| We bring you... The Freddie Interview Deciding on another international flavour Freddie seemed the ideal candidate - or should I say Frrrrrrreddie�? Fortunately he was passing the classroom so I grabbed him (figuratively of course!) No doubt everyone knows by now that he is from South Africa. His family love New Zealand and they're are now naturalized New Zealanders, although he still watches the Springboks - even when they lose. As with everything about Freddie, nothing is straightforward, therefore this piece of information won't come as surprise to anyone. His full name is Frederick Andrew Barron but he was called Forks at school although no one knows why - see what I mean�?!? Freddie's first job was an electrician but he didn't like it. Maybe he was too much of a bright spark! (Sorry, couldn't resist that one�) He wanted to try the Navy but his mum made him go into teaching. Probably the only time he did what he was told! He has done a lot of different jobs part time while teaching in South Africa. These include being a driving instructor (have you seen his driving??!!), working in a chemist shop and an undertakers (for a short time) and a dog handler. But all in all he is a teacher because he loves working with youngsters. Freddie loves all animals but most of all he likes dogs. He had some in South Africa but doesn't have any here. His favourite dogs are Rottweilers, Doberman Pinchers, Alsatians and Boerboels (whatever they are - although Freddie assures me they're vicious). Maybe we should encourage him to have a cat like Gill's Monty!! If Freddie has a passion it is all summed up in one word - The Outdoors (no - I know, Freddie never was good at counting). He likes ANYTHING outdoors!!! He is really into fishing and can be found sneaking out of the house at 2am to go to places like Muriwai. Just why you would want to look for him at 2am� He has even been known to sneak away for a spot of quiet fishing while on camp, sometimes. (Brenda, he wants me to stress the word 'sometimes'). His favourite sports include volleyball, soccer and athletics. Freddie has been at Green Bay School for about 3 � years and is enjoying every minute of it! (What a liar!) He really likes the Intermediates and the sports and the support of other teachers. (Wow, that's come up again! Is someone paying them to say that�??) And why did he decide to work here? Apparently the school didn't want him at the start but when they realised his capabilities they realised how important his contribution� blah, blah, blah, yeah I know, sorry, had to dash for the bucket myself but after all I'm only reporting what he says� Not surprisingly Freddie loves summer. More time to be outside, longer days - and more time for fishing!! I hesitated to ask Freddie his most embarrassing moment but I took the bull by the horns. One of his most embarrassing moments was when he had just come to New Zealand and was staying with friends. He was getting up to go to work and didn't want to disturb anyone so didn't turn the light on. As the day progressed and it warmed up, Freddie took off a few extra layers. Just then, one of the students asked him why the pants label was on the front! In a moment of inspiration he told him that the pants were unisex. Good thing the child never thought about the zip. Yes, well� When I asked Freddie about his most memorable moment I, rather naively, expected something like getting married or the birth of his children. Oh no! Freddie's most memorable moment was at morning tea at school a couple of years ago. While eating a cream filled brandy snap, Jackie dared him (his words remember!) to blow it out, so he sprayed cream all over her! I asked him what song best depicted him. After the memorable moment story I was hardly surprised when he asked if I knew any songs about foolish people�! Needless to say at that point I decided to bring the interview to a close. I thanked Freddie politely and, as he left my room, had a quick check for vicious dogs and brandy snaps. Return to the top of the page... |
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| Loosely translated... 'Stand tall, live life' |
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| Celebrity Profile... Term 4 2002 |
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