Granny's Chocolate Box
Helen
Elizabeth WORNHAM, nee EARL, b. 8 Feb 1889 in Moneton? Northants
Granny left a "Black Magic" chocolate box containing many photographs, letters etc. which follow, transcribed in date order.
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[Typed letter from:]
BRITISH TIMKEN LIMITED
PROPRIETORS OF FISCHER
BEARINGS COMPANY LTD
TIMKEN ROLLER BEARINGS
REGISTERED TRADE MARK
TIMKEN
DUSTON
NORTHAMPTON
DIRECTORS
F. J.
PASCOE
(CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR)
S. F. BENNETT
W. R. TIMKEN (U.S.A.)
J. I. PICKERING
27TH OCTOBER 1952.
This is to certify that Mrs. Helen
Wornham has been employed by this Company from the 25th April 1949 to 27th
October 1952. Her duties entailed the
general supervision of a small guest-house operated by the Company.
During this period Mrs. Wornham
proved herself an excellent housekeeper and
cook. Her honesty, diligence and
character are qualities beyond average, and we are sorry to lose her services.
Mrs. Wornham leaves us today of her
own accord.
[signed] W. Miller
W. Miller.
Secretary.
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1953 beige
diary,
inscribed "H.W" [containing family and friends' birthdays]
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Manfield
LUNCHEON
following
The Thirty-Third
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
held at
NORTHAMPTON
March 31st. 1953
MANFIELD AND SONS, LIMITED
NORTHAMPTON.
: :
MENU : :
Honeydew Glace
Saumon Poche Sauce Hollandaise
Dindonneau roti
Pommes Nouvelles
Petits Pois au beurre
Creme Caramel
Souffle Glace
Fromages Assortis et Biscuits
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CORONATION
OF HER
MAJESTY
QUEEN
ELIZABETH II
JUNE 2nd
1953
Pass Number 45
Holder's signature
[signed] H E Wornham
OFFICIAL PASS
NOT TRANSFERABLE
This pass entitles the holder
Name Mrs H. Wornham.
Address Weston House, Weston Favell
to a seat at the premises of
MANFIELD AND SONS, LIMITED
228 & 229, PICCADILLY, W.1.
Issued by [signed] S W Greenfield
Director
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Memorandum
From THE COMPTROLLER TO H.R.H. THE DUKE
OF GLOUCESTER,
YORK HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S PALACE, LONDON,
S.W.1.
To
Mrs. Wornham, Westone House (Manfield Convalescent Home),
Weston
Favell, NORTHAMPTON.
8th September 1953
Dear Madam,
Miss Elliott's Registry, Northampton, has sent me your name with
reference to a vacancy for Cook at
Barnwell Manor.
The post carries a salary of
£234 - £260 per year. with full board residence and free laundry. The staff
numbers on the average 12 (4 in the Steward's Room and 8 in the Hall). When the
two Princes are away at school Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of
Gloucester are usually in London during the week, and at Barnwell for week-ends
whenever possible. There are often only
three people in the dining room (the Duke and Duchess and Her Royal Highness's
secretary), and if any guests are present they are normally not more than two
or three.
During, school holidays at Christmas
and Easter. Their Royal Highnesses try to be at Barnwell as much as possible,
and sometimes have friends to stay, so there may be up to ten people for dining
room meals at those periods.
The kitchen is large and airy (on
the ground floor). Cooking is done on a large Esse cooker and a smaller
electric one. Kitchen staff consists of
the Cook, a full-time kitchen maid, and a daily kitchen maid who comes in for
several hours a day. Each member of the kitchen staff is entitled to one day
off per week, but it sometimes happens that in a busy week the Cook finds it
impossible to take her day off, so two days are taken in a week when their
Royal H Highnesses are not there.
The Cook is responsible for
arranging the off-duty times of the kitchen department and also for the
ordering of all foodstuffs, and cleaning materials, as there is no housekeeper.
If you wish to, be considered for
this post will you please let me know the earliest date you will be free, and
when you could come up to London for an interview. Their Royal Highnesses are
away in Scotland at present and are expected to return to Barnwell
towards the end of this month. I am
therefore hoping that the new Cook could take up her duties about 21st September
in order that she could familiarise herself with the household before the Duke
and Duchess arrive.
Yours faithfully
[signed] Robert Thompson
Lieutenant R.N. Comptroller.
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Memorandum
From THE COMPTROLLER TO H.R.H. THE DUKE
OF GLOUCESTER,
YORK HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S PALACE, LONDON,
S.W.1.
To
Mrs. H. Wornham, Westone House, Weston Favell, Northampton.
Dear
Madam,
Thank you for your letter of
yesterday.
I do not think your age matters, as
you say you are active and keen on your work.
There is not much I can add to my letter except to say that Their Royal
Highnesses' tastes are simple; they do not have elaborate meals but prefer
plain food well
cooked. They often have only two courses and seldom
more than three. As you have cooked for
20 in the past I am sure you would the job well within your capabilities.
I
would like to see you, and could then discuss any other details. Will you please let me
know
the earliest date you can travel to London, and I will make it convenient to be
here. Your travelling expenses would of
course be refunded.
My office is just inside
"Ambassadors Court", near the foot of St. James's Street, and I could
see you any time between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Yours faithfully
[signed] Robert Thompson
Lieut. (S) R.N.
Comptroller.
P.S. I note what you say
about not being free before 1st October, but I can probably make arrangements
to get over that difficulty.
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[carbon
copy of letter from] [on
envelope flap] S. Higginson
Flat
487, The White House,
Regents
Park,
London,
N.W.1.
September 15, 1953
Dear
Madam:
I have your letter dated September
13th with regard to Mrs. Wornham.
Since her interview with you, she
has been offered a very attractive post at the country house of Their Royal
Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and this is the position she will
undoubtedly take.
I think you will agree that this is
a matter which can only be decided by Mrs. Wornham herself and I regret,
therefore, that I am unable to help you.
I understand from her that she did not at any time say definitely that
she would come to you.
Yours faithfully
S.Higginson (Miss)
Mrs.
M. Sotheby,
The
Cavendish Hotel
EASTBOURNE
Sussex.
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Memorandum
From THE COMPTROLLER TO H.R.H. THE DUKE
OF GLOUCESTER,
YORK HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S PALACE, LONDON,
S.W.1.
To
Mrs. H.E.Wornham, Westone House, Weston Favell, Northampton
17th September 1953.
Dear
Mrs. Wornham,
I write to confirm your
engagement as Cook to Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
at Barnwell Manor, Northants., on the terms agreed at our interview on 14th
September, viz:-
Wages. £260 per annum (£5 per
week) paid monthly in arrear. To
commence on the date of taking up your duties.
Bonus.
An
annual bonus of 10% of your yearly wages will become payable when you enter on
the second year of your service, i.e. no bonus is due in respect to the first
year. The bonus is paid at Christmas, so that you will become entitled to a
quarter of a year's bonus in December 1954, and a full bonus in 1955.
Holidays. Two weeks' leave on
full pay and board wages will be granted annually, commencing in 1954.
Full
Board-Residence is provided, including personal laundry.
Engagement
is for one month on trial to commence and terminable thereafter by one month's
notice on either side. I understood you
to say that you could definitely arrive at Barnwell Manor on 30th September,
and possibly a day earlier.
Sickness. In case of illness, pay
is made for the first three days only in any calenday [sic] year.
Travelling expenses for interview have
already been paid, and expenses for your journey from Northampton to Barnwell
Manor will also be refunded to you.
National Insurance & P.A.Y.E. The applicable charges will be deducted from
your wages.
----------
Please take with you to Barnwell the
undermentioned documents:-
Ration
Book
National Insurance Card
P.A.Y.E.
Form P.45.
Kindly let me know as soon as
possible what date you will arrive at Barnwell Manor.
Yours very truly
[signed] Robert Thompson
Lieut. (S), R.N.
Comptroller
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memorandum
From THE COMPTROLLER TO H.R.H. THE DUKE
OF GLOUCESTER,
YORK HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S PALACE, LONDON,
S.W.1.
To
Mrs. H. Wornham, Westone House, Weston Favell, Northampton
23rd September 1953
Dear
Mrs. Wornham,
Thank you for your letter of
yesterday.
I have just heard from Her Royal
Highness's secretary that the staff coming south from Inverness will not arrive
at Barnwell Manor until late afternoon or early evening on Wednesday, 30th
September, and that there is not much point in your getting there on the
29th as Gladys West (the 1st Kichenmaid) will be in that party and has all the
store cupboard keys etc. I note that
you have now arranged to go to Barnwell on the 29th, but if it would not
inconvenience you a great deal to alter your plans, and go on the 30th, I think
it would be more comfortable for you to arrive on the same day as the rest of
the staff. In addition. I am told that
groceries etc. have been ordered from Scotland for the 30th. If it would be difficult for you to change
your arrangements now, please let them stand, but if the 30th is equally easy
for you I would be glad if you could so arrange it.
Would you let me know what you
decide?
Yours truly [signed] Robert Thompson
Lieut. (S), R.N. Comptroller
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1954
Datada diary No.1,
when Cook for the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at Barnwell Manor.
27 January
Colonel William Graham will be staying the night
at Barnwell
Her RH will visit London House Guildford St 6.
pm
1 February
2.30 His RH will receive Colonel Clows
Her RH will visit Nurses Home of the Southwark
Nursing Ass Sancroft St Kennington
2 February
Their RH will visit The Queens Dinner to the
Commonwealth Prime Ministers at Bucking Palace (no one in attendance)
3 February
6.pm Their RH will evening party given by the
Queen
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INCOME TAX
YEAR 1953-54 Estate Office,
CERTIFICATE
OF PAY Barnwell Manor,
AND TAX
DEDUCTED Peterborough, Northants.
(Tel.Oundle 2244)
WORNHAM. Mrs. Helen E.
(Name of employee and Works No., if any)
Code
No. at 5 April 1954: 29. District
Refce, 570/1591
Gross
pay Tax
1.
Pay and tax in respect of previous employ- £128:6:- £5:12:-
ment(s) in 1953-54 taken into account in
arriving at the tax deduction made by
me/us
2.
PAY AND TAX IN MY/OUR EMPLOYMENT £130:-:- £5:16:-
I/We certify that the
particulars given above include the total amount of pay (including overtime,
bonus, commission, etc.) paid to you by me/us (less any refunds) in that year. [stamped]
p.p. H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester, K.G.
[stamp
signed] J. Wycherley Employer
-2 APR 1954 Date
TO THE EMPLOYEE.
Keep this certificate. It will
help you to check any notice of Assessment which the tax office may send you in
due course.
P60 (1953)
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[diary continues]
8 June
TRH Will visit Gloucester Show
9 June
HRH will visit Gloucester House
" " " will receive Sir Edward Peacock
10 June
Trooping of the Colour
11 June
HRH Dine at Merchant & Navy
Spend night there
visit Ramsgate Babies Home
12 June
Wellesley half term
14 June
TRH attend service Windsor Castle
16 June
Ascot
17 June
Ascot
19 June
Crown Princess & her daughter at Barnwell
for weekend
HRH present prizes St John Ambulance Brigade
Back at Barnwell
21 June
HRH Drumlanry[?]
22 June
HRH Attend Rifle Brigade Dinner
23 June
TRH Attend Highland Show
24 June
HRH Pay visit to Gordon Highlanders at Edinburgh
Home
28 June
TRH Will attend State Banquet for King &
Queen of Sweden at Buckingham Palace
TRH will be present at Westminster Pier to greet
King & Queen of Sweden
29 June
HRH Preside at Cancer Campaing [sic]
30 June
Preside at Meeting King Edwards Hospital Fund
HRH attends Garden Club dinner
TRH attend Lunch at Mansion House King &
Queen of Sweden
HRH Visits Royal free Hospital Grey Inn Rd
HRH Attend Opera Covent Garden
1 July
Barnwell
5 July
HRH Attends Exhibition of Work at Special School
Opens Laboratory Royal Eye Hospital S.E.
6 July
THR Attends Royal Show at Windsor
HRH Opens L.C.C. Special Schools Exhibition at
County Hall
8 July
THR Unveil memorial at Chatham to late King
9 July
HRH Attend Lunch for Lord Mayor at Trinity House
Barnwell
HRH Will receive Sir Henry Floyd
12 July
HRH Attend Vintners Hall
13 July
HRH Will visit National Boys Clubs Bedford 17 Sq
W.C 1
attend Dinner at Cattle Soc.
14 July
HRH Attend London Hospital
distribute prizes at Hammersmith
TRH will attend Red Cross Annual service at St
Pauls 6.P.M.
HRH will give sitting to Mrs Simon
1.30 Elwes at 31a Grove End Rd N W.8
15 July
TRH Attends Garden Party Buckingham Palace
16 July
TRH Visits Royal School Bath return to Barnwell with
Princess Alexanda Ball at Higinbroke Castle
17 July
Princess Alexander & party stay the week end
at Barnwell
19 July
HRH Will visit Horse Show White City (evening)
20 July
Sandringham Cricket Match
returns to Barnwell
21 July
Visit Peterboro Show fly to Guernsey
23 July
TRH return to Barnwell for dinner
26 July
HRH Will be present at Kings Lyne
27 July
TRH Attend Garden Party Greys Inn Rd
HRH Opens Park Lane Fair
28 July
HRH Preside at Boy Scouts Visit Tidworth Stay
the night
Princis return from School
Princis Master D. Also[?] comes to stay After tea
29 July
HRH to tea
Major Ware, Nurse, Children to Tea
HRH Visits Dorchester Hotel to present vases to
the High Commissioners of the Commonwealth vases made by the British Pottery
Manufacturers Federation to commerate[sic] Coronation.
30 July
All away to Lunch & tea except possibly His
R H.
Princes Maid arrives
31 July
Professor & Mrs Meyes stay the night
Ms Staughton stays
3 August
Miss Ramirez by train, stay one night
4 August
Lady C Colville stays 2 nights
5 August
Boys Cricket Match 50 about
9 August
Went to Scotland by train
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[Carbon copy of undated typed letter]
Mr. Carter [top copy typing]
The secretary to [letter heading on original?]
Mr W McWalter, Messrs. Macdonald &
Mackingtosh, 60 High Street, Inverness.
Dear Sir,
The Advance party of staff for the Duke Of
Gloucester's household at Farr will be arriving on Tuesday, August 10th, and I
should therefore like to order the following supplies
Kitchen Account
10
lbs. Sugar
3 lbs. lard
3 lbs. Cheese
6 lbs. Margarine
4 Bacon
1 lb. Tea
6 large packets Kelloggs Corn Flakes
6 small
" " All Bran
6
" " "
Rice Crispies
6 packets Quaker Puffed Wheat
6
" Grape Nuts
6
" Weetabix
6 2
lb. tins Lyle's Golden Syrup
1 doz. packets Shredded Suet
2 3
lb. bags MsDougall's S.R.Flour
7
lbs. Rice
2
lbs. Tapioca
2
lbs. Sago
2 packets Colman's Semolina
2
" Brown & Polson's
Corn Flour
1 1/2 lb. tin Royal Baking
Powder
2 tins Bournvita
6 2 lb. jars Chunky Marmalade
6 1
lb. " Golden Shread [sic]
6 bottles Heinz Salad Cream
1 doz. tins Heinz Baked Beans
2 pints Vinegar
1 doz. packets matches
6 large tins Gumption
6 tins Birds Custard Powder
1/4 lb. Pepper
Pantry Account
6
doz. pint bottles Light Ale
6
doz small bottles assorted minerals
6
bottles Malvern Water
1
1/2 pint Blue-Black
Stephens Ink
1
small red ink
6
tins Goddard's Liquid Silver Polish
3
bottles Jackson's Furniture Polish (Cream)
3
dox. [sic] boxes matches
2
doz. Parastine White Table Candles (Price's)
6
bottles Gordon's Gin
3
bottles Rose's Lime Juice
3
bottles Lemon Squash
100
Palyer's [sic] Cigaretts [sic]
6
packets Dreft
6
tins Kiwi Dark Tan
6
tins Black Kiwi
2
jars Meltonian Shoe Cream (white)
3
bottles Propert's white cleaner
3
bottles Goddard's Silver Dip
2
balls medium parcel string
2
tins Brasso
3
1/4 lb. tins Colman's
Mustard
3
large tins Cerebos Salt
1/4 lb. White Pepper
2
doz. Rolls Bronco Toilet Paper
24
tablets Toilet Soap
24
tablets Sunlight Soap
A
car will be coming into Inverness during the morning of August 9th, and I will
ask the driver, Mr. White, to call on you to collect the above items.
Yours faithfully,
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[diary continues]
10 August
Arrived at Inverness 9'clock reached Farr 11.30
6 September
Went to Vi's reached Dunfermline 4.30
11 September
Returned to Farr was met by Mr White at
Inverness
29 September
Left Farr at 9'clock lovely run through the
hills covered with snow spent the night at Crown & Mike at Carlisle (nice
evening) enjoyed by all (party of ten)
30 September
Left Carlisle at 9'clock stopped for lunch at
Reached Grantham at 5.30 parted from the York
House Staff reached Barnwell at seven o'clock everyone pleased to e us
1 October
Her RH visits Longmore Hospital Edinburgh
rung up York House
2 October
Their Royal Highnesses returned to Barnwell with
visitor
6 October
Shooting party at Barnwell
Her RH goes to York House 4.45 appointment at
York House
7 October
Evening Dine with Lady Ravensdale
Her RH attends Premiere of the film Modern Times
at the London Pavillion in aid of the National Assoc. of the Mixed Clubs
Visitors to Dinner Sir Godfrey Thomas
11 October
Her RH visits Northern Ireland 10.30 from
Molesworth airfield
13 October
Her RH returns from Ireland to York House
14 October
Admiral Sir Martin & Lady Dunbar Naswith [?]
will lunch at York House with TRH
15 October
His R H will receive Colonel Dunbar
16 October
Their Royal H. to Luton Hoo for Weekend Return to Barnwell Monday
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Typed
agenda
(year 1954 deduced from diary entries)
Her Royal Highness's
Arrangements For Visiting Barnwell Manor During The
During The Next Few
Weeks.
18th OCTOBER. As at present arranged, Their Royal
Highnesses return to Barnwell during the morning from Luton Hoo
19th OCTOBER. Their Royal Highnesses return from
Barnwell after Luncheon
23rd OCTOBER. Her Royal Highness arrives at Barnwell
in time for Luncheon from St. Paul's Walden Bury
27th or 29th OCTOBER As His Royal Highness has to take Farewell
of the Emperor of Ethiopia on the evening of the 27th, it is not certain
whether Her Royal Highness will return to York House that day, or on 29th
30th OCTOBER Her Royal Highness returns to Barnwell
late after Portsmouth visit.
3rd November Her Royal Highness may possibly return
to York House in time for tea.
Her Royal Highness
Mr. West
Mrs. Wornham
Miss Dougal
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[diary continues]
18 October
TRH Return to Barnwell Monday morning
19 October
Their RH Return from Barnwell after Lunch
20 October
Her RH visits National Baby Welfare 31
Gloucester place in afternoon
Attends preformance [sic] Joan of Arc at Stoll
Theatre
Air Chief Marshall & Lady Longmore will
lunch at York House
21 October
9.30 Opens Boys Club Week at County Hall
2.30 His RH Will take office as President of the
Hunter Improvement
17 Devonshire St. W.1.
22 October
2.30 Her RH visits the High Scool [sic] Derngate
Northampton
Her RH goes to Dundee
23 October
Her Royal H. arrives at Barnwell for lunch
26 October
HRH Returns from Dundee
27 October
His RH takes farewell of Emporor on the 27
evening it is not certain whether Her RH will return to York House on that day
or on 29th who leaves Victoria 9.pm.
29 October
Afternoon Her RH visits the Old Palace School
Croydon to open new Laboratory
30 October
Her RH visits Portsmouth Blesma Home
His RH will attend Royal Albert Hall
Her RH returns to Barnwell late after Portsmouth
3 November
Her RH may possibly return to York House in time
for tea
4 November
TRH Will attend an evening party at Buckingham
Palace for Diplomatic Corp
Visits Disabled Exservice Mens Exhibition
5 November
His RH Will attend Cocktail Party King Georges
Jubilee Trust 166 Piccadilly (Will unveil a memorial window to King George in
the Chapel of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Her RH presents prizes to nurses at the National
Orthopaedic Hospital Stanmore 3.pm.
6 November
HRH will attend County Rally Boy Scouts at
Wembley THR & P.William will attend British Legion Remembrance Festival in
the Queens Box at the Royal Albert Hall
7 November
His RH will lay wreath as usual
the Duchess will witness the Ceremony from the
Home Office with P.William
9 November
11am His RH will receive Mr Noel Lamiday Chief
Migration Officer Australia House now retiring
10 November
His RH Will attend England & Wales football
match at Wembley
11 November
10.30 His RH will preside at Annual Meeting of
the Fairbridge Soc. Northumberland Avenue
11.30 His RH will go for sitting at the studio
of Simon Elwes
12 November
Jonathan [her grandson] arrived [was born]
His RH Will preside at meeting Grand Military
Race Comittee at York House
16 November
Her RH returns to Barnwell
10.30 His RH will receive Lord Wakehurst
11.am His RH will receive Brigadier E C J Moore
20 November
Ball Deer Park Queen & Prince Phillip
arrived at Barnwell for tea also General & Mrs Miller from Australia Duke
Edinburgh & Duke of Glouster[sic] attended dinner at Deane Hall
21 November
Royal Party to tea at Althorp Park
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Photograph of the Queen with Duchess of
Gloucester and Prince Phillip with Duke of Gloucester walking from Barnwell
Church on [?] 21st November.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[diary continues]
22 November
8pm Her RH attends St Cecilia's Day Concert
at the Royal Festival Hall in aid of Musicians
Fund
His RH returns to York House after Lunch with
Queen
Duchess presented me to the Queen in front Hall
*
took shooting Lunch to Boughton House Prince
Phillip stayed to dinner & left by Royal train at half past ten from
Barnwell
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Evelyn Mary WORNHAM nee RUDKIN b. 22 Jan 1915
remembers:
"Granny W. cooked Sunday lunch roast beef,
yorkshire pudding etc. apple tart.
Was presented to Queen and Philip after. She said the Queen didn't seem to know what
to say so she (Mum W) asked how the children were (Charles & Ann). Prince Philip congratulated her on a lovely
meal & said to the Queen "Why don't we have roast beef and yorkshire
pudding more often - I did enjoy that".
The Queen replied that she would see what she could arrange, which
amused everybody."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23 November
Her RH attends wedding St Margarete Westminster
of her niece
His RH Will attend ball [Call?] night Grays Inn
24 November
His RH Will visit Boys Clubs in the Yorks area
25 November
6.30 Her RH visits Elmhurst Ballet School
preformance [sic] Camberley
26 November
His RH Will visit Boys Clubs in Durham
27 November
Return to Barnwell
29 November
Return to York House
30 November
Opening of Parliment [sic]
His RH Will receive Colonel Clowes 2.pm
1 December
12.45 pm OPens New Lecture Theatre at Boys
Grammer [sic] School Cowper St 3.15pm
Opens Park Lane Fair
His RH Will receive Sir Keith Officers who will
stay to Luncheon
2 December
2.30 His RH Will dine with the Inns of Court
Regiment
His RH will preside at a Council meeting of the Hunters
Improvement Society at 17 Devonshire St W.1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BARNWELL MANOR
ESTATE
ESTATE OFFICE
BARNWELL MANOR
PETERBOROUGH, NORTHANTS
(Tel. Oundle 2244)
3rd December 1954.
Their Royal Highnesses
The Duke
and Duchess of
Gloucester request
the pleasure of your
company, at
a buffet tea in the
Drawing Room
at Barnwell Manor, on
Wednesday
22nd December 1954, at
6.30p.m.
Mrs. H. Wornham.
Please enter at Flower
Room Door.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[diary continues]
4 December
His RH Will shoot with Lord Iliffe at Yattendon
5 December
His RH returns to Barnwell
7 December
Attends Albert Sammons memorial Concert ay
Albert Hall 8.0pm
8 December
11.30 His RH Will preside at Council meeting at
King Edwards Hospital Fund at St James Palace
9 December
5.30 TRH Will attend Cocktail party given by
Princess Alice Kensington Palace
His RH Will attend House Dinner Grays Inn Rd in
honour of the New Lord Chancellor
15 December
2.30 His RH Will preside at a meeting of the
Council of King George's Jubilee Trust
11am His RH Will preside at the Council meeting
of the British Red Cross Soc 14 Grosvener [sic] Cresent [sic]
Her RH will attend Snow Ball Party at the
Dorchester for United appeal for the Blind
16 December
His RH Will preside at a dinner given in honour
of the Prime MInister at trinity House
18 December
4.15.pm. Attends Ice Panto Empire Pool Wembley
19 December
Return to Barnwell
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its kindly folk and
friendly folk
That help us o'er
life's stiles
With kindly thoughts
and friendly talks
Along the years and
miles
Christmas 1954
May Peace and Goodwill
surround you at
Christmas and Health and
Happiness be
yours all through the
coming year.
From
Mr. A. Murray
The
Lodge
House-of-Farr
Inverness
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[diary continues]
MEMORANDA [at rear of diary]
Cakes while at Farr £33..15..7
Greengrocer " " 6..14..0
May 21st 1955 (12 noon)
His RH will visit Oakham School Rutland
Grocer at Farr for Sept £23.5s.9p
Butcher
Mrs Horn 114 Castland Hill Road
Ann v.d.Breok 18 Glebe Crescent Hendon NW4
Nichols
128 Clarence Avenue Northampton
1955
[no date] His RH Will attend Stallion Premier
Show of Hunters Improvement Soc at Derby
March 3
Their RH Will attend Horse & Hound Ball in
aid of the Hunters Improvement Society & the Olympic Games Equestrian Fund
May 7
His RH Will take Chair at the tenth Hussars Old Comrades Association at Porchester
Hall
June 5
His RH will unveil the Bayeux Memorial in
Normandy
June 6
His RH will take the final Rehearsal for the
Queens Birthday Parade which is on Thursday June 9th
July 14th
12 noon His RH will preside at Annual General
Meeting of Royal Patriotic Corporation if possible
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memorandum
From THE COMPTROLLER TO H.R.H. THE DUKE
OF GLOUCESTER,
YORK HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S PALACE, LONDON,
S.W.1.
To Mrs. Helen E. Wornham,
21, Main Road,
Duston, Northants.
30th January, 1956.
Dear
Mrs. Wornham,
I wonder whether you are free and
would consider coming back to Barnwell Manor as Cook? Both Gladys and Mrs. Owen have been replaced by two resident Scottish
girls, and I think you would find things a lot more satisfactory now.
This a private enquiry which Her
Royal Highness has asked me to make, and I would be glad to hear from you. The present temporary cook (Mrs. Wight, who
has been at Barnwell before) cannot stay after the end of February.
I enclose stamped addressed envelope
for reply.
Yours very truly
[signed] Robert Thompson
Lieut. R.N.
Comptroller
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3 Feb 1956. Typed Memorandum from The
Comptroller to
H.R.H. The Duke Of Gloucester, York House,
St James's Palace, S.W.1
To Mrs H.E.Wornham, 21 Main Road, Duston,
Northants.
Dear Mrs. Wornham,
Thank
you for your letter, from which we are sorry to learn that you are unable to
come back to Barnwell Manor on account of your health. I know Her Royal Highness will be sorry to
hear of this, but will of course understand the reason why you cannot undertake
another full-time post. I do hope you
will soon be fully recovered.
Yours very truly, [signed] Robert Thomson
Comptroller
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Stamped 8 Feb. 56 NORTHAMPTON
GREETINGS TELEGRAM
GREETINGS = MRS WORNHAM C/O TIMKEN CANTEEN
DUSTON =
HAPPY BIRTHDAY = FROM
MARY AND FRANCIS +
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[Menu card signed by Australian Cricket Touring
team for, and given to her grand-son M. David Wornham]
BRITISH TIMKEN LIMITED
DINNER
TO THE
AUSTRALIAN
TOURING TEAM
ON
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13TH,
1956
AT
BRITISH TIMKEN LIMITED
DUSTON
MENU
SMOKED SALMON
: :
ASPARAGUS
: :
CHICKEN & HAM SALAD
NEW POTATOES
GARDEN PEAS
: :
STRAWBERRIES & FRESH
CREAM
: :
CHEESE & BISCUITS
: :
COFFEE
TOASTS
THE QUEEN Mr. F.
J. PASCOE
THE
AUSTRALIAN TOURING TEAM Mr.
F. J. PASCOE
TO REPLY Mr.
W. J. DOWLING
[On
rear, crossed Australian and Timken flags over] JUNE 13th 1956
[with
19 signatures]
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[Hand-written
letter] BARNWELL MANOR,
PETERBOROUGH.
TEL. OUNDLE 2201
14.4.57
Dear
Mrs Wornham
HRH
has asked me to write & find out how you are, & if you are working, as
our cook here, wants a short holiday,
There is a K maid & scullery maid who can manage through the week as
we shall be in London but HRH wondered if you could, & would. care to come
to do the weekends. There will only be
four at most in the dining Room, or perhaps their two selves, & no
visitors. So it will not be heavuy
[sic]. The two girls are not too bad,
at this work. & quite nice girls.
Perhaps
you will let me know about it. It would
be the weekend of "may" 10th to 13th or 14th. It is beautiful here just now, been a
beautiful spring. We have a house full
of young people & the two Princes home for the holidays, so all are very
busy.
I see. the, Board, "House for
Sale" in Knebworth [home of her son Herbert Joseph] is down
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[Postcard: The Forth (railway) Bridge postmarked
21 October 1957 Dunfermline, Fife.
Dear Granny,
I am having a jolly good time up hear and I
played putting yesterday and went for a walk to queensferry.
love from Trevor [DUNKLEY, 12yrs]
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[Typed] Memorandum
From The Comptroller to H.R.H. THE DUKE
OF GLOUCESTER
YORK HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S
PALACE, LONDON, S.W.1.
To Mrs. H.E. Wornham, 21, Main Road,
Duston, Northants
8th May, 1958.
Dear
Mrs. Wornham,
The Duchess of Gloucester has asked
me to write to you and enquire whether by any chance you would be free and able
to give a helping hand in the kitchen at Barnwell Manor over the week-end
16th-18th May, if necessary.
Our assistant cook went home to
Edinburgh for a week-end towards the end of April, but has reported sick and
the date of her return is vague. The cook (Mrs. Mackay) is also away on holiday
until about the 20th May, and in the meantime our 2nd cook from York House is
coping with things at Barnwell, but Their Royal Highnesses will have house
guests at the Manor 16th-18th May, and unless the other girl makes a quick
recovery and gets back before then, the Duchess fears things will be rather too
much for the present depleted staff of two!
I have written to the parents of the
girl in Edinburgh, asking for some definite news of her progress, but it may be
a few days before an answer is received, and I would be grateful if you could let me know in the enclosed
stamped addressed envelope how you are placed for that week-end if we are in
need of your assistance.
I hope you are keeping well, and
that this will find you a Duston
Yours sincerely,
[signed] Robert Thompson
Comptroller.
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[Typed] Memorandum
From The Comptroller to H.R.H. THE DUKE
OF GLOUCESTER
YORK HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S
PALACE, LONDON, S.W.1.
To Mrs. H.E. Wornham, 21, Main Road,
Duston, Northants
11th May 1958
Dear Mrs. Wornham,
Thank you for your letter of 9th
May. I have spoken to the Duchess of
Gloucester at Barnwell on the telephone this morning, and Her Royal Highness is
very glad that you are able to come to the Manor next week-end. It will be quite all right if you travelled
by the 5 p.m. train from Northampton, direct to Barnwell station, (as it might
not be possible to send a conveyance in to Kettering that afternoon,) and left
by the 8 o'clock train on the Monday morning.
The assistant cook is returning to
Barnwell today, but we shall have to get our London girl back here by
Wednesday, and Mrs. Mackay (the Cook) does not return to Barnwell from her
holiday until Monday or Tuesday of next week.
So we shall be very pleased to have you at Barnwell for the week-end,
and Her Royal Highness is relieved that you can arrange to be there.
I would have given you more notice
had it been possible, but these emergencies nearly always happen unexpectedly.
Yours sincerely
[signed] Robert Thomson
Comptroller.
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Memorandum
From THE COMPTROLLER TO H.R.H. THE DUKE
OF GLOUCESTER
YORK HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S
PALACE, LONDON, S.W.1.
To Mrs. H.E.
Wornham, 21, Main Road, Duston, Northants
20th May 1958
Dear
Mrs. Wornham,
The Duchess of Gloucester has asked
me to write and thank you very much for stepping into the breach at Barnwell
last week-and, and to send you the enclosed postal order for £3 which I hope is
a fair and reasonable recompense for your
services
and travelling expenses. Please let me
know if this is all right?
Her Royal Highness was pleased to
see you again, and hopes that if ever the necessity arises again in the
future you will be prepared to give a hand if not otherwise engaged.
Yours sincerely,
[signed] Robert Thompson
Comptroller.
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[Unsent post card]
It's People like You
make people like me
like People like You
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[Typed letter from:]
BRITISH TIMKEN LIMITED
PROPRIETORS OF FISCHER
BEARINGS COMPANY LTD
TIMKEN ROLLER BEARINGS
REGISTERED TRADE MARK
TOMKEN
DUSTON
NORTHAMPTON
DIRECTORS
SIR JOHN PASCOE
(CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR)
S. F. BENNETT
J. I. PICKERING
R. L. FREDERICK (U.S.A.)
12th September, 1958
Dear Mrs. Warnham,
I
am enclosing £8 as agreed with Lady Pascoe.
No deductions have been made but as soon as you let Lady Pascoe have
your Tax Forms and Insurance Card, the matter will be adjusted next week.
Would
you also please put a little note in an envelope and hand to the driver to give
to me telling me the day you started at Broomhill last week? I am not sure and there will be two or three
days pay due to you which again will be adjusted next week - anyhow Sir John
wanted me to send the enclosed so that at least you will have some pay this week?
Hope
you are well,
Yours
sincerely,
[signed] Jessica[?]
Griffiths
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Memorandum
From
THE COMPTROLLER TO H.R.H. THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER
8th May 1959
Dear
Mrs. Wornham,
Thank you very much for your letter
of 6th May, which I have shown to the Duchess of Gloucester. Her Royal Highness is indeed sorry to learn
that you have to return to the hospital for further treatment when you are
stronger, and that in these circumstances you will not be able to come to
Barnwell Manor on the 28th May.
I know how disappointed you must be
that your health will not allow you to undertake anything at present, but we
all hope that you will soon make a complete recovery.
So far I have not had any
applicants for the post of Assistant Cook at Barnwell, and I wonder I might ask
you to let me know if you hear of anyone who would be capable and willing to
fill the gap - even temporarily.
We are going through a particularly
difficult spell at the moment. with two vacancies in the London kitchen and the
Barnwell post falling vacant in three weeks' time.
Yours sincerely
[signed] Robert Thompson
Comptroller.
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[Hand-written
Air Letter, with apparent tear - stains]
Mrs
Wornham c/o Mr & Mrs Dunkley. 60, Balfour Road Northampton England
Sender:
R. Green. S.U.M. Mardigun[?]. Barnu Province. N.Nigeria. West Africa
Easter
Sunday. April 17th, 1960 S.U.M. Booksh[corner cut off for
stamp?]
Dear
Mrs Wornham,
Have
been thinking a lot about [you?] so thought I would just pen you a few lines.
It's
just 10pm as I write, and so I usually
think about bed around 9pm you'll understand if, due to being sleepy, my letter
tends to wander. Well, this is the
first Easter I have spent outside England but it has been a very happy
one. I've always liked Easter, probably
as much as Christmas of late years.
Maybe its partly because its associated in England with Spring! Out here of-course its dry and dusty, altho
we shall soon be getting some rain and here and there one can see distant
storms. Away on the plateau, where I first
was they have already had plenty of rain I understand. In spite of the intense heat it was a very
enjoyable service at the "European" church this morning. The senior missionary out here being an
Anglican it was a C of E service and I attended Holy Communion first then
morning prayer. One did wish at one
stage that one could have been in a lovely old English Church, with all the
sights and sounds of an English Spring around - but after all the 1st Easter
was just not celebrated in such surroundings was it. Since coming out here I have appreciated far more what it
must have cost our Lord to have come to earth and lived in a land like
Palestine in that bygone day. Africa is
not unlike Israel, I gather, at least in this part of Africa. The filth and squalor, disease and dirt,
ignorance and sin must have been anathema to the 'Son of God' - and when I'm
tempted as I am at times, to wonder what brought me to this place - I think of
Him and what it must have meant to one who'd been used to the throne of
Heaven. Believe me this is no airy-fairy
prosaic sermonising. I really
have to look at things in that light sometimes. We sing about Israel and Bethlehem and Jerusalem etc; but if
they're anything like this place is in the town - and I understand theres much
to compare, then one is amazed afresh at the grace of God in condescending to
dwell on earth and in such humble state.
Well,
if your grandson were to read this letter he would accuse me of preaching I
know, so I'd better shut up! Thank you
though for your prayerful interest it really does mean a lot to me. In return I can only say that in prayer
recently, and especially this Easter Day, I have felt led to especially
remember you before "the throne of Grace". Sometimes the way seems very dark to us - and we all, being
human, are tempted at times to doubt.
You know, about a year ago Trevor went with me for a few days to
Leicester and whilst there we saw that film about "The Titanic". You may know the story of how they sang a
hymn as the ship went down. That hymn
is a favourite of mine and the words of it will often be a prayer if mine in life's very darkest days. "Tho'
like a wanderer, the sun goes down - darkness comes over me, My rest a stone:
Yet in my dreams I'd be nearer my God, to Thee Nearer My God, to Thee, nearer
to Thee. The film ended with shots of
wreckage in the water and just the playing of that hymn - and I have rarely
been so moved by a film. I pray these
words, which are such a comfort to me may be likewise to you. God bless, Yours, Reg.
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[a
sprig of artificial snowdrops]
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[printed
cutting]
The Prayer
~~~~~~~
O!
adorable Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, dying
on
the Sacred Tree for our lives; O! Holy Gross of
Christ
see me in thought. O! holy Cross of
Christ
ward
off from me all sharp repenting words;
O!
Holy
Cross of Christ, ward off from me all weapons
of
danger; O! Holy Cross of Christ, ward
off from
me
all things that are evil; O! Holy Cross of Christ
protect
me from my enemies; O! Holy Cross of
Christ
protect me to the way of happiness; O Holy
Cross
of Christ ward off from me all dangerous
deaths,
and give me life always; O! Crucified
Jesus
of Nazareth, have mercy upon me, now and
for
ever.-Amen.
[Helen Elizabeth
WORNHAN, nee EARL died on 24th September 1960 aged 71 years]