Tillsonburg District High School - Tatler Yearbook (Tillsonburg, Ontario Canada)

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' I 1 . l l 5 , I 4 Back Row: D. Wilson, L. Schultz, R. Gillett, R. Milmine, W. Hessler, J. Cavers, W. Fitzpatrick, R. Lons- bary. Third Row: F. Manning, G. Beasley, J. Oliver, B. Milmine, B. Darnly, D. Heyrman, L. Burnett, Mrs. Dunbar. Second Row: P. Ireland, R. Smith, B. Franklin, P. Dreyer, H. Katona, R. Vandergunst, L. Campbell, P. Atkinson, D. Stover, M. Markham. Front Row: E. Pearce, L. Hodgson, R. Holmes, S. Popham, J. Love, C. Manary, B. Stroud. - -- 0 Back Row: G. Moody. A. Jackson. G. Lawrence, F. Hill, S. Ryan, R. Peters. Third Rows N. Pearson, I. Sedlacek, D. Humphrey, Mr. Wightman, M. Wallace, R. Esseltine, B. Reid, R, urnett. Second Row: B. McDonald, A. Esseltine, B. Boc, C. Skevington, J. Chambers, H. Vandewoude, A. Rosatik, B. McDonald. Front Row: P. Ryan, W. Trickett, P. Ryan, N. Muller. - V --0 IXC -,KY l Back Row: G. Glover, A. Kukula, IE.. Helsdon, Mr. Harden, M. Becker, E. J. Sundy, N. Dennis, N. Clarkson. Middle Row: N. Cooper, N. Cooper, JJ. Chute, R. Donais, G. Lonsbary, G. Tisclale, M. Anderson, M. Howe. Front Row: D. Gaskin, A. Nahr. H. Hessler. F. Grey, R. Cattell.

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were absent, and for my initial attempt, I ,chose a remote section of the road. It was a brisk fall afternoon, but from the moment I teetered on the seat of the bike, the sun seemed to shine with increased heat. Clenching the handle bars, I moved forward a fraction of an inch. VVhy did the machine wobble so cruelly? In an effort to keep my balance, I left my left shoe free to draw along the ground. Surely, having had re- course to such a precaution, I could remain upright and dignified. Stubborn, unman- ageable wheel! How could one be expected to steer, and at the same time concentrate upon pedalling and maintaining balance? I felt my pigtails falling already, with frustra- tion and annoyance. The bicycle and I staggered a few paces along the road. Two four-year-olds popped out from the hedge to witness this unusual scene. It ain't going right, is it? You can't ride yet, can you? Dear, little round-eyed cherubs! With an effort, I strained my frozen face-muscles into a smile. Joyce is just learning. Everyone has to learn, you know. My audience, without replying, disappeared. A few minutes later they returned, each sailing by on a red tricycle with a speed which left me far be- hind on the road. Now along the road pranced the most en- terprising ten-year-old in my Sunday school class. Smug in the possession of a new bike, which he had learned to ride after one day's effort, Spud folded his arms across his chest. Thus in a typical attitude of mascu- line disapproval, he surveyed the solitary rider. Do you think you'll ever make it go? I moistened my lips, and felt grateful that the boys in our family realized they had a sister. Of course. You wouldn't ex- pect me to get on and ride the bike right away. VVould you like me to get behind and push you? With a start of consternation, I waved him away. No thanks, Spud. I'd rather go alone. At this moment Spud's mother summoned him to perform an errand. Never before had I felt so tender towards his mother. After more than an hour's panting and THE TATLER straining, I still had not improved my tech- nique. The handle bars proved no less rebellious now than at the outset of my les- son, and the front wheel refused to co- operate. A few minutes later my bicycle vaulted up the terrace and precipitated its rider upon the grass. As I toppled, I had to dodge sideways to avoid embracing the hydro pole. Now the voice of discretion made itself audible. Better say 'quits' for the day and try tomorrow when you're not so tired. Painfully l wheeled our bike into the shed. l was trying to recall that poem about keeping on, keeping on! The following afternoon, before the lesson began, I padded the brutal seat with three folds of pink brushed cotton. Mother pointed out that the colour of my improvised cushion was, to say the least, a little conspicuous. I assured her that I was more concerned about com- fort than about appearance. The day before, when I first braved the road, Smutts, unaware of her mistress's ad- ventures, had been slumbering in the back kitchen. On this second occasion my faith- ful canine, with a twinkle in her eyes, fol- lowed me out. In the next two hours her respect for me must have dwindled appre- ciably. She pattered behind, as I straggled along, pedalling like a stork with only one leg. Never a whimper or a snort of ridicule but Smutts' behaviour betrayed boredom and resignation. VVas this grim, pig-tailed Being really her Heroic Heroine? Then it happened! just for a few sec- onds. I kept two feet on the pedals, and at the same time. This realization startled me so that I ran berserk, and found the bike and myself on uncomfortably intimate terms with our neighbour's garbage can. VVith bleeding knees I limped home and deposited the two-wheeled vehicle of tor- ture in its accustomed place. Before mother came I had administered Hrst aid to my knees, and before she could comment on the purple bumps which bore witness to many anguished moments, I explained, Well, anyway, I can ride just a little, mother. The next day Perry rushed up the road just in time to see me see-sawing along on the Green Hornet , as our machine had been named. Aware of a critical audience, Continued on Page 79 E3

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IXD Back Row: J. Andrews, K. Pickersgill, 5. Jaknunas, L. Steers, D. Cook, J. Russell, G. Stier, J. Popham. Third Row: D. Schweyer, H. Gehring, J. Koteles, C. Van Loon, J. W. Reid, J. Maldeikis, H. Schneider, B. Warren. Second Row: K. Garnham, M. Brown, S. Pauls, J. Lambert, C. Buskiewiczs, M. J. Kent, J. Dickinson, M. Nezezon, B. Maloney, B. Sandor. Front Row: D. Pratt, L. Turner, Z. Varga, P. Buchner, W. Moon, D. Vallee. .-. 0- . IXE Back Row: J. Jeneroux, C. Hawley, Miss Volker, W. Hawley, Mr. Parkhill, H. Robinson, L. West, M. Harvey, J. Hawley. Middle Row: N. Sinden, J. Nowell, R. Monk, S. Moody, M. Moore, E. Edworthy, B. Porter, B. Hill, M. Gale, W. Oatman. Front Row: C. Kennedy, W. Ghesquiere, 0. Sharp, D. Moore, H. Kipp, J. Augustine, J. Zebic. Absent: A. Fletcher, J. Milton, F. Ratz, J. Stilwell. - 0 M,M,,.--, Back Row: C. McCollow, J. Myers, G. VanDaele, Mr. Murray, D. Harris, R. Hillis, D. Muir, J. Rodgers. Middlegog: M. Neff, I. Sinden, E. Baldwin, M. Courtney, R. MacAinsh, B. Earl, M. Caswell, R. Cupples, . arnes. Front Row: L. Louch, P. Tondreau, M. Treffry, P. Herman, E. Hirt.