Tophole!
- Épisodes
- 69
- Parution
- toutes les deux semaines
- Dernier épisode
- 6 Oct 2026
À propos du podcast
Episodes look at individual Chalet School books, Elinor M Brent-Dyer's life and other works, and wider themes, with occasional interviews. There will be spoilers, because the books have been in print for over 50 years. There will be mispronunciations, because it's too late now to put right the ones I invented as a 9 year old. And we do not ignore the bonkersness that makes EBD so beloved.
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Épisodes 69
The Pillars of the House
It's a Hayley week, and we're talking about what makes a headmistress in the Chalet School series.Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/10/06/s4e2-the-pillars-of-the-house/You can …
Notes de l’épisode
It's a Hayley week, and we're talking about what makes a headmistress in the Chalet School series.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/10/06/s4e2-the-pillars-of-the-house/
You can find Tophole on Facebook, or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The perils of cheap sweets
And we're back! A little later than planned, because it's been quite the summer, but here at last, with a look at a non Chalet book which tackles the structural inequalities of the class system. Well, 'tackles' …
Notes de l’épisode
And we're back! A little later than planned, because it's been quite the summer, but here at last, with a look at a non Chalet book which tackles the structural inequalities of the class system. Well, 'tackles' may be a bit strong...
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/09/22/s4e1-the-perils-of-cheap-sweets/
You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
Apparently we're the number 2 result on Apple podcasts, if you're searching for a podcast about patchwork fabrics. This suggests that the algorithm may not be wholly effective, so please do tell fellow EBD fans that we're here!
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My least favourite Chalet School book
It's got all the ingredients of a good Chalet School book - but there's something about the way they're combined, that I really don't like! My thoughts will probably crystallize properly in about 6 months' time …
Notes de l’épisode
It's got all the ingredients of a good Chalet School book - but there's something about the way they're combined, that I really don't like! My thoughts will probably crystallize properly in about 6 months' time (that's usually what happens) but here's what I made of Summer Term at the Chalet School to be going on with.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/07/28/s3e20-my-least-favourite-chalet-school-book/
You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
See you in September!
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EBD - licensed to thrill
EBD wrote an adventure for boys - and Kit told me (after editing the episode) that it sounds far more brutal than any of the boys' stories he read as a kid. Time for a bit of international espionage as we …
Notes de l’épisode
EBD wrote an adventure for boys - and Kit told me (after editing the episode) that it sounds far more brutal than any of the boys' stories he read as a kid. Time for a bit of international espionage as we travel with shipwrecked Hawk Chudleigh to an unnamed island somewhere near New Zealand.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/07/14/s3e19-ebd-licensed-to-thrill/
You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
To Guernsey
An account of our recent holiday in Guernsey - where I was, of course, constantly thinking about the CS and EBD. Kit, not so much.Transcript available at …
Notes de l’épisode
An account of our recent holiday in Guernsey - where I was, of course, constantly thinking about the CS and EBD. Kit, not so much.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/06/30/s3e18-to-guernsey/.
You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye!
A pivotal summer term book this time, as we look at the Chalet School's final term on St Briavel's - a book which might well have inspired Roald Dahl, given that it could be subtitled "The Chalet School and the …
Notes de l’épisode
A pivotal summer term book this time, as we look at the Chalet School's final term on St Briavel's - a book which might well have inspired Roald Dahl, given that it could be subtitled "The Chalet School and the Chocolate Factory". Subjects I had to google while researching this episode included how much milk a goat produces, 1950s university entrance requirements, the Allied occupation of Austria, and the actual definition of a step-sister.
Please don't panic if the next episode is late - we are about to go on holiday a podcast research trip to Guernsey.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/06/02/s3e17-so-long-farewell-auf-wiedersehen-good-bye/
You can find Tophole on Facebook, or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fat-shaming, drug-pushing, and an ornate belt buckle
The 50th book in the Chalet School series was specially written by EBD to mark the occasion, and she dedicated it to fans - so this is OUR book. It's more of a romance than a school story, but mostly we, the …
Notes de l’épisode
The 50th book in the Chalet School series was specially written by EBD to mark the occasion, and she dedicated it to fans - so this is OUR book. It's more of a romance than a school story, but mostly we, the readers, are reunited with characters we love, in situations which we recognise from earlier tales in the series. Cliff-dangling rescue? Check. Torrent of water blocking the way? Check. Marriage to a doctor? Check. But this isn't recycling. It's referencing, and that makes all the difference.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/05/19/s3e16-fat-shaming-drug-pushing-and-an-ornate-belt-buckle/.
You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Comfort and joy
Hayley and Deborah discuss fan fiction, particularly about Chalet School. Audio warning: we recorded this using Teams, and you can tell Kit was not there supervising! Transcript available at …
Notes de l’épisode
Hayley and Deborah discuss fan fiction, particularly about Chalet School. Audio warning: we recorded this using Teams, and you can tell Kit was not there supervising!
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/05/05/s3e15-comfort-and-joy/
You can find Tophole on Facebook, or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Girls on film
It's a Wendy week and we're discussing how a talented producer might go about making a documentary about the Chalet School, just in case any talented producers listen to the podcast.Please substitute 'Paul …
Notes de l’épisode
It's a Wendy week and we're discussing how a talented producer might go about making a documentary about the Chalet School, just in case any talented producers listen to the podcast.
Please substitute 'Paul Ozanne' where I said 'Julian Lucy'.
Episode transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/04/21/s3e14-girls-on-film/.
You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Saved by the medium of fashion
Back at last with an episode answering a question posed by Kit.Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/04/07/s3e13-saved-by-the-medium-of-fashion/You can find Tophole on Facebook or …
Notes de l’épisode
Back at last with an episode answering a question posed by Kit.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/04/07/s3e13-saved-by-the-medium-of-fashion/
You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Secret Life of Mlle Lachenais
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Something to keep your hands occupied
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I didn't think!
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who gave you leave to call me Matey?
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Victorian poets and no gym apparatus
We're starting 2026 with an EBD book that finishes on Christmas Day because we have been Rather Unwell and so we are Running A Bit Late. In this episode I'm talking about a Chalet connector, and one of EBD's …
Notes de l’épisode
We're starting 2026 with an EBD book that finishes on Christmas Day because we have been Rather Unwell and so we are Running A Bit Late. In this episode I'm talking about a Chalet connector, and one of EBD's best books to boot.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2026/01/13/s3e8-victorian-poets-and-no-gym-apparatus/
You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pageants and carols
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Leader of the Gang
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/ …
Notes de l’épisode
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 [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Brown tunics and orange ties (2)
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Brown tunics and orange ties (1)
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/ …
Notes de l’épisode
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 [email protected]
Part 2 in a fortnight!
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Back to the very beginning
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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 [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shall we make the uniform more artistic?
In October 1925, a new school story arrived in bookshops: The School at the Chalet, by Elinor M Brent-Dyer. 100 years and 58 books later, here we are still talking about what she had created. Wendy and Hayley …
Notes de l’épisode
In October 1925, a new school story arrived in bookshops: The School at the Chalet, by Elinor M Brent-Dyer. 100 years and 58 books later, here we are still talking about what she had created. Wendy and Hayley join in the conversation - as do several listeners, who shared what the Chalet School means to them.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/10/07/s3e2-shall-we-make-the-uniform-more-artistic/
You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Marie loses her temper
New school year, new series - and we're starting with a cracker. Stand by for an explosive - and surprisingly musical - episode!The usual provisos apply with respect to pronunciation, spoilers and bonkersness …
Notes de l’épisode
New school year, new series - and we're starting with a cracker. Stand by for an explosive - and surprisingly musical - episode!
The usual provisos apply with respect to pronunciation, spoilers and bonkersness. In particular, I use a very English pronunciation of the name 'Thekla' all through this episode - sorry not sorry. Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/09/23/s3e1-marie-loses-her-temper/
I've created a Spotify playlist of (almost all) the music referenced in the book - it's called Exploits of the Chalet Girls. There are a couple of tunes missing and you'll need to go to YouTube for Ivor Novello's A Page's Road Song.
There's still time to send us your thoughts on why the Chalet School is important to you - you can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aunties
It's a Wendy week - woo! - and we're having a discussion about aunties at the Chalet School. Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/07/22/s2e23-aunties/This is the last episode of …
Notes de l’épisode
It's a Wendy week - woo! - and we're having a discussion about aunties at the Chalet School.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/07/22/s2e23-aunties/
This is the last episode of season 2 - we'll be back towards the end of September. In the meantime, please do get in touch to let us know what the Chalet School means to you. You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected]. If you're happy for your voice to be included in our 100 Years of the Chalet School celebration episode in the autumn, please send a voice note.
Have a lovely summer!
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If only I knew what to do with you girls!
It's the summer term, which means reviewing a summer term book, and it can only be The School at the Chalet in this, its centenary year. 'Dreary' and 'drivel', or a modern classic? Transcript available at …
Notes de l’épisode
It's the summer term, which means reviewing a summer term book, and it can only be The School at the Chalet in this, its centenary year. 'Dreary' and 'drivel', or a modern classic?
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/07/08/s2e22-if-only-i-knew-what-to-do-with-you-girls/
You can find Tophole on Facebook or contact us at [email protected]. Please do contact us, because I'd like to make a special episode next term about what the Chalet School means to modern readers (that's you!). If you're happy to have your voice included in the podcast, please send a voicenote, but written words are fine. Thank you!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A holiday in the Austrian Tirol
Kit and I went on holiday to the Austrian Tirol in May 2025. I didn't manage an audio diary, but here's my account - with a Chalet School slant on everything we saw, of course!If you listen to the very end …
Notes de l’épisode
Kit and I went on holiday to the Austrian Tirol in May 2025. I didn't manage an audio diary, but here's my account - with a Chalet School slant on everything we saw, of course!
If you listen to the very end, you'll hear the full recording I made from our hotel balcony: the church bells of Zell am Ziller again, and then some birdsong, and then the railway crossing bell, and eventually a train.
Transcript and also photos at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/06/24/s2e21-a-holiday-in-the-austrian-tirol/
You can find Tophole on Facebook, or email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The school run (2)
Hayley's back! And this time we're talking about travelling within the UK to the Chalet School in Armishire and South Wales.Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/06/10/s2e20-the-schoo …
Notes de l’épisode
Hayley's back! And this time we're talking about travelling within the UK to the Chalet School in Armishire and South Wales.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/06/10/s2e20-the-school-run-2/
You can find Tophole on Facebook, or you can email us at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The school run (1)
Special guest Hayley joins me on this episode, as we discuss the trains the Chalet girls took to get to and from school on the continent.Transcript available at …
Notes de l’épisode
Special guest Hayley joins me on this episode, as we discuss the trains the Chalet girls took to get to and from school on the continent.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/06/10/s2e19-the-school-run-1/
You can find Tophole on Facebook or email us at [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
High heels and a hand grenade
A non-Chalet EBD book this week, although it includes a Chalet character (not that you'd recognise her) and reference to a Swiss sanatorium.Transcript available at …
Notes de l’épisode
A non-Chalet EBD book this week, although it includes a Chalet character (not that you'd recognise her) and reference to a Swiss sanatorium.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/05/13/s2e18-high-heels-and-a-hand-grenade/
You can contact Tophole via Facebook or at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bonkers
Wendy and I discuss some of the top bonkers moments and situations in the Chalet School Series. There are plenty to choose from, so if your particular favourite isn't here, please do get in touch. You can find …
Notes de l’épisode
Wendy and I discuss some of the top bonkers moments and situations in the Chalet School Series. There are plenty to choose from, so if your particular favourite isn't here, please do get in touch. You can find Tophole on Facebook, or email us at [email protected].
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/04/29/s2e17-bonkers/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I need nine frocks
Back in wartime Armishire for a review of Lavender Laughs at the Chalet School. Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/04/15/s2e16-i-need-nine-frocks/You can contact Tophole via …
Notes de l’épisode
Back in wartime Armishire for a review of Lavender Laughs at the Chalet School.
Transcript available at https://topholepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/04/15/s2e16-i-need-nine-frocks/
You can contact Tophole via Facebook or at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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