George's Notes
When telephones were unheard-of luxuries, never to be found in the homes of working-class people, really important news was often transmitted from family to family by telegram. The sight of the messenger arriving on his red bicycle at a house caused an immediate flutter among the neighbours. If it was sad news such as a bereavement, everyone rallied round to offer what help and condolence they could; if it was happy they were quick to offer congratulations.
This is one of those occasions.
George Mainwaring
