Page 26 - The Moretonian 2025

Inspiring Intellectual Curiosity

The Bronwen

Society

This academic year, the Bronwen Society has continued to thrive as a vibrant

forum for intellectual exploration and conversation. As ever, the society has
served as a cornerstone of Moreton Hall’s commitment to nurturing inquisitive
minds and fostering spirited debate.

This year also marked a moment of transition, In October, we were able to hear from our own
where we bid a fond and heartfelt farewell to Principal, Michael Brewer, who delivered a
Mrs Lang, whose inspired and tireless leadership masterful and illuminating talk on the enigmatic
has shaped the society into the renowned ‘lost novelist’ Eliza Haywood, - an overlooked
entity that it is today. It is both a privilege and yet significant literary figure whose life and work
a responsibility to step into her shoes, and to prompted fresh reflections on gender, authorship
carry forward the legacy of curiosity, connection and historical erasure.
and conversation that she championed so
passionately within the society.

This year’s programme has been rich and varied,
drawing from literature, politics, history, and
personal testimony. We started with a fascinating
talk by Clare Mackintosh, award-winning crime
writer and former police officer, who shared her
insights into narrative structure, justice, and the
psychology of suspense. Her conversation was a
masterclass in combining lived experience with
literary craft.

In another literary highlight, celebrated and
renowned Young Adult authors Karen M.
McManus and Jennifer Lynn Barnes explored
the characterisation, identity and storytelling,
prompting thoughtful discussion on the power
of fiction to shape young minds. It was wonderful
to see so many students taking home books with
them after the event and sharing their thoughts
with each other for many weeks to come.

The society was also privileged to hear from two
of our very own members of staff. Mrs Blanchard
delivered a moving and meticulously researched
presentation on women’s roles during the miners’
strikes in northern England which shed light
on an often underrepresented facet of social
history. She gave an insight into her own family’s

26 The Moretonian 2025