Mary Parsons
Tappan, New York

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A WHITBY 'MUST'

In the article 'The Literary World of Bram Stoker' (October/November 1997, page 37), you give the names of two restaurants in Whitby–The Magpie and the Fleece Pub. I wondered why you did not list Trencher's. This restaurant far surpasses either of the two you did mention in menu quality, price, and atmosphere. Trencher's is a must when visiting Whitby. I go to Whitby every year and always look forward to eating at Trencher's. The locals as well as tourists patronize it. The fish and chips are second to none; other items on the menu are also superb.

Winn Marsh
Wewahitchka, Florida

JUMPING TO A CONCLUSION?

It was with nostalgic delight that I read the article on Borthwick Castle (October/November 1997, page 42). My wife and I had a memorable stay at the castle some years ago when we were privileged to occupy Mary, Queen of Scots', bedchamber.

However, I take issue with the statement in the article that suggests that the queen 'jumped out of the window' of the Great Hall. Had she done so, she would most certainly have broken her royal neck, or suffered some other disastrous consequence, since the windows of that first-floor room loom far above ground level. We were told that she was lowered by bed linens fashioned into a rope, which is much more likely the case.

Ernest R. Tuf
Vacaville, California

WARTIME RECOLLECTIONS

In 1940 or 1941, my mother, sister, and I were evacuated to North Wales to escape the heavy bombing of Birmingham. We lodged in Rhyl and Llandudno. I attended five different schools in the 18 months we were away. My father stayed behind in Birmingham and contributed to the war effort by working as a voluntary fireman in Solihull. He always regretted never having the opportunity to put out any 'good fires'. On the only occasion when there was a major air raid over Solihull, he was at home, ill.

I have precious memories of listening to radio adaptations of classic novels on the BBC during these years, such as Alexandre Dumas's The Man in the Iron Mask and The Three Musketeers, and Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. These were broadcast on a weekly drama series which I believe was known simply as Drama Night. As a child with a vivid imagination, I was enthralled by the magic and mystery of The Secret Garden on Children's Hour, which was broadcast every evening of the week around 4 or 5 o'clock. Drama Night usually ended 'late', around 9.30 pm. When the clock struck 9, my mother would insist I go to bed, which meant missing the end of the show. She was worried that I would be too tired for school the next day. Sometimes I would win the battle; sometimes she would.

I am interested in hearing from readers who would like to share their memories of the years before and during the war–also from anyone who used to enjoy the above-mentioned radio programs.

R. Naidia Mosher
San Francisco, California

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