Bit of a mystery, this one. Seems to be the same group, but in much more formal clothes, with the addition of (presumably) my grandfather, Charles Frederick Lenton. Maybe just after the first world war.

Today may mark the end of the cold spell, but it’s still pretty nippy, with a lot of snow still on the ground despite a promised thaw and rain. Less pleasant than of late, if you can call extremely cold and snowy “pleasant”. Tomorrow we shall be heading for Nottingham and milder weather, to spend the new year with Vicky’s parents.

Back home after a great Christmas with David, Vicky and the grandchildren at Caddington. Had intended to bring back my brother Andrew, but wintry weather – or more precisely, the threat of very wintry weather – made us postpone his visit. Instead we set off for home early and arrived at 1pm after a pretty uneventful trip. But as we got to Norwich it started to snow heavily, and it kept going for quite a while.

The picture is of my grandmother (father’s mother) – Rosa Dorothy Lenton (nee Booth) – and the first of her children. I think I’m right in saying that the three standing in dark clothes are (l to r) Reg, Leonard and Frank. Also standing is my father, David William (Bill to my mother), looking like the little angel everyone says he was. Seated are the twins, Ken and Dorothea. As yet unborn are Kathleen and Paul. The last three mentioned are the only ones still living – and they are all living in Norwich, though Kathleen spent most of her life in Africa.

The picture was taken in Norwich, probably at their house and probably during or just after the first world war.

Exhausting day – very mild for the time of year. Quite a bit of Christmas shopping, plus a last visit to the university before Christmas: finally I have everybody’s work – and I’ve marked all but the four pieces on which I have to consult with the photography man.

Back on the ancestor trail, the picture is of my father’s father, Charles Frederick Lenton, born in Norman’s Cross, Northamptonshire, 1879. I have very few memories of him, but I remember a family gathering at Poringland where he gave me a hard-backed exercise book to write in. I remember distinctly being thrilled at this. He was once a railway lampman, but he had various other jobs, including working in the shoe-trade and – so I am told – helping to build the road over Mousehold Heath, Norwich, in the early 20th century.

Sorry about the gap. Christmas looming, university essays to mark, wife retiring… Speaking of which, here she is (right) at her “surprise” retirement do on December 16, being presented with a bottle of champagne by Sue Eagle, head of Tuckswood School in Norwich, where she had been deputy head for four years and taught for many years more. Sue called her an unusually gifted teacher, which shows how astute she is. Also speaking were Fred Corbett, Norfolk’s education number two (assistant director of children’s services), and Bill Russell, senior primary adviser, who had interviewed her – extremely rigorously – for the post of head at Alburgh with Denton School six years ago.

The party had been organised by Kim and Karen, reception teacher and secretary respectively. Cake by Marion, the magic cake-maker and classroom assistant. Wonderful evening, excellent buffet, great atmosphere. Dot was given a stunning gold bracelet studded with garnets.

Busy time at the moment. Son and grandson came up at the weekend to fix up my wife’s new Apple computer. Well, grandson was not too involved in that side of it, but he was pretty busy what with one thing and another. Took him over to the station to watch some trains, but it was bitterly cold.

This is an old picture of two families – my father’s and my uncle’s. My father David is at the back on the right, and next to him is his older brother Reg. In front of them are me and my cousin Jonathan (right). My mother is in the middle, and to her right at the back are Ruth and Brenda (left), Reg’s two daughters – both older than Jonathan. On Brenda’s lap is my younger brother, Andrew.

I guess this picture was probably taken at Kettering (maybe Wickstead Park) probably in about 1951. If so, my mother may be pregnant. The picture was probably taken by Reg’s wife, Dorothy.

When my father died suddenly in March 1955, Reg drove over in the fog from Kettering to be with us.