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Jules's avatar

I'm so glad to read this, as beyond the fact of her marriage to Nye Bevan and her involvement with the OU I knew very little. I love that line : "Bevan was a reluctant Bevanite - Jennie certainly was not." I was so touched by Dorothy Wise's letter. As you say, generous of her.

Very much looking forward to part two!

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fortuna desperata's avatar

Amazing woman. I did a degree with the OU and never heard her name mentioned. Michael Young gets all the credit.

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L S Johnson's avatar

So he does!

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Katie Lee / KJ Lyttleton's avatar

I always enjoy your newsletters, Sarah. Thank you for sharing this!

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Medlarking in Eastgate's avatar

Great writing as ever, Sarah.

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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

Great to know more about Lee. Looking forward to hearing about her role in creating the OU!

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Andrew Kitching's avatar

A fascinating read. Although Wilson's government got a poor press, its achievements live on. The quality of his ministers was immense.

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Sarah Harkness's avatar

Their wives were pretty splendid too! My main research topic at the moment.. but I couldn't keep Jennie (or Barbara C, for that matter) out of the picture!

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Andrew Kitching's avatar

My Dad had a copy of Susan Crosland’s book on Tony. It was a brilliant and very funny read. The description of Tony Benn’s unannounced Sunday afternoon visits to discuss policy were hilarious.

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Wendy Wright's avatar

A wonderful piece as ever and can’t wait for part 2. I’ve just ordered a 2nd hand copy of Patricia Hollis’ biography of her & looking forward to reading it. Many thanks . As ever.

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Sarah Harkness's avatar

Oh that's brilliant, it was such an excellent book, and really helpful about so much confusing labour stuff!

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