A focus on family history
Tuesday, 13 July 1937
Got more letters today, what I should have got last week – sent 4 parcels away to Sydney – had lunch then went to see the Moonlight Sonata, very good, Paderewiski – after dinner went out with Molly & Dorothy – Mrs Hall’s birthday – still very ill – at Lewisham Hospital
Mrs E away in Scotland.
Monday, 12 July 1937
Went to Australia House for mail. 2 from Bill, I each Bella & Jack, then went to C.P.R. to see about booking my passage to Montreal. Wrote to Jack Spriggins to see about right date. Had my lunch, rain came on, so went back to the hotel. Wrapped up parcels, had a rest and stayed in the rest of the day. After dinner just sat in the Hall room and yarned. To bed about 11.
Sunday, 11 July 1937
Spent the night at the York Hotel, lovely place, beautiful meal. Left this morning for the 2nd days trip to London; morning tea at Allerton, funny hotel, lunch at Grantham, afternoon tea at Cambridge Red Lion Hotel. Went into the University grounds, through the Cathedral, heard the organ playing. Place is full of the College building. Left there at 5, got back to the hotel [St Margaret’s Hotel] at 8, after a lovely trip on the 2nd day. Elsie wants me to go up again next month, but don’t think I can.
26 Bedford Place, London Borough of Camden, WC1B, UK
The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 1TN, UK
Station Road West, Whittlesford, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB22 4NL, UK
West Yorkshire, UK
Lincolnshire, UK
Station Parade, York, North Yorkshire YO24 1AA, England
Wednesday, 23 June 1937
Another nice day, went to meet Mrs Collins & her daughter. Took them to lunch at Lyon’s Brasserie, then Miss Collins took us to see Balalaika. Best play in London. She got a pass & took us in the best seats. Had afternoon tea in the theatre. Came back to dinner, been busy packing up, as I am leaving for Scotland in the morning. Catching coach at 8.30, first night at Chester – should arrive at Edinburgh on Friday night, feeling very tired.
[Balalaika was performed at His Majesty’s Theatre, now known as Her Majesty’s Theatre]
Tuesday, 22 June 1937
Lovely day, stayed in all the morning, getting ready for the Royal Garden Party. 18 went from this hotel [St Margaret’s], caused quite a sensation in the street waiting for the taxi’s. My dress looked very nice. A wonderful party, the King shook hands with me. The Queen looked charming & Queen Mary always in white. The biggest garden party Royalty had ever given, 10,000 guests. Saw quite a number that I knew. The entrance all carpeted in deep rose pink & gold. Very beautiful. Mrs & Mrs Spriggins called at night also Mrs Webb & Cantor. Had 12 people in the bedroom for supper – late night.
Monday, 21 June 1937
Went to Australia House for mail, only 1 from Bill. Met Mrs Webb & daughter. Had lunch at Regent Palace Hotel, not worth 2/3. Came back to A. H. Booked passage by coach to Edinburgh, £5.12.6., 2 days trip. Back to dinner then out to Mabel’s flat. Fred, Mabel & self went to Grand Ball at Countess Onslow’s at Guildford, a most wonderful palace [Clandon Park], such wealth I could not imagine. Had a great time. Fred drove me home at 2.30.
West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RQ, UK
Sunday, 20 June 1937
Went to Harley Street, could not see Dr. Palmer’s name anywhere. Very cold, like winter. After dinner went to special service at the Temple Church. Big crowd, lovely choir singing. Came back, had tea in bedroom, then to the Arts Theatre for play. Col’s sister invited Mrs Everett & I. Got home about 11. Made tea in bedroom, very cold.
26 Bedford Square London Borough of Camden, London WC1B, UK
Temple, London, City of London, London EC4Y 7HL, UK
City of Westminster, London, UK
6-7 Great Newport Street, City of Westminster, London WC2H 7JB, UK
Saturday, 19 June 1937
Called at Strand Palace to see Mrs Webb – had lunch in the Strand then went to Haymarket to see Jack Hulbert in Take My Tip, very good show. Came back to dinner, had a quiet night, just sat knitting until 10. Miss Slattery in for supper in the bedroom. Called & saw Col’s sister as we passed her street. Invited us to the theatre tomorrow evening.
Friday, 18 June 1937
Went to Caledonian Markets with Miss Slattery & Mrs E, an enormous place, a lot of rubbish, great quantity of silver there. Fruit is cheap. Bought silver coffee pot for 2/6 also apples & tomatoes. Had lunch at Lyons – got back to the hotel feeling very tired. Had a rest, then made a cup of tea. Mrs E & I took bus to Shepherds Bush. Bought pair of shoes for 7/6. Back again to dinner, then to the Lyceum Theatre. Saw Richard Tauber & Evelyn Laye in Paganini. Great storm as we got out. Had to wait ¾ hr before we got a taxi. Had tea & then to bed.
21 Wellington Street, London, Greater London WC2E 7DN, UK
26 Bedford Place, London Borough of Camden, WC1B, UK
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London W12, UK
Bermondsey Square, London Borough of Southwark, London SE1, UK
Thursday, 17 June 1937
Ascot Day. Most fashionable course in the world. Had breakfast in bed. Mrs Carter called. Got dressed, took her to Jaques for frock, no good. Had lunch then went to Oxford St & SoHo – had tea, left her about 6. Had a good day. She had hay fever pretty bad & does not look too good.