Hi Folks, I'm in the 5th year (1964-5) and the CSE Exams are no longer in the distant future; one afternoon I'm passing the Headmaster's Study (Mr. A.E.Walker):
"Peg, come in, I've got a job I need doing immediately."
"I'm your man sir, consider it done (engaging maximum creep mode), just on my way to revise for my CSE Maths (????) but I'll make time for your job."
I was given a sealed envelope and the instruction deliver to physics master (can't remember his name). I ascend the nearby steps and approach the double swinging doors into the first floor lab, where I pause and look through one of the port-hole windows.
My heart sinks.
The physics master is trying his best to deliver wisdom to the most unruly form in the school (3rd formers, let's call it 3x). I gird my loins, push open the double doors and head purposefully for the far end of the lab where the teacher is in full swing.
Then everything kicks off almost immediately and I receive a torrent of abuse from every corner of the room. I've only gone a few steps when I receive a comment from the lips of a 14-year old sweet girls which would have made a sailor blush. A phrase far too adult for the forum, suffice to say I was accused of walking in a manner that indicated I've not long suffered an unfortunate personal hygiene accident.
I adopt the moral high ground (not much else I could do), smile sweetly and continue without checking my step towards the teacher. With my duty discharged I take a deep breath and set off for the return journey, my prefect's badge providing no protection whatsoever. I receive similar unsavoury insults from the same girl on the way back and seconds later I exit the lab with an indescribable sense of relief.
It was all a mystery, which almost defies explanation, I could have put this young lady on detention for the rest of the year, but I didn't, I must have been feeling particularly benevolent that day.
Anyway, come on you girls out there, you were all 14 year old angels, what was that all about? Surely not just a gesture of defiance against authority?
Peg.