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I was browsing through the "memories" section and a memory came back to me that involved the swimming pool and a visit to the school by some members of the Dr. Barnardo board of management.
On one fine summers day, the housemasters were called to Mr. Wheatleys office to be advised that, on the following Saturday, a group of the Board were coming to the school for a tour of inspection. There were to be one or two show pieces and each housemaster was given an area to supervise. I was to take the Aberdeen houseboys down to the swimming pool and supervise a swimming and diving session. I had one young boy, whose name will not be revealed, who had a cold and was forbidden, by the nurse, to go in the pool but for the afternoon was to stay with the group. I clearly remember one Board member, a large imperious lady, came down to the pool and was handed over to me for explanations and introductions, if necessary. As we strolled around the side of the pool, we came across the young invalid who was occupying himself by poking at a clump of grass that had blown into the pool. The following exchange took place, Lady," Hello, young man, and what do you have there?" The young man looked up and said, "It's an octopus". Lady, "Oh, how interesting, and how do you know it's an octopus?" Boy " Well. You can see its testicles can't ya?' This in a broad cockney accent. The lady recoiled slightly and then, with great dignity said, ""Oh..er..yes. Thank you young man". and then we carried on with her tour of inspection. Nothing more was said and I am still not sure whether he really meant what he said or did he mean "tentacles". I chose to remain in ignorance.
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