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As I am writing this Easter Newsletter, I am bathed in glorious sunshine – a welcome
early arrival here in the UK.
It has been another busy and enjoyable semester with lots of eager learners rising
to the challenge of learning Teeline. It really is an amazing system which was developed
by James Hill in the 20th century. Sadly, James, who died in 1971, never saw the
popularity with which it grew - superseding the Pitman shorthand system which was,
from my personal perspective as a proficient Pitman writer, a very difficult and
time-consuming subject to master.
Very few people are aware of the part played by James Hill's dear wife, Ivy Constance
Hill in those early days. As a friend of Mrs Hill, I would like to tell you more
about this delightful lady. Read on ...
MRS HILL
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Here is the photograph of that first meeting with Ranjit and Mrs Hill (then 84 years
of age). I was behind the camera!
She is one of those generous people that it has been my privilege to meet, and,
at the end of that first meeting, she gave us all sorts of Teeline treasures to
bring away with us. We also brought with us lots of information about her beloved
Jim and his Teeline system. A lot of this information is available for you to read
in our shorthand transcription competitions which have appeared in the last two
editions of the newsletter.
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On the 12th June this year (2011) dear Constance will be 90 years of age and I intend
to visit her to celebrate. I would love to take down a veritable armful of birthday
cards and best wishes from those of you have mastered this relatively youthful shorthand
system. Anything you have to say in a card about this fantastic legacy that James
left for us, would be well received, I know, because she still has a keen interest
in Teeline and the way in which it has empowered its learners, despite the predictions
in the mid-20th century that shorthand was going to prove unnecessary following
the introduction of the new “technology” – in those days it was the audio machine.
How things have moved on!
Mrs Hill is now resident in a Care Home, so if you would like to send a card (either
a thank you card or a birthday card), please address your card to me by the end
of May 2011: Elaine Galloway, Technology House, Stockton Business Centre, Brunswick
Street, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1DW. I will be delighted to take them down personally.
COMPETITION WINNER
The winner of the Winter transcription competition about the "Story of Teeline"
is Rachel Trowsdale. Rachel, who works as a PA at the Humber Bridge Board, won a
Shaeffer pencil with her 100% transcription entry. Here's what Rachel had to say:
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"I was delighted to learn that I had won this competition – it just goes to show
that perseverance does pay off! I first attempted Teeline shorthand when I left
school and started college, some 22 years ago, but struggled to pick it up and ended
up giving it up as a 'bad job'. Over the years I tried again, and failed, several
times. On one occasion I even tried Pitman's Shorthand but found that even harder
than Teeline.
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I never gave up wanting to gain this rare skill and after my annual performance
development review last year I decided to try again. My busy life meant I could
not give an evening class my full commitment so I searched for an on-line option
and found OnlineShorthand.com – I have never looked back!
I won't lie and say it's been easy – there have been times I've felt I was going
backwards instead of forwards but I've stuck with it and thanks to my tutor's fantastic
support and guidance I am now working towards 80wpm and hopefully I will be able
to improve on this in the future."
For those who would like to read the longhand version of the last competition, click
here.
EASTER COMPETITION
Part 3 of the Teeline story tracks James Hill's move from Beeston College of Further
Education, near Nottingham to Clarendon College of Further Education, Nottingham
and the resistance to his system from a group of editors. Read the story in Teeline here.
A prize will be awarded to the first 100% transcription opened on the 1st September
2011. We look forward to receiving your entry. Remember to check it carefully before
you send it by email to Elaine.Galloway@OnlineShorthand.com
Good luck!
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