While guests are of course welcomed at the front door, tradesmen and deliveries always come to the back.  

The back porch is carefully designed to allow the coming and goings of domestic deliveries to be swift and efficient, and not take too much of Mary’s, or even Mrs Calthorpe’s time.  

The special hatch allows deliveries to be dropped off, out of the sun and away from any birds and insects who might be looking for a treat.  Mary can take them straight inside without even opening the door!  

Every morning fresh milk is ladled into a white enamel billy.  Then the boy from the grocery comes with what has been ordered the day before, including occasionally fresh fish.  Each announces their arrival with a bright call of ‘Milk-Oh!’ or ‘Bottle-Oh!’.

Large chunks of ice, to keep the food cool, and firewood, to keep the house warm, of course go straight to the right place.  The kitchen knives are regularly sharpened up by a man with a special stone – they will last for a very long time.

There is any number of travelling salesmen who have delightful surprises on offer; from rabbits, to spices, to brushes and brooms.