Badsey
Evesham
Mar 18/96
My Dear Kathleen,
You girls write such good long letters home that I think you are fairly entitled to receive some of a like sort in return and if there is not much news at times to relate I know you are always glad to have a little home gossip. Tom has not returned yet as the doctor wanted to see him yet again, I should rather like him to come before Easter as I am likely to be away. What excellent places you got last week in all subjects, I thought too that you would get top place in form before long, it is very nice to see you and May making such good use of your opportunities. Of course we are very pleased with out little “Dip” he was again 1st in form and 3rd in set last week, in writing to me the other day Mr Chambers remarks “your son is certainly doing well and shews now in his Latin the abilities which we had before observed in his English work,” of Jack he remarks, “I am glad your eldest son is working well but that was to be expected he ought to get in bar accidents”.
Mr Chambers was much pleased that one of the Brecon boys gained a scholarship at Queens College, Oxford a few weeks back. One of you had better make enquiries about the swimming lessons as, if not too expensive, we should certainly wish you to learn, I hope Arthur and George will both learn to swim in the river next summer .
Cylla boy woke up this morning while I was having my cocoa and bread and butter, before going to mash, Mother was of course asleep, he said, “Mother is a sleepy woman” and then added, “because she works so hard, cleaning plates and lots of things”.
Georgie got one lesson returned early last week but I said if there were no more I would not withhold the halfpenny and so he managed to earn it again, I am teaching him cribbage which he rather enjoys, especially when he can win a game.
Ethel had a good turn again at shorthand yesterday with Miss Macdonald, I hope she will do well in the examination on 26th. Now I must close this letter so with much love to you both
I remain
your affect Father
Julius Sladden
