Headline, April07, 2013

'''THE SCHOOL FEES'''

A`masterpiece of a true story from the real world........

THE BURSAR, MR BARR Is still watching like a bemused owl  fixed on a small fieldmouse.

''You see, Charles, it's rather awkward, it's about, well, the school fees.....They haven't been paid again.......and I wonder......well I would be awfully grateful if you could ask your mother to get in contact......''

''Did she not write?'' say I, unconvincingly.

''No,'' smiles the Bursar, ''and well, the fees......they have to be paid in time..''

''I am sorry,sir, I believe she is in New York.'' I offer and, ''I am sure some money will be coming in....My mother has written a book you know called, Finchy: My Life With Peter Finch..''

It hangs there, this title of hers. That tells of my father and her love affair and of movies and stars and all things so out of place here in this big school office where princes have sat. I am ashamed and shamed. I feel the wood of the hard chair. My feet seem to lift off the floor and my head feels light

I realise then that, unlike most, this place means everything to me. It is a crutch and my ladder. It is a place I need.

Mr Barr, -The Bursar- pleats himself into his perch behind his desk and his gaze rests on his paperwork.

''I could work here,'' I offer. ''For the fees.''

''Here? Work? And what would you do?'' he asks, though not unkindly.

''I could work in the kitchen or on the farm, or at the end of term, or take people on tours?''

Mr Barr smiles.''Tours, indeed.''

''Is there some difficulty financially?'' he asks.

I am alone. Alone for the first time in my life. My father is dead. There is no money and little likely to come any time soon.

''Oh gracious, I assure you we are good for the fees, just hand the bill to me.''

Mr Barr smiles at the gall.

The sunlight hits me through the window. It is a moment of clarity, for from the sun I feel hope, and with hope, confidence. With or without Gordonstoun school I will survive. I stand to leave and take my parting shot.

''The governors board meeting is this weekend, sir. Usually they are taken around by the head boy, but we both know he's a twat......

Perhaps I could take them around, after all, Lord Brabourne is a film producer and he's rich!''

Mr Barr, in his understated British confidence, likes this idea, it offers us both hope.

''Good. A tour with a purpose, indeed........... I will suggest it to the headmaster.''

Thus Mr Barr becomes accomplice and friend.

And so it was. I accompanied Lord and lady Brabourne, the governors of Gordonstoun, who had serendipitously created a scholarship programme on their first tour of the school.

Two years later I finished school as head boy.

Later Charles Finch rose to be the CEO of his company.

Respectful, loving and caring dedication to over 900 million students of the world, who experienced similar ordeals.

Please honour this post for two days and ensure all schools, colleges and universities stand shared.

Good Night & God Bless!

SAM Daily Times - the Voice of the Voiceless