Product Description

It's 1979: Dallas is enthralling the nation on TV, Mrs Thatcher has just become prime minister, Abba is top of the pops, and in the small Yorkshire village of Ragley-on-the-Forest, Jack Sheffield returns for his third year as headmaster of the village school. Jack and his staff struggle to keep a semblance of normality throughout the turbulence of the school terms, as once again the official School Log fails to record what is really going on beneath the seemingly quiet routine. Ruby the caretaker discovers her Prince Charming; Vera the school secretary gets to meet her hero, Nicholas Parsons; and Jack, to his astonishment, finds himself having to stand in as a curiously skinny Father Christmas. Jack also finds himself, at last, having to choose between the vivacious sisters Beth and Laura Henderson ...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11363 in Books
• Published on: 2009-09-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Review
Wry observation and heartwarming humour in equal measure.

From the Back Cover
It’s 1979: Dallas is enthralling the nation on TV, Mrs Thatcher has just become prime minister, Abba is top of the pops, and in the small Yorkshire village of Ragley-on-the-Forest, Jack Sheffield returns for his third year as headmaster of the village school.

Jack and his staff struggle to keep a semblance of normality throughout the turbulence of the school terms, as once again the official School Log fails to record what is really going on beneath the seemingly quiet routine. Ruby the caretaker discovers her Prince Charming; Vera the school secretary gets to meet her hero, Nicholas Parsons; and Jack, to his astonishment, finds himself having to stand in as a curiously skinny Father Christmas.

Jack also finds himself, at last, having to choose between the vivacious sisters Beth and Laura Henderson …

About the Author
Jack Sheffield was born in 1945 and grew up in the tough environment of Gipton Estate, in North East Leeds. After a job as a 'pitch boy', repairing roofs, he became a Corona Pop Man before going to St John's College, York, and training to be a teacher. In the late 70s and 80s, he was a head teacher of two schools in North Yorkshire before becoming Senior Lecturer in primary education at Bretton Hall near Wakefield. It was at this time he began to record his many amusing stories of village life. He lives in York and Hampshire. Visit his website at www.jacksheffield.com.

Customer Reviews

Dear Teacher by Jack Sheffield- A Great Book
A cracking book for all. The author has a honed skill in relating to adults and children alike, whatever their background.
Like its two predecessors `Dear Teacher' revolves around life at Ragley village school, its teachers, children, parents and local life but this book boasts more. We still have the daily anecdotes but stories are deeper and events are more colourful.
How lovely it is to be reminded of the importance of values particularly by children: "Our mummy says we're like different-coloured crayons..." said Rowena..."But we all live in the same tin," replied her twin sister Katrina.
This book will be your best friend. You will not want it to end as you read about the funny Pontefract strippers, the "cutest lil' city" of York , Mrs Earnshaw's baby daughter called Dallas (!)... going to "Devon" when you die and so very much more.
A walk down 1980s memory lane is not to be missed as we remember those flares in fashion and nostalgic notes from Abba not to mention the reign of Margaret Thatcher.
Best of all is our dear young Headmaster, Jack Sheffield. We all want a Jack in our lives. If you don't already have one you will be looking for one after reading this book. We experience the pangs of love he has for the lovely Beth and reflect on his words ...'while time might be a great healer, love was better'
This is an excellent read. If you have been a pupil, parent or teacher at some point in your life this will be your reference book on life. This book is so good that I found myself wanting to re-live my life amongst the descriptions and tales of life in Ragley.

Getting better and better
I am enjoying this series more and more, especially as the characters are `bedding down' nicely. They are feeling like old friends and that is the skill of Jack Sheffield's writing. A community that is instantly recognisable.

Timothy Pratt still brings a smile to my face everytime he appears, and Sheila, the landlady in the main attraction in the tap room of the `Royal Oak' is spot-on. Jack Sheffield manages to find the humour and pathos in everyday life, and delivers it in a charming way.

And I have finely worked out what the `Rhubarb Triangle' is. I should have asked Timothy Pratt - he could have told me straight away.

Top marks!

Well Done Jack.......
I have just finished this book and once again cannot wait for the next...It takes me right back to my school days of the late 50,early 60's.
Jack I hope she says yes...........
I also brought the little book about the Christmas turkey...I read it to my grand daughter on Christmas Eve,who asks can we read this every year?
Well Done again Jack...all books are excellent and worth reading,however, you will need time on your side 'cause you will not beable to put them down.
Here's to number 4.......Hurry up.
Jenny