Friends
Jennie Thomas
I first met Eric shortly after he retired and moved with Ellen to Anlaby. I quickly learned that he had been a teacher and a headmaster, and through Anne I knew that he had been Director of LTC at York, but I knew nothing of his other achievements, his involvement with the Basque children, his army career, his work with various committees, his dedication to the teaching of foreign languages, and more, much more... I found out about them gradually over the years following. He was the most modest of men, keenly interested in hearing of everyone else's achievements but rarely mentioning his own.
Almost every week I went to Anne's home to enjoy a coffee with her and with Ellen, and Eric would invariably join us. Conversation and laughter would flow!
I have two possessions that have a special place in my home. One is a copy of Listening to Lorca, which Eric gave me, and the other a picture which used to hang in their lounge, a picture of a part of Denmark Ellen knew well. I think of them both with regard and affection whenever I look at it.