Bellringers Pub Crawl – Norman Paulin

I have been going through my family history files, inventorying it, sorting, and of course removing the duplicates. There are a lot of duplicates. I found this letter my mother Sheila Paulin wrote to one of her Australian cousins (Squelch family) about Norman Paulin’s adventures with his in-laws. They were a part of the Bell-ringers at St John’s Church, Perry Barr.

“My father’s mother [Emma Jennings Paulin] was not impressed by my mother’s bell-ringing relatives. During the engagement Dad was invited along on the bellringers outing to Dovedale. The bus stopped at every pub on the way home, and Dad arrived home not feeling too well. His mother met him at the door to tell him she’d saved him some gruel for supper, and he was very sick and had to be put do bed. Dad didn’t go on any more of their outings, but he always had a laugh when we passed the “Jolly Sailor” at Tamworth, which was the last stop he remembered.”

July 22, 2020 0

Victor Reginald Paulin letter home, nd

Fancy me writing a letter like this. I am afraid I will get brain storm.

Letter 2 [nd]

While in Waterloo Station on my way back the other day, a Canadian officer came up and asked me where he could buy a paper. I did not know as it was Sunday, and we got talking. He asked me where I came from, and I told him, so he asked me my name as he also came from Victoria. I told him, and instantly we were old friends, as it was young Gonnason, he was on leave from France and was through the same show

that Ben and George got at with Passchendale. I told him all about Ben and we had quite a nice little talk. So nice that I nearly missed my train.

As regards to my insurance, it is a safe investment if you pay it because I will be in a position to pay it soon. From the first of this month I get 25 bob a day, but my allowances which make up the large portion of this sum were paid about ~~~~~ in arrears, so when they come through and my account gets “properly started” I will send you a draft.

The last night I went to Zigg Zagg, a musical revue in London and enjoyed it very much. Cousin Hilda, sings very nicely if she had someone to play for her. Gracie plays a little, but not much. Gracie is married to a returned soldier with one arm, and lives across the street from her Mother. She is not nearly as nice as Hilda, she has picked up the same way of speaking as the people they been living amongst in Perry Bar (some place) and reminds me very much of Aunty Polly, always acting the goat and making faces. But there is all the differences in the world between

the two. Well Ma, this is about the longest letter I have ever written, and as all things must have an ending, I must break off right here, simply from lack of news and brains fag.

With all kinds of love to Dad and yourself

Your affectionate son

Vic

October 21, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1941

Perry Barr

Sunday Dec. 14^th [1941]

My Dear Wilf

I was a great surprise and a very nice one to receive your parcel- No need to tell you, the contents are appreciated and will be enjoyed- also thank you for the kind thought.

I mentioned your letter sent months ago by return post, often wondered if it reached you. Read in the paper you had the Syrens [sic] in Victoria.

Please God it will end at that. Hilda’s hubbie expected to get his leave and be home in Jan., but do not know what will happen now, after this fresh uprising- Fred is in Africa and has been very ill with Malaria. So could do with a rest.

[second page]

Rene’s son is on board HMS Worcestershire, destination unknown.

Hilda and Grace are still hard at it, doing my little bit, by collecting paper, cardboard, rags and bones, they are greatly needed for munitions.

Love to your wife and boy, and also to George and wife, not forgetting ~~~~~

Remember me to Uncle Fred when you see him, we are not sending any Xmas cards this year- Always thinking of you

Love Auntie Emmie

October 15, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1941

2/510 Birchfield Rd

Perry Barr

B’ham 30^th Dec. [1941]

Dear Wilf

Many thanks for your newsy letter, before I received it, had written to thank you for the grand parcel you sent, hope you get it, but one cannot be certain of anything these days- The snaps of you all were lovely your girlie is so much like Hilda, as she was at that age, especially the one taken with your boy, he looks a jolly little darling, your wife is very sweet. I know good looking family, not forgetting yourself of course- a slight change from the last time I saw you.

Sent your letter to Hilda, so expect you will get a letter. Jerry was over England last night, we had the syrens [sic] prepared to go into my table indoor shelter, but the all clear soon came. Last winter I went down the cellar next door. Thank goodness for my table, it takes up nearly half of my room, don’t mind that. We brought down 3 Jerrys last night.-

[second page]

You had asked in your letter about Japan coming in, well the Wily Devils have made a good show so far, but it will be a different tale when our allies your side are ready—

You must excuse, I’m still a bit shaky- the syrens [sic] always upset me- can’t explain it. I am not afraid, but the morning sound upsets my tummy. Old age I guess.

Well dear, Hilda will tell you all the news- have not seen her for weeks- I like to be in my own little place and she does not get home, until past black out-

Love to your wife and family

Same to your dear self

From Aunt Emmie

October 13, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1940

2/510 Birchfield Rd

Monday 30^th Dec. 1940

Dear Wilf [Charles Wilfrid Paulin]

Received your Most Welcome letter, it had been examined, OK, yes dear we have been through the mill. Very near to us, 3 lots of fronts and windows blown out. Have been staying with Hilda the last two weeks. She is out of danger area. Got worn out staying in the cellar for 7 to 8 hours nightly. 11 hours one night, then a land mine dropped a short distance from PB Station. So I packed up in the morning. Have to come back for rations and to see my sister, who is in the Infirmary (89 Years of Age). Time flies. Would like to see you, as family man, also George, perhaps some day, you will let us have a family group, also of George and his wife. Have sent your letter to Hilda. She will be so pleased. Do you remember helping me with the under garments- it was a great pity I had to sacrifice the shop, after working so hard. Almost gave the stock away. Never mind, I have my pension of 22/6 weekly and the best children in the world.

I am living in a 3 room cottage, up the passage in front of the old shop- we are having a lull now- so staying home.

We hear planes going over at Hilda’s and get heavy gunfire, shakes the windows, but they go to bed

[second page]

or could not carry over Hilda working over her certificate, Grace Public Assistance, Norman and his daughter are at Dunlop’s.

I thank you very much and George for the kind offer to help. We are OK, many things rationed, but can find something to take their place, can assure you we are far from starving, as Hilda would have you believe. Have only been to town once since the Raids- promised to meet Hilda in lunch hour- but the sights upset me, cause straight back- Poor Brum- this is no secret- published in the papers and I guess you have seen it in News pictures, my sister had- You little know how brave everybody is- bombed shops open next morning without windows and some have their goods outside. Still carry on and will do so until Hitler is wiped off the map. May it be soon- Give my love to your wife and children, also George and wife, the same to Uncle Fred and family when you see them. Lyn does predictions have all come true so far thought it might interest you- writing over to save bulk. Wishing you all a very happy New Year. Thank you for remembering us

Hugs and love from

Aunt Emmie

[Emma Jane Paulin nee Jennings]

October 11, 2019 0

Emma Jennings Paulin to Charles Wilfrid Paulin, 1942

2/510 Birchfield Rd

Perry Barr

March 31^st [1942]

Dear Wilf

Received your letter dated Jan. 29^th a week ago- Grace and Hilda have flue, both in bed, at the same time- they have now started work again- so many have had it run down conditions, no doubt, cause it- Sorry your sugar is rationed, we have been short, but manage somehow. I had Golden Syrop with my month’s allowance, find a tea spoon in hot milk is fine for porridge (my breakfast dish). The good thing, especially for large families, bread is not rationed, though a little darker in colour. We can stand anything, to help win this terrible war- which of course we shall do with the help of our grand allies- God grant it may be soon. I am still collecting paper and help at home, while the young ones work- That is all I can do now- This is a time where old age is a nuisance. Hope you are all well. Love to yourself, George and all your dear ones. Your loving Aunt Emmie

August 17, 2019 0