I never consciously disobeyed any school rules, but those concerning overcoats were as I recall a bit vague - and I thought I could get away with it. Doc, however,did not share my opinion. He was quite nice about it though. I think he just said.

"If I were you I'd get rid of that asap."

I took his advice and dumped the coat, which was replaced by one loaned to me by Mike Bysh - a man of exquisite style and taste. He was two years above me in Johnstons. I did not know him well, but somehow we got talking and I explained my coatlessness. Wearing the right coat on a first date is really important - and he LOANED ME HIS POSH COAT. I NEVER forgot that supreme act of kindness to a junior boy. We touched base decades later through Peter Brown and the three of us organised the Orwell barge cruises in the early 2000s.

Some people just have class - end of (HIM not me!)

Sadly, there are no photos extant of either coat - or indeed of the aforementioned damsel. (Chris Snuggs)