Rebecca's Story

TEAM	How did you get involved in this reunion?
REBECCA	Steve Parkes and I had been corresponding for some weeks when, in an unguarded moment, I told him I'd love to attend a reunion. Before I knew it we had recruited Elaine and Paul and were well on our way.
TEAM	What role do you play in the team?
REBECCA	I'm the talkative one! Each of us brings our own talents and abilities to the team and we work together superbly. I'm very comfortable meeting new people, so most of the Old Purbrookians will have had the doubtful pleasure of hearing from me directly at one time or another. The luckier ones will have avoided me by contacting the website.
TEAM	What are your aims for the event and what do you hope to achieve?
REBECCA	I'd like to see every one of our year putting in an appearance, or at least getting in touch via the website. Obviously, though, I realise not everyone will want, or be able to attend, but for those who do my payoff will be seeing them all having a good time.
TEAM	You mean you're not the least bit curious in seeing how everyone has turned out?
REBECCA	No comment!
TEAM	A lot of hard work goes in to making a reunion, what benefits have you received so far?
REBECCA	I'm back in touch with a few really good friends from the old days, wondering why we ever lost touch. And I'm in regular contact with some 'new' old friends.
TEAM	What would people remember you for during your time at PPS?
REBECCA	Frankly I'm always amazed they remember me at all! I don't think I ever did anything of note - perhaps that is why I was enthusiastic about being a big noise in this reunion.
TEAM	How would you view your time at PPS?
REBECCA	I had its ups and downs. With the benefit of hindsight I would probably have done some things differently, but on the whole it was a happy time. And you only remember the good time!
TEAM	Did you have a favourite subject at school?
REBECCA	Yes, RE, 'coz I never had to do it! I was removed from the lessons (long story), in favour of study time in the library. Yeah, right! Seriously, though, I suppose I'd have to say music because it was the one subject I was confident with.
TEAM	And your least favourite subject?
REBECCA	It's a toss up between physics and chemistry. The only benefit I gained from these subjects was practising my piano scale fingering on my knees under the benches up to and including 3rd form. Not surprisingly I always passed my piano grades, but failed physics and chemistry quite spectacularly.
TEAM	Did you ever do anything completely stupid at school?
REBECCA	I once played a trick on all the girls in my form ('F') and planted anonymous Valentine's cards in their desks, including mine. For about 15 minutes there was intense speculation about which boy could possibly fancy every single girl! Unfortunately Sara Hibbert had sprung me while I was doing the dirty deed and, on her return after lunch, spilled the beans. Since then I've learned about bribery!
TEAM	Did you have a favourite teacher?
REBECCA	Mr Allen was brilliant as my geography 'O'level teacher. I think he made all of us sit up and listen. I always had huge respect for Mrs Mundy (biology), who did the best for you so long as you towed the line. As far as I can remember I somehow managed to escape the disciplinarians (you know the ones I mean!), which is probably just as well, since I hadn't learned to stick up for myself at that time.
TEAM	Tell us what has happened to you over the past 20+ years.
REBECCA	After 'A' levels I spent a year at Highbury College doing secretarial stuff, just to fill in time before starting a music and acting degree at Brigham Young University, in the US. Unfortunately illness prevented me from completing my degree course, so I returned to the UK for treatment and then to work. In 1983 I moved to the USA for seven months and had a ball just doing as I pleased. Once back home I worked at the old Plessey sight in Titchfield, where I met my husband, Andrew Taylor. There were moves firstly to Dorset then to the Oxford area and now we are settled in Aylesbury, Bucks.
TEAM	Do you have a family?
REBECCA	Yes, we have 3 children, Alison (12), Philip (7) and Stuart (4).
TEAM	Have you kept in touch with anyone from school?
REBECCA	Only Elaine, even then quite sporadically. I kept up with Karen Polley until a few years after I married, then drifted. Happily, though, Karen is one of those I'm back in touch with.
TEAM	How have you changed since leaving PPS?
REBECCA	I've learned how to act with confidence and to survive. I've had to deal with significant tragedies in our family, but I think this has made me a stronger person, able to cope with more than I ever thought I'd have to.
TEAM	Apart from organising the reunion, how do spend your time?
REBECCA	I am primarily a wife and mother (and proud to be!), but I also teach music, mainly piano and singing. I'm also writing a rock opera and have various other musical projects on the go, waiting for the big break! Most of the day, though, is spent driving one child or another to school and social activities.
TEAM	What would you say has been your greatest achievement?
REBECCA	Career-wise, I hope the best is yet to come, but I'm a firm believer that the greatest work you do is within the walls of your own home. Our family has triumphed over adversity and we're still hangin' in there.
TEAM	Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
REBECCA	Loads! But the main one is definitely to finish my rock opera and to see it performed, which is scheduled for next year. What follows is largely out of my hands.
TEAM	Have you achieved your 15 minutes of fame yet?
REBECCA	No, I intend having much more than 15 minutes!!!
TEAM	Much can change in 20 years - how will we recognise you at the reunion next year?
REBECCA	That won't be hard. I'll be the headless chicken, fretting about how well the evening is progressing!
TEAM	And finally, knowing what you know now would you ever organise another reunion?
REBECCA	Absolutely, but only if the rest of the team were on board.