The CBB :: View topic - A Surfeit of Rach(a)els.

#1001: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 12:14 am

That was great, Lesley! It's so in keeping with the way you've drawn both of them! I thought she was crying as well - so glad she wasn't though! Very Happy

#1002: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 12:20 am

Lovely, Lesley. I thought we were in for a serious split there - should have known better!

#1003: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:58 am

Yay!!! thank you Lesley!!!
Still looking forward to that article though...... Wink

#1004: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 4:12 am

Six o'clock in the morning? On a freezing cold surfboard? That's inhuman!! Much as I love Bill, somehow I think the payback has just begun.

#1005: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 10:58 am

LOL!!

I just knew it was a wind-up! Those eyes were just too grave and serious and I was convinced the shaking shoulders were giggles!!

Poor Nell - she did deserve it but I'm disappointed that she didn't clock what Hilda was up to earlier!

Full marks to Hilda for dramatic improvisation - she's certainly learnt a thing or two in the real world!! Very Happy

#1006: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:02 am

*lol* Sensational stuff, Lesley! Good for Hilda, getting her revenge like that! She's very good at getting what she wants from Nell!

#1007: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:19 am

*giggles* that was great Lesley.

#1008: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:06 pm

When's the next bit going to be Lesley. Wink

#1009: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:16 pm

*giggles* Ah, that was good Lesley!

*chants for more*

#1010: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:24 pm

*joins in chant*

#1011: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:53 pm

The trouble of enjoying a story is that you always want more of it. Never satisfied, that's us! More please, Lesley! Very Happy

#1012: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:12 pm

Thanks Lesley, that was great. I must admit that when Hilda first called Nell into the office, I was quite worried that she was seriously quite angry with her this time, so the remark about Nell being disloyal really shot home as far as I was concerned. I'm glad Hilda didn't actually take it so seriously though.

I guess thats everything I had to say, except more please!!

#1013: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 10:02 pm

Isn't there any more yet? What Laughing

can Lesley be thinking of?!

#1014: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 10:06 pm

She's too busy nagging other people to write!

#1015: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 10:09 pm

That's a disgrace. We should go after her with hammer

to remind her of her duty!

#1016: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:15 pm

Unfortunately reports didn't all get done as my office at work decided not to have any heating! Next bit!

The two friends smiled at each other and went back to the desk and sat down.

“I’ve got to ask, Hilda,” Miss Wilson began, “Why, after insisting on that article being published, did you then agree to go surfing?”

Miss Annersley smiled, “Because it was obvious that it meant a lot to the girls,” she said softly, “There are not many who would willingly place themselves in opposition to me, Nell. Especially as they were even prepared to threaten me!”

“So you intended to back down about the surfing anyway? But couldn’t allow any of us to think you’d been coerced.” Nell Wilson smiled, “You’re a very complicated person, Hilda!”

The following morning, as the grey skies of dawn appeared, the Head opened the door of their cottage just before six am. The three Prefects were waiting outside and smiled as she appeared,

“Morning Miss Annersley,” Alison said brightly, “We’ve been down to the beach, the waves are looking good!”

Miss Annersley smiled faintly, “You’ve no idea how happy that makes me, Alison,” she said dryly, her normally pale face seeming even paler in the half light. All three girls grinned. Miss Annersley invited the girls in and they had a quick coffee before walking down to the beach, Miss Wilson joined them.

“I didn’t think you’d be able to come surfing, Miss Wilson,” Carol said.

Miss Wilson smiled, “I can’t Carol, not until my hand has healed. I’m just here to watch, and to lend the Head moral support!”

“And because the Head didn’t see why she should be the only one up this early!” Miss Annersley put in softly.

On the beach everyone except Miss Wilson pulled on a wet suit before walking toward the water. Four boards were stuck upright in the sand near the water’s edge. Louise, the acknowledged master at surfing, was attempting to give the Head some instruction as they walked into the water. Even from twenty feet away, Miss Wilson was able to see her friend was shivering! The four slowly paddled out into some of the smaller waves, thinking it was better if the Head tried with smaller ones to start with, at the next largish swell all four started paddling furiously.

Miss Wilson watched intently as first Alison, then Louise caught the wave and swiftly stood up on their boards, as the wave reached Carol and the Head they both seemed to be riding it. Carol stood up on her board, balancing with consummate ease, Miss Annersley stood on her board and promptly fell off again, head butting the wave as she did so! The three girls rode in on the surf but Miss Wilson was watching for her friend, she surfaced behind the wave and swam determinedly over to where her board was floating merrily.

For the next 20-30 minutes the cycle was repeated, the girls would paddle out with the Head to some likely waves and wait with her until they could all catch one wave, then, while the girls would stand on their boards and surf in, Miss Annersley would swiftly overbalance and fall back into the sea. Sometimes she would be able to retrieve her board easily, other times though it had been swept in to the shore and the Head would have to swim back in fetch it. By the end of 30 minutes it was obvious she was tiring and, as she swam in to retrieve her board, Miss Wilson waded out to her,

“Hilda, you’ve had enough now, come in,” she said softly, careful to keep her right arm up out of the water, she pulled her friend upright with her left. Miss Annersley didn’t argue, she was obviously tired and cold.

“Nell, is the thrill of the ride worth all of this?” she asked quietly, “Only I’m not sure if I can face this for another nine days!”

Miss Wilson nodded, “It’s worth it, Hilda,” she said intently, “If you could just experience it once you’d have no doubts!”

“Perhaps I can help there!” another voice, masculine, intervened. Both women looked across to see Shane Coates standing on the beach, he was dressed for surfing and had a board under one arm. He smiled rather shyly at both women, “Miss Annersley, if you could experience what it felt like to ride a wave, I guarantee it would inspire you!”

The Head smiled slightly, “Unfortunately it doesn’t look as though that’s going to happen any time soon, Shane,”

“It will if you come out with me, ma’am,” Shane blushed slightly, “I’ll carry you on my board, all you’ll need to do is just stand completely still.”

A few minutes later Miss Wilson watched as her friend and the young security guard swam out, past the smaller waves being surfed by the girls to the far larger breakers further out. She saw the Head moving to sit on Shane Coates’ board in front of the man himself. As the next breaker appeared Shane paddled furiously for the top and caught the wave. He swiftly stood up on the board then quickly reached down to lift Miss Annersley to her feet. With his arm around her waist he guided the board and his passenger across the crest of the wave and down the face. The run continued for some time with the board reaching all the way into the shallows before the wave’s power dissipated. As it did, Shane stepped off of the board, lifting the Head with him.

“Well, was I right?” He asked diffidently.

Miss Annersley gave him a broad grin, “definitely,” she said with passion, “Now I know the experience, I’ll keep going!”

How weird - the clock has obviously been fixed and it's placed this post before some others that were made earlier but when clock was an hour ahead!!

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Feb 26, 2004 6:12 am; edited 2 times in total

#1017: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:49 pm

*g* Lovely, more soon?

#1018: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:52 pm

Thanks Lelsey. That seemed fine to me, and Hilda csame out on top again so all well with the world.

#1019: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:55 pm

I bet Hilda take to it like anything now she knows what it is like. she's a very determined lady!

Sorry about the reports Lesley. My week is like that, too!

#1020: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:01 am

She is hoping to post tonight but is buried in work and reports I think ....

#1021: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:47 am

Wonderful Lesley!!! Lots more soon please!!!

#1022: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:52 am

Yippee, fab Lesley! More soon please, hammer

RL for you Very Happy

#1023: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 3:09 am

*hopes Lesleys reports got themselves written so she can concentrate on the drabble*

Any chance of anymore...... I need my fix..... for some unknown reason I have eaten no chocolate all week .... I need my drabble fixes thogh!

#1024: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 8:54 am

Wonderful stuff, Lesley! I'm glad Hilda enjoyed it, although it would be nice if there was something she couldn't do well.

#1025: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:14 am

Fabulous!!

(Can't believe I'm feeling slightly envious of Hilda!!)

#1026: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:53 pm

Yay! Good old Hilda!

Hope RL subsides soon Lesley!

#1027: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 1:25 pm

Just caught up with this, Lesley, great as always.

#1028: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 5:27 pm

I would have replied last night, had I been able to, and now I've completely forgotten what I was going to say.
Great fun as always, Lesley, except whe you are putting your charcters through all sorts of trials and tribulations of course.

#1029: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 7:03 pm

Sugarplum wrote:

Any chance of anymore...... I need my fix..... for some unknown reason I have eaten no chocolate all week .... I need my drabble fixes thogh!

Will it help if I tell you all about the lovely creme egg I have just eaten Sugarplum? Razz

#1030: Author: Grembles, Location: Norwich

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:12 pm

Bill should count herself lucky it was on Norfolk's news tonight about the school in court 'cos a pupil got burnt with a candle in a science lesson.

Life immitating art again?

full story here http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/News/story.asp?
datetime=26+Feb+2004+19%3A23&tbrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=NEWS&category=
News&brand=EDPOnline&itemid=NOED26+Feb+2004+19%
3A24%3A28%3A357

Edited by Rachel: Removed the hyperlink and shortened the lines as it was making the page awkward to read - those of you wishing to follow the link copy and paste the text in blue, but remove the "enters"!

Last edited by Grembles on Thu Feb 26, 2004 11:53 pm; edited 1 time in total

#1031: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:55 pm

*wonders where Lesley is.......* Wink

#1032: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:58 pm

Busy with reports again?

Ray *suspecting she's going to have to wait until tomorrow to get more*

#1033: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 11:47 pm

*joining the waiters*
Lesley are you comin' soon? Crying or Very sad

#1034: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 11:53 pm

*drapes white serviette over Lisa's arm*

Soup, please. No flies.

#1035: Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 11:57 pm

Who ordered the vegie lasagne?

Here's the Baileys as well. *joins the waiters*

The reports can wait this is more important!! *ducking to hide*

ETA: Great minds think alike, don't they Angel Smile

#1036: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 12:01 am

Veggie Lasagne was my main, thanks.

And when did I creep up to 300+ posts????

#1037: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 12:10 am

It obviously snuck up on you *chases
Angel with her serviette and the vegie lasagne*

#1038: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 1:30 am

Quote:

Will it help if I tell you all about the lovely creme egg I have just eaten Sugarplum?

No but if Lesley were to write some more maybe my craving would go away !

#1039: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 1:45 am

was that just a subtle hint sugarplum?! Laughing

#1040: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 1:57 am

I think the time for subtle hints has passed! In fact, I think there ain't gonna be any! *goes off to wail and play with bibliographies* fume

- at the bibs, not Lesley... Laughing

#1041: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 2:13 am

*wails like Margot in a bad temper*

but I need my fix!

#1042: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 3:20 am

*gloomy* so do I. But right now I'm more worried about this stupid proposal. Why oh why do I leave work to the last minute?! And I'm so sleepy.....ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

#1043: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:30 am

Sorry everyone about last night but I didn't get in till late and was too tired to think straight - more this afternoon!

#1044: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:10 am

Oh lesley, I got all hopeful then thinking there was more story. oh well, hope you're ok. looking forward to reading some later.

#1045: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 1:01 pm

It's past 12, it's the afternoon!

#1046: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 1:19 pm

good point Sarah. So come on Lesley, where are you? Wink

#1047: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 4:16 pm

Hope RL isn't being too much of a pain, Lesley, and looking forward to the next installment.

#1048: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:15 pm

It's well nigh evening now! Lesley!!!!

#1049: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:17 pm

Lesley's probably stuck on the M25, which is good for us as she gets her best ideas when that happens.

#1050: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:31 pm

Except that she's not here to tell us about them!

#1051: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:48 pm

She will be soon.

I hope.

#1052: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 7:15 pm

*kicks board to make sure she's logged in*

*stamps foot*

I've had a drecky day at work; my teeth still hurt...I was REALLY hoping to find more of this to cheer me up.

Leeeessssleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!

Ray *pouting*

#1053: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 7:34 pm

No more yet? *pouts*

Pleeeeeeeease Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeey!!!

#1054: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 7:39 pm

What's a 'drecky' day Ray - I suspect that I've had one of those too, and I'm also in need of cheering up, hint hint Lesley.

#1055: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 7:48 pm

Not as bad as it could have been, but not a great day.

Ray *giving Ellie a huggle*

#1056: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:09 pm

Apologies for the wait - thanks for those who have PM'd me with their surname - anyone who hasn't and wants to be in RCS please let me know!

Conversations in the Staff Room,

“Have the Heads discovered any more about who sent that smoke bomb?” Nancy Wilmot asked Ruth Derwent, it was early evening and most of the School had free time. While the Juniors and Kindergarten had some supervision, Middles and Seniors were allowed a certain freedom from restriction, hence the Staff Room, as always, was quite full.

The Senior Mistress looked across, “Hilda told us today during the Senior Management briefing, she said we could pass the information on to our Staff,” she said gravely, “the Police have got back those forensic reports, the ones sent by Connor’s boss? It wasn’t a smoke bomb that malfunctioned, it was the real thing! Something called a pipe bomb, I think he said!”

“My God!” Janet McRae, sat next to her boss, exclaimed, “then it was deliberate?”

Ruth nodded, “Apparently the police are trying to trace whoever this Rachel is - she’s wanted for attempted murder!”

…

“It’s no good, however I try and work it, getting more than 4 per team just will not work, that means that, for each game there’s a maximum of 24 people. We’ve got between 150 and 200 girls plus 20 or 30 Staff.” KB announced.

“I thought Staff numbers would be lower,” Kathryn said, surprised,

“Not when we include the House Staff as well,” KB said glumly.

“You’ll have to make it a proper tournament then,” Catherine Laidler put in, “have up to ten games going at a time, work out some way of eventually ending up with 6 winners all playing each other.”

“It wouldn’t be boring for those out of the competition would it?” Kathryn asked.

“Not if all the audience were divided up to cheer on each colour,” Donna said with a grin.

“Good idea, Donna!” Catherine returned, “And we could always have our own competition in the Staff Room later!”

…

At the first sound of the phone, Pat picked up the receiver, “Hello, Real Chalet School, Teachers’ lounge,”

“Hi, Pat, were you sitting on the phone?”

Pat laughed, “Hello Esmer.. Sorry Ellie, no I just knew you’d be ringing so I could answer it quickly! Well, are you going to be joining us for half term?”

“Yes, both Vikki and I have the weekend off and will be along - you’re sure it’s OK with the Heads?”

“Yes, no problem, Nell said you could stay the entire weekend - ‘the more the merrier’- were her exact words!”

“Good.” Ellie paused then, “Pat have you heard anymore about the cause of the explosion?”

“Not much, why?”

“Well some of the local police are members of the Fitness club, they’ve been saying that they are seriously looking for this Rachel.”

“Yes, it’s rather worrying.”

"Especially as one of the places they are looking is the School!"

#1057: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:28 pm

Yay! I got to drop a bombshell! Thanks Lesley.
It's a slightly worrying development though - I thought the mysterious Rachel was in England for some reason........
Please carry on - as soon as possible, I'm getting concerned about everyones safety now.

#1058: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:28 pm

ARGH! Thank you Lesley Shocked

b-b-b-bout what now? *intrigued*

#1059: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:44 pm

Ray *starts to do a happy dance* *then realises where Lesley's left it* *boing!*

#1060: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:24 pm

Ah, ha! A surfeit of suspects. thanks, Lesley. I hope there's more soon!

#1061: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:59 pm

Thank you Lesley!!!
*looking forward to more*

#1062: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 11:27 pm

So which Rach(a)els are in the school?

#1063: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 11:54 pm

Is Rachel the Quidditch

at the school?

#1064: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 12:21 am

Rachel MacDonald - Director of the Board (Rachel the Quidditch

)
Rachel Trench - Computer Mistress (Ray)
Rachel Gray - Maths Mistress (Cumbrian_Rachel)
Rachel Dorling - Junior Mistress (RachelD)
Rachael Pelter - HR Manager (Rachael)

Yes of course I know exactly how many Rach(a)els there are! Twisted Evil

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:25 pm; edited 2 times in total

#1065: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 12:30 am

My guess would be not Rachel the Quidditch

since that would be too obvious!

#1066: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 12:34 am

Rachel the witch would be too obvious.but that could be a double bluff...Hmm I think I would say Ray or Rachael...but that is a gut thing and I couldn't justify it. It's not to do with themas such, just thinking who Lesley would be more likely to pick.

#1067: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 12:58 am

*tapping impatiently* It's Friday night. More please? Laughing

#1068: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:55 am

Lesley was online a moment ago.

#1069: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:44 am

Carolyn P wrote:

EEEEEP!

Ray *starts hunting around for alibies in case they're needed...*

#1070: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:39 pm

Later that week the Head was visited by the local Police Chief, she called in both Nell Wilson and John Coates for the meeting.

“Well, just to bring you up to date on events,” the Police Chief, Chris Taylor, began, “We’ve had some more information on the incendiary device used, it’s rather unusual.”

“How unusual, Chris?” John Coates was an old friend of the policeman.

“Two main things, firstly, although definitely designed with a large enough amount of explosive to cause serious injury, even to kill, it was not made even more lethal by additional items added to the mix.”

“Additional items?” Both the Head and Deputy Head looked bemused.

“Nails, specifically 6 inch nails and screws, their only reason for being there would be to seriously maim or kill.”

Both women went white at this information, “People would add nails to raise the chance of killing someone?” Miss Wilson sounded faintly sick at this, her partner nodded her agreement.

Both men looked across slightly surprised that two English women should be so surprised at this information. John Coates spoke first,

“Unfortunately Nell, both of you, there are any number of sick people out there. I’m sure you can appreciate it from your own country’s problem with terrorism, quite apart from the more recent world wide events.”

Miss Annersley schooled her features back into their normal impassive mask, signalling her partner to do the same. Neither woman was fully aware of exactly what events John was alluding to - however they had no intention of letting him know that! “I think we were both surprised to find it here John.” she said quietly.

“But that’s just it,” he replied, “It isn’t here, the bomb didn’t have anything added, and that suggests something rather strange.”

Chris Taylor continued, “Precisely,” he said, “It suggests that the bomb had two purposes, firstly to kill Kelly Stevens - and she would most definitely have died had it not been for you, Miss Wilson, but secondly to smear both yourself and the School!”

“Had Kelly Stevens not survived, and that b*stard Connor not been quite so keen to implicate Nell, then she would currently be facing manslaughter charges and the School may well have been ruined!”

Miss Annersley sat back, a troubled look upon her face, “Then Sue Williams was correct, this School does have an enemy? It appears though that Mr Connor had only a very small part in this, has he said anymore about his employer?”

Chris Taylor shook his head, “He’s said nothing, we are going to find it very difficult getting information from him. There was a second point on the forensic report about the bomb though. Obviously it was home made, and, due to the intense security on board all aircraft nowadays, it is unlikely that whoever sent it to the girl Kelly did so from out of the country.”

The two women and John nodded agreement, Chris Taylor continued, “Well, although most of the components were easily obtained here in Australia, there were a few that can only be bought in England. They are not the type of things that could be obtained via any mail order, or via the Net, so whoever made this has to now be in Australia, but has been in England in the last six months or so!”

#1071: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:52 pm

Eep! Anyone in the last term. Is the Rachel thing a red herring? Oh, Lesley now I'm suspecting everyone.

More, please.

*sits on edge of seat*

#1072: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:55 pm

It is getting scary now it could be anyone.

#1073: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:07 pm

Finally!!! People realise it might not be a Rachel at all!

#1074: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:13 pm

*defers judgement on that point* There is the title, after all....
Then again, this is Lesley..
*joining the permanently suspicious camp*

#1075: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:17 pm

Argh! *puzzled* *joins the confused camp*

#1076: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:42 pm

I have every confidence that Hilda and Nell will manage to catch the culprit. That said, when do we get the next lot, Lesley?

#1077: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 4:24 pm

The sooner we get the next lot, the sooner Hilda and Nell catch the culprit!

#1078: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 4:31 pm

Heeeelllppp! What's going to happen? Is it a Rachel? And if so which one is it?

Please post more soon Lesley!

#1079: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 4:43 pm

Well, it's not me!
*speaking firmly and wondering why Carolyn has picked on me and Ray! And us such innocent CBBers!!*

More please, whenever you're ready Lesley!!

#1080: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 5:10 pm

Innocent, are you? Mr. Green

I don't know... something about the name. (You didn't know my grandmother, did you?)

#1081: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:12 pm

What? Do we still not know who did it? Wink

#1082: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:19 pm

Doesn't look like it. Wink

#1083: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:42 pm

Phone conversations.....

“Hi Rachael, I got your message, what’s up?” Lesley Green, sat in her room in the Staff Block, spoke on her mobile.

“Hello Lesley,” Rachael Pelter’s voice sounded quite worried, “Look, I’ve been thinking it through, I don’t know if it’s such a good idea me coming to the School for half term.”

“But why, I though it was all arranged - I’ve even got you down for the surfing, I’m in it too but as the last time I went surfing was almost 20 years ago I thought that at least you’d be an asset to any team.”

“Yes , I know I said I’d come but…” Rachael paused, “look, Lesley, what’s the latest on this woman who sent the bomb to Kelly Stevens?”

“Nothing more since Hilda briefed all of us day before yesterday….is that what this is all about Rachael?”

“Well it seems a bit awkward at the mom…”

“Rachael! You’re not feeling awkward because this nutter has the same name as you are you?” Lesley’s voice was disbelieving, “Good grief there must be millions with the same name - it’s not that unusual a name!”

“No, but it’s not just the name is it?” Rachael returned, “It’s someone that was in England but is now in Australia…”

“Which probably cuts it down to hundreds of thousands,”

“Yes, but it’s also got to be someone with fairly close ties to the Real Chalet School.” Rachael insisted, “Otherwise how did Connor discover that Hilda and Nell were having the prefects over that time?”

“It doesn’t matter, Rachael,” Lesley was adamant, “I know it wasn’t you, Hilda and Nell know, everyone knows. You’ve got to come, if you don’t that’ll look as though you’ve got something to hide.”

“Well…”

“Rachael, we need you, we’re both on Hilda’s team for the surfing - she still manages to head butt the waves three times out of four and I’m not much better - we need your skill! I promise you no one thinks it could be you!”

“Oh OK then! Can’t let the Head down!”

…

“Real Chalet School Nursery, Mrs Phillips speaking,”

“Hello Carolyn, can you talk?”

Carolyn Phillips glanced around, her eight charges were all having their afternoon nap and she had a few minutes. “Rachel, good to hear from you, how’s things?”

“Oh, not so bad,” Rachel replied, “I’m still kept pretty busy flying all over the world keeping tabs on our adoptees and their families, especially as Mollie has now taken on the role of Bursar. Still, Joey and I get along quite well now!”

“Yes, surprising that!” Carolyn smiled, remembering the initial strained meetings when Joey Maynard had first read Rachel’s epic Change for Con. She was so absorbed in the memory that she missed the beginning of her next sentence.

“…so I’m sure you’ll understand that it’s probably not a good idea if I come over to the Real CS this half term.”

“What! Rachel you can’t!” Carolyn sounded quite horror struck, “The kids are so looking forward to seeing you! They say you tell the best stories ever!”

“Yes, but what about the Police investigation? Suppose something were to happen while I was there? I mean I’m already suspect because I’ve got the name Rachel!”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Carolyn sounded quite cross, “as if anyone would suspect you, it’s only in your stories that you’re bloodthirsty! In real life you're nothing like that!”

"Well, if you're sure I'll be welcome?"

"Welcome? I'm relying on you! You're the only one that can get this lot off to sleep when they're excited!"

#1084: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:44 pm

Ooooooooh, the plot thickens...

#1085: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:53 pm

Yay!! thanks Lesley!!!!

#1086: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:56 pm

Thanks Lesley!

So are the Rach(a)els bluffing or is one of the others?

#1087: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 9:11 pm

*thinks they're bluffing*
Unless the Rach(a)el in question is a MIDDLE NAME R...*looks suspiciously round at everyone*

#1088: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 9:18 pm

Lisa_T wrote:

*thinks they're bluffing*
Unless the Rach(a)el in question is a MIDDLE NAME R...*looks suspiciously round at everyone*

Lisaaaaa! I was confused enough already!

*a riddle within a riddle, an enigma within an enigma .....*

And the only one who knows is ...... LESLEY! More please.

#1089: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 9:22 pm

*pats PatMac consolingly*
Ooops. Was that a pun?
Have you seen yourself on Revenge BTW? ROFL

#1090: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:48 pm

Really enjoying this, Lesley! Please keep going!

#1091: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:54 pm

The plot thickens, *Given up trying to work it out - just enjoying the story*, I presume Lesley isn't going to be devious enough to introduce another Rach(e)al at this point?
Are there really only five Rach(e)als? It seems like more.

#1092: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:55 pm

The idea of Rachel's stories for sending tinies to sleep!! Laughing

I can just see it!!!

#1093: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:13 pm

Your own are so much more efficacious, after all. It's all a question as to what kind of sleep you want....the temporary or permanent version...?

Laughing

*chanting*
Lesley pitty pitty please can we have more?
Sorry, MAY we have more???!

#1094: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:58 pm

Chanting, Lesley! VERY LOUDLY!!!

#1095: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 12:31 am

Oh, now who woke me up?

The next few days leading up to Half Term passed relatively smoothly, Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson continued to visit Kelly Stevens in hospital and, once she was out of Intensive Care, would take along some of her friends from Upper IVa. She was healing well although occasionally inclined toward tears, especially when she heard of all the fun she was going to miss at the half term holiday. Her friends cheered her up by promising to take lots of photographs and to fill her in on all the exploits at the end of the weekend.

The last full day of term, the Friday, was rather a disjointed one, although there were some lessons scheduled in the morning, Miss Annersley was merciful and informed everyone at Assembly that day that the lessons were cancelled. It is on record that more than half the mistresses looked just as relieved as the pupils! Instead everyone was enlisted to help get those Guides and Brownies packed and ready for when transport arrived just after lunch, and also those girls who were going home for the holiday - most of whom actually looked rather glum at missing out on the fun!

That evening the total number of people in the large Dining Hall numbered less than one third the norm and the room appeared far too big!

Miss Annersley, seated at the head of a much reduced number of Staff, looked around and laughed, “We’ll be starting to echo in here soon.” she remarked to Miss Wilson.

Her partner looked around thoughtfully, “I see what you mean, Hilda, it also looks far too formal for a holiday, shall we change the layout for the weekend?”

“Good idea, Nell, we should at least try to show we are human!”

That evening the Kindergarten went off to bed immediately and the Juniors decided to go with them, the rest of the Staff were surprised until Kathie Robertson told them that Rachel MacDonald had promised them a few stories! Apparently her stories were now legendary and the Juniors were prepared for an early bed if it meant that they could hear them!

“Have you heard her stories, Nell?” The Head was intrigued,

“Well only partially,” Miss Wilson confessed, “I went along once to hear them but only heard a little before Rachel became aware that I was there. She was very apologetic but said that she couldn’t continue while I was listening!”

“How strange!”

“Yes, although, from the little I did hear, I can understand her reticence, I don’t think her yarns are very respectful!”

“I can believe that,” her friend replied, “I’ve read some of her drabbles on the board!”

The remainder of the School consisted of the Middles and Seniors who had not joined the Brownie and Guide camps, in addition a certain number of the Adult branch had remained and there were the guests invited by members of Staff. Out of the Staff, a number had joined Xanthe and Chloë taking their charges camping and a certain number had the weekend off. Some of those had remained anyway - to join in the fun!

That evening there was a choice of activities, the two big lecture halls were converted into cinemas for the night and a choice of recent releases were shown. In addition, in the computer room, Miss Trench had set up a number of the PC’s with Internet facilities and up to twenty people at a time could take part in on-line computer gaming. While in the large gymnasium, all the games equipment had been stacked away and a number of large boxes, cabinets and steps placed randomly throughout the building - on both floors. This was all in preparation for a game of Lazer Wars - played in teams of ten or twelve, the girls, and mistresses could suit up and, carrying a fully functioning lazer rifle, make war!

It was very late before the Staff of the Real Chalet School finally got to bed, especially as, once all their charges had finally retired after eleven, and the Housemistresses had them all settled, some evil genius made someone in the Staff Room suggest that they might like to try out the Lazer Wars themselves!

#1096: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 12:52 am

LOL! Does that include Hilda and Nell?

Now you're awake, Lesley, surely you could add some more?
*pleading*

#1097: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 1:02 am

A very tiny extra - to keep you wanting more!

It was almost one am before the Heads finally made their way over to their cottage. Unusually for them they were not walking together, Miss Annersley was walking on ahead - affronted dignity in her every step, while Miss Wilson strolled behind her friend, giggling every so often.

When they reached the cottage they entered in silence, swiftly walking around the downstairs windows to draw all the curtains.

"Would you like a coffee, Hilda?" Miss Wilson had recovered from the giggles.

The Head looked over, still obviously annoyed at something, she nodded abruptly. Miss Wilson didn't take offence, instead bent herself to completing her task. Once the coffee was made she passed a mug across to her friend, "Er, Hilda?"

"What is it?" Miss Annersley mumbled the words,

"Would you like an ice pack, for your jaw I mean?"

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Feb 29, 2004 2:14 am; edited 1 time in total

#1098: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 1:27 am

Tut tut tut! What has Nell done?! LOLOL! Lesley that's hilarious, but you're mean to keep us waiting like this!

#1099: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 2:21 am

Lesley! Surely Bill hasn't um, thumped Hilda, accidentally of course, has she Question

#1100: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 3:27 am

Have just caught up with pages and pages of this. THank you Lesley it's fantastic.

#1101: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 5:16 am

Quote:

to keep you wanting more!

_____________But we always want more Shocked

.

Not terribly clear what lazer war is, but apparently it's hard on the chin? Poor Hilda! And she's supposed to be surfing tomorrow?

And should we be viewing anyone inviting a Rach(a)el for half term as a potential co-conspirator? ROFL

Or perhaps the goal is to implicate one of the Rs. Say Rachel's ex as an associate of the Tony the sleaze....

#1102: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:10 am

LOL Kathy! Perhaps Tony the sleaze IS Rachel's ex.

#1103: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:39 am

Go me for the online gaming Smile

Ray *nervously awaiting more to find out if she did it*

#1104: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 1:40 pm

What has Nell done?! *wild with curiosity*

Love the on-line gaming!

#1105: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 2:15 pm

More please, Lesley!

#1106: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 2:35 pm

This is terrific, Lesley. I hope there's soem more for tomorrow.

#1107: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:12 pm

LesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Where are you?
Wink

#1108: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:18 pm

She's probably hiding from us, Lisa.

#1109: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:20 pm

Why would she want to hide from us? We're perfectly harmless....
Twisted Evil

#1110: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:34 pm

Not when we're after more drabble, we're not.

#1111: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:47 pm

Next bit!

The following morning dawned clear and bright, the weather forecast promised it would remain the same for most of the day, only turning to rain by late evening. It was therefore decided that the surfing competition would take place. The Prefects had been mainly responsible for the organisation of this competition, they had decided that people would participate in teams and had, over the last week or so, been gathering up names of those wanting to take part. There were six teams, each with 8 or 9 people, and the organisers had been very fair in allocating both expert surfers and beginners to each team.

Miss Long, with the help of two of the Mathematics Staff, Miss Gray and Mrs McRae, had arranged a system of odds for each participant, including handicaps, projected number of waves caught, and chances of ‘wipe-out’. Those girls and Staff not taking part in the surfing could instead register to play a competition betting on the races. They would each start with the same number of tokens and could place bets on any girl or member of Staff who was surfing. The one who won the most tokens by the end of the competition, would win a prize.

Miss Annersley was part of a team that also included Lesley Green and Rachael Pelter, it also had Louise Chad and a couple of the other Prefects, as well as some of the Fifth formers. During a quick meeting prior to the start of the competition, Louise had encouraged everyone, unusually, the Head had not said very much, possibly though this was due to the large, vivid purple bruise across the left side of her jaw! None of the girls had any idea exactly how Miss Annersley had sustained such an injury, and no one liked to ask as she was obviously somewhat angry about it! To have the Head exhibiting anything other than calm was a novelty, but no one wanted to upset her further!

“Nell,” Madge had only just arrived that morning, “How did Hilda hurt herself?” She kept her voice down low.

“Well, she didn’t exactly do it to herself, Madge,” Nell Wilson began, she saw the Head watching her and gulped, “I’ll tell you later!” she whispered in an aside to Madge Russell, before turning and smiling sweetly to her friend.

The competition went rather well, it is true that a number of novice surfers managed to fall off before even catching one wave, and their score was zero! However they were quickly pulled back in by a couple of the security guards, doubling as life guards and riding jet skis for the purpose!

Miss Annersley had managed to catch four waves before failing, the same number as Miss Green, they were the first of their team to fail, but were not disheartened, as they both waded out of the water they were happy and Miss Annersley was even smiling - for the first time that day!

Two of their team went on to win the individual competition - the HR Manager and the Second Prefect together managing to each surf in on 19 waves. They may have been able to do more, however the weather had begun to change and the wind increase. The water was therefore rather choppy and considered dangerous. The change in the behaviour of the waves was rather a surprise for everyone and occurred very quickly and without much warning. Especially as, those not watching the surfing had had the opportunity to try water-skiing further along the beach, plus a number of the Kindergarten and Juniors had been taken swimming. It was therefore a rather tense time for everyone while heads were counted and numbers correlated to check if anyone was missing.

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Mar 01, 2004 9:43 pm; edited 1 time in total

#1112: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:54 pm

*shrieks* Lesley! You ratbag! (to borrow an epithet). You didn't tell us what we want to know!! HOW did Hilda get that bruise?
still fume

ing

#1113: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:56 pm

*"Oh did you want to know that?" said very innocently.*

Twisted Evil

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:56 pm; edited 1 time in total

#1114: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:56 pm

$%^$%^T%&^%&&*^&*^&^%$!!!
I think that expresses my feelings rather nicely, Lesley! Laughing

#1115: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:59 pm

Fabulous, Lesley and loads of posts in the last 24 hours alone!!! Very Happy

Am particularly impressed by my new-found expertise in surfing!! Shocked

Please, please, please, let Nell and Madge have their little chat soon - I'm dying to find out exactly what happened to Hilda!!

#1116: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 5:08 pm

What has happened to Hilda Question

We need to know!

#1117: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:19 pm

You didn't say that the lists did correlate did you Lesley... Confused

*worries*

I'm much amused by the staff playing lazer war, great fun but not exactly dignified! Very Happy

#1118: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:36 pm

I dreamed of the Real CS last night!!

That was great Lesley. Lots of lovely posts for me to catch up with!
But please get to the scene where we learn exactly how Hilda got that bruise!

#1119: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:51 pm

Ooh - very good.

What DID Nell do to Hilda?

Ray *awaiting the answer*

#1120: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:58 pm

Leeeeeeeeessssslllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeyyyyyyy!

Come back and post some more, please!!

#1121: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:16 pm

Poor Hilda! I presume that was dear Nell!

#1122: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:19 pm

Happily all personnel were accounted for, and the security guards could be recalled from the water, which was starting to become very wild! The School waited while Miss Long and her two helpers worked out exactly who had managed to win the most tokens, it was a tie between Amy and Laura, both CBBers and now pupils in the Third and Sixth forms respectively. They each won gift vouchers for a well known book store. The team that had won the surfing competition was the one captained by Carol Leigh, although none of her team had managed to surf 19 times, all of them had stayed surfing for on average 13 waves, this was a better overall average than Louise’s team, they won cinema tickets as did Louise and Rachael.

As the weather was starting to deteriorate, Miss Annersley ordered that everyone should move back indoors and congregate in the big Hall. Those who had been swimming or surfing disappeared to change and it was lunchtime before everyone had moved back to the main School building. The catering staff had laid on a meal with a Mexican theme to it and everyone enjoyed sampling Chilli Con Carne and rice, nachos, enchiladas and the like. Even better, from the School’s perspective, was that, on her return from her cottage, where she had gone for a quick shower, Miss Annersley had returned with a smile! It was so unusual for the Head to be in a bad mood that it had cast a slight pall over the holiday!

Miss Wilson greeted her friend as she returned to the Hall, “Have you forgiven me yet, Hilda?” Her voice very subdued and her face woebegone.

The Head glanced across, sceptically, at this appearance of contrition from her partner, “Nell,” she said quietly, “this act of yours would be so much more convincing, if I were not aware that you laughed until you were nearly sick last night!”

“Well it was funny, last night!” Miss Wilson began, “Admit it, Hilda, if it had happened to anyone else you have laughed too. And you didn’t see your face when it happened - I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look quite so offended.” The Deputy Head bit her lip to stop herself from smiling again, “It wouldn’t have been anything like as funny if you’d not acted as though it were a personal insult!”

At this point Madge Russell, Joey Maynard and Con Mackenzie appeared, looking around, Madge saw there was no one else nearby, she spoke, “Hilda, I appreciate you may not want any of the girls to know what happened, but none of them are nearby, won’t you please tell us how you hurt your jaw?”

Miss Annersley looked at her friends in some exasperation, “I’ll not get any peace until I do, will I?” She asked plaintively.

“None,” Joey replied firmly, “Come on, let’s go through to your Study, if you’d really rather the girls not know,”

The five women helped themselves to the Mexican feast and, with full plates, walked over to the Admin Block. Settling themselves around the Head’s table they started eating, waiting expectantly for the Head to explain.

#1123: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:22 pm

LESSSSSSLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!

You FINK!!

Ray *wondering whether to borrow her friend's Spanish Inquisition set*

#1124: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:25 pm

Lesley wrote:

Settling themselves around the Head’s table they started eating, waiting expectantly for the Head to explain.

....and several CBBers joined the table in expectation...

great Lesley, but I hope you'll post soon because I'll burst if you don't!

#1125: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 8:44 pm

*lies in a heap at the bottom of the cliff that Lesley left lying in the middle of the floor!!!!*

#1126: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 8:47 pm

LESLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!!!!!!!!!! That's just mean leaving that there!

#1127: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 9:35 pm

Hope you like it! Laughing

The night before…..

“Well that’s the last of them settled! I did wonder if we‘d have problems as there‘s a nice thunderstorm brewing!” Jennie breathed a sigh of relief as she entered the Staff Room and joined one of the far tables, also sat round the table were the Heads themselves, and a number of others.

“No trouble, Jennie?” this from Nell Wilson.

“I don’t think so, Nell,” the Senior Housemistress laughed, “Most of them were shattered! Especially those playing Lazer Wars!”

“I should think so, too, seeing exactly what they have to do in there!” This from Lulie Walker,

“I didn’t get a chance to see it all set up,” Cathy Bulfin, newly arrived to take on a post in the Nursery, put in, “exactly what does it entail?”

“It’s a type of War Games, with laser rifles,” Kathie Ferrars explained. “The lasers are very weak and you wear equipment that can recognise if one has hit you, you also wear goggles to protect your eyes and uniforms, helmets and boots.”

“You’re divided into two teams and just fight it out!” Lisa grinned around at the others, “And it really looked like fun when the girls were playing! There’s an observation post at the top and you can watch everything!”

“Yes, I must admit I wished that we could have a game as well!” Kathie said, then stopped, the same idea striking her and all the other mistresses sat around the table. With one accord they all turned to the one person on the table who had not, yet, said anything.

Miss Annersley smiled, “I have no objection,” she said, smiling, “ the gym is far enough away that it will not disturb anyone if you play the game.”

“Would you join in, Hilda?” Lisa asked the question on everyone’s lips!

Miss Annersley shook her head, “Not this time,” she said, she looked around laughing at the long faces, “You have me surfing, tomorrow, people, be satisfied!”

“I’ll not take part either,” Jennie put in, “But I wouldn’t mind watching, Hilda will you join me in the observation post?”

The Head nodded, she turned to her partner, “What about you, Nell?”

Miss Wilson grinned, “if I can operate the rifle with this duff hand,” she held up her right arm, still wearing the plaster back slab, “then I’ll join in! It‘ll be fun!”

“Well that doesn’t sound like a problem so far, Hilda,” Joey put in, “If anything I’d have thought that Nell was the one most likely to injure herself, not you!”

“Yes, you would have thought that,” Miss Annersley glanced across at her partner meaningfully.

After asking around in the Staff Room, Kathie Ferrars easily found 20 Staff willing to play the game, they all wandered over to the Gym and started to change into the uniforms. Kathie and Lisa issued the equipment and divided them into two teams. Inside the Gym, all the windows had been covered and the lighting was low and red - to simulate a war zone. There was an extremely loud sound track playing on a battery operated turntable. It was pounding out the latest chart hits, and spotlights lit up different areas in random patterns. The uniforms included small radio headsets and microphones to enable all team members to keep in touch. Lisa was pleased to be able to switch her hearing aid to receive the signal.

From above Hilda and Jennie watched as, in the semi darkness, the Game began!

They had played for perhaps 20-30 minutes when the Head’s mobile rang, she went outside the Gym to answer it. On her return she spoke seriously to Jennie,

“That was the Gatehouse, the storm outside has appeared in earnest and they think it may cause problems to the electrical supply,” Miss Annersley relayed, “They advise that we may lose power for a short periods in the near future,”

“Are you going to stop this?”

“No, but we’ll have to let everyone know that they could lose power,” the Head spoke into the intercom connecting her to all the Lazer War players. They continued watching for some time when another, more serious, call came on the mobile. On her return this time Miss Annersley looked slightly concerned, “we’ll have to stop the game now Jennie,” she said, “Security have spotted an intruder!”

She spoke on the intercom immediately, informing everyone that the game was being stopped and why. At the same time the Senior Housemistress started to flick the switches that would change the lighting back to normal and open the blinds up at the windows, at that moment all power was lost! In the observation area there were a couple of torches and Jennie switched one on.

“Damn,” the word from Miss Annersley was unexpected and Jennie looked across in surprise, “I’m not sure how much of the message got through,” Hilda explained, “And they’ll be in almost total darkness down there!” She picked up the second torch, “We’ll need to go down and lead them out!”

Down in the Gym itself the players were almost totally disorientated, in complete darkness, the radios dead, but with the sound track still blaring out. In addition, most of the women had been running around and were very hot, especially with the uniform, helmet and goggles. Nell Wilson had discarded her rifle at the first hint of trouble and was attempting to reach the doors. On the radio she had only heard that there was an intruder then her friend’s voice had cut out; she was very worried. Thoughts of the School having an enemy kept reverberating through her head and she started quite violently on suddenly coming across someone else,

“Who’s that?” she demanded, grabbing the person tightly.

“Rachel,” a voice answered, a slight tremor in her voice, “Rachel Dorling, is that you Miss Wilson?”

Nell recognised the Junior Mistress’ voice, “Yes, it’s me,” she replied with no thought of grammar! “Did you hear the Head mention an intruder?”

“Yes, you don’t think this blackout has anything to do with it, do you?”

“I hope not!” Nell replied grimly. “Can you remember which way to the door?”

“This way I think.” Rachel moved in one direction and was almost immediately swallowed up by the darkness, Nell Wilson tried to follow her. Suddenly, from the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a tall figure, there was a very small amount of light, just enough to show someone was there. At the same time this figure placed their hand on Nell’s shoulder. Thinking it was the intruder she reacted swiftly, turning almost in one fluid movement she lifted her arm and drove her elbow into the man’s jaw. He fell to the floor.

At that moment all the lights flashed on and everything could be seen clearly - including the fact that the intruder so ably attacked by Miss Wilson……… was Miss Annersley!

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:12 am; edited 2 times in total

#1128: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 9:39 pm

*snickering*

Oooooops!

Ray *wondering curiously about the intruder though*

#1129: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 9:44 pm

*giggles*
More please!!!

#1130: Author: Cathy, Location: Australia

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 9:53 pm

Lesley wrote:

Hope you like it! Laughing

The night before…..

“I didn’t get a chance to see it all set up,” Cathy Bulfin, newly arrived from the States, to take on a post in the Nursery, put in, “exactly what does it entail?”

Wow Lesley, thanks for sticking me in there. But I am an aussie, y'know Smile

#1131: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:00 pm

Oh S*** - sorry Cathy - got all muddled with these different permutations of C/Kathy/ine/ryn!

I'll edit post!

#1132: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:12 pm

Hee hee.

Thanks Lesley, wonder about the intruder, but as everything seemed OK the next day presume it was, or seemed at that time to be a false alarm.

Now, what was Hilda smiling at when she came to the dining hall. Has she been planning some kind of revenge by any chance?

#1133: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:19 pm

I must admit I thought it was a collision in lazer wars - which by the way is great, though I've only played it once!

I'll bet Hilda gets her revenge. WAS there an intruder?

#1134: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:54 pm

*ROFL*
I'm really not sure if the T switch would work that way, Lesley, but as I'm not sure let's say your equipment has been fitted with a telecoil! Also (I'll regret telling you folk this, i know..) one thing that will make me panic very qucikly is being plunged into darkness- even tho I can still hear through my hearing aids, I wouldn't have been able to make out Hilda, for instance, and in the noise and confusion would get thoroughly lost and disorientated.
*hates power cuts*
*hates trains that stop half way through and garble a lot of mumbo jumbo over the PA*
More please! Laughing

#1135: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 11:03 pm

I'm a bit worried about that intruder. But I like Nell's reaction!

#1136: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 11:46 pm

LOL!!! *also sniggering*

Marvellous..................................... Very Happy

Must go - I have cinema tickets to use .................. Wink

#1137: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:14 am

Lesley please don't leave it there i just caught up and need more!

#1138: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:28 am

Ohhhhhh wasn't Nell trying to be helpful ? Shame she bashed poor Hilda though !! LOL

#1139: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 1:37 am

*sniggering* Glad you cleared that one up Lesley - I've been imagining all sorts of weird things all night! Very Happy

#1140: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 2:00 am

Hee!

I was assuming a collision too but that was much more funny... except who was the intruder?

#1141: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 2:48 am

So thats what happened was it? Well, Bill was acting with the best of intentions, I suppose, if Hilda really had been an intruder she wouuld have been a hero.
But was there a real intruder at all?

#1142: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 1:44 pm

Lesley, please post ASAP, how will we sleep tonight with all these questions unanswered?

#1143: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 3:06 pm

*joins Jenny in her plea

*fails to point out that there are at least 14 hours before I go to sleep.

#1144: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 3:42 pm

*wonders where Lesley is with the next bit......*

#1145: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:49 pm

If Lesley isn't on the board by 7 o'clock, we'll organise a search party.

#1146: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 7:36 pm

Only 21 minutes till call out for the search party, folks. Start assembling your equipment!

#1147: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 8:04 pm

Wowee! I won a book token! Thanks Lesley!

And surely it's time for the search party now?

#1148: Author: Alex, Location: Home again

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 8:05 pm

*Reporting for search party duty*

Seems only fair, enough search parties have been sent after me.

#1149: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 8:07 pm

*returns, bearing a large coil of rope, several miners hats and lots of chocolate (supplies!), as well as some castor oil in case of emergencies!*

#1150: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 9:11 pm

I can save you the trouble - you only ever need to look for me on the M25! Just got in and have to write the next bit so back later!

#1151: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 10:50 pm

Lesley please may we have some more!

#1152: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 10:52 pm

*thinking it may be time for that search party after all*

#1153: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 10:53 pm

Echoing Chloe's request.

#1154: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 10:56 pm

*joins the search party headed toward the M25*

#1155: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 10:57 pm

Lesley wrote:

I can save you the trouble - you only ever need to look for me on the M25! Just got in and have to write the next bit so back later!

Poor you! I travelled through the roadworks for 2 years while they built the northern side and then moved to Yorkshire just before they opened it!

*Stands down the search party*

#1156: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:43 pm

Next bit - may get some more tonight but no promises!

At this pronouncement the Head finished speaking and looked around the table, with the exception of Miss Wilson none of her friends could meet her eye. In fact they all seemed to be finding something requiring all their concentration far off in the distance. She sighed, “All of you find that as funny as Nell did, don’t you?” She said resignedly.

Madge Russell looked across at her friend, she schooled her face into a grave expression, “Of course not, Hilda, I can see it would have been a terrible experience for you, it’s just…” she bit her lip and quickly turned away.

Joey Maynard tried next, “Hilda, were you knocked out? Can you remember all that happened to you?”

Miss Annersley looked over suspiciously, Joey’s black eyes appeared to be brimming with tears. “I remained conscious, thank you Joey,” she replied quickly, “and, am able to remember what happened. While Nell’s blow was quite possibly the hardest I have ever been hit, it appears that I have a very strong jaw. I will admit I was rather stunned!”

As the lights came on, Miss Wilson saw her friend on the floor, clutching her jaw,

“Hilda! What on Earth are you doing there?” The question was out before Miss Wilson even thought about it, on considering later she did admit to herself that it was probably the most ridiculous thing she could have said!

Miss Annersley looked across at her friend, “Miss Wilson, I believe I’m here because you just hit me!” The words were said in her coldest manner and most incisive tone, they were perhaps spoilt because, due to Miss Annersley keeping her jaw as still as possible, the words actually appeared slurred and half formed.

It was probably not a good thing that, at that precise moment, one of the newer security guards appeared, he had not yet met the Head and, faced with a woman sprawled on the floor, clutching her mouth and slurring her words, remarked cheerfully, “Oh dear, had too many bevies has she? If you like I’ll give you a hand getting her to bed, love,” this to Miss Wilson, “wouldn’t want that Head Teacher of yours to find out, would we? From what I hear she’s a real martinet!”

#1157: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:45 pm

Oh, I love that security guard's reaction. That must have hurt Hilda's dignity even more!

#1158: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:45 pm

*spluttering* ooh oh oh, how funny!

Poor Miss Annersley, and poor security guard when he's in full possession of the facts! Laughing

#1159: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:46 pm

Ray *having way too many hysterics to respond more coherrently*

#1160: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:56 pm

*splutters* *giggles wildly* Oh no, poor Hilda - what an unopportune moment for the security guy to appear!

#1161: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 12:17 am

Lovely, Lesley!!! the security guard is just such a finishing touch!

#1162: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 12:24 am

*feels very sorry for Hilda

*feels even sorry for the guard when he realises who he was speaking to.

#1163: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 12:40 am

How embarrassing, poor Hilda! But I suppose the guard was only doing his duty.........

#1164: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 1:06 am

Please please please with butter-icing on top, can we please read what happened next Lesley?

Nicci *ready to burst*

#1165: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 1:56 am

*giggles*
*splutters*
Poor poor Hilda! poor security guard! Whoops!
*giggling again*

#1166: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:20 pm

I know this is spreeing, strictly speaking, but the dates should excuse me....

LESLEY!!! I hope, I do hope you have more of this. I for one am having serious RCS withdrawal symptoms.

Chanty time, folks! Laughing

#1167: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:21 pm

I'm hoping the same, but guess we won't find out till she gets home tonight and checks her email.

#1168: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:28 pm

And also on whether she's been writing in the mean time! Hope she has! Very Happy

#1169: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:31 pm

Surely she has? She hasn't gotten into the 74 way(!) conversations, has she? LOADS of time to write!

#1170: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:35 pm

Lesley, now we're back on our lovely board, please let us have regular instalments of this.

#1171: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:40 pm

Yes please do Lesley, i love the RCS and can't wait for more...

#1172: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:47 pm

I'm in! The board's back! I'll post the few bits I have already posted on the other, temporary board and then get writing!! Laughing

There was a deathly silence as everyone within the Gym heard these words, with almost one accord all the Staff turned to look at Miss Annersley. The one exception to that was Miss Wilson herself, swallowing slightly she spoke to the security guard, “Ah, that won’t be necessary,” she said swiftly, even to herself her voice sounding high and squeaky, “ things are not quite as they appear.”

The man shrugged, “As you please, Mr Lucas, he’s in charge of the night shift, sent me with a message, as the electrical storm seems to have wrecked mobile communication. I’m Tom Brookes, by the way, are you in charge, Miss?” He looked hopefully toward Miss Wilson.

“Er, well, not quite…” Miss Wilson began before she was interrupted.

“She is not, I am,” Miss Annersley had regained her feet and now stood just behind the Deputy Head, although obviously injured, she was no longer clutching her jaw, but was speaking clearly. Equally obvious was the fact that the Head was extremely angry, her eyes a slate grey that seemed to bore there way through the young man as easily as an industrial laser.

The young guard gulped slightly, suddenly aware that he may have made a small error of judgement. “Oh, right ma’am,” he said softly, “Er, can I ask your name?”

Beside the Head Miss Wilson winced, aware of what was coming next,

“You have just made it patently obvious that you can ask my name, Mr Brookes, however I will assume you intended to ask if you may ask?”

The man nodded faintly, suddenly having a premonition as to the woman’s identity.

“I’m surprised that you do not recognise me, Mr Brookes,” Miss Annersley’s voice had a steel ring to it, “I’m sure there cannot be too many martinets on site.”

On hearing these words the man flushed a bright red, looking across at Miss Wilson he saw her shaking her head, sympathetically,

“M-M-Miss Annersley?” the man closed his eyes in horror, “I-I-I’m sorry, Miss Annersley I had no idea…”

His attempt at apology was cut off, “You have a message for me. Mr Brookes?”

“Er yes, ma’am, the intruder alert was a false alarm. The storm was responsible for shorting a couple of the perimeter alarms - they’ve been fixed now.”

“Thank you, Mr Brookes, you may go now,” Miss Annersley’s voice remained icy. The man nodded slightly and walked toward the door, it was evident in his demeanour that he fully expected to be dismissed by morning. The Head watched him leave, as he reached the door she spoke once more, her voice rather gentler, “Mr Brookes, might I suggest that you ascertain the identity of the person you intend to slander, another time?”

The man nodded, “Yes, ma’am,” he said faintly before thankfully returning to the Gatehouse.

#1173: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:50 pm

As the security guard left the Gym there was silence, suddenly broken by Miss Wilson quietly giggling. The giggle was infectious and soon most of the Staff were also laughing. Miss Annersley turned round obviously still angry, and all desire to laugh suddenly fled. The Head looked across at her friend,

“Miss Wilson, might I suggest that you ascertain the identity of a person prior to attacking them.” Her tones were still icy.

Miss Wilson swallowed slightly before replying, “Hilda, I’m sorry, I had no idea it was you, all I knew was that you had mentioned the possibility of an intruder just before the power was cut off, when I felt your hand on my shoulder I reacted without thinking.”

“Something for which we have chided certain pupils in the past, Nell.” Miss Annersley was still annoyed, “And certainly not something I expected of a senior member of Staff.”

“I appreciate that, Hilda, it will not happen again.” Miss Wilson stopped then a wide grin spread across her face, “But you must admit, the aftermath was funny, that poor security guard, I thought I’d die when he said he thought you were…” She stopped, suddenly aware that her friend’s eyes were boring into her with that laser-like intensity. “Er, OK Hilda, not a good example, I’ll shut up.”

“I do not appreciate being made a fool of, Miss Wilson,” Miss Annersley’s voice was icy still, “I appreciate even less that my Deputy considers it to have been enacted for her own personal amusement!” She paused to glance around at the rest of the Staff, “This game is at an end, ladies, and I believe it is time everyone retired, before any more assaults occur. Good night.” The Head spun round and stalked out of the Gym.

There was silence in the Gym, then a voice from near the back was heard, “Well that was a little unfair on you, Nell.”

Miss Wilson turned, “No it wasn’t, not really,” she smiled, “No one likes being laughed at, especially if you are as dignified as Hilda.” She grinned round at the rest of the Staff, “I’ll bid you goodnight too, ladies. I’d better find out if I’m locked out of the house!”

#1174: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:52 pm

Oh fudge!! That last one was me!

#1175: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 7:16 pm

Oh Goody, my favourite drabble writer ahs found us again. Razz

#1176: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:36 pm

Next one - a little bit! Gotta do some research now!

Miss Wilson finished relating the last part and smiled across at her friend.

“Did you really think I’d lock you out, Nell?” The Head sounded quite surprised.

Miss Wilson shrugged, “Not sure, Hilda. It’s so rare for you to lose your temper that even I have no references.” She stopped for a moment, looking down, then, “And I suppose you would have been justified!” She admitted softly, “After all, not only do I hit you. Hard! I then take great delight in laughing, along with everyone else, when that poor lad says you’re drunk and calls you names in the same sentence! If our positions were reversed I’d have locked you out!”

Miss Annersley ran a finger, lightly, along her jaw, wincing as she touched the purple bruise, “Looking back on it, I suppose it was funny Nell.“ she admitted, “And at least you listened to Daisy the other day when she said you should use the elbow, not the fist!”

Madge smiled across at the two friends, “I’m glad to see that you’ve regained your normal demeanour, Hilda,” she said gently. “I suppose you are aware that the entire School was worried about you?”

Joey laughed, “At last count I’ve had thirteen different people ask me if you were unwell, Hilda! Everyone noticed that you were angry, it was quite spoiling the Half Term holiday.”

Miss Annersley smiled slightly, “Perhaps I should get angry more often,” she mused.

“No, don’t do that, Hilda,” Con Mackenzie put in, “leave that to Nell and myself, we’ve got the personality for it. No one thinks anything of us blowing up, not even my kids! With you it’s a definite shock!”

“Was it the surfing that stopped you being annoyed Hilda?” Nell Wilson asked.

“Partly,” Miss Annersley replied, “And partly that, on my way back from the cottage after my shower I met John Coates - he’d come to ask if I’d planned on firing young Tom Brookes.”

“You’re not, are you?” This from Nell.

“Of course not!” Hilda Annersley shook her head reprovingly, “I did, however, ask John where the idea that I was a martinet came from.” She gazed reflectively toward the ceiling before continuing, “I’ve never seen an ex-Chief Inspector turn quite so red before!”

#1177: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:38 pm

*giggles*

I hope your research will be swift and fruitful, Lesley! Smile

#1178: Author: Alex, Location: Home again

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 9:34 pm

But you had all that time when we were in exile to do research, Leslie!

#1179: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:03 pm

And all that driving on the M25, too!

#1180: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:31 pm

*giggles* Ooops. You certainly picked your time to do the research!!!!
*dying for more*

#1181: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:53 pm

Pat wrote:

And all that driving on the M25, too!

Not sure there are many libraries/internet links on the M25 though.

#1182: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 11:37 pm

Hmmm! Lets see - board went down Tuesday 2nd March - when have I had time?

2nd, 3rd, 4th - off sick from work!

5th, 6th, 7th - Gathering.

8th, 9th - in Penrith working.

10th - touch base just long enough to change clothes in rucksack!

11th, 12th - in Sutton Bonnington working!

No, sorry, no time - am now too tired and only done half the research - you'll have to wait till tomorrow. Now on holiday for a week so you'll be getting lots of this! Laughing

#1183: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 11:39 pm

OoooooH! What happened to that cliff hanger, BTW? Not that I'm so desperate to be left screaming, you understand, but it's as well to be prepared- especially with you! Wink

Have a nice break and come back soon!

#1184: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:26 am

Hope you have a good holiday this week as well as satisfying us.

#1185: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:32 am

*huggles Lesley and hopes for more soon!*
By the way, when you were off sick, was it a cold by any chance?

*still searching for culprits......*

#1186: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:34 am

I can't remember her saying in the car..but she did say that if she hadn't have taken Fri off she'd have had trouble at TG. H'mmmm.
*speculative*

#1187: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:39 am

*huggles to Lesley* Well, we're at least grateful not to be left hanging off a cliff edge and screaming!

#1188: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 4:05 am

Which would have happened if the board hadn't have crashed when it did. and THEN she's have sat all weekend and politely refused to answer any queries, desperate and otherwise!

*quite happy to see silver linings now that we're back to normal*

#1189: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 5:39 am

Oh, me too! *uses time to catch breath*

#1190: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 8:57 am

The cliff hanger you should have had at the Gathering is coming - but I've decided to change the order slightly so that other things happen first!

And no I didn't have a cold when I was off-sick - I do have one now!!!

Back soon!

#1191: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 11:58 am

wohoooo. Surfeit is back!!

*a million huggles Lesley*

#1192: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:11 pm

Hope your cold takes fright and runs away,Lesley. Set Hilda onto it. Hoping for lots more this week.

#1193: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:42 pm

*sits down to wait for more*

#1194: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:17 pm

Sit's next to Chloë and settles down.

#1195: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:46 pm

*joins sitters with happy sigh and some leftover goodies from theG*

The Board's back up, Lelsey has been posting and all's right with the world! Very Happy

#1196: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:07 pm

*joins the squatters!*

*hoping all the cliff hangers happen while she's away so she doesn't have to hang onto cliffs!*

#1197: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 6:03 pm

Next little bit - a scene setter!

Returning to the Hall, once the meal was over, Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson walked up onto the raised platform to address everyone.

“Unfortunately, the weather has worsened,” the Head began, “and it’s not going to be possible to continue the outdoor activities for the rest of the day. That means that the rock climbing, water skiing and abseiling will have to wait, I’m afraid.”

Miss Wilson smiled around at everyone, “We’re reliably informed that the weather tomorrow will be far better, so no one will miss out! However it does mean we are going to have to change our plans for this afternoon. Instead of the outdoor activities we will be bringing forward some of the competitions. Firstly, there will be a board games tournament, I’ll let Miss Bruce explain.” She smiled down at the German mistress who stepped up onto the platform.

“The Trivial Pursuits competition is for all girls and visitors,” she began. “You’ll need to get yourselves into teams of four and give your names to Miss Brown and myself. To make it fair each team should have no more than one member of each year, and at least one from both the Middles and Seniors. We’ll then arrange for six teams per game and start the tournament. We also have other board games available, some of which can be played in teams, while others are individual, speak to Miss Brown or myself about whatever interests you.”

There was a subdued murmuring and a number of the girls started to band together, those girls from the Kindergarten and Juniors had already been spirited away by their Staff to take part in their own games. After a short time one of the Seniors stood up,

“Miss Bruce, you didn’t mention the Staff, will they be joining in?”

KB smiled, “Not with this, they have their own contest, it will follow on after tea. The Staff will be taking part in a team competition,” she smiled across at Miss Wilson while saying this, then continued, “You will all be able to cheer on your favourite subject as the Staff will divide into teams to discover whether Science, Languages, the Arts or Mathematics have mistresses with the best knowledge of their own and each others subjects!”

There was further excited talk following this announcement. Miss Annersley turned to her partner, “Nell, KB definitely acknowledged you during her last speech. Did you have some input into this competition?”

Miss Wilson grinned, “I may have suggested something to Katherine,” she said softly, “I just felt it would be a good way of showing the entire School exactly how much knowledge we have of the other subjects.” Her innocent air was almost convincing.

The Head looked across at her friend, not fooled one iota by the innocent act. She sighed, “And exactly how did you plan to ensure that I would take part?” she asked softly.

Miss Wilson smiled, “Hilda, you wouldn’t dream of refusing, your honour is at stake!”

“Hah!”

#1198: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 6:06 pm

Yay for Lesley, that was a lovely post. I love the interplay between Hilda and Nell. More please, very, very soon.

#1199: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 6:21 pm

Is it me ... or is Nell seriously taking the war into the enemy's camp here? Shocked

Getting at Hilda's lack of science general knowledge?
Smacking Hilda on the jaw?
Sniggering at her being called a martinet etc?
Coming up with the quiz idea when she knows science is not Hilda's subject?

Hope Hilda has been continuing to work on her science trivia...

As for Nell - I love what you're doing but I predict a fall - and it ain't going to be a short drop! I suspect Hilda is cooking something up and will be crowing with laughter when Nell falls for it!!
*chuckle*

Bring it on, Lesley!! This is great!! Very Happy

#1200: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 7:47 pm