Badsey
Evesham
Feb 3/97
My Dear Kathleen,
I think I will write to you this evening as Mother is writing to May and to-morrow, when I expect to stay the night at Pandy, I must send Georgie a “Pandy letter”, the little man tells us there is only one boy moved out of his form, also he says the special cake & nuts reserved for his birthday were “prime”. I may as well pass you on Arthur’s last letter which will give you news of that young man. By the way I will put your letter to Georgie in the envelope with mine.
That hen which was sitting when you left home has only brought off one white chicken, all the other eggs were addled, we think that egg which produced the chick must have been laid by one of Mrs Evans’ hens, another hen has now been sat on some Dorking eggs, I hope these will be more successful.
Yesterday I went to Stratford to a Freemason’s gathering and stayed the night, this morning the ground was quite thickly covered with snow and now the rain to-day has made the roads worse than they were before – which is saying a great deal.
I shall leave this letter open till to-morrow morning’s post comes in, in case we may hear the result of Jack’s exam.
Won’t it be strange if you find another vicar installed at Badsey next holidays, we are scarcely likely to get so good a preacher as Mr Gepp, however I hope we may get nice people who will manage the parish well.
I think the “Higher Cambridge” party must have been very successful and should have liked to see May acting the part of a hostess.
I forgot to say you children’s present to Georgie was a strong leather purse, like mine, which he had by post, the hymn book which Mother and I bought him we thought had better not go to the school.
Auntie Lottie offered to have Ethel if she wanted a change but if she goes anywhere I think it will be to Richmond as they have asked her there too and it is so much nearer, wouldn’t it be nice if she could come and see you if she stays there?
With love to you both
I remain
your affectionate Father
Julius Sladden
Thursday - No news of Jack’s exams.
