Family of Martin Harvey HENDERSON and Betty Joan Florence SPRATT

Husband:	Martin Harvey HENDERSON (1916-1980)
Wife:	Betty Joan Florence SPRATT (1921-2012)
Marriage	20 Nov 1946	The Parish Church, Woodhorn, Northumberland

Husband: Martin Harvey HENDERSON

Wife: Betty Joan Florence SPRATT

Note on Wife: Betty Joan Florence SPRATT (1)

I have been asked to read this tribute that Christine and Tom have written for their Mum; and I feel very privileged to read it.

 

Our Mum was the most wonderful Mum you could ever have. She was a very caring, happy, cheerful, cheeky, considerate and helpful Mum.

 

Tom and I have fond memories of our childhood. Especially our holidays by the sea in a caravan. We used to spend a lot of time on the beach and the evenings were spent on the fruit machines, while Mum and Dad were playing Bingo nearby.

 

In the late fifties our cousin Clive joined the Royal Air Force and came to stay with us when he had leave or long weekends. He was like our big brother and Mum and Dad took him under their wing and he became one of the family.

 

In the early sixties we moved into our first house in Ford Close. It was so exciting having our own house. I expect some of you will remember coming to visit us there and being made very welcome. Mum and Dad loved having family over.

 

In the early seventies Tom and I both got married and Mum and Dad were offered a bungalow in Charles Crescent. They were so thrilled to have a nice new bungalow that had just been built. It was much easier for them both as everything was on one level and with Dads health deteriorating it made life easier. Dad had to take early retirement and Mum cared for him and looked after him until he sadly passed away in 1980.

 

Mum found being alone difficult at first but her strong character and determination encouraged her to go to clubs and dancing classes. She made many friends and went away for some lovely holidays. I am told that she was always one of the first on the dance floor and was always lucky at Bingo. Mum even went to Spain where she got mugged and then went on a ride on a camel.

 

In 1999 Mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer but she battled through major surgery. I remember going to see her after her operation and though it was a massive operation her comments were that it wasn’t that bad at all and she would be out soon and could start dancing again. After a stay with us she did go back home and resumed dancing and Bingo.

 

 

In 2007 she was found collapsed on the floor of her bungalow in freezing conditions. They believe that she had been there for about three days. Her outlook was very grim but her fighting spirit got her through even though it left her a little on the frail side and unable to look after herself properly.

 

In the early part of 2008 Mum realised (after a trial run at home) that she could not continue living by herself. It was with great sadness that we transferred her to a Care Home in Watford. Fortunately, she settled in there very quickly, she loved the home and they loved her. She took part in nearly all the activities, including bingo, draughts, art work, quizzes, etc., and keep fit. She even managed to dance with a walking frame. They used to say there was never a dull momentt when Betty was about. The care and love she received there was second to none, which Tom and I will never forget.

 

Sadly, on 7th January this year, after being in bed since the beginning of December and putting up a good fight she slipped away in my arms. Tom and Chris were there as well so she was not alone and knew she was very much loved. I told her many times that day that we loved her and showered her with kisses.

 

At the moment we feel totally devastated. She was a wonderful loving Mum and we miss her so much it is almost unbearable.

 

We love you Mum and you will be forever in our hearts

 

Your loving Daughter Christine and Son Tom.

Note on Wife: Betty Joan Florence SPRATT (2)

Being asked to read Christine & Tom’s tribute to their Mum lead me to remember all that my Aunt Betty did for me during my first few years in the Royal Air Force.

 

Aunt Betty and Uncle Harvey were very kind and generous in allowing me to drop in at 66A St Anne’s Road whenever I had leave or a long weekend. I was always welcomed with open arms and they became adept at making up a bed in the lounge for me at short notice.

 

As a result of their kindness I was able to get to know my extended family around Harrow; family of which I knew nothing until I spent a holiday with them at number 66A a year or so before. I got to know my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

 

Christine and Tom were young at that time and we went to the little park in Bessborough Road to feed the ducks, had picnics at Ruislip Lido, I helped to get Tom’s train set working, and went to bingo sessions where I never won anything.

 

When the family moved to Ford Close I learnt to paint and hang wallpaper, my decorating started with lining the ceiling in the lounge, and there were other jobs like building a garden shed, all useful activities for later on in my life.

 

The most important thing during this time was that I met and courted the girl who became my wife, and I am sure that if Aunt Betty had not been so loving and kind in looking after me my life would have taken a totally different direction.

 

My Aunt Betty was wonderful; she was the mother I never knew, treating me like another son; I never knew her to say a cross word or be angry with anyone, she was very loving and kind to me and to everyone around her.

 

God Bless you Aunt Betty, may you rest in peace.

 

 

 

….Clive Spratt, 18th January 2012

Sources

1	"Wedding Invitation 1970 Harrow, Middlesex".

2	"Birth Cert 1916 Henderson Martin Harvey, St Andrew, Newcastle upon Tyne, ".

3	"Attestation Form Henderson Martin Harvey".

4	"Regular Army Certificate of Service Henderson Martin Harvey".

5	"Marriage Cert 1946 Martin Harvey Henderson & Betty Joan Florence Spratt, Woodhorn, Northumberland". Marriage Cert in possession of Betty J.F. Henderson 13 December 2006

6	"Telegram 1946 to Mr & Mrs Henderson".

7	"Post Office Admission Books 1947 Henderson Martin Harvey".

8	"Cremation Service Sheet 2012 Henderson Betty Joan Florence, nee Spratt".