Jean’s third full day in the UK saw her join her friend Betty Cameron again – this time on a venture into the beautiful English county of Kent. Her impressions from the day:
“Went down by train with Betty Cameron to Tunbridge Wells in Kent. We were met by Cowan’s traveller* for that district who took us to his home for lunch, tea and supper, and in between times drove us all round the surrounding countryside. It was beautiful beyond description – miles and miles of the most colourful trees, bluebells, country lanes, quaint villages and beautiful scenery. and Tunbridge Wells itself is a most beautiful old town. I felt as though I’d been all over england in a day.”
Jean’s letter to her sister Mary, 30 May 1951. *Cowans Traveller – would refer to a travelling sales representative for a business/company called Cowans – possibly Betty Cameron worked for this company.”.
Jean’s letter to her mother recounting this day’s journey into the countryside expands a little:
“….Cowan’s traveller…who took us home to lunch and his wife put on a real spread (we really felt very guilty about that). He drove us all around the district round there all the afternoon and it just took my breath away it was so beautiful – the miles of trees in beautiful colours of greens and golds and reds, the blossoms on the ground blue in patches with bluebells among these yellow gold trees. And every yard of the way just as beautiful. Wonderful views too. He bought us back to his home for tea, drove us around again, then we came home by train – what a day! I saw so much I felt as though I’d seen all England. The town itself is the most beautiful little place imaginable.”
