HERMIONE After To War With Whitaker: The Continuing Diaries of Hermione, Countess of Ranfurly 1945-2001

Extract from Lady Caroline Simmonds’ “Introduction”:

“This book covers Hermione setting up home in England in the aftermath of World War 2, firstly in London and then in her two beloved county homes, Little and Great Pednor. The years of struggling to conceive, only one child, me, and not a boy. The grappling with all that was involved with the Governorship of the Bahamas in the 1950s and the struggle to allow black people a fair say in their own Government. The faithful animals and the family, like any other, ridden with politics and drama. Accompanying my father on his many gruelling world-wide business trips which involved months away from home. The sagas, upstairs and downstairs, of the cooks, carers, gardeners, nannies and nurses, most importantly the very Spanish and beloved Luis & Maria. Single-handedly deciding to educate the Third World by establishing the phenomenon that started as the Ranfurly Library Service and became Book Aid International. Bringing me up through the 1960s, supporting me in my marriage to Johnny and then turning into the naughtiest and most fun grandmother for Lucy, Zara & Rose. Losing my father, who she adored, becoming an Authoress in her 80s and dealing with old age and all that it brings.

Through all this Hermione never lost her sense of humour or grit.”

Illustrated by 64 b/w photographs.

Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the charities set up by Hermione Ranfurly during her lifetime: The Ranfurly Library for Children, Nassau, Bahamas; The Ranfurly Library Service, Sydney; and Book Aid International.

Copies of this book can be ordered from Amazon or by sending a cheque payable to RCS for [given in year 2013] £15 per copy (incl. UK postage) [weight of book + pkg 810g (approx.)] with your name and address to: RCS, Great Pednor, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 2SU.