Saturday, 22 May 1937
Very wet today at Teignmouth just sat about. Had my glasses fixed and a good rest. Afternoon tea in the lounge. Mr & Mrs Hill & Mrs McCabe went to Plymouth did not care for it.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 21 May: A lovely drive to Doone Valley
Friday, 21 May 1937
Nice day, left hotel at 9.30 for a lovely drive to Doone Valley, 174 miles through lovely country over heather clad Exmoor. Had lunch at Doone, then through the Church where Lorna Doone was married in the book. Lovely views of the Bristol Channel, could see Wales in the distance. Lynmouth was very pretty, best drive so far. Arrived back at 8.30 and found a lovely hot dinner waiting for us. Then to bed.
Wrote to Mrs Rowe to say we would be down on Sunday.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 20 May: Shopping for shoes then a lazy afternoon
Thursday, 20 May 1937
Rather dull and threatening. Had morning tea in Teignmouth, just Mrs Everett and I. Bought a pair of brown brogue shoes for walking. Can’t manage the high shoes any longer. Back to lunch. Lazy afternoon, had afternoon tea in the lounge. Feel better for the quiet day.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 19 May: Afternoon tea with Mr and Mrs Hick Snr
Wednesday, 19 May 1937
Another nice day. Just went around the town in the morning. The N.Z went to Torquay in the afternoon. I went up to Highcliffe to have tea with Mr & Mrs Hick Snr, a nice home & grounds. Made me very welcome. Got back at 7 in time for dinner.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 18 May: A day trip through the Moors
Tuesday, 18 May 1937
Lovely sunny day. Took car to Dartmeet, Princetown where we had lunch. Dartmoor Prison here [now a museum]. Drove over the Moors, 2,000 feet high, always cool. Plenty of wild horses & cattle. Saw a lot of the prisoners. Drove back to Moretonhampstead for afternoon tea, back at 6.30. The prettiest drive I have had, the butter cup & daisies, bluebells & violets, the green trees & fields were gorgeous. A wonderful day. Very tired, went to bed early.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 17 May: Sightseeing around Teignmouth and Torquay
Monday, 17 May 1937
Sunny day. Five of us went to Mr Hick’s garden and spent an hour. Walked around the streets of the town, back for nice lunch then caught 2 bus to Torquay. A public holiday, Whit Monday. Had a good look around. A fine big town. Got back to the hotel about 6. After dinner had a walk along the sea front, then bed.
Nights not too good for sleep.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 16 May: Left 130 Belgrave Road for Teignmouth
Sunday, 16 May 1937
Slight rain. Left 130 Belgrave Rd, caught coach. Left at 9. Five of us to Devon. Had lunch at Bournemouth, morning tea at Hampshire. Arrived at Teignmouth at 7.30 after a lovely trip down. Sunshine at east, good position and lovely meals. Will make this our home for a week. Mr & Mrs Hick made us very welcome. Very large room. Mrs Everett & I sharing same. Did not sleep at all.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 15 May: Lunch at White Heather then pictures at Bloomsbury
Saturday, 15 May 1937
Dull. Hudson’s called at 8.30 for luggage. Went to town. Met Mrs Everett. Had lunch at White Heather, then to Bloomsbury to pictures. Very cold. Back to dinner. Should have gone to the Duchess of Sutherland’s garden party but too tired.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 14 May: Getting ready to leave for Devon
Friday, 14 May 1937
Dull, had lunch at Parnells. Went to Paddington Station to see trains for south. Also called in at Hudsons to store luggage.
Back to dinner, then packed up ready to leave 130 Belgrave Rd.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 13 May: Pass on Simpson’s-in-the-Strand
Thursday, 13 May 1937
A fine day, but dull. Met Mrs Everett, went into Simpson’s for lunch. When I saw the menu, 4/- for chops or steak, 1/9 for cauliflower, we came out and went to Slater’s for lunch 1/6. Laugh, we could hardly speak. Went to Australia House after and met quite a crowd of fellow passengers. Decided to go to Devon on Sunday. Coach takes 9 ½ hrs, train only 3 so will take the train.
Got mail from Belle early.