Launching 'Valentine'
Friday 14 November 2008
'It’s the story of an extraordinary individual having her say about a remarkable century. Marion Poynter deserves high praise for this book.'
– Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey, AC
Nobody’s Valentine: Letters in the Life of Valentine Alexa Leeper, 1900-2001 by Marion Poynter, The Miegunyah Press, Carlton, 2008. pp xxiv + 464. 9780522855838, Hardback, $59.95.
Professor Geoffrey Blainey, AC, launches the book.
In deference to Miss Valentine Leeper’s total abhorrence of alcohol, nothing stronger than tea, coffee and fruit juice was served this afternoon as Professor Geoffrey Blainey, AC, launched Marion Poynter’s book, Nobody’s Valentine; Letters in the Life of Valentine Alexa Leeper 1900–2001. Yet, as the Warden, Associate Professor Andrew McGowan, observed when welcoming about 200 guests in the College Dining Hall, it was ‘a very festive occasion’.
For the author, it marked the fruition of many years spent sorting, organising and editing ‘thousands of original documents—letters, treatises, as well as photographs, diaries, press cuttings etc.— only roughly sorted, and most never having been used before for research’, all accumulated by Valentine over a period of 93 years.
Marion Poynter signs copies of ‘Nobody’s Valentine’
From these documents emerged a unique perspective on world events and issues that shaped the twentieth century. Although she never left Australia, Valentine was exceptionally well informed on world politics, largely through her brothers, Allen and Rex, who served the British Foreign Office with distinction between the wars.
They revealed, too, an extraordinary woman of principle, intellect and passion – conservative, yet often ahead of her time – and a fearless champion of social justice. She wrote frequently to politicians, archbishops, newspaper editors and others of influence to express her views and offer advice. As Andrew McGowan remarked, ‘It is with equal measures of regret and relief, that I am the first Warden of Trinity not to have the benefit of correspondence with Miss Leeper!’
A trinity of Trinity Wardens: Donald Markwell (6th Warden), Andrew McGowan (7th Warden) and Robin Sharwood, (4th Warden) at the launch
It was at the suggestion of the sixth Warden, Professor Don Markwell – who flew from Perth to attend the launch – that Marion Pointer undertook to write what Professor Blainey described as ‘an important book’.
‘It’s an easy book to read, it’s a history of the times, a history of her long life, and a history of the critical moments from the twentieth century – if anyone is interested in crises, then Valentine Leeper’s letters are for them,’ he said.
Valentine was fearless when stating her views – even when, as was often the case, they went against public opinion of the day. ‘She defended herself always, and always with great skill,’ Blainey observed. ‘There was no person living with whose views she entirely agreed! I myself was surprised when [in 1993] she wrote, “I agree entirely with Professor Blainey on this matter.”’ Valentine’s goddaughter, Mary-Clare Adam, recalled that ‘Valentine was also immensely compassionate, kind and considerate’. Living in Israel and unable to attend as planned, Mary-Clare’s remarks were read on her behalf by the Rusden Curator of Art and Archives, Mrs Nina Waters.
Part of the large audience at the launch
Marion Poynter acknowledged all those who had assisted her with the project. ‘Though sometimes wearied by the task, I have never lost interest or enthusiasm,’ she said. ‘Valentine’s passionate concerns were catching, and I found myself passionately involved. It has been, in many ways, a dream project.’