1 JUNE 1951, Page 9

Sunday School Outing

rills is the end of anticipatory fuss:

Wheels ripping, churning slush along the lanes ; Smell of wet woollen permeates the bus, Pewter-and-lead-streaked its windows in the rain.

No more expectant, pressed against each pane Small, well-washed faces, avid for their Treat, Donkey rides and pierrots and Punch-and-Judy stands, Ices and iced cakes and lollipops to eat, Copper keys to treasures clutched in sticky hands.

Now only memories: wet and windlashed sands, Grey streets and grey skies, white-grey sea and spume.

Yet, in bravado, at the finish of their day,

Singing and strouting, in and out of tune.

Loud in crescendo to the coach's sway, " Everyone happy ; had a lovely day." HILDA BODerr.