the stage and we went to see him in a play at school and he was outstanding.   He also went to Reading University.  He is quite a nice young man now and he works with computers.  He is a black belt at karate. He is kind and thoughtful and nice to his parents and kind to us.  So we say, "Well done Billy and keep up the good work."

About seventeen months later Alice found that she was again pregnant, but rest assured the baby would be loved by us all, the same as the other two grandchildren.  Well the happy day arrived but she was a very small baby and was taken to hospital for a little time. Anyway she soon came home and she had lovely dark hair and large brown eyes.  She was an expert at pushing her trolley around, and soon grew up and became a big happy child. Soon it was time for her to go to school (by the way they all went to the same school) but she had to struggle a bit more than her brother and sister but she persevered and did as well as them and also got to University. She has grown up into a nice considerate lady, thoughtful and polite to everyone and is well liked at her work.  She is a sports girl, plays hockey, football and karate. Loves football as she now works for Watford Football club. She tells me she knows a lot of different footballers.  Also she went to Elton John's house for his party and explained it was a smashing affair.  Everyone there got a present, a great big fluffy pair of slippers like a football.  Should have been a boy, but we all love her.  A smashing girl.  Good luck always.

I told my son to put a knot in it after having three children so quick.  They never had any more

After Reg. and Barbara came home from their honeymoon they went home to their own house. Reg continued to help us in the shop for some time.  He then ventured out to go into the sales business and is now one of the top salesmen.  He has done very well.

It was ten years before we were told that Barbara was carrying and we were overjoyed. Adam had lovely blue eyes and fair hair.  He was the image of his Dad, but Reg always used to joke,   "If I get hold of the so-and-so I will wring his neck."

Unfortunately, Adam couldn't keep his milk down so he had to have a small operation on his insides. He soon came home again and was in the pink of condition.   He was soon a bouncing contented and happy baby.  When he started walking he used to push a toy milk float round and round the room.  I used to say, "Here comes the Galloping Major."   He loved playing with his toys, teddy bear and bricks etc.

Then came the time to go to school. He went to a private school for infants and had a red jacket, grey trousers and a little satchel. He was as proud as Punch of his outfit. After his parents moved he went to a school near Chorley Wood before going to a College in Slough where he studied business.

Adam has always been car mad and can tell you any make of car. He is an excellent diver and swimmer.  He has turned out to have a very nice disposition, is a happy and caring young lad, especially to me. I'm very proud of you, well done.

Not long after Tom retired from work he had to go into hospital with a bad hip.  He had been walking about in agony for some time. They said that he had had a thrombosis. He went back to the hospital later and this time they told him that he had cancer. Poor thing. We looked after him for nine months at home.  A nurse used to come in to bath him. He lost weight and couldn't speak. We put him to bed at night and gave him a bell to ring.  The night he died he called out as plain as anybody could,  "Lil, Lil." We jumped out of bed but he died five minutes later. It was a happy release for him but very sad for us. He was 69 and was cremated at Garston.

I miss him, a good brother, very thoughtful to his parents and to me.

At this time we would go to one son on Christmas Day and to the other one on Boxing Day.   All of them were very kind to us, helpful in every way.   Very good daughter-in-laws. 

On our silver wedding we were presented with a silver tray. On our Ruby wedding we were presented with 6 small red glasses and six wine glasses on stems.

But on our 50th Golden Wedding my children and daughters-in-law and four grand children and friends were there to celebrate with us both.  We had a fabulous time at the Ladbrook Hotel, Watford.  A nice meal, flowers, cake, drink and dancing; also some nice presents. I had the last Waltz with my Bill. A lovely evening I will treasure with many happy memories.  Thank you all. 

In our old age my boys used to take us out to stately home with lovely gardens.   We also went down memory lane and visited parts of Battersea that we had left long ago.  We had a nice trip to see H.M.S. Chrysanthemum, which Bill had served on all those years ago. He was welcomed on board and spent a pleasant hour telling everyone that the colour scheme that they had was his invention 40 years earlier.

Sadly to say my dear Bill has passed away, he died with a massive heart attack, age 76.  We had 52 years of marriage and happiness together. I miss him so.  He was lovely; we were both in love with each other all those years.   Always we would say I love you to each other.

My husband, Bill, worshipped and loved all four grandchildren and his two daughters-in­-law.  He always said that we were very lucky to have such nice people around.  He didn't have time to tell you all but I know - God bless you my Bill.

After Bill died, Reg and Barbara took me for a week to Spain.  I had rarely been abroad before.  We flew and I thoroughly enjoyed the flight. What a big place Spain is!  I was taken out for one meal where they gave me nearly half a lamb for meat.  It was delicious.  They took me to see flamenco dancing; that was lovely, women in Spanish dresses and men in tight suits and high heel shoes.

We had lots of drinks, Malibu and pineapple, no shortage, a good whack and cheap. You don't get it like that here.   There was plenty of nightlife until late in the evening, lovely swimming pools and pretty villas.  I had a ride in a donkey cart, the poor old man walked with the donkey and talked to us the whole time round the town. The shops had plenty of goods to buy if you had the money.  One of the best holidays I've ever had and one that I will remember.  I'd like to go again.

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