This month Barry Cuff has chosen two holiday postcards from more than a century ago
This card was sent to Grace Bull in 1911, in Boscombe (then in Hampshire). The car outside the shop (the village shop closed in 1990) has the registration H 4912 – the H series was allocated to Middlesex, first issued in 1903 and continued to be issued through to 1912.
14 Compton Abbas, Nr Shaftesbury, Dorset – My Dear Grace. I’m having a delightful time here. this is a lovely place. I have been for some lovely walks, especially in the evenings. I hope you did not feel lonely on Sunday. Has Hugo C come back yet? Goodbye, lots of love, Dora
– This is a photo of our only shop – I shall have lots to tell you when I come back. –
Taken by a photographer standing on what is now the main A357, Compton Abbas School – now the village hall – was built in 1849 and listed in 1960. Another card sent to Boscombe by a holidaymaker, this time in September 1915, it is addressed to Miss Topsy Shayze. A mysterious figure, “Shayze” seems to be part of Topsy’s nickname, as no such surname appears in any census. Denecourt is still a substantial house in Boscombe, though is now divided into five flats.
My dear Topsy
I thought I would just send you a PC to let you see I have not forgotten you. I hope you are quite well & having a nice time & I hope Granny is better. I am going to Shaftesbury tomorrow to see Auntie Kate. This is a photo of the school I went to when I was a little girl like you.
Much love & kisses, from Emmie
