THE BIG REVEAL
Through the Wren Door – the big reveal
After what was possibly the best Speech Day ever, the culmination of nearly a year’s work came to fruition with the launch of the revised history of the School – Through the Wren Door by Gavin Mortimer.
Blood, sweat, tears and dusty archives had gone into the production of the book. OVs, former staff, current staff and headmasters consulted for their memories and reflections to build an accurate picture. Pictures unearthed, memories stirred and manuscripts read, all to ensure that the book reflected, accurately, the history of the School.
Gavin, an accomplished author with a reflective, warm and easy to read narrative was with us to sign and dedicate the books to the eager purchasers. Among Gavin’s recent books are The Men Who Made the SAS and a History of the Special Boat Squadron in WW2, which was an Amazon top 100 best seller and featured prominently in the British media.
Gavin said of writing the book “The history of Warminster School is adorned with many interesting, innovative, adventurous and, in one or two cases, outrageous, characters and they all make an appearance in Through the Wren Door. Above all, however, I hope the book reflects the remarkable evolution of the School, made possible by the indomitability and determination of teachers and pupils over the course of 312 memorable years. It was a pleasure to research and write the book, and I hope it’s fun to read”.
Talented photographer, Jon Edkins' work on old photographs in the book was outstanding and they have brought the content of the book to life. The book is something that Mark Mortimer, Headmaster, should rightly be proud of. It was his idea for the School to produce a book and it is a fitting legacy for Mark, who moves to be Headmaster of Bryanston School at the end of this term. It is said that 'The memories of men are too frail a thread to hang the fabric of history from'.
Copies of the book for the bargain price of £13 are available from the School – contact Stella Aldridge on 01985 224851 or [email protected]