aa62 Thank you for the info and book reference.
The Dowdens were senior members of a group of young couples in Nottingham. Money was tight post war but the group had a great community spirit and the remaining members are still in touch. ACD's children, who were a lot older than us, ran what we called the OK Kids Corral.
He died in his late 50s so I don't remember him that well. I do remember Sprog the dog and ACD's favourite sayings: up yer pipe and never mind chaps, press on. Both children died relatively young.
Will send you a pm.