Mealsgate.org.uk - The George Moore Connection

In the late summer of 1938 black war clouds began roll up, and it was decided that it would be useful to have a country retreat, to which we could retire, in event of hostilities. Accordingly, Mrs. Colley went to Cumberland and was fortunate to find a suitable house sixteen miles from Carlisle. But, before negotiations had been concluded the Munich Agreement had been signed and we continued at Woodford until the Spring of 1939.  At this time affairs in Europe began to look very black again, and it was felt that war was inevitable and so a parents’ meeting was called.  It was decided that we should approach the owner of “Whitehall” with the object of obtaining a three years’ lease on the property. This was completed during the Easter holiday and we hoped against hope that we would never have to use it.  Our hopes were short lived for it was all too clear, by the end of August, that war was fast approaching. In August, Colonel and Mrs. Colley took up residence at “Whitehall,” which became St. Aubyn’s for six years and one term.  During that time we had many ups and downs.  Sometimes we had many boys; at others our numbers were very low. Cumbrians are said to be very conservative, but once they know you, they would do their utmost for you, and so our exile was pleasant.  Very often we had more applications than vacancies, which stood the School in good stead, for when hostilities ceased and the premises at Woodford Green were derequisitioned, most of the North Country boys moved with us.  We started our first term here with thirty-five boarders and twenty-six new day boys..  “Whitehall” was originally a fortified farmhouse.  A chain of fortified farms stretched right across the North of England and the Peel Towers were used as look-outs.  The occupants were constantly on guard against Scottish marauders in search of sheep and cattle.  It is interesting to note how history repeats itself, for the same tower was used during the last war by the Home Guard to look out for enemy planes. Colonel Colley was in command of the local Home Guard Battalion but later felt he could no longer spare so much time, so he carried on as Second-in-Command. 

“Whitehall” made an admirable school.  The big hall at once served as a dining hall, a preparation room, and a chapel for Sunday service.  The time-table had to be altered since St. Aubyn’s had become almost entirely a boarding school. Breakfast at 8am., followed by prayers at 8-50 am., began the day and then there were lessons between 9am. and 12-30pm. Three afternoons were devoted to games, two to walks, and one to Scouts and Cubs.  Tea was served at 4-45pm., after which there was evening school, followed by preparation. Circumstances compelled us to play Soccer instead of Rugger, but we had difficulty in raising a team as some of our boys were only five or six years of age.  Nevertheless, we were able to play Rickerby House, Carlisle, at both Cricket and Football and had some victories in both. During our first year in Cumberland the Scout Troop was run by H.H. Colley and K.A. Manley, both experienced Scouts.  We also began a Cub Pack. We had difficulties with both teaching and domestic staff, as the School was in the heart of the country.  Often the teaching staff consisted of a mistress only, while at times Mrs. Colley only had Beatrice to help her with the domestic work. We had our own electric light somewhat haphazardly, and had considerable difficulty with the water system.  Friday was Red Letter Day when the Colonel shopped in Aspatria.  The car often returned full up with diesel engine oil for the electric light generator, a box of kippers, a bag of greens, potatoes, medicines, wool, buttons, and other necessities.