The Long Walk ... July 1912

By Albert Beeson

It was breaking-up day at Somerville Road Council Schools, Birmingham.

Mr Haywood the Headmaster addressed the pupils in the large hall: "Today you start your summer holidays. I hope during the next four weeks you will put your time to good use." With a smile, he said: "You may go now."

As we marched out Miss Swallow, my teacher, said: "Go to the Headmaster's room Beeson." As I slowly walked I wondered 'Why?' What had I done wrong?

Standing by Mr Haywood's desk I pondered why. Maybe the cane, but why?

On entering his room, the Head said, "Sit down Albert."

It seemed a long time before he spoke again.

"Tell me" he said, "what will you be doing during your holidays?"

"I don't know Sir, last year I looked after Mrs Jones' baby each day - she paid me 3d a week."

"Let me see" he replied "you live with your father in lodgings next door to Mrs Jones?"

"Yes Sir."

Mr Haywood was a kind man and knew I was motherless. "I have bought you a small book Albert, called 'The New Testament'. Try to read it during your holidays."

"Thank you Sir."

"You may go now."

As I made to go he followed. "Here is a bar of Fry's chocolate. Eat it as you go. But don't throw the paper in the corridor."

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©Beeson 1997

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