1912 [Kill this page when done ]
1911 Index 1913
Olave's Diary for 1912
[ Her 23rd birthday was 22 Feb ]
[ Olave was nearly 23 -
and STILL single - SHOCK - HORROR !
and STILL single - SHOCK - HORROR !
So her father took her on a cruise to the Caribbean & they visited the Panama Canal under
construction ! ]
[ the printed pages omited ]
January 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Mon 01 Jan 1912 [Lilliput]
Well I do hope Olave you will have a better year this time than last. Not exactly that it was bad - but ( 2 be?)! so worrisome!
Tue 02 Jan 1912
Walked to Parkstone yesterday & today with A.G. After - to see the Russian Dancers & Anna Pavlova at the Winter Gardens. She danced beautifully.
Wed 03 Jan 1912
We start! on our voyage of discovery from Southampton in the R.M.S.P. ship "Arcadian".
The P.P.O. "Vectis" that I went to Norway in was lying alongside.
Thu 04 Jan 1912 [on board RMS Arcadian]
Called in at Cherbourg last night
Fairly smooth but not hungry today but serenly happy...
Fri 05 Jan 1912
... sitting lazily loafily on deck all day. Make friends with Daisy Goodwin - daughter of Albert
Goodwin the painter. Also Lieut-General Sir Robert Baden-Powell "The Boy Scout" ...
Sat 06 Jan 1912
... who is so nice. He talks so nicely about Mafeking & all his interesting experiences & is so modest & sweet.
Dear little Mrs MaConnel makes friends. Ripping day.
Sun 07 Jan 1912
Quite rough yesterday
Kate Baker (sister of Auriol's bridesmaid M.) very sorry for herself.
She is travelling with a Miss Rodewald who is clever but affected.
Mon 08 Jan 1912
B-P. entertained me all yesterday! Arrive at the Azores. Quaint little Riviera-like port. Land people with difficulty in a big sea & leave in 3 hours.
Tue 09 Jan 1912
Rolled all yesterday & today in a big Atlantic swell. B-P. & the 3 nice boys who are with him as his staff Eric Insole M.C. Wroughton & Noel van Raalte are so jolly. The latter lives at Brownsea - 1 mile from us! Make friends with dull Miss Hunt - Parkers - Mrs Low [ divorced Juliet Gordon Low, who later started the Girl Scouts of the USA ! ] & organize a concert
Wed 10 Jan 1912
Big sea running
Rehearse for concert.
Glorious day - Major Digby approaches me at last - !
Have B-P to myself all day - till 11. p.m. - such intelligent conversation on religion etc. -
sitting after watching the phosphorous balls of light whilst other people dance.
Thu 11 Jan 1912
[ overwritten by previous entry ]
Fri 12 Jan 1912
Do sports - & win potato race - in intervals between sitting with B-P. on the top deck - Yes
I'm up against it!
Sat 13 Jan 1912 = page missing, torn out
Sun 14 Jan 1912 = page missing, torn out
Mon 15 Jan 1912 = page missing, torn out
Tue 16 Jan 1912 = page missing, torn out
Wed 17 Jan 1912
... last night - (-----?) behind lots of friends - MaConnels etc
& nice Mr Dawson. Up before dawn again just to see him & kiss him.
Lovely long hot day - see Venezuela coast in the...
Thu 18 Jan 1912
... dim distance - & other small islands now & then - Curacoa etc.
Small talks with Major & gigly & nice Mr Wyndham
(----?) the beloved Scout is (-- - - .?) There. He gives me (- - - - -) album & sketches
Fri 19 Jan 1912
Arrive & stay all day without landing at Port of Columbia.
Lovely long hot baking hours alone with him & our usual stolen ones on the boat deck after
dinner
Sat 20 Jan 1912
The divinest morning & divinest view as we approach Carthagena with La Popa with the
Convent on the top peeping out of a veil of mist. Lie by the pier all day - & lovely going out...
Sun 21 Jan 1912
... past little old ruined ports.
Frightfully hot. Pass over Drake's grave off Porto Bells at 11. - Arrive at Colon. Boy Scouts
to meet him of course. Dad & I prowl about dirty hot little town. I adore him.
Mon 22 Jan 1912
In special train (taken care of by Maj.D.!) stopping at wonderful Gatun Lock works - thro'
jungle to Panama. Lunch at the Tivoli - & drive about the town & gaze on the Pacific - &
back to "Arcadian" for bed.
Tue 23 Jan 1912
Walk to Lessap's Statue with Mr Cotton - grilling.
Sail at 2 - out to sea & she pitches like anything but ok! I'm so happy all day with him - He
sketches away & I talk & we laugh...
Wed 24 Jan 1912
... together - even when we try to be serious the imp of mirth steps in.
We feel & think alike about everything. Small (brawl?) with Maj. Digby which brings us
closer still - Perfect bliss.
Thu 25 Jan 1912 = page missing, torn out
Fri 26 Jan 1912 = page missing, torn out
Sat 27 Jan 1912 = page missing, torn out
Sun 28 Jan 1912 = page missing, torn out
Mon 29 Jan 1912
Start a red tie for Robin.
(We?) bought the silk together in Kingston.
(--?) travel quite coolly & comfily across the ?- land to Montego Bay.
Wonderful wild country wooded mountains & valleys & Mo. Bay is a haven...
Tue 30 Jan 1912
... of rest after train-y smelly Kingston.
Spring Hill Hotel nice & primitive. Walk about & bask. Mr Ramsden to see us - & Mrs kerr
takes us to tea with Mrs Doubleday & then bathe - lovely.
February 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Robin fills my dreams by day & by night.
Wed 31 Jan 1912
Loaf all morning.
Walk to Kathrine Hall & are shown over the sugar factory by the dull owner Another Mr Kerr
- no relation of the kind.
Thu 01 Feb 1912
Mrs Kerr who drives us today to play with Sharpes - 6 miles off. Quite fun.
Nice Pollock - Morris' are staying here too. Fairly hot - just nice.
I write to dash dot dot dot dash dot dot dot dash dash dot
dot dash dot dash dot dot dash dot [darling]
Robin
Fri 02 Feb 1912
Mrs Kerr's mother has died in England - but she sent her carriage to take us to tea & tennis
with St Aubyns who we met yesterday.
Great fun. All same people...
Sat 03 Feb 1912
... at each house - funny little social circle.
Drive 15 miles to lunch at Bellefield (Hampden) with Ramsdens - then on to play tennis at
their club at Phoenix. Great fun. Home along the...
Sun 04 Feb 1912
... dark bumpy road lit by fireflies! Mr Ramsden is a brother of Mrs Otto Bower - sister in
law of Sie.
Rainy. Tea with the loud American Doubledays.
Mon 05 Feb 1912
Bathe - just lovely & hot. Water the same temperature as the air. Drive in Kerr's carriage
up to tennis again at the Sharpes
They are too kind tho' com!
Tue 06 Feb 1912
Leave dear little Montego Bay at 7.30.
Beautiful journey & South Camp Road Hotel at Kingston quite comfy & meet lots of old
friends there. Mrs Allison takes...
Wed 07 Feb 1912
... it upon herself to congratulate me upon my engagement! & I really didn't know what to
say! Joy ! A bundle of letters from Robin & my heart sings.
(shop?) & see the R.C. Cathedral
Thu 08 Feb 1912
Small song on my lips & a big song in my heart -
Ah Robin - you are always there.
Motor with F-Morris' up to Castleton gardens again & a few lovely wooded miles on.
Fri 09 Feb 1912
To the Museum - sit awhile at Myrtle Bank & then we board the R.M.S.P. "Tagus" to
"takus"! home" On board I find letters & presents - come down on this ship from Robin...
Sat 10 Feb 1912
... in New York. Oh it is good to be alive - when the sun shines thus. Lovely day - sun inside
& sun outside & I write volumes to him & wear his "Swastika".
Sun 11 Feb 1912
Jamaica & its beautiful range of blue mountains was lovely in a haze as we steamed out of
sight on Friday.
- - - -
Arrive at Colon - horrid place - but I like seeing it again. We...
Mon 12 Feb 1912
... were here just 3 weeks ago - it seems months
We all are shown over the interesting & wonderful "comissary" cold storage - where all the
food for the 65000 workers on The Canal is supplied from. Marvellous management
Tue 13 Feb 1912
Afternoon - we go in a dirty motor boat up the canal to Gathun & once more gaze awe
struck upon the huge lock - & the land made hideous by man & machinery.
Wed 14 Feb 1912
Left Colon - yesterday.
Arrive at Carthagena
So nice seeing La Popa welcoming us again & we land & I see a Spanish town for the first
time & just love the brightness & the narrow streets ...
Thu 15 Feb 1912
... and stucco houses of all colours with quaint overhanging balconies. I am disappointed in
the Cathedral but the old Ramparts are nice. We sailed out of the lovely harbour again at
even tide & arrive at Porto Colombia.
Fri 16 Feb 1912
We left Savanilla last night - & left behind us nice Mr Wyndham who goes up 80 miles to be
British Minister at Bogota - Mr Parker too - his "care-taker!" Out at sea
Sat 17 Feb 1912
Hot & happy - & I drift & dream in the sun - & Robin is in them all - such jolly dreams of
where we shall live & what we shall do - together !
Sun 18 Feb 1912
To save trouble I tell Mr Digby about Robin - & our affection - but we aren't engaged
Pass the pearl island of Sainte Marguerita.
Quite lovely - & in the small hours of the morning we drop our anchor off...
Mon 19 Feb 1912
... Port of Spain.
We say good-bye here to lots of friends. Kate B. Hilda Rodewald -
Mr Digby & Miss Hunt.
Land & train out to Four Roads - another Jamaica to look at.
Tue 20 Feb 1912
Out to see rather nice gardens at Government House - Mad carnival going on in Port of
Spain - an annual & most primitive affair.
Wed 21 Feb 1912
Drive out to "Blue Basin" - a cool pool in the hills - quite pretty & sit in the hideous R.C.
Cathedral - & even it is soothing when the organ plays.
Thu 22 Feb 1912 = torn out, page missing
Fri 23 Feb 1912 = torn out, page missing
Sat 24 Feb 1912 = torn out, page missing
Sun 25 Feb 1912 = torn out, page missing
Obscured 26 23rd Feb 1912
(----?) a birthday
telegram from him.
Out to open sea -
Lovely & we are lucky in having dear little Mrs MaConnell here again - her bluff ...
Tue 27 Feb 1912
... husband - fascinating jolly funny & clever old Granvill Ponsonby
adorable Mr Cockrane & his nice son. Poor pathetic Mrs Squire & her speechless husband &
the 3 tolerable Claphams
Wed 28 Feb 1912
24-5-6-7th all nice
hot happy days of loafing about -
Talking reading & thinking of Robin.
Games & sports happen & I win Potato & Egg & Spoon Races.
Thu 29 Feb 1912
(The?) last of cotton frocks. Play cricket.
Prize giving. Tableaux (I am one of the 3 Graces!) & "Italy") afterwards a quite amusing
Leap Day Dance.
Fri 01 Mar 1912
Organize a concert again.
Suddenly English weather - Englis sky & English sea - but quite warm. Mr Cockrane (Senior)
is a darling & I just love him. Deck tennis Ripping
Sat 02 Mar 1912
Got to the Azores last night & anchored off Porto de la Garda - St Micheals - left again at
breakfast time.
Cold & clammy hands again. Jolly tennis.
March 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Thu 29 Feb 1912 [on board ship - cruising, having met Robert B-P]
(The?) last of cotton frocks. Play cricket.
Prize giving. Tableaux (I am one of the 3 Graces!) & "Italy") afterwards a quite amusing
Leap Day Dance.
Fri 01 Mar 1912
Organize a concert again.
Suddenly English weather - Englis sky & English sea - but quite warm. Mr Cockrane (Senior)
is a darling & I just love him. Deck tennis Ripping
Sat 02 Mar 1912
Got to the Azores last night & anchored off Porto de la Garda - St Micheals - left again at
breakfast time.
Cold & clammy hands again. Jolly tennis.
Sun 03 Mar 1912
Cold
Tennis - after - wet
so I think of & write to Robin. It is just awful to think I shan't see him till...
Mon 04 Mar 1912 [Azores, on cruise]
... August - as he goes to Japan - Australia & S. Africa on Scout business. Had a letter from
Mother at Azores saying she approves of him - ! He is perfect.
Tue 05 Mar 1912 [Cherbourg]
Tennis again - jolly game. I tell nice T.O.M. Cockrane about Robin.
Arrive late at Cherbourg & leave at 7 - next morning. Lovely crossing - the Channel quite...
Wed 06 Mar 1912 [Southampton and home to Grey Rigg, Dorset]
... smooth - & arrive at Southampton at 1.
Car meets us & home to Grig again at last.
Sorry to say good-bye to Mrs Mac. Mother heavenly & well & Doogy sweet.
Thu 07 Mar 1912
Jolly to be home again. Ride with Arthur & I tell Mother everything about Robin. I can't
help it - even...
Fri 08 Mar 1912
... if he will mind - but I simply can think of nothing else - Oh! dear I do adore him horribly
If I had known what I should grow...
Sat 09 Mar 1912
... to feel like in these few weeks I'd never have let him go.
We did (was it quite in fun only?) think of getting Captain Custance to marry us on ...
Sun 10 Mar 1912
... board the Arcadian on Jan 25th.
Why didn't I say yes - it would have saved all the weary waiting - however 'tis well - we
love each other.
Mon 11 Mar 1912
Mother - Arthur & I motored round by Cranborne Verwood & Ringwood yesterday & saw
old Ba M-H. in the morning here.
A letter today from ...
Tue 12 Mar 1912
... Robin - telling me of his doings in America. He is doing too much & getting tired poor
darling.
I am living in the clouds with him even...
Wed 13 Mar 1912 = page removed, cut out
Thu 14 Mar 1912 = page removed, cut out
Fri 15 Mar 1912 = page removed, cut out
Sat 16 Mar 1912 = page removed, cut out
Sun 17 Mar 1912 = page removed, cut out
Mon 18 Mar 1912 = page removed, cut out
Tue 19 Mar 1912 = page removed, cut out
Wed 20 Mar 1912 = page removed, cut out
Thu 21 Mar 1912
Work in my garden & play squash. Also I have taken up the fiddle again.
Beastly wet weather - & a bad coal strike going on -
Fri 22 Mar 1912
Awful for everybody especially the poorest classes who are in awful distress - rotten
Government we have!
(Sykes?) to tea on Sunday if they only knew!!
Sat 23 Mar 1912
Harold Deacon the egotistical singer came out from B-mouth where he is acting in the
Quaker girl.
Sie to stay - she is so nice & we are ...
Sun 24 Mar 1912
... all so fond of her.
A ripping letter from Robin again & I am burstingly happy about him & everything. Sie says
it...
Mon 25 Mar 1912 = page removed, torn out
Tue 26 Mar 1912 = page removed, torn out
Wed 27 Mar 1912 = page removed, torn out
Thu 28 Mar 1912 = page removed, torn out
Fri 29 Mar 1912
... think that - thank Heaven for it - for vice versa is not so real - & I don't think is - well -
not so nice.
This is divine - How marvellous that I ...
Sat 30 Mar 1912
... should be this blessed to meet the man - the only man for me.
- - - - -
To lunch at Montacute on Wednesday - beastly - & tea at Sherborne with Alice Bower
(Ridley Thompson)
Sun 31 Mar 1912
Stopford Brookes & nice T.O.M. Cockrane (S.S. "Tagus", "Arcadian" friend) came yesterday
Mote to Corfe. The S.B.'s are awful.
April 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Mon 01 Apr 1912
She is American & so common
Relations of Rollestons
They left. Una Rolleston was married on 27th
Lunch with Bottomleys last Sat. & letter from...
Tue 02 Apr 1912
... Robin! A lovely "stitchy" one - & I get weaker with love for him each day. He is never out
of mind - unconsciously I feel him always...
Wed 03 Apr 1912
... with me & it is heavenly - & yet just too awful to have to wait so long for his return. If I
feel like this now what will it be like in August!
Thu 04 Apr 1912
My eyes see only your eyes Robin - my ears only hear your voice.
- - - - -
Moted to Cranborne on Tuesday. Yesterday shopped in B-mouth & today motor run to...
Fri 05 Apr 1912
... Christchurch - & Ringwood.
Arthur came last night. -
To Church. (Good Friday)
Play squash as usual. Fair day. I...
Sat 06 Apr 1912
... have awful ups & downs. Some day I feel all is serene & other days everything is out of
tune "like sweet balls jangled" as Ophelia said. He is...
Sun 07 Apr 1912
... having them too I expect at his side of the world (Japan)
Moted to Mudeford yesterday. To Church (Easter Day) at Lilliput - Good day.
Mon 08 Apr 1912
To Wincanton.
Steeplechase Meeting
Great fun but very cold - & I am plunged in a gloom...
Tue 09 Apr 1912
... of depression for no reason. Sie left us yesterday & Arthur also.
Devoted Doris H.Smith to lunch on Friday.
Wed 10 Apr 1912 = page missing, torn out
Thu 11 Apr 1912 = page missing, torn out
Fri 12 Apr 1912 = page missing, torn out
Sat 13 Apr 1912 = page missing, torn out
Sun 14 Apr 1912
Kate Cutter was very good too as a wickedly fascinating designing female.
Lucia to dine last night...
Mon 15 Apr 1912
... Nice little adoring friend.
Dad returned - by road & Bob for lunch & squash. Feel very happy about the adorable
Robin today.
Tue 16 Apr 1912
Walk to Lido with Lucia - she is a wonderfully enlightened little person.
- - - - -
I am having such extraordinary...
Wed 17 Apr 1912
... up & down feelings of happiness. I ought to be content - but he is such an awful long
way off!
Drive with Mother.
Thu 18 Apr 1912
R. arrives Hong-Kong. where he'll find a wire from me. My feelings about him are
indescribably funny & I have never felt anything like it...
Fri 19 Apr 1912
... before. I can never for one minute think of anything but him now - I love him more than
I can! & think him quite perfect in every way.
Sat 20 Apr 1912
He is perfect - he is all that is sweet & kind & nice & noble & clever & artistic & sporting &
simple & unaffected - I call it quite...
Sun 21 Apr 1912
... marvellous to be so unspoilt after all the adulation & gush he must have had.
Ten most delicious letters from him at last. He is absurd.
Mon 22 Apr 1912
Talks about not knowing me well enough to write to - as if this was a case of "knowing"!!
To lunch at Portland on H.M.S. "Impèreause" with Watsons.
Tue 23 Apr 1912
Great luck his getting command of the Harbour Ship & to have his dear little wife living on
board too. Mother to stay at Montacute.
Wed 24 Apr 1912
Motor round by Lymington - with our lunch. See the big White Star liner olympic going out.
Thu 25 Apr 1912
Awful tragedy - The huge "Titanic" (W.Star Co) went down last week on her maiden
voyage & 1500 lives lost. Ran into an iceberg going to New York
Fri 26 Apr 1912
A dreadful thing -
Why save the helpless unnecessary woman & let the valuable breadwinning man die
Thirty widows...
Sat 27 Apr 1912
... under 23 saved.
The band played whilst she sank -
Millions of £'s lost
The ship alone was worth 2 000 000.
Sun 28 Apr 1912
Over to Montacute yesterday for a cricket - match & brough Mother home. Millicent to
tea.
Jolly "squash"
Mon 29 Apr 1912
Joy - letters from Robin - & a little jade jewel present.
I am happy - but they weren't nearly so nice as the last.
Tue 30 Apr 1912
Off in the car to the Isle of Wight - cross in a barge from Lymington to Yarmouth - & along
via Newport to Shanklin.
Wed 01 May 1912
Stay at the Spa Hotel - & today run to Bonchurch Ventnor & Blackgang & Godshill & after
lunch - Sandown Bembridge - Ryde - Cowes & back again.
May 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Tue 30 Apr 1912
Off in the car to the Isle of Wight - cross in a barge from Lymington to Yarmouth - & along
via Newport to Shanklin.
Wed 01 May 1912
Stay at the Spa Hotel - & today run to Bonchurch Ventnor & Blackgang & Godshill & after
lunch - Sandown Bembridge - Ryde - Cowes & back again.
Thu 02 May 1912
Right across the island via Carisbrooke to Freshwater -
then take ship again at Yarmouth & so home. Great fun but the...
Fri 03 May 1912
... "Garden Isle" is most dissappointing & quite ugly!
- - - - -
To stay with Auriol at Montacute,
Arthur & Cunningham couple there too.
Sat 04 May 1912
Walk - watch cricket & play tennis
I can't imagine now what it would be like to have no Robin to...
Sun 05 May 1912
... think of & worry over. Would I could go to sleep till August the 20th
Walk up the [Monta Cutus?] & play tennis.
Mon 06 May 1912
Return home. Brother Arthur is sweet.
Very happy today about Robin the Divine Adored one.
Tue 07 May 1912
Also fairly so today but it is horrid the way he is going still further & further away - to
Australia. He has his work & lots to...
Wed 08 May 1912
... distract him if he requires it [J?] & here am I sitting waiting - so [infla-dig?] - as well as
trying.
Drive with Mother.
Play squash.
Thu 09 May 1912
Awful depression - worst day I've had.
Can do nothing - or settle down to do that properly! (Marie Littler is to be married soon.)
Fri 10 May 1912
To Weymouth (taking Lucia with us) to see the Fleet collected there & being reviewed by
King George V. Too hazy to see much.
Sat 11 May 1912
Alise Bingel came yesterday to stay & in the evening I got a delicious letter from Robin at
Hong Kong. Feel weak over him!
Sun 12 May 1912
Thundery - & 'do nothing' sort of day.
I can't help telling Alix that we are not engaged!! I do wish we were.
Newspaper cutting - handwritten date
May 12th 1912 BRISBANE, Sunday.
"General Baden-Powell was given a very hearty welcome when he arrived here yesterday. He addressed a
number of Boy Scouts representing the whole of the State of Queensland, and gave another address in the
evening before an enthusiastic audience. - Reuter."
Mon 13 May 1912
Terrier bit me in the leg - Dr Barlow says it need not be amputated!
To teach the I.C.A.A. boys at Parkstone same old game.
Motor via Brockenhurst Lymington & Milford.
Tue 14 May 1912
Dog bite going on well. Alise leaves - not sorry she is dull. Drive with Mother & see Berny's
in B-mouth
Wed 15 May 1912
She mistook me for Auriol & he said I hadn't changed an atom since 1901!! The Fellowes' to
tennis
Ripping good sets.
Thu 16 May 1912
To tea with Lucia.
Newspaper cutting
"GENERAL BADEN-POWELL IN AUSTRALIA.
MELBOURNE, Thursday
A great crowd cordially welcomed General Baden-Powell on his arrival here to-day. He is staying here as the
guest of Lord Chelmsford. - Reuter."
Fri 17 May 1912
Into Bournemouth for shopping. Nice Mr Wilson of Bitterne (Southampton) is engaged to
be married again - to a Miss Shaw.
Sat 18 May 1912
Motor run via Wimborne & Hurn.
13 Weeks to-day Robin lands.
It seems further off than ever ...
Sun 19 May 1912
... now - & he is literally so. Read his "Aids to Scouting" & "Matabele Campaign" & can't
believe - don't in fact that the...
Mon 20 May 1912
... [Scout?] arrived from Robin sent from America.
Robin I know is that wonderful man who knows & has done so much. He is now becoming
very dream-like but oh! so lovable.
Tue 21 May 1912
Mrs Berney to lunch yesterday & I went to teach the Boys at the Home.
Drive - & Fellowes' to tennis. Dog bite on my leg still bad.
Wed 22 May 1912
To see "As you like it" vilely acted by F.R. Benson & Co.
I don't like Will - Shakespeare's Comedian
He ought not to ...
Thu 23 May 1912
... try to be funny!
Robin - I feel so so devoted to you today - just "as if my inside was coming out!"
Fri 24 May 1912
That was what you said you felt like - so unromantic but so expressive
Arthur & Dolly Cunningham come
Sat 25 May 1912
Captain & May Watson of the "Imperieuse" to stay - Garden & tennis party. Dear Ida
Kentish from Cumberland appeared.
Sun 26 May 1912
Mote & play tennis.
Sykes ' & Mrs Watkins etc to tea
Boy Scouts in camp by the Hay Barn!
Mon 27 May 1912
Sail - all 5 of us in "Viking" with Henry out to Old Harry Rock & after to tennis garden party
at "Stone Masons"
Tue 28 May 1912
Watsons & Dolly & Brother Arthur left.
Mote to Milford-on-Sea & home via tea with Mrs Webb on Bournemouth...
Wed 29 May 1912
... East Cliff. She also has a house 24 Prince's Gate & Robin's is 32 Prince's Gate!
He is on my mind much today for a change.
Thu 30 May 1912
Drive with Mother & Dad. Jolly happy day. Get two photos of Robin & arrange one of mine
in a frame...
Fri 31 May 1912
... to send to him.
Garden & a Robin [head?] dogs my footsteps where'er I go!
Phyllis Robinson, Tom Cockrane & Mr Dawson to stay.
June 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Sat 01 Jun 1912
The two latter were on the Arcadian in January
I can now say "he returns to me the month after next" - !!!
Mote thro' Ringwood Burley Lymington with lunch. Tea party
Sun 02 Jun 1912
Supposed to be tennis - but too wet.
Out in the launch - round Brownsea.
Tennis - squash & G. Watkins' to tea
Mon 03 Jun 1912
The house party dispersed! To teach the I.C.A.A. Boys. Tennis at the Fellowes'.
Drive in Victoria.
Tue 04 Jun 1912
I seem to be quite resigned now to getting no post from over the sea - but I am happier - he
is really...
Wed 05 Jun 1912
... coming me-wards now.
Lunch at Montacute
Leave Mother there with Auriol - & mote via Chard Honiton Exeter - Moreton Hampstead to
Tavistock.
Thu 06 Jun 1912
Between the two latter the Dartmoor torrs were glorious. Very hilly.
Stayed at Bedford Hotel.
Via Liskeard & divine Polperro to Fowey.
Charming place.
Fri 07 Jun 1912 [a tour of Cornwall]
Via Truro - Helston to Mullion - one of the most perfect places I have ever seen. The M.
Cove Hotel looks onto the ...
Sat 08 Jun 1912
... loveliest rocks -
I must bring Robin here at once - it is divine.
To Coverack - over the Lizard Lighthouse very interesting - & onward to lovely Kynance
Cove.
Sun 09 Jun 1912
Leave dear "Mull" & go via Marazion (seeing St Michael's Mount there) & St Ives - &
Camelford to Boscastle.
Glorious place - back to...
Mon 10 Jun 1912
... Tintagel & sleep at King Arthur's Castle on the lovely cliff there. Wonderful cave.
Back to Montacute by Okehampton Exeter Honiton & Chard.
Tue 11 Jun 1912 [back home - Grey Rigg]
Do about - see baby pheasants & baby bantams & then home again to dear Grig & dear
Doogy Dog.
Wed 12 Jun 1912
It was a nice tour - tho' except for the special places Cornwall is a hideous county. And
Robin was in my mind & his photo in my pocket all the time!
Thu 13 Jun 1912
Drive into Bournemouth & send off my photo to fetch Robin home from Durban.
It is the oddest of feelings - this being in love with...
Fri 14 Jun 1912
... a memory of a man!
I heard last on 10th May - it seems years ago - & letters are so unsatisfactory; even his - I
may say his particularly so!
Sat 15 Jun 1912
It is so funny not knowing is we are going to marry each other or not - for me it is "Robin or
no man" - but I can't believe it will happen.
Sun 16 Jun 1912
A day spent prostrate "au lit" with a splitting head & fever - bad enough to be quite content
merely lying & thinking or not thinking - but ...
Mon 17 Jun 1912
... the darling of my heart was there all the time & Mother laughs so at his photo (in rows of
medals with "old general-ish expression") ...
Tue 18 Jun 1912
... watching my evolutions with pillows in a crumb-y bed!
Drive into Bournemouth & hope vainly for a letter from Australia
One must be on its way tho'.
Wed 19 Jun 1912 = blank
Thu 20 Jun 1912
(space)
Drive with Mother & Dad. Sie Bower - our prophetess to stay.
Fri 21 Jun 1912 = page torn out
Sat 22 Jun 1912 = page torn out
Sun 23 Jun 1912 = page torn out
Mon 24 Jun 1912 = page torn out
Tue 25 Jun 1912 = page torn out
Wed 26 Jun 1912 = page torn out
Thu 27 Jun 1912 = page torn out
Fri 28 Jun 1912 = page torn out
Sat 29 Jun 1912
You only allowed me 2 hours sleep
"For you my whole soul cries" -
- - - - -
Dear old Hale the painter to stay & Vera Oakes.
Tennis here.
Sun 30 Jun 1912
Mote to Christchurch
How odd it will be & how glorious one day
some day to wake in the morning & say "Today I shall see him!"
Oh dear - how I love him.
July 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Mon 01 Jul 1912
Ma Hale left - & Auriol wired for somebody to go & stay at Montacute with her in Bobs
absence, so Vera & I...
Tue 02 Jul 1912
... went hand-in-hand - & did nothing there with her. She is getting a bit frightened about
her baby's...
Wed 03 Jul 1912
... arrival next month.
Home again - such a relief - I find M. a depressing place. Drive along Sandbanks.
Thu 04 Jul 1912
Vera leaves. Quite a happy day.
Fri 05 Jul 1912
Motor run through The Forest & tea out in the wilds - & we say we will come here again in
September!
Sat 06 Jul 1912
Sie left - very sorry - she is a dear & fits in here so well.
Sun 07 Jul 1912 = blank
Mon 08 Jul 1912
Drive into B-mouth & do clothes.
Tue 09 Jul 1912
Mother to Montacute to be with Auriol in B's absence.
Very handy being so near. Drive with Dad to Broadstone.
Wed 10 Jul 1912
Lamberts to tennis & Watkins to tea.
A dear little letter from Robin in New Zealand yesterdy restores my spirits.
Thu 11 Jul 1912
Quite a thrill to see the Daily Mail "Waterplane". It came gloriously flying from Christchurch
& landed on the water by us at...
Fri 12 Jul 1912
... Bournemouth Pier & then a float broke & she dipped her nose in. But the 3 people were
saved.
Mother returned.
Drive - we 3 together.
Sat 13 Jul 1912
Aunt Ger to stay.
Dr Barlow to tennis - the only 1 out of 14 we had asked.
Sun 14 Jul 1912 = blank
Mon 15 Jul 1912 = page missing, torn out
Tue 16 Jul 1912 = page missing, torn out
Wed 17 Jul 1912 = page missing, torn out
Thu 18 Jul 1912 = page missing, torn out
Fri 19 Jul 1912
A nice couple called Shephard fetched us to lunch with them in their sweet little home at
Osmington - delicious house - just what Robin...
Sat 20 Jul 1912
... would love - & I had awful stitches as Mrs S - is 40 years younger than Col. S. & they are
so happy -
Return home - Hurrah!
Sun 21 Jul 1912
Watched good tennis at Parkstone Club tournament yesterdy.
Oh Joy again!
All is well & ...
Mon 22 Jul 1912
... what a glorious world it is & how happy I am!
A dear stitchy letter & at last he has written to Dad. A wire from him at Durban!
Tue 23 Jul 1912
Mote with Dad (via lunch at Montacute) Glastonbury & Wells to stay with the Hales at
Claremont Clevedon - their summer house.
Wed 24 Jul 1912
They have heard about Robin - so I don't try to deny it.
To a fête at lovely Clevedon Court & into Bristol with Sylvie to buy a motor!
Thu 25 Jul 1912
Sylvia's husband Jack Brenan quite nice. Left Claremont & get to Montacute. Ride one of
A's hunters over some hurdles & play tennis & Robin is most persistently there!
Fri 26 Jul 1912
Home - & play in Barlows tennis tournament with Mr Gloster - & get 2 [3rd ?] prize. Robin is
at Johannesburg.
Sat 27 Jul 1912
Chitty's & Lamberts to tennis here.
Sun 28 Jul 1912
I spend the day being literary! & start a green tie for Robin!
Mon 29 Jul 1912
Glorious mail from Robin & the last from Australia.
It unsettles me rather as the are stitchy & make me hungry!
I always crave for another at once!
Oh but time is going along steadily now - & I am happy.
Tue 30 Jul 1912
To tennis at the Popes. What small silly people & idiotic little parties these seem to me now
- I suppose it is my own fastidious ...
Wed 31 Jul 1912 = page missing, torn out
August 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Wed 31 Jul 1912 = page missing, torn out
Thu 01 Aug 1912 = page missing, torn out
Fri 02 Aug 1912 = page missing, torn out
Sat 03 Aug 1912 = page missing, torn out
Sun 04 Aug 1912
Go down the ["Boomiray" ?] with yells & see snake Charmer etc & to bed with the
Cunninghams
11. Lancaster Gate Terrace
We 4 off on motour.
Sleep at Ludlow.
Mon 05 Aug 1912
Lovely run - & again today - Stop at dear Stokesey - via Salop pass Beauchamp & the
Barracks horrid mo.!) to Llangollen - Stay at Hand Hotel.
Tue 06 Aug 1912
Via Conway Falls
To Bettys-y-Coed (Gwydyr Hotel) & go up to Capel Curig & Pen-y-gwynid for tea - glorious
day.
Wed 07 Aug 1912
Mote over the Llanberis Pass down to Carnavon. Go over the Castle. Tea at Beddgelert -
Exquisite country - I love the wildness.
Thu 08 Aug 1912
Strain my ankle en route to Aber waterfall.
Leave nice Bettys - delicious place & go via Conway (over lovely castle there) & round Great
Ormes Head, Bangor - Menai Straits to Carnarvon.
Fri 09 Aug 1912
Glorious day & again today. Exquisite run via Aberglaslyn Pass Harlech, (over jolly castle)
Glorious walk from Llanbedr to Roman steps at Cymbrynan T. O.
(next page) Friday
along by Barmouth & sleep at Golden Lion Hotel Dolgelly...
Sat 10 Aug 1912
... Via Torrent Walk - Aberdovery, Machynlleth, to horrid Aberystwith.
Sun 11 Aug 1912 [Wales, motoring tour]
Nasty Queens Hotel
Hurry on by glorious Devils Bridge - near [Plynlimon?] - along Wye Valley to dear little
Three Cocks Inn & run on to see Brecon.
Mon 12 Aug 1912
Leave Three Cocks & follow the Wye. Via Abergavenny - & lovely Raglan Castle -
Monmouth to Tintern Walk up jolly Wyndcliff.
Tue 13 Aug 1912
Leave Beaufort Arms at Tinterne after seeing beautiful Abbey - to Chepstow & Gloster (see
the Cathedral - to Cirencester. Stay at King's Head Hotel - & leave again - on...
Wed 14 Aug 1912 [home to Grey Rigg]
... & get home via Malmesbury Devizes etc to Grig & great news. Auriol had a daughter
yesterday which was Dad's birthday & oh Olave
Thu 15 Aug 1912
... such nice letters from my own Darling.
The only trouble is I am so hungry for more at once!
The Cunninghams left
They are both nice.
Fri 16 Aug 1912
Auriol & her daughter going on well & Mother is of course delighted & happy there. Wet as
usual. What fun our motour was.
Sat 17 Aug 1912
My heart beats time to these passing seconds - passing quickly at last - & I do love your
letter today, Robin.
Sun 18 Aug 1912
You wicked Darling - thank Heaven I didn't know you were flying at Durban & with me in
your pocket too!
Mon 19 Aug 1912
To Montacute to inspect my niece which is also to be my god daughter
A little blob - good us gold & Auriol well & happy &...
Tue 20 Aug 1912 = page missing
Wed 21 Aug 1912 = page missing
Thu 22 Aug 1912 = page missing
Fri 23 Aug 1912 = page missing
Sat 24 Aug 1912
Robin lands at Southampton & goes to London I get rotten letters from him the Darling.
Sun 25 Aug 1912
So so worried over his mother and her home, and lack of money, and yet aching for me as I
ache for him
Mon 26 Aug 1912
More letters & he goes to Norway tomorrow. Jolly way for a lover ?!? - to treat his loved
one ?!?
Tue 27 Aug 1912
of course he is squashed with work - & must take his nephew to camp as he promised to -
but - oh dear!
Wed 28 Aug 1912 = page missing
Thu 29 Aug 1912 = page missing
Fri 30 Aug 1912 = page missing
Sat 31 Aug 1912 = page missing
September 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Sun 01 Sep 1912 [at home, Gray Rigg or Grey Rigg]
Dad to Montacute [the home of his married daughter Auriol].
Sie & I very happy & Robin is always there - & I love him more than ever! in spite of
everything.
Mon 02 Sep 1912
We walk with Doogy & Wallace to Studland - over the hills to Swanage & back by train. A
lovely purple day.
Tue 03 Sep 1912
A very happy quiet day - Robin on my mind - I'm sure I must have been on his too - I felt
him thinking so!
Wed 04 Sep 1912
Mother & Dad return from Montacute.
And again today - & I feel he is worried & so again we ably write a...
Thu 05 Sep 1912 = page missing
Fri 06 Sep 1912 = page missing
Sat 07 Sep 1912 = page missing
Sun 08 Sep 1912 = page missing
Mon 09 Sep 1912 = page missing
Tue 10 Sep 1912 = page missing
Wed 11 Sep 1912 = page missing
Thu 12 Sep 1912 = page missing
Fri 13 Sep 1912 = page missing
Sat 14 Sep 1912 = page missing
Sun 15 Sep 1912 = page missing
Mon 16 Sep 1912 = page missing
Tue 17 Sep 1912 = page missing
Wed 18 Sep 1912 = page missing
Thu 19 Sep 1912 = page missing
Fri 20 Sep 1912
It was a day - & now every paper is full of us - & I see myself everywhere & reporters &
[hodahs?] pester us it is a joke. Shop etc - & he drives. Arthur & we 4 to theatre -
20th
"Little Miss Llewellyn"
& Mother has had hysterics afterwards about my going.
An awful night & we arrange to elope & Robin rejoices.
Newspaper cutting insert
"The engagement is announced of Lieutenant- General Sir Robert Baden-Powell, K.C.B., to Olave St. Clair,
younger daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Harold Soames, of Lilliput, Dorset."
Sat 21 Sep 1912
Sun 22 Sep 1912
Mon 23 Sep 1912
Saturday
Robin to breakfast & we go to Greenwich to inspect the Sea Scout ship. My first appearance
in public & we are cheered & it was all jolly -
& evening we go home to Grey Rigg.
- - - - -
Sunday
Write about 40 letters - & receive heaps & heaps, & all this with the most glorious feeling
in...
Wed 25 Sep 1912
... my heart; for Robin grows more perfect each minute & our joy in each other knows no
bounds. He comes from Manchester & ...
Thu 26 Sep 1912
... we have the happiest day so far of both our lives alone on Brownsea Island.
- - - - -
He leaves & we go over to Montacute & I am Auriol's daughter's god-mother
Fri 27 Sep 1912
Letter & wires galore
- - - - -
Dear Lady Coote is co - godmother too.
To Bournemouth & do clothes & Una Albery (nèe Rolleston) lunch there with us.
To tennis with ...
Sat 28 Sep 1912
... Domvilles - Last game this year - & for how long I wonder! Papers are still full of us & I
have written over 200 letters.
Sun 29 Sep 1912
Mother is an awful state -
Joy - joy. He comes again & Arthur is here & we are horribly happy & Mother is better.
Mon 30 Sep 1912
Arthur leaves & Dad to Montacute.
Robin & I walk to Swanage over the hills & home by train
Our first journey together & we burst with mirth
October 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Tue 01 Oct 1912
Oh how frightfully we love one another.
It is really beyond description. The Surrogate comes & we settle the license & the day of
the...
Wed 02 Oct 1912
... wedding.
Robin proposes outside the drawing room doors just before I swear & sign the document.
He wouldn't before cos it was so commonplace!
Thu 03 Oct 1912 Tuesday
Together we go to stay with Crichtons at Netley Castle.
Sir Harry & Lady [Cynsia?] very kind.
Lord & Lady Winchester & Portals & Colonel de Burgh there too.
Fri 04 Oct 1912 Wednesday
Another great day.
Southampton Boy Scout rally - my first & we are so cheered!
Sat 05 Oct 1912 Wednesday
It was grand - & yet as nothing to the lovely hours alone with my Darling & we feel so
married.
Sun 06 Oct 1912 Thursday
He went to work & I return home
Sie Bower to stay
Mother happier & loves my Beloved now.
Mon 07 Oct 1912 Saturday
Finish Trousseaux in Bournemouth
My Robin has got a nest ready in Rudland Court to take me home to on the 30th - & how we
count the days & hours -
Tue 08 Oct 1912
& yet this is the happiest time in all our two lives.
I don't know how it could possibly be better - it is perfect.
He comes late -
Wed 09 Oct 1912 6th Sunday
Walk & do nothing
perfectly content.
Thu 10 Oct 1912 Monday
Motor to Lulworth Cove with lunch.
We are dropped hand in hand at Wareham & go on to Corfe Castle
[Thu 10] Oct 1912
Quite glorious -
Explore the castle & have tea & just revel in each other.
Sat 12 Oct 1912 Tuesday
He left - & Sie left
& we mote to Holme
Sun 13 Oct 1912
And to think this was his last visit here en garçon. I can't believe it -
- - - - -
Oct 1912 9th Wednesday
Three weeks today!
Look ahead & look back & what years in between?
To Montacute to see...
Tue 15 11th Oct 1912
... my god-niece as Auriol & Bob are away
Bring Sie back & to Sykes big music party
Soak in congratulations & compliments which merely amuse!
Wed 16 12th Oct 1912 Saturday
My first public performance alone!
Present Shield to Parkstone Scouts & make my maiden speech!
Went off well.
Mon 14 Oct 1912
To London - Robin met us at Vauxhall.
Tea at 32 with the "in laws" - Dine at Cavalry Club with him & to see " A Winters Tale".
Tue 15 Oct 1912
Saw Lillah MaCarthy etc behind the scenes afterwards. Great fun & Robin divine.
Breakfast together. & to Aylesbury to be inspected by his stern Aunt Con (Lady Smythe) She
was so...
Wed 16 Oct 1912
... nice to me - Back for tea at Cavalry Club & dinner at 32 & to box at His Majesty's for
"Drake" - Very nice. Robin desperately in love & I am more so!
Sun 20 Oct 1912 Wednesday
Robin to breakfast.
Shop - dentist etc & lunch at Stewarts with Davidsons - & to matinee of ripping play called
"Doormats"
Mon 21 Oct 1912
Gerald du Marier delightful. Robin to dine quietly.
I am worried over his Mother. Walk before breakfast.
Tue 22 Oct 1912 Thursday
Shop again. Bought my wedding ring yesterday! Lunch at 32 - Tea with Lady Flower
(another aunt in - law & to see...
(Sun 20 Oct 1912 )
... "The little Café"
Rotten play of Cyril Maude's. Saw him after - nice little chap. Robin adorable
To see Goodwin's pictures
Fri 18th Oct 1912
Choose linen for our flat which is sweet in the best spot in London -
35 Rutland Court
[Episodes?] in it.
Fri 25 Oct 1912
To see Young Ford in his studio - Leighton House & tea with Cunninghams. Uncle Arthur &
R. & Arthur to dine & R. & I alone to "Find the Woman"...
Oct 1912
... Behind the scenes to see Violet [Banbugh?] & Bourchier who were very nice
Saturday 19th Oct 1912
Mother goes home.
To Eton with Robin to see our nephew
Donald B-P. & back in time to catch train to stay with Sie Bower at Stradishall (Newmarket)
Jolly party & Robin is just quite perfect
Sunday 20 Oct 1912
To church with Alice Ridley-Thompson & Bessie Mercer (both Sie's sisters) etc & to lunch
with a nice Mr Fass in his perfect
house Giffords Hall.
Divine old farm house which he has done up beautifully.
Robin & I green with envy. See Manor House at Wickambrook too -
Tue 29 Monday Oct 1912
Hunt on our ten toes - glorious one of our red letter days. To Manor House again & we are
very happy with wild love for one another.
Tuesday Oct 1912
Shoot & again on Wednesday & Robin goes to London.
Other people here nice.
Thu 24th Oct 1912
Home with Sie.
Friday
Pack wildly & frenziedly & to see us on the Bioscope at Bournemouth doing the Scout rally
at Southampton on 2nd.
- - - - -
Saturday
Pack & to Montacute
26th Saturday
Auriol's wedding day anniversary.
Big tea party to commemorate it.
Gen. Kehewich - Mr Huxley, Edith Trotter & Phyllis Robinson staying here too & Dad.
- - - - -
Sunday
Robin comes - such bliss - he is sweet.
Sat Nov 2nd 1912 = blank page
Sun Nov 3rd 1912 = blank page
Mon Nov 4th 1912 = blank page
Tue Nov 5th 1912 = blank page
Next page =
October 28th 1912 Monday
Sign Settlements.
Shoot in the morning & then go home to Lilliput.
Leave Auriol prostrate with gastritis poor dear.
Her baby is quite sweet. Robin is [sodden?] & we are both feeling rather...
Next page =
28th Monday
... twitchy & are longing for this time of limited minutes together & perpetual partings to be
over.
I hardly realize what an important time this is - I merely think of ...
November 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Thu 31 Oct 1912 = no entry for this date
Fri 01 Nov 1912 = no entry for this date
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Wed 06 Nov 1912 = no entry for this date
Thu 07 Nov 1912 = no entry for this date
Fri 08 Nov 1912 = no entry for this date
Sat 09 Nov 1912 = no entry for this date
Sun 10 Nov 1912
Robin & our divine devotion to each other & do not think of what it means to be ...
Mon 11 Nov 1912
... leaving my old gloomy life for this glorious new one which will be really worth living &
have loved my...
Tue 12 Nov 1912 = page removed
Wed 13 Nov 1912 = page removed
Thu 14 Nov 1912 = page removed
Fri 15 Nov 1912 = page removed
Sat 16 Nov 1912 = page removed
Sun 17 Nov 1912 = page removed
Mon 18 Nov 1912 = page removed
Tue 19 Nov 1912 = page removed
Wed 20 Nov 1912 = page removed
Thu 21 Nov 1912 = page removed
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Sat 23 Nov 1912 = page removed
Sun 24 Nov 1912 = page removed
Mon 25 Nov 1912 = page removed
Tue 26 Nov 1912 = page removed
Wed 27 Nov 1912 = page removed
Thu 28 Nov 1912
home, and my parents have been good to me, but nothing that...
Fri 29 Nov 1912
... I could ever have imagined was even so marvellous as this joy and love of my Darling
Sat 30 Nov 1912 = no entry for this date
December 1912
Transcribed by Sue Ardern
Sat 30 Nov 1912 = no entry for this date
Sun 01 Dec 1912 = no entry for this date
Mon 02 Dec 1912 = no entry for this date
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Mon 30 Dec 1912 = page removed
Tue 31 Dec 1912 = page removed
Memoranda
Five blank pages
FOOTNOTES:-
Noel's parents owned Brownsea Island and had invited B-P to hold his 1907 Camp there.
The home of Olave's sister Auriol and her new husband.
---------------
