Sunday 20 December (4)

So ... the last day of my residency, and the children's Christmas party, and staff party at Charlie Chaplin.

As I arrived one of the children, who had previously written stories with me, asked for some paper to write some more. During the morning she wrote:

The Party At The Queens Hotel

Forgetful Harry

and

Hair

The theme / dress code of the day was HAIR, so lots of wigs, adornments, and also shaved heads.

I spent the morning in the kitchen with several staff preparing food for the children's party, and for the staff Turkey Dinner in the evening. Whilst chopping onions and peppers I had a great conversation with one of the playworkers about comedy film and radio. In particular, the black and white films of Will Hay, and Peter Sellers, radio shows Round The Horne, and Hancock's Half Hour, and her particular favourites Flanders and Swann, and mine, Spike Milligan.

Later on, whilst outside, I heard some shouting, and ran over to the football area where two young men were squaring up for a fight.

I managed to separate them, sending one away, and restraining the other, who was very very angry - this, I admit took some effort. Eventually, he calmed down a little, and we made our way to the central area - I wanted staff to now deal with the situation - and two playworkers 'took over'.

The young man didn't want to talk about what had happened, he was now enraged and struggled to get away, saying he wanted to thump the other boy.

The playworkers wanted him to explain what had happened, so they could start to sort out the situation, and said how his behaviour was not helping them to do this.

I spoke to the other young man, who, by now was standing nearby. He said that in getting a football, which had gone behind the goal, there had been a bit of mutual pushing and shoving, that he had pushed the other boy, who had fallen on a bike, hurting himself (he hadn't intended this), and that he was sorry.

Later, they explained that the young man often got very angry, and that his level of anger often seemed to be disproportionate to the situation he was reacting too.

I reported what the other boy had said, also what I had seen, and since there was no reason for me to remain, I returned inside as the party was beginning.

A short while later, the young man joined the party, the matter now having been dealt with.

Of Course (DJ) Father Christmas made his apperance

handing out presents to every child at the party (each one receiving a present carefully chosen for him, or her).

Pass The Parcel was played, a Best Dancer competition was held, and the mountains of food rapidly enjoyed.

Towards the end of the afternoon the children departed, tables were laid out (lengths of greengrocers grass served as an impromptu table cloth - Le Dejeuner Sur L'Herbe), and the staff party began.

The food was beautiful.

Taking a break outside a final and chilly game of football was played with several playworkers and the children of staff.

I left, early in the evening, saying goodbye to staff wishing everyone a Happy Christmas.