Local author publishes new book

LOCAL authors Anne Johns from Edington and Jenny Head from Salisbury are releasing their second book in May 2019 – We Will Teach! 

“We Will Teach!  focuses on the fascinating link between Salisbury and the Channel Islands,” says Anne. “Between the 1840s and the 1970s, hundreds of young women from Guernsey and Jersey chose to train as teachers in Salisbury. Leaving home is a major event for any young person and the early students also faced long and dangerous sea crossings. 

“In 1843, the first student from Guernsey travelled to college by steamship and stagecoach. Moving to the mainland was (and still is) a significant adventure – and what did the students find when they arrived in Salisbury? The book is a treasure trove of fascinating stories of individual young women in every era, none more poignant than those portrayed during the 1940s’ Occupation of the islands. Life here on the mainland was hard, but conditions in the Channel Islands were far worse. The book is based on extensive original research, which included several enjoyable visits to the Channel Islands.”

Anne and Jenny’s first book, Inspired to Teach, recorded the history of the former College of Sarum St Michael (Salisbury Training College). 

“Wiltshire residents may have trained in Salisbury or been taught by teachers who trained at the college,” added Anne. “Perhaps they may remember students on teaching practice.  

Profit from the book will go to the local CRESS charity, to support much-needed educational projects in South Sudan.