The CBB :: View topic - Sharlie Andrews

#1: Sharlie Andrews - part 5 Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 9:34 am

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Snapshots

And so, after an all too brief trip back to Liverpool to see my family, I found myself standing on Victoria station waiting for my escort to the Gornetz Platz and the Chalet School. I’d read the instructions sent to me by Miss Annersley so often that I knew them off by heart, but that didn’t stop my nerves. I anxiously fingered the heather pinned to my coat and glanced up at the clock yet again. As with all new beginnings in my life this one had begun that morning on Lime Street station, only this time it was all so different. By the time I’d returned to Liverpool from university the initial shock of losing me to Switzerland had worn off and I’d had nothing but support from Rebecca and Elizabeth, and Aunt Jane had hardly been able to hide her pride. Philip had teased a little, but he always did, it was just his way. All the same I couldn’t help but feel worried about how far we might drift with me so far away. You’re 21 Sharlie, Rebecca said to me, your life is your own, Carpe Diem nan said. Touch the sky, I replied quietly. I had always followed the advice given to me by nan and dad, I liked to think that they were looking down on me proudly.

Miss Andrews, a voice cut through my thoughts.
I snapped back to reality to see the owner of the voice, who I assumed to be my escort. Yes, that’s me, I said.
Oh good, she replied with relief. I’m Peggy Burnett, she stuck out a hand which I shook. I’m sorry I’m late, beastly train from Brighton got held up. I’ve been visiting an old college friend for a couple of days, have you come far?
Just from Liverpool, I replied. I’ve been staying with my sister. I didn’t want to give too much of myself away just yet.
Peggy looked up at the clock. Have you got everything you need? We should be making a move towards the train.

I nodded and we set off in the direction of the boat train to Paris. Peggy handled everything with the enviable ease of a seasoned pro, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit jealous.

Have you ever been to Switzerland before, she asked once we were comfortably ensconced on the train.
I nodded. I visited with friends last summer, it was glorious.
We’ll be met at Interlaken rather than having to catch the train up to the Platz which will make life a little easier. I must say, it’s marvellous having the school back in the Alps after all this time; it’s not quite the Tyrol but I suppose it’s the closest we’ll get until politics sorts itself out.
I doubt it ever will, I said quietly. If life has taught me anything it’s that politics never sorts itself out.
We both stared out of the window at the passing urban landscape. Eventually Peggy broke the silence. It’s the juniors you’re going to teach isn’t it? I nodded. Why them?
I shrugged. I don’t really know. I suppose because you can still shape them at that age, or rather it’s easier to do so. Well, that and I wouldn’t feel comfortable teaching the older ones just yet. I’m too close to my own schooldays!
Peggy chuckled. Where were you at?
St Monica’s in Cornwall, near Saltash, and then the Institute of Education at London University.
Peggy nodded. I’ve never heard of St Monica’s I’m afraid. But it’ll be nice to have someone else who isn’t an Oxbridge graduate on side! I was at Bedford by the way.
Oh my friend Tish is there, training to be a PT mistress.
Great, beamed Peggy. There aren’t enough of us out there.

We talked most of the way to Paris but I was careful not to give too much away about myself; it wasn’t that I didn’t like Peggy, I just needed to find my feet first.

Last edited by pim on Thu May 12, 2005 6:59 am; edited 62 times in total

#2: Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 9:43 am

Thanks Pim. Good to see this part underway and looking forward to seeing Sharlie settling in at the school

#3: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 10:50 am

Thanks Pim. I'll be interested to see the school and its inhabitants from Sharlie's perspective.

#4: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 11:13 am

Looking good Pim, thank you. Hope Sharlie finds her feet quickly and makes friends easily.
Look forward to seeing everythign from her perspective.

#5: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:27 pm

Yay! I'm so glad you continued straight away.

I can see why she would be cagey about her background till she knows people better.

#6: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 1:20 pm

yay!!!!!!
Sharlie is back!
Thank you Pimmythetwist!

#7: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 1:33 pm

Yippee, Thank you Pim.

So glad Sharlie is back.

#8: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 3:14 pm

Good to see this back Pim Very Happy

#9: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:02 pm

Thank you Pim, I'm so glad to see the new part already.

Can see why Sharlie would be cagey about her life before CS, it will be very interesting st see her grow as she settles and makes friends.

#10: Author: Emily, Location: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes.

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:38 pm

Yay, she's back! Shiny Pimgelina Ballerina Smile

#11: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 5:33 pm

Ooh Im so glad Sharlie is back an I cant wait to he her perpective on her teaching years Very Happy

#12: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 6:45 pm

Yay! Sharlie is back Very Happy

Yay! Sharlie is at the CS Very Happy

Yay! Pimisshiny Very Happy

Liz

#13: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:25 pm

I was awoken the following morning shortly before the train pulled into Basle by Peggy shaking me vigorously. I’d only fallen asleep a couple of hours previously and wasn’t too enthralled by the prospect of getting up. You can nap on the train through to Interlaken, said Peggy as we hurried through customs. I was amazed by Peggy’s German; I’d thought that my own was none too dusty, but beside Peggy’s it was elementary. Besides, I struggled to make any sense of the Schwyzerdeutsch the customs man spoke. You’ll soon pick some up, Peggy informed me once we were settled on the train to Interlaken, I understand a lot more than I’m able to speak. I tried to not fall asleep again but couldn’t help my eyes closing and was somewhat disgruntled to be shook awake at Interlaken.

We passed through the Bahnhof at a great pace and into the fresh air. I’m dying for a wash, groaned Peggy as she scanned the crowds gathered outside, now where is Rosalie? I stood amongst the crowd, feeling somewhat lost and suddenly unsure of things. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice the woman Peggy referred to as Rosalie join us. It was only when her this is Miss Andrews cut through my meanderings that I realised. Pleased to meet you, she said holding out a hand to me which I shook shyly, have you both got everything, I’m not coming back if you’ve left your wash bags on the platform. Peggy blushed deeply, did you have to bring that up, she asked as we began walking towards where the school’s car was. Once packed in we were off to the Chalet School.

Hidden in the back amidst various packages I soon lost track of the conversation in the front and indulged myself in the marvellous views. I was suddenly thrown back to St Moritz, and I knew that this was it; I had found where I belonged. Any nerves I had about the school suddenly faded, this was meant to be. The road twisted and turned, winding its way up to the Gornetz Platz, there were times when I wondered if we would make it all the way up in one piece, but somehow we made it. The Gornetz Platz, Peggy announced from the front, how do you like it? I gasped as I tried to take it all in, it was simply perfect. I nodded, dumbstruck by it all.

Out you two get, said Rosalie as she pulled up outside the school entrance, no don’t fuss about your bags, Peggy, I’ll sort them. We scrambled out of the car and into the school building. We’ll let the Head, or Heads, know we’ve arrived then we’ll get a proper wash, said Peggy as she whisked me through a rabbit warren of corridors. There wasn’t time for me to take everything in, and I was convinced that I’d never find my way around. Here’s the study, announced Peggy as she stopped and knocked on a door, entering when we were called to do so. I followed Peggy into a room which was a far cry from the study Miss Fairacre had had at St Monica’s. I recognised Miss Annersley sitting behind the desk, but I didn’t recognise the almost white haired lady sitting to one side, I assumed she was Miss Wilson. Miss Annersley looked up and smiled, Peggy, she said, and Miss Andrews. I smiled back shyly, I had well and truly arrived at the Chalet School.

#14: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:33 pm

oooh more Sharlie!!!!! And I promise to read it faithfully from the start this time.

Thank you Pimmalia

#15: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 11:57 pm

Yay! Sharlie's back and we didn't have to wait very long!

Thank you Pimighty!

#16: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:58 am

I just caught up on the last 6 pages of the previous chapter of Sharlie's life. So nice to be able to continue right on.

Pim, I hope you are spending your easter break productively writing for us!

#17: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 4:31 am

Thank you, Pim! Boy, are you productive....

I'd be more surprised if Sharlie weren't a bit hesitant to share her background at first. Even when someone isn't worried about being "different," it's more common to build acquaintanceship step by step than to pour out one's life story without preamble. But it's fascinating to see her consciously avoiding revealing too much.

Laughing

Rosalie's teasing of Peggy. Great intro to the CS!

#18: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 10:26 am

Thank you Pimlie.

Glad Sharlie's feeling a little more sure of her self and that certainty that she is in the right place.

#19: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 12:12 pm

Wonderful Pim!!! Thank you hunny!

#20: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 12:18 pm

Thanks Pim.

#21: Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 1:34 pm

Yay! Sharlie's back! Thank you Pim, I WILL keep up this time Confused

#22: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 5:31 pm

Thanks Pimiffle

So glad Sharlie knows she's where she belongs

Liz

#23: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:12 pm

After being greeted we were sent for a wash and I was glad to feel the delicious coolness of the water against my skin cleaning away the grime of the train journey and change into fresh clothes. Once I was changed Peggy came to find me and take me back to the study from my room. My own room, the first I’d ever had all to myself. I’ll never find my way around, I groaned as we headed through the rabbit warren of corridors. You’ll be fine by the time term starts next week, returned Peggy, in the meantime I’ll be your sheepdog, so to speak. I smiled gratefully, feeling not so completely lost anymore.

Welcome to the Oberland Miss Andrews, Miss Annersley said as Peggy left me. We’re very pleased to have you here.
I flushed. Th… Thank you, I stammered, I’m very pleased to be here.
How do you like it so far, asked Miss Wilson. I suppose it must make quite a change from – Liverpool, isn’t it?
I nodded. It’s a whole world away.
I can well imagine, said Miss Annersley smiling. Miss Wilson and I know your background of course, but telling the rest of the staff is up to you. We didn’t think you’d want to start with any pre- or even misconceptions about you.
Thank you, I said gratefully.
Is this your first time abroad, asked Miss Wilson.
Oh no, I said, almost eagerly, I spent last summer in France and Switzerland with some school friends.
Miss Annersley smiled. Miss Andrews and I met in Interlaken last summer.
I… I didn’t think you remembered that, I said blushing furiously.
Your friend…
…Tish, I supplemented.
She certainly leaves an impression on people. I found myself grinning and hastily straightened my face. I see you kept up your French and German at university.
I nodded. My German’s a bit dusty though.
It’ll soon come, said Miss Wilson sympathetically. When you’re surrounded by it two days a week you soon pick it up.

I smiled, wondering just how much I’d pick up from the juniors.

As far as your form goes, put in Miss Annersley. You’ll be form mistress to the Thirds, there’s only eleven of them but Ailie Russell, Janice Chester and Judy Willoughby have the air of demons in the making. Ailie is Lady Russell’s daughter, she qualified, but she most certainly does not merit any special treatment for it! I smiled weakly, my nerves resurfacing. We’ve also timetabled you for a few Junior Middle classes, only dictée and précis really, but your timetable’s fairly flexible so you can keep up to date with your university work. Don’t be afraid to ask people to cover your classes if that’s suffering, and don’t be afraid to ask any of us for help if you need it. We’re all looking forward to seeing your graduation snaps!
Have you got much work to do, queried Miss Wilson.
A couple of essays, I replied. And my, well, I suppose it’s the equivalent of a dissertation.
What’s it on, asked Miss Wilson, seemingly genuinely interested.
The Jewish Question during the War, the politics of memory and the necessity for commemoration through education, I said feeling my cheeks burning. I just have to write it now, all my research is done, the plans are written.
Miss Wilson and Miss Annersley exchanged glances. Then Miss Wilson spoke, that’s a brave subject to be taking on.
There are still so many people who don’t believe though, I said passionately and at the same time suppressing a shudder as I thought about Julia, Anna and Dr Clayton.
That’s as may be, but you won’t find any non-believers here, returned Miss Wilson. Some of us have first hand experience of Nazi brutality from when we were in the Tyrol.
My curiosity was roused, but Miss Annersley interrupted. That’s a story for another day, she said as there was a knock on the door. Herein!
The door opened and a woman, only an inch or two taller than myself entered. Sorry to disturb you Miss Annersley, she said. But we wanted to invite you both to Kaffee in the staff room before Miss Wilson has to go back to Welsen.
Miss Annersley smiled. We’ll be along shortly, thank you Biddy. She looked at me. Miss Andrews – Charlotte, we may call you that unofficially? I nodded. Biddy, this is Charlotte Andrews, the new junior mistress, take her and show her the staff room, she came over with Peggy.

Biddy nodded and signalled me to follow her, and I did.

Edited cos I'm a wee bit silly sometimes... thanks Kate Wink

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 22, 2005 10:34 pm; edited 1 time in total

#24: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:14 pm

Oh lovely - thank you Pim -this is soooooooooo good! Laughing

#25: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:17 pm

This is great, Pim - thank you for getting Sharlie to Switzerland so quickly. I'm sure she'll do well.

I'm also going to be very interested to see how she gets on with her dissertation - I assume that you *will* be sharing parts of it with us in due course - please!!!

#26: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:27 pm

Oooh this is wonderful, so good to see Sharlie in the home we know for her Very Happy

Thanks Pimble Bee

#27: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:40 pm

Brilliant! Glad to see the Chalet from Sharlie's perpective.
*Getting comfortable and stirring cup of hot chocolate*
Looking forward to more!
Mexican Wave

#28: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:55 pm

Most satisfying, Pim.

It's so nice to see her there. Razz

#29: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 9:07 pm

Perfect Pimmykins!

#30: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 10:31 pm

pim wrote:

Miss Annersley smiled. Miss Andrews and I met in Interlaken next summer.

I know Miss A is the equivalent of superwoman but really!! Shocked

Thanks for starting this so quickly - knew there was something missing last week without the Sharlie fix!!

#31: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 3:10 am

Lovely to see such a supportive staffroom atmosphere Pim.

Le Sigh

I wish my management was as nice...

Anyway, I look forward to reading more about Sharlie in Switzerland.

#32: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:07 am

Spot who's avoiding the library like the plague...

I followed Biddy to the staff room, she chattered away as we walked, pointing out things that I would need to know. I noticed a faint hint of an Irish accent in certain of her words and longed to ask her where she was from, but I was too shy. In the staff room I was confronted by the group of women who would be my colleagues in the coming years; they were sitting around in groups, chattering eagerly, catching up on holiday news and drinking coffee. Biddy steered me towards a group of three sitting by the window. Peggy was one of them, another a tall, well built woman with honey coloured hair, and the third a few years older than me with a friendly face and laughing eyes.

There you are, said Peggy with a grin. Have a pew. Biddy pulled a couple of chairs over, and I gratefully sat down. This is Nancy Wilmot – maths, and Rosalind Moore – geography, she indicated to them both. This is Miss Andrews, the new junior mistress. Nancy and Rosalind both smiled and nodded. I say, must we keep calling you Miss Andrews, or may we use your Christian name?
I was a little taken aback, I’d expected to have to wait for that sort of thing, but nodded anyway. It’s Charlotte, but my friends and family call me Sharlie. My younger sister coined it when we were little and it’s stuck.
Oh, may we call you Sharlie, asked Peggy. You don’t look a bit like a Charlotte, you’re definitely more of a Sharlie.
If you like, I replied.
Where are you from, asked Rosalind suddenly. There’s a tinge to your accent I can’t quite place.
I’m from Liverpool, I answered with a smile. I’ve just been back for a couple of weeks to stay with my sister, apparently my accent is always a little more marked when I’ve been back.
Rosalind smiled in reply. Really? I know Liverpool quite well, I spent part of my childhood in the Wirral. My father was a lawyer in Liverpool. I was quite sorry to leave there for London when I was fourteen. Where did you grow up?
Oh you wouldn’t know it, I said dismissively. It was in the docks area; well that was where I grew up before the war. We moved a bit further out after the war to live with my aunt, but I’ve only been back for holidays since.
Do you want some coffee, asked Peggy suddenly. Jeanne had just made some before you and Biddy arrived, her coffee’s like nectar, it’s simply marvellous.
I’ll get it, said Biddy leaping from her seat.
Peggy stretched luxuriously in her seat and gazed out of the window. It looks glorious out, she remarked. I should think we’ll be able to start tennis and cricket quite early on. Did you ever play either of those Sharlie?
A little tennis, but my school didn’t play cricket. I was reserve a few times for tennis, played a couple of times as well. But I preferred lacrosse by far.
Peggy grinned. Good, I can bag you for helping with coaching then on occasion, if you’re not too snowed under that is.

I grinned back, glad to be finding my feet in some way.

#33: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:10 am

Lovely. Thank you Pimtrotter!

#34: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 12:20 pm

It's nice to see Sharlie back.

Thanks Pimmygranite Very Happy

JackieJ

#35: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 12:31 pm

Lovely to see her settling in. Thanks Pim Very Happy

#36: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 6:15 pm

Thank Pim&Vinegar.

Whoneeds libraries anyway! Laughing

#37: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 7:37 pm

Lesley wrote:

Thank Pim&Vinegar.

Who needs libraries anyway! Laughing

I do!!! I wouldn't have any income otherwise!!!

#38: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 7:42 pm

Lesley wrote:

Who needs libraries anyway! Laughing

*g* I did successfully avoid going today, and just swivelled on my chair all afternoon in the lab...

The ensuing days bordered on the chaotic as we sorted through piles of text books and stationery, arranged the form rooms, tidied the games equipment and all sorts. I soon got to know my colleagues in the staff room and found myself referred to as a combination of Miss Andrews, Charlotte and Sharlie depending on who was addressing me. Nancy, Biddy and Peggy had taken me under their wing; and, after Biddy had explained to me how she had come to be adopted by the school, I felt a little more comfortable divulging the details of my childhood. The response had been supportive once the initial shock had worn off. I figured they weren’t used to being confronted with people like me. I spent a good part of the week staring at the register for my form attempting to memorise the names before term began – I had images of the eleven in my head, but very much doubted that they would match the reality.

I wasn’t on escort duty, but at the last minute the Heads decided to send a group of us down to Berne with the coaches to meet the school there on account of the 23 new girls, and my juniors. The nerves that had been dissolving over the last few days now resurfaced as we climbed on to the coaches. Nervous, Ruth Derwent asked me with a friendly smile as she slipped into the seat beside me. A little, I admitted with a wry grin. Don’t worry, she said reassuringly, I’m sure you’ll be fine, besides you’ll have Beth Chester on the coach with you to help out. I looked puzzled, the name rang a bell, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. She helps look after the kids over at Freudesheim, explained Ruth.

I smiled, I’d have to have been deaf to not have heard about the Maynards since I’d arrived at school and that Mrs Maynard was Josephine M. Bettany, the authoress. I’d read a couple of her books at school but I’d found them much of a muchness and given up on them. I’d soon found through that with all the praise the others heaped on her, I wouldn’t be able to be completely honest about my attitude towards them. I’d enjoyed them as much as I’d enjoyed any other school story but in all honesty I didn’t have much time for that particular genre. I’d been diplomatic enough when I’d been asked if I’d read them, I just hoped I wouldn’t be expected to teach them!

We arrived in Berne long before the train and had spent an anxious half hour on the platform waiting. Then suddenly there was a great whistle and the train steamed into the station and a mob of schoolgirls descended. I followed Ruth, who seemed to know what she was doing amidst the chaos on the platform. I was introduced to Miss Denny, a pleasant looking middle aged woman and then Beth Chester, a strikingly pretty girl of around my own age.

#39: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 8:06 pm

Thank you Pimmy

Great to see how this links with with Kenya, and thanks for the sneaky preview of Joan Bertram Very Happy

#40: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 8:09 pm

Love Sharlie's opinion of Jo's books! Laughing

Thanks you Pimulo nimbus!

#41: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 9:31 pm

Thanks Pimgeotensinogen

I'm glad Sharlie was able to tell them something of her background. I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't the only member of staff to have that opinion about Jo's books.

Liz

#42: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 11:05 pm

Thank you!!!

*g* at the idea of Sharlie teaching JMB's to the Juniors!

#43: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 11:47 pm

Very glad Sharlie is settling down and love her opinion of Joey's books!

#44: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 12:04 am

Lesley wrote:

Who needs libraries anyway! Laughing

Heresy!!!
Even those that spurn such worthy entries as EBD (or JMB Very Happy

) can be lovely.

But there's no need to spend every waking hour there....

Thanks, Pim!

#45: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 2:49 pm

Elder in Ontario wrote:

I'm also going to be very interested to see how she gets on with her dissertation - I assume that you *will* be sharing parts of it with us in due course - please!!!

Seeing as I got 18/20 (a first!!! Shocked

) for my essay on acts of commemoration and Auschwitz, I think I will be...

I liked Beth instantly as she bore me off to round up the Juniors and see them all on to the coaches. I was amazed at the ease with which Beth handled them, until she pointed out her younger sister Janice, to me, a name I made note of. By the time we arrived back at the school I’d matched up names with most of the tired faces around me. I should think they’ll all be grateful to get off to bed tonight, Beth muttered to me as we left the coaches. I’d hope so, I replied with a smile. I’d best be getting over to Freudesheim, she said, but any time you want to pop over for Kaffee, I could use the company. I’d like that, I said as I noticed Ruth gesticulating wildly at me, I should get going as well. I hope to see you soon, Beth called back over her shoulder.

It was a relief to tumble into bed that night after the trip to Berne and back; I didn’t want to try and imagine how everybody else was feeling. Even though I was exhausted I lay awake for a long time reflecting on the previous week and just how different everything was now. My thoughts turned back to university; they’d all be going back now, settling into Hall once more. For the first time since leaving London I found myself wondering about Will, things could have worked out differently between us but we both wanted such different things it could never have had a happy ending. He’d never understood the need I had for my independence, and if I was truly honest to myself I’d never understood Will.

I awoke early, much to my disgruntlement, and lay awake contemplating the day before me – my first as a teacher. I’d noticed that we referred to as ‘mistresses’ here, the term teacher seemed to be quite frowned upon. At St Monica’s we’d referred to them as a combination of the two, as the mood had take us. I wouldn’t have changed my time at St Monica’s for anything, but here just seemed to be a step up in every sense of the word. I was lucky that Peggy, Biddy and Nancy had been so supportive, for some reason I wasn’t completely sure about the others but that was maybe because I didn’t know them very well yet. Realising that I wasn’t going to get any more sleep I got up and turned on the light so I could read for a while. I climbed back under the covers and settled down for a few minutes when there was a gently tap at the door. I got up to open it, curious.

Peggy, I grinned realising who it was.
I was going to get a glass of water, and noticed the light under your door so I wondered if you fancied some company, she explained as she came in and perched on the end of my bed. Been awake long, she asked as I handed her a blanket.
About half an hour, I replied with a shrug as I climbed under my covers once more. I didn’t sleep very well.
Nerves?
I nodded. Was just thinking as well.
Homesick?
I laughed. University sick really. I don’t tend to think of Liverpool as home. I was just thinking that all my friends will be going back to London now.
It can’t be easy.
This would have been my last term anyway. But I think it would have been a lot easier if I’d been able to have that last term, there were a few loose ends I needed to tie up. I paused. But I wouldn’t change being here for the world.
Good, I’m glad you’re here.

And it was there, that morning, that Peggy Burnett came to be just like Tish, Lucy and Trixie to me.

#46: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 2:57 pm

[Seeing as I got 18/20 (a first!!! Shocked

) for my essay on acts of commemoration and Auschwitz, I think I will be...

Wow, Pim, congratulations! - that's a *most* impressive mark for an essay from any university, and particularly from 'older' UK ones like St. Andrews! Will definitely look forward to seeing parts of it here.

Also looking forward to seeing Sharlie find her feet at the Chalet School and continuing to make friends.

#47: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:05 pm

I'm really enjoying Sharlie's 'take' on the School. Looking forward to the next installment.

#48: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:28 pm

at her attitude to Jo's books, and nice to see the beginnings of her friendship with Peggy.

Quote:

for some reason I wasn’t completely sure about the others but that was maybe because I didn’t know them very well yet.

Is this a red herring, or a hint of future conflict?

#49: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 4:10 pm

Lovely tosee Sharlie start making friends.Thanks Pimpkin.

#50: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:03 pm

Wonderful Pimmysniffer!

I love Sharlie's opinion of Jo's books!!!

#51: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 6:46 pm

Superb marks, Pim! I'm looking forward to seeing it through Sharlie's eyes, so to speak.

Quote:

for some reason I wasn’t completely sure about the others but that was maybe because I didn’t know them very well yet.

Is this a red herring, or a hint of future conflict?

I'm wondering the same! Looking forward to seeing Sharlie's friendship with Peggy develop and wondering how she will get on with Jo when she visits Freudesheim.

This is as good as ever! Thank you.

#52: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 6:56 pm

Thank you Pim, this is loverly! Sorry to be a pain but where can I find the other parts to the story? are they in the archive?
Hannah x

eta. sorry found them... should have looked further down the list! Shocked

#53: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 8:08 pm

This is lovely Pimeautiful. Great seeing the school from Sharlie's eyes.

#54: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 10:16 am

aitchemelle wrote:

Thank you Pim, this is loverly! Sorry to be a pain but where can I find the other parts to the story? are they in the archive?

Whoops, knew I meant to do something... will link them in from the front page. Alternatively I have to whole thing as a word doc if you want me to e-mail it.

I tried to cling to breakfast that morning, willing the time to go slower. I tried to find some comfort during prayers, but it never came. After a long theological discussion with Miss Annersley the previous week I’d chosen to attend the Catholic prayers; I’d spent most of my final two terms in London doing so, and, as such, it seemed to be the logical progression. Miss Wilson had asked if I’d though about converting, I hadn’t. In fact I hadn’t given much though to my future within the church at all, but seeing the role it played in the life of the school, I knew I couldn’t try and ignore it here. At St Monica’s I’d often felt prayers to be little more than lip service, but there they were on a completely different level. There were only four Catholic mistresses at the School proper – Biddy, Rosalind, Jeanne de Lachenais, she of the wonderful coffee, and, Céline Lenoir, the junior music mistress who was as new as me, yet I had barely spoken to her.

Prayers over we made our way to our respective forms. Standing a little down the corridor from the Thirds’ form room I felt the nerves resurface. This time I was well and truly terrified as to all the things that could possibly go wrong. Taking a deep breath I entered the room through the door which was being held open for me by one Judy Willoughby. Seating myself behind the mistress’ desk after greeting them it all felt so wrong. Looking down at the eleven expectant faces before me I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders, they were my responsibility, how could I ever instil in them the beliefs that my own teachers had done for me? For one moment I entertained the idea of throwing it all in and running from the room but just at that moment there came a shuffling from the back row. I looked up to see Judy standing up and holding out the register to me. Sorry Miss Andrews, she said, I forgot to leave this on your desk.

I took the register from Judy, who sank back into her seat flushing wildly. I noticed Ailie Russell and Janice Chester either side of her smirk and made a mental note to keep an eye on the three of them. I opened the register, knowing that much I could cope with, and allowed the last couple of faces to match the names before sending Judy back to the office with the register. And at that point I was lost. Fortunately Ailie Russell had no such nerves.

Did you have a good Easter, Miss Andrews, she asked.
I stopped for a moment, a little shocked. Yes, I did, thank you Ailie, I replied recovering full use of my senses. I expect you did as well?
Ailie nodded eagerly, her fair curls bobbing. Simply wizard, Miss Andrews!
Slang Ailie, I queried gently, having had the school’s policy on slang well and truly drummed into me. I heard Ailie mutter something under her breath but let it pass.

Still she had set the ball rolling and when Judy returned the other ten were eagerly sharing their holiday exploits with me.

#55: Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 10:47 am

Thanks Pim - good to see the girls making Sharlie feel at home, hope they're not going to play her up too much!

#56: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 11:41 am

Thanks Pim - hope Sharlie will be able to counter any tricks the girls might want to play -sure she will.

#57: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 12:52 pm

Hehe, I cant wait to see how Sharlie deals with those three Very Happy

Thanks for more wonderous updates Pim

#58: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 1:43 pm

Thank you Pim. Will there be any more today?

#59: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 4:39 pm

Luffly Pimmy!!!
Hope Sharlie will be on her toes with Ailie and co...... Wink

#60: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 5:33 pm

Pat wrote:

Thank you Pim. Will there be any more today?

Since I'm nice, and it's now officially the vac, and me EoD is in, and the house is sparkly and clean, here's some more Wink

Hard day Sharlie?

I looked up over the top of my book from where I was curled up in a chair in the corner of the staff room to see Joan Bertram standing above me. She taught the Junior Middles but I’d hardly spoken to her since I’d arrived; I’d struggled to get round everyone. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Joan, I just felt as though I needed to be constantly on my guard around her.

Do you mind if I… she began, indicating to the empty seat opposite me I shrugged and shut my book with a snap. How was your first day then?
It wasn’t too bad, I replied cordially. I like the Thirds, they seem a jolly bunch, but I’m sure they have their moments.
Didn’t you at that age, she asked in a tone that made me bristle.
Not really, I didn’t have the time.
Joan raised an eyebrow. Oh I’ve heard, she said. You were on a scholarship weren’t you? I don’t suppose you had much time for playing the clown.
I left that to Tish, I replied defensively. That was her forte. There was a moment’s silence. How was your day, I asked politely, from the corner of my eye noticing Peggy enter the room.
Oh same old, same old, replied Joan with a sigh. Nice to see the little darlings have failed to retain anything over Easter.
Sharlie, called Peggy as she crossed the room. I’ve just put the net up on the staff court, don’t suppose you fancy a quick game before dinner? Nancy and Biddy have agreed to make up a four.
That would be great, I said jumping up. I’ll go and get changed, but I warn you, I’m a bit out of practice. I haven’t played since school. In my enthusiasm I failed to notice the dark look cross Joan’s face.

What did Joan want with you, asked Peggy as we headed out to the tennis court.
She was just asking how my day had been.
Peggy wrinkled her forehead. Unusual of her to take an interest in someone else.
What do you mean?
She’s just not very… sociable, said Peggy diplomatically. I’m sure it’s just the way she is, but she doesn’t always come across very well. Besides, she and Biddy had a bit of a run in last term, Joan was, how can I put it politely… a little biting about Biddy’s background.
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent, I whispered, half to myself.
What?
Eleanor Roosevelt.
I thought that was what you said – the one about inferior and consent. Biddy told me it last term, it’s a good one to remember around Joan Bertram.
I’m sure she must be alright underneath it all, I guess we just have to pick away at that shell of hers.
That’s as may be… Look, there must be better things to discuss. I’ll race you to the court!

#61: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 6:48 pm

Hmmm. How strange that Joan Bartram should again turn up as a nasty peice of work! Don't let her get to you Sharlie! Laughing

Thanks Pimerang.

#62: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 9:02 pm

*gets ready to poke Joan if needed!!*

More please Pimmy!!

#63: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 11:27 pm

Vikki wrote:

*gets ready to poke Joan if needed!!*

Oh, I think it's needed! * poke

Joan Bertram*

At least Sharlie has Biddy, Nancy and Peggy to support her. Thanks Pimitch!

#64: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:41 am

*cheers Peggy and Eleanor R*
(also Pim)

#65: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 2:17 pm

I have an unnatural dislike of Joan Bertram, I don't know why, I can't explain it. I've just never liked her from the first time I read about her when I was 9 or 10. I'm sure it's all to do with the fact that I don't like her name!!! Shallow, me?

After a couple of weeks I had managed to settle into some sort of routine and I was beginning to realise that this was what I was born to do. At times, I could barely remember my day to day life without the punctuation of classes, The eleven members of my form were all firmly fixed in my head and I was beginning to get to know most of the Junior Middles. I liked the Thirds immediately, they kept me entertained and were always prepared to work for me. I enjoyed teaching, but knew that I still had a long way to go before I could even begin to hope to be like some of the others. It all came so naturally to them, I could only hope that in time I could grow to be like that.

In the staff room, I had a good friend in Peggy, and a natural ally in Biddy. Once the initial formalities had worn off I became Sharlie to everybody, with the exception of Mr Denny – the somewhat eccentric singing master – and Herr Laubach – the fiery tempered art master – who both insisted on calling me Miss Andrews. I’d got to know most of my colleagues a lot better. Céline Lenoir and I had eventually gravitated towards each other by virtue of our newness, but just as I had Peggy she had found a friend in the shape of Dorothy Lawrence, the jolly music mistress. As a staff we presented a fairly united front, only Joan Bertram seemed to stand alone. I still wasn’t able to work her out, the girls seemed to like her well enough but something about her manner just grated on me when she was in the staff room.

My university work was going well and I was due back in London during the fourth week of term to meet with Professor Stewart and Dr Clayton. I was looking forward to going back, it would be nice to see everybody again, letters just weren’t the same. My project was coming along well, Ruth had offered to go over and proof read it for me and Rosalie had offered to type it out. I was amazed by the level of support that everybody was willing to offer to see me through the rest of my course. Rose and Clara would post the week’s notes to me on a Friday afternoon, I’d copy them out straight away and post them back. I could hardly be accused of wasting the free time I had.

I’d been out and about in the local area as well, the school was keen on spending as much time out of door as possible. I wasn’t arguing, I loved the walks we’d been on. I’d even had the honour of visiting Freudesheim one afternoon for tea with Beth and the younger Maynards. Dr and Mrs Maynard had been out, rather to my relief as I wasn’t sure how I’d react to them; if truth be told, I was a little scared by the idea of meeting them. I did like Beth though, she was good fun and reminded me of Tash in some ways. All the same I knew I couldn’t avoid Mrs Maynard forever, and my invitation for ‘English tea’ came the third weekend. I debated using my study card to get out of going, but realised that the sooner I got it done the better.

#66: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 2:31 pm

Hmm... now, is Pim's Joey going to be nice and friendly or domineering and butting-in?

#67: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 2:59 pm

Thanks Pim - a lovely peek into Staff life - strange about Joan - she gets bad press from others too.

As to Joey - Ann, I think she'll probably be all of those! Laughing

#68: Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 3:44 pm

Thanks Pim, looking forward to seeing the meeting with Joey, and nice that Sharlie is settling in well.

#69: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:58 pm

Good to see Sharlie settling in and managing work and studies. I cant wait for her to meet Jo Very Happy

Thanks Pim

#70: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 5:16 pm

I never warmed to Joan Bartram either Confused

I suppose there's one like her everywhere.

It's good to see Sharlie settling in so well and I'm looking forward to reading about English Tea.

I'm so glad you've finished work and that your house is clean and sparkly. that means we can have lots more of this. Hooray!

#71: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 5:33 pm

*pokes joan*

#72: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 10:49 am

patmac wrote:

I'm so glad you've finished work and that your house is clean and sparkly. that means we can have lots more of this. Hooray!

You *probably* don't want to know how much work I've got to do over the vac then! And why does it feel like my flatmate is trying to knock the house down... Confused

I set out for Freudesheim somewhat nervously. Peggy accompanied me as far as the gate between the school grounds and the garden of Freudesheim, as I’d felt a little uneasy about it. You’ll be fine, said Peggy with a grin as she held open the gate for me, I’ve known Joey for years, you can’t possibly be shy around her. I raised and eyebrow and smiled weakly, I’ll see you later, I said crossing the threshold into the garden and shutting the gate with a sinking feeling. Fortunately Beth answered the door. Come on in, she said with a grin taking my coat from me, it’s lovely to see you again. Yes, you as well, I replied changing my shoes. How are you getting on with my sister and her chums, she asked. I like them, I said, they’re a jolly bunch. Not playing you up too much yet, she asked with a grin. No, not as yet, I said with a smile. Ready, I nodded, I’ll take you through to the salon then.

Here she is Jo, said Beth pushing open the door to the salon and ushering me in. I’ve got to get back to the nursery.

I stood somewhat awkwardly in the doorway, not quite sure what to do or where to go next.

Do come on in and have a seat, said the tall, dark haired lady who had leapt up from where she was sitting in the corner by the window.
I had barely enough time to take a step before I was bowled over by a small St Bernard puppy. Oh, I exclaimed.
Bruno! Cried Jo pulling him away from me. I’m sorry, he’s still apt to be rather enthusiastic around new people.
I brushed the dog hairs off my skirt as the initial shock began to wear off. Oh don’t worry Mrs Maynard, I said. I’m just not all that used to dogs, I’m afraid he took me a little by surprise.
Jo stopped and stared. Mrs Maynard? She asked incredulously. We’ll have none of that here. Jo’s my name, Mrs Maynard is so frightfully formal and stuffy.
I smiled, feeling a little more at ease. I’m Charlotte then, more usually known as Sharlie though, I explained sitting in the proffered seat.
Jo smiled. You’re most certainly a Sharlie. So, how have you found the school so far?
It’s… I paused. I’m really enjoying myself, but it’s jolly hard work on occasion, I admitted, suddenly feeling that I could trust this woman.
I expect my young niece Ailie is keeping you on your toes, and her mother did so want at least one nice daughter!
I like Ailie, I replied. She’s a jolly young thing.
Have you had much to do with my triplets?
I take them for dictée. They’re all so different though!
Jo nodded. They all started out quite similar, but they’ve gone such different ways as they’ve grown up. In a way I’m glad, I don’t think I’d cope very well if they were still identical!
I chuckled. Have you seen Leila Elstob recently, I asked suddenly.
Jo nodded. I popped by for a visit the other day. She really does seem to have turned a corner now and I’m glad. They were awful days the other week when we came so close to losing her.
Her poor mother, was all I was able to say.
Yes, I can’t imagine what she’s going through. I know my eight have had their moments and Margot more than most, but nothing like that.

I suppressed a shudder and debated changing the subject. Fortunately Bruno had other ideas, deciding he was bored he leapt on to my knee. After that the afternoon got easier as we talked around most things from the early days of the school, to my childhood, to the Maynard children to how I was finding teaching. I came to realise that I needn’t have been so apprehensive after all. I just hoped I would never be expected to read her books.

#73: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 10:58 am

Lovely - Jo was very kind to Sharlie - perhaps she had an inkling of how she felt?

Thanks Pim.

#74: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:08 pm

Am really enjoying this, pim, and thanks for all the others. Am slowly working my way through them. Smile

#75: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 12:03 pm

*grin*

I'm glad Jo wasn't as scary as Sharlie expected...... Wink

#76: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 1:29 pm

Sorry about the work Pim. Commiserations!

I'm glad you've written a nice Jo in there. It would have been tough for Sharlie if you had written her at the other extreme!

#77: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:13 pm

Lovely posts Pim.

You captured Joey perfectly, and I love seeing behind closed doors in the staffroom like this

#78: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:39 pm

Caught up - finally! Thank you Pim!! Very Happy

Can't wait to see if Joan ends up clashing with Sharlie...

#79: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:39 pm

Vikki wrote:

I'm glad Jo wasn't as scary as Sharlie expected...... Wink

I can *never* get my Jo to do what I want her to in SCS *grumbles*

A few days later I nervously made my way to Berne airport to take the flight back to London. I say nervously, I think terrified summed it up more accurately, I just didn’t understand the whole principle of flying. I’ll pick you up again on Tuesday night, said Rosalie as she left me at the airport. And suddenly I was rather alone and afraid amongst the crowd at the airport. I didn’t stop shaking until I’d got on solid ground in London, it was the biggest relief of my whole life when we were allowed off the plane. Trixie, Tash and Lily Beth had made their way out to the airport to meet me and it was wonderful to see them again.

We headed back to Hall chatting incessantly, ignoring the glares of other passengers on the bus and the underground. It’s like coming home, I said with a grin dropping my case in the middle of the floor. It’s good to have you back, said Trixie enveloping me in a hug, I’ve missed having you around. It was great to be back and even the prospect of having to go to class that afternoon wasn’t going to spoil my few days in London. I realised just how much I missed learning amidst all the teaching I’d been doing. I loved teaching, but at the same time I loved to learn.

I had a good meeting with Dr Clayton to discuss the work I’d done so far. I see you’ve been keeping up, she said flicking through my project work and the essays I’d brought back, how are you settling in? Nicely, thank you, I replied, it’s ever such a friendly school and the girls are wonderful, although they do keep me on my toes, but I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Dr Clayton smiled, I’m really pleased everything’s working out for you Charlotte. My meeting with Professor Stewart was more geared towards the practicalities of the summer trip to Poland and trying to arrange a meeting for me with Sara. In the chaotic start to term and settling into life at the Chalet School I’d forgotten about Poland, but this had rekindled my enthusiasm.

The weekend was fun. Trixie, Tash, Lily Beth and I headed out to a party on Saturday night. It was good to see Lily Beth and Martin still together, it was clearly meant to be. On the other hand, it was awkward seeing Will to begin with but by the end of the evening we were the friends we had been before we began dating. You are coming up to Scotland again with us, aren’t you, he asked at the end of the evening, for New Year I mean. Of course she is, retorted Trixie grabbing my arm and dragging me in a homeward direction.

I was sorry to go back on the Tuesday but my university sickness soon vanished when I walked into the arrivals hall at Berne airport to see Peggy and Biddy waving enthusiastically at me. It’s wonderful to have you back, said Biddy taking my case from me. Peggy nodded in agreement, it hasn’t been the same without you. I grinned, it’s good to be back.

#80: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:42 pm

Thank you Pimmy!!!
That was totally wonderful!!

#81: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:46 pm

Thank you Pim! That was lovely Very Happy

#82: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:47 pm

Hmmm!! Betcher Mizzz Bertram has something snarky to say about Sharlie's trips to London!

Thank you Pim you are so shiny it is hard to see you!!

#83: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:59 pm

:ove;y Pim. thank you! Laughing

#84: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 7:53 pm

Thanks Pim, that was lovely, seems so weird for Sharlie to have two groups fighting for her time and attention, when I love them both!!

#85: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 9:32 pm

Thank you Pim.

#86: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 9:54 pm

Thank you Pim Very Happy

I will now go and read what happened before this... maybe... when i've caught up from the rest of them!!
H xx

#87: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 11:10 pm

Thank you Pim - it's good that Sharlie feels so comfortable in both of her 'homes'.

#88: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 6:58 am

I love the way Sharlie moves on but doesn't lose touch. She's the same with her family. She's accepted change but can still go back without awkwardness.

Thank you Pim. Very shiny indeed.

#89: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 9:38 am

After a few days of freedom back at university I found it somewhat tricky to settle back into the routine at school for the first couple of days. I soon managed to get back into the routine and learned to ignore the sniping comments of Joan Bertram about the School taking on teachers who hadn’t completely finished their degree or training. As much as I longed to rise to the bait I knew I couldn’t; besides, I’d been coming up against the likes of her all my life and knew that the best way to deal with them was ignoring them. Peggy had snapped back at one point, telling her that Miss Annersley wouldn’t have taken me on if she didn’t think I was up to the job. Still I was a little niggled by a letter that arrived from Trixie, Tash and Lily Beth.

Dear Sharlie,

How’s Switzerland? It was great to see you last weekend, and can’t wait to see you in a fortnight. Hope they’re not overworking you at that fancy school of yours, otherwise we’ll have to come and kidnap you and bring you back to London for some fun. Mind you, I doubt you’d get it on your course – we haven’t seen Rose and Clara in days they’re working so hard! On the other hand, with exams approaching a little too fast for our liking, we’re supposed to be working just as hard.

Now, to the point of this letter, and it’s not something we’re particularly pleased about imparting, but we thought you had the right to know especially after what you were saying about that Joan Bertram woman. Anyhow, you remember Clarissa Bertram, that annoying Fresher from the floor above us? Well guess who her elder sister is. Yes, you’ve got it in one, that Joan Bertram of yours. Clarissa approached me (Trix!) at dinner the day after you left asking if we knew you as she’d had a letter from her sister in Switzerland telling her about some back street girl who’d be taken on to teach at the school where she worked. Naturally dear Joan had been naming names and been none too pleasant about you it would seem. We told Clarissa exactly what we thought of her in no uncertain terms, poisonous piece of work that she is. We can keep things in check at our end, but just thought you should watch out at yours. Mind, it sounds as though you’ve got enough support at your end to put a stop to any nonsense form that Joan woman.

Can’t wait to see you in a couple of weeks!

Love, Trix, Tash and Lily B.

Of all the poisonous… began Peggy after I showed the letter to her, Biddy and Nancy. I’d love to tell her exactly what I think of her.
Biddy laid a calming hand on Peggy’s arm. I don’t think you should do that, much as we’d all love to. We all grinned. Should you not take this to the Head?
I shook my head. I’ve come up against nasty pieces of work like her all my life. My policy is just to ignore them, she’ll soon get bored.
I hope you’re right, said Nancy. But if she doesn’t, you really should take this to the Head. It can’t be allowed.

#90: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 10:08 am

YAY Pim, how shiny .... *bows down to the writing genius of Pim*

Poor Sharlie ... *hugs*

Horrid Joan *pokes*

*feels she may be getting WAY tooo into this story so goes to lie down*

#91: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 10:10 am

EVIL woman!!! fume

Glad Sharlie has support though!! Very Happy

#92: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 11:04 am

Nasty piece of work!!

I'm just glad Sharlie has support at both ends of the link!

#93: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 11:27 am

Pim while working through the back documents you sent, I am also keeping up to date with this part. It's absolutely wonderful. Keep it up.

Could cheerfully murder Joan Bertram hammer

#94: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 1:23 pm

Not loving Joan in this drabble!

Thanks Pim. I love seeing all these staffroom 'politics' - is sort of the antithesis of EBD's world, while still being so very CS!

#95: Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 1:31 pm

Nasty Joan poke

I agree with Josie, I love seeing the staffroom behind the scenes stuff, it's probably part of the reason why 'New Mistress' was one of my favourite CS books.

Thanks pim.

Star Wars

#96: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 1:42 pm

*hugs Sharlie and pokes Joan Bertram and her evil sister!!!*

#97: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 4:30 pm

the Bertram women!

Rise above it, Sharlie! Don't sink to their level!

#98: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 5:59 pm

I'm another who loves stffroom scenes. So glad you've given Sharlie lots of support Pimwhodoo.

#99: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 6:00 pm

I think Sharlie should take the letter to the Head - by just ignoring it, she's leaving herself open for Joan Bartrum to try something else. Joan needs to be told, by authority, that her behaviour is wrong.

Oh and thanks Pim! Laughing

#100: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:44 pm

Life carried on at the Chalet School and my policy of ignoring Joan Bertram seemed to be paying off. It did cross my mind that she was just biding her time, but I pushed that thought to the back of my mind to concentrate on finishing my project and a last couple of essays. All the same, it was hard to give my full concentration to them with everything that was going on in and round the school. Even so by the time I was due to head back to London a second time, all my work was complete and ready to hand back in.

It looks impressive, commented Peggy with relation to my freshly typed project. Rosalie’s done a good job, hasn’t she?
I think you’ll find the hard work’s Sharlie’s, put in Nancy.
Yes, but Rosalie had to deal with my handwriting, I pointed out.
True, said Peggy. I often wonder how your poor juniors cope with your handwriting.
Cheek! I exclaimed landing a friendly punch on her arm. I don’t know how anyone manages to read yours either.
Not much call for writing in PT, retorted Peggy.
Hush up you two, groaned Biddy. I’m trying to read this. I blushed. I must say, it’s excellent Sharlie.

I looked down at it again, at the front page – ‘Memory, commemoration, education and the Jewish Question’ by Charlotte Andrews. It just didn’t seem real. It had been my life so long, it felt strange to have completed it. I’d poured my heart and soul, and all my beliefs into it.

What are you lot gawping at, asked a voice behind us. We all turned to see Joan Bertram staring at us.
Sharlie’s dissertation, replied Biddy coolly. It’s rather good.

Joan opened her mouth as if to say something, but was prevented from doing so by the arrival of Miss Annersley.

Charlotte, she said. Is that your famous project I’ve been hearing so much about from Rosalie? I nodded. Excellent, do you mind if I borrow it to read? I shook my head. Do you want to come with me and talk me through it then?
I glanced between the others, ignoring Joan. Okay then, I said eventually and followed her to her study.

Memory, commemoration, education and the Jewish Question

“Souviens-toi”, the unforgettable words of Isaac Schneersohn, founder of the Centre de Documentation contemporaine juive and a man of incredible foresight. Schneersohn founded the centre in Grenoble in 1943 in order to preserve the memory of the Nazi atrocities against the Jews to thwart the Nazi plan of a total annihilation leaving behind no evidence…

… To begin, how can we define commemoration? It is the memory of an event of the past, a sort of testimony, an acceptance on our part; it pays homage to those who have perished. Without these acts of commemoration we forget; as one of his justifications of the ‘final solution’ Hitler cited the Turkish massacre of its Armenian population in 1915, and in reality, who remembers that? To cease these acts of commemoration would be the equivalent of denying the Shoah, of denying Auschwitz; of course there are people who believe that the Shoah is a product of the imagination in spite of the evidence saying the contrary. For the victims, commemoration and testimony are their voice, the chance to explain what happened in their own words and to give a voice to those who perished as they no longer have words.

There remain obstacles on the route to commemoration – who should be remembered, and how? The methods of testimony are numerous; but our inner cynic always questions their validity…

… It is true that the Jews are not the only people who have suffered throughout the course of history, and even in living with the consequences of the Shoah people continue to die thanks to politics. We are always waiting for the ‘right moment’ politically and psychologically to commemorate, but in waiting we risk missing the ‘right moment’. Of course there will always be those who think that there is never a time for commemoration, feeling that it provokes weariness, then indifference if not irritation or perhaps a feeling of uneasiness. However, it is such an attitude which leads to forgetting and denying history…

The Shoah, and in particular Auschwitz, remains inaccessible to us because we have not survived it: it is this non-comprehension which pushes us to sweep history under the carpet. We must remember, we must listen to the words of those who have survived so that we never forget. Every year the number of survivors will decrease, it is unacceptable that their testimony dies as well. If we do not commemorate the Shoah we give in to the Nazi aim; acceptation, commemoration and education assure that this aim is never completed. And for that reason, so that the suffering of his people was not in vain, Isaac Schneersohn employed the watch word “souviens-toi”.

Miss Annersley eventually reached the end of the paper and looked up. Excellent, was all she said and I had a funny feeling that everything would be alright.

***
The essay parts are blatantly stolen from my own on 'Acts of commemoration: necessary or useless'. If the English is a bit on the rubbish side it's because I back translated from my decidedly dubious French. If anybody wants the full body of the essay, it's only about 750 words, let me know and I can e-mail it. Edited cos I managed to forget to copy the first line Rolling Eyes

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 29, 2005 9:19 pm; edited 1 time in total

#101: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:52 pm

Thanks Pim, that was a beautiful essay (and fully deserved its 18 ~ I hope Sharlie gets the same marks!)

As for Joan, well, the revenge drabble cant come soon enough.

#102: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 8:06 pm

Absolutely beautiful, Pim. Very, very well done. I can totally see how you got the 18 for the essay and I'm very, very glad you included it here.

Thank you *hug*

Looking forward to seeing Joan getting her cumuppence!

Ray *applauding*

#103: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 8:15 pm

Superb essay, Pim.

I hope everyone has their eyes peeled because, I'm sure Joan won't leave it there!

#104: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 9:03 pm

Enjoyed reading the essay as much this time as I did before Pim - it's a brilliant one, and fully deserves it's 18 Very Happy

I love the friendship between Nancy, Biddy, Sharlie and Peggy - it's lovely! Very Happy

(Y'know, when I see their names written out like that, it's a pity Sharlie's can't end with a 'y'!!!)

#105: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 9:09 pm

Can only copy Miss A - Excellent.

Thanks Pim - you should be proud of that essay.

#106: Sharlie Andrews Part 4 Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 9:17 pm

Like Lesley, I can only echo Miss A - this is excellent and well worth the 18 you received for it yourself, Pim.

I hope that Sharlie's supervisor will be as pleased with it - he should be!

Also echoes the wishes of those seeking Joan Bartram's speedy comeuppance!!!

#107: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 9:21 pm

beauootiful essay pimela ... i hope Sharlie's tutor likes it as much as yours!
Very Happy

shiny

#108: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 11:06 pm

Well done Pim.

Have just caught up with this. Glad Sharlie is settling down well at the school and enjoying her life. She has good friends in Peggy and Biddy.

Hope authority gets to hear about and deals with Joan Bertram soon. She is NOT a good influence for the girls.

#109: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 10:06 am

Thank you Pim. Just caught up with loads of this. Wonderful. Love the staffroom bits and very pleased Sharlie has the support of Nancy, Biddy and Peggy especially with Joan being nasty! As for the essay - excellent!

#110: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 10:25 am

My work was in, I’d begun revising for my finals and term was beginning to wind its way to its close. I was due to leave for London to sit my finals just as the case of Jo Scott’s parents was resolved, and they were both found – much to everyone’s relief. I didn’t like to think about the exams once they were done, I did my best to push them to the back of my mind. A group of us from the teaching course went out the night we finished to celebrate; needless to say I had an interesting flight back to Berne the following day. It seemed so odd to think that my university career was over and that my future now lay with the Chalet School. All the same, remarked Peggy, it’s nice to have you to ourselves now.

By the end of term I’d reached the conclusion that the Chalet School was a completely different kettle of fish from St Monica’s. For a start there always seemed to be something going on. Term ended with a near fatal accident involving Emerence Hope, one of the banes of my life from the Junior Middles. That was followed swiftly by the flower show which was an enjoyable experience all round. I was heading back to Liverpool for a week at the end of term before going back to London for the graduation ceremony. I’d been saving from my salary to buy a camera for the occasion so I could show off the snaps at school when I got back in September as everybody had been asking for them.

It felt so strange stepping off the train in Liverpool and being greeted by Elizabeth and Caroline, but at the same time it was great to be back with my family. Harriet had elected to spend her summer in London, she didn’t get much holiday as a probationer and as I’d be in Poland during August I’d miss her when she came back to Liverpool. I could hardly get over how fast Sarah was growing up now; at two and a bit she was well and truly a person in her own right. I missed out on so much of her growing up but I had been putting money aside from my salary for her schooling. I just had to broach the subject with Rebecca; I was waiting for the right moment. Rebecca seemed changed, older and tireder; I felt as though, in a way, I was watching her grow into mam before my eyes. I wanted to reach out to her, but knew that she wouldn’t want me ‘interfering’.

Graduation was a warm summer’s day. Aunt Jane and Elizabeth accompanied me to London for it; it was Aunt Jane’s first trip to London and her wide eyed amazement at everything reminded me so much of myself. We headed down the day before the ceremony so we could show Aunt Jane the sights in the morning. It was a stifling afternoon in our gowns but it was all worth it to collect the certificate with my name on it and to see the pride all over Aunt Jane and Elizabeth’s faces. I introduced them both to Dr Clayton and Professor Stewart. She’s an exceptional young woman your niece, Professor Stewart told Aunt Jane. I know, she said in reply, I’m lucky to have Charlotte, all her sisters as well, in fact. Dr Clayton took me on one side to pass on my project marks before I went to collect it from the office; we’d only received our exam results and final grade in the post. I wanted to be the first to congratulate you Charlotte, she said, and I wanted to tell you myself, obviously Professor Stewart and I couldn’t mark you at anything less than a distinction, outstanding work – and thank you, it’s been a pleasure to teach you this year. I flushed all colours of the rainbow, th… thank you, I stammered in disbelief. Take care of yourself Charlotte, she said, it’s not an easy subject to take on. I will, I said. I knew Dr Clayton would never be able to completely lay her past to rest; but I hoped that she had been able to take some comfort in my words.

***
I'm off to visit the parentals and, more importantly, the cat for a few days now. Depending on my father's 'internet' connection I might be able to get some of this up whilst I'm away, if not I get back Tuesday teatime.

#111: Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 10:30 am

Thanks Pim. Have a nice break at home.

#112: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 10:40 am

Thank you for this Pim. Well done Sharlie.

Have a lovely holiday Pim, enjoy your time with the cat.

#113: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 10:44 am

Have a lovely break Pim. Thank you for this bit. Well done Sharlie!

#114: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 11:17 am

Wonderful Pim.

Have a good time in Derbyshire - make good use of having all those books around you now, won't you? Wink

#115: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 11:59 am

Lovely, Pim - thank you! Very Happy

Have a wonderful time at home - make sure you do lots of writing Wink

#116: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 1:48 pm

Thanks Pim, have a nice break.

#117: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 3:12 pm

That was marvellous Pim!!
Both you AND Sharlie deserved to get great marks.
And I hope your dad's "internet" decides to cooperate!

#118: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 5:08 pm

Thank you Pim, that was so moving - so sad for Sharlie seeing what 'normal life' is doing to her sister. Glad she got a distinction - would expect nothing less!

#119: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 5:39 pm

I've just caught up from page 3 - I'm glad Sharlie has made new friends, although the school must have been quite a culture shock after university.

Hope she is able to talk to Rebecca about Sarah's schooling without upsetting her - how lovely of her to think of something like that.

The essay was (as Miss A said) excellent.

Have a good week with the cat, Pimterology

Liz

#120: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 7:58 pm

Have a good break Pim, thanks for posting lots before you went.

#121: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 2:44 am

Well done on the dissertation, Sharlie! (and Pim Very Happy

) And it's great to see Aunt Jane involved in the graduation festivities. Too bad we can't see the photos....

Have a good trip -- and hi to the cat (of course).

#122: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 11:03 am

Thanks pim - have a great break!!

#123: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 10:05 am

Tra la la, internet woes...

It was a sticky August day when the flight to Warsaw carrying Professor Stewart, Sara Clayton and myself took off. Even after the previous term’s experiences I still hated flying; Sara, on the other hand, had no such qualms abut the matter and chattered away, which helped alleviate my nerves a little. She looked frighteningly like her mother, only without the haunted look Dr Clayton had; then again, Sara hadn’t survived a concentration camp. All the same though, I couldn’t help but wonder how her wartime experiences had affected her. In some ways our war years had been similar, but in other ways they were so completely different. How much had Sara known about why she was being sent to England? How aware was she of the way that things had been heading in Germany? Had she understood her grandfather’s death – a merciless beating at the hands of the Nazi yobs? Would she have understood the Kristallnacht? They were questions I couldn’t ask then.

I’d seen Paris recovering from the War the previous summer, but it was nothing compared to Warsaw. The owner of the hotel showed us pictures of the destruction, the endless piles of rubble and now we could see how a city was trying to rebuild itself from amidst that rubble and the dust. In war nothing is sacred, a thousand years of history can be wiped without a trace in a split second. That night we ate a meagre meal, I was exhausted and didn’t complain – I hadn’t realised how much the country was still suffering. I thought back to the seemingly never ending supplies at school and suddenly felt guilty. It was such a completely different existence. I never ceased to struggle with reconciling some things, and this was one of them.

The following day had no fixed itinery for Sara and I; Professor Stewart had to go into Warsaw university to speak to a colleague so we decided to explore the city. In order for us to not draw too much attention to ourselves for being foreign the hotel owner sent his daughter Alicja with us. She spoke broken English and enough German for Sara and I to understand. However, as she explained to us, people didn’t really like hearing German in the streets. She tried to teach us both the essentials of Polish, something which Sara found easier than I did. We walked through the centre of Warsaw watching them rebuild the Royal Palace and all the surrounding buildings. There isn’t much that survived the war, explained Alicja, now we are trying to rebuild our city, and this time she will not fall to an enemy. Like the phoenix from the ashes, whispered Sara, a far away look in her eyes. Yes, said Alicja, I can only pray that my city will see nothing like it again, I want to marry and have children – but I want them to be born into a world of peace. We are such stuff as dreams are made on, I quoted quietly, half to myself. Sara laid a comforting hand on my arm, nobody can take away dreams.

Professor Stewart had managed to acquire a car from a friend for the duration of our stay and was looking rather pleased with himself that evening. It’ll make getting around so much easier, he remarked, plus we won’t have to rely on catching the train. Given the nature of the trip, I felt somewhat relieved to be not travelling around by train. The three of us sat and pored over the map that night to work out the routes of where we would be going and how. We have two choices, Professor Stewart said, we can drive down to Krakow tomorrow and start there and work our way up to Bialystock, I have a friend with a house on the coast near Gdansk so we can have a few days there to put things back into perspective, or we can start at the top and work our way down. After some deliberation we decided to head to Krakow the following day and work our way up. It was all so different from the previous summer.

#124: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 10:34 am

Thank you Pimmy! I'm all goosebumpy now!

#125: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 12:59 pm

Thanks Pim.

*makes sure there's a good supply of tissues*

Wonder if they will they meet any Schindler Jews in Krakow.

Liz

#126: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:47 pm

My mum, brother and I went to Poland a few years ago (or rather about Cool

. Kracow (where my family is from) was beautiful. Warsaw...was not. Kracow mainly escaped the bombings but Warsaw had been mainly rebuilt during the Soviet era and had lots of 'Soviet block buildings'. It was very sad to compare Warsaw to its pre-war pictures. Sharlie must be seeing it totally gutted.

Would she be able to visit Auschwitz and Bergenau at this point? Or were they only open to the public at a later date? My visit there was very...surreal, I guess is the best word.

I'm very much looking forward to more.

#127: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 5:34 pm

Thanks Pim Smile

#128: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:20 pm

Pim you know we are not worthy! (drat that's another smiley that's missing!)

This is so good and shivery!

#129: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:27 pm

Great to see the contrast from her last summer. I can imagine I'm there!

thanks, Pim

#130: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 6:26 pm

I fell in love with Krakow, but not even that false sense of security could prepare me for the haunting images I would see the following day in the small town of Oświęceim and the village of Brzezinka. By the time we arrived in Krakow it was already late afternoon so we opted to leave things until the following day. We were staying with friends of Professor Stewart’s who took us out to show us round the town. We walked up to Wawel Castle where we looked down over the town and from there we headed to the main square to have dinner in a small restaurant in the shadow of the Cloth Hall. It was a truly beautiful city, I could hardly imagine that such horrors had taken place such a short distance away.

In Oświęceim I saw a town trying to rebuild itself and lay its past to rest - after all it was more widely known by its German name than its Polish one. Even so, living in the shadow of something so terrible was such a completely alien concept to me. I understood that life had to go on, but I simply couldn’t imagine living there, ever in the presence of that. We weren’t the only visitors to the town. But nobody comes to see the town, Sara said to me, they are all here for the same thing. She was right, almost all the visitors in Oświęceim were here to lay their pasts to rest, to reconcile themselves with what had happened before. And then there were those like me, who had come with the vain hope of understanding, to try and make some sense of what had happened here.

There are no words to describe how it felt to walk under the gate with its mocking words Arbeit macht frei. In my mind’s eye I saw Anna and the countless hundreds of thousands like her who were all herded towards their fate, their future in the hands of the Nazi aggressors. Even though the camp had long been liberated I still felt a chill of helplessness as we stood in the square where the roll call had been taken for hours on end every day during the camps existence. A young German man who had entered before us fell to his knees, begging forgiveness for betraying the Jews he had been sheltering as he had been unable to stand the brute force of the interrogation of the SS. I noticed the tears form in Sara’s eyes as she turned and walked away. Some coward like him betrayed my family, she said fiercely. How could I even begin to understand?

If it had been me, how would I have gone to my death in the gas chambers? Would I have gone meekly with my shoulders rounded and my head down, dragging my feet, resigned to my fate? Or would I have gone with my head held high, making a futile last attempt at resistance, risking being shot by the SS instead? Would I have wanted to die, or simply be killed? In war there is a difference. Standing in the remains of the gas chamber at Auschwitz I felt numb, I couldn’t even imagine how it must have been. Sara and I stood a little way apart from the groups praying for those they had lost in this place where life held no meaning. Neither of us spoke, what could we say? I was so lucky, said Sara as we stepped outside, if… She didn’t finish, we both knew only too well. If, such a little word, such huge connotations.

At Birkenau we stared out across the remains of an infernal machine of destruction in a state of non comprehension. Would anyone ever understand? I doubted it, but it reinforced my belief that we had to remember. The Nazis had tried to hide their crimes from the world by destroying the evidence; I only felt relief that they hadn’t succeeded. But what if they had?

***
Historical footnote: Auschwitz-Birkenau was opened as a Polish state museum in July 1947. I've used the Polish names to refer to the town and the German names to refer to the camps.
Pim's personal anecdtal footnote: A friend and I spent a few days in Poland during our assistant year in France. Warsaw pales into insignificance beside Krakow, although it is amazing to compare the 1945 and present day pictures. We went to Auschwitz as well but didn't make it to Birkenau as it was the middle of February and the buses weren't running and I was suffering from raging flu and was too unwell to walk the 3k. It still is one of the experiences in life that has affected me the most.

#131: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 6:57 pm

thank yu Pim, this gave me immense shivers, even though i've never been there it seemed so real.

#132: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 7:27 pm

These places have been on my 'must visit' list for years - yet always somhow sink to the bottom when actually planning vacations.

Cowardice, I suppose Embarassed

and I've felt vaguely ashamed that I haven't been.

Thank you, Pim for bringing them back so clearly. I will try to pluck up the courage to put them back to the top of the list.

#133: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 7:34 pm

Thank you Pim, was a very moving picture and I am pleased Sharlie could see it after all she has learnt .

#134: Sharlie Andrew Part 4 Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 7:37 pm

There are no words to describe how it felt to walk under the gate with its mocking words Arbeit macht frei.

I'm sure this description sums up the feelings of everyone who goes through that gateway today - I know many who would echo it wholeheartedly.

Would anyone ever understand? I doubted it, but it reinforced my belief that we had to remember.

Pim, both here and in Sharlie's essay - and your own on which that was based - you have conveyed so strikingly this need to remember. Clearly it made a great impression on you, and it is indeed so important. I sincerely congratulate you on what you are doing here to further it.

I love Sharlie's story, having followed it from the beginning.

#135: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 7:38 pm

That was so moving, Pim. Even when one knows all that went on there and has read about it so much, the way you portrayed it moved me intensely. Crying or Very sad

I hope Sharlie will be able to get her pupils to see it too.

#136: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 8:17 pm

Thanks Pim, both for the update, and the content.

It's scary how much Sharlie's thoughts and feelings echo my that I had when I visited Auschwitz and Birkenau. IN fact, they were feeling that didn't sink in until a good few afters after we had left. I seem to remember walking around almost numb when I was there.

#137: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 8:31 pm

Not been to any of the places mentioned, but have been to Belsen - just a total sense of disbelief and despair that people could do this to fellow human beings. Coupled with dawning horror that the Germans were not unusual or inhumane, they were ordinary people - and, if we forget, it'll happen again - it is happening elsewhere in the world. We all have the same heritage.

Thanks Pim.

#138: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:07 pm

We lived in Germany for three years in the 70s. At that time no birds ever flew across Belsen - they flew around it! While we were there the Army were on exercise, and a tank backed into some trees for cover. The back of it titled down sharply. They had found an unknown mass grave. The tank crew ran!

#139: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:10 pm

I lived in Hannover in the 80's - the roads all around Belsen were terrible - we were told that no one wanted to make any repairs - they were afraid of what they would find. (And no birds flew over it then either)

#140: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 1:55 am

Pim, this really is an incredible piece of writing. I'm covered in goosebumps just reading it!

#141: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:30 am

Thank you pim.

When I visited Belsen in 1996 you still had that sense of silence and the birds and butterflies that you saw outside were not present within the walls. Again it was somewhere that I walked around feelign numb and uncomprehending but knowing this is somethign we must remember.

#142: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:59 am

Over the next few weeks we made out way northwards through Poland visiting places that would haunt my memory forever – Chelmno, Łódź, Majdanek, Sobibor, Belzec, Lublin, Bialystock and finally to Treblinka. Nothing remained to stand as testimony to the past of the places that once housed the death camps of Project Reinhard; nothing remained of the Ghettoes where the Nazis forced the Jews, herded like cattle. The survivors from the Project Reinhard camps were so few, the existence of these camps was remembered by the few who were strong enough to overcome the oppression and survive. I had to wonder how much the local people were aware of; I knew that some had come forward to testify that they had known. Could I have lived in the shadow of something so terrible and not done anything? I simply couldn’t understand how such a fear of people, of anyone who even remotely dared to be different from a flawed ideology, could come into being, and even more so how it could have such tragic consequences. The statistics for the Shoah remain estimates. It just made no sense to me.

How do you think they found the strength to revolt, Sara asked rhetorically as we stared at the ploughed fields of Treblinka which hid its past. I don’t think I would have been able to; of course I like to think that I would have done, but in our dreams aren’t we always the hero?
It’s a way of hiding our weaknesses from ourselves, I suppose, I said.
I can’t even begin… she broke off as we caught sight of a group of young men creep up and begin digging at the ground. Gannets, she spat. Why can’t they leave this place in peace? Didn’t they already suffer enough?
I don’t understand what they hope to gain from it. I suppose they’re the sort who would believe all the lies of the propaganda.
Do you think they’ll ever leave them to rest in peace?
I’d like to think so.
Sara paused. I wish my mother had come with us.
Maybe… maybe the time isn’t right Sara. We have no idea what she went through. It’s going to take more than time for her to be able to reconcile the past, it’s not something we can push her in to. All you can do Sara is to be there, I guess.
And Professor Stewart, Robert, she added with a smile.
What about him?
Can’t you guess Sharlie?
She called him her rock.
Sara raised an eyebrow. That’s one way of putting it.
Are they… I began as my jaw slowly dropped in realisation. They…Sara nodded. Nobody knows of course, well apart from me and a few of their chosen friends. A look of sadness flickered across her face. He’s not my father of course, in an ideal world he would have survived as well and we’d all have lived happily ever after – mother, father, Fred and I.
Fred?
Friedrich, my brother. We always called him Fred, that was Opa’s name for him. In a way it was good for when we came to England during the war – Sara and Fred, nobody would guess our origins. She laughed.
Do you miss Fred, I asked.
Of course I do, but there wasn’t much poor Mrs Mullen could do once he got pneumonia. It was better that he died, he might have got better, of course, but, well, you never know. My father, he shouldn’t have died either, but I’m glad he died trying to escape and resist. It wouldn’t have been my father if he’d just gone mildly to the gas chambers and allowed them to kill him.
If the earth could speak…
What tales she could tell.
It seems so improbable that we’re standing on a mass grave.
Why? You know what the Nazis did.
I know, but even now I’m here I can’t reconcile it.
Because we didn’t live through it.
True. But in comparison I had a charmed life during the war, evacuated to Wales and then my scholarship came through and I was off to school. I had no idea really of what was going on.
Neither did we, Fred and I. Once we got to England we had no idea what was happening back in Germany. In Germany everything was explained with ‘because you’re a Jew’, not that we really understood then. So you see Sharlie, our war experiences weren’t so different.
Of course they were, I didn’t live under Hitler for a start and I wasn’t…
Wasn’t a Jew, finished Sara.
Sara, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…
Forget it, you’re not the first person to have said it.
Do you still…
Practice my faith? I nodded. No, not since I left Germany. Mrs Mullen took Fred and I too chapel whilst we lived with her but I stopped going after the war. I didn’t believe in anything anymore.
Would you go back?
Not to Judaism, and I very much doubt I’d go back to Chapel. I probably won’t go back to religion of any sort. It causes too much trouble if you ask me.

***
Historical footnotes:
1. Project Reinhard Death Camps - Chelmno, Sobibor, Belzec, Treblinka, Majdanek. Project Reinhard named in honour of Reinhard Heydrich following his death, 'opened' in 1942 but the decision to liquidate them was taken in 1943 because Auschwitz-Birkenau was 'fully functional'.
2. The prisoners in Treblinka revolted in August 1943 and the camp was destroyed. Around 600 prisoners escaped into the surrounding forests but only 40 of them survived the rest of the War.
3. Sobibor prisoners also revolted by killing the SS guards, however the second part of their plan went to pot and only half the prisoners were able to escape.
4. Belzec and Chelmno only had a handful of survivors. Majdanek was originally a prisoner of war camp for Soviet prisoners.

Reading recs:
Raul Hilberg Victims, perpetrators and bystaders is one of the most 'human' perspectives on the subject that I've read, portraying the perpetrators as the people they were rather than monsters. Barbara Engelkind offers one of the better explanations in Holocaust and Memory. Yitzhak Arad has also written the most comprehensive study of the Operation Reinhard death camps in Belzec, Sobibor and Treblinka.

Pim's personal anecdotal footnotes:
My only regret from visiting Auschwitz was the fact that I had rotten stinking flu when I went. I know that what I was seeing hit me at the time but it wasn't until later that I realised how much.

~I have not told you of our experiences to harrow you, but to strengthen you... Now you may decide if you are justified in despairing~ (The words a Sachsenhausen survivor would say to new prisoners on their first night)

#143: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:32 am

Pim, that was very, very moving, as have been the last few posts.

I don't know if you know this from Victor E Frankel, who was a concentration camp survivor. When I first read it I asked myself how anyone cpuld find the strength to think like this.

"What was really needed was a fundamental change in our attitude toward life. We had to learn ourselves, and, furthermore, we had to teach the despairing men in the concentration camp, that it did not really matter what we expected of life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life - daily and hourly.

#144: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 3:26 pm

Thank you Pim. Very thought provoking - as it should be.

#145: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:59 pm

Chilling, and very very sobering. I've been catching up and I am totally bowled over by how much has happened since I last read this. The swings between Sharlie's happy life at the CS and the seriousness of her dissertation and this trip are brilliant Pim.

#146: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:58 pm

Thank you Pim. Very chilling, but necessary for the story.

#147: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:31 pm

Thankyou Pim

#148: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:35 pm

Thank you, Pim Kiss

#149: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 8:17 am

After a three weeks we arrived on the north coast of Poland, near Gdansk with Professor Stewart’s friends to spend a week regaining our perspective before our visas ran out. I helped Professor Stewart putting his notes in to some semblance of order. I’d helped him talk to survivors and we’d spent hours going through archives and files. Every testimony I’d heard had haunted me, the will to survive was such an amazing thing. Professor Stewart wasn’t sure what he’d be using the research for, but it would be towards his first full length work on the Shoah. I felt both humbled and honoured that he wanted me as part of his team.

The week’s break was just what we needed before heading back to Warsaw to catch the flight to Paris where Sara would meet with her mother and Professor Stewart and I would spend a couple of days in the archives of the Centre de documentation contemporaine juive. I guess that during our first day of research, whilst Sara and Dr Clayton had gone off to see the sights, Sara had told her mother that I knew about her relationship with Professor Stewart as something changed between them that evening. Or maybe for the first time I saw them as normal people instead of my tutors. Either was it was nice to see them both happy and at ease with each other. It even seemed that Dr Clayton had begun to lose the haunted look in her eyes that she’d always had before.

I enjoyed Paris as much as I had done on my first visit the previous summer but all the same it was nice to get back on the boat train to London. I spent the night with Dr Clayton and Sara before leaving for Liverpool in the morning, knowing that I had found a lifelong friend in Sara. I left with a promise to come back and visit them both sometime. Professor Stewart had also mentioned a conference he was chairing in January and asked if I wanted to write a paper that could be read by the people attending. He gave me no clues as to what he wanted the paper to be on, simply told me I could make up my own mind. As I boarded the train back to Liverpool I was acutely aware of how much the previous month had changed me.

I only had a few days in Liverpool before I was due to leave to go back to Switzerland. Rebecca and Elizabeth complained that they had hardly seen me over the holiday. I did feel guilty that I wasn’t spending enough time with them but I was lucky that they understood how important my work was. I didn’t have a chance to talk to Rebecca about the money I’d been saving for Sarah. I thought that in the end Christmas might be a better time to broach the subject.

#150: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 8:36 am

Thank you hunnie, Im so glad Sharlie is able to do something to help and Im so happy for Dr Clayton and Prof Stewart Very Happy

#151: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 10:02 am

Just read the last three updates - Pim I was shivering! That was incredible. Thank you.

Liz

#152: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 12:23 pm

thank you Pim Kiss

#153: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 12:53 pm

These are some pretty amazing posts.
I did not realize so many people go on visits to the concentration camps.

#154: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 1:00 pm

Quote:

How do you think they found the strength to revolt, Sara asked rhetorically as we stared at the ploughed fields of Treblinka which hid its past. I don’t think I would have been able to; of course I like to think that I would have done, but in our dreams aren’t we always the hero?
,

I think any person who stayed with human characteristics was a hero. The person who helped another walk, or shared their bread crust or water with another person, all of these people who kept their dignity and kindness under those circumstances, were heroes too.

Last edited by keren on Thu Apr 07, 2005 5:43 pm; edited 1 time in total

#155: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 3:59 pm

This is great, Pim. You've made Sharlie into a totally credible character. I need to go back and re-read the books she features in.

#156: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 4:19 pm

Thank you Pim Very Happy

a little bit... feeling sad...

#157: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 5:21 pm

pim, you are amazing

#158: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 6:13 pm

Thanks Pim, another wonderful post.

#159: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 2:53 am

Totally amazing/draining/enthralling, Pim!!

Thank you

#160: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 7:57 am

Lovely, Pim. Smile

Thank you.

#161: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:32 am

I caught the train back to Switzerland with Peggy and Nancy. Biddy had spent the end of the holidays back at the Platz with the Maynards. Her home is with them after all, said Nancy. And nothing at all to do with the proximity to a certain Dr Courvosier, put in Peggy with a giggle. She had a good point. I’d seen the early stages of romance between Biddy and Eugen Courvosier the previous term and been reminded of my own first nerve wracked dates with Matthew and then with Will. Do you think they’ll have got a step closer to getting engaged, asked Peggy. Don’t be silly, I said, they’re only at the tentative beginnings of a relationship, and it’s not as though they get to spend much time together. Sharlie’s got a point, it’s only been six months since they first met, Nancy pointed out. Six months is a good marker in a relationship for where it’s going, I said. What do you know about it, retorted Peggy. I dumped my first year boyfriend after six months, I explained, turned out it was too long for him and he’d got someone else on the go as well, and then it was a little over six months when I split up with my second year boyfriend. I grinned as they both stared open mouthed at me. What, I asked, did you think university was for studying, I giggled, tell me about your summers anyway. Nancy had flitted around various friends on the continent before coming back to spend the last couple of weeks in England with one of her brothers. Peggy had stayed with a few friends before spending the last month with her elder sister, Mary. Nothing as interesting as your shindig in Poland, Peggy sighed mournfully. Hardly a shindig, I said, ghetto sites and death camps coupled with hours in the archives trying to make sense of something that nobody can make sense of. I broke off, sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. It’s okay, said Peggy with a shrug.

The three of us talked all the way to Interlaken only stopping for the few hours sleep we managed once Peggy had stopped giggling, there was so much to catch up on. We’d been expecting Rosalie to meet us in Interlaken with the car but were surprised to see Biddy waiting for us and waving frantically. Well now, she said, I persuaded Rosalie to let me come instead, I couldn’t wait the extra half hour or so to see you. Engaged to that nice Dr Courvosier yet, asked Peggy with a wink at Nancy and I as we loaded our suitcases into the car. Biddy blushed furiously, no, we’ve spent some time getting to know each other. Peggy smirked and we all giggled, Biddy glared at us. So have you survived the six month test, asked Nancy with a wink at me. What are you on about, groaned Biddy. Nancy chuckled, Sharlie was explaining on the train… It was my turn to blush. Both relationships I entered into at university broke up after six months, I interrupted, now can we change the subject? We all climbed into the car with Biddy sharing the latest news from the Platz and we were off once more to the Chalet School. I say, said Peggy suddenly as we made our way up the winding road to the Platz, did you get snaps of your graduation? Of course I did, I replied not taking my eyes off the view outside of the car, but I figured you could wait til we got back to school to see them.

Welcome back Charlotte, Miss Annersley had barely changed over the summer, it’s wonderful to have you back with us. I grinned, it’s wonderful to be back. I trust you had a productive summer, she asked gently, how was Poland? It was an experience, I said honestly, but one I wouldn’t change for the world. We must talk about it properly at some time, she said, I also had a letter from the Institute of Education about your results and I understand congratulations are in order. I coloured before it all drained from my face and I stared awkwardly at the floor. Thank you, I mumbled eventually. I trust you brought back your graduation snaps, she asked when I turned to leave, I nodded in reply, wonderful.

#162: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:47 am

Thank you Pim, glad Sharlie came through her summer and was able to help. Hope all the stories she heard don't upset her too much.

Lovely banter between them all on the journey back. Poor Sharlie she has a lot of adjusting to do to CS relationships where a meeting is closely followed by an engagement.

Now why ever did she lose all her colour when Miss Annersley was talking to her about her degree result and her Graduation.Something we haven't heard or is she embarrassed about it?

#163: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:51 am

Thank you Pim. Lovely relationship with Peggy and Nancy!

#164: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 11:15 am

Susan wrote:

Now why ever did she lose all her colour when Miss Annersley was talking to her about her degree result and her Graduation.Something we haven't heard or is she embarrassed about it?

Just what I was wondering, Pim. And I love the way Hilda in this story is always trying to encourage Sharlie.

A lovely post - and story. Very Happy

#165: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 12:38 pm

Loved the chat between Sharlie, Nancy, Peggy and Biddy and am also wondering about Sharlie's reaction to Miss Annersley. Thank you, Pim.

#166: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 12:44 pm

Thanks Pimstar

Looking forward to seeing how Sharlie gets on this term.

Liz

#167: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 2:37 pm

Thanks Pim.

Love the friendship Charlie's developing with Peggy, Nancy and Biddy Very Happy

#168: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 3:28 pm

Thank you Pimmysticks!

Please explain Sharlie's sudden changes of colour soon!

#169: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:05 pm

Also curious - not about her blushing, but about her losing colour.

Thanks Pim.

#170: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 8:28 am

Also wondering about Sharlie's dramatic colour changes. And I love seeing her airing her 'superior knowledge of relationships' Laughing

#171: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 9:01 am

I'm sure there's a perfectly normal explanation... of course if Sharlie would care to tell me, I'd be delighted to know Wink

Christmas term soon began in earnest with some changes in the way that lessons were organised between the School and Welsen, the finishing branch – nothing that affected my Juniors and therefore nothing that affected me. I was teaching the same group again, which pleased both them and me. They had their mischievous moments, but for the most part I knew I oculd rely on them to not let me down. The problems seemed to lie amongst the older ones but the general consensus in the staff room was that Mary-Lou Trelawney could be entrusted to deal with them. I’d not had any particular dealings with Mary-Lou, indeed I was only vaguely aware of her, but everybody else seemed to hold her in a lot of esteem. From what I’d seen of her she came across as a very confident and self assured young lady who seemed to be able to read people in a different way from that of her contemporaries. From a distance I’d notice her take on the new girl in her form, Jessica Wayne, who came from a troubled background. Mind you, I had to admit that the definition of a troubled background at the Chalet School differed somewhat from my own.

The early part of term brought a selection of interesting post for me.

Dear Sharlie.

I hope you’re settling back into Switzerland well – I still can’t get over you being there. Nell says Miss Annersley mentioned great things about you over the summer but wouldn’t be specific, anyway I wouldn’t want your head getting too big now, would I? You’d have to get a new hat! I can’t believe this is going to be my final year in Oxford. Well, actually it might not be. I’ve decided to apply to do an MA when I finish my BA this summer and then maybe stay on and do a PhD and then go into academia and lecture. I’ve been talking to a couple of my tutors about it and they’ve been very supportive of my decision. I think I’ve known since I arrived at St Hilda’s that my life should take this direction. I might not stay in Oxford, it depends where I can get a place – we’ll just see how it goes, but I would like to stay here. Thank you for your cards from Poland, I know it wasn’t much of a holiday but it must have been such an experience for you. There’s no time for fun here now, luckily I have my own room this year so I can switch off and concentrate. Nell’s just next door though and Kathie’s a few doors down – on the rare occasions that she’s in. I wish I had her brains – she gets away with the absolute minimum effort and always gets fantastic marks, I’d love to be that laid back as well! And on that note I should get back to my essay.

Love, Lucy.

Dear Sharlie.

Not much to report from Berlin, apart from a little political unrest but I can’t say I blame people. Korea rages on and it really does make you wonder if it’s all worth it. I’ve thought about packing in the army life so often, I just don’t see what good we’re doing – if any at all. I’ll be back in England in November on leave, spending most of it with the parents but I’ll be off to Oxford for a few days to see Lucy and Kathie. I’m not even sure about things with Kathie anymore, it just seems to be getting more and more farcical. I just don’t know where anything’s going anymore.

Always, Sam.

Dear Sharlie.

London is pretty much the same as ever – quiet without my brother mind you! He’s gone into banking in Winchester and seems to have found himself a nice young lady, as mother puts it, who he works with. Don’t ask me any awkward questions there because I don’t know the answers to be perfectly honest. I suppose New Year might be a make or break point. You are still coming to Scotland, aren’t you? It’s just not the same not having you around. The flat is lovely – maybe you’d like a few days in London over Easter so you can see it? We’ll all be here studying hard for finals! In a matter of months our university years will be behind us, now I know what you went through last year! Without my brother and his friends our social lives have diminished somewhat. Lily Beth and martin are trying ‘correspondence romance’ for size, he’s working in Cambridge now. On the other hand, Tash and I are trying spinsterhood for size – much easier!

Love, Trix.

Dear Sharlie.

Hope Switzerland isn’t too cold! York’s a bit on the nippy side so I dread to think what the Alps are like. It’s good to be back here though even if the work load is nigh on impossible to deal with at the moment. I have some news for you, you’ll never guess but just keep an eye on your post anyway! Mother and Robert have been discussing the marriage word since we got back from Poland! I say discussing, and it really is only a vague idea at the moment so they probably won’t decided on anything for months yet; however, it seems to be more or less a fait accompli. I know mother’s a bit hesitant about it all, especially because of father but I know she’s been talking it over with Tante Rebekka. I really am so pleased for them though, I can’t imagine anyone better than Robert for her – at least he understands in some way what she’s been through. I know that nobody can ever replace my father and I know that Robert won’t try and do that. After everything, mother deserves the chance to be happy again.

Love, Sara.

Dear Sharlie.

I’m sorry I haven’t written in so long but I have been very busy at work, and, as you will understand from the enclosed invitation, with planning my wedding. I have known Michel since the end of the war and we realised that we loved each other six months ago. I am so happy Sharlie, but I only wish that my family could be here to share this with me. I am sorry that this letter is short, but I have so many more to write to tell people. Anna has asked me to tell you that she will write soon, but she has been ill recently although she is better now.

Bisous, Julia.

The letters from Sara and Julia suddenly provided me with the inspiration I needed for my paper, Surviving the Shoah: Building the Future.

***
And I'm not writing Sharlie's next paper - I did have a chapter in my dissertation called The post war years - The reconstruction of a people (see my plagarise my own work) but it was very area specific. Besides, I have to worry about whether the nation state is dead or not instead now - answers on a postcard please!

#172: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 9:38 am

Thank you Pim. I'm really glad you gave Sharlie the chance to see a forward looking subject for her paper.

I've just read most of the trip to Poland and up to date. I do like the way you are keeping all the sections alive through her trips to Livepool and friendships with school and university friends. She's become very real to me.

#173: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 11:45 am

Thank you, pim. That was a lovely post - all those letters adding their own little piece to the character that is Sharlie. As patmac says she is very real. Smile

Last edited by MaryR on Sat Apr 09, 2005 3:23 pm; edited 1 time in total

#174: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 12:08 pm

Thanks Pim - love the little bit about definition of a 'troubled background'

#175: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 2:32 pm

Thanks Pim, great to catch up with all the news and Im glad Sharlie has found inspiration from among her friends Very Happy

#176: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 5:04 pm

Lovely letters Pim, thanks Very Happy

#177: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 5:08 pm

Thanks Pim - lovely to hear the news from all Sharlies friends

Liz

#178: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 8:21 pm

Just caught up, thanks Pim. Lovely to see her keeping in touch with everyone.

#179: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:46 am

Christmas term at the Chalet School had to be seen to be believed, especially once the bad weather started in earnest. I’d taken the juniors down to Lake Thun for half term with Peggy in tow after her plans had fallen through. In a way I was disappointed not to be going to the Falls of the Rhine, but common sense told me that the Juniors would have hated all that time on the coach. To compensate Peggy promised me that we’d go the next time we both had a free weekend. After half term the bad weather set in and the snow began; at one point the roads were badly blocked meaning that supplies couldn’t get through. As far as I was concerned it only served to highlight the differences between me and everybody else; the consequences were their idea of a food shortage, during my childhood that would have been a veritable feast. I was only too aware of how spoiled I’d been since I’d left to go to school. Eventually we were allowed out to winter sport and I was grateful of my day’s practice in Scotland the previous winter. It was also such a fantastic free feeling to finally get out of doors having been cooped up for days. I’d been and practices in the school gardens with Peggy and Nancy before breakfast so that I could have some practice and not look every inch the beginner I was in front of the girls. Luckily the juniors weren’t all that good, and most of the school had little or no experience – on the other hand I couldn’t help but be jealous of Jeanne de Lachenais as she skimmed effortlessly past me. It all came to a nasty end when Emerence Hope’s sledge crashed into Mary-Lou Trelawney at full force. Emerence was fine but for a few days things were touch and go with Mary-Lou, and the collective sigh of relief could be heard when she regained consciousness. It was at that point that I realised just how much closer as a school the Chalet was than St Monica’s; things like that had happened there but there just hadn’t been the complete feeling of togetherness I’d felt at the Chalet.

A packed Christmas holiday now lay before me. I was starting out in Liverpool for Christmas, then heading up to Scotland for New Year before going down to London to go over my paper with Professor Stewart, then on to Grenoble for Julia’s wedding and finally back to the Gornetz Platz in time for school to begin again. I’ve missed having you around, Elizabeth confessed as we got ready to go to bed my first night back, it’s nice having my own room but without you and Harri it’s far too quiet with just Aunt Jane and I. I simply couldn’t imagine myself in Elizabeth’s shoes; I didn’t think I would have ever been able to stay the way she had done. Your Eliz has got a new young man, Aunt Jane confided, he’s not the first, but is very new and seems different to all the rest. What do you mean ‘different’, I asked. She’s happier, she explained, I wonder if he’s ‘the one’ Sharlie. Elizabeth shied away from the subject when I approached it and I got a funny feeling that Aunt Jane might be right. Harri returned a few days before Christmas, looking tired and distracted, she didn’t talk much. I think she’s overdoing it, Elizabeth said, she was like this when we met up when I was last in London, not that Harri’ll ever admit it, but I spoke to that flatmate of hers… Kit, I queried. Elizabeth nodded, that’s the one, she sad as much, but you know Harri, stubborn, she won’t listen to advice.

Christmas day was a quiet family affair despite Rebecca’s culinary disasters, even she seemed to be distracted by something. As the evening wore on I offered to put an increasingly fratchety Sarah to bed, there was something so calming about it.

Is she sleeping, asked Rebecca suddenly from the doorway.
I nodded. I love watching her sleep, I said as Rebecca sat down beside me. She looks more and more like you aver time I see her. And you… I paused. Gosh, you look just like mam now. I never noticed before.
Rebecca smiled weakly. Eliz told me that a couple of months ago.
Becca, I began, slipping back into her childhood name. There’s something I need to talk to you about.
Are you in some sort of trouble Sharlie?
I laughed. I haven’t got time to get into trouble at school. Besides, I have to set a good example. No, it’s about Sarah.
Oh?
Becca, don’t be cross with me for not discussing it with you sooner, but… Well, the thing is… I twisted my fingers awkwardly. I’ve been saving from my salary every month… for Sarah, so you and Philip can send her to school, if you want. She doesn’t have to go away, there are perfectly good day schools in Liverpool… I broke off. Becca?
Rebecca looked up at me, I couldn’t make out her expression. Sharlie, you shouldn.t… she’s my daughter after all.
Becca, I just want her to be able to have the chances I’ve had. The world’s changing so much, it probably won’t be as hard for Sarah as it was for you and me.
Sharlie, I didn’t mean no… I just… I never expected anything like this. I mean, it’s your money – surely you want to spend it on yourself?
I don’t need anything though Becca. I’d rather see the money go to good use.
Sharlie, I don’t know what to say,
Just say yes, for now. Really the money’s Sarah’s, it’s ultimately her decision.
Yes then! Oh Sharlie, she mumbled as we hugged each other. I don’t know what to say… Sharlie, she pulled away and looked serious for a moment. Don’t tell anyone just yet, but… July, that brother or sister for Sarah…
Oh Becca, it was so hard to not shriek with delight. I’m so pleased for you.
She smiled wistfully. I just hope everything will be fine this time.
I nodded, I understood. But you’ll never forget them, I whispered reaching for her hand. Just as I’ll never forget Alice, I thought.

#180: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:36 am

Thank you Pim - so nice that Sharlie remains close to her family.

Love her version of the 'famine'

#181: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 11:01 am

Lovely, lovely, lovely. I'm so glad you write this Pim- I always liked Sharlie in the books but you have made her real as Pat said.

#182: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 12:10 pm

Another very moving episode, pim.

Thank you.

#183: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 1:33 pm

Oh bless her! And so glad Becca's having another baby Very Happy

thanks Pim

#184: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 7:15 pm

Just caught up - lovely, Pim!! Thank you! Love the banter between Sharlie, Peggy and co Very Happy

#185: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 8:03 pm

Pim don't take this the wrong way but...I think I love you!

#186: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:16 pm

Thank you Pimmy!!! That was windyful!

#187: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:27 pm

thank you pim Very Happy

as everyone else has said, this is lovely and Sharlie is just gorgeous!

#188: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:40 pm

Thank you Pim. I've said it before and I'll repeat it. Sharlie has come alive for me.

She's another of those characters who appear in the books but never get fleshed out and now I shall read her part in the books with a new understanding.

#189: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:59 pm

interesting to see Sharlie's perspective on OOAOML's accident

thank you pimmy!!!!

#190: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:43 pm

Thank you Pimjorachio

Very pleased for Rebecca - hope all goes well for her.

Liz

#191: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 8:12 am

I caught the train up to Scotland for New Year and was met in Perth by Lily Beth and Martin who drove me the rest of the way to the cottage, Reunited, grinned Trixie as she, Tash, Lily Beth and I opened a bottle of wine and made our first toast. I was looking forward to a few days total relaxation. Will arrived the following day with Allie, his new girlfriend. Trixie was quite scathing about her behind her back. Nice to look at, but not much up top, remarked Martin, I thought Will had given up with that sort after you Sharlie. I had no fixed opinions about Allie, she seemed harmless enough. New Year’ Eve was harder than I expected though and I headed out to the garden to watch the stars and escape the noise of the party. It was here I realised I was in love with you, came a voice from behind me. I turned to see Will, that was a whole lifetime ago, we’re different people now. More’s the pity, he said. I shook my head, it was for the best, it was only ever going to be fun, remember? We said nothing for a few minutes. You’d best be getting back to Allie, I said as I headed back indoors. I hardly saw Will after that and spent the rest of my break catching up with Trixie, Tash and Lily Beth, feeling nostalgic for my time in London. We all headed south a few days later and I crossed back into my academic life as I was met by Sara from the train.

I spent the next few days in the History department working on putting the finishing touches to my paper with help from Professor Stewart. It’s a shame you won’t be at the conference, he said, but hopefully this will get your name noticed a bit, I don’t want to be the only person recognising your talents. In between long hours in the department, Sara did everything she could to make sure I had some fun back in London. She and Dr Clayton were going over to Grenoble for the wedding as well, it would be nice to have travelling companions. After three days mt paper had passed muster with Professor Stewart and that evening I set out on the late train to Paris with Sara and Dr Clayton. After a few snatched hours sleep in Paris we caught an early train to Grenoble where we were met by Anna who took us along to the hotel where Julia and I had met eighteen months previously.

As the wedding was to be the following day we only saw Julia briefly and met Michel in passing. To occupy out time Anna took us up to the Bastille where we spent a relaxing afternoon.

I can’t get over how alike they are, Anna commented to me, Sara and Esther.
I know, I replied. It’s remarkable.
Esther looks so much better now that when I first saw her again last year.
Yes, she seems less… haunted.I suppose that Professor Stewart of yours must be good for her. Anna winked conspiratorially at me.
He must be, I said winking back.
She’s lucky to have him, said Anna, turning her back to me.
Anna… I laid a hand on her shoulder.
I’m sorry.
Don’t be.
It’s just… I can’t imagine putting everything behind me like that… looking forward…
Anna I don’t think that Dr Cl… Esther’s done that.
I didn’t mean it like that. It’s… Oh Sharlie, it’s so difficult. She broke off and buried her head in her hands. And now Julia’s getting married, I… Everything’s going to be so different, I’d almost got used to things as they are now.
It doesn’t have to change anything.
Of course it does. Especially if they move away, they’ve been talking about going to Belfort to be near Michel’s family. It’s not as if they’ve really got anything keeping them in Grenoble… I know I should be happy for Julia, but if they leave it seems so selfish of me to want them to stay.
What’s keeping you here though Anna, I asked suddenly.
I don’t know, she said honestly. I came back to find my family, or rather in the vain hope of doing so. I suppose there’s nothing really keeping me here, only my job and a few friends. But I couldn’t imagine moving on, starting again and leaving all this behind. I don’t think I could.
Nobody expects you to.
But you’re right Sharlie, I should think about where I want the rest of my life to take me.

Julia and Michel’s wedding took place the following day in the centre of Grenoble. Due to their religious differences they were only having a simple civil ceremony followed by a reception in the hotel. Julia looked so happy, how could any of us deny her that? I knew that Michel would make her happier. The owner of the hotel where Julia worked made a short speech in place of her father. He spoke eloquently of the Julia he had watched grow since the end of the War. But the speech was tinged with sadness that her own father had not lived to see this moment. It seemed so surreal still that she wouldn’t be the only one to be going through something like that.

#192: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:25 am

How sad, yet there is happiness there too.

Thank you Pim.

#193: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:16 am

Thanks Pim.

Nice to see the hope among the tears.

#194: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:22 am

Thank you Pimmly. Im glad Julia is happy Very Happy

(please keep Rebecca safe) Wink

#195: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:48 pm

Thanks Pim

Poor Julia - I hope she is soon able to look to the future without any fear of change.

Liz

#196: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 2:17 pm

Thank you Pim.

#197: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 4:29 pm

I arrived back at the Gornetz Platz a couple of days before I needed to be back at school and took up the offer of a bed at Hilary Graves’ home. We’d struck up a friendship during my first time through Nancy and I loved spending time with her small daughter, Marjorie. All the same I was glad to get back to school and was eager for term to start. You must be mad, chuckled Peggy. Bless the child, remarked Biddy. I’d missed my juniors over the holidays, I loved being around them with their liveliness and vitality. I’d rather have spent my days around them than the troublesome middles. The latest that term was the arrival of a new girl who was something of a musical genius. I had to admit that I was somewhat in awe of Nina Rutherford as I had no musical talent of my own. I’d tried the piano at St Monica’s where my teacher had given me up in despair as the bane of her life. Nina was an interesting pupil, I’d never known anyone to be so utterly absorbed by one thing, she simply lived and breathed her music even when it caused ructions between her and her classmates.

Shortly before half term Beth told me that she was leaving Freudesheim at the end of term to prepare for her wedding which would be in June. I’d known she was getting married but hadn’t expected it to be so soon.

It’s all suddenly become a bit of a rush, she admitted. Neither Noel nor I thought it would be for another year or so, but well, these things happen. I smirked involuntarily. Don’t look like that Sharlie! There’s nothing for you to smirk about.
I giggled. Sorry.
I suppose a few people might think that way, she said with a shrug.
It’s not such a big rush.
True. But like you, we weren’t, well I wasn’t, thinking about it for a while yet. Noel and I talked things over at Christmas and decided that we both wanted to get married and that’s why it’s happening in June. You’ll be coming, won’t you Sharlie – it’s the weekend after term ends.
Of course I’ll be there, I grinned. Between your wedding and Becca’s baby it will be a happy summer.
What about you?
What about me?
Ever see yourself getting married?
I laughed. Maybe, but not for years and years yet! I’m not quite twenty-two yet Beth, there’s all sorts of time for that when I’m grown up! I’d like to see all my sisters settled first before I start worrying about that sort of thing. Besides, I think I’ve had enough of men to be put off for life. I smiled wryly. But don’t let my bad experiences put you off, it’s not all dreadful.
Beth grinned. Good. Mind you, I probably would have been going into all this in such rose tinted glasses if it hadn’t been for you. I can’t help but feel that I’m so inexperienced – Noel and I have hardly had any time together since we decided to get married.
Think of all the fun you’ll have getting to know each other once you are married though.
Fair point. I mean, we’ve known each other all our lives – but only as friends! Being married is something completely different. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little scared.
Becca said the same thing when she married Philip but they’re both so happy. They hadn’t known each other all that long when they got married, only a couple of years.
But they were… going out, though weren’t they? They weren’t just friends who… She broke off.
Beth, if you feel like you’re being pushed into this you can always say no, nobody will think any less of you.
Don’t be silly Sharlie, nobody’s pushing me into it. I just feel sometimes as though I’ve not had much chance to get out there and experience life in… in the same way as you have f’rexample. I’ve always been so sheltered.
Do you love him?
Noel?
No silly, the postman. Of course Noel.
Yes.
Then what does it matter? When Becca got married I was worried because I didn’t think she loved Philip and she was just doing it to take the responsibility of David and Caroline from Aunt Jane, but you just answered with such conviction then that I don’t doubt you both. Besides, your young Janice is beyond excited about the whole thing.
Beth smiled, I know she is. I feel so silly being so scared about getting married.
It’s a big thing, or so I’m told anyway. Just, don’t feel as though you have to be scared on your own.
Thanks.

Half term was a quiet affair down in Berne with the Juniors with Céline Lenoir, although I had to admit that the Bear Pit wasn’t quite the same without Tish. The girls liked it all the same and we had an altogether pleasant time. I was pleased to have Céline with me, I’d been dreading being paired up with Joan Bertram for the trip. I liked Céline though, she was good fun once past her quiet and shy exterior. I’d had no real problems with Joan since my first term; from time to time the scathing remarks still came at me but I learned to live with them. After Half Term we simply lived and breathed the Sale of Works in aid of the Free Ward at the Sanatorium. The first half of the term had brought Welsen’s pantomime – Beauty and the Beast which we had all thoroughly enjoyed, but the Sale was something else again. I’d been told how the tradition of the Sale dated back to the School’s Tyrol days and that it had a different theme each time. This time it was to be an Old English Fair and everyone was pitching in at Hobbies Club. Extra excitement arrived in the form of the latest addition to the long Maynard family in the shape of baby Cecilia. Her arrival reminded me of the secret Rebecca had confided over Christmas although I assumed that she must have told the others by then. After the excitement of the Sale there wasn’t much of term left and before we knew it we were accompanying the girls back to London.

#198: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 4:43 pm

Another lovely post - it's so nice seeing everything from a different angle - and Sharlie's discussion with Beth was wonderful.

#199: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 5:34 pm

Thanks Pimsiliciana

Sharlie's advice to Beth was so thoughtful and kind.

*So impressed at you covering a whole term in one post*

Liz

#200: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 5:42 pm