A Letter Of Thanks To Andrew Kidd

“Los sueños no te llevarán a ninguna parte, una buena patada en los pantalones te llevará muy lejos” Baltasar Gracián (1601 – 1658)
This quote reminds us of the importance of taking action to turn our dreams into reality. Dreams and aspirations are significant, but they truly come to life when accompanied by effort and determination.

26 September 2023
Dear Andrew,

Reflecting on the events of this past month, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. It’s official — I am now a pensioner. Additionally, I’ve taken the significant step of selling my house in Chorley, severing ties that have lasted for years. It’s remarkable how life can change in an instant. Almost 16 years ago, to the very day, my life took a different direction, and the journey since then has been nothing short of extraordinary.

As you are aware, I dedicated every ounce of my energy to defending myself against the accusations. The ordeal threatened to consume not only me but also my family. However, it transformed me, strengthening my determination to combat the injustice. Thanks to Andrew’s media connections, I was interviewed by Julian O’Halloran and the BBC File-On-4 team at The Farthings. Subsequently, I welcomed the renowned polygraph expert, Don Cargill, followed by a series of meetings with newspaper journalists from various publications, notably The Times and The Telegraph.

One of the standout moments during this period was my radio interview with Graham Liver, for which R..... accompanied me to the London BBC Television Centre. This was a remote interview conducted by Radio Lancashire, and R....., with her training and experience, took the lead and coordinated the interview at the BBC London studio. Later interviews were conducted at Sky Television News. During this time, I corresponded with two prime ministers and engaged in conversations with education ministers. My proudest achievement was instigating a parliamentary review led by Barry Sheerman, MP and I was honoured to receive a personal letter from Her Majesty the Queen.

In time, I found myself in agreement with Andrew’s perspective, concluding that it was futile to persistently demonstrate my innocence. Those in my circle, and even those unfamiliar with me, were already aware of the truth, while the opinions of others held little or no significance. It became a situation where, whether I won or lost, the result remained unchanged. Consequently, we devised our strategies to depart from the United Kingdom.

15 years ago, I arrived in Pechón, Cantabria, Spain and began a new adventure, furthering my teaching aspirations and career. Local primary school teaching in Pesúes was far from fulfilling – bureaucratic processes like those of Ofsted pushed my direction into the formation of my own language school – “Chatterbox” – after gaining TEFL accreditation. My world of fun, laughter and teaching grew and my reputation spread throughout the region. My pupils were diverse in age, background and I even taught the officers of the Guardia Civil at the nearby defence station.

Owning my school granted me the freedom to structure my days as I saw fit, and attending a Tai Chi class on our beach every Friday offered me a profound sense of relaxation. Our instructor often wondered why I wore a constant smile, little did she know, I frequently envisioned an alternate reality where nothing had transpired in Chorley, picturing everyone from there participating in a “Good News Assembly”.

The residents of Pechón, a village of 250 people, welcomed us with open arms, and our life there closely resembled the heart-warming community depicted in the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”. It was a place filled with warmth, love, and a strong emphasis on family bonds. In 2010, we established a traditional Cantabrian choir named “Brisas de Amió”, and a remarkable aspect was that nearly a quarter of the village’s population became involved in the choir. Together, we embarked on coach journeys across Europe to participate in musical events, including destinations like Granada, Sevilla, France, and the pinnacle of our experience was performing at the Prague International Music Festival.

Our departure from Chorley in 2008 couldn’t have been timed better, especially since R..... was on the verge of starting her university education. Inspired by Andrew’s background in television broadcasting, it wasn’t surprising that she followed in his footsteps and graduated in Broadcast Production and Engineering. Given my unfortunate job loss, all of her fees were fully covered, and everything fell into place seamlessly.

Her initial career goals provided her with opportunities to present various events, including the Edinburgh Fringe, BBC Proms, Wimbledon, and the London Olympics. However, her career path took a different turn, and today she is a senior manager and copywriter. R..... is happily married and resides in London, with her first child expected in mid-October.

The repercussions and aftermath of Covid affected everyone, prompting us to reassess our future plans. With some regrets, we decided to depart from Spain and embark on a new adventure in our lives, with Scotland as our chosen destination. Initially, we had contemplated the solitude of living in the Highlands, but we soon recognized the value of a close-knit community not unlike that of Pechón.

Ultimately, we discovered our ideal residence in Tayside, where we have come to cherish our new lifestyle. Without ever setting foot on the property, we purchased our home after a Zoom call from Spain. This historic sandstone house, constructed in 1856, has retained all of its original charm and character, nestled within a walled garden in a beautiful, tranquil town.

Reflecting on our journey, we’ve come to understand that life’s path is inherently uncertain, often leading us to unexpected destinations instead of the ones we originally envisioned. These unpredictable twists and turns serve as poignant reminders of the value of each fleeting moment, prompting us to hold dear both our aspirations and the steps we take to bring them to fruition.

I’ve cherished and embraced each day of my existence, finding purpose and reward in teaching and understanding the significance of sharing knowledge, wisdom, and truth. What’s truly remarkable is that, without your involvement, my life would have remained unchanging in Chorley, rather than the vibrant and fulfilling adventures I’ve experienced and will continue to enjoy throughout my life.


Thank you,

Jane

Get Out of Jail Free

The Truth Will Out - Eventually

“A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines.” Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) “Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it, so that when men come to be undeceived, it is too late” Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)

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Jane had set up a ‘False Allegation’ Facebook account along with this blog. It was never used but one night in late 2009, Jane accidentally sent a ‘friend request’ – I think that we can all relate to that situation. It provoked an odd reaction from Anne Callander to which Jane then responded. I intervened and asked Anne to discontinue and to leave Jane alone which then provoked this surprising response :

----- Original Message ----- From: Anne Callander To: False Allegation Sent: 05 January 2010 15:49 Subject: Anne Callander sent you a message on Facebook... Look through my “intrusion” so far and compare it to what you have written. It is you who started the intrusion by continually looking at my private profile and your false name coming up as a friend suggestion. You have forced me into what follows : As a Headteacher myself I know that the safeguarding and protection of a child is paramount, above all other concerns, and there are procedures that simply have to be followed. The outcome would have been so different and Jane would still be teaching today if she had accepted that she needed support during the difficult time she was having. Instead she chose a different route. The Jane I once knew would have taken the correct advice and accept the support offered from the start. She would NOT have ignored the advice from her union, her friends and the supportive network at county. She would NOT have followed the corrosive and destructive path that was advised by her partner whose first contact with her after the suspension was to tell her to “Shut up and don’t say any more“. None of this was reported at the hearing. I could have done had I chosen to, but I wanted to say as little as possible whilst still telling the TRUTH. This was the stance I had taken all along which I now know was “sitting on the fence”. I also took this attitude during the phonecalls that I received from Jane possibly giving the impression that I was agreeing with her by responding with “mmmm” and expressive “oh nos” and the like. I should have been more brave and admitted that I did have grave concerns about her behaviour over the years, and that I was now concerned that she was changing her story. She had already relayed the whole story to me on the car park was now telling me that she had “no idea what I’m being accused of”. If I am guilty of anything it is the dreadful weakness of being unable to confront her. I am guilty of not reinforcing my initial advice to listen to what her union advises and to take all the professional support she can. No doubt this is what led to Jane expecting me to lie for her at the hearing. However, there I had to draw the line. Jane DID admit to me that she had smacked the child. I could not lie about this. Friendship or no friendship I could not stick up for her and call the child a liar. And as a friend she should not have expected me to do so. I repeat. This did not need to happen. The outcome would have been very different if the correct advice was taken. Support could have been given officially and she would have been supported by her colleagues too if she could have admitted that her actions were due to the enormous pressure she was under. Jane chose this path herself. It is her OWN ACTIONS (on the ill advice from her partner) that have led to her “life of hell”, not my actions. I hope Jane gets to read this and it is not kept from her by her partner who will know that all I am writing is the truth. I pity her and what has happened and I am very sad that she is not happy. But it wasn’t down to anything that I did.

“But it wasn’t down to anything that I did.” In point of fact, Jane’s fate had been entirely her fault !

Merry Christmas

“May the true spirit of Christmas shine in your heart and light your path.”

“We may not always get what we want,
but surely we will get what we deserve.”

— Douglas Horton (1891 - 1968)

Our Sitting Room View

Wedding Day

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” David Brinkley (1920-2003)

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We all have obstacles thrown at us. Sometimes it feels like it’s more than we can take but it is our ability to overcome these challenges that define our true potential.

Life is filled with difficulties and trials but if reaching the stars were easy then everyone would be there.

This is how we can set ourselves apart from the pack; by fighting past the hardships of life, the constant barriers that we find ourselves before, and use them to build ourselves even stronger than our former selves.

There are people who want to see us succeed and people who want to see us fail. None of them will ultimately make the decision in the end. Only we can make that choice as it is our life and not theirs.

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Opportunities are seldom gift wrapped in gold with a silk ribbon and there are times when they are distinctly black, frightening and at first sight full of horror. It is all down to our ability to analyze, to understand and seek a direction and ultimate goal. Life is always a puzzle, full of rewards and at times challenges – everything happens for a reason … if we can not see it then we must change our viewpoint and look again.

That’s exactly what happened to Jane on that Thursday, 27 September 2007 in the car park. Anne Callander shattered and destroyed the very foundations, the core of Jane’s life. All that then unfolded for Jane was terror and horror – she’d done nothing wrong and yet no one wanted to hear the truth and her story – no one was there to listen. She was alone and deserted by her so called colleagues and friendships that spanned decades. Everyone wants to believe the worst and they judge without knowing – repeat a story often enough and get others to retell the story and it gains its own life and version of truth … and that’s what Anne Callander did.

Anne Callander said in her e-mail :

The outcome would have been so different and Jane would still be teaching today if she had accepted that she needed support during the difficult time she was having. Instead she chose a different route.
…
She would NOT have followed the corrosive and destructive path that was advised by her partner whose first contact with her after the suspension was to tell her to “Shut up and don’t say any more”.
…
Jane DID admit to me that she had smacked the child. I could not lie about this.
…
Jane chose this path herself. It is her OWN ACTIONS (on the ill advice from her partner) that have led to her “life of hell”, not my actions.

The dilemma all along was that child assault can not and should not be forgiven – it is inexcusable. Jane was found guilty by the school ‘quango’ court – they claimed that Jane had committed a vicious and violent assault and that calls for dismissal.

It soon became clear that none of Jane’s colleagues were her friends – everyone had judged and betrayed her and she knew that Duke Street Primary School could never be her place of employment in the future as she’d never be trusted - that sense and realization would apply to all schools – that is all schools in the UK !

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Arrested
10:00, Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Don Cargill
Sunday, 13 April 2008

September 2008

House of Commons Report
Friday, 17 July 2009

Jane’s Story
Friday, 21 August 2009
The Times
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
BBC Radio (Chris Ryder)
Television Centre Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Sky Television (Sky News)
Sky Television Friday, 26 August 2016
View From Our Home
Duke Street School - 1,000 Miles In That Direction !
Pechón - Our Village
Chorley - 1,000 Miles On The Right !
Our Dog On Our Beach
Hoshika - Our ‘Best’ Friend
Audi TTS - Brand New Lefthand Drive
Jane’s First Spanish Car - An Early Wedding Present

Northrop T-38 Talon
Friday, 17 February 2017
Piper Tomahawk - Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL)
“I Believe I Can Fly”

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Success

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded !” Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Only Following Procedures ...

----- Original Message -----
From: Anne Callander
To: False Allegation
Sent: 05 January 2010 15:49
Subject: Anne Callander sent you a message on Facebook...

Look through my “intrusion” so far and compare it to what you have written. It is you who started the intrusion and it is you have forced me into what follows:

As a Headteacher myself I know that the safeguarding and protection of a child is paramount, above all other concerns, and there are procedures that simply have to be followed.

The outcome would have been so different and Jane would still be teaching today if she had accepted that she needed support during the difficult time she was having. Instead she chose a different route.

The Jane I once knew would have taken the correct advice and accept the support offered from the start. She would NOT have ignored the advice from her union, her friends and the supportive network at county. She would NOT have followed the corrosive and destructive path that was advised by her partner whose first contact with her after the suspension was to tell her to “Shut up and don’t say any more”.

None of this was reported at the hearing. I could have done had I chosen to, but I wanted to say as little as possible whilst still telling the TRUTH.

This was the stance I had taken all along which I now know was “sitting on the fence”. I also took this attitude during the phonecalls that I received from Jane possibly giving the impression that I was agreeing with her by responding with “mmmm” and expressive “oh nos” and the like.

I should have been more brave and admitted that I did have grave concerns about her behaviour over the years, and that I was now concerned that she was changing her story.

She had already relayed the whole story to me on the car park was now telling me that she had “no idea what I’m being accused of”.

If I am guilty of anything it is the dreadful weakness of being unable to confront her. I am guilty of not reinforcing my initial advice to listen to what her union advises and to take all the professional support she can.

No doubt this is what led to Jane expecting me to lie for her at the hearing. However, there I had to draw the line.

Jane DID admit to me that she had smacked the child. I could not lie about this. Friendship or no friendship I could not stick up for her and call the child a liar. And as a friend she should not have expected me to do so.

I repeat. This did not need to happen. The outcome would have been very different if the correct advice was taken. Support could have been given officially and she would have been supported by her colleagues too if she could have admitted that her actions were due to the enormous pressure she was under.

Jane chose this path herself. It is her OWN ACTIONS (on the ill advice from her partner) that have led to her “life of hell”, not my actions.

I hope Jane gets to read this and it is not kept from her by her partner who will know that all I am writing is the truth.

I pity her and what has happened and I am very sad that she is not happy. But it wasn’t down to anything that I did.

In response to her e-mail, albeit 8 years late, it was all down to you. You poisoned any opportunity for Jane to substantiate her innocence by telling your story to everyone you could and that’s why you had to change your statement to the brief two inconsequential sentences that you finally submitted.

You never actually knew Jane; that is so evident. If you had then you’d have known the impossibility of Jane ever assaulting a child. She’s professional and no matter what the circumstance, she’d never resort to temper, aggressive behaviour or assault – a 30 year unblemished career showed all that anyone wanted to know. She helped you through your times of need and loss. Jane has a real heart and is the best friend that anyone could ever wish for.

Did you consider recording the misery of her phonecalls to you when she believed you to be a friend ? She discussed the death of her dear father at these times too.

In your own words :

I also took this attitude during the phonecalls that I received from Jane possibly giving the impression that I was agreeing with her by responding with “mmmm” and expressive “oh nos” and the like.

(Maybe we could send some ? Why not enjoy her personal suffering during the arrest interview - something that Jane can never listen to yet it contains the whole story in every detail. Can you lie under such stress ? Maybe you can but Jane couldn’t ! You could listen to another of your ‘friends’ who were too frightened to submit a statement. Or possibly more of your ‘friends at county’ when Jane didn’t know anything about the allegation ? Union support - another fallacy ! If you want to see what Jane experienced watch her video - you can’t beat NASUWT racist jokes !)

You alone judged her that day in her car; a decision that nearly destroyed her life and caused so much damage to her family and mine – something that we’ll never forgive or forget.

Few can appreciate what an allegation of child assault feels like and how it tears apart your very heart and soul. It is one of the worst crimes imaginable – to intentionally harm a child. An allegation such as this causes such anguish, pain and suffering – worse when you realize that this suffering will never diminish and will last a lifetime.

Almost everyday there are dramatic stories of abuse - sexual and physical - some celebrities and others just ordinary people. The stories MUST be true ! What did Anne Callander say in her e-mail ?

As a Headteacher myself I know that the safeguarding and protection of a child is paramount, above all other concerns, and there are procedures that simply have to be followed.

That’s good, start with another lie - Anne Callander never did reach the dizzy heights of head teacher !

Everyone realizes that child protection is paramount; we all should live by that most basic and natural instinct.

“... procedures that simply have to be followed” - sadly over the centuries there have been so many who made the claim that they were only obeying rules ! Egotists and narcissistic sociopaths love the feeling of control and power over others but it should come down to accountability and responsibility in the hands of those who can appreciate commonsense.