1st January 1944

Saturday
New Year’s Day, the fifth of the war.  Heavy, low clouds streaming before a strong westerly wind.  Not so cold as yesterday.

This is the 21st volume of my “Colchester Journal”, which I have kept more or less regularly since January 1st, 1924.  Before then, as a child, I had kept a few scrappy records which I wrote in home-made note-books.  I am not sure to what extent this volume can be claimed as a Colchester journal, as I am so little in the town that I know very little of what goes on.  I am only happy now when out of Colchester, although I am not happy at Higham owing to the American beacon, which terrifies me.  The Valley Farm cottage is delightfully remote, almost as remote as a cottage in far Wales or the Highlands, but alas not remote from aeroplanes, one of which is humming over now, high up under the glittering stars.

I still have my own money, and have never put a penny into War Savings.  I am getting £4.12.6 now, while I only had £3 at the Museum.  This cottage costs £3.10.0 per month, but I fear the electric light bill will be heavy.  Last year I spent about £15 on my trip to Scotland and Wales, and Mother’s funeral cost £20, so my savings have diminished a little, but I think I still have about £170 in the Bank and £70 in superannuation.  My pony, harness, carts, trap, books and other belongings must be worth almost £100.

But what is the use of money or possessions if one is unable to enjoy them?  Shall we enjoy anything this year?  I doubt it.  Saw Poulter this afternoon, and he told me that he had it from a very good source that the betting is even that the war will be over by April 15th, and 2-1 that it will be over by June.  Was there ever such nonsense?

Left the town at 5.30, the sky clear for the time being, but more immense black clouds came up from the west.  I was glad to see them, as I feel safe only on black, dirty nights.  The moon is waxing now, and I fear what may happen here during the next fortnight.

Glad to find that the beacon was not on, and settled down for a quiet evening, reading, writing, and listening to the radio.  Very few planes about.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Catherine

Happy New Year to everyone, and here are the current values of Rudsdale's entry for today - in square brackets [] after each amount.

I am getting £4.12.6 [£180] now, while I only had £3 [£120] at the Museum. This cottage costs £3.10.0 [£140] per month, but I fear the electric light bill will be heavy. Last year I spent about £15 [£590] on my trip to Scotland and Wales, and Mother’s funeral cost £20 [£780], so my savings have diminished a little, but I think I still have about £170 [£6,600] in the Bank and £70 [£2,700] in superannuation. My pony, harness, carts, trap, books and other belongings must be worth almost £100 [£3,900].

Still quite well off!

Mike Dennis

Will Gatehouse said...

Very poignent story on a personal level as the Penelope Belfield that is mentioned in some of the earlier posts is my grandmother who sadly has just passed away on 23rd Dec. Looking through the posts it has been wonderful to get a new perspective on her life and what it would have been like for her living in Dedham which I thank you for. It also ties in with some of the stories she left behind. Would be very keen to talk through any additional material you might have.

E J Rudsdale said...

Happy New Year, Mike and thank you for taking the trouble to send these financial comparisons for Rudsdale's income and savings in 1944. As always, I find this information fascinating and it gives us a very good idea of prices and outgoings from the time. As you say, despite the war, Eric Rudsdale was still quite solvent!
Thanks and best wishes, CP

E J Rudsdale said...

Dear Mr Gatehouse,
Many thanks for your email and I was so sorry to learn that your grandmother passed away just before Christmas. I am so glad that the posts have given you an additional insight into Penelope Belfield's life in Dedham and I will be happy to discuss this with you and will be in touch about the extracts relating to your grandmother.

With all best wishes,

Catherine Pearson