Several acute problems will arise from merging the two schools, the solutions of which cannot at present be foreseen. Among these problems are:- 1 The provision of text books preceded by a decision as to which texts of which school are to be adopted generally. 2 The allocation of the cost of these between the two schools. 3 The allocation of games expenses and petty cash. 4 The decision as to subjects to be prepared for the General School Examination, having in mind the return of all pupils to their own school alter the war. Conclusion: These suggestions are submitted in the hope that they will meet the desires of the Governors. In particular we wish to assure the Governors of our hearty co-operation in bringing about the utmost economy in staffing. The situation with which we are confronted is subject to unforeseen changes and should there be further opportunities for reduction of staff, we shall take the fullest advantage of them, keeping in mind the purpose of supplying the educational needs of our pupils and watching over their general welfare. Emotional Strain The Rogers boys were not the only children unhappy in Torquay as the Head reported:- A girl refused to obey my instructions as to the manner of her return to Greenford from Torquay. She also did her best to disaffect other girls and was a leader in planning their return to Greenford unknown to me. As her general attitude was one of defiance of explicit instructions, she was suspended from 31st October. She was re admitted on 5th December on condition that she would in future submit to school discipline. Staff not only had to try to make life tolerable for pupils separated from their families and, like the above, very unhappy, but he Head felt he had to re-assure the parents back in Greenford, as he reported to the Governors: I am proposing to see all the parents of evacuated pupils who care to attend a meeting at Greenford on the 28th March 1941. A meeting held prior to evacuation considerably increased confidence, and I am hoping to maintain confidence by seeing parents both collectively and individually whenever I can. The Green Manor News-Sheet We have seen the Torquay school described from the point of view of the Heads and staff but how the pupils viewed it is vividly disclosed by them in a copy of the 3rd edition of The Green Manor News-Sheet Produced by the Evacuated Sections of Drayton Manor and Greenford County Schools at Torquay in March 1942:- As we go to press we are nearly at the end of one of the happiest terms we have had at Torquay. Since the Pantomime we have all worked very hard and the Examinations have shown what we really can do. The Staff seem satisfied with the results, so we can't have done too badly. If there is little about work in these Sheets it is because Classes are proceeding normally and we are leaving our reports to speak for themselves. Rambles and Club evenings are being arranged for the Holidays - may all those of us who deserve a short rest, enjoy it thoroughly. IMAGE At Berry Pomeroy Castle Deek's Diary December 31st: A visit to Exeter which was really well attended, and in spite of thick fog we saw most of the sights of the city. The Mayor greeted us at the Guildhall, and had arranged for a display of the Civic Plate. January 12th: A Grand Christmas Party. McCullock giving a talk on fairies and M Phypers on minding the baby were the highlights. January 20th 23rd: The School Pantomime was produced during this time, and was a huge success, enjoyed by everyone. January 22nd: Those who were not taking part in the Pantomime enjoyed a visit to the Torquay Museum. By kindness of the Curator special exhibits were patent view for us. January 29th: The term's first meeting of the Brains Trust. There was a very amusing talk on freckles, about which subject very little was known. February 3rd: There was a 'Crazy Whist Drive' to-night at the Club, which we all enjoyed. February 9th: Another meeting of the Brains Trust. The main subject discussed was sex appeal. Nobody seemed to know what it was. February 18th: A sing-song at the Club to-night, in which Mr Tolley made everyone laugh with his comic songs. February 23rd: Half-term holiday, with a very exciting Military Whist Drive in the evening. McCullock and Co. won. February 24th and 25th: A programme of interesting films presented by Fry's Chocolate people was shown to us. February 26th: Mrs Peyser gave a very interesting talk on Education under Hitler and afterwards answered innumerable questions. March 3rd: A mixed games tournament at the Club, with a variety of Games. March 4th: A Table Tennis Match against the 1120 Squadron of the ATC which resulted in a draw. March 10th: A reading by the staff and some of the pupils, of the Comedy Thriller The Busman's Honeymoon was given at the Club. It was an excellent evening's entertainment. page 35