Griff writes to Ida, "at night following Ashton I am not in writing mood." After coming home from his shift with the Auxiliary Fire Service in Ashton, he has the energy to quickly meet her or have her over, "but if none of those happy events are possible, I sit down after tea and pass right out."
His five hour shift after work "takes its toll," especially as it's likely "we stand every change of obtaining the new government subsistence allowance, hours will have to be tightened up with a vengeance!" In 1941, the Manchester Emergency Committee agreed that part-time civil defence volunteers in the war effort should get a monetary compensation for their efforts.
He could maybe take up cooking so he would have something to do and eat when he's on his shift, "but a sad problem will be the obtaining of food to cook, unless I take a portion from home, or manage to live o lover - my position as firewatcher No.16 might qualify me for a nice piece of liver - from a butcher firewatcher - there are nine of such, so it may run to an occasional chop."
He's listening to the radio and worries about his dad who is alone for so much of the time, even with his auntie moving in after Griff's mum died. He discusses moving in together but that would mean that not only is his dad alone but that if Griff is called up then Ida would be alone too and he doesn't like the idea of that.
"It all looks so awkward at the moment, but love will find a way, sweetheart." They were together for nearly 60 years in the end <3

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.

Griff compliments Ida's "new grey ensemble" but of course he "couldn't stare at it closely because of the presence of The Chadwick [Eileen Chadwick]; probably it is the wrong thing to praise the dress of a girl in the presence of another girl, in writing no such barrier exists so I record that you look very chic."
He admired her at the concert, "I had an excellent and charming view of you in profile, then some stupid people occupied the seats behind you and the view was only intermittent."
They were spotted walking together near Northenden but her identity was unknown to their observers.
When he leaves her at night "my feet take me home, I leave you and in due course fall over the tram lines on Kingsway and then I know home is somewhere about."
He invites her to the cinema and updates her on friends. He's like to see the new film Intermezzo, "a nice film all about real music". Or as real as it can be given that no musicians are acting in it but the music on the piano on the promotional posters looks real enough.

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.

Ida's in Evesham so Griff is writing to her. "I dreamt about you last nice, a nice long dream, but the whole Hickson family intruded at the beginning!" Luckily they didn't stay and they were alone finally.
Griff wanted to take his parents to the cinema but they "weakened and then hardened" against the idea. "So at last I took myself and felt more horribly lonely than ever, for it is such a very long time since I went alone or without you! So now I am back and wishing I hadn't gone, and writing to my sweetheart to alley the loneliness."
Their new table makes it "so easy to stub one's toes against it. When you visit us, wear stout shoes!" Good advice.
He discusses books and work in the travel agents and his volunteering with the Auxiliary Fire Service.
He's now "a little less lonely because I shall be thinking of you and you will have thought of me."

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.

Guys, Griff has *feelings*. He writes to Ida, "already very lonely because I know I shan't see you tomorrow, but bearing up fairly bravely on the whole and thinking and dreaming (last night, and no wonder) of you a lot." He rhapsodises, "oh darling, you are so very lovely, and going home is such a bore. I want just to stay very close to you all the time, and if I can't be very close, I want to be close, and if I can't be close I want to be near."

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.

Griff writes to Ida while she's away on a break. He's off to Buxton "to open the football season" and he's very excited for this season's opportunities. He's been writing to everyone he can think of to announce the opening, including newsagents and newspapers.
He urges her to "forget School for a few days, precious - it will keep. You can look back with pride to such good work."

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.

Ida is in Edinburgh and Griff says he's looking forward to seeing Eelis (probably Ellis Keeler) and Olive later in the year, who may attack her rose bushes, so he suggests she gets there first.
He's seen a few Northern School of Music faces lately, including Dorothy Pilling, and Alison Hargan on the telly, and John Normington in a play "and was very good indeed".
He's worked in the garden "and the optimistic John Howarth has planted four marrows", but Griff is a bit sceptical as "his effort last year was not good! He creeps around at night killing slugs."

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.

Ida's having a busy time away and Griff's "so sorry I did not obtain a proper street plan for you."
He's going to the RNCM tomorrow for the Sylvia Spencer concert and with half-day closing on Wednesdays he's not going to make it to to the shops.
He's off to the Hallé and has seen University Challenge on the telly, and gone through some tax for a friend.
"Do keep warm, darling. I believe Yorkshire often is colder than our side of the Pennines."

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.

"I miss you very much precious, but it will soon be Saturday," Griff writes to Ida while she's away experiencing some "Olde Worlde comfort."
He's visited Laura in hospital who doesn't like the food. He's been busy at the office with organising tickets and finances.
"STUDIO HIRE, for a whole year! £1-00 per hour!! One for Nicholas Powell!!! I wonder whether you have all been warned about the £1!!!!" Is that... bad? Good?
He discusses some concert arrangements made with Howard Hockaday (great name) and that Howard doesn't want to be treasurer of the Forum Music Society.
He has a new suit from Mr Collier, "with an unobtrusive stripe, not too expensive, and a darker grey one perhaps for the more formal occasions - very expensive. I must now give some thought to a new hat." With a new wardrobe, "my image is changing gradually."

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.

"So sorry to hear toilet rolls are in short supply," Griff writes to Ida while she's away in Edinburgh. Well my friend, let me tell you about March 2020.
He's slept after watching the telly, an antiques programme with Arthur Negus.
Molly Booth and "Rudy" Tolman/Toeman, he's not sure, visited him while he was deep in the books for the Forum Music Society.

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.

Griff is "up-to-date with the opening of your grand tour" of Ida (not sure what he's referring to). She's at Fairfield Halls in Croydon "and how nice running into Noel Cox and Michael Ashcroft." Griff was telling William White about her tour when they had coffee together earlier.
He was at a bust RNCM and did some gardening, and watched some telly. He's planning to "clean up Student Union bits and pieces, then I will continue with the major portion of their accounts," with Sheila Barton.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust

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

Griff writes to Ida that "it seemed to be quiet in the college on Monday. Exams partly responsible, no doubt." He met up with Pam Stones for lunch who told him about her visit to Bath. "A few of the opera students had been staying at her (comfortable) hotel. One day she darted into the Library to take shelter from a shower, and found Paul Ward therein changing book." Anyone know who Paul Ward is?
He discusses meeting a gardener who he swears could be from Glasgow, but which someone else is convinced his accent is that of overseas.
Griff is involved in the Manchester Football League and the hype around Sir Robert Mayer - perhaps for his 100th birthday.

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.

We are being spoiled with another dated and addressed letter from Griff to Ida. He hopes she's enjoying herself in London.
He's been gardening (accompanied by Suki the cat), managing the Student Union's accounts and watching TV.
He discusses a concert with "well-known people blowing and banging in Hayden's Toy Symphony." He might later listen to a star-studded Der Rosenkavalier.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust

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

OMG he's dated it. And an address! Aren't we lucky.
So, he hopes she's comfy at her hotel. He's struggling to get satisfactory stationary. He discusses the health of friends and his busy plans to help the local football club, working with the Student Union, gardening, clearing out old papers, and his plans to head to the Betty Bannerman breakfast. This is likely to be the launch of her Claire Croiza Prize at the Royal Northern College of Music.

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.

Griff hopes that Ida is comfy at her hotel. He's had a go at the garden and he's looking forward to watching the Eurogala on the telly. Some Northern School of Music alumni are participating.
He discusses the Forum Music Society (based in Wythenshawe or Stockport?) and its administration and subscription.
He thanks her for the chocolates she sent.

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.

Griff writes to Ida while she is away, "My darling and most precious, I am missing you already and hope you are comfortable at the Carlton."
He's "had three minor accidents today, so I suppose I am now exempt for a bit" - he's knocked over a cup of tea, dropped toast in a bowl of water and then had a humble with a cracked egg.
He's reviewed the Old Students Association cash book and it looks good. He's still bringing work home as he's very bust but hopes to see the Manchester Palace Gala on the telly.

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.

Griff recounts the outcome of a quiz on the telly, with a bit of drama about the final scores.
Ida is away on holiday and he updates her on acquaintances and his own activities. He'll pass an eye over her accounts but he's sure they're fine. He hopes she will watch herself on the road crossings.

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.

Griff hopes that Ida enjoys her time visiting Queenswood school and is "terribly sorry for my recent mood but I have been feeling terribly tired and the soreness of the right eye hasn't helped."
He assures her that he is "happy at the School and I know that I am at last working for fair, honest people. I am sure you aren't worried about the future of the School. My own thoughts are that honesty and virtue will triumph in the end."
He reckons Hilda Collens, the school's founder and principal, has focussed too much on "true teaching" and maybe hasn't kept her eye on updates from the Ministry of Education.
He's a lot of cricket watching planned and a previous pupil of Gertrude Riall (NSM choir mistress) is opening bat for Middleton.
He's looking forward to walking with Ida in the Cotswolds.

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.

Ida is away and Griff updates her on his day.
"Your Father wasn't very bright on Friday night but he cheered up after beating Harry, his only chess win of this week. I think, hence part of the depression, no doubt."
Mildrid Esplin (Mrs Moon) has died and Griff directs her to Mr Stephenson (a relative?) in London.
He's having the lino delivered for his house - looks like most of the house is getting a lino floor.

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.

Ida is away visiting Queenswood school and Griff writes to her on his new writing block which he's very impressed with.
She's been conducting and "I'm glad Sir Adrian Boult came along. I think he is a nice old boy. You are too modest about your conducting, darling. I am quite sure that a good many conductors, some well in the public favour, are not nearly so musical as you, I think that the only trouble there is your running six orchestras!"
Blimey.
He's going to check the Northern School of Music mail on the way to the cricket match. He updates her on his home decorations, admitting that he didn't measure the lino correctly (oops). He's lost at cards to her family and is going to play chess with friends later in the week.

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.

Griff wonders if he can meet Ida on her way home from being away. "I don't want to barge in unduly but I could easily be at London Road at 4:25 to meet you", he could even make sure a taxi is waiting.
He's had a good day at cricket and has been having a go at the garden with great success but much debris embedded in his hands. Her sister is helping him extract the shards.
An obscure reference that I've no idea how it relates to them but "Rutherford has had a slight accident with his car, and is having to use Shank's pony for 'Annie Get Your Gun'". What...

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.

Griff writes to Ida while she's away. "Your Father was in tremendous form tonight. I didn't think he was putting on an act of bravado, for he looked well, very well indeed."
Regarding the Northern School of Music, "Miss Hetty [Hilda Collens] loomed pretty large until the mid afternoon "and I saw no more of her and actually did a little work."
There seems to be some upset that he updates her on, where Hilda "wrote a polite little note to Leonard Hirsch, and is threatening to write one to Herbert Bardgett but, I think, wants a word with Gertie first." No idea what that's about, something to do with the choir perhaps?
He admits that he "dropped a brick" to Hilda that she sings with the Hallé, thinking Hilda knew but she didn't. Her approval of "a diversity of activity being good for one" must have been a relief then.
The decorators are still at work at the school and the piano has been installed.

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.

Griff hopes this letter reaches Ida before she leaves (for holiday/work trip) but maybe not, he's got caught up in watching the cricket and attending the chess competition.
He informs her that her father has been out for another walk and that he's ok.
"It must have been very interesting indeed for you to be introduced to Sir Adrian" - Boult? He was a conductor and friend of the Northern School of Music for many years.
He's been sweating in the garden but to no effect.

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.

Griff writes to Ida thanking her for the letter while she is in Dumfries. He hopes the weather stays dry for her.
He promises that "there is nothing hectic at 91, darling" while the decorators are in during the summer. "The gentlemen drift about quietly and I see very little of them," except for the chap who fetches their tea.
Her father Walter "was again in excellent form this evening" with a long game (of chess) played against Griff.

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.

Griff is going to the cricket, he tells Ida, and has had a lush lunch. He's been gardening and gossiping with neighbours, "the prickly bush has been partly removed and so have bits of my hands."
The festivals up and down the country will keep friends busy.
Hilda Collens is attending the funeral of Mrs Moon (likely Mildred Esplin).

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.