| Description | DOB: Unknown
DOD: Unknown
Raised in poverty in early 20th-century London.
Frequent relocations, often living in slum conditions, including Easton Street and Clerkenwell. Family moved often to avoid rent and lived in rooms without furniture, often sleeping on floors.
Attended several schools due to housing instability.
Bullied early due to his appearance and clothes.
Started working as a child to support the family:
Milk boy for several dairymen, delivery assistant to Dr. Chambers (his first experience of kindness and mentorship), collected wood and meat scraps for fuel, assisted in shops and did errands.
Later became a welfare officer in London, resigned as a welfare officer in 1958.
After retirement, worked as a voluntary hospital car driver and gave public talks on aging and retirement.
Married, mentions his two daughters and grandchildren
First World War: served in France and returned questioning inequality.
1944: nominated to be a Welfare Officer
1950s: Became a minister in the New Forest.
Spoke extensively across the West Country after retirement.
Worked closely with nurses and doctors, giving motivational and reflective talks.
Recounted impactful encounters with doctors (Dr. Chambers and Dr. Jelly).
Participated in political and trade union movements.
Originally handwritten at the age of 80, now Type-written
Poverty, Clerkenwell, East End, Slums, milk boy, Dr Chambers, Dr. Jelly, WWI, trade union, welfare officer, New Forest, aging, reminiscence, social justice, retirement, volunteer work, compassion, people-centric, childhood labour, hop-picking, storytelling. |