Posted by Kate Newey on October 31, 1998 :
I first read the Swallows & Amazons series as a young English migrant in Australia in the early 1970s. As an English child reading these books in Australia I didn't ever find Mrs Walker to be an anomaly. Lots of English came to Australia for a while, then returned to England - for higher education, or 'finishing' (depending on gender). And there was still a discernible "English" voice amongst Australians of an earlier generation who still called England "Home" - how much more so in the 20s? Until the 1970s ties between English culture & society and middle to upper-class Australians (yes, they do exist despite Australian claims to egalitarianism!) were still quite strong. Of course, this is no longer the case & I can remember deciding at the age of 12 to acquire a very broad Australian accent because I was tired of being beaten up in the playground!
On another note - I'm so pleased to have found this Website - I've been a lone Ransome fan for years, and now will be able to join a society devoted to his works. It's also timely - I'm returning to Britain to teach at Lancaster University in 1999 - how can I find out what TARS events are planned for next year?
All the best