Patriot Realm

I was a young lady of about 12 years and my Mum, Redhead, was asked to do something that today would be unthinkable.To escort 25 young people through the perils of a train trip from Auckland to Christchurch in New Zealand.

It was 1968.

She was the sole adult in charge of young fencers from the North Island of New Zealand all bound to stab and joust,slash and parry; out manouvre and out play their opponents at the New Zealand Fencing competitions. I would become a fencer the next year but that is another story.

What on earth made her agree to such a task? Today, it would be unthinkable.

Someone asking a parent to do something so risky? " Oh, hullo, Mrs Redhead, would you mind spending a few days supervising 25 horny teenagers while they travel by train to a fencing championship met together at the other end of the country? Yes? Great! Here's your ticket! "

Redhead readily rose to the challenge and left me and Dad at home to sort things out in her absence. While I am not sure what instructions she left, I have no doubt that it included such things as be good, be kind and be yourselves.

And be cautious.

Because, Mum always ran the household with a steady hand and, as the wife of a naval veteran, she knew that Dad would steer a steady path and a ship worthy of her command.

Meanwhile, Mum headed off to supervise some rather frisky fencers on their joyous and jaunty journey to joust.

Who today would take on the sole responsibility of a group of young people?

No one.

Most importantly, those young fencers have grown up to be fathers, mothers and grandparents. Even great grandparents.

School camps and school excusions used to be supervised by women that we old fashioned types call Mothers.

I applaud the old days when people like Redhead were in charge.

Far better to have her in charge than some of the present mob.

I suspect that REAL Mum's are still BOSS and we yearn for the days when life was able to be controlled by a sensible Mother. a good haircut and shave.

 So here is what inspired today's artilce:

Do Mothers Ever Change.

No I don't think they do.   I was reminded of this when my son was visiting    during the winter and a friend of his came and visited with us.   This friend I have known for some 40 odd  years.    I can't remember what we were discussing but I felt the need to tell them what they should do .   Back in a flash they both said … " hey Redhead we are not 5 years old , we are both nearly 70,   we can make up our own minds now" .

How can you not tell someone they need a hair cut or get that whisker off their  chin.     That tee shirt has seen better days .. dump it .  That is being a mother.   Brings to mind a trip I did with about 20 odd teenagers  on a  Fencing Tournament.   Young 15 to 18   years old.   Two of the competitors  were my sons.   Trains , Ferry  and Buses were involved .    I was asked if I would chaperone these young ones.  Pupils from both Private and State schools.  

First thing on the train  I gave them a lecture about getting as much rest and sleep as possible  because they had two hard days sport at the end of this  journey.   Suggested also they be   careful about flirting etc.    Little did I know that the biggest contender in the  flirtation field was my eldest son.     We arrived at our destination just on dark  and everyone was taken by their hosts to the various homes where they were billeted for the weekend. Me included.   I will never forget that  I was asked if I would like some tea  and was given  sardines on toast. !

My hosts were two very nice ladies , but their idea of a meal was a little bit different from mine.   Everyone seemed quite happy with their hosts and the competition began on the Saturday morning and continued through until late on Sunday when we departed back to the bus and the return journey.  My eldest son won the Foil  and the younger son came second in the  Sabre.    A very successful tournament.     Everyone had a lovely time and we returned back home after a most enjoyable  few days away.

Makes you wonder though if that would happen today … one Mother in charge of a group of mixed teenagers  .   No one behaved incorrectly , everyone had a wonderfully fun time.  I can remember on the train with the girls all laughing and talking about the  enjoyment of a very exciting weekend.   This all took place in the late 1960s.

At least we can look back and say weren't we lucky.     That was what being a Mother is all about.   Do Mothers change , no I don't think so.   We still like to participate  and certainly still like to  think we are the Boss.

 

Redhead.