A Dilema

For the first time ever a post that directly relates to the previous post. The mood within the place (see previous post) was at times not good and we were sometimes disheartened. We, (at least some of us) conjured up various distractions to lift morale. The following letter is politically incorrect (for which I apologise,) but must be judged in context of twenty five years ago. (Though I would phrase some things differently now.)

Diary entry Monday 25th March 1985

Endless discussion and argument at school concerning the merits and reputation of our school. Number of teachers away today reaches double figures. One suggestion is that 'our' school is hardly an academy for the genteel, a sentiment that the following letter, purporting to emanate from a parent will encourage.

27, Denstone Court,

Alvaston,

Derby.

4th March, 1985

Dear Mr Smith,

I write this letter in the hope that you or your fellow teachers can help with my problem.

I have three children, one of whom, Sean is in form 1K at Noel-Baker School. Sean's older brother, Kevin, is in the Riverside Special School because of minor misdemeanours involving various farmyard animals. My unmarried daughter has three lovely children, one of each. Two are half caste and one is half cut. Life is not easy and the father of my children refuses to marry me in spite of living off my earnings. My brother would help but is unable to do so, being incarcerated in Dartmoor Prison for arson and rape.

Nevertheless I am close to real happiness. Recently I met Albert, a self-confessed transvestite but a dear friend who lends me many of his dresses. We wish to marry and I'm sure it could work out. The trouble is, Albert knows nothing of my awful secret. Please, please advise me. Dare I risk my future happiness. Should I tell Albert that Sean is a pupil at Noel-Baker School?

Yours sincerely

Clarissa Morley (Miss)