A Wonderful Lady - Chapter 2 Ada's Job and Sundays

The Leverett sisters in later life - left to right Evelyn, Ada, Floss, and Doris

When Ada left school, at about age 13 or 14 in those days, she went to a very good secretarial school in London run by a Miss Kemp. She was very particular. There was no set tuition period, but she would not let a pupil leave until avery high standard of proficiency was achieved no matter how long it took; she had a good reputation and wanted to keep it. I think Ada's first situation was in Debenham's in Oxford Street and I believe she was very happy there. In the course of time she was able to get a situation at the Brunner Mond Factory in Silvertown, which was within walking distance of where we lived in Trinity Street and so saved time and money.

My sisters inspired these rhymes.

Ada came home late today, the reason why I cannot say.

Her suspender kept on coming down, whilst on her way from Silvertown.

Doris has a greasy snitch: the little drops that fall from which

Are caught into a little dish and that's what makes the soup so rich!

Last but not least comes little Floss who always likes to be the boss

If she can't jave a limp of cheese, a few salt tears she manages to squeeze!

Sundays

When we were quite small, Floss and I used to be taken by Dad to the morning service at Barking Road Baptist Tabernacle, later West Ham Central Mission. At the start of the service Dad used to give us a swiis roll, pink and white or brown and white, coated with coconut. We would sit and pick the coconut off bit by bit and then unroll the rest and eat it a tiny piece at a time. By the time we had finished, the sermon was over! We didn't go in the evening, but we went in the afternoon to Sunday School. In the course of time I was able to play the piano on Friday evenings for the Band of Hope. This prepared me for playing in public and accompanying. When I was 14 I was asked to play the piano for the Men's meeting Orchestra. When I joined the orchestra I did not attend morning service, but stayed at home to help Mum with the beds and with the cooking for six; it was the only day we had midday dinner together. My two older sisters were then in the choir. I had to be at the Men's Meeting by 2.30pm and then was able to attend the evening service, which was lovely. When I read and hear the evening hymns the words bring back very happy memories.