April 30 "Phyllis's Wedding"

30 Monday (121-245)

Spent the morning buying tuck and various other articles for Nora to take back to school this evening. Had lunch early and rushed off to Phyllis's wedding in our new swish frocks. The wedding was at All Saints, Branksome and Phyllis certainly looked a charming bride. We went to the Branksome Tower Hotel for the reception and had a lovely time. Phyllis and her husband thanked us for our wedding presents. We sent the bride off to London and went back to the Hutton's house to see the wedding presents they certainly had a lovely lot of presents. Our entree dishes were the only pair they had so they were very pleased with them. We saw Nora back to school and chatted for a long time with Miss Haskell, and we nearly missed the last car back.

I.H.

April 29

29 Sunday (120-246)
Third after Easter

We stayed at home all day as the weather was not too good. We just went for a short walk around to the old flat and that was all. We read our books and played with the children most of the day. We are now getting more settled into this new house and by the end of next week things will be in full swing again. Nora spent a little time doing a bit of packing for school tomorrow. Now that Nora will be at school for the next three months except for the weekends, I shall keep up this diary until she comes home for good.

I.H.

April 28

28 Saturday (119-247)
S.R. 5.38 S.S. 8.17

We went shopping with daddy in Bournemouth. Bought or stockings and gloves for the Wedding day. We bought Iris's hat from "Plumer's" too. We arrived back late for tiffin and were only in time to say goodbye to Miss Jones who is returning to London by chara-banc today. I'm sure we will miss her. In the afternoon Nora took Mary and Billy on the beach and I went with Daddy to Boscombe. Bought a pair of shoes at "True-Forms" It was pourng rain when we got back to the house.

I.H.

April 27 "Nash move from Pinecliffe"

27 Friday (118-248)

We went into Bournemouth to buy Phyllis's wedding present. We bought two lovely silver entrée dishes which we hope she will like and Nora and I are giving her six silver spoons and Mrs. Nash bought a cut glass vase to give her. I stayed with the children in the afternoon and Nora went out with daddy and Mrs. Nash. We bought a little powder box which we are going to send to Hilda. Mrs. Nash has still a lot of moving to do yet. The trunks came over this evening from 12 Pinecliffe Avenue.


I.H.

* This was Phyllis Hutton

April 26

26 Thursday (117-249)
First Quarter 10.42 p.m.


Went over to the old flat for breakfast. Daddy stayed in to take care of the house while we both went shopping and also to school to get some things out. Daddy, Nora and Mrs. Nash went to buy a new bed, while I took Mary and Billy on the beach. Came back at 5:30 PM and arrive late 40. Mrs. Jones was with us for about half an hour as she joined us later. We played the gramophone and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We all helped to get dinner ready. It is 10 o'clock now and everyone has retired except me. Amah went to the theater with Mrs. Jones tonight and I expect they are thoroughly enjoying themselves.

I.H.

April 25 "Back in Bournemouth, at Clifton"

25 Wednesday (116-250)
S. Mark

Had breakfast at Lyon's and went to "True-Forms" and bought a lovely pair of shoes each. Then we went to several shops to try and get a two-piece for me and at the last moment got one from "C and A's" a very nice shop. We had to rush back to catch our train at 12:30 PM.
Had a good lunch on the train; arrived very punctual at B'mouth Central, and came straight to Clifton Bellevue Rd, our new address. Went down to the beach bungalow til near 7:30 PM. Returned to the old house for dinner. Had a very good time. Slept in the house without the Nash's as they will remain at Charford til all the things are moved over.

I.H.

April 24 "London, Limehouse"

24 Tuesday (115-251)

Woke up quite late. Iris rang Hilda up and got her on the phone. She came around to the Hotel Belgravia at about 10:30 AM and we all went shopping. Mrs. Nash bought a lovely two-piece suit and a hat to match and so did Nora. I could not have time to get any thing. Mrs Nash had to catch the 12:30 PM train. We bought Hilda a flower button-hole and gave her 2/6 as a little gift. She had to leave us at 12 as she had to go back to sleep being on night duty again. We had tiffin at the Waterloo Station and went to the Limehouse and bought a lot of Chinese stuff.
Freeman's came to dinner and then after that we all went off to the Colosseum to see a variety show. Very good but not to compare with Paris. I think we made a swell evening for the Freeman's and ourselves. Went to bed after 12:30
PM.

I.M.

April 23 "Calais to Dover"

23 Monday (114-252)
S George

Got up early and had breakfast. Daddy rang up to say goodbye to Mr. Phillips. We left Paris by the 10 o'clock train for  Calais. Took the 2:30 PM boat to Dover. Had terrible trouble with the customs over our watches and silk dresses, that we were late for our train. Anyway we got back to London at 7:30 and rang up the Freemans and Hilda. At dinner the Freemans rang up and we have invited them to dinner tomorrow night. We are all tired after the trip so will retire to bed quite early. Mrs. Nash leaves us tomorrow morning.

I.H.

April 22

22 Sunday (113-253)
2nd after Easter
Summer Time commences

We hired a taxi to see Paris this morning. We visited the following places, Notre Dame where we attended the latter end of a service. Very interesting ceremony. Then we saw the Places of the Bastille Republic, and Boulevards, and Place de la Concorde, Champs d'Elysee, Etoile, Tour Eiffel and the place of Napoleons Tomb called Invalides. Most interesting and enjoyable morning tour. We also went into a church called Sacred Heart.

In the afternoon we went to Versailles in a private car. A Mr. Phillips joined us and was a very nice man indeed and quite interesting to talk to. We visited the palace, the Grand Trinian and the Petite Trinian, the coach house and Marie Antoinnette's farm. Mr. Phillips took a couple of snaps which he is going to send to us in remembrance of our trip and company. We all enjoyed ourselves.

I.H.

April 21

21 Saturday (112-254)
S.R. 4.52,  S.S. 7.6

We went shopping at the Magasin du Louvre and we're disappointed. It had gone down since 1924. Iris bought a dark blue Crepe de Chine frock and I bought two, one pale blue, the other a queer shade of pink.
Next we went to Galleries Lafayette and bought some powder and a handbag for mummy. We had lunch at the hotel. After that we went to see the famous Art Galleries du Louvre. The paintings were wonderful and needed at least a fortnight to impress one. We had tea in an open air café (on the pavement) We had coffee and strawberry ices and a little fruit cakes. It was fun!


N.H.

April 20

20 Friday (111-255)
New moon, 4:55 AM

We were down to breakfast at 9:30 AM. After that we went to the Louvre Hotel about charabancs but they did not have them anymore. Then we went by taxi to Thomas Cook's and then to the hotel again. In the end we took a taxi for 200 francs to Fontainbleau for the day. We stopped at the hotel Charmantes, Barbignon for lunch and also saw Millets house.
The palace at Fontainbleu was very interesting. Then we drove back to Paris and to the Eiffel Tower and ascended it. We went right up and then had tea in the restaurant there. We came back to dinner. After that we wrote our letters and then of course we retired to bed like the girls.

N.H.

April 19 "Paris"

19 Thursday (110-256)
Primrose day, 1881

We got up at 6 AM and caught by the skin of our teeth the 730 train. Our luggage was brought by the hotel car and not brought into the station. Daddy went in search of it but failed twice and it two minutes to 1/2 past, past daddy started out again luckily managed to get it. No sooner were we in the train than it started. I truly lucky escape! The scenery was quite beautiful. We went to Paris by a "Belfort" and "Chaumont". We arrived at 5:30 and then went to the hotel Sainte Anne . After dinner we went to see the "Grand Follies" a review at the Berjou. It was wonderful. Lines and beautiful shapes were imitated. The costumes and scenery was also wonderful. We were in bed about 12:30 PM and were tired out after the strenuous day.

N.H.

April 18

18 Wednesday (109-257)

We got up at 7:40 AM and had breakfast. Then we got our tickets for the Pilatus trip. We took a small paddle steamer called the "Rheim"  and before we had got very far we were told that we could not go to Pilatus of this because there was too much snow. Thus, we ended up with a lake trip as far as help "Alpnachstad". We had an hour at that village. We went into a small shop and bought some PCs and chocolates. Then we went to the Rosseli Hotel and had a light refreshment. Then we went back to the ship and left at 12:07 PM. The scenery was glorious specially the villages and the view of Lucerne. We got back at 1:30 and had lunch at the hotel. After that we went by tram and then took the railway for Sonneberg. We had a splendid view of Lucerne and Pilatus. Then we walked through some beautiful forests and took the railway to lift to "Guich barn" (station) and then back by tram. The whole cost 10 francs.

N.H.

April 17

17 Tuesday ( 108-258)
Easter Law Sittings begin

After yesterday's journey found it difficult to rise before 10 AM. It was raining and so we walked around the shops.  We went in to have Iris's watch seen to at Bucherer. It would cost 8 francs to clean it and so by exchanging we obtained a more expensive and fashionable watch. It is oblong in shape, gold wit black enamel design on it, quite unique. It cost 80 francs. Then of course I had one too. Mine is gold with navy blue design. It is similar in shape and cost 100 francs.
They were our birthday presents from daddy and jolly nice presents too!
We had lunch at the Hotel. The weather cleared up after lunch and so we went for a drive around Lake Zug in a private taxi. The scenery was beautiful. We saw Rigi and Pilatus quite clearly. We saw an old 14th century clock tower and Zug. We had dinner at the Huguaria There was a jazz band and we danced. We had  a very enjoyable time!

N.H.

April 16 "Lucerne"

16 Monday ( 107-259)

We got up at 6 AM and left Berlin by the 7:40 train for Lucerne. For a few hours the scenery was quite ordinary, flat and tree-less. Later we saw some pretty villages. We played bridge during the morning and daddy and Nora won the rubber. In the afternoon we played one game of consequences. We had breakfast, lunch and dinner on the train. At 9:15 we arrived at the German station of Basel. We had our passports examined.

Then we were told to change trains at the Swiss station of Basel on account of our train having lost time and we each had to pay a supplement of 3 marks because that train was the fastest flyer in Germany. We arrived in Lucerne at 11:45 and came straight to the Hotel du Cygne at Rigi. It was raining but still we were not damped by it. We slept pretty soundly that night.

I.H.

April 15 "Potsdam"

15 Sunday (106-260)
Low Sunday

Woke up very late, had breakfast and went to pick up the  Chara-banc for Potsdam, the summer palace of Frederick 11. A lovely drive out, it was snowing very hard and the scenery was very picturesque. Went over the Palace Sanssouci, "without trouble", a most beautiful palace somewhat like Versailles from the outside. Then we went over Potsdam Castle a gorgeous palace which took us over an hour to look at. It even had a theatre of it's own. The most lovely floors and furniture seen by us.
Came back about 5:45, went into the tea-dance. Danced until 7 PM. Had dinner in the ballroom and danced until 11:30 PM Lovely time. Another late night again but still every moment has been enjoyable. Saw the magnificent "Shell Room" of Frederick 11.

I.H.

April 14 "Berlin"

14 Saturday ( 105-261)

Had a breakfast after arriving at the Central Hotel Berlin. Went shopping in the morning at tiffin out at a German restaurant where they gave us more than enough to eat. Went for a trip in a Charabanc around the streets of Berlin. Saw the wonderful Avenue of Statues and some very beautiful avenues. Nora bought a black coat with fur collar at Tietz the second largest shop in Berlin. Had dinner in the Grill Room and later went into the dance hall. A ripping orchestra played and there was a special couple doing variety dancing. We had spotlight dances and we all danced with each other. We did not get to bed till after 12 PM after a lovely evening. Our first public dance for several years.

I.H.

April 13

13 Friday (104-262)
Last Quarter 8.9 a.m.

This morning we did a morning trip to the "Battlefield of Waterloo". We went in a the private car with a good guide. Saw the various famous buildings on the way out. On the way we stopped to see the house were Wellington stayed before the battle and also where is aide-de-camp Gordon died. We bought an old copy of the newspaper published after the fight and several other little souvenirs.
Stopped for tiffin at a little restaurant at the foot of the lion monument (built seven years after the battle) The monument had 226 steps up to the lion. On the way back we went into see a Brussels lace factory. Bought a lace hankie each. Left for Berlin by the 3 PM train. Lovely scenery most of the way. Arrived Berlin 7 AM next morning

I.H.

April 12 "Brussels"

12 Thursday (103-263)

Went shopping quite early but ourselves each an umbrella and bag in Iris got a pair of shoes and silk stockings. Return to the "Belgravia" for lunch. Left 3 PM for Dover. We got on the steamer at Dover for Ostend. Had quite a fair crossing but rather cold when the sun was in. At Ostend we got on the train for Brussels where we had dinner as soon as the train started. At 10:20 we arrived at Brussels and went to stay at the Palace Hotel there for the night.
Saw a little of Brussels by night when we had settled in the hotel. Had lovely rooms with bathrooms attached. Luxury! The hotel is a lovely one too.

I.H.

April 11 "London"

11 Wednesday (100-264)

We all got up early to finish off our parking. Taxi game for us at 9 AM and we went to pick up Mrs. Nash. Said goodbye to Mrs. Jones and Mary and Billy. Went up to London on the 10:30 train arriving Waterloo at 1 o'clock. We then went to the Hotel Belgravia and had lunch. Went shopping for the rest of the day. Bought coat, hat, etc. for Iris and returned to change for dinner. Had ripping dinner and wrote letters afterwards to the Paytons and mummy. Had a lovely hot bath before going to bed and slept soundly till next morning. Very swish hotel quite in the center of London.

I.H.

April 10

10 Tuesday (101 265)

We went shopping with daddy this morning. Got our passports, went to Thomas Cook's and spent the morning arranging for our trip on the continent. Thrills!!!

Went to Mrs. Nash's after tiffin and took her with us into Bournemouth. We went on the beach where it was very crowded. Nora and daddy took one trunk to Mrs. Nash after dinner and Iris finished packing up. Three cheers!! for tomorrow our longed for trip, begins.

I.H.

April 9

9 Monday (100-266)
Easter Monday   Bank Holiday
Lady Day Fire Insurance ceases

Went down to see the Beach Bungalow again. It's nearly finished and Mrs Jones will be able to take possession of it soon. We went into Bournemouth and had tea at Bobby's and then we watched some people playing tennis. Not very good play.

I.H.

April 8

8 Sunday (99-267)
Easter Day

We went to early morning church 8 o'clock. All Saints was very full and we had to wait about 15 minutes before the first people came out. We went to tea with Mrs. Nash this afternoon and danced a little after tea to show daddy some new steps.
Came back to Danecourt for dinner. Went to bed at about 10 PM after a little chat with Hope and her mother. Mrs. Nash gave us each a nice Easter egg and daddy gave us one also. We gave Billy and Mary and egg each and Mrs. Nash a pair of silk stockings.

I.H.

April 5-7

5 to 7 April

These few days were likely spent  reacquainting themselves with their father who had just arrived in England after four long years away from his daughters. They would have explored the towns around the school and arranged for accommodations for the next few months. Iris was finished school but Nora was still attending until her exams in July.

BB

April 4

4 Wednesday (95-271)
Hilary Law Sittings end

We broke up at 10 AM and daddy arrived at 10:45. Iris had to say goodbye to Miss Stocks and so was delayed for some time. We got in a taxi and went to Danecourt. The feeling of freeness was lovely.
We new we were going to have a grand time because daddy was with us.

N.H

April 3 "Daddy Arrives"

3 Tuesday (94-272)

The great day arrived at last. We could hardly contain our excitement through the morning. It was Iris's last day at school. School ended last and we tour over to dinner. After dinner we changed into our Navy costumes and went to the station. Unlucky it was raining and so we had to wear our Macs. When we got there we found that Mrs. Nash was there too. At exactly 3:05 PM that he arrived. It was the happiest time of our lives. When all was settled we got in a taxi and went to Charford. We talked and daddy gave us a box of chocolates called "Dreams of Hollywood" (brought all the way from Shanghai.) We had tea then found the Danecourt. We walked along the cliffs and altogether had a thoroughly good time. We had a glorious dinner at Charford and about 10 PM we returned to school after the most thrilling of days. We both slept well as we knew the next day would be still more glorious.

N.H.

April 2

2 Monday  (93-273)

We had our last day's lessons this morning. We did some packing in the afternoon. We went over to the history library for prep. We rushed and discovered a telegram for us.

N.H.

April 1, 1928

1 Sunday (90-274)

Palm Sunday

We both went to our first communion this morning at 8 AM. Then we wrote our letters. We went to Martin's. After dinner we did our holiday packing and were surprised to find what a short time it took. Then we did some of our box room packing. We went to the school service at 5 PM. Then we wrote to mummy, Mrs. Hutton and auntie May. Daddy left Berlin today and we expect them to arrive in London tomorrow at 4:30 PM. Three cheers! Who would believe our darling daddy was so near his girls. We aren't to have another telegram tomorrow. What thrills! The day after tomorrow we will all be together once more. For all years ago we were having our last day in Shanghai.

N.H.