This is a picnic by Shell Bay (near Southend). That's Uncle Cyril and Auntie Allie. Caroline is standing up and you can just see Deanie behind. The gramaphone is behind Mum. Pretty substantial stones holding the blanket down!

Daphne and Bobby

She looks like my big sister - she certainly seems to know what's going on. She's one of the boys. I used to love that shirt!

Pictures of my Best Sister

What a beauty she is! Such poise and elegance!
I think that must be big brother (and maybe Bobby in the background)
Guess who'll win the dressing up competition on board ship.
Kids these days!

A Breeks' Boarding School veteran - and nearly 5!
There were about 20 beds in my dormitory at Lushington Hall. My bed was at the end nearest to Miss Reeves' door. She was matron, if I was good I got horlicks. Once, a few of us dallied on our way back from the day-school in town; we all got the bristle brush on our bare bottoms, over her knee, as she sat in the place with basins. It didn't seem at all funny at the time, and I never did it again.
Tuesday afternoon was tuck-time. Once David and I each were sent a small wooden box filled with goodies. The condensed milk was my favourite. On Sundays we would march down the hill to church in Ooty. The marching order was "left, left, left-right-left" to be shouted by an older boy acting as sergeant - one day, I was proud because it was my big brother David.

Blowing bubbles on the Ooty train

Mum and David

Ludo on the Ooty train

David was 10, Mum was 35. Of course it was Dad behind the camera, and I think he got this one just right!

On the train to Ooty

David's in school uniform for Breeks'. I don't remember if we were coming or going. Looks like a music score on that paper in Mum's hand. I think the tin in the handbag would have contained cigarettes. Doesn't look like there's a window where David is sitting. I like the style of Mum's jacket, with the broad shoulders and big lapels. Daphne looks very curious and involved,(she must have been just turned 4 years old)

Assam Memories

Mum is grooming our two dogs. Otto was the name of the sausage dog, for whom we had a song; "Otto, the Botto, the king of all the Dottos!" Can't remember the Pekinese's name. That's Daphne in the background, in bare feet. Looks like the pram is missing a pair of wheels.

I think this is Assam. Mum's in her slacks. I don't know where David is. We kept that cylindrical food container well into the Barking and Epping Forest Days. That estate car was a "Willie's", I used to like riding at the back next to that big spare tyre. It's funny, can you see the Jeep behind? I was sure it was a landrover we had as our second vehicle. I notice the Willie's has a deep dent.