Letter
Ida Carroll, Geoffrey Griffiths
1940

Letter of affection and support from Geoffrey Griffiths to Ida Carroll of the Northern School of Music. It appears Ida is concerned about managing the school while its principal Hilda Collens is away until Christmas. He encourages her confidence, "it speaks oceans for your sweet patience," re says of her teaching ability, and that "I raise my hat to all kindly teachers of music!".
Griffiths was a member of the Home Guard "F" Battalion in the Second World War and he says it may be moving closer to Lapwing Lane, where Ida lives.
There's also a cheeky cameo appearance of Paul in this letter. Now, Paul appears to be some sort of pipe. Geoffrey smoked as far back as anyone alive can remember - one of the first things people noticed when they entered the school on Oxford Rd was the smell of his tobacco. Some ash ahs fallen on the letter - underlined by Geoffrey, as Paul's encouraging contribution to Ida's self esteem. Which for some reason is incredibly adorable.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.