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
