First step on the ladder to achieve this shiny black, gold and red badge of office was to prove you could hack it as a sub-monitress. The badge for this was very insignificant, small and round, green and silver. I can't for the life of me remember whether you were supposed to do anything, perform any duties, that sort of thing. What I do remember was that, at last, I could venture into Dolgellau on a Saturday afternoon for two hours and treat myself to a Chelsea bun at the bakery and look at the magazines in W H Smith. This felt like some kind of freedom and left me wanting more. Wouldn't it be just great to have a bike? The only way I could get a bike was to be appointed as a monitress. I would then get to wear a green and silver shield as a badge of office on my tie. I must have taken on some sort of duty. I must too have demonstrated how responsible I was(or how bossy I could be) but I really can't remember. I do remember that it was real fun cycling from school to Penmaenpool, over the toll bridge and back to Dolgellau. It was also completely terrifying hurtling down Pen Hill on a Sunday morning in time for Communion. Attaining the dizzy heights of prefect status must have had its own rewards but I'm blowed if I can remember what they were! I seem to recall taking prep,looking accusingly at anyone who spoke while awaiting the Head for morning assembly and taking groups of younger pupils for walks at the weekend.I think we also spent time in the Head's office discussing Lord knows what. What were the perks? I have no idea.