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The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d04/11
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=7157
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jan 05, 2010 6:36 pm ]
Post subject:  The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d04/11
I have posted part of the last posts of part one which is now in the archive in St Therese's

Christmas Eve was busy as Hilary did the deliveries for her father and Kat helped with the baking. Kat had enjoyed the years of Domestic Science at school and they had given her a light hand with pastry and she was happy to help in a kitchen as she had had limited opportunity as a child so making sausage rolls and mince pies for large numbers was a pleasure she had not often had. Mrs Wilson had the radio on ready for the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols from Kings College Cambridge in the afternoon and they joined in the congregational carols that they knew. They ensured the best crockery and cutlery was clean and ready for use. The dishes being taken into the dining room covered with a muslin cloth and the cutlery used to set the table ready for the following day. They boiled a large ham, the goose was prepared and stuffed and the vegetables peeled for the following day. They finally prepared the pudding Mrs Wilson had made weeks earlier for steaming and left it ready to put on the stove early on Christmas day.

In the evening Hilary and Kat joined the carol singing of the joint choirs of the Anglican Church and Methodist Chapel around the village. They ended the evening at a large house at the other end of the village to the market garden, where they were given a choice of soup, mulled wine or a fruit punch with sausage rolls and mince pies. The older choir members reminisced about the problems in previous years when rationing had limited the end of singing treat to weak tea or parsnip wine!

On returning to the Wilson’s Kat and Hilary found Mr and Mrs Wilson were about to go to the recently instituted Midnight Communion service. They decided to go with them and found that the first part was putting the babe was in the crib which the children had set up earlier in a short carol service.

They were all glad to return home and go to bed, knowing that if they were not in time for Matins as least they had been church on Christmas Day. In the event they woke up on time to help Mrs Wilson put the goose in the oven and pudding on to steam before joining the rest on the congregation singing carols and listening to the story of the first Christmas in the packed village church.

On returning home they assisted in putting the presents around the tree in the drawing room and finished laying the table. The lunch started with a mushroom soup, and was followed by the goose with a selection of home grown carrots, sprouts, parsnips, roasted and boiled potatoes. They then had a short break whilst they listened to the Queen’s speech to the Commonwealth and Empire, before they tasted the Christmas pudding with brandy butter.

After the meal Hilary and Kat cleared the table and washed up, before present opening and a quiet evening with the new books they had both received as one of their gifts. An early supper of mince pies and Christmas cake with cups of tea was all they needed in the way of refreshment, before an earlier night than the previous ones.

The following morning was also spent quietly, and lunch consisted jacket potatoes and cold meats before Hilary and Kat got ready to go to the village hall to help with the children’s entertainment and tea. They arrived at the hall as just after the organiser and were set to moving tables and chairs to leave a space for games in the middle, whilst others set out the food on trestle tables and covered them with clean cloths. Hilary also took the opportunity to hid a number of small objects under chairs and tables and behind curtains.

At three thirty the room was full with the village children between three years and twelve all ready for an afternoon of fun. The children were paired up oldest to youngest and set to playing games. “Musical chairs,” “Pass the parcel” and “What time is it Mr Wolf?” were old favourites and had to be played first. Kat and Hilary then introduced them to the “Old Family Aeroplane,” “Picking up peas with a knitting needle” and for the older ones finding as many objects beginning with the same letter hidden round the room.

The afternoon went well and the children all enjoyed the activities and the tea provided by the parochial church council. The ladies of the village had baked extra mince pies and sausage rolls, made sandwiches and jellies, the local village baker had provided a Christmas cake.
The following morning was spent quietly writing thank you letters and in Katherine’s case packing. In the afternoon they went for a walk in the frosty countryside before an early night. The day after Katherine left the Wilson’s to go to visit Blossom in the Channel Islands for New Year.
Katherine’s journey took longer than expected, as the crossing was rough and meant that it was later morning when she arrived and Blossom was waiting with Julie Lucy for her at the quay side.
Author:  cal562301 [ Tue Jan 05, 2010 7:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. Part 2
Very interesting start, not having read the first part. Looking forward to more.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jan 05, 2010 9:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. Part 2
Nice to see this back :D .
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Jan 06, 2010 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. Part 2
Kat was pleased to be on dry land and looked forward to the cup of tea Blossom said would be waiting at home, though she felt that she could eat anything for a while. Blossom and Julie who were used to the crossing in winter sympathised with her and Blossom said her mother would understand as well.
When Kat arrived at the Willoughby’s she found Blossom had been correct and Mrs Willoughby waiting to prepare tea and toast for her, which should was all she was able to eat immediately. The rest sat down to sandwiches and tea with the promise of an early evening meal.
Julie Lucy left them after the meal, but promised she would return the following day with Vi and Barbara who were looking after the younger children in their families today whist Mrs Lucy and Mrs Chester went to the Sales.
The following day Julie, Vi, Barbara and Blossom took Kat on a guided tour of the Island showing her were the Chalet School had been during its stay on the Island and then the shops for some sale shopping of their own.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Jan 06, 2010 8:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. Part 2
Can't wait to see if any adventures befall them on the island! Thanks for this - like cal I haven't read the first part yet, but it's intriguing!
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 06, 2010 10:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. Pt 2 6/1
Nice to catch up with some more old friends.
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Jan 07, 2010 2:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. Pt 2 6/1
Glad you've managed to get back to it, Pauline, and it was lovely to read about their Christmas.

Thank you.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. Pt 2 6/1
The next night was New Years Eve and the Willoughby’s, their guests, and the Lucy’s joined the Chester’s for dinner. The Chester’s had a visitor too, a Doctor Finley who had been on courses with Doctor Chester and was enjoying a short break in the milder climate then the one where he worked in Scotland. He entertained the Dinner party with tales of how New Year was celebrated north of the Border, however he refused to be a first footer as he was no longer dark haired, but was now silver haired. At eleven the party broke up and the Willoughby’s and Lucy’s went home, as they did not normally celebrate New Year.
The Lucy’s boys however decided that John, the eldest of them would be a first footer and he collected some coal from the kitchen and some sweet homemade biscuits in place of the shortbread that were not common on the Island and slipped out unknown to his parents. Unknown to John Lucy the Chester boys had decided to follow their guests’ home and first foot them. As John made his way back to the Chester’s, he was surprised to meet the boys coming towards him. When they shared what they were doing, they agreed that John would first foot the Chester’s and the Chester boys would first foot the Lucy’s and the Willoughby’s.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Oh dear! I get the feeling this is not good - though, please forgive me for asking, what is first footing? Can't say that I've ever come across the term before! Thankyou for the update; you've worried me now *wibbles*
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Ariel there is nothing to wibble about. First footing is the practice of a dork man crossing the threshold of a house to bring good luck to a house in the coming year. The coal is to wish a constant supply of fuel and shortbread, a hope that the larder will never be empty and is Scotish custom. Hence that the Lucy's, Chesters and Willoughby's do not know about it until Dr Finley tells them.
Celbrating New Year was uncommon, expect for Watch Night services in some churchs until at least the seventies in England.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
When my mum was a child, my grandma used to boot my grandad (I only remember him with grey hair, but it was jet black when he was younger) out of the house just before midnight on New Year's Eve, so that he could come back in just after the clock struck 12 to bring them all good luck. Poor Grandad :lol: .

Er ... the Dr Finlay :wink: ?

Thanks Pauline - nice to see more of this.
Author:  Jenefer [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Does Dr Finley come from Tannochbrae by any chance?
Author:  ammonite [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Don't forget the tot of whisky as a thank you by the person being first footed to the first footer.

My brother always does one of our neighbours, who doesn't use her front door till he's been!

Thanks it's nice to see more of this.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Jan 18, 2010 10:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Aah, thanks for the explanation! :oops:
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jan 18, 2010 11:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Dr Finlay from Tannochbrae of course.
Author:  Pat [ Mon Jan 18, 2010 7:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Will we be seeing Dr Cameron too?
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
We always celebrated the New Year with first footing from my being tiny in the fifties, and that was in Nottingham. But my dad was a Geordie so maybe that explains it.

Thanks, Pauline. Dr Finlay, if it is him, was one of my heroes in my youth. :roll:
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 8:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Me, I preferred Dr. Cameron - in the original series, not the more recent one, I hasten to add! But I'm blowed if I can remember the name of the actor who played him - or Dr. Finley or Janet for that matter - anyone of my vintage help me out, please and thank you?
Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 8:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Andrew Cruickshank was Camerpn, & Bill Simpson Finlay.

How did I know that?? Only one I'm not sure of is the person playing Janet - but I still remember the 'Uah, ha!' and seem to remember that she was actually from NI not Scotland although she did a beautiful Scottish accent.
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 8:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
I think it may have been Molly Weir played Janet.
Author:  MHE [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Janet was played by Barbara Mullen.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Thanks, Abbeybufo and MHE - I knew the collective knowledge of the CBB would help me out!! The sad thing is that I *think* all those three are dead now, aren't they?
Author:  MHE [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 9:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Elder in Ontario wrote:
Thanks, Abbeybufo and MHE - I knew the collective knowledge of the CBB would help me out!! The sad thing is that I *think* all those three are dead now, aren't they?


Yes Elder I'm sorry to say that they are all dead, as is Ian Bannen who played Dr Cameron in the remake.

btw Barbara Mullen was from America.
Author:  shesings [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
Nowadays being dark-haired doesn't matter so much as long as your first foot arrives early on New Year's morning and brings the required goodies!

When I was young. no-one would leave the house until they had had their first foot. Once we were old enough to start going out on Hogmanay it was a point of honour to ensure that everyone's home had been first-footed by 1 o'clock or two at the very latest. After that, we could go where we wanted drifting home, if at all, round about 7am!
Author:  KathCampbell [ Tue Jan 26, 2010 12:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
We still first foot here in Scotland. Firstfooters don't have to be dark but have to bring a gift[shortbread, cherry/madeira cake, black bun] plus a drink of some sort. This year, my red headed nephew was mine at about 2.50[am] on Ne'erDay.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 17/1
When John arrived at the Chester’s and he had given the first footer gifts Dr. Chester offered him a drink of whisky or lemonade, at which point Dr. Chester realised his sons were the only members of the family who had not come to see who had knocked on the door so late. This was so unlike them he asked Barbara to go and see if they were alright. John intervened at this point to say he knew where they were as they had met on the way. He explained that they too had gone first footing.
When the Chester boys arrived at the Lucy’s the same thing happened, the Lucy’s wondered where John was and the Chester said he had was first footing their house as they had met him on the way.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Feb 15, 2010 11:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 15/2
Typical boys, not letting anyone know where they were going!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 15/2
*agrees with Alison*

Thanks for the update!
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Feb 16, 2010 7:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 15/2
Thanks for a new update, Pauline. :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Oct 26, 2010 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 15/2
I have more written so will post again soon.

The following day Julie and Nancy had great fun telling Kat and Blossom about the first footing, when her parents had realised that John was missing, and their greeting of him when he returned home! Nancy said that her parents had been cross as well, but they thought that at least the boys had been together, not realising that they had split up to first foot different houses. Something which came out during the next few days as the adults met and compared what they thought had happened and what others had experienced.
After the excitement of New Year the next few days seemed rather flat, until they realised it was time to pack to return to college. Kat and Blossom were to cross to Weymouth with Julie , Vi and Barbara where Kat would collect the car from the ferry company’s car park and would drive them all to Hilary’s. The Wilson’s would give them a hot meal before Julie took Vi and Barbara to London where they were to stay in a Hotel near Victoria before meeting the escort mistresses and their follow pupils the next morning to travel by the new direct train from Boulogne to Switzerland without changing trains in Paris. It had been decided that it would be easier for the girls to travel via London a day early rather then catching the ferry directly to France and then the train to Paris. If the ferry to France was delayed then the girls would miss their train to Paris and be unable to meet the French girls who were meeting in a different mistress in Paris.
Kat, Blossom and Hilary would start to travel back to Leeds the following day, breaking their journey near Derby as they hoped to see something of the Dales to the north of the city.

As the trio reach Derbyshire they were overtaken by a small car with a child standing in the back. Blossom pointed out the child to the others and said how dangerous it was to drive at that speed with a child standing in the back. A few miles further on they spotted the car at the side of the road, with it bonnet up and it appeared smoke coming out of the it. The child was standing behind the car crying with no sign of the adults from the car.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 26, 2010 9:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 26/10
It's nice to see this back.
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Wed Oct 27, 2010 7:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 26/10
Agrees with Alison and adds back with a cliff.
Author:  shesings [ Wed Oct 27, 2010 10:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 26/10
Pleased to see this back! :D :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 5:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d 26/10
Kat who was driving, brought the car to a stop and Blossom and Hilary got out of the car and went towards the child, who they saw as they reached her was in her pyjamas and dressing gown. As they went to speak to her they heard a scream of pain from the side of the car. Blossom went to the child who increased the volume of her crying, and Hilary carefully looked round the side of the car to see who was screaming.
Hilary found that a woman was on the ground with her legs apart. A man was kneeing at her side abnd appeared to be trying to comfort her. The man turned and saw her, and said “Please, can you help, my wife is having a baby and we were on the way to the hospital when the car over heated and she is having contractions every few minutes now.”
Hilary joined the man at his wife’s side and called to Blossom to take the girl to Kat and ask Kat to go to the nearest phone and ring 999 for an ambulance as the lady was in labour. Blossom quickly came round the side of the car and asked if they needed anything from their car before Kat set off. Hilary asked Blossom to get the first aid kit and the rugs from the boot of the car.
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 7:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d04/11
I missed the last post, Pauline. :roll: But having caught up, you leave me on a decidedly large cliff! :lol: Hope they'll all be okay.

Thank you.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The further adventures of two Chalet School girls. u/d04/11
Definitely a cliff there - I just hope that they aren't too far from at least a town, and that an ambulance can reach them very quickly once Kat find a phone and makes the 999 call. Otherwise..... :(


Thanks, Pauline - I think!! :roll:
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