Pen and Ink.

[Neville Briggs]

The things you know Neville

See Ross.

[r.magnay]

....touche!...

[Vic Jefferies]

I remember we used dip pens at my school right up until fifth class then we were permitted to use fountain pens if we had one. The thinking was that biros would ruin our handwriting and I believe that proved to be correct. Extremely difficult to write in the copper plate style with biros. My very first fountain pen and pencil set was made by Conway Stewart but in those days the top brand was Parker. I don't remember any of my school mates having Parker fountain pens but our fifth class teacher had one and we used to gaze upon it in awe.

[Neville Briggs]

All familiar stuff Vic.

I have a Shaeffer fountain pen ( US made ) which is a superb writing instrument and a Lamy ( German made ) pen equally as good.

[Heather]

Oh, you old people !

[Leonie]

Yep, another oldie here. I remember dip pens and India ink, (well I remember it now that Neville has reminded me) we used that to draw maps.

I was one of the privileged kids, I actually had a Parker fountain pen (way back before my name was Parker). My Dad gave it to me, I have no idea where he got it, and probably don't want to know. I remember it was tortoiseshell, probably real tortoiseshell back in those days too, more's the pity.

[Neville Briggs]

Good on you Leonie, take no notice of the callow youths who have no knowledge of an age of culture and refinement.

[Heather]

I have read about such things Neville. I am not totally ignorant.

[Heather]

I think I object to being called a "callow youth"

[Neville Briggs]