We all stand TOGETHER

The war was raging, but Rose was thankful that her staff had plenty of Christmas spirit on the home front

- Elaine Everest

Rose Neville, manageress of the Margate branch of Lyons tea shops, smiled as she listened to the carol singers from a local school. As the children sang their hearts out, she noticed the busy Nippies joining in, as were some of the customers.

‘Christmas is a time to forget about our troubles and be joyous,’ she thought to herself as she dropped a few coins into a collection box.

Rose never stopped feeling proud of the Nippies – the waitresses who worked for the chain of famous Joe Lyons tea shops. Dressed in their distinctive black uniforms, white aprons and caps, they stood out from others in the same business.

‘There’s something wrong with that girl,’ Anya, who served behind the counter said, nodding towards a Nippy who looked rather glum. ‘She should be happy. It will soon be Christmas.’

Rose was used to Anya’s sharp words. And she knew, deep down, the Polish woman had a generous heart. She often thought it was Anya’s use of English that made her words seem harsh.

‘Oh dear, she does look rather sad,’ Rose said in a hushed tone. ‘I’ll have a quiet word with her. Thank you, Anya. How are you coping on the counter?’

Even with rationing, it seemed all the inhabitants of Margate wished to purchase bread and cakes from the tea-shop counter.

‘We could do with more staff.’

‘I’ll send one of the Nippies over to lend you a hand.’

‘As long as it isn’t that miserable one,’ Anya sniffed.

‘Joan, would you come to my office when you’ve finished serving your customer?’ Rose said with a smile as the young woman passed by with a tray of hot food. ‘There’s no need to rush,’ she added, seeing her worried look.