It must be said, we were not very well off and it came to the foreground now and then. The tobacco business had been in decline since the end of the war.
The competion became more fierce and often we had difficulty in paying for our goods from the manufacturers. Certain brands were low or ran out and Jacqueline who helped in the shop, felt embarrassed to face the clientele for the umpteenth time with her excuse: 'sorry, we're out of stock at the moment'.
My sister was on the receiving end in more ways then one.
She told me not so long ago, how she wished she could have turned someone's head in those days, but not to be. No chance if you're afraid to step outside, going somewhere or just want to be seen.
'I felt bad in my old drab clothes' she lamented, 'I had hardly anything to wear'.
This was my dear sister, already in her late teens, and it shouldn't have been a surprise to see her in such low spirits. It was her stepfather who felt her pain and in his goodness turned to Mum and said: I think Jacqueline should have a much-needed new dress'.
She has never forgotten Dad's observation and caring remarks, which resulted in a speedy trip to C&A, to come home with not one but THREE new dresses.