Welcome to the School Days, Reminiscences series in which my champion bloggers and authors share reminiscences of their school days. It’s my small way of thanking them for their support and of letting you know about their services and publications.
This week, I am pleased to introduce Hugh Roberts, author, blogger and WordPress Whiz who generously shares his knowledge and advice to assist others along their blogging journey.
I’m not quite sure when or how Hugh and I met, but it was probably over at Geoff Le Pard’s blog some years ago. They are both now involved in the organisation of the Annual Bloggers’ Bash celebrating its fifth anniversary in London later this year (find out more on Hugh’s blog here).
Hugh features many interesting series on his blog and always welcomes new readers and often contributors. I read and enjoyed Hugh’s first book of short stories Glimpses. The second volume More Glimpses has recently been released, and I am looking forward to seeing what twists and delights Hugh has in store for me now.
Hugh also entered both Carrot Ranch Rodeo Contests that I hosted. Although they are judged blind, Hugh won the first competition and came second in the second. That’s a fair indication of what I think of his story telling. 😊
Before we begin the interview, I’ll allow Hugh to tell you a little of himself:
Hugh W. Roberts lives in Swansea, South Wales, in the United Kingdom.
Hugh gets his inspiration for writing from various avenues including writing prompts, photos, eavesdropping and while out walking his dogs, Toby and Austin. Although he was born in Wales, he has lived around various parts of the United Kingdom, including London where he lived and worked for 27 years.
Hugh suffers from a mild form of dyslexia but, after discovering blogging, decided not to allow the condition to stop his passion for writing. Since creating his blog ‘Hugh’s Views & News’ in February 2014, he has built up a strong following and now writes every day. Always keen to promote other bloggers, authors and writers, Hugh enjoys the interaction blogging brings and has built up a group of on-line friends he considers as an ‘everyday essential’.
His short stories have become well known for the unexpected twists they contain in taking the reader up a completely different path to one they think they are on. One of the best complements a reader can give Hugh is “I never saw that ending coming.”
Having published his first book of short stories, Glimpses, in December 2016, his second collection of short stories, More Glimpses, was published in March 2019. Hugh is already working on the next volume.
A keen photographer, he also enjoys cycling, walking, reading, watching television, and enjoys relaxing most evenings with a glass of red wine.
Hugh shares his life with John, his civil-partner, and Toby and Austin, their Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
Welcome, Hugh. Now let’s talk school.
First, could you tell us where you attended school?
I spent my whole school life in the town of Chepstow; a town on the south-east border of Wales and England in the UK.
Did you attend a government, private or independent school?
They were government-run schools.
What is the highest level of education you achieved?
I left school at the age of 16 with five ‘O’ Levels and three GSCEs. I then did a brief stint in college on a hotel and catering management course. A job offer meant I left the class before it finished.
What work or profession did you choose after school and was there anything in school that influenced this choice?
My first job was as an office junior before I went into retail. I enjoyed an office environment, but it wasn’t customer facing (which is what I wanted). I told my careers teacher at school that I wanted to join the police force or fire brigade. Unfortunately, I didn’t qualify to join either because you had to be above a certain height. I was a couple of inches too short!
What is your earliest memory of school?
I was the only one standing up in class crying my eyes out while I watched all the mums and dads walking away. It was my first day at school, and I didn’t want my mum to leave me there. I was very emotional and felt she had abandoned me and was not coming back. Of course, she did.
What memories do you have of learning to read?
I remember the ‘Peter and Jane’ books which started at 1a, 1b and 1c and went up to 12c (which was the last book in the series). They got harder as you moved up to each one, and you were only allowed to move on to the next book when your teacher was satisfied that you could read the current book satisfactorily.
What memories do you have of learning to write?
I remember the first ink pens given to us to practice writing. They were very thin and had to be filled with ink from a bottle, which we had to fill ourselves. It could sometimes get very messy.
While many of the children around me were doing ‘joined-up’ writing, I was doing all mine in block letters. I can remember being taken aside and told that I had to join the letters together. It took me a long time to gets to grips with joining the letters together, and it wasn’t long before I was left behind.
What do you remember about math classes?
I was not too fond of maths. Numbers did not interest me. All I wanted to do was make up stories. All my maths teachers were rigorous, which didn’t help in me gaining any confidence in numbers. I saw them as nasty, uncaring people, who didn’t seem to care about the children around them. I’m sure they did, but I didn’t see it that way.
What was your favourite subject?
Geography. I enjoyed learning about other countries and the people who lived in them. I was fascinated by maps and the names of towns and cities and the roads that connected them. Even the positions of countries intrigued me, and when I discovered time zones and realised that it wasn’t ‘lunchtime’ everywhere at the same time, ‘time-travel’ entered my life. I remember wishing that it would become part of the Geography education module before I left school.
What did you like best about school?
Drama class. In primary school, I could run around being who or what I wanted to be. Whether it was a tree, an animal or somebody driving a vehicle, I enjoyed the fun, laughter and enjoyment of the class.
As I grew up, Drama got more serious, but I enjoyed playing different parts in the school play.
What did you like least about school?
Playing sport. I had no liking for playing any physical games, especially on cold, wet days on muddy fields. After Easter, we would do athletics which I enjoyed a lot more. The long jump was my speciality!
How do you think schools have changed since your school days?
Unfortunately, I think there are now more children who have no respect for their teachers than there were in my school days. Not only that, but some of the parents also have little regard for the teachers.
It also saddens me to hear about schools not being able to afford to buy the basics like pens, pencils, books and even toilet rolls, because their budgets have been cut so much. Many now turn to the parents asking them to help fund children’s education when it really should be the government which funds it. I was so lucky to have ‘free’ education but, these days, ‘free education’ is something that is disappearing fast.
What do you think schools (in general) do well?
I hear more and more about schools inviting authors, writers and experts to come in and talk to the pupils about a particular subject. Whether it be about self-publishing, how to be safe on social media, or help and advice on careers or money matters, it gives those who want to help a chance to pass on their knowledge to new generations to come. I think it’s fantastic that they also ask people to come in and talk about their memories about specific events. It helps keeps memories and ‘past ways of lives’, alive.
How do you think schools could be improved?
More needs to be done in educating children about diversity and the hate crimes we hear so much about nowadays. Nobody should feel afraid to go to school because they are bullied or just because they’re told they are different and don’t fit in. Children should be encouraged to read about different ways of lives and to speak out about bullying. As a child who was bullied at school, my life was made much worse because I was afraid to tell an adult what was happening. These were the days before social media where bullying and hate crimes have now taken up residence. Children, these days, have a lot more to put up with, but I think there are also more bullies these days than there were when I was at school.
That’s an interesting observation with which to conclude, Hugh. Thank you for sharing your reminiscences of school and thoughts about education in general. It’s been wonderful to have you here. I’m sorry you were bullied in school and wish bullying was something we could eradicate.
Find out more about Hugh Roberts
on his blog: Hugh’s Views and News
Connect with him on Social Media
Twitter: @HughRoberts05
Purchase Hugh’s books here:
Universal Link for buying Glimpses
Universal Link for buying More Glimpses
If you missed previous reminiscences, check them out here:
Look for future interviews in this series to be posted on Sunday evenings AEST.
Coming soon:
with more to follow.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your comments. Please share your thoughts.
Norah Colvin 
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Interesting perspective on today’s bullying culture in schools, Hugh.
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Hugh, I’m thinking you would be a great author to go into school classes and lead some of those writing activities and help students see a broader glimpse of the world. I’m glad you overcame the bullying of your past. And survived maths!
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Thanks, Charli. I have a new great Niece, who I will be encouraging to write just as soon as she can. I have some excellent writing prompts lined up for her, plus we’ll be painting, drawing, and maybe even baking. 😀
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What a great great Uncle you are, Hugh! Lucky niece. 🙂
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That’s a great suggestion, Charli. Hugh would have a lot to offer to students.
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What a wonderful interview with Hugh and his days at school. Really enjoyed reading this Norah, and than you Hugh for sharing. Learning to write sounded hard for you at school, and I hope your teachers were patient with you when it came to reading and writing, and gave you the time you need to learn. You bring up a good point about parents funding the basics like pens and notebooks. When I went to primary and secondary school, I do remember my family had to pay for these basics but there were always spares lying around in the classroom – but these days in Australia you really have to provide your own learning materials to a large degree. Also agree with you on the need for more education on diversity and bullying in schools. As someone who was picked on very early on in school, many teachers turned a blind eye – and it really doesn’t help all of us to learn from each other.
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Thank you, Mabel. I’m pleased you enjoyed reading about Hugh’s school experiences.
It’s an interesting observation you made about school equipment, Mabel.
When I went to school, my parents had to supply everything. Nothing was provided. But I wasn’t at a state school. In my first years of teaching for the state department, some books and pencils were provided by the state but in later years, they weren’t. Most ‘spares lying around in the classroom’ were purchased by the teachers. So many children come to school without anything. Fortunately for them, there are many generous teachers who provide them with what they need.
I’m sorry you were picked on, Mabel, and that the teachers turned a blind eye. We really need to stamp it out whenever we see it occurring.
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I have heard some teachers buyer supplies with their own money, but didn’t know it was that common. They are very generous teachers to do that. Students do need the bare basics for them to learn better and to enjoy learning more 🙂
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Teachers spend a lot of their own money on supplies, Mabel. I think most people don’t realise how expensive it can be, to be a teacher.
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I’m afraid I didn’t get the attention I needed from all the teachers, Mabel. There were a few who saw how I was struggling, but most just thought I was a slow learner. Some even said that I was a rather ‘stupid’ boy (I remember that from my school reports).
I wrote secretly and never showed any of it to anyone. However, I would often read the stories I had written to myself. This would often help me highlight many of the mistakes I’d made.
I’m shocked to hear that many children have to provide their own materials. Here in the UK, we’ve always had free education where just about everything is provided but, more and more often, I now hear about schools having to plead with parents to help fund for basics such as pens, pencils, textbooks, and even toilet rolls!
I’m sorry to hear that you were bullied at school. It’s an experience that seemed to follow me even into the workplace. However, as an adult, I was more willing and able to stand up for myself and was not afraid to report it.
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So sorry to hear some teachers thought you were a slower learner and you were ‘stupid’. They probably had no idea of your learning pace and jumped to conclusions – but every school should be accommodating as possible to each individual’s learning needs.
It is interesting to hear how students and parents have to provide for things like toilet rolls for school. School costs add up, and we live in a time when education should be affordable.
Good to hear you can stand up to those who pick on you these days. Hopefully you don’t come across too many of these people today 🙂
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As I have grown older, I have grown much wiser, Mabel. However, I do still hear and read stories about senior people being bullied. It seems bullying has no age restrictions.
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I don’t think teachers would get away with calling anyone ‘stupid’ these days, Hugh. It’s a good thing some things have improved, isn’t it?
I think here in Australia, ‘free’ education refers to teachers and infrastructure. I haven’t heard of toilet rolls being requested, but children were asked to bring a box of tissues each at the last school I attended. Mind you, children can waste toilet paper if they have a mind to, in the toilets as well.
It’s a good thing you learned to stand up for yourself, Hugh.
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Hi Norah, thanks for hosting Hugh’s school days on your blog today! I had guessed Hugh in the orange shirt, too!! It makes sense you had a love for writing and storytelling at a young age, Hugh, with your active imagination! Great interview!
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Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Terri. 🙂
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Thanks very much, Terri, and well-spotted in spotting me in my school lineup.
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Wonderful interview! I enjoyed learning some more about “little Hugh”. I can see similarities in your face back then and now. Hugh. Geography was my favorite subject as well. I wish we had drama when I grew up.
It’s interesting to me how different countries have different focuses in regards to school subjects and priorities. So far, I only remember what was going on In Belgium when I grew up – or as a teacher later on – and I vaguely know how it works in the US from my in-law family. Good stuff!
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Thanks so much for adding your thoughts, Liesbet. I guess when we’re at school, we don’t think too much about what it’s like elsewhere. I think that’s what’s great about these interviews – finding out about the experiences of others. 🙂
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I think we all carry certain facial features that never leave us as we grow up Liesbet. I’m usually very good at ‘Guess The Baby’ competitions where you have to guess who the baby is.
I’m so glad we were taught Drama at school. Even when I first started school, Drama was something we did every week, usually pretending to be an animal or a tree, or anything we like while music played in the background. My first part in a school play was as the Mad-Hatter, in Alice In Wonderland. A part I enjoyed playing very much.
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I enjoyed drama at school, too, Hugh, and studied it for many years. I loved being in plays. I never ‘got’ the growing up from a seed activity that I had to teach though. 🙂
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Thank you for spotlighting Hugh today Norah. I enjoyed reading more about the man behind the blog and his other endeavors. I too was bullied in school Hugh – it is terrifying and mine began after moving to the U.S. from Canada. I lived in Canada until age 10 and we moved the Summer of 1966. Upon starting 6th grade in the Fall, not only classmates, but also the teacher (yes, not a typo) made fun of my Canadian accent and proper Oxford English pronunciation. I was made to read to the class whereupon everyone would snicker and laugh. It was worse at the next school (middle school) where I was routinely paddled when classmates said I threw spitballs at them or tried to pass notes to them (all childhood pranks, but none which I participated in). I was beaten up in the bathroom and walking home from school. Finally I got my parents involved when my teacher accused me of making obscene calls to her home on Easter Sunday. My father had a temper tantrum and I never wanted to invoke that. Hugh and I grew up fine, despite this childhood bullying, but my heart softens toward any child who must endure such cruelty. Today, here in the States, a child who is bullied physically, or through social media, often attempts self-harm. I cannot tell you how many news stories I read where teenagers committed suicide due to bullying by their peers.
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I’m so sorry to hear you were a victim of bullying at school, Linda. It’s a horrible place to be, especially when the child feels more threatened if they tell anybody about what is happening. For me, it was made worse by thinking that if I told an adult about what was going on, the bullies would come back at me even more after their punishment. And it wasn’t only boys who were the bullies.
As you rightly say, bullying now has a new home on social media. I touched on the subject in my short story, ‘Five Minutes’, which I published a couple of months ago. It’s so regrettable to hear of children thinking about suicide, and some even taking their own lives because of bullying or what they view online. We should do all we can to protect all of the generations yet to come.
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It was a sad time in my life Hugh and lasted two years before the teacher was suspended for a year for paddling me and making the insinuations that I called her house. The year before the teacher made me stand up and read to the class while they laughed at how I pronounced the word “shone” … they pronounce it like “stone” … every time I see that word, I remember that day. I hated school and went from a straight-A student in Canada to a C- at best. I am glad it is in the rear-view window now, but we have teenagers who take their lives due to Facebook friending, or lack thereof. Kids deem they are not popular because they do not have “friends” on Facebook that number in the hundreds or thousands. And there are those who are victims of cyberbullies, just as much as physical beatings. It is horrific. I am 63 years old and have no kids, but I sure would not want to bring kids into the world because I really shudder at it sometimes and I believe it will get worse. I will go back and look at this post later today. I am getting ready to walk before I get back and start work. Have a good day Hugh.
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Linda, the indignity you describe is horrific. To think it was a teacher who humiliated you so is just awful. Such should not be. It’s difficult enough for children changing schools, let alone countries, but to be subjected to treatment like this is just not on. I’m also pleased that it’s now in your rear-view mirror.
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Thank you for saying that Norah. I, too, was horrified at their actions. I had always enjoyed school and once here, hated going and my grades were terrible. The teacher had no business to ridicule me and get the classmates to do the same – it is unconscionable and sure would not happen in this day and age (they would be sued)! The second teacher who paddled me and made the insinuations should have been suspended forever in my opinion.
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It is appalling, Linda. I’m pleased those things, at least, in school have changed. Humiliation seemed to be the way of the teachers back then. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen nearly so often now, but I am sorry it happened to you and made you dislike school.
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Thanks Norah – I am glad it is now five decades since the last incident as well. The pre-teens and teenaged years were tough enough without this happening.
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That’s right, Linda. Teenage years have enough without anything added.
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That is for sure Norah. Enough angst to begin with for most teens.
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Indeed. I’m so pleased you are a survivor. 🙂
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I just re-read this comment and I realize it was a short story you published, not a blog post. Sorry for misunderstanding Hugh.
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No worries, Linda. I still regard the short stories I publish on my blog as blog posts.
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Bullying is so sad all round. I wish it was as easy to eradicate as it seems to be for some to perpetrate.
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I enjoyed learning a little more about Hugh. Thank you, Norah
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Thank you, John. 🙂
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Thanks so much, John.
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😊
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What wonderful reminiscences Hugh!
Drama was one of my favourite subjects too!
But I’m sorry you had to experience bullying…
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Ritu. I’m pleased you enjoyed Hugh’s interview.
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Always love reading about school!
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Same here! ❤
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Thank you, Ritu. Bullying is something that stalked me even after leaving school and entered the workplace. It’s such a horrible place to be. However, most bullies get what they deserve. I’d recommend anybody who is being bullied to speak up about it. That way, we can at least hopefully stamp some of it out.
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They should definitely speak up. there is always someone who will listen, even though at the time it may not feel like it.,..
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True!
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😊
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Hear! Hear! Hugh, we do need to speak up and let others know that bullying is not acceptable.
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I loved the interview!
Wow, you used real ink pens? Mine would have been dripping on the floor, most days, flailing arms and all. LOL!
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LOL! Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂
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Yes, and we children had to fill those ink pens up ourselves, Susie. You can imagine all the places the ink got, especially so on gleaming white school shirts. Parents were not happy about it. I do remember how back then one of the jokes you can play on a friend was throwing invisible ink over their shirt. It looked awful, but would suddenly disappear and leave a wet mark. Great fun!
Thanks so much for reading.
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LOL! No wonder Harry Potter used quills and ink. I thought it so old-fashioned.
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Invisible ink! That sounds easier to clean up. 🙂
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I couldn’t agree more with that last answer, Hugh. Loved learning about your school days!
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Teri. 🙂
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Thanks, Teri. Yes, we should do all we can to stamp out bullying (whoever the victim is). I’ve also been bullied in the workplace, although I wasn’t afraid to speak out about it.
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What an interesting glimpse into Hugh’s memories and thoughts about school. I love his last answer and couldn’t agree more that schools need to encourage respect for diversity, curiosity, and kindness. Excellent interview Norah and Hugh. ❤
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I’m pleased you enjoyed the interview, Diana. What wonderful advice Hugh gives about respecting others.
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He radiates kindness. Always.
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Indeed. 🙂
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Thanks, Diana. My Grandmother always told me to ‘ treat others how you would want them to treat you.’ Great advice I’ve always carried with me wherever I go.
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Imagine if everyone followed the golden rule. The world would transform. Your grandmother taught you well, Hugh. ❤
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I agree, Diana, and often wonder what is so difficult about that.
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It is great advice, Hugh. Your grandmother was a wise woman.
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Hi Norah, I enjoyed reading about Hugh’s school-days Thank you..Quite late in life, I became a ‘Dinner-lady’ (just before retirement age) and took a poetry class and coached a few lads who were slow at reading, which I loved. I soon spotted the few bullies and kept my eye on them – little sods…Two brothers in particular (crafty pair, whose mother thought they were angels) so our Head-master also had her to contend with..”My sons would never do that!”.Deluded woman. Bullies are usually cowards themselves.My eldest son, a studious soul, was bullied because he wouldn’t join a gang who got up to all sorts of tricks in the lunch-hour. Luckily the head-master sorted them out.
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I’d forgotten about the ‘Dinner ladies’ at school, Joy. I always remembered how they looked out for us all during the one-hour lunch break. Usually two of them. How they managed all those children at the same time I’ve no idea. However, they kept us all safe.
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Dinner ladies sound wonderful, Hugh. We didn’t have them here. I’d love to know more about them.
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Hi Norah, we had the ‘dinner ladies’ who cooked and served the school lunches, but there were also two who patrolled the school playground at lunchtime. I always remember them as looking like my grandmother, probably housewives whose own children had flown the nest and who made a bit of extra cash by looking after those on the school playground.
We also had a ‘Lollipop Lady’ who helped us cross the road outside the school, something that still happens to this day. I think you also have them in Australia.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/lollipop-lady
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I think I would have liked the dinner ladies. Yes, we still have lollipop people on the crossings at schools. They do a wonderful job. It can be dangerous, though. Sadly, one of them at my grandchildren’s school was hit by a car when he was doing his job last year. He now uses a mobility scooter to get around but can still stand long enough to do the work. It must be quite scary for them walking out into the road hoping everyone will stop.
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I’m sorry to hear about the accident the traffic warden outside your grandchildren’s school had, Norah. It shocks me to hear that vehicles would not stop for somebody who is helping school children cross the road. I always remember our ‘Lollipop ladies’ as being kind, friendly people who always talked to you as you waited with them by the side of the road. Unfortunately, in today’s society, everybody seems to be in a rush.
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It was rather shocking, Hugh, and , I guess, due to inattention – another modern affliction.
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Hi Hugh, I liked working with children; they were fascinating to study at times. As were some of their parents… One little devil’s irate father came to our school demanding to see the head-master:”You gotta down on my boy? Stop bullyin’ ‘im! (rich).” Mr. Smith threatened him with police action and he soon backed down. “Parents have to take a test before they can drive, but don’t before they have children!” my husband used to say. If only…
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I agree with your husband, Joy. Sometimes I look at a naughty child and think where did they get that type of behaviour from? Then I meet or see the parents and know the answer within a few minutes. It’s no wonder some children grow up like they do, especially when parents don’t respect the teachers.
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Respect is the basis of kindness.
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I often ponder the same question as your husband, Joy. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing your experiences, Joy. Being a dinner lady sounds like an important role. You did more than feed the children’s bellies. You must be very proud of your son for refusing to join the gang and you did well to report those bullies and get them sorted.
What diverse roles you engaged in: dinner lady, poetry teacher and reading support. What a fantastic contribution. Thank you. 🙂
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Thanks Norah, My early education was abysmal, otherwise I might have gone in for a teaching career. Life leads us down many different paths, doesn’t it!! Hugs xx.
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It does, Joy. I wonder if you have any regrets.
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No, Norah, not strong ones. And, although I am not a ‘poet’ in the fullest meaning (at all!) I do enjoy it and took a class while being a Dinner Lady and ran a postal group called Odes for Joy for a few years, which was great fun. (I did manage to win a few prizes for poetry nevertheless…)
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That’s great that you don’t have any regrets, Joy, and also that you managed to win some poetry prizes. Congratulations! What a clever name for your postal group too. 🙂
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Thanks, Norah. Hugs xx
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Enjoyed this post, Hugh and Norah, but sorry about the bullying. You seem to have done well in school despite getting no help for dyslexia. Testament to your resilience.
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Thank you, Anne. When I left school, I had two dreams. One was to publish a book, despite being dyslexic. The other was to have a number one hit single. Now with two self-published books under my belt, I’ve given up on the singing.
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You’ve still time to diversify, Hugh. 🙂
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I agree, Norah. Hugh, maybe if you revise that dream of number one to make a record you could do it.
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You’ve not heard my singing voice, Anne. It was once compared to fingernails being dragged down a blackboard. 😱
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As I’ve said to others, don’t believe anyone who tries to convince you you can’t sing. Most of us just need a kind teacher of Norah’s calibre to show us the way.
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I agree, Anne. Hugh did well. Does well.
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Thank you both – I enjoyed this very much! Finding similarities is somehow always comforting whether personal or in the wider world …
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Thank you, Susan. I’ve been amazed at how similar life is despite the thousands of miles between people. This new feature from Norah has certainly helped me understand a lot more of the past events of people’s lives. Thanks so much for reading.
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I think we’re all enjoying getting to know each other a little better, Hugh. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
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Thank you, Susan. It is wonderful to find a connection, somewhere we feel we belong. 🙂
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We’re on the plane about to take off !!!!
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Fly safe!
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Loved seeing Hugh here today. Hugh, I had to laugh at your dislike of sports, so similar to my reply to this question in my interview with Norah next week, lol. We would have been best buddies in school. ❤
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I’d often leave school and go and hang out in the nearby cemetery, when there was a sports lesson, Debby. Sometimes, a few friends might tag along…until I started telling them ghost stories. 😱
I’m looking forward to reading your school day memories next week.
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Lol Hugh, you crack me up. I’m sure I would have been right with your little group 🙂
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Hehehe. That’s funny, Hugh. I can just imagine you scaring your friends with ghost stories. It’s something you still do. 🙂
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Indeed, Norah, it seems to be something which has travelled with me down my path of life. 😀
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We’re all hanging out for your interview next week, Debby. What fun it is to compare notes about school, if not in school. 🙂
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Exactly! I’ve been enjoying reading these interviews. One never knows about a new nugget of wisdom we pick up 🙂
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Another lovely interview, Norah and Hugh. I’m really enjoying this series. Love the school photo. I’m another one who was never keen on playing sports on cold, muddy fields – hockey at secondary school was a nightmare! Three cheers for your comment about diversity and bullying, Hugh. I think some schools already do a great job, but others have quite a way to go.
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Yes, I agree with you about some schools doing a great job, Wendy. It’s just a shame that bullying has now spread to the online world; a world where many children seem to hang out rather than be outside with their friends.
I hear almost weekly that governments are doing what they can do get social media companies to act responsibly in removing offending posts and images, but I can’t help but think what a massive job it must be. I only have to look at some of the followers I have on some of my social media accounts to know that they are not real people or are only following me in the hope that I will engage with them so they can extract money from me. Despite me reporting some of these fake profiles, the accounts remain open. Of course, I can block them, but how would a child deal with them?
Thanks so much for reliving some of school day memories with me.
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You’ve touched on a subject that concerns me too, Hugh – internet safety for children. It’s such a different world for them from the one we grew up in, and parenting and teaching has so many more demands. I’m thankful I parented in the pre-internet days. We, as a society, have a long way to go in deciding what is acceptable and permitted.
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Wendy. I’m pleased you are enjoying the interviews and that Hugh’s experiences connected with you. Yes, many schools do a good job and many need to do more. But so do parents, families and society as a whole. We can’t leave everything to the schools. Teachers are often overburdened as it is. I know that’s not your implication, just my thoughts. 🙂
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Another wonderful school days interview, Norah. Thank you! And, thank you Hugh for sharing your school experiences. I worry about bullying (which unfortunately has been going on forever), because I think stopping it starts with me, at the preschool level. It’s what I do. I’d like to stroll the playgrounds at elementary schools and step in when I hear or see bullying. It’s important.
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I agree, Jennie. I only wish that more children would report it when it happens, or even go to the aid of another child who is being bullied. Standing up to bullies can be a tough thing to do, so that’s why it’s essential that we have people like you looking out for it and stepping in if necessary.
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Hear-hear!
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Standing up to bullies can be difficult. Being a bystander doesn’t help anyone though and has negative repercussions in the long run. Jennie does a wonderful job with her little ones. I admire her greatly. She is to be applauded for the positive influence she has on so many lives.
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The increase in bullying is worrying, Jennie, and you’re right in that it starts with you. But not just you – it starts (and finishes) with all of us. All we need is a little respect and bullying will be eradicated. Respect cuts to the core of how we treat ourselves and each other. It is important for all of us to step in when we see or hear bullying occurring.
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Hear-hear, Norah!
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Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, Norah.
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Enjoyed this interview particularly because it clearly demonstrates that we can achieve without being top of the class or with a string of degrees … this is very inspiring, thanks Norah and Hugh!
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Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I’ve written about dyslexia on my blog in the hope it encourages others with the condition that they can fulfil their dreams, and should never allow it to stop them from doing what they want to achieve.
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I have a mild form with names and numbers, using computers to tell me I’ve made an error has been a godsend!
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I agree. For me, Grammarly has been the best thing since I discovered marmalade flavoured vodka.
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oh I just shuddered marmalade and vodka in the same sentence … lol enjoy!
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As did I! 🙂
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Marmalade flavoured vodka!!!!!
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I usually add a dash of lime juice, ice, and ginger beer to mine, Norah. Very refreshing on a warm, sunny day while sitting in the garden.
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I agree, Kate, but I don’t always agree with the computer. 🙂
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lol me neither Norah, but we can override it 🙂
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Good thing that! 🙂
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The support you offer others is admirable, Hugh.
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That’s right, Kate. Academic success doesn’t necessarily equate with success in life. I agree with you also that Hugh’s story is inspiring.
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Am enjoying all these new people I’m meeting through your interviews Norah 🙂
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That’s great, Kate. It was my intention to share their joy around. 🙂
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lol guessing you must be on school holidays as you are seldom online this long 🙂
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It is school holidays in Queensland, but I’m not at school any more. I’m trying to catch up, and get a bit ahead as I’ll be spending the next three days with my grandchildren so won’t have time to read, comment or respond until they’re in bed, but I might be so pooped I have to join them. 🙂 I will be over to visit you as soon as I can.
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lol take your time I’m still settling in, owners have an airbnb apartment or you can rent nearby … or we just meet for lunch at your Macadamia Castle 🙂
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I have to admit that even though I have stumbled upon Hugh’s comments on fellow blogger’s posts I don’t believe I have ever visited his own blog. As I love finding people who don’t accept their ‘inabilities’ and who simply do what they know in their bones they were meant to do and therefore overcome the vision prescribed for their life, I really must change that. (Sorry about that heavy handed sentence – 6.40 am, first coffee only half drunk etc etc) A fascinating conversation here Norah and Hugh, thanks so much for sharing this. I’m off to visit.
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Thank you, Pauline. I was delighted when Norah asked me to share some memories from my school days. Although they were often not the best of days, I managed to get myself through them and did my best despite having a condition that not many understood at the time.
Unfortunately, as I entered adult life, I allowed dyslexia to stop me from pursuing my love of writing. Then, in February 2014, I discovered the wonderful world of blogging. The rest, as they say, is history.
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I think many of us are grateful that you found your voice in blogging, Hugh. What a productive though brief ‘history’.
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I’m sure you’ll enjoy Hugh’s blog, Pauline. He’s a versatile writer and shares an eclectic mix of interesting posts on his blog.
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Enjoyed the interview and learning more about Hugh. Geography was my favorite as well- a way to experience other fascinating cultures.
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Thanks, Jacquie. I got my best exam in geography. And my love of looking at maps is still something I have.
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Geography is fun to learn, especially when it can be combined with travel. 🙂
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I currently follow a blogger who writes a bit about his son’s struggles with dyslexia in the school system. They do not sound accommodating! Did you feel that limited you, Hugh? Did you feel pushed to work at the same level as everyone else, even with some troubles related to the dyslexia?
I agree with your observations and suggestions regarding education these days, too.
Thanks, Norah, for posting!
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During my school years, dyslexia was not recognised as a condition, Chelsea. At ‘Parent’s Evenings’ many of my teachers would tell my parents that I was a ‘slow’ learner. Even though I would tell some of the teachers that letters or words were jumbled up, they never believed me. Some even suggested I wear spectacles. When my eyes were tested, they were given a clean bill of health, so I continued to struggle with both reading and writing and had to work at the same level as the rest of the class.
I’m just very glad that these days there are some help groups for both children and adults who have the condition. Being dyslexic certainly subdued my abilities when it came to exams. Now, however, I no longer allow it to stop me from writing, although I still struggle with reading.
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Thank you for answering my questions. I’m genuinely curious, and hope I never offend.
I enjoy your writing, and it sounds (by your marks) that you were not a “slow learner.” 🙂
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No, you never offended me, Chelsea. I no longer have any problems talking about my dyslexia. In fact, I’m always delighted to talk about it.
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I think it’s great that you are open about it, Hugh. I’m sure other take courage in hearing your story.
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Sometimes we have to ask those probing questions to better understand, Chelsea. Thanks for asking. 🙂
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You’re a dyslexia success story, Hugh. We need to hear more of them, though I am aware of a few. I think little recognition was given to learning differences ‘back then’ and even less was known about them. Now, even though more is known, the support is not always available.
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I agree, Norah. I was amazed when I heard that people like Richard Branson and Steven Spielberg were dyslexic. Knowing helped me come more to terms with having the condition, but I also told myself that I had to make a difference too if I wanted to succeed with what I wanted to do the most.
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Chelsea.
It saddens me when I hear that children’s needs are not being catered for. So much lost potential. But we can’t always blame the teachers. Some do an extraordinary job with little support. It is good that you ask Hugh about his experiences. It is always enlightening to find out how others felt.
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Chepstow is delightful. I wonder if it’s always been ? Was it deliberate to ignore how school did (or more likely didn’t) try and help with your dyslexia? Unless I read too fast and missed that bit!
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I had no help with being dyslexic when I was at school, Geoff. At the time, it was not a known condition. My parents were only told that I was a slow learner. I was made to feel very isolated about it and thought I was the only person in the world who saw words and letters jumbled up. How wrong I was.
Thank goodness that most children, these days, with the condition, get some help with it.
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It is very difficult feeling that you’re the only one in the world, Hugh. I’m pleased you managed to pull through and do well for yourself, despite the difficulties. It says a lot about your character.
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An interesting interview with Hugh, Norah. Hugh is also one of the first bloggers I met and his book, Glimpses was the first book I ever reviewed on Goodreads and my blog. I enjoyed his memories of school and the picture.
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Thank you, Robbie. I enjoyed reliving the memories from my school days. I was delighted when Norah asked me to participate, especially as it helped me uncover the school class photo in this post. I still remember some of the names of my classmates in that photo, as well as the teacher.
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Well done, Hugh. I can also remember some, but not all of my previous class mates.
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Thank you, Norah. I love reading about other people’s experiences and lives.Bullying is such a curse. Poor Hugh.I,too, disliked math and was hardly athletic! x
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It is, and now we find online bullies, too, Joy. It’s such a shame that these few try and make lives of many so unhappy. I’d encourage anyone who is being bullied to tell someone about it.
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That’s good advice, Hugh. We need to ensure the bullies get no airtime.
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I’m so pleased you are enjoying these posts, Joy. It is lovely to read about people’s experiences, isn’t it?
I didn’t mind maths, up to a point, and still quite enjoy it, up to a point. But sport, exercise and I definitely don’t get along. 🙂
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Thank you so much for asking me over today, Norah. I enjoyed sharing my memories of my school days with you and your readers. Bullying was a problem, but I was also lucky to have some close friends at school who were always there to face up to some of the bullies. It’s strange, but I felt rather sad for the bullies and often saw them as children who lacked confidence in anything they did. Then, if they saw others around them doing well at something, they’d often take it out on them.
I think it may have been Geoff’s blog where we first met, although it could also have been Charli Mills’ blog. I’m sure it was Geoff who introduced me to the Carrot Ranch.
Thanks ever so much for inviting me to take part in this wonderful feature, Norah.
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It was my pleasure to host you, Hugh, and a delight to read your school memories.
I think the thing that struck me most as I read your post was your inability to join the police force on account of your height. That was the way back then. Here, I think, candidates had to be over six foot and there wasn’t a female officer in sight. How different it is these days. As the rules have relaxed, young people have far more choice in career paths.
I guess it doesn’t really matter where we met, Hugh. I’m just pleased we did. 🙂
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Yes, indeed, Norah. I never imaged just how many wonderful friends could develop in the world of blogging when I published my first post. My day would not be complete without catching up with some of my blogging friends.
Yes, these days, just about anyone can now join the police force and fire brigade. It’s strange to think that back in the 1970s your height could restrict some of the career choices you wanted to take up. Thank goodness the world has changed.
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I love these interviews, Nora. Hugh’s was very interesting. It’s funny how most writers didn’t like math or sports. We are words people!! Love the class picture.
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I agree about maths and sport, Darlene. For me, it was always about the words, putting them together, and making up stories. Although I’m dyslexic, I enjoyed English at school.
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In grade 4, the teacher gave us a spelling test. Those who passed could go outside and play baseball. Those who didn’t, had to stay in and read. I was a good speller at the time but purposely spelled some words wrong. The teacher caught on and was very angry with me. She made me go outside and play the dreaded baseball anyway.
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Oh, no! Sprung! You know, Darlene. I would have done the same thing. In fact, at teacher’s college, when we were learning how to do exercises to teach to children, I’d wait until the teacher’s back was turned and pretend I’d done the forward roll or whatever it was. Tut-tut. Shame on me. 🙂
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Oh dear! I was never very good at spelling. However, if I concentrated on it and spent a lot of time learning the correct placement of all the letters, I could sometimes do quite well at it. Punishment for us was detention – usually during break time when we’d have to write 100 lines of the same sentence.
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I’m a terrible speller now. Perhaps I’m still afraid I will be forced to play sports!
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I can’t imagine that you’d ever run out of stories, Hugh. And if you did, you’d even find a story in that. 🙂
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I’m so pleased you enjoyed Hugh’s post, Darlene. Aren’t these old school photos and memories, fun? I’m enjoying sharing them. I’m finding that, for all our differences, we have quite a bit in common; including a dislike of maths and sport and a preference for English. Funny thing that. 🙂
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It’s in our DNA!!
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It is! 🙂
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