FARNBOROUGH HILL OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 2014 - 2015
I25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY The Committee President Maria O’Connor [email protected]
Vice President Niamh Hills [email protected]
Membership Secretary Juliana Luxton Events Secretary [email protected] Vacant (Interim Secretary - Becky Doyle Newsletter Secretary [email protected]) Gill Chapman [email protected] Community Representative Treasurer Sister Veronica Rennie (RCE) Christina Wagstaff (Moore) [email protected] Staff Representative Clare Duffin Headmistress (Director of Admissions) Sarah Buckle [email protected] [email protected] Other Committee Members
Helen Williams (Attridge), Anna Payne (Bowyer), Niamh O’Connor, Sarah Bunch, Natasha Adams, Eleanor Roberts, Sophie Wort, Sara Davison, Elizabeth Nash, Cathy Dales Honorary members: Ann Berry (Tristram), Mary-Rose Murphy
L-R: Ellie Roberts, Becky Doyle, Gill Chapman, Niamh Hills, Sophie Wort, Christina Wagstaff (Moore)
Front cover: 125 Year Reunion - how many staff members? Answer: inside back cover. President’s Report
Welcome to the 2015 Newsletter. It is hard to believe that another year has passed by so quickly.
Our FHOGA database is rapidly growing and now stands at 3,000 including 1,500 email addresses. Email is a great way to keep you up to date. If you think we might not already have your email address, please drop a line to: [email protected]. Equally, if you know of anyone who is not yet a member or is not receiving information from us, do ask them to get in touch.
Our reunion in September was a huge success, with over 400 Old Girls spanning eight decades present, along with sixty current and former members of staff. It was a fantastic celebration of the 125 years of Farnborough Hill and great to see so many of you there. Thanks go once again to Gill Chapman for all her efforts.
Many people in previous years have asked about bringing families to our reunions so we are trying out a slightly different format this year. We are offering Old Girls the chance to bring family along – children, parents, grandparents, husbands, partners etc. However, we will still be able to accommodate groups of Old Girls; do let us know if you have an important anniversary. We will be using the Eventbrite ticket system this year to make it easier for you to purchase your tickets online for the reunion and other events that FHOGA organise.
We are absolutely delighted to tell you that last year’s Old Girls’ Scholar, Millie Free- man, has been appointed as Head Girl from September 2015. This demonstrates firstly how valuable the scholarships are and secondly how effective the selection process is. Congratulations to Millie from all of us!
None of this work could take place without the efforts of the FHOGA Committee and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for the time and commitment that they give to FHOGA. We are actively seeking new members for the committee, so if you live locally and would like to get involved, please do get in touch.
A quick reminder that we have our very own Facebook group – Farnborough Hill Old Girls’ Association with almost 1000 names. Don’t forget to join to be kept in the loop with all the latest news and event updates.
I hope you enjoy the newsletter this year. A big thank you goes to Gill Chapman for all her hard work in pulling this together. Please con- tinue to send us your news and suggestions. We are always keen to hear from you.
Maria O'Connor FARNBOROUGH HILL OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION
REUNION & FAMILY FUN DAY Saturday 12th September 2015 12.30 - 5.00 Welcome Drinks, BBQ lunch, Treasure Hunt, Potted Sports, Raffle, Tug of War, Cash Bar, Ice Cream, Thanksgiving Service
£16 per person - £8.00 for children aged 5-16 Under 5s free Family members of all ages are welcome
Tickets can be ordered online using Eventbrite Email Christina Wagstaff for the link: [email protected] or send a cheque payable to FHOGA c/o Farnborough Hill, Farnborough, GU14 8AT including a return address, maiden name and year of leaving
Ticket deadline: 31st July
Any profit made will go towards the Scholarship Fund Community News
The celebration of the 125 Anniversary of the Sisters coming to Farnborough was highlighted at every opportunity during the year. It was launched in May to commemorate the enrolment of the first pupil. A cake with 125 can- dles was cut for the staff and each pupil was given a cupcake. There was also a helium balloon race. Hundreds of green and purple balloons were released: one for each mem- ber of the school community. It was a splendid sight.
The long awaited School Inspection even- tually happened in the Easter Term. The written and verbal reports were all 'excellent'. In recognition of the great com- mitment of all of the staff, the Board of Governors gave staff a free day with tickets for the “Jersey Boys” in the Piccadilly The- atre on 23 April. We were delighted to be invited to share this special “Thank You” and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day.
The school continues to invite and entertain us on 21 November. We always renew our vows at the mass and it is very special for us. This year, the day also marked the launch- ing of the anniversary book, “From Hillside to Farnborough Hill”.
The Old Girls' Reunion was a great success. It was lovely to meet so many girls, many of whom we had not seen since they left school. Three Sisters were unable to be present, so a book was provided by the Old Girls' Committee for each of Srs Teresa Hawkins, Rosemary Alexander and Mary Dawson and Old Girls were encouraged to write a com- ment, which they did willingly. The Sisters were absolutely delighted with them and love to share them with their visitors.
Sister Veronica Rennie with (L-R) Trina Walsh, Penny Comerford (Bull), Deirdre Thomas (White) all 1974 and Sister Josephine Shannon with Oonaugh Alexander 1982 We were invited to join Old Girls singing carols again on 18 December, this time in the Grand Salon. It was a fitting introduction to Christmas.
Pope Francis declared this year to be a special celebration of Consecrated Life in the Church. The Benedictine Monks of Dou- ai Abbey are also celebrating their 400th Anniversary by a se- ries of monthly lectures between Spring 2015 and February 2016. Under the title 'Living Joyfully', the rich variety of Religious Life in the Church is re- flected both in a traditional and a more modern way. We were at the first lecture given by Fr. John Dickson SDB on the history and charism of the Salesians. It was excellent.
The Association of Senior Religious organises many activities during the year. Sr Mon- ica Mannion and I went on a tour of the BBC; it was most interesting. Four of us were able to attend the Annual General Meeting last year in Bournemouth, lasting four days, led by Fr. Timothy Radcliffe O.P.; we had read some of his books, and his talks were inspirational.
Sister Patricia Wright has settled happily in “St Augustine's”. She comes to Farnborough Hill quite of- ten and joins our Community for special occasions. Sister Teresa Hawkins is in Heathfield. She enjoys our visits and indeed the visits of many of her friends. Sister Eileen Grant is also in Heathfield and begin- ning to get involved in the life of the Parish.
We love to see Old Girls. If you are in the vicinity of Orchard Rise, you L-R Srs Philomena McDonnell, Veronica Ren- are always welcome to visit. nie, Josephine Shannon, Monica Mannion Sister Josephine Shannon Message from Mother Alexander
I was very sad not to be able to join you at the 125th Anniversary Reunion in September. Nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to share in the joy that I later heard all about. Imagine my surprise when I received the book containing good wishes and fond memories from so many of you! I was absolutely delighted and regularly show it to my visitors. Thank you so much for thinking of me, as I was of you. God bless you all! Rosemary Alexander (former Headmistress) Message from Sister Dawson
A very sincere and heartfelt, "Thank you" to those of you who wrote messages to me in my "Book of Memories" - and a fond "hello" to all of you whom I knew as pupils all those years ago. I have very happy memories of my years in Farnborough Hill.
On returning to Ireland, I went 'back to school' to pursue further studies! I then served as a full-time prison chaplain in Dublin for eight years, a challenging but wonderful ex- perience. Our roles often extended beyond the strictly spir- itual to include not only pastoral care but also addressing issues of injustice and helping in the process of rehabilitation involving contact with prisoners' families. Strange as it may seem, I loved every minute of prison ministry. Since then, I have been privileged to work in a Counselling Centre in a disadvantaged area of inner city Dublin quietly offering low-cost counselling to the poor.
I am sure that all of you have also experienced changes in your lives and I hope that my few lines find you happy and well. I can assure you of one thing that has not changed for me - I have prayed for you all and will continue to do so. Mary Dawson (former Headmistress)
Old Girls’ Scholar 2014-15
My name is Amelia Freeman and I joined the school in September 2009. I am studying English Litera- ture, Philosophy and Ethics, History and Psycholo- gy A levels, with the intention of studying English Literature at university and pursuing a career in writing, such as journalism or publishing.
Being a member of the Sixth Form has been amaz- ing so far. I was lucky enough to represent Farnbor- ough Hill recently in the Finals Day of the Schools National Debating Competition at the Oxford Union Debating Chamber. We did not win but it was a fantastic experience.
I am delighted to tell you that I have been voted Head Girl from September. I am looking forward to working closely with both staff and pupils through- out the school. I also felt very privileged to be helping at the Old Girls' Reunion and preparing tea for so many visitors. There was such a buzz from all the Old Girls who were so pleased to be back in school.
Thank you so much for choosing me as the Old Girls' Scholar. I feel truly honoured and intend to do my very best so that you will be proud of me. Report from the Headmistress
Each year seems to pass quicker than the last and so I can hardly believe that I am once again writing for the FHOGA Newsletter! Our former students are very important to us as you are an essential part of our whole school community. If you have not visited your ‘old school’ recently I hope you will be able to attend our next FHOGA Reunion, or call in next time you are in the area.
We have continued to celebrate the school’s 125th anniversary year, running from May 2014 until May 2015. The publication of our very special book “From Hillside to Farnborough Hill: 125 years of the RCE in Farnborough” has been a highlight and all who have seen and read the book agree it is a wonderful tribute to all those who attended and worked at the school over the years. I hope you will buy your own copy and enjoy having your memory jogged!
Other highlights have been the FHOGA Reunion and the open-air Mass of the Holy Spirit in Septem- ber, when we also helped Father To- ny Sultana to celebrate his 40th anni- versary of becoming a priest. Our 125th Anniversary Ball in November saw the Sports Hall transformed into an unrecognisable, glittering venue. Nearly 300 parents, governors, staff and guests enjoyed the delicious din- ner followed by dancing until mid- night. We really must hold a Ball more frequently as the last one was in 1989 - perhaps you attended that one!
The past year has also been a very sad one. Following the death of David Bell, our Head Groundsman, in April the whole school community was shaken again with the sudden death of much loved Physics teacher Mr Rob Schofield (pictured opp at Open Morning) aged just 26, in a road traffic accident on his way to work in June. Although he had only been at Farnborough Hill since September, the girls had taken him to their hearts. His fun-loving nature, his talent for teaching and pastoral care and his inspiring Christian beliefs had made a huge impact on them, and his colleagues. It was an ex- tremely difficult time in school for us all but the way everyone supported each other was extremely comforting and, ultimate-
ly, uplifting. I was immensely proud of all the staff and the girls who real- ly did demonstrate our caring Chris- tian ideals to the full at that time. We continue to keep the families and friends of David and Rob in our prayers and hope you will too.
On the academic front, GSCE and A Level results last summer were once again outstanding. The headline for A level results was the remarkable 26% of A* grades achieved by our students compared to the national average of 8%. 100% A* in Physics and Further Mathematics further bucked the trend and we were very proud of Paloma and her History teachers (pictured below) when she was awarded the prestigious Frampton Prize by the Royal Historical Society for achieving the highest History marks in the country! The GCSE girls also did exceptionally well and achieved 56% of results at A* or A, with an amazing 52 girls (over half the year group) gaining A*/A in 6 or more of their subjects. The teaching staff are now getting prepared to deliver the changed spec- ifications at GCSE and A level next year; frequent change in education is something we have all had to get used to!
Extracurricular activities as well as academic study, continue to keep our students busy. Music is as strong as ever under the direction of Mrs Ka- ren Phillips, ably assisted by Dr Ian Taylor and Mr Stuart McSweeney, with hundreds of girls taking part in numerous choirs, bands, groups and ensembles. St. Cecilia’s, the new music suite is certainly be- ing put to good use. You might have seen some of the girls – in their striped blazers – singing on the BBC’s Songs of Praise recently! One highlight of the musical year is the Choral Concert and the standard reached in the recent Baroque Festival was amazing. The Choir are now looking forward to their Tour to Tuscany in July. Drama produc- tions are another highlight and the recent ‘Back to the Land’ saw the audiences in the Theatre on the Hill enthralled by this wonderful wartime piece. Indeed, many of the more senior members of the audience remarked on how accurate and true to the life the girls’ portrayal of the time had been. Success in Debating and Public Speaking, Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh awards and many other activities confirm that Farnbor- ough Hill remains focused on so much more than just academic results.
We continue to do very well in a wide variety of sports, winning many District and Re- gional competitions each year. Netball, cross-country and badminton have been particu- larly strong and we are eagerly awaiting the completion of our floodlit all-weather hock- ey pitch in time for next season.
Retreat week was extremely successful this year. We are very grateful to Miss Sheila Farmer, our Chaplain, who has a great talent for devising tasks and activities that stretch and challenge the girls to think about their spiritual journey and reflect on how they wish their lives to be shaped. One tangible outcome was an array of colourfully painted
masks (above) all illustrating something about the person who painted them. On anoth- er occasion we welcomed ‘Empathy Action’ into school. This saw St Joseph's turned into a simulated ‘slum’ whilst geographers from different year groups worked against the clock to fight for survival each day against a backdrop of poverty and health issues. Other events saw the Year 7s (First Form) enjoy a Harry Potter themed evening and the Year 10s (Fourth Form) take part in a ‘building resilience’ day to help them develop strategies for dealing with any setbacks they might face in the future.
We are always keen to broaden our students’ horizons and overseas trips certainly con- tribute to that. The Sixth Form Expedition to Malawai last July was a great success with 23 girls (and 4 staff) leaving their ‘comfort zone’ for three weeks and experiencing a very different environment. Meeting and working with local people gave them an unforgettable experience. Plans are now underway for the next expedition, this time to Southern India in 2016. Two groups went to the USA at Easter: the ski trip to the east coast and a combined geography and computing trip (pictured left) to the west coast. Once again, a great time was had by all. The next trip to leave will be the 2015 Sports Tour to Sri Lanka; the girls are very fortunate to have the opportuni- ty to visit such amazing destinations!
Each year we have to bid a fond farewell to members of staff who either move on to pastures new or decide the time is right to retire. Last year was no excep- tion as Mrs Laura Craven retired after 17 years at Farnborough Hill as an English teacher and Head of Year and Miss Karen Gibson (Head of Year and PE) returned to her native Ireland after 13 years. Our Bursar, Commander Tony Woolston also retired after 14 years of excellent service at the helm. I have no doubt that many of you remem- ber these staff fondly and we wish them all the very best for the future. Best wishes,
Sarah Buckle (Headmistress) Reviews about the Special Anniversary Book ‘From Hillside to Farnborough Hill: 125 years of RCE in Farnborough’
I’m not a great fan of coffee table books. For a start you need a coffee table and I’m more a bookshelf sort of person, and then there’s the business of it being all pictures and I’m a word girl myself. That said, this book had to be in coffee table format. How could you do justice to the Hill without lots of lovely photographs, and how to tell the story without plenty of words?
The two Lauras, Craven and Evans-Jones, have collaborated seamlessly on the text. I think LE-J focused on the early history which forms the first 30 or so pages and LC and her contributors on the bulk of the anecdotal material, but it’s impossible to see the join. The history of house and order are knitted neatly together in the early chapters, and when the narrative gets on to the school’s association with the building, the stories just pour out.
The book is broadly chronological, but so many boxes and sidebars give overviews of aspects of Hill life over the years; drama, sport, uni- form are given their own focus, and there are plenty of contributions directly from students, both famous and not, to bring the story to life.
It’s the stories from the Community which are the most revealing and resonant. Their lives of service are given full credit and respect and their L-R: Laura Evans-Jones, Sarah Buckle, and presence is almost tangible. Laura Craven
The photographs are, I am forced to say, spectacular. The mix of informal snapshots with glossy professional plates gives a real feel of the place, and shows exactly why Jackie Thomas always said that if she could get prospective parents up the drive she felt the school would sell itself. The faces, and there are so many from so many eras, are the faces of happy girls and women. It’s charming to see the Sisters we know so well as young women, and to revisit the changing face of the school.
It’s a great book, and a real testament to the people who put it together, to the girls who studied here, to their parents who trusted them to the school, to the Sisters whose school it celebrates, and most of all to the Hill itself. Jo Russell (former Head of English)
Time passes and people change, yet these memories and experiences have lived on and repeated themselves from one generation to the next. There were so many occasions where you could say, “Oh yes… I remember that!” or “We did that too!" Huge thanks should go to Mrs Craven and Mrs Evans-Jones for giving us such a wonderful reminder of how special Farnborough Hill is to us all. Rachel Wong 2012 I was most impressed by the thorough research carried out about the early years and I liked the way comments from the pupils were written in parallel with the history of the school. I also enjoyed revisiting so many memories and had not fully realised how much Mother Alexander had done through the 60s to improve and raise the status of the school. Sister Veronica Rennie
Pictures and a quote to wet your appetite...
‘As a precaution, however, mattresses were spread on the floor of the music practice rooms in the cellars, and during air raids, girls would retreat there until the all- clear sounded. If the alarm came at night, Sr Hawkins, in charge of the younger girls’ dormitory, instructed the girls to grab onto one another’s nightgowns in a line with the lead girl holding onto hers so that they could make their way quickly and safely through the dark- ened building. “Like elephants” was they way she described it later. Girls had to bring pillows and eiderdowns with them, and try to sleep where they could, but Sr Hawkins remembers that they never complained nor used the interrupted nights as an excuse not to work. “It was a tough time, but the girls were wonderful” is how she remembers it. They all became expert at listening for the sounds of German engines and dis- tinguishing them from those of the British planes.’
Read the book to find out…. Who were Sally and Sue? What colour was the original school uni- What is buried under the High Altar? form? Where was Hillside? Where is the most haunted part of the How to get a Deportment Colour? school?
Copies of ‘From Hillside to Farnborough Hill’ can be purchased at £45 per copy. Details of how to order a copy can be found on the home page of the school website http://www.farnborough-hill.org.uk Old Girls Giving Career Guidance
I was excited to be asked to give a careers talk to pupils at Farnborough Hill. I currently work for the RSPCA in Exotics and Wildlife Trade. Speaking about careers in Biologi- cal Sciences is important to me, as there is a wide variety of career choices available. At school, I was steered towards subjects needed for Veterinary Science, which was the most obvious option for me to work with animals. However, I struggled with A Level Maths and I was also more inclined towards working with wild animals so I chose to do a degree in Zoology, followed by an MSc in Wild Animal Biology.
I was extremely pleased that around 30 girls from a range of year groups gave up their lunch time to attend. I gave a PowerPoint presentation of 20 minutes leaving time for questions. These varied from specific queries about my work to more general enquiries about subjects and grades needed to study Biological Sciences and opportunities for voluntary work. I also tried to reassure them that even if they took a wrong turn, with determination they could achieve their desired goal. It was clear that there were some extremely keen and interested students and I felt that my visit had been valuable towards making their career choices. Nicola White (Cunningham) 1998
Recently, I spent a very enjoyable few hours back in the Upper Sixth Common Room conducting mock interviews for girls due to take their A levels. There was a range of interests from Criminology to PPE but all were about to embark on college life. My co- interviewer and I are both practising solicitors so it was a rare treat to come back to school and share our experience with the Sixth Formers. Some were more confident than others but everyone took the evening seriously and, I hope, gained something from the opportunity to practise their interview skills. None of them had had a formal interview before and as a Graduate Recruitment Partner I could tell them what employers look for and how important things like eye contact and smiling are to convey enthusiasm! The interviewers enjoyed the evening as much as the girls. It was good to catch up with staff and Old Girls and to share memories. We all agreed it felt very naughty to be walking up the main staircase! I hope to go back next year to repeat the experience and would encourage others too. It only takes a few hours and the benefit is tangible. Sarah Turner 1988
As Head of Careers at Farnborough Hill I am aware of how invaluable the Old Girls are in giv- ing lunch-time talks, speaking at our Careers Evenings and participating in our Interview Technique Evenings. First hand information is so important and we are always keen to hear about the career experiences of our Old Girls. If you would be happy to share your experiences with us and have time to spare please drop me an email to [email protected]. Alexandra Barker
Phoebe Young 2010 speaking at Careers Evening Drama on the Hill by Davina Robinson
This year’s school production was ‘Back to the Land’ (pictured right) by Do Shaw: a poignant, nostalgic and touching play about the lives of a group of Land Girls during WW2,with moments of hilarity coupled with tears. We were hon- oured to have some ‘real’ Land Girls attend and they thought we captured the era perfectly – which is a tribute to the great staff and student teams that assist with the shows. This was a community play which allowed editing and addition of comic moments which meant that I could adapt the piece to suit our talented students. I choose shows that will complement the strengths of our girls and this play did just that.
I have been Director of Drama for fifteen years now and every year the girls rise to the challenges presented to them. I often forget I am working with students as I expect such a high level of commitment and professionalism which they deliver in spades! That said, we also have great fun, and memories of rehearsals and performances are moments to treasure. Here are a few that come to mind:
The Sound of Music – thirty-two ‘nuns’ running down the hill for a photo call. The Canterbury Riders – Dancing cabbages! (pictured below) Alice in Wonderland – Huge amounts of jam tarts being consumed on and off stage! The Wizard of Oz – Millions of Munchkins and Ozians in stripy blazers. Epsom Downs – Astroturf covering the entirety of the Theatre on the Hill. The Witches - Transforming thirty girls into bald witches.
If you enjoyed Drama at Farnborough Hill, you will have immersed yourself in the pro- ductions and activities on offer and that is still the case for many dedicated and talented students. The facilities have improved greatly. We continue to use the main hall for musical productions but the ‘Old’ Gym has now become the ‘New’ Theatre on The Hill. If you haven’t seen it you should; it is a huge, versatile and super state-of-the-art performance and teaching space. One other addition of which we are hugely proud is the Radio Station – F’Hill Radio (get it?) from which we transmit six times a week before school and lunchtimes to all classrooms. The Sixth Form are in charge of show con- tent, including music and many exciting guest interviews with Sandi Tosvig, Richard Dimbleby and our very own Alex Danson to name a few.
Farnborough Hill is often referred to as a family and I was pleasantly surprised to dis- cover that my teacher at secondary school had been a pupil at the Hill and excelled at Drama. Paula Margetson (Price) inspired me to pursue my love of theatre and I hope that in my time at Farnborough Hill I have done the same for many of the girls I have worked with. I would be honoured to think that was the case.
Drama Reviewed by Old Girls
Every year I took part in the school production, working my way up from a ‘down and out’ in 'Bugsy Malone', to Alice in ‘Alice In Wonderland’ (pictured below, although this was Kathryn Morris’ night as Alice). The best time of every year was ‘show week’ in March, and the Sunday rehearsals leading up to it! Eating Dominos pizza on the Cloister Lawns, having my hair pulled, and twisted and sprayed by Miss Andrews at- tempting to make us look like boys. These were just some of the reasons that made me audition every year, and why I cried the entire way through my final bow in Upper Sixth after an eventful run of ‘The Sound of Music’! From the age of 13, I knew I want- ed to be Drama Captain and then living the dream made my Upper Sixth year so incred- ible. I had the opportunity to work with students from years 7 - 9 in Drama Club who were equally as keen as I was which was amazing. I was also able to work closely with the Hill's incredi- ble Drama teachers, Mrs Robinson and Mrs Peilow. By the end of my seven years at the Hill I considered them as friends. I will always ad- mire and be so grateful to them both. Drama has meant so much to me that I couldn’t be kept away, and returned to watch this year's production of ‘Back to the Land’ and shared the pride each actress felt during their bows and the sadness felt by the Upper Sixth having to say goodbye. Jenny Grace 2014
Drama can open your eyes to a thousand different subjects and disciplines from Politics to History to Design and beyond, and Farnborough Hill does this superbly well and rec- ognises how important the subject can be for so many students. It is the perfect environ- ment for young people to nurture their skills and experiment with new ideas in a sup- portive space with encouraging and passionate teachers. The school hugely encouraged my own love of Drama and gave me the confidence to move forward to study it at uni- versity. Beyond this, I utilise the drama skills learnt from school in my current job and I would not be the same person without them! So thank you! Lucy Sparks 2010
All these years on, I'm lucky enough to have a fabulous group of FH friends and when we look back on how we got here our memories invariably take us to that black box studio with its countryside views, cracking up over some rude joke in Shakespeare or wandering off on some far flung tangent. Guiding, educating and encouraging us was the indomitable Fraz (as Mrs Robinson was so affectionately known); a lady whose pas- sion for theatre and knowledge of the form never failed to bring us back to the task in hand. That task wasn't just getting through our A level, it was a chance to be silly, to explore old plays, devise new ones and realise ultimately that theatre will always be a place where we should experiment and try to make a little sense of the world we live in. For these realisations, I'll always be grateful. What's more, Fraz opened my eyes to the many career options in theatre - seeing it as the living, breathing industry that it is. Be- ing an actor or director is one glorious thing but what about the technicians, the stage managers, the producers, the accountants, the marketing team and so on. It's this round- ed exploration of the theatre industry that eventually led me to where I am today. I'm a fundraiser, working behind the scenes to do my bit towards ensuring there's enough money to let the creative types work their magic. Vicki Grace 2006
Music on the Hill by Karen Phillips
Music has always played an important part in school life at Farnborough Hill. Services in the Chapel, Concerts and musical productions have kept students and staff out of mis- chief. Staff weddings, important anniversaries and poignant musical tributes at memorial services will be etched in the memories of many. Some events have changed and some have remained a tradition. Who remembers the practice rota pinned up in the ‘Music Cells’ near Maggie’s Tuck Shop where several pianos were mysteriously located, Bene- diction on Friday evenings or Chapel Choir boarders having to find a voice on Sunday mornings for an 8.00am Mass? These days have long since gone but you will see how musical life has evolved from the original traditions if you read on.
Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated outside in September and we were blessed with warm sunshine. Neighbours sat in their gardens and listened to the service courtesy of the fantastic sound system and on the strength of this, some came up to school the fol- lowing week to a fund-raising concert given by Rushmoor Male Voice Choir and our own Choir in aid of the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.
Our new Music Suite, St Cecilia’s, was opened in April 2014 and has been used for several Musical Soi- rees. How wonderful to use this beautiful recital room for intimate Chamber Concerts and also having the opportunity to record these con- certs using state-of-the-art equipment installed in the Recording Studio which also links to the Chapel. We recorded a recent concert raising money for our 6th Choir Tour to Current student, Sarah Gammer playing at the Tuscany in July and the high quali- Informal Music Evening in St Cecelia’s ty CDs produced are now available. Music teaching has been trans- formed by the installation of the 16 Mac computers in St Cecilia’s. Girls can now create compositions using software such as Sibelius, Cubase and the younger students love using Garageband! As a result, A Level Music Technology is becoming a popular choice for those destined to read music at university in conjunction with the traditional course. But M1, the old mu- sic room, is still in use. The interactive white board en- hances the teaching but live music, singing, class bands and samba drumming can usually be heard very clearly every day!
The Advent Carol Service still takes place every year as does the Christmas Celebra- tion and there is a Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party in the Grand Salon with season- al entertainment. This Autumn Term some of the Junior Choir took part in a live broad- cast of ‘Songs of Praise’ on Remembrance Sunday in Aldershot Garrison Church, and as a consequence, the singers were invited to film and record a number of hymns which have been included in subsequent episodes of ‘Songs of Praise’. Those stripy blazers were very noticeable!
The Senior Choir has been privileged to sing Mass in Westminster Cathedral each year (see picture above). The Swing Band and Jazz Quartets have been busy with gigs in school (the party on the Hill in June is a favourite!) and out of school – the Jazz Club in Ascot ‘Jagz’ invites the Band and friends to entertain for an evening. The Choral Con- cert has been a tradition for many years and continues to flourish – we had a Choir of 125 to participate in a ‘Baroque Festival’ on April 25th this year. Plans are already shap- ing up to take the Farnborough Hill Orchestra on Tour in 2017 so the Music Depart- ment, run this year for the first time by three full-time Music Staff, continues to thrive.
Music Reviewed by Old Girls
My 7 years at Farnborough Hill are filled with happy memories of music-making. Ka- ren Phillips encourages and inspires girls from first year through to the Sixth Form to channel their creativity into music. From early in the morning with the flute and recorder groups, to last thing at night with Choral Concert rehearsals, she uses her contagious energy, enthusiasm and entertaining jokes, to compel girls and visitors alike to partake in musical activities on the Hill. I had the privilege of being involved with the choirs, orchestras and other ensembles throughout my time at the school, studying Music at A level and then through to university. Without Karen’s encouragement, I would never have had the confidence to pursue my passion. It is thanks to Karen that the 'Hill' is alive with the sound of music, as are the girls who pass through its doors. Niamh Hills 2007
Kazza P was instrumental (!) in making my seven years at FH the best years of my life thus far, and that is in no small part down to her compassion, patience, wit and love for her students and her craft. I was lucky enough to go on two Italian choir tours under her direction,. I will never forget her resilience and humour in the face of hordes of shriek- ing teenagers, completely wired on strong Italian coffee, as we waited to go on stage in Siena. Lizzie Nash 2010 Being involved with the Music Department at Farnborough Hill was a unique experience that I will never forget - from 'Whose pigs are these?' to 'Mr Sandman' to Mozart's Requiem. Who could forget Kazza P, known for her interesting filing system, her knack of al- ways producing food at Lake Garda Choir Tour 2013 the opportune moment, and her uncanny ability to make Donna Nobis fun at 5.30pm on a Friday! Bethan Tyler 2013
125th Anniversary Reunion
On 13th September 2014, 460 Old Girls and staff members returned to Farnborough Hill to celebrate 125 years of the school. The success of the day was down to so many peo- ple. Thanks must go to: the impressive number of Old Girls for coming, all of our talent- ed musicians, our versatile accompanists - Clare Woodham and Catherine Evans, RPE Events/ Royle Photography for their superb formal photographs, members of the Sixth Form for serving drinks and staff members for giving tours, and being so supportive.
Congratulations go to the Old Girls’ Scholars, both past and present, for raising £1157 at the Reunion for the Old Girls' Scholarship Fund. They provided many of the fabulous prizes and did a superb job of selling them on the day. Many thanks also to the other Old Girls for their raffle donations and of course for buying tickets. We are also extremely grateful for the gener- ous donations received on the day to- Old Girl Scholars, Millie Freeman and Anna wards the Scholarship Fund. Nicholas 2011 with Gill Chapman
Reunion Reviews by Old Girls
As the day grew closer I became increasingly apprehensive. It had been 50 years! I wouldn’t recognise anyone, yet I rather longed to go back and see the old place and how it has changed. I almost chickened out, but having received a comforting email telling me who from my year was intending to be there, I stuck with it and went. I arrived to join a sea of women searching for their name badges, carried on towards the refectory and then a voice called my name from the throng, the only person I had remained in contact with. “Quick,” she said, “they are doing your year now!” An urgent kiss 'hello' and I went to join a group about to be photo- graphed. I peered at their name labels and faint recollections came to me. Yes, these were folk I had known! After tea and a brief time to catch up, we were taken on a tour of the school. So many chang- es, yet still so many memories were stirred during that short tour. The service in Chapel was some- thing I was most looking forward to. It was there, all those years ago, my faith took root and refused to be shaken even after all the places I’ve travelled and the joy and sadness I’ve experienced since. It was a very special place and I was able to thank God for where it had all started. I was rather disappointed that the mass of women no longer maintained the hushed reverence for the Chapel that had so influenced our time at the school, but I suppose that Jesus didn’t get much of that in his lifetime either! Elizabeth Ashenden (Semmons) 1964
It was oddly reassuring, seeing for the first time in 35 years the familiar patterned fa- çade of the old building; like meeting again with a dear friend. Through the wide open entrance into the cool marbled hallway, stepping over the threshold of intangible remi- niscences, strangely everything seemed unchanged: St Anthony with his three lilies and blue painted Christ Child, the statue of the Sacred Heart with His upturned palms, just where I last saw Him, and the red candle light reflecting in the mirrored doors to the Library, a corridor where once each uncomfortable creak of shoe leather on boards could be heard. Yet on that September afternoon, the length reverberated with a great deal of noise, where once we never would have imagined speaking above a whisper! The excitement was palpable. Over 400 ladies gathered together on the lawns, joyful at seeing their old friends and teachers. The refectory tables were laden with fine foods, everything so meticulously planned and organised for the afternoon, to accommodate the multitude. The polished shine of the once forbidden staircase invited us upstairs to discover the boarding rooms now turned to teaching rooms. The infirmary staircase still winds up in the silence but for the cooing of the pigeons and the creak- ing of the cistern, and beyond the dusty panes extends the green of the perfectly kept grounds. The old school has retained its hallowed quality and the strains of the beauti- ful Chapel Choir evoke the early joy of singing, pure and ethereal. Lottie Horsman 1979 now sings with Zur- ich Opera and sang 'Habanera' from Carmen for us on the day It was my first ever Old Girls' Reun- ion - 30 years exactly since I left. I was not prepared for the wonderful feeling of being welcomed back to what felt like a deeply loving family. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with my very dear friend Emma, with whom I had lost contact for nearly 18 years. Our friendship has been rekindled and for that I am so grateful. The opportunity to chat with old friends was at the heart of the day. Everything was perfect: the food, the space and time to sit and chat, the time to reflect and give Class of 2008 thanks in the Chapel, the tour of the school's facilities and, finally, the concert. This was a showpiece for Old Girls to perform to an appreciative audience of fellow Farnborough Hillians. I had agreed to play my cello - little realising that I would be following a professional opera singer! What a wealth of talent was on display. It was utterly joyful to find myself singing songs from my child- hood in a choir which spanned six decades from Farnborough Hill. The experience was enhanced by the sparkling, encouraging and ever-smiling Karen Phillips who had con- ducted me when I was a pupil. It was like being in a fabulous time warp standing at the back of the Chapel with familiar faces and voices around me - magical stuff! Hilary Harber (Rattray) 1984
Joy: a deep feeling of happiness and contentment. I am certain this is the very best way to describe the 125th Celebration for many of us. The fabulous hugging and greeting old friends was a huge emotional rollercoaster for all of us and thoughts of the reunion con- tinue to bring me joy, as I connected once again with the most precious friends I have ever had. For the past 30 years my children have had to listen to memories that I stored about my times and friends at Farnborough Hill, and watch me giggle to myself while I would fondly think of all the fun we had. It happens to most of us; our busy lives take over and, sadly, the most important things take a back seat. Nothing could have brought more elation to my soul than Sally Newcombe, Sara Carnduff (Murphy) and Jane meeting my friends last year. Malone (Oliver) all 1982 After 32 years, we picked up exactly where we left off, as if no time had passed. We laughed like school girls, laughing at humour that only your best friend understands! Hold on tight to that most blessed gift: true friendship that we often only make at school. Nurture it and make time for it. Jane Malone (Oliver) 1982 The girls who left in 1982 had the biggest turnout (24) (pictured right) followed by 1987 (19) and then 2011 (18).
There was a sense of excitement, like the first day back after the summer holidays, as I made my way back up the famous hill sur- rounded by Old Girls from years gone by. We gathered on the Cloister Lawn, spotting familiar faces and catching up with old friends over a nice glass of punch. Mrs Berry made us feel quickly at home when she did a roll call in decades! We started to rediscover the school in our old year group, reminiscing in the Drama Studio and visiting the new Music Suite, with awe and a small sense of envy of the current students who get to enjoy it. Singing in the tribune again was wonderful and during the service we listened to memories of Old Girls decade by decade, hearing the experiences of women who were living at the Hill during the war, through the swinging sixties and seventies. Although experiences differed, there was a sense of fun and love for Farnbor- ough Hill that ran deep throughout. Anita Paterson (Cresswell) 2006
It was lovely seeing old friends and it really hit home how much the school meant to everyone regardless of their interests or age. It was lovely to join with people who had the same memories and experiences as me but up to 50 years beforehand. It was also heartening to see that the atmosphere and strong community feel hasn't changed at all! Sarah Doyle 2011
What a great success it was yesterday! It was such a delight to see so many Old Girls from across the generations. There was a real connection between them and what a tal- ented, confident and vibrant group of women! It all made me feel very proud of the past and the present. Elizabeth McCormack (former Headmistress) pic- tured with Colonel Walker (Latin teacher, now in his 94th year)
While celebrating 125 years of Farnborough Hill as a Catholic Girls' School, in the Thanksgiving Ser- vice we gave thanks to the Lord for the unreserved dedication and loving support of the Religious of Christian Education Order over the years, for their guidance and leadership, and that of all the school's Headmistresses and teachers, as they work to devel- op happy, confident and responsible members of society; we asked God to guide our girls that they may uphold throughout their lives the strong Chris- tian ethos of Farnborough Hill. Mary Fear Hill 1950
Our oldest girls attending were three ninety-year olds. (L to R Lady Sylvia, Mary Rose and Sister Patricia) Read on...
Sister Patricia Wright 1942
The 125th Reunion was a truly memo- rable occasion, and a great credit to all who organised it. It was such a joy to meet up with cherished school friends whom one had not seen for years, and to talk about our school days. We were all so fortunate to be able to stay together for so many years, and not have to leave to go off to a Sixth Form College and break off our friendships. Recalling our school days was a great way of forgetting just how old we are!
Mary Rose Murphy 1942
Farnborough Hill Old Girls, you all have a responsibility as ambassadors for the school to uphold its good name. Farnborough Hill has a strong tradition for treating girls as individuals and turning them into confident and caring members of the community. Un- der Mother Horan's guidance, I developed a deep loyalty and even today I feel it is still important not to let the school down. I was blessed to make many strong friendships whilst I was at Farnborough Hill and I wish to thank the Old Girls' Association and the Community for the love they have shown me over many, many years. I am very happy in my new home, Maryfield Convent in Hook, and always pleased to receive visitors.
Lady Sylvia Wilkinson (Gater) 1939
Lady Sylvia was 13 when war broke out and she remembers being sent by boat alone to meet her parents who were in Singapore at the time. Her father was a Professor of Biolo- gy at the University of Singapore. Some older girls looked after her on the long voyage and she was eventually reunited with her parents, but her most vivid memory is of how she managed to escape some time later with her mother to return to England. The Governor of Singapore held a dinner party and the captain of a Dutch ship became aware that Sylvia's mother could speak fluent Dutch. This earned her and her daughter a passage home as her mother was needed as an interpreter. Sadly, her father was held in a prisoner-of-war camp but was later reunited with his family in England after the war. Lady Sylvia remembers modelling as a young girl and several times for the front cover of the very fashionable Vogue Magazine. On one occasion, she remembers wearing a bright yellow plastic raincoat and having bottles of water poured over her. She has done sterling work for St John Ambulance over the years as have many of her family, including her father-in- law who was Lord Mayor of London. She is pic- tured here being presented with the Certificate of Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her service.
Old Girls’ Stories
Newspaper headlines Jan 1946 ‘Threw Pupils to Safety’
Twelve Farnborough families gave thanks today for the courage of a 22-year-old kinder- garten schoolteacher. Miss Mary Rose Murphy had just left the Cove Junior Council School to escort 12 children - none more than seven years old - across the road to their dinners when she heard a plane. ‘I saw it heading straight for us,’ she told me. ‘The chil- dren were rooted to the ground in terror. I picked up those nearest to me two at a time, and literally threw them across the road. Just as I was starting to hustle the rest of them across, the plane crashed only a dozen feet from me. Wreckage flew in all directions and one or two of the children were cut or slightly burned. But I saw that they were safe and so I rushed to the nearest telephone and summoned the police and fire brigade. It was a frightening moment but I had my job to do. I thought only of the children.’ It was a miracle that the pilot was the only casualty. He was one of Britain's leading test- pilots flying from the Royal Aeronautical Establishment in Farnborough when the en- gine caught fire.
Ann Tomline (James) 1961
I was a contemporary of Anne Robinson. I remember the feasts we had the day before All Souls Day. Each form was given an area of the dining room and we made barri- cades with blankets and shawls. Food was ordered from Fortnum and Mason but some girls asked their family to send food. Nuns and staff were invited to call into our dens for refreshments. On Halloween, sixth formers walked the cloisters dressed in sheets and clanking chains when I was a junior. I was really scared. I can also remember hiding with two other girls to see the Empress Eugenie appear and stitch her tapestry. Some- times we would leave a needle and thread in it ourselves. Another thing I remember was that it didn't matter how rich or poor you were, we all supported each other. We all had the same amount of money for tuck and I remember Mother Mostyn waiting by the tuck shop and she would say, 'Can you spare a few pennies for the poor sailors?' There are so many memories I have of my time at Farnborough. I was a sickly child and spent a lot of time in the sick bay. I remember how kind Mother Rennie was to me. I will never regret the education and the social graces that Farnborough Hill taught me. Anne-Lies van Overbeek 1961
When I was at Farnborough Hill I had a rabbit called Peter! I bought him in a pet shop and Reverend Mother gave me permission to keep it. I missed my animals at home in the Netherlands so much. The farmer at the bottom of the drive made a cage for me. I was the first and the last, I think, to have an animal in the boarding house!
Alix Ramage-Hayes (Ramage) 1971
St. John's Sports Day 1970 took place at a weekend near the end of the summer term. The four boarding houses were St. John's, St. Teresa's, St. Peter's and St. James' and each took on an activity. John's was a House Sports Day, but it was a fun one, including a flower pot stepping race when the first years (Jenny Pinard (Ilett)1970 remembers doing this!) would move the flower pots for the competing nuns. There were also sack races, 3-legged, egg and spoon and blindfolded ice cream eating - a junior girl fed a senior girl a cone - very messy! There was also a Talent Competi- tion, a Music concert and a Fête, I think? The boarders' houses were paired with the day-girls' houses for at least some of them so they shared the organisation. The day-girl's houses were St. Au- gustine's, St. Paul's, St. Catherine's and St. Joseph's. I always thought it a shame that the house names changed when the school became completely Day. It is always nice to keep the history and traditions of a school - but then I don't like the new black stripe in the blazer either! My first Farnborough blazer cost 9 guineas from Dickins & Jones - I remember the price because it was the first time I had ever heard of anything priced in guineas! It was 1964. I was 10 years old and easily impressed!
These photographs were taken by Sue Mash (Lewis)1975: St John’s Sports Day with Sister Dawson and Sister Mannion gamely stepping on flower pots (left) and Jackie Ison (Beale) and Isobel Chilton (Sheehan) enjoying the boarders’ sum- mer picnic which was followed by a sing-song with gui- tars (right)
Nicky Dunsford (Johnson) 1982
In September 1975 I remember being dropped off by my parents to start as a boarder. I was in Duke's Dorm with four others: Ailish O'Kelly, Sue Payne, Beatrice Roe, and Fio- na Ottewell. Sister McDonnell was in charge of us! There were only fourteen boarders in the 1975 intake. My parents helped me to unpack and make my bed, then they announced that they were leaving, and I burst into tears, full of fear and horror, that I was being left in this place with complete strangers at the tender age of 11, not to return home for at least two weeks (it makes me emotional even now, to remember my feelings of terror at that point!) However, Sister McDonnell helped us all to settle in, and was an absolute darling. I have such fond memories of her, and I instantly bonded with my fellow room-mates, and have never looked back. That night, we were told off for talking after 'lights out'. And that set the scene for the next five years!
L-R top: Anita Smith (Le Cornu), Beatrice Harris (Roe), Siobhan Coote, Ailish O'Kelly, Jane Novak (Butler), Nicky Dunford (Johnson). Middle: Sheila Hill, Sarah Jones (Cole), Fiona Ottewell , Kate Harding, Susan Payne. Front: Sarah Cloherty, Gail Dawson, Sis- ter McDonnell, Nicola Elkins, Jane Davis (Neilson).
I remember the sound of the pigeons cooing early in the morning from Peter’s Dorm, the cold in the winter and the rattling sash windows. The walk-in cupboard became the late night revision room in our dressing gowns after lights out! The view from that dorm was always breath-taking, especially the morning mist at the bottom of the hill on an other- wise clear, crisp winter morning.
There were picnics in the grounds, midnight feasts in the Gym and Sunday morning Chapel Choir practices before mass. I was incredibly proud to be in the Chapel Choir and also to have been a part of the fabulous album that we made. As an 11-16 year old, I took the building for granted, and imagined that all boarding schools were like this. I appreciate Farnborough Hill so much more now, and realise how privileged I was to be educated there. I had to leave at end of the 5th Form, when the boarding facility closed down and although I was really sad to leave, 12/14 of us have remained in close contact.
Mid-life Challenge by Jane Sellen 1982
Thirty was no problem. Forty was a breeze. But I approached my fiftieth birthday in August 2014 with a deep sense of dread, in part because I was facing it alone after a painful divorce and also because it coincided with the departure for college of my youngest child, the end of funding for my job of six years, and the point at which I had spent more of my life in California than I had in England.
Clearly, this called for a pilgrimage. I knew people who had walked from Mexico to Canada on the wild and rugged Pacific Crest Trail. I knew others who had cycled across the US from the Atlantic to the Pacif- ic. But I also knew my limits, and anyway it was England I longed for. So I hatched the plan to walk the length of England, starting in my home county of Hampshire and ending at the Scottish border. Even I can walk from pub to pub, I reasoned.
Choosing the route was easy. I needed to reach my sister’s house in Leicester for my Library in a phone box in Hampshire fiftieth birthday party, and I planned to com- with Lizzie Craig(Hickey)1982 plete the last 250 miles to the Scottish border along the Pennine Way, the grandfather of long distance trails. I chose Southampton as my starting point out of nostalgia for all those train rides to school from Fleet. And so, in late July 2014, I loaded my backpack and started my journey, walking from South- ampton to Winchester along the Itchen Way. I took the Thames Path to Oxford, then followed endless canals through the Midlands via Banbury, Rugby, Leicester and Derby. I stayed at hostels, B&Bs and with kindly friends and family along the way, walking about fifteen miles a day, stopping at pubs and teashops, and meet- ing up with friends who joined me for segments of the journey.
Jane in North Yorkshire The pleasant, easy stroll along rivers and canals took a dramatic turn once I reached the Peak District, north of Derby. Climbing Kinder Scout at the start of the Pennine Way in a howling gale and thick fog, I started to question my ability to finish what I had start- ed. By the time I crossed the bleak moorlands of Bronte Country, I had broken the third metatarsal in my left foot, and my boots were destroyed along with my morale. At last, after days slogging alone across endless peat bogs in the grimmest of weather, I reached the lovely Yorkshire Dales, where the sun came out and the weather stayed warm and dry all the way to Scotland. Even better, I met up with my friend Nancy from California who kept me company on the trail for a week.
If I could relive any period of my life unamended, it would be those two months, with all of the companionship, laughter, and yes, tears. I learned so much that I will take with me forever - my physical limits and capabilities for example, and how to manage my terrible sense of direction. I experienced the intensity of the simplest of pleasures – a cup of tea and a hot bath at the end of the day, watching the blackberries ripen as I walked north and then gathering bucketfuls of them, sheltering from a downpour in a cosy pub, meeting up with friends after spending days alone. Above all, I learned that if there is something you want to do, then you should do it in this lifetime. People will come on board to cheer and support you.
The final score? Miles walked: 512 in 37 days, the last 200 on a broken foot. Walking companions: 7. I planned to walk alone but was delighted when friends and Old Girls, Lizzie Weiser (Nolan)1982, Lizzie Craig (Hickey)1982 and sister Liz Everson (Sellen) 1979 joined me for various sections. Jane reaches the Scottish border Level of fascination by passing locals on hear- ing of my walking plans: minimal. I got mostly blank stares like they'd misheard or they thought I'd gone mad. Sheer delight at spending day after day walking through the English countryside: im- measurable!
Isabel Cowdry (Berry) 1986
My family found these old photographs when rummaging through the loft recently and I thought it was quite funny to compare the fifth form one to the Upper Sixth. It is amaz- ing what two years and home clothes can do! Notice the following staff on the front row too: Mrs Hales, Mrs Willcocks, Mrs Anscombe, Mrs McDonald, Miss Bolt, Mrs Berry
Rachel Kneen (Adams) 2006 It is almost ten years since we left! L-R Top: Jade Lehec Watson, Tamara Bond, Angharad Nicholas Podger, Lena Hameed, Na- talie Whittell, Katie Naerger. Middle: Amiirah Joommun, Helen Sampson, Gina Bray, Harriet Hemming-Keen (Keen), Tamsin Roberts, Hattie Seaton, Cristina Belcher, Lydia Mourad, Char- lotte Booker. Bottom: Fiona Chapman, Rachel Kneen (Adams), Vicky Grace, Mrs Hales, Anita Paterson (Cresswell), India Lee, Alicia Moghta- der, Tamsin Yates Old Girls’ News Sheila White (Sim) 1950
We celebrated our Diamond Wedding in April 2014 with a lunch party for family and friends then at the weekend we took our large family to Center Parcs at Longleat. There were thirty two of us: our five children, their spouses and our six- teen grandchildren.
Maggie Cooper (Colleen Ryan) 1955
My swansong, when I made my last journey for the FHOGA reunion in September 2012, must be my finale. I attended the AGM and gifted the music originals of the Joseph Wardale Chapel Choir manuscripts written during the 1950s to the School Archives. However, on Saturday 6th October 2012, I was invited to take part in the sung Mass in Westminster Cathedral as guest lady tenor with the Farnborough Hill Choir. Having been a member of the Chapel and school choirs from 1950-55, this has to be a first for a Farnborough Hill Old Girl! And as a student of Dr Wardale, he surely was reading the musical notes on the page with me, on this day.
Reunion for Old Girls leaving in 1983
Thirty-one years after leaving Farnborough Hill our little group of dear friends met up for an annual reunion in Wassenaar, the Netherlands. Susie Gates (James), fabulous hostess and domestic goddess, received at her home: Helen Lechanoine (Byrne), Lizzy Low- don , Charlotte Ohri (Burke), Charlotte Ridgwell (Brown) and Angela Spelman. The weekend was spent catching up with all our news, riding bikes to Leiden, eating out in a beach restaurant in Noordwijk as the weather was glorious and attending a flower- arranging session as you can see in the photograph.
Claire Khaliq (Broderick) 1983
I live in Dubai with my husband, daughter and son, and teach Physics at Latifa School for Girls. Our students are predominantly Emirati, but we are a British Curriculum school. I have been living in Dubai for the last ten years and before that spent several years in Pakistan, working firstly as an engineer and later as a teacher. Unfortunately, I usually visit the UK in the school summer holidays, which has meant that I have not been able to attend any of the Old Girls events.
Hannah Arbuthnott 2010
I have been a keen writer from a young age and spent a lot of time and energy on my creative writing assignments whilst at Farnborough Hill. I was encouraged by all of my English teachers, particularly Dr Russell, who was often bombarded with my manuscripts; her honest critiques and advice were always very much appreciated. Some of my classmates also read my work, and were incredibly sup- portive. I wrote my first novel aged twelve, continued to write more novels, short stories and poetry, and nine years later I am now a published author on Kindle. I currently have fifteen books on Amazon: three of them fantasy/ romance novels, and the remaining twelve children's books. I also run a company called Lily Pad Books, which specialises in writing personalised children's books as gifts for special occasions. Writing is a huge part of my life, and all the encouragement I have received from friends, family and teachers alike has given me the confidence to take on the world of publishing with both hands. For more information on my latest books, and for details of the services Lily Pad Books provides, visit my website; han- nahlily.wix.com/books We send our congratulations to:
Karen Hatt (Miles) 1982 Claire Hunter-Smith 2003 who married who was in- Ben Durrant in July 2014 and works as a vited to a Marketing Officer for British International Schools in Vietnam. Buckingham Palace Gar- den Party in recognition of her work with a tri- service mili- tary unit in- vestigating air accidents.
Caroline Miles 2001 who married Matt Gould on July 5 2014. She works as a Chartered Town Planning Consultant in Winchester. Rhiannon Davies 2005 who married Sam- uel Carpenter on May 14 2014 and is just Sarah Johnson 2003 who finished her finishing her PhD in Swansea on the ef- PhD in Medieval Musicology at Cam- fects of antenatal exercise on the cardio- bridge and is currently a Teaching Fellow vascular and autonomic nervous system. at Bristol University. She is pictured Gold D of E by the here with Har- Duke of Edinburgh riet Stevens, at St James' Palace Katherine An- She has been an deregg and Air Cadet instruc- Caitriona Ben- tor at 1349 Woking nett. Squadron for 4 years. Gabi Brock 2005 who mar- Claire Danson ried Josh Dale 2007 who has to become Gabi qualified to take Brock-Dale on part in the Europe- September 20 2014. She works as a Medi- an Games in Gene- cal Secretary in Guildford. va in July for the 25 to 29 Age Group Cate-
Anita Pat- gory in Triathlon. She is currently teaching erson in Hook and lov- ing it. (Cresswell) 2006 who Emma Green produced 2008 who gradu- her first ated from the child, Ale- Royal Veterinary na, on July College in Lon- 2 2014. don and is cur-
Felicity Gilbert 2007 who graduated in rently on a PDSA Medicine from Newcastle and has been Graduate Scheme working as an Emergency Medicine Doctor at the Pet Aid in Brisbane. She is thoroughly enjoying the Hospital in New- opportunity to travel. castle. She entered her puppy, Mer- Grace Huxford 2007 who completed her lin, into Crufts PhD at Warwick and will be lecturing in this year and came 20th Century History at Bristol University 3rd in the Welsh Springer Puppy Category. from September. Hannah Cooney 2008 who completed her Gemma Hooper 2007 who married Joshua Batchelor of Medicine and Surgery Gaskin on No- (MBChB) at Birmingham with a research vember 21 2014 year (BMedSci). and is a project manager for Katie Tyler 2009 who qualified as a Vet- Market Research erinary Surgeon from Nottingham Univer- in Newbury. sity and is now practising at Ashworth's Veterinary Group (Cove, Sandhurst and Christina Wag- Farnborough). staff (Moore) 2007 who was Frankie Wray 2010 who graduated as a awarded her Master of Physics with Astrophysics from the University of Manchester. She now has a graduate position as an Electric Propul- Hannah Patel 2010 who completed her sion Engineer in the Space Department at MChem at Durham and is now doing a QinetiQ, Farnborough. PhD in Biomedical Science at Oxford.
Newspaper tribute to Sonia Rolt (South) 1935: Grande Dame of Britain’s Canals
Sonia was born in New York to British parents in 1919. Orphaned while young, she attended Farnborough Hill Convent before training as an actress at the London Theatre Studio. Under the Second World War's directed Labour scheme, Sonia worked in a fac- tory wiring bombers until a flatmate saw a Ministry of Transport advertisement for women to transport goods along the Grand Union Canal. Along with two friends, Sonia put up with vermin, heavy manual labour and dust, as they towed steel and aluminium from London to Birmingham. With her husband-to-be, Tom Rolt, she lobbied the gov- ernment for better working conditions, especially after the canals were nationalised in 1951. Tom was a founder of the Inland Wa- terways Association and Sonia became Vice President of the Waterways Trust; she went on to become known as the Grande Dame of Britain's Waterways, campaigning for their preservation and for a wider appreciation of the industrial revolution and its heritage. She was also a committee member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and worked with the Institute of Structural Engi- neers' History Study Group. Through that role, she advised on the restoration of HMS Warrior and Isambard Kingdom Brunel's famous SS Great Britain. Sonia was appointed an OBE in 2011 for services to heritage and industrial archaeology. Her books include ‘A Canal People’ and ‘The Photographs of Robert Longdon’.
We send our deepest sympathies to the families of the fol- lowing for their loss: Old Girls Shirley Hawes 1951 Sarah Frances Dowd (Stanbrook) 1983 Sonia Rolt (South) 1935 Jane Lemon MBE (Scrase-Dickins) 1947 Dorothy Auden (Charlton) 1936 Matthew, son of Anna Markopoulos (Bell) Solveig Orozco (O'Hea) 1950 1965 Rosemary Brown 1954
Frances Ripper (Charlton) 1942 Staff members Monica Stretton 1933 Sister Rose Patricia McHugh Barbara Bundis (Conroy) 1952 Dorothy Lacey Muriel Dawson (Abbot) 1936 Sheila McIntyre’s husband, John
Noel Finney (Montgomery) 1933 Anne Fawkner-Corbett’s husband, John
Answer: 20 I think!
Balloon Race for the 125th Anniversary Celebrations
email: [email protected] visit the school website: www.farnborough-hill.org.uk for news about Farnborough Hill, links to the school facebook and twitter accounts and a link to the Old Girls’ page,