Badsey
Evesham
Feb 15/99
My Dear Kathleen,
I will enclose a few newspaper cuttings as they may serve for reading during “Retreat”, I hope Ethel will survive it, I think it is rather a case for the “Society for the prevention of cruelty to children” to take up. Did you manage to get through that Church debate in parliament, the Standard I sent you was quite an ecclesiastical number, Mr Balfour’s speech in the house of Commons was a good one. Are you able to “touch” anyone in “Retreat” if so pat Ethel on the back for me for her good place in form, of course she may not be able to maintain such a position as yet but I dare say she will do very creditably on the term’s work.
Jimmy could only get 17th out of 28 last time, I think he is getting I Kings up pretty well as he answered all my questions last week and most of the former ones, I have sent some “searchers” this week. Arthur has been 4th & 5th in form so far, he expected to be higher last week. His birthday will be on Tuesday, he would like for his presents something towards his new “bike”, I have secured a good second-hand “Rover” for him at Prices for £5, of course he will try and make something out of his old cushion type.
Dip says he likes his new mathematical master Mr Bartley. Jack moves to-morrow with his landlady, the address will be Codrington Villa, Codrington Road, I think he will consult uncle Frank about the purchase of a bicycle for the summer it would be such a nice thing for him to have one and some of us can lend him the money for a bit.
Georgie has written us some capital letters this term, his friend Harrison has at last returned.
Uncle John’s eldest sister Mrs Collard is just dead, it is really a happy release for she has been a great sufferer for a long time.
Cyril is a good boy with the poultry, those 10 little chickens get on well and go out in the orchard in the rare intervals of fine weather, the first hatch should come off next week. We must try and have the theatricals during the holidays, do you know at all when you will come home, Arthur thinks he comes in Easter week. I must leave some news for the others to give so good night, love to you all
your affectionate Father
Julius Sladden
