Speaking For Ourselves Time To Get Equal Scope

Interview with Pauline Farr

Listen Now "The saddest thing of all was that I wanted to be a teacher and I was turned down. And that broke my heart… I went for my interviews, I got my qualification, I got my place at college. I went for a normal medical, you know, heart and lungs, what have you, that was fine. Several weeks later I had a … message to go and see the college doctor; who I thought they were just out of politeness asking that I should see him. And I stayed with him just a few minutes and in that time he said you couldn’t possibly teach children, you couldn’t possibly manage their coats… So, you know... And that was all the grounds he gave. And I was so stunned I didn’t fight my corner really."

Born 14 September 1944
 
Educated Soundwell C of E Primary School, The Collegiate School, Winterbourne and Kingswood Grammar School, Bristol
 
Tape 1 Side 1
PF born in 1944 after long and difficult delivery. Breech birth. Only breathed after the shock of immersion in hot and cold water. Only used left hand as a toddler. Referred to a specialist. Consultant said, ‘Don’t fuss.’ The hospital nurse whispered, 'Don’t leave it at that.' Grandmother had photo and her doctor said something was wrong. Tendon operation at 3. Primary school. PF’s parents ran a post office in Bristol. Younger sister. Parents decided to send Pauline to private school after failing 11 plus. School agreed to a term’s trial. Spasms in arm and leg, especially during stress. Close friend at secondary school. Sister may have felt that Pauline had more attention. PF wanted to be a teacher. A-levels at a grammar school. Problems getting work. Voluntary work. Cost clerk for a company in Bristol. Married in 1966, first son a year later and another three years later. Four granddaughters. Work in centre for disabled people in Andover for 3 years.
 
Tape 1 Side 2
Work centre management mainly non-disabled. Worked 17 years in Civil Service from 1985 as executive officer. Logistics, Andover, Ministry of Defence. Helped with school nursery. Local correspondent on local paper. Church Warden for nearly 3 years in Andover. Parochial Church Council. Youngest son was ‘picked on’ at school because of Pauline. Learning to drive 1973. Retired in 1999. Moved to Callington 2002. Family life.
Download transcript of tape 1