Duggie’s Ramblings September 24
New School Year
The new year for schools has already begun in Leicestershire, but not for all counties, some restart in mid-September, universities open their doors at the beginning of October! New school year, new class teacher and yes homework.
It is a break/relief for grandparents who are called upon during the summer to push prams and buggies and entertain their grandchildren. Grateful parents, take them out for dinner Problem? Who then are the childminders?
In Spain?
I recently spoke to a son who lives and teaches English to Spanish adults and children in Spain and occasionally English adults. The schools close for 12 weeks in summer-warm weather, temperature up to 35 degrees; so, perhaps the English grandparents are let off lightly! I wonder what the Spanish grandparents do? Come to England to cool down!
Truants were not fined then!
Long holidays! Yet I recall stories of truancy from the past. One boy (age?) was smuggled into the back of his parents’ van and taken to the Leicester open market for the day.
A secondary boy spent some of his school time digging for bait in Pegwell Bay, Kent when the tide was out and sold it on to anglers. Fairground kids (Lutterworth) arrived in school when the fairs closed for winter and disappeared again when they reopened in the spring/summer. A teenage girl who acts on TV was absent from school (Manchester) when she was called for an episode. These were the exception. Kids willing, or not, went and still go to school.
Devastated or Heartbroken?
The word ‘devastated’ or ‘devastation’ is widely used by the media referring to sad and tragic events to individuals, buildings, homes and people often for dramatic effect. At present, it is regularly used for indiscriminate bombing. Gaza, as at present.‘Devastation’ also, can also be used in a complementary sense. We can be devastated by a person’s looks or power of oratory (I am devastated by my wife’s medical knowledge.)
I prefer the use of the word ‘heartbroken’ for sad events. It is a stronger word, more personal and not capable of a double meaning.
Dear Editor
