General Chat

and more:
I passed the scholarship in 1951 and went to Purbrook Park County High school where I spent an uneventful and unremarkable five years leaving, at the age of fifteen and eleven months in July 1956, after not distinguishing myself at all. I passed two ‘O’ levels then – English and Religious Instruction. Moving from primary school to High school was then, as it is now, a real culture shock for a small for her age child. My Mother had been overjoyed that I passed the scholarship and, despite the fact that money was very short, was determined that I would have all the school uniform. I remember being impressed that I was to have a navy blue blazer with a badge. The badge was a gold lion with the Latin words Vincit Veritus. I did not learn Latin but I knew that this meant Truth Conquers and this was the school motto. Unfortunately for me the old style velour hat was still on the list. Mum thought this was lovely and much preferable to the beret, so she insisted this is what I would wear. Most people wore the beret and I was to regret her decision every day for a year as I was continually teased about the hat. It had elastic under the chin and I can vouch for the fact that pulled back and let go, it hurts, bullying? I suppose it was but I rode it out without tears and eventually the hat was replaced with a beret. I was also teased about being a ‘Daddy’s girl’, due to my habit of prefacing many sentences with ‘Daddy says’. And I had lovely thick pigtails, just right for pulling or tying together. I suppose, although I was shy and timid, I was also quite strong as I never did tell any adult about the teasing and soon it was the turn of someone else.

I had a journey involving two buses to get to school at Purbrook, which was over the far side of Portsdown Hill. If we had detention which was after school or if we wanted to go to any after school clubs, it was three buses as there were no special school buses at that time. I had detention twice in the five years I was there. The first time it was for playing on the bus platform while the bus was stationary in the bus station, at the same time not wearing my school beret. The second time was for chalking a friend’s initials on her back, her name was Wendy Clark! Once, when I was eleven, I was travelling home on the service bus having stayed to Christian endeavour club. We caught a bus from Purbrook to Cosham then had to cross the main A27 London Road, wide even in those days, to catch the Fareham bus. When we got to Cosham the Fareham bus was at the stop. I jumped off the bus and followed the rest of the children out to cross the road. Unfortunately for me a man on a bike was just cycling past the bus and I knocked him off. He wasn’t hurt but he was not pleased. Lots of people shouted at me and I was so frightened I wet myself, later telling Mum that my socks had fallen down the toilet, because they were wet and smelly. I don’t think she believed me but she didn’t make an issue of it. Oh yes and I still caught the bus! Although I had always done well at primary school, I didn’t do at all well at Purbrook. I was a lot younger than most of my classmates, very small and timid. If I didn’t understand I was too scared to speak out and say so. My parents, having left school at fourteen, were unable to help me and I continued to not be motivated all the time I was at that school. I was not visibly unhappy but I definitely was not happy.

The headmaster was Mr C E Le Min, very much a figurehead as he swished down the corridors in his black robe, sometimes with his mortar board on his head. Miss Seaton was Senior Mistress, you usually only saw her if you were in trouble, Mr Jupe taught me for English Language and Mr Norman English Literature. Mr Grace took Art, Miss Shipley French and Mr Overton, a very popular, handsome man, struggled with me over Maths. Miss Peattie and Miss Godwin despaired over my ineptitude at PE and games and Mr Coley took Music, taking great delight in getting us to sing from the Pirates of Penzance. There were many more teachers as there were six hundred pupils in the school. Some I never had for lessons at all and the ones I have named I probably only had for lessons in a couple of years. Every morning after registration, without fail we would all file into the hall for assembly. We would sing a hymn and have prayers, then any notices before filing out again to lessons. Lunch was in two sittings in the hall, about eight or ten pupils either side of long tables sitting on forms. Tradition had it that, at the end of each term as we all stood up after lunch, all the forms would be sent clattering over. We were threatened with all sorts beforehand, but it always happened. At the final assembly of the school year we always sang the school hymn which was Jerusalem, followed by God be with you ‘til we meet again.

As promised

Chapter 3
School Days and Education

Fareham C of E School was not very big, it stood in a small playground and was surrounded by a flint stone wall. Some of the actual school walls were also flint and the windows were high up. When I started there, there were air raid shelters in the playground, these were later removed. The school probably had seven or eight classrooms and there were about forty in a class. Mrs Linter was the much loved Headmistress. I have mentioned Mrs Cummins being my first teacher, she was more like your idea of a cuddly Grandmother, much loved by all the children. Miss Fulford was my next teacher, I liked her as well, I was pleased not to go into Miss Hackney’s class, she was very strict, tall, thin and scary, then there was kind Mrs Byrnes, Mr Clarke, Mr Saunders who used the slipper on boys who misbehaved but who was a very fair teacher, and Mrs Tryon who took the top class. Of necessity, having 30 or 40 ten to eleven year olds in her class, she was very strict, but I liked her, she was kind, and she was a good teacher. She impressed on us the importance of being able to spell and would have weekly spelling bees, all standing to start with, sitting as we failed to spell a word, the last one to sit being the winner. English was my best subject at this stage and was to continue to be so. When I was in Mrs Tryon’s class we were in a classroom in the nearby Girls’ Secondary Modern School in Harrison Road. This was quite daunting as the other children in the playground were all so much bigger than us, so we had to play outside our classroom all the time. I assume this was because of lack of space in the Junior school. Once a week the Vicar of St Peter’s and St Paul’s paid us a visit to talk to us or hear us say the catechism, his name was Reverend Hoare. On Saints’ Days we all trouped across the road to church for a service. In the infants we used to buy National Savings stamps each week that went towards a National savings certificate. I didn’t see any result of saving this money so can only assume my parents drew it out and used it on my behalf. Or just generally for the benefit of the family.

Fareham C of E School had a flint covered wall surrounding the boundary and the playground encircled the school. The Infants door was in the front and the Juniors at the rear. The toilets were in two external blocks with a communal flush for each, woe betide anyone who was sitting on the toilet when it flushed!! Outside the kitchen was a large open drain which we children used to know as the Scarlet Fever drain, I don’t know how much truth there was in the name. In lessons we would write on slates in the infants, some were fine but some developed a horrible screech when you tried to write. We learnt the sounds of the alphabet from a chart, learnt to read phonetically and learnt our tables by rote, but we all knew them. On the last day of each term we were allowed to take in games and puzzles to play with.

When I was eight or nine I would travel to school on my own by bus, four trips a day as I used to go home for dinner, it cost one old penny for the fare. This was pre decimalisation, there were twelve pennies in a shilling (10p), two hundred and forty pennies in a pound (see Appendix 1). On the way home we would sometimes buy penny ice lollies from Hussies shop in Trinity Street, the sort that when you had sucked out all the flavouring you were left with plain ice, my favourite flavour was blackcurrant. Or maybe we would buy a sherbet dab.

I had some good friends at primary school, although as is the way of things I have since lost touch with them, I used to like to go to Janet Adam’s birthday parties. She lived over her parents’ shop and just after the war it was a treat to go to a party and be told to help ourselves to sweets and fruit. Her father used to get us all to do a ‘turn’ on a stage and we were each given coins for doing so, usually an old threepenny bit. I was also friends with blond haired Valerie Jenner, auburn haired Frances Kirkby, June Banting and Frances Lyneham. The girls from St Edith’s children’s home used to attend our school and I had several friends from there. I was very sad to leave that school. When I returned to see it in about 1999 I was sad to see that it was no longer a school. Thankfully the building has been preserved and it was then a community art centre.

When I was about eight a friend of my Mother’s gave me a piano. Mum was self taught and loved to play hymns on it so my parents decided I would have lessons. First I went to an elderly gentleman whose idea of a reward for getting exercises right was a sweet and a cuddle, I didn’t tell Mum this but she must have not liked him because after a while I was withdrawn from his teaching and sent to a Miss Rapart who lived near my primary school in Fareham. I was never very talented and didn’t enjoy it so I asked if I could stop lessons.
In 1951, just before I left primary school I went on a school trip to the Festival of Britain. Here there was a lot to see and do, and there was an exciting feeling of being a part of history. I can remember the festival hall and the Dome of Discovery but not much else really.

Frank, I agree with Mel, please see the doctor again, medication can give you nightmares and you need a good nights sleep.

Good morning all, it is damp underfoot but the sun is now shining which makes it all look better. An indoors housework sort of day today. A load of washing is in and the full dish washer is running. I have just given downstairs a good dust and polish. OH is steam cleaning the bathroom lino and as all the stuff is scattered outside the bathroom it is a bit chaotic upstairs. I shall wait until he has finished before dusting up here but he is sooo thorough (and slow) it could be a while!!

Morning Frank and all,

Hope you manage to have a sleep in the armshcir Frank. Or perhaps Ros can get you back to bed for a sleep. I don't think that new med has done you any favours and think you need to see the doc again. You can't go on like this you need your sleep.....IN BED.

Sun and showers here this morning and the skies all shades of blue grey and white and anything it can make inbetween. Looks like it has settled in to be like this all day.

Still here and still awake. I have tried getting bucket
o bed twice. As soon As I think I am settle down, I feel my flesh start to move all over my body. I then get up again.
I have hCOT and taken my medicine To help me in the loo department. It looks and tastes like wallpaper paste, doesn;t look like working any time soon.

Going to see if I can get a nap in the armchair.

Better late than never, Things aren't great for me at the moment. Last night I had a bad turn in bed. Threw my pillows everywhere, screwed my hand in Ros's hair, and dug my knuckles under her back, all while I was asleep. I got up and read at two. Eos got me back to be at 4.30. I slept until 9.00.

When Ros went shopping I went to sleep in the armchair, and again this afternoon My Chinese is giving me so much indigestion, that I got up from going to bed at 9.45. Got up 11.30. So will sit and read until Ros gets me back to bed when she gets out to the loo, sometime after 3.00 am.

My dressing washed off in the shower and Ros has had to redress it. It's healing quite well, but still gives me pain when I turn, or lay on it.

Alan is home from hospital, so Ann came and collected "BIGGLES" So won't have to let him out in the morning. Ann tells me there are THREE OTHER PEOPLE who want to have Biggles if she needs baby sitters. Oh no said I he's ours when you are not around !!!!

Will try to catch you tomorrow.

Sent it Anne.

I hope frank has'nt taken anymore of those tablets he took the other day. He's got Biggles with him still I think.

I am watching David Bowie on the telly.

The weather was better today but still windy, I can see why your OH moved the ladder it could have caused a lot of damage if the wind had blown it over, Gill. Hope your sore throat soon improves, ice cream is about the best thing to eat.

Your school uniform sounded the same as mine AnnG I also had to wear a school tie. There isn't a lot of differences in our ages as I was born in December 1938 so we must share a lot of History eg rations etc, You certainly have a nose for bargains, it is a shame when some of thel well known and popular stores have now closed. Good that you found some red bubs too,

I do hope Hannah's fears are unfounded Jane and the tests can put her mind at rest, I expect you are concerned for her too, as my dear old dad use to say you never stop worrying about your children even when they are adults. Another favourite saying was it will all be the same in 100 years time plus worse troubles at sea as there is no garden gate

I would also like to see the loo with a view please, I don't like heights either one of my worst experiences was walking high above the ground on a glass floor I have a feeling it was in Durham cathedral but I may be wrong as it was a long time ago.

Still no news from Frank so unlike him so I hope all is well with him and Ros

Ann have you still got a red face? I too think you should have been made aware of it, but better than being in pain and it may not be that obvious to everyone..

I did think about some camouflage makeup this morning Gill. I remember there used to be green powder for red patches! lol. It does feel less hot now so I think it is settling down! :-) You don't sound too good with your bad throat. Just try to get some rest for a few days and keep warm.

I have sat and sorted the drawers under the bed today and found yet another couple of tops I can wear so that was good. There's just the double railed wardrobe in there to do now with the shoe boxes at the bottom and shelf at the top! :-) Then I think the linen drawers in the hall are next. I'm ashamed to say I still have some tea towels and kitchen towels from when we moved here and a few could do with going to the dogs' home!

Being as the valve has cracked on my pressure cooker and they don't do the replacements anymore, I need to get another. I'm wondering about a halogen cooker, but must read up about them. A slow cooker is handy as well, but where do you keep all these things! :-S

O gosh my knees went weak just looking at the picture. I don't like heights and I don't think I could have sat on that loo with the window so close.

Yes, I did noticed you had no picture now Jane, it looks so strange. Looking forward to seeing the new one when you add it. Did you click on save before coming off the page, maybe that's why it's not showing if you didn't?
OH has just had to go around next door and move the ladders, they are over 10 foot tall and they left them leaning against the extension, if the wind picks up again there would of been a good chance of it falling onto our fence and tall Red Robin. He said it was very heavy, but it's now on the floor where it's safe.
Poor Hannah she must be quite worried, there's probably nothing to worry about but once she's had the ultrasound it should put her mind at rest, I'll keep my fingers crossed for good news. I found a lump a few years ago and it turned out to be a cyst, but I do remember how worried I was until the results came through, it's only natural isn't it?

More bargains again Ann G I really could do with going shopping with you, it would save me a fortune lol. Pleased to see you found the red bulbs you needed. Looking forward to hearing about your childhood memories when you have time to post some.

I haven't seen an update on why the parents were arrested for the fire, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.

Sorry to hear your face is still red Ann, have you got any makeup you could put on to hide the redness? Hope your headache has gone now.

The wind died down quite a lot earlier so I helped OH put the pot plant back up, hopefully the wind won't be as bad and the plant will stay put. I was pleased to see nothing underneath it was damaged.

I managed to have a little sleep but when I woke up I felt even worse, OH said he'd take me to the doctors but I think it might be a virus, my throat is very red but no white spots on it so I doubt the doctor would give me anything. It's only been a short time so I'll see how I go and maybe see the doctor if it doesn't get any better on Monday. OH bought some ice creams and some Angel Delight which is helping as I can't eat much else. I've got a few things on my mind at the moment, so it might be a bit of stress that's brought it on.

No Frank again today I see, hope all is well with him and Ros.

O Jane you seem to have turned into a man on your avatar.

I have been playing this afternoon with making the flying keys from HP.

The first HP film was the best I think and I could watch it again and again. At least there is no swearing or sex in it.

I member those gabadine macs. I hated mine too. Mine was navy and I had htose gym slips with the box pleates in them and I hated those too.

Jane I did'nt get the photo of the loo either so may I see it please?

Easy dinner tonight as we are having our usual fillet steak, brocc tips, mushrooms, onions and chips. A nice chilled bottle of wine to wash it all down with.

I took a pic this morning and I must send it. Will download it now and do it.

Bargains again for you then AnninG. You have been out and about.

Sam dos'nt really understand Harry Potter yet but George is into it and is reading the books. Tehy liked the candles though and thought they were great fun. Em asnd Ed had been to a 50ith birthday party last night and were both tired today. I think the boys stayed with Em's sister as Sam told me he slept in Harry's bed and Harry is Sophie's son.

I wrote this before lunch and forgot to post it!!! :-S

Testing... says my pic has been changed !!!!! but it hasn't. We give up tonight and will have another go tomorrow .

Just a quick note hope to be back later

This is the website for COOK.

www.cookfood.net

they are also on facebook

Unlike Wiltshire it's not a complete meal, there are main courses and puddings mostly. There is a lot of choice but you need to add your own choice of veg etc. They aren't cheap but when there is only Richard and myself now it makes life easier sometimes,.not like when there were 5 of us

I think I have lost my pic here .Trying to change my old pic ..

Jane I guess you have not been on Genes long enough to remember when I posted a chapter at a time My Life Story. I think it was just before Mel started this thread. There were lots of childhood memories on there. Not got time now but I will put some on when I can get round to it. Yes School uniform from the age of eleven included the gabardine mac (I have a photo somewhere) with the beret and underneath the navy gymslip a white square necked blouse and navy blue knickers, long white socks and sensible brown shoes. (1951 I was eleven.)

More great bargains for you AnnG today :-D. Is Debenhams closing down in Gloucester ?Or is is just a sale? Every good shop is closing . Just in our town we have lost M&S, Burtons,New Look, Smiths, I think Top Shop,I'm sure there is another one. The town is dying :-(... HMV though are staying .I never go there ! We do have Wetherspoons :-D. I haven't been in there for ages but it is aways busy .I can't see that closing down. I just hope Clarks shoe shop stays as I buy all my shoes there.

It's still blowing here but a bright afternoon. I have got washing in the tumble dryer rather than risk things coming off the washing line !!!!.

Gill good idea to leave that pot on its side for now .It is going to be safer as it is until the wind dies down. I really thought one of our Olive trees in the pots would have blown over ,but still standing at the moment
:-D Chris had the ladder out this morning to do some high level pruning .He said he came in for a minute but when he went back out the ladder had blown over.

AnnG do you have any childhood memories for us? I remember when I started Comprehensive School and having to wear a Gabardine Mac with a wide belt around the middle . I hated it. All school uniform was bought so big to last me!!!!! I would grow into it :-D :-D

glad to hear you are feeling better today Ann, worrying when you don't know what to expect and get a reaction. Hope OH's eye problem heals up on its own.

I thought both parents were said to have jumped to safety from the burning house so it is strange. Unless they were not telling the truth and were not in the house.I suppose we will know eventually. Neighbours all commented what a great Mum she was which is also strange now they have been arrested. somebody reported hearing an explosion so wonder if it is anything to do with that?