To John and Caroline
I was greatly saddened by Sam’s death. He has been part of my life since 1947 when he became fiancé to my dear sister Barbara. In their courting days I was often given half a crown to go to the Comet Cinema in Mildenhall in order to avoid me playing gooseberry. I was delighted to be bridesmaid at their wedding in 1951 at St Mary’s, Mildenhall, and afterwards spent many happy hours with Ba and Sam in their first home in the Market Place next to the Doctors’ Surgery. I mention this because Dr Parsons was quite appreciative of their taste in music which he could hear through the walls. Records being played on their treasured Black Box.

When Sam moved to the West Riding County Library I spent most of my school holidays in their Wakefield home. It was there that I got well acquainted with Sam’s extensive library of classical music, traditional jazz and Burl Ives songs. It was during this period that I would accompany Sam and Ba to their friends homes for poetry reading, play readings and amateur dramatics. Sam had always an interest in literature and drama since playing Abraham Lincoln in a Newmarket Grammar School production. Sam and Ba would take me on visits to theatres, art galleries, museums and stately homes around Leeds and the West Ridings which was my introduction to the fine arts. Ken and I stayed in the Wakefield home shortly before I went off to college and Ken to do his National Service. With Sam’s next move to Derbyshire I had more happy holiday visits to his Belper home and enjoyed exploring the Peak District and Dales on outings with Ba and Sam. It was at Belper Xmas 1957 that Ken and I celebrated our engagement.

With Sam’s next move to Norfolk we were delighted to share more family ties and our interest in the history of India and in the historic churches of Suffolk.

Sam has played a big part in my life, influencing my decisions in many ways he will be sadly missed. Treasured memories forever in my heart.

Brenda