Jean’s first tour of England and Scotland came to an end on Tuesday 12 June in Aberdeen, where she was reunited with her Mum and Dad. The next week or so was spent in Stonehaven with her 2 aunts “Nan” and Jessie (and her Mum and Dad), in the home that was first purchased during WW1 by her Grandmother when she retired from leasing the farm “Dunnotar Mains” which overlooked Dunnotar Castle. Her letter to her sister Mary picks up her impressions of Stonehaven, and her thoughts about what to do next:
“Mum and Dad were in Aberdeen to meet me, and Uncle Jack (John) – he drove us down to Stonehaven where I’ve stayed ever since ….”.
“Stonehaven appears to be little more than a village, although apparently you can be quite active in it if you live in it. You can’t imagine how quiet I’m finding it after the gay company, high jinks and tripping around of the previous ten days. I feel like a bird who’s just learnt to fly and been shut in a cage. I’m now for the first time since I left home, getting plenty of sleep, and should be catching up on some correspondence. But I know I won’t be staying here for long- nothing to do all day is too much of a waste of time and more particularly money is limited.
I’ll soon be going south to Kent for Yvonne’s wedding – I think I told you she became engaged on arrival (she’s the girl from work) and is being married soon but so far don’t know the date. I’m thinking of going to Aberdeen and finding temporary work of some kind while I wait to hear when the wedding is to be. Then trip off for that. I’d like to go over to the continent while down, but so far have no-one to go with cheaply. I could book in on an organised tour by myself, but feel that would be a waste of money and not much fun when you see the staid old types who do all the bus trips over here. However, if I don’t go soon, or work, I’ll haven o money at all left to go!
Nell (girlfriend from ship who came to Scotland on the trip and back to London with them) leaves for the continent with Cingalese friends she made on board in their car next week! They’re the people who took her to Ireland, and she had a great time, so is looking forward to the continent.
We went for a walk over to Dunnottar Castle, the other day. Went into Aberdeen another afternoon. We go down the town every day, and our for a walk after tea every night – it’s awful being an adult again after careering around. I’m even learning to play Bridge – I quite enjoy that though, as so many people play Bridge, it’s good to be able to fit in.
I’m eating too much, doing nothing all day, so getting fatter and fatter …. feel as though I’ll go mad if I don’t start doing something soon – either work or on the move. Of course I haven’t told Mum or the Aunts that I’m just raring to go. But it’s awful to be suddenly cut off from young company.
Well, they’re waiting for me to do the nightly trot around the block, so must go. I’ll probably be a long time before I have so much news again for you. Love to all at number 13. “Hope you’re all well and happy”
Jean’s letter to her sister Mary, written in Stonehaven, 19 June 1951.
Family snaps taken at Jean’s Aunt Mary’s house in Aberdeen:
Stonehaven:
