17th March, 1994

Dearest Rita,

I wrote you a long letter just recently and fear it may never reach you. On a very windy day, I took a batch of letters to the Post and, on arrival, found they were no longer in my coat pocket where I had put them. They must have fallen out and blown away, and unless someone put them in the post box, they are lost.

So here I go again just to cover the points you brought up in your interesting letter. Your round- the-world trip sounds an exciting enterprise. I am not surprised that you could not find Halinghan on any map as it is a small village half way between Boulogne and Le Touquet, not far from Etables. My family take it in turn to spend some time in the house during the summer vacation and I would have to have dates from you to see if there is room. So let me know. Do you hire a car when you travel in Europe?

Have you ever considered visiting Israel if you head towards Greece and Turkey? It is such a vibrant, interesting country with dramatic scenery. Just seeing Jerusalem is worth a visit. Don’t be put off by television coverage of unrest in the West Bank.

I could possibly meet up with you in Switzerland, or elsewhere. It would give me great joy to spend some time with you. Do keep me informed.

I am so glad you were able to make contact with Marta Ignatzy, even at this late stage. Your mother must have been a very special person and I was really touched when she writes “it is a joy to do a service for the daughter of this brave woman;” it means so much to glean information about one’s family – I know how I felt.

If you tell me where Marta’s letter of 1962 is kept, I would like to read it all.

Thank you for the lovely family photo. Your son Ian looks like a big strong Rita and all the youngsters must be a joy to you. I bet they keep you busy and young.

I spent 3 days in hospital being monitored for high blood pressure which is unstable, and have been put on new medication. Whilst it is being tested over a month, I have to stay put and behave myself!

I was sad to hear about Pepita. As you know, I only knew her briefly but remember her as a lively, warm-hearted girl.

Hopefully, I have covered the points you raised in your letter and regret the mishap with my previous correspondence.

With much love,

Lore.