Mum's The Word
Author: Graham Baylis
Sandra's mum, Jean, has never known the meaning of the word
'luxury'. A former Land Army girl from the age of just
nineteen, she spent many years of hard toil tending
farmlands in all weathers, helping to keep the nation fed
for just a shilling a week. Washing in freezing cold
water, clad in corduroy breeches, stout gumboots and long
woollen socks, slipping in mud, her back breaking and her
hands calloused from cutting sugar beets with a bill hook,
digging drainage ditches, working on threshing machines,
she was one of our unsung heroines. Yet she had never
complained and on the very rare occasions she spoke of
these times, it was always with a quiet, modest pride for
her contribution to the war effort and with a fondness for
the friendships she forged, especially with Alice and
Betty. They were a lark - the things that the three of
them got up to...! She often wondered what became of them
- must be more than forty years since she last saw them.
After the war, Jean married, and raised a family of five
children. Widowed when still a relatively young woman and
despite the fact that money was in very short supply, Jean
always made sure that the children had enough food on the
table and clean clothes on their backs. Sandra couldn't
remember her ever having a new frock or hat or any
extravagance while they, the children, were growing up.
The years have marched on and Sandra has a tear in her eye
as she watches Jean dozing quietly in the armchair. Her
mum's quite an old lady now, snowy haired and a little
frail, but nothing else has changed. She's still as
sharp-witted as ever and just as self-sacrificing, always
putting the needs of others before her own, spending what
money she has on her children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, and seldom a penny on herself.
With Mother's Day on the horizon, Sandra decides that Jean
deserves a real treat, something to put back that spark
that seems to be lacking recently. Jean rarely accepts
Sandra's frequent offers of an outing here or there, for
fear of 'being a bother'. It's time to give back some of
the love and selflessness that she has shown her family all
her life.
In moments, Sandra's browsing through scores of luxury
hotels on the Internet. Just a day or two later, they're
on their way to a recently restored Victorian mansion in
the heart of Derbyshire. Grandly situated in the most
tranquil surroundings in six acres of beautifully
landscaped gardens, the hotel is magnificent; full of
character and offering just the splendour, comfort and
dignity that befits a lady like Jean.
On arrival, having enjoyed the leisurely drive and
awe-inspiring scenery on the journey, Jean is touched by
the warmth and attentiveness of the staff who greet them.
After a very welcome pot of tea and buttered scone in the
cosy lounge with its breathtaking views across the Amber
Valley, a very courteous young man takes the ladies'
suitcases and escorts them to their rooms.
The bedrooms are superbly and tastefully decorated and
comfortably furnished in a warm, traditional style, with a
period elegance in keeping with the hotel's heritage. Each
room has an en suite bathroom, TV and hospitality tray.
A little tired after the journey, Jean decides to take a
short nap while Sandra unpacks, and she settles down
happily on the soft, large bed, bedecked with crisp, white
linen. An hour or so later, Sandra returns to Jean's room
to find that her mum is up and about, has put on her
lipstick and has changed into her 'finery'; her best black
dress and the little string of pearls that her husband gave
her on their first wedding anniversary.
Together, they make their way to the stylishly elegant,
oak-panelled dining room. Presented with an extensive and
tempting menu, they finally make their choices. As they
enjoy a perfectly-cooked meal and a bottle of chilled white
wine, Jean drinks in the atmosphere and the luxury of the
surroundings, whilst chattering animatedly about 'the old
days'.
After a deep and delicious slumber, a new day dawns and
Jean is greeted with breakfast in bed - another of Sandra's
surprises and nothing Jean's ever had before. She tucks in
heartily; the country air seems to have given her an
appetite.
After a light lunch, the two take a leisurely stroll
through the beautiful grounds of the hotel. Then it's a
short drive to the flourishing market town of Belper, where
Jean, typically, shops contentedly for souvenirs to take
home for the children. As they wait in Reception to take
their leave, Jean squeezes Sandra's arm, thanking her for
the most wonderful time, but her daughter has one more
surprise in store. 'Look, Mum', says Sandra. 'Those
ladies seem to know you.' Jean turns around, looks puzzled
for a moment and then her face lights up as she sees the
two elderly women smiling and laughing and waving
furiously. 'Well I never!' exclaims Jean, tears of joy
streaming down her cheeks. 'Alice and Betty...'
About the Author:
Mothers day is the day when we can all say 'thank you mum'
for all the effors and sacrifices over the past year. And
what what can be a better 'thank you' than a little holiday
with all the trimings, so that they get a rest instead.
HotelshopUK have the answer, take a look at
http://www.hotelshopuk.com
Graham Baylis writes articles on a range of subjects,
travel being amongst his favourites.
'luxury'. A former Land Army girl from the age of just
nineteen, she spent many years of hard toil tending
farmlands in all weathers, helping to keep the nation fed
for just a shilling a week. Washing in freezing cold
water, clad in corduroy breeches, stout gumboots and long
woollen socks, slipping in mud, her back breaking and her
hands calloused from cutting sugar beets with a bill hook,
digging drainage ditches, working on threshing machines,
she was one of our unsung heroines. Yet she had never
complained and on the very rare occasions she spoke of
these times, it was always with a quiet, modest pride for
her contribution to the war effort and with a fondness for
the friendships she forged, especially with Alice and
Betty. They were a lark - the things that the three of
them got up to...! She often wondered what became of them
- must be more than forty years since she last saw them.
After the war, Jean married, and raised a family of five
children. Widowed when still a relatively young woman and
despite the fact that money was in very short supply, Jean
always made sure that the children had enough food on the
table and clean clothes on their backs. Sandra couldn't
remember her ever having a new frock or hat or any
extravagance while they, the children, were growing up.
The years have marched on and Sandra has a tear in her eye
as she watches Jean dozing quietly in the armchair. Her
mum's quite an old lady now, snowy haired and a little
frail, but nothing else has changed. She's still as
sharp-witted as ever and just as self-sacrificing, always
putting the needs of others before her own, spending what
money she has on her children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, and seldom a penny on herself.
With Mother's Day on the horizon, Sandra decides that Jean
deserves a real treat, something to put back that spark
that seems to be lacking recently. Jean rarely accepts
Sandra's frequent offers of an outing here or there, for
fear of 'being a bother'. It's time to give back some of
the love and selflessness that she has shown her family all
her life.
In moments, Sandra's browsing through scores of luxury
hotels on the Internet. Just a day or two later, they're
on their way to a recently restored Victorian mansion in
the heart of Derbyshire. Grandly situated in the most
tranquil surroundings in six acres of beautifully
landscaped gardens, the hotel is magnificent; full of
character and offering just the splendour, comfort and
dignity that befits a lady like Jean.
On arrival, having enjoyed the leisurely drive and
awe-inspiring scenery on the journey, Jean is touched by
the warmth and attentiveness of the staff who greet them.
After a very welcome pot of tea and buttered scone in the
cosy lounge with its breathtaking views across the Amber
Valley, a very courteous young man takes the ladies'
suitcases and escorts them to their rooms.
The bedrooms are superbly and tastefully decorated and
comfortably furnished in a warm, traditional style, with a
period elegance in keeping with the hotel's heritage. Each
room has an en suite bathroom, TV and hospitality tray.
A little tired after the journey, Jean decides to take a
short nap while Sandra unpacks, and she settles down
happily on the soft, large bed, bedecked with crisp, white
linen. An hour or so later, Sandra returns to Jean's room
to find that her mum is up and about, has put on her
lipstick and has changed into her 'finery'; her best black
dress and the little string of pearls that her husband gave
her on their first wedding anniversary.
Together, they make their way to the stylishly elegant,
oak-panelled dining room. Presented with an extensive and
tempting menu, they finally make their choices. As they
enjoy a perfectly-cooked meal and a bottle of chilled white
wine, Jean drinks in the atmosphere and the luxury of the
surroundings, whilst chattering animatedly about 'the old
days'.
After a deep and delicious slumber, a new day dawns and
Jean is greeted with breakfast in bed - another of Sandra's
surprises and nothing Jean's ever had before. She tucks in
heartily; the country air seems to have given her an
appetite.
After a light lunch, the two take a leisurely stroll
through the beautiful grounds of the hotel. Then it's a
short drive to the flourishing market town of Belper, where
Jean, typically, shops contentedly for souvenirs to take
home for the children. As they wait in Reception to take
their leave, Jean squeezes Sandra's arm, thanking her for
the most wonderful time, but her daughter has one more
surprise in store. 'Look, Mum', says Sandra. 'Those
ladies seem to know you.' Jean turns around, looks puzzled
for a moment and then her face lights up as she sees the
two elderly women smiling and laughing and waving
furiously. 'Well I never!' exclaims Jean, tears of joy
streaming down her cheeks. 'Alice and Betty...'
About the Author:
Mothers day is the day when we can all say 'thank you mum'
for all the effors and sacrifices over the past year. And
what what can be a better 'thank you' than a little holiday
with all the trimings, so that they get a rest instead.
HotelshopUK have the answer, take a look at
http://www.hotelshopuk.com
Graham Baylis writes articles on a range of subjects,
travel being amongst his favourites.
