Fond Memories of Indie Life

by Estelle
(UK)

I would really like to extend my very good wishes to Patrick Purser whom I remember as 'Pat' when I lived in one of the 'Staff Houses' on the grounds of the Indefatigable School, Anglesey. Number 2, to be precise.

My EX (I'm glad to say) was the Bursar there - David Farrow - and I had a lot of involvement with the boys as the Bursar's wife i.e. Pocketmoney, Tuck Shop Supplies and, hopefully, being a 'friend' and surrogate mum to a lot of them.

I too, unfortunately, remember the deputy headmaster John, whom I lived next door to (I was at No 2). Pete Burrell is another 'memory', shall we say? As too is 'Jack Simpson'.

I have very fond memories of the 'fun' days, happy days but, as with all things, it sadly did not last. In fact they died with the appearance of new Headmaster, Peter White.

If possible, could my very best wishes be passed on to Pat?

He will, I hope, remember me as Estelle, the Bursar's wife in my days there from approx 1985/6 to when I left in 1992?

He will, most definitely, remember David Farrow, the Bursar who started out so well BUT............... enough said!

I think it fair to say that I shared some interesting, and entertaining chats with Pat in the Staff Room (I definitely remember his pipe), and I still think of him as being one of the 'real stalwarts of 'Indie'.

Certainly, the boys looked very kindly on him as well. One of the few they did.

Happier times indeed! Hope you remember me with kindness Pat?

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Comments for Fond Memories of Indie Life

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May 24, 2022

Bully Burrell
by: Anonymous

I too was a sailor at the Indefatigable in 1970 - 80 and can confirm the Burrell was a sadistic bully. Numerous times I was whipped with the 'cat-o-nine tails' that he used to have. Basically 2 strips of long leather that he had with his set of keys on. He would ask you to bend over and touch your toes and whip you with such force and often in front of everybody in the mess hall just to instil fear in all the other lads as well as inflicting excruciating pain to you. He certainly enjoyed it too. There were some good staff at Indie but Burrell was certainly not one of them. Had it been today then he would certainly be under investigation. He scared me more than Collins the 'cock of the school' whilst I was there!

Oct 06, 2021

Mr Peter Burrell NEW
by: Anonymous

As a ex pupil in the late 70s I need to respond to Claire’s Simpsons comment:

Mr Burrell was a sadistic bully. In PE lessons he used to regularly whip the children with a length of plastic coated wire (the sort normally used to hang-up net curtains) for no apparent reason, other than he seemed to enjoy it. He kept a large set of keys on a 3ft chain, which he enjoyed swinging at the children. He also perfected something he called the ‘Nottingham Nibble’, which involved violently pinch a child’s bottom lip and pulling it down (something that was, speaking from experience, very painful). He was a man who clearly enjoyed inflicting pain on the children. The school staff and leadership, who allowed him to get away with this, should hang their heads in shame. He certainly wasn’t fit to be a teacher and personally I believe there should be an historic investigation into his behaviour. He deserves to be remembered for what he was; a child abuser!

Jul 26, 2021

Pete , Jack & Davey Crockett NEW
by: Dave Wilson 155

The much respected trio of the Inde..

In my time they were the backbone #MuchRespect

Nov 24, 2008

Fond Memories of Indie Life
by: Anonymous

Just to inform you that Mr Peter Burrell died in 2001 of a heart attack, and he is sadly missed by myself and my family. If you actually go on to Friendsreunited or Facebook for the Indefatigable, you will infact find that the comments for Mr Peter Burrell and Mr Jack Simpson are all very complimentary, so I'm not sure which planet you were on in those days!

Regards Claire Simpson

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