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It is
1985, and headmaster Jack Sheffield is about to discover that
big changes are afoot in the world of education. Ragley-on-the-Forest
is a rural primary school, and many are closing due to low
numbers; however, the number of children on roll is rising.
What does this mean for the school and Jack? Meanwhile, Ruby
has a new man in her life, Vera ponders on retirement, and
the Earnshaw boys build an unusual scarecrow for the competition.
This is the most entertaining way to imbibe a bit of social
history for anybody not around in the mid 80s, and nostalgia
for anybody who was. It was the end of an era for many things,
and the beginning for others: the staff gets to grips with
computers, watch Dynasty on TV and copy the styles, and watch
out for Halley's Comet. There is a feeling that the rural
peace has been shattered by government interference, and Jack
has to deal with several rising stars of the teaching profession
and their take on education. Although this is a more somber
entry in the series, there is also plenty to smile about with
the wonderful things children say and the various doings of
the adult characters. As with all series it is enjoyable to
catch up with the usual cast as well as meeting new members,
see who has a new relationship (several people), and how the
Ragley folk cope as the modern world comes crashing in. Do
we really have to wait a whole year for book ten? A nostalgic,
entertaining treat.
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