Between Friends

Write to us at Between Friends, “The People’s Friend”, 2 Albert Square, Dundee DD1 9QJ, or e-mail us at betweenfriends@dcthomson.co.uk.

Floral Haven

I have just read the poem “Gardens” by Eileen Hay, and it could have been written especially for me.

I am eighty-eight years old and like nothing better than sitting enjoying my floral haven.

I may not be able to do much gardening these days, but I still enjoy pottering.

My neighbour also put up a new fence last year and planted clematis and lovely pink roses which cascade on to my side and are now in full bloom.

My little patch is my shelter from life’s storms. Mrs O.A., Ireland.

Wasted Effort

After reading the article about typing pools, I recalled being taught how to touch type at my school, Cape Town High.

After each lesson Miss Halm requested we place our work in the basket. About a fortnight later my teacher remarked, “Rica, why is it I never find any of your work in my basket?”

Only then did I realise she was referring to the tray on her table, not to the wastepaper basket where I’d been dumping my endeavours! Ms R.G., Israel.

Daring Project

“Gathering The Threads” by Maggie Cobbett brought back happy memories of needlework lessons at secondary school.

We started in the first year by making our Domestic Science aprons and caps. From there we progressed to making simple garments and eventually pattern making.

My most daring project was to make a pair of trousers for myself – although I never wore them in public as my mother disapproved of women wearing trousers!

Ms J.L., Taunton.

A Lifelong Love Of Sewing

I have just finished reading “Gathering The Threads”, which I loved, and it took me straight back to my school days. I was also taught to sew at a very early age, so by the time I reached secondary school in the 1950s my sewing skills were reasonably good.

The first project in Miss Thompson’s class was a cap and apron (similar to the Lyons waitresses’ outfits) which we had to wear for cookery, and as I finished ahead of most of the other girls I helped them where I could. It was obviously very good grounding as I eventually had my own bespoke dressmaking business before teaching patchwork to young and old alike.

I still love sewing and teaching, and will continue for as long as I can.

Mrs A.C., Sturry.