Mother took me by the hand and led me to my parents’ bedroom. My new mum had brought several pieces of her own furniture with her when she moved in and among these was a chaise longue, which had been placed in the bedroom. Mother placed me at the lower end of this, then went to her wardrobe.
When she turned around, to my horror I saw she was holding a school cane. “Please, Mother,” I blurted out, “not the cane…” “Don’t be silly, Joy – millions of children have had the cane and it’s done them a great deal of good.” “But I don’t want it…!” “I’m sure you don’t, and in future, you will know that there is a simple way to avoid this, and that is to behave yourself.”
By now, Mother was standing by my side, and she said in a kinder voice: “Come along – let’s get this over with, shall we? Take down your knickers and turn up your skirt.” “Please, Mother…” “Joy, any more nonsense and I will add an extra stroke.” I reached up my skirt clumsily and took down my thick blue school knickers, then I hitched up my grey pleated skirt.