I spent a few years at St. Edmunds and was treated with great respect by the students who were exceptionally kind and protective towards me. There were rough elements among the students and some unpleasant animosity between the teachers. I decided it was time to leave. Somehow, I remembered Stuart who was now at Fort Augustus and told him that I was leaving St. Edmunds and was looking for a new job. He promptly told me to write to Ampleforth College as Father Dominic, the Headmaster, was looking for new staff. I sent an application to the college and in reply was given an appointment for an interview.
Everyone at my present school thought I was wasting my time as this was a college with an excellent reputation and many would be seeking employment there. Nonetheless, I went to the interview.
When I arrived, I was taken to Junior House in the evening and met Fr. Henry, Fr. Dominic and a few other monks and we discussed the faith. I then spent a restless night at the guest quarters, and in the morning ate one of the most wonderful breakfasts ever served in a beautiful tray in the company of the Guest Master. After breakfast, I went to meet Fr. Dominic who told me that the advertised post had been taken but that he wanted me to join the staff and intended creating a new post for me. I was asked to teach English and Mathematics in the lower school, Junior House, and Religion all the way up to the sixth form.
Back at St Edmonds, the headmaster, Mr. Dyson, wished me well and hoped I would be happy at the new school. There was much to be done. Our house in Surbiton had to be sold, a car bought and furniture found for our house in Ampleforth. The college provided rented accommodation, namely a house which we had to furnish. All this, as one can imagine, took time and effort and finally I was given a fond farewell by some of the staff at St. Edmonds.