Swallowfield
sat on the southern edge of the Finchbottom Vale and was bordered on the other
side by the Dancingdean forest and the town’s fortunes had always relied
largely upon forestry and agriculture for its survival.
When 17-year-old Ruth Todd arrived in Shallowfield in 1973 it was to
start work as a housemaid at the Claremont Hotel and she knew no one, shy,
naïve and sweet natured, she was alone and friendless, but that didn’t last
long, as she was soon befriended by another housemaid, Laura Winter, who took
her under her wing.
It was
unexciting work, making beds, changing towels and cleaning bathrooms, but she
didn’t mind, despite being on a smidge over 5ft, she was wiry and strong, and was such a
hard worker the hotel waived the remainder of her probation.
Laura’s friendship wasn’t limited to work even though Ruth lived in at
the hotel and Laura being a
local, having spent her entire life in the village, so they would
spend their days off together as well.
She was two years older than Ruth and much more worldly and she
introduced Ruth to a lot of things she had never experienced before, including
one in particular that changed her life forever.
It came at the end of November when they both had the rarest of
things, a Sunday off, so Ruth suggested they do something.
“We could go to the market”
“I can’t” she replied “I have Church in the Morning, it’s the first
Sunday of Advent”
Her faith was very important to her, the Church was very important to
her.
Ruth on the other hand had no faith, that she was aware of, and no
knowledge of the Church.
“I don’t know what that is, is it important?”
“Yes” Laura replied and then explained its significance
“Can I go?” Ruth asked
“Anyone can go” she replied
“No, I mean, can I go with you?”
“Of course, you can” she said and smiled and added “Peter will be
there too”
Peter was her twin brother who she knew Ruth had a crush on, but she
was far too shy to do anything about it.
“Is it always like that?” Ruth asked as they left St Mary’s
“Sometimes it’s even better” Peter replied “I take it that you enjoyed
it”
“Oh yes”
“Well, if you liked that then you’ll love the Carol Service,
Christingle, Midnight Mass and the Christmas Morning worship”
“And I can go to all of them?” she asked innocently
“Yes Ruth” he replied
“With you I mean” she explained
“I hoped that was what you meant” Peter said and put his arm around
her
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