Coincidences

Talking to an old work colleague today, who coincidentally also moved out of London and now lives just four roads away. It turns out that we both went to the same school at the same time, but were in different years, which probably explains why we only met once at work.

We were reminded of a couple of incidents at school. The teachers were called Masters in those days and wore gowns and mortar boards and of course there was still corporal punishment '6 of the best' in the Head's study.

Every day there would be Morning Assembly. One day, the Head told the school that: 'I have some sad news, we have learnt this morning that Jennings Minor is dead'. This of course had quite an effect on us boys, the fact that one of our own had passed away.

In the afternoon, an Emergency Assembly was called and the Head stood and addressed us all again: 'Further to the news this morning, I have to report that Jennings Minor is not dead but is ill in bed'.

Mirth all round. No doubt the secretary misheard on the phone. I hope they hadn't already sent flowers!

BTW, the story is true but I have changed the boy's name to protect the innocent.