Letters to Tommy Keen from George Richmond Samways
Amalgamated Press ‘sub-writer’ George Richmond Samways was born on the 14th January 1895 and , died on the 8th August 1996.
His obituary by Jack Adrian (who is mentioned below in a letter from Samways, dated 21st November 1984) can be found here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-george-samways-1311187.html
All of the letters letters below were sent to London OBBC member Tommy Keen from:
37 Kingshill Park, Dursley, Glos. GL11 4DG
I am in possession of the original letters (some typed and some hand-written), but have chosen to re-type them myself (rather than just scan them) to improve ‘readability’. I think fellow-enthusiasts will enjoy the mutual friendship and respect which can be seen growing as the years pass – and there are some interesting ‘facts’ which will undoubtedly provide some ‘discussion points’!
Please note too that some were mis-dated – I believe due to Samways’ failing eyesight – but this will not, I am sure, affect your enjoyment.
Happy reading! Len Cooper – 30th May 2010
24th June 1980
Dear Tommy,
(Forgive the informality!) I am so glad you decided to write to me. It was
indeed a pleasant surprise to hear from an old MAGNET enthusiast.
Although I wrote over a hundred MAGNET stories, and created The Greyfriars
Herald and the St. Jim’s Gazette, also the humorous stories of Dr Birchemall of
St. Sam’s, nearly all of my work was anonymous, and the name of George Samways
was known only to a few. Over the years I have received very little recognition,
and this makes your letter all the more welcome.
By a remarkable coincidence, I received by the same post a letter from a 13 year
old boy at Sheffield. He quoted to me the first poem I ever wrote for the MAGNET
in 1912. He also mentioned my MAGNET story “The Sunday Crusaders”, copies of
which were circulated to all clergymen and headmasters in Britain, in order to
prove that the MAGNET was suitable reading material for young minds. (It did
not, however, convert my former headmaster!) Having the MAGNET in my old school
was a capital offence, involving a public flogging. There was strict ban on the
MAGNET, but my Mother (bless her heart) used to smuggle it to me every week,
concealed inside the local newspaper.
Yes, indeed, the characters of Phyllis and Archie Howell were my creations. I
also wrote “School and Sport” at the behest of my Editor (I was chief sub-editor
at the time). Previously I had written a story entitled “Sportsmen All” (MAGNET
No. 390) and it proved so popular that the Editor requested an extended version
of it for the Boys’ Friend Library – hence “School and Sport”.
I don’t think Phyllis Howell made her appearance until 1920 (MAGNET No. 628,
“Phyllis Howell’s Brother”) but my memory may be at fault here. It was a very
long time ago, Tommy!
Am so glad your are having such enjoyable sessions in the British Museum, What
happy memories your researches must revive!
I am still active at 85, never having really retired. I live alone, my partner
having died in 1971, so you can imagine how thrilled and delighted I was to
receive your letter. Whenever you feel like writing, I shall always be happy to
hear from you.
With all kind wishes,
Sincerely yours,
George R Samways
11th October 1980
Dear Tommy,
Thank you so much for sending me the cutting concerning your book on Gracie
Fields. I do hope it sells well. It should do, for Gracie’s admirers were
legion.
How good of you to go to the trouble of compiling lists of my MAGNET and GEM
stories! I do appreciate it, Tommy. The only record I possessed was that in the
MAGNET COMPANION.
Whilst I am sure the researchers made every effort to ensure accuracy, there are
several errors in their compilation. Quite definitely I did not write MAGNET
653, “The Schoolboy Artist”, featuring Teddy Teniel. Nor did I write GEM 460,
“Herries’ Orchestra”. I had no musical pretensions. A question mark hovers over
GEMS 879, 903, 978 and 993. I very seldom wrote about Arthur August D’Arcy, and
never made him the central figure. Realising my limitations, compared with
Hamilton, in the matter of characterisation, I avoided Arthur Augustus, and
concentrated on characters like Dick Redfern and Reginald Talbot. These I could
portray more faithfully. Indeed, a whole series of the Talbot-Marie Rivers saga
was written by me; but the four or five consecutive stories are not shown in the
list.
These discrepancies are of no great moment. I simply mention them as a point of
interest.
Am delighted to know that the old stories still give you pleasure. Looking back,
I am amazed at the extent of my youthful industry, for I was a sub-editor as
well as substitute writer; and the editorial work was very expansive. “Energy is
eternal delight”, said William Blake; and I certainly had plenty of it in those
days. One must now go into low gear, at eighty five!
Well, thank you again, Tommy, for your kindness – especially for you eulogy of
“The Pluck of Edgar Lawrence”, which did my heart good. May you have lots of
enjoyable browsing to come.
With every kind wish,
Yours sincerely
George
7th September 1981
Dear Tommy,
It was a great joy to hear from you again.
I have only two faithful “fans” – a Sheffield schoolboy and your good self. The
schoolboy gave me a special treat last Christmas by sending me a photostat copy
of the poem you mention, “King Christmas”. I felt deeply moved on reading the
verses after so long a lapse of time.
It was in 1915, I remember, that I wrote a poem which was considered my best. It
was entitled “THE BOY WHO NEVER CAME BACK”, and was published on the first page
of ANSWERS around Christmas time of that year. The first verse (I have forgotten
and improvised the fourth line) was as follows:
‘Tis Christmas Eve, when the fairies weave
Their spells of laughter and light;
The holly is hung, and the mistletoe,
The lamps agleam with a friendly glow,
And the fire burns bravely bright.
A few years ago, an elderly neighbour of mine, now deceased, told me that he
often recited this poem to gatherings of OAPs. “I suppose G.R. Samways was your
father?” he said. When I explained that the verses were written by me, he was
incredulous. “You only have been a teenager!” he said. “True, but that was my
most poetic phase”.
Now, Tommy, I am going to ask you a favour. In your researches at the British
Museum do you think you could possibly trace the poem, and take a copy of it for
me? I would not wish to put you to a lot of trouble, but if this task of
research is possible, I should be most grateful. The acquisition of this poem
would make a significant addition to my album. The Editor of ANSWERS described
it as “this exquisite poem”, and I would like to see whether his eulogy was
justified.
My autobiography is still in the hands of the literary agents. When I last heard
from them, they said they were negotiating with New York firm for its
publication. British publishers are shy on the subject on the subject of
reincarnation, with which the autobiography deals; but with the Americans,
thanks to the researches of Professor Ian Stevenson, and the case histories he
has compiled, are much more keen.
I am surprised that “THE HILL”, the story of Harrow School which is a classic,
is unobtainable. Have you tried Foyles of Charing Cross Road (if that firm still
exists)? Harold Annesley Vachell’s book us considered by many to be the finest
school story ever written. My children loved it, and I only wish I had a copy to
send you.
Am keeping very well, and still taking long walks in the Cotswolds; but on
reading Lord Denning’s recently published autobiography, it came as a shock to
realise that I am his senior in years!
Well, Tommy, I do appreciate your letters, and your consideration in not writing
too frequently. But we must keep in touch, for although we have never met, I
regard you as a valued friend.
All blessings to you!
George
28th September 1981
Dear Tommy,
Thank you so much for your letter and for the excellent snapshot, which brought
you very close.
I was delighted to receive your Photostat copy of the song. I wrote a much
better one several years later, with music by Montague Criddle.
Tommy, I am appalled to think that I have put you to so much trouble in the
matter of the answers poem. I just thought it might have been easily accessible.
Please don’t go chasing to Collindale in an attempt to unearth it.
Glad you enjoyed your tour of the Cotswolds. The Stow-on-the-Wold environment is
much more attractive than Dursley, which has become industrialised. However, we
have a magnificent range of woodlands, providing delightful walks when the
weather is dry.
Yes, I listened to “Good Old Greyfriars.” Nothing new, as you say, and no,
mention of we pioneers who helped make THE MAGNET! However, I am content with
anonymity. (My schoolboy fan became interested in me through the Howard Baker
reprints).
Thank you for your friendship, Tommy. I greatly cherish it.
Yours sincerely
George
1st November 1981
Dear Tommy,
Will you ever be able to forgive me, I wonder?
I seem to have sent you on a wild goose chase for that poem, “The Boy Who Never
Came Back”. Had I given more thought to the timing of its publication, I would
have realised that it was written after the First World War, and would therefore
have appeared towards the close of 1919 or 1920. Am terribly sorry, Tommy, to
have given you all this trouble, but doubtless you will get your reward
hereafter!
Yes, Rufus Meakin, bless his heart, is my schoolboy fan living in Sheffield.
With great difficulty I dissuaded him from coming down to Dursley. Living on my
own as I do, I cannot entertain – though a couple of Greyfriars devotees have
visited me this weekend. They booked in at a local hotel, and came down
expressly to see me, which flatters my ego.
So pleased to know you have the Dick Penfold poems. Hubert Gregg is going to
recite some of them on the radio.
Am I forgiven, Tommy, for giving you all that trouble?
With my regards and all blessings,
Yours sincerely
George
11th December 1981
Dear Tommy,
How cheering, on this snowy morning, to receive your kind Christmas greeting!
I have made some wonderful friends since the Greyfriars revival, and count you,
Tommy, as one of the closest.
My visitors were Maurice Hall (whom you probably know) and his friend Brian
Simmonds, of the B.B.C. Brian was good enough to make me a gift of the
Greyfriars Shield, and will follow this up with the school tie which is being
designed.
Am very interested in the Kirkhams. Are they related, do you know, to my dearest
friend the late Reginald S. Kirkham, who wrote the Cliff House stories?
Shall be spending Christmas at home, as usual. Being a vegetarian, I make rather
an embarrassing guest. “No turkey for me, thank you; no chicken, sorry, but I
don’t eat cows and pigs!” The skeletons at the feast! At home, I can cater for
myself with natural nourishing food. I always have a sherry before lunch, and
will drink a toast to you on Christmas Day.
God bless you, Tommy, and thank you for your treasured friendship.
Ever sincerely
George
10th February 1982
My dear Tommy,
You will be my thoughts this Friday, and I pray that your hospital visit will be
beneficial. I would like to have sent you a consecrated Healing Card, but I have
disposed of those I had. There is so much sickness around.. However, the power
of prayer should proved effective. Do let me know how you fare. You look so fit
and well in the photo you sent me.
Tommy, I am so grateful to you for sending me a copy of the Phyllis Howell
article. Do you know, this is the first time I have seen it? When it appeared in
March 1918 I was in the R.F.C., stationed at Uxbridge, and too busy to buy and
read the MAGNET. Sometimes I was on duty so late in the day that I couldn’t get
back to my billet in Harrow, and snatched a few hours sleep on the Orderly Room
table!
I think it was most generous of Pentelow to commend “School and Sport”, and to
give such a detailed and perceptive character study of Phyllis Howell.
The kiss which Phyllis gave Bob Cherry seems to have created quite a sensation.
George Orwell, who complained that in the MAGNET stories the sexes never
fraternised, could not have read that episode.
I look forward to your next letter, Tommy, with news of your restoration to
perfect health.
Very sincerely,
George
30th September 1982
My dear Tommy,
I was delighted to receive your letter with the picture of the Crown Inn at
Chiddingfold. I know it well. It is two mile down the road from my old school –
the road which runs from Witley the Haslemere.
So sorry, but I kept no copy of the poem I sent to Howard Baker. All I can
recollect is the poem’s title, “GREYFRIARS,” and the word “immortal”. Surely the
verses should have appeared by now in the Greyfriars Holiday Annual?
Prior to receiving your letter you had been so much in my thoughts. I did not
realise that it was my turn to write. That fine snapshot of you stands on top of
my piano, and I always send you blessings when I look at it. You are about my
only “fan” now, for I no longer hear from the Sheffield schoolboy. His was a
transient enthusiasm, I suppose.
Am still very fit and taking long walks. My only trouble is with my eyes. But I
can still see to type when the sun is shining into my study.
All blessings to you, dear friend.
Very sincerely George
(George Samways)
8th November 1982
My dear Tommy,
It truly warmed my heart to receive your letter of 18th October. I was however,
concerned to hear of your operation and the dreary weeks which followed. I do
hope you are now fully recovered.
My health is excellent, except for an eyesight problem, owing to which my
reading and writing activities have been restricted. Prayers for healing have
helped me wonderfully.
Despite my handicap I have been able to read, with the aid of a magnifying
glass, the autobiography of Tom Pilgrim, the Brighton healer. He mentions a
meeting with Gracie Fields on the Palace Pier, Brighton, and my thoughts
immediately turned to you.
My daughter Daphne, who lives in Brighton and writes for the women’s magazines,
has won first prize awarded by the Brighton and Hove Writers’ Circle for the
best short essay. I enclose a copy of her winning essay, which you need not
return. It is scarcely a flattering pen picture of her father, but may amuse
you.
Have had no Greyfriars news of late. The volume containing three of my old
MAGNET stories is due to be published this month.
Well, Tommy, although we have never met, I feel there is a strong bond of
friendship between us. God bless you. I look forward to your next letter.
Your sincere friend
George
29th November 1982
My dear Tommy,
It was such a joy to meet you. I feel I have found in you a true friend.
Our meeting was not fortuitous. It was planned, by the Blessed Ones, who arrange
for the cat’s appearance at precisely the right time.
I wish I could have entertained you, but not expecting a visitor I was quite
unprepared.
I look forward very much to the facsimile of “The Pluck of Edgar Lawrence” which
you so kindly promised.
Have just received the Greyfriars Holiday Annual for 1983. The postman had
dumped it in my disused garage. I see my poem has been given pride of place.
I felt that I had known you for years, Tommy. Maybe we were associated in a
previous incarnation.
With my warmest good wishes for your health and happiness.
Ever your friend
George
[HANDWRITTEN LETTER]
30th Nov [though could be ‘Mar’] 1982
My dear Tommy,
Since writing, I have received The Greyfriars Gazette from Howard Baker.
Your splendid tribute to “The Sunday Crusaders” gives me immense pleasure. Thank
you so much, dear friend – and God bless you.
Sincerely,
George
14th December 1982
My dear Tommy,
A heartfelt “Thank you” for your great kindness in having a copy made, specially
for me, of “The Pluck of Edgar Lawrence”.
I was nineteen when I wrote “The Sunday Crusaders”, and a more mature writer of
twenty-eight when I wrote your favourite story. Re-reading the latter, after
sixty years, has given me immense pleasure.
It is cold and wet here, and I am typing in semi-darkness, so forgive errors.
Hope you will not be snowbound like the scene in this card.
I am deeply grateful to you, dear friend, for your loyalty and kindness. God
bless you.
Ever yours
George
21 January 1983 (typed as 1893)
Dear Tommy
Thank you so much for your kind letter.
I read with interest, and gratitude, how you boosted “The Pluck of Edgar
Lawrence.” Reading the Photostat you kindly did for me, I realise that it was
one of my best stories. When it was written, I had left the MAGNET office, so do
not know what sort of impact it made.
Tommy, I am making you a gift of the 1928 Greyfriars Holiday Annual. There will
be a delay in despatch, but you shall certainly have it.
Excuse brief note. Am typing in semi-darkness.
Yours in warmest friendship,
George
1 Feb 1983
Dear Tommy
Thank you so much for the photograph.
Am glad the Holiday Annual arrived safely. I wrote all the poems and short
pieces in that volume.
I remember the song you mention. I think the music was by Frank Witty, who
worked for ANSWERS. A few years later I was to do a much better song, with tune
by Montague Criddle.
All blessings to you, dear friend.
Yours ever
George
23rd Feb 1983 (typed as 1093)
Dear Tommy
I am delighted at your discovery of WAR LYRICS, and am so glad you liked them.
They were written when I was in the Royal Flying Corps, doing a night duty at
Adastral House on the Embankment.
A year leter I was to do much better with BALLADS OF THE FLYING CORPS. It is
strange that no mention of this book is made in the list of my works.
FIGHTING TO THE FRONT was a school story in hard back. It was, I am told, stolen
from the British Museum.
Like you, I am finding this Arctic weather very disagreeable. But as Shelley
observes, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”
I am much cheered by the kind things you say about me, Tommy. I greatly value
and cherish your friendship. It means a lot to me, especially in these cheerless
days.
All blessings to you, my dear friend.
Ever sincerely
George
23rd April 1983
My Dear Tommy
A voice in the night told me I should be getting a letter from you in the
morning. And so it proved. I am grateful for your concern, dear friend.
Have bought a new typewriter, with a keyboard suited to my visual handicap. Can
manage with difficulty to write a short letter.
My greatest friend has left Dursley, but a farmer’s wife has taken me under her
wing. She shops for me, and makes me delicious salads and cookies.
With my warmest regards and all blessings,
Yours ever
George
12 May 1983
My Dear Tommy
Your letter (the only one I received this morning) greatly cheered and comforted
me. What a good friend you are!
I appreciate your concern for my health. I must not complain, for to complain of
an illness is to stabilise it. The doctors are baffled, and my trouble has gone
undiagnosed and untreated: but I am feeling better and brighter in spirit.
There must be a strong telepathic link between us, for you have been much in my
thoughts of late. I feel we were meant to meet.
Yes, it is Greenland rather than Greyfriars weather. I must get my fur-lined
coat out of pawn.
God bless you, good friend.
Yours ever
George
4th July 1983
My dear Tommy
Your letter of 24th June was most welcome – as your letters always are.
I never cease to marvel at the fact that the stories I wrote so long ago should
have made such an impact, and gained me so good a friend in later life.
What splendid summery weather! I expect you are making the most of it. The
riverside should be at its best just now.
I appreciate your concern regarding my health. Am not as fit as I should like to
be, but when I look around and see people much younger than myself suffering
from all manner of disabilities, I feel blessed.
All blessings to you, dear friend, and do write whenever you feel like it. Your
letters are a real tonic.
Your true friend
George
5th September 1983
My dear Tommy
Thank you so very much for your friendly letter, for the delightful snapshot of
your sun-tanned self, and for your most interesting production, which awakened
many memories. The way you incorporated the old illustrations was admirable. You
can imagine how thrilled I was to see the cover illustration of THE SUNDAY
CRUSADERS.
One thing I must explain to you. The authorship of the MAGNET story, “THE HEART
OF A HERO”, has been wrongly attributed to me. It was in fact written by J. N.
Pentelow. No deaths were permitted in any of my stories. Editor Hinton would
never sanction it.
Incidentally, the MANET COMPANION, which lists the story titles and authors, is
full of errors. And in a recent GREYFRIARS HOLIDAY ANNUAL three Greyfriars
stories are attributed to me, whereas I only wrote one of them, the other two
having been written Fred Cook and Stanley Austin. Even after the long passage of
time, I can still identify my own work.
I have not told Howard Baker about these blunders, as I do not wish to stir up
trouble for the researchers, who seem to have resorted to guesswork in cases
where the old records were destroyed.
Please excuse typing errors, Tommy, as I have visual problems. The eye
specialist tells me that my eyes are worn out, which is not surprising after a
long lifetime of excessive use.
I managed with a magnifier to re-read THE PLUCK OF EDGAR LAWRENCE which you so
kindly gave me. It reads very well, and really is one of my best.
Am glad you DEVOTIONS ANF EMOTIONS created interest and a greater demand than
you expected. You must write some more – though I realise it involves a good
deal of hard work.
Thank you again, Tommy, for all your kindness. You are a real good friend, and I
appreciate it deeply.
With warmest regards and all blessings,
Yours ever
George
30th September 1983
My dear Tommy
Thank you so much for your very welcome letter of 21st September.
I was most interested to hear of your television experience. Of course, you are
an authority on the much loved Gracie Fields, and would therefore be in demand.
How thrilled I am to know that you have acquired your favourite GEM story. It
was so kind of you to have that Photostat done for me.
Yes, there have been many mistakes regarding the authorship of the early GEM and
MAGNET stories. In the 1983 HOLIDAY ANNUAL I am credited with having written THE
IRON HAND AT GREYFRIARS and PETER THE PLOTTER. The former story was mine, but
the latter was by Charles Hamilton.
I often look at your photo and project blessings to you. We were meant to meet,
of that I am certain.
Despite my visual problems, I still manage to do a limited amount of writing.
I walk and sing, and keep up my spirits by never listening to the news. What a
crazy world we live in – Insanity Fair. But love and friendship are
imperishable.
Bless you, Tommy. It is always a joy to get you letters.
Your friend ever
George
6th October 1983
My dear Tommy
I would like to make you a gift, for your , of three issues of GOLDEN HOURS
magazine. These contain my “MEMORIES OF THE MAGNET OFFICE,” “MORE MEMORIES OF
THE MAGNET OFFICE”, and an excellent essay on Hedley O’Mant by H. W. Twyman.
Both were schoolmates of mine.
Perhaps you will let me know when next writing, if you would like these
magazines, or if you already possess them.
With every kind wish,
Yours ever
George
8 October 1983
My dear Tommy
Thank you so much for your much appreciated letter. I enclose the GOLDEN HOUR
magazine as promised.
I possess the following:-
GREYFRIARS HOLIDAY ANNUAL 1975
1981
1982
1983
THE GREYFRIARS MYSTERIES
BILLY BUNTER’S BLUNDER
BUNTER’S POSTAL ORDER MYSTERY
You are welcome to any you may not possess.
Your friend ever
George
13th October 1983
My dear Tommy
I enclose the tattered issues of GOLDEN HOURS as requested.
The GREYFRIARS HOLIDAY ANNUAL 1983, and THE GREYFRIARS MYSTERIES, I have put on
one side for you. There are difficulties regarding despatch, for they need
special envelopes which our local post office does not supply. They are
extremely heavy.
It was lovely to chat with you on the phone.
All kind wishes,
George
2nd November 1983
My dear Tommy
Thank you so much for your letters. I am so glad the books arrived safely.
You need not return the Howard-Baker brochure.
I have no news for you, except that “Uncle Ernie” sent me £100 last week, which
was thoughtful of him, for he had neglected me over a long period.
Hope you are well and feeling fit to face the Winter.
With every kind wish,
Yours ever
George
17 January 1984
My dear Tommy,
It was such a joy to receive your birthday greetings. Thank you so much.
Sometimes I wake up in the night and ask myself, “Am I really eighty nine?” It
seems incredible. I seem to be on the way to beating Methuselah.
I do not take the Collectors Digest, and would be extremely grateful for a copy
of your article on Phyllis Howell. I greatly enjoyed the one written by
Pentelow, in which Phyllis gave Bob Cherry an impulsive kiss.
Am giving Howard Baker a free hand with my autobiography. He is interested only
in Greyfriars, but actually, story writing occupied only a third of my literary
life.
Bless you, dear friend.
Yours ever
George
26th January 1984
My dear Tommy,
Than you so much for copying and sending me your article on Phyllis Howell.
My dear friend, you have done me proud. I very much appreciate your commendatory
comments.
This wintry weather prompts the following limerick:
A writer who lived at Thames Ditton
With chills and chilblains was smitten
“What a Winter!” he wailed
As it snowed and hailed
And he blew on each frostbitten mitten!
Thank you again, Tommy, for your championship and friendship.
Ever your friend
George
26th January 1984
My dear Tommy
Thank you so much for a most interesting letter.
You are what Shakespeare calls “a true devoted pilgrim”. You certainly get
around! I was unaware that Charles Hamilton lived for a while at Aylesbury. (By
the way, Brian Johnston goes Down Your Way to Aylesbury next Sunday.)
Fancy your finding my poem “To the Zeppelin Raiders”. Even now, seventy years
later, I can still remember it.
The best poem I ever wrote was “The Boy Who Never Came Back”, in ANSWERS. Afraid
I sent you on a wild goose chase to track this down. It was actually written
AFTER the First World War – probably at Christmas 1919. They should have it at
Collindale.
We are really into spring now. All the crocuses are out in Kingshill Park, and I
hope the same applies to Weston Park.
Myself when young went on pilgrimages like you. I greatly admired (and so did my
children to whom I read them) the stories of Jeffery Farnol. He almost destroyed
“THE BROAD HIGHWAY” because it was repeatedly rejected, but when Sampson Low
eventually published it, it became a best seller!
I used to walk at night past Jeffery’s house in Preston Park, Brighton and gaze
at his lighted window, picturing him at his typewriter. Another author I loved,
who is now completely forgotten, was A.S.M. Hutchinson, whose “IF WINTER COMES”
was the Book of the Year.
Am wondering how my autobiography will fare. Please do not think of buying a
copy, for I shall be reserving one for you.
Dear Tommy, I cherish our friendship. Please forgive typing errors in this
letter.
You are always in my thoughts, and I send you all blessings.
Yours ever,
George
17th April 1984 [possibly mis-dated]
My dear Tommy,
I look forward with delight to seeing you on the afternoon of Sunday 28th.
You will, I feel sure, forgive me for not entertaining you. I have not your
flair for putting on delicious meals. If Billy Bunter were here, he would fall a
victim to anorexia nervosa!
It will be such a treat to see my best friend again.
Every kind wish.
Ever yours
George
18th April 1984
My dear Tommy,
Delighted to receive your letter.
It was noble of you to invite eight young Friars to a feast. I hope they did not
all have Bunterian appetites.
Very interested to know that you remember IF WINTER COMES. It was A.S.M.
Hutchinson’s most popular book, but I also recall with great pleasure THE HAPPY
WARRIOR. I correspond with the author, and he gave me some very helpful advice.
A very happy Easter to you, dear friend.
My warmest regards and blessings.
Yours ever
George
20th May 1984
My dear Tommy,
Thank you so much for your letter acknowledging the receipt of my autobiography.
It was a very fine letter, and I was deeply moved by the sentiments expressed
therein.
Howard Baker asked me to pass a copy of the book to the local Press. This I did,
with startling results. They published a review of the book, with the heading:
“BREAD AND BUTTER OF A COMIC STRIP WRITER”
Had they read the Foreword of the autobiography, they would have realised that
the MAGNET and GEM were not “comics”, but periodicals, each containing a long
complete school story, plus a serial, plus a four page supplement in the middle.
I phoned the DURSLEY GAZETTE and requested them to correct their ludicrous
errors. Comic strip writer, indeed!
Trust you are enjoying the Spring, Tommy, and the wonders of Nature. You are in
my thoughts daily.
Am pretty fit, and keeping senility at bay. Life has its limitations now, but
many blessings remain, for which the good Lord be thanked.
Ever your friend
George
2nd June 1984
My dear Tommy,
Thank you so much for the cutting from the Sunday Express. I rather hoped the
Daily Mail would include my book in their list of non fiction books. That would
have given it a boost.
Yes, I am very much a Brightonian, having lived there for much of my life. My
chief abodes were in Portland Place and Temple Street. I did most of my writing
in St. Anne’s Well Gardens. My ghost must surely haunt that familiar town.
Am writing at once, Tommy, so that you can pass the required slip to Mary
Cadogan.
All blessings to you, dear friend,
George
1st July 1984
My dear Tommy,
That was a heart-warming letter you wrote to me on June 20th. I do indeed value
your friendship, and your appreciation of my work for the Companion Papers.
John Wernham has very kindly sent me Volume 2 of his series of books dealing
with Charles Hamilton. As in the case of other writers on Hamilton, most of his
information has been obtained from the estimable Miss Hood.
You ask how I am faring Tommy. Well, I have a very staunch friend who does my
shopping, and his wife does my laundry. My inability to read print is a
handicap, but I still enjoy my daily walks, especially in this heavenly weather.
To keep my brains from becoming atrophied, I still supply slogans for trade
contests to a few faithful clients. 1982 was a good prizewinning year, but there
has been a decline since then. However, hope springs eternal in the human
breast.
It has been a very full and varied life, Tommy, and not the least of its
blessings is your friendship. We were destined to meet on that November day.
Hope the meeting goes well on July 8,
My book was well reviewed in “The Times” , but have seen no other reviews save a
brief reference in the Sunday Express. Hope the book is well received by the
Club.
Now for another walk in the sunshine, and I wish you were by my side.
My warmest good wishes to you, my dear friend,
Yours ever
George
5th August 1984
My dear Tommy,
In a weary week in which the postman persistently passed me by, your letter came
as a real tonic.
Have just returned from an early Sunday morning walk. It is quite cold, after a
day of incessant thunderstorms with torrential rain.
Yes, it is a pity we did not meet earlier. But what a blessing we did, for your
warm friendship and adulation of my work have greatly cheered me.
I my youth I once spent a day near Aylesbury, and was charmed by the
Buckinghamshire scenery. But my biggest thrill was spending a holiday at a
preparatory school at Haywards Heath during the boys’ absence on summer
vacation, and climbing the South Downs, with which I instantly fell In love.
Yes, Gracie and Greyfriars are an integral part of your life, Tommy. Gracie had
a splendid champion in you.
“The Road to Greyfriars” will not put me on the road to prosperity. It is a
“sleeper”, according to Howard Baker. But I am not dismayed.
All blessings, dear friend
George
14th August 1984
My dear Tommy,
It is mid-August, and the dreams of mid-April – of a long dry summer have not
been fulfilled. Our summers have certainly declined. Heat-waves are things of
the past. Instead of mopping our brows, we are mopping up the puddles. It must
be very miserable for the holiday makers, marooned in their waterlogged
caravans..
Let us hope September will make amends for these dismal and depressing days.
It was good to here from you. You seem to be living a very full and happy life,
travelling around and visiting friends and Greyfriars lovers.
I still take my daily rambles, but the hills, which I used to take in my stride,
now seem steep and mountainous. Tommy, I must be growing old.
Warmest regards and all blessings, dear friend
Yours ever
George
[Handwritten note on left side: “Have heard nothing from Howard Baker”]
3rd September 1984
My dear Tommy,
Lovely to get your letter, on this September morn.
I too have been blackberrying, though no farther than the bottom of the garden,
where the brambles yielded two basinfuls.
Do not dread the Winter, dear friend. If there were no cheerless days, we should
not appreciate the cheerful sunny ones.
You are certainly making the most of your retirement, travelling around the
countryside.
I enclose a review of my book which appeared in the EASTERN DAILY NEWS. An
excellent appraisal, I think. Don’t you?
Maybe some veteran East Anglian, remembering the golden years of Greyfriars,
will actually buy a copy.
You are never out of my thoughts, Tommy. Thank the Lord for your friendship.
Yours ever
George
18th October 1984
My dear Tommy,
I was delighted to receive your letter of October 1st.
We are well into Autumn now, and faced with the prospect of a grim Winter. Years
ago we were warned that the strike weapon was a dagger at Britain’s heart, and
this is indeed the case. Keeping warm this Winter will be quite a problem for
some of the elderly.
I admire the way you get around, visiting your large circle of friends. Yes, I
have heard from John Wernham. He sent me one of his publications, with some
excellent photographs of Charles Hamilton. John, however, was mistaken in
stating that “School and Sport” was written by Pentelow. This refutes my claim
to be the creator of Phyllis Howell.
Life is very quiet down here. Walking and eating and sleeping, I lay waste my
hours. But life has still many compensations, chief among which is you
friendship.
Keep warm and well, Tommy.
Yours ever
George
21st November 1984
My dear Friend,
I have been so engrossed with your wonderful book that this is my first
opportunity of writing to thank you for it. “Wonderful” is no hyperbole. It is a
production which does your good self and Mary Cadogan great credit.
November 10th was certainly made a red-letter day for my by the visit of you and
John. It was lovely to see you.
You were mystified about Christopher Lowder. He lives near Malvern, and writes:
“Dear Mr Samways,
You may recall that I was in contact with you when writing an article about the
late C.M. Down. As I explained then, I am a freelance writer and under the
pseudonym of Jack Adrian I do a great deal of work for the publisher J.M. Dent.
Only last month two anthologies edited by me (Featuring Edgar Wallace) were
published by Dent.
I am now engaged on a work which will be entitled “Crime at Christmas”. For this
I need your help in connection with the Herlock Sholmes stories which appeared
in The Greyfriars Herald.”
Maybe this will ring a bell, Tommy. The article on Down was about his
experiences as a balloonist in the First World War.
Thank you again for your visit, for the wonderful book, and for your invaluable
friendship.
All blessings to you, dear Tommy
Yours ever
George
Feb 7, 1985
My dear Tommy,
Your letters have a wonderful tonic effect on me.
With your last came two letters of a most melancholy nature from friends
afflicted with troubles.
Yes, Tommy, my birthday was indeed a remarkable one. “With long life will I
satisfy his” has certainly proved true in my case. Sometimes I wake up in the
night and ask myself, “What am I doing here, at this great age? I should be
strolling with my old friends, in the Summerland”.
In the wintry spell we experienced I was able to take my usual walks, thanks to
the kindness of a friend who gave me for my birthday a pair of metal devices
which, fitted on to my shoes, prevented me from slipping on the icy roads.
It will soon be Spring, dear friend, and Nature will renew itself – and us.
I expect you will be setting out on your travels and enjoying life to the full,
for yours is a happy nature.
Thank you for your letters, Tommy, and for your priceless friendship.
Yours devotedly
George
14th March 1985
My dear Tommy,
Thank you for your lovely letter, glowing with goodwill.
“Strolling with friends in the Summerland” is not a dreamer’s fantasy. It will
be a fact.
“I know not, O I know not,
What joys await us there.
What radiancy of glory,
What bliss beyond compare.”
Forgive this brief note, dear friend. On March 3 I had a fall when walking in
the gathering dust, and was taken to hospital. Am fully healed except for my
right hand, which is bandaged and prevents me writing my name.
God bless you, Tommy.
Ever faithfully
GEORGE
28th May 1985
My dear Tommy,
Thank you so much for the photograph. I think it is very good, and reflects the
close bond of friendship between us.
It seems incredible, but I am actually old enough to be your father!
Yes, dear friend, I still have to use the one talent I possess. For one thing,
it is a moral duty; also it augments my pension. I have only a few clients now –
old faithfuls who have stayed with me over the years. I dare not advertise, or I
should be inundated with orders and unable to cope.
Like you, I love Bucks, but have visited it seldom. I would love to sit in Stoke
Poges churchyard and recite Thomas Gray’s immortal elegy.
I am deeply grateful for you friendship and VERY welcome visits. All blessings
to you, Tommy
Yours ever
George
[Handwritten note on left side: ”Please forgive typing errors. My optics are
myopic!”]
3rd July 1985
My dear Friend,
King Summer duly arrived on July the First – the day your welcome letter came.
His Majesty apologises for the delay, but he was help up by an attack
hyperthermia contracted in June.
Sorry you didn’t see Bath at its best.
I recall reading a book by Cecil Roberts – AND SO TO BATH. It thrilled me
immensely, for Bath, together with Oxford and Winchester, is a favourite city of
mine.
Have been re-reading some of your tributes to me in the various Greyfriars
publications and am deeply grateful to you, Tommy, for your championship.
I expect you will be basking in bliss now. The temperature to day is very high –
too hellish to relish!
God bless you, dear friend,
George
3rd October 1985
My dear Tommy,
Summer has departed before its arrival!
On this dark, dismal, depressing morning it us difficult to be cheerful; but I
think of you, and our happy meetings and (as the man said to Doctor Johnson)
“Cheerfulness keeps breaking through”.
I am so glad you are keeping in touch with that dear lady Miss Hood. Her
recollections of Charles Hamilton must be most absorbing.
Yes, Tommy, I am still taking my daily walks, and writing slogans for trade
contests. I would welcome more work, but I suppose at ninety one should have
plenty of relaxation. I was serving in the R.F.C. when you were born. This makes
me feel very patriarchal.
Dear friend, I shall always be grateful to you for your generous championship.
May the coming Winter be kind to you.
Yours in warmest friendship
George
4th November 1985
My dear Tommy
Greetings and blessings!
Last night, in a dream, I received a letter with “TOMMY KEEN” written on the
back. Evidently it was a reminder that I owed you a line.
I suppose the Winter will curtail your fascinating trips to Kingsgate, etc. I
still walk in all weathers. I should go crazy if I could not get out, for I get
no joy from the television. However I had a treat last night with SONGS OF
PRAISE. Coming from St Giles, Cripplegate, I thought they would be boring, but
the grand old hymns, and the sincerity of the singers, moved me deeply. It was a
true spiritual tonic.
Tommy, dear friend, I hope all goes well with you this Winter. We must look
forward to a more summerlike summer than we had this year.
My affectionate thoughts are with you, dear friend.
Yours ever
George
15 January 1986
My dear Tommy,
How strange! Our typewriters brake down simultaneously. Have got mine going
again somehow, but the keys were frozen..
Thank you so much, dear friend, for your generous birthday greetings. Am feeling
very patriarchal now. Do you know, I can remember the Boer War and “Goodbye My
Bluebell”, which Charles Hamilton was fond of quoting.
Forgive the brevity of this note. Typing is difficult, and age has its
limitations.
God bless you, dear friend
George
22nd April 1986
My dear Tommy,
What an unhappy predicament!
You cannot use the typewriter, and have to write by hand; I cannot write by
hand, but have to use the typewriter. I do hope this will not prevent you from
writing your brilliant articles.
Yes, it would have been lovely to have been friends in the early days. But how
do you know we were not close friends in earlier incarnations? I have a strong
impression that we were. So immediate and warm was our friendship in this life
that it must have been a reunion rather than a chance meeting. Ponder this, and
I feel you will agree.
The weather is so dark and wintry that I can scarcely see to type, so please
pardon any errors.
I think of you daily, my dear friend, may God’s blessing be with you, and may
the healing streams abound!
Yours ever
George
23rd May 1986
My dear Tommy,
I rejoice to know that you are now feeling better. I felt that it would be only
a temporary phase, due to the cold and wet weather with which we have been
afflicted.
Have had the same trouble. All the life went out of my limbs. Today I managed to
walk a mile, which was quite a feat after being housebound so long.
You will soon be back in your old form. Yes, I do think of you daily in my
meditations. You are indeed my best friend.
Am glad your friend from Coleford visits you. He is a very good sort.
Now for the summer, Tommy. I hope it will be warm and agreeable, and that that
you will enjoy every moment of it.
Kindest wishes and all blessings.
Your friend ever
George
26th June 1986
My dear Tommy,
I am really delighted to know you are better. I am sure this is a case of
answered prayer.
Isn’t it strange that you cannot use the typewriter and have to write by hand,
whereas in my case it is the other way round. But I have difficulty in picking
out the keys.
What vagaries of the weather! Today I am being roasted alive; a few nights ago I
had to put the electric fire on!
My good friend Reg Aldridge, who does all my shopping and supplies all my needs,
is on holiday. Have just done my own shopping, and was utterly lost in the
supermarket, but have managed to get a salad lunch.
Tommy, you are a true friend. The Lord has raised you up to be a blessing to be
in my great age.
Thank you, Tommy
George
17th August 1986
My dear Tommy,
I am delighted to know that you are better and able to revert to the typewriter.
Am sure it is a case of answered prayer.
It is most interesting that you have contacted “L.E. Ransome”. I can recall him,
but not very vividly, as he was an outside contributor and not a member of the
staff. So I am not the only survivor of those halcyon days.
Well, summer is nearly over, but I predict a very good autumn before the winter
blasts begin.
My rural rambles have had to be restricted, but I still contrive to get around.
I trust you will have no more disabling experiences.
I think of you daily, and than God for the blessing of your friendship.
Yours ever
George
8th October 1986
My dear Tommy,
Wonderful weather indeed! This morning I was attacked by a rejuvenated wasp!
It was good to hear from you again, and I received a splendid parcel from Howard
Baker. They included my controversial story THE GREYFRIARS NEWSPAPER.
We must not fear the coming Winter, Tommy, but face it as cheerfully as we can.
“If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind”?
My word, you do get around. Aylesbury seems to draw you like a magnet.
Warmest greetings and all kind wishes.
Your friend ever,
George
12th December 1986
My dear Tommy,
I was delighted to hear from you, and to know that although you have been far
from well, you are now feeling much better. I am glad you were able to give that
talk about Gracie Fields.
My name is in the Daily Mail? How interesting! I should love to see it.
It will be a lonesome Christmas for me, but the Greyfriars spirit will break
through. I shall be thinking of you, dear friend.
May the Lord bless and completely heal you,
You friend ever
George
20th January 1987
My dear Tommy,
Housebound and helpless, I have been unable to reply to you letter and to
acknowledge your kind birthday greetings.
I was very distressed to hear of your indisposition. Let me assure you that
every day since the news came I have gone into deep intercession for you, in the
firm belief that “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”.
May all go well for you, and I hope to have better news of you before long. I
cherish your friendship, and you are daily in my thoughts and prayers.
Your friend ever
George
15th February 1987 (typed as 1097)
My dear Tommy,
I rejoice to hear you are well again and at home. It is certainly a case of
answered prayer.
Thank you for sending me a copy of the Daily Mail strip. I think I should
explain to the Mail that Charles Hamilton never used ‘ghost’ writers. We were
engaged by the Editor of the MAGNET and GEM in order to ensure the continuity of
the papers.
Have been very unwell myself, but have received remarkable healing. “They that
wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”.
We shall soon be out of this wintry gloom into Spring and sunshine.
All blessings to you, my dear friend,
Yours ever
George
8th April 1987
My dear Tommy,
Indeed, Spring has not yet sprung. It is wet and windy and cold and we have the
English summer to face. But maybe it will be kinder to us this year.
I am so happy to know you are well again, dear friend. Your wholehearted
championship of Gracie does you great credit. When you pass into the Summerland,
I am sure a smiling will be there to greet and thank you.
My daily walks have been severely restricted by the weather. Do you remember our
meeting in Kingshill Road, when you asked me the way to Kingshill Park?
You always in my thoughts and prayers, Tommy, and your friendship is deeply
cherished.
Yours ever
George
10th May 1987
My dear Tommy,
It was a real joy seeing you again.
I do appreciate your going out of your way to pay me a visit…and the lemon cake
was lovely – a Bunterian dream!
Glad you liked the ballads, but hope my writing has improved since those far-off
days.
Not very summery yet, nut I expect you are enjoying your peregrinations.
I will follow your advice and avoid falling over in future.
Please give my regards to John when you write. I like him very much.
Pardon this brief epistle, dear friend. Am busy with competition slogans.
With all blessings, yours ever
George
12th May 1987
My dear Tommy,
I am delighted to know you are better. You have been much in my thoughts of
late.
I was thrilled to know you had acquired some of the 1920 MAGNETS. Incidentally,
I must point out that “The Heart of a Hero” was not written by me, and is
wrongly attributed to me, in the MAGNET COMPANION. It was in fact written by J.
N. Pentelow. Moreover, the MAGNET story featuring Teddy Teniel the boy artist,
was written by Stanley Austin.
Am finding it difficult to read and write, so please excuse this brief letter.
May God richly bless you, my dearest friend.
Yours ever
George
17th June 1987
My dear Tommy,
It was a joy to hear from you this morning. Dark and cheerless would have been
the morn without it. As it is, I can scarcely see to type.
Tommy, I would love to see your article about “The Pluck of Edgar Lawrence”. Any
chance of doing so?
Will write more fully when conditions permit. Meantime, let me assure you that
you are daily in my thoughts and prayers.
Yours ever
George
24th June 1987
My dear Tommy,
How very kind of you to send me a Photostat of your article. I was deeply moved
by your generous tribute to me at the end.
No, I would not dared to kill Edgar Lawrence and wrecked the triumvirate. Nor
was it I who killed Robert Annesley Seven. The deed was done, as I explained, by
J. N. Pentelow.
I am no longer able to read books, and am sorry to miss out on a book I have
always wanted to read, viz., “The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft”, by George
Gissing – a sombre man who strangely appeals to me.
Hope you have not become frostbitten by this freakish June weather.
All good to you, dearest friend.
Yours ever
George
30th July 1987
My dear Tommy,
It was a treat to hear from you – a typewritten letter too, which is more easy
for me to read – but this is not a disparagement of you handwriting.
Yes, this has indeed been a miserable summer weather-wise – but we have escaped
the blazing heat of Greece.
Yes, Greyfriars and its characters still have a magnetic attraction. I can
remember sitting in St Pauls Churchyard, avidly reading the halfpenny issues of
the old red MANET. I still get phone calls from elderly fans. The magic spell
still holds. Floreat Greyfriars!
Hope your next gathering goes off well.
All blessings to you, Tommy, dearest of my friends.
Yours ever
George
2nd September 1987
My dear Tommy,
It was so pleasant to hear from you again, and to know that your improvement in
health enables you to get around and resume your former activities – talks on
Gracie Fields, etc.
What a travesty of Summer! There are no blackberries in Dursley, which is
remarkable. My wife and I used to enjoy our blackberrying excursions.
I was interested in your visit to the Charles Hamilton Museum. Greyfriars will
always have a place in the affections of the older generation.
I still take my daily rambles. Life is very lonely at 92, but still holds many
blessings. I shall always remember my meeting with you in Kingshill Road.
All good be your, dear friend.
Ever yours
George
14th October 1987
My dear Tommy,
It is always a pleasure to receive your letters, and to hear of your activities.
You have obviously quite regained your health, and I hope you will weather the
coming winter without any trouble.
I possess the Howard Baker volume of which you speak. How on earth did Willie
Pike come to write “Billy Bunter Film Star”? I lodged with Pike and is parents
at West Norwood, and got him his job on the MAGNET staff. He was just a
dogsbody, with no pretensions to be a writer. He did odd jobs and made the tea.
Well, the sun is shining for a change, so I am off for a walk in the rain-soaked
fields.
You are daily in my thoughts, my dear friend.
Yours ever,
George
4th November 1987 [possibly 1986]
My dear Tommy,
I was distressed and dismayed to learn that you had been in hospital. You were
so fit and well when you came to see me. Whatever can be wrong?
I am going into meditation for you daily, and trust you will soon be your old
self again.
“The Greyfriars Newspaper” was MAGNET story No. 831, which Howard Baker has just
reprinted. Twelve issues later, in a MAGNET story entitled “Fishy’s Treasure” by
Charles Hamilton, he referred to “The Greyfriars Newspaper.” This was considered
remarkable, as Hamilton never read the “sub” stories. If this were so, how did
he come to write of Phyllis Howell?
Well, Tommy, I think of you, I pray for you, and send you my warmest regards.
Your friend ever
George
20th December 1987
My dear Tommy,
I am deeply grateful to you for your Christmas greetings and very kind gift.
You will be in my thoughts during the festivities, and I trust you will have a
peaceful and happy time. I feel greatly blessed in having so loyal a friend.
With warmest regards and all blessings.
Yours ever
George
20th Feb 1988
My dear Tommy,
My neighbour, Mrs. Davies, has just called to tell me she has heard from you,
and that you are worried about me.
I am sorry about this. The fact is, I have been registered as visually disabled,
and have been unable to write letters, or to read incoming correspondence. When
Mr Aldridge was here he acted as my eyes, but I am now quite alone and have
nobody to help me. I have even had to cease corresponding with my daughter at
Brighton on this account.
I deeply regret having given you this anxiety, but I am quite helpless, and have
written this explanation with the greatest difficulty.
My warmest regards, dear friend
George
9 May 1991
My dear Tommy,
I am very sorry you have had such trouble in trying to contact me.
I am now ninety six years of age, registered blind, and cannot manage the
telephone.
Have even had to give up communicating with my daughter in Brighton
I trust all is well with you, and send you my warmest regards.
Your old friend
GEORGE SAMWAYS
Bank Holiday [Date unknown]
Dear Tommy,
It seems such an age since I received one of your welcome letters that I do hope
all is well with you.
Am quite out of touch with Greyfriars, not having received any of the Howard
Baker publications.
Listening on the Radio to Brian Johnston’s visit to Rochdale, and hearing Gracie
sing, I thought of you and hoped you were listening in.
Do write a letter of reassurance, dear friend. You have been in my thoughts and
prayers daily.
Yours ever
George
[Date unknown]
My dear Tommy,
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth walnut cake!
It was such a joy to see you again, and I am so grateful to you and your friend
for paying me a visit.
When you had gone, I read your article on “The Pluck of Edgar Lawrence”, and was
deeply moved by your kind commendation. Little did I dream, when I wrote this
story, of the affect it would have in later years.
It is a dark, wet and cheerless morning, and I can scarcely see to type, so
please forgive errors.
Your visit has made our friendship stronger and closer than ever.
All blessings to you, dear friend.
Ever sincerely
George
MAY 12 (Ascension Day). [EXACT YEAR UNKNOWN]
The Lord’s Message is:
Turn out all thoughts of doubt and trouble. Never tolerate them for one second.
Bar the windows of your souls against them as you would bar your house against a
thief who would seek to steal your treasures.
What greater treasures can you have than Joy and Peace and Love? And these are
all stolen from you by doubt and fear and despair.
Face each day with Love and Laughter. Face the storm.
Joy, Peace, Love. My great gifts. Follow Me to find all three. I want you to
feel the thrill of protection and safety NOW. Any soul can feel this in a
harbour, but victory comes to those who feel them whilst riding the storm.
Say “All is well.” Not as a vain repetition, but with real conviction. Say it
until the Healing Power comes flooding in.
“All is well.”