Farewell Party

I have been invited to a `Farewell' party by Jim and Greta tomorrow, actually I think it is Jim's brain child, but it sounds quite fun. He rang me up the other day to invite me and said he had an overdraft with the Bank for the last two years as he had fallen on hard times, and that he had `phoned the Bank Manager and asked if he could have an increase in the overdraft in order to buy drink and `goodies' for a friend who was leaving the United Kingdom and emigrating all the way to Bristol, for a party him and his wife were giving for this friend. He also said he invited the Bank Manager to the party. Among the other guests apparently are an undertaker called Mick (I told him to tell this Mick to bring his tape measure and I would give him an order!), and a reporter from the Observer. Jim has made the cupboard, which was under the stairs into a bar by removing the door, and panelling and painting a sign, which he said, is now hanging on the side of the stairs and which reads `JIM'S INN'. I shall probably spend quite a lot of time hiding in the kitchen with Greta, but hope to enjoy myself nevertheless.

Grace Russ - 23rd September 1977

Grace’s (Tearful) Goodbye to Gillespies

Just a little note to say a sad “Goddbye” to my friends at Gilespies ~ Farewell, Adieu

At the sad thought of leaving all of you but as you all know I am a big girl now. Therefore I must try to control my emotion and try to find another job in Bristol somehow, where I can apply myself with the same devotion. I’m afraid firms like Gillespies are thin on the ground but I have I will find one somewhere in Bristol. If not, then on Mr Sheed’s door I will pound and demand my job back at the point of a pistol!

I hope you will remember me (as I will you) with happy thoughts and, of course, a few smiles. I have always had great fun at Gillespies with you and will never forget ~ no matter how far the miles.

In Bristol I’ll start a fresh life – and have a good time, but I won’t paint the town red (‘cos I haven’t a dime).

P.S. In case any Gillespies wish to sue me for defamation of character, bad debts, or just want to send obscene literature through the post my new address will be:-

Buzz twice and ask for Grace!

Grace Russ – September 1977