Tears still streaming from my eyes, I nodded and began to write.
I had only done about half of the imposition when my classmates began to file back in.
Although nothing was said, I’m sure most could guess from my tear-stained face what had happened.
Even in the early 80s, corporal punishment was by no means uncommon in both school and home in the UK.
When my mum came to collect me that afternoon, Mrs Newman took us both aside.
“I’m afraid there’s been a smacked bottom, Mummy,” she said to my mother.
As Mrs Newman told her about my misbehavior and the remaining punishment,
Mum looked very stern.