Life at Lyncourt

From a letter Mum wrote to Ken on 14 November 1975:

As I grow older and realise the Autumn of my life is approaching, I can go into the  "sere and yellow" knowing Jenny has someone to look after her...

Excerpt from a letter Mum wrote on 20 September 1971:

Just a brief note as I shall be seeing you all so soon, think of you constantly of course and hope as the days pass that you will pick up your physical and mental health by drawing on the great reserves which you undoubtedly possess.

Sidney Carton's words come very readily to my mind at this time, and in your case "this is a far, far greater thing I do than I have ever done before" (as he rode in the tumbrel to Madame Guillotine).

Yesterday a.m. I decided to go to Communion at Holy Trinity, I don't ever go to Church to ask for anything as I guess the Lord has more requests than He can ever handle !

But more to express thanks, and this time for my staunch family, for bringing you through such a traumatic experience as far as your health is concerned, and for giving to two people "somewhere" such a perfect child.

We do have a lot to be thankful for when I hear such sad stories on every hand I feel very humble that we have all had the health and courage to overcome our sadness through the past few months.

During the '70's & '80's Mum went to a lot of informal bridge parties at various friends houses where a meal was provided then bridge was played afterwards.

Of course it was everyone's obligation to reciprocate in kind, which Mum religiously adhered to. Sometimes she hosted not just 1 but sometimes 2 or even 3 tables in her tiny flat, remembering that each bridge table accommodated 4 players.

Of course the more people she could invite for one of these luncheons the more names she could tick off her list, sometimes even co-opting Madge to help with the catering, who of course as Mum's bridge partner also played afterwards... HWB 2024

^{Click to enlarge}

Mama wrote on 11th June 1978:

I didn't attend Helen's 21st for reasons various previously stated, but made her some delicious coconut ice, my best ever, and gave her two really sweet little silver coasters with which she seemed extra pleased, must have been as she thanked me at the time and has since written! wonder of wonders.

Anyway, apparently, it was all very successful and they went up and collected Toby and brought him down to the party in his wheel chair and he really enjoyed it for an hour or so - and they hadn't told Auntie Al, I suppose in case she threw cold water on the plan, so it was a real surprise to her to see him there, poor old fellow, but nice of them all to want him to be there I thought.

^{1930 edition - Click to enlarge}

^{1930 edition - Click to enlarge}

^{- Click to enlarge -
A 1923 recipe book given to Mum by Joy Croskery's mother, most likely after she was married}