Features

Pen friends

Provision Archive
The story of a lifeline for mothers thrown from the pages of Nursery World is told by Jenna Bailey. In 1935, a lonely young mother wrote a letter to Nursery World which led to her forming many lifelong friendships through a secret 'magazine'.

'Can any mother help me? I live a very lonely life as I have no near neighbours. I cannot afford to buy a wireless. I adore reading, but with no library am very limited with books. I dislike needlework, though I have a lot to do! I get so down and depressed after the children are in bed and I am alone in the house. I sew, read and write stories galore, but in spite of good resolutions, and the engaging company of cat and dog, I do brood and "dig the dead". I have had a rotten time, and been cruelly hurt, both physically and mentally, but I know it is bad to brood and breed hard thoughts and resentments. Can any reader suggest an occupation that will intrigue me and exclude "thinking" and cost nothing!'

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