NEWS

The Scarlet Runners launched

24 October 2008

The Scarlet Runners is a richly illustrated and stylishly written portrait of Queen Anne’s School, Caversham, which through personal memories and precious records, tells the story of the life of the school since its foundation, whilst at the same time offering a fascinating perspective on English social history.

During his research for the book, the author, Daniel Talbot, unearthed a wealth of priceless material in the shape of letters, diaries, memoirs, school magazines and other archives, both formal and informal.

In the section entitled ‘Slugs and Snails’, for example, Talbot amusingly discusses the subject of boys. ‘The Second World War threw up new opportunities and dangers. When Alison Blaxill (1942-5) crossed London on her way to Reading, “the chief danger was not the bombs, but American soldiers …. and I had strict instructions to always wear my school hat.”’ ‘Fenella Taylor (1978-85) remembers in upper 6 “climbing through the TV room window to meet a boyfriend and totally ripping my trousers trying to get back in again.”’

Training in ‘posture’ used to play an important part in the girls’ lives at Queen Anne’s. A sixth former wrote in 1973: ‘We have now stopped marking all the upper fives for manners, conversation and posture and grooming, but I am afraid I must warn them that unless they try a lot harder next term they will be on my list again.’

Former head girl, Georgie Palmer (1986-93), a member of the BBC South Today team, recalls that ‘at meals you had to offer food to all the years above you before having any yourself (which regularly meant having no milk in my tea or butter on my toast at breakfast – horrible!).’ She goes on to add: ‘I loved all the traditions … the Bust Up at Christmas and then running back up the field to Maddock with bare feet and all plunging our icy feet into warm baths when we got back.’

School uniforms have dramatically changed over the years; the distinctive flowing scarlet cloak, once compared by The Times to a ‘melting pillar box,’ is still worn for special occasions. Patricia Johnson (1959-64) remembers ‘running into the wind, cloaks spread wide, trying to fly down the field.’

In her foreword, Julia Harrington, Headmistress, says: ‘this book captures the vivacious spirit of Queen Anne’s girls, past and present, with their enormous capacity for fun and enjoyment, alongside an appetite for learning. As you read this book, you will begin to understand why Queen Anne’s is such an extraordinary place.’

Copies of The Scarlet Runners are available direct from Third Millennium Publishing - click here for details - or can be ordered through the School.

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

Imprint: Third Millennium Publishing, London

Editor: Daniel Talbot read history at Balliol College, Oxford and joined Queen Anne’s as head of History in 2002.

Publication date: 24th October 2008 / RRP: £40 / ISBN: 978 1 903942 91 8

Specification: Hardback, 208 pages, 250 x 220 mm, over 220 illustrations

The Publisher:
Third Millennium Publishing specialises in publishing and design for the art, heritage and military markets and is currently working on a number of book projects with leading schools, Oxbridge colleges, universities, cathedrals, regiments, and museums and galleries in the UK and USA. Published and forthcoming titles include Cambridge University: an 800th Anniversary Portrait, SOAS: A Celebration in Many Voices, A Portrait of The University of Manchester, Harrow: Portrait of an English School, Wellington College: The First 150 Years, Rugby School: ‘With a fine disregard’, Oratory School, Girls in Green: A Portrait of St Helen’s, York Minster: A Living Legacy, Excellence in Action: A Portrait of the Guards.

For further information contact Michael D Jackson, Marketing Manager, Third Millennium Information Ltd, 2-5 Benjamin St, EC1M 5QL. Tel: +44 (0)207 336 0144. Email: mj@tmiltd.com. Website: www.tmiltd.com