Family Memories Cinderford

Difficulties and recovery

On the 21 October 1926 I went to school as usual but had left the house with my father not well an unusual occurrence with him. Coming home mid-day I was told by neighbours not to go upstairs. I knew what had happened.

My brothers and sister were sent for and after a post mortem the funeral took place. He was buried with many of his family in the churchyard of St. John the Baptist at Huntley. The cortege was by coach and horses from Cinderford to Huntley. I can hear the tolling of the bell now, sounding over his boyhood fields as we neared Huntley Church.

His death for me I remember as a dream-like experience. The former activities of mine were pointless and I retreated into myself avoiding people and speaking to no-one for several months.

Winter was coming and with it a blank and bleak future.

My mother and I moved into three rooms of our bungalow using one bedroom, living room and a box room which served as my bedroom with no windows or ventilation. Our cooking was done over the fire-grate. Visits were made by my mother to Birmingham where Vincent her son had found a house for us. Selling up everything at Cinderford was a trial to my mother who was 59. There was no will. Eventually the assets were realised and from the proceeds just enough emerged to pay for 31 Headingly Road, Handsworth, Birmingham our new home.

The existence in the bungalow at Cinderford in the worst months of the year was an endurance to say the least. I contracted an abscess in my ear and spent two weeks in bed in the box room. I remember the kindness of F H Munn and his family who were nearby business people, in sending across basins of gruel for me.

In due course we moved to Birmingham taking our furniture which included my mother's treasured possession, her Collard and Collard piano.

The story continues in the Birmingham section of this site.