1958-61

[59th page – October 1958, November 1959, February 1961, in blue and red ballpoint]

Oct 25th
We had fine week the first of the year I should think and just too cold.  Dick come on C.S. pension on Nov 1st but will be taken back until hes 65.  this redundancy is Causing it this way  to stop in his same position he would have to go away so this is the way to do things  his pension will make up for any loss in Wage. that hes had

Oct 30th 58  A wonderful week just like Summer  Sunday Mrs Bonham Carter Came  She is Going to Africa for 9 months on the 11th  nice to be able to go into the Sunshine for the Winter  she look very well.  Dick is having trouble with his eyes a cattaract  coming In the Right one.

Nov.59  A year has passed since writing.  the Summer excelled itself.  the Hottest & driest for 100 yrs  Lost “Nan” suddenly in August  Margaret has another daughter oct 16th Sharon. and last Sat 14th bought another Dog.  havent named her yet  born oct 5th a “weimeeraner” the weather although it is seasonable as regards Damp & Fog & Frost & wind is good  can still pick mushrooms

[now in red ball-point]
Feb 1961
I think this the last thing I’ll write in this book.  Good & bad things are here recorded  We all had a very good Christmas and New Year tilll Jan 12th when Tragedy happened  dont read any further if you dont wish to

[60th page – February 1961, in red ballpoint]

Richard, who had got all he’s worked for (scholasticlly) spelling may be incorrect why worry. Committed Suicide by Gassing himself

the greatest shock ever.  18 yrs and everything to live for and had had a wonderful life in spite of his rotten Father  a Senator at School.  Rugger Captain & senior Scout  His mother had gone without to give him all she could.  he’d been to the Big Jamboree and to Austria with Roger & other Scouts. last August  now he would have been independent  the GEC had accepted him for his capabilities was paying his living fee’s  approx £7 a week & his University fees also Book money.  How proud His mother & we all were and oh why did he do it  we’ll never know.  he was Cremated at Porchester. on the 17th  the school was represented 4 Master 12 boys 2 ScoutMasters & scouts and a wonderful lot of Letters full of praise for him and his mother .  all his Father thought of when he read it in the news was he should have be notified be cause of the INSURANCE  he got no help. the Beast  it was no thanks to him the boys have got where they are  May Roger & Peter be a blessing to their mother   

[Ellen died only a few weeks later, on the 24th March 1961, of a stroke]