The Family of Ethel Mary Best and Ron Sloper
Ethel Mary was born at Blandford. She wanted to be a teacher but failed the
medical due to her bad eyesight. She tried several other occupations – secretary
cum chauffeur to a lady in Dorking, then a dressmaker (not so good for the
eyes), before eventually returning to Blandford to help her father in the
coal business. During the war she became Fuel Officer for North Dorset.
From schooldays, Ethel had two constant boyfriends, Ron and Eddie, but
was in no hurry to get married. They both stayed faithful until 1947, when
she decided to marry Ron E Sloper. They were married in 1948 at Blandford.
Ethel died in February 1996 at Blandford Hospital. Ethel and Ron had two
children.
| Parents |
- John Jenvey SLOPER (MD). John married Myra Harvey in Belfast, Ireland They lived in Nottingham and moved to North London in 1998 where John is Consultant (Eye Surgeon) at Moorefields Hospital. Myra is also at Moorfields Eye Hospital. They have two children
- Philip SLOPER (MD) trained at London Hospital, Whitechapel (1994 - ) then worked at the Chelmsford Hospital in 1999. In 2001 he moved to Norwich Hospital A&I. He intends to specialise in orthopaedics.
- Jenny SLOPER (MD) trained at London Hospital, Whitechapel (1997 - ). Jenny also played cello in a youth orchestra. Jenny married Paul Hawkins on 14th July 2001 at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London. On return from their honeymoon in Norway they will live at Whitechapel.
- Susan (Sue) SLOPER was a State Enrolled Nurse and worked at a clinic in Bournmouth caring mainly for elderly people. She returned to Shillingstone to care for her father who had Parkinson's disease and worked there in a nursing home for the elderly. At this time she developed back problems and left to become Assistant Matron at a boarding school in Shillingstone until 1997 when she retired due to ill health. She is now classed as disabled, but is able to do a little car hire work, ferrying the village people to and from the doctor, dentist and hospital in Blandford. Sue's interests include Brownies.