Remembering Mrs Farrell.

Mrs Farrell taught me English at the Harris Middle School.

She, and she alone, struck fear into pupils, as she would insist on perfect study conditions in class, and everyone obeyed.

Mrs Farrell not only taught me English, she taught my Mother when the school was an all girls establishment, andRoman Hill was the boy's school.

On the occasion of the first parent-teacher evening, Mum was confrnted with a monster from her past, and one who remembered her, despite it being some twenty years or so previously.

Mre Farrell remember Mum's first name, and in about twenty seconds, the family name too, and what kind of student Mum was as well.

Mrs Farrell only taught me two years, but things she taught me have stayed with me forty five years.

1. The first sentence is the most important. The chance for the writer of author to grab the readers' attention.

2. Never ever use the words "nice" and "pretty".

3. Never use the same verb in a paragraph. Avoid repition.

I have mentioned this to Jools over the years, and she follows them too.

I guess Mrs Farrell is long gone now, but I am sure she would be pleased to know some things got through my skull into my brain, and her job wasn't hopeless after all.