Is it just me or do manners and courtesy seem to be becoming things of the past?
Yesterday I was on a train back from a washed out T20 Blast game at Lords. There had been a derailment at Paddington and we were crammed in like sardines. People were still queueing to get on the train. One poor girl was crying because she felt so claustrophobic.
Standing next to me were my son and my father-in-law. It was his first time to Lords and it was a bit of a damp squib. Also standing next to us was an elderly couple who must have been in their late seventies. They were on their way back to Swindon so had a long journey ahead of them. It certainly looked like they were going to have to stand all the way to Reading.
There were a number of much younger people on the train, sitting very comfortably, looking on. Eventually I said, to no-one in particular, but certainly loud enough for people to hear, "Would someone offer this couple their seat?" The response was amazing
. Nobody moved, books became more interesting, text messages more important, the scenery more fascinating. Eventually, after some prodding from another standing passenger, a girl stood up and offered her seat but it took some persuading.
At Sunningdale, we believe that teaching good manners is an essential part of a good education. It costs nothing to be courteous and considerate but it leaves a lasting impression. I wish that all schools would place their importance right at the heart of the education of all children. It would make a real difference.
