1941 diary

Shirley left Addey and Stanhope school in New Cross, south east London, at the very end of 1940. She was aged fifteen and enrolled on a secretarial course at Pitmans in Ballards Lane, Finchley. As a dedicated student, she took her training seriously, with the result that virtually the whole of that 1941 diary is written in shorthand. However, the first entries are written in 'normal' handwriting. She is clearly not particularly enamoured of the place at the very start, but she quickly adapts.

 

 

Dec 30/1940

Began at Pitmans in Finchley. I cannot give too good an opinion but I suppose I will get used to it. The French mistress is very nice somewhat like Miss Smith. I felt sick on the journey.

 

Dec 31/1940

The second day wasn't too bad. I am gradually getting used to it. I haven't made any friends. The shorthand class is too advanced for me.

 

Jan 1/1941

Have changed shorthand class. ..Went in for Theory Test

 

Jan 2/1941

[shorthand] I am beginning to like it.

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While most of the 1941 diary entries are written in shorthand, there are the occasional handwritten entries, which are usually concerned with family affairs or the ever present war. There is also an intriguing hint of an interest in the opposite sex.

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Monday 6 January

Back to Pitmans

 

Tuesday 7 January

I would like to see Gerald again.

 

Tuesday 14 January

Service was held today in memory of ? (sic)  who is known to be dead.

 

The next non-shorthand entry appears in July.

 

Tuesay 1 July

Today is my birthday. I have just been to see 'Gone with the Wind'. It was marvellous. Joy came with me. I only have three cards,  from Hilda, Zelda and Booba - which is pretty lousy.

 

In October, as her time at Pitmans comes to an end, more non-shorthand entries start to appear.

 

Saturday 4 October

Sydney Feldman came home.

 

(Sydney was married to Hilda (Finn), Shirley's aunt. He was a serving soldier, and had come home for a week's leave.)

 

Tuesday 7 October

Hilda and Sydney took me out. We went to the Cumberland for tea, then to the Odeon Lsq (Leicester Square) and then to Piccadilly Brasserie for supper. I had a marvellous time and didn't get back till 12am.

 

Saturday 11 October

Sydney went back and Hilda, Sam (Hilda's younger brother) and I saw him off. The troop train went to the boat and had all soldiers for Ireland. It was rotten, and I don't think I want to see another troop train.

 

Thursday 16 October

Went with Hilda to see 'Hold Back the Dawn' with Boyer, Oliv. de Havilland and P. Goddard. It was quite good.

 

Friday 17 October

I left Pitmans today. My feelings were neutral and I parted on good terms with Barton and Rene (but only on their side I hope). Hope I get a job soon.

 

Monday 20 October

I went to Pitmans S.R. for a job but it was a waste of time. On the way home I went to Speedwell Bureau and went to a job in Cricklewood. It seemed rather nice and I would have liked it. They said they would let me know. I hope I get it.

 

Wednesday 22 October

I didn't get the job, but found another bureau in Edgware and I went for an interview at R.K.O Studios. I have to ring them up tomorrow. It is a 5 day a week job, I realy hope I get it.

 

The entries for the following days are all in shorthand, but we know that she got the job and started working at 35 shillings a week.

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