A Family Remembered
It was a very lonely experience to move from a small, rural village, where I was known by almost everyone, to come to live in Luton. My husband, of four months, worked long unsociable hours. In desperation, one day I answered an advertisement for a pianist for a local Amateur Dramatics group. This was the beginning of forty-six years being part of the family of Hugh, Kathleen and Martin. I don’t remember much piano playing but I have many memories which came to the fore at Martin’s funeral on December 21st 2009.
As each of our children was born, Auntie Kathleen and Uncle Hugh became part of their lives. Birthdays were never forgotten and the cards were often kept as ‘special’ because of their beautiful pictures. At one of the last chats I had with Martin he was sad to have missed one of my grandchildren’s birthday when he was in hospital.
Kathleen made lots of soft toys and was always busy writing plays and short stories. After learning to drive and Martin had gone to Lingfield School, Kathleen spent many evenings keeping me company. These times were very special. Kathleen at that time was writing a script for a Pageant. Looking back at an old programme of this Pageant I see names known to some today. Philippa and Roberta Davis, Elizabeth and Amanda Fevyer, Barry Blewitt, Geoffrey Hibbert, David Cheetham, Nick Willsmore, Gillian Davis, Ronald Upton and Roger Wood was a ‘Voice’.
My daughter and grandchildren share Auntie Kathleen’s love of all things ‘theatre’ and so Kathleen’s work will be lovingly carried on.
I remember Hugh as a quiet, caring business man. When he bought the shop in Barton road, Martin and Kathleen both worked there. Martin meticulously stocking the shelves and Kathleen making many visits to the Cash-n-Carry.
Martin had an extraordinary interest in numbers and letters. Everyone who knew him was very aware that it was not good to telephone when Countdown was on TV. Sudoku, snooker, cricket and the football results were also high on his priority list. Martin made many lists and so was able to call to mind many statistics. He loved books, especially ones about faraway places; he was a great armchair traveller. His Aunt Dorothy fuelled much of his enthusiasm in his interest of exciting destinations with some wonderful books. My son once remarked that Martin did not need the Internet as he had books on so many interesting subjects. Kathleen’s love of verse is reflected in many books of poetry on the shelves.
When Judy, another Aunt came to live with the family, Martin had a real rapport with her and they could be heard chatting and laughing together over the washing-up. There was a strong feeling of love and respect between them.
Martin was a man of strict routine but this did not limit his interest in people and all things connected with St. Margaret’s Church. He held a number of offices in the church as lesson reader, Sidesman and collator of the Magazine edited by Kathleen. I wonder how many people have completed the crosswords and puzzles compiled by Kathleen and Martin.
Over the years I have been privileged to have known this unique family. As I look back I realise how much they have influenced our family. I am sure there are many more folk who have been affected by the care, enthusiasm and love of the family Richardson.
We remember them with much affection.
Eileen Hooper