Better Late Than Never: A 20-Year Library Return

Nearly two decades after leaving LEH, former pupil Harriet ‘Hatty’ Preston, Class of 2006, has returned two much-loved library books including a lovely note from her mother, Bridget, a small but touching reminder of her time at school. 

The books, Black Leadership in America by John White and Martin Luther King Jr.: Apostle of Militant Nonviolence by James A. Colaiaco, were discovered by Hatty’s mother while preparing for a house move. Rather than quietly letting them go, the family ensured they found their way back to the LEH library, a gesture that reflects how fondly Hatty remembers both the books and her school days. Hatty went on to study American Studies at university, specialising in African American performance culture and its impact on the Civil Rights Movement, which perhaps explains her reluctance to return these particular school books sooner. 

“In case anyone still at LEH remembers Hatty,” her mother wrote, “she is now a stand-up comedian based in Liverpool and performing at venues across the UK. You can see examples of her work on Instagram @prattyheston.” 

Hatty has built an international career in comedy and acting. A London-born comic, she has performed widely in both the UK and the United States, appearing at major comedy clubs including the Laugh Factory and Zanies in Chicago, as well as venues in New York, Nashville and Los Angeles. She has also opened for well-known comedians such as Theo Von, Chris DiStefano, Jessica Kirson and Jack Whitehall. 

Alongside her stand-up work, Hatty has appeared on screen, most notably playing Princess Maribel in the television drama The Royals, and has had guest roles in BBC series including Call the Midwife and Cuckoo. On stage, she originated the role of Minty in Jennifer Saunders’ West End musical Viva Forever!. 

When Holles Connect spoke to Hatty, she said: “When I look back on my years at LEH, I count myself so lucky to have been a ‘Candy-Girl’. To go through my formative girlhood years with an example of such composed formidability and effortless class, modelled by our headmistress Miss Elizabeth Candy, still inspires me to this day.” 

Hatty has recently welcomed a daughter of her own, a seven-month-old redhead, just like her mum. 

We are thrilled to have the books back on our shelves and even more delighted to hear that Hatty is thriving. We hope she and her daughter will visit us one day.