Photo of Philippa

A photo sent to me by my brother Les.

Second World War Medals

My mother received some medals for her service in the Second World War. I knew she did something during the war, but I realise I don't actually know what she did. I will add to this entry if I ever find out.

Mark Goodger (a foster child who lived with my parents after I left home) put this display together for one of his school projects.

Thanks Mark!

Ronald is the current keeper of these medals which are some hers and some my father's.

The Unlucky Number

Letter to the editor cut out and stuck into "Newspaper Cuttings"
My mother was a great writer of Letters to the Editor.

The Editor,

Sir, - Do you know your hospital telephone number? It is not the doubly unlucky number of double thirteen, but three one three one.

I hereby make a sweeping statement, whatever a good many people in Krugersdorp intend dialing, they usually end up with my doubly unlucky number.

Let me inform you that I answered my phone seven times the other morning, leaving my washing, to rinse and dry my hands hastily, and dash along the passage to the phone, or my diswashing, or gardening, or clothes hanging. Well, as I was saying, seven times I answered the phone at great inconvenience to myself. Four times the people wanted the hospital (three one three one), once someone wanted 1317 another time 1314, and the seventh time 1315.

Now, either there is something very wrong with the Krugersdorp exchange, or there is a very careless crowd of people living in Krugersdorp, and incidently a very rude crowd, because they seldom say "Oh, I am so sorry to have disturbed you unnecessarily." No this is a typical wrong number conversation "Hello, put me through to the male medical ward." (no please). I answer "I'm so sorry, I'm afraid you have the wrong number. Krugersdorp Hospital is double six three one three one." What? I repeat and the receiver is banged down at the other end of the line.

Oh yes, I am the unsung hero, the unpaid member of the hospital staff, nobody says I'm sorry or thank you, except three or four ladies who have apologised for troubling me. Thank you ladies, your courtesy and consideration lighten the day for me. Yours etc -
ONE THREE ONE THREE

Krugersdorp

Augustus 12th 1949 (Yes, that is how it is dated...)

Unfortunately no specific newspaper recorded - probably "Krugersdorp Times".

Poem - "Reflections"

My Mom wrote in a spiral bound scrapbook called "Newspaper Cuttings":

"I received10/6 (R1.05) for my poem "Reflections" - the first money ever earned from writing."

THE OUTSPAN

POETS' CORNER

(unfortunately not dated)

REFLECTIONS

by B.P. POWRIE

.

I found a path,

A path that leads across the sea into worlds unfathomed.

It is gold as the setting sun, and glorious.

The sea boils white amongst the rocks, but I step lightly over

To seek adventure in my Past, Future and in Dreams.

.

My Past lies like a mirror that has been breathed on,

A ghostly misted reflection,

My Future like an unopened book with captivating cover,

A kaleidoscope, sometimes gay, sometimes drear.

My Dreams? Castles in the Air.

In Time Take Time

I remember sayings of my mother. Here is one:

"In time, take time while time doth last;
For time is no time when time is past."

I find myself hearing this again and again when it is time for me to sieze the moment before it is past.

Recipe - Ginger Beer

I remember brown glass bottles with cork tops. They were set upon the windowsill in the passage (south facing - cool) as they matured for the two days.

Mix together in the evening - and note the time.
8 cups sugar
1/2 small cake yeast
4 tsp Moirs lemon essence
1 small packet cream of tartar
2 handsful washed raisins
1 1/2 tblspns ground ginger
16 pints cold water
(16 pints = 8 litres. 1 pint = 2 cups = 500ml.)

Mix well. Cover with towel and cushion - I use cake cooler to keep the towel out of ginger beer.

12 hours later (note time) syphon ginger beer off carefully. (I cover cheese grater with clean flour bag and put syphoning tube down slowly into large pot or bucket of ginger beer, being as careful as possible not to disturb settled ginger.)
Bottle tightly and keep in cool place - preferably fridge - until ready for use in two days' time.