more shocks 1
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

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#1:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 7:53 am

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*agrees that tangents are excellent things, as they help in character and plot development*

 

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#2:  Author: keren,  Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:22 am

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PatMac wrote:

Go, Joey *Thinks Jem is going to get a shock if Madge takes all this on board - which she shows every sign of doing!*

ohoh,
material for another drabble.....

 

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#3:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:34 am

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Good for Joey, glad to see Madge can still listen to sense!

 

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#4:  Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:07 am

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keren wrote:

ohoh, material for another drabble.....

An alternative version of which book is ticking away......? I thinking of it beginning when Madge tells Dick about moving to Austria OR when Jem takes the whole family off to Canada. Any takers on a commual drabble?

 

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#5:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 1:29 pm

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Jo gave her sister a hug. “Let’s see if we can find them, Madge. I think they’ll understand.” Jo had a pretty shrewd idea of Hilda’s feelings at Jem’s sometimes high handed ways, though naturally Hilda had never said anything directly. Trying Hilda’s private sitting room first, they found all three ladies engrossed in the report. Madge immediately took the bull by the horns.
“I want to apologise for the way I presented this to you all. I’m afraid that it was a misguided attempt to speed the process up. We seemed to take so long to come to any decision when we were discussing the move to the Oberland, and to be honest, we do need to move fairly fast on this. Ideally I would like to recruit the first pupils from the start of the next academic year.”
Hilda looked at Madge, and smiled, correctly reading between the lines. “I do understand Madge. To be honest, I’m finding this report extremely interesting. Take a seat, and we can discuss this properly. I think that there’s some coffee left.”
Breathing a sigh of relief, Madge sat down, with Jo in a nearby chair, and they proceeded to thoroughly thrash out the whole subject. By the end of the evening, they had reached a consensus of opinion – that they would go ahead with the proposed new buildings, both at the English branch and in Switzerland. Nell could see the sense in moving St Mildred’s and leaving the existing ones for the new venture. The proposed site was well away from the San itself, and close enough to the school to allow some sharing of teaching staff.
“You do realise that we will need to employ more teaching and domestic staff?” said Hilda. “We will need men as well as women, and from now on we should be looking to having a balance of both on the teaching staff. The boys will need a House Master instead of, or even as well as, a Matron. I assume that if this succeeds, we will be expanding to lower forms, so we need to be thinking about dealing with relationships that are bound to develop in a mixed environment. We will need to have very strict rules about visiting, with a combination of mixed and separate social areas.”
“I would like to visit other schools to see how they have dealt with all this,” said Ted. It is probably easier for me to visit and report back, as we wish to proceed upon English lines.”

 

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#6:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:05 pm

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wwooooo, this is great Pat! Hurrah for Jo and for Hilda for taking it so well. May we have more please?!

 

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#7:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:08 pm

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This is so exciting! Can we have boys at the school soon please?

 

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#8:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:30 pm

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You seem very keen on the boys Cazx!

 

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#9:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:30 pm

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I'm looking forward to hearing the boys opinions of the school, and who Pat will bring in to teach them!

 

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#10:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 3:24 pm

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Yay, Bill and Hilda for understanding Madge. It will be interesting to see how they decide to procede.

 

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#11:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:00 pm

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By the time everyone had had their say, it was late, but harmony had been restored. Madge went to bed and lay awake for some time, thinking about the events of the day, and especially what Jo had said to her. She thought of her life with Jem, and the way his ideas seemed always to have precedence, and she was shocked. She had felt loved and protected in the early days of her marriage, and Jem’s assumption of Head of the Household status had been natural then. Women did give way to their menfolk in those days, she knew. When her family came along, she was tied up with their welfare, and providing a home for the whole family. She had not noticed how completely she had given way to her husbands ideas, it had been such an insidious procedure. Now she was examining her life, and she was not happy with what she saw. Jo had been right when she said that at one time she was in danger of becoming ‘that nice lady Russell’, though the time in Canada seemed to have halted that to an extent. But she was having trouble finding the strong, independent woman she had been when she founded the school. She had slid away from her without her noticing the departure. Lying awake, Madge promised herself that this state of affairs would not continue. Her thoughts and ideas were as valid as anyone else’s, and she would make sure that they were heard, whether Jem liked it or not.

 

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#12:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:07 pm

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GO Madge!

I'm your PB is being so cooperative, Pat.

 

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#13:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:20 pm

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But Pat, we'd all enjoy seeing Jem get a shock when Madge stands up to him. It's only right. After all, Madge had the strength and the courage to go out to Austria with only two pupils, start a school that might have failed, go on from strength to strength, prove herself as a headmistress. She had the courage to start again in Guernsey, then at Plas Howell, then St Briavels, then there was the move to the Oberland.

Why should she give in to Jem? It's her school.

 

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#14:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 5:06 pm

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Sarah_L wrote:

You seem very keen on the boys Cazx!

I just think it will be interesting to see the culture shock for the Chalet Girls!

 

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#15:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 5:15 pm

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To be fair, he had normally left the school organisation to her, knowing that he had no idea how schools were run, but when occasionally he had suggested something, she realised that her habit of leaving decisions to him had sometimes overthrown her better judgement. Today had been an extreme example, but would also be the last, she vowed to herself.
Happier in her mind, she drifted off to sleep.

 

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#16:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 6:25 pm

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OOOH! More soon please Pat!!!!!!

 

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#17:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 6:31 pm

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Loving the twists and turns this is taking. More soon please.

 

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#18:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 8:02 pm

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I'm glad Madge has woken up at last, and I'm glad the CS staff were willing to forgive and forget. I definitely want to see Jem's reaction!

 

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#19:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:59 pm

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Thank you Pat - good that Madge was able to apologise and that Hilda and Nell could forgive. Would also love to see Madge stand up to Jem!

 

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#20:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:44 am

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Go, Madge. Hooray!

 

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#21:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:15 am

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*starts a chant for more*

 

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#22:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:49 am

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*joins the chant with great enthusiasm*

 

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#23:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 3:37 pm

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Sorry - trying to get book/cd orders ready to the tune of about £4,000!


Jo flew back to Switzerland with Hilda and Nell, and they spent much of the flight discussing recent developments. Jo told her friends something of the talk she had had with her sister. “I honestly do not think that she had thought about the effect announcing changes like that might have on everyone. She has got into the habit of going along with Jem’s ideas and not listening to herself. I suspect that that may change, however.” And Jo giggled.
“Jo, what have you been saying to Madge? I hope you haven’t done anything you may regret.” Nell sounded rather severe.
“Jem can be awfully autocratic at times, Nell. You both know he can – he likes to think he knows best, being an man! I just reminded Madge that she can make decisions for herself, that’s all.”
“Let us bring this conversation back on line. Nell, we will need to start talks with the rest of the staff. I think I shall call a meeting with the Department Heads in the first instance, and let them think about the implications before I consult the rest of the staff. There may be problems with line managing male teachers that they would want to talk about in confidence. It is not something that they are used to doing, after all. Additionally, the men may find it difficult too. I shall look forward to Ted’s report on this area in particular.”
“Yes, I shall need to break this carefully to St Mildred’s. This will be our second move since we started out here. I foresee squalls ahead.”

 

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#24:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:11 pm

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Thank you Pat!

 

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#25:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:57 pm

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Ta Pat.

 

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#26:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:16 pm

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Thank you Pat - more shocks to come I think!

 

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#27:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 1:52 am

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Thanks Pat - awaiting the next shock with interest

 

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#28:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 2:29 am

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Susan wrote:

Thanks Pat - awaiting the next shock with interest

What rate are you getting?

 

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#29:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:30 am

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Chelsea wrote:

Susan wrote: Thanks Pat - awaiting the next shock with interest What rate are you getting?

Not enough unfortunatley.

 

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#30:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 8:39 am

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Thanks Pat. Looking forward to seeing how this goes down with the mistresses.

 

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#31:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:10 am

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Do we get to see said 'squalls'?

 

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#32:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:07 am

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Aunty Pat - wonderful! Just caught up and had lots of nice story to read all in one go. There's an awful lot to be said for being ill!

But I'm disappointed at the very tame suggestions from you all regarding Madge's haste in pushing through the new ideas! If I had been here, there would have been some slightly more creative theories

 

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#33:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:07 pm

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Such as...?

 

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#34:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:20 pm

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But would your ideas have actually helped the school, Rachel? I suspect they may have hastened its demise, if only through the deaths toll!!

 

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#35:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:24 pm

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*is suddenly glad Rachel isn't writing this drabble*

 

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#36:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:33 pm

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Thanks Pat, can definitely see problems ahead, I hope you don't mind me asking, but are the quads going to make any further appearance in this story? And how are their daughters coping?

 

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#37:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:04 pm

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Don't know about the quads - they haven't told me yet! We'll have to see about the kids, though they should do obviously!

Sorry about the delay, but I've just been handfed a massive reading list to check and order missing items!! 4 closely typed pages!!!!

 

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#38:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:10 pm

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As long as we get a nice long bit when you do eventually post more...

 

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#39:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:16 pm

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Thank you Pat!!!
*trying to wait patiently for more!!!*

 

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#40:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:27 pm

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THEORY NUMBER ONE

Madge and Jem have decided they can use the school as a good cover story to set up a spy school. However, as everyone knows, James Bond is always (chauvanistically) a man. Therefore they need to train boys into spy men. This needs to be done in a hurry as Jem is planning a hostile takeover of Switzerland. Therefore, it makes sesne to have their spies already in place, ergo, the CS in Switzerland.


THEORY NUMBER TWO

Jem can't cut the mustard. Madge wants a man who can, but also one who is intelligent. She knows the best education in the world is to be had at the CS, so she wants a man who's been educated there. As she is growing more frustrated by the day, she can't wait, so wants boys at the CS immediately, so there will be a maximum of one school year before the first batch are ready for her to choose from.


THEORY NUMBER THREE

The school is losing money. Lots of money. Unfortunately, Madge had heavily invested in Microsoft, but now that she knows it hass worms, she finds it distasteful, and has sold all her shares at a loss in order to get out fast. She needs more money so she can invest in a far more profitable compnay. She has her eye on Betamax, but is worried that if she doesn't have the money fast, she'll miss out on this fantastic opportunity.




Need I go on??

 

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#41:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:38 am

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#42:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:15 am

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Most pleased at the character shown by Jo, Madge, Hilda & Nell, and hoping to see continued ripples (especially vs. Jem).

As for boys in the school ... we will have to see.

Having had the "pleasure" of integrating an all male department (faculty, that is, not students) -- looking forward to seeing the shoe on the other foot .

 

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#43:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:24 am

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Rachel, that's hilarious! Thank you!

 

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#44:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:38 pm

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It was late by the time the party finally reached the Gornetz Platz, and all they wished to do was retire to bed. First thing the next morning, Hilda asked Rosalie to call a meeting of all department heads straight after Mittagessen. It was normal to hold a full staff meeting after a Board Meeting, in order for Hilda to report to everyone as quickly as possible. A HofD meeting was very unusual, and Rosalie raised her eyebrows as she turned to leave the study.
“Rosalie, I know its unusual, my dear. Trust me, this is the best way.” Hilda naturally had caught the expression on Rosalie’s face!
As the girls settled down for their afternoon rest, the senior staff made their way along the corridor to the study, greatly wondering at the reason for the meeting. Invited to enter the study, they quickly made themselves comfortable, prepared, as they thought, for anything.
“Welcome, ladies,” began the Head, inwardly rather nervous, much to her own surprise and dismay. “I thought it best to talk to you before the staff as a whole, as the Board Meeting produced some rather startling ideas for the future of the school, in England, for St Mildred’s and for us. I have to say that there is no easy way to break the news, but I shall try. The good news is that we shall be having a full refurbishment to the same standard as the English Branch, and that is very high indeed, as I can assure you.”
A murmur of relief went round the room, for the furnishings had begun to look very shabby.
“But that’s not all, is it Hilda?” asked Nancy Wilmot. “You said startling ideas, and refurbishment, however badly needed, is hardly startling.”

 

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#45:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:49 pm

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Great Pat, waiting for the reactions to come!

 

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#46:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:19 pm

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“No, it is not all, Nancy, not by a very great deal. Lady Russell has proposed that we introduced co-education into the sixth Form from next September.”
Shocked silence greeted her announcement. The women in front of her looked like a collection of stranded cod, thought Hilda with an inward grin. She wondered ruefully if she herself had had a similar expression on her face the day before, and hoped she had not. Nancy Wilmot was the first to recover, almost as quickly as Hilda had hoped for.
“Just the Sixth?” she asked. “What about the rest of the school? Will they go co-ed too eventually? Where will they sleep? What about lessons – will they be mixed, or single-sexed? Will we have to recruit men to teach them?”
“What a lot of questions!” laughed Hilda. “Nearly as many has have occurred to me. This is what Is proposed. We will build a new St Mildred’s near the San, and the boys will take over the current buildings. At the moment, it is only the Sixth that will be affected. I would like your considered opinions on this matter, for it is not firmly decided yet.” A little voice inside her muttered ‘whatever Jem Russell may think’, but she squashed it firmly.

 

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#47:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:31 pm

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Certainly a shock for them, I can imagine that some of the mistresses would be none too keen on having boys in their classes - but I hope Hilda isn't going to be awkward just to spite Jem, I'm sure she could think of other ways to do that if she really put her mind to it.
I like your theories Rachel, though I can't help wondering if Madge's gambling debts have grown so big that she's starting to get menacing threats from the 'heavies'.

 

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#48:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:55 pm

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Hmm, a very interesting power struggle could develop between Hilda and Jem...

 

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#49:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:01 pm

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Ellie wrote:

I like your theories Rachel, though I can't help wondering if Madge's gambling debts have grown so big that she's starting to get menacing threats from the 'heavies'.

Lol, I don't know if it's disrespectful to be amused by the idea of Madge haveing a gambling problem or not!

 

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#50:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:22 pm

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Of course it's disrespectful, but it's also very funny!

 

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#51:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:51 pm

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Thank you Pat, I'm so glad that Madge has found her spine at last where Jem is concerned (though in someway I hope she is gambling!)

I can't wait to see what the girls think of this.

Oh, when is this story set? I want to work out which males might be eligible for the 6th Form.

 

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#52:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:33 pm

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*chants at Auntie Pat for some more story*

 

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#53:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:34 pm

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If any of the Maynard boys are eligible for the sixth form, will Joey uproot them from their schools so they can have a 'Chalet education'?

 

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#54:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:11 pm

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Sarah_L wrote:

If any of the Maynard boys are eligible for the sixth form, will Joey uproot them from their schools so they can have a 'Chalet education'?

But that would mean havi ng them near her!

 

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#55:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:18 pm

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Ally wrote:

Oh, when is this story set? I want to work out which males might be eligible for the 6th Form.

If you think back to the beginning, and the quads, the Trips are about 34 I think. The quads girls have just started, so I don't think any of the 1st generation boys are still young enough apart from Geoff - I think Phil was in the Sixth, though I'll have tocheck back to be sure!

 

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#56:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 3:47 am

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Can see some of the staff trying to resign over this.

More please Pat.

 

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#57:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 7:53 am

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Ooh, that's an interesting point, Sue. I wonder who would go.

 

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#58:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 8:26 am

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Whichever way it goes we are in for a good story.

More please.

 

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#59:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 9:51 am

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Oh Lor'! What have I let myself in for!!!!

 

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#60:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 12:31 pm

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Perhaps it wouldn't be the ones we would think of

 

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#61:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 5:29 pm

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Ooh interesting thought, I wonder who it might be? I'm certain not all the staff would be happy.

I suppose Geoff could be a guineu pig, it would be a good chance to see more of him. It doesn't seem that the triplets could have a son old enough.

 

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#62:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 7:03 pm

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What about Madge's twin sons? Kester and t'other one, who's name has escaped me... How old would they be at this point?

 

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#63:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 7:06 pm

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His name is Kevin.

 

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#64:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 7:11 pm

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Sadly they would be too old, as they are a year older than Felix and Felicity

 

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#65:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 9:50 pm

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“You don’t expect much, do you?” asked Miss Lawrence, Head of Music. “You spring this, and expect some sort of considered response? I don’t think I can give one just yet, the implications are too huge. May we sleep on it, or do you want to bring the rest in on this more quickly than that?”
“They will need to know soon, yes,” replied Hilda. “But I don’t expect an instant response, since I had the same thing done to me at the Board Meeting. I think the expectation was for a serious discussion there and then, followed by a decision, though such was not exactly put into words. It didn’t happen, I can assure you. The three of us are consulting our staff properly, as we believe that a change such as this must have the backing of everyone, and those who do not agree must be allowed to have their say. If anyone wishes to make any comment now, I am happy to listen, but I think that you must all have time to think things through properly. Make a list of pros and cons, get everything clear in your mind, and we will have another meeting tomorrow evening.”
As it happened, no one wanted to commit themselves to anything at that stage, and the meeting broke up on that note. Hilda was happy to have it so, for at least there was no immediate repudiation of the scheme. She had come to the conclusion that there was a good deal of merit in the idea, though the details would have to be thought through very thoroughly. As the door closed behind the last Mistress, she picked up the phone to talk to Nell at St Mildred’s.

 

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#66:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 9:59 pm

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This is great Pat, do we get more tonight?

 

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#67:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 10:24 pm

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I like the way everyone is prepared to give it a fair bit of thought. Interesting times ahead

 

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#68:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 10:34 pm

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Thank you Pat - very interesting! Now which of the Staff will come out against the idea?

 

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#69:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 3:43 am

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*chants at Pat for more please!!*

 

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#70:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 8:12 am

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I'm glad Hilda is more reasonable than Madge - and that the staff are going to think about the scheme.

 

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#71:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 5:40 pm

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Yes, and I bet they'll think of all sorts of problems that wouldn't occur to Jem.

 

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#72:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 5:42 pm

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*Because Jem is a pillock*

Lesley looks round in surprise - "Who said that?"

 

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#73:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 6:34 pm

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Hello Auntie Pat, can we have some more please?

 

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#74:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 7:37 pm

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Lesley wrote:

*Because Jem is a pillock* Lesley looks round in surprise - "Who said that?"

Vikki, I think. It's her usual insult.

 

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#75:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 8:15 pm

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I'm off to Cornwall lunchtime tomorrow, and there's a couple of things I want to watch on TV tonight, so I may not post anything more til Wednesday night at the earliest. There will probably be things that have been recorded while I'm away to catch up on too - Time Team is one, so it may be Thursday. I'm not feeling too inspired for writing at the moment. Sorry!

 

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#76:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:30 pm

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Never mind we'll wait - have a nice time in Cornwall!

 

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#77:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:37 pm

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Thanks for all you've posted already, Pat!

 

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#78:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:41 pm

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Have a lovely break!

 

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#79:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 10:51 pm

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Enjoy yourself

 

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#80:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 11:00 pm

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I hope some of the time will b egood, but the reason I'm going is to sort out Dad's headstone!!!!!!!

 

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#81:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 11:15 pm

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Sorry, I did know that but it slipped my mind.

Huggles.

 

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#82:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 11:16 pm

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It's OK - it made me grin!!

 

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#83:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 12:44 pm

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Pat, have a lovely holiday, and just occaionally allow your mind to think up new bits of story!

 

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#84:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 4:06 pm

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yay pat I've just caught up with this - it's great and have a good holiday and come bnack inpspired!

 

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#85:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 10:44 pm

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KB wrote:

Lesley wrote: *Because Jem is a pillock* Lesley looks round in surprise - "Who said that?" Vikki, I think. It's her usual insult.

*trying to remember when I might have used this epithet!*
Thank you Auntie Pat, and looking forward to more whenever you can!

 

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#86:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:04 am

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I'm sure you've used it or something similar!

 

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#87:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 12:20 pm

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The following evening the meeting reconvened and got down to business. All had had time to ponder the proposals, and were ready with their ideas. When all were settled with coffee and biscuits Hilda looked around her.
“Who would like to speak first?” she asked. “Don’t be afraid to speak out against the scheme, as I for one have no intention of forcing this through.”
There was a moment’s silence, and then Matey spoke up. “From the Matron’s point of view, we would need someone with experience of working in a boy’s school to run the domestic side. I would also recommend employing a housemaster, as there are aspects of boys care that only a man can deal with. Looking at the wider view, I think that this would be of benefit to the girls. We are after all, a very sheltered community up here, and the only boys they come into contact with are brothers, which is not quite the same. I imagine that suddenly having to socialise with boys at university could be quite a shock to many of them.”
Ruth Derwent had been nodding agreement during the last part of this speech. “I do agree with Matey, though I imagine that not everybody will. It will be of considerable help if our girls can learn to be at ease with boys in a controlled environment.”
“How can you be so complacent? Think of all the arguments and quarrels that would be generated by this. Rivalries and jealousies are bond to arise, and the girls studies will suffer. I am completely against this.” Rosalind Moore was almost shaking with the intensity of her feelings. “I suppose that some of them would have to be Prefects too, and how would that affect the younger girls? Above all, you are risking possible pregnancy with this.”
“Ma cherie, I do appreciate your concerns,” Jeanne de Lachenais put in gently. “There are other schools that have done this, I am sure. We must see how they have dealt with these things before we come to any final decision.”
“Ted Grantley is visiting such schools for just that reason,” said Hilda. “There are obviously a number of such concerns that must be addressed properly. In the meantime, I think it would be helpful if we could talk about potential problems, and the ways that we might deal with them. Rosalie will take notes, and I suggest that we include our conclusions in the information that we give to the rest of the staff. I also think that this should remain confidential until we have Ted’s report. The staff must have the full picture; this discussion confirms me in this opinion, and I apologise to you for not providing you with everything.”
“Hilda, don’t be so silly. You felt that we needed to know what was being planned as soon as possible, and you were right. We did need to know. We have to be able to answer questions and worries from the others. So let us hear no more recriminations, if you please. Has Nell Wilson told St Mildred’s yet?”
“She told them that they were being given a brand new building, designed to their requirements, with all the latest facilities, such as en-suite rooms for all staff. They leapt upon her with delight, as you can imagine.” Hilda’s face was alight with laughter, and the rest of the senior staff laughed with her, though with some reluctance on Rosalind’s part.

 

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#88:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:08 pm

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Hmm, thinking very hard about this (just like the staff in fact). Love the thought of the staff at Millies jumping on the chance of en-suites though

Lovely Pat

 

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#89:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 4:14 pm

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Well, who wouldn't? Imagine having to wait outside the bathroom with crossed legs, not that good CS girls and staff ever need to go to the loo.

 

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#90:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 5:33 pm

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Getting their own showers would be a nice bonus.

 

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#91:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 5:37 pm

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At my school, at the Dons (House Mistresses) had ensuite rooms. The students shared facilities.

 

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#92:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 6:28 pm

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Thank you Pat. I hope you had a nice break

 

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#93:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:59 pm

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Welcome back Pat! Hope everything went okay!
More soon please!!

 

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#94:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:07 pm

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We have ordered a nice Delabole slate plaque for the grave. Dad's in with his parents, so it's not a full headstone. They are Delabole people, and are buried in the Methodist cemetary there. It's lovely and peaceful, with a wonderful view across to Bodmin Moor. There will be room to add Mum to the plaque when the time comes.

 

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#95:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:38 am

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Pat that sounds really nice. Glad you got it sorted. It's never an easy or a nice job.

Thank you for the next bit of story. Glad Matey is for it - she should be able to help the others see it sensibly.

 

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#96:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:51 am

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I'm glad you got it sorted, Pat. It sounds a lovely place to rest.

Nice to see this back as well. I think on the whole the staff are thinking positively, except for Rosalind.

 

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#97:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:00 am

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I'm glad everything went ok on your trip Pat. I know how hard it can be. Choosing stone for my Dad (and therefore in time for my mum and younger sister) was extremely hard.

Thanks for the story and have fun catching up with your tv progs!

 

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#98:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:16 pm

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Ted’s report arrived a couple of day’s later. She had been thorough in her investigation, and had written to as many schools as she could who had recently introduced co-education, both boys schools and girls. Both types of school had experienced teething troubles, with little difference between those introducing boys and those introducing girls. Solutions had differed between the schools, some had been more effective than others, and Ted had visited those she deemed to have made the smoothest transition. She had a number of suggestions, which we discussed vigorously by the Heads of Department, before a report was prepared for general consumption. Rosalind Moore remained unreconciled to the proposals, and sadly Hilda became aware that if the decision was made to go ahead, she was likely to lose her.

Before the subsequent full staff meeting each mistress received a portfolio containing not only the proposals for the extensive renovations, but those for the introduction of co-education, with the request to read through everything thoroughly, so that they could contribute knowledgably to the discussions. They were also requested to keep their discussions for the staff meeting, lest word should leak to the school at large. At Abendessen, Hilda could see that everyone was bursting to talk about the portfolios, but did not dare to, and smiled to herself. At least it seemed that there would be plenty of discussion that evening. The atmosphere at the staff table was gradually making itself felt across the Speisesaal, and the girls began to ask each other what was up. Seeing the speculation, Hilda was grateful when the meal finished, and she could dismiss the girls.

It was a lively group that made its way to the staff room that evening. At last they would be able to talk about the information they had been given, and all were eager to have their say. One or two still looked deeply shocked and unsure, and Rosalind at least was quick to spot these as they found their places around the table. Hilda too noticed their concerned faces, for they showed a distinct contrast to most of them. She sighed quietly to herself, for she had known that there would be opposition. However, it seemed as though there were no more than two or three, including Rosalind Moore, and that was probably better than she had subconsciously been expecting.
When all were seated, Hilda called the meeting to order.
“Ladies, you have all had time to read your portfolios, and think about your response. I suspect that we shall find some wide variations, and a good deal of concern for the future, but this is why we are having this meeting. I don’t want any of you to feel that we are trying to make changes that you might fundamentally disagree with, without taking your views into account.

 

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#99:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:02 pm

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Tell us about the staff meeting Aunty Pat!

PLEEEEEEEEEEASEEEE!!!!!!

 

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#100:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:26 pm

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*echoes Rachel's request for more*
for some reason I always get scared when following Rachel's posts...

 

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#101:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:23 pm

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*echoes the pleas posted above*

 

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#102:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:04 pm

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I know that some of you will have some very serious concerns, so serious that you have already decided that you do not agree with this. I understand completely, so please believe that your views are as important as anyone else’s.”
Kathie Ferrars looked around at her colleagues to see if anyone else was prepared to speak. Seeing that there seemed to be no-one prepared to take the plunge, she began to speak. “I have read this through a number of times now,” she said. “At first I must admit that I was horrified! Then I really started to think, because I wanted to know why I was reacting like that. After all, I went to a co-ed school myself, so I should have been able to take this in my stride! I think my initial reaction was due to the situation we have here at the Chalet School. We are very sheltered from the world up here, and changes are frightening at any time, let alone in a place like this. I think a shake-up will do us all good. We should be open to new ideas, and new ways of doing things. A more evenly balanced mix of staff will provide this. I know that initially it will be difficult to work with male teachers – or it could be, but we should not let that put us off the scheme. As for the girls, I have sometimes wondered if we do them any favours, cutting them off from almost half the population as we do. How can they learn to be at ease socially with boys and young men if they never come into contact with any but family and family friends? It must make everything so much harder for the girls that go on to university – and these days, that is most of them. The change from school life, with its rules and regulations, to university life, which is so much more free, is hard enough. When you add the attractions of the opposite sex into the equation, it makes the transition ten time worse.”
A gasp had come from some of the mistresses at Kathie’s blunt mention of what was usually a taboo subject, but most of the women were nodding in agreement. Blushing slightly, Kathie subsided back in her chair, as Rosalind Moore rushed into speech.
“Don’t you see, that is the whole trouble with this plan! There is so much danger for the girls if they are exposed to – that sort of thing too early. How can they concentrate on their studies when they are being distracted.”
“Rosalind, surely a great part of our job is to prepare our girls for life. If we cannot teach them to deal with these issues, we could be accused a failing them. Yes, we must have strict rules governing their interaction, but within those rules there is room for guidance and for help, which they have so much more trouble accessing when they arrive at university, or start a job. I know that I did, and as an old girl, I think I may speak from experience. The fear of sitting in lectures with young men that I did not know almost stopped me from taking up my place, even though we have been trained to be strong women here. The first few weeks were very difficult for me, as I had no idea how to talk to these people. It affected my course work until I became used to the situation, and then it took a while to catch up. I firmly believe that this scheme will benefit the Chalet School more than anything else we could do. Our girls will be more rounded and confident because they will have this experience.” Rosalind Yolland smiled at her namesake as she finished speaking.

 

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#103:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:09 pm

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Great post, Pat, I'm glad that we're getting opposing views and that they are well-balanced. Has anyone else thought that it might be the BOYS who have a hard time of it?

 

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#104:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:14 pm

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You are giving a very rounded view of this Pat, thank you for presenting both sides fairly.

 

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#105:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:18 pm

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Is anyone else getting mildly confused as to who is doing the reforming?? This IS NOT a request to stop, however!

 

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#106:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:35 pm

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Madge tried to push it through at the Board Meeting. The three heads wanted to look into things thoroughly first, and talk to their staff. That's where we are at them moment.

 

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#107:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:38 pm

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Thank you Pat. *thinking* *chewing hair and thinking*

 

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#108:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:03 pm

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At least they seem to be discussing the problem sensibly, though I am looking forward to the implementation!

Thanks Pat

 

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#109:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:15 pm

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Love the heated discussion! When do we find out what the decision is?

 

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#110:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:18 pm

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*chants at Auntie Pat for more!!*

 

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#111:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 7:34 pm

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I'm very interested to see what eventually comes out of this, but I'm enjoying the progression towards it.

 

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#112:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 10:26 pm

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I wonder if we might get any more tonight ?
I think the CS has to go Co.ED really to keep upto date and therefore be viable as a school. My old school merged with a local Indep boys school in 2000 as numbers were falling and it is now flourishing.
I think thats is probably all Madge wants to do: protect her school from closure but I can understand the opposition from some mistresses esp the older ones and maybe some parents will be concerned too(?)

 

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#113:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 10:36 pm

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More tonight would be great!

 

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#114:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 11:57 pm

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The parents views would be interesting as presumably they chose to send their daughters to a single sex school.

 

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#115:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 11:58 pm

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I think Rosalind Yolland's view is very sensible, especially as she has the experience to back it up.

 

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#116:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 2:06 am

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Very nice installments thank you Pat. Love the discussion, they are all so sure of their point of view. Would like some more soon.

 

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#117:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:55 pm

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Why does Rosalind Moore jump to the conclusion that Co-Ed inevitably and immediately means unwanted pregnancies?

 

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#118:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 6:06 pm

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Maybe she has a secret from her past that makes her feel like that Jennie...

 

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#119:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 6:24 pm

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Interesting idea.

May we have some more soon Pat

 

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#120:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 7:33 pm

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Intriguing! Love all the new posts Pat. thank you. Very interested in how the discussion in the Staff Room will progress.

 

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#121:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 10:17 pm

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*wonders when Pat plans to post some more......*

 

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#122:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 10:34 pm

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I'll post some more when I get around to writing it!!! Had a dreadful connection last night, and been to see Mum today. Took her to Eyam for a coffe and cake in the Buttery.

 

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#123:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 11:11 pm

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I thought you'd written Edam there for a minute Pat. Taking someone to cheese. Though that does remind me I was planning on buying some edam.

 

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#124:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 7:45 am

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Well, please get around to it soon!

 

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#125:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 1:46 pm

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However, Rosalind Moore obviously was not impressed by her namesakes arguments, judging by her expression, though she said nothing more. It gradually became clear that the majority of the staff, though they naturally had reservations, were by and large in favour of the experiment. The question of expanding provision to the rest of the school would depend on the success of the first phase, and could be left for the time being.
“So we seem to have a majority in agreement with going ahead,” said Hilda at last. “We are starting to repeat ourselves, so I think it is time to bring the discussion to an end. St Mildred’s staff are also happy with the move, so I propose to advise Ted and Madge that we are in favour of phase one. Are you happy with this?”
“Not at all,” replied Rosalind Moore. “However, I can see that I am in the minority, so I will keep quiet about it.” Privately, she was starting to think seriously about her future at the school, and whether she would now be happier if she looked for a post in a different girls school. One or two other people felt the same way, though she was by far the most senior. Being a sensible person, she waited for a few weeks in order to give herself time to clarify her feelings, but when she still felt the same way, she began to scan the papers for alternative positions. By part way through the Spring Term, she had been offered the post of Head of Department at a prestigious girls school in England, and departed at the end of the term. Two other mistresses followed her example, but the rest of the staff were prepared to give the scheme a chance, threw themselves into the preparations.

 

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#126:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 2:13 pm

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Thank you Pat. It's a shame Miss Moore felt she had to leave, but at least she moved on to a good job. Looking forward to the replacement Master/Mistress!!

 

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#127:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 2:22 pm

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Thanks Pat - Miss Moore did the best thing for herself, rather than staying at the CS and being miserable, and as Ally says, she has gone to a good job.
Very much looking forward to seeing the changes implemented.

 

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#128:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 2:24 pm

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just caaught up with this, Pat, and of course it's as good as ever. It's a shame Rosalind Moore has to leave, but it's probably better in the long run if that's really how she feels.

Hoping for more soon!

 

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#129:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 3:59 pm

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Thank you Pat!
*chanting*

 

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#130:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 4:25 pm

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Thanks Pat! Do the girls know about the changes yet?

 

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#131:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 4:39 pm

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Thank you Pat! *eagerly awaiting the changes*

 

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#132:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 8:15 pm

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Great stuff, Pat. I think it was good to get rid of those characters who worked against the idea.

 

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#133:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 8:53 pm

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I think it was a lot more sensible for Rosalind Moore to quit than to have her trying to sabotage the plans from within. Thanks Pat.

 

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#134:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 8:58 pm

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But doesn't every story need a baddie?

 

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#135:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 2:48 am

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What? No more yet?

 

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#136:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 8:22 am

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At least with the dissenters gone, the idea can move forward in harmony and, presumably, it makes space to appoint men teachers?

Eager to see how this goes, Pat.

 

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#137:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 2:28 pm

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So Rosalind Moore has actually made it easier for the plan to go ahead, by quitting and leaving a space open for a male teacher.

 

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#138:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 3:13 pm

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The following week Hilda Annersley came to her lectern when the two parts of the school had come together after morning Prayers.
“Girls I have a very special announcement to make. Letters will be sent to your homes giving your parents the information that I shall be giving you this morning. After a great deal of deliberation and discussion it had been decided that from the start of the new academic year in September the Chalet School will be accepting boys into the Sixth Form.”
She paused as a buzz of exclamations rose from the girls seated in front of her. She gave them their heads for a few minutes, but when the noise began to escalate, she cut them off with a gesture.
“I know that you want to discuss this amongst yourselves, but the noise was really getting a little too much. Let me give you all the information, and then you may have the first period this morning to discuss everything. Your Form Mistresses have all the details, and will be able to answer any questions you may have. Work will be commencing shortly on a new building for St Mildreds in the grounds of the San. This will leave their present accommodation free as the boys boarding house. It will obviously need some changes made to the facilities there, and this will be carried out during the summer holidays. At the same time, these buildings will be undergoing a full renovation, along the same lines as our English branch has already benefited from. Yes, I thought you would be pleased at that,” she laughed down at their delighted faces, “We have heard a great deal about their new facilities, and I can assure you that they certainly live up to everything we have heard. You will hardly recognise your surroundings when you return.
Will shall of course need to have a number of new members of staff, most of whom will be male. They will be teaching most of you, and I know that you will give them the same respect that you give to the existing staff. Some of the new pupils will naturally become Prefects, and will have the same authority over you as the other Prefects do. The English branch will also be accepting boys from the same date, and I am looking forward to the challenge that this will bring us. Now it is time to return to your form rooms, so stand girls. Forward march.”
Row by row the girls marched out of Hall, minds whirling with the news, but respecting the silence rule until they reached their form rooms. There they could finally vent their feelings, and the hum of conversation was only quietened when the form mistresses descended upon them.
At break the staff discussed the girls reactions with a good deal of amusement. It was clear that the age of the girls determined the response to a great extent. The younger forms were more disgusted than anything else, especially those who had brothers! The older girls tended to voice concerns about socialising, and how to deal with the boys on a daily basis. This reaction confirmed many of the staff in their approval for the move, though for those adamantly against it, it only made them more sure that they were correct, and that the problems would outweigh any perceived benefit.

 

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#139:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 3:17 pm

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yay! Thanks Pat!!

 

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#140:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 3:29 pm

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Loved the girls reactions Pat! Looking forward to what will happen next!

 

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#141:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 4:45 pm

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Great Pat *intrigued*

 

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#142:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 5:16 pm

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Amongst the school at large the news was a seven day wonder, and was soon eclipsed by other matters. The letters home, which had the potential of providing something of a bombshell, proved to be nothing of the sort. Most parents were happy at the development, and for many it came as a relief. For these it was only the quality of the education offered that had made them decide on the Chalet School, and the lack of social contact with the members of the opposite sex had been a distinct worry. The letters had included the information that should the experiment prove a success, it would be extended throughout the school. More than one letter expressing support for this was received at the Gornetz Platz and at the English branch, and produced sighs of relief. Not one girl was withdrawn from the school as a result of the letters.

Work on the new buildings went on apace, both in Switzerland and in England, and were ready for decoration and furnishing shortly after the start of the summer holidays. The staff went away on their summer break leaving their rooms totally empty. All personal possessions had been packed away in the attics so that their rooms could be refurbished. As soon as all had left, the builders moved in, and before long the school looked more like a bomb-site than a school. However, the men worked with a will, and well before the start of the new term, the building was handed back to the Chalet School, looking as fresh and neat as a new pin.
*(We are in Switzerland, remember, where everything runs like clockwork!!!)*

 

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#143:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 5:25 pm

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Thank you Pat!!!

 

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#144:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 5:26 pm

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Yay Pat, thank you for more *can't wait for term to start*

 

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#145:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 9:29 pm

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Ooh, so are we going to hear all about it?

 

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#146:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 9:50 pm

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Thanks Pat - glad everything went smoothly!

 

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#147:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 10:06 pm

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Thanks Pat, pleased to see it's al going well so far, now looking forward to the male teachers and boys arriving - lots of potential there.

 

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#148:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 10:12 pm

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Swiss builders must be very good, to totally refurbish a place in three months. Or have they done a shoddy, rushed job and will the next bit of the story tell us of the girls discovering all the faults?

 

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#149:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 10:42 pm

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The new term sounds as if it will be interesting.

URGENT: Please send details of builders

 

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#150:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 10:47 pm

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Can't wait for the new term to begin and see how the girls cope with boys and how the mistresses cope with male teachers!

 

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#151:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:29 am

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Also impressed by the Swiss builders! The local variety took more than three months on two rest rooms, and the result wasn't exactly palatial. Only visible change in the women's: lights that are even dimmer, and 2 stalls made into 1, in case of wheel chairs. They also lowered the defective soap dispenser, so that any handicapped persons can be equally frustrated.

 

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#152:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 10:44 am

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I'm glad no girls were withdrawn from the school. It sounds as if there will be lots of support among the parents.

 

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#153:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:40 pm

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*chants at Pat*

 

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#154:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 5:02 pm

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A week before the new term was to start, the staff arrived back at the Chalet School to prepare for the arrival of the pupils. Among them was the new Head of Geography, a young man who had had considerable experience in a famous boys school in England, and was ready to take on the new role of Head of Department. The selection had been made on merit, but the fact that he had personal knowledge of the Chalet School was a bonus. He was not the only new male member of staff, of course. The new Housemaster for the boys block would also teach Religious Studies, and as an ordained Methodist minister, would also be able to provide for the non-conformist members of the school , as well as the surrounding neighbourhood – a group that had been neglected before this. As they assembled in the Speisesaal for Kaffee und Kuchen, the old staff looked around them in interest, for they were naturally very curious about the new-comers. Most of them were men, for there was no-one in the school able to teach the more technical subjects that were offered in most boys schools. It was noted by the more discerning that they were at least as nervous as most new mistresses had been.

 

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#155:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 5:55 pm

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Wonders what the new head of Geography's connection with the Chalet School is? More soon please!

 

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#156:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 6:14 pm

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Not too soon! After all, I can't reveal who he is before more people have had a chance to wonder, now can I?

 

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#157:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 7:10 pm

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I've had a chance to wonder. Now can you reveal his identity?

 

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#158:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 7:14 pm

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#159:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 7:30 pm

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Please tell us Auntie Pat.

 

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#160:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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If you think the Aunty pat bit will help......

 

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#161:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:07 pm

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Pat, will you answer yes-and-no questions?

 

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#162:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:24 pm

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Maybe!

 

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#163:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:27 pm

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Is the teacher a Maynard/Russell/Bettany Pat?

 

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#164:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:28 pm

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Maybe Maybe not

 

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#165:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:48 pm

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#166:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:49 pm

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Well it's a good way to up my post total, isn't it?

 

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#167:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:50 pm

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Yes, but I can't be bothered playing if I'm not going to get anywhere.

More story would also push up your total...

 

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#168:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 8:56 pm

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Oh all right then!!!


After Hilda had said Grace and they had seated themselves, she looked around at the group. “May I welcome you all, and wish you all the best for the new term. As you can see, we have rather more new members of staff than usual, and therefore I would like to suggest that each of you introduce yourselves in turn, giving your subject area at the same time.”
The introductions were duly made, and the new staff turned out to be Mary Pringle (History), David Weston (Sports), Angela Marston (Matron), Stuart Thornton (English), Mark Adams (Engineering Studies), John Fletcher (Physics), Rev. Peter Stevens (Religious Studies). The new Head of Geography, who had looked familiar to a number of long existing staff, turned out be by Kevin Russell, of whom nothing had been seen by most people since the school had moved to St Briavels, for the Russell family had remained in the Round House, and in any event, Kevin and his brother had been at public school. The formalities over, the staff tucked into one of Karen’s special meals, reserved for the staff alone, and designed to fortify them for the term ahead.

The staff meeting the following morning was a lively affair as the tasks were allocated. Peter Stevens would be part of the group of escort staff travelling with the school, so would be out of much of the heavier work. The rooms designated for the new subjects would have to be prepared, and the equipment checked. David wanted to speak to Gaudenz about marking out the Football pitch, and mentioned that he would be willing to teach any of the girls who wished to learn. After a full week of all hands on deck, the school was pronounced ready to receive boarders.

On the first day of the new term, the quads and their respective daughters met by prior arrangement outside Victoria Station. They had had an eventful time since two of them had met for the first time a year ago, but had developed the sibling relationship amazingly quickly. They had similar tastes and experiences, though their childhood had been apart, and happily the rest of their families got along with each other too. Peter had taken the opportunity for a day off work to meet with his brothers, though he had no children. The three girls had grown very friendly over the year at school, which had cured Susan of any hint of selfishness, and were now almost inseparable.
“I wonder what this year will be like,” said Susan. “I mean, having boys in the Sixth and all that. It’ll be a bit weird.”
“I know. I don’t know whether I’m looking forward to it or not,” responded Joy.
Peter laughed at them. “You crazy pair. It won’t make that much difference to you, surely. After all, you’re in Lower IV this year? Well then, you won’t have much to do with them at all.”
“Some of them will be Prefects.” Rachel’s voice was doom-ridden. “We’ll come into contact with them all right! They poke their noses into all sorts of things that don’t concern them.”

 

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#169:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:01 pm

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Ah, thank you, Pat! And I'm glad to see some concerns from the girls.

*admits to almost having forgotten the quads*

 

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#170:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:19 pm

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It's good the two bits of the story are being linked.

 

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#171:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:21 pm

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Thanks Pat. I'm looking forward to seeing the shakedown.

 

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#172:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:26 pm

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Oooooh. So what's going to happen back at school, *perches on edge of seat*

 

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#173:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:54 pm

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Thanks Pat, good to see the quads and their daughters again, the new members of staff look interesting too - will be girls be allowed to choose football instead of hockey or lacrosse?
I wish we had been given that choice.

 

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#174:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:43 pm

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Looking very interesting. Are both boys and girls going to do all subjects and have the same opportunities.

Glad to see the quods making a reappearence.

I did wonder if the person that Julie Lucy (I think) married was going to appear as he was a house master at a boys school, mentioned somewhere but can't think where off hand.

 

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#175:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 1:57 am

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Have just caught up with all these latest posts. Thank you Pat. Really looking forward to an interesting term.

 

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#176:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 2:54 pm

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Thank you Pat. I'm looking forward to finding out how everything shakes down in practice.

 

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#177:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 3:33 pm

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As they walked down the platform towards the small crowd of Chalet School girls they became aware of a secondary group standing just to one side of the main crowd, and looking a little self-conscious. These were the new boys, and their uniform colour was a little different to the gentian blue worn by the girls. They were wearing black trousers with a black blazer, and white shirt. The blazer had piping in silver and gentian blue, and the tie harked back to the one they had all worn for the first few years of the Swiss branch. The outfit looked very smart and workmanlike, but still identified the Chalet School. If the girls had but known it, a good deal of discussion had gone into the choice of uniform. The English branch wore the same, but with piping and tie in brown and flame. To most of the girls they seemed virtually grown-up, more so than the female contingent, who had grown up through the school, and were therefore familiar faces. Standing with this group was a young man in his late twenties, who was obviously one of the new masters. He was chatting with some of the group with him, and the girls eyed them all with a good deal of curiosity. However, they did not have long to stare, for Kathie Ferrars was shepherding them all onto the train, and they had to say a quick farewell to their parents, and scramble to take their seats. Once comfortably ensconced in their compartment their tongues wagged freely.
“I suppose they were the new boys, and one of the new Masters. They looked very grown-up, didn’t they?” asked Rachel.
“You’d expect that, I suppose,” replied Susan. “The boy next door is the same age, and he’s the same. He’s also far too superior to talk to someone my age. I wonder if they will be the same!”
“We’ll have to make sure they aren’t, won’t we?” Margaret Wade had proved herself a ring-leader in mischief during the previous year, and was obviously determined to take up where she had finished at the end of the term. Her eyes were gleaming in a way they had come to know.
“What have you got up your sleeve now, Mags?” asked Rachel. She too had what could only be described as an wicked streak, which could at times provide mayhem amongst the more law-abiding members of the form. She was very popular, but as no one knew what she would do next, most people kept a wary eye on her. With her black hair and eyes, there were times that she looked like nothing more than the traditional picture of a witch, needing only a broomstick to complete the picture.

 

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#178:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 4:37 pm

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Now, I wonder what made you think of 'Rachel' and 'witch' in the same sentence Pat?
I'm looking forward to seeing what the girls have in mind.

 

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#179:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 5:05 pm

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Ellie wrote:

Now, I wonder what made you think of 'Rachel' and 'witch' in the same sentence Pat?

Don't know really! Just seemed to fit somehow!!! I'm blaming my PB!

 

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#180:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 5:08 pm

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Now what?

 

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#181:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 5:17 pm

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PB hasn't told me yet!!

 

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#182:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 5:19 pm

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Well that's a bit rude of your PB Pat!!! (Mind you, know the feeling)

 

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#183:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 5:20 pm

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He knows I finish in about 10 mins!!

 

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#184:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 5:57 pm

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Leaving us dangling from the edge of a cliff!

 

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#185:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 6:45 pm

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Pat wrote:

“What have you got up your sleeve now, Mags?” asked Rachel. She too had what could only be described as an wicked streak, which could at times provide mayhem amongst the more law-abiding members of the form. She was very popular, but as no one knew what she would do next, most people kept a wary eye on her. With her black hair and eyes, there were times that she looked like nothing more than the traditional picture of a witch, needing only a broomstick to complete the picture.

Was this imagery inspired by anyone in particular Pat?

 

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#186:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 8:57 pm

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Oh, surely not!

 

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#187:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:51 pm

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*whispers cajolingly to Auntie Pat!!!*

 

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#188:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 11:13 pm

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Thanks Pat, looking forward to see what's going to happen next!

 

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#189:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 4:34 pm

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Would Auntie Pat take her inspiration from RL, no, of course not.

 

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#190:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 5:02 pm

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Thank you Pat,

I'm glad the Quad have been brought back in, I wonder how they will get along with the boys.

I have to admit I laughed outloud at the description of Rachel

 

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#191:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 5:48 pm

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Hopefully not too well, they are a bit young.

 

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#192:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:17 pm

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Sorry there's been no more today. RL caught up with a vengeance! Someone broke in last night, and took my cards from my purse along with some cash. We had the police round, and Scene of Crime officer - the lot! This afternoon, as I was picking my bag up to go to town to persuade the bank to let me have some money without my card, I saw a little pocket at the back of the bag bulging open - I never use it. There were all the cards, just stuffed in! The police reckon I'd disturbed him when I went tot he loo, and he scarpered. He also did 2 or 3 other places on the estate as well, and they lost all sorts! He looked at my mobile, but left it in my bag - it's far too old!!! Very very basic. Anyway, I didn't go to work today, and I've only now had a chance to log on properly!

 

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#193:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:22 pm

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Oh Pat, that is awful, even if you did find your cards, it's still a terrible thing to happen.
You were luckier than some people obviously, but that isn't much cosolation really is it?
Sending lots of hugs.

 

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#194:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:48 pm

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Pat that's really terrible. *sending hugs*

 

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#195:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:13 pm

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Sorry to hear about the robbery Pat - hope you're OK.

Loving the story.

 

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#196:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:37 pm

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*dashes over to Auntie Pat and huggles her tightly*

 

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#197:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 11:48 pm

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Thanks everyone. I'm going to a GO meeting tomorrow near Skipon, which should take my mind off things!
Tonight I've been busy costume making! You may have to wait till Monday for more of this.

 

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#198:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 12:29 am

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Oh Pat.

How dreadful for you. Hope you are feeling OK. Have a good weekend.

 

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#199:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 12:49 am

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How awful. And quite worrying that it was while you were there!

Have a super weekend and forget nasty burglars!

 

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#200:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:58 am

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Sending huggles to Pat re the robbery.

 

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#201:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 6:48 am

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Good heavens, Pat! You have had more than your share of the RL daemons recently. I hope the burglar got a good scare.

 

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#202:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:57 am

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*Huggles Pat*

What a horrid thing! I hope you have a lovely weekend to make up for it

 

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#203:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 3:04 pm

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Poor you, Pat, I hope the little scumbag gets caught and sent down.

 

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#204:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:42 pm

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Pat what an awful thing to happen! Hope they catch him !!

 

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#205:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 3:38 pm

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Are you feeling any better now, Pat?

 

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#206:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:04 pm

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*wonders if there might be an alterior motive behind Jennie's kind inquiry..*
*decides this is impossible in a CS girl*

 

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#207:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:08 pm

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Only motive is to know whether Pat has got over the shock yet. It's a very nasty, upsetting thing to have happen.

 

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#208:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:25 pm

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*sending rather belated huggles*
Hope you are recovering!

 

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#209:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 5:48 pm

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I've been feeling a bit vulnerable at night,and amreally not looking forward to tomorrow,when I'll be the first one downstairs again! Otherwise mostly OK. Had a good meeting with other GOers yesterday, and met up with Catherine this afternoon. BTW anyone in the Yorkshire area will; be very welcome at our next GO meeting, which will probably be in Leeds.

 

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#210:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 8:07 pm

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*big huggles for Pat!!!*

 

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#211:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:29 am

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Awww poor you Pat i hope you feelt better about it now!

 

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#212:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:24 pm

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Next bit!

“What have you got up your sleeve now, Mags?” asked Rachel. She too had what could only be described as an wicked streak, which could at times provide mayhem amongst the more law-abiding members of the form. She was very popular, but as no one knew what she would do next, most people kept a wary eye on her. With her black hair and eyes, there were times that she looked like nothing more than the traditional picture of a witch, needing only a broomstick to complete the picture.
“Well, they won’t know how to deal with us, will they? And I bet they’ll be walking on eggshells, at least at first. I’m sure we can come up with something interesting for them!”
The others giggled, and discussion ranged backwards and forwards, as they tried to think of something original. In the end, they decided that they would have to wait and see exactly what the new Prefects were like, and how they dealt with the girls, before they could really settle on anything.
Meanwhile, in a compartment further up the train, the group under discussion was crowded into seats designed for half the number occupying them. The young men were trying hard to hide their nerves from their peers, and appear cool and calm. There was a good deal of male pride involved, and Peter Stevens smiled in sympathy as he passed along the corridor to join the rest of the staff. They had introduced themselves on the platform, and come to an unspoken agreement to stick together for mutual protection. They had seen the girls they assumed were Prefects helping the staff to control the milling mass of girls thronging the platform, and more than one had felt a little intimidated by their obvious self-confidence, though naturally they did not feel able to express that to their peers!
Martin Honey looked around the crowded compartment. “Well, we seem to be on our way. I hope none of us get travel sick, the way we’re squashed in here!”
There was a general chuckle, which helped to break the ice a little, and the conversation became focused on the term ahead.
“I wonder if they will make any of us Prefects,” said Paul Mason. He had had an older cousin at the school a number of years ago, which had done much to persuade his parents to enter him for the school. Sue had apparently enjoyed her time in Switzerland, and had certainly benefited from the emphasis on languages. Paul had taken both French and German at GCE O level and passed with flying colours, but his study had not included much conversational skills, and he suspected that most of the others would be in the same boat. “I say you chaps, how do you think you’ll cope with the languages? I did both at O level, but I can’t say I will be able to speak very fluently.”
“I’m thankful you admitted that, for I’m rather afraid of showing myself up there. I mean, the girls will have been using the languages all the way through school, and I’m rather afraid that I won’t be able to keep my end up.” John Duncan had gone rather red during this speech, but was relieved when he saw that the others were nodding in agreement.
“That’s why the parents have sent me here, rather than leaving me where I was,” admitted Tim Brothers. They think that speaking foreign languages well is important for some reason. Myself, I expect foreigners to speak my language – saves me the bother of learning theirs, if you know what I mean!”

 

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#213:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:28 pm

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Thanks for that bit Pat!

*Hopes the quad daughters will be nice to the XY prefects.

 

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#214:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:30 pm

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Oooooh!! thank you Auntie Pat!!!

 

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#215:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:36 pm

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thank you Pat. glad you are OK.

I hope Tim Brothers was joking!

 

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#216:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:40 pm

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Sounds a typical insular English boy to me!

 

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#217:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:43 pm

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I'm sure the CS will soon sort him out!

 

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#218:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:05 pm

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Longing to see his face when he realises that he has to speak French and German for two days a week each!

 

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#219:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:18 pm

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Hmmmmmmmm. *thinking* Thanks Pat!

 

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#220:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:42 pm

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Again, haven't his parents read the prospectus?

 

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#221:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 12:02 am

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Sarah_L wrote:

Again, haven't his parents read the prospectus?

They never do Sarah!

Thanks Pat - hope you are well!

 

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#222:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 12:44 am

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Thanks Pat, thinking this Brothers has a few shocks of his own on the way - I wonder if he shouts at foreigners so they can understand him better?

 

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#223:  Author: PatW,  Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:48 pm

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Bringing this up to date

Neil Crompton looked at him in scorn. “If you expect that, why can’t they expect you to learn their language? Also, don’t you think that you will find things a lot easier if you can at least make the attempt?”
Tim flushed slightly, but answered the challenge. “I’ve a right to my own opinions, surely? My parents can send me to this school, but they can’t make me learn their rotten languages, can they!”
“Did you notice the Sixth form girls?” asked Mike Hall in a laudable effort to change the subject. “They looked very competent, didn’t they?”
“My cousin spent some time here, and she says that the Prefects have a good deal of responsibility. Much more than at my last school, anyway. That was an all boys place, and I’m wondering how they’ll deal with things here. Aren’t we the first year to be co-ed?”
The speculation continued, and a similar discussion was taking place in another compartment further up the train. However, as neither side had yet had a chance to actually meet the other, speculation was the way it remained until the train arrived at Dover, and the school embarked on the ferry to Calais.
Once everyone was settled for the crossing, the two groups had a chance to meet, and the young Housemaster smiled to himself as he watched them approach each other. Each group looked nervous, and each group was trying desperately to hide their nerves and appear cool, calm and collected. It said much for their acting ability, or their nerves, that both groups succeeded in their aim.
Martin was the first to break the silence. “Hello, I’m Martin Honey, from Cornwall. I’m going to be in the Lower V!, I should think, since I’ve just taken my O Levels. I’m here to do Languages and History for A level.”
With one person having taken the plunge, the introductions became general, and all started to relax a little. By the time the ferry berthed at Calais, the atmosphere was a good deal more relaxed, and first opinions had been formed. On the whole, the girls had found the young men to be friendly and looking forward to all the new experiences. However, all had realised that there was a potential problem with one of them – Tim Brothers. Not only was he uninterested in improving his language skills, but he also seemed to have a superior attitude to other things as well, principally the Chalet School, as he lost no time in explaining his reluctance to change schools. More than one person suspected that his parents had more than the language opportunity in mind when they took their son away from his previous school. The consensus of opinion amongst the established members of the school was that he was a bumptious prig, who would benefit from being taken down a peg or two.

The escort staff too had been assessing the new intake, and Peter Stevens had swiftly come to the same conclusion with regard to Tim. An ordained Minister in the Methodist church, he had opted early in his career for school chaplaincy, and had experience in a large boys school before applying for the post of Housemaster at the Chalet School. He had seen young men like Tim before, and knew that there was likely to be conflict before he settled down.
“He’s one of those people who have very firm opinions of their own worth,” he told the other staff. “That includes believing that his ideas are the only ones worth considering. I suspect that that sort of thinking will not go down well here.”
“You are very right,” said Kathie Ferrars. “He will soon find that out. The girls have all been taught to look at everything with an open mind, and they are likely to express themselves rather forcefully. He came from a boys school, didn’t he? Not used to girls, then!” She grinned at her colleagues, knowing that the current Sixth Form were highly skilled at the put down.

The rest of the journey was completed without incident, and the school alighted at Berne as usual, and piled onto the coaches for the journey to the Gornetz Platz. The Sixth were split up amongst the various coaches, in order to help with the younger element, and Peter explained this to his charges. As Martin Honey and Andrew Gillard climbed onto the coach, they were aware of a sea of eyes staring at them, before good manners prevailed, and the girls turned to their own devices. Both young men were rather flushed as they made their way to the back of the coach, and the two young women sitting there.
Kitty Johnson looked up at them in sympathy. “It must be rather disconcerting to have to face that lot. They are all naturally interested in this departure,” she said.
“I realise that,” replied Andrew. “But that was rather running the gauntlet! Oh well, we’ll all get used to it soon, I expect. How long are we on the coach for, may I ask?”
“A bit over an hour. We have to go nearly into Interlaken before taking the coach road up to the Platz. The Head, Miss Annersley, will welcome us all at the door, and we’ll probably go straight into Abendessen – supper in English,” she added hurriedly, in case the two did not understand German.
Most of the party were too tired to cause any problems for the remainder of the journey, and they arrived outside the school in about the time Kitty had estimated. The cohort of young men looked at the school with interest, until their attention was drawn by the lady standing on the steps in front of them. Tall and graceful, with hair that was still more golden brown than grey, Miss Annersley had lost none of her skill in capturing the attention of her audience.
“Welcome back, girls,” she said. “Let me extend a special welcome to all the new people we have this term. Not only girls, but our new members of the Sixth. I hope you will all be very happy with us. Now, I won’t say anything more at present. Go along to your Splasheries and tidy up for Abendessen, which will be ready as soon as you are.”

 

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#224:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:50 pm

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Thanks for posting that bit here Pat.

 

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#225:  Author: PatW,  Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:52 pm

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How did you log in? i thought we coudn't yet?

 

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#226:  Author: Abee,  Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:55 pm

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Thank you for updating, Pat!

*echoes Pat's question*

 

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#227:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:55 pm

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I tried it and it let me. Hope I haven't done anything wrong by logging in!

 

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#228:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:59 pm

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there's more people doing it now!!

 

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#229:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 2:00 pm

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Oh well, if we're all wrong it's not so bad

 

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#230:  Author: Carolyn Phillips,  Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 2:07 pm

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Thanks so much for posting this Pat, I've caught up now and am looking forwards to more.

Are we allowed to sign in, I notice a new box on the index page for doing so?

 

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#231:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 2:10 pm

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We all have Carolyn, so come and join the merry throng!

 

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#232:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:07 pm

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Thanks Pat!

 

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#233:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:10 pm

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Thanks Pat.

Chelsea *who is also logged in

 

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#234:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:11 pm

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Thank you Aunty Pat

 

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#235:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:13 pm

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or is it Auntie Pat...which did the badge use???

 

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#236:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:13 pm

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Thanks for that bit Pat! It's nice to see the boys being apprehensive (I think thats the right word!)

 

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#237:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:22 pm

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I'm looking forward to getting the next bit Pat!

 

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#238:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:59 pm

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Thanks for the latest posts, Pat - glad we're back on the proper board again!

 

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#239:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:49 am

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Yay!! Thank you Auntie Pat!!!
More please.......

 

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#240:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:19 am

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Hooray for more of this story! Thank you, Pat! I look forward to Tim being put down and the way he will cope when the days for languages begin!

 

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#241:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:29 pm

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I like the way this is going. Thanks, Pat it's nice to be back!

 

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#242:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:14 pm

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I think Tim's going to have a very interesting time!

Looking forward to more

 

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#243:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 8:08 pm

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Any more of this Pat?

 

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#244:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 10:41 pm

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Letter from Madge

Jo looked at the letter addressed in her sister’s unmistakable handwriting with mixed feelings. The tone of her sister’s letters had been strange of late - ever since the Board Meeting before the previous Christmas, when the whole business of making the Chalet School co-educational had been broached, and had so nearly alienated the three Heads. Jo was becoming almost afraid to open her letters, for fear of what she would read, though nothing in the words gave any clue to the problem. Madge’s life seemed on the surface to be continuing as normal, but Jo was famous for reading between the lines, and she was worried. Something was not right, and she didn’t like it one little bit.

 

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#245:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 10:57 pm

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Ooohhhhhhh very interesting, thank you Pat


*Hopes this might have something to do with gambling*

 

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#246:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 11:05 pm

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Crikey, oh help! Whatever next? Thanks Pat *perches on edge of seat*

 

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#247:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 11:08 pm

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Gambling???

 

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#248:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 11:09 pm

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I suggested it earlier as a reason for needing to update the school, ie the need for money. I'm just being very hopeful

 

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#249:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 11:51 pm

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Oh, oh. What is in the letter?

 

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#250:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 12:08 am

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Not more mysterious letters?! Pat, please don't dp a Carolyn on us...
*grovels pathetically*

 

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#251:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 12:24 am

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I'm following a suggestion from Lesley!

 

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#252:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 12:39 am

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That's even worse!

 

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#253:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:15 am

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*wishes Lesley would keep her nasty suggestions to herself*

 

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#254:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:20 am

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Ohhhh another Mystery!!!!!
Hope we get more soon!

 

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#255:  Author: keren as guest,  Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:29 am

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I think it is something to do with being dependat/rebelling against Jem

Great to be back here

 

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#256:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:32 am

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Well I like that!!! It was a perfectly good suggestion and I'm delighted that Pat felt it could be included. I'm really looking forward to reading Madge's letter - but as I already know, in outline, what it's going to say I'm more than happy for Pat to take her time!

 

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#257:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:50 am

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Help! I'm really worried now!

 

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#258:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 3:53 pm

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So am I *glumly* Lesley, I'm sure it was a good idea. Yours normally are. But that doesn't stop us from getting veeeeerrrry worried....

*goes looking for chocolate & baileys to sustain us in our anxiety* Anyone want some?

 

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#259:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 4:05 pm

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She left the letter until she had dealt with every other part of her correspondence, and then reluctantly picked it up and opened it. A lengthy screed was held within, and she opened the pages gingerly.

“Dear Joey”, she read. “I know my letters recently have been a little strange, but I haven’t known quite how to write to you properly. I am sure that you remember the Board meeting as well as I do myself. I so nearly made a complete mess of everything, simply by following Jem’s suggestion, and it made me think very deeply and carefully about the way my life has gone. I didn’t like what I saw, Joey. I saw that I had let Jem do much of my thinking for me, almost from the day we became engaged. I used to be strong in my own right - after all Joey, I started my school in Austria without very much in the way of help from Dick, and it was a success. I think that at first I was so happy with my marriage that I let myself slip into the way of following Jem’s ideas and decisions without question. In those days the man was the Head of the Household, and it was normal to leave all that sort of thing to them. Jem has always had very decided views, and has always believed that he is right, and even though I didn’t always agree, it was easier to follow him than try to argue about a different way. He took over everything at the time of the Anschluss, the School as well as the San, and I was so worried that I let him. He was so decisive, and seemed to know what he was doing - and he did Joey! He moved us all back to England so competently, and we lost so little of our equipment, that I was grateful to him. I know that you and jack and Robin and the others had that dreadful time escaping, but no-one could have helped to stop that happening. Am I trying to make excuses? I suppose I am.

 

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#260:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 4:25 pm

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Where's the rest of it?
*relieved to see that so far it looks like a relatively normal letter*

 

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#261:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 4:28 pm

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Don't know why people are so worried! I'm not RTW!!

Jo Maynard dropped the letter into her lap at this point with a little gasp. What was her sister leading up to?

 

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#262:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 4:36 pm

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*runs after Pat with a *
Pat, may I remind you that you are currently starring in Tara?
*delicate hint*

 

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#263:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 4:39 pm

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EEk! Am I?
*Runs to look!*


Oh yes!!! I'd...er... gorgotten that bit!!!

 

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#264:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 4:42 pm

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*snickers*
Maybe you need to be reminded? *gently*

 

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#265:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 4:50 pm

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Do you really want me to post the next bit, Lisa? I don't have to you know!!

 

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#266:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:06 pm

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I don't know about Lisa, but I'd really like you to please post some more story!

 

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#267:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:06 pm

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Lisa's gone so.....


She reached into her bag for a cigarette, feeling the need for some kind of support, though she knew that they weren’t good for, and she should give up. At least, Jack couldn’t blame her for needing one now. She picked up the letter again, and resumed her reading.
“I don’t think that Jem noticed a thing, Joey, even though I wasn’t behaving like myself at all. I was looking at our life, and watching us - or rather Jem - going about our daily tasks, and growing more and more appalled. Do you remember telling me that a marriage should be a partnership? That you and Jack discussed things and came to a joint decision? Well I can see now that that has never happened in my marriage. Jem makes all the decisions and I have followed along like a dutiful little wife. I remember you saying that going to Canada had stopped me turning into ‘that nice Lady Russell’ and brought back to old me. It hadn’t really, Jo, I can see that now. Especially with Jem not even noticing my distraction. I’m beginning to think that he only sees me as someone who makes his life comfortable, not as a person of equal standing.

Last week I tried to pout my feelings into words, and spoke to him. Do you know what he said? "I don’t’ know what you are talking about. Please try not to be so silly in future, my dear. It looks bad if the wife of someone in my position doesn’t seem to support her husband in everything." I was so shocked Jo, that I just stared at him without saying anything. He obviously wasn’t expecting a response, as he walked out of the room and went to his study.

 

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#268:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 7:00 pm

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Ooh, nasty, self-satisfied Jem. hope he gets the shock of his life, very, very soon.

 

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#269:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 7:04 pm

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Poor Madge! I hope Jem gets his comeupance soon!

 

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#270:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 7:12 pm

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More please, Pat!

 

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#271:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 9:25 pm

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That was excellent Pat. I love the way Madge has obvioulsy thought this through very carefully and not jumped in with both feet.

*Hopes for more soon*

 

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#272:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 9:52 pm

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Wonderful Pat. Wanting more and more and more! Please!

 

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#273:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 10:07 pm

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Yucky, yucky no good Jem!!

 

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#274:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:09 am

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*chants at Auntie Pat!!*
More pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!

 

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#275:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:36 am

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Little girls should be seen and not heard, ickle niece.

 

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#276:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:07 am

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*pokes tongue out at Auntie Pat!!*

 

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#277:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 2:12 am

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*Joins Vikki with the for both the ickle girl crack and for posting when I'd vanished!!!*

But good for Madge!!!!! *better not say any more in case i get my drabbles mixed up*
More please, or should I sign it so I'm seen and not heard?

 

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#278:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:02 am

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Thank you for all these posts Pat. Glad to see Madge is seeing the error of her ways.

 

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#279:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:15 am

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Wow Pat. More please???? pwetty pwease?

 

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#280:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:27 am

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Hmm, this has the potential to be nasty. I can't say Jem's reaction surprises me in the least, although I'm glad Madge is beginning to see sense.

 

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#281:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:56 am

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Go Madge, I'm glad she's waking up the the person she was!

 

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#282:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:32 am

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*rooting for Madge* Glad to see she's standing up fro herself, hope Jem doesn't get too nasty over her decision to be more independent...

Now Auntie Pat can we please have some more........

 

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#283:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:03 pm

---

I went out for a walk to clear my head and think things through. Jem wasn’t due to go to the San till later, and I knew I had to keep away, or I might have said something I would later regret. Oh Jo, I hadn’t realised until then just how accepting I had been, or how Jem really saw our relationship. The walk made me feel a lot better, and by the time I returned I had the house to myself. I sat down and put everything into writing, and it made me cry, though it had to be done. Then I left it in Jem’s study for him to read. Do you know, I don’t think he read more than the first few lines, for he came into the salon far too quickly after his return from the San. He was very dismissive, and suggested that I ought to see a doctor, as I must be unwell. He was very clear that he believed that women were very much weaker than men, and needed the careful guidance only men could provide! He seemed convinced that the success of the school has been because of his guidance, not through any effort made by myself, Mlle or Hilda. Being women, we are incapable of running anything like the school without a man’s guidance. However, this time I was prepared, and I told him of the near disaster of the Board Meeting, caused by blindly following his advice. Do you know, he said I must have mismanaged it! If I had done as he had said, everything would have been straight forward! I told him that I totally disagreed with him, and he suddenly became very kind and gentle, as if he was speaking to an idiot. He seemed to think that I was ill or disturbed, and needed to go to bed and rest. I flatly refused, and we had an almighty row. We are not speaking at all now, Jo, and I find that I do not mind in the least. In fact, it shows how little we spoke to each other at all. Now that I have come to my senses, I shall have to do something; what, I do not yet know, but I simply cannot continue like this. I cannot accept Jem’s autocratic attitude any longer, but whether I can realistically expect him to change at his age is doubtful. I need to get completely away before I can come to any decision, so may I come out to you, please? I won’t get in your way, my dear, but I do need space to consider my options.

Please let me know as soon as possible, but don’t phone, Jo. Jem may answer, and of course, he can always listen on the extension if he is at home. I suspect that he has been listening to my phone calls, as whilst we were still speaking, he let things drop that he could not possibly know any other way.

Your loving sister

Madge

Jo looked up from the letter with tears in her eyes. She herself had often found Jem overbearing, especially since she had been an adult. Even after her own marriage, she had been given unwanted advice and guidance by her brother-in-law, and it had been one reason that she had been so keen for Jack to take over the Swiss branch of the San. She had felt that he too was in danger of becoming swamped by Jem’s overwhelming sense of his own rightness.

 

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#284:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:06 pm

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Oh poor Madge! Glad she stood up for herslef though, hope Joey invites her out fast and she then gets the time and space she needs...

Thank you Auntie Pat...

 

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#285:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:10 pm

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Goodness, Madge has really woken up with a vengeance, hasn't she? And I can just see Jem behaving in that way.

 

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#286:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:21 pm

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Oh poor Madge, Jem - disliking him thoroughly right now.

 

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#287:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:39 pm

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Hope Madge manages to get away.

More please, Auntie Pat!

 

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#288:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:42 pm

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Jem is really becoming the villain of the piece isn't he!

 

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#289:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:56 pm

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Nasty nasty Jem

More please Pat!!

 

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#290:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 2:14 pm

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Evil Jem
Hope Joey gets Madge away from him soon!

 

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#291:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:17 pm

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The school
The school at large streamed away to their various Splasheries, the new people shown the way by established members of the various forms. The new Sixth Formers were shown to their own Splashery by the housemaster.
“This is your cloakroom – or Splashery as they call them here, he said. “You each have a peg for your coat and towel, and a shoe locker. You will be expected to change into indoor shoes when you come over to the school building each day. When you’re ready, I’ll take you to the Speisesaal for Abendessen.” He carefully ignored the faces that Tim Brothers was pulling at the use of the German words, feeling that it was wiser to let it ride for the time being.
Before long they joined the long stream of girls marching to the Speisesaal, where they found that they were placed at the Sixth Form table. Some of the Prefects had charge of other tables, but the rest found themselves intermingled – with the boys spread well out around the table. After the brief Latin Grace, which was familiar to most of the boys – they sat down to a wonderful meal of veal, with tiny fried potatoes, accompanied by baby vegetables, and covered with a wonderful creamy sauce. Even Tim Brothers had no complaints to make. This was followed by one of Karen’s fruit concoctions, and finished off by cups of milky coffee. The younger girls were beginning to nod over the table by the time they were all dismissed, and the Sixth Form as a whole made its way to their Common Room.

 

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#292:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:19 pm

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Thanks Auntie Pat!! Tim sounds rather immature, pulling face sover foreign words...can see him being trouble!

 

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#293:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:22 pm

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Yay, thankyou Pat!

 

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#294:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:27 pm

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Thanks Pat. I'm unsure which to chant for next - Madge's story or Tim Brothers getting taken down a few pegs. Umm ... decisions, decisions. More please Pat

 

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#295:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:57 pm

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Poor Madge. What a life she led with Jem. I hope that she can be happy now (either with or withourt Jem).

 

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#296:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 4:16 pm

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I'll try and write on the train to Wolverhampton tomorrow!

 

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#297:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 4:34 pm

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Thanks Pat, *doubly intrigued now*

 

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#298:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 4:52 pm

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i'm on the national Committee for the library system we use - and we have ameeting tomorrow

 

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#299:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:46 pm

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Hope the committee meeting goes well Pat. But I'm disappointed it wasn't another post.

 

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#300:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 6:11 pm

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Thanks Pat, can't wait to see how the girls deal with Tim!
Hope the meeting isn't too boring

 

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#301:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:34 pm

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Wonderful - thank you Pat - hope Joey flies to the rescue - how terrible for madge to suddenly wake up to all of that. Especially the bits about listening to her calls and believing the success of the School was all his own work!!!

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Mar 16, 2004 1:46 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#302:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:40 pm

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What a plonker Jem is. Totally ignores all Hilda's hard work, not to mention the rest of the staff. Typical arrogant man.

 

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#303:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:00 pm

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I would like to read about Tim being taken down a peg or two. And the same happening to Jem would be good.

 

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#304:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:49 pm

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Perhaps dear Aunty Pat would be able to manage both in the same post, an enormous episode. That would please everyone.

 

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#305:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:56 pm

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But you know what they say about trying to please everyone...

I don't care what you do to them, Aunty Pat, s'long as it's nasty and soon!

 

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#306:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:18 pm

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*starting to feel rather sorry for Pat*

 

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#307:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 1:40 am

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Poor Madge. Hope she can come to terms with what she had become and do something permanent about it.

Looking forward to hearing how the boys get on in the school.

 

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#308:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 2:05 am

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Thanks Pat, that was all so interesting. Poor Madge. Nasty Jem, don't like Tim much either.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next

 

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#309:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 4:18 am

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*eyes Auntie Pat hopefully*

 

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#310:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:14 am

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please Auntie Pat..... *appealing gaze*

 

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#311:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 5:47 pm

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More please, said in a croaky voice, as if heartbroken not to find more drabble.

 

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#312:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 6:32 pm

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Well the train journey was reasonably productive, and I have 4/5 pages of handwritten story (we don't all have laptops!!!). I need my tea, and I'm not sure what's on the TV tonight, but I'll try and type some up. If not you'll just have to practice that thing called patience until i get to work tomorrow!!

 

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#313:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 6:33 pm

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Patience? *goes off to hunt down the dictionary*

Isn't it amazing how condusive train journeys are to getting things done?

 

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#314:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:24 pm

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*hopes Auntie Pat will get lots of typing done*

 

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#315:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:41 pm

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Looking forward with anticipation Auntie Pat.

 

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#316:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 8:58 pm

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Madge

Without more ado Jo sat down and wrote a reply to her sister, inviting her to stay for as long as she needed, knowing that Jack would be happy with the arrangement. Before the week was out Jo was on her way to the airport at Berne to meet Madge, ho had managed to book a flight almost immediately. As she spotted the familiar figure coming through the arrivals Gate she waved frantically, pushing through the crowd to envelope her sister in a fierce hug.
“Oh Madge, it’s so good to see you. How are you, old thing? What did Jem say? Or doesn’t he know?”
“Jo, slow down! I’m fine - and heaps better for being out here. As for Jem, he knows now, I assume - I left a note for him. I told you we weren’t speaking.”
Jo giggled like a schoolgirl. “You mean you just packed and came away without saying a word to him? That’s not like you, Madge.”
“I know it’s not. Perhaps it ought to have been - or a little more like me anyway. We train our girls to be strong women, and I have been behaving like a spineless jellyfish for years.”
“That’s all over now Madge. What a shock he must have had when he read your note! I wish I could have seen his face!”
They had been walking towards Jo’s car whilst they spoke, and before long they were threading their way through the traffic, and out onto the road to Interlaken. A couple of hours later they were pulling up outside Jo’s home and Madge was revelling in the clear mountain air.
“Oh I was so right to have come,” she said. “You can think more clearly in the mountains. I have missed them so much.”
As they entered the house, they were met by Anna, Jo’s faithful maid. “The Herr Doktor Russell has phoned, mein Frau,” she said, wiping the smile from Madge’s face. “He would like you to ring him as soon as you arrive.”
“Go up to your usual room Madge and settle in. I’ll ring him!” Jo urged her sister up the stairs, and then turned and went into her study, shutting the door firmly behind her. Her conversation with Jem was brief and to the point. “Madge has just this minute arrived and is upstairs. Yes she’s fine. No I’m not calling her to the phone. If she wishes to speak to you she’ll ring when she has had a rest, I’m sure.”
Jem was obviously in a towering rage, for Jo had to hold the receiver away from her ear for fear of being deafened.
“I don’t know what part you played in this Jo, but Madge’s place is here, running my home! She’s my wife for God’s sake, and she seems to have forgotten that recently.”
“Jo grinned as the voice ranted on, thankful that it was not Madge on the receiving end, and that she been given a glimpse of the reaction she had wanted to see. When he finally ran out of words, she spoke calmly and softly, but very clearly, in marked contrast to her brother-in-law. “Jem, she is a good deal more than just your wife. She is a woman in her own right, and she is quite capable of making decisions for herself. To my mind your attitude is stuck somewhere in the Nineteenth Century, and it’s time you woke up to the fact that we are in the second half of the Twentieth Century. You have no right to order her about as if you owned her.” With that she put the receiver down with exaggerated care, and a broad smile on her face. She had been wanting to say something like that to Jem for a very long time. The smile faded when she rejoined her sister, and took in the strained white look that she wore.
“Madge, go into the Salon and make yourself comfy. I’m going to get the tea trolley. I’m not saying anything until you have a hot cup of tea inside you.” Jo whisked herself away before Madge could voice an objection. When she returned, wheeling the trolley, her sister was standing at the window, looking out at the wonderful view of the great Jungfrau. Leaving the trolley by her chair, Jo went to stand beside her. The sun was shining brightly, and reflecting off the snow that coated the slopes.
“She’s so majestic, isn’t she?” mused Madge. “It puts all our problems into perspective. She’ll be there when we are all gone, looking down on other peoples troubles, as she looks down on mine. ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. From whence cometh my help?’”
“My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and Earth,” finished Jo as Madge apused. “Come and have your tea, and we can talk properly.”

 

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#317:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:14 pm

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Thanks Pat. That was a wonderful speech from Joey. Jem really has it coming to him

 

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#318:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:18 pm

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Thanks Pat. Yay for Jo!!! (Never thought I'd hear myself say that!)

and Jem

 

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#319:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:46 pm

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Thanks Pat. Looking forward to more when you have time!

 

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#320:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:49 pm

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Double yay for Joey. And a boo for Jem.

Thanks for that bit Pat.

 

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#321:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:54 pm

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Excellent Pat!!!

and Jem!!!

 

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#322:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:11 pm

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Pat, that was excellent. It was so good to see Joey handling the situation with some wisdom and not loosing it with Jem.

Hope there's more soon.

 

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#323:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:59 pm

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Thanks for that Pat! Great to see someone tell Jem what they think of him and his values!

 

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#324:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:46 pm

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Wow, so we all like Joey in this story! Good for her! I can't help expecting Jem to come rampaging up to claim his wife, though.

 

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#325:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:47 pm

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It's a shame that the next bit is going to be about the school then, isn't it?!!

 

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#326:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:58 pm

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Actually, as long as we get more soon, I don't mind!

 

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#327:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 12:58 pm

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Thanks for that Pat. It is so nice to see Jo behaving nicely for once. Wonders what Jem will say if her turns up or phones up and speaks to Jack and finds that he agrees with Madge and Jo.

 

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#328:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 1:40 pm

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Yayyy! Well done Joey! And good for Madge! And to Jem!

Thank you Pat!

 

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#329:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 7:43 pm

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Arrived at the pleasant room assigned to the Sixth, the group settled themselves into the comfortable cane chairs provided. The room had obviously been completely refurbished during the holidays, as had the rest of the school. The polished floor boards had gay rugs scattered over it, and the chair covers matched the curtains, the material depicting a modern neutral pattern rather than the pretty lowers more usual in the school. The walls, painted a pale yellow, were hung with prints of famous landscape paintings. Cupboards to hold their possessions occupied the wall opposite the windows, and magazines for all tastes lay scattered on the low coffee tables. The boys were startled to see that these were in all the three languages the school used, even those obviously supplied for their use.
“They certainly take the language thing seriously, don’t they?” commented Martin.
“Well, you’d expect that, surely,” replied Arda van Staa. “After all, that’s one of the main reasons we are here, to become fluent in languages. I like the new furnishings, by the way. The chairs we had last year were on their last legs. The whole school looks as clean and shining as a new pin.”
“We had an extensive refurbishment over the hols,” explained a tall elegant damsel. “I’m Angela Marsh. Welcome to the school.”
At that moment a bell pealed out, and the talking stopped abruptly, much to the boys surprise. The girls all made a bee-line for the door, and Anglea smiled sympathetically .
“Prayers,” she said. “Protestants go to the main part of Hall, and Catholics to the bit at the back. Follow me and I’ll show you. Oh, and we’re not supposed to talk now, and never, after today, in the corridors.”
Once in the large Hall, they found most of the rest of the school there before them, barring only the Juniors who had already gone to bed. Miss Annersley led the staff onto the dais, and stood by her lectern.
“I won’t keep you tonight,” she said. “We shall have a short act of worship, and then you may go to bed. All other announcements may wait until tomorrow.” She smiled down at the rows of faces before her, and was rewarded by a positive sea of smiles in response. Many of the new folk were startled at the obvious involvement of the school in the prayers which followed. The prospectus had emphasised the strong Christian ethos of the school, but many of the new pupils – the younger ones especially – had expected that the school at large would pay little more than lip-service to this, whatever the staff may have done. That this was not so was immediately evident, and many people made a rapid revision of their expectations. Chief amongst these was tim, who had little interest in faith of any kind, although his family were all devout church-goers. He had a tendency to sneer at such things,a nd to his mind this ranked alongside the forcible use od foreign languages as another black mark against the school. However, he hid his thoughts, and to all outward appearances joined in the service as devoutly as the others.
At the end of prayers, their Housemaster met the boys at the doors to Hall. “Collect your things from the Splashery and meet me at the side door that you came in by. We’ll go over to St Michael’s, which is your boarding house,” he said.
St Michael’s lay some distance from the rest of the school, having previously housed St Mildred’s, the finishing Branch of the school.

 

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#330:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 7:48 pm

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Thanks Pat! It's nice to see some of the boys settling in, I hope Tim gets taken down a peg or two soon though!

 

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#331:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 7:50 pm

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This had been moved to a new building at the other end of the Platz, and this building converted for the boys. At present there was plenty of room, but if the school as a whole was to become coeducational, this accommodation would be inadequate, and other arrangements would have to be made. The path was covered against the snow, and was illuminated by a series of lights set low to the ground, though as yet they were unnecessary. Arrived at St Michael’s the bouys were ushered into the chalet where they were met by their Matron, a slim person in a modern uniform of trousers and matching tunic.

 

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#332:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 7:50 pm

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Hmmm, think Tim needs a good

 

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#333:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 8:52 pm

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Young Tim is really setting himself up for a fall here, isn't he?

Looking forward to it when it comes! Thanks Pat!

 

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#334:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 9:21 pm

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Hmmm hope there aren't any problems if the matron is sexy...

 

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#335:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 9:50 pm

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I think that the authorities would be on to the potential problem of a sexy Matron!!!

“Come along in, and I’ll show you round before taking you up to your rooms,” she said. They were introduced to a Common Room, with upholstery in a smart geometric design, which they could use in bad weather, or if they wanted a little more privacy. Upstairs were small dormitories for four or five people, divided into the traditional cubicles by gaily patterned curtains. There was a separate bedroom for Martin, who was told that he had been appointed the school’s first Head Boy. He was pleased to find that it would also double as a study, allowing him a certain amount of peace for his work. The appointment of Head Boy had been something of a dilemma for the authorities, as they had no knowledge of the boys on which to base their selection. However, reports from their previous schools made the choice easier, ad after some discussion, and conversations with the Heads concerned, the decision had been made.

 

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#336:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 10:14 pm

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Oh thanks Pat - I assume there is a Head Boy and a Head Girl?

Good job silly Tim wasn't appointed!

 

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#337:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 10:17 pm

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Thanks Pat, this looks as if it could get very interesting for Tim and Martin. Are there to be some male prefects as well?

 

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#338:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 10:59 pm

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Just caught up on a bunch of posts!

1. Echoes the 'Yay for Joey' posts. It's actually refreshing to have a nice an competent Joey!
2. Prepared to help take Jem down a peg if needed!
3. I like the way you are introducing the boys. Agree that our problem boy will need some firm handling. Loved the detail of the boys quarters.

More please, when you have time, of course.

 

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#339:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 11:00 pm

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I would imagine there would have to be some male prefects, just as when the CS and St. Scholastika's combined, there were prefects for both. This is excellent, Pat! I love the way you're building Tim up!

 

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#340:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 11:21 pm

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Oooh lots of lovely drabble tonight, thanks Pat!

 

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#341:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 11:28 pm

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I wrote everything on the train yesterday, so I didn't have my lists with me!! Yes there will be boy Prefects, but I was going by memory! I'm in Halifax tomorrow, for another meeting - driving - so won't be writing any more during the day. Sorry. I'm meeting PatMac for coffee afterwards.

 

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#342:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:41 am

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Glad to see all the story. Love the new male characters. Waiting to see Tim being taken down pegs.



Have a nice time with PatMac.

 

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#343:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 3:18 am

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Yay!! Thank you Auntie Pat!! More please!!!

 

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#344:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 7:27 am

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Well, I hope the two Pats have a great time!

 

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#345:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:40 am

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I'm sure the 2 Pats will have a really good chat and I'm quite excited!

 

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#346:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 12:12 pm

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Hope you both have fun!! And hope that the driving is productive thinking time for Auntie Pat....thank you for all the lovely story. Adds to yay's for Joey and in the ing of Jem...

 

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#347:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 12:24 pm

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Jo's speech was very restrained and effective. Enjoy your coffee Pats!

 

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#348:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 12:52 pm

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Hope you have a good time Pat and Pat! And hoping for a wee bit more story soon too!

 

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#349:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 4:59 pm

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Well, Jo certainly told Jem, and about time someone did! Can just see Tim coming an awful cropper with his superieor attitude, especially if the girls run rings round him academically.

 

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#350:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:03 pm

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Hope the two Pats had a nice time!
Will there be more drabble soon?

 

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#351:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:06 pm

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Yes, we had a lovely long chat! Pat brought her photo album of the gathering so now I've got faces to put to most names, which is really nice.

We talked longer than either of us thought we would so Pat hit the rush hour on the M62 and M1 so don't hold your collective breaths for more drabble!

 

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#352:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:15 pm

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So glad to hear 2pats had a good time, hope Pat didn't get stuck for too long as that's a rotten end to a goiod day and thank you Pat for telling us.

Wonder how many Pats it would be possible to get into a sentence without confusing myself?

 

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#353:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:46 pm

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Traffic was busy, but no real hold-ups. Too many cars to think about other things though!
We had a lovely chat, and want a Northern gather if possible.

 

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#354:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:49 pm

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That's a nice idea. What did you have in mind?

 

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#355:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 10:07 pm

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Leeds or Manchester as places with good rail links.

 

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#356:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 10:16 pm

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Seconds Pat's post as some people don't have cars. Leeds connects N,S,E,W and so does Manchester. We thought of starting with an afternoon, including English tea and then moving on from there. One of us, and we didn't get as far as deciding who, will start a thread for interested people ( which means we have to decide who will do it or there will be 2 threads or none ). *memo to self, liaise with Pat*. We're not being exclusive and saying no Southerners can come but be sure you've got your visas up to date

 

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#357:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 10:58 pm

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Glad you had fun, guys!

 

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#358:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:03 pm

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Reminds those poor benighted souls living south of Watford Gap that full passports are required to enter the civilised world.

 

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#359:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:12 pm

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Well if you decided on Manchester and with some decent notice I could probably join you for a few hours. After all, I'm a Northerner- even if it's only NI! *snigger* And I did spend 6 or 7 months in Liverpool...

 

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#360:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:17 pm

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Have posted a new thread in the Gather forum for those interested.

 

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#361:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 2:36 am

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Susan wrote:

Thanks for that Pat. It is so nice to see Jo behaving nicely for once. Wonders what Jem will say if her turns up or phones up and speaks to Jack and finds that he agrees with Madge and Jo.

But what if Jack agrees with Jem?
Thanks Pat, considering you've spent so much time travelling you've managed to produce ever such a lot - I'm also waiting to see Tm get taken down a peg or two, and it would be really nice if Jem could come to see how misguided he is.
Oh, and I'm half way between north & south - where does that leave me?

 

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#362:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 9:50 am

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Ellie wrote:

Oh, and I'm half way between north & south - where does that leave me?

In the middle, of course!

 

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#363:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 10:58 am

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and therefore able to do either or even both!!

 

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#364:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:05 am

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Ellie, you're north of the Gap!!! I lived for 9 months at Cranwell, and never considered it to be in the south!!

 

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#365:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:32 am

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*Mildly surprised that there is civilisation north of Watford!*

(Yes that is my tongue firmly in my cheek! )

 

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#366:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:35 am

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*shocked* you mean there is...!!!

 

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#367:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:38 am

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Well, perhaps not civilisation as we know it Nell, but certainly something!

 

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#368:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:39 am

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*giggles* question is what is that something...rounds huts and clubs and men dresses in animal skins????

 

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#369:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:44 am

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Oh I don't know - perhaps they have discovered agriculture - that's the start for civilisation isn't it?

(Lesley is well aware that she has set herself up for any number of falls here! )

 

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#370:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:51 am

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Lesley, you will fall, sooner or later, mark my words, you will fall.

 

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#371:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:54 am

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Ooh, a threat! A serious-sounding one, too!

 

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#372:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:59 am

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there is certainly no civilisation in the south-east!! no one speaks to anyone else in bus queues!!!

 

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#373:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:20 pm

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Interesting definition of civilisation there Pat!

 

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#374:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:26 pm

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It indicates the rush rush rush everywhere, with no time for anyone else feeling you get down there!!!

 

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#375:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 2:43 pm

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Thank you Pat, I'm so glad Joey had a word with Jem!

I'm half northern as my Mum's from Lancashire, and so realise just what a beautiful place it is

 

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#376:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 2:54 pm

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*mutters* still think its uncivilised, I mean they so think they are superior even when everyone knows that those from south of the Gap are clearly so! As for agriculture making you civilised thought it was only to feed those of us living in towns in the south-east....

*sits back and waits for reaction*

 

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#377:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 2:59 pm

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Nell wrote:

*mutters* still think its uncivilised, I mean they so think they are superior even when everyone knows that those from south of the Gap are clearly so! As for agriculture making you civilised thought it was only to feed those of us living in towns in the south-east.... *sits back and waits for reaction*

Such ignorance, as there is no hope for someone as entrenched in their backwardness I think it most advidable to ignore the comment and will therfore say no more at this time.

 

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#378:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:01 pm

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*giggles*

 

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#379:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:01 pm

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I feel that I have a right to comment, as I was born in London ( )!!!!

 

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#380:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:02 pm

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Go on then!!

 

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#381:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:06 pm

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I already did! You couldn't pay me enough to live down there!!!!

 

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#382:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:07 pm

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Well said Pat, we just need to move you to the right side of the Pennines now.

 

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#383:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 8:45 pm

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Do you seriously expect a Yorkshireman to move west? I like Yorkshire too!

 

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#384:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 10:35 pm

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After a good night’s sleep, everyone rose refreshed and ready to start the new term properly. Peter took it upon himself to make sure that his charges got through their dormitory chores and came down to Fruhstuck on time. This would be taken at their own house, to allow time for bed making afterwards, and for the first morning at least, all were on time. The cold or chill-off baths had no terrors for them, for they had had to endure them at their old schools. The bed making was a chore to be got through, and more than one was called back by Matron to re-do his bed before they were allowed across to the main school. The dusting caused the greatest shock, for boys public schools set no store by domestic skills for their pupils, and this was the first time most of them had had to do such a thing. However, eventually all was done to Matron’s satisfaction, and the new pupils made their way along the passage to the Common room in the main building. Once away from the school staff they gave free reign to their opinions, much to the delight of the Senior girls. They had been afraid that the boys would be free of these duties, and were delighted to learn that they were not.
“It will do you good to learn to look after yourselves,” laughed Michelle Squires, a slim person with a mass of dark wavy hair, carefully confined by a clasp at the nape of her neck. “Why should you be any different to us?”
“You’re girls,” growled Tim. “It’s different for you. You’ll need to know these things when you marry and have a home to run. We’ll be out at work all day. Anyway, dusting and things is women’s work.” A speech calculated not to endear him to any of his female listeners.

At this point the bell for prayers rang out, and they filed out of the room and along to Hall. Once the Catholics had joined the rest, Miss Annersley moved to the front of the dais.
“I hope you all had a good night’s sleep, and are ready to work hard this term,” she said. “As you can see, our promised refurbishment has gone ahead, and I trust you approve of the results.” A burst of applause greeted her words, and she let them have their heads for a few minutes before raising her hand for silence. “There is a lot to get through, so we must not waste any time. I’m going to ask Miss Dene to call the roll, so that you all know which form you will be in this term, and then I will tell you who your prefects are.”

Rosalie Dene stepped forward with her long list of names, and beginning with the First Form worked her way up to the Sixth. Various soft gasps greeted the names of those who had gained their remove unexpectedly, or those who had been left behind their chums, but in general the school listened quietly enough. Finally Rosalie resumed her seat, and the head moved forward once more.
“I shall read out the Form Prefects first,” she said. “Then the School Prefects.” All listened intently as the names were read out. Finally only the small group of prefects names were left, and she smiled across at the Sixth before she lifted the relevant sheet. “We have more prefects than usual, now that we have a co-educational Sixth. This means that the post of Games Prefect will now be held by two people, and we will have a Head Boy as well as Head Girl. The two Games prefects will be Arda van Staa and Andrew. Head Girl is Michelle Squires, and Head Boy Martin Honey.”

Once the badges of office had been affixed to the uniforms, Prayers were over, and the school were dismissed to go for a brisk walk along the Platz before returning for unpacking, and a series of short lessons designed to allow the staff to set prep.

 

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