This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards sent by the same ‘N’ from Bloxworth, a village just to the east of Bere Regis, in the early part of the 20th century.
Sent on 7th November 1905 to Mr W Simmons in Weymouth – William is listed as 19 in the 1901 census, so 25 when he received this postcard. Fred is his father – though possibly also his little brother, who is officially Frank on the census. Sadly we have no way of knowing who the sender ‘N’ is, apart from the fact they’re a swift walker! Presumably he took a train from Weymouth to Wareham, then walked the six miles home to Bloxworth in 90 minutes:
‘What, not up yet??? Never mind old boy, ?it me tell me. I arrived home safely, got home at 2.30, just hour & half walking from Wareham, not long was it, they were surprised to see me so soon. Dad at Dorchester for a few days rabbiting. All glad you are coming 16th. Just off to Misses Meeting at Morden. Ta ta. N (Please pass this card on to Fred, tell him this is The “Village Blacksmith’s”)
This card was sent 6th July, 1906, just eight months after the first. Frederick Simmons (first recipient Will’s father) was married to Elizabeth (Lizzie, clearly), and it seems that N is not related to the Simmons – he seems to be a friend of Will’s. Can we presume that the ‘old chap’ is N’s father?
I cannot tell you how deeply thankful I am to you, for looking after my old chap so well. Yourself for seeing him safe ‘home’, Lizzie equally as much preparing a good supper. It’s always good to have a good wind up isn’t it?
I wonder if it would be troubling Lizzie, when she is sending for her strawberries, to get my sister a couple of baskets. Will thought she was sending. We thought it no harm to ask. She will be seeing you next week. N.
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