Dorothy May Short was born in 1923 when her father Arthur was 25, and Gladys a year younger. Their soon also called Arthur with a second name of Leonard was born in 1928. Henceforth he was known as “Young Arthur” to distinguish him from his father, who underwent a name change to “Big Arthur” for the same reason.

Go to Gladys’ page (their Mother).

Some comments on the photo of Gladys and Arthur Shorts wedding. Starting with the front row L>R

Mrs Short, Alice, Arthur, Gladys, Gertie, Edna, Mrs Raybould
second row L>R
Mr Jack short, Rose, Lizzie Astle, unknown, Adeline, Unknown,,, Ivy, Fred,
Back
Charles Hill, Agnes, Annie or Doris One of these was already dead.
These are all the sisters. some of you may recognise some of the others Daisy must be there. possibly behind rose with the hat on.

Rose Daisy and Alice were Arthurs sisters

How did Dorothy meet Reuben? I have a feeling he was military. Was Dorothy in Ceylon during the war? What were the timings and more importantly, how did Edna meet Cecil and when did they marry?

Graham writes:
“Gladys was the eldest of the girls (after a sister died young). Edna was the youngest. As a result Edna and Dorothy were close in age and friends. Cecil, is my fathers (Reuben’s) brother and his best man. Edna was my mother’s bridesmaid – that’s how they met.”

Hazel has sent a photo and on the back is a comment.

She writes:
“Also an exotic dancing lady! – says on the back ‘to Grandmother & Grandfather with love from Dorothy”. It’s one of those printed onto a post card and it’s taken in a studio in Blackpool – so could well have been one of those where you dress up in character for a photo shot.”. Is this from Dorothy to Walter and Emily.

More of Graham Espin’s pdfs – Reuben at work – spot the Hillman Avengers – 1970-1976

Graham’s comment is:

“Dorothy Reuben & Patricia Espin

1. Reuben Espin.  This is after he remarried – never looked happy again
2. Reuben Espin.  After he retired but his wife was still working he got a job in the parts sales office.  They said he was too qualified but he enjoyed helping people out with their car problems.
3. Pat in her bedroom at Lechlade Road, Great Barr, Birmingham.  Note the Helen Schapiro hair do.
4. Finally, my mother, Dorothy Espin.  I can see the severe scar after her initial surgery  for Melanoma.  I believe she is holding a rabbit.