On a beautiful summer’s evening in June I met up with my friend and erstwhile Bedford bestie Maggie Bolton to wend our way to the University of London Women’s Club which is nestled in Mayfair.
I had never previously visited and was delighted to find such a jewel of a club as the venue for what would prove to be a fascinating and informative evening, listening to our two very talented ex-Bedfordians telling us about their latest biographies, in the company of their admiring peers.
Both of our speakers spoke with such admiration and intimate knowledge of their subjects, and their biographies reflected many years of academic research
First of all we heard from Lucy Hughes Hallett about the life and times of the Duke of Buckingham in her biography ’The Scapegoat.’ As a teacher of History for many years I always thought that James 1 was somewhat shortchanged by the curriculum - and my view was reinforced when I listened to Lucy take us deep into the life of his fascinating and intriguing royal court, where the reputedly ‘gorgeous’ young George Villiers was able to flatter his way to power and glory. It certainly challenged stereotypes to hear of a man using his appearance, charm - and considerable dancing skills- to his social advantage. And it whetted my appetite to know more!
Frances Dimond then went on to captivate us similarly with her biography ‘Queen Alexandra.’ Having visited the Edwardians exhibition at The King’s Gallery on the previous day, this was a perfect accompaniment on the life of a woman to whom love and loyalty were integral to her being. I had previously known very little about Alexandra’s life although I could remember celebrating Alexandra Rose Day at my primary school in London. Again we were all mesmerised by Frances' years of painstaking research which would bring Alexandra alive for her readers. How Alexandra managed to carry out her royal duties, support the King, pursue so many personal and charitable interests and yet all the while deal with her profound deafness - a modern woman who really understood how to multi task!
Naturally I found myself staggering home with these two considerable tomes, highly delighted to have met their authors, seen my Bedford chums and caught up with Caroline Barron. We all parted sending our best wishes to our dear friend Ann Fitton who was not able to be with us this time.
Marie Erwood MBE
