Many thanks for your very interesting letter and birthday present. I had to go out early this morning and wore the socks: they fit me like a glove and are a great improvement on the last pair which were rather generous about the ankle and calf,  and which have shrunk in the washing and are now near the mark.I am not surprised you took your badge with the second effort; they are fine.I got home ten days ago and feel fine, but my “old appletart” (slang for heart) won’t yet stand any hurry and scurry. He goes pit-a-pat and tells me to slow down a bit.

At Sidcup I lived in the sun and am still brown and sunburnt. What lovely walks there are in that neighbourhood, and I look forward to the day when you and Ivor and myself will be able to do two or three days hiking in that part of Kent. I could also get permission to shew you over Queen Mary’s Hospital and have tea in the canteen, or at Foot’s Cray, just near, where there is a dinky little café.

They now cater for  the gentle hiker everywhere at reasonable prices and the movement is spreading all over the  country.The silly people who rush around in motors don’t see the inner beauties of the countryside. To pad it afoot is glorious on the other hand, perhaps there are some fine places you could shew me in Hertfordshire! We’ll see, we’ll see; if providence wills it in His own good time.

Business is very bad and I am having an uphill fight. My poor pupils have dwindled, four in one family gone.I spent a happy afternoon and long evening with that family Tuesday last – my first feed of strawberries and cream.

My Chelsea pupil has written me three or four nice letters during my illness, Spanish lessons are only postponed with her as her business in the fruit trade at Covent Garden is at its height and she is being overworked. I have a couple of boys in The Bank of England on their holidays abroad and I don’t think they will restart till the winter months.

I like teaching, I make friends where I go and they make me at home and entertain me. I have been very lucky with my pupils and these things count with a lonely old man.I ought not to say I am lonely, you might misunderstand.

Chess takes me at any leisure moment among lots of people I have known more or less for fifteen years, and then of course the music business over a long period puts me into direct touch for hours a week with very nice acquaintances and customers; many of them very friendly. I have much to be thankful for in a quiet way.

I am so pleased that you are happy and contented with Mr and Mrs Bush. I would hate you to be in a job outside on your own just yet, and even for a few years you would find yourself very lonely, trust me. Ivor too, would be safer and happier with a job on the N.C.H&O.* The money doesn’t matter for the next four years – a home is everything – the kindly paternal touch! Besides, see the sport he gets!

I hope by the way, he sticks to his books a little bit.Remember me to ivor, and write soon.

With love, Dad                          *National Children’s Home & Orphanage