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By Sue Haley and Amber James
When Vincent looked in, Catherine was sitting, motionless on her couch, her eyes open, unblinking, washed by a constant flow of silent tears. Her sorrow, coupled now with his own, was almost more than he could bear. He tapped on the window but she did not move. He knew that this time he must go inside and he did so.
He knelt before her. "Catherine," his voice was both pleading and consoling. "Tell me."
"It was a movie, Vincent," she remained still, her gaze unaltered, "It was just a movie." And then, as if an earthquake had ripped through her in a second, she convulsed and fell forward into his waiting arms.
When eventually she was able to speak, she tried to explain.
"It was a movie about deaf people but about one girl in particular and the man who fell in love with her. And I thought about Laura. I began to realise how much she misses by being deaf... music, the sound of waves... it made me very sad."
"I felt that sadness, Catherine. But this... this is more."
"Later in the movie," Catherine continued, "The young woman made a barrier of her deafness - a barrier that need not have been." She stressed these last words.
"Ah." Now Vincent understood.
"And I thought of YOU, Vincent." She was looking at him intently now, tears washing her eyes anew. "Of all that you cannot do because of who you are and all that you WILL not do because of..." She faltered, not able or not willing to put into words, her meaning.
"... because of who I might become." There was resignation in his voice.
Neither spoke for a while. Above this silence hung the same question which had hung there, just out of reach, for so long. Now, as each tried to grasp it and crush the answer from it, the solution was the same as ever: there was only one way to discover the answer and that answer may not be the one they wanted. If it was not, they might destroy everything - everything.
The effort of this conflict kept them locked - wanting to - needing to - but not daring to kiss as their dreams promised they could. He wanted to say, `I'm sorry for what I am'. She wanted to say, `It doesn't matter'. Neither could invest these thoughts into words, but promises were exchanged through their eyes that one day...
At last, Catherine ventured a question. "Vincent, are we Children Of A Lesser God?"
"I don't know, Catherine," and they huddled together, there, on the floor, clinging to their uncertainty as the safer alternative to what may be the truth.
Dear Laura
I was thinking about you last night and as it is a while since I had any news of you I decided to write. Are you both well? I heard that you are teaching now and that Jerry has left the Police altogether. I do hope that you are settled now and happy.
Joe is keeping me running around much as he always has. His favourite trick is to drop yet more files on my desk, quite casually, when I am already swamped. I do enjoy my job though and I get a lot from it. I think that is important. How do you like working with children? Is it making you broody?
Vincent is well. We hope that you will both be able to come for Winterfest this year - everyone was sorry not to see you there last year but I know how difficult it can be to get time off. Still, it should be easier now you've been there a while. You must come and stay with me.
Do write and let me know all your news.Love
As Laura let the letter fall from her hand there was a tear in her eye. Jerry, having seen the sudden change in her expression, picked up the letter and read it through.
It was only a quip on Catherine's part, he was sure, but how true was her aim!
Gently he sat beside Laura, still holding the letter and he put his arm around her to comfort her. At first she stiffened; she would cope with this alone, but emotion overcame her and she accepted his embrace. Jerry was relieved. At last she had stopped resisting his efforts to console her. More than once during recent exchanges on the subject of children, she had pulled away from him. Now that Catherine, albeit unwittingly, had reintroduced the subject, perhaps this was their chance to lay the ghost which haunted Laura - that her children may be born deaf.
Jerry had told her many times that both his parents were deaf and yet he was not. That should have reassured Laura but the doctors had planted the seeds of doubt and they were flourishing in Laura's fertile imagination. Jerry retrieved his arm.
"Tell her," he signed. "Tell Catherine."
Laura nodded assent and, Jerry thought, she almost smiled.
Father knew that something was wrong. Vincent had hardly mentioned Catherine for over a week, yet he knew that he had visited her. He felt sure that they had not argued so it must be...
"Vincent, can I do, er... anything?"
"No... Thank you, Father... no one can."
"A game of chess then?" Father suggested more brightly.
"In the afternoon!" Vincent looked directly at him, a twinkle in his eye. "You clearly wish to seize your chance to beat me!"
"Er, not at all, Vincent. Even distracted as you are, I wouldn't rate my chances of winning to be very high." Then in a much more fatherly tone he enquired, "Is Catherine well?"
"Yes, Father, quite well." Vincent knew that she was also quite near, perhaps in the Park above them. "She has... We have a lot on our minds - but please don't worry."
Father hovered - not knowing whether to stay or leave - until Vincent said, quite casually:
"Catherine tells me that she has written to Laura."
"Oh good. How is she?"
"I do not know, Laura has not replied yet." Vincent's attention seemed drawn to the ceiling and Father decided that this would be a good time to leave.
"I'll see you later at dinner," he said as he left Vincent's chamber, but his words were not acknowledged.
It was one of those rare occasions when Catherine left the office early. It was a pleasant afternoon for the time of year and she thought a walk through the Park in daylight would help her to clear her mind, so she strolled along 5th Avenue to the 72nd Street entrance. Just to her left there was a children's play area, one of several dotted through the Park, and Catherine's attention was drawn to a little boy of about four years old who was swinging one-armed around one of the faded red and yellow poles. He was pretending to be an aeroplane.
Catherine walked over to the picnic benches and sat down there to read Laura's letter. There hadn't been time that morning so she had shoved it into her bag for later.
Dear Catherine
It is a long time since we last wrote to each other and I am ashamed to say that I didn't reply to your last letter. I am sure you know how fast the days speed by. Jerry and I are well and very busy. Jerry now works for the government on a drugs rehabilitation program with the deaf.
I am glad that Joe is finding you plenty of work, it will keep you out of mischief. As for my new job, it certainly keeps me on my toes. I love being with the children and have started a drama group two evenings a week after school with the older children.
This year we will not miss Winterfest, Jerry and I will be coming to New York, so can I take up your offer of somewhere to stay? I would be only too happy to stay with my family Below but, Jerry is going to find it all very strange. Vincent told me that he hoped to meet Jerry one day so, now he understands the need for secrecy, the time seems to have presented itself. We were sorry to have missed last year's celebrations but perhaps the delay has given me the time to prepare Jerry.
You say Vincent is well, but no more. Haven't you two decided to `name the day' yet? Jerry keeps telling me we should marry and have a family, but I am unsure. Not unsure about spending the rest of my life with Jerry, there is no one else I would want to be with. I find it difficult to think of having children without a great sense of fear. How I miss having you and Vincent to talk to when I am worried. Jerry just doesn't understand.
Did Vincent ever tell you how I was found abandoned in the Park? For my parents, the thought of raising a deaf child proved too much. How can I make Jerry understand what it feels like to know that my own mother and father rejected me then dumped me like a bag of garbage? The doctors tell me it is likely that any children we have will be hearing-impaired in some way. For most of my life I have lived alone in my world of silence, there was no one Below like me. How can I condemn any child to that same loneliness? How can I bring a child into a world which will give only rejection as a return for the child's differences? Jerry cannot understand my reluctance but then it is not surprising, he is a hearing man in a hearing world. Jerry is not reminded every day of the things which set him apart as I am, he is not like me, he is not deaf.
Catherine shivered. Laura's fears and her own were running parallel. She looked again at the little boy, in a world of his own. He seemed quite happy but she wondered if he could be happy for the rest of his life, alone, pretending to be something else.
She continued reading.
Can you understand, Catherine? Perhaps not. Jerry and I don't argue about this, but there are times when it stands between us like a solid wall and I worry if it will eventually push us apart. I love him so much and I know he loves me. Perhaps in time we will resolve things and both be content in our decision. Our love will help us find the way. It must!
"Oh yes, Laura, it must!" Catherine surprised herself. She didn't mean to say that out loud. She looked to see if the little boy had heard - but he was gone.
I have talked far too much about myself. I should offer my congratulations about the Nolan case. It made the newspapers here and I proudly boasted, `Catherine Chandler is my friend', to everyone at work. You did well to get the second degree murder conviction. Does this mean you will be doing more court work and less leg work now? If so, I know Vincent will be much happier, he has never liked the risks you take when you investigate these difficult cases. Still you don't need me to tell you that, do you?
I can't tell you more about Jerry's job, I know so little because of the confidential nature of the work. However I know he often works with the families of his deaf clients and he enjoys that.
We shall be with you in a couple of months for the celebrations, that is if the offer of accommodation still stands. Do write soon and let me know how everyone is. Give my love to my family and friends, tell them all they are often in my thoughts and always in my heart.Until I hear from you,
With much love,
As Catherine finished reading Laura's letter a small voice broke into her thoughts.
"Now I have told you before, if you don't behave you will be sent to bed AT ONCE."
Looking up, Catherine saw, at the other end of the bench, a little girl wagging her finger at her doll. A pretty little girl with curly blonde hair and blue eyes. Such blue eyes!
Quickly, Catherine folded the letter and stood up to walk away. She began to go left, towards the zoo, but there were sure to be more children there so she decided instead to walk the other way across the broad sloping lawn towards the model sailboat pond.
As she walked, she thought of Laura and Jerry with children - it didn't seem to matter whether the children were deaf or not - they would be loved. She had to tell Laura that her children would not be `condemned' as she put it, to loneliness as long as they had love. Being deaf was an `acceptable' difference. You can't tell that someone is deaf just from looking at them. But Vincent's children... what would they be like? Would she ever know?
As she reached the far end of the pond she came to the bronze group `The Mad Tea-Party'. A young boy had climbed The Mad Hatter and was sitting on his hat, whilst a little girl was crawling in and out of the giant mushrooms under the table. Not far away there was a small group of children listening to a clown, dressed in motley and full make-up, singing to them. Catherine had seen him there before on weekday afternoons. She walked around the pond to the other side where the bronze figure of Hans Christian Anderson sat, book on knee. His audience today, besides the duckling, were two small children, brother and sister, Catherine thought, and their mother. Another brother was sitting on the statue's right knee and reading from the open book in his best theatre voice.
"`What sort of a one are you?' they asked; and the Duckling turned in every direction and bowed as well as it could. `You are remarkably ugly!' said the Wild Ducks. `But that is indifferent to us, so long as you do not marry into our family'."
Catherine couldn't bear it. She ran, she ran towards home because she couldn't risk going to Vincent in broad daylight.
At home she couldn't settle. She put on some music; Schubert's Unfinished Symphony and as she remembered that wonderful night in the rain with Vincent, when they had been so happy, she gradually relaxed and fell asleep.
Long slender fingers moved silently.
"Stop!" they signed. "Enough!" Tears of mirth ran down Laura's cheeks as those same fingers lifted a tissue to dry the dark expressive eyes. Joining with her laughter the small group of teenagers sat around the stage.
It was said that the greater the disaster at the dress rehearsal, the greater the success of the performance and the school drama group hoped this would be true for them. This whole afternoon had been one mishap after another and as the scenery toppled around them, Laura had been forced to call a halt. Poor Janice! She had struggled so with the yards of skirt which made up the period costume she wore as it caught on everything. Props had been swept aside, trees felled and now a whole building had tumbled as she had tried to walk gracefully through the doorway. She looked at Laura.
"Do I have to wear this dress?" she pleaded.
The swift hands of the teacher replied, "Sorry, but we can't have George Washington's wife in jeans and a sweatshirt."
Calling Peter over, Laura asked if anything could be done with the scenery to anchor it at the base and hold it from above. She was told not to worry. He assured her that he would sort something out. He also pointed out that the play was supposed to be a comedy anyway. Laura gave him a playful push, whereupon he overbalanced and ended up on the floor at her feet! This was the final straw for everyone. Giggles and laughter filled the large hall, echoing around the room, mocking the deaf ears on which it fell.
No more would be achieved by continuing now and there was always tomorrow afternoon.
"Can you all come in for one o'clock tomorrow?" Laura asked. Everyone could so it was decided to run through it again then.
Laura felt exhausted but she thought that walking home might be more refreshing than a journey on crowded public transport. As she strolled along she received a few puzzled stares as she chuckled to herself about the events of the last few hours. Soon she was turning the key in the lock of her own front door, longing for a leisurely soak in a hot bath.
Jerry was already home and hearing the front door open, he walked to meet her. She looked so weary as she stepped into the hallway, but her bright eyes still danced when she saw him waiting there.
"Hard day?" he questioned.
She grimaced.
"That bad!" He wrapped his arms about her and kissed her on the top of her head.
"Vincent always did that," she told him, disentangling herself from his arms so that she could use her hands.
"I'm glad I'm going to meet him at last. You mention him so often, I feel I ought to know him," Jerry signed.
"There is a lot more you need to know about him before you meet him," Laura replied, as she took off her coat and kicked off her shoes.
Leading her towards the bathroom, Jerry answered, "Then you can tell me all about him whilst you soak away your aches and pains."
The fingers wove their words in a slower tempo now. "How is it that you always seem to know just what I need, Jerry?"
He beamed at her. "That is my secret and it's staying that way," and he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bathroom while she snuggled against him.
When Catherine stirred it was already dark, but even before she opened her eyes she was aware of the gentle fragrance of leather and candlewax. She lifted her eyes towards the balcony where she expected to see Vincent waiting - but she was disappointed.
"Catherine," the gentle voice came from inside the room. Vincent was standing in the corner, just beside the door. "I wondered when you would wake."
"Vincent! How long have you been there?"
"Not long, Catherine... forever."
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"You needed to sleep." Vincent remained rooted to the spot.
"Come here," Catherine urged. "I need a hug." Then, as he hesitated, she added, "It's quite safe!"
Vincent stepped forwards and as she stood up he took her in his arms and held her close. "What was it that upset you this afternoon?" he asked softly.
"Oh, nothing much," she lied. "Just something I saw in the park. I'm okay now."
Vincent knew that she was keeping something back but he was prepared to let it pass if that was her wish.
"I've had a reply from Laura," Catherine went on. "She and Jerry are both coming to Winterfest!"
"Wonderful. At last I can meet him."
"They are going to stay with me; Laura thought it best as it's Jerry's first time."
"Yes, I think that is wise."
"I'll take some time off work while they're here, if it's okay with Joe." Just then, Catherine noticed that the stereo was still switched on and it gave her an idea. "Vincent... I was listening to something earlier. Will you sit down with me now while I play the record again?"
"Er... yes... all right. What is it?"
"Just listen," and she ushered him to the couch. She watched him closely from beside the stereo as the opening bars played. He lifted his head slightly as he recognised the piece, then he turned towards her and his face lit up in a broad smile.
"Come and sit with me," he invited and Catherine's heart turned a somersault, not because of what he said, but because of where he was when he said it.
Vincent sensed the joy in her at that moment and it pleased him.
It was very late when Vincent sauntered back along the tunnels. He too, felt that the evening's events had been something of a milestone. A week ago he would not have entered Catherine's apartment unless pressed. But tonight they had spent the evening listening to music and talking as though his presence there was commonplace. He was actually smirking with the satisfaction of this when he encountered Mouse, scurrying along in a world of his own.
"You are about very late, Mouse. Is something wrong?"
"Nothing wrong." The young man fell into step with Vincent. "Couldn't sleep. Went for a walk." Then, after a pause he asked, "You been with Catherine?"
"Yes," Vincent answered lovingly.
Mouse's face took on the kind of expression one associates with the sight of a kitten or a small puppy - or in Mouse's case a baby raccoon!
"Catherine has heard from Laura," Vincent added.
"Laura!" Mouse's enthusiasm was obvious.
"Yes. She and Jerry are coming to Winterfest."
"Neat! Like Laura."
"Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing Jerry too."
"Seen him," Mouse announced. "...Didn't see me though."
"Oh, when?" Vincent enquired.
"Long time ago," was all the information given. Then Mouse added, rather seriously, "Better warn Pascal!"
"Oh yes, of course, I hadn't thought of that!"
Vincent thought it was probably too late tonight but he might stop by the pipe-chamber as Pascal had been known to fall asleep there. Mouse, who was already preoccupied with some plan or other, turned to Vincent and with a brief "Got to go. Things to do," he was gone.
"Pascal... Do you ever leave the pipe-chamber?"
"Hello, Vincent. I like to stay here late some nights. You can hear things when the pipes are quiet that can't be heard during the day. The tone has a different quality at night.. And sometimes one of the helpers sends a message.."
"...And you don't want to miss anything." There was laughter in Vincent's voice. "I have some news for you," he added, still smiling. "Laura is coming for Winterfest. Mouse thought I should `WARN' you!"
"Oh... yes... It will be good to see her but I'm going to be in trouble! Will you help me, Vincent... please?"
"Of course I will, but we don't have very long. I expect you will want to have your lessons here!"
Pascal just smiled and nodded. Vincent continued,
"I will ask Rebecca to help too - she may have some time to spare and it will do you good to practice with different people."
Dear Laura
It's great news that you're coming to Winterfest. Everyone Below is pleased about it; Vincent says Mouse retreated to his chamber and won't let anyone near, so I don't know what he's cooking up for you! Pascal is working hard so you won't be cross with him and Father is delighted that at last he can welcome Jerry into the family properly.
I wanted to take some time off work after the celebrations in the hope that you could stay on for a week or so but Joe is going to be away that week so I can't. Could you come for a week before Winterfest? I know the schools will be off then so you should have no trouble but of course it will depend on what Jerry is doing. I do hope you can come early and of course you will stay with me - in fact I'll move out into the living room so you can feel at home. I want you both to feel comfortable here, treat the place as your own.
I have some plans for our time together but I will also leave you some free time to go out or stay in, whichever you want. I know how important my time with Vincent is and I expect it's the same for you too.
I'm sorry that you are worried about having children in case they are deaf. If I remember right, Jerry told me that both his parents were deaf so there is every chance your children won't be. But I expect he has already told you that. Anyway Laura, even if you have a child that is deaf, that child is not going to be lonely or isolated because it will have the love and care of two wonderful people and the understanding which your own parents couldn't give to you. I think they were probably more frightened than uncaring, afraid that they couldn't give you all that you needed. Please don't hate them for that and please don't punish yourself and Jerry for what they did by denying yourselves children.
When I look at Vincent, knowing how much we love each other and knowing at the same time that our love can never be made into a person, I think I know real loneliness. I never knew that it was possible to be secure and happy in someone's love and still be lonely. Once in a while I feel that just a small step towards togetherness has been taken but I can't push Vincent or I know he'll pull away. You see Laura, we don't know what may happen if we `marry'. Vincent hasn't said so but I believe he's afraid he would hurt me. And any children we might have - well who can say? I've never discussed this with him because if I did I think it would do more harm than good. He cares about me so deeply that if he thought he was causing me pain he might go away - or send me away. He did that once before and I couldn't bear it to happen again.
You and Jerry have so much going for you. You are in love and happy - there is no reason for you to build walls between you. You say Jerry doesn't understand but have you tried to explain? Can I help at all? I'll talk to Jerry if you think it will help, but I won't say anything unless you ask me to.
Maybe the break here, away from work, will help you both to resolve things. I'm really looking forward to seeing you both again. Have you told Jerry about Vincent? I thought he could be here to meet him when you arrive, if you like. Let me know if you think it's a good idea.Write soon
Vincent was intrigued as he followed Mouse to his chamber. Nobody had been allowed near for days and Vincent was curious to know the `secret' that Mouse now wanted to share with him.
"Promise not to tell," Mouse commanded.
"I promise."
"Not even Catherine," Mouse added more gently, as though he knew how difficult it was to keep something from one so dear.
"Not even Catherine," Vincent assured him.
"It's for Laura," the young man announced triumphantly as they entered his chamber.
"I thought so."
"You knew!" Mouse looked suddenly deflated.
"No, Mouse, I guessed - but I have told no one, I promise you." Vincent knew that Catherine had guessed too but he wanted Mouse to enjoy his secret so he said nothing.
Mouse bustled off to the corner of his chamber and came back with something wrapped in a piece of cloth.
"Found it. Thrown away. Mended it. Painted it," he said as he slowly unwrapped the precious gift and placed it on the bench for Vincent to see. "Works now," he added as he picked it up, turned the key in its back and replaced it on the bench.
As Vincent watched, the little tin soldier began to move his arms so that the tiny drumsticks beat alternately on the tin drum. He was unable to speak, his eyes welled with tears and he turned to look at Mouse.
Mouse smiled disarmingly. "Will she like it?" he asked.
"Mouse, she will love it," Vincent said and he hugged his young friend close. "It's beautiful, really beautiful."
Dear Catherine
I was so pleased to receive your letter. Jerry and I are both looking forward to Winterfest, although I think Jerry is feeling apprehensive. We would love to spend a few days with you before the celebrations and expect to arrive at your place on Tuesday evening about nine o'clock.
Perhaps you are right about my parents, but I will never know, will I? This will always cause me doubts. Sometimes, not knowing can be worse than the truth. From your letter I can see that you do understand the loneliness I feel at times. I love Jerry very much, yet these fears eat away at me. I had not realised that problems existed between you and Vincent, but you should never doubt his love. Remember, I saw the man who walked alone, witnessed the change in him after you came into his life. He changed, Catherine, when he realised that you loved him there was a new confidence, a new assurance. He knew he would no longer be alone.
I think it is sad that he will not allow you nearer than you are and I am sure this hurts him as much as it hurts you.
Jerry and I do need time to resolve our differences. Thank you for the offer to speak to him but, no, I have to find my own way.
I have tried, as best I can, to prepare Jerry for all the unusual things he will see, including Vincent. So yes, please ask Vincent to be there when we arrive, it will be wonderful to see him again.We will be with you soon,
"What time did Laura say they'd be here?" Vincent asked for the third time.
"Around nine - Vincent, please - why don't you just sit down and relax?"
"It's foolish I know... but I'm nervous!"
Catherine couldn't hide her amusement. Never had she seen Vincent so agitated. It reminded her of the boy who took her to her Senior Prom, just before he met her father!
"Vincent, I know how special Laura is to you and you want Jerry to like you - but you needn't worry - really." Catherine tried to think of a way to make him relax. "Here, come and sit down," she soothed. "There is something you can do for me."
Vincent did as he was asked and watched Catherine disappear into the bedroom. She returned almost immediately holding a hairbrush. Vincent looked worried; what was she planning? He held his breath but Catherine sat on the floor at his feet and handed the brush to him over her shoulder. Without looking at him, she said softly:
"Please, Vincent... I love having my hair brushed... When I was little, I would sit... like this... at my mother's feet. For so long there's been no-one I could ask."
Vincent smiled as he took the brush from her. Uncertain at first, he gently allowed the bristles to glide over the back of her hair.
"You won't hurt me, Vincent," Catherine assured him.
He marvelled at her trust as he looked at his hands. Against the smooth softness of her hair they looked out of place - but she trusted him - he knew that. He summoned his courage and with one long smooth stroke he brushed a column of her hair so that it lay across the palm of his other hand.
"Your hair!" he breathed. "It is like silk!"
"Thank you. I'm glad you like it," Catherine replied, trying to sound casual - but as he laid the hair down on her shoulders his fingers brushed her neck and she shuddered. Vincent was acutely aware of the reaction provoked by his touch but his own response was controlled as usual. He resumed his task, reverently and with wonder in his eyes. Catherine wanted to see that look but could not do so without foregoing his touch and she was not willing to do that.
Neither wanted this new nearness to end.
All too soon, it seemed, there was a knock at the door and Vincent froze.
"They're here!" His voice was barely audible.
"Stay there while I let them in," Catherine instructed as she rose to her feet. She peeped round the door to see Laura and Jerry smiling at her. "Yes, it's them," she said, turning towards the empty couch. "Vincent! Where have you gone? Oh well..." and she undid the chain and opened the door wide. Laura launched herself at Catherine and hugged her for a long time.
"Hi, Jerry," Catherine said over Laura's shoulder. "Good journey?"
"Not bad I s'pose, but New York cabbies don't improve!"
Laura let go of Catherine to ask, "Where is Vincent?"
"I think he's gone out on the balcony," Catherine replied and Laura hurried out to find him. When they came back in, both were laughing with their arms round each other - and Vincent was still holding the hairbrush!
Catherine watched the look on Jerry's face change from surprise to pure awe.
"Jerry, meet Vincent. Vincent, this is Jerry," she said gently as Vincent stepped towards him.
"I am delighted to meet you at last," Vincent said, with remarkable composure. Only when Jerry offered his hand did Vincent to the same. Jerry became aware that he was staring open-mouthed at Vincent.
"I'm sorry," he said suddenly, shaking his head in disbelief.
"It's all right," Vincent replied. "But didn't Laura tell you I was... different?"
"Yes... but not how big!" and Jerry began to laugh. "We shall be GOOD friends," he said. "I wouldn't want YOU for an enemy!"
The ice was broken. Laura moved to stand between Catherine and Jerry and placing an arm around each of them she pulled them close and beamed at Vincent.
"Do you want to settle in first, or go Below now?" Vincent signed. Laura chose to stay put for the evening so that Vincent and Jerry could get to know each other better and she and Catherine could catch up with their news.
Catherine suggested phoning for a pizza and they all agreed - although Vincent wasn't sure, he said he'd try it. Much later, when Catherine went with Vincent onto the balcony to say goodnight, he said that he liked Jerry very much - but he wasn't too keen on pizza. Then, as he held Catherine close, he spoke softly into her hair.
"Catherine... will you do something for me?"
"Of course I will."
"Not now, but sometime... will you... brush my hair for me?"
"If we set off early we can go through the basement without being seen."
"Okay," Jerry agreed as Catherine left two cups of coffee by the bedside. He slowly turned to put his arm round Laura. As she snuggled into his embrace she opened her eyes and smiled, `good morning'. She glanced past him at the clock and grimacing, she closed her eyes again.
"Come on," he shook her gently and she sat up.
"Okay," she nodded, then signed, "Race you for the bathroom."
Catherine was already showered and dressed and was rolling up her bedding. She paused to smile when she heard the rumpus coming from the other room. Jerry emerged, defeated.
"What's the drill?" he asked as he sipped his coffee.
"We can get into the tunnels below this building. Vincent will meet us and walk with us - it's quite a long way but you'll love it! It's like nothing you've ever seen... What has Laura told you about the tunnels?"
"It's not so much what she's told me as the... change that comes over her when she thinks of `home'. She `glows', y'know?"
"Yes! I do!" Catherine said dreamily.
"So do you!" Jerry added with a grin, then after a moment, said, "I've tried to picture the world Below in my mind, but I can only think of the Batcave and Ninja Turtles!"
Catherine laughed with him. "You'd better not tell Father that!"
Laura put her head round the door.
"I think the bathroom's free now," Catherine told Jerry and he went through to get ready.
As Catherine stepped off the ladder, Vincent was already greeting Laura and Jerry. "We are to go straight to Father's chamber," he said. "No doubt others will arrive to meet you later on."
That journey was for Jerry, the most magical journey he had ever made. He could now see and feel the `glow' for himself. Laura kept looking at him and nudging Catherine and smiling at his reactions to her home. Jerry spun round as a brick was replaced in a peep-hole.
"What was that?"
"Just a look-out," Catherine explained. "It's important to keep this place safe - we have to know if anyone is here."
"Do not be alarmed," Vincent added. "The pipes are already speaking of our approach."
"The pipes..." Jerry mused. "Laura told me about the pipes. The thought of them fascinates me."
"Well!" Vincent laughed, "Pascal will take great pleasure in telling you anything you wish to know about them."
As they stepped into Father's chamber, Jerry's mouth fell open. His eyes slowly traced a path from the mountains of books piled on the ornately carved desk in front of him round bookcases that were overflowing. There was every size of candle in candleholders of all kinds, from a single stem to elaborate candelabra. There was an oil lamp, a Tiffany lamp, a figurehead, something that looked like a small telescope, and in the centre of the room, a spiral staircase leading up to more shelves piled high with yet more books! And the whole room `glowed'. Jerry blinked.
"Forget the Batcave - THIS is fantastic!"
"I beg your pardon?" Father's voice was puzzled.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Jerry realised what he had said.
Catherine rescued him. "Father, may I introduce you to Jerry Dinelli. Jerry, this is Jacob Wells but we..."
"Please, call me Jacob OR Father, whichever you prefer," Father cut in.
"Pleased to meet you Sir. I already think of you as Father... if that's okay?"
"Yes, of course... Please come in and make yourselves at home. Laura, welcome my dear. How are you?"
Vincent undertook his usual role as interpreter for Father whilst Jerry signed his own part of the conversation. Catherine's signing was still rather basic and Vincent helped her out. Laura was also a very good lip-reader so she didn't miss anything.
Mary brought tea and stayed. As Vincent had predicted the numbers gradually swelled as the time passed. William came to ask if Jerry had a favourite kind of cake - and stayed. Jamie brought a message from Mouse - and stayed. It was late morning when Samantha came to ask Father when he would take their lesson.
"Goodness, I forgot. I'm sorry, Samantha. I will be there directly." Then Father asked Jerry, "Would you like to sit in? You and Laura?"
Jerry looked for Laura's approval and she shrugged a `yes', so the three of them made their way to the school chamber.
"No Laura, don't shut me out because..." She read no more as her eyes closed making it impossible for the argument to continue. When she opened them again, Jerry had gone. Now she was alone and frightened, just as she had been the first time she had stayed in Catherine's apartment. Tonight Catherine was still Below and Jerry? Laura knew that she had effectively sent him away. The silent hours dragged by. She waited, watching the fingers of the clock creep quietly through the tear-filled minutes of the night. This was the first time they had actually exchanged anger and bitterness over their future. As soon as children had been mentioned Laura had closed herself inside the safety of her silence.
When Jerry returned home some hours later, he was drunk. Laura began to cry again - this was a Jerry she did not know.
"Why?" she signed.
"Why what?" he questioned. "Why did I go out, or why did I get drunk?"
"Because it's the only way I can cope with this. You refuse to even discuss the possibility of a family. Whenever I try, you use your deafness against me, to distance me, and there is nothing I can do."
"You don't understand!" her hands told him.
"NO. No, Laura," he replied. "I don't. You know I would do anything for you. If I could tear off my ears I would do!"
She turned away. Jerry moved unsteadily to stand in front of her again.
"If you love me now, if you have ever loved me, then you MUST let me tell you how I feel!"
Laura sat on the couch and turned her tear-stained face up to search his eyes. She nodded her assent and he knelt at her feet.
"There is no way for me to enter your world of silence," he continued. "Just as you can't be a part of the hearing world I was born into. It is not you who's different, we're both different, different from each other. But there is one place where we stand together, where we are equals, where neither language nor silence divides us. That place is in our love - and that is the place where any child of ours would live and grow. It's not the world's rejection of our child that worries you so much - it's mine. Whether you accept it or not that is the truth. You don't have enough faith in me, in us, to believe the three of us could live in our love and be happy there."
Jerry's eyes filled and tears began to trickle down his cheeks as he rose to his feet and made his way to the bedroom.
When Jerry woke next morning there was a note on Laura's pillow.
"I do love you. I need to think. Have gone Below, but I'll be back before lunch.
Love, Laura xx."
Only the gentle tapping on the pipes could be heard as Laura greeted Pascal.
"Hello, Pascal," she signed. "I hear you have been studying at last!"
"Hello, Laura," he signed back. "Good to see you. Are you well?"
"Yes, thank you. Are you?"
"Yes, I'm well, but nervous - this is like an exam!" Pascal thought to himself, That's it now - everything I've practised - if she wants more, I'll be lost!
"Very good!" Laura was laughing now. "You HAVE done well. Vincent tells me you are training Zak to `conduct' the pipes. Where is he?"
"Oh," said Pascal as he tried desperately to think what the sign was for `kitchen'. "Z-A-K ... with... W-I-L-L-I-A-M... helping... with the food," and he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Can I just stay here for a while?" Laura asked. "You don't have to talk to me. I'd just like to feel the pipes - I do miss them!"
"Do you?" Pascal was more than a little surprised that someone else felt as he did.
Laura just smiled and nodded.
"Of course you can stay," Pascal said as he just signed, "Yes, please stay."
Some time later, safely in the Mousehole, Laura gazed in wonder as with a theatrical gesture, Mouse took the cloth away. Beneath it, on a once silvered cake stand `he' stood waiting. His red coat gleamed with the gloss of new paint, the dark trousers tapered to black shiny boots. The neat moustache curled at the ends onto a skin-toned face. Drum ready he stood waiting to display his talents and Mouse's ingenuity.
The young man leant forwards, gently holding the soldier steady, he turned the key in his back. The spring tightened. The soldier was released from his repairer's hold and his arms began to beat out an even rhythm on the small tin drum he carried. Laura was delighted. She placed a finger and thumb on either side of the tiny drum and felt the steady pulse beating beneath her touch.
Quickly, she threw her arms around her friend in a wordless thank you for his thoughtfulness and his love. Communication between them had always been easy and Laura's tears spoke with such strength that Mouse felt her delight reverberate through the chamber with a deafening intensity.
Her slender fingers moved through the air in a silent `thank you, he's beautiful', then she lifted the little tin man from the bench and held him up to study him. She marvelled at the care with which he had been renovated and smiled at the stern little face looking blankly back at her.
But as he moved, the candlelight flickered and she was sure as the light played across his features, her little soldier winked at her, just once.
Vincent looked up from the book as the figure of the young woman appeared in the doorway. She looked a little lost, he thought.
"Come in, Laura," he beckoned.
She was cradling her present from Mouse, wrapped in its piece of cloth but she did not offer to open it. Clearly she had some other purpose and Vincent could not guess what it might be. She placed her precious parcel on the table and drew an envelope from her pocket.
"I think you should read this," she told him as he took the envelope from her and studied the familiar writing.
"From Catherine," he observed. "But this is addressed to you, Laura."
"I WANT you to read it," Laura urged. "Please."
Vincent began to read. As he did so he wondered what was so important, then he came to `...please don't punish yourself and Jerry for what they did by denying yourselves children.'
"Are you punishing yourselves?" he asked gently.
"Read on," she instructed.
Tears stung Vincent's eyes as he heard Catherine say, `I never knew that it was possible to be secure and happy in someone's love and still be lonely.' He blinked and looked up, not at Laura but at a point above them where he knew Catherine to be. Laura watched, sharing his torment. Vincent finished reading. He knew Catherine's pain - the reason for it and he wept. Laura stood beside him now - she put an arm around him and gathering her parcel she moved to leave. As she looked back there was a tear in her eye too.
"Thank you, Laura," Vincent managed as she left him to his sorrow.
How could he endure this? He MUST - somehow.
`He might go away - or send me away. He did that once before and I couldn't bear it to happen again.' Catherine's words were swimming in his head. He was not angry though, nor bitter. He felt tremendous compassion for the way in which she bore her sorrow - hid it from everyone - even him.
But what could he do? Through the mist he looked at his hands, turned them over and back again. What COULD he do to banish her loneliness? He felt helpless. He, of all people, helpless! As the mist cleared, his eyes focused on the book, lying there innocently all this time. And he saw the words:
`What is all this sweet work worth,
If thou kiss not me?'
Vincent picked up the book and held it close - held it as if it were Catherine.
Jerry was in the shower when Catherine returned from shopping. Laura looked up as she spotted her out of the corner of her eye. As she carried the bags into the tiny kitchen, Catherine noticed the small toy on the table in front of Laura. Once the groceries were safely stored away she draped her coat over the back of the couch and knelt down to take a closer look. The little tin soldier beat his steady rhythm, slowed, then stopped.
"He is beautiful!" Catherine said, forgetting, in her admiration, that Laura would not hear.
Laura lip-read well and signed, "From Mouse."
Jerry came into the room, dressed in a grey tracksuit and rubbing his hair with a towel. "Saying hello to our new family member?" he asked.
"Yes, I am. Isn't he wonderful?" Catherine replied.
Laura turned as she saw Catherine speaking to someone behind her. She stood, picked up her gift and gazed at Jerry. A clear message of love passed between them. Laura signed something but Catherine missed the meaning, so she looked to Jerry for an interpretation. The young man smiled.
"Laura wants to know if you have a suitable box she could have for her little friend."
"Yes," Catherine signed. "Please wait," then she vanished into the bedroom.
Jerry walked over to Laura and taking her chin in his hand he said, "I love you." These were words Laura knew well and needed no sign. Her eyes gave the affirmation of her love for him and he bent his head and kissed her. Catherine stopped in the doorway, then made a noisy entrance so that at least Jerry would know she was there. She gave Laura a box and some tissue paper. The soldier fitted perfectly into his new home.
"Thank you," Laura signed.
"Well, we wouldn't want him to get damaged on the way home," Catherine told her. Jerry translated and again, Laura's answer was too fast for Catherine.
"She wants the box to put him away at home," Jerry explained. Then he turned to Laura. His question: "Why?" needed no translation.
Nor did Laura's reply. "To keep it safe for the baby."
Jerry's eyes filled with tears and he threw his arms around Laura, lifted her off the floor and spun her round. The little man almost fell, box and all, so Catherine rescued it and placed it safely on the table.
"When?" Jerry signed as he lowered his precious burden to the floor.
"Straight away," Laura answered, beaming.
Catherine picked up her coat, her bag and her keys and quietly left - just in case Jerry decided to take Laura's words literally.
Three tricolour candles lay on the coffee table. Catherine tenderly lifted one and studied it. `Can you hear it?' she remembered and music played in her head. Music that only she and Vincent had heard - the sweetest music because only they had heard it. Her heart danced.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked up. Laura's expression echoed her own thoughts.
"I love Winterfest," Catherine said as she carefully replaced the candle and rose to face Laura. "You look wonderful!" she admired. "That colour really suits you."
Laura feigned modesty, then twirled round for Catherine to see the full effect.
"Will you be warm enough?" Catherine asked. "I have a spare shawl if you would like to wear it."
"Yes, please," Laura answered.
When Jerry made his entrance he looked very smart indeed. "Well!" he said, stopping in his tracks. "Look at my date! Isn't she gorgeous? Oh... not that you don't look terrific too, Cathy," he added apologetically.
"That's okay," Catherine forgave him. "I understand. I just hope Vincent is as impressed with my dress!"
"Oh, he will be!" Jerry assured her.
"I'll just get our shawls, then we're ready to go. We are a little early but I expect Vincent will be waiting anyway."
Catherine descended the ladder first and Laura made Jerry wait a minute or so before they followed.
The sight of Catherine as she stepped into view took Vincent's breath away. He could remember every occasion when she had either arrived or parted from him through that shaft of light and each one had its own special joy... or pain. He wondered how she could possibly be more beautiful than before. He wanted to hold her and keep holding her... forever.
"Vincent?" Her voice was soft as a breeze. "Can I take that as a compliment?" She slipped her arms inside his cloak and he gathered her to him.
"Catherine... you are beautiful... so beautiful." He could find no other words to express all that he felt and hoped that she would understand. She did.
"Thank you, Vincent." She stepped back to look at him. "So are you." Vincent smiled at this, then Catherine added, "Wait 'til you see Laura!"
Jerry took Laura's hand as she stepped off the bottom rung and escorted her to where Vincent and Catherine stood.
"Isn't she gorgeous?" he repeated proudly. Vincent smiled and nodded - he too, felt pride in seeing the young woman that Laura had become. "I must be the luckiest man in New York," Jerry boasted.
"Almost," Vincent answered, very softly, as he looked into Catherine's eyes.
The unspoken love that passed between them did not go unnoticed. Laura took Jerry's arm and gently steered him along the tunnel so that Vincent and Catherine could follow. As they walked she explained to him about the candle ceremony that would begin the celebrations. Jerry didn't notice that Vincent and Catherine were lagging further and further behind.
Catherine realised that Vincent's pace was slowing but it wasn't until her guests were almost out of sight that she understood the significance of this - and only then when it was `too late' - something she kicked herself for afterwards!
Vincent stood still and turned to look at her. She searched his eyes, wondering why he had stopped. At first he looked as if he was going to speak... but then changed his mind... then he bent his head towards her and she thought he would speak after all... but he didn't. Very gently, Vincent pressed his lips to hers in the most tender of kisses. A chaste kiss. As he raised his head again and opened his eyes Catherine was gazing at him - stunned.
"Catherine?" he said, as if to wake her from a dream.
"Yes?" she replied - convinced that it WAS a dream.
"I believe... I should have... I HAVE wanted to... but..."
"I understand," Catherine soothed, having realised she was not dreaming. "You don't have to explain."
Vincent let out the breath he had been holding and smiled at his love. "Of course," he said, bowing his head slightly. Catherine never really understood this response but she did not question it.
The couple resumed their walk, slowly at first, she nestling under his arm. Vincent sensed the joy in Catherine and it pleased him. The thought crossed her mind, I must wear this dress again.
Ahead of them, Mouse, having summoned all his courage, had come to meet Laura. He expected Vincent and Catherine to be with her aswell as Jerry and looked a little put out when they were not. He almost turned back but Laura had seen him and her face lit up. Mouse hadn't the heart to go away and deep down he was proud to know he was so welcome.
"This is Mouse," Laura told Jerry.
Jerry held out his hand but Mouse took a small step backwards and put both his hands behind his back. Jerry was accustomed in his work to this kind of reaction and responded with kindness.
"I was admiring your work earlier today," he said warmly. "I wish I had your skill and patience. Your present to Laura is beautiful and so thoughtful."
Mouse was visibly `preening' himself as Jerry spoke and he grew an inch taller as he received these compliments.
"Nothing really," he answered modestly. "Laura's my friend."
"I hope that one day you will count me as a friend too," Jerry told him.
"So do I," Laura signed as she nodded to Mouse.
Mouse looked from one to the other then with a slight skip he smiled broadly and said, "Okay good... okay fine."
Laura and Jerry were both laughing when a black and white tail came into view along the tunnel, then just as quickly disappeared.
"Did you see that?" Jerry said in disbelief. "It looked like... a racoon!"
"Arthur!" Mouse looked worried. "Shouldn't be out... Promised Father," and he scurried off in pursuit of his `pet'.
Jerry couldn't believe it. "He keeps a pet racoon... down here?"
"Yes," Laura replied. "But he's not so much a pet - more a room mate."
Vincent and Catherine were now quite near.
"Where did Mouse go?" Catherine asked as they caught up and the four began to walk together.
"He went to catch Arthur!" Jerry told her.
Vincent laughed. "I hope he does. Father made him promise there would not be a repeat of last year's incident."
Laura looked puzzled. "Why - what happened last year?" she asked.
"Hasn't Catherine told you?" Laura shook her head. "Well..." Vincent continued. "I'm not sure of ALL the details... and there ARE two sides to the story..."
There was almost a queue in the dimly lit passage when Vincent and Catherine arrived to begin the descent of the stone stairway.
"Ah, Vincent, Catherine, we are all ready and waiting," Father announced.
Taking the lead, Vincent walked to the end of the tunnel with the woman he loved by his side. Behind them, Jerry gasped as he saw the grandeur before him. Laura squeezed his hand gently. Nothing could have prepared him for the vastness of this cavern and the steps leading through it, they seemed to reach downwards forever. Their progress was slow as he gazed in awe about him.
At the entrance to the Great Hall, Vincent lifted the huge beam from its brackets and pushed the doors open wide. The wind howled around them, telling its story of a timeless journey through caverns and passages long forgotten by man. Now it was Jerry's turn to squeeze Laura's hand. She beamed at him, then turned to Catherine. The two women exchanged a meaningful smile, conveying many unspoken messages between them. Laura was in no doubt - something had been said or taken place between Catherine and Vincent which had changed them. She raised an enquiring eyebrow at her friend and Catherine's silent nod confirmed that she was right.
Vincent turned from the doors and held out his hand to his love. She took it eagerly and reached also for Laura's. And so, hand in hand, lovers and friends, the four stepped forwards into the darkness and a future of infinite possibilities.


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Certified copies are only valid for 3 months. If the cruiser is paid up, go to the ENATIS website and you should be able to print one. If it is not, go to your bank`s website and get a bank certified copy and the border letter in 5 minutes flat.
If all else fails, you only have to go to the "Information" desk at the L /Department to get one. They are normally not that busy as the other counters.
Lastly, but I would not suggest, just take your chances at the border. I have travelled to Zambia a couple of times and the border crossing is normally effortless.

subset: commoncrawl


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Two Night New Forest Escape for Two at the Bartley Lodge HotelCode: PNFHL2 9 month validity Hampshire - Southampton 2 people
Product ImagesDouble tap to zoom Play Video
Two Night New Forest Escape for Two at the Bartley Lodge Hotel
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Unwind in the beautiful surroundings of the New Forest, with this two-night escape for two at the Bartley Lodge Hotel.
Set inside a grand estate reported to have once housed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this classic hotel boasts an indoor pool surrounded by striking Grecian-style sculptures, a stunning oak-panelled lounge and an upscale restaurant. Outside you'll find hiking trails running through the eight-acre grounds, and your country-chic bedroom comes equipped with flat-screen TV, tea-making equipment, and free Wi-Fi.
On each morning of your stay, you'll be served a delicious cooked or continental breakfast to set you up for the day ahead.
What's Included?
- Two night New Forest escape for two at the Bartley Lodge Hotel
- Double or twin room with flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and tea-making facilities
- Enjoy the hotel's hiking trails, croquet lawn, swimming pool and more
- Cooked or continental breakfast each morning
- Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card
Your voucher is valid for 9 months from the date of issue, while government restrictions apply in relation to Covid-19 we are offering free extensions on all experiences so you can take your experience when the time is right.
What happens on the day?
You can check in at the Bartley Lodge Hotel anytime from 14.00. On arrival, you'll be warmly greeted and directed to your double or twin room, where you can unwind with a feature flat-screen TV, iPod dock, tea and coffeemaking equipment and free Wi-Fi.
Head out to enjoy everything on offer at the hotel, including the swimming pool, croquet lawn, oak-panelled lounge and hiking trails in the grounds. Whatever's on the cards for your stay, you'll find a perfect mix of active and relaxing activities.
On each morning, you can enjoy a delicious cooked or continental breakfast.
Participant guidelines
- Minimum age: 18
- The experience content, equipment used and restrictions may vary
Your two night stay is available seven days a week in January, Sunday to Thursday in August and September, Sunday to Friday from October to December and February to July (excluding Christmas, New Year, 14 to 22 February, Easter and all bank holidays).
We recommend you book at least four weeks in advance to ensure that dates are available. All bookings are subject to availability.
Check-in is from 14.00 and check out by 11.00 on the morning of departure.
What about insurance?
The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.
A cancellation indemnity, subject to terms, is included with every voucher.
How it works
All you have to do is pay for the experience you wish to purchase and we'll send a voucher and booking information to you or directly to the recipient, then you just need to check the info and book your experience.
Packaging and Delivery
Please see the following page for information on our packaging and delivery.
All images shown are for illustration purpose only, actual product may vary from images shown.
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Hampshire - Southampton
Please note some locations indicated on the map may not be completely accurate and should not be used when planning directions.


text: 08 Nov We are OPEN Veteran's Day! Free CART* (with purchase of Greens Fee) to All Veterans ByEllen Videtta// 0 Comments// Weekly NewsPrevious: Congratulations on your Hole-in-One!Next: NEW HOURS: Golf Course and Driving Range NOW OPENING at 8AM til Dark Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment.This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


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Curriculum 2018 – 2019
This year we have been evaluating our curriculum and making changes to make it more relevant for the children at Mersey Park Primary School.
Below is a link to our Curriculum Intent statement.
Please click on the year groups below to see our long term curriculum plans for Foundation Stage 1 to Year 6:
Long term overview Foundation 1 Autumn 2018-2019
Long term overview Foundation1 Spring 2018-2019
Long term overview Foundation 1 Summer Term 2018-2019
Long term overview Foundation 2 Autumn 2018
Long term overview Foundation2 Spring
Long term overview Foundation2 Summer 2018
Please click on the titles of the topics below to read about the curriculum your child covers in school. If you would like to know more about any of the curriculum please do not hesitate to speak to one of the teachers in the appropriate year group – they are always happy to discuss your child's education with you.
Year 1:
Autumn 1: Sensational Seasons
Autumn 2: Toys and Games
Spring 1: Food
Spring 2: Buildings
Summer 1: Holidays/ Seaside
Summer 2: Holidays/ Seaside continued
Year 2:
Autumn 1: Transport
Autumn 2: Fire Fire
Spring 1: Katie Morag and Struay
Spring 2: Katie Morag and Stray continued
Summer 1: Time Detectives
Summer 2: Time Detectives continued
Year 3:
Autumn 1: Brilliant Britain
Autumn 2: The Victorians
Spring 1: The Victorians continued
Spring 2: Food
Summer 1: The Egyptians
Summer 2: The Egyptians continued
Year 4:
Autumn 1: Ancient Greece
Autumn 2: Ancient Greece continued
Spring 1: Passport to Europe
Spring 2: Passport to Europe continued
Summer 1: Stone Age to Iron Age
Summer 2: Stone Age to Iron Age
Year 5:
Autumn 1: The Romans
Autumn 2: The Romans continued
Spring 1: Our Wonderful World
Spring 2: Our Wonderful World
Summer 1: Crime and Punishment
Summer 2: Anglo Saxons
Year 6:
Autumn 1: Water
Autumn 2: In My Liverpool Home
Spring 1: In My Liverpool Home continued
Spring 2: The Vikings
Summer 1: The Viking continued
Summer 2: The Mayan Civilization
In order to provide a wealth of experiences and extend our curriculum beyond the classroom here are links to a number of areas you could look at with your child/children:
ICT Skills


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WRAS, The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme, has reviewed its acceptance criteria for approvals to be granted in respect of WCs, cisterns and inlets valves.
Wirquin Ltd are the first manufacturer to meet the new acceptance criteria, gaining WRAS Approval for their Wirquin Macdee Silenta Air Inlet valves; available in bottom and side entry. New requirements ask Manufacturers to meet Type AUK1 air gap and an appropriate WC performance specification to be suitable for use in a WC suite.
The Wirquin Macdee Silenta Air is the first inlet valve range to be WRAS Approved and is available to purchase from all well-respected pumbing merchants.
Wirquin is a family run, leading European sanitary equipment specialist offering the Celmac and Macdee brands in the UK. They provide installers with a wide range of innovatively designed products including toilet seats, flushing mechanisms, frames, cisterns, wastes, connectors and wetroom products. All are designed and produced to be quick and easy to install and carry all necessary quality standards. Their products can be viewed at www.wirquin.co.uk.


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Tegu Circuit Racer
Regular price $64.90
The FUTURE is coming, and it's rolling silently and swiftly. Meet the Tegu Circuit Racer, the electric car of tomorrow. Complete with a charging station and magnetic plug, this aerodynamic runabout can go from zero to fun in 3 seconds and is adaptable to any situation, big or small. Oh, and unlike any other vehicle, it runs on a totally renewable, endless power supply: your imagination.
Includes 12 pieces in 7 shapes: 2 Long Planks, 2 Short Planks, 4 Wheels, 1 Charging Station, 1 Charging Plug, 1 Circuit Racer Front, and 1 Circuit Racer Rear; Inspiration Manual.
The Tegu future range is fully compatible with all other Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks.
Ages 3 years +


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Twa Dogs Beer Seas Between Us India Red Ale at 7% ABV | 50 IBU (C$3.79 at Oak & Vine, 473 ml, packaged on 26-Sep-2017, acquired 21-Jun-2018, reviewed 24-Jun-2018)
Appearance: reddish-tinged pale amber with one finger of loose off-white head gradually diminishing to a creamy persistent cap, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: bready caramel, stone fruit, floral, hint of smoke. (6/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish moderate bitter finish. (3/5)
Not really much of an IPA, if we're being picky, and really more along the lines of a malty Irish Red – though presumably that comparison would make their Scots' blood boil faster than my previous comparison to the English. And, I suppose, the bitterness is way out of spec for an Irish Red or Amber. OK, fine, I'll grudgingly admit it's IPA-ish – but it's English-style, not American. Regardless of how you classify it, it's not bad, though I find it a bit too sweet, especially in its slightly sticky finish. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com


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Corsham Town Football ClubVenue and Sports Facilities
Our non-professional football club facilities are available for hire, including the main hall, committee room, and bar. Also for hire is our Western League pitch and changing rooms.
Beautiful countryside setting on the edge of Corsham Park overlooking Bowden Hill.
Ample free car parking.
Broadband Connection
Enquire About This Space:
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What not take a moment to rate it based on your experiences. How it works… Simple, the more stars the better the rating! Please remember to be honest and we only ask for your name and email to allow us to follow up if there was a problem.


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Here is a photo of the attached garage...The beautiful apple and pear orchards are gone, the garden and it seems where ever one looks there is more devastation. I seriously do not know how all of you who live is Tornado alley do it. You are strong determined individuals. A few animals lost, all people safe. Thank you Lord!
Secondly,Thank You, the response on my flower making was amazing! You all RoCk! So this went well and many of you have asked for part 2. But before I get into part 2, for those of you who have asked if I sell the completed flowers, yes. I know some of you do not have any die cutting machines available to you, and we do not want you to be left out of making flowers, so you can purchase the flowers from me in 2 ways, 1. just buy the cut pieces, meaning you get to have all the fun of making them. or 2. Purchase the completed pieces. And I get the fun of making them. Either way you will not be left out of the amazing world of flower making. I have been working a few new files and I have to say, I am very happy with them. SO a sneak peek I suppose would be appropriate....
*´¨) ¸.•-:¦:-♥•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸-:¦:-♥(¸.•´ *Ronnie.•*´¨ )
¸.•*¨) -:¦:-♥ ♥.•*¨-:¦:-. ;.•.♥.•*¨-:¦:-. ;.•.♥


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Balanças Marques (Portugal) - Balanças Marques, a company from Portugal specialized in all weighing equipment, participated in several international fairs during September, and the balance is very positive.
The presence in exhibitions in Brazil, Belgium and Iraq can be considered decisive in Portuguese company's international strategy, since it was held in important markets in which recently entered or intends to enter. In the case of Belgium, for some time now are being given safe steps in penetrating this market, in the cases of Brazil and Iraq was a true "open door" for entry in the short term in these important and large markets. The reception to the products submitted was the best possible, which opens up excellent perspectives for the future.
Horeca Life: An important step in expanding in the market of Belgium
A logical expansion on the Belgian market, Balanças Marques participated for the first time in Horeca Life, which was held in Brussels from 15 to 17 September. Together with the local distributor Cosmonet, Balanças Marques showed several of its products at a fair dedicated mainly to the food service sector. During the three days of the event, were immense visitors who visited the stand and contacted with the various products on display, highlighting the scale BM5.
Alimentaria: Brazil "loved" BM5:
Between 16 and 19 September, Balanças Marques participated in the first edition of Alimentaria Brazil. This participation has assumed particular importance because it is the first physical presence at the fair in a giant market like the Brazilian. Paulo Marques, commercial director of the company, stated that "the market loved the product and was amazed with the BM5, it was awesome to know that the Brazilians had not seen a scale with so many capabilities," adding that "they had no trouble in recognizing and express that «loved» the scale and are «hoping» its arrival ... And we're anxious to start selling!" It was with this sense of a successful presence at Alimentaria that were taken the first steps on a journey expected long and fruitful in the future, since Brazil is one of the biggest bets of Balanças Marques international strategy in the coming years.
Erbil International Fair: Weighbridge to conquer Iraqi market:
In late September, Balanças Marques headed to the Asian continent, where participated, between 23 and 26, in the main fair in Iraq. "The purpose of the first appearance in Erbil International Fair was to show the weighbridge for weighing trucks and the market reaction was spectacular", said Paulo Marques. "We introduced ourselves in the marketplace with this product only, and the result was fantastic. We know that we are competing with very competitive companies from Turkey and Iran, but our weighbridge leaves no doubt that it is a product of another «championship» and there are many companies in Iraq that want to hire «reinforcements of premier league»". After the fair, and analyzed the impressions obtained, Paulo Marques made a prediction: "I have no doubt that we will quickly build weighbridges in Iraq."
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Rare title from Sundance, Wyoming...
Item #668044
October 21, 1892
THE SUNDANCE GAZETTE, Wyoming, Oct. 21, 1892 We were fortunate to fine just three issues of this quite rare newspaper from the Northeast corner of Wyoming. The first we have seen. The first we have seen. Gregory's "Union List of American Newspapers" notes only one institution has this title, it having just a single issue from 1884.
By the content and the advertisements Sundanc... See More
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The Grattan Indian massacre...
Item #667747
September 11, 1854
NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, September 11, 1854
* Grattan Massacre (1st report)
* United States Army
* Lakota Sioux Indians
The front page has an article headed: "Important from Fort Laramie--An Entire Detachment of United States Troops Massacred by the Indians" Early, 1st report coverage on what was known as the "Grattan Massacre". This was the opening engagement of the... See More
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From Territorial New Mexico...
Item #647424
January 6, 1893
LAS VEGAS DAILY OPTIC, New Mexico (Territory), Jan. 6, 1893
* Very early for this state
An uncommon territorial newspaper from 19 years before statehood. The fist column has: "THE CATTLEMEN IN COURT" "The Wyoming Cattlemen Must Lay Aside Their Fire-Arms While in Cheyenne" "Dead-Lock In Colorado" and more.
Four pages, large folio size, archivally rejoined ... See More
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Two nice views of Cheyenne, Wyoming...
Item #646622
November 16, 1890
THE WYOMING COMMONWEALTH, Cheyenne, November 16, 1890 This issue was published just several months after Wyoming became a state. Most of page 7 is taken up with a terrific: "Bird's-Eye View of Interior Heights." which is a great overview of much of Cheyenne at the time. The front page contains articles "The Coming Man - Is it to be James G. Blaine, the Most Popular America... See More
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Indian troubles near Fort Laramie...
Item #644038
January 14, 1867
DAILY PRESS & TIMES, Nashville, Tennessee, Jan. 14, 1867
* Red Cloud's War - Indians
* Fort Laramie, Wyoming
Among column heads: "New Project for Reorganization of Southern State Governments" "From Fort Laramie--Mail Train Attacked--Troops Concentrating" "Anticipated Indian Raid in the Platte Valley" "Letter from Henry Ward Beecher to Gov. Br... See More
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Statehood of Wyoming...
Item #629972
July 10, 1890
THE WORLD, New York City, July 10, 1890 Page three heading "Congress Day By Day" reports "Fixing the Wyoming Bill." "The presiding officer of the Senate (Mr. Ingalls) having signed the bill to admit Wyoming it went to the President to-day. He thereupon referred it to the Attorney-General to ascertain if there were any legal objections to its approval."
Complete... See More
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Concerning Wounded Knee...
Item #578664
January 22, 1891
THE DAILY BOOMERANG, Laramie, Wyoming, Jan. 22, 1891.... See More
* Rare title
* Battle at Wounded Knee
* Gen. Miles
An interesting title for a newspaper, actually named after the publisher's mule. The front page has one column headlines that include: "MILES TAKING TIME", "The General Will Disarm Indians in His Own Way" and more. Reporting after the Wounded Knee massa
* Rare title
* Battle at Wounded Knee
* Gen. Miles
An interesting title for a newspaper, actually named after the publisher's mule. The front page has one column headlines that include: "MILES TAKING TIME", "The General Will Disarm Indians in His Own Way" and more. Reporting after the Wounded Knee massa
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General Custer and the aftermath of Little Big Horn...
Item #210820
July 21, 1876
WILMINGTON JOURNAL, North Carolina, July 21, 1876 The ftpg. contains an article headed: "How Gen. Custer Got Promoted to a Captaincy" (see photos) and another item on the front page is headed: "Wyoming Territory" with a dateline of Cheyenne, Jul 15, concerning General Crook negotiating with the Indians (see photos). Complete in 4 pages, large folio size, generally in nice condition.
Available Now
Great title from the Old West...
Item #130067
January 1, 1891
THE DAILY BOOMERANG, Laramie, Wyoming, 1891 A fascinating newspaper from this much romanticized Old West town. As for the unusual title? It was named for the editor's mule. This issue was printed just one year after statehood.
Laramie was founded in the mid-1860's as a tent city near the Overland Stage Line route and the Union Pacific portion of the first transcontinental railroad... See More
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Very rare issues from Wyoming...
Item #130320
April 1, 1892
CHEYENNE DAILY SUN, Wyoming, 1892 A very rare issue from Wyoming. This issue is has various tears at the edges with some loss at the margins as well. Some mends on the inside pages. The image shown is representative of the issue you will receive, but dates and actual content vary.
Available Now
One of the romanticized towns of the true "Old West"...
Item #130321
January 1, 1887
LARAMIE WEEKLY SENTINEL, Wyoming (Territory), 1887 Certainly a very rare title from the true "Old West", and one of the more romanticized towns from the cowboy and gunslinger era. This issue was printed three years before statehood.
Laramie was founded in the mid-1860's as a tent city near the Overland Stage Line route and the Union Pacific portion of the first transcontinen... See More
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Wild West Collection II
A Broad View
Item #180161Wild West Collection II - A Broad View - Each set contains a total of 5 issues, one issue each from 5 different old west states, revealing a broad view of this formative period in American history. Includes issues from five of the following old west locations: California, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Washington, Nevada, Colorado, and Oregon, and include such titles as The Daily Boomerang. All issues ar... See More
This item is not eligible for free shipping.
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If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our gifts and birthday newspapers page.


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Every year there are many such occasions that are called for bright flowers. After such a huge require, it is not amazing that people are always looking for the best deals on flowers. Low-priced flowers have become more and trendier, especially for those who buy flowers frequently. Apart from shopping around for the best value for prices and money, it's also a good idea to consider some other money-saving suggestions along with the quality and famous Flower Delivery La Mirada florist, and their good looking arrangement.
We know that the bride is always looking for ways to save money on her marriage, and if you choose bright Bloom or dozens of arrangements then the flowers can be expensive. If your weddings are on the winters and the spring seasons then you can choose the amaryllis, peonies, iris, holly, tulips, hydrogenous, and the dancing daisies. The winter wedding bridal bouquets choices are the bright colored tulips with the orange, purple, and red makes the perfect flowers bridal bouquet. If your wedding is on the summer season then you have the ideal choice of flowers are the marigold, sunflowers, gerbera daisies, and lilies, carnations, and orchids flowers. The wedding bridal bouquets come in on the summer flowers with the red roses, carnations, orchids, and dancing lilies are perfect for the decorations your wedding place and for the bridal bouquets. it can save your money and make your wedding day unique and attractive.
The wedding anniversary is the very special day of the wedding couples. Whether your anniversary is first or fifth it does not matter for the celebrations. The bright and beautiful flowers can make you celebration unique. If you send or receive the flowers bouquets from your partner you feel something special and increase your relationship. The red roses are the perfect choice of flowers to give someone on the Valentine's Day and anniversary day. You can arrange a grand party on your anniversary and Valentine's Day for conveying your love and romance in front of your loved ones.
At La Mirada flower delivery florist provides you all flower arrangement with your suitable price because we know that people always thinks about the save money and want to purchase all thing with low price. So you can get all varieties of flowers for your occasions from here.


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Either the employee or the employer can decide to terminate a contract of employment; Employees may terminate their contract by resigning from the employer, and an employer may terminate the contract by dismissing the employee.
There are a number of ways that this can be achieved, and you will find templates to cover most situations in this HRDocBox.
Purchasing this HRDocBox will provide you with 12 months access to every letter, form and guide within it. You will benefit from free updates to existing documents and new documents as and when they are added.
There are 35 documents in this HR Doc Box, and all are listed below (click a title for more information):


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Sunday, October 30, 2016
Different Situations You Can Benefit from Using a Parental Cell Phone Monitoring App
A parental cell phone monitoring app can give you the much-needed information to keep your kid safe from the drawbacks of technological inflation. Looking after your kids has become digital with the onset of internet and modern technology. Now, you h...
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Learn More About Cell Spy Monitoring Software for Personal and Business Use
Spy apps or cell spy monitoring software has currently taken the public by storm. It has been included as one of the major breakthrough about by modern technology in the 21st century. Though many people have been raving about the numerous benefits th...
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
2016 Cell Phone Monitoring Software
Cell phone monitoring software has become so popular that its number increases year after year yet functionality-wise quite a number can only deliver what it promises. Virtuoso minds behind the software are all competitive in trying to win over as mu...
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Installation Facts When Using a Remote Cell Phone Spy Software
As the name suggests, a remote cell phone spy software makes it possible for you to check information coming from a target phone without having to actually hold and access the device in your hands. This powerful tracking technology is a tool that is ...
The Best Cell Phone Spy Software iPhone App Functions You Need to Look Out For
To help you get the most out of the popular brands in the market, here are some cell phone spy software iPhone functions. A spy iPhone app can help you access mobile information from a target Apple phone without having to personally read or open the ...
Thursday, October 20, 2016
What Features Should You Look for When Choosing a Mobile Phone Monitoring App?
When searching for the right mobile phone monitoring app to use, it is important to take serious consideration on its features and tracking capacity. After all, you will be paying a hefty amount of money for tracking someone's mobile device for mon...
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Top 3 Best Mobile Phone Monitoring Software for 2016
Planning on purchasing a best cell phone monitoring software 2016 to check on someone's mobile activities? There are countless brands currently available in the market and each of these have their own features, drawbacks as well as advantages compa...
Monday, October 17, 2016
Two of the Best Phone Monitoring Software for Parents
Most parents regard Highster Mobile and DDI Utilities as two of the best phone monitoring software in today's market. With the overwhelming number of satisfied consumers basing from reviews made, it isn't quite a surprise why both are very much t...
Top 10 Spy Software for 2016
We have compiled a list of the top 10 spy software this year based on consumer reviews and product feature performance. There are lot of tracking devices sold in the market today that assure you of a hundred percent guarantee in ensuring the safety o...
Top 10 Spy Software for 2016
We have compiled a list of the top 10 spy software this year based on consumer reviews and product feature performance. There are lot of tracking devices sold in the market today that assure you of a hundred percent guarantee in ensuring the safety o...
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Teenage Outpour of Emotions Uncovered by Top Spy App for iPhone
Highster Mobile, a top spy app for iPhone was the lone reason for the discovery of my niece's hidden emotional burdens. There is no need to scan content on her phone as all info from its activities are virtually gathered and delivered directly to m...
Know These Facts First Before Installing a Software to Monitor Cell Phone Activity
Tracking someone becomes an easy job especially when you can gain access to his or her phone. This is where a phone tracking app becomes highly useful. Basically, you can learn about the other person in detail when using a software to monitor cell ph...
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Internet Addiction Problems? Phone Monitoring Software for iPhone is the Key!
With smartphones conveniently accessible these days, many fall prey over online or internet addiction; good thing phone monitoring software for iPhone is readily available to solve every parent's burden. This software allows parents to remotely exa...
Monday, October 10, 2016
Top Spy Software: Why Parents Should Give It a Shot
There are no shortcuts in parenting but there exist top spy software that would surely aid every parent's anxiety as to whereabouts of children. This particular product of technological innovation makes monitoring handier than it used to be. Usin...
Thursday, October 6, 2016
The Positive Benefits of Using a Cell Spy Tracker App for Monitoring
With all the busy schedule you have at work, it might be sometimes hard to check out on your family and know their whereabouts. A cell spy tracker app can spare you the headache of knowing where your kids and spouse went. This gives you the freedom a...
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Phone Spy Tracker Software Effortless Access to Information
A growing number of parents familiarize themselves with phone spy tracker software to effortlessly access mobile information.Parents or guardians both have a common goal which is to make sure that while they cannot look into their children 24/7; ...
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
What Are the Features of the Best Mobile Tracker Software Apps?
It is a well-known fact that almost all people couldn't leave their homes without bringing along their mobile phones. Hence, when it comes to monitoring, mobile devices offer the best platform to check on an individual's activities. Moreover, bef...
Monday, October 3, 2016
Parent of Facebook Youngster Use Spy Mobile Tracker Before It's Too Late
Spy mobile tracker has helped a lot of parents and guardians of social media dependent youngsters. It had them sort out reasons why their kids check on it ever so often. This tracker made them realize that certain ground rules should be stipulated so...
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Jewelry designer Rebecca Hook has been producing more and more superior quality jewelry for the Disney parks and resorts each year. I predict in several more years, you'll recognize her name as much as ALEX & ANI. Rebecca has now created necklaces that can be monogrammed, which is a perfect gift for a loved one or even for yourself. [Read more…]
Have These Disney Necklaces Personalized for Free!
Jewelry Bargains Found in the Disney Parks Collection by Rebecca Hook
Let's talk a little bit about souvenir shopping. The word "bargain" is really a relative term; what you call a bargain, I may call insanely expensive. While jewelry may not generally be regarded as cheap, I really believe it's one of the best souvenirs you can bring home from a Disney vacation. You're buying a quality item, often produced using high-class metals like sterling silver and gold, which can last for generations if you take proper care.
Most of these styles are no longer for sale in 2019, but you can get an idea regarding how much you'll pay for high quality jewelry. And if you are heart broken you will be unable to make a purchase, I would definitely try eBay to see if someone has a gently used version for sale.
See, this $4,000 diamond necklace could be the un-doing of someone's vacation budget… [Read more…]


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The Minneapolis/St. Paul is lucky in that they have many big name national acts stop by for performances. The local music scene here is thriving too. Whether you are looking for a big name concert or want to check out a local newcomer performance, here are the top live music venues in the area.
The Varsity Theater
The Varsity Theater is one of the top spots to enjoy local artists and bands but they are the most likely to see national acts over any of the other small venues. You can find this venue located over in Dinkytown.
The Cedar Cultural Center & The Cabooze
Located over in Cedar-Riverside are both The Cedar Cultural Center and The Cabooze. The Cabooze is a place for underground acts to play both national and local. They see mostly…


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Activities at Jó Napot!
Everyone enjoys their holiday in different ways, some like an early up and out and some enjoy a long lye in, with plenty of relaxation in and around the tent or caravan.
At camping Jó Napot!, complete satisfaction as everyone's wishes are met in full. All over the camping you will find places of relaxation and recreation. For the kids a little play house with little chairs, Lego tables, hobby materials, reading books and plenty of kids games.
For the kids of all ages we have table football, air hockey and a big bookcase filled with loads of interesting books. Various family games and dartboards. We hire mountain bikes for adults and children. For the children there are protection helmets available.
However, we are not telling all, come to Jó Napot! camping
to find out more about the surprises we have install.


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Making Passion a Career in The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Making Passion a Career in The Hong Kong Jockey Club
We are pleased to welcome a new joiner in Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (the Trust) – Holing Yip (2016 Scholar).
As one of the first JC Overseas Graduate Scholars, Holing returned to Hong Kong after completing her Master's degree in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University.
Let us hear from Holing why she took this opportunity the next step in her career, and how it contributes to her philanthropic aspiration.
Why did you join the Trust?
I first became interested in a career in philanthropy during graduate school, where a professor invited a foundation leader to speak about the unique position philanthropic organisations have in facilitating learning and collaboration across organisations, supporting innovation, and shaping priorities in the third sector.
I was excited about working with and learning from a broad range of social innovators, and when I learned that the Trust was looking for people to join their team, I knew it was a good opportunity for me.
What is your role?
I joined JC as a Charities Support Manager this fall, and as part of the Grant Making Team, I get to work on a wide myriad of projects related to youth and education. In my role, I help partner organisations articulate their vision, passion and hard work, with the goal of helping them develop their ideas into successfully funded projects.
I am passionate about helping organisations become more effective, particularly through creating data inquiry cycles for continual improvement, incorporating diversified voices, and building capacity through learning communities. It has been exciting to see so much of the above happening in our work with partners.
What is your advice for someone considering to pursue a career in philanthropy?
There is no obvious career trajectory in the third sector, and trying to find your own path among the sea of opportunities and possibilities can be overwhelming.
A mentor in graduate school once gave me good advice. He reminded me that figuring out your career interests and direction is no easy feat, and we should treat it as seriously and with as much open curiosity as we would any other research project.
I took the time to formulate research questions, collect data, analyse and summarise findings, and it helped me refine my priorities and articulate my passion and aspiration.


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Latest Publications (Link to Google Scholar)
Research on Social Trading
In my research on social trading I study the interaction-based relations of traders from a large social trading platform and how the behavior of investors changes due to social interactions. For example, in Pelster and Hofmann (2018), we show that peer-to-peer advisors are more susceptible to the disposition effect.
- Pelster, M. (2017): 'I'll Have What S/he's Having: A Case Study of a Social Trading Network', Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems 2017.
- Pelster, M.; Hofmann, A. (2018): 'About the fear of reputational loss: Social trading and the disposition effect', Journal of Banking and Finance 94, 75-88.
- Liêu, M.L.; Pelster, M. (2020): 'Framing and the disposition effect in a scopic regime', Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance. (Data in Brief)
Research on Investor Trading Behavior
Using brokerage data, I study the trading behavior of retail investors together with co-authors. For example, we study the background of cryptocurrency investors (Hasso et al. 2019) and their motivation to engage in cryptocurrency trading (Pelster et al. 2019). We also study the effect of investors' cultural background on the disposition effect in Breitmayer et al. (2019).
- Breitmayer, B.; Hasso, T.; Pelster, M. (2019): 'Culture and the disposition effect', Economics Letters 184, 108653.
- Pelster, M. (2020): 'The gambler's and hot-hand fallacies: Empirical evidence from trading data', Economics Letters 187, 108887.
- Pelster, M.; Breitmayer, B.; Hasso, T. (2019): 'Are cryptocurrency traders pioneers or just risk-seekers? Evidence from brokerage accounts', Economics Letters 182, 98-100. (Media coverage: yahoo finance, coindesk.com, pressetext)
- Hasso, T.; Pelster, M.; Breitmayer, B. (2019): 'Who trades cryptocurrencies, how do they trade it, and how do they perform? Evidence from brokerage accounts', Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance 23, 64-74.
Research on Banking, Financial Penalties, and Regulation
My research studies the effects of financial penalties as well as bank capital, regulation, and supervision on the stock performance and systemic risk of global banks. For example, in Köster and Pelster (2017), we show that announcements of financial penalties are accompanied with increased stock performance. more
- Koester, H.; Pelster, M. (2017): 'Financial penalties and bank performance', Journal of Banking and Finance 79, 57-73. (Latest thinking video)
- Koester, H.; Pelster, M. (2018): 'Financial penalties and the systemic risk of banks', Journal of Risk Finance 19, 154-173.
- Pelster, M; Irresberger, F.; Weiß, G. (2018): 'Bank stock performance and bank regulation around the globe', European Journal of Finance 24, 77-113.
Dependency Structures and Their Implications for Asset Pricing
This project is concerned with the implications of dependency structures on asset pricing. Pelster and Vilsmeier (2018) considers the importance of (non-linear) dependency structures in asset pricing for the case of CDS contracts and shows that CDS price dynamics can be mainly explained by factors describing firms' sensitivity to extreme market movements. Pelster and Schertler (2019) show that, beyond conventional hedging, issuers of structured financial products exploit cross-pricing and cross-issuance of warrants and discount certificates as risk management tools.
- Pelster, M.; Schertler, A. (2019): 'Pricing and issuance dependencies in structured financial product portfolios', Journal of Futures Markets 39, 342-365.
- Pelster, M.; Vilsmeier, J. (2018): 'The determinants of CDS spreads: evidence from the model space', Review of Derivatives Research 21, 63-118.
Other Publications
- Breitmayer, B.; Pelster, M. (2018): 'Affect and stock returns', Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance 18, 76-84.
- Pelster, M.; Hagemann, V.; Laporte Uribe, F. (2016): 'Key aspects of a sustainable health insurance System in Germany', Applied Health Economics and Healths Policy 14, 293-312.


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Ice Angel blends the act of youthful playfulness when creating snow angels, with modern digital manipulations, thus allowing the participant to assume the role of both performer and the portrait subject.
As the user moves their arms, a new wing shape appears, unfurling from the shoulders, creating the angel traces within virtual snow. The wings are created dynamically and are linked to the participant, creating a performance proportional to the user's physical extents. The artwork has a 'memory', capturing a hidden view of the participant and their angel wings, and this specific angel identity remains linked to that participant in any future encounters with the artwork.
The merging of angel mythology and the natural phenomenon of light travelling to earth creates an intriguing intersection. In modern terms, light is our messenger, allowing us to view the universe. An angel's form is inherently human, yet an angel always originates from beyond.
In 2015, an updated version of Ice Angel was relaunched which, for the first time, incorporates sound as a central component to the piece.


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Saturday, August 30, 2008
Catalog Sampler
Good morning everyone! I am laughing at myself. When I pulled up my blog this morning to sign in I saw the date, Sunday, August 24. And I'm like nooo. I have been posting everyday! And then it hit me. I posted each picture last Sunday and didn't bother to change the date! I will try to do that today. And if not. Well, you will have new pictures to look at anyway and all of them will be from last Sunday!! LOL!!
Today's card is one that I did at my Becky's house last Sunday. I actually copied it from the Catalog Sampler. You get one of those when you place an order. The only thing I changed on this one is the flower. I can't rightly remember what they used but that was different. They also had different words. I liked the "blocking" style. I don't try that look very often. the circles along the side were dry embossed using my template from my Crafter's Tool Kit and a stylus. I did stamp the flower three times in different colors. I cut out the blue one and then punched the other two. The brown one has a brad in it. Enjoy your long weekend! We are off to Ouray! Can't wait to get out of town for a few days! See you on Monday!!
Card Recipe: Stamps- Best Wishes; Paper- Bashful Blue, Old Olive, More Mustard, Close To Cocoa, Old Olive designer prints paper; Ink- Bashful Blue, Rose Red, Close To Cocoa; Accessories- Rose Red grosgrain, Crafter's Tool Kit, stylus, silver brad, scallop edge punch, circle punches, dimensionals
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The Warsaw Branch of American Association Of University Women met Saturday morning at the home of Babs Coppes. Brenda Rigdon presented a program about Kosciusko County Community Foundation. She explained how scholarships are available and the availability of the Kosciusko Endowment Youth Services. The sisters of Tri Kappa will host a benefit for Brighton Trunk Show. Members are Felicity Lennox, Benita Bibler, Cindy Katris and Kristin Elliott.25 Years
Mayor Jeff Plank on Monday appealed for cooperation in the city's yard recycling program. Plant wants a voluntary effort to keep any and all yard waste from entering Ransbottom landfill. Anyone who bags grass clipping and wants the city to collect brush or tree limbs should set them aside from other garbage.50 Years
The annual game room tournament has been progress at the Baker Boys Club this week while members observe. Participants included Robert Wiltnout, Harry Beatty, Steve Kesler, Mike Dalton and Steve Campbell. Corporal Richard Gilbert is spending a 30-day leave with his parents Mr. and Mrs. William Gilbert, Winona Lake.75 Years Fine feminine candidates for queen of the Mentone egg show will be held April 16, 17 and 18 will be broadcast over WLS Chicago. The five girls representing egg shipping associations are Misses Ileen Sarber, Burket, Norma Bechtold, North Manchester, Betty Kinsey, Warsaw, Juanita Nelson, Mentone and Maxine Miller, Claypool.


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DENVER — Friday is National Pizza Day. Whether it's thin crust, stuff crust, deep dish, Chicago style or New York style — the dish is a fan favorite.
Some of the top brands are offering deals to mark the day.
Promotions might vary by location and franchise. Call ahead to ensure coupons and deals are valid.
Baskin-Robbins: Free sample of Sweetheart Polar Pizza from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Chuck E. Cheese's: Buy any large pizza and get a large thin and crispy pepperoni pizza for free. Use the offer code 5555. There are other coupons available.
Domino's: Choose two or more items from a select menu for $5.99 each. It includes medium two-topping pizzas. Medium two-topping handmade pan pizzas are $8.99. A large three-topping pizza is $7.99.
Little Caesar's: An extra pepperoni and cheese pizza goes for $1 when upgrading to "EXTRAMOSTBESTTEST" at participating stores.
Papa John's: Get 25 percent off regular-priced menu items as well as other buy one, get one specials and combination deals.
Papa Murphy's: Get $2 off any large pizza and $3 off any family-size pizza. Both offers are online only.
Pizza Hut: Two medium two-topping pizzas for $5.99, plus Hut Rewards members can get 30 percent off all menu-priced pizzas. Sign up here.
Whole Foods: Large take-and-bake pizza for $9.99 in the prepared foods department.