We All Stand Together

If the plan failed, Joan wouldn’t be the only one having an unhappy Christmas

- Elaine Everest

Rose Neville, manageress of the Margate branch of Lyon’s teashops smiled as she listened to the carol singers from a local school. As the children sang their hearts out to Hark the Herald Angels Sing, she noticed the busy Nippies joining in, as were some of the customers. Christmas was a time to forget about our troubles and be happy she thought to herself as she dropped a few coins into a collection box. Rose never stopped feeling proud of the Nippies – waitresses who worked for the chain of famous Joe Lyon’s teashops. Dressed in their recognisable black uniforms, white aprons and caps, they stood out from others in the same business.

‘There is something wrong with that woman,’ Anya, who served behind the counter said, nodding towards a Nippy who looked rather glum. ‘She should be joyous as it will soon be Christmas’.

Rose was used to Anya’s sharp words as 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 appear a little harsh.

‘Oh dear, she does look rather sad,’ Rose said quietly. ‘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 teashop counter.

‘We could do with more staff.’

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

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