Chris Paterson

Half the teachers were mad, and many were great fun. I remember pick up games of football in the cold, and inside the main hall in the rain. It seemed like we never had a moment, or wanted one, to rest!

Building forts from pine needles, and defending them from rivals. Those long "crocodile" walks when I managed to kick water up someone's back, and got a caning when they grassed on me!

I remember NC and those Gilbert and Sullivan musicals, Com. Holgate and his dog Porgan, Wing Com. Wasp, Col. Pidsley in science, who knew my father from the army and was I think nicer to me than I deserved! I imagine prep school back then was an ideal second career for retired military officers.

I remember PY and chapel services, Anne Keys (correct name I think...) in Art, and great team sports. Though I never made the first teams, I was always made to feel good about myself for representing the school. (Something that has stayed with me)

Who could forget learning to swim in the outdoor pool? The Ascension Day picnic, Sports Day, the summer term....great memories. In many ways I enjoyed it more than my public school experience afterwards.

Though it is easy to view the past with rose tinted glasses, I would send my children to Durlston Court in a moment were I living in the area. Though I know the set up is quite removed from those early 1970's school days.

Certainly hope to make it back there for a visit before I am too much older, and bring my US born children back to see where their father once sang the lead in the "Pirates of Penzance!"

Best wishes to everyone past and presently connected with the school,

- Chris Paterson ('69-'73)

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