The future of the Chalet School. Updated May 3rd Complete!
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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: The future of the Chalet School. Updated May 3rd Complete! Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:54 pm
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David Russell put his coffee cup back on the saucer and pushed both away from him. He opened the slim portfolio on the table in front of him and tapped his pen for quiet.
“I think we’ve all finished haven’t we? So let’s get this meeting on the road. Are you OK to take the Minutes as usual Con? I think that we’ll need to be sure we’ve got everything down this time, and not the normal ‘there was a discussion on…’ sort of thing.”
“Fine by me David. And I was going to take copious notes anyway. As you say, I think it’s needed this time.”
“Right! Then I declare the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Chalet School Board open. You all have copies of the company figures, and comparisons with other schools in the sector. What I want us to do is to project the company into the future. We are approaching a new millennium and I believe we need to have a serious think about where we want the school to be heading.”
“I assume you’ve got some plans up your sleeve then,” said Rix Bettany. “You wouldn’t have called a special meeting like this otherwise.”
“I have Rix. And I only wish that Sybs and Josette could have made it over from Oz, but it wasn’t possible. Len, as the current Head of the Swiss Branch, could you give us your opinion as to the current state of the school there?”
Len took a minute to gather her thoughts together. “We are one of the most successful International Schools, our roles are full, and in fact I have been considering building additional accommodation for next September in order to accept all the enquiries we’ve received. We won’t fit half of them in otherwise. Our exam results top any other school in the region, and the majority of our girls go on to Higher Education and a good career.”
“I agree with all that Len. What I want to know is less easy to define. How well rounded an education do the girls receive? I don’t mean just academically; as you say we cannot be faulted there. Think back to when you girls left the school. I know Peggy went home to help Aunt Mollie, but the rest of you went on the university. How easy did you find it to adjust to the change?”


Last edited by Pat on Thu May 03, 2007 9:31 pm; edited 8 times in total

#2:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 2:02 pm
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This looks interesting!

#3:  Author: RóisínLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 2:07 pm
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Oh wow, interesting take on things. I wonder what colour their power-dressing suits are ? Laughing

#4:  Author: LexiLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 2:18 pm
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I just had a very odd image of Con with enormous shoulder pads in then Laughing

This looks really good Pat.

#5:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 2:37 pm
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Róisín wrote:
Oh wow, interesting take on things. I wonder what colour their power-dressing suits are ? Laughing


Lime Green and Cream of course! Wink

Thanks Pat, this looks interesting

#6:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 4:34 pm
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This looks great, thanks Pat!

I hear shoulder pads, I think of Grace Jones in 'The Living Daylights'. Don't ask me why...

#7:  Author: arky72Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 4:53 pm
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I love this Pat, how soon can we have some more?

#8:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 6:25 pm
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thanks Pat, this looks very interesting

#9:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 7:05 pm
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Very interesting - nice to hear that the CS is doing well.

Thanks Pat.

#10:  Author: CarysLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:54 pm
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I love Pat drabbles, and this one looks as if it's going to have me hooked!

#11:  Author: dorianLocation: Dublin PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 11:23 pm
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Oooh, very interesting. I like the look of this!

#12:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 1:19 am
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Looking forward to hearing Len's reply - and what the consequences will be.

#13:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 2:31 am
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Goody a new drabble and it sounds interesting

#14:  Author: SugarLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 2:58 am
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Thanks Auntie Pat - this looks great! Can't wait for more!

#15:  Author: WoofterLocation: Location? What's a location? PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 11:34 am
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Looks interesting!

#16:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 3:19 pm
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Pat, only one episode of this! it looks to be one of your scorchers, so please let us have a lot more.

#17:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 9:46 pm
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“Very hard,” said Margot. “We led a very sheltered life on the Platz, and I for one was not prepared for the sort of life the average university student lived. Even then we were considered old fashioned in our outlook, and although it was worse for us who lived all year on the Platz, I think other chalet girls found the same thing. The Platz is isolated from normal Swiss life too, and is in effect like a small English ghetto, where the ideas and attitudes have barely caught up with the twentieth century, let alone the twenty-first”
“Just where are you leading us here David?” asked Steve Maynard abruptly. “Are you saying that we are letting our girls down in some way?”
“Exactly that, Steve. Think about it. How much chance do the girls have to get to know boys as ordinary people while they are at school? He fact that they are at boarding school all term means that they have limited contact with other young people at home. At school they meet none whatsoever. No one outside the environments of the school at all. And now that the San has closed, there isn’t even those people to talk to. This is what I mean about thinking seriously about the school’s future. I believe that the Platz is far too isolated, and we need to consider moving the school.”
“That’s expensive Dave,” put in Kevin. “Not only the cost of buying somewhere new that’s big enough, but the cost of actually moving everything. Can we afford it?”
“I’d need to look into it, but off the top of my head I should think we’d be fine,” said his twin. “The school is a successful going concern, and I expect we can sell the existing buildings without too much trouble. After all, the San was snapped up by the hotel chain quickly enough wasn’t it? Being so close to Wengen will be a big advantage there.”
“You’re not just thinking of moving the school though, are you David?” asked Peggy quietly. “You have something more up your sleeve. Come on, spill!”

#18:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:08 pm
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Yes spill, David - I want to know too! Wink


Thanks Pat.

#19:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:19 pm
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Ooooh. A Pat drabble. How fine.
This is most excellent.

#20:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 2:48 am
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Lesley wrote:
Yes spill, David - I want to know too! Wink


Me too. It's not fair to leave us hanging here

#21:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:33 am
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This looks reall good Pat, thank you.

More please! Wink

#22:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 3:31 pm
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Thanks, Pat. When's the next bit?

#23:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 3:58 pm
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I'm also eager to know what he's got up his sleeve. Thanks Pat.

#24:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 5:05 pm
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Threatens to stamp foot at Auntie Pat.

#25:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 5:31 pm
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David looked round the table full of his family – brothers, sisters and cousins – and smiled. “You’re right Peggy, of course. The first thing is that I know of a large Schlosshotel that will be coming onto the market shortly. It’s in Austria, and is at Tiernkirche.”
A gasp went round the room, and Con looked up from her frantic scribbling long enough to say “But that’s virtually going back to our roots! What a wonderful idea!”
“That’s what I thought,” David continued. “It’s a huge place, far bigger than the present school. And that’s where my other idea comes in.

#26:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 6:38 pm
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Hehehehe! Laughing


Thanks Pat.

#27:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 8:05 pm
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ooooooo

how did i miss the updates??

more please Smile

#28:  Author: LexiLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 8:27 pm
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Is David thinking of making it co-ed? Hmmmm.

You have me intrigued Pat!

#29:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 2:54 pm
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Thanks, Pat.

#30:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 11:29 pm
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If we move, I think we should become co-ed.”
A dead silence greeted this announcement, as the assembled clan realised what had been said and began to think about it. Then Phil broke it by thumping hard on the polished table top.
“Why did none of us think of that before?” she demanded. Especially us females – we all know what is was like meeting non-family boys don’t we? Well not Len perhaps, since she’d already made up her mind before she went to Uni.”
“And look where that got me,” came the swift reply. “The first divorce in the family, and me a Catholic too. I don’t think Mother has ever forgiven me for that. I think you’ve had a brainwave David. It’s always said that a good part of a university education is social, and so it should be at school too. I’m mentally kicking myself for not realising how we have been failing the girls all these years; it’s so obvious when you see it.”
“Tell us more about this hotel,” said Michael, who had been unusually quiet for him. “How big is it? How many rooms? Can they be adapted for a school? What about accommodation for the boys? We’d need that to be separate, wouldn’t we?”
“Whoa! Mike. I’ve got some leaflets, including pictures, for you all to see. Admittedly these are all of the Internet, but it does give you an idea of the place.”
David pulled a sheaf of papers from his folder and passed them round the table for the rest to look at. They saw a white painted typically Austrian Schloss with a steep-pitched roof and deep windows. Running off to one side was a modern extension which had been sympathetically designed to match the existing building. A wide courtyard stood in front, gay with tubs of plants. Another shot showed an indoor recreational swimming pool. The Speisesaal looked as though it was In the old part of the building, with original wooden beams and panelling. The shots of the bedrooms showed typical hotel rooms with en-suite facilities, some consisting of a small suite of rooms.

#31:  Author: arky72Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 11:31 pm
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I love this Pat!

#32:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 11:35 pm
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This is very interesting!

#33:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 7:15 am
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Sounds perfect. But Len - divorced? Shocked


Thanks Pat.

#34:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 2:35 pm
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Thanks, Pat. A brave idea!

#35:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 3:36 pm
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I'm not surprised about Len. It was all sorted out when she was far too young.

Thanks Pat.

#36:  Author: CarysLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:44 pm
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Will we learn more about Len and Reg's divorce, I hope so!
Thanks Pat, really enjoying this.

#37:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:44 pm
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“We need to see the place,” said Len. “You can’t decide on the strength of a few advertising photos on the Internet. It looks pretty good, but…”
“I’m ahead of you there,” grinned David. “I got a private jet waiting at the airport for us. We can be at Innsbruck airport by late afternoon, and at the hotel in time for the evening meal.”
“Abendessen,” murmured Margot aggravatingly.
David pointedly ignored her. “I take it we can all take time away to deal with this?”
The Family nodded its collective head, and smiled at each other. The break would be welcome whatever happened. A night or two in an Austrian hotel sounded wonderful to them all.
The triplets shared Margot’s car to the airport, and Con gave in to her instincts and voiced her thoughts as she had when at school.
“I’m so glad you never became a nun,” she said. “It wouldn’t have suited you at all.”
Margot laughed. “What on earth made you say that just then Con? I haven’t thought about it in years. I knew, almost as soon as I got to Edinburgh, that I’d been wrong. Not about being a doctor, but about the nun business. I never did really say what made me change though did I? It was a combination of things I suppose. Firstly I got pounced on by the local Mother Superior. Someone must have told her, and she tried to keep me away from all the other students and to run my life for me before I’d even entered. Then I made friends with other people on my course, and off it too, and began to see how stifled our lives had been up there on the Platz. I’d made a decision without having all the information I needed – like you did Len I suppose. Also there were people on my course who wanted to be medical missionaries too, only they weren’t Catholics, so they saw no reason why they couldn’t just go and do it – being a nun didn’t enter their heads as a requirement. The more the nuns tried to pull me in the more they set my back up, and you know how stubborn I can be!” she grinned.
“The poor dears didn’t have a chance, did they,” said Len. “I wish I’d left myself open to new ideas and attitudes too. Maybe then I wouldn’t have made the mistake that I did, and married poor Reg. But I closed my eyes to most of it, put my head down and concentrated on my studies. Mother still can’t accept that we’re not together, and as far as the church is concerned we are only separated. There was no reason to dissolve the marriage that the authorities would accept. It’s all right for Reg – he’s a Protestant anyway. But as far as other and Dad are concerned I’m living in ‘sin’ with Karl, even though we have been through a civil ceremony.”

#38:  Author: ChrisLocation: Nottingham PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:49 pm
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Am really enjoying this; but poor Len. Religion has its good points, but is also the cause of many huge problems.

#39:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:54 pm
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Pleased that Margot is happy with her decision.


Thanks Pat.

#40:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:28 pm
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thanks for the updates- nice to see more of the changes in their lives

(len)

#41:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:45 pm
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Back to austria, look forward to seeing where you take this Pat.

#42:  Author: arky72Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:49 pm
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I'm really enjoying this, thank you Pat.

#43:  Author: SugarLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 11:06 pm
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Wonderful! This is great. Thank you!

#44:  Author: KarryLocation: Stoke on Trent PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 12:44 am
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karl? The instant thought was Karl kennedy? Shocked







karl who and how will he take relocation to Austria?

#45:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:34 am
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Poor Len and am glad Margot is happy with her decision

#46:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:51 am
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Karry wrote:
karl? The instant thought was Karl kennedy? Shocked


*giggles*

A private jet? The CS must be doing well!

#47:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 12:21 pm
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Karry wrote:
karl? The instant thought was Karl kennedy? Shocked



Well, he is a doctor - surely therefore a perfect partner!

#48:  Author: CarysLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:19 pm
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Has Con strayed from her parents hopes for her to?

#49:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:31 pm
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Don't know yet - she hasn't told me.

#50:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:42 pm
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Pat wrote:
Don't know yet - she hasn't told me.


Laughing Laughing Laughing
I am sure she has! Twisted Evil Strayed that is! Twisted Evil

#51:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:27 pm
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Here's hoping she tells you soon, Pat.

Thanks!

#52:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:55 am
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Back to Austria and going co-ed. That'll be interesting...

Thanks Pat

#53:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 1:27 am
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Thanks Pat. Hurrah for the school going back to Austria!

#54:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:48 pm
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Con said nothing; they all knew that she was the one that had followed the path mapped out for her by becoming a successful authoress. What no one knew was that she wrote under a pen name as well as her own, and the books she wrote under that name would have sent her parents to an early grave. They paid though, she thought smugly, better than the mainstream books and the short stories published regularly in ‘People Friend’.
The smart executive jet was waiting for them, and they filed on board and took their seats.
“You’ve done well to afford this David,” commented Felix, envy clear in his voice.
“I don’t own this! I’ve borrowed it from a friend. I’m paying for the trip though, and that’s costing enough. I may be successful, but I can’t run to this sort of thing on my own account.”
The flight seemed to take no time at all, and they were soon touching down at Innsbruck. The train to Spartz seemed to take forever, but the hotel minibus was waiting for them there, and it was still only early evening when they reached their destination. He photos had not prepared them for the reality. The building nestled under the towering mountains, close to the road that had been built so long ago to the Sonnalpe. It was surrounded by flat land that would make ideal playing fields and set the buildings far enough back from the road so that they retained a good deal of privacy. The minibus dropped them at the main entrance, and they walked into a wide foyer with a wonderful staircase descending in a wide curve to one side. The owner was waiting for them, and took them up to their rooms himself. He had given them each one of the suites on the first floor, part of the original castle, with oak beamed ceilings.

#55:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:25 pm
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The castle sounds wonderful.

Laughing at Con's books!

#56:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:34 pm
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Would love to see Joey's reaction should she ever find out! Laughing


Thanks Pat.

#57:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:44 pm
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Laughing Good for Con!

Thanks Pat.

#58:  Author: CarysLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 4:18 pm
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I'm wondering why Joey isn't being consulted over the school's future? It's unlike her to keep her nose out of the school's business!

#59:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 9:55 pm
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Cazx wrote:
I'm wondering why Joey isn't being consulted over the school's future? It's unlike her to keep her nose out of the school's business!


I just assumed they had died as all the kids seemed to be deciding the fate of the school

#60:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 12:26 am
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Cazx wrote:
I'm wondering why Joey isn't being consulted over the school's future? It's unlike her to keep her nose out of the school's business!


I'm not sure whether she'd died or not, but as it's the late 1990s she's a bit old for this sort of thing! Well into her 80s.

#61:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 2:25 pm
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Pat wrote:
Cazx wrote:
I'm wondering why Joey isn't being consulted over the school's future? It's unlike her to keep her nose out of the school's business!


I'm not sure whether she'd died or not, but as it's the late 1990s she's a bit old for this sort of thing! Well into her 80s.


They could always consult her from beyond the grave! I'm sure it's what she'd expect. Laughing

#62:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 8:09 pm
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I know have images of the triplets holding a seance to determine Mamma's opinion....

#63:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 8:38 pm
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When they had washed and changed they met again in the foyer and went in a group to the Speisesaal. The room was spacious, with wooden pillars supporting the roof at intervals. Down one side was a row of windows stretching from floor to ceiling, letting in the early evening light. Most of the tables were laid for up to four people, but they were led to an alcove where they were able to sit together at one table. The service was fast and efficient, and the food was ‘out of this world’ as Phil said as she sipped her coffee. It was an effort to move, but they finally wandered outside and sat down round a couple of tables set out in the courtyard. They were all tired after the long day and stayed only to watch the sun set over the mountains before retiring for the night.
Fruhstuck the next morning was typically continental, with fruit juice, rolls, ham, cheese, and a variety of jams to choose from. Then the manager came to take them on a tour of the buildings. The original castle occupied the centre of the complex, with many original features intact. Wings extended to either side, housing the two restaurants, one of which would easily convert to a Hall, as Len in particular noted. The indoor swimming pool was in the basement, along with a sauna and whirlpool, which they could convert to splasheries. New buildings were linked by covered passageways and these could be used for form rooms by knocking rooms together. The building set back from the rest that David had thought would be best for the boys wing had a series good sized rooms on the ground floor which could be used for common rooms. The bedrooms were standard hotel rooms, except for the top floor, where they were small two-roomed suites. These could be staff bedrooms. At the end of the tour they settled in the bar with coffee and an array of wonderful Austrian cakes to discuss what they had seen.
“We have a couple of blocks which could convert to form rooms, so long as the interior walls aren’t load bearing,” said Len. “They don’t need to be large rooms for the class sizes we prefer, and we could use the smaller block for sciences so they are kept separate from the ordinary rooms.”
“That’s the easy part,” said Sybil. “But what I want to know is what we’re going to do about the dormies. These are mostly smallish hotel rooms, with room for only a couple of beds. That’s no use for a school.”
There was silence for a moment as they thought about the problem.
“Are you sure that they’re no use?” asked Felicity at last. “Why can’t we keep them as they are? They are all en-suite, so if we kept them as 2 or 3 bedded rooms they wouldn’t be the usually scrimmage for baths in the morning. The place is set up for enough hot water for all the guests, so why go to the trouble of changing it all?”

#64:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 10:46 pm
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Depends on numbers - how many guests does this hotel take?


Thanks Pat.

#65:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 9:32 pm
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Oooh now that would be my kind of CS! No cold baths in the mornings! And only 2 or 3 people in a room so maybe some privacy...

Thanks Pat

#66:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:05 pm
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francesn wrote:
Oooh now that would be my kind of CS! No cold baths in the mornings! And only 2 or 3 people in a room so maybe some privacy...

Thanks Pat
Lucky them!

All the same, at least in the Chalet School they had cubicles with curtains and could dress and undress in decent privacy, rather than having to wiggle about under their nightclothes, as we had to do! Long rows of beds with a chair and a chest-of-drawers in between might have been tidier than cubicles, but were very disheartening! The modern equivalent now have private rooms, or at least walled cubicles and they hang their rugs over the entrance.

#67:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:25 pm
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Mrs. Redboots wrote:

Quote:
All the same, at least in the Chalet School they had cubicles with curtains and could dress and undress in decent privacy, rather than having to wiggle about under their nightclothes, as we had to do!


Ah yes, that 'wiggling around' in order to dress/undress in some semblance of decency - I remember it only too well from my own boarding school days in the 1950s! Talk about cruelty to adolescents - though I don't think any of us thought anything of it, just got one with it! It's no wonder we weren't allowed to bring 'school stories' to school with us though - we might have been moved to protest that 'we' wanted cubicles, too!

#68:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 2:50 pm
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“We’d need to check how many rooms are left when we take out those we need for Form Rooms, and see if it made more sense to knock two or three rooms together. We may be able to get more beds in that way. We’d keep the en-suite facilities though. It makes sense to leave those alone,” said Len.
“The girls will think they’re in clover!” grinned Felicity. “Mind you, after the cold baths we had to put up with, they already are.”
The rest chuckled, for even the male members of the clan had had to deal with cold baths every morning. At the Chalet School these had been done away with some years ago, as more modern ideas had been brought in.
By the end of the morning they had come to a decision. There was enough room in the boy’s house to make a start, with room for an extension when it was needed. They would need to convert one building to Form Rooms, and add a gym, and possibly science labs, but that could be done relatively easily they thought, as few of the interior walls were load-bearing. They spent Mittagessen discussing their plans, and it wasn’t until coffee had been served that Len dropped her bombshell.
“You will need to advertise for a new Head,” she said. “I’m nearly 60, and it’s time that I thought of retiring. It will give someone else a chance to make a success of this new venture, someone younger with more modern ideas. I want to follow Hilda Annersley’s example and travel while I still can.”
There was a moment’s deathly silence as the rest of the family recovered from the first shock.
“Are you sure Len?” asked Margot. “All you ever wanted to do was to teach.”
“I’m very sure. We need someone who will stay for a while – longer than I was planning to do even before this came up. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to do it myself, but I know that I’m not the right person. However, I will stay until we get that person, and if it takes longer than we would like, if the new school has opened, then I will stay. I really don’t want to rush the selection process, but I do want to get it started as soon as possible. I also think that it would be a very good idea if we didn’t give the job to anyone in the family”
“Why not?” demanded David. “We know what the traditions are, and will keep them.”
“There’s a little thing called nepotism, David,” said Sybil. “Something like that will give the school a bad name. By all means have an Old Chaletian, but not one of us.”
“Hmm. Well, you have a point. I suppose that there are plenty of Old Girls who went into teaching, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

#69:  Author: MirandaLocation: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:03 pm
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Quote:
There’s a little thing called nepotism, David


Glad someone has cottoned on to this Laughing

Thanks Pat

#70:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:14 pm
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Did any Old Girls ever go for an interview and get turned down Laughing ?

#71:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:21 pm
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Thanks, Pat. I've been waiting for more of this. It looks as if it will be a corker. Hasn't it occurred to them to make a complete change and get someone in from outside?

#72:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 4:14 pm
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Great to see more of this, Pat. I wonder who the new Head will be? I agree it would be good to bring an outsider in.

#73:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 4:36 pm
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Thanks for this Pat. I managed to miss everything since the first post, till now. Embarassed

#74:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 5:06 pm
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Very Happy Well done Sybil for pointing that out!

Thanks Pat, it's lovely to see a bit more of this drabble.

#75:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 7:23 pm
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Good for Len, pointing that out.


Thanks Pat - nice to see more of this.

#76:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 7:56 pm
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thanks pat

im glad this is back

i wonder who will get the job??

#77:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 10:45 pm
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*sniggers*

Sybil's very sensible. Thanks Pat

#78:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:59 pm
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Very intrigued to see where this is going. Thank you Pat

#79:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:57 pm
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Once back in England the Triplets went to see their mother, who would have been very hurt if she had been left in the dark. Jo was now in her late 80s and confined to a wheelchair. Because of her infirmity she had round-the-clock care, but her mind was as active as ever.
“Sit yourselves down over there and tell me all about it,” she demanded when the initial greetings were over. “There’s things to tell I can see.”
“We can’t fool you for a minute, can we Mum?” said Len as she settled herself into the indicated chair.
“Not with David calling a special meeting like he did you can’t!”
“David has plans. He’s found somewhere on the Tiernsee to move the school to!” put in Con, still the one to blurt things out.
“That is news!” said Jo. “Moving back there was always a dream for both Madge and me. But I thought that there was nowhere suitable in Briesau?”
“It’s the old Schloss at Tiernkirche. It was turned into an hotel and extended years ago, and it’s just come onto the market,” said Margot, determined not to be left out.
Between the three of them they brought Jo up to date with all that had happened in the last few days. Although she opened her eyes at the co-ed part, she remained silent until they had told her everything.
“Well! You seem to have thrashed it out pretty well in such a short time. A co-ed Chalet School! It makes sense I suppose. The Kindergarten always was anyway.”
“It gives a more balanced outlook too Mum,” said Len. “I think that there’s a danger in keeping girls away from boys too much. You need to get to know them before you leave school, or you can make mistakes with your life. It doesn’t do to shelter people too much.”
“You’re saying that if you’d grown up with boys around you wouldn’t have married Reg, are you? Remember, you were still of the same mind when you’d finished university young lady! And you’d met plenty of young men by then!”
“Yes I know I had. But I couldn’t talk with them properly, I didn’t know how to! And I felt committed to Reg, so I didn’t try to see them as anything but friends.”
“We both had the same problem too,” said Con. “The men at university were like an alien species. And don’t say that we had the cousins and the Richardsons, because they were different and you know it! They were family.”
Jo looked at her three eldest children and smiled slowly. “You’re right. I wasn’t going to say anything against a mixed school you know. I think it’s right for the school and right for the times. Good luck to you Len my girl. It’s a big undertaking.”
“I’m just getting it started Mum,” said Len, knowing she was going to drop another bombshell onto her mother. “I’m retiring as soon as we can find a replacement Head. New school, new Head.”
Jo gasped and sat back in her chair. “What are you trying to do, young lady? Finish me off? You’re too young to retire.”
“No I’m not. I’m virtually 60, and I’m looking forward to doing a little travelling with Kurt before we both get too old to enjoy it. I wish you’d accept him Mum. He thinks a lot of you.”
“I have to say you’ve stuck together very well, considering. What is it now – twenty years?”
“Really Mum, you’re the limit! We’re properly married according to the law, if not the Catholic church and you know it!

#80:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:25 pm
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So Len and Reg didn't stick then? It sounds like she's found someone good though Very Happy Joey sounds as redoubtable as ever, I like the way the Triplets were defending the co-ed idea so strongly when Jo wasn't even questionning it!

Thanks Pat.

#81:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 12:11 am
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So Joey is able to adapt to some level of change and recognise that what works in one time and place doesn't necessarily hold true for another.

#82:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 6:34 am
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Nice to see that Joey is still around - and receptive to new ideas. Sounds as though she is mellowing about Len divorcing and re-marrying!



Thanks Pat.

#83:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 9:04 am
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thanks

nice to see joey again

#84:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 2:26 pm
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Thanks, Pat. lots of lovely insight into the doings of the M/B/R clan.

#85:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 2:58 pm
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Thanks Pat! What a fab drabble to come back to! Laughing

#86:  Author: Hannah-LouLocation: Glasgow PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 5:31 pm
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Just found this. I'm enjoying it Very Happy and looking forward to seeing how it works out. The new location and arrangements sound great fun for a school. How many of the offspring are on the school board thingy - all of them? Shocked I noticed one wee EBDism though, but since I've never written a drabble I feel guilty pointing it out Embarassed . I'll put it in very wee text so no-one has to read it if they don't want! If Len is nearly 60, surely Joey is only around 80?

#87:  Author: Liz KLocation: Bedfordshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 6:59 pm
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This is great, can't wait for more!

#88:  Author: WoofterLocation: Location? What's a location? PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:35 pm
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Just found this and I'm really enjoying it, thanks Pat.

#89:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:46 pm
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Don't die of shock!!!!


Jo looked at her eldest child thoughtfully, and slowly nodded. “You’re right Len. I still don’t like the fact that you haven’t been married in Church, but you have stuck together all these years, and I suppose I must just accept that times have changed. That’s not easy for an old person like me.”
Shortly thereafter an advert appeared in the appropriate journals across Europe, asking for a new Head for the Chalet School. The usual criteria applied – that all candidates needed to be trilingual at the least, speaking the three main languages of the school. They would also need experience of a large co-ed boarding school and be sympathetic to the school’s culture and history. The Family all knew that the task was no easy one, and that an Old Girl of the school would have obvious advantages, but Len in particular secretly hoped that someone fresh, with new ideas would apply. The teaching staff was still full of Old Girls, and this hampered change and development. She wanted this to be a fresh start in every way, and someone with no ties to the school would be a huge step forward. The trouble was that everyone in the Family was still stuck in the history of the school, and the long remembered Miss Bubb who had caused so much disruption during her short stay. No one wanted a repeat of that affair, and it prejudiced the chances of an outsider before they’d started.
Applications came in slowly over the next couple of weeks until there were 15 by the closing date. Five were men, and of the rest six were Old Girls, and four of those current Heads of Department at the school. Len sighed to herself as she looked at the list. She could see that the odds were stacked.

#90:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:53 pm
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YAY! Thank you Pat!
*looks beseechingly (sp) for more*

#91:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:20 pm
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I love the way she thinks of them as the Family with a capital F Laughing . Mine are a bit like that sometimes, but at least it doesn't affect me at work!

#92:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 10:35 pm
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Privacy in boarding schools was still an issue for the rank and file in the 90s. In the sixth, though, I did have my own ensuite dorm and bathroom.

This is very nice, Pat- but why has Len's husband changed from Karl to Kurt? Maybe she's a bigamist.

*off to ponder Joey's response to that*

#93:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 10:39 pm
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I forgot what I'd called him!!!!

#94:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 11:44 pm
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Oh dear - poor Pat! Wink



Thanks for this Pat - good to see Joey more accepting.

#95:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 9:29 am
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thanks pat!!

#96:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 8:20 pm
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Nevertheless, she sat down and read through every application, checking each against the criteria the Board had set out. It was a slow process, but she persevered, determined that all the candidates should have an equal chance, at least where she was concerned. By the time she had finished she had a list of people that she wanted to see interviewed – two men, the four Heads of Department, and one of the women who had not attended the school. The Board reconvened to discuss the candidates a few days later, and Len entered the Board Room prepared to fight. It was a pleasant surprise therefore to find that most of the others were in agreement with her as to who the strongest candidates were.
“I wanted to be fair,” said David. “But I found that I didn’t have to make an effort. These people are the best, and it wouldn’t be fair to ignore them, just because they don’t have experience of our traditions.”
“They’ll have to change a bit anyway, since we’re going co-ed,” put in Phil.
“And they’ve been evolving over time as it is. The girls get far more freedom than we ever did,” added Margot.
Len breathed a silent sigh of relief, and relaxed. If David, who had been the one to prefer a Chalet School Old Girl was giving ‘outsiders’ a fair chance things were going to be OK.

#97:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 8:39 pm
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Thanks for the update Pat Very Happy

#98:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 12:22 am
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Yay - well done David for thinking things through properly

#99:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 12:24 am
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Pleased that the best candidates got through - regardless.


Thanks Pat.

#100:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:36 pm
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Thanks, Pat.

#101:  Author: WoofterLocation: Location? What's a location? PostPosted: Tue May 01, 2007 11:31 am
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Wonder whothey will choose.

Thank you Pat.

#102:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed May 02, 2007 8:12 pm
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In the end they short-listed all her favourite applicants plus one of the Old Girls. And Len was satisfied. Maybe, just maybe, they’d get some fresh blood into0 the school. Each candidate was required to prepare a presentation on the way they saw the school going in the future. The history and ethos of the school was available on the website, so no further information would be provided. They were all looking forward to the various visions that they would be given.
On the day of the interviews things went as Len had suspected to a great extent. The Head’s of Department had little new to contribute apart from making the necessary adjustments to accommodate the male influx. Otherwise they saw the school going forward in the same old way. The Old Girl had a better grasp of reality, but was still biased by her time at the school in Len’s view. She was more interested in the complete outsiders. When the presentations and interviews were over, they settled down to compare notes. Len had her favourite, and she kept quiet to listen to the other’s opinions.

#103:  Author: ClareLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Wed May 02, 2007 10:15 pm
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I'm curious. More soon please Pat!

#104:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Wed May 02, 2007 10:28 pm
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Hmm... It'll be interesting to see what happens. Len seems very set against anyone already linked to the school but I can't help wondering how many people will dislike the changes even more if they come with a brand new face. Nice to see they're considering everyone though. Thanks Pat.

#105:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 02, 2007 10:42 pm
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*wonders who Len's favourite is*

Thanks Pat. Smile

#106:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 3:26 am
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Josie wrote:
*wonders who Len's favourite is*

Thanks Pat. Smile


Am also wondering

#107:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 8:55 am
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Not....a MAN!

#108:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 9:48 am
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Why not? Wishes Pat would stop teasing us and post more.

#109:  Author: Sarah_G-GLocation: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 12:51 pm
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Fascinating stuff...

#110:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 2:07 pm
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Thanks, Pat Laughing .

#111:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 4:51 pm
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Thanks Pat

#112:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 8:53 pm
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Thank you Pat Smile

#113:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 9:30 pm
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In the end they short-listed all her favourite applicants plus one of the Old Girls. And Len was satisfied. Maybe, just maybe, they’d get some fresh blood into0 the school. Each candidate was required to prepare a presentation on the way they saw the school going in the future. The history and ethos of the school was available on the website, so no further information would be provided. They were all looking forward to the various visions that they would be given.
On the day of the interviews things went as Len had suspected to a great extent. The Head’s of Department had little new to contribute apart from making the necessary adjustments to accommodate the male influx. Otherwise they saw the school going forward in the same old way. The Old Girl had a better grasp of reality, but was still biased by her time at the school in Len’s view. She was more interested in the complete outsiders. When the presentations and interviews were over, they settled down to compare notes. Len had her favourite, and she kept quiet to listen to the other’s opinions.

The deliberations went on for some while, as all the candidates had their supporters. Gradually Len started to voice her own arguments, carefully guiding the discussion they way she wanted it to go. David caught her eye once, and she knew he had seen through her manoeuvrings, but she didn’t care. She wanted the best for the school, and was prepared to do whatever was necessary to achieve that. Inevitably there were arguments in favour of the status quo, appointing someone who knew the school and its customs. The old chestnut of the long departed Miss Bubb was hauled out again – Len never could remember which of her cousins had brought her into the arena – and she had her work cut out to reassure everyone that that scenario would never happen again.
“After all,” she said. “Whoever gets the post will have a probationary period. And we can be on the spot very easily, unlike Aunty Madge who was tied up with that accident to Josette.” Both Josette and Sybil blushed at this.

When Len returned to the school the decision had been made and the successful candidate had accepted the post. And Len had got her way, which was the most important thing as far as she was concerned. After prayers the next morning, when the various faith services were over and the school was all gathered in Hall, Len came forward from the old William and Ann chair to the lectern that had been in use since before anyone could remember. She stood looking down at the upturned faces, as she had so many times before, and smiled at them.
“You all want to know your fate,” she said. “The staff as well as you girls, for I have kept them in the dark until now. I wanted you all to know together, as I feel that that is only fair. As you all know, this is my last term at the Chalet School, and next term you will be back in Austria, and back at the Tiernsee. A fresh start for the school, even though it is going back to its roots. You will be delighted to know that we have appointed the new Head of the Chalet School, someone young enough to take it forward into the new Millennium, and who will bring modern ideas to complement the ethos of this institution. Moreover, someone who is experienced in running a coeducational boarding school. Your new Head is..” Len paused, comfortably aware that she was about to cause a sensation. “Herr Gustaf Mensch. He is related to some of our Old Girls, but has never visited the school. He will be coming to visit us next week, and I will introduce him to you all then. Mrs Murdoch will remain as Senior Mistress, and will have overall responsibility for the girl’s side of the school. Now I know that you all want to discuss the news, so you may have the first period free to get it out of your systems.”
Then she turned and walked quietly of the platform and back to her office, leaving the school in a ferment.

#114:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 9:38 pm
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Oh Pat, you can't leave it at that! I want to know the school's reaction, and how Herr Mensch settled in, and.....

Please don't tell us that this is it!

#115:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 9:42 pm
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I don't know how they react! I also have no ideas for the way the school actually runs either! Embarassed Embarassed

#116:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 10:00 pm
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Pat wrote:
I don't know how they react! I also have no ideas for the way the school actually runs either! Embarassed Embarassed

If we send lots of bunny treats, do you think they might tell you, please Pat?

#117:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 10:16 pm
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ROFL Lottie!!

Thanks Pat, I enjoyed that.

#118:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 10:24 pm
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*g* glad to see Len's kept it in the CS family!

Thanks Pat. Very Happy

#119:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 11:18 pm
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Just caught up with this. Thanks Pat, I enjoyed it.

#120:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 2:37 am
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Interesting he was related to the school. But not happy the drabble is over Sad

#121:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 12:10 pm
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Sending loads of bunny treats for Pat's bunnies. Thanks, Pat, it would be interesting to see how he made the changes.

#122:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 7:48 pm
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Yes it would. Any takers?

#123:  Author: WoofterLocation: Location? What's a location? PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 10:42 am
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What? That's the end? Go on Pat you have to write more, this is great.

#124:  Author: MaeveLocation: Romania PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 4:38 pm
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Just found this through this week's CBB news. Great stuff, Pat. Thanks.

#125:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 10:01 pm
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Pat, you can't leave it there!

#126:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Wed May 09, 2007 4:20 pm
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Thanks Pat! I'd also like to see more if this, if you felt so moved...

#127:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 11, 2007 9:03 pm
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Thanks, Pat. I've just read this from the beginning and I've really loved it. I would really like to see more so please could you post some more?



The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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