Personal Property

Colonel G.S. Fillingham

116 Pall Mall

London

[NB. More info on George Sidney Fillingham (born 26 November 1896, died 12 August 1962, aged 65)]

Sometime ago an English lady was looking for rooms in a little village in Switzerland and she asked the local schoolmaster if he knew of any. He took her to several delightful places and everything being arranged she decided to have one of them. On her way home, however, it occurred to her that she had not noticed a W.C. so she immediately wrote and asked if one was in or near the house. The schoolmaster, on receiving the letter, was much troubled, for his knowledge of English being limited, he did not understand the abbreviation. He asked the Parish Priest if he could help him and together they decided that the lady meant the “Wesleyan Chapel”, so the schoolmaster replied as follows:

Dear Madam,

I have pleasure in informing you that the W.C. is situated nine miles from the house in the centre of a beautiful grove of pine trees and surrounded by wonderful scenery. It is capable of holding 240 people. It is only open on Sundays and Tuesdays of each week, and as there are a good many people on Sundays, I would advise you to go on Tuesdays, although there is standing room. This is unfortunate for you if you are in the habit of going regularly, but no doubt you will be glad to know that a good many people take their lunch and make a day of it.

I would especially recommend your ladyship to go on Tuesdays as there is an organ accompaniment. The sounding is excellent and even the most delicate sounds are audible. It may interest you to know that my daughter was married there and it was in the W.C. that she first met her husband. I remember the marriage quite well on account of the rush for seats, there were ten people on the seat I usually occupy and it was wonderful to watch the expression on some of their faces.

My father has been regularly there since he was christened. A wealthy resident in the district installed a bell in the W.C., which rings every time a person enters. A Bazar is to be held there and the proceeds will go towards helping to furnish plush seats, as the members felt it long to wait. My wife is rather delicate so she cannot attend regularly. It is six years since she went last, and it pains her very much not to be able to go more often. I shall be delighted to reserve a seat for you. For the children there is a special time – this is so they do not disturb their elders. Hoping I have given you all the necessary information and that you will like the W.C.

Sincerely yours,

P.K.