When you learn that the school attended by your child is planning a special Christmas lunch, it is reasonable to assume that it’s going to be a whole heap better than the packed lunch you would normally send in with your offspring.

Indeed I remember when I was at school we all used to look forward to the annual Christmas Feast.

But parents were left gobsmacked when photos of the meal promised by Steyning Grammar School and Sixth Form College in West Sussex, circulating showing a roll, a  bit of turkey, a small bit of sausage and a smidgen of stuffing!

What’s more the school had had the effrontery to e-mail parents to say how the pupils had “really enjoyed the repast evidenced by the empty plates and happy faces”.

One parent said that the impression he had was that most of the stuff ended up in the bin and that for most of the kids, there was a sense of disbelief with what they’d been served.

Parents reacted with dismay and anger saying, “Disgraceful, £3.50 for a roll, one bit of turkey, small bit of sausage and a bit of stuffing! And what’s more there was nothing else on offer for those who didn’t chose Xmas lunch. Diabolical.”

“They should be ashamed of themselves, what a pathetic excuse for a dinner let alone a Christmas dinner,” was the reaction from another.

The school has since apologised that the Christmas lunch was not up to standard due to unforeseen supply chain issues and staffing shortages due to COVID – where have I heard that one before?

Anyway it seems that they will be offering a refund.

For her Bygones subject this week, Margaret Mils looked at a somewhat unusual man from Loughton.

Perhaps the words to describe him should be ODD, which were his initials, his full name being OCTAVIOUS DIXIE DEACON. This worthy gentleman is renowned for the sketches he made of life in 19th century Loughton.

He was also well known for writing complaints to local dignitaries and others.

Listen here to what Margaret had to tell me about this man: –

See you again next week,
Scott