Their first washing machine, a Twin Tub Hoovermatic (TTH) bought in 1960, was invaluable when two babies arrived in two years. Then, in January 1965, Tom said they were going to exchange their Scottish existence for tropical heat. Molly had no idea where the Solomon Islands were but the thought of sunshine, rather than ice on the inside of windowpanes, convinced her. This was an excellent idea!
TTH was among the essential possessions packed up and taken but unfortunately, Malaita wasn’t ready for a TTH. The outpost Tom had been posted to only had an irregular diesel-generated power supply and TTH needed electricity. So, washing times had to be organised around times of available power.
To Molly’s chagrin, there was no hot water supply and no bath for the children, but Tom improvised. The washing tub had a heating element, and when filled with water it had a new function as a child’s bath. The girls loved their unique bathtub, and it gave great entertainment until they became too big to fit in. It was about then that Tom announced they were once again on the move. They were relocating to Fiji, where Molly was assured, they would find both hot and cold running water – and a bath.
‘TTH will have to come too.’ Molly declared, and as transportation of goods was part of the job’s perks, Tom was happy to pack up TTH and move to a home bigger and better than their Malaita house.
TTH still coped well with their washing, but its function as a bath was history – until Tom brought home a stray dog of indeterminate origins he called Bitz. Bitz was happy to remain dirty and matted forever but Molly insisted the smell needed eradicating! Little Bitz could be lifted into TTH’s tub and washed easily, and after an initial frenzied attempt to escape, he grew used to his regular spa. By the time Tom declared another relocation for his growing family, Bitz had moved to canine heaven, though looking cleaner on his last day than he had on his first.
TTH was now considered too old for another move, so Molly put a sign on the door.
FREE. Well-travelled, much loved washing machine. Condition as is.
It soon departed on the shoulders of an enormous, and incredibly pleased Fijian
‘Do you remember what you said when we bought it in Edinburgh?’ she asked.
Tom smiled. ‘I think it was something like – do you think it’s value for money?’ He laughed aloud. ‘Well, I think it might have been. Don’t you?’
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