Posted by John Richardson on July 22, 1998 at 21:20:50:
In Reply to: Re: WHY: Did John and Dick wear shorts in winter??? posted by Alan Hakim on July 18, 1998 at 18:38:56:
I went to Prep School aged 7 in 1980. We had to wear shorts all year round (which I had not done even at primary school). I remember it being a major gripe....
This continued until we became 'seniors' within the Prep school - aged 11 - corresponding to the first and second years of secondary schooling.
So more than one English boy has worn shorts in winter at least as recently as 1983 - and I seem to remember Winter 82/83 was long and cold.
Of course, as always happens, virtually the moment my year became 'seniors' they relaxed the rules and snotty nosed seven year olds were soon wearing shorts even in summer.....
...we were tougher.
It seems a bit sad to be telling 'When I was a boy' stories at the ripe old age of 25, but then until I discovered Tar Board I though reading & enjoying Ransome was a bit on an anachronism anyway......
John