I was offered a teaching position at a small school in Hertford, Hertfordshire, one of the home counties just north of London. At that time there was a distinct shortage of teachers in England.

"Teacher crisis: call for action - Politicians and teachers in Hertfordshire are united in their calls for Government help in tackling the country's classroom crisis."

Mill Mead Community School was a one form entry school with 240 on the roll at that stage, with pupils aged 4 -11 years, accommodated in eight teaching areas.

We moved to England and looked for a house to rent for the year. During term breaks we travelled to Ireland, Scotland for Christmas and in term time were able to reach Cambridge, Oxford and many other nearby areas.