One such occasion was prior to my parent’s divorce. I was playing a board game with two of my sisters and was losing. There were petty squabbles as we played, with me calling my sisters names and being generally unkind, as well as some cheating on my behalf too. Outside, Michael’s ear was pressed up against the dressing room door so hard it hurt, but the joy on his face was a picture. He was listening to David whimpering, and hadn't heard Jo arrive.

At the headmasters office Chapter 1: Me, Julie and Adam, a

As I navigated passed my sisters, they gave me a slightly sympathetic look. I learned later that they had listened to every stroke being delivered on my bare bottom – but they also felt sorry for me… Judi - I’m sorry, it got out of control. I didn’t think it would interfere with his performance or I wouldn’t have done it.' He'd begun to inch away. He scurried over and set about draping his long form over her lap (and the entire length of the couch). He felt ridiculous. Someone must be filming this. Georgia, probably. I ran a shallow bath, warm enough to get straight in and wash, get out, dried myself and went to my room, where I pulled out my pyjamas and slipped them on. I remember feeling the coolness of the material against my skin – especially my bottom, which I knew all too well would soon be somewhat warmer. I still had five minutes or so to spare and waited on my bed, vainly trying to delay my appointment with doom.

Little did any of us know that it would be my last slippering from dad for two years – not because I had become some saint, but because of my parents’ bitter divorce battle. Oh yeah,’ said Michael. He appeared to think about it for a moment, with just the suggestion of a sordid smile, which David tried not to notice. Eyes wide, David took a step towards her, hoping she’d burst out laughing at any minute and tell him it was fine. She did not. I ought to take these down,’ said Judi, firmly holding him in place. ‘But I don’t want to be embroiled in another scandal, so…’ I think I had a higher pain threshold than the other two children, so I would often go home with quite a red bottom, which of course I then had to be careful to hide from my parents, in case I was then given the ‘real thing’.

Smackings and canings – Maman: spanking memories: mothers Smackings and canings – Maman: spanking memories: mothers

I made as if to speak, but Dad took the words out of my mouth. “It’s no good you telling me you won’t do it again. The fact is, young man, you have done it already despite many other warnings.” Judi started to remove her coat. 'Pranks are all well and good but you never compromise a performance, as you well know. You let your audience down tonight. And yourself.' My brain whirred – first punishment? It had always been just ‘punishment’! I stumbled out an apology, hoping it was convincing enough. After that, the usual instruction came: “Turn around and touch your toes.” So that's why you were sliding all over place like a new born colt?' She turned to glare at David, eyes murderous.The girls reappeared in their night clothes about 10 minutes later. Mum handed each of them a jam sandwich, which they ate quietly as I just stood there waiting, shifting slightly from foot to foot. These two little shits…’ muttered Judi, sweeping away imperiously. As she did, Simon appeared and flattened himself against the wall to get out of her way. No,' said David, shifting on his feet. 'But a more professional actor wouldn’t have let it affect his performance.' He leered at Michael. Andrea had a little brother, Peter, and he would sometimes join in these rather illicit games. I think us girls would be about nine and Peter aged seven at the time most of this happened. He turned to my sisters. “I want you girls to pay close attention to what happens in this house when you tell a lie. As for you, young man, you had better learn your lesson from this unless you want a repeat dose.”