This is a warm, funny and mostly true account of the first year that Gervase Phinn spent as a schools' inspector in North Yorkshire. His brilliantly portrayed cast includes his fellow inspectors who range from endearing to eccentric, sporting lords of the manor, Ministry bigwigs, formidable teaching nuns and a very attractive head-teacher who happens to be single, adding up to an enchanting montage of experiences. But it is the children themselves who steal the show, whether fresh-faced from the farms or worldly-wise from the towns.
Gervase Phinn is a born raconteur who has transferred his talents to the written word with outstanding success.
Reviews
sbarclay: How very kind of you. I very much enjoyed writing the books but only intended writing the one: ‘The Other Side of the Dale.’ My Editor at Penguin (who edited James Herriot’s books) felt there should be a sequel and persuaded me to write another and then another three. I stopped there. There is an old saying my mother used: ‘When you strike oil, stop boring.’ I felt I had come to the end of the series. I have now moved on to other things and have four books out this year – the memoir, a photographic journey around Yorkshire with watercolour illustrations by my son Matthew, a poetry collection and a Christmas compilation.
I had this book as a present several years ago and thought it was very funny. Since reading more of the same series I have also seen Gervase at our local theatre talking about his books and his work. I would recommend this book and also others from the Dales series to everyone who enjoys reading about humorous every day events.
Dear Freida
I agree with your comments. I am afraid the advisers and inspectors of the past are a far cry form today’s School Improvement Officers. The Government is obsessed with league tables, targets, inspections, assessments and with them come the snowstorm of paperwork which drives many teachers out of the profession. Perhaps the pendulum will swing back to the times when teachers ere valued and supported. I agree about the humour as well. To have a sense of humour, indeed a sense of fun is of inestimable importance for a teacher.
This book was loaned to me by a neighbour. She thought that i might find it interesting as I am a primary schoolteacher myself. His inspector was so far away from the realities of Ofsted now. I enjoyed the humour - something that all 'good' teachers have to have in abundance.
