ABSTRACT
Despite their somewhat carefree lifestyle since ensconcing Austin in a boarding school and moving back to central London, both Eric and Phyl were deeply alarmed to hear that Austin had succumbed to an epidemic of measles that swept the south coast during January 1931. As a result of complications, he was forced to undergo an operation and took nearly two years to return to full strength. After his discharge from hospital, Phyl and a nurse tended to Austin at Summer Days Cottage in Selsey. Coates joined the ‘other two’ (the three Coates en masse were often collectively known as ‘The Three Bears’) whenever his writing and professional commitments allowed, at other times remaining in isolation in London.1 Gradually his visits became longer as Austin returned to health. It must have been difficult for Coates to write any music, especially when for a short time in 1931 Austin’s life hung in the balance. It was not until early 1933 that life returned to normal, Austin returned to school and Eric and Phyl to London.
