Bournemouth High School was founded in 1886 by Mary Broad, a pioneer of girls' education.

Broad aimed to provide a first-class liberal education, similar to top boys' schools, at reasonable fees for daughters of the professional classes.

She was known for her progressive methods, including taking students on nature walks and trips abroad, which shocked Victorian society at the time.

But the school grew rapidly and quickly needed a new location.

Bournemouth High moved to its current site in Talbot Woods in, 1936, and was renamed Talbot Heath School.

Seven headmistresses led the school, each leaving their mark while upholding Mary Broad's original vision and ethos of excellence.

Born in 1909 in Leytonstone, London, author, cook and TV personality Fanny Craddock attended the school when she was 15 years old.

After leaving, she began writing under various pseudonyms, including Frances Dale, for romantic novels and worked as an editor for a newspaper.

Partnered with her future husband, Major Johnnie Cradock, in the 1940s, they wrote a food and restaurant review column under the pen name "Bon Viveur" for The Daily Telegraph, starting in 1948.

This column introduced British audiences to new dishes from France and Italy, even popularizing pizza in England. They are also credited with inventing the Prawn Cocktail, although some would argue it came from France and that they simply introduced it to the UK.

From the 1950s onwards, Fanny and Johnnie became television personalities, known for their cooking demonstrations and shows.

Fanny's on-screen persona was often described as "bossy," "glamorous," and “a bit intimidating”, in contrast to Johnnie's portrayal as the slightly bumbling sidekick.

Their stage performances involved theatrical elements, with Fanny cooking elaborate dishes for the audience. Their act, complete with French accents and a comedic dynamic, captured public attention.

Beyond television, Fanny was a prolific writer. She published cookbooks under her own name and various pseudonyms, offering recipes and culinary advice.

In the 1970s, she also ventured into historical fiction, writing a series of novels set in a fictional castle.

Fanny Cradock is considered a pioneer of British television food personalities. Her flamboyant style and focus on international cuisine influenced the way people viewed food in post-war Britain.

While some found her on-screen persona overbearing, there's no doubt she was a captivating figure who left a lasting impression on British food culture, and it is possible that her time in Bournemouth helped shape that.