He had three brothers, two of whom have died, and five sisters, all living in Hertfordshire. His paternal grandfather and grandmother were both illiterate.

His father, John, born at Water End in the parish, worked for Mr. Crawford at Potterells Farm. His mother, Lucy, née McCullick, came from Ireland and worked in the kitchen at Potterells, the big house then owned by Mr. Seymour, (who had retired from Diplomatic Service).

He left the Parochial School for Boys in Welham Green when he was twelve, exempt at that age under the “labour examination”, to start work, also at Potterells Farm, and when seventeen, at Potterells.

Soon after, he worked for a number of contractors, digging sewers, at the local waterworks, on a gasometer, and for local builders. Finally, as storekeeper at Mowlems, retiring at 70.

Albert Thom 1983