1913 [Kill this page when done ]
1912 Index 1914
Olave's Diary for 1913
[ Her 24th birthday was 22 Feb ]
January 1913
X
Transcribed by Judith Benson and Sue Ardern
Wed 01 Jan 1913
At Roch Castle Pembrokeshire kindly lent us by Lady St Davids for Robin to get
well after his attack of fever & bad head aches from overwork.
Thu 02 Jan 1913
[ Page left blank ]
Fri 03 Jan 1913
It is really true that it is just today a year ago we met for the first time on board
the R.H.S. Arcadian going to the West Indies - and now this! Such a happy day
& we are so comfy in this old castle having our super second honeymoon.
Sat 04 Jan 1913
It is glorious being alone here together - and we just revel in each other -
Sun 05 Jan 1913
Walk round by Cuffern. Jolly wild place this is and we are extremely happy
being entirely by ourselves. Every day we come closer and closer and I find my
Roibin more and more wonderful and adorable.
Mon 06 Jan 1913
We make an expedition by motor bus to the far away town of St Davids. A
quaint little place 100 years behind the times which hope the railway will not
reach it. Interesting cathedral with a sloping floor & nice ruins.
Tue 07 Jan 1913
A long walk in the rain & eat our lunch under the lea of a ruined cottage near
the sea. Soaked & dripping we call on an ex friend of R's a [dull] Col. Harris who
had been in East Africa a lot.
Wed 08 Jan 1913
Lord St David's agent Hugh [ ? ] motors us to his rough shoot. Great fun but the
bag not large - 1 pheasant & 2 snipe but most enjoyable striding about over
this wild country.
Thu 09 Jan 1913
Motor over to Fishguard to catch the Irish mail back to our little flat 35 Rutland
Court. Nice to be back even though it is [ ? ] to pack up as we have let it for two
months to go away for Robin's health.
Fri 10 Jan 1913
Irene Quick for tea. To see 'Peter Pan' which we promised one another a year
ago to do - not really thinking of seeing it as husband & wife.
Sat 11 Jan 1913
Uncle Matthew Hale to tea - dear old man - He had been very sweet on board
the "Vectis" going to Norway in 1909 and had been so surprised over my
engagement because of the difference in our ages - which to us ourselves
makes no "difference" at all!
Sun 12 Jan 1913
Arthur to lunch. [ McClarens ] & Dolly to tea. Dine at 32 and my old Mother-in-
law "accepts" me all right but is very reserved, and I don't get to know her very
much yet. "Sister" Agnes always very much there as rather a barrier.
Mon 13 Jan 1913
Pack & shop after to see wonderful lion hunting [cinematic-graph] films at
Holborn. Good pictures of wild animals in East Africa au natural called Paul
Rainey hunt.
Tue 14 Jan 1913
Leave 35 Rutland Court. Let to [Holders]. Sail from Southampton in [ ?????? ]
Beckfords from Lilliput on board.
Wed 15 Jan 1913
[ ? ] but up & enjoyed sitting on deck in rugs. Quite rough, and sea very grey.
Robin strides up and down the deck, and oh! How we gloat over being married
- and being on board ship again reminding us of this time last year.
Thu 16 Jan 1913
The same sort of day; and, though a grey sea and not yet "Arcadian - West
Indies" like, it is Heaven to be together at sea - and married, and all the future
to look forward to together.
Fri 17 Jan 1913
Coast of Portugal looking lovely. Smoother and very delicious. A nice man
making friend of Robin on board too. Talk to various people but too busy being
together to bother very much.
Sat 18 Jan 1913
Go in early through lovely Straits of Gibraltar. Received by Boy Scouts under
Col Pedley at Gib. Go to Government House, Sir Archibold Hunter motors us
about the rock. Most interesting & lovely. Ship sails again at 1 for Algiers.
Beckfords leave here.
Sun 19 Jan 1913
Glorious [ ? ] all day on board on a hot glassy sea. Arrive late at Algiers & stay
at Hotel de la [ ? ] in the town to be handy. Frightfully nice cosmopolitan noisy
crowd in the "Place" outside our window - awfully "Eastern" looking.
Mon 20 Jan 1913
Lunch with Consul [ ? ] & nice wife at Hotel St George at [ ? ]. Lady Clarke
motors us to [ ? ] & there we take a guide & are conducted through terribly
filthy Arab quarters. Lovely to behold - & visit a harem.
Tue 21 Jan 1913
Leave early & travel all day through pretty & much cultivated country and
some mountains to Constantine. Wonderful & glorious deep gorge & view over
the plains. Busy lunch & Arabs around outside our window & I don't quite like
it & won't go out!
Wed 22 Jan 1913
Walk up to the opposite hill to the barracks to call on 3rd [ ? ] D' [ ? ] where
Robin had been 20 years ago. That regiment was at Balaclava with 13th
Hussars. Nice talkative Colonel. Leave Constantine for Batna via [ ? ]. Arrive at
filthy hotel des [ ? ] late.
Thu 23 Jan 1913
To Timgad by motor bus & stay there at [ ? ] primitive [ ? ]. One nigger man-
servant & and arab cook & French manager who we suspect as something very
[ evil ? ]. Arab market going on - too delightful. The crowd of quaint people
mixed with the camels and their still quainter [ ? ]
Fri 24 Jan 1913
Explore the [ ? ] ruins - of the wonderful town. And walk out into the low hills.
Sat 25 Jan 1913
Walk out into the hills with our lunch. Quite lovely & have the whole of Timgad
to ourselves in the moonlight.
Sun 26 Jan 1913
Long walk. See troop of [ ? ] on the march. Getting cool - so return by motor
bus to Batna. Sorry to leave this wild & interesting place.
Mon 27 Jan 1913
Leave Batna & travel down to Biskra. Stay at German hotel where I had stayed
20 years ago. Heavenly view over the deseret & I love the [ ? ] of camels.
Tue 28 Jan 1913
Go for a ride on camels. Great fun - thro' the old Biskra. Lunch with Lord &
Lady Henry [ ? ] [ (connections) ?] & her son George Graves. Go through the
Bazaars & the Garden of Allah. - disappointing.
Wed 29 Jan 1913
Ride on Arabs out across the sea like desert to Sidi Okba. Most interesting &
get back after long & slightly back aching ride in time to go up by train to El
Kantara - where we [ ? ]
Thu 30 Jan 1913
Stay at funny little Hotel Bertrand. Walk and enjoy it all. Wonderful gorge -
gate of the desert - where road river & rail run together through the last range
of Aures Mountains.
Fri 31 Jan 1913
Take a guide & train up to [ space in writing ] & then walk back via Tilatou
gorge wild & lovely & delightful long walk.
February 1913
Transcribed by Judith Benson
Sat 01 Feb 1913 Algeria
Start on our camping expedition [ ? ] go early & join us (we train with some
provisions) to El Outaya & there we pitch camp & sleep out in the open and -
oh it's glorious.
Sun 02 Feb 1913
Walk up the salt mountain & back to same camp. Such fun all of it especially
tidying up camp. Our two guides most quaint & nice, and talk a little English.
Mon 03 Feb 1913
Pick up our home & walk past Fontaine des Gazelles & pitch camp in a hollow.
Threatening of rain & sleep & eat inside tent.
Breakfast Tea - eggs hard
Lunch Cold chicken biscuits & [ ? ] milk spread on.
Dinner Cold chicken & chocolate!
Tue 04 Feb 1913
& oranges at other times, bread & butter. Huge fun all the time.
Pick up the "house" again & walk towards El Kantara & camp in palm grove by
river. Delicious & Robin fishes for & catches some barbel.
Wed 05 Feb 1913
Stayed fooling about in camp all day. Robin [ finishing of our washing?].
Heavenly. Send [ ? ] to El Kantara on a mule to get more food and mail.
Thu 06 Feb 1913
Walk off again up to the Alabaster Mountain & camp there in a gully.
Wonderful caves & gorges.
Fri 07 Feb 1913
Trudge to El Kantara & have a real lunch & then off again for one more night in
the open in the Tilatou gorge. Divine place Long walk.
Sat 08 Feb 1913
Back to hotel Bertrand and sleep in again. It has been jolly, and my Darling
enjoyed it so much, and "camp life" is ripping - even if you cant bath!
Sun 09 Feb 1913
Train again & take the whole long day - about 14 hours to get to Hammam
Meskhoutine. [ ? ] hotel & sort of Harrogate.
Mon 10 Feb 1913
Wonderful boiling smelly springs. Walk - but don't care for the place at all.
Meet couple who had been on Arcadian.
Tue 11 Feb 1913
Train on to Tunis. Very like Algeria, though smaller, and even more "Arabian
Nights - ish"
Wed 12 Feb 1913
Go through the Souks (Bazaars) & sail again in afternoon for Malta. Sorry to
leave Algeria. Very rough all night & poor cattle on board being horribly tossed
about and hurt.
Thu 13 Feb 1913
Arrive at Malta in a blizzard. Very cold & raining hard. Stay at the Palace with
Rundles, Sir Leslie & Lady R. very nice and welcoming and this is a most
interesting island full of history.
Fri 14 Feb 1913
Go to call on at Villa [ ? ] & after motor out to tea at Little Vecchia with
Colonel Mackean & his maltese countess wife.
Sat 15 Feb 1913
Awfully nice visiting this place where my Robin spent some time years ago. His
old servant of that time called in.
Boy Scout Rally in part of the Palace & they have tea in the armoury. Dinner
party General Ian Hamilton Admiral [ ? ] [ ? [ etc.
Sun 16 Feb 1913
[ ? ] special out to San Antonio to lunch with Sir Ian H. Lady H. very ill. San
Antonio garden lovely. R used to live there a lot with the Smythes years ago
before a General lived at Malta.
Mon 17 Feb 1913 Dinner Party
Left at dead of night - Went on board little boat to take us across to [ ? ]
arriving there in morning. Drove out to [ ? ] [ ? ] Roman Theatre ate & evening
started for [ ? ] arriving there in time for late dinner & bed at
Tue 18 Feb 1913
Hotel San [ ? ] an old convent. Unfortunately raining & clouds over [ ? ] - but
explore the Theatre & funny little town & evening run down the long hill & get
into the train for Naples. Crossing the straits
Wed 19 Feb 1913
by ferry & see in the dark [ ? ] ruins. Arrive Naples - horrid filthy town I think.
Run out in train to Pompei. Wonderful & interesting but I liked [ ? ] best.
Thu 20 Feb 1913
Go to the aquarium and museum and evening to hear "Bohemia" very well
done at the Opera House. Rowdy audience of students.
Fri 21 Feb 1913
Go on board the [ ? ] & start home. Delicious to be waited on properly & be
amongst English clean people again.
Sat 22 Feb 1913
Wake early on coming into [ ? ] Harbour. Glorious misty morning & lovely
battle ships lying about like crocodiles.
Off again to sea. Birthday cake is given us as a surprise.
Sun 23 Feb 1913
Glorious being on board a ship again. To "church" - The Captain acts as parson,
and we sing lustily.
Mon 24 Feb 1913
Call in at Gibraltar - but don't land. See over the engines & round "behind the
scenes" in the ship - kitchen etc - so interesting.
Tue 25 Feb 1913
Blank page
Wed 26 Feb 1913
Blank page
Thu 27 Feb 1913
Blank page
Fri 28 Feb 1913
Into Plymouth to drop mail & passengers & then steam along the English coast.
Cold.
March 1913
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
[Fri 28 Feb 1913 - not seen]
Sat 01 Mar 1913
Arrive Tilbury Docks.
Walk about seeing interesting shipping whilst customs are done.
To 32 to stay with in-laws (Princes Gate)
Sun 02 Mar 1913
Write letters
I think that I am going to have a baby!
And I shall ask Mrs Lloyd if this may be true
Mon 03 Mar 1913
Maple & Shoolbred about furniture
R. lunches at Cavalry Club & Mrs Lloyd (ex - matron of nursing home in Nottingham Place
where we had our throats done) to lunch with me at Harrods & tells me important news.
Tell R. on top of bus going to Hamptons from Cavalry Club.
Tue 04 Mar 1913
To Ewhurst by 9.5. for a few hours.
Raining & empty house looks a bit gloomy - but it is going to be our home, and when it is
cleaned up, and filled with our furniture it will be good.
Wed 05 Mar 1913 Lilliput, Dorset
Leave my Darling for the first time since October 30th and go back
Home to stay at Lilliput alone.
Mother meets me at Poole and all is well & we are both overjoyed. Dad & Arthur here too
Very jolly being here again - and to find Mother has "come round"
Thu 06 Mar 1913
Arthur motors Mother & Olave over to Blandford to see his hunters -
Mother had been so disturbed over my going away and even resented Robin marrying me -
and her letters to me had become so cold that we felt estranged all this time. I am glad I
came now to see her.
Fri 07 Mar 1913
Ripping being at Grig again though I want Robin all the time. Mother & I drive into
Bournemouth - just like old times
Arthur left.
Doogy awfully sweet & Mothers new dog Toby -
black spaniel as "Wallace" died.
Sat 08 Mar 1913
Robin comes -
Rather tired after awful strain & hard time at Wolverhampton
Parkstone Scouts & Girl Guides give a performance at the skating rink. Great fun.
Meet crowds we know & all see R. half officially & half socially.
Sun 09 Mar 1913
Glorious having Robin here as my husband!
Bottomleys to tea
Run over to Cranbourne in Arthurs car to show R. the lovely old manor we lived in & call on
Wavells.
Jen. W. is now Scout Commissioner
Mon 10 Mar 1913
Back again
To 32 - P.G.
Edith Trotter to tea
I get on very well with darling Robin's two brothers (Warington and Baden) but find Agnes
rather trying and Mother-in-law still rather aloof though she is quite welcoming and
approves of me!
Tue 11 Mar 1913
We hurry down
To Ewhurst for the day with a man from Hamptons to measure for carpets & curtains and it
is an awfully nice little house, and how happy we shall be being in the real country.
Wed 12 Mar 1913
Leave Princes Gate and
Return with all our goods and chattels to our wee flat 35 Rutland Court - our first "nest"!
Buy furniture at Mawer & Hampton,
and, though we do not know quite how much we shall need we must get essential beds and
tables & things!
Thu 13 Mar 1913
Lunch Lady [Donoughmies?]
Boat race - & we see it well from Lady Thorneycrofts house at Chiswick [Eyot?]. Very nice.
Oxford won - though Cambridge led as they passed us.
Fri 14 Mar 1913
Alix to lunch
Shop furniture
See glass for our house at Powell's works at Whitefriars & tea there. Sort of cousins - & then
at Home at Lytteltons Royal Hospital at Chelsea.
Sure about P. now - in October!!
Sat 15 Mar 1913
See Auriol at Savoy for a few minutes
Mother to lunch.
Inspect 2500 Scouts in Lincoln's Inn Fields & after with them to hear Thompson Seton (Chief
Scout of America) lecture.
So badly. Robin also spoke & we saw cinematograph films of ourselves at Middlesex
Theatre
Sun 16 Mar 1913
Mother went back to Lilliput last night
Lunch with St John Jones -
5 Hans Place.
He commanded 5th D.G.'s after Robin did.
Call on Wroughtons
Silly Dulcie " has gone on the stage.
The boy Bob was on the Arcadian & went round the world with R.
Mon 17 Mar 1913
"Puss" de Marny to lunch
Call on Aunt Ger - & for Robin at the Boy Scouts office and his poor head is rather bad. Go
to see Bruce Joy's statues of Boy Scout at his Studio. Awfully good. He gives us one.
Tue 18 Mar 1913
Mrs Jeffreys to lunch.
Buy furniture at Hamptons
Tea party.
Dine at 32.
I am getting more "at home" now with all my Darling's family.
Wed 19 Mar 1913
Pay calls
Thu 20 Mar 1913
Hamptons for furniture.
R. to stay at Glanush to do Scouts in Wales - and alone!
I am frustrated, as, with "Pete"? on the way now, rushing about in trains may not be a good
thing so it is best to "stay put".
Fri 21 Mar 1913
Beatrice Valfy to lunch.
I hate Robin being away.
My household the faithful Annie & Lizzie who married & has returned pro tem with her 2
year old son take great care of me.
Sat 22 Mar 1913
Robin's sister-in law's sister-in-law
Mrs Harold Wilson, who is sweet & her daughter Doris to lunch.
Go & see Una Albery (née Rolleston) & her new girl baby.
To bed before dinner. Such a rest.
Sun 23 Mar 1913
Vera Oakes to lunch and to Queens Hall concert. Very nice fine programme
Tea with Florence B.P. & her great friend Mrs Talbot.
Mon 24 Mar 1913
In bed all day for fun
- and why get up on a Bank Holiday in London.
Tue 25 Mar 1913
Puss de Marny for lunch & go to Coliseum together.
Rather fun & I like her.
To bed for dinner. I long for Robin, and her writes that he longs for me!
Wed 26 Mar 1913
Mother to lunch
Tea with Mrs Harold Wilson at 19 Cadogan Place -
Mother to dinner & leaves just before Robin returns from Wales.
Thu 27 Mar 1913
Shop with Mother. Lunch at Woollands.
Shop again & go to hear Robin give charming lecture on Scouting at Times Book Club. Felt
so proud of him he did it so nicely
Aunt Marion & Marjorie Graham Smith joined us there & for tea at Selfridges.
Fri 28 Mar 1913
Frances (Lady Baden- Powell) & her daughter Maud to lunch.
Mother - Friede Mrs Jore - Miss Dugdale etc to tea here.
Col. Weston Jarvis & Nevil Smyth (cousin commanding 6th D.G.'s)
Mother & Mrs Bingel to dinner at flat.
Very funny party
Sat 29 Mar 1913
To tea with Harold Speed at their studio to see pictures. Robin & I lose each other very
funny episode.
Warrington B.P. & Alix Bingel to dine & see "General John Regan" - silly play at the Apollo.
Charles Hautery
Sun 30 Mar 1913
Lunch with Mr Stewart Mackenzie
47 Berkeley Square
R. to meet Duke of Connaught at Euston Station "officially".
Mon 31 Mar 1913
Lord Wolseley's funeral. See it from window in Metropole Hotel with Major Gillson.
Very impressive
Esther & Donald MacGregor to lunch at flat and Mr Davison of Scout Council - but Robin
delayed & not there.
Manton - dentist at 5 & evening to see lovely "Light that failed" Faber Robertson at Drury
Lane
April 1913
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Tue 01 Apr 1913
See Dr Nix.
Shop at Hamptons
Tea at Cavalry Club
Florence B. P. and H.J.Ford to dinner at flat & to Palace -
Rotten music hall show.
Wed 02 Apr 1913
Shop
R. I. picture show - rather a good one of Scouts & two by N. H. J. Baird.
Drury Lane Theatre
Forbes Robertson in Hamlet - Perfect
See him after in dressing room.
Thu 03 Apr 1913
Join R. in the city & go to Weil's offices where they give us silver tea tray - wedding present
from the inhabitants of Mafeking - a very nice one
Fri 04 Apr 1913
Lunch with Ershine's -
69 Chester Square
Max Beerbohn there.
Call for R. at office.
He leaves flat after dinner for Scotland
Sat 05 Apr 1913
Lunch with Mrs "colonel" Griersons
69 Princes Gate
& rush off & join Esther MacGregor at St James' Theatre "Open Windows"
very good play - just like the one "Doormats" which I had liked a lot.
Sun 06 Apr 1913
Babe MacGregor to lunch & to Albert Hall concert together and tea at 32.
Mon 07 Apr 1913
Florence B-P. to lunch & we go to the silly Hippodrome but laugh a lot!
Arthur to dine.
Tue 08 Apr 1913
Furniture taken away from flat & 32 P.G. to go to Ewhurst
Wed 09 Apr 1913
Agnes to lunch with me at Woollands - and on to matinée of "Diplomacy"
Splendid play.
Gerald du Maurier
Ellis Jeffreys -
Lady Tree -
Gladys Cooper etc
Splendid caste
Thu 10 Apr 1913
R. spends day going to see his brother Frank at Banchory N.B.
as he is very ill with "T.B."
Lady Flower at
Home -
26 Stanhope Gdns
I migrate to 32 Princes Gate
& servants go to Ewhurst to prepare it for next week.
Fri 11 Apr 1913
R. returns.
St Paul's Girl's School
At Home. Run by Mercers Company.
See jolly girls dancing - & made much of.
Dine at Cavalry Club - [AG?] & Dolly come to food too
& on to see "the Typhoon" wonderful melodramatic play at the Haymarket.
Sat 12 Apr 1913
Give up flat.
Call on Joan Bradshaw at 3.30
Sir Edmund Ellis calls for us & takes us to Kingston-on-Thames where Robin is given a
banquet by Mayor & Corporation
Also Freedom of the City. Then we visit Scout Exhibition Rally - Robin speaks
See exhibits Girl Guides & I present prizes.
Sun 13 Apr 1913 [To Ewhurst - new home]
The Great Day - Move in
To our home at Ewhurst early.
We go on Robin's lucky day & find things more or less live - in - able.
But heaps to do. Ripping but very cold, up on our hill-top
Mon 14 Apr 1913
Ewhurst
A good busy day
un-packing and arranging books, china, clothes, etc. and this house is just the right size.
Robin settles himself in to his study and we go out and explore the village.
Tue 15 Apr 1913
Ewhurst
More settling in and settling down.
Darling Robin has so much work on hand, and had a nasty head-ache.
How thankful I am to be able now to look after him and take care of him -
and far better for him to be out of London.
Wed 16 Apr 1913
R's head very bad
To 32 in time for tea
Robin speaks on Scouting & calls
for Scoutmasters at a meeting for bank officials. (They get 51 recruits)
Lord Charles Beresford as Chief Sea Scout speaks too & others
- all badly after Robin!
Dined first with the Jeffries.
Thu 17 Apr 1913
Lunch with Bingels.
R's head very bad. Dinner party at the Cavalry Club
Mrs Harry Britain
Mr Everett
Aunt Can
Arthur & Seton Thompson
& all to hear his lecture at Aeolian Hall after - Robin introducing him.
Fri 18 Apr 1913
It is very convenient being able to stay when we want to at 32.
Robin "subscribes" quite a lot to its upkeep, and we have a bedroom assigned to us.
Dine at the Mansion House to meet Masters of City Companies etc.
R. & I sit together.
Rather fun. About 300 people. Silly speeches - about nothing in particular!
Sat 19 Apr 1913
To Grig to stay.
Mother meets me at Poole, and seems to like having me back
R. to do Scouts at Wolverhampton
Sun 20 Apr 1913
Sit & enjoy being at home again with Mother, and tell her about me and the baby!
Auriol is expecting another one this year too.
Mon 21 Apr 1913
Drive to Bournemouth
Big Tea party at Grig.
It is nice meeting these old friends again - the Sykes' the Bottomleys etc
But I miss Robin & am
Beginning to long for my own dear "little Robin" as Mother calls him!
He is of course only just about as tall as she is.
Tue 22 Apr 1913
R. comes by 10.15. Poole 1.5.
I open Parkstone Bazaar for Scouts & Robin speaks to them.
for me, as they are of course so thrilled to have the "Chief Scout" with them!
And he is MINE - my husband - bless him!
Wed 23 Apr 1913
To 32 by morning train
Clothes at Madame Oliver
115 New Bond Street
- - - - -
St George's Society dinner at the Hotel Cecil.
About 200 people
Funny silly "musical performance".
Leave early. R. addresses "Cavendish Club" members on Scouting
Thu 24 Apr 1913
Presentation lesson in curtseying!
Lunch with Brother Arthur at 1.
Motor to Greenwich where Robins opens Scouts Bazaar. & I grin and am given a bouquet!
Fri 25 Apr 1913
Lunch with W. Gillet (awful old snob) at the Ritz. Huge party gorging for hours
Disgusting way of spending his money collecting people to eat at his expense.
Lady Carew nice & old Lord Bligh dull.
Catch 4.40 to Ewhurst with Doogy & Taffy dogs & Harold
Sat 26 Apr 1913
Revel in arranging things
Tremendous lot to do still.
Not progressed in our absence!
Doogy sweet & Welsh terrier nice rough brown little chap - named Taffy.
Sun 27 Apr 1913
Robin and I to church - and take our place as the new "parishioners" of this small village.
Mon 28 Apr 1913
Annie Court - who was housemaid at Luscombe and Bradfield works well as "everything"
Jeffrey a cook comes - unsatisfactory
Harold my "boots" Boy Scout I used to teach at the convalescent home at Parkstone years
ago, and I collected him to come & work for me.
Tue 29 Apr 1913
Gradually getting the place ship-shape, un-pack books and sort out all the wedding presents
- not that we had very many owing to having the wedding "secretly" so to speak as we did.
Wed 30 Apr 1913
Mother to stay.
Huge joy to me showing her everything in my home
May 1913
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Thu 01 May 1913
Robin to London for his annoying Mercers Co.
It is very convenient though having 32 as a hotel and a home to go to & his mother loves the
arrangement.
Fri 02 May 1913 = blank page
Sat 03 May 1913
Robin returns.
Aunt Com Smyth comes by train to a hurried tea
Charles Powell & son call and
Lady Edward Cecil to tea with Lady Hulse & her sister Miss Maxse. They come for tea but all
3 drink none!
Sun 04 May 1913 = blank page
Mon 05 May 1913
Mother leaves.
Her visit "went off" well, but she still seems to resent my having
married and is not as loving as she used to be.
Tue 06 May 1913
To London by 2.5.
Mr Branch meets us and takes us to see the car the scouts will give us. A lovely 20 h.p.
Standard landaulette.
Dinner with Sir Hamilton & Lady Joold Adams at Claridges about 20 people - all more or less
S. African friends of Robins.
Wed 07 May 1913
Duke of Connaught made President of Boy Scouts & gives Robin the Scouts car present.
Matinée together of "Great Adventure"
Ripping play well acted at Kingsway.
R. dines at Mercers
I dine at Alexander Hotel with Barrans Rosalie Mrs B. & her sisters & daughter.
Presented at Buckingham Palace by Hon Mrs Erskine
Photographed afterwards
Thu 08 May 1913
See Arthur riding in the Show. Joan Bradshaw to lunch with me at Woollands.
Tea at Cavalry Club.
R. very head - achy - my poor darling - and ought not to have so much work to do.
Fri 09 May 1913
(half blank)
To stay with Uncle Arthur at Sheffield Park.
His house warming & family gathering
Dad & Mother moted from Grig to be there too.
Aunt Julie - Uncle Fred & Edith Kington
Sat 10 May 1913
Cousin Henry Soames too.
Lovely being with Mother here.
Robin fished futilely but happily in the beautiful lake.
Lovely gardens, which Uncle Arthur has been planting
and arranging for the past many years
Sun 11 May 1913
Basked in the sun all day more or less.
The others all motored around this lovely Sussex countryside
We are a funny mixture of Soames'
of different ages and generations.
Mon 12 May 1913
Mother & Dad brought us home in their car lunching en route.
The other Soames all came over to tea.
Dad was left here to stay.
"C.4" our government horse comes from [CO.G's?] at Canterbury.
Tue 13 May 1913
Annie's brother, Ernest Court, comes to be our chauffeur and
will look after this horse and the car when it comes.
The Scouts are getting together a fund - a penny per "given" - to buy us one as a wedding
present.
Wed 14 May 1913
We had luckily got hold of a four-wheeled dog cart - cheap! - and were able to put "C.4"
into it and drive Dad about these nice lanes - and up to Staplecross.
Thu 15 May 1913
Robin fortunately goes to catch a train that didn't run to take him to London, so has happy
healthy day here preparing for wild ducks that we plan to buy and breed from.
Fri 16 May 1913
Robin to London for Mercers & for Mafeking dinner tomorrow night.
Sat 17 May 1913
Sie Bower comes to stay and sees her prophecy come true Olave blissful in her own home.
Florence B.P. also comes later Lovely big silver cup comes as wedding present from
American Boy Scouts.
Sun 18 May 1913
Robin comes down from London in the car bought from subscription of 1d per Scout in
England & the Colonies for £400.
Also 6 lovely silver candlesticks from Mafeking relief force.
Mon 19 May 1913
Dad Sie and Florence
Robin & I motor over to Scotney Castle not knowing it was private.
Quite lovely garden looking its best with azalias & Rhodos & brooms out.
Tue 20 May 1913
Dad Sie and Florence left.
Wed 21 May 1913
To London.
Lunch with the MacDonalds at 64 Addison Road
To Royal Naval & Military Tournament
Quite lovely & thrilling . 3000 Scouts there.
Geographical Society lecture at Albert Hall - by Commander Evans - survivor
of Scott's Expedition to the South Pole.
Thu 22 May 1913 = blank page
Fri 23 May 1913
(mostly blank page)
Home to Ewhurst
Water pump gone wrong.
Sat 24 May 1913
Admiral & Mrs Galloway from Hythe to tea. Great on Scouts of Kent.
Also Aunt Con Watson - her stepson Hugo - his wife & his sister Winifred to tea from Hythe
also. Ewen Cameron to stay.
Sun 25 May 1913
Ewhurst.
Mon 26 May 1913 = blank page
Tue 27 May 1913
How delicious it is to be here quietly for a change.
Wed 28 May 1913 = blank page
Thu 29 May 1913 = blank page
Fri 30 May 1913 = blank page
Sat 31 May 1913
Plans have been going on for starting a Boy Scout Troop in the village - with Court as
Scoutmaster.
Eric Walker R's secretary to stay.
Mr von Roemar County Scout secretary comes to tea & we have the would be scouts here to
look at.
June 1913
Transcribed by Hilary Jenkins
Sun 01 Jun 1913 [Ewhurst place Sussex]
Motor over to tea with the Skinner's at Rye - she is Dolly Cunningham's sister
Call also to look at the Grey Friars at Winchelsea and Brickwall, the Frewen
place at Northiam
Mon 02 Jun 1913 [ no entry ]
Tue 03 Jun 1913 [ Ewhurst]
To Hussey's Garden Party at Scotney Castle Lamberhurst
Wed 04 Jun 1913 [ no entry]
Thu 05 Jun 1913 [ Ewhurst]
Motor to London in the morning for R to do Mercers.
Fri 06 Jun 1913 [Elstree Herts ]
Motor down alone with P.W.Everett to stay with them at Elstree. Funny little
house. Uncle Murray Hill and Aunt Ida to dine there and the Everetts went up
to a dance in London and I went to bed!
Sat 07 Jun 1913 [ Elstree]
Wet - but clears about 12. All lunch with Uncle Murray Hills at Little
Carpenders and all on to Middlesex County Rally. I inspect with Sir Colin
[unclear] - about 1200 and they give displays and cheer and we all 'say a few
words'. Crowd huge and enthusiastic over me in the car - the 1st car! Dinner
party.
Sun 08 Jun 1913 [Elstree ]
Up to 32 [Princes' Gate] in 1/2 an hour- pick up Robin and fly home to Ewhurst -
in our own car! It is a "Standard", green, and has a nice little silver model of a
Scout on the front of its bonnet.
Mon 09 Jun 1913 [Ewhurst ] [no entry]
Tue 10 Jun 1913 [ Ewhurst]
Doogy to the vet. Clifford at Staplecross because of an obnoxious bone stuck
inside.
Wed 11 Jun 1913 [Ewhurst ]
To London by train
Thu 12 Jun 1913 [ Ickleford nr. Hitchin]
To stay with Simsons at Ickleford near Hitchin. Robin fished. Her sister there
too. Ordinary but kind people.
Fri 13 Jun 1913 [London ]
Shop. Lunch with Mother at her Club in Dover Street.
Sat 14 Jun 1913 [London ]
Shop. Lunch to (22) ex 13th Hussars, friends of Robin's at Hurlingham. Mother
and Smithsons - Christine, Colonel Davies Padder Humphrey Lutharn, Phillips,
Coventry Williams etc.
Inspect Boy Scout rally with Col. De Burgh instead of Robin - about 500. Huge
tea party. Nice place Jolly polo.
Sun 15 Jun 1913 [Ewhurst ]
Home to Ewhurst by road with mother in the yellow car. Heavenly to be home
again and Mother sets to work and sews at once. To tea at Battle with Graces.
Mon 16 Jun 1913 [ Ewhurst]
People in the neighbourhood have "called" so go round to pay calls with
Mother on rather awful Jacksons at Bodiam, Mrs Chaytor and husband at Hurst
Farm and Col.Marland (out)
Tue 17 Jun 1913 [ Ewhurst]
Riley my nice new cook comes - and with Annie and "Eggleton" and the
"Tweeny" we do well. Lady St. Davids motors down, arriving whilst we are at
the tea party of the Tucks at Ewhurst Vicarage. Lucy Tuck knew Mother years
ago. The said Lucy much degenerated into a very country parson's wife.
Wed 18 Jun 1913 [ Ewhurst]
Lady St. Davids and Robin motor to Rye, Brede etc. Mother goes away, Arthur
down to see the place for a few hours whilst Lady St. D motors me back to
town. I dine with her and then Col. De Burgh fetches me to inspect and see
display by Westminster Scouts in Horticultural Halls.
Thu 19 Jun 1913 [London ]
Robin comes up to 32. Go and see his wild animal's heads at Gerrards.
Fri 20 Jun 1913 [ London]
Robin awfully busy over the big Boy Scout Rally and Exhibition being organised
in Birmingham next month. Return home to Ewhurst. Vera Oakes to stay.
Sat 21 Jun 1913 [Ewhurst ]
Mr. Bateman (Commissioner for town) and Mr. [unclear] County Secretary to
lunch. Captain Wade (secretary of Boy Scouts) to stay and his 4 Headquarters
Patrol boys who sleep in summer house. Our Scout rally. The 30 "1st Ewhurst"
solemnly enrolled by R. watched by 50 other scouts from Northiam,
Hawkhurst, Rye, Buckhurst Scout farm etc etc and all their own mothers.
Local famous people. Scouts made fires and cooked their own tea, played
games. Most successful.
Sun 22 Jun 1913 [ Ewhurst]
Brother Arthur to stay for night. Motor to call at Bexhill on Cyril Manders in
their jolly cottage and old governess Frieda in lodgings with her sister.
Mon 23 Jun 1913 [ Ewhurst]
Robin goes fishing. Arthur leaves in his car. Captain Wade leaves. Rev. and Mrs
Walbrand Evans from Hawkhurst bringing Bridget Hole to tea. Man came from
London to photograph the car and us.
Tue 24 Jun 1913 [ Ewhurst]
Vera Oakes left. She and I had been close friends at Hardwick in 1907- I feel sad
for her that she has had some love affair that did not go right - and here am I-
oh so lucky - with my altogether PERFECT husband.
Wed 25 Jun 1913 [London ]
Leave Ewhurst about 6 in the car and all our luggage on board. Hate going
away Dine at Sevenoaks and arrive at 32 Princes Gate about 10. Very
convenient going in our very own car on this tour for the very first time.
Thu 26 Jun 1913 [London ]
Mercers' Ladies day at Crystal Palace. Take down Florence B-P and Vera Shaun
with us. Enormous lunch. Join onto Baden's party and Shelleys. Silly place of
silly amusement. Leave early part of dinner and go to State ball at Buckingham
Palace. Great crowd- great fun.
Fri 27 Jun 1913 [London ]
It was a grand sight last night. Leave 32 and go on to Harrow. Tea with Lionel
Ford headmaster and brother of out old friend H.J.F the painter. Nice wife and
lots of jolly kids. R spoke very well on Scout movement to the school. Great
enthusiasm. Stayed night at little pub, at Pinner.
Sat 28 Jun 1913 [Aylesbury ]
Move on at leisure in the car, and to stay at St. John's Lodge near Aylesbury
with dear Aunt Con (Smyth) Nice and quiet. Her sister Miss Greaves there who
is nice. Scouts camping in her field and R. sits by their fire late with them.
Sun 29 Jun 1913 [Banbury ]
Loaf in the garden. Church parade of scouts. Mrs. Talbot Florence B-P's first
friend appeared. People to tea and then off we went in the car through pretty
country to Banbury where we stayed at the White Lion. Comfy old posting
house.
Mon 30 Jun 1913 [ Stratford on Avon]
Leave Banbury and wander slowly to stay at The Hill Stratford on Avon with the
Archie Flowers - cousins. Delightful place. Nice people with 3 nice children.
Robin's head bad and unfortunately they had planned a Scout rally. Good but
trying crowd gaping and cheering. Little did I think of this last time I was here
in 1911.
July 1913
Transcribed by Hilary Jenkins
Tue 01 Jul 1913 Wootton Wawen
Leave the Hill and go to stay with Guinness' at Wootton Hall Wootton Wawen,
6 miles from Stratford. R into Birmingham and I had a quiet time in the garden.
A girl called Dawson of 22 - head gardener - and all mad on scouts. have a lot
Wed 02 Jul 1913 Wootton Wawen
Motored to Birmingham. Met Prince [brother of Queen Mary]and Princess
Alexander of Teck [last surviving grandchild of Queen Victoria] at station. Big
lunch with Lord Mayor. Escort royalties to open Boy Scout Exhibition at Bingley
Hall. Trot them round and back to train for London. And so home to Wootton.
Mr Guinness' brother and son there also and daughter Muriel who runs a
Scout troop.
Thu 03 Jul 1913 [Wootton Wawen ]
Motor in to Exhibition. Opened very well by Lord Dartmouth. Quite a big and
interesting collection of things made by Scouts, and also they did displays of
cooking and pitching tents too and crowds of people came to see it.
Fri 04 Jul 1913 [Wootton Wawen ]
Motor in again to Birmingham. Lunch given by Everetts (Editors of the Scout) to
overseas Scout Representatives about 40 men and boys and Olave! Lord
Charles Beresford [M.P.] opened the exhibition and sees Sea Scout Display on
Edgbaston Reservoir. It rained - rotten. Back to Wootton by train.
Sat 05 Jul 1913 [Wootton Wawen ]
To Stratford Station so by train to Birmingham in summer clothes. Find fog and
rain there! To lunch with Lord and Lady ?Calthorf at Perry Hall and then it
comes in time for big Boy Scout Rally in P.H Park. 20000 inspected by Robin
and Prince Arthur of Connaught [grandson of Queen Victoria] etc. Grand sight.
Dinner at Bingley Hall for foreign Scouts etc.
Sun 06 Jul 1913 [ Wootton Wawen]
Motored up to the camp at Perry Hall Park where 4000 Scouts camped under
Lord Glanusk [Chief Commissioner for Wales] Robin spoke to them after
Church Parade and thanked for the car. And we strolled about chatting with
lots of them. Delicious fun. Lunch at Grand Hotel. Scoutmaster's Conference at
Bingley hall and lady Scoutmasters too. But to Wootton Hall to sleep.
Mon 07 Jul 1913 Midland Hotel Birmingham
Leave Wootton as it is too far out. Stay at Midland Hotel Birmingham. Robin
recites to enthusiastic audience in Scouts theatre at Exhibition. Inspect Girl
Guides in somebody's garden.
Tue 08 Jul 1913 Midland Hotel Birmingham
Lunch with old Girdlestone a master of Robin's at Charterhouse, Robin opens
Boy Scouts Exhibition. Arthur Prince the ventriloquist and his wife give
performance in Scouts theatre at Bingley Hall. To tea with old Joe Chamberlain
and his family on his 77th birthday. Chaotic prize-giving and speeches at B. Hall
Wed 09 Jul 1913 [London ]
Ran up to see 2 Scouts in hospital. To London by train. Both depressed for no
reason - except dog-tiredness. Walk in Kensington Gardens. To Mercers Hall.
Men's dinner (opposition) and 12 ladies allowed in separate room! And sit in
gallery and listen to rather long speeches afterwards. Stay at 32.
Thu 10 Jul 1913 [London ]
Lazily in bed for breakfast. R and I to see over Pearson's printing works. Most
thrilling and wonderful and interesting. Saw the whole process. Poor
C.Q.Pearson who helped to start the Scout movement by publishing the book
'Scouting for boys' etc nearly blind now. To dine at Berkeley with all the
Dugdales and Mullins and to rotten Alhambra music hall.
Fri 11 Jul 1913 [ London]
Pick Robin up at Mercers Hall after lunch and go to Eton and Harrow match.
Tea with Wllie Grantham and met George and Lady Alexander etc .and dozens
of people we know. Jolly on that account. Harrow badly beaten and apparently
nobody looks at the cricket.
Sat 12 Jul 1913 [ London]
day cruising about Southampton Water on "Balmoral Castle" the 13000 ton
ship Robin came home on last August from South Africa. 300 people on board
and lots we knew and Princess Marie-Louise we met last autumn Home by
special in time for dinner.
Sun 13 Jul 1913 [ Aldershot]
Off in the car at 11 and go via Guildford and picnic on the Hog's Back Call on
cousins Torkington at Farnham. Tea with C. in C. Sir Douglas and dull Lady Haig
at Aldershot and stay with Cl. And Mrs Annall [?] commanding R's old regiment
5 D[ragoon] G[uard]s inSouth Cavalry barracks. Cinematograph after dinner
with Karsleys and Wynwoods came too.
Mon 14 Jul 1913 Cuckfield
R up at 5 and goes out on a horse to see a battle. All morning see Cavalry
recruits and young horses being trained. Most interesting and exciting. Captain
and Mrs Black to lunch. Leave in car at 3 and go to Charterhouse Robin's old
school. Tea with Headmaster's wife Mrs Fletcher and go all round to see cricket
and on to sleep at Cuckfield.
.
Tue 15 Jul 1913 Sheffield Park
Leave King's Head inn at nice Cuckfield. Mum down to Southover through
Lewes to call on Aunt Ann (Hill) in her ?small cottage and in pouring rain on to
stay with Uncle Arthur Soames at Sheffield Park. He is better but in a bath chair
and has been very ill.
Wed 16 Jul 1913 Ewhurst Green
Leave Sheffield [Park] and go home to Ewhurst via Newick where we call on
Clement Powell at the vicarage and Thomas Powell, old cousins. Awfully nice to
get home again, with this town and big Scout event well over.
Thu 17 Jul 1913 [Ewhurst Green]
Robin to London early. Flo Brooks to stay. 2.48 depressed and bothered for no
real reason about money and mention it in letter to Mother Dad sends £50 to
soothe me.
Fri 18 Jul 1913 [Ewhurst Green]
R returns and Warrington B-P and Eric Walker came. Eric W has had a big hand
in organising that Birmingham affair and can and does help my darling a lot as
his Secretary.
Sat 19 Jul 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Taffy kicked by "C4". Wet. Motor round about calling on Frewens at Brede
Place, Mrs Rumhays at Udimore, Liddels at Peasmarsh, Pipers and Pearsons at
Beckley Garden.
Sun 20 Jul 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Flo and I to church. All sleep on the lawn all the afternoon - on camp beds -
quite a real summer day, and so good for Darling Robin to have some rest
sometimes!
Mon 21 Jul 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Shenstones from Barcombe to tea and and Mrs Vivian from Robertsbridge
bringing Mrs Bevan of Lilliput, Mrs Tuck also "drops in"
Tue 22 Jul 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
R to London for Order of the Bath and takes Flo with him to see it and she
returns in the afternoon. Warrington leaves - quite pleased with the place.
Parlourmaid Philips has hysteria. Have nice Dr. Kendal from Battle who says
she must go.
Wed 23 Jul 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Fete at Hawkhurst Vicarage 2.30 too cold and wet to go.
Walk - and quite happy and go to bed at 7.15 and have dinner, we two there.
Great mirth and a good "rest pause"
Thu 24 Jul 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Motor to call on Drury - at Tenterden - out. See Philip's sister about going
home to her. Call on Thomsons and Sauls at Hawkhurst. T's out, Sauls in. Sir
Eyre and lady Coote to tea. He jumpy as ever- she very sweet. Dinner in bed
again - such fun.
Fri 25 Jul 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
R, getting homesick after 3 days absence the Darling! Village Fete at Ewhurst.
Present prizes. Painful performance. Scouts there but sticky farmers, Robin
returns.
Sat 26 Jul 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Garden.
Take R. to fish near Robertsbridge. Leave him and call on Fison's at Hurst Farm
and Miss Egerton near Robertsbridge and Russells near Etchingham. Join R and
have picnic tea.
Sun 27 Jul 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Dolly and Robert Cunningham came over with her father Mr. Freeman from his
house The Grey Friars at Winchelsea. Dolly awfully shy as she and R. can't hit it
off.
Mon 28 Jul 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
R. to London for dinners. Flo and I call on Lady Edge at Mountfield. Nice old
thing. Miss Pratt (not bad) at Sedlescombe and Marshalls at Chiltcombe (out).
Philips leaves (parlourmaid). Dinner in bed! Flo and I together,
Tue 29 Jul 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Took Flo over to tea and tennis with Pearsons. 4 o'clock if time at the
Chestnuts Beckley. Quite nice party. Good players and nice sons. One from
Khartoum and one from India etc.
Wed 30 Jul 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Flohin leaves in the morning. Busy day! Robin returns bringing brother in law
Baden. And now his long looked forward to and well-earned 6 weeks holiday
begins. Auriol has a second daughter - Clare Margaret
Thu 31 Jul 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Baden goes to call on Liddells at Peasmarsh who he knew years ago. Robin
fishes at Brede Place.
August 1913
Transcribed by Hilary Jenkins
Fri 01 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Baden leaves, Robin fishes at Battle. Bad sunny days for it and the fish didn't
bite at all.
Sat 02 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green ]
Capt. Wade comes to stay and three Headquarters Patrol to sleep in the
garden. Ought to have gone to Freemans At Home Grey Friars Winchelsea 4 to
6 but just didn't. Captain Cory's own Scouts to camp here -15 Provide milk.
Mrs Hussey and her friend Mrs. Dudgeon to tea.
Sun 03 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin's new pointer "Grouse" came yesterday. Very nervous but nice. Our 20
odd and the Rye and some Hurst Green and Hawkhurst Scouts have Church
Parade here. [word deleted] Quite successful. The Rye Scouts go on to
Robertsbridge with their [trek] cart.
Mon 04 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Lady Ashton called with a Mr [Reeves ? ]who had been Commissioner for New
Zealand. Mrs Cory and an awful friend called for tea. Capt. Wade so nice and
contented gardening and playing with scouts.
Tue 05 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Gave Harold notice as he is so naughty. Capt. Wade left. Lady Fison at Home -
4-6.30 wet or fine at Boarzell Hurst Green. Not bad party. Dolly Cunningham
and her people there, M.P.Grace and lots of others
Wed 06 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Garden and revel in peace. Join Pianola music lending library and have
accompaniment for Robin to play for me to fiddle to. Richards (maid) comes.
Bodiam station 4.41 [ indicates Thursday] Retract Harold's notice!
Thu 07 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
The owner of this house young Herdman to lunch and see the place. Quite
nice. In the 53rd and hates Cobbold [landlord] as much as [not clear] did.
Mr Mealing the manager of Buckhurst Scout farm and our new Commissioner
brought over Eric Walker and fetched him again at 12 having broken down.
Fri 08 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Uncle Matthew Hale to stay arrives Bodiam station 4.41 Captain Helyer who is
camping at Rye with 200 scouts brought 85 up by boat to Bodiam. Awful rain
and they arrived drenched and had to leave at once. 20 Belgian Scouts came
with Mr.[continued 9th August]
Sat 09 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Digby to spend the night in a barn at Ewhurst as our tents prepared had got
wet. They had a campfire and sang French songs in the stable yard till 10 last
night and left this morning.
Robin's head bad. Motor Uncle Matthew to Rye. My Ewhurst Scouts to tea and
18 Staplecross ones came to be enrolled. Mr. Mealing came to do it.
Sun 10 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Uncle Matthew goes happily and alone to watch [?] Bodiam. Write letters. Lie
all afternoon in the sun chatting on the lawn and go for a stroll after tea. Robin
alright again. Head yesterday accentuated by thunder.
Mon 11 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Uncle Matthew left. Rabbit stalking season commences and R shoots first head
of game on the estate with a rifle and we eat it with much pride and onions.
Tue 12 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
What a lovely holiday this is. Bad headache myself. Brother-in-law Warington
engagement to Hilda Farmer in the paper today. Mrs Gubbins from Hawkhurst
called. Sister of Cobbold our landlord but not bad like he is.
Wed 13 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Robin to lunch 1.15 with Miss Coats at Brenchley and takes her to see
Buckhurst Scouts Farm near Wadhurst. Mrs. Robertson Luxford from nr.
Robertsbridge called.
Thu 14 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Taffy lost at Battle by the servants
Fri 15 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Alix Binzel engaged to Major Osterley. Mr. and Mrs. Watson Smyth called.
Sat 16 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Captain Wade and Agnes to stay. Mr. and Mrs Binzel Alix and her nice fiancé to
tea from their house at East Grinstead. Jolly showing them our home. Major
and Mrs. Jervis to call for tea too.
Sun 17 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin, Agnes and Captain Wade motored to Battle to see the Abbey and
enquire about Taffy of whom nothing has been seen or heard. The police are
searching.
Mon 18 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Captain Wade left. He is a [nailer?] and so nice. Mrs Braybrooke from
Hawkhurst called. Rather pretty. Pearsons to tea.
Tue 19 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Agnes leaves - rather a relief!
Wed 20 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin motors to Hythe to see Scoutmasters camp and lunch with Aunt Con.
Watson. Shenstones At Home refused.
Tea at the Rectory with Tucks. Lord and lady Hythe called but I was out.
Thu 21 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Eric Walker arrives on his motor bike for breakfast. Motor to Battle in the
morning for us both to see Dr. Kendal. Very nice and soothing man. Taffy has
been seen near Battle. The Police are after him.
Fri 22 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Mrs Ellison who we met at Malta in Fgeb. Called - and her friend Mrs. Du Mont
from Bexhill. M. Corbisier-Chief Scout of Belgium to tea. Came from London for
an hour to discuss religious difficulties re scouts. Mr. Mealing called in the
evening, to talk with Robin about the Scout's Farm affairs
Sat 23 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Taffy brought back by boy who found him on the road near Robertsbridge.
Very thin, rather miserable and his tail damaged. Goes to vet a tStaplecross
and has half his tail amputated.
Sun 24 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
To Church. Arthur engaged to be married to Hope Parish. Brings her to lunch
here. Very sweet. Church parade of our scouts and some from Rye camping
near. Mr. and Mrs. and little girl Mealing to tea.
Mon 25 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Man from Brockett Tunbridge Wells to value plate called Nichols comes in
morning as we think we ought to have it insured.
Tue 26 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Dad in the yellow car and Hardy comes. Robin to see Captain Cory's own
Scouts in camp. Mother has to stay on at Montacute as Auriol not right yet
from "having" Clare.
Wed 27 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin to stay at Montacute to fish with Bob Davidson. Andrews at
Robertsbridge tennis party refused. Mrs and Miss French call but Dad and I
motored over to tea at Grey Friars with Freemans so were out.
Thu 28 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Quite elderly plain but sensible Mrs Parish and Hopey and Arthur to lunch 1.30.
Mrs. Hancock and her son call, also Mr. Grace bringing Sir Augustus and l
Lady Webster from Battle. Send Dad to see Brede Place.
Fri 29 Aug 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin getting homesick after two days! Dad leaves for Sheffield Park. Annie's
sister comes as temporary parlour maid. Robin returns - and thankful to be
back home again. Dinner with Fosters refused.
Sat 30 Aug 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Wettish. Motor to Buckhurst Farm. Call on Watson Smyths at Wadhurst (out)
and Mrs. Morland at Lamberhurst. Dull rather. Eric Walker called.
Sun 31 Aug 1913 [No entry]
September 1913
X
Transcribed by Hilary Jenkins
Mon 01 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin gets 2 partridges before breakfast in sight of the house. Lots of birds
about. This is a joy for him to have this country life and even that small amount
of "spat"
Tue 02 Sep 1913 [ Ewhurst Green ]
[inserted sheet] 5.0 Rabbits 5.30 out dogs 6-7 Write 7.0-7.30 Armchair 7.30 Tea
and dress 8.0 -9.0 Walk
Wed 03 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin shoots with Col. Frewen. Rotten bag. Warington and Hilda to stay. She is
42 and quite nice. It is luck for him. He is off his head quite with delight at this
happy engagement.
Thu 04 Sep 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Robin and Warington shoot on our "estate" - just the few fields round us! 51/2
brace partridges and 1 rabbit in the morning and 2 brace in the afternoon.
Grouse the pointer and my old Doogy help. Mr. Mealing to lunch
Fri 05 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Warington and hilda leave. Hear Dad is very seedy in bed with chill he got at
Sheffield [Park] Do scrap books galore
Sat 06 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Sussex R.A.C. [motor] gymkhana at Eastbourne. Refused to give prizes.
The battle Scoutmaster Rev. J. Drabble calls about 3.30 and 2 small scouts and
a clever man friend Jacobsons came after 5.30. The Combe's [sic] from
Sedlescombe call
Sun 07 Sep 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Taffy getting much better.
Mr van Roemer calls at tea-time and Eric Walker
Mon 08 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
A troop of Belgian Scouts call under a Mr. Parfitt an Englishman and such a
bounder who is running Scouts in Belgium. Robin shoots and I pick blackberries
and carry home our dinner complete.
Tue 09 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Mr. Barralet sent secretary for lunch. Mr.J Pearson from Beckley and Eric
Walker to shoot. 8 partridges 1 hare 1 lark 1 plover and bunny. Mrs. Jim
Pearson and major the brother to tea. Walker stayed.
Wed 10 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Walker left after lunch. There is no doubt now about what is happening to me
- soon! Mother writes that she has plenty of baby clothes available to give or
lend to me which is very convenient!
Thu 11 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin to London. Fetch Friede to stay from Bexhill (St. Bernards) and have tea
ther with her friends the Misses Miller. Call first on 1. lady Idina Hythe 2, Lady
Mabelle Egerton 3. Mrs. Ellison and Websters. Also see Mrs. du mont
[continued on Friday 12th]
Fri 12 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
in her glorious old Manor House at Bexhill.
Bad head. Gets better after blackberrying with jolly old Frieda who is so happy
here.
Sat 13 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Warington married to Hilda Farmer at 2.30 at All Saints Ennismore Gardens.
Baden to stay and Robin returns. Call on Luxfords, Gubbins, Braybrooke and
old Mrs,French. All out except her.
Sun 14 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green]
Friede to church. Go blackberrying - rather slowly! Baden and my beloved to
tea with Frewens at Brickwell
Mon 15 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Mother comes in the yellow car in time for tea. Glorious having her and she
loves Robin now I think ?
Baden and Robin shoot all day. All morning we help with flying the kite.
Tue 16 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Friede leaves, Unpack Peter's luggage Fearfully wet all day. Baden and Robin
shoot two snipe, one partridge. Mother retired to bed for dinner looking well
though
Wed 17 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Motor over to Hythe. Lunch on the way in the car midst roars of laughter.
Mother and I stop at Grimble (in Saltwood) seeing Aunt Con. Watson. R on to
Folkestone on business and drops Baden there. Lovely run home.
Thu 18 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin to London by 8.30. He is just perfectly divine and happy. In bed with
mother till2.30 and talk all the time. Out for walk and pick blackberries. Peter
does Swedish drill!
Fri 19 Sep 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
In bed for breakfast from laziness. Pick blackberries for jam.
Sat 20 Sep 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Motor goes to London for Scouts to see. Mother and I in her yellow one to
shop in Hawkhurst. Scout Albert E... comes. R inspects North London Scouts at
3 and returns late 8.29 at Robertsbridge. Arthur here for lunch tea and dinner.
Very much in love!
Sun 21 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green]
Mother, Robin and I go blackberrying and mushrooming. All so happy together
and mother loves Robin now. More than I dared expect and hope for.
Mon 22 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Mother leaves. Don't want her to at all, but she returns soon and I think it is
good for her to come away from Lilliput for a change. Robin motors by train to
London late
Tue 23 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
R at Easton Neston Park - Towcester seeing Scouts helping manoeuvres. Agnes
to stay. Mrs. Walker from next door odd person to tea.
Wed 24 Sep 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Nice peaceful day - and "the baby" - I wonder if it will be Peter- now pretty
active! Mother leaves
R back to 32 [London] and kept much too busy with Scout matters and of
course the Mercers claim his services as their "Master"!
Thu 25 Sep 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
My dear old pal Babe [from Devon] comes to stay. We were so fond of each
other and met so much all through 1904/5 Bobbie [and 1906] -Alice Bingel's
Airedale terrier comes. Agnes leaves
Fri 26 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
R at Aylesbury, Bobbie Airedale nice. R stays with Everetts at Elstree for night.
Perfect peaceful day. Babe quite delightful and we talk and talk of the "old
days"
Sat 27 Sep 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Robin returns for tea in the car
Sun 28 Sep 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Aunt Con and her step son Jimmy Watson to lunch 1.30. Mr. Mealing and
Colonel Sladen for tea and to discuss matters re Scout farm with Robin.
Mon 29 Sep 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Evans M.... to lunch Robin shoots with Col. Frewen at Brede. Babe and I take
our lunch.. to look at tower near Hurst green and pick blackberries
Tue 30 Sep 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Robin shoots with Gurney. Babe and I carry our lunch and walk to pick
blackberries in a field near Saggs Farm
October 1913
Transcribed by Hilary Jenkins
Wed 01 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin shoots with Mr.Gurney Godley's to lunch Meet 12.41 at Hawkhurst-and
take them there agaion-Babe and I whilst Robin shoots snipe.
Thu 02 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green ]
Robin to 32 by 9.15 from Robertsbridge. Babe and I take our lunchbox in the
car to the sea near Winchelsea and back by Rye
Fri 03 Oct 1913 [no entry ]
Sat 04 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin inspects N.W. London Scouts and returns here late. Staplecross Laundry
calls for washing. Babe leaves is sweet Mrs. Trawen to tea.
Sun 05 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Wet nearly all day. Robin here and rather depressed for no reason. He and
babe walk to Piper at Bodiam. I go down Dog Lane with 'em
Mon 06 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Babe leaves, Motor her to Robertsbridge station and after take Robin to end of
shooting estate and he brings home the hare
Tue 07 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Water supply goes wrong as usual. Aunt Ger comes. Bodiam 4.41
Robin to stay at Brondesbury with Acurath [?]
Wed 08 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Alix Binzel's wedding. Arthur and Hopie have been to Lilliput Robin shoots with
Dr. Acurath and returns to 32 Princes Gate
Thu 09 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Had George the Airedale painlessly killed - body and brain deficient. Robin
goes to speak to school at Winchester. Walk with Aunt Ger and stick in Rb
scrapbook. Arthur's engagement announced today
Fri 10 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin returned 6.32
Sat 11 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Aunt Ger leaves. Too wet for Pears, Holmes and Gurney to shoot with Robin
after lunch as planned. Charles Powell cousin from Speldhurst Tunbridge Wells
to lunch. Quick jumpy man
Sun 12 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Eric Walker to do letters - from London for lunch
Mon 13 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin to London for night to go to Royal Party at St. James Palace to see Prince
Arthur of Connaught's [continued on 14th]
Tue 14 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
wedding presents etc and enjoyed it much, returning to his wife early today,
and he is longing for "all this" to be over so that we can go about together
again and he has his ? son at last!!
Wed 15 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
In a letter from Mr. Stobart à propos of other things - she who is my baby is a
quiet joy! Mother comes, arriving Bodiam 6.45. Gurney, Pears and Robin shoot
71/2 brace partridge, 1 snipe, 1 rabbit
Thu 16 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Robin to 32 [Princes Gate] by 9.15 express from Robertsbridge. Go to see him
off. Lovely misty morning. Mother and I picnic on wooden tower by Hurst
Green, home via Hawkhurst.
Fri 17 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin goes to stay at Sprotborough Hall Doncaster until Sunday. Sent for
Coulson today - unnecessarily but for safety.
Sat 18 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
"Monthly nurse" Cvoulson comes, arriving Bodiam 4.41. Thought it as well to
have her here in good time. Robin at Doncaster. Shoots and inspects Scouts.
Luckily some people are considerate enough to give him some fun and
relaxation sometimes.
Sun 19 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin inspects church parade and returns to 32 for night- arriving Kings Cross
9.23
Mon 20 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Robin returns in morning
Tue 21 Oct 1913 [no entry ]
Wed 22 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin to 32 for S.A.C Dinner at Criterion 8.
R at Scoutcraft London at 5-6
Thu 23 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin at Mercers hall Cheapside till 12 then to [unclear, crossed out] Lincoln
for night. Returning to London early
Fri 24 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Mercers Hall till 1. Robin in London 32 Princes Gate, Scoutcraft 2.30. Returns
by 4.50 ? Train late owing to fog and he has an attack of fever.
Sat 25 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ] Trecco terrier dog came. Robin
shoots at Battle. Up to 32 by 4.12 from there NO Robin attends two big
dinners[?] 6.45 13th-S.A.C at Anderton Hotel Fleet Street. Sleeps at 32 P.G
But fever better
.
Sun 26 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]Walked with Mother and dogs
nearly to Madamses Farm. Robin returns better - really alright-but that fever
always makes his gums swell and his broken jaw hurt - poor dear darling- and
he is so good about it
Mon 27 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Pouring wet all day. Short walks. Hear that Frances the other Lady B-P died at
Cheltenham. Great relief as she was crippled and deaf - widow of R's brother
George
Tue 28 Oct 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Walk to Post Office and about the field. Robin shoots one bunny. I hope this
baby will arrive soon- it makes me very heavy for walking about!
Wed 29 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Robin to Sheffield, c/o Master Cutler Cutlers Hall Sheffield Robin refuses this
on account of Frances' death. Stroll about all day with difficulty. Very
unpleasant every two minutes. All meals downstairs. To bed and Dr. comes at
10-and Peter is born at [continued on 30th]
Thu 30 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
five minutes to 1 on our first wedding anniversary. Robin to London early from
Sheffield here and is at Mercers Hall all morning and to Frances' funeral. 32 P.G
for tea and returns here end of day Quite happy dozing all day. Perfectly well
and no pain anywhere. Peter very fit and strong
Fri 31 Oct 1913 [ Ewhurst Green]
Robin all morning at Mercers Hall Cheapside. Over 200 wires of
congratulations. Robin attends big dinner at 6.30 Salters Hall Cannon Street.
Sleeps [unclear] motors and leaves there 5.24 next morn
Sat 01 Nov 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin here for breakfast. Robin shoots with Freemans Grey Friars Winchelsea.
Papers all were so nice over Peter's birth and we have congratulations Robin
returns pouring in and reporters on the doorstep!
November 1913
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Sat 01 Nov 1913 [Ewhurst Green ]
Robin here for breakfast. Robin shoots with Freemans Grey Friars Winchelsea.
Papers all were so nice over Peter's birth and we have congratulations Robin
returns pouring in and reporters on the doorstep!
Sun 02 Nov 1913 [at home, Ewhurst?]
Stay in bed - quite comfy -
and my Beloved Darling is so thrilled over his son!
I think he would have been sorry if this first one
had been a girl!
Mon 03 Nov 1913
Mother & Robin run over to call on Lady
Tredegar at Frant & see Wadhurst Farm.
Tue 04 Nov 1913 = blank page
Wed 05 Nov 1913
Peter went out for his first walk.
Both of us flourishing.
Thu 06 Nov 1913
Robin to London Mercers Hall.
Dines with Ironmongers Co
6.45
Fri 07 Nov 1913
Robin morning at Mercers Hall
Cheapside
Head Quarters Committee 4 P.M.
[Scouteraft?]
London
Sat 08 Nov 1913 = blank page
Sun 09 Nov 1913 = blank page
Mon 10 Nov 1913
Robin to London
Lord Mayors Day
Mercers ladies' day.
Big lunch & Robin speaks &
everybody mentions Peter nicely
Robin to dine at Guildhall
Tue 11 Nov 1913
Robin returns
Wed 12 Nov 1913
Doctor came
Robin to London
Mercers dinner
Mother to Frant to see Lady Tredegar
Thu 13 Nov 1913
out of bed
for an hour
and walk along the landing and
feel quite strong.
and well.
Fri 14 Nov 1913
I don't at all like this feeding business
and so plan not to go on with it, and
Peter starts bottle
Doctor came
Robin has meeting of St Pauls School governors.
Walk along passage
and Robin returns
Sat 15 Nov 1913
Mother left.
Robin shoots with Col. Frewen
Uppish just for tea - and it felt good to be
on my feet again.
Sun 16 Nov 1913 = blank page
Mon 17 Nov 1913
Robin shoots with Watson Smyths at Wadhurst
R. dines with Cordwainers Co.
As the Master of the Mercers he has to do all these City Dinners.
Tue 18 Nov 1913
Robin slept at Cannon Street &
came home by early 5.20 train.
Wed 19 Nov 1913 = blank page
Thu 20 Nov 1913
Robin to London Mercers Hall.
& dines with Saddlers Guild
so stays away reluctantly
in London again for the night
Fri 21 Nov 1913
2 o'clock
Robin has meeting of St Pauls Girl's school governors.
Also Headquarters Committee of Scouts
& returns home in late evening
Sat 22 Nov 1913
Robin shoots at Battle
Auriol comes for week end.
Arrives Bodiam 6.32
Walk along road towards Northiam with
Nurse & carry Peter - our baby!
Robin is so pleased at having a son!
Sun 23 Nov 1913
Evan Morgan quaint son of Lady Tredegar to lunch.
Robin carries Peter about the garden.
Dr Kendal comes.
Long walk round by Madamses.
Mon 24 Nov 1913
Duke of Connaught wired congratulations
last week about Peter & offers to be godfather.
Robin dines 7.15 with Broderers Company.
Tue 25 Nov 1913
Walk along towards Northiam & again after lunch
nearly to Madamses
So fit. Robin leaves
Peters new permanent
Nurse, Daisy Chambers, arrives Bodiam 4.41
Robin dines with Broderers Company.
Auriol arrives Bodiam 6.32
Wed 26 Nov 1913
Auriol & I walk to Bodiam Castle
but got very tired.
Robin to see Bobbie at his school at Broadstairs
Mrs Tuck to tea.
Mr Mealing comes to inspect & pass my Scout Troop
for their 2nd class & stays to dinner
Thu 27 Nov 1913
Auriol leaves.
To bed with a temperature of 102 & horrid pain in left breast.
Robin dines with Haberdashers Company
Dr Kendal comes
& pronounces a small abscess.
from a chill.
Fri 28 Nov 1913
Pain worse & hot fomentations applied every two hours.
Warington & Hilda to stay
Cry for apparently no reason a lot,
and feel awful.
Robin returns.
Peter flourishes
Put on 5 more ounces this week.
Sat 29 Nov 1913
Jim Knight Bruce my godfather to shoot &
young Watson Smyth Had bad
Horrid pain, & weak and weepy from it
Waringtons happy & fearfully deeply lover-like.
Sun 30 Nov 1913
Felt miserably ill and feeble, & spent
A most wretched tearful day.
& so horrible being back in bed again.
Pain horrible too & all from standing by the
front door letting out Mrs Tuck
on Wednesday evening catching a cold.
December 1913
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Mon 01 Dec 1913
They shoot.
Pain still bad & Dr Kendal
will bring the head of Hastings hospital
to pronounce sentence on me tomorrow
See Hilda a bit
Tue 02 Dec 1913
Warington & Hilda left.
Dr Kendal gave me chloroform & Dr Jacobson Christopherson
bored holes in the top part of me. Hurt
horribly. Cried
fearfully & had a beastly night.
Wed 03 Dec 1913
Dressing with tube in by Dr Kendal
most painful
Robin dines with Lorrimers Company
He did not go and
Gave it up
because I cried
so & he had to soothe me here
in bed instead!
Thu 04 Dec 1913
A bad day in bed.
Asperin is
invaluable to send to sleep but
so depressing.
Dr Kendal takes out tube
& I yell & cry
Robin dines at Skinners Hall
Fri 05 Dec 1913
I seem an awful coward!
So beastly though
not being able to move my
left side & I am tired out
but better!
All tears from sheer weakness
H.Q. Committee
Robin returns late.
Sat 06 Dec 1913
Decide to postpone Peters Christening.
Rotten day.
So tired & feel weak and blubbery.
And I got fit
so quickly last time - I mean
last week - over...
Sun 07 Dec 1913
... Peter's birth.
But then that was a normal natural happening
in good health - and this misfortune
is inflicted pain.
Robin goes for long walks & reads aloud to me in between times,
comforting me so sweetly.
Mon 08 Dec 1913
Robin motors over to Horsham on Mercer business.
Dr Kendal comes and thinks the abscess is now
nearly finished with. It was rather grim having it - and
ought not to have happened.
Tue 09 Dec 1913
Daisy Chambers is managing Peter quite well and
he is growing nicely.
At last - at last
I feel and am Really better!
Uppish for tea & walk along the
passage. Same old game as 3 weeks ago!
Wed 10 Dec 1913
R. & I motor up
to London
2nd Livery Dinner at Mercers Hall
Up & down for lunch. Really
better but cry at slightest provocation!
Thu 11 Dec 1913
Peter leaves Bodiam 10.40 for London
That unfortunate abscess business has made me feel pretty cheap!
R. dines old Pauline Club 7.30
I take Peter & Co to Lilliput leaving Waterloo 4.10.
Fri 12 Dec 1913
Out for small walk.
not fast or far
but - to the good.
Old Carthusian Dinner. R. attends
& they allude to Peter in speeches!
Peter put on another 6 ounces this week
Sat 13 Dec 1913
Peter's christening
Doctor came & says I may go tomorrow.
Robin returns early.
Out for two small walks,
getting my legs going again and
feel more myself again
Sun 14 Dec 1913
Nurse Coulson leaves at last
Nice kind woman - but had to stay
a fortnight too long! Feel very seedy - but we motor up to 32.
Enjoy & feel better for change after 6 months solid at Ewhurst.
Mon 15 Dec 1913
Into London "City" again.
Mercers Company & City of Londons [??]
new building
Gresham College opened by the Lord Mayor &
Sheriff - R. & I "hosting". Lunch
at Mercers Hall about 100 people
Great fun really and luckily being back into activity,
with people again brings me back to life!
Tue 16 Dec 1913
Feel much better
and have no pain now.
Both to London to
stay with the Clutterbucks at
Putteridge
Wroughtons at Home 4.30
77 Chester Square
Tea with Parish's.
Wed 17 Dec 1913
Pheasant shoot.
Coming away has done me good and taken
away the depression that pain gave
me, and I feel a new woman!
Tea with Warington & Hilda at their
flat. Mother comes there & R. joins us
He & I go to Victoria Music Hall to see
funny bicycle man.
Thu 18 Dec 1913
R. to Mercers & evening to city dinner.
I went alone to
Dinner at 58 Ennismore Gdns
with Parish's.
Mother - Uncle Arthur & Arthur there & some
"in-laws to be "
Fri 19 Dec 1913
A "pre-wedding"
Tea & see presents at 58.
Auriol there & aunts etc.
Sat 20 Dec 1913
Arthur's wedding at Guards Chapel to Hope Parish.
Lovely ceremony
Reception at 58 Ennismore Gardens
Dad & Auriol & Mother to see my mother-in-law. R. & I
dine with Sie Bower
Dad Mother Bob Auriol & Aunt Con & to Palace after.
Sun 21 Dec 1913
Lunch with Miss Haking
29 Rutland Court
And meet John Lane (interesting publisher man) there
Call on Miss Dugdale
in flat opposite the one we had. To
concert at Queens Hall.
Dine with Florence B.P.
Mon 22 Dec 1913
Shop all morning
Meet R. at Mercers Hall. Go to hear
him speak into a gramophone to
make record for Scout rallies.
Visit St Bartholomew Church in city
amongst the meat at Smithfield
After dinner to Mercers school
["conversarzione"?] & concert in Holborn
Tue 23 Dec 1913
Shop at Harrods
& lunch there.
Xmas gathering tea party at 32.
Awful! Relations galore.
Dine Cavalry Club we two &
to see rotten play called "Never say die" -
Charles Hawtrey.
Wed 24 Dec 1913
Leave London in the car full of parcels at 10.15.
Get home to Ewhurst in time for lunch.
Robin drove the car - and again in the afternoon so
Court (chauffuer) left for holiday. Glorious home coming.
Thu 25 Dec 1913
Peter splendid.
Robin & I to church. Not
one note in tune the whole time there.
Walk to call on Jacobsons at Lording Court.
Dr Kendal to see me. Very cold indeed.
Fri 26 Dec 1913
Peter put on 10 more ounces
Robin shoots with Husseys at Scotney.
Drives himself.
Felt rather shivery and seedy again
suddenly - and rather alarmed
Sat 27 Dec 1913
Went for quite a
Long walk.
Dissolve in tears again which shows
I'm not right yet - and Dr Christopherson
comes and makes two more holes!
& Dr Kendal gives me glorious quick chloroform.
Get comfy quickly.
Sun 28 Dec 1913
This time wasn't so bad
Wonderfully well - & get up after being
"dressed" at midday.
But not very comfy!
and jolly glad to get back into bed again
Mon 29 Dec 1913
Hurts less & get up a bit in morning &
go to bed for tea & to "have it done"
as Dr Kendal & Dr C. have put
these loathsome tubes in again
Tue 30 Dec 1913
Robin shoots with Lord Ashton of Hyde
But hurries home quickly.
He has been so angelic and
sympathetic - and so patient
with me - over this trying set back.
Wed 31 Dec 1913 = blank page
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
[ The following entries for 1st, 2nd & 3rd January have been copied into her Diary for 1914 ]
Thu 01 Jan 1914
Dad starts for Ceylon with Auriol & Bob.
She has left her two baby girls
with Mother at Lilliput.
Baden to stay
Fri 02 Jan 1914
Star & Sherborne Prideaux to lunch & tea.
She is youngest daughter of Aunt Rosie Flower
& her husband is a parson
Peter put on 10 more ounces.
Sat 03 Jan 1914
Mrs Firth & her mother Mrs Hansard lunch
here. Mrs H. sister of Aunt Con. Smyth.
Court returns.
This day two years ago Robin & I met for first
time starting on board Arcadian!
Friede over for tea from Bexhill.
(in pencil)
Sat. Jan 10th
Florence & Bobbie P.
nurse come Bodiam 6.31
MEMORANDA 1
(in pencil)
Jan. 12th.
Donald & Maud come
Donald leaves 21st
MEMORANDA 2
[ Page left blank ]
MEMORANDA 3
March 4th
Eccles Exhibition
MEMORANDA 4 [ ]
[ Page left blank ]
MEMORANDA 5
The Chief events of this 1913 year were
(1) Voyage to Gib.
Algiers Malta
(2) Getting our first country home together
(3) Birmingham Scouts gathering
and
(4) Peter's birth
and plenty of parties and people!
MEMORANDA 6 [ ]
[ Page left blank ]
MEMORANDA 7 [ ]
[ Page left blank ]
MEMORANDA 8 [ ]
[ Page left blank ]
MEMORANDA 9 [ ]
PERSONAL MEMORANDA = not completed
Name
Private Address
Business Address
Telegraphic Address
Telephone Number
" " " of Friends
Bank Pass Book Number
Watch Number
Insurance Policy { Life Due
Office & Number{ Fire Due
Store Ticket Number
Keys, Identification Number
Bicycle Number
MOTOR MEMORANDA
{ Index Mark
Motor Car or Cycle { Registration No.
{ Driver's License No.
MEMORANDA 10 [ ]
Printed Months of 1914 Jan-Jun
With Bank Holidays list
MEMORANDA 11 [ ]
Printed Months of 1914 Jul-Dec
with English Quarter Days
MEMORANDA 12 [ ]
Printed Walker's Diaries
to be had in a variety of bindings
Sizes listed (in inches)
Inside back cover
[blank]
Outer cover
[dark olive-green shade]
Notes
Augusta Frances Ellen Flower (Q2 1881 - Q4 1959) married Q2 1908 in Chelsea
Reverend Sherburne Povah Tregelles Prideaux (1880-1956)
They had no children.
---------------
1912 Index 1914
