Bold, Brash and Brave

by Alan Tansley

  It was a strange time to be living through, but for what? Nothing had really changed, anyway; people were still poor and had to work hard for any money, and yet the politicians were always asking for their vote and commitment without promising or giving anyone benefits.

  Most of the working classes didn’t want to know anything about politics, thinking the subject above them, but that was far from the truth. They still got the idea from out-dated newspapers that if someone had been to Eton, Oxford, or Cambridge, they must have mythical qualities that made them qualified to run a country—but how wrong they were.

  The family managed to maintain prosperity, however, and within a week of each other, Florence and Penelope gave birth to sons—with the even better news that the war seemed to be drawing to a close around the corner.

  Penelope’s inheritance was still untouched, and she now received a healthy pension from Timothy’s estate to top it up; she was very well off, and decided to invest more in the farm. During the time leading up to their confinement, she discussed improvements with Florence, and as they were both familiar with the retail side of things, they decided to update and renovate the farm shop, a plan which eventually came to pass.

  Nothing was discussed with the men until after the births and christenings of Penelope’s and Florence’s sons, which, of course, raised a few eyebrows from the villagers. As the part-time staff they eventually hired proved haphazard with their attendance, they decided it was time to advertise for full-time staff again.

  This time, the shopping area at the farm was expensively tiled and gloss-painted, but when it was officially opened, Penelope was shocked that the husbands complained about their lavishness. Terrance didn’t know anything about Penelope’s finances, and because his present lifestyle had dramatically improved, he was reluctant to enquire. His work on the farm was always above what was expected of him, and he never let anything go that passed his attention. George had taken to him, even accepted him as his equal, but courteously, Terrance always asked his advice when it came to animal husbandry, as it was an alien subject to him.

  George had discussed bringing Terrance into the family business with Penelope, instead of just paying him a wage, but she rejected the idea after some consideration. Although Terrance paid towards house-keeping out of his wage, he could never save much money; when clothing reps visited, he always bought the heavy-duty type they needed. As Penelope never gave George a full explanation for turning down the idea, they never discussed the matter again; he thought that she must still be planning to return down south at some point, and he had Florence’s and his own children’s future in the back of his mind.

  At the beginning of May 1946, the war was over, but wartime restrictions were still in place. Only the country farm shops were making money. Although rationing was still in place, it was not recognised or compulsory, so the Cottons’ customers were still plentiful. Later in the year, when the vicar gave his harvest festival service, he upset quite a few of his parishioners.

  First, the vicar thanked his congregation for their donations, which were going to the needy. He carried on naming local men lost in both wars, including Henry. Then, for no apparent reason, he gave particular detail to Timothy’s rank and distinguished service with contribution to developments. As it was only a few months after the christening of his son, Terrance felt slightly annoyed, as if he was being outclassed. Penelope also sensed it was wrong and, linking her arm in his when they stood up to sing, she tugged his arm, saying, ‘Sorry, but it was nothing to do with me.’

  As they were walking home, George explained that he hadn’t known about it either and, in a subdued mood, they all continued to the farmhouse. When they arrived, while the women were preparing dinner, George discussed future alterations to the farm with Terrance, who seemed not to be listening. Suddenly, he came to his senses saying, ‘Sorry, George, it’s just that, well, that church service got a bit right up my nose.’

  ‘It did mine as well, mate. People always think they are doing well, so I just keep quiet and let them get on with it. The one major thing I have learned in this life is to keep your gob shut and just smile through your teeth, especially when women are involved,’ said George, before laughing heartily.

  Terrance grew very proud of his son, having named him after his father, Robert, and Penelope would often smile when she saw the love towards him in his eyes. But come Sunday lunch, when George and Florence arrived, their house instantly became a playground for both the boys and the men.

  However, times were changing again, as during the late forties, the government started a restructuring of the education system, with children starting nursery at the age of five. They would move up to middle school at seven. Secondary modern education gradually took over, and if you didn’t pass your eleven plus exam that took you to Grammar school, or couldn’t afford the uniform with extras, you would leave to start work at fifteen.

  Many of the rented houses in the area were taken over by recently formed or amalgamated councils, and were updated. Modern conveniences became cheaper and available to everyone, which meant that the quality of everyone’s life was dramatically improved.

  Housewives no longer had to use possers to manually agitate their clothes in a Peggy-tub outdoors; now, they had the luxury of a mangle to wring the water out of them. After that, it was just a matter of hanging them on the washing line outside, or if the weather was bad, hanging the clothes from a rack suspended from the kitchen ceiling and waiting for them to dry from the heat given off by the good old black-leaded fireplace.

  Nationally, employment was plentiful, but the pay and working conditions were still unreasonable. Bosses always maintained the upper hand, and as many big companies merged, they began to provide housing for their workers, which became another way of keeping tabs on them. Some big companies even gave discounts if their employees if bought their goods from them, but many thought that this was just a lure into debt, so avoided the proposal entirely.

  At the farm, they now employed two full time and two part time workers, so output rose dramatically. Another barn had to be erected to house winter feed for the extra animals. Nationally, there was talk of a milk marketing board being created to improve the quality and distribution of milk, so in anticipation, their milk heard was increased, and later, an automated milking machine was installed. Milking was a twice a day, seven days a week occupation, so a shift system was worked out between George and Terrance, while the workers toiled on the land.

  Production at the farm became the main priority, and with the present government now advertising that fact in cinemas, newspapers, and periodicals, the Cottons knew full well that they had to increase production further. As instructed by the ministry, all farmers had to feed the nation correctly. Winston Churchill and his present government also passed new legislation and began paying subsidies for the farmers to plough up their grassland and grow certain crops; for most farmers, this was a boom time.

  As in family meetings in the past, George met with Terrance regularly and planned the future to the best of their foresight, while the women attended to their children. After taking them to school, they began to visit the town, especially when more shops opened.

  Rationing was eventually decreased, then phased out in 1953, and then suddenly, everyone’s quality of life improved even further. Food, medicines, clothing and social amenities beyond their wildest dreams became available.

  The colliers gained a substantial pay-rise through production and safety, which included free fuel. Unfortunately, the usual trappings of taking money off the public became more available when a third public house was built in the village.

  Book-makers’ runners became very popular, and many risked being caught taking bets on the nearby Lincoln, Doncaster and Pontefract racecourses. It was illegal, but in most cases, it was money for old rope.

  A new bus service began linking villages and towns, and it proved a success as the train service had really never expanded for domestic use. From then
on, the trains began to be used just for long-distance travel, and most travellers were very much pleased with the door-to-door service of a bus.

  Everything seemed rosy for the Cotton family. There was a midwife to visit the children to see if they were all keeping good health, and there was now a local doctor’s surgery in the village—and most importantly, his services were free. His services also included being able to issue sick notes saying you were unfit for work, and straight away, many took advantage.

  The nation’s morals and ideals were changing fast. During the late forties and early fifties, their homes had been updated, and they now had running water, gas and electricity. Terrance even purchased an Austin seven car on behalf of the business.

  The salesman taught Terrance and Penelope to drive, taking them a few miles up and down the lanes, so that it became easier and quicker to take their children to the newly-built junior school.

  Chapter 38

  The Cotton family encountered another pitfall when, after nearly losing Joseph to diphtheria, an epidemic of measles followed soon after. Eventually, Robert, Laura, Joseph and Edward recovered and grew healthier. After passing her eleven plus, then finding out it was a great distance to travel to school, Laura flatly refused to go. She eventually got her own way. Robert was also doing exceptionally well, so his teacher suggested extra homework for him, thinking he could also pass his eleven plus exam. Laura began to rue her decision, especially when a family party was arranged to celebrate if Robert did pass.

  Early in 1961, the Cottons’ bank manager paid the farm a visit after repeatedly writing to them and, as usual, not receiving a response. After a brief introduction, he astonished every one of the family by stating that they had too much money in the bank. They all laughed about this strange fact, but the manager got their attention, and getting down to brass tacks, he asked for a run-down of their business dealings over the last ten years, warning them that with the new tax legislation coming into force the following May, their future turnover and profits could be seriously affected.

  Looking concerned, Penelope went to a cupboard, rummaged through it, and returned carrying two large cardboard boxes. She placed them on the table, looking sheepish as she mumbled, ‘I have been doing the books, as it were, but I have done my best.’

  The bank manager cringed as he read through the mixed-up papers. Impatiently, he snatched the glasses off his nose and said ‘How the hell have you carried on this far? This is bloody ridiculous. Have you never had an accountant?’

  ‘We’ve always let the bank do the financial side, you know, the paying of large bills and so on,’ muttered George.

  ‘Oh bloody hell, that is not enough. Look, I’ll send out one of my men on Monday morning, so have all the accounts, receipts and any other financial records ready for him, and I mean everything, then we can get you legal, for God’s sake.’

  His words seemed to do the trick, and Penelope and Florence rummaged through years of paperwork, looking for receipts and order forms. After the intrusion of the bank manager, his understudy arrived and everyone kept well out of his way. It took him nearly five days to work out their finances. The accountant left them a monthly finance entry book to keep future records in, and he also advised them to buy some new machinery. The government was paying farmers improvement incentives, so the first thing on the agenda was to purchase two new Fordson Major Diesel tractors.

  George could manage to drive these, but he desperately wanted to drive the car, especially so that he could take his family on a picnic. Eventually, and with Terrance at his side giving instructions, he burned out the clutch on the Austin. Both saw the funny side as they walked home from the village.

  Although wiser and cannier than the others, Joseph Junior now worked full time on the farm. He became jealous, however, when Robert caught the daily bus to the Grammar School in Sheffield. On Sunday morning, when they all gathered to go to church, this jealousy erupted, beginning with snide remarks.

  Robert was growing into a man, and had the size of one, whereas Joseph, because of his past ailments, remained on the small side. Seeing them together often made George smile; he could see the echoes of himself and Henry when they had been young, even down to a similar difference in temperament.

  Laura applied for and obtained a job in town as a counter-server for the co-op, and began to enjoy it. Edward was still attending junior school, and as the routine suited Laura’s schedule, she escorted him there and back home, but according to his last report before he moved up to senior school, Edward also seemed destined for higher education.

  In 1962, the farm’s income was well above average, and it was decided that their houses needed updating again.

  Robert’s exam results had been impressive, and because of his academic qualities, the school wrote to Penelope and Terrence, requesting that he become a boarder as his daily travelling was becoming detrimental to his studies. Penelope and Terrance agreed to follow Robert’s wishes in the matter, but after informing them he already knew about the invitation, and had already expressed his desire to become a boarder to the principal, they realised that he was especially excited by the prospect and the tears began to flow.

  With the confirmation agreed, signed and sealed, a letter of expenses arrived from the school. Terrance stared at the amount in shock, but to put him at ease, Penelope sat him down. She smiled as she took a shoe box out of the cupboard, and placed it on the table. After undoing the string tied around the box, she opened it to reveal a pile of banknotes.

  ‘My good God, Penelope,’ Terrance gasped.

  Penelope had to smile. She had always respected Terrance for not rooting through the cupboards. ‘This is what my father-in-law used to say was money tucked away for a rainy day,’ she said.

  ‘Have you got another for when it snows?’ he asked, laughing heartily.

  After the harvest, Robert was boarding at school, and Terrance and George had their houses updated. First, they were professionally decorated throughout, then out went the old furniture and in went new furniture bought from retail stores in Sheffield by Florence, Penelope and Laura. It took until a week before Christmas 1951, and then up went the decorations. The houses now had running hot water, an upstairs bathroom, including flush toilet, electric lights throughout, and a gas oven—what more could you ask for, said Penelope and Laura.

  As good food had always been in supply for the family, it was the speed at which it was cooked that made a major difference. The old black leaded fireplace had gone, but the wood burning stoves were kept in the living rooms. External maintenance of their houses was still done by George, while Terrance tended the out-buildings. Generally, both farms, including the cottage, were always in a good state of repair and looking reasonable.

  With everything running smoothly, early in the New Year, a brand new Ford consul car was bought, but the old Austin 7 was kept as it was still a runner. One of the tractors was used regularly to take any animals to market by towing a trailer, so piglets were now sold at eight weeks and calves at four. The main reason for this was that the stores penned near the wood were sometimes exchanged, as if trying to balance the books as it were. It wasn’t really necessary, as the recent re-elected Conservative government was throwing money left, right and centre. They wanted full employment with production, however, and George could see a chink in their offerings, saying that they would soon come to an end.

  With a wage bill they could afford and staff they could rely on, coupled with a steady turnover and reasonable profit, everything did seem to be going too well. Once again, family life was put first as neither George nor Florence was getting any younger; although she was two years older, Penelope looked nowhere near her age.

  Although Laura worked regularly at the co-op, she also helped on the farm, usually helping with milking, tending to the pigs and, on a weekend, and serving in the farm shop.

  The shops did not last long because of drastic new health and hygiene restrictions that were rapidly being put into place.
The families decided to close both farm shops, having realised that bringing them up to date or hiring and training new staff to run them would be too expensive. In fact, government representatives began touring the nation, advising farmers of all the new restrictions that were on their way.

  ‘All they are doing is trying to claw back the money they gave us in the first place,’ said George, looking pensive.

  Penelope stood up to clear the table, saying, ‘That’s true, so might I suggest that we update some of our equipment soon and try to beat their strategy—they can’t take off us what we haven’t got.’

  Trying not to smirk, Laura took opportunity of their serious conversation. ‘If I’m asked, can I go on a date then?’

  ‘Oh bloody hell, I suppose so, if you’re back by eight o’clock,’ snapped Florence, looking impatient. She winked at Laura before collecting their dishes, asking, ‘When’s Robert coming home?’

  ‘A week on Monday, and before you ask, yes, I still have him down as a worker here.’

  Terrance frowned, moaning ‘There’s going to be trouble, you know. Past governments have given us the money to help to feed the people better quality produce, and now they are grabbing it back. I can see some farmers going under.’

  Pleased that Terrance said ‘us’, George pondered as he rubbed his chin, before saying, ‘Those new bloody account books are not doing us any justice. This government wants to know about every bloody penny we earn.’

  Penelope returned from the kitchen, saying, ‘I’ve suggested this once before: get some fruit trees planted near the wood, and especially pears, as they always sell well on the market. And if I had my way, we would sow more spuds and greens. Those ministry chaps can’t count everything single thing we own or grow, then we can sell them at the market without them knowing.’