Tophole!

In honour of our Winter Olympic medals in skeleton, a look at the Chalet School book which mentions the sport - one which Mlle Lachenais has done many times. I know, right? We're looking at Trials for the Chalet School.Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/03/10/s3e12-the-secret-life-of-mlle-lachenais/You can find Tophole on Facebook, or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a Wendy week and we're talking about handcrafts at the Chalet School. And also through history. And in the real world. And in our own lives. Context, that's it - we're providing context, we're not just rambling. Glad we've cleared that up.Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/02/24/s3e11-something-to-keep-your-hands-occupied/You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which is it to be - a sun-soaked, punch-fuelled trip to Jamaica, or a chilly school term on an island off the coast of Wales? Well, there's really only one answer to that...Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/02/10/s3e10-i-didnt-think/You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a Wendy week! And we're talking about the Chalet School's matrons - at some length, because we're easily distracted.Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/s3e9-who-gave-you-leave-to-call-me-matey/You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into E. M. Brent-Dyer's works, particularly 'Monica Turns Up Trumps,' exploring its history and context. Listeners will enjoy an analysis of Monica's misadventures at Braemar House and the dynamics of her family's life. There's a curious mystery surrounding lost Venetian beads that adds intrigue. Deborah also critiques the Victorian poet curriculum at Braemar and gives character insights, making the settings & personalities come alive. A blend of literature and personal reflections wraps up the conversation.

We're somewhat late with this episode (sorry), but we're here now and focussing on fun seasonal stuff! Which is your favourite - The Bells of Christmas, or Strangers at the Inn? I totally want to rush out and create a steaming boar's head prop now.Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/12/17/s2e7-pageants-and-carols/You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back to Switzerland this week, as we take a look at the 34th Chalet School book, Mary-Lou of the Chalet School.Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/12/02/s3e6-the-leader-of-the-gang/You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which Hayley, Wendy and I conclude our discussion about which is better, Malory Towers or the Chalet School, and then I mop up the bits we didn't discuss and the things we got wrong!Transcript at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/11/18/s3e5-brown-tunics-and-orange-ties-2/We'd love to hear from you! You can find Tophole on Facebook, or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They wear the same uniform, so what's the difference between the Chalet School and Malory Towers? Well...Episode transcript at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/11/04/s3e4-brown-tunics-and-orange-ties-1/You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.comPart 2 in a fortnight! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loads of spoilers in this consideration of EBD's first book, Gerry Goes to School, without which there would be no Chalet School... what an awful thought.Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/10/21/s3e3-back-to-the-very-beginning/You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at topholepodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.