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David Brazier's avatar

Thank you for your honesty. A lovely piece. Bullying was rife in the late 70’s at school and my quick wits were often needed. I became a teacher and Headmaster for 21 years to create a school with as little bullying as possible, something Inspectors recognised in the final inspection report. Quite something for a boys school, but it took a lot of work and imagination.

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Liam Sharp's avatar

That's an amazing achievement! Especially given how covert kids can be. And there's always that 'law of the jungle' - you don't tell. That, and 'don't get caught' were the two rules most drilled into us by the more senior kids. There was a very Lord of the Flies secondary level we existed within, and it was a boarding school, so there was no going home. It was there at all times, until the holidays. I applaud you and am very impressed.

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David Brazier's avatar

Yep, we were nominated for a TES Award for our Pupil Development Programme which used personal mastery, mindfulness and story telling. There was also lots of sport and trips away. I was trying to create the education I wanted. In Year 10 I took them to Florence to see the art and to think about what they wanted their legacy to be! In Years 7 and 8 I went to Garth Hill in Brackenell known as the worst school in Europe’s at the time. There was a book written about it by Stanley Goodchild, ‘The Garth Hill Experience.’ I used to annoy the art teacher by drawing Spiderman every lesson. Hilarious!

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Mr Weller's avatar

Bugger off, you almost had me in tears with this! Brilliant. I'm not sure if it's left me happy for you now or sad for you then!

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Liam Sharp's avatar

Be happy for me now. :-)

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John Escobales's avatar

Thank you for sharing, Brother. Eye opening and inspirational. Knowing you for as long as I have, I have occasionally seen the familiar push and pull of it all, in you, and others, that I frequently feel within myself, though I never presume to know it about anyone else and usually don't comment unless I can think of something that can be supportive while still being innocuous in order to not offend or push someone into an emotional corner. You have always been a cornerstone of sincerity for me online and now in person, I can always count on you to just get it out and on the table so we can kick it around and see what it turns into. And have I thanked you for the Pubs?? Good god, thank you for the Pubs!

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Liam Sharp's avatar

Love ya brutha. :-)

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larry rineck's avatar

Man the words that mean a lot. I get where you come from Liam. Sounds a little close to home. But here we are still giving it. And I can thank you for giving me a little bit of inspiration to get me thru the depression. It started with Bloodseed. The art blew me away and took me from the cages of reality to the vastness of comics. Been a fan ever since. The artwork can transport us to another place where the bullies cannot reach us and we rule with our own iron fist. Cheers to you and to still being here all these years still giving us new dreams. I would love to buy you a pint.

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Liam Sharp's avatar

Thanks so much, Larry! Very best to you too. Cheers!

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Joe H's avatar

This ... hard hitting. Love it, Liam

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Liam Sharp's avatar

Thanks Joe.

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Chaz's avatar

Thank you Liam. It's nice to know some people find peace in their journey. I hope more of it is found along the way as you move forward.

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Liam Sharp's avatar

Cheers Chaz. It's the islands of peace that keep us steadily rolling along. :-)

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Allan Harvey's avatar

I raise my glass and hope that you continue to be good -- no, bloody great! -- for many more years to come.

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Liam Sharp's avatar

Cheers Alan! :-)

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Gide Wilder's avatar

You're a good fellow, Doc. The tattoos are at first quite intimidating... but you're such a kind and gentle man. I loved your classes on worldbuilding.

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Liam Sharp's avatar

Armour comes in many forms, doesn't it? I'm old enough, now, to be comfortable admitting that that is precisely what it is. So glad you enjoyed the classes!

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