What an interesting and lovely part one origin story. Mrs Etches sounds like what a teacher should be and I got goosebumps when reading yourself and Hilary Mantel were spending time in the library. I had no idea that Rafe Sadler resided over Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment and it's one of those moments when you get a clearer perspective on the connections of historic events, I am away to real A Traveller in Time now. I am glad I asked.
I love Jodi Taylor’s work now, and I am starting to wonder if the time slip element reminds me of A Traveller in Time - although it’s very different in style. Something to ponder!
Bea, I’ve got a great growing tangent for you! Your Anthony Babington is an ancestor of Charles Cardale Babington (contemporary of Charles Darwin). The perennial leek, Allium ampeloprasum v. Babingtonii, is named after him. I’m growing them on my allotment, along with a growing collection of fruit trees known to our mutual friend, Crumb.
Ah your gardening parallels. That’s great. And in another type of tangent, I reminded myself that Ben Miles who played Cromwell on stage played Anthony Babington in a radio adaptation of a Traveller in Time years ago. Sadly I have never heard that adaptation - I wish I could.
Bea, if you have even a small space to grow I’d happily send you some bulbils of said Babington leeks. You’d need not harvest them, just admire their botanical connection and random habits. Happy to send a small parcel if you’d like. DM me if so.
I hear so many stories about how a specific teacher held people back from their true calling (it seems to be very common in the art world). It's wonderful to be reminded that there are also teachers who really saw us and encouraged our childhood versions to become our true selves. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks Nicky. I was really sad when I heard about a colleague’s child a few years ago - she was interested in history and wanted to talk to her class about visiting Hampton Court, and the teacher said no, it wasn’t in the curriculum. It makes me feel particularly lucky to have been at school when teachers had a bit more leeway.
I was given ‘a traveller in time’ as my leaving gift when I left my first school (we had first/middle rather than infant/junior) - coincidentally, having read your second post, the day after a leavers’ trip to the Isle of Wight, about which I remember very little apart from the very exciting half-pink-half-white ice cream. It was read and re-read until it fell apart, but I bought a new copy for my daughter when she was about that age. Must see if she still has it!
What an interesting and lovely part one origin story. Mrs Etches sounds like what a teacher should be and I got goosebumps when reading yourself and Hilary Mantel were spending time in the library. I had no idea that Rafe Sadler resided over Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment and it's one of those moments when you get a clearer perspective on the connections of historic events, I am away to real A Traveller in Time now. I am glad I asked.
I am glad you asked too. Thank you for the prompt! I hope you enjoy the book.
I am sure I will.
I remember loving "A Traveller In Time" as well. In fact, I may still have my copy somewhere in the house!
Let me know if you find it. Such a good book.
Me too! I was sure I had an old Puffin edition but can I find it?!
I haven’t got my original copy any more, and I wish I had!
Gosh, how did I forget A traveller in time?! Memories flooding back!!!
I, too, loved A Traveller in Time - and historical time slip is still one of my favorite genres ❤️
I love Jodi Taylor’s work now, and I am starting to wonder if the time slip element reminds me of A Traveller in Time - although it’s very different in style. Something to ponder!
I love Jodi Taylor, her books are so much fun! Have you read Daphne du Maurier’s House on the Strand? It’s another favorite 😍
I loved A Traveller in Time too - I've still got my falling apart copy.
It’s amazing to find others who love it!
Bea, I’ve got a great growing tangent for you! Your Anthony Babington is an ancestor of Charles Cardale Babington (contemporary of Charles Darwin). The perennial leek, Allium ampeloprasum v. Babingtonii, is named after him. I’m growing them on my allotment, along with a growing collection of fruit trees known to our mutual friend, Crumb.
Ah your gardening parallels. That’s great. And in another type of tangent, I reminded myself that Ben Miles who played Cromwell on stage played Anthony Babington in a radio adaptation of a Traveller in Time years ago. Sadly I have never heard that adaptation - I wish I could.
Bea, if you have even a small space to grow I’d happily send you some bulbils of said Babington leeks. You’d need not harvest them, just admire their botanical connection and random habits. Happy to send a small parcel if you’d like. DM me if so.
What a moving tribute to Mrs Etches, and what a beautiful connection to Hilary Mantel!
Thanks Anne!
Bless Mrs Etches. Those teachers were so special in our lives weren’t they. Miss Bradbrook for me.
As they say, no-one forgets a good teacher. I just wish I could thank her.
A Traveller in Time is exquisite. Got to read it again now.
Enjoy your reading!
I hear so many stories about how a specific teacher held people back from their true calling (it seems to be very common in the art world). It's wonderful to be reminded that there are also teachers who really saw us and encouraged our childhood versions to become our true selves. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks Nicky. I was really sad when I heard about a colleague’s child a few years ago - she was interested in history and wanted to talk to her class about visiting Hampton Court, and the teacher said no, it wasn’t in the curriculum. It makes me feel particularly lucky to have been at school when teachers had a bit more leeway.
Lordy, that's very sad to be told 'no'... 😔
I was given ‘a traveller in time’ as my leaving gift when I left my first school (we had first/middle rather than infant/junior) - coincidentally, having read your second post, the day after a leavers’ trip to the Isle of Wight, about which I remember very little apart from the very exciting half-pink-half-white ice cream. It was read and re-read until it fell apart, but I bought a new copy for my daughter when she was about that age. Must see if she still has it!