September 2010
Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a very large Fairy Academy. It spread over many acres, in the land of milk and honey. There were many thousands of pupils, or trainee fairies. They were very happy in their time at the school. They especially liked the lessons where they practised using their wings, in spite of the frequent crash-landings, leading to cuts and bruises.
The Fairy King had decreed that all his subjects, as far as possible, should be enrolled in Fairy Further Education, as it came to be known. He firmly believed that, with all their magic power, the graduates would spread health, wealth, and happiness throughout the realm.
The scheme was such a success that, after a few years, a survey revealed that most of the adult population were registered as qualified fairies. But, sadly, all was not goodness and harmony. Reports became quite common of fairies being rejected by other fairies when they tried to cast spells. All around you could hear: “I don't need you”; “I can do my own spells” or “Go away, my wand is more powerful than yours”. The fairies just could not find enough ordinary people to practise on.
All this made the King very mad; until one day he said “Enough!, close down the academy; register no more fairies!”. This was duly done and, after a few years, what with retirements and others being struck off for mis-conduct, the numbers of actual fairies fell to manageable proportions. The remaining fairies were happy again, having ordinary non-fairies upon whom to practise. Peace and order descended once more over the land.