The Village Boy's Tale Part 7 28/07/05 twice COMPLETE
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#201:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 6:51 pm


Swallows and Amazons Forever

 


#202:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:16 pm


Lovely send off for Mike.

Thanks Pat.

 


#203:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:27 pm


awwww that was lovely

 


#204:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:59 pm


Can only echo all the 'awwwwwws'

Very Happy

 


#205:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 8:48 am


LizB wrote:
Thanks Pat

That was a lovely end to Mike's visit

*hope he gets safely back to Josie with those does*

Liz


They've arrived, albeit a little tipsy and minus the scotch.... (mutters things about currupted bunnies) Wink
Your two does are already whispering in my ear!! Shocked

Thanks Pat. A wonderful end to Mike's visit. And as chelsea rightly said, Swallows and Amazons forever.

 


#206:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 3:42 pm


Thanks, Pat.
I knew Mike had good taste! Very Happy

 


#207:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 8:26 pm


Sorry for the gap of a few days. Here we go again.


“Sit down before you fall out.” Dixon pulled at the back of Reg’s coat and he sat down with a bump. “Who was that anyway and how do you come to know an American.”

Reg giggled. “It was Dutch. Auntie and I met him on York station last Summer. They’d only just arrived in England. His real name is Mike but his last name is something foreign and they call him Dutch. There were crowds of Americans there waiting for a train. He’s ever so funny. Oh, why did we have to leave just as he arrived!”

“To catch the train.”
Replied Dixon, who could be rather literally minded on occasion. “If we miss connections, goodness knows when I’ll get home. You’ll hear all about it when we get back.”

“Fancy Copley’s father turning up like that!”
exclaimed Hanson from the other side of the aisle. “That’ll be great for him.”

Reg, who was feeling hard done by, cheered up. “That is great. I wonder how he came to meet Dutch?”

At this point an argument broke out towards the back of the bus and everyone turned to look as an annoyed looking member of staff went swiftly to deal with it. By the time he had quelled the two participants, all the boys were sitting quietly and taking care not to draw attention to themselves.

Soon they pulled into the station and were marching along the platform to wait for the train. Once they were settled on the train with luggage stowed. The four friends settled down to discuss the holidays.

“You’re lucky. You’ve only got a short way to go. You’ll be home hours before me.” Moaned Dixon to Reg, as he did every time they made the journey. “I’ve got all the way from London to Plymouth with two prefects. I’ll not have anyone to talk to.”

“Huh! I’ve got to go to an Aunt’s. Three weeks with a crowd of girls.”
MacDonald almost spat the word ‘girls’ and Reg couldn’t help laughing.

“Hey, girls aren’t all so bad. Some of them are quite decent.”

“These aren’t. They are stupid and sloppy. Perhaps they’ll be better when they get older but they just play with dolls. Urgh!”

“Why can’t you go home?”

“My Mum’s too busy to have us at home this holidays. If we could all be together it would be better but they’ve farmed us all out to different aunts. There are just too many of us for one for one to cope with.”
He smiled. It was not a pleasant smile.

“I think we were too much for Aunt Amelia the year before last. We got a bit carried away with a tin of red paint we found and she didn’t like her red fence!”

“How many of you are there?”
asked Hanson, curiously, as MacDonald had never talked much of home before.

“Six and I’m betting we’ll have a new baby this year. That’s what it usually means when Mum’s too busy to have us at home.”

“Coo! You are lucky.”
Said Hanson, an only child.

By now, they were pulling into Leeds and Reg collected his belongings.

“See you in three weeks. Have good hols!”

Reg left the train and said goodbye to Mr Cready who was counting the Leeds boys off, and set down his case, looking round for Auntie. She was standing in her usual spot and he waved and, picking up his case, crossed to where she was waiting.

Dropping his case, he hugged her and noticed, to his surprise, that he was now taller than her.

“You’ve grown again.” She said as they drew apart.

“You say that every time!” he laughed. “and I still can’t help it. You’ll never guess who turned up at school just as we left.”

“Who?”

“Dutch! You remember, he was one of those Americans we met on York Station.”


They crossed to the platform to get their train to Garnley, Reg talking nineteen to the dozen, and settled on a bench to await their train.

“He sent a message for you. He says he can sew buttons on now.” He finished with a flourish. “He says he’ll write now he knows where I am. He’s friends with Mr Douglas.”

Auntie was amused. “Fancy that. I’ve often wondered about him and his friends.”

“How is everything at home?”

“I’ve not made any changes. Everything just goes along the same. I’m thinking I might get rid of a couple of cows, though. Milking three is getting to be a bit much and though I can sell the milk, it’s a lot of work for not much money.”


Reg looked at her worriedly.

“I should be there to help.”

“No, no, Lad. I’m managing fine. I’ve never really enjoyed the cows any more than you did. One will give me enough for milk, cheese and butter and a bit over to sell or help some poor folk.

I’ll keep the chickens and the pig. I might even extend the chicken run and get some more. I’ve always fancied some bantams. It’s simpler to sell a chicken here and there than to have all that fuss with the slaughterman when a cow has to go.”


Reg filed this away at the back of his mind to think over later. Auntie looked the same as ever but this was the first time she had hinted at cutting down on the work she did.

“When are we going to Phoebe’s? I had a letter and she said she was making arrangements with you and you’d tell me.”

“It wasn’t agreed till the other day. We’ll stay here over Easter and then go down on the Tuesday. We’re to stay for ten days so we’ll come back on the following Friday. That will give us the weekend to get you ready for school again. You’ll no doubt need some new clothes so we’ll go into Leeds on the Saturday and get them.

We’ll not see Mrs Maynard. She’s too busy at the moment but you’ll see everyone else.”


Reg laughed. “MacDonald says when his Mum says she’s busy, it means a new baby. Oh! Is Mrs Jo having another one.”

“I couldn’t say. Now you keep your ideas to yourself. It’s not polite to talk about ladies having babies.”

“I won’t say anything, honest. I had hoped to see Dr Jack though.”

“You’re to go to the San one day to see him and the triplets will be at Frieda’s house one day when we go there. That will have to do you.”

“That’s OK then. Here comes the train. We’ll be home soon. I can’t wait.”


Last edited by patmac on Sun Jul 10, 2005 2:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#208:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 8:31 pm


What a lovely post. It was nice to see Reg's reaction to Dutch being there. And his reunion with 'Auntie'. Thanks Pat.

 


#209:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 11:50 am


It's lovely to see Reg getting involved in his home life so quickly when he meets Auntie again.

 


#210:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 4:32 pm


And that he's astute enough to worry about Auntie reducing her workload.

Thanks Pat.

 


#211:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:59 pm


It's so nice that the school hasn't changed Reg.

Thanks Pat Kiss

 


#212:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 8:51 pm


That was lovely. Reg is growing into a very understanding young man. I love the comment about it not being polite to talk about ladies having babies.

 


#213:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 9:05 pm


lovely Pat thank you

 


#214:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:38 pm


That was lovely Pat - thanks

Liz

 


#215:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 1:07 am


Thanks Pat, that was fun.

 


#216:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:17 am


Lovely Pat, thanks. I do love seeing Reg and Auntie's evolving relationship. Hope the work's not going to get too much for her. Confused

Poor MacDonald, doesn't sound like his homelife is too ideal - too many babies, too little time. Sad

 


#217:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:26 am


Thank you Pat. A lovely post - graet to see Reg and Auntie's relationship and the way it's changing as he gets older.

 


#218:  Author: Emma ALocation: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:19 pm


Lovely posts Pat. I like the way Reg and Auntie seem to understand each other more now - the coming of the Maynards into their lives has been a very positive one.

Thank-you.

 


#219:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 6:03 pm


Once they arrived home, Reg was relieved to see that, indeed, nothing had changed. The garden and house were as ordered as usual and he could see that Auntie seemed as fit as ever. Nevertheless, he kept a close eye on her and determined to speak to Dr Jack about it. After all, he was a Doctor and he would know if Auntie was doing too much.

As was becoming a routine, Reg stayed in on the first day and followed Auntie around telling her tales of the past term. Then the next day he cleared off on his bike with his snap and revelled in a day on the moors.

The days were longer now so he went all the way to his favourite spot on Grosmont Moor and ate his lunch where he could see the sea in the distance. As he turned to make his way home, he muttered under his breath. “Some day, I’ll get there.” There was a difference in his thoughts this time. For the first time he wondered about what lay beyond the sea and set his sights not just on going to the sea but over it.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The next day, he cycled up to see Joe. After enquiring at the farmhouse and finding Mrs Ormerod bottle feeding lambs, he was quite prepared to find Joe busy in the barn where ewes with a problem had been taken.

What he was not prepared for was the greeting he received when he called a cheery “Hello”.

“Reg! Come on here and hold her head. She’s stuck!”


Reg saw to his horror that Joe had blood up to his elbows and was struggling with an obviously distressed ewe.

He hesitated for a moment and then rushed forward, leapt into the pen and, straddling the ewe, grabbed the distressed sheep round the head.

He watched over his shoulder, feeling slightly sick as Joe worked his hand into the ewe past two tiny hooves and, with a grunt, pulled on an ominously still form. The ewe gave a shudder and with a heave which taxed Reg’s strength to hold the sheep to the ground, expelled a small lamb, covered in slime and lying limp on the ground. Joe, with no regard for the blood and slime, rubbed the lamb vigorously and then, prising apart the jaw, hooked his fingers in it’s mouth and cleared it of mucous. Then he held it up by it’s hind legs and shook it.

Reg held his breath.

Liquid gushed from the lamb’s mouth and, as Joe laid it on the ground again, it’s chest heaved as it breathed in and, on the outgoing breath, emitted a faint mewling sound.

The ewe struggled to her feet, throwing Reg to the floor and, turning to the lamb, started vigorously licking it. After cleaning it thoroughly, the ewe nudged the lamb to it’s feet and it stood wobbling for a moment and then, with an ungainly lurch, staggered under her and started to suckle.

Joe grabbed two pieces of string and, tying them tightly round the cord, drew a knife from a sheath on his belt and expertly cut between the string. Then he grinned and wiped his face with a blood stained arm.

“I’m right glad you came then! I thought I were going to lose them both. The lamb was coming back end first!”

Still sitting on the floor, Reg summoned up a returning grin.

“Will they be all right now?” he asked shakily.

“Should be. It’s suckling. I’ll check it in a few minutes when it’s finished” With that, he climbed over the side of the pen. “Come on. Let’s leave them be for a bit.”

Reg stood up, feeling as shaky as the lamb, whose little tail was gyrating wildly as it suckled. He had been brought up in the country and knew how animals were born but he had never witnessed a birth before, much less been involved with one. He felt both elated and humbled.

“I wouldn’t have know what to do.” He admitted.

“Course you wouldn’t! You will do one day though, when you get to be a doctor.”

Joe crossed to a large bucket standing near the door of the shed and liberally sluiced his hands and arms in the water, before plunging them in another bucket standing beside it.

“Why two buckets?” asked Reg.

“Second one’s got disinfectant in it. A lot of farms don’t bother but Mr Ormerod is very particular about it. We get less problems than most farms hereabouts and yet you’ll hear a lot of farmers dismissing it as newfangled nonsense.”

Roughly drying his hands on a piece of rough cloth, he gestured to the buckets. “Just dip your hands in the disinfectant. No use taking chances.”

Reg did as he was told and winced at the icy water. Following Joe across to the pen where the lamb was now lying peacefully, he noticed that he was carrying a dish of iodine.

“What’s that for?”

“End of the cord. Stops germs getting in.”


Stepping over the side of the pen, Joe picked up the lamb and felt it’s little stomach. Seeing Reg’s look of query, he explained.

“Lambs is stupid creatures. Sometimes they don’t hook on to the udder and suck a piece of wool till they’re exhausted. This one’s all right. Here, feel it’s belly.”

Reg reached in and felt the lamb. It’s stomach was tight as a drum.

He grinned. “Stuffed full as he can be!”

He watched as Joe, holding the lamb carefully, dipped the end of the cord in the iodine. It was so sound asleep that it scarcely quivered. Joe set the lamb down by it’s mother, who proceeded to lick it again and then climbed back out of the pen.

Both boys were standing looking with satisfaction at the sheep when a voice behind startled them.

“Why, it’s young Reg! Come to learn about sheep have you? How’s it going, Joe?”

Turning, Reg saw Mr Ormerod, as jovial as ever, despite the dark lines under his eyes which spoke of some sleepless nights.

“That ewe!” Joe indicated with a thumb over his shoulder, “was in trouble. Stupid lamb had it’s hind legs hanging out. If Reg hadn’t come when he did and held her, I doubt I could have saved it.”

Mr Ormerod was across to the pen in a trice. “Looks fine now. Has it suckled properly?”

“Yes, belly’s right full.”

“I’ll keep an eye on things now. You go and spend some time with Reg. You’ve done a grand job.”


Joe looked pleased at the praise and led Reg from the barn. Stretching, he inhaled deeply.

“Ah! ‘tis good to be outside again. Let’s walk up the hill a bit and you can tell me all your news.”

The two friends walked off up the hill in companionable silence.

“How are you getting on?” Joe asked, eventually. “Still enjoying school?”

“Yes. I can’t believe how lucky I’ve been. But, you know, seeing you just now, I did wonder. You’re doing something real already. It’ll be about ten years till I really do anything that counts.”

“Rubbish. You’d be bored in a week. Even when we was little lads you always had your nose in a book or were asking questions. We’re different. I’d pine away from here. I reckon you could go anywhere and be happy if you had enough books. Now me, I couldn’t wait to get away from them.”

“I suppose you’re right. I wouldn’t want to leave here forever, though. I still feel it’s home.”

“Course it is. You’ll come back someday when you’ve finished what you have to do.”
He looked round with satisfaction. “Home in the Hills.”

 


#220:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 6:58 pm


Thank for ythat, PatMac. It's good to see that Reg slips back into his old relationships as if he'd never left them.

 


#221:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 7:16 pm


Nice to see Reg able to adapt into his old life so easily. Thanks Pat

 


#222:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 8:50 pm


Good for Reg helping out like that. Thanks Pat.

 


#223:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:14 pm


There is somehting about that last line 'home in the hills' that sends a tingle down my spine.

It can't be home if you can't see the Pennines.

 


#224:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:42 am


Thanks, Pat.

Fascinating to see Reg's horizon's broadening like that, and the belief growing that he can really get there one day. I love that.

Quote:
“Course it is. You’ll come back someday when you’ve finished what you have to do.” He looked round with satisfaction. “Home in the Hills.”

Something tells me Joe's quite a prophetic young man. I do like their friendship.

 


#225:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:20 am


Thanks Pat

I'm glad to see Reg's old friendships haven't been changed by his new ones.

Liz

 


#226:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:53 am


Lovely update, thanks Pat. Nice comfort reading!

 


#227:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 3:39 pm


So nice to see that Joe and Reg accept their so different lives but that it makes no difference to their friendship.

Thanks Pat.

 


#228:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:25 pm


The next few days seemed to fly by. Reg spent a couple of hours with old Mr Akroyd who had introduced him to whittling. He seemed to have shrunk and he could no longer stand up straight. He was still producing small animals and birds from offcuts of wood and the cottage looked more like a carpenter’s workshop than a home. The room was littered with pieces of wood and completed animals and birds, wood shavings spread in a wide circle round the three legged stool on which he sat.

Reg watched as he felt a piece of wood, turning it this way and that, not really focussing on the surface but relying on his gnarled fingers to tell him what animal lay inside.

Reg watched quietly, enthralled as he, quite suddenly, began to pare away the wood, turning it and gradually revealing the secret inside. For an hour, he worked, steadily and gently and then held out a small mouse.

Reg took it, reverently, and sighed.

“I’ll never be able to do anything as good as this.”

“I’ve been doing this for over sixty years. You’re only just starting and it will come in time. You’ve got the patience for it. You just need practice. Just remember, don’t expect anything. Just feel the wood. If it doesn’t tell you anything, put it aside and pick up another piece. What do they think of it at that clever school of yours? “

“Oh, they are quite keen on any crafts. They say we need to use our hands as well as our brains. I do this in hobbies club, we can do anything we like really. Some people make model aircraft or boats and some cut jigsaws. We sell some of them at the Summer Sale.

We have woodwork classes as well. You know, learning to do proper dovetail joints and things like that. I made a bookstand last term and we’re doing picture frames now with proper mitres. I like this best though.”


As he spoke, Reg was absently stroking the small mouse.

“I think that one’s yours.” Mr Akroyd said gruffly.

“Oh, I couldn’t!” Reg quickly put in. “It’s your job. You make them to sell.”

“Look around you, Lad. I’ve more here than will ever sell in my life time. It’s hard times we’re living in and people don’t buy things like this much any more. I can’t stop, though. It’s what I do, even if no one ever sees them but me.”

“I’ll always treasure it. Not just because I love it but because you made it and I saw it made. It’s a little bit home to take with me.”


Reg placed the little mouse on his night stand where he could see it and decided he would take it with him wherever he went.

“I’ll always have a little bit of Garnham wherever I go.”

He murmured, stroking it again.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On Saturday, the Vicar called.

“I just called to ask Reg how he is getting on.” He said by way of explanation. Auntie made tea and left them to it while she went out into the garden to cut a cabbage for dinner.

Reg told Mr Hart all about his progress and that he was hoping to be able to join his form for Latin in the coming term.

“I should be able to join them for maths as well, but I can go to Mr Evans if I have a problem.”

Mr Hart was most impressed. “You’ve done really well to catch up so quickly. I think you must be much brighter than I was. Are you enjoying it, though? That’s important too.”

“Oh, yes! I’ve made some friends and I enjoy the sports as well and hobbies. I’m whittling and no one has done that at the school before.”

“Good. I’m really pleased. Now, I’ve a favour to ask. Could you sing a solo tomorrow in the Easter Eucharist? We’re short of one singer and I really don’t know what to do.”


Reg wriggled, uncomfortably. “I’m afraid I can’t. My voice is breaking and it keeps coming out all gruff when I don’t expect it. Mr Reed says I shouldn’t sing again till it settles down. He thinks it will be quite deep.”

The Vicar’s face fell. “Never mind, then. We’ll just have to manage. I’m glad to have seen you anyway. I’ll be up at Polgarth towards the end of next term and I’ll try to get in and see you.”

After the Vicar had gone, Reg heaved a sigh of relief. He had half expected Mr Hart to ask about his diary which languished neglected. There just didn’t seem to be time to write in it.

“Maybe I could just write about holidays.” He thought. “There’s time then and things to remember, like the lamb being born. If I forget, it doesn’t matter. I’ll just write a bit about the important things.”

 


#229:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:59 pm


That's really lovely Pat - sorry, keep having to say the same thing - so good that Reg has the people in the village to keep him grounded. Love the little mouse - does he keep it?

 


#230:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:49 am


Ooo - does this mean we're going to get Reg's diary?

Thanks Pat. Reg was so sweet with Mr Akroyd (that name always makes me think of Open All Hours!), and loved his 'little piece of Garnham'.

 


#231:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:52 am


I loved this, especially the wood telling the whittler what was inside it. (A bit garbled, but you know what I mean!)

 


#232:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 3:45 am


patmac wrote:

As he spoke, Reg was absently stroking the small mouse.

“I think that one’s yours.” Mr Akroyd said gruffly.

“Oh, I couldn’t!” Reg quickly put in. “It’s your job. You make them to sell.”

“Look around you, Lad. I’ve more here than will ever sell in my life time. It’s hard times we’re living in and people don’t buy things like this much any more. I can’t stop, though. It’s what I do, even if no one ever sees them but me.”

“I’ll always treasure it. Not just because I love it but because you made it and I saw it made. It’s a little bit home to take with me.”


Reg placed the little mouse on his night stand where he could see it and decided he would take it with him wherever he went.

“I’ll always have a little bit of Garnham wherever I go.”

He murmured, stroking it again.


That was lovely. Sad, but lovely.

Such an enjoyable story PatMac, you really get inside the characters.

 


#233:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:35 am


Thank you Pat. Lovely. And I love the little mouse.

 


#234:  Author: Emma ALocation: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:22 pm


Agree completely with Nell. This is so beautifully written, Pat, and so sympathetic to the characters (well, most of them!). Thank-you.

 


#235:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:42 pm


Thanks Pat

Gorgeous Very Happy

Liz

 


#236:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 6:53 pm


11th April 1944

I am writing this on the train. We set off early this morning, loaded up with our cases and a big shopping bag of sandwiches and a flask for the journey. Auntie said we should be all right even if we are delayed. I don’t think we will be as we are ready for it.

We are going to stay with Phoebe and her new husband Dr Peters. It is the first time I have seen her since her wedding. I think Auntie is as excited as I am as she misses Debby popping in for a cup of tea. She wouldn’t admit it though.

We will see Simone and Tessa as well and we are going to Frieda’s house for a little party with the triplets and the Countess will be there with Wolferl and Josefa.. Mrs Jo is busy so we shan’t see her. Auntie says I am not to mention my guess that there is a new baby coming as it would be rude. I don’t see why but I suppose I had better be careful or I’ll be in trouble.

I’m to spend a whole day at the San with Dr Jack. That is exciting and I must remember to ask him if Auntie is all right. If I get the chance, I want to ask him about Canning as well. I know there is a ward at the San where they treat bones and I saw an X-ray last time I was there of a backbone that was twisted and that looks like Canning has that.

It seems awful that he can’t do the same as everyone else and sometimes when he doesn’t think anyone notices, he looks quite sad.

Auntie is telling me to put my writing away now and get ready because we are nearly there. I’m really excited.


22nd April 1944

I really thought there would be time to write about things each day but somehow I forgot. I’ll catch up now and maybe tomorrow so I will really remember the holiday. I don’t think I will even try to write in here every day but I will write important things when I have time. When we were talking about last summer, there were things I had forgot and perhaps it will be nice when I am old to read about things that happened.

Phoebe looked really well. She still uses two sticks to walk and says that it probably won’t get any better but she is so bright and happy. I remember when I used to carry her down the stairs at Many Bushes and she hardly weighed anything.

Debby is not nearly so cross all the time. Auntie says she acted cross because she was tired and worried and some people do that so they can keep going.

We talked a lot on the way home yesterday. I don’t think Auntie has ever talked like that to me before, sort of like two grownups talking instead of her telling me what to do and things like that. Perhaps she knows I’m growing up now. My voice sometimes comes out really deep and it is quite a shock.

She says I should remember about that when people seem cross or don’t show they care. They may be just trying to keep going because if they start to tell someone about whatever it is, they are frightened they will start crying and not be able to stop.

I told her what Copley said about his Granddad telling his Dad to pull himself together when he cried and she said that was exactly what she was trying to tell me. So I told her about the day I went to follow Copley. I didn’t tell her everything and I won’t write it here. I know I will never forget it anyway.

I did tell her about Mr Douglas and how I managed to tell him without breaking my promise.

She said I have an old head on young shoulders. That made me feel good. I do want her to be proud of me.

Auntie doesn’t mind me reading and all that now and she got me a bookcase for my room. Miss Armitage was having a bit of a clear out. She still has lots of furniture from when she moved here that is too big for her cottage and it is all crowded so she asked Auntie if I would like a bookcase. Joe’s Dad and friend of his came and moved the furniture round. They had to take the window out to get it in as it wouldn’t go up the stairs, even though it comes apart in two pieces. It is a big one with glass doors at the top and wooden doors at the bottom. Auntie polished it all up nice and it was a surprise when I came home for Easter. She’d put a little table and a spare kitchen chair in front of the window for me to use as a desk as well. I am sitting there now. I can look right down the garden and to the fields and right up to the top of the moor. It means there is not much room to move in the room but I don’t mind that.

I was so excited, when I saw it that I hugged her and said she was the best Auntie ever. She liked that and hugged me back. I think she doesn’t mind now that I am keen on books and things. I wonder if someone has said something to her that made her understand.

I haven’t written any more about the holiday and I got all out of order. I will write some more tomorrow. I don’t think it matters about it not being in the right order. After all no one will ever read it but me.

 


#237:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:04 pm


Reg is really showing signs of growing up - it's nice to see

Thanks Pat

 


#238:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 8:04 pm


Awww that was lovely, thanks Pat, Reg is growing into a really lovely young man.

 


#239:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 8:16 pm


Reg is so lovely - I love the little flashes of insight we get occasionally, such as the observation that Auntie is beginning to treat him in a more adult way. I wish that more of the boys I know who are Reg's age were more like that!

 


#240:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:56 pm


patmac wrote:
After all no one will ever read it but me.


So glad that's not the case

Thanks PatMac

Liz

 


#241:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 2:26 am


How lovely that he and Auntie are arriving at this deeper understanding of one another.

 


#242:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 8:29 am


Feeling all warm and fluffy - thankyou

 


#243:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 9:51 am


Tahnk you Pat. Lovely great to see Reg growing up and his relationship with Auntie deepening as she recognises this.

 


#244:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:11 am


Oh, how lovely!

Thanks Pat. Kiss

So glad Auntie let him have a bookcase - love the way they're growing to understand each other more as he gets older, and also the explanation of the 'stiff upper lip'.

 


#245:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:23 am


Thanks, PatMac, that was lovely.

 


#246:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 1:12 pm


Thanks Patmac. I love the 'no one will ever read it but me' line.

 


#247:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 7:13 pm


Thanks for encouraging comments everyone. I've got to the point where I have to write this, even if, as Reg says,
Quote:
no one will ever read it but me.

but it is nice to know people are enjoying it with me.

23rd April 1944

It is Sunday afternoon now. It is a bit miserable outside and Auntie is downstairs sitting by the fire and knitting and listening to the wireless. She’s let me have the old paraffin stove from the shed so I won’t get cold. So long as I fill it myself and trim the wick and always turn it off when I leave my room, I can have it up here for always. It feels rather nice sitting at my very own desk and writing. I’ve got an oil lamp lit for light because it is a bit dark even by the window. I can look round at my room and see the books in the bookcase.

I forgot to write that I went to see Miss Armitage before we went to Phoebe’s to thank her for the bookcase. She was so pleased to see me and we sat talking for ages. I used to be scared of her when I was little because she is all long and thin and the boys at school said she was a witch and used spells to make people better if she liked them and to make them ill if she didn’t. Some of them used to knock at her door and run so when she came to the door they would be round the corner laughing at her with her long nose poking out the doorway. I knew that wasn’t true but I was still a little bit scared of her just in case.

Now I know she is really clever and knows a lot about illness and how to make people better. She is really interested in what I am doing and we can talk about things. I really like her and not just because of the bookcase. Auntie told me that she was training to be a nurse and gave it up to look after her mother and father. I suppose I would do the same if Auntie was really ill but I don’t know if I could be as cheerful as Miss Armitage is.

She showed me some of her books about illnesses and how to treat them. Then she asked if I would like some books to put in the bookcase and she had a whole set of Charles Dickens she wanted to give me. They were just like the ones my Dad had and she said she had bought them the same way from a man travelling round.

I said I couldn’t and she would want to read them again. She laughed and said she had read them so many times she knew them by heart and anyway she was sure I would lend them to her if she wanted to read them again.

I told her about my Dad having the same books and how I didn’t know what had happened to them and she said that decided it and I should take them. I was a little bit upset as I couldn’t see how anyone could bear to give books away.

She said, now let me get this right because it is important to remember. She said I should keep them and enjoy them and then pass them on to someone else someday when I felt the time was right. Yes, that is what she said. I shall underline that so I remember.

It took several trips to take them home but it was worth it and they sit in the top of the bookcase where I can see them through the glass doors. The oil lamp is shining on them and they look so lovely. My Dad would be so pleased that I have them again.

I wonder if he knows.

 


#248:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 7:28 pm


So glad that forcefield isn't adversely affected by Glenfiddich...or even Laphroaig! Thank you shiny patmac, whose stories about Reg et al I've now shared with an absolutely non-Chalet audience, and they loved them!

 


#249:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 7:30 pm


This is fantabulous Pat, thank you

 


#250:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 7:49 pm


That was so good - love Reg's realisation that something was important and that he had to underline it!

Thanks Pat.

 


#251:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:26 am


Thank you Pat. Lovely - I'm now wondering who Reg will pass the books onto and when.

 


#252:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:41 am


I'm glad he feels that way about miss Armitage's generosity, and underlined the words so that he will remember them.

 


#253:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:42 am


patmac wrote:
Thanks for encouraging comments everyone. I've got to the point where I have to write this, even if, as Reg says,
Quote:
no one will ever read it but me.

but it is nice to know people are enjoying it with me.

I know that feeling! But rest assured, you have a captive audience here, and we're going nowhere anytime soon!

Thanks Pat, that was wonderful. Nice that he seems to have found another mentor in Miss Armitage, and like everyone else, am loking forward to seeing who he passes the books to , many chapters down the line.

 


#254:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 7:24 pm


23rd April 1944 later in the afternoon

I don’t seem to get much farther on with this and haven’t even started the holiday bit yet. I won’t have much time tomorrow. Maybe I can find time at school to write the rest. I didn’t realise how much time it takes to write it all down. If I write a list of things on a piece of paper and put it in here I won’t keep going off sideways.

We spent the first day with Phoebe and Debbie. Dr Frank had to go back to the San after lunch and Debby and Auntie went off into the kitchen for a good old natter so I had Phoebe to myself and it was just like before. I had been wondering if she would have changed with being married and all that but she’s not.

She still has to rest after lunch so she lay on the settee and I sat on a footstool so I could see her and she didn’t have to turn her head to see me. I told her lots about school and about the books we are reading and all about the inseparables. She was really interested and when she asked a question, I could tell it was because she really wanted to know.

Then she told me a bit about how she has been going on. She still goes to the San twice a week for her treatment and while she is there she visits other people who have the same thing and when they see she is so much better they get up hope. I could tell that she is very happy to be married to Dr Frank and he makes her very happy. I noticed that he looks at her like Dr Jack looks at Mrs Jo. Auntie gets a closed up look when she sees it. I think she is remembering Uncle Bert.

Phoebe still does sewing but now it is things she wants to make, not because she has to take orders to make money. She said Sybil comes for a day when she can in the holidays. Dr Jem drops her off in the morning and takes her home when he finishes work. She thinks Sybil will want to do embroidery when she leaves school. I don’t know what her Mum will think of that. She would probably want her to be a teacher I would think.

Simone and Frieda come and see her each week and the Countess as well. Oh, I forgot. I saw her in the holidays and she said I was to call her Marie but it seems a bit strange and I don’t usually use her name.

Auntie and Debby came in with the tea after a bit and Debby said she bet I had been talking even on and should let Phoebe rest after tea. Phoebe said she had enjoyed it but Debby looked at me and so I said I would go and write a letter. That is what some grown ups say when they need to get away I’ve noticed. I didn’t of course but asked Auntie when I carried the tea tray out to the kitchen if I could go outside and see the garden.

In the end Auntie and Debby came with me and Debby showed us what she was doing out there. It had not been looked after for ages and she’s done a lot of work. I offered to do a bit of digging while we were staying. She’s plagued with bindweed and needs to dig at least two spits deep to get any chance of getting it out.

She wasn’t keen at first, saying it was my holiday but when I told her about our farm at school and how it would be like old times at Garnham she gave in but wagged her finger at me like she used to and said I shouldn’t do too much.

I laughed and wagged mine back and said I would dig if I wanted to! I wouldn’t have dared do that last year but I can now and she laughed again and said to Auntie that I was getting to be a right bossy young man and she could see me as a Doctor some day. Auntie laughed as well and said I was growing up fast.

Anyway I did manage to dig quite a bit over the holiday and cut back a load of the shrubs at the end of the garden and we had a lovely bonfire before we left.


29th April 1944

We are back in school and Copley looks ever so much better. His Dad stayed nearly a week and they stayed down at the Lodge House. It was all done up last term and we wondered why. Now we know because we have five mistresses come to teach the lower forms and they are living there. I can’t see why some people didn’t seem to like it. It means we have enough teachers now and the Staff have more time.

There were only a few people who have found it strange and were a bit rude about it but I told the others about Miss Armitage and how she wanted to be a doctor but her father said girls couldn’t and they agreed it is a good thing.

By the others I mean the Inseparables as they call us. I told them all about Miss Armitage and they agreed that it was a pity she couldn’t have been a doctor as she would have liked to be. Hanson said that his Ma (as he calls her) is probably cleverer than his Pa but she stays at home and he goes to work. It does sound as if his Ma must be very clever because Dr Jem said his Pa is a genius. Oh dear. I’ve got all muddled in the order again and I must write about that later because he said lots of things I should remember. I will put it on my list. Anyway, we sat on anyone who said anything rude about the new mistresses and they soon shut up.

Now I will go back to the holiday.

I went up to the San for a whole day and it makes me sure I do want to be a doctor. It is not just because I want to make people better though that is what I really want but it is interesting. I spent ages in the X-ray department with Dr Gottfried. He said he could spare the time because he has two students working with him and so long as I didn’t mind if they called him when they needed to, we could have two whole hours.

X-rays are like photos but with a special camera that puts a light out that can see right through the body. Dr Gottfried tried to explain about light waves and I got a bit muddled but he said I would understand later when I had done more science.

He showed me lots of x-rays of bones and lungs and other bits of the body. You could see where things were wrong and I saw a whole lot of one person. The first one showed a knee with some holes in the bone and you could see it quite clearly. Then this person was put in a splint and kept in bed and had some new medicine. I can’t remember the name but it was very new. A lot of diseases are caused by little things called bacteria. They are alive and grow in the body. You can’t see them except with a microscope. This new medicine kills them and stops the disease getting worse.

Then there was a X-ray after three months and some of the holes were already filling in again. All the doctors are excited about this though there are some bacteria it doesn’t kill and nobody knows why.

He took me to a laboratory and Dr Fuller let me look through a microscope at a little glass dish with some sort of jelly in it and there were bacteria growing on it. Then he showed me some of the same bacteria with some of the new medicine put with them and you could see that there were less of them. I’d like to have spent longer there but there was a doctor coming from Oxford University who is working on this medicine and was coming to talk to Dr Fuller about what bacteria it works on and what it doesn’t. It’s called a trial and everyone is hoping that lots of things can be cured.

Then I went to see Dr Jack and he had my school report. I knew it was good because I got good marks but I was still nervous. He was ever so pleased that I was doing well and said he was proud of me. I felt really good about that.

I asked him about Auntie and he said he thought that she was just being sensible but that he would see what he thought when he saw her and would remember what I said. I thought he might laugh at me but he didn’t.

I asked him about Canning and he said it could be all sorts of things and he couldn’t tell what it was without seeing him. I asked if he could do that as I really like him as he is so brave. Then he explained about something called medical etiket which means you can’t just decide to treat someone without being invited. I said he had treated Phoebe last year and he explained it was an emergency and she could have died if he hadn’t. Sort of like a doctor happening to be at an accident.

Phoebe’s doctor had died, though she didn’t know that, and she asked him to be her doctor so he could bring her to the San. I said what would have happened if her doctor had been alive. He explained that, if Phoebe asked him to treat her, he would have had to write to her old doctor and so would Phoebe.

I said that was wrong because she wasn’t getting the right treatment and he explained that it is to make sure doctors don’t get greedy and poach other doctor’s patients or promise they can cure things and get money from people when they can’t.

I will have to stop now. I asked if I could go to the library and write this instead of going out after tea and I promised I would go out for at least half an hour before supper. If I don’t go out now, Mr Evans might not let me do it again.

 


#255:  Author: AlexLocation: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 7:37 pm


Thanks, Patmac. Reg is such a sweetie, I'm glad he's doing well at school.

 


#256:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 7:44 pm


Never worry that we aren't reading this, Patmac - it's great. These diary entries are a wonderful way of showing us how Reg is maturing.

It will be interesting to see how the term develops with the new mistresses - but at least they can be sure that one of the most influential groups in the prep school are supporting them unequivocally.

More, please, when you have time.

 


#257:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 7:48 pm


*cuddles Reg*

I love this drabble, thanks Pat Kiss

 


#258:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:38 pm


Thanks Pat - such fascinating glimpses - and I loved the medical etiket! Laughing

 


#259:  Author: LizB spurned by login PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:41 pm


Thanks Pat

Good to see the Inseperables are turning into leaders and setting a good example.

Lovely to see how Reg is thinking more about those around him as he grows up and gets more experience

Liz

 


#260:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 8:55 am


Thank you Pat. This is lovely and its great to see Reg and the Inseperables growign up and influencing their peers.

 


#261:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 1:41 pm


Thanks, Pat, it's great to see Reg growing up.

 


#262:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 4:55 pm


Thanks Pat.

Also loved the medical 'etiket' Laughing and also the way Reg and Auntioe's relationship is changing, with him moving towards being carer rather than caree (is that even a word?!).

It's nice to see his developing interest in medicine too.

 


#263:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 5:17 pm


Thanks for the comments. I like the way Reg is growing up, too. I know some people have commented that he is not like lads of his age they know and I don't really think he is typical but his reactions and attitudes are loosely based on a sample of three boys his age I knew rather well at that stage, currrent ages 41, 35 and 16. There are some out there, honest.




30th April 1944

I keep thinking that if I write lots I will catch up but I am not. I was getting all behind and thought I might just stop and then I thought if I did I would have given up. Auntie always says if you start something you should finish it. I do like writing it. There just isn’t enough time.

I passed Mr Douglas in the corridor yesterday and he said I looked as if I had the cares of the world on my shoulders. So I told him about the diary and how I liked writing it but it takes too long. He said to meet him in the library after supper so I did.

He asked if it was my idea to keep one. I told him about the Vicar and how he had given me one last year and I did write in it quite a lot till the summer and then I was busy and forgot.

Then at Easter, we were talking about last summer and I really couldn’t remember all of it and I thought it was a pity because it was the best summer ever.

He asked if I enjoyed writing it. I said yes but then I get cross with myself because I can’t catch up.

He didn’t laugh which I thought he might but said that not many people write in their diaries every day, or if they do it is just a few words, just about something really important or unusual. If it is a chore and it means missing out on things now, then it really would not be worth it because I would grow to hate doing it.

He asked what I really wanted to use it for later. I didn’t really know, just that I didn’t want to forget really nice things or important things sometimes what people had said.

Mr Douglas told me people keep diaries for lots of reasons, not just to remember. He said sometimes it helps to write things down if you are upset. Some things are difficult to talk to other people about and some people find writing it down where no one else will see it helps.

Then some people use it to just jot down important things in a few words to act as a trigger to remember things. I didn’t really understand that and I said so. Then he asked what was my earliest memory. I had to think about that but then I remembered riding on my Dad’s shoulders walking up a path on the moor. I don’t know how old I was, probably about three.

Then he said to close my eyes and describe it. I shut my eyes and told him what I saw.

He said and what can you smell and I could smell the heather and my Dad’s Brylcreem on his hair. Smells are important in remembering, he said.

Then he said and what can you feel. I shut my eyes again and I could feel my Dad’s hair. It was sort of wiry and strong. I could feel his hands holding my ankles. Sometimes he held a bit tight when he was going up steep bits but that felt safe. I couldn’t fall when he was holding me.

Then he asked about what I remembered my Dad saying. That was harder because he didn’t say much and I had to think for ever so long. Mr Douglas said think of it all, what you saw and what you smelt and what you felt.

It seemed to take ages till I remembered. Dad used to stop at the top of the hill and say “Isn’t it grand.” It was almost as if I could hear him. I hadn’t remembered that since he died. I felt a bit sort of funny and Mr Douglas seemed to understand how I felt and he said that was what he meant. If I had written (though I was too young to do that then of course) just a really short bit with riding on Dad’s shoulders, brylcreem smell and “Isn’t it grand” in it. It would trigger my memory forever when I read it. Just thinking of it to write it down will help to sort of seal it in my mind. I said that sounds like repetition for learning poetry or spelling. He says it is just the same.

It was nearly bedtime then and he said we’d talk again tomorrow, after school and he would tell me some other things about diaries.


1st May 1944

I need to write this now so I don’t forget.

Mr Douglas and I went for a walk after tea and he told me about the other way I could do the diary.

He said if I really wanted to, I could turn it into a hobby and write lots every day and it would make my essay writing better and perhaps some day I would write things for other people to read. I thought, like Mrs Jo does with her books.

He said some people do a diary to start with and then go on to be real writers. If I really felt I had to write it like that, it would be hard to keep up each day but it might be something to think about. I’d only be able to do it if I really felt I must.

We walked nearly down to the river and I thought about it. Then I said there wasn’t really time because there were so many other things I wanted to do and I’d be too busy writing and then I would not do other things so there would be nothing to write about. Anyway I wanted to be a doctor and I told him about the San and Dr Jack and the X-rays and the new medicine and how I had seen tiny bacteria under a microscope.

He listened really carefully and said I had to make my own mind up but I was in danger of trying to do too much and I could not manage everything. I would have to decide which way to go. This term, I’m starting to learn General Science, ready for moving up to Polgarth. Mr Warner is coaching me on my own and It takes two hours a week as well as all the regular lessons and prep.

He said that I should forget what other people expected me to do and follow what I really wanted. I think he meant the Vicar but I did wonder if he meant Dr Jack.

He didn’t say any more about it but I’ve thought about it and am writing it down here so I can think some more. This is fun but it’s not what I want to do all the time. I really do want to be a doctor.


2nd May 1944

I have decided I am going to write one little bit about each day and then I’m going to write a little bit about things I want to remember. It doesn’t really matter if they don’t go in the right order. I feel better now I've decided and I won't feel bad if I miss a few days.

We’re playing cricket this term and we started today. Some of the boys have got proper white flannels but they are only ones that are hand downs from someone or they still fit from last year. Most of us are wearing our football shorts. There won’t be any new ones till the war is finished. MacDonald put his on and they were right up his legs and he looked real funny and had to take them off again.

The next thing on the holiday was that we went to see Simone and Tessa. Tessa has really grown a lot and she is still as sweet. I took her for a walk after lunch. She can walk quite a way but I really wanted a good walk after sitting down all morning so we took the pushchair. We went down the lane quite a way and then we left the pushchair and explored a little copse. I expect it was like a forest to her. We found some bluebells and Tessa picked some for her Mum. She chattered all the time.

It gave Auntie and Simone some time to talk. They’ve become really good friends and they write to one another a lot.

I’ve just realised that I have learnt some French just from talking to Simone. You’d never know she wasn’t English most of the time but she sometimes uses French words when she is talking to Tessa. I don’t know what they look like in writing but it is a start.

 


#264:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 6:29 pm


Thanks Pat (look at me almost spreeing in my eagerness to reply!! Wink Laughing )

Personally I love the way Reg is growing up, and yes, he may be different from other boys, but surely a lot of that will have to do with the experiences he's had in life which others haven't? And like you say, some people are just made that way - we;re not all the same, after all! Very Happy

It's great to see how Hugh is developing into Reg's mentor, and the gentle influence he's having on Reg's life and way of thinking. I liked him pointing out that he should try and follow his own path and not those that others would like him to follow.

And how lovely that Auntie and Simone have become such good friends.

OOo - and I forgot something in my last post - I meant to say that I like the way Pheobe's passing on her love of embroidery to Sybil - such a wonderful explanation. Laughing

 


#265:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 7:25 pm


Thanks Pat, such a lovely act of Hugh's to really discuss with Reg what he wanted to do, to give him options.

I love your Reg, I hope my nephews grow up to be like him. Laughing

 


#266:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 9:12 pm


Reg is gorgeous in this, I just want to cuddle him lots. Very Happy

 


#267:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 12:49 pm


He's so typical of a boy of his age, yet so atypical, somehow. This is wonderful, PatMac.

 


#268:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 12:54 pm


Its been lovely reading through this again, and seeing Reg maturing in his thinking. Thanks Pat

 


#269:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 4:49 pm


“It’s lovely to see you both together, Madge. We don’t do this often enough.” Jo kissed her sister on the cheek and then held her at arm’s length and scrutinised her face carefully.

“Don’t do that, Jo. You make me think I’m coming out in spots.”

Jo gave a low chuckle. “You look so much better, my lamb. You’ve had a rough time this last year and I’ve been worried about you.”

Turning to Jem, she kissed him and the sisters, followed by their husbands, moved into the drawing room.

Sinking into a big armchair, Jo put her feet up on a footstool which Jack placed in front of her. “Isn’t it nice being just us without all the children running round!” she exclaimed. “Not that we don’t love them most of the time, of course, but it’s good to have a rest from them and we’ll enjoy them all the more later.”

“Where is your tribe anyway?”
Jem looked round as if expecting the children to appear from behind the sofa.

“Rösli has taken them to Simone’s for the afternoon. Simone took an old blue dress of mine and unpicked it and she has somehow made three dresses for the triplets out of it. She wants them to try them on before she finishes. They took Steven as well so Anna can put her feet up for an hour or two.”

As if on cue, the door opened and Anna’s beaming face appeared. Jack leapt up to guide the tea trolley over the mats while Madge and Jem exchanged greetings with her.

“Now, you must sit and rest, Anna. We shan’t need anything further this afternoon.” Said Jo severely. “No sneaking off to do some work! The whole point of sending the children away for the afternoon was to give you some free time. We’re going to be busy enough in a few weeks time.”

Anna continued smiling but was careful not to promise to rest. It was not in her nature to sit and do nothing, she just got fidgety. She thought she might go and do a bit of weeding in the vegetable plot. If she went round the other side of the house to get there, no one would know.

“Did you notice she didn’t actually say she would rest?” said Jo with a grin after Anna had left the room. “She can’t sit still but she wouldn’t tell me a lie. I’ll bet she sneaks out into the garden to do some weeding. Will you pour, please Madge? I’m fine when I’m up and fine when I’m down but just at the moment the bit in between is a bit of a struggle.”

Madge pulled the trolley towards her and poured the tea and passed it round.

“You’ve treated us to the best china, Jo. I’m honoured.” She said as she sat back in her chair.

“We don’t get it out when the little ones are underfoot. I know they have to learn to be careful but quite honestly I’d rather they didn’t practice on the best china. This will be our last proper grown up tea party for a while so I wanted to make it special. Besides, I don’t think we’ve managed to have all four of us together since Phoebe’s wedding. Who knows when we’ll get the chance again.”

The four talked of family matters while they drank their tea and ate the fresh scones and gradually the talk drifted to the wider community of school and the San and friends. It was rare they sat down quietly like this and Jo and Madge could see that both Jem and Jack were relaxing in a way they had not done for some time.

“It was good to see Reg and his Auntie.” Commented Madge as she kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet under her on the deep chair. “I’m only sorry you couldn’t see them, Jo. He’s a good influence on Sybil. I don’t know what happened last summer but you said you thought it was a walk with him that settled her mind.”

Jo smiled in reminiscence. “I’ve no idea what was said, but they both came back much more relaxed. I’m guessing they unburdened themselves to one another and realised they weren’t alone in their troubles.”

“You mean you didn’t wheedle it out of them!”
exclaimed Jem in mock horror. “I’m surprised you didn’t burst with frustration.”

Jo pulled a face at him. “I know my limits! I was just pleased to see them both happier. Sybil was so subdued, it wasn’t natural and Reg was defensive and prickly with it. I’d give a month’s sugar ration to know what was said but I didn’t pry.”

Jack lit his pipe and settled back. “Young Reg is coming on fine. I was worried about him being so serious at one point. I didn’t really want him to feel beholden to us. I’ll admit I didn’t expect a twelve year old to be quite so intense, but he was telling me about his friends at school and it sounds as if they are giving him the balance he needs. He’s like a piece of blotting paper when it comes to any kind of learning but he seems equally keen on football and this whittling he’s doing. One thing I do like is that he isn’t afraid to ask questions. If he doesn’t understand something, he doesn’t feel embarrassed about saying so.

Would you believe I had to explain medical etiquette to him at Easter. He was badgering me to have a look at a boy at the school who has some sort of spinal deformity. He accepted that it wasn’t possible in the end but he really didn’t like it that I couldn’t.”

“Phoebe showed me the rabbit he carved for her. It was really quite good for a child of his age.”
Jo chipped in.

“Not so much a child now! He’s shot up again and his voice is breaking. You’ll see a big change in him in the summer, Jo. Did you know one of his friends is Jacob Hanson’s son? He’s not quite eleven but he’s up in Reg’s form at school. That’s the boy Reg rescued on the moors. I didn’t make the connection at first but I saw Dr Hanson at a meeting and was struck by the likeness. If he’s making friends like that, he can only steam ahead. Jacob Hanson is a genius. He’s done some really clever work improving the way X-ray machines work.” Jem said. “He reckons young Christopher is brighter than he is.”

“I’ll see him when we go to Garnham in August.” said Jo, comfortably. “He’ll have grown even more by then. Oh, I’ve just remembered. Hilary met one of the staff from Polgarth at New Year. He’s courting Dorothy Hatcherd. Do you remember her Madge? A mousy girl with enormous glasses. She came the same term as St Scholastika’s joined us. That’s another old girl we’ve found.”

“Yes, I remember. I didn’t get to know the newer girls so well then and neither did you as you were up at the Sonnalpe with us. She came from Leeds, I think, and was friendly with Evadne and Corney, though she was a bit younger. I remember Hilda saying it seemed an odd friendship as she was so quiet and you know what they were like!”

“Hilary was friends with her as well. Apparently they kept in touch and Hilary went to stay with her at New Year. Somehow, It came out that Hilary was teaching near Armiford and knew us. Hugh, that’s Dorothy’s young man, said they had a boy who came to a wedding here in November with his Auntie. That clinched it, of course. It had to be Reg.”

“Well I never. What a small world”
Madge sighed. “We lost touch with so many people when we left Austria. I do wish we knew what had happened to them.”

“Well, here’s one lost lamb found and there will be others after this is all over.”

 


#270:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 4:53 pm


Thanks, what a great way to update us.

 


#271:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 5:09 pm


mmmm, it was lovely just seeing the family party again. It seems so normal too, barring the odd reference to rationing. It could have been now, but for that and the reference to Anna and Rosli etc. Thanks Pat

 


#272:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 5:17 pm


Thanks Pat, that was lovely.

 


#273:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 6:20 pm


Thanks Pat I'm loving the way Reg is developing into an really nice young man.

 


#274:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 6:46 pm


Lovely to see the Maynards and the Russells together! Liked the Anna scene too! Thanks Pat

 


#275:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:26 am


Lovely updates, thank you Pat.

 


#276:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:40 am


Oh, I feel all warm and fuzzy now!
Thanks Pat. Very Happy

 


#277:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:53 am


Oh, that was lovely! Thank you Pat.

 


#278:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:11 pm


Darling Dorothy,

I did enjoy what time we had together at Easter. Of course I didn’t mind not staying. It sounds like a nasty dose of flu your Mum had and getting bronchitis on top was really bad luck. I’m glad she is so much better now but tell her I said to take care.

You take care as well. I don’t like to see you so worried and tired. Thank goodness you didn’t get it.

We’ve settled back in nicely and the new mistresses seem to be fine. I’ll tell you about them so you can picture them.

The oldest of them is Miss Goodwin. She taught at a boys Prep Day School down on the south coast. The numbers dwindled as children were evacuated and the Head couldn’t move the school as a whole because she has an elderly mother who flatly removed to move. It finally closed last year and Miss Goodwin’s father died in January so that left her free to move on. Her main subjects are Maths and Geography but she is used to filling in where needed.

Her name is Jane and she is short and rather plump with fairish hair which she has cut quite short. I think she is the one Nancy was most worried about because they are not much different in age and Nancy wasn’t sure if she would try to ‘take over’. I fact, she and Nancy seem to work really well together and we haven’t had any problems at all.

The next down in age is Ivy Parker. She’s the one I told you about who lost her husband in the war and is twenty eight. I think coming here has been very good for her. She was teaching at a mixed kindergarten and living at home by herself. Now she has company out of working hours and looks a lot less sad.

She teaches English and History as her main subjects so we’ve been meeting up with Charles and John to make a proper plan for reading for the whole House for next year. She is really keen on my idea of bringing in things the boys will want to read and she is going to bring her books back with her after the summer to help with that. You’d like her, I think.

Then we have Mary Collins who is just a year younger. She has been teaching at an Elementary School in London and was evacuated with them to Wales for a while. Then, when the blitz seemed to have stopped, lots of parents took their children home and she went back there to help with the school in London again. She doesn’t say much about it but I think it was not a very good school and the Head just didn’t see the importance of teaching poor children anything but what they needed to know to get a job in a factory. She stuck it for four years, living in digs and just felt she wasn’t making a difference. I don’t know if she will stay long as she really has quite strong socialist views – but then, so have I and I feel I can make a difference in changing attitudes among the boys here. I’d quite like to talk to her about that if the opportunity arises. Do you think I should?

The last two are Anne Clarke and Christine Avery. They both finished college last Summer and did some work on a Social Project in London for a few months, which is where they met. They decided they would like to go on working together so both applied here. They are both country girls, Anne comes from Cornwall and Christine from the Scottish borders.

They have certainly livened things up. They are jolly and nothing seems to get them down. You should see them playing rounders with the little ones! They have introduced the boys to Jazz, of all things. They had the sense to ask Mr Reed if he would mind if they played it in free time – not I hasten to add in lessons! – and he listened to some of their records and was a bit bemused. However he said that anything which gave the boys a love of music and a sense of rhythm was a good idea.

One thing that is good is that they all had a talk and went to see John to insist on taking some of the out of school duties. As they don’t live at the Main House, John had not put them on the rota for Prep except for the First Form who have just half an hour’s prep after tea. He hadn’t put them down for leading rambles or anything like that either but it turns out one of the attractions for Anne and Christine was the walking in the area and they have all the kit – boots, britches, waterproofs and everything. I think John was amazed at their experience when they got talking. One up to the girls, hey!

We’ve certainly got more time for everything now. No more preparing lessons at eleven o’clock at night and we get a full day off at weekends. That means I can come over and see you more often which is great. I love getting your letters but it is not the same as seeing you.

All my love

Hugh.

 


#279:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:33 pm


Thanks Pat Smile

 


#280:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:37 pm


Aaahh!!!!!!!! that was lovely, thanks Pat.

 


#281:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:53 pm


Aw that was gorgeous, but why do I feel slightly jealous of Dorothy for having lovely Hugh? Very Happy

 


#282:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:48 pm


Awwwwwwwwwww that was lovely thanks Pat

Liz

 


#283:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 12:30 am


Thank you Pat

 


#284:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:01 pm


I've just caught up on the whole of part 7! Pat, it is wonderful Very Happy

I'm particularly enjoying the insightfulness of Reg's diary entries, and this line:

Quote:
“You mean you didn’t wheedle it out of them!” exclaimed Jem in mock horror. “I’m surprised you didn’t burst with frustration.”


had me giggling! Laughing

I intend to keep up properly again now - looking forward already to the next update Smile

 


#285:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 4:15 pm


What a lovely letter. Can I swap you a Hugh for an Edgar? (I thik I may have asked that before!)

Great to see the news of how the new staff are settling in. Love them ggetting one up on John! Laughing

Thanks Pat.

 


#286:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:33 pm


John signed his name with a flourish and threw his pen down on the desk.

“That’s the last! I can’t believe we’ve finished so quickly. It’s only eight o’clock.”

Charles looked up from the envelope he was addressing.

“We’ve not been interrupted once, that’s why, and we get every Thursday evening for admin so we’re keeping up. Don’t forget last term, you were doing a full teaching load and all this on your own. It’s a lot easier now and we’re getting time to deal with the boys individually as well as planning and keeping the admin up to date.”

“Last term’s admin would just never have got done if you hadn’t insisted on helping over Easter like Hugh did at Christmas. Everyone seems happier now. You can feel the difference in the atmosphere. Seeing small problems and dealing with them before they get out of hand has made a huge difference. Anyway, what’s next on your list.”


Charles consulted a scruffy bit of paper. “Oh, I wanted to talk to you about organising some more coaching. If we’re to go back to six full forms in September, we could do with bringing some more of the slower boys on and pushing some of the brighter ones up a gear. Some of them are capable of a lot more than they are doing and we’ll lose their attention if we don’t.”

John got up and went to a cupboard, extracting a bottle of whisky and two glasses.

“I’m quite happy to talk it through now but I think we’ll do it in comfort.”

The two men moved over to the fireplace and Charles gave the wood a quick poke and added another log while John poured two generous glasses.

“Cheers,” said John, sipping appreciatively. “I presume you’ve been thinking this through.”

“George was telling me that Jane Goodwin is quite capable of teaching maths at a higher standard than we’ve given her so far. He wondered if she could take a small group of the bright ones from what was the Upper Third and give them more of a challenge. There are five of them who are always finished before everyone else and he doesn’t want them to get bored. As it is, they’ve been in trouble for fidgeting and distracting the others.

Then he’s got four at the bottom end who think Maths is an abomination and either can’t or won’t take things in. They could do with going back a few steps and getting the basics drummed in again if they are to be next year’s Upper Third. You know how it is. There’s always a few.”


John thought for a moment. “How would it fit with the timetable. I’d hate to have to do yet another one for this term. Things are running so smoothly, though I do agree, if we can do it we should.”

“No problem. George is free when the Third Form have maths and he would be happy to take over the main class. Jane can have the bright ones and Christine is free and would be really good with the slower ones. He’s already sounded them out on it and they jumped at it. On Mondays, we’d put one lot in the library and the others in Lower Four A, they’ve got Woodwork then so the room is free. Then on Thursdays we can do the same except using Lower four B’s room.”

“It sounds good to me. Go ahead by all means. Do we need to do any individual work with anyone?”

“We’ve a few in Lower Four B who I’m concerned about. They’re going to struggle all round when they go up to the Senior School and there are two I think we’re going to have to hold back a year.”


John looked concerned. “I don’t like the idea of that. It can make them feel out of place. Do they really need coaching or a strong word?”

Charles shook his head. “No, it’s Marlow and Cobb. They’re always going to be near the bottom of the B form but Hugh says their Grammar is poor and their spelling even worse. Paul says the same of their Maths and Carter is in despair at their Latin.”

“What about Geography? I suppose that’s the same?”

“Cockcroft says he ignores them. His exact words were “I’m here to teach not babysit.” I’m afraid George lost his rag with him and I wasn’t happy that a couple of the new women staff heard it either.”


John groaned. “I’m regretting not getting him out after the last fracas. He scares some of the boys. I think he’s getting worse as he gets older.”

“Well, we agreed to see how the new mistresses would fit in first. As it is, if you can get shot of him with minimum fuss, I think we might throw a party in your honour! He won’t even speak directly to the new women, except for snide remarks. He tried to interfere with Anne’s Geography marking last week. Fortunately, she kept her head and suggested he speak to you if he was dissatisfied. Nancy said she talked to her and she was fine afterwards but it did upset her rather at the time. Mind you he’d be unbearable while working his notice.”

“I’d rather pay him off than go through that. Could we manage without him without too much of a problem? I don’t want to put too much on the new people, especially Anne and Christine. This is their first teaching job you know.”

“They’ll cope fine. We all watch out for them and Nancy is really good with them all. They go to her with any problems like that. I’ve noticed she’s spent some of her free evenings down at the Lodge as well so she must be comfortable with them.”


Charles drained his glass and stood up. “Thanks. I’m off to join a hand of whist with some of the others now. Are you coming through to the Staff Room?”

“I don’t think so. I’ve managed to borrow the latest Agatha Christie, it’s a Miss Marple one and I still can’t guess who did it, so I think I’ll finish that tonight and turn in early. I’ll see you in the morning. Thanks for the invitation, though.”


Charles laughed. “If it’s ‘The Moving Finger’, it had me stumped as well.”

He was just turning to leave when a there was a loud knock at the door which was opened with no further warning.

There stood Matron, in an icy rage.

“He’s gone too far this time. Either he goes or I do!”

 


#287:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:45 pm


Ooooh! A cliff - absolutely marvellous! I gather this is Cockcroft? Please, please, please may we have all the details - and no closed door study scenes either! Laughing

Thanks Pat.

 


#288:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:04 pm


What's he done? Tell us! Tell us!


Please? Smile

 


#289:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:06 pm


I'd forgotten Cockcroft! I don't like the idea of the boys being scared of him Sad

 


#290:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 11:25 pm


Please let it be Cockcroft and please let them tell him to GO now






moi - evil? Twisted Evil

 


#291:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:07 am


Cockcroft or Cockroach? Very Happy

 


#292:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:48 am


Maybe John will have to make that decision even sooner than he thought.

Thank you Pat!

 


#293:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:46 pm


Thanks Pat

Lovely to see how taken on the female staff has really helped in the school and that they're settling in.

Wonder just what has happened to get Matron so enraged

Liz

 


#294:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 1:41 pm


I love the way this is developing, and I can't wait to see what Matron has to say, and how they deal with it.

 


#295:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 1:54 pm


Shocked Am assuming this is Cockroft too! Silly ass - what's he done now?

Thanks Pat.

 


#296:  Author: Emma ALocation: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:16 pm


Oh, lovely posts, Pat. Reg's diary is fantastic, and I really like the different ways and differing points of view you're using to tell this story.

Also guessing it's Cockcroft annoying Matron - hope John now has an excuse to give him notice.

Thank-you very much.

 


#297:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:30 pm


John and Charles looked at her in amazement. Matron might well rule them all with a rod of iron, but her displeasure with their shortcomings was usually expressed in a less dramatic manner. John pulled himself together and asked her to come in.

“You’ve better stay Charles. Now come and sit down Matron and tell me what has happened and who ‘he’ is.”

“It’s that stupid Cockcroft.”
She said, ignoring the invitation to sit. “He was on duty to check the dorms tonight and young Canning said he was shivery, had a sore throat and felt hot. He told him to stop making a fuss and go to sleep. His Dorm Prefect went out after Cockcroft and tried to tell him that I had said I needed to know if Canning isn’t as well as usual. He got his head bitten off for cheek and threatened with missing Saturday’s ramble if he said any more about it.”

She paused for breath.

“Fortunately, Daley had the sense to check on him again after a few minutes and he was burning hot and starting to toss and turn. He stayed with him and sent Entwistle to find me. The poor lad came to the staff room and knocked. Someone said “Come in” and as soon as Entwistle opened the door, Cockcroft didn’t give him time to speak but roared at him to get back to bed at once.

Entwistle wasn’t having it and stood his ground, ignoring the big oaf and asked me to come to Canning. Of course, I went with him at once. I took one look and wrapped Canning in blankets and took him to the San and gave him a cooling dose. I’ve phoned for the Doctor and Nancy is sitting with him. I’ve told the boys in Tennyson they are not to leave the Dormitory till I say so. By the way, that Entwistle’s got a cool head. He told me all that had happened including what Cockcroft had said as we went up the stairs. He wasn’t being cheeky either. He just told me exactly what had happened with no comment.”

“What do you think it is?”

“Oh, I know what it is. The rash is out already. He’s got Scarlet Fever.”


At that moment, the sound of a car came up the drive and Matron, bustled from the room. John and Charles stared at one another in shock for a moment.

“I’ll go to the staff room and tell the others what’s going on. You’d better wait here in case you’re needed.”

John nodded. “I’ll let you know as soon as I know anything myself.”

Charles hurried along to the staff room and opened the door. Every head turned and, as he scanned the faces, he saw to his relief that Cockcroft had left the room.

“The doctor has arrived. Matron says he has scarlet fever. John will let us know the score as soon as he hears it himself.”

He went across and sat in his usual chair, trying his utmost to look calm as all the staff looked alarmed. They all knew that Canning was a delicate boy and he was well liked so they sat in silence as Ivy poured Charles a coffee.

“Thanks.” He said, forcing a smile to his lips.

“You’ve heard what Cockcroft did?”

“Yes. Matron told us in no uncertain terms.”

“Is it likely to go right through the school?”
Christine asked. “If it does, how do we cope with it? I went to a day school but I remember over half the school being off with it one year. Some of them were very ill.”

“We change the dormitories and lessons so we keep the ones who are least likely to have been in contact well away from those who have. It rather depends on how many we have who are vulnerable. Matron will look at the Health forms and see who has had it before. We’ve done it before with chicken pox, mumps and measles over the years. It’s very disrupting. The cottage hospital will send a couple of nurses up if we have a lot of cases and we have to do the best we can.”


There was silence as the newer staff, including Hugh and Jack as well as the new mistresses, digested this.

“I wonder where he got it? We’ve been back over a week so he can’t have brought it back with him.” Mused George.

“I expect Dr Ward will have the answer to that. There must be cases in the village. They’d have to be recent though as he always phones when there’s anything going round.”

They sat quietly and waited for news.


Meanwhile Dr Ward had gone upstairs to the San with Matron and confirmed that Canning had, indeed, got Scarlet Fever.

“Not that I’m telling you anything you didn’t know.” He said wryly, “I’m sure you’d worked it out for yourself. The rash is so distinctive.”

“Where do you suppose he got it?”

“When you called, I’d just got back from Lowfields Farm. Their lad went down with it yesterday but they didn’t call me till tonight. Where he got it from I don’t know.”


They left the room for a consultation, leaving Nancy to watch Canning and continue sponging him with cool water.

“He’s stronger than he was the last time I examined him but he could really do without this. All you can do for the moment is to try and bring the fever down. Aspirin and sponging him down is all we can do. I’ll leave you to deal with the boys who might be hatching it and I’ll call in tomorrow morning. I’ll see myself out and call in on John on the way.”

Matron thanked him and went back into the room where Canning tossed and turned.

“You go back down, Nancy. Tell the other staff and I’d be glad of volunteers for a two hour rotation in here and the same checking the dorms so we can pick up anyone with a fever. No!” she interjected as Nancy protested. “This could turn into weeks of broken nights. We need to share the load. I know you are willing but it’s going to be bad enough without us all getting overtired.”

Nancy left the room without another word and arrived in the staff room just as John finished confirming their worst fears.

Everyone present was willing to go on the rota and Nancy was soon busy making up a schedule which gave everyone some sleep but covered what was needed. As she was doing this, an unidentified voice was heard to say:

“Don’t forget Cockcroft, I’m sure he would volunteer if he was here.”

John’s face grew grim.

“I don’t think we should include Mr Cockcroft in the rota.”

He turned on his heel and left the room, not trusting himself to say more.

 


#298:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:03 pm


Poor Canning - hope he'llbe OK.

As for Cockcroft - what a b*st*rd! Glad the Dorm Prefect and Reg both kept their heads.

Thanks Pat.

 


#299:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:06 pm


Please don't let Canning die, Pat!

Cockcroft has just got to go - but well done Reg for standing his ground. Thanks Pat.

 


#300:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:22 pm


Well done Reg - what a hero

Grr at Cockcroft Mad hammer

John will have to do something about him now!

 


#301:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:27 pm


Joins in with those who are saying "well done" to Reg. Poor Canning I hope he recovers soon. And the sooner they get rid of Cockroft the better.

Thanks Pat

 


#302:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:28 pm


I hope Cockcroft is made to go. What a good thing that the other staff saw how he treated Reg, so there's no excuse that he can make. I can't blame John, would you trust the Cockcroft with your child, or any child?

 


#303:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:27 pm


Thanks Pat

Hope there's not too much of an epidemic

Liz

 


#304:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:14 am


Also hoping there won't be too much of an epidemic here. As for Cockcroft, words - at least the printable variety - fail me.

Thank goodness for Daley and Reg who kept their heads. I liked Matron's assessment of Reg and his conduct, too.

 


#305:  Author: Guest PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:35 am


Poor Canning. Well done Reg and Daley! Hopefully, it's farewell to Cockcroft.

 


#306:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:40 am


Sorry, Guest was me..I didn't realise that i hadn't logged back in. Embarassed

 


#307:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 9:10 am


Thank you Pat. also joining in those saying well done to Reg. I think Cockcroft may have sounded his death knell - his behaviour was shocking. Hope Canning isn't too ill.

 


#308:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:02 pm


John returned to his study and closed the door, leaning against it and breathing deeply to calm himself. This was no time to get out of control. It had happened and it was his responsibility to sort out.

He looked at the clock. Only a quarter to nine. It felt like hours since Matron had burst into the study. He felt the fury rising again and walked to the now dead fireplace, folding his arms on the mantelpiece, and rested his head on his arms, his eyes closed.

People, even those who thought they knew him well, did not know he could be as angry as he felt now. His reactions were usually considered and moderate. He tended to look for the best in everyone, master and boy alike. Many a boy could, if he was honest, point to a visit to this study as the start of a reformation in his character as John’s insight and patience won through the hurt which caused the bad behaviour.

What made the man like that? He knew Cockcroft had resented being passed over for promotion. He, himself, had even passed him over in favour of Charles, when asked to choose his deputy. Rightly so!

Cockcroft had a superb knowledge of his subject. If he hadn’t been, John would have had no compunction in sacking him years ago. It was a passion with him. If a boy was good at geography, he would strain every nerve to teach him more.

Some of his anger was directed at himself. He felt he had failed Cockcroft in some way by not somehow changing his attitudes. He could not understand him. He fleetingly wondered if Cockcroft actually liked anyone in the world.

For a moment, John despaired of human nature. Then he remembered that both Daley and Entwistle had cared. So had the rest of the staff. He had seen it in their faces when he went into the staff room just now.

Logic told him that Cockcroft’s actions had not caused Canning to catch Scarlet Fever and then his blood ran cold at the thought of the possible outcome if Daley and Entwistle hadn’t acted as they had.

He took a deep breath and stood up straight, squaring his shoulders. Sometimes amputation was he only answer.

He crossed to his desk and opened a drawer, taking out a sheet of paper and a cheque book. He wrote for a few minutes in a firm hand and then folded the paper and put it in an envelope with the cheque. Laying the envelope on the blotter, he took out a blank sheet of paper and laid it beside the envelope, then he rose and left the study and went up the stairs, walking slowly along to Cockcroft’s room and knocked on the door.

The door opened and Cockcroft looked at him in silence.

“Would you be so good as to come to my study immediately, Mr Cockcroft. I need to speak to you urgently.” As a look of irritation crossed Cockcroft’s face, he added. “That is not a request. The matter cannot wait.”

Not waiting for an answer, John turned, went downstairs and returned to his study. Seating himself behind his desk, he waited.

A knock came and, on his call, Cockcroft entered the room. He came over and sat on the other side of the desk.

“Mr Cockcroft. I have to ask for your resignation to take effect immediately. I am not criticizing your knowledge of your subject but your attitude to the boys and the rest of the staff is unacceptable. We have spoken of it before but to ignore a boy’s illness is inexcusable, especially when you were reminded that Matron had given instructions that she was to be called if he was unwell.

That you then went to the staff room and did not mention the incident to Matron, who was present, leaves me with no choice. Do you understand?”


Cockcroft went white and leapt to his feet, leaning across the desk.

“You can’t do that. I’m entitled to a term’s notice. I shall appeal to the Governors.”

John remained seated and picked up the envelope and sheet of paper.

“You will find I can. I have here a letter accepting your resignation and a cheque in lieu of salary for your notice period. You either sit down and write your resignation now and leave tomorrow with the cheque or you will be suspended from all duties till a decision is made by the Governors. It will mean you leaving school premises till that decision is made. I will not have you in the school any longer.”

Cockcroft hesitated and then sat down, pulling the sheet of paper towards him. He scribbled furiously for a few minutes and then thrust the paper back to John, who read it quickly.

“I shall be glad to be out of here. I thought the Governors would see through you and your stupid soft ideas. I can see I was wrong. They’ve grown as soft as you. None of you have any backbone, pandering to a silly boy with a sore throat.” He stood up and John rose also.

“To you, my ideas may seem soft and stupid and, if that is the case, I pity you. Your ideas of discipline based on fear are out of place here and, for your information, Canning has Scarlet Fever and is very ill. We had to rely on two young boys to bring it to our attention as you did not do your duty. If they had been too frightened by your bullying, we might not have known till it was too late. Just be thankful you are not responsible for a death.”

Handing Cockcroft the envelope, he said. “Please ensure you are packed with what you need for a week by ten o’clock tomorrow and leave an address for the rest of your belongings to be forwarded. Someone will take you to the station. I will arrange for breakfast to be brought to your room. Goodbye Mr Cockcroft.”

Cockcroft turned on his heel without a word and slammed the door as he left.

 


#309:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:08 pm


There are times when, however good a teacher may be in his actual teaching, and knowledge of his subject, his actions in other areas mean that the head is left with only one thing to do. Thank goodness John was not afraid to fire Cockcroft for his treatment of Canning, and others - it's devoutly to be hoped that his neglect of Canning's obvious illness only delays the boy's recovery, and nothing worse.

Thanks for this, Patmac - and I'll be first in the line to pour John a comforting glass of Scotch - I think he needs it at this point. Hope either Hugh or Charles go to check on him before long.

 


#310:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:46 pm


Well done John - and he was more than generous - I'd have just sacked him on the spot! In a boarding school the teachers have some pastoral duties as well as their teaching responsibilites, Cockcroft's behaviour was inexcusable.

Thanks Pat.

 


#311:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:53 pm


Agrees that John has done very well. And as for Cocroft fume What right does he have to talk about pandering to a boy with a sore throat, especially when Matron has requested to know if he was ill... *Decides to stop talking as she is making herself even more angry than she already was*. Thanks for a great update pat, and thank goodness they have that man out of there eventually.

 


#312:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:26 pm


Thanks Pat - A difficult interview for John, but very well handled.

Liz

 


#313:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:11 am


Thanks Pat. Interesting to see John reviewing his own attitudes to Cockcroft here...but glad he came to the right decision.

 


#314:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:13 am


Good for John! I'm very pleased Cokroach has gone

Thanks Pat, lovely update

 


#315:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:15 am


Thanks Pat.

Well done John! Cockroft got his just desserts there. Wonder what it was that made him so bitter to the world? Maybe he's just a sour old boot, I suppose.

Loving this as ever. Very Happy

 


#316:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:29 am


Well done, John.

 


#317:  Author: Emma ALocation: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:09 pm


Cockcroft obviously has no idea of pastoral care. Glad Reg stood up to him, and that John has been able to get rid of him - interesting to speculate what he could have done if the school had not had the women teachers available. They would have been too desperate to keep an able teacher, I think.

Thank-you, Pat.

 


#318:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 7:53 pm


John read through the letter again and carefully locked it in his drawer and made his way to the Staff Room.

“Mr Cockcroft has handed in his resignation and I have accepted it. He is departing in the morning. Will someone ask Mrs Newby to send breakfast up to his room, please and I’ll need a volunteer to drive him to the station at ten o’clock tomorrow. Now do we have a rota for over night and do we know yet how many boys may be likely to go down with this?”

“We’ve a rota for tonight.”
Charles assured him. “I’m assuming we don’t actually expect any more boys to go down sick yet? Doesn’t it take several days to come out?”

“That would be the case, except that Canning didn’t bring this back with him. There’s one other case Dr Ward knows of and that started yesterday, though he wasn’t called till this evening. That means Canning and a lad from Lowfields Farm probably got it from the same source. That’s a mystery to be solved later. It does mean that more than one of our boys could have caught it at the same time.”

“Matron is still busy with Canning. Do you think Anne and I should offer to go through the health forms to see who has had it? If one of us looked at the forms and the other made two lists, it shouldn’t take long. Then we’d have at least some idea of where we stand.”

“That would be a great help, Christine.”
John smiled at the young woman and she and her friend quickly left the room. “Now where do I come on the rota?”

“You’re not on it.”
Charles declared decisively. “We all agreed you are better left free to be available if anyone needs you for a decision. We’ve left Matron off as well. Whatever we do, she’ll be prowling around at all hours.”

“H’mm. I suppose you’re right. When we get the list of who is susceptible and who isn’t, I’ll work out how to deal with classes tomorrow and how we redistribute the boys in the dormitories, if that is needed. I’m off up to see Canning now and then I’ll come back.”


John went up to see Canning and was reassured by Matron that the fever was no higher.

“Aspirin and sponging are keeping it in check at the moment. What would have happened had we not been alerted I dread to think. He’d probably have been in convulsions by now. I was serious about Cockcroft, you know. I will not work with him again.”

“I forgot, you’ve been up here and missed out on the news. Cockcroft leaves tomorrow morning and he will not be joining us for breakfast.”

“Good! I know you like to see good in everyone but there are times when even you can’t get through.”

“I don’t have to like it though.”
John’s reply was more irritable than he intended.

“I’m not asking you to!” she retorted, and then in more equable tones went on. “We’ll have to regard anyone who hasn’t had it as likely to get it, you know. This came in from outside in the past week.”

“We’ll have to try and find out, at some point, if anyone knows who Canning can have met from outside the school and how. We know he hasn’t been to the village. He can’t walk that far. In any case no one went to the village last Saturday.

The staff have set up a rota for tonight. Two for in here and two to check the dorms every two hours. They’ve left you and me off the rota so we can deal with anything that comes up. The first two will be up in a minute and you and Nancy can come back to the staff room to look at the list of vulnerable boys.”


Matron went back into the San and John went to Tennyson dormitory, in case Daley and Entwistle were awake and worrying. He crept in, leaving the door ajar so he could see and immediately heard creaks as two boys sat up. John went in to Daley’s cubicle and told him to put his dressing gown on and come over to Entwistle’s bed so he could talk to them together.

He sat on the bed and motioned for Daley to do the same. “You both did well tonight,” he began in low tones “and I’m proud of you. Canning is a little better and that’s thanks to you. Matron is looking after him and I’d like you both to try and sleep.”

“We couldn’t till we knew he was all right. Thank you for coming to tell us.”
Said Reg earnestly.

“Now off to bed with you, Daley, while I straighten Entwistle’s covers. He looks as if he’s been trying to make knots in his blankets.”

Daley slipped off the bed with a relieved giggle and went off comforted. It couldn’t be that bad if the Head was making jokes.

Reg wasn’t too sure about that. “Sir, I saw the rash on his chest. Is it scarlet fever?” he murmured.

“I’m afraid so, but keep that to yourself. We’ll be telling everyone in the morning. How did you recognise it?”

“I had it years ago. I won’t say anything.”
Promised Reg as he snuggled down.

Nancy and Matron arrived in the staff room just as John appeared and Mary poured tea for them.

“Jane and Paul have taken the first shift with Canning,” Charles told John “and Ivy and Arthur are doing a dormitory round. We must remember to tell them what we decide.”

Anne and Christine came in at that moment waving two sheets of paper. “Here they are.” said Anne, passing the sheets to Matron.

“We’d have been quicker if some of the parents could write legibly! We weren’t sure if Scarletina is the same as Scarlet Fever, so there’s a little x beside the names where that was on the sheet. There aren’t many who’ve had it. I thought it was quite common.”

“Scarletina is the same and it is more common in poorer areas where people live closer together. Most of our boys don’t mix much with the locals when they are at home.”


She looked down the two lists and counted the shorter of the two. Looking over at John, she announced that twenty five boys had already had the disease.

“They’re mostly in the fourth forms. I suppose that makes sense. They’ve been around longer to catch it. Thank goodness Daley and Entwistle are both safe. They were leaning over him in the dormitory. ”

“That means we have around seventy boys who may get it.”
Said John, thoughtfully. “Does it make sense to continue as normal and just check them frequently for symptoms? If it came in from outside, we’ve no idea who has been in contact with it, let alone who may have caught it from Canning. How long does it last once they come down with it? At least we haven’t been up to the Senior School to pass it round there.“

“It lasts about a week as a rule. That’s if it runs it’s normal course. Then we have to watch for a few weeks in case there are complications. Some may take longer than a week. Canning is a case in point. Even if he doesn’t get any complications, he will need to take it easy for about a month.”


Ivy leaned forward. “Will you tell us what to watch out for, please. I’ve never seen it.”

“Sore throat and fever. They are the most common symptoms but you can get headaches, vomiting, being off food, and feeling generally unwell.”

“I see. So what do you want us to do if we suspect anything?”

“Send someone to fetch me. That’s the safest thing. I don’t want anyone who hasn’t got it coming to the San and getting it there. We’ve a golden rule on health here. ‘When in doubt, call me out’. I never mind being called out for a false alarm. What does annoy me is when I’m not told.”

“Thank you.”


Matron smiled at her earnest face. “Sensible questions, Ivy.”

“I’ve one as well.”
Said Anne. “Are we likely to get it?”

“Very unlikely. It only infects children as a rule.”


The meeting broke up then and everyone went to get what sleep they could.

At around six next morning, John went to the San to be met by Matron with the news that Canning was worse.

“I think you should call his parents. He has an abscess coming up in his throat. The infection has a bad hold on him. I’ve called Dr Ward but he can’t really do any more than we can. There’s a new medicine out that can kill bacteria but only a few hospitals have it and it’s in short supply. He’s phoning Leeds Infirmary but ….” She shrugged. “It’s unlikely they have any spare.”

John took the stairs two at a time and pulled Canning’s file from the cabinet. Then he went over to his desk and had just picked up the phone when a sudden thought occurred to him. Putting down the receiver, he pulled out another file he and picked up the phone again to wait for the operator.

It was a long shot but there was nothing to lose.

 


#319:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:01 pm


Oh poor Canning. I'm Glad that Reg and Daley will both be ok. Hopefully the long shot will come off.

Thanks Pat

 


#320:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:02 pm


Thanks Pat - though a little concerned about the phrase that scarlet fever only attacks children - wasn't that the thing Rosalie had very badly?

 


#321:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:45 pm


Lesley wrote:
Thanks Pat - though a little concerned about the phrase that scarlet fever only attacks children - wasn't that the thing Rosalie had very badly?


It was indeed - and a couple of the other staff who also had it in that same outbreak - it's in Trials if anyone wants to check - also had fairly stiff doses.

Today, of course, the illness is much less of a problem, thanks to penicillin. I wonder who John thinks might have some, if it would be in short supply at the Leeds General Infirmary - which would be quite true at this stage, since most of the limited quantities available were reserved for servicemen.

Hopes that some can be found for Canning - this certainly doesn't sound good at all.

Thanks for this update, Patmac.

 


#322:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:58 pm


Lesley and Elder.

Scarlet Fever is cause by a Group A Streptococcus ("strep") bacteria. It is rare that the rash appears in adults. Therefore it was not recognised as the same disease in the 1940s when this drabble is set. It would be unusual for Rosalie to get it in RL. I am sorry if you find this unrealistic.

It is now quite rare and the reason for this remains a mystery, especially because there has been no decrease in the number of cases of strep throat or strep skin infections. There is still no vaccination available.


Last edited by patmac on Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:47 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#323:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:05 pm


Thanks Pat. Poor old Canning doesn't sound good at all. Confused Really hoping they can find something to help him.

 


#324:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:50 pm


*wibbles*

Poor Canning - hope he can get what he needs and recover soon

Thanks Pat

Liz

 


#325:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 10:11 pm


Quote:
Scarlet Fever is cause by a Group A Streptococcus ("strep") bacteri. It is rare that the rash appears in adults. Therefore it was not recognised as the same disease in the 1940s when this drabble is set. It would be unusual for Rosalie to get it in RL. I am sorry if you find this unrealistic.


Thanks for the update on this Patmac - I knew the Strep involvement, but hadn't realised that the rash was far less common in adults. Can't remember when Trials appeared (and am frankly too lazy to go down to the basement to check) but we know EBD wasn't noted for accuracy or consistency in certain matters, so Rosalie's illness could be explained as a plot device!

Quote:
It is now quite rare and the reason for this remains a mystery, especially because there has been no decrease in the number of cases of strep throat or strep skin infections. There is still no vaccination available.


I wonder if the fact that it's quite rare (and I only know of one person, who had it as a child about 20 years ago) today, is due to the fact that most kids who show up at their doctor's surgery with strep throat are promptly treated with penicillin or other antibiotic.

While glandular fever/mononucleosis, depending on which name you know the illness by, and which I think, is initially caused by the same virus (please correct me if I'm wrong) is still pretty common in certain age groups, I believe that the other serious one, rheumatic fever, is now almost as uncommon as scarlet fever, again because of antibiotic use.

Still wondering how Canning will progress.

 


#326:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2005 10:02 am


Thanks Pat, just caught up on your update this morning - I love the way John talks to the boys, he is a lovely man! Also hope that Canning will be all right - it sounds like a nasty attack

 


#327:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:13 pm


*Wibbling about Canning*

I like the way that Reg, the future doctor, was able to diagnose the scarlet fever too!

I wonder what the long shot is - and hope it pays off.

Thankyou, Patmac. Smile

 


#328:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2005 1:03 pm


I hope that John is successful in getting the penicillin.

For those with medical knowledge, wouldn't the forerunner of antibiotics, M&B do the job as well?

This is superb, PatMac, but you already know my opinion of it from our PMs.

 


#329:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:11 pm


Jack groaned and sat up, groping for the phone with his eyes still shut. He had taken to sleeping on a camp bed in his study on the nights he was on call because it was Jo who heard the phone first in their bedroom and she really did need her sleep at the moment.

“Hello.” He mumbled for the third time that night and switched on the side light, grabbing his pencil and pad, instinctively.

“I have a long distance call from Polgarth School.” said the operator and Jack jerked into wakefulness. By the time John had finished speaking, Jack was sitting on the edge of the bed, wide awake.

“Do you know what is his underlying problem. Reg mentioned him at Easter and he seemed to think he had a twisted spine.”

He listened intently.

“I see. If one leg is shorter than the other, that will cause the back to twist. Do you know the cause? And what is his general health like? “

He listened again.

“I thought it would be a TB hip. The trouble is it can leave him vulnerable to other infections. If Dr Ward says he is stronger now, that’s good but it’s still serious. If it gets to his lungs or heart, he’ll be in real trouble.

We’re too far away to help quickly but we’ll call Leeds Infirmary. We might be able to pull a few strings. If not, Manchester will be the nearest people included in the study. I’ll try them if I have to. Do you have a refrigerator? Good. Penicillin needs to be kept cool. If I can get it, it will arrive packed with ice. I can’t promise anything but I’ll try. You’d better call his parents, though. They definitely need to know. We’ll call you back but it might not be till after nine o’clock.”


He listened again.

“Yes, Matron is doing all the right things. There honestly isn’t any more anyone can do unless I can get some Penicillin. I’ll do my best.”

Jack put the phone down and thought for a minute. Word about Penicillin was spreading fast. Priority was still being given to the Military but some trials were being carried out in civilian hospitals. The San, with it’s reputation for progressive treatments was amongst these and he had contacts at all the other hospitals working with the new drug. He swore briefly. Reg had asked him if he could help Canning at Easter. He’d never thought of something like this!

There was no chance of getting back to sleep now. He’d get in early and book calls to the other hospitals. Yawning, he got up and padded along to the bathroom. Once he was dressed, he looked in on Jo. She opened one eye and smiled at him. “You’re up early.”

“I need to go straight to the San, something’s come up. How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. I’ll have another hour in bed, though. Don’t fuss, Jack. I won’t do anything silly.”


Jack grinned and bent over to kiss her. “You’d better not, young woman!”

He ran quickly downstairs and into the kitchen and made a cup of tea. Looking at his watch, he saw if was still only seven o’clock. Oh, well. At least he’d get some of the paperwork out of the way early.

Jack went straight to his office when he arrived at the San. He had watched helplessly too often while boys like Canning slipped away through everyday infections. There were operations and treatments which could help now with a shortened leg but they were impossible if the heart was damaged. The risk involved in administering anaesthetics was too high.

He decided to speak to Jem before he took any decisions. While he knew that Jem would back him whatever he decided, he was still the boss and had a right to be consulted. In any case, Jem had years more experience. That was always valuable.

He called the operator and asked to be connected. Calls from the San always got priority and the phone was ringing in seconds. Jem answered with a speed which suggested he was already in his study working and he listened to what Jack proposed.

“I don’t even have to think about that. I’ll call Pritchard in Leeds and get him to send someone out till you get there. I’ve got his home number so I can get it moving quicker. He’ll co-operate with me. We might as well get something out of this dratted knighthood that embarrasses Madge so much. You get the Lab to get some packed in ice and get off. Leave me notes about anything I need to know while you’re away. I’ll call in on Jo each day.”

Jack sighed with relief. “Thanks Jem. It’s probably the only chance the boy’s got.”

Jem’s voice was gruff as he replied. “I know and the day that no longer moves me is the day I give up medicine. Go on now. I’ll call Dr Ward and clear it with him. He’s a sensible chap. He’ll be happy to call you in after the event!”

Jack ran down to the Lab and arranged for an ice box to be made up and a full course of the precious penicillin to be packed in it and then made some notes for Jem and left them on his desk.

Within the hour, he had been home, explained the situation to Jo and, while she packed him a small case, had a sketchy breakfast and was on his way with her blessing and the precious ice box on the floor in front of the passenger seat.

He thanked his lucky stars that the car was already filled with petrol and that he could refill with impunity on his ration. Doctors got extra petrol and the Maynards made a point of being frugal with use of the car so there should be no problem.


Jem had made good his word and before nine o’clock, a doctor was leaving Leeds with a similar box.

Dr Ward proved more elusive but the operator in Polgarth village knew where he would be and after a few frustrating minutes, Jem was explaining what they were doing to help.

“I can’t thank you enough.” He said when Jem had finished. “I still think it will be touch and go but this is the best chance he has. I’m off to the school within the next five minutes so I should be there by the time someone gets over from Leeds. It will probably take him an hour at least to get here, probably more. No, we’ve no more cases but how we’ve managed to get just one at Lowfields and one at the school which are at least five miles apart, I can’t imagine.”

Jem went down and told Madge what had happened. “I think I saw him while we were up there.” She said thoughtfully. “He went through the hall as we went into Mr Wheeler’s study. He was with a group of boys and he was laughing and talking with them. I meant to ask about him but It went out of my mind. Poor lad. I do hope they can save him. I say, is Reg likely to get it?”

“That’s the first thing I asked Jack but Mrs Thirtle sent his health form to him to check and he noticed he seems to have had most things, including this.”

“Good. Auntie would be so worried if he was ill.”


Dr Ward arrived at the school and was taken straight to the San.

“He’s holding his own and the heart is still strong, that is the main thing.” He said, after examining the small boy who now lay flushed and restless and somehow smaller in the bed. “All we can do for the moment is to keep the temperature from rising farther.”

He left the room with Matron, leaving Jane to continue sponging him down.

“Come down the study, Matron. John is waiting there and it will save time to go through this together.”

John sprang to his feet as they entered. “How is he? “ he said urgently. “Mrs Canning is on her way but she won’t get here till this afternoon.”

“He’s holding his own, thanks to all the care he’s getting. I’ve had a call from Sir James Russell. He’s organising some penicillin from Leeds which should be on it’s way by now and, Dr Maynard is driving up with a full course. I’ve done the official bit of calling Dr Maynard in as a consultant. I don’t know what the family’s financial situation is but Sir James told me that is secondary to saving the boy and can be sorted out later. We just have to keep him in as good a shape as possible till it arrives.”


John, who looked gaunt and tired, heaved a sigh of relief.

“I rang Dr Maynard on the off chance that he could pull some strings but I never thought he would come himself. It’s a long way to drive and he must be a busy man.”

“I’m glad you did. Sir James did the string pulling, I understand. I tried but got nowhere. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t resent that really. Penicillin is still scarce and the military get priority. It’s just lucky you had the contact and the nerve to exploit it.”

“I’ll exploit anything to save any of my boys! I just remembered how helpful they were after that episode with Hanson.”

“Don’t get your hopes up too much. That is a very sick boy up there. I’ll stay till Dr Maynard arrives, unless I get another urgent call of course. I need to call the exchange and arrange for all calls to be put through to here.”


The boys filed in to Assembly, quietly. Word had spread that Canning was ill and in the San, though Reg had kept his word and not revealed that he knew what was wrong, even when people started making wild guesses. The older boys had also noticed that Matron had not appeared at breakfast.

As John approached the Lectern, he was faced with a sea of intent faces and he smiled at the boys reassuringly.

“I see word has got round that Canning is ill. He is quite poorly and Matron is with him now. I’m afraid he has Scarlet Fever. It is not normally something to worry about except that you feel quite bad for a few days, but you all know Canning is not as fit as the rest of you. The Doctor came last night and said he is a lot stronger than when he first came to school so we hope he will not be seriously ill.

We don’t know where he caught it but there is another boy down with it on one of the farms so we know it is in the area. Just carry on as usual but remember to pray for him. That is the best thing you can do. No one is to go to the San for any reason. If you don’t feel well, just tell any one on the staff and they will fetch Matron.

We will pray now but we won’t sing hymns today as it might disturb him and Matron wants to keep him quiet.

Let us pray.”

 


#330:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:38 pm


Let's hope the Penicillin will do the trick. Love Jack and Jem in this, Pat.

 


#331:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:42 pm


Aha! My inkling was right, about the last resort! I thought it was going to be Jack or Jem Very Happy

I only wish I'd said so earlier now!

Thankyou Patmac - I do hope Canning will be okay.

 


#332:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:43 pm


I hope they can save him Sad

 


#333:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 10:09 pm


Echoes Lesley here both about hoping the penicillin will work, and Jem and Jack!

I also enjoyed the picture of Jem willingly indulging in such shameless wire pulling to get the penicillin - and a doctor to go out from Leeds. Also that Jack will drop everything to go himself and that Reg had already spoken to Jack about Canning, so that when the call came from John, he already knew something about the boy.

Please let them all be in time, let Canning recover without any damage to his heart and that ultimately, the doctors will be able to operate successfully on him. Also that no-one else has contracted the fever from him.

Thanks, Patmac, for this glimpse into pre-NHS and almost pre-antibiotic medicine in the UK.

 


#334:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 10:27 pm


*keeps all bits crossed that it works!*

Thanks Pat. Fab update and lovely Jack and Jem. Very Happy

 


#335:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 6:47 am


Thanks Pat

So glad Jack and Jem are able to help and hope the penicillin does the trick.

Liz

 


#336:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:00 am


*snuggles Jack and Jem* (Greedy, moi? Wink )

Thanks Pat

 


#337:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:46 pm


Have just caught up with all seventeen pages of this Pat! It is as fabulous as ever. Reg is growing up so wonderfully and it is nice to see the glimpses of Jo and Co through his eyes. Love the way both he and Hugh are making their marks upon the school. Lovely to hear about the women teachers arrivals.

Wondered if something would happen to Canning so Jack and Jem could intervene - did not expect Scarlet fever though. Guessed it would be Jack he rang and am glad he and Jem are doing what they can.

You got rid of old Cockcroft too! Hope he sees the doctors arrive with the penicillin and realises what could have happened through his stupidity.

Hope Canning makes a full recovery!

 


#338:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 5:58 pm


Four A had had a pleasant surprise at the start of the first lesson when, instead of Mr Cockcroft, Miss Clarke walked in.

Some of them had been dreading this lesson as they were regular recipients of Mr Cockcroft’s sharp tongue. The inseparables were usually spared this as they shared most of the top places in the form between them but, even so, Geography was not a lesson they enjoyed.

She looked round the room at the surprised faces and smiled.

“Mr Cockcroft has been unexpectedly called away, so I’m standing in for him. Unfortunately, I don’t have his lesson notes yet so , to get an idea of where you stand, We’ll have a quiz. That will give me an idea of where you have got to till I can read Mr Cockcroft’s notes.”

Her aplomb hid a fluttering of butterflies in her stomach and she thanked her lucky stars that she had made a habit of filing anything which might come in useful later. It had taken only minutes to hunt out this quiz which she had acquired from a teacher when she was visiting a school when she was training.

“A few rules first. Put your hand up if you know the answer and no calling out. Anyone who calls out is not allowed to answer any more questions.

Secondly. Once you’ve answered a question, fold your arms and don’t put your hand up for any more unless I say so which will be when no one who is left in can answer.

Thirdly. Say your name when you answer. I’ve been here less than a week and I don’t know you all yet so that will help me.

Are you ready? Remember, no calling out!”


Starting with an easy question, which brought up every hand, she worked through the quiz, alternating easy questions with harder ones and noting very quickly that she had a wide range of knowledge to cope with. Certain boys put their hands up to every question and some to only basic ones.

She tried, mostly successfully, to work out which boys were finding it easy and which seemed to be struggling and by the time the quiz was finished, she had managed to get the whole class sitting with their arms folded.

“Well done. Everyone has answered. Now let’s see what I can remember.”

Starting at the front, she worked her way round the boys, naming them from memory. They were impressed that she managed most of them and she flushed as a spontaneous round of applause broke out.

“Thank you. I’ll probably get some wrong again so just correct me if I make a mistake. It’s very nearly time for the next class now so I won’t start anything else. For prep, you can all try drawing me a map of this valley. Remember to start by ruling a border so you don’t end up getting the scale too far out. It won’t be accurate, I know but put in all the features you can think of. Next lesson, we’ll see how accurate you are between you.”

Seeing some boys looking puzzled, she continued.

“Start with the river. Once you’ve got that in, put the roads in, as far as you know them. I know you won’t get the contours right but you can indicate how steep the hills are by how far apart you put the contour lines in. Next lesson, I’ll bring a map that shows the valley and we’ll think about why it might be useful.”

A quick glance at her watch showed it was time to end so she gathered her papers and, as the boys stood, left the room with a smile of relief.


Hugh was supposed to be preparing lessons during the morning but he felt he had to offer to take Cockcroft to the station.

John looked relieved at the offer. “I’m sorry to ask anyone to do this. He may just keep quiet but he may try to air his grievances.”

Hugh nodded. “I’m not going to rise to anything he says at all and I might just take a leaf out of Mike’s book and give him the fright of his life if he starts anything. Twice round the square and a handbrake turn in the middle should quieten him down!”

John laughed for the first time since Matron had erupted into his study the previous evening.

“Just mind you don’t do yourself any damage. We need you!” He squeezed Hugh’s shoulder in appreciation and went off to deal with the next task.

At ten o’clock, Hugh had parked the car by the front entrance and was sitting in the driver’s seat. As Cockcroft came out at five past the hour, laden with cases. Hugh got out, opened the boot and helped him load the cases and closed the boot.

“Get in.” He said. “We need to get moving or you’ll miss the train.”

Once Cockcroft was settled, he turned the starting handle and got into the driving seat.

A sideways glance showed him that Cockcroft was struggling with some emotion.

“I never thought it would come to this.” Said Cockcroft.

Hugh kept his eyes on the road and stayed silent.

“I’ve been here thirty five years. Everything has changed so much.”

Hugh did a quick calculation in his head. “You came here in 1909?”

“Yes. I knew where I was then. The Head was of the old school. Good exam marks were what parents were paying for. If they wouldn’t learn, beat it into them. He had no time for nonsense. It was how I was brought up and it served me well. I still think it was the best way. We built an Empire on it, after all.”


Hugh stayed quiet and after a few moments, Cockcroft carried on.

“Then he died. Took a toss off his horse on a fox hunt. The Governors made Gregson Head. He had new fangled ideas. He started these scholarships and lower fees for some boys who couldn’t pay. No more beating with a strap to get the lazy boys to work. Oh, lots of changes. Standards going down all the time.

I thought I’d bide my time. He was getting on and I set my sights at being Head after him. Then when he retired, they appointed Wheeler even though he came here after me and was younger. Passed me over. I don’t know why. He stopped all beatings, even with a cane. How can you get boys to learn that way? No wonder Britain has to rely on America for help. We ruled the world and we won’t when this war is over.”


He fell silent and they pulled into the square, drove round to the Station entrance and Hugh pulled up. They got out and Hugh helped him lift his cases out of the boot.

For a moment they stood in silence.

“I think this country is going to the dogs. I’m outnumbered, though. Remember what I said when it all goes wrong.”

Hugh looked at him, sadly.

He picked up his cases and looked at Hugh with sudden irritation.

“You’re feeling sorry for me, aren’t you!”

“Yes.” Replied Hugh. “Very. But I don’t think you will ever understand why.”

He turned and got back into the car and drove off.

 


#339:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 6:21 pm


A lovely picture of Four A's class with Miss Clarke - if this is how she starts, I think she's bound to succeed with all her classes.

As for Cockcroft - talk about a classic example of the clash between the old rule and the new and the experience of someone who can't, or as in this case would not, change with the times, which, in the end, was his loss. This was a beautifully drawn vignette, Patmac - at least the man managed to depart with his dignity intact at the end.

Waiting with a mixture of hope and dread for the latest update on Canning's condition.

 


#340:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:27 pm


wonderful Pat - nice to understand how CockCroft was feeling.

 


#341:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:59 pm


Thanks Pat, wonderful insight into Cockcroft.

 


#342:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:22 pm


Dr Malcolm Prendergast set off from the Infirmary with his precious cargo. As a junior doctor, he didn’t normally get the chance to take charge of a case. It was only till Dr Maynard arrived, of course, but still it was a chance he might not have got for a while yet.

Perhaps he could stay a while after Dr Maynard arrived. He had heard him lecture once and had been impressed, both with his knowledge and his attitude to the students. He had stayed around to talk afterwards and answered everyone’s questions. A bit different from some of the Guest Lecturers who swept in, barked a short and obscure lecture and then left, being fawned on by the Tutors.

He passed through the north of Leeds quickly and soon turned onto the Great North Road at Wetherby. He noticed that the South bound lane was nose to tail with army vehicles and wondered if this was the start of the expected push into the continent, but he was more interested in his destination and, traffic being light going North, was soon concentrating in eating up the miles. He had a reasonable idea of where Polgarth was situated and the directions he had been given were clear. He checked off the towns, passing the turn to Knaresborough, slowing as he drove through Boroughbridge, and heaving a sigh of relief as he reached the long straight Dere Street and really put his foot down. He was going so fast that he nearly missed the turn at Leeming Bar and swung off towards Northallerton and was then quickly climbing onto the Moors.

Twice he had to stop and ask the way. It was all very well taking the signposts down so the enemy wouldn’t know where they were but it did make life difficult.

He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. A quarter past ten. He pulled into the village square and stopped. A battered Morris was pulling away from the station, and Malcolm quickly leapt from his car, leaving the engine running and flagged it down.

“I’m looking for Polgarth School. Can you help me?”

The driver smiled. “Are you from Leeds Infirmary?”

“Yes. I’m Dr Prendergast..”

“I’m Hugh Douglas and I’m on my way back there now. Just follow me.”


Soon they were pulling up in front of the school and Malcolm was unloading the precious ice box and his medical bag.

Hugh took him straight up to the San and left him there with Matron and Dr Ward. As he came downstairs, he was met by John. “Did it go all right?”

“Yes. He wasn’t unpleasant at all. He was more puzzled than anything. He just didn’t understand.”

“That’s what I felt as well. He was brought up in another age and couldn’t adjust.”

“You’re not that much younger, yet you adjusted. Don’t beat yourself up about this, John.”

“I had a very different upbringing. It counts for a lot.”

“He’s gone now and we can go forward.”

“True. Was that the doctor from Leeds?”

“Yes. He flagged me down in the village and I took him straight up. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to grab a cup of coffee before I go and try and persuade Lower Four B that ‘marvellous’ is not the only adjective available to them.”


He paused and turned back.

“No other cases?”

“Not yet.”

“Good.”
and he was gone. John returned to his study to wait. The affair was out of his hands now and there was nothing he could do. He sat at his desk and, as so often, his eyes strayed to the faded snap of a young woman. As ever, he drew strength from the picture and realised that he could pray.

He turned to look out of the window and the words of the psalm came to him :

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh even from the Lord: who hath made Heaven on earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: and he that keepeth thee will not sleep.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel: shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord himself is thy keeper: The Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand;
So that the sun shall not burn thee by day: neither the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: yes, it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in: from this time forth forever more.


Heartened, he smiled at the photo and turned to his work.



Dr Prendergast was a little disappointed to see the local doctor in the room. He was young enough to have quite enjoyed his mercy dash up the A1 and to be quite confident that he could handle the situation. One quick look at Canning changed his mind and he turned to Dr Ward in some consternation.

“How long has the rash been out?”

“Less than twenty four hours. The trouble is we don’t know when he started feeling ill. He didn’t tell anyone till he went to bed last night. He hates making a fuss and I don’t think he would have admitted it then if he hadn’t felt too bad to hide it.”

“I’ll give him an injection straight away. It’s got quite a hold on him and we certainly won’t see much improvement any time soon. I’d like the rest put in a refrigerator, please. It needs to be kept cool.”


Dr Ward watched as he injected the unconscious boy and then Matron covered him with a sheet and took the precious drug downstairs.

“Do you know how long it will take Dr Maynard to get here?”

Dr Ward looked at the clock. “Another three or four hours I should think.”

“I think I’d like to phone Leeds and ask for guidance. I’ve given him a standard dose and we usually give it at six hourly intervals but I know there have been occasions when we’ve used a double dose. The trouble is that was on adults. He’s so small, I don’t know what the effect would be.”

“I’ll take you to the Head’s study as soon as Matron gets back. Can you think of anything else we can do?”

“Not really. It’s a matter of keeping the fever down while the penicillin starts to work. I can see you are doing that. We should try to get some liquid down him, perhaps with a little sugar in it to give his body the energy to fight the infection. That’s about it, I’m afraid.”

“We’ve been giving him water but I’ll ask Matron to add some sugar to it. It’s difficult to get much into him. Matron has been using a teaspoon and it’s incredibly slow.”


Matron returned and Dr Ward suggested adding sugar to the water and took Dr Prendergast to the study which was now empty and asked the operator to put a call through. When Dr Prendergast had consulted with the Infirmary, he stood up looking a little relieved.

“They suggest we wait and watch and give him another dose after four hours. If he becomes any worse, then we give him another dose straight away.”

They went back up stairs and examined Canning again. He was no worse, so the waiting began.

Two hours later, Mrs Canning arrived and was taken straight to the San. When she saw her son, her face went pale and it was several minutes before she could collect herself enough to speak. She stroked his hot forehead and then sat down on the edge of the bed, holding his hand while she fought her tears.

“Jimmy.” She said quietly, “It’s Mummy. I’m here.”

There was no response and the tears started to fall. Matron gently took her out of the room.

“Come and have a cup of tea while we tell you what we know.” She said, with an arm round the grieving woman’s shoulder. “You shall come back and sit with him again then but it is likely to be a long vigil and you’ve had a shock.”

She sat Mrs Canning in an armchair in John’s study and left her to gain control while she organised a cup of tea and sought out John.

As she sat, red eyed, sipping her tea, Dr Ward came in and joined them.

“I’m sorry. It was just the shock of seeing him like that. It brought back all the worry of when he was little and was in hospital. I’m ready to go back now. I need to be there.”

Dr Ward briefly outlined what had happened and the steps being taken. “He is holding his own and now we’ve started the penicillin, we just have to let it work.” and he led her back to her son.

 


#343:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:27 pm


patmac wrote:
I’m going to grab a cup of coffee before I go and try and persuade Lower Four B that ‘marvellous’ is not the only adjective available to them.”


Loved this bit - some light relief!

But oh Canning... Crying or Very sad

Thanks for this bonus post, Pat

 


#344:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:46 pm


Thanks for letting us know about Canning so quickly - here's hoping the penicillin will work.

 


#345:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:51 pm


Poor Mrs Canning - I really feel for her Crying or Very sad

Patmac, please make Canning be ok. Sad

 


#346:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:23 pm


Excellent two posts Pat - could feel Cockcroft's confusion and despair, and loved the 'marvellous' bit.

Very worried about poor Canning.

 


#347:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:28 pm


*giggles* loved the 'marvellous' comment!

hope Caning begins to improve though

 


#348:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:59 pm


Jack arrived just as Dr Prendergast had given Canning his second injection. After introductions, he asked Mrs Canning to leave while they examined the boy and discussed anything further they could do. “I know you don’t want to but you’ll be no help to your son if you don’t take a break every so often.”

“Would you take Mrs Canning and make sure she eats something, please.”
He said, turning to John.

John ushered the reluctant mother from the room and Jack went over to the bed. After listening to Canning’s heart and lungs and examining his throat, he stood back.

“What do you think?” asked Dr Prendergast, anxiously “I gave him one injection at about half past ten and then another at half past two. I rang Leeds to check. I wasn’t sure about giving him a double dose like we do sometimes. He’s so small. They suggested giving them four hourly instead of six till you got here.”

“You did absolutely right. It’s not an easy decision. We’re still finding things out about this drug. I think we have to continue a waiting game, watching for any change. It will be a matter of taking decisions as we go along.”


Dr Ward looked at the clock. “I really ought to get off. I’ve a surgery this afternoon, though since the telephone exchange knows I’m here, I’m sure the whole valley knows by now. I’ll phone later to see how things are.”

He left the room and Jack looked across at the young man who was looking relieved now he had support.

“Sit down, Doctor.” Said Jack. “We won’t make him any better by standing up.” And he suited action to his words. “What time do you have to leave?”

“Mr Pritchard said I was to stay as long as you needed me. Would you mind if I stayed? I’d really like to.”

“I’d be glad. I’ll tell you what. You write up a proper case history and set everything down. Part of what we are trying to do at the moment is share knowledge about what this penicillin can and can’t do. We’re beginning to see it only works on gram positive bacteria, for instance. It’s not working on TB, except for secondary infections. There is some work being done in America on a new drug which will work against gram negatives, though nothing has been published yet.”


The two men continued to talk shop while frequently checking Canning’s pulse and fever till Mrs Canning returned, accompanied by Matron and looking strained but determined. She summoned up a tentative smile and her voice was firm as she thanked both doctors for coming to her son’s aid and asked if there was any change.

Jack’s smile was warm as he responded.

“We’re both glad we could come. There’s no change at the moment, which is good news because it means he is holding his own. We’re both staying till he is out of danger. Now,” he continued smoothly as he caught Matron’s glance. “I’m going off with Matron to get a bite to eat and Doctor Prendergast will stay with you. You sit right by Jimmy and hold his hand and talk to him. Unconscious patients can sometimes sense people and hear their voices, if not the words. It could help as much as anything we can do.

Call me if there is any change, Doctor.”

“Why did you get her hopes up?”
asked Matron as they went down the stairs.

“Because I’ve seen it happen before. Penicillin will help but her voice and presence could just tip the balance. Do you realise, that is probably the first time he’s heard his first name since the beginning of term. He’s more likely to react to being called Jimmy than Canning.”

Matron was silent as they entered the Refectory and she indicated that he should sit down while she went through to the kitchen.

Jack supposed she was offended but, to be honest, he didn’t much care. He had been up since half past six and had spent eight hours driving and there was a very sick boy upstairs. He had memories of his own school days and being called Maynard by his own brother when he was only eight and terribly homesick. He closed his eyes for a moment. He wished he had known Bob better later in life.

A touch to his shoulder brought him back to the present and Matron placed a steaming mug of tea in front of him and sat beside him to drink her own.

“Drink up. Cook is getting you some food. She’ll be through in a moment.” She picked up her mug and sipped her tea. “Can unconscious patients really hear what is said around them? I’ve read about it but it seems unlikely.”

“In some cases, it appears so. I’ve known adults who we thought were within minutes of death, recover and repeat word for word what was said in the room. We’ve a case in the family as well. Sir James would tell you that my wife was once brought back by her little sister singing to her. Jem had given up on her and it was only because he didn’t think it could do any harm that he let Robin sing a lullaby. He’s not given to fancy so I believe it.”

“H’mm. I’ll have to think about it. You know,”
she continued in a puzzled voice. “I’ve no idea why we call the boys by their surnames.”

Jack laughed. “Public School tradition, Matron. I don’t think even you will be able to change that.”

“No, but I rule in the San and I’ll remember it when we have sick boys!”


Mrs Newby came through with his meal and Jack tucked in with gusto. “I didn’t realise I was so hungry. I feel tons better now!” he exclaimed as he finished. “Now, we need to plan for tonight. We’re going to have difficulty prising Mrs Canning away from Jimmy but we’ll have to or she’ll get exhausted. I’m assuming you will be as difficult to get out of the San as his mother.” He grinned at her. “Dr Prendergast is staying tonight so he will alternate with me. I suggest you and Mrs Canning do the same. If there is a couch somewhere where Dr Prendergast and I can get a sleep, we’ll be fine.”

“Mrs Canning can have my room. It’s next to the San so she will be near if needed. You doctors can have the guest room. It’s on the same corridor.”

“Thanks. The other thing I need to do is see Reg. He’ll know I’m here because he will recognise the car, if nothing else.”


Matron gave a rueful smile. “I had to think who you meant for a moment there. I’ll arrange for him to see you somewhere private after supper. He’s a good lad and won’t spread rumours. If you’ve finished, we’ll get out of here. The boys will be in here in a few minutes for tea.”

They left the room hastily and went back to the San to find no appreciable change. Jack listened through his stethoscope and thought for a minute. He smiled at Mrs Canning. “Matron, do you have someone who could sit with Jimmy for a few minutes while we all have a chat. I’d like to work out a rota so no one gets too tired tonight.”

Matron slipped out and came back with Nancy and Anne.

“We’ll be in John’s study if you need us and please call him Jimmy if you speak to him. He’s more likely to recognise that name at the moment.” Said Matron and followed the others out.

The four trooped down to the study and John invited them all to sit down. Jack looked at Mrs Canning.

“He is holding his own, but that is all he is doing. The penicillin which we are giving him seems to be holding the infection at bay but that is all. His breathing is a little faster and his heart beat has speeded up. It may mean nothing or it could mean the infection is gaining ground.

Penicillin hasn’t been used much on children as it is so new. I would like to give him a bigger dose but it could be risky. I need to know that is what you would want. I just don’t know how effective it could be or if it would be too much for his system.”


Mrs Canning’s face blanched. “Can I think about it for a few minutes. His father is away in the Army and I can’t contact him. It’s a big decision. What do you recommend?”

“Just to make it quite clear. Jimmy is very sick. The infection is a bug which can affect the lungs of children who are not strong to start with. It could then go on to affect his heart. Even if we manage to save him at that point, it would mean he might not be able to have surgery later to lengthen his leg. On the other hand we are in uncharted territory if we give him a higher dose. If you were not here to consult, I would give him a higher dose now. Is there anyone you would like to talk to?. We can get a phone call through quite quickly if there is.”

“No. I have to decide this for myself and for Jimmy. How long have I got.”

“I can only say the sooner the better. Would you like to be alone to decide?”

“Just give me five minutes.”


Jack rose and gestured to the others to leave too.

Jack, Matron, Dr Prendergast and John left the room. Jack, without hesitation led them out of the front door.

“Excuse me, please. The only thing I can do to help her is to pray.”

To John, this seemed as natural as breathing and he immediately nodded and walked a little way off in the opposite direction.

After a moment, Matron walked off too.

Dr Prendergast was left standing in bewilderment. He had attended prayers at his school – they were compulsory – but it had all been part of the endless routine which school enforced. Surely a man of science like Dr Maynard didn’t really believe in that.

He stood, uncertain for a few minutes and then, unbidden, a verse came to his mind.

Suffer the little children to come unto me. And forbid them not, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven.

He couldn’t think of any other words but repeated those to himself, hoping against hope that there really was Someone listening.

 


#349:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:34 pm


Thanks Pat, wetake Penicillin so much for granted now it's frightening when you think how little time we've had it.

Glad matron was open to new ideas.

 


#350:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:03 am


awww Poor Jimmy ....

 


#351:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 1:12 am


Thank you Pat; I loved all the detailed background - the use of the first name, with even Matron having to stop and think about Reg, the uncharted territory that penicillin represented, the automatic use of prayer by Jack and John...such a lovely concrete picture.

 


#352:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 10:43 am


Thank you for the updates Pat. It's all so vivid. I want to give Mrs. Canning the biggest hug.

Please let the penicillin work!

 


#353:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:55 am


Thankyou Pat, I must have missed this last update by minutes last night.

As others have said, this is so full of vivid detail - I can see it all as you describe it.

 


#354:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:52 pm


Can only echo the others' thank you, Pat, for all these frank descriptions of using penicillin in the early stages, and everything else. It really is good that Matey is so open to the newer ideas as well. Will be watching for another instalment when I get home this evening - please. Meantime will be praying that there will be some improvement by then and that Jack has had time to talk with Reg.

 


#355:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 2:32 pm


Thank you Pat! I feel as sorry for Cockcroft as Hugh does and for the same reasons.

Love the sick room scenes, Jack is being his usual wonderful self. Hope Dr Prendergast learns from him.

Come on Jimmy listen to your mum!

 


#356:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:20 pm


Thanks for all the updates Pat

*hoping the penicillin works*

Liz

 


#357:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:34 pm


When they went back in, Mrs Canning rose from her chair looking worried but determined.

“Jimmy has been through so much already, I can’t risk him living the rest of his life crippled by a damaged heart. He asks every holiday how long it will be before he can start having his leg lengthened, even though he knows it will mean a lot of pain. All he wants is to be like other boys. Dr Mitchell said we would have to wait till he is twelve at least.”

Jack gave a sudden start as he heard the name but Mrs Canning was too intent on her thoughts to notice.

“I’d like to take the chance of giving him a higher dose.” For a moment she was unable to go on. “Even if … Even if it doesn’t work, we will have tried.”

Jack looked at Dr Prendergast, who nodded and went to fetch the penicillin while the others went straight to the San. Nancy and Anne slipped from the room quietly, looking worried, as Jack checked Jimmy’s pulse. It was appreciably faster and his breath was coming in ragged gasps. Quickly the injection was prepared and Jack administered the higher dose and then stood back.

“Mrs Canning, will you keep sponging him down and talking to him. Matron, will you see if you can get some liquid into him. We won’t see any immediate effect. We just have to keep him going till this works.”

The two women moved to the bed and Mrs Canning started talking to Jimmy about what she had planned for the Summer Holidays, while Matron tried to get him to swallow water, a spoonful at a time.

John went down to the Refectory to join the boys for tea and provide some semblance of normality. Nancy and Anne had obviously told their colleagues and, while everyone was trying to act normally, tea was a subdued affair and the older boys were obviously aware that things were not going well for Canning.

After tea, the boys went out to play, after being reminded to keep to the lawn at the front and to keep the noise down, and the staff went to the staff room where John brought them up to date with developments.

There was silence while they took it in and then all eyes turned to the door as Matron appeared. She shook her head. “No change yet and Dr Maynard doesn’t seem to expect it for an hour or two. I’ve just come down to ask if someone will tell Entwistle that Dr Maynard is here and will try and see him later, possibly after supper. Are all the other boys still well?”

“So far as we can tell.”
Charles reassured her. ” We’re keeping a close eye on them and there’s no signs yet.”

“Let’s be thankful for small mercies then.”


Time dragged for everyone. In the San, Jimmy Canning showed no change and the two doctors kept glancing at the clock, while Mrs Canning’s voice became hoarse as she valiantly chattered on to her unresponsive son.

By Supper time, even the younger boys had caught the worry from the older ones and Nancy was kept busy comforting Canning’s friends, some of whom were inclined to be tearful. Jack kept his promise and slipped down to the Library to see Reg and was back upstairs within five minutes.

By the time the boys were going quietly to bed, Mrs Canning had finally broken down and Matron led her from the room to recover herself. Jack thought that Jimmy’s breathing might be a little easier but not enough to feel he was overcoming the infection.

Dr Prendergast looked at Jack. “How long can he go on like this?”

“I’d expect to see some change either way within an hour. At the moment, I don’t know if the bacteria or the drug has the upper hand but either way, his heart is still beating too fast.”


Mrs Canning returned but felt she could no longer talk and just sat, holding Jimmy’s limp hand and stroking his arm.

At about half past nine, Jimmy’s breathing changed. For a moment, it seemed to falter. Jack held his wrist for a moment and everyone held their breath. Then he nodded and they saw that Jimmy’s chest was rising and falling imperceptibly.

“His heart has settled and his breathing is normal. We’ve won round one.” He said simply.

It was not till six o’clock the next morning that Jack felt confident that they had beaten the illness. Finally as Mrs Canning came into the room after a short sleep, Jack looked up and smiled at her. “The abscess in his throat is going down now. We just have to keep up the good work and he will be all right.”

She went over to the bed and kissed Jimmy on the forehead. “Oh, Jimmy!” she said in a broken voice.

As she stood up, his eyelids fluttered open. “Mummy?” he croaked through his sore throat and, holding her hand, drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

 


#358:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:55 pm


patmac wrote:

She went over to the bed and kissed Jimmy on the forehead. “Oh, Jimmy!” she said in a broken voice.

As she stood up, his eyelids fluttered open. “Mummy?” he croaked through his sore throat and, holding her hand, drifted off to a peaceful sleep.




that made me cry

thankyou Pat

 


#359:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:55 pm


Awwww! Have tears in my eyes now. So good, Pat, so descriptive and tense.

Thank you.

 


#360:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:57 pm


I didn't realise I was holding my breath until I let it out at the end of that.

So glad that Jimmy is getting better

Thanks Pat

Liz

 


#361:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:17 pm


*breathes huge sigh of relief

Thanks Pat. I'm so, so glad that the penicillin worked.

 


#362:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:35 pm


Jack was sitting with Malcolm Prendergast in the Library, going through the case notes to ensure they had recorded everything.

“If you could make a copy when you get back and send it to me, I’d be grateful. I’ll carry on recording everything that happens from here on and send you a copy. That way both hospitals learn everything we can from this.”

“I’d like that anyway so I know how he goes on.”


The two men stood and Jack held out his hand.

“Thank you.” He said as they shook hands. “I’ve really appreciated your help. It’s made all the difference.”

Malcolm looked pleased. “I feel I’ve learned a lot, not just clinically but in dealing with relatives and other people. I don’t think I’d really realised before just how important that is.”

Jack smiled. “I’ve been at it a long while, you know. It comes with practice. Have you decided what you will specialise in?”

“I think it will be orthopaedics. I’ve another six months yet as a Junior, then I’ll be looking for a Senior Post for the next two years of course. I’d like to do that in an Orthopaedic Hospital. By then, I’ll know for sure if that is what I want.”

“Good idea. I wish you luck.”


Malcolm left to return to Leeds and Jack went upstairs to administer the next dose of Penicillin.

Two days later, Jack handed the case back to Dr Ward to finish the course. Canning was sitting up in bed, with the inevitable peeling skin but his temperature was normal and he was eating a light diet.

Before he left, Jack sat down with Mrs Canning and gently explained that Dr Mitchell had died the previous year.

“You are the second person I’ve met who didn’t know. I can only assume that whoever did the administration after he died didn’t let patients know.”

“I’m glad I found out now. I would have been most upset in two years time when he is twelve to find that out.


She thought for a minute. “Would you be able to take him as a patient?

“It wouldn’t be me, personally but I have colleagues who do that operation. I’ll give you a card with details of the San and you should speak to your own Family Doctor at home. If he is happy about it, then write soon so he can examined. I don’t think it would be a good idea to leave it till he is twelve. He should be having regular checkups. You do need to talk to your Doctor, though. There may be a hospital nearer home that could treat him and that would save a lot of travel.”

“I’ll do that. I’m taking him home as soon as he is well enough for the rest of term.”

“That’s probably wise. Dr Ward will advise you about how much you should let him do and diet and so on.”

“Thank you, Doctor. You’ve saved his life and I can’t thank you enough.”


Jack never found grateful patients easy to deal with so he just smiled and made a non committal comment before shaking hands and then going to see John.

“I’d like to have half an hour with Reg before I go. Would that be possible? He asked as they sipped a coffee.

John consulted the Timetable. “He could miss History for once. I’ll catch him as he comes out of Maths, that’s in about ten minutes. Will that be all right? He’ll have no difficulty in catching up. He’s very bright. I shall miss that little crowd in September.”

“I’m glad he’s made friends. It was the only thing that worried me about sending him away to school. His upbringing had made him a bit of a loner. I did wonder if the other boys would find him odd.


John laughed. “The other four are all originals, too. They share the top places in the form for every subject and they’ve pulled the others up too. It’s early to say but I think they will all do well in the future. I wouldn’t be surprised if they stay friends as well, despite going in different directions.”

Jack duly went for a walk with Reg and then set off for the long drive home, leaving the whole school much happier than when he arrived.

The rest of May sped by. Mrs Canning and Jimmy left two weeks later. There were no more cases of Scarlet Fever and the mystery was only solved when Jimmy admitted that he had gone off while the others were playing football, without permission, and met some children. He didn’t know who they were but he had played with them for a while.

Further enquiry at Lowfields Farm revealed that a family of gypsies had been camping there while doing odd jobs on local farms. The children had played with Terry who, fortunately had not returned to school because of a ‘sore throat’. A day later he had the rash. As Canning had developed the rash within hours of his sore throat starting and had been isolated quickly, he had not passed it to anyone else.

No one on the staff was surprised that the Master on duty when Canning slipped away was Mr Cockcroft.

 


#363:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:42 pm


Yes, that summs him up really doesn't it - couldn't be bothered keeping an eye on his charges.

Thanks Pat - you realise that we are going to want to see what each of Reg's friends makes of his life too?

 


#364:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:23 pm


Lesley wrote:
Thanks Pat - you realise that we are going to want to see what each of Reg's friends makes of his life too?


Shocked

Not a chance, except in passing. I've got 52 years of Reg to finish first.

 


#365:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:58 pm


What a relief that Canning is improving.

I liked the little conversation between Jack and Malcolm re careers.

And I'm looking forward with eager anticipation to the next 52 years! Very Happy

Thankyou, Pat

 


#366:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 10:25 pm


I hardly dared open this when I got home - when I left first thing this morning, we were still quite early in the treatment, with no noticeable sign of improvement in Canning's condition.

I heaved a sigh of relief when I got to the end of the post where the fever broke - it brought tears to my eyes. It also reminded me of a not dissimilar scene in Little Women, before the days of penicillin, when Hannah said of Beth, who was so ill with the same illness 'Praise be, the fever's turned and she's sleeping aisy!'

Good to see the positive outcome and that Canning will recover, also that he'll still have a chance at the leg lengthening operations later.

Thanks Patmac.

 


#367:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:06 pm


Thanks Pat. Well done Jack and Malcolm. Thank you for letting canning recover and that the San will hopefully treat him.


Another 52 years of this how wonderful.

 


#368:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 1:23 am


Thanks, Pat. Feel all weepy and trembly....

 


#369:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:25 am


Such a relief, Pat. I've just caught up on two days' worth of this. It's been a time of terrible anxiety, thank goodness for the happy ending.

Typical of Cockcroft.

Hint, hint, I do want a happy future for Jimmy Canning.

 


#370:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:27 am


Thanks Pat - I'm so glad Canning is getting better and hope that he is able to get the treatment he needs for his leg.

patmac wrote:
I've got 52 years of Reg to finish first.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! Mexican Wave

Liz

 


#371:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 10:20 am


LizB wrote:
Thanks Pat - I'm so glad Canning is getting better and hope that he is able to get the treatment he needs for his leg.

patmac wrote:
I've got 52 years of Reg to finish first.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! Mexican Wave

Liz


Being lazy this morning and Liz says all I wanted to say, so why repeat! Wink Wink

Thanks Pat.

 


#372:  Author: JoeyLocation: Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 11:20 am


So many updates in such a short time, Pat! Thank you. I'm so glad Canning is all right.

I'm really going to miss this while I'm away - dread to think how much catching up there will be to do!

And very, very excited at the thought of 52 more years of Reg! Hurrah!

 


#373:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:54 pm


I love this drabble... so nice to see Jack being as he is and that little Jimmy Canning is going to be all right! I hope Jack can help his other medical probs too - I'm sure he will.

Thanks Pat

(and yay for continuous drabble until 2057!!) Wink

 


#374:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 3:53 pm


Phew what a lot to have happened. Thanks for bringing them all through it safely. And Canning is now in the care of Jack and co! It was also good to have the master's view of Reg and co.

 


#375:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 6:28 pm


Only one more post of Part 7 after this. As many of you know, I'm then away till 10th August.

*Ponders whether to post the last part tonight or not Wink *





On June 6th Hugh turned on the wireless to listen to the eight o’clock news and heard that paratroopers had landed in Normandy. At just after half past nine, all the staff who were free heard the familiar voice of John Snagge saying simply “D Day has come.”

A wireless was moved to the hall and at one o’clock the whole school gathered to listen to the News. The boys were wildly excited and, even though many had fathers or brothers in the military, all they could think of was that they would be home soon now.

Charles saw Hugh slip out of the room and followed him, after an exchange of glances with John. He found him standing outside the front door.

“I began to wonder if this day would ever come.” Hugh commented.

“Me, too! I just hope it’s successful!”

The stood silently for a few minutes and then went back inside and joined the others. Once the news was over, John dismissed the boys to let off steam outside.

“They’ll never settle after that but they had to hear it. They’ve just heard a little bit of history.”

News over the next week was confusing but hopeful and everyone held their breath and listened to the News whenever possible.

The weeks sped by and at the beginning of July, the dreaded end of year exams were upon them.

The Inseparables gathered at their favourite spot by the old roller at the far end of the lawn.

“I think I made a mess of Maths.” Said MacDonald, lying back on the grass in an attitude of sheer exhaustion. “What was the answer to Question 3 in the arithmetic paper? Does anyone know?”

“Five cubic feet.”
Replied Hanson promptly. “What did you put.”

“Well, not that!”
was the reply, accompanied by a grin. “I was only out by around seven though!”

Since MacDonald’s Maths was by far his weakest subject, the others just laughed.

“Do you realise, we’ll be seniors when we come back. We won’t ever sit here again.”

“It does sound ancient, doesn’t it. I remember when I first came here, I thought the boys in Lower Four were so grown up and I don’t feel any different now.”
Said Dixon in an elderly fashion.

Reg giggled. “I’ll bet your Mum doesn’t agree every time she has to buy you new clothes. I’m fed up with people saying ‘Oh, haven’t you grown!’ every time I go home.”

Copley laughed at him. “Well in your case it’s horribly true. Your trousers are half way up your legs again.”

“You can’t talk. Your shirt sleeves are nearly up to your elbows”
Retorted Reg, cheerfully, throwing a handful of grass at him.”

The familiar sound of the football rattle sounded and they all rose to their feet and made for the House to face the next exam.

As soon as exams were out of the way, all attention was focussed on the Summer Fête. This was held on the last Saturday of term and included a Sale of Work to support an orphanage in Leeds. According to long standing members of staff, this would be a paltry affair compared to those before the war, when many parents could be relied on to visit. Nevertheless, the whole Valley and people from the surrounding district were looking forward to the traditional day out and everyone was doing their best to make it a memorable occasion.

Chaucer House were providing a Craft Stall to sell a variety of things they had made on Hobbies Evenings and these were supplemented this year by some valiant efforts at knitting and embroidery by the new staff. The village women had made jam and chutneys and were baking as hard as they could. There would be a cricket match in the afternoon between the Polgarth Staff and the Village Team, various side shows and, wonder of wonders, a real Fair.

Before the war, Reg was told, there was always a Fair held each year on a big field at Polgarth. It lasted a whole week and people came for miles. Most of the Showmen had gone off to the war and the Fair had not been held for five years. This year they were coming back to Polgarth and even though it would only stay for three days, the excitement among the boys and locals alike, knew no bounds.

Before that glad day, however came exam results and Prize Giving. The exam results were given out by the Form Masters on the Wednesday of the last week and, as most people expected, the Inseparables shared the honours between them. Reg was delighted to come top in English and second in History. Charles confirmed that the whole Form would be moving up to the Senior School together.

Prize Giving was held the next day and the boys filed into the Hall in great excitement. All the staff were sitting on chairs on the raised dais at the front and John took his place on the Lectern. Starting with the First Form he announced the Prizes for all round achievement, in each Form and each recipient made his way to the front to receive his book to loud applause.

When he came to Lower Four A, he paused and looked round the room.

“We have had a problem here. We find ourselves unable to award a prize ….” There was a sharp intake of breath from the school. “… to one boy, that is. Five boys have tied. They each achieved the same aggregate marks when all the subjects were added together. This has never happened before and the rest of the staff agree that we have to award these boys a prize each.

They are ….”
He paused, enjoying the moment. “In alphabetical order, Copley, Dixon, Entwistle, Hanson and MacDonald. Come up you five and receive your prizes.”

Five embarrassed boys made their way to the front to cheers, applause and shrill whistling for each in his own way had made an impression on the younger boys and all were popular.

They each received a carefully wrapped book and were about to leave the dais when cries of “Speech, speech.” rang out. They hesitated and looked at the Head who smiled, encouragingly. After a quick exchange of glances, Hanson stepped forward.

“I’m the littlest so they’ve made me go first.” He said plaintively. The hall erupted in laughter. “I’m going up to Polgarth in September and I’m looking forward to it but I’ll always remember Chaucer.”

He stepped back to cheers and Dixon stepped forward.

“I suppose in order of height I come next. I think Hanson said it all, really. We’ve had a lot of fun here and we’ll see you all again when you follow us.”

MacDonald took his place. “I’d never realised I was the mean when we measure height! Now if it had been width, I would have been last. “ By now even the staff were laughing for MacDonald was decidedly portly.

“But then, I was never any good at Maths.” He flashed a grin at George Warner who returned it. “But I’ve friends who are. We make a jolly good team and I’m looking forward to Polgarth.

He stepped back and Copley deliberately looked up at Reg as if measuring the difference in height.

“I used to be the tallest.” He said mournfully. By now some of the staff were reduced to helpless laughter and were supporting one another to avoid the indignity of sliding off their chairs.

“I’m just glad we are all going up together.”

Reg stepped forward and gestured to his friends to join him.

“I’m lanky so I come last! I’ve only one thing to add. Three cheers for Chaucer House. Hip, hip …. The boys were on their feet.

“Hooray.”

“Hip, hip.”

“Hooray.”

“Hip, hip.”

“Hooray.”


The inseparables went back to their form and John gave the boys time to quieten down before tapping on the Lectern.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been upstaged before! I look forward to seeing that act on the Music Hall in due course. It just remains to say Good Luck to the boys who are going on to Polgarth. Despite all the problems we’ve had this year, it is a year I will remember as a good one.”

“We have one more prize to award. We don’t give this every year, in fact this is the first time for ten years we have awarded it. It is not for achievement in class. It is for something more.

We all have problems, but some people have more than their fair share. This prize is for that which Baden-Powell described as ‘that mixture of pluck, patience, and strength which we call endurance.’

All the staff have agreed that is should be awarded this year to a boy who has overcome enormous problems to come to school and has never complained even though he lives with restrictions which mean he has to miss out on lots of things. The boy who should be here to receive it is absent but we still think it should be announced here. The Gregson Prize goes to Jimmy Canning!”


Once more the Hall erupted with cheering and clapping. John stood grinning broadly for a few minutes and then he nodded to Mr Reed and, as a march rang out, the boys stood and left the Hall, form by form.

Later that evening, Hugh happened to meet Reg in the corridor.

“That’s your first year nearly over. Have you enjoyed it?”

“Yes, Sir. I’m really glad I came. It doesn’t seem a year since I met you on Leeds Station. I didn’t know then that you were new as well. Are you glad you came, too?”

“Very!”
returned Hugh emphatically, thinking, not only of the school but of a certain young woman in Leeds he would be seeing again in a few days.

 


#376:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 6:48 pm


Thanks Pat - lovely speeches Laughing Laughing

Just in case I don't get to say it after the last post and before you go away - thank you very much - this has been fantastic!

Liz

 


#377:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:22 pm


I've finally managed to catch up on this - only to find we're near the end! Shocked Oh well. C'est la vie!

I have laughed and cried and *wibbled* and worried, especially the last few posts. I'm glad really that I read it all in one go - no hanging about on cliffs. Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes

Like everyone else I'm looking forward to the next 52 years!! Very Happy

Thanks, Pat, and I'm just sorry I couldn't keep up.

 


#378:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:33 pm


On the Friday, everyone turned out to prepare for the Sports Day. The Fair had arrived two days before and was all set up in the field, much to the boys’ excitement.

The Cricket pitch was mowed to within an inch of its life and boys were marking out the lanes for the races with whitewash. Trestle tables and folding chairs were dragged from the barn where they had been stored and washed down. One of the local farmers came to Chaucer House with a horse and cart and all the goods for the sale were loaded on, together with as much crockery and cutlery as they could spare.

Other people from the village came up to Polgarth to help raise the School’s Marquee and everything was stowed in there overnight. More people arrived with jams and chutneys and tins of cakes and biscuits for sale.

“Will we really have enough visitors to buy all that?” Reg asked Charles as he gazed with open eyes at the piles of goods for sale.

“You’d be surprised.” Charles replied with a wink. “The local people all make things and then come and buy what someone else has made. They know it is for a good cause and for lots of people this one day out is the only holiday they will get. Don’t forget, even the children work with their parents out of school hours.

Then there’ll be people coming from other villages in coaches as well. Some of the villages run a savings club all year for this day out. People from farther away will bring tents and arrive tonight and not leave till Sunday. There’ll be a bus coming up from the Railway Station as well. Lots of people who have moved away come and meet their families. It’s an important part of life for miles.”


Late in the afternoon, the boys from Chaucer set off down the hill with their staff, tired and hot but still excited and chattering to one another about the next day. After a welcome drink, they went outside till Supper which would be both early and cold as Mrs Newby was busy finishing the last batch of sausages for the next day.

Most of the boys sat in small groups chatting idly in the warm sunshine for a while.

The inseparables again gathered in their usual place, discussing how they would spend their carefully saved pocket money.

“I really want a go on the big Carousel.” Said Reg. “I’ve never been on one before.”

“I don’t think any of us have.”
Replied Copley. “The last time it was here I was only eight and too small. I had to make do with the little baby roundabout. I remember I spent ages watching it go round and up and down.”

“My Ma and Pa are coming tonight. They’re bringing a tent and camping till Monday so I can go home with them. Ma says it is the first weekend Pa has taken off since Christmas.”

“My Mum is coming as well.”
Announced Dixon. “She’s staying in the village with Mr and Mrs Thompson and waiting to take me home on Monday.”

“I did write to Granddad, but Grandma is still ill so they won’t be here.”
Said Copley, sadly. “My Mum always used to come.”

“I won’t have anyone here either.”
Said Reg quickly, realising that Copley was feeling the loss of his mother in all the talk of families. “Auntie doesn’t like crowds anyway and she’s shy of coming here.”

“My Mum’s not coming either. She says it’s no place for a baby.”
MacDonald was quick to add.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to gloat.” Said Hanson, sobering and turned the talk to other things.

Despite their tiredness, many of the boys lay awake listening to the music of the fairground until, as dusk approached, all fell silent. The blackout was still in force and news of the Doodlebugs falling on London and the South East had made everyone wary.

The next morning dawned fine and bright and, after an early breakfast, the Chaucer House boys set off for Polgarth. The official opening would be at two o’clock, though many people would be looking round the stalls before then and there was much to be done. Masters and boys worked with a will and by twelve when they stopped for a picnic lunch, all was ready.

Gradually people started to arrive. People camping overnight and the locals were first to arrive and Hanson had introduced his friends to his parents well before twleve o’clock. To Reg’s amusement, Hanson’s father looked like an older version of Hanson, with grey curls instead of Hanson’s blond ones.

Dixon’s mother came out of the main school where she had been helping Mrs Thompson butter scones and make sandwiches. She swept Dixon into an embrace which caused him to squirm with embarrassment and was introduced also, declaring that she felt she already knew them all as Dixon talked of no one else during the holidays.

Copley, MacDonald and Reg were invited to join them for the afternoon but Reg, excused himself, saying that he had promised to help Mr Douglas till the opening ceremony and left them, promising to catch them up later.

He did not really feel he could intrude on these families, though he was glad that Copley, in particular would have the chance to forget his troubles for a while. In fact, seeing Hanson with both his parents and Dixon with his mother had left him feeling rather sad. Even Copley had the hope that his father would return. Reg didn’t often miss his parents nowadays but sometimes he still wished they were here.

He strode off trying to look purposeful, in search of Mr Douglas. He couldn’t really think why he had said he would be helping him, rather than another Master, but Mr Douglas’s name had seemed to spring to his lips. Looking round, he saw him carrying a pile of sacks ready for the sack race. Breaking into a run, he intercepted him and offered to carry some of the sacks.

Hugh looked round. “Where are the others?” he asked, for it was rare to see one of the inseparables alone.

“Dixon’s mum and both Hanson’s parents have arrived. I was invited to stay but …” he shrugged, unable to put into words what he felt.

Hugh glanced keenly at the boy. He seemed so settled that it was easy to forget that this boy had no one but a Great Aunt.

“Well, I’m jolly glad of your help.” He said. “We need to get these laid out where that line is painted across the start.”

Together, they laid the sacks out and were standing back to admire their handiwork when a shriek came from behind them.

“Reg! Reg!”

Both turned, startled, and Reg was pounced on by a small tornado in a blue frock.

He was so surprised that he overbalanced and sat heavily on the ground as the little girl grabbed him round the neck and kissed him soundly on the cheek.

“Len?”

Len leaned back and laughed. “Yes. It’s me! Surprise, surprise! Are you glad I came?”

Instinctively, Reg put his arms round her and responded. “Precious girl. Of course, I’m glad.”

Looking up, he saw Jack Maynard, beaming widely and holding Margot by the hand and there was Auntie with Con. Margot was trying to escape her father’s grasp to run to Reg. Con was sucking her thumb and looking doubtful.

“How did you get here? I didn’t know you were coming!”

“I managed to get away a couple of days early so we arrived at Garnham yesterday. Jo stayed behind with Stephen and Charles and we came for a day out.”


Still holding Len, who was clinging tightly round his neck as if she never meant to let go, Reg clambered to his feet. He went straight to Auntie and put his arm round her. Len took one arm from round Reg’s neck and clasped Auntie, squeezing her tightly. Turning her head, she kissed Auntie soundly and then Reg.

“Both of you. I loves you.”


THE END OF PART 7

 


#379:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:39 pm


Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Luffly!

Thanks Pat - such a beautiful ending

Liz *mushy inside*

 


#380:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:45 pm


What a lovely ending, Patmac - and I'm the first to comment, too!! OK, I take that back, someone just pipped me to it!

You have covered so much in Part 7. It's lovely to see how well Reg has done in his year at the Prep school - hope that both he and the rest of the Inseparables will do well as they enter the senior school in September - you will be writing about that, won't you?

I also liked the way the 5 of them placed equal at the top of their form - and the award of the Gregson prize to Canning.

We've also seen history in the making with use of penicillin in civilian life - could this be one of the first recorded incidents of this? - and in the boys listening to the D-day announcements.

You have alternately made us laugh, cry and grit our teeth in tension - but we wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Enjoy your holiday, and we'll look forward to Part 8 when you get round to it.

 


#381:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:58 pm


Patmac that was lovely thanks. so nice to see Reg developing so well and I loved the fact that Aunty was there for the summer fete

 


#382:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 9:15 pm


I'm sitting here with a great big soppy grin on my face - after the trials and tribulations what a lovely way to end Smile

Thank you, Pat Smile

Ray *off to find a tissue*

 


#383:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 9:43 pm


Thankyou Pat - how lovely to see Len and Reg together Very Happy

Looking forward to Part 8 already.

 


#384:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 12:35 am


What a lovely ending! Have a happy holiday!

 


#385:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 11:27 am


Thanks for that, Pat. I'm eagerly awaiting the next one.

 


#386:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 11:57 am


Awwwwwwwww! What a gorgeous ending, Pat.

Thanks so much. Looking forward very much to part 8.

x

 


#387:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 12:07 pm


I am so devastated that this has finished! But what a completely gorgeous ending! Thanks so much! Very Happy Kiss Very Happy

Hope you have a fantastic holiday and I'm also looking forward to part 8!

 


#388:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 10:39 am


Wonderful ending. Thank you patmac!

 


#389:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 11:02 am


Thank you Patmac, that was a lovely ending and a peep into the future?

 


#390:  Author: AlexLocation: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 7:17 pm


I'm on catch up - I didn't realise I was holding my breath until I sighed with relief when Canning woke up.

 


#391:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 8:14 pm


Didn't see this before - still catching up post gather!

Thanks Pat - lovely last post for this section.

 


#392:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 8:58 pm


Oh Pat! I am sat here with tears streaming down my face. I have just read all that I missed while I was away. The tears started when they all walked outside and started to pray, continued as Canning spoke to his mother, began again when the prize was announced and flowed through the speeches and we,re in full flood as Auntie and the triplets arrived unexpectedly.

Wow, that was amazing, all the more so for reading it in one go.

 


#393:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 12:11 pm


Thank you Pat!!! That was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO lovely!

 


#394:  Author: Emma ALocation: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 12:02 pm


Thank-you, Pat - this has been just splendid. Funny and moving, and you have made us care so much about all the characters. Looking forward to the next part after your holiday.

 


#395:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 4:52 am


Hope you have a wonderful holiday and come back with more lovely stories about Reg. I have really enjoyed it so far, he is such a nice boy!









(Still not resigning membership of DREGS however)

 


#396:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:02 pm


Aww! A lovely ending Pat, and it is fun to see Reg and Len together already. Thanks Very Happy

 


#397:  Author: dackelLocation: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:29 pm


I can only add to the above compliments! I've just caught up from about page 17, so there was lots to read! And I loved it all. especially the bit about Canning - you almost had me crying in a public library! And I loved the end - so nice to see that Reg isn't alone.

 


#398:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 3:53 pm


I've just caught up on the last 8 pages (I'm very behind the times - dread to think what I'd be missing out on if it weren't for school holidays!) and it is superb! I honestly thought you were going to kill off Canning for a while there, Pat! Thank you, and I'm already looking forward to Part 8 when it appears.

*wipes eyes*

 


#399:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 8:57 pm


Wow. I've just read this from start to finish over the last two days - what an amazing story! I love all the characters apart from Cockcroft and the boy who was expelled - I can't remember his name. Embarassed Thanks for writing it, Pat.

When they said they were giving a prize for the boy who had shown a lot of things, I thought they meant Reg after he rescued Hanson.

 


#400:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:23 am


Thanks again, Pat!

You probably don't need to hear anyone else's sigh of relief over Jimmy Canning. Laughing

Good send-off for Cockcroft. With all there is to dislike about him, it's also easy to feel sorry for him, or even empathize. After all, sometimes I feel bewildered myself, when told that instead of trying to emulate the lecturers I've most admired, I should quit lecturing altogether.

I liked the way D-Day was worked in. Somehow I'd lost track of where we were in the war! Hope too many of the boys don't have to replace the "they would be home soon now" euphoria with no homecoming at all.

And End of Term and the Fête were perfectly lovely. Very Happy

*Looking forward to Part 8* (or whatever comes next, she says, noticing a shiny new drabble title)

 




The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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