Figure 1.--.

We note several brief summaries of activities at prep schools. They provide valuable insights as to both the everyday events at the schools as well as the goals of the schools..

Editorial

My sixtieth birthday can be only around the corner, and I now what Martin and Peggy Swindelle meant went they exclaimed how quickly their years had gone. Time races along and unhappily takes us all along with it, especially at these action-packed establishments called prep. schools. The long Autumn term , opening with those glorious yellow September afternoons, a few leaves beginning to crinkle and murmur, and ending in the bare months of December, the sun never more than a watery presence just peering over the teaching block at midday, is the term of opportunity. Opportunities abound in the classroom (now is the time to build a base for the future months), on the games field (a time to show character in victory and defeat), in the music rooms, on the stage, in the arts and craft areas. At the end of this term, we need to ask ourselves, "Have we taken these opportunities?" I do it myself. "Could the 1st XV backs have played with greater confidence with the ball in their hands? Could VIA have studied Bearings with greater understanding?" This is a process which we should lear at prep. school: self criticism; for we are not always right, not always perfect. There are problems, there are difficulties, there are mistakes and occassionally there is not sufficient effort from children, teachers and parents. We believe that all Beeston children give of their best most of the time; we also believe that they are capable of saying to themselves: I need to improve, I need to be a better friend, I need to show more love in the community at school. The early chill of December dusk descends, the stormy red of a Norfolk sunset dies over Beeston Regis Church and the 1st XV pitch -- and here at Neeston, thankfully, a little boy hums 'O, Little town of Bethleham' near the Christmas tree on the stairs. Many thanks to all who help at Beeston, and, more importantlym many thanks to the children. Have a lovely Christmas. I know that my children (even Kate) can hear the bells and crackers and carols already, not to mention the occassional present!

JE, Surge (Beeston Hall), Autumn 1988.

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