In 1981 I left my first “proper” job in order to become the perfect mother. No short term maternity leave for me, thank you very much. I was going to embrace the whole housewifely motherhood vibe wholeheartedly. Come to think of it, Surrey county council did actually offer to pay me two months salary if I ever came back to work for them. But I didn’t. That’s another story.

Anyway, I left Esher College, seven months gloriously pregnant, and my last day was anticipated with glee- possibly not just by me. I arrived to school late in the morning, dare I admit it, as usual, but this time I felt I would be excused. I had gone to buy some posies for the people I’d really appreciated. Who were they, you ask. Sadly I don’t remember them all, but first and foremost, Helena Fotherby, my head of department and incredibly patient mentor; Basil Hunt, Latinist and scholar, whose job it was to tell me off when I was late, David Shaw, tennis coach and fan (who let me try on one of Maria Bueno’s dresses!) and four more.

I managed to get through the teaching morning, saying goodbye to my lovely students and then it was time for the speeches and present receiving. I was still enough of a child to look forward to a gift. A surprise.

The head have a lovely speech, mainly based on the fact that I’d changed my surname from unpronounceable one to another. Oh why didn’t you become Mrs Smith. Not politically acceptable today, but then it was meant and taken very affectionately. His name was Mr Waller. (I’m glad I didn’t have to have that name. )

And then he handed me a card. And a lot of cash.

Thank you. I gave my little speech of thanks. But I was really disappointed. I had to buy my own presents.

And I did. I bought a beautiful set of lapis lazuli earrings and necklace. I bought a book on gothic cathedrals. And this Wedgwood egg. I haven’t thought about that day for a long time, but dusting this egg reminded me of that day. It seemed a fitting souvenir of my impending baby as well as being an object I really liked. These bits of porcelain were really expensive at the time. Now they are worthless almost, but I really treasure them (I have other pieces.)

Just for the record I did not become the perfect housewife and mother. I lasted four months before being lured into part time work. The motherhood bit was lovely. But the house!!!

As a leaving gift then it was perfect. I’m glad I kept it even if I had to choose it for myself.