Geoffrey Griffiths is pleasantly surprised that Ida Carroll knew his "one and only brand of tobacco" enough to get him a new tin for his birthday. Paul, his pipe, will appreciate it as well.
He's going to apply for a job advertised in the newspaper for "high-grade clerical assistance" in wartime. He promises to look into volunteering for the Auxiliary Fire Service but "my inclinations aren't really that way, though your penchant for The Law does provide a temptation!"
He does become a volunteer for the AFS, stationed at Ashton-under-Lyne, spending his nights in a pub keeping watch for fires after bombing.

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths shares how hard it is to stay on the bus when he is going home from visiting Ida Carroll. He's glad there isn't an Air Raid Precaution siren so far tonight.

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths here explains that he's prioritising attending the Hallé Orchestra instead of performing in the choir. Sounds as if the orchestra has changed its performance schedule during the war - to avoid performing during blackouts perhaps?

He's wondering if they should not attend the ballet. It's Dec 1940 by the sounds of it and bombings have been increasing, especially "if things heat up to the Coventry scale." (Coventry was blitzed in Nov 1940.). Little does he know but Manchester is about to be hit with the same treatment, just a couple of days before Christmas.

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths writes to Ida Carroll expressing his worries that she will be hurt on one of her "rounds" of the neighbourhood in the dark on her bicycle. He is quick to reassure however that he approves of her work as an Air Raid Precaution Warden, and has no misconceptions about the capabilities of women. Although he does admit to harbouring some prejudice from his school days under the ministrations of female teachers. He hopes methods have improved.
"I know an awful fellow who won't on principal read books whose authors are women! A fine example of wrong thinking." He does however then go on to proclaim that he could name many female authors who writing is "pretty". Oh Griff, you could have done so well there.

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths writes to Ida Carroll to tell that he has registered for the forces and that the process "is quite painless." He (jokingly?) says that the registrar "became all excited about my kind of work [in the travel agency] and spent some time looking into very large volumes , without saying anything. I expect at least to finish in the transport section, with the rank and pay of an officer!!"

He has a long romantic sign off to Ida. "Whatever the state of Father's heart may be, I think mine *must* be alright, or I should go into a faint every time you said "good night" to me. I haven't *quite* lost consciousness yet, but there's no telling. Remember the hero in Ninotchka who slid quietly to the floor. I feel like that. You are so beautiful.

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths writes to Ida Carroll at length about one of his favourite pastimes, playing board and card games. He describes Bagatelle and Solo.

Most interestingly, he refers to the self-censored "foul letter" he wrote previously which he claims criticised the state, government and higher military. But, he sardonically remarks, "the opinions of an individual are worthless, well-nigh, unless he be a dictator."

He claims not to be a socialist, but does read "uncomfortable" authors. "But I do think that if we can now provide several million a week solely towards the effort of war, we might in the immediate past have done something, *really* done something, about national health, housing, employment, education, and many more evils."
I'm sure there any many who still feel the same way now.

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths is in a bad mood, blaming the cold weather. "I wrote a foul letter last night, and burnt it! Too much 'forbidden subjects' about it." It possibly contains some criticism of war systems and groups that he briefly goes into. He criticises opposite ends of the scale, from the Peace Pledge Union (a pacifist group in Britain) and the Blackshirts (a paramilitary force in Italy). He calls them "quaint" and argues that "though many governments' systems have disappointed me, I can't in all honesty see the view points of those quaint societies." He argues that volunteering in war time to help people is commendable, but that he would much prefer to keep his own job since "so far as I am concerned even my small wage has had much to commend itself in comparison with the inadequate pocket money given to the lower ranks of the service."
He jokes(?) that the reason Britain cannot match or outmanoeuvre Germany's military system is that "our gallant Generals earn only £9.1.0 per day, so maybe it is too small a sum to buy military brains." That's a pretty nice wage there, Griff.

He remarks that "frankly I look to the adventure of war and its outcome to change lie and the condition of life for me, Things cannot be worse." Oh, 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.

Looks like Ida Carroll was cashing in on some war stock she'd bought. Whether in her own name or for the Northern School of Music we're not sure.

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.

It's Geoffrey Griffith's first night on Auxiliary Fire Service at Ashton-under-Lyne. He was "far too busy thinking about you to concentrate on the talk" of the other men, he writes to Ida Carroll.
As it was "quiet above" (meaning no air raids?), they played darts and went for a walk, getting baked potatoes and bananas from a grocers at 1AM. He described the rooms of the pub that is their night time headquarters in detail, with "glaring lights, little tables and chairs, bell-pushes, truly astonishing pictures, and, emerging in the small hours, four camp beds."
He muses on the habits of getting dresses for bed when on night watch.

He's been singing in the choir (at Birch church?) but has been so tired that he doesn't "care two hoots whether I sing now or not." Sir Malcolm Sargent was in attendance at the rehearsal/performance and he blames his presence on the poor performance of the bassos, them being nervous.

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.

It seems that Geoffrey Griffiths shared this with Ida Carroll during WW2. A list of clothing items that have been rationed which you can use coupons for. Love how macs and overcoats are top of the list - priorities. Can't believe you could use coupons for luxury items like furs!

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths is a wee bit jealous! Ida Carroll has been volunteering for war service at her local police station (she was an Air raid Precaution Warden for Didsbury) and he confesses that "I am nervous about large, handsome policemen, or those of any kind for that matter." He is familiar with some at Whitworth Street Station but doesn't recognise them on the street with their steel helmets on. So, "I have adopted the system of nodding to *all* steel helmets, and it seems to work."
He refers to the Northern School of Music's predicament at the commencement of war. It seems there is some concern for the premises and capacity to continue. "I do hope you can Miss C[ollens] will be able to carry on the school on some way, even if abridged," and wonders whether "some old house in good old Southern suburbs" could be put to use.
He philosophises that "during wars the people of a nation appear to become more kind to one another; if they were only like that always, and to the peoples of all nationals, I don't think we should have any wars." Pretty much, Griff, pretty much.

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 seems to have the flu, poor chap. "Illness and sorrow can be levellers of temper," and he muses on "the countless homes throughout the world, the domestic labours of differing skill and after my adventures of this morning, the possible trials of shopping."

He talks at length of his pipe and of cigarettes.

But he's enjoying his confinement, "the pursuit of literature, listening to suitable music, the playing, or attempted playing, of the cello for examples. Home food is enjoyable and there are good cigarettes and coffee."

Between his mother's company and Boris (the cello?), "about all I have to resent is the inability to see you."

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths remarks on Ida Carroll's "speedy (though somewhat early!) entry to National Service," and that he's "overcome with frequent pangs of jealousy." Possibly about her working in a police station? Not sure there.

He went to a cricket match and his friend Len "quite stunned me by smoking a cigarette; he blames the present situation in Europe!"

He considers what the travel agency he works for will look like after the summer and through wartime, "being a private firm, I don't think we shall be required such as are railway workers during National emergencies." He's similarly relieved that he didn't start up his own business recently as was the plan, "that might have necessitated the selling of the house."

"Herr Hitler put me to some inconvenience on Friday night after bath-time, but there was better organisation on Saturday." Not trusting his curtains to contain the glow of the lamp during blackout, he removed the light sources from his room and proceeded to mistake his shorts for his jacket."

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.

"What marvellous night with the moon so high and bright, it's becoming difficult to remember the torch-using days, though I daresay they will be along again soon enough," - a reference to blackout regulations perhaps?

Geoffrey Griffiths remembers that he enjoyed Ida Carroll's character "frog" more than Gordon Harker's "Inspector Hornleigh". He remarks that he used to solely like musical comedies but "after many visits to the 'gods' the peculiar taste for such entertainment stopped as abruptly as it began." Although he does fancy seeing "Lambeth Walk", and is prepared to go alone.

He complements Ida on her afternoon frock.

Receipt for 2 seats at the Hallé, £1 each.

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.

Old school text message from Geoffrey Griffiths to Ida Carroll.

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.

"If it is possible to have a musical indigestion, I might have I very soon," gripes Geoffrey Griffiths for the volume and variety of music he's listened to on the radio over the past hour and a half.

He is going to try studying plainsong but of course "ought to be a) writing more to you now, or b) starting the play I mean to write, or c) rereading one of several books on subjects that I mean to read again, or d) reading a library book by John Thurber, an American humourist and very funny, or e) going to bed early." That's a lot of options there, Griff.

He remarks on the health of Hilda Collens (principal of the Northern School of Music) "some people, including her in all probability, who are nearly always catching things are often nearly as tough as those who don't suffer much." If anything happened to her, he assures Ida Carroll that the school would be fine, for "you have more personality than a very large number of people, and you would run things splendidly."

He thinks Ida's "musical voice to be the nicest I know."

Not sure who "those tiresome Neon men" are who "keep crashing in" (probably on the radio, and less likely from outer space...)

He complements Ida on her piano playing, "if I could sing such difficult songs as you can play such difficult pianoforte music, I might not be at all modest."

Discusses arranging concerts to the Hallé for friends.

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 love this note paper, absolutely gorgeous to the touch. Here Geoffrey Griffiths shares his bemusement and mild indignation that, despite Air Raid Precaution rules , theatres in London seemed to set their own opening and closing times, some as late as 11PM. Hard to handle a blackout with a full concert or play on the go!
He muses that "no wonder we are seeing 'stars' in Manchester."

He is working on his writing, focusing on syntax "which has nothing to do with sin, or the tax on sin, or tax alone."

He mentions practicing music during blackout and attending a Sibelius concert on Sunday (possibly at the Hallé). He thinks about offers at the cinema for their weekend. He reassures Ida Carroll that whoever was rude about her hat was simply jealous.

He rates the piano higher than the violin for a solo instrument but of course says of Ida that "you can hold you own in an orchestra with the Basso."

He urges her to "leave room for leisure time", insisting that people in business who boast of 16 or 17 hour work days often get richly compensated with long breaks.

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths writes to Ida Carroll. He assured her that he will think of her even though he has to concentrate at work. he's looking forward to seeing her on Tuesday, "'Happenings' permitting."

He refers to Richard Harold Naylor, a British astrologer. Naylor, he says, assures Ida that, coming her way, is "a star day for Love, the Making of Money, a Distinct Success, and Far-reaching changes."

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths enjoys the quiet night, "the night is pleasantly calm, all have gone to bed and the fire in large, an invitation to write letters."

He is eating Rowntree's sweets "which seems naughty when you aren't with me to share them." (Guilt over not sharing sweets is surely true love.)

He dreamt of walking with her, he insists that "we can't let Hitler spoil" their rare evenings together.

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths missed his bus stop and attended some sort of theatre? Not sure what that's about. If anyone can figure it out, comment below. It seems to have been part of his WW2 work. He chats about Bridge tactics that I also don't understand.

A baffling letter!

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.

Geoffrey Griffiths writes to Ida Carroll from his family's bomb shelter (under the stairs or garden perhaps?), "the second warning just as I was sitting down." The worst time for a bomb threat.
He apologises for the pencil, "the ink is lost and everything is foul." However since "there are no guns, so I will continue to write for a few moments before playing cards."

He wants to be with her "but it's 43 hours and 40 minutes away, curse it."

People have been chatting a lot in the house but it's in one ear and out the other. He makes a clever little pun, "now I think of it the sins of our old butcher-man used to provide meaty conversation." His mother is chatting politics, "at least, she says she would like to pull of Hitler's moustache."

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.

In 1953, Ida Carroll gave a speech to the South Manchester Hallé Club about the Northern School of Music, of which she was secretary at the time. "It is perhaps unique in some ways," due to it's large growth from 9 to 560 students in 33 years, all with little financial aid. "It has to stand on its own feet and to pay its own way, and despite many anxious moments, we feel rather proud of the fact that for thirty-three years this has been done."

She describes it as the "happy atmosphere which you sense from the moment you enter the door." She remembers on her first day at the school as a student "feeling very small and insignificant."

She remembers that "we were told never to harbour a grouse." (Not the bird, I assume? Although you never know, it was the '50s.)

She says that "perhaps I can sum up any talk about the Northern School of Music by ending on a Perfect Cadence - with the dominant harmony being Happiness and the tonic, or key-note, Work."

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/9
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.

Photograph of Ida Carroll speaking to a man in a very cool red velvet jacket!
(Date estimated)
From Ida Carroll's personal collection.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/11/7/57

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.