May 9th 1909
My dear Father
It is a nuisance having to go to Birmingham for that practical chemistry exam; it is very fortunate that there is a convenient train there. I wondered whether they would have any practical exam at all; I am glad they are doing so as I am not likely to lose there. I wonder at there being no good laboratories in Worcester that they could get; I expect the Birmingham ones will be a sort of paradise to work in. They are rather rash to stuff all the other chemistry into one paper. You may take it that I shall come to Badsey by the train you mention, unless I let you know otherwise; I am practically certain to come by it.
I have got just under £5 for Morton; we are now wondering what to get for him. It is always a difficult matter to decide.
The weather this week has been just about perfect, it is very useful for the cricket as it gives the fellows a good chance to get plenty of practise (sic).
We were beaten in our own first match yesterday, but not by anything very alarming only 164-126. E Llewelyn who is captain started well with 66, Eric raised a duck. All the masters except Chambers play cricket now; I have never known so many before.
The latest idea if Chambers is to make everyone in the school without exception have half an hour singing lesson a week. The present method is very useless, as members of the choir do all the singing that is of the slightest use, and they are the ones that need it least. I want to persuade him to make the music man turn off the choir on some occasion and listen to the rest; it would be magnificently amusing.
Many thanks to Mother and Ethel and Judy for their letters, I am glad that Judy had such a good day at Stratford. Many thanks also for presents promised.
Love to all from
your affectionate son
Cyril E. Sladden
