For the last few years most of my books and papers have been in the attic and I could not get at them. This weekend I had a very pleasant surprise. My son had brought down several boxes and I have had the loveliest time refamiliarising myself with their contents. I cried when I saw […]Read Post ›
For all my ex pupils I was a teacher for about 44 years. I started when I was still at school (in those days they didn’t have supply teachers, just willing sixth formers like me) and i loved the job most of the time. At first I taught mainly English to A level, then for […]Read Post ›
I was usually alone in the house. If a stranger came, for example a policeman on patrol, I would invite him in and prepare food for him myself. Ham, coffee, omelettes and even a roast chicken. Mr Guhs and his wife treated me as if I were their son. I was always very keen to […]Read Post ›
This is the next stage of my grandfather’s life. He is not yet four, but has suffered more than most people in a lifetime. He bases his stories on documents which he had. Unfortunately they are lost. On the 6th October 1879 Martin the woodman , on behalf of my father, tried to reach an […]Read Post ›
This photo came up in my Facebook memories today and it brought up many emotions and thoughts. I was a teacher for many years and from the turn of the millennium to 2014 I worked in a school for children with moderate learning difficulties. When I started there – I’ve written previously how that came […]Read Post ›
I was in West Kensington the other day and suddenly I was five again and going to school for the first time. Actually, maybe not the first day, as the routine had been established. I was holding my grandmother’s hand. We would play word games on the way. I must have been able to read, […]Read Post ›
Christmas 2012 John pulling a cracker with “Magick” I first met John in 1992 in the grand educational establishment that was known as Walford High School. Set in the westernmost part of London, not the east end as you might expect, it was in many ways a nightmare of a school, but as a source […]Read Post ›
Clearing out. Two words I hate. Clearing out is so hard to do. But it has to be done. One thing at a time. Now I’m not going to write about every object consigned to the recycling bin. Most actually produce no memories. They are easily discarded. But The Woman in Black is a play […]Read Post ›
I have always been fascinated by playing cards, not just by the possibilities of endless hours of fun, but by the artwork. Today I found a very old set ensconced in a leather travelling case, and was very excited when the first joker jumped out at me. I think the black cat is hilarious (note […]Read Post ›
For all my family and friends. To write, or not to write. A Christmas reflection or newsletter, that is. This year has been so busy that I have sadly neglected many people – I’m sorry. I think of you all when I wake up in the small hours, and am consumed with guilt. So, I […]Read Post ›
Life Through Basia's Eyes 