I found an old Dean edition of the third book, and then I found a Methuen of the sixth (right next to it) in a bookshop I hadn't been to for months. But this hardback Methuen edition uses the same Jenny Chapple illustrations that the Dean editions use, and was printed as late as 1982 - must be a Brit edition that was never released here - rather than the 50's and 60's Stanley Lloyd pics.
Still have to find a Stanley Lloyd illustrated Third Year and Final Term.
I now have (basically) reading copies of everything except book 5 (which I've read to death!!!).
Book 6 contains elements which appear to foreshadow things I wrote in "Tragic Friendship," particularly Sally and Darrell wandering around the school saying goodbye to everything, echoed (quite unconsciously, I assure you!) in Darrell & Gwen's little promenade in "Tragic..." Maybe Alicia's horror and inability to stay in Gwen's hospital room was motivated by memory of her statement regarding Gwen's finishing school:
"Well, I hope it will finish you off properly," said Alicia. "It's time something put an end to you!"
Dear Alicia; happy to oblige. Yours sincerely, Pathology Doc!
On another note, operating theatres closed down today for the Christmas break (emergencies only until the new year!). So my days will not quite be as frantic now!!!
Thank God for weekends!