A focus on family history
Thursday, 27 May 1937
Grace, Mrs R. came down to the station to help us with our cases. Left here at 10, by train to London. When we arrived at Paddington our luggage has disappeared from the van. We were very upset, rang up and it was put out at Teignmouth, porter rang at 9 to say it would be back at 3 in the morning. Arrived at Margaret’s Hotel about 6.30. some delay as we got to Paddington at 3.45.
Sunday, 23 May 1937
Another dull day. Had dinner & Mr Hick drove us to Newton Abbott to catch the train for Looe. Left there are 2. got here at 4.30. Grace was at the station to meet us, a very hilly walk up here, right on top of the hill had afternoon tea at 5 then went for a walk around Looe funny village, streets very narrow. Had supper at 9, went to bed at 10.15 .
Thought we were never going to get anything to eat tonight. Fancy 9 for what we call tea.
[It is believed that Thirza stayed at the residence of Mrs E. Rowe, Shutta Road, East Looe, Cornwall]
[Thirza’s father, John White, was born in East Looe, Cornwall, in 1851. His parents were William White and Thirza Rowett. Both families had lived in the East Looe district for several generations dating back to at least the early 1700s. William White’s parents, James White and Susanna Serpell were publicans of the Swan Inn in Fore Street, East Looe in the early 1800s]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.