Family Memories Birmingham Grandfather

Other Activities

Health wise he had severe bouts of the 'flu with high temperatures being usually confined to bed for about ten days. He also had a nasty accident to his big toe and was very lame for a time. Then again he had a stomach ulcer and was away from work for several weeks on a strict diet. He convalesced at the Railwayman's Home at Ascog, Bute. Whilst there mother and her friend whose husband was also a railwayman went to see him and stayed for a holiday.

Later in life he suffered with painful "screws" as he called it, so much so that he was unable to get on his bike, but he never complained. I think dad's motto might well have been "Teach us delight in simple things". This is just what he always did. Coming home from work to find a tearful little daughter and a weary mother he promptly tied a piece of paper to a length of string and played with the cat round and round the table. Such antics soon got both his women folk laughing. How he enjoyed his Monday evening contests at the game of draughts with my Grandpa. At Grandpa's birthday parties we all had to say our party pieces. Dad would say his, solemnly he would announce "The lost sheep on the mountains" pause - then very plaintively "Baa…………aaa………..aa". There was much applause and laughter, despite the fact we had all heard it before. How happy and proud he was to share his allotment produce with friends and neighbours. The patience he had in stirring, stirring, stirring gruel made of very fine oatmeal for mother when she was poorly. He would polish his boots to perfection and in washing up each plate would not only be cleaned but polished until it really shone.

I remember the time when waiting in the train at Bristol to carry on our journey (to Devon of course) how he cheered my brother by suggesting they should push. So kneeling on the seat my brother pushed and Dad too and the train promptly started. (I think maybe Dad had heard the guard blow his whistle - don't you) and in retirement his joy at playing with his grandchildren. Trains of course with my nephew and a blackboard and row of dollies. Schools with my daughter or maybe hospitals with the dollies, my daughter being a nurse and her granddad the Doctor. Father died in hospital on 23 July 1960 to our intense sorrow. A neighbouring allotment holder when told of his death was deeply shocked and very grieved He said "Truly he was a Gentleman".