Normally, my stories are my own, but this one happened while I was absent, and I only heard it second hand.
Stepgate’s, 1944.
Our teacher was Miss James, a rather ‘jolly hockey sticks’ sort of a woman.
She was also the girl’s sports teacher, voluptuous in her sports split skirt and white blouse.
This did not go un-noticed by the more, worldly boys, and there were lots of giggles and rude remarks.
But one day, Miss James had the upper hand.
One very forward boy— I won’t name him—in case he is still about, who was one of the ring leaders, managed to jam his thumb in the little hole inside the desk that is meant for cleaning out the dust.
Apparently, he tried everything to free his thumb, but it would not budge. Eventually he had to ask Miss James for help and she made the most of it. Calling in Miss Weller to help this poor helpless boy. With the whole class gathered around laughing and jeering, they tried to free the boy, but still it wouldn’t move.
She then had to call the wood-work teacher, who came with a ‘Key-hole’ saw. He very carefully managed to cut a perfect Key-hole, and finally the boy was shared any more blushes.
I am told that he was never heard to tease Miss James again, and if it was impossible to make matters worse for the poor kid, I was later told it was not his thumb that was jammed in the hole!.
Madeinchertsey 