SCHOOL

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MAGAZINE 1995 Seashore Embroidery Gemma Prall Six Two

Puffins Alexandra Pye Upper Fifth

House Plants Holly Vernon-Smith Upper Fifth

An exhibit of A grade A Level and A* and A grade GCSE work most generously sponsored by Coutts & Co, 440 Strand, WC2R OQS The Basket Susannah Gault Six Two Magazine Committee

Echyngham Johanna Newhall Henrietta Paul Speech Day

Guldeford Helena de Chair School Officials Alexandra Schaafsma

Hemsted Scholarships Tabitha Langton-Lockton Lucy Poole Gifts Marshall Joanna Biesmans Camilla Bennett Prizewinners Medway Eleanor Akenhead Alexandra Ross Leavers

Norris Georgina Harland Staff Emily Hayward

Examination Results

New Girls

Creative Writing

Editor Alexander Stiller Extra Curricular Production Manager Mrs Hannah Addyman Photography Music Miss Chris Moat, students and staff Design and Layout Assistance Speech, Drama and Dance Richard Whitcher

The Editor would like to thank the members of staff who assisted with proof reading. Sport

Copy and layout has been entirely set in-house by students and staff using the School's word processing House News and desktop publishing facilities.

Printing and technical assistance Trust Rother Valley Press Limited, Bridewell Lane, , TN30 6EY Seniors Front and back cover: Jennifer Newton Upper Fifth VE Day Walk 8 May 1995

Setting Off Photo: Barbara Scopes

Lunch at Sissinghurst Castle On the Way (by kind permission of Nigel Nicolson Esq)

The Good Provider

Guiding Light Temptation

Wayside Refreshment Striding Home

TWO Mrs duCharme's Speech Day Report

Last September seems light years away to me, and possibly to you, but my annual review should, I suppose, start at the beginning, especially since this time round the School was visited briefly on a routine basis last June by an inspector and this was followed by a Girls' Schools Association QMA (Quality and Management Audit) for three days in September. Both inspections gave the School an encouraging and positive report, a good way to start an academic year. So we all set to with a will to continue the good work, and here we are in July, still smiling, still beating the National Curriculum and the public examinations into submission, and knowing that this is a process which will have to continue. At a time when pressures on education generally are immense, we feel that we are hardly bloodied, as Mr Major would say, and completely unbowed.

I do not intend, you will be glad to hear, to run right through the year from September to the present, but as usual to talk about the highlights and aim to give you the flavour of the experience. Before I do so, I want to put us as a school into a context, that of today.

1995 is a special, anniversary year, and I have pondered continually on the kind of world we are bringing up our young people to live in. In the face of materialism, ruthless compe­ tition, destructive envy, and lack of trust in institutions or individuals, morale is at a low ebb, and I cannot Genevieve Quarrington, Jenny Papas and Barbara Holroyd-Pearce who were avoid a fin de siecle feeling, which is selected to join the National Youth Theatre during the summer perhaps not surprising since we ARE coming to the end of this century. glorious sunshine, 438 girls, more one of the most important symbols We need surely to begin to look tow­ than 50 teachers, and over a hundred for English people in World War II ards the new millennium now, and parents and dogs, and we walked was Sir Winston 's famous think of new beginnings, change and merrily through the fields past the V for victory sign as well as his enor­ new hopes, rather than let ourselves Old Cloth Hall and Dulwich Prep to mous cigar. I think we at Benenden get further bogged down in the low­ Sissinghurst Castle. There we were now need two V words as part of life which is brought to our attention able to picnic on the grass in front of what we are seeking and working for constantly by the media. the castle, thanks to Nigel Nicolson, as a school. The first is V for victory. a former Benenden parent, and then This year, 50 years after the end of we returned to School through the The most spectacular V for victory World War II, has given our nation a Hemsted Forest, eight miles in all at this year is one Sheelagh Houlden welcome and much needed cause for our own pace. A few days before the will talk about, and it did a great deal celebrating together, and rejoicing in walk, Pat Hoare, our Chemistry tech­ for the confidence of the whole victory, the victory of good over evil. nician, told me that on the actual VE School. It continues to be part of the It was really heartening that so many Day in 1945 she and her school - philosophy of the School to find the towns and villages got together and friends, evacuated to Somerset, had talent in each person which can bring enjoyed concerts and parties, simple walked round the countryside there her success, and all of us need a vic­ celebrations. I decided that as a and had ended up by swimming in a tory now and again to help our school we too would do something lake! - So the walk we did seemed to morale. These need not be public together on May 8 instead of classes me serendipitous, especially since the victories, but for US as individuals as usual, and that we would go for a weather was fine. We all returned they make a real difference. Two country walk. It was not a sponsored home tired but cheerful, and with girls have been selected to be part of walk, just a way to mark the occa­ only a few blisters to mark the event! the National Youth Theatre and sion, to see the beautiful countryside another for the US equivalent group. round here and be a community This term in Prayers we have been Two girls have got GAP year teach­ together. In the event we set out in talking about symbols, and of course ing assistantships in India. Two

THREE overcame persistent ill health and for the most part of members of the pieces of car and fridge and a shop­ managed to turn up to take their A Benenden staff, is doing this ping cart, so the sculpture park has Level exams. I could give you liter­ research. We know that we intend to begun, and a marble fountain is now ally hundreds of other examples. build the final section of Founders being made which will be our second These seem small victories and they planned earlier which will house 20 outdoor sculpture at Benenden, and will not hit the papers, but they are more Sixth Form students, and the several more have been made by the very important in the building of other signposts along our path into Fifth Form in the Design Studio, so character and of morale in the com­ the future should be clear by the this dream is coming true. munity. It is often easier to complain autumn. Of course I have a number and to give up, but Benenden girls of hopes and dreams, but we need to Another of my deepest interests is in do not give up easily or without a plan as a community so that everyone words. In our society they often struggle. has an investment in the success of seem devalued, and I am glad that at what we undertake. We have over Benenden our love of words is nur­ The second V is for vision. In order the past ten years spent more than tured by the Lower School Poetry for the School to go into the new £10 million in upgrading the School’s, Competition, now in its third year. I century with heads high we certainly facilities, a process which like paint­ am deeply encouraged both by the need a vision of the future. The stud­ ing the Forth Bridge must continue. quality of the poetry being written by ents have no trouble with this, as they Our most recent improvement which our younger poets, and also by their proved by burying a time capsule on you may well have noticed, and per­ interest in writing poetry. This love the terrace in March which included haps used already, has been to of words - spoken as well as written - their designs for and poems about rearrange the Victorian cloakroom has also been demonstrated by our their view of life in the year 2045, and the luggage entrance so as to Lower School debating team, who when it will be dug up. We adults are provide easier access and better toilet spoke eloquently in the finals of the perhaps a little more circumspect. facilities for everyone, especially the Allied Schools Public Speaking We are now thinking and researching men, who have for years been very Competition held recently at Homer- all aspects of the School both inside deprived, meanwhile retaining some ton College, Cambridge. and outside the classroom as well as of the Victorian glass brick for every­ considering the impact of the new one to see. I should en route like to The fact that the arts and humanities technology in ten years' time so that thank the Council for their constant are alive and flourishing at Benenden we can approach the year 2000 and and active support of all that we do, is also shown by our second Arts go on to 2005 with the confidence support that is vital to us, and for Festival, which took place in that we have planned ahead in a sen­ their faith in our ability to do the job. February, when nearly 30 artists from sible way. At present we are not planning other all aspects of the arts - from portrait new buildings, but concentrating on painting to scriptwriting to silk ban­ The Development Committee, con­ producing an overall blueprint for the ner making - came to Benenden and vened by the Council and consisting future. conducted workshops for the Fifth Forms and an afternoon Founders' To return to the present, this year has Recital for the whole School, a day not been a year of staggering sur­ generously funded both by the prises or flourishes or of pulling Founders' Memorial Fund and our rabbits out of hats. I would call it bankers, Coutts & Co. more a year of consolidation, of polishing our efforts as an artist The balance is held between arts and polishes marble. This is what we sciences by an ever-increasing num­ were aiming for, since pulling rabbits ber of our students studying the out of hats can be unpredictable and sciences at Advanced Level and draining. going on to further education in medicine, veterinary medicine, One of my long held dreams did engineering and the pure sciences. begin to come to fruition this year, Added to that, fifteen girls will take however. I have long felt that our the GCSE Design Technology course beautiful park would be a wonderful in September. place for outdoor sculpture - some of you may have seen for instance the It is a common misconception among sculpture park near Wakefield, but I parents that learning takes place pri­ have never managed to get hold of marily in the classroom. Certainly any. This year some of our art stud­ the evidence from Benenden this ents, guided by sculptor Anthony year shows that the classroom is only Lauren Pobjoy with the 2045 Hawken, made the K8 and K9 sculp­ one of many places in which it time capsule ture at the top of the drive from occurs. Our students and Seniors are

FOUR to be found in the four comers of the Well, that I hope gives earth in the most unlikely places in you a flavour of the their quest for learning. In the course year. Now for the of the past year they could have been farewells and the found at the Kent Police Constabu­ thankyous. As usual, lary, in the neurosurgery department we have to say of a London hospital observing oper­ goodbye not only to ations on the brain, at various our Six Two leavers London newspapers, publishers, City but also to some of my firms, auction houses, and law offices colleagues, which is and at the BBC Philharmonic in always hard and even Manchester, all for work experience, harder when they have and in a freight shipping company on been bulwarks of our Take Our Daughters to Work Day. community. Another on GAP year helped build a suspension bridge across the Segama Mrs Shirley Brinkhurst River in Eastern Malaysia on Opera­ has indeed been a tion Raleigh. You will find a bulwark, for sixteen Benenden student or Senior under years in all. She first almost every stone; last summer in worked at Benenden China, at Easter in the Sinai desert under Miss Clarke, left along with some of their parents and to live in Canada and in California, and this summer on a then returned to teach leadership course in history and geography working out in the bush, as well as in 1981. She has been After the Speeches on our regular trips to Malaga, La Housemistress of Rochelle, Salzburg and Nettlecombe. Echyngham since 1984. You can in the girls as people as well as Meanwhile, nearer home others can find Mrs Brinkhurst at the heart of players. Her home has been a home be found presenting their mobile every School drama or dance from home for many girls, not just phone company to judges from Mer­ production, producing amazing her own, and it will be very strange cury Communications, taking part in costumes out of almost nothing, and not to see her every day - though I the Circus Workshop or our Ton­ sometimes you will find her wearing must admit I have made her promise bridge exchange and playing concerts them too! I shall never forget her in to keep on with our weekly tennis at Rye and . Smallhythe Parish her disguise as the art critic, Sophie game. I have extracted the same Churches. I believe that it is this Velazquez-Hiem, when she came to promise from Mrs Julia Reynolds, multiplicity of experiences which open one of our art exhibits and even her colleague in the PE department, gives them, along with their many her colleagues did not recognize her! who leaves after sixteen years of hours in the classroom, studio and To everything she does Shirley loyal service and who will also be lab and library, the skills to be able to Brinkhurst adds zip and zest, and she much missed. cope with almost anything that they will be sorely missed. However, she come up against - the fact that they will not be far away, in Rye, for she One of my most modest and most study in a beautiful place gives the is the only person I know who valuable colleagues is Mrs Hannah calmness needed to balance out the actually lives in a tower, though not Addyman, who is a friend to many thrills and spills. I think it is impor­ an ivory one! Thank you, Shirley, Seniors as well as to the girls. She tant to note en passant our belief at for everything you have done for us has had several roles in the School Benenden that everyone should get all over the years. over the past sixteen and a half years, as much education as she can, beginning in the Accounts because given the surprises life Equally sorely missed will be Mrs Department, becoming the Bursar's usually throws at us all these days, Mary Strong, mother of two secretary and Clerk to the Seniors in both men and women need to be Benenden Seniors, Kate and Pippa, 1979, and then moving to become prepared for almost anything; also, and teacher of PE for 25 years but Associate Registrar six years ago. As given the longer life expectation whose association with the School such, Mrs Addyman has been nowadays, it is vital to have some began 31 years ago. Whether on the production editor of the School training so that not only before rais­ lacrosse field, the squash court or the Magazine, the Seniors’ Magazine and ing a family, but also after they have tennis court, Mrs Strong has been a the newsletters, and has made herself grown up, and sometimes concur­ tower of strength and steady utterly invaluable to us. Now she rently, a woman has enough skills to encouragement to the girls and to us wants to devote more time to her be able to have a fulfilling life as all, and she has added much to the family and to other pursuits, so she is well as earning a livelihood. life of the School by her deep leaving the School but will continue commitment and by her great interest her work with the School Magazine.

FIVE I salute her, and I thank her for her music, at Alleyn's School. is quite easy and quite impressive to dedication, support and initiative. whoosh upwards to 30,000 feet or so. Several other colleagues are also What is not so easy is to cruise safely Mrs Shirley Roche of the Drama bound for pastures new. Mrs Dinah along, and to go even higher. Department has also been a longtime Clayton of the Food Technology Maintaining a cruising speed is not member of staff, coming to Department and Assistant so obviously spectacular, and means Benenden in 1980. She has instilled Housemistress of Norris, has been a constant attention to the dials, and a confidence into her students by her loyal and very committed colleague need to look carefully at the map to dedicated teaching and for seven years, and her husband find the way to the next airport, and encouragement, and hundreds of David has been a real asset this year then the next. We cannot stand still, them have achieved certificates and as Assistant Librarian, and we hope and in flying - small planes at least - medals for acting and speaking, very they will find their new position on it is never just a question of holding often with distinction. She has also the house staff of the Royal Hospital the joystick; there is work to be done been the advisor of the Junior Dram School in Ipswich fulfilling and fun. to keep the aircraft in trim. competition, and helped the Six One They will all be missed. directors to put their show on the We have all been working hard to road and to achieve more than they Mrs Jane Pallot, Mr Dave keep our aircraft cruising well and could ever have hoped for, and she is McDougall, Miss Isabelle Moran and my colleagues have as usual been an integral member of the Drama Miss Maren Tolksdorf of the Modem essential to the flight. In many ways, Department when the School puts on Languages Department are also however, no-one has been more a production. In addition, Mrs embarking on other ventures, and we pivotal this year than our leavers, the Roche and her husband Patrick, who thank them and wish them all the Six Twos to whom we say au revoir is still working at Benenden, are very best. Indeed, we thank and today. They have been a terrific expert ballroom dancers, and we salute all our colleagues who are group from the outset, and the Upper shall see Mrs Roche here regularly as leaving; they can be replaced in their Sixth, who have done a wonderful they will offer dancing tuition to the jobs but as people they cannot be job, especially the Head and Captain girls. replaced in our affections. of School, Sheelagh Houlden and Ginia Simkins. I have watched them We are also sad to say goodbye to Last year I talked about an aircraft, with interest and admiration ever Miss Jo Lewis, who is going off to and the heroism of Captain Jean since they were quite small and I join the Drama Department at Queen Maridor, who saved our School would like to express my thanks to Anne's School after six years at building from destruction in 1944. them and to wish them all the very Benenden. She has been a very And you may know that a plaque in best in the future. I would also like important person on the teaching and his memory was dedicated at to thank their parents, who have been technical side, and at the same time Benenden Church by his former a particularly friendly, hardworking she has been a much loved Assistant fiancee last September in the and loyal group whom it has been a Housemistress of Guldeford. We presence of a number of his former pleasure to know. wish her all the best for this new Free French comrades and members phase in her career and thank her for of his family from Le Havre, all of Sheelagh has family in Kenya, so I her many contributions. whom came over for the ceremony want to remind you of what Joseph and attended a lunch in their honour Thomson, explorer of Masailand last Our Director of Music, Mr Stephen here at School afterwards. All of us century wrote. I quoted it to you last Threlfall, as well as his wife, pianist walked together to the site of the Speech Day, but this year I repeat it Kathleen Uren, have decided to crash. You may not have heard that a because I feel it has actually come return to Manchester where Mr week after the ceremony, a piece of true and is more relevant than ever. Threlfall has been appointed Director the doodlebug that destroyed his You will forgive me for changing the of Music at Chetham's, one of aircraft was recovered from our personal pronoun. She who goes England's premier music schools. woods. We have now named the gently goes safely. And she who goes His four years in post have seen the room next to the Registry on the safely goes far. And I am sure our Hemsted Forest Youth Orchestra and ground floor of the main building leavers will. indeed our music generally go from after him, and in due course will put strength to strength, and our loss will in it more memorabilia. I wish everyone a good summer and certainly be Chetham's gain. We the leavers, both students and hope he will revisit now and again in This year I want to talk about another colleagues, Godspeed. his capacity as cellist or conductor aircraft, but this time a metaphorical and we wish them both well. We one. We are not an old school, indeed also wish Mr Paul Smith, Head of our history, which is now being Academic Music, good luck, as he formally written, begins only in Gillian duCharme leaves to concentrate more on his 1923, so like any plane H has taken July 1995 chief love, the instrumental side of us time to climb to cruising speed. It

six Head of School's Speech Day Report

Throughout this year, I have overcome a number of challenges presented to me as Head of School but none quite so daunting as giving a speech to such an awesome and august body of people. My initial thought was to bribe someone in my family to write this as I am sure many previous Heads of School have been tempted to do! At the time, my brother was writing his history degree dissertation so there was a glimmer of hope that he might be able to string a few words together for me. This positive thinking quickly turned into the realisation that R.A.F. Flying Corps strategies in East Africa during the First World War might not provide the most suitable material with which to follow Mrs. duCharme’s report of the school year.

Arriving at Benenden in the Lower be asleep! Our final tap provoked the Award and Grade VIII distinction in Fifths meant that naturally I was unexpected satisfaction of delirious music. scared about what to expect, since screams and a high velocity escape my first impression of the School into the refuge of the cubies! With On behalf of the leavers, I would like was my scholarship stay. This left this success behind us, our lacrosse to thank Mrs duCharme and her col­ me somewhat bemused about the escapades eventually culminated in leagues for the years of help and tradition of 'crushing and cracking', winning the National Champion- preparation they have given us in especially having come from a overcoming these and further mixed school! The parting challenges. We would particu­ words of my big brother, stem­ larly like to thank the Sixth ming from a vicious rumour Form Housemistresses, Mrs circulating at that Cocksworth, Mrs Macpherson- time, warned that all Benenden Smith and Mrs Sanders, for girls have long hair which they making our last two remaining tend to flick and adore the film years so enjoyable and for The Breakfast Club\ the latter I always giving us their utmost can now recommend as an all support in our university appli­ time classic! cations and A Levels. Not only have our original Housemasters The challenges thrown down and Housemistresses played do not end there as all of you such a vital role in our progres­ are well aware of in your sion up the School to the Sixth school career. There are not Form but they have been so only the academic challenges ready to provide advice and sup­ of GCSEs and A Levels but Captain and Head of School 1994-95 ply us with drinks and eats Virginia Simkins and Sheelagh Houlden also those in the fields of sport, during times of stress! We drama and music to be faced. All ships. This was indeed an immense really do appreciate the support we you can do is to take a huge gulp and challenge to the whole squad result­ have received. On behalf of the go for it, as did the Springboks last ing from many hours spent leaping Echyngham Six Twos, I would like to weekend when tackling the All Black up and down on benches and com­ extend thanks to Mrs Brinkhurst who Jonah Lomu! pleting nauseating laps of the gym has given eleven years of invaluable amongst other things, constantly support and energy to the life in the Always having been keen on sport being inspired by Miss Reynolds' House. We wish you every success and being renowned at my prep motto for success: in the future. school for managing to fall over her­ Belief, patience, confidence oically in nearly every netball match, and communication. Finally, I have really appreciated the I was desperate to be selected for the Perhaps we should pass this advice unequivocal support my year has U14 lacrosse team. This took time, on to some of the England sporting given me in my role as Head of as the only use of my lax stick I teams. School. I was so nervous about my found was to scare the next door first Prayers in my newly appointed dormie! We repeatedly tapped on Referring now to the Six Twos, I feel post as to how the School would their window, trying to contain our honoured to be part of such a talented receive me, but after reading out my mischievous giggles. One of our year group. There has not only been notices to the School, all the Six unsuspecting targets came and asked sporting success but also two girls Twos cheered and clapped politely, if we had heard any mysterious secured their Gold Duke of Edin­ joined by the rest of the School. I noises and we were of course the burgh Awards along with many thank you all very much for always epitome of innocence, pretending to achieving honours in the Gold Acting being so lively and enthusiastic as

SEVEN [

have been the Upper Sixth and Ginia, SCHOOL OFFICIALS 1994-95 Captain of School, to whom I am extremely grateful. HEAD OF SCHOOL Captain of Athletics We are now leaving Benenden hav­ Georgina Harland ing tackled and succeeded in our Sheelagh Houlden Vice Captain of Athletics challenges here; we have made great Anna Jennings friendships which we hope will stand Captain of Fencing the test of time. It is sad to leave but CAPTAIN OF SCHOOL Georgina Harland reassuring to know that we now have Fencing Secretary gained the confidence to face further Virginia Simkins Gemma Shearman challenges, with the support of our Captain of Judo (Senior) friends. Sophie Robinson UPPER SIXTH Captain of Judo (Junior) I would like to wish the rest of the Julia Burton Brown School, especially the leavers, every Abigail Banfield Captain of Lacrosse success in what lies ahead. Sophie Robinson Alice Carver Captain of Netball Sheelagh Houlden Charlotte King July 1995 Natasha Chiumya Captain of Riding Lucy Briggs Sally Clarke Captain of Self Defence Yara Shamji Belinda Cole Vice Captain of Self Defence Duke of Edinburgh Annabel Leathes Gold Award Camilla Dingle Captains of Swimming Alexandra McGowan Rosemary Cox Venetia Grove Vanessa Kirke-Smith Nicola Cronk Captain of Squash Lucy Hutton Lucy Hutton Captain of Tennis Vanessa Kirke-Smith Emma Krafft, Penelope Hands Vice Captain of Tennis Sophie Robinson Anna Jennings Chief Guides Yara Shamji Inca Neale, Johanna Newhall Keeper of Drama Wardrobe Katherine Taylor Inca Neale Stage Manager Kate Eustace Keeper of Make-Up Cupboard Elizabeth Scott Keeper of Stage Lighting Annabel Mackenzie-Beevor Keeper of Stage Sound Equipment Genevieve Quarrington Head of Senior Choir Alexandra Roberts Head of Junior Choir Olatokunbo Akande School Pianist Lucinda Smallman School Librarian Hilary Low School Sacristans Abigail Burton, Gemma Perkins Members of Six Two await the Speeches PR Representative Amy Wickham

EIGHT Gifts to the School External Scholarships Internal Scholarships Awarded in 1995 Awarded in 1995 We are grateful to the many people who have given most generously to Sixth Form Scholarships Sixth Form the School this year among whom are: Enida IghodaroTrust Honorary Scholarships The Tiffin Girls' School Caryn Albury Norma Barclay G80 Francesca Whitelaw Trust Phensoame Assakul States of Grace by Charlene Cranbrook School Ee-Lyn Toh Spretnak Monica (Francis) Clough Ma39 Sixth Form Music Exhibition Two Houses : New Tarbat, Easter Sixth Form Music Exhibition Emily Pettit Ross; Royston House, Edinburgh Xanthe Elbrick by Monica Clough Ascham School, New South Wales The Field of Thistles : Scotland's Upper School Scholarships Past and Scotland's People by Lower School Scholarships Monica Clough Phoebe Allpress Academic Catherine CookAcademic Dr KW Humphreys, CBE Melanie CampbellAcademic Holmewood House Chairman and Managing Harriet DancyAcademic Mariana Corte-Real Trust Director of Rhone-Poulenc Ltd Noelle Ho Music Sibton Park The Language of the Genes by Lucie LambertAcademic Charlotte de SilvaMixer Music Steve Jones Laura Newton Academic Professor and Dr Lai Sylvia NgAcademic Jenny MulhollandFounders' Three economics books Li-kun Phng Academic Doha English Speaking School A Collection of Essays Nicola Robinson Academic Katy NorfolkAcademic Against Dirigisme: The Case for Caroline Stripp Academic Cumnor House Unshackling Economic Markets by Romaneeya Tingsabadh Alex SchofieldTrust Deepak Lai Academic/Music Cottesmore School Mrs Priscilla Owens Audrey WongAcademic Briony SchofieldBarbara Findlay A painting The Queen of Hearts, Minesha Wong Music Redcliffe School depicting the Benenden Pageant in the 1920s by Mrs Owens' mother, Technology Scholarships Hong Kong Trust Joan O H Garrett nee Heath (1910- 1994). Mrs Garrett, who came to Scholarships Saivipa Patpongpibul Benenden in September 1924, took Natasha Pobjoy Constance Chu Sixth Form up painting at the age of 67 after a Maryknoll Convent School lifetime of farming. Winney ChuSixth Form Major and Mrs DE Robathan Maryknoll Convent School Betty Clarke's personal bible Davina ToSixth Form Mr John R Sclater Maryknoll Convent School The Sclaters: History of A Sussex Scholastica Mak Fifth Form Family by Tessa Harvey. In St Mary's Canossian School memory of Emma Sclater M88. Joyce WongLower Fifth Form Mr J G S Scott Diocesan Girls' School The National Gallery Complete Illustrated Catalogue, compiled by Christopher Baker and Tom Henry Mr Alexander Stiller School's Pinetum Books for the Library including Despite the ravages of the 1987 storm, two species of tree in the Cinema : the first hundred years by School’s pinetum are still national champions David Shipman; The Times Atlas of European History Mr Henry Wyndham Sciadopytis Verticillata (Chinese Umbrella Pine) 20m high Chairman of Sotheby's Art at Auction 1993/4 Cryptomeria Japonica 33m high Anonymous Gift Three display cases for the Entrance Hall

NINE Prizewinners 1995

Achievement Effort Elizabeth Hilliard Award Classics Rosie Garthwaite LVth Louise Heming Johnson LVth for Creative Writing Ellen Pooley LVth Caroline Stripp Vth Eleanor Akenhead English Jenna Shorten LVth Tessa Viljoen LVth Ramona Pearson Jay Stephenson-Clarke IVth Leonora Pearson IVth The Cameron Prize GeographyCarolyn Newton LVth Harriet Reid LVth for Mathematics Audrey Wong Vth Zoe Tomlinson Vth Barbara Leung History Katharine Gilbert LVth Claire Moore UlVth Jennifer Too Alexandra Seddon Vth Marina Mooney IVth Lloyd-Davies Science Prize Mathematics Sylvia Ng Vth Victoria Sham LVth Vanessa Kirke-Smith Ying-Ying Cheng UlVth Nicola Sumner IVth Modern Languages Grootenhuis Science French Harriet Dancy Vth Siobhan Callaghan UlVth Award and Cup Rebecca Saponaro Vth Anna Riccoboni German Louisa Macmillan UlVth Kate Cullinan LVth Spanish Helen Dunnett LVth Southern Shelley History Prize Science Alexandra Tweed Vth Elizabeth Allison Vth Venetia Grove Nicola Wood Vth Georgina Harmel Vth Clare Stroud LVth Baker Prize Junior Science Alexandra Roberts Ana Jackson UlVth Art Prize Academic Music Yvonne Liao LVth for Art Olatokunbo Akande LVth Effort and Achievement Design Technology Natasha Shah Vth Susannah Gault Drama Sophie Johnstone LVth Information TechnologyNatasha Pobjoy LVth Mavis Leapman Cup Religious Education Lucinda Watts UlVth for Drama Textiles Olivia McGill UlVth Jennifer Papas

Six One Effort Prizes Justine Bhar-Amato Micklethwaite Elizabeth Kendon Design Award Juliette Wood

Leavers 1995 Economics Prize Jennifer Too Abigail Banfield, Nicola Barkas, Annabel Barnett, Joanna Brice, Lucy Briggs, Abigail Burton, Harriet Butterfield, Poppy Buxton, Tammi Cairley, Alice Carver, Natasha Chiumya, Patricia Choi, Annabel Christian, Sally Clarke, Victoria Jowitt Modern Languages Prize Clarke, Belinda Cole, Anna Corin, Hannah Cotton, Rosemary Cox, Nicola Antonia Loudon Cronk, Elizabeth Daniels, Fiona de Almeida Araujo, Camilla Dingle, Kate Durr, Nina Foet, Susannah Gault, Hannah Gaunt, Jennifer Grey, Venetia Grove, Jamila Laura Maurice Award Groves, Penelope Hands, Anne Harding, Rebecca Harrel, Victoria Hervey, for Contribution in Sport Sheelagh Houlden, Lucy Hutton, Sarah Jones, Ailana Kamelmacher, Vanessa Penelope Hands Kaoukji, Yukiko Kawaguchi, Sophie Kemp, Charlotte King, Vanessa Kirke- Lucy Hutton Smith, Emma Krafft, Tabitha Lake, Katie Lambert, Ada Law, Annabel Leathes, Sophie Robinson Barbara Leung, Sharon Liu, Antonia Loudon, Alexandra McGowan, Joanna Monkhouse, Johanna Newhall, Alexandra Nutting, Emma Nye, Jennifer Papas, Sacha Stephen Award Li Wan Phng, Ariadne Philippoussis, Gemma Prall, Nuria Prentice, Charlotte Virginia Simkins Prince, Emily Pritchard-Gordon, Anna Riccoboni, Emma Robinson, Sophie Robinson, Isla Rosser-Owen, Serena Rowe, Olivia Ruggles-Brise, Alison Sach, Fuller Prize Elizabeth Scott, Yara Shamji, Virginia Simkins, Kate Stanley, Harriet Storey, Karin Suabedissen, Lamya Talpur, Leena Talpur, Nerine Tan, Katherine Taylor, Sheelagh Houlden Lucy Taylor, Frauke Thompson, Jennifer Too, Rebecca Wade, Victoria Webb, Alexandra Whitelaw, Amy Wickham, Serena Wilson, Alison Yeung, Alexandra

TEN STAFF 1994-95 Headmistress (Oxon), Mrs J Hall, BSc (London), Dram Art (London), Miss J R R Bursar & Secretary to Council Mrs G D duCharme, MA (Cantab) S C Heron Esq, BSc (London), Dr R Lewis, BA (UCW Aberystwyth), R Dalton Holmes Esq, TD J Hill, BSc, PhD (Warwick), Mrs T Macpherson-Smith, BHum Facilities Manager Assistant Head CChem, MRIC, A Keir Esq, BA (London), Mrs S E Roche, LRAM, C K Hayman Esq (Director of Residence) (Cantab), D A McQueen Esq, BSc, ADB, *G R Lee Esq, CertEd Assistant Bursar Miss M J Horsburgh, MA (Oxon) MSc (Auckland), *Mrs D M (Roehampton), *Mrs J H Whittaker, *P F Roche Esq (Energy) Clayton, CertEd (Sussex), *Mrs A BA (Exeter), Mrs E Banks, AISTD, Domestic Assistant Head Linney, BSc (Birmingham) OBB, NBB, SDB (Tap Dance), J L Peters Esq, (Domestic Bursar), (Director of Studies) Modern Languages *Mrs J Hayward, LISTD (Ballet) T Greenstreet Esq, (Food D A Harmsworth Esq, MA (Oxon) Mrs E F Shellard, Lie &s Lettres Music Production Manager), Mrs D L (Sorbonne), Mrs G D duCharme, S T Threlfall Esq, GRNCM (Cello), Cullen BA (Cantab)(Assistant Housemistresses/masters MA (Cantab), Mrs P Kentli, BA Miss P Anderson, GMus (Double Domestic Bursar), Miss D Reynolds Echyngham (Leeds), D C McDougall Esq, BA BasslTrumpetlPiano) [Autumn (Assistant Domestic Bursar) Mrs S Brinkhurst, BSc (London) (Sheffield), MA () Term], Mrs A Futrell, GRSM, Registry [Autumn and Spring Terms], Mrs J DipRCM (Oboe) [wef Spring Mrs D Price (Development Guldeford E Oliver, MA (Oxon), P Walls Esq, Term], Mrs C Harmsworth, ARCM Director), Miss J Doxat, D A McQueen Esq, BSc, BA (Wales), MPhil (Leeds), R (Violin), Mrs V Lewis, ARCM, (Admissions Secretary), Mrs H M MSc (Auckland) Whitehead Esq, BA, MPhil (Oxon), DipRCM (Piano/Cello), PA Smith Addyman(Associate Registrar) *Mrs J D Andrews, MA (Oxon), Esq, BMus (London), LRAM, Secretariat Hemsted ♦Mrs M S Curran, BA (Oxon), ARCM (Piano), *Mrs C Alexander, Mrs E Moore (Headmistress’s PA), P Walls Esq, BA (Wales), *Mrs J E C Pallot, BA (Leicester), LRAM, ARCM (Cello/Bass), Mrs J D Marshall (School MPhil (Leeds) *Mrs A Chance, Lie d'Ens (Rennes) * A Allen Esq, DipRCM (Clarinet), Secretary), Mrs G D Trott (Bursar's (French Conversation), *Miss I *C Beddow, Esq, DipRCM (Violin/ Secretary), Mrs S Nisbet Marshall Moran, BA, MA (London) (Spanish Viola), *Miss J P Beven, AGSM (Development Director's Secretary), J Watts Esq, MA (Oxon), Conversation) [Summer Term], (Harp), *Mrs M Burton (Guitar), *Mrs N Wood, BA (Iowa, USA) BPhil (York) *Mrs S Sandeman-Allen, BA *D Clarke Esq, AGSM (Flute/ (Staffroom Secretary) (Champlain) (German Recorder), *Mrs LA Dawes, Telephonist/Receptionist Medway Conversation) [Autumn and Spring GGSM (Solo Singing), *Miss E L P *Miss J Dowdell [wef Spring Term) Miss A Steven, BA (Bristol) Terms], Granger, BA (Oxon) PGRNCM Accounts Miss M Tolksdorf (German (Harp), *A W Haigh Esq, ARCM, H K Boswell Esq, FFA Norris Assistentin) LRAM (Piano), *D Hirschman Esq, (Accountant), Mrs B Tanner- Mrs R Smith, BA, MPhil (Oxon) Classics FTCL (Viola/Violin), *Miss D M Tremaine, BSc(Econ) (London) Dr D R Marsh, BA (Nottingham), Maxwell, GGSM, AGSM(Piano), (Assistant Accountant), *Mrs B Founders' PhD (London), Miss L Boyce, MA *P Philbert Esq, DipTCL, LTCL Cardinale (Wages & Salaries), *Mrs Beeches (Oxon), D A Harmsworth Esq, MA (Percussion), *J Phillips Esq, M Grove (Accounts Payable/Fees), Mrs B Cocksworth, BSc (London) (Oxon), Mrs P Wileman, BA GRNCM (Piano), *Mrs S Purton, *Mrs B W Thomas (Accounts Limes (Nottingham), *Mrs F Breeze, BA LRAM (Oboe), *T W Rainer Esq, Payable/Fees) Mrs T Macpherson-Smith, (Oxon) GGSM (Horn/Trumpet), *A Stowell Medical BHum (London) Economics Esq, GRSM (Bassoon), *Mrs N Dr A M Wood, MB, ChB, MRC Oaks DPR Baylis Esq, BA (London), Strevens, GGSM(Flute), *Miss C Psych, Mrs M G Williamson, SRN, Mrs E M Sanders, MA (TCD), Mrs B Cocksworth, BSc (London) Taylor, BA (Colchester) (Flute), Sister A Blythe, RGN, *Sister J MA, MPhil (Nottm), Geography •Mrs K Threlfall, BMus McDonnell SRN DipEd (Belfast), AFBPsS, Miss C M Moat, BA (Nottingham), (Manchester), GRMCM, GRSM Assistant Housemistresses (non­ CPsychol Mrs J L Grayling, BSc (Piano), *J Tilbury Esq, ARCM teaching) (Loughborough) (Piano), *P Williams Esq Mrs E Banks (Echyngham + Senior School Chaplain The Revd R G History (Saxophone), *Miss L M Young, Matron), Mrs P Murphy Brown, J Watts Esq, MA (Oxon), BPhil LMusA, ARCM(Piano) (Guldeford), Mrs D Wodehouse BSc (Dunelm) [Autumn Term] (York), Mrs S Brinkhurst, BSc Physical Education (Hemsted), Mrs I Denis [Autumn (London), Miss M J Horsburgh, MA Miss SEA Colville, BEd (Bedford and Spring Terms], Mrs O Lunney English (Oxon), Mrs B Scopes, BA (Kent), College of HE), MissWK [Summer Term](Marshall), Miss E N van der Vliet Esq, BA (UCW *P J Salmon Esq, BA (Anglia), MSt Reynolds, BEd (Liverpool Moores), Scalpello (Medway), Mrs J Reeves Aberystwyth), Mrs M M M du (Oxon) Miss A Steven, BA (Bristol), Miss J (Norris) Plooy, BSc (Stirling), BEd (Sussex), Religious Studies E Chapman (Sports Centre Day Matrons CertEd, MA (London), Mrs E M Miss R B J Mullins, BA (Exeter), Supen’isor), *M D Geer, Esq ♦Mrs V Sargent (Founders'), Mrs W Sanders, MA (TCD), MA, MPhil The Revd R G Brown, BSc (Swimming Coach), *Mrs J Mellon (Guldeford)* Mrs M (Nottm), DipEd (Belfast), AFBPsS, (Dunelm) [Autumn Term] Reynolds, BEd (Sussex), *Mrs C Holmes MCSP (Hemsted/Norris), CPsychol, Mrs R Smith, BA, MPhil *Mrs S J Ashton [wef Spring Term) Stephenson, LTA Registered Coach *Mrs P Shaw (New House), *Mrs A (Oxon), Miss A Steven, BA Art & Design (Tennis/Netball), *Miss Y Stopford, Dane (New House), *Mrs A Peiris (Bristol), A R Stiller Esq, MA Miss G A Wessex. BA CertEd (Dartford College of PE), (Relief Matron) (Oxon), *Mrs S Elkin, BA, MA (Cheltenham), Miss P J Ovens, BA *Mrs M Strong, CertEd (IM Marsh Library *D Clayton Esq (Open) (Middlesex Polytechnic), Mrs E R College of PE), *J Chorley Esq, IT Network Manager Mathematics Tyler. CertEd (Cheltenham), Supp (Fencing), *E D Petty Esq, P A Nebbs Esq Mrs D G Swaine, BSc (Wales), B A Cert in D&T (Bristol) (Textiles), (Woolmanhill Scottish Dip of PE) Technicians Clough Esq. BSc (London), Mrs V *Mrs S E Parker, BA, MA (London) (Judo), *Mrs K A Atterton, Keep Fit Mrs P Hoare (Chemistry), Mrs F A Burgess, BSc (Dunelm), Miss E S (History of Art), *Mrs P A Rawson- Association Teaching Cert Gamble (Biology), C J Fahy Esq Kemp, BSc (Oxford Brookes), D A Mackenzie BEd (Sussex)(Textiles) Careers (Technology), Mrs W Grosvenor McQueen Esq. BSc, MSc Design & Technology Mrs S Brinkhurst, BSc (London), (Physics), R Whitcher Esq (IT), (AuckJand), *Mrs M A Pook, BSc Miss S E Can non, BSc (Brunei), Mrs B Cocksworth, BSc (London) *Mrs J Major (Modern Languages) (Sheffield) Miss S M McCarthy, BSc (Brunei) Librarian Grounds Science Information Technology Mrs S J Crawley, BA (Open), DipEd K C Potter Esq (Head Groundsman) Dr P F Lewis, BSc, PhD (London), A D Sanderson Esq, BSc (Liverpool) School Shop ARCS, DIC, CBiol, MIBiol, Miss E (Warwick), MSc (Bath) Mrs J Teesdale (Manager), Mrs E J J Chana, BSc (Surrey), Dr N J Speech, Drama & Dance *=part-time Gregory, Mrs H Savage, *Mrs V A Dowrick, BA (Oxon), DPhil Mrs V Whitelaw, CSTD, Dip of Martin (Secondhand) Laundry Mrs M R Wilson ELEVEN Ave atque Vale featured in the time-table and many Shirley Brinkhurst - a Seniors will remember Scottish dancing lessons with Doris Pullen at shooting star the piano doing the Times crossword! Shirley Brinkhurst retires at the end Mary's main games have always of the Summer Term, 1995 after been lacrosse and tennis and many eleven years as Housemistress of Benenden pupils have benefited from Echyngham. She will be sorely her expertise. A former England missed by girls and staff for more lacrosse captain, her enthusiasm and reasons than there is space to list interest in the game have continued them. She has always given absolute and in recent years Mary has been priority to her House and even when responsible for the U14 team, which off duty, her door was always open to has won the Kent Schools Echyngham girls. Her attention to Mrs Brinkhurst with her leaving present tournament many times. In tennis the administration of the House was too, Mary has coached the U14 team punctilious and sometimes she was Shirley set herself high standards and and they have consistently achieved disconcerting by being ahead of col­ expected them of the girls in her good results, remaining unbeaten this leagues! However attentive to detail House. Although patient and kind by season. she was, she never failed to approach nature, those who let her down felt Since the building of the squash everything with an infectious sense the sort of disapproval that could not courts, Mary has developed squash of humour and flair for the unex­ be confused with play-acting! No throughout the School. The First pected. For example, when Mrs one who has known her, however, team has achieved considerable duCharme suggested a link with a can be unaware of her willingness to success, reaching the Area Final of boys' school so that social occasions help with any problem, however busy the National Schools Squash could be arranged, Shirley rapidly she has been. Championships this year, and many arranged to ask Tonbridge boys to a Shirley is an extremely active others, less able, have enjoyed swimming pool disco with food, person with a very wide range of playing the game under Mary's ensuring that the wave machine obli­ enthusiasms. No doubt she will find expert tuition. terated any shyness. It was an leaving her House activities behind Mary has contributed to the amazing success. Her interest in difficult but she has a huge range of School in many other ways, acting and drama has enabled her to interests to compensate; the shooting especially in Guldeford and has, in liven up School life by 'being' a num­ star moves on but we hope will everything, always kept the best ber of other people, enlivening one continue to brighten our skies. interests of the girls as her prime staff party with a shocking pink Liz Banks objective. trouser suit, long blonde hair and a Assistant Housemistress Now that Kate and Pippa have left Swedish accent so convincing that Echyngham the School, Mary has decided to hang few realised her true identity. She up her lacrosse boots before she has has similarly mystified all and sundry to invest in a new pair and is looking by assuming the guise of the White Mary Strong forward to having more time to play Queen at a House party, cheeks stuf­ Mary first arrived at Benenden in golf and also to developing a new fed with cotton wool, a Californian 1964 and has taught at the School, interest in tennis for the disabled. art critic whose arrival stunned the either full or part-time, since then Mary will be greatly missed but School Office who had no prior awa­ except for two years between 1970 she will not be far away, and will reness of her arrival, as well as a and 1972 when she was at remain, I know, a loyal friend of short-skirted hippy with all the decor­ Haberdasher's Askes' in London. . ative trimmings. Trained at I.M.Marsh College, Julia Reynolds Her interest in costume has Liverpool, and a former pupil of Games Department prompted her to scour the charity Moreton Hall School, Mary soon felt shops far and wide to add to the at home at Benenden and found immense wardrobe of costumes for herself in a job where she had ample every type of dramatic production, opportunity to share her knowledge both in House and School, ensuring and enjoyment of sport. She has seen for example that casts of fifty or many changes, not only in the size of more all have shoes appropriate to the School, but also in the facilities almost any period. Additionally, she and opportunities offered to the girls. knew how to make the most amazing When Mary first came, the whole creations for plays, if suitable items School played lacrosse every day Jennifer Bekenn and Sophie Robinson were not already available. right up to Six Two; netball hardly make a presentation to Mrs Strong

TWELVE However, Julia will be best bossy? Well, sometimes - just a little Shirley Roche remembered for her kindness and - but only when we, her colleagues, Mrs Roche joined encouragement to all whom she really needed it. Now we lose Benenden in 1980 taught especially the U12 Netball and Hannah to an early retirement and and is therefore, on U13 Lacrosse teams who were her more time with her family. her retirement, one special responsibility. Her knowledge How do you carry on working of the longest of games was immense and she was without your right - or left - hand? serving members of the teaching always full of new practices and That's what we in the Registry are staff. Justified tributes have been ideas. still trying to work out. We will paid her, both by Mrs duCharme and She also became an Assistant miss her - a lot. Ginny Whitelaw. She was tireless in Housemistress in Medway, where she Debra Price support of her students, particularly had a ready ear to listen to problems Development Director in seeking appropriate texts for however small and became a second performance and recitation but mother to many of the young in the perhaps her most significant House. She is a loss to the School contribution not only to drama but to but she will be living near at hand School life in general, was her and we send our best wishes to her, During the academic year 1994-95, transformation of the Junior Dram Gordon, Claire, Sarah and Lucy. there were few changes in staffing. Competition where she placed great Mary Strong Richard Brown, the School Chaplain, emphasis on providing a dramatic Games Department left to follow his strong vocation for theme for the event and encouraged charity work. Peta Anderson married original scripts from the participant Jonathan Andrews virtually within Houses, resulting in some Hannah the School itself and Alison Futrell remarkably accomplished writing, Addyman filled her post in the Music acting and ingenuity in staging. In Department. Dave McDougall, who, addition to all this, Shirley provided, A loyal stalwart of in addition to teaching Spanish with her husband Patrick, a graceful Benenden School, throughout the School from 1991, antidote to present day 'dancing' by dependable in was an expert organiser of foreign furthering the cause of the ballroom EVERY way. trips and contributed an enormous variety, to the lasting benefit of large Since Hannah amount to School athletics training, numbers of girls. We do wish her Addyman came to Benenden in 1979 left the Modem Languages every good fortune as she departs and I suspect this description has been Department to take up a further trust that she will maintain her applied to her dozens of times and education lectureship and was enthusiasm both for drama and with very good reason. replaced for the Summer Term by dance! For the last six years Hannah has Isabelle Moran. Irene Denis joined Alexander Stiller worked in the Registry on a at the end of the English Department multitude of different functions: Spring Term and her duties in helping to fundraise for the Trust, Marshall were covered by Olive propel the School's publication range Lunney for the final term of the year. Julia Reynolds into the 21st century (School Jane Ashton became a part-time Julia first came to newsletters, handbooks and mag­ member of the Religious Studies Benenden in 1972 azines have all been generated under Department at the start of the Spring straight from her careful eye) and help promote the Term and in April Jill Dowdell college and she left School to an ever wider public became School Telephonist. Hannah in 1977 to get audience. Not least of her functions Addyman is to give up her post as married. Luckily has been her 16 years as Clerk to the Associate Registrar with effect from for us all, her husband Gordon lived Seniors Association, a role Hannah 31 August 1995 but will maintain her and farmed in the Benenden area and took great pride in and through which involvement in the production of this when in January 1984 some help was she built up long lasting relationships Magazine. Judith Hayter Johnson needed in the games department, with many different generations of will replace Mrs Addyman in the Julia returned for one term - she Benenden Seniors. They, like us, are Registry, beginning her duties as stayed for eleven years! very sorry to see her go. Development Assistant during the Julia was the mathematician of Before the Registry Hannah was Summer Term of 1995. the department; if a quick calculation the Bursar's Secretary, and before were needed, Julia had the answer that worked in the Accounts Office. In 1995-96, we have a number of before the rest of us had written it Her roles have changed over the additions to the responsibilities of down. She was very efficient and years, but her manner of carrying present members of staff: Sam organised and had superbly neat them out has not: loyal, committed, Cannon joins Medway as non­ handwriting so she was inveigled caring and sensitive, and unbe­ resident House Tutor and Jane into keeping all the records. lievably thorough. Did I forget Grayling begins a similar role with

THIRTEEN Echyngham. Jane Chapman becomes but the briefest eulogy: suffice to say non-teaching Assistant Housemistress that in his relatively short time as Council in Guldeford. Richard Whitehead Director of Music, Stephen Threlfall Mrs Jackie Scott's three year appoint­ takes over from Dinah Clayton in combined an engaging informality of ment as Chairman of the Seniors' Norris and becomes Assistant manner with high musicianship to Association ended in May and she Housemaster. Part-time member of bring Benenden's overall standard of has been succeeded by Mrs Consuelo staff, Yo Stopford (Mrs Reynolds) music to new heights. Brooke. Both Chairmen are current rejoins the Games Department full­ Benenden parents, which gives a time and Jeni Whittaker becomes double perspective on the School. full-time in the Drama Department. Jackie has spent many days working New appointments in the pastoral in School on Seniors' records and area include Melanie Driver who gathering input for the new success­ joins Marshall as non-teaching Luxury Unlimited ful sister publication - the Seniors' resident Assistant Housemistress and Magazine. Rose van der Vliet who becomes Housemistress of Echyngham and Commandant Liz Craig-McFeely will also teach modem languages. resigned in March after six years' wise counsel to concentrate on fam­ A considerable number of new staff ily responsiblities; as she lives just join us from the beginning of the outside Benenden we shall see her Autumn Term, 1995: Hugh Best- often. Shaw School's Theatre Technician; Deborah Caron, Rosie Clements and The success of Mrs Helen Tamoy's Jade Taylor Drama\ Hilary Moore family business, promoting trade Modern Languages; Patricia with Hungary, has forced her to Prestney School Chaplain; Neil resign from Council. As the mother Vanburgh Director of Music; Dagmar Through the efforts of the Bursar, of three Seniors she did a three year Wetzler and Amalia Fuentes Resident Robin Dalton Holmes, shown stint as Chairman of the Parents' Conversation Assistants in Modern conducting the opening ceremony Association and Council Member ex Languages. (pictured above) and a team from Davis the Builders, the Ladies' and officio until 1989. Shortly afterwards Gentlemen's 'facilities' in the Main she was invited to rejoin Council and We extend a very warm welcome to Building are now (private) areas of became a member of the Executive all of those joining us and send our unparalleled opulence. Committee. The time and thought very best wishes to all who are she gave to Benenden has been very departing: Jane Pallot, who taught considerable and beneficial. French part-time and Maren Tolksdorf who returns to Mrs Ellen Winser and her husband after her year with us; both Shock Horror: Tom's boat is now in British waters contributed much to modem Editor admits Crass after over two years' fascinating languages. David Clayton gives up Mistake voyaging, mainly in the Pacific his Library duties and accompanies basin, so we welcome her back to Dinah to Ipswich where she follows The Magazine's Editor has been dee­ Benenden affairs. up her duties in Norris by taking on ply embarrassed by the revelation the full responsibilities of a that the date of 1969 accompanying Sir Ronald Harris, KCVO, CB who Housemistress at the Royal Hospital the Pageant photographs in the was the first Chairman of the Parents' School. Jo Lewis goes to Queen Magazine's last issue is too recent by Association and afterwards Chairman Anne's, Caversham to teach drama at least thirty years! A sharp-eyed of Council for six years ending in and to team up once more with Jenny Senior spotted this and was also able 1979, died in January. His extended Dwyer and her family. Jo is given a to provide additional information family with many Benenden fitting tribute by her Head of about the Pageant photographs. The connections celebrated his life at Department in the appropriate section news was conveyed to the Editor by Southwark Cathedral in May. of the Magazine as is Shirley Roche, Mrs Cecily Lebon, the School's whose long association with the archivist and it is said that he was To those who retire and those who School is further described below. visibly shaken by the revelation. The continue, Benenden remains deeply As well as Peta Anderson, lost, with Editor has been unavailable for com­ grateful. her musical enthusiasm, to marriage, ment during the summer holiday as the Music Department sees the we understand that he has been work­ Robin Dalton Holmes departure of an outstanding ing to ensure that this kind of thing Bursar and instrumentalist in Paul Smith and does not find its way into the 1995 Secretary to the Council someone whose modesty forbids any edition.

FOURTEEN ADVANCED LEVEL GCSE

Subjects passed with Grade A are in italics. This list also includes A Levels Subjects passed with Grade taken early (markedf). A are in italics with A* Grades marked*. This list Fiona Araujo Anne Harding Isla Rosser-Owen also includes GCSE subjects Classical Civilisation, English, Classical Civilisation, English, , Classical Civilisation, History, AS French History History, AS General Studies taken early (markedf). Abigail Banfleld Rebecca Harrel Serena Rowe Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry Latin, English, Biology English, History, Art, AS Latin Joanna Aitchison Nicola Barkas Victoria Hervey Olivia Ruggles-Brise English Language, English Classical Civilisation, English, French, History of Art, AS General French, German, Mathematics, AS Literature*, Mathematics, Science 1 History of Art Studies, AS English, AS History English & 2, Frencht, German, History, Art Annabel Barnett Sheelagh Houlden Elizabeth Scott (Textiles)* Art, History of Art, AS English Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, English, History, Economics Henrietta Andrews Joanna Brice AS French Yara Shamji English Language, English Literature,Latin, Mathematics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology Lucy Hutton French, German, History of Art, AS Science 1 & 2, French*f, Spanish, Economics, Mathematics, English Abigail Burton Geography Chemistry Virginia Simkins Economics, Mathematics, Physics Jessica Avery Sarah Jones German, History, Mathematics Harriet Butterfield English Language, English History, Economics, Mathematics Latin, History, Theatre Studies Harriet Storey Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Tammi Cairley Ailana Kamelmacher English, Mathematics, Physics, Art Science 1 & 2, Frencht, History French, English, Theatre Studies Latin, English, History, Russian Nerine Tan Sarah Baddeley Alice Carver Vanessa Kaoukji English, History, Economics English Language, English Classical Civilisation, English, English, Economics, Mathematics, Katherine Taylor Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 History of Art Chemistry Art, Theatre Studies, AS English, & 2, French, Geography, Drama Natasha Chiumya Yukiko Kawaguchi AS French Emma Barkas History, Art, AS Mathematics, History, Economics, Mathematics Lucy Taylor English Language, English Annabel Christian Japaneset English, History of Art, Theatre Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Sophie Kemp Studies, AS History Geography, Economics, History of Science 1 & 2, French, Geography, English, History, Theatre Studies Art (Textiles) Art Jennifer Too Sally Clarke Charlotte King English, Economics, Mathematics, Georgina Barker English, Geography, Theatre Further Mathematics English Language, English Geography, Economics, Studies Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 Mathematics Victoria Webb & 2, French, German, History, Belinda Cole Vanessa Kirke-Smith English, History of Art, Theatre Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology Studies Drama French, English, ,45 Latin, AS Sara Bateman German Emma Krafft Amy Wickham English Language, English Anna Corin Economics, Mathematics, Biology Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Annabel Leathes AS General Studies, AS English Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Latin, English, Theatre Studies Science 1 & 2, French, History, English, History, Economics Alexandra Yuill Hannah Cotton Drama Barbara Leung Classical Civilisation, English French, English, Theatre Studies Zoe Bedford Economics, Mathematics, Further Rosemary Cox English Language, English Mathematics, Physics, Chineset History of Art, Theatre Studies, AS Literature*, Latin, Mathematics, English, AS French Sharon Liu Science 1 & 2, Frencht, History Nicola Cronk Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Madeleine Bosher Chineset Classical Civilisation, English, English Language, English Theatre Studies Antonia Loudon Six One Literature*, Latin, Mathematics, Elizabeth Daniels French, English, History Science 1 & 2*, French*f, Spanish, Mathematics, Physics, Music, AS Alexandra McGowan Bianca Law History Further Mathematics Economics, Mathematics, Chinese Lucy Briggs Camilla Dingle Chemistry, AS General Studies, AS Frauke Thompson English Language, English German Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology German, AS French Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 Joanna Monkhouse & 2, French, German, History, Susannah Gault Gloria Tse French, German Chinese Drama French, English, Art Jennifer Papas Julia Burton Brown Hannah Gaunt Classical Civilisation, English, English Language, English Classical Civilisation, History of Art Theatre Studies Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 Jennifer Grey Gemma Prall & 2, French, Spanish, History, German, Chemistry, Biology, AS English, Art, History of Art Drama Mathematics Anna Riccoboni Poppy Buxton Venetia Grove Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology English Language, English English, History, History of Art Emma Robinson Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 & 2, French, Drama, Art Jamila Groves Economics, Mathematics, Biology Chemistry, Biology, Music, AS Sophie Robinson Naomi Chambers Mathematics English Language, English Geography, Economics, Literature,Latin, Mathematics, Penelope Hands Mathematics French, Economics, Mathematics Science 1 & 2, Frenchf, German, Geography

FIFTEEN Patricia Choi Holly Havers Gemma Perkins Holly Vernon-Smith English Language, English English Language, English English Language, English English Language, English Literature*, Mathematics *t, Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Literature, Latin, Mathematics!, Science 1 & 2*, Geography*, Science 1 & 2, French, History, Science 1 & 2, French, Geography, Science 1 & 2, French, History, Art Drama, Regligious Studies*, Drama Music Rebecca Wade Chinese*f Marcia Ho Kathryn Pinker English Language, English Emma Cole English Language. English English Language, English Literature, Latin, Mathematics, English Language, English Literature,Latin, Mathematicsf, Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Science 1 & 2, Frencht, Spanish, Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Science 1 & 2, French, German, Art Science 1 & 2, Frencht, History, Geography Science 1 & 2, French, German, (Textiles)* Art* Charlotte Witheridge Geography Vanessa Hunt Jessica Porter English Languaget, English Olivia Cotton English Language, English English Language, English Literature*+, Latint, Greekf, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 Literature,Mathematics, Science 1 Mathematicsf, Science 1 & 2, Literature, Latin, Mathematics, & 2, French, History, Drama & 2, French, Spanish, History, French, History Science 1 & 2, French*f, Spanish, Kate Kandiah Geography Juliette Wood Music English Language, English Caroline Preston English Language, English Amanda Cowan Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 English Language, English & 2, French, Spanish, History, Art Literature,Latin, Mathematics t, & 2, Frencht, Spanish, History, Art Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 Emily Latham Science 1 & 2, Frencht, Spanish, (Textiles)* & 2, French, Geography, Drama, English Language, English History Maidie Yeung Art* Literature,Mathematics], Science 1 Charlotte Prince English Language, English Georgina Dancy & 2, French], Spanish, History, English Language, English Literature,Mathematics], Science 1 English Language*, English Art* Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 & 2*, Geography, Music,Art, Literature, Latin*, Mathematics+, Ada Law & 2, French*, Spanish, History, Chinese*t Science 1 & 2*, Frencht, German, English Language, English Art* Sarah Yorke History Literature,Mathematics], Science 1 Emily Pritchard-Gordon English Language, English Juliet Douglas-Hughes & 2*, Geography, Drama, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 English Language, English Regligious Studies, Chinese*t Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 & 2, French, German, History, Art* Literature, Mathematics], Science 1 Natasha McDonald & 2, French, History, Drama & 2, French, History, Geography*, English Language, English Alice Pulman Six One Art* Literature, Latin, Mathematicst, English Language, English Elissa El Hadj Science I & 2*, French, Literature*, Mathematics, Science 1 Italian English Language, English Geography*, Art* & 2*. French, German, Art Olivia Higgins Literature, Mathematics, Science 1, Mariamne Moore (Textiles)* French, Drama English Language*, English Alexandra Pye Fifth Form Xanthe Elbrick Literature, Latin*, Mathematics], English Language, English Literature, Latin, Mathematics, English Language, English Science 1 & 2, French], Georgiana Aitken Latin, Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 Geography, Drama Science 1 & 2, French, Geography, French & 2, French, Music, Art Art* Katharine Morris Jessica AlfordFrench Ainslie Everingham English Language, English Vanessa Robinson Elizabeth Allison French* English Language, English Literature,Latin, Mathematics t, English Language, English Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Science 1 & 2*, French*t, Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Phoebe AllpressLatin*, Science 1 & 2, Frencht, German, Spanish*, Geography Science 1 & 2, French, History, Art Mathematics, French* Art Philippa Newell (Textiles)* Lucy BentleyFrench Claire Gault English Language, English Johane Royds-Jones Katherine Cameron Latin English Language, English English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 Melanie Campbell Latin, & 2, French, German, History, Art Literature, Latin,Mathematics t, Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 French Science 1 & 2, French, History, Art & 2, French, History, Geography, Jennifer Newton Praethip Chanyavongse Art (Textiles) English Language, English Mathematics Alexandra Gordon Literature, Mathematics, Science 1 Serena Seddon Harriet Dancy Latin, French English Language, English & 2, French*, History*, Drama, English Language, English Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Art* Literature,Latin, Mathematics, Victoria DorichLatin, Science 1 & 2, French, History, Alexandra Nutting Science 1 & 2, French, German, Mathematics Drama English Language, English History Lauren Dudley French* Lucy Gossage Literature, Latin, Mathematics*t, Hilary Smith Charlotte Dunstan Latin, English Language, English Science 1 & 2*, Frencht, Spanish*, English Language, English Mathematics Literature,Mathematics], Science 1 Geography* Literature,Latin, Mathematics, Noelle HoChinese & 2, French], German, History, Science I & 2, French, Geography*, Elisabeth Parish Amy JempsonFrench Drama English Language, English Art* Samantha Lawson French Anneline Groves Literature*, Mathematics], Science Kate Stanley English Language, English 1 & 2, French*, German, History, English Language, English Vanessa Li Mathematics Literature,Latin, Mathematics, Art (Textiles) Literature, Latin, Mathematics f, Rebecca Macmillan Latin, Science 1 & 2*, French, Music, Art* Henrietta Paul Science I & 2, Frencht, German, Mathematics Hannah Harper English Language, English Art (Textiles)* Laura Mason Mathematics English Language, English Literature, Latin*, Mathematics, Antonia Van der Bijl Laura Newton Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Latin, Greek*, Science 1 & 2, French, History, French Mathematics, Science 1 & 2, Drama Literature, Latin, Mathematics, Sylvia NgMathematics* French, Music Julia Pendred Science 1 & 2, Frencht, German, Emily OrwinFrench English Language, English History Literature, Latin, Mathematics], Davinia PearsonMathematics Science 1 & 2*, Frencht, History, Nancy Prall Latin, French Drama

SIXTEEN Nicola RobinsonLatin, Mathematics Rebecca SaponaroLatin, Portuguese Alexandra Seddon Mathematics Anna Shadbolt Latin, French Priestly Cup Arabella Stewart Latin Caroline Stripp Latin, for Mathematics, French Excellence at GCSE Romaneeya Tingsabadh Mathematics* awarded to Alexandra Tweed Madeleine Bosher Mathematics, French* Hannah Vaines Latin, Mathematics, French Neelam Verjee French Victoria WatsonMathematics Minesha Wong Latin

Lower Fifth

Yvonne LiaoChinese* Victoria Sham Chinese* Clare Stroud Portuguese

Upper Fourth

Jennifer Ma Chinese*

English as a Foreign Language Priestly and Lancaster Cup Winners The following achieved Georgina Dancy, Natasha McDonald and Madeleine Bosher Credits in passing the Oxford Board Examinations:

Nina Foet Henriette Kuhrt Karin Suabedissen Lancaster Cup for the Best GCSE Results awarded to Georgina Dancy and Natasha McDonald

SEVENTEEN Benenden is pleased to welcome the following new girls

Fourths Upper Fourths Annabel FloodHemsted Six Ones Vinehall School Lucy Arthur Gutdeford Jenefer GallegosHemsted Georgina HopeGuldeford Saira Chaudry Norris Oakfield Preparatory School Riddlesworth Hall Vinehall School Hillcrest Hannah Clark Medway Marisha Green Norris Sophie JohnsonMarshall Constance Chu Echyngham Tanglin Junior School More House Holmwood House Maryknoll Convent School Susan Clowes Hemsted Sarah Hopkins Medway Joanna Lowry-Corry Winney ChuGuldeford Kensington Prep School Junior King's School Hemsted Maryknoll Convent School Wellesley House for Girls Francesca Langdon Marshall Corinna ContagNorris Danielle Moffat Hemsted Emily ComptonEchyngham Queen's Gate School Wilhelm-Gymnassium Aberlour House St Mary's Lower School Victoria Law Marshall Julia FrohligMedway Amber Montgomery Camilla Cramsie Guideford Maryknoll Convent School Gymnasium Laurentianum Echyngham Finton House Educational Daphne Low Norris Wellesley House Enida IghodaroMarshall Trust Chij - Our Lady of Good Giannita Morelli Marshall The Tiffin Girls' School Kerri Hall Medway Counsel Wellesley House Sara Khaleeli Medway Ashford Junior School Daisy Mills-Kennelly Sarah Morris Medway Channing School Susannah Hutley Medway Marshall Hanna Maluck Echyngham St Christopher's School Vinehall School St Cedd's School Chloe Oughton Guldeford Clara-Fey-Gymnasium Oranutt Narapruet Hemsted Katherine JosselynHemsted Cottesmore School Emily PettitMedway Francis Holland School Riddlesworth Hall Venetia Pengelley Echyngham Ascham School Ana Raquel Suarez Hemsted Sarah Langham Guideford Ashdown House Anna Picot Marshall Colegio Junipero Skippers Hill Manor Prep Alex SchofieldMedway Gymnasium Rodenkirchen Claire White Medway School Cottesmore School Sanam Taseer Guldeford Bermuda High School for Ming Wai Li Hemsted Slade School of Art Girls Caroline ScottEchyngham St Margaret's School Holmewood House Davina ToEchyngham Jenny MulhollandGuideford Rosie SeymourGuldeford Maryknoll Convent School Doha English Speaking St John's College School Katrina Tsang Hemsted Lower Fifths School Alexandra Thomas Chinese International School Susannah Norman Hemsted Echyngham Francesca Whitelaw Norris St Michael's Preparatory Laura Barkas Hemsted Ashdown House Cranbrook School School Sibton Park School Kate Warburton Hemsted Vai Chi Wong Marshall Louise Palmer Echyngham Mia Barlow Norris Kuen Cheng Girls' High Rowan Preparatory School Sibton Park School Joyce WongGuldeford School Amy RidleyGuideford Nyika Brain Norris Diocesan Girls' School Mandy Wu Hemsted The Roche School Alice Smith School St Paul's Convent School Victoria RogersEchyngham Frances Burge Norris Yateley Manor Vinehall School Briony SchofieldMedway Katherine Charnaud Fifths Redcliffe School Echyngham Six Two Amanda Sellars Echyngham Holmwood House Tamara AyoubGuldeford More House Clarice Chin Echyngham Notre Dame Senior School Mara Eddy Norris Alexandra Sinclair Alice Smith School Stephanie CoulsonHemsted ESU Scholarship Student Echyngham Catherine CookGuldeford The British School of Brussels Blackheath High Junior Holmewood House Melissa Li Guldeford School Rowena CordreyHemsted Isabella Steel Echyngham St Teresa's Convent School Belilios Public School Francis Holland School Mariana Corte-Real Scholastica Mak Guldeford Rachael Ward Medway Marshall St Mary's Canossian College Milboume Lodge School Sibton Park School Elizabeth Man Norris Elizabeth Watts Guideford Charlotte de SilvaNorris Sibton Park/St Joseph Derwent Lodge Marlborough House School Convent Claudia Edmondson Laura Smith Hemsted BENENDEN BEE Marshall Bermuda High School Walthamstow Hall Louisa Ellis Norris Katy Fagg Guldeford Wellesley House Faezeh Faiz Medway Sibton Park School Davina Langdale Six One

EIGHTEEN I

My Lizard Wizard First Prize - Poetry Competition (Fourth and Upper Fourth)

Small, slender, slinky His rippling body darts across the jungle floor. He pounces and a black field cricket perishes. He licks his lips and surveys the scene. But no, he's not in the jungle - He is here, in England, In a glass tank, With a lid, A lid that shuts him in Like being in a cell. He's trapped. Sometimes he gets a look, A look at what? A cosy house? But he doesn't care, he has never known any better. The only jungle he has ever known is the jungle of feet and furniture. I wish I could release him Back into the wild. He’ll never know the sun, only a light bulb, Timed to go on and off. I want to release him, Back, to where he should be, ...... Slobhan Callaghan with Wizard Where his ancestors were.

Siobhan Callaghan Upper Fourth What is Behind the Shadows?

What is behind the shadows? Love Is there only gloom and sorrow? Does no plant or flower grow 'Love is like a red, red rose', In the shadows of tomorrow? So Robbie Bums, he says. But I believe it's eternal, Shadows lurk in every mind, To stay for infinite days. In every comer you will find Shadows taunt your every thought; It is not labelled by colour, Will they ever be caught? Not purple, red nor pink. It doesn't hold a gender, What is the meaning of these shadows? But genders it can link. Do they show no flower or meadow? Is there a lonely life to come? Flowers do not represent Will I be the only one? The everlasting bond Unless you have a love for plants, For these answers, I must wait. And of gardens you are fond. Only time can show my fate. But curiosity still grows: Love cannot be expressed, What is behind the shadows? Nor written down in prose. For love is something immortal, Not a red, red rose. Bridget Green Upper Fourth Louisa Macmillan Upper Fourth

NINETEEN A Cup of Tea Mum, Let Me Grow Up

I've always liked my cup of tea, Sarah was coming It fills my life with lots of glee. Down the stairs When I am down or blue with madness, And she was dressed It warms me up with lots of gladness. In bright green flares. Above she wore I drink my tea with a drop of milk, A short pink top Then stir it round: symbolic silk. Which caused her mother's I add some sugar to make it sweet Mouth to drop. And settle to my favourite treat. The mother gave a Deathly stare. I smell the delicious, sweet aroma, Sarah said, And almost fall into a coma. 'You're not being fair.' I drink it up while it is hot The reply was, And dream of winning the National LOT! 'You're a spoilt brat. 'You're not going out Zante Walker 'Dressed like that!' Lower Fifth 'Oh, yes I am. 'I'm going 'With Sam.' 'You know I said 'You're out 'Too late. Make-Up 'Tonight I want you 'In by eight!' I clambered up to stand on the chair, 'Mother, you won't, And saw a sea of lovely colours there: 'You can't Pinks and blues and reds and more 'Stop me. And in less than three seconds 'After all It was all on the floor. Tm thirty-three!’

There were pots and dips and things on sticks, Lindsay-Anne Noton The stuff that Mummy has on her lips, Fourth And all sorts of cakes, mainly pink or red. I decided to share the fun with my ted. I gave his fur a tinge of pink, Mine I coloured blue And his hair went red with sticky stuff And I added water too. When I heard my mum coming up the stair I ran to show her my teddy bear; The response came as a harsh surprise And I soon felt hot tears filling my eyes. 'Anna! Anna! What have you done?' This was no longer any fun! Having seen the mess, she started to fume And promptly sent me to my room.

Why are adults always so boring? Well, other kids, I’ll give you a warning: They say they will, they say they'll play But when you're having fun It's a straight 'NO WAY'. Surrealistic Snooker! Emily Latham Anna Fremantle Upper Fifth Lower Fifth

TWENTY It's Coining - A Sixth Former's Confession Excuses

'It’s coming!' Sorry, Miss, I'm really sorry, A Six One earnestly replied. I was attacked by Indians 'Now where have I heard that tale before?' And hit by a lorry. My English teacher sighed. A creepy old man 'I've left it down at House; In a white car 'I'll get it during break.' Drove me away 'Can't it be on time, for once?' But not very far. 'Really, for goodness sake!' I ran back to school And slipped in a puddle, 'It's coming! Surrounded by girls, 'But I went home last weekend All in a muddle. 'And I really couldn't tell you, As I reached the school gate, 'How fast Royal Mail will send. I looked at my wrist. 'I know this happened last week, When I knew I was late But I've really, really tried.' I was punched by a fist, 'How come you're always sunbathing?!' Dragged to that door My history teacher cried. All covered in blood. I fell on the floor 'It's coming! Which is splattered with mud. 'But right now it is in rough, 'You'll get it really, really soon, Sorry, Miss, I'm really sorry, 'But I’ve got to add some stuff. I was hit by a very big lorry. 'I thought it was for next week, 'Until I was told last night, Elizabeth Heneage 'And so it’s not quite finished Lower Fifth 'And I want to get it right.'

'It's coming!' Laughs echo round the room. 'No, this time it really, really is, 'It's really coming - soon.'

Alexandra Schaafsma Six One

Textures Annabel Barnett Natural Forms Harriet Storey Leaf Shapes Kathryn Pinker Six Two Six Two UpperFifth

TWENTY-ONE Birthday Girl On the Wings of Life

The 17th of February When children are ten Does it still hurt to hear that date, It nearly is then, To know that name, That they go into the world To see that face? And their wings unfurl.

The 17th of February. They glide on ideas I see your look That will take them years Look at the past Ahead of their time And the sadness To lands Rip your heart. Of hate and war, Not beautiful sands The 17th of February Which their dreams should include Is what the calendar says. As an interlude. It stays the same, Quietly whispers her name, Alicia Blunl Still they sit, Upper Fourth Stifling the feeling they create.

Pretend it didn’t happen... The dead girl's smiling eyes, Four Portraits Her cheerful gaze, The fresh, youthful, dead face, Frozen in time.

It could be mine.

Snatched from their grasp; Her yearning darlings Awaited her return With open arms. Their arms forever empty.

The culprit himself is ignorant, Oblivious, long gone, Hard to say which is worse And still you must be strong. Young Man Anneline Groves Upper Fifth The 17th of February Is just another day. Self Portrait HarrietStorey I cannot feel your pain - Six Two I would not, to be fair - But I can see the vision In your tears, Feel the sadness in your stare.

She does not feel the pain, But her little lost daughter Demands nothing from her now; And while her icicles, melted by no one, Remain for all to view, She stands on the outside, Sitting in the house of her Life that ended years ago.

Madeleine Bosher Man Susannah Gault Woman and Leaves Serena Rowe Upper Fifth Six Two Six Two

TWENTY-TWO Keep Fighting till VE The Advent of Spring Second Prize - Poetry Competition (Lower Fifth and Fifth) The lightning struck with vivid force It's dark and dingy in the trenches, The clouds they shook with thunder, Lying in the squalid stenches, The naked trees fell one by one, Soldiers with their fists in clenches, Their bark was tom asunder. All around the war commences. The rain beat on deserted streets Fight for victory. With icy groping fingers, Families for their fathers fear, Whilst in the thickage of the wood The horror of the war is clear, A frightened creature lingers. Yet another bomb falls near, Keep fighting till VE. The rivers rose with turbulence, Their banks about to spill * * * Then suddenly - tranquillity, The tormented night is still. Homeless children look around, All that's left is burnt out ground, At last the rays of sunshine Their family home a smouldering mound Pierce through the dew-drenched dawn, From all of London not a sound. Making all the world awake Fight for victory. To salute the brand new mom. One more 'plane above them flies, Crocus show their rainbow hues But this time brings victorious cries, Birds sing a song of mirth 'It's the British,' one man sighs! At God's creative bounty Keep fighting till VE. And the advent of Spring’s birth.

* * * Natasha Pobjoy Lower Fifth Up above the sky is lit, More bright bullets 'planes do spit, Yes, a Nazi 'plane is hit, Tumbling down, kids jeer at it. Fight for victory. Out at sea the cannons firing, Proud mothers their young sons admiring, That 'letter home' has got them smiling, Keep fighting for VE.

* * * Homelessness

Now at last the end has come, You see them in shop doorways, Families to the stations run, Or sitting in the street; Soldiers greeted with some rum Won't you spare a single penny Many wounded, limbs are numb. To help them find their feet? You've fought for victory. No more cannons out at sea, They only have a thin mg No more fear for you and me, To keep them warm at night, For at last we’ve won the key, The streets are cold and lonely The key to victory. And there isn't any light.

So next time that you see them Serena Carter Do not just stop and stare, Lower Fifth Please don't walk right on past them And pretend that they're not there.

Sophie Moore Lower Fifth

TWENTY-THREE The Sea

The sun sparkles on The beautiful glass sheet of serenity. It ripples; It has just awoken from A deep dark sleep. A cloud floats past The light present Causing a dark shadow to fall Over the enchanted waters. It tells of mystery and Secrets never to be known, Of a depth that goes on forever.

The Shore Kate Kandiah Lucinda Watts Upper Fifth Upper Fourth Night Creatures

As the night draws nearer, The wolves begin to howl; The Demon Darkness Now the stars are clearer, The owls set out to prowl. Drifting are the dark clouds of the night, Darkness is like a hooded cloak, Which hide the moon’s dim glow, Wrapped round the world at night Sleep covers most creatures But a few lonely rays fall down, And it reaches every nook and cranny. In their quiet dens; Falling on the crashing waves of dread To some it is an enemy, The night covers the features For that is where it lives, To others a friend, to whom it is Of the farmers’ pens. In that dark, bleak cave, Another whole world, Asleep but not dead, Unexplored and exciting, Eyes gleam like jewels The monster of the night, Unreal and frightening In the silver moonlight He is the dreaded black demon; Where surprises loom towards And claws are used like tools He is but asleep - not dead. Children sleeping in their fantasy world. In a cruel and deadly fight.

Katherine Alexander Candida Wells Olivia McGill Upper Fourth Upper Fourth Upper Fourth

Stormy View SusannahGault Six Two

TWENTY-FOUR The Spider There Once Was A Beauty First Prize - Poetry Competition (Lower Fifth and Fifth) When I was little, I think about four, I found a spider on the bathroom floor. There once was a beauty that ran through the woods, I tried to catch him, but he ran away, Its antlers proud and high. But luckily I saw him the following day. There once was a beauty that ran through the woods And when it leaped, it would fly. There once was a beauty that ran through the woods, Until that fateful mom His back was curved and his legs were thin, When men with faces full of scorn He was making a web, just by the bin. And shiny guns by their side, The web was made of soft silky thread; Slowly through the woods did stride. 'What a wonderful spinning gift,' I said. Their sour faces then turned bright, As of the beauty they caught sight. The defenceless beauty they did surround; From them no movement, But, oh dear, the hoover's out, From them no sound. I hope my spider's not about, The beauty pondered unaware But when I was emptying the Hoover bin Of hidden dangers lurking there. I saw some legs belonging to him. A branch did rustle, The beauty sped, Leonora Pearson A shot, a squeal, and blood dark red. Fourth The corpse it lay all forlorn, On that frosty, fateful mom. The corpse it lay on the ground, From it no movement, From it no sound. What once was a beauty Now is still, Its eyes wide glaring, Its face fixed tight, Not having been given A chance to fight. What once was a beauty Is hung high on a wall, What once was a beauty Has no beauty at all.

Joanna Langham Lower Fifth

Bird of Paradise Ainsley Everingham Arthurian Symbols Hilary Smith The Mandala Maidie Yeung Upper Fifth Upper Fifth Upper Fifth

TWENTY-FIVE Israel Enslaved in Egypt Second Prize - Poetry Competition (Fourth and Upper Fourth)

The Israelites lived in Egypt, their numbers grew and grew and with Pharaoh the King of Egypt a peaceful life all knew.

But old Pharaoh died and was buried, and a new Pharaoh came to rule. African Family Charlotte Prince Upper Fifth 'We must stop the Hebrews increasing and make their lives bitter and cruel.'

So the Hebrews became slaves in Egypt and built Pithom, Raamses - store cities. They were whipped and beaten and punished and life changed to hardship and pities.

Among every kind of hard labour was brick-making and ploughing the field; but their numbers continued increasing and Pharaoh's keen ire did not yield.

Pharaoh moved on to desperate measures and issued a command most vile: 'Your new-born daughters I allow to live but your sons you must throw in the Nile.'

One mother hid her son at home until he was too big to hide. She put him safe in the waterproof basket in the reeds at the riverside. Still Life Philippa Newell Upper Fifth Pharaoh's daughter, coming down to bathe, found the basket with the child inside. She adopted the boy and called him 'Moses' and brought him up with pride.

Moses grew up and knew the Israelites were suffering in misery and pain and God spoke to him from the burning bush and said 'Israel will be free again.'

'I will rescue Israel from Egypt; 'you must do what I tell you to do. 'Go to Pharaoh and say that I sent you; 'he must let my people go.'

'Their suffering has gone on for too long; 'Pharaoh must learn that I am the Lord. 'Israel's land will flow with milk and honey and green peaceful acres so broad.'

Elizabeth Sebag-Montefiore Upper Fourth

Life Study Yukiko Kawaguchi Six Two

TWENTY-SIX Elizabeth Hilliard Prize

This year there were joint winners of this competition, both of them short stories. Because of this, it is not possible to print in full the successful entries but we include the openings of both stories to indicate the quality of the writing.

The first extract is from Eleanor Akenhead's The Incubus:

The world is dark, for my eyes no longer see. I am alone with my thoughts; muffled, unintelligible sounds from the hospital in which I lie occasionally silence the voices which jabber ceaselessly inside my head. My other senses have died, leaving nothing but a cold and lonely tingling in their stead; yet somehow, I have developed an unearthly ability to detect people's presences, even when they do not speak.

Secondly, we include the beginning of Ramona Pearson's Presumed Dead: Frog in the Throat Natasha McDonald Upper Fifth My heavy chest heaved, drawing in breaths of close stifling air. No light entered my partially-open eyes. I felt strangely secure in what felt to me like a narrow box. Soft satin cushioned my pounding head, and in a state of near delirium, I relaxed once more into a deep sleep.

Those wanting to know how these powerful stories progress may obtain, with the authors' permission, a com­ plete version of each from the English Department.

TWENTY-SEVEN Poetry Competition 1 995

For the first time, the number of entrants passed fifty and we are once more indebted to the English Faculty of the at Canterbury for providing us with a highly experienced and conscientious adjudicator, Dr Janet Montefiore, who gave us a fascinating analysis of the reasons for her choices as well as a powerful explanation of the value of poetry in a civilised life. We trust that the University's English Department will continue to find it possible to support our efforts in the field of poetry-writing.

Fourth and Upper Fourth Lower Fifth and Fifth

First Prize First Prize Siobhan Callaghan Joanna Langham Second Prize Second Prize Elizabeth Sebag-Montefiore Serena Carter

Very Highly Commended Very Highly Commended Katherine Alexander Anna Fremantle Alicia Blunt Elizabeth Heneage Bridget Green Sophie Moore Louisa Macmillan Natasha Pobjoy Zante Walker Highly Commended Emma Buzzard Highly Commended Jay Stephenson-Clarke Dr Janet Montefiore presents awards Georgiana Aitken Isabel Clement to (top) Siobhan Callaghan (left) and Penelope Bennett Elizabeth Sebag-Montefiore and Katie Cullinan Lucy Gilbert (below) to Joanna Langham (left) Sophie Hall and Serena Carter Rosie Garthwaite Ana Jackson Christina Hadden Olivia McGill Louise Heming Johnson Marina Mooney Catherine Langdon Lindsay-Anne Noton Sara Milnes Coates Leonora Pearson Sophia Mooney Charlotte Teare Livia Schaafsma Lucinda Watts Alexandra Seddon Candida Wells Hannah Vaines Julia Wells Neelam Verjee Megumi Yawata Harriet Witheridge Alice Wright Commended Laura Hawkes Commended Claire Moore Yvonne Liao Louise Neil Harriet Reid Andrea Peartree Lucie Sargent Maya Shamji Clementine Shipp

TWENTY-EIGHT Keen to be Green Environment Week was an idea created to promote aware­ ness of environmental issues and ways in which we can improve our present ecological situation.

On Monday, 7 November 1994, the Week was officially launched by a group of Sixth Form Com­ mittee members who presented Prayers and helped Mrs The Garbage Angels, Environment Week's Non-Uniform Competition Winners duCharme to hand out badges to all the official House Environ­ ment Representatives. Learning to Manage Early in the Autumn Term, the Six preference for American lingo: dur­ Ones, with some reluctance, entered ing the discussion we were not Activities such as 'Seen to be the gymnasium for an all-day Man­ supposed to begin a sentence with 'I Green', non-uniform day and pos­ agement Conference under the think' - only with 'I feel'. We also ter competitions were held during guidance of Philip Le Broc. Rather talked of ways in which we could the Week, giving everybody the sketchy as to what the conference improve the School and whether we chance to become involved in would contain, it was with some 'felt' happy with the way things were. current matters. However, our trepidation that we listened to 'Phil's' special piece de resistance was an first instructions. Everyone sat in a The result of the Management Con­ environmental quiz. The event circle and invited the staff in as they ference depended very strongly on had an excellent turn-out and arrived. The staff, whom we were how much you put into it and in asked to call 'guests' for the day, there were even some Six Twos some areas it was very successful: arrived looking equally apprehensive. Alex Schaafsma went on to form a competing for the title of Most Philip Le Broc's aims for the day Lower School Debating Society and Environmentally Friendly Teaml seemed to be centred on bringing the it was also a chance for the year to Everyone proved that they were layer together, promoting the idea of get to know the new Six Ones and reasonably aware of current a team effort and showing the advan­ vice-versa. For some new girls, it issues, although we did have tages of co-operating with staff! provided a chance to speak their some rather amusing answers. minds and state their opinions. For example, one group of Fourth Phil's methods consisted of a number However, Philip Le Broc's methods Formers said that one way of sav­ of games and exercises. The first of for bringing the year together were ing water would be to watch the these was forming a group and then based mainly on his faith in the devising the best method of carrying bath running! advantages of the 'group hug' and a teacher above your head around the success here did seem to be some­ room. Another was forming a pair what limited. Our layer did get All in all, Environment Week was with a member of staff and having to together for the day but the effects a great success and we managed shout 'yes' and 'no' at each other as were not long-lasting. Despite this, to raise over £200 for various loudly as possible. Alcohol was pro­ the day was very enjoyable and if the charities. In addition, the collec­ vided at a delicious supper which lessons learnt were not always the tion of aluminium cans during the perhaps aided the more emotional intended ones, then at the very least, year has raised a further £20 for discussion which took place in the each of us went away with the environmental charities. evening. Everyone sat in a circle, knowledge that it did sometimes pay some on chairs and some on the to be more receptive to these new floor, and we discussed in which methods of teaching. Jane Halt seating position we felt more secure. Head of Biology Philip Le Broc combined his novel Susanna Davidson methods of physical challenge with a Six One

TWENTY-NINE Arts Festival 1995

Advanced Embroidery

The second Benenden Arts Festival for GCSE students was held on Friday, 10 February. Students from five schools in addition to Benenden attended with a special afternoon performance for the whole of Benen­ den School. Both events were sponsored by Coutts & Co and the Founders' Memorial Fund.

Workshops were run by 26 working arts professionals in areas as diverse as acting, directing, writing, journal­ ism, composing and painting.

Work completed during the day was shown in a plenary session.

THIRTY The usual Six One Careers' and greatly helped to increase my Phoebe Allpress had a very differ­ Insight Programme took knowledge of how the Foreign Office ent but no less interesting day at functions. Mercury Asset Management: place this year but was sup­ plemented by the Fifth Alexandra went on to meet a On the 27th April, Mrs Consuelo Form's opportunity to take variety of other officials, learnt of Brooke, a Senior and mother of Char­ part in the nation-wide Take the qualifications needed to work lotte (Hemsted), kindly allowed me Our Daughters to Work Day in this field, toured the grand State to shadow her at Mercury Asset Man­ Rooms, attended a News Depart­ agement - or the stocks and shares and we have selected extracts ment briefing conference for the part of Warburgs, for those of us who from the reports of three par­ press and experienced the high are not familiar with 'financial ticipants on their level of security. Her most unnerv­ jargon'. experiences. ing experience was to be spoken to Mrs Brooke is the Director of the by a Minister's Private Secretary Pension Funds section and, as I was in the Minister's own office and to to find out, her job is to look into have the Minister arrive unexpect­ new and even not-so-new companies edly. Douglas Hogg, the Minister, to decide whether to invest in them was very understanding and very or not. As she said herself, most of enlightening also. This ended 'an her day is spent on the telephone to excellent day1. Her most detailed clients, collecting vital information meeting was with the Hong Kong about the market and then dealing Department: with huge amounts of other people's Alexandra Seddon visited the money! Foreign Office: After a quick lunch with some of the She was keen to show me all the people I had previously met during other areas of the business as well as After what seemed a hectic commute the morning, I went back to the main her own and one section I particu­ to me but is just a normal day to building with an official of the Hong larly wanted to see was 'The Dealing many people, I ventured out on my Kong Department. As you can Room'. All I really knew about this first real day in the working city. I imagine, this has been very busy room was what I had been fed by was very apprehensive when I first because of the hand-over to China in movies and as I went up in the lift, I arrived at the Personnel Management 1997. The afternoon I was there prepared myself for mass mayhem, Department because I knew very coincided with the first House of accompanied by about five thousand little about how the Foreign Office Commons debate on Hong Kong and people, all with at least six mobile worked. This section of the Foreign China for six years, so it was very 'phones stuck to each ear. When I and Commonwealth Office, to give it hectic. The Hong Kong Department arrived, I was met by the rather dis­ its full title, is situated outside the is a long corridor of about ten rooms, appointing sight of about twenty Office's main buildings. each dealing with individual aspects people, all sitting at computer screens I was at once made welcome and of the colony. It was very interesting and, much to my horror, no mobile Mrs Barnes Jones, a Senior of the to be shown a very large booklet of 'phones! When I asked the question: School and organiser of my day's questions which had had to be prep­ 'Where's all the action?’ I was swiftly itinerary, showed me to her office ared for the debate. The work dealt put in my place by my guide; he told and explained the management struc­ with for the last two years or so has me that all the best companies had ture and the main aims and objectives been to try and ensure that there are up-to-the-minute IT facilities and of the Foreign Office. In basic terms, as few changes as possible when there was therefore no need for huge the latter are: (a) to enhance the Hong Kong reverts to China. For numbers of people rushing around security and prosperity of the United example, immigration from Vietnam when a computer could do the job Kingdom and the Dependent Terri­ and China needs to be controlled and more efficiently. tories and (b) to promote and protect every attempt is being made to avoid British interests and influence over­ communist influence. Phoebe learnt a great deal about seas, including the welfare of British the intricacies of Mrs Brooke's nationals. Alexandra discovered that occupation and says 'even though She then described her own and employees of the Foreign Office it wasn't what I expected, I found it the Personnel Department's role for have a hectic but challenging life very interesting.' A highlight was a the Foreign Office itself. Mrs Barnes and concludes: financial discussion meeting: Jones is responsible for the career development, welfare and personal I had a very worthwhile and interest­ In the afternoon, I went to one of Mrs matters of 130 people while they are ing day and am very interested in Brooke's meetings with a French working abroad. She was very will­ doing some more work experience in stockbroker called Laurent Sablio, ing to answer any of my questions the Foreign Office next year. who had brought numerous com­ panies' portfolios with him, about all

THIRTY-ONE of which he seemed to be extremely you are morally fit to practise at the To the Salt Mines... enthusiastic! They spent about an Bar. hour discussing these companies and Miss Gloster is a member of the it was especially interesting and also Inner Temple Inn although for lunch very amusing , as Laurent was quite a we went to the Middle Temple Inn In Salzburg we saw some 'character'! All in all, the day was a which is supposedly more interesting beautiful views. The mountains wonderful experience and I am very historically; the Temple Church, had snow and ice and corries. which Miss Gloster showed me is grateful to Mrs Brooke. We saw some lovely lakes. We certainly of great antiquity. saw houses with spikes on their roofs so the snow wouldn't all come off at once and cause an accident. There were also specially shaped roofs to direct the snow in a particular direction.

The salt mines were the reason for Salzburg's name: salz - salt, burg - castle. We took a train-like engine down into the mines and slid down a long wooden slide in our white over­ alls. We actually crossed the border into Germany underground, and Elizabeth Gloster with Neelam Verjee tasted the very salty water. The Neelam Verjee went to Law with During the afternoon, I spent time actual salt-making business closed a Elizabeth Gloster, mother of with the junior clerks who are few years ago and the mines are now Sophie Brodie (Marshall): responsible for making sure that the used as a tourist attraction. We went barristers have everything they need on an underground boat with amaz­ ...we walked to the Law Offices - 1 for their cases and were, really, run­ ing light effects and weird music! Essex Court, to be precise... Firstly, I ners. During this time, I was taken The roof was really low and when we was shown around the area. The around the Royal Courts of Justice, touched it, salt crumbled away. chambers, as they were called, were which were impressively large and built in 1677 and this is where barris­ imposing. A McDonald’s with Mrs We also went to the Haus der Natur. ters have their offices. There is also a Addyman brought a really interesting There were lots of animals, including Clerks' Room, which can be seen as day to an end. my favourite, the crocodile! They the nerve centre and where there are had some fascinating sticks all grown twelve clerks who book barristers, A large number of Fifth together like a trellis, and some make their appointments and sort out Form girls took advantage of strangely-shaped leaves. There were butterflies and birds and planets. I their diaries. There were timetables the day’s opportunities to put up each day for the clerks, telling liked the planet section because you them what was on the agenda. find out about such diverse had to weigh yourself on all the After I was shown around, I went fields as telecommunications, planets and see on which planet you with a barrister called Mr Jeffery school uniform retailing, would weigh the lightest. I weighed Onions who was involved in a case marriage guidance counsell­ 2kg on Mercury! to do with music copyright and the ing, occupational therapy, infringement of recording rights; you There wasn’t much pollution in don't think about these aspects when being a readers' adviser at a Salzburg as everyone had paper bins, you listen to the music recordings library, international media biological bins, plastic and glass themselves! Half way through, I was sales, shipping, hospice work bins, aluminium bins and everyday taken to another court where the case and a host of others. The bins. It seemed that there were lots of shops and stalls selling souvenirs concerned fraud. This was cut short School wishes to thank all and I rejoined Miss Gloster for lunch. so I think Salzburg relied quite a lot To become a barrister, you not those mothers who made this on tourists. Nearly every shop sold only have to have a deep knowledge Take Our Daughters to Work Mozartkugels! of the law but also have to join an Day so successful. Inn of Court and 'eat dinners' with Sophie Hall other barristers so that they are able Elizabeth Sebag-Montefiore to judge your personality and see if Upper Fourth

THIRTY-TWO Postcard from Zimbabwe

At the Airport Photo: Jane Grayling

Amazing experiences - quite impossible to recreate in the few sentences allocated! Work on a game reserve, a canoe safari, numerous game drives, highland trekking, and white water rafting in Victoria Falls were punctuated by eight hour bus rides, holiday romances, campfires and much laughter! Confidence was boosted, leaders led and friendships were forged. Quite superb - a trip with 'World Challenge' is recommended for anyone needing a breath of fresh air!

Juliet Douglas-Hughes Upper Fifth

Canoeing down the Zambezi Photos: Jane Grayling

THIRTY-THREE Gaudi to Guernica Abroad for rain!

On Thursday, 16 February, we erous famous paintings by Bosch, As we flew over Spain we saw found ourselves in sunny El Greco, Rubens, Goya, brown mountains and many rivers Barcelona, armed with bags of Melendez and Velazquez. and reservoirs. There was a bit of flat woolly jumpers and coats for the Having explored Madrid, we land but it was very dry as there had bitter spring that we did not have went to the Reina Sofia museum been a drought. However, we did see to endure. on the last day where we saw some waterfalls with huge drops. We The purpose of this trip to work by Dali, Guernica by went to the highest point in Malaga Spain was to study Spanish art Picasso and other examples of where you could see for miles and architecture and having dis­ modem art. After stocking up on around. carded our bags in the 'art souvenirs and duty free, we were nouveau' style Hotel Espania in sorry to have to return home. The In Ronda all the bridges were ancient. I noticed one particular the centre of Barcelona, we were trip had been a great success bridge that had four different bridges stunned by the magnificence of (thank you to the staff). on top of each other. The people of Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's 'organic' We recommend you visit Spain Spain are obviously interested in cathedral. Not only those if only for the paella and the gen­ arches as they are all over the place, acquainted with nicotine were erous helpings of, shall we say, especially at the Alhambra Palace puffing and wheezing after tackl­ liquid. where we saw gardens and flowers. ing the 730 steps of the towers, It was very pretty. We also went to from which we earned a bird's- Nicola Bullard an old fortress. We went to eye view of the spectacular city Nina Barttelot cathedrals and churches which had a that we were yet to discover. Emma Lewis lot of gold and the pictures were really big and colourful. The next day, the group assem­ Annabel Mackenzie-Beevor bled to make its way to the Six One The weather was sunny most days Picasso Museum, ambling but on the two days when we went to through the town to view an enor­ the beach, it rained. The beach in mous number of world-acclaimed Malaga was blacker than the one in paintings. Here we saw a room Nerja because the rocks, which are devoted to Las Meninas, a mono­ ground up to make the sand, are chrome paraphrase of the work of black. The sea was cold. The caves the same name by Diego Velaz­ in Nerja were a long way under­ quez. The day's sights included ground. There were stalagmites and stalactites and a huge 32 metre the cathedral of Barcelona, the column in the Cataclysm chamber. Miro Museum and the Olympic stadium. Clementine Shipp The following day, we toured Upper Fourth the city, admiring Gaudi’s spectacular architecture and fol­ lowed this with a sweaty trek to Parc Giiell to observe convoluting forms and remarkably imagina­ tive mosaic sculptures. We reclined gratefully under the cool shade of the palm trees, looking out over the sea. That night we were carted off, cattle style, on the couchette to the city of Madrid. Having now mastered the Spanish under­ ground system, we travelled to the Prado art gallery, the highlight Mrs duCharme (right) and Mrs Pook are overcome by the of our trip. Here we saw num­ Spanish Influence in Malaga Photo: Alexandra Whitelaw

THIRTY-FOUR Day 1: Left school on time, hope I put my suitcase on the coach?! Mr Moore's snoring kept the staff awake!

Day 2: Arrived safely but abandoned already! Teachers deserted us in market, (later saw them eating out­ side a cafe), we had to buy lunch in groups. Bought pastries and choco­ late. Boat trip great, wasn't seasick. Youth hostel smelly but bunk beds great. (Toilets flush noisily!)

Day 3: Sleeping Beauty castle. Funny Frenchman did tour. He gave Miss Cannon a kiss - lucky her! Visit to Roman Auntietheatre, no lions about today, phew! On to Hen­ nessey, distillery (Cognac) for Photo:Rose Colville "science lesson" and a free sample for Dad. Teachers seemed eager to get to the gift shop. Dinner at hostel - bread, bread and more bread....

Day 4: Futuroscope. Brill and fab! Queues long but plenty of boys to talk to and practise French. Starting to get blisters. Mr. Sanderson and Miss Cannon sing in corridor whilst we get ready for bed, they are quite The girls don't seem to want to go tuneful! home! Ben Moore Day 5: Museum of mussels then off to the marshes for a land train ride Mr Sanderson Serenades In La Rochelle and punting. Had boat races, set fire Photo: Claire Howeson to the water and sang very loudly. Teachers needed to buy "supplies" at the Hypermarche and made us late for supper.

Day 6: Walked to boat museum, blisters growing. Climbed towers and then caught boat to the aquarium. Too many tourists there though! Journey home was ok. Have run out of money so bought mum and dad a P&O biro. Tired but happy - will need half term to recover!

Ben Moore Samantha Cannon

With Mrs duCharme In Greenwich

THIRTY-FIVE A SERVICE OF DEDICATION of the Memorial to Capitaine Jean Maridor Free French, 91 Squadron RAF 24 November 1920 - 3 August 1944 St George's Church, Benenden Sunday, 11 September 1994

A distinguished group of French visitors, some colleagues of Jean Maridor, attended the memorial Service to the man who died protecting Benenden School and village from a VI flying bomb. Mrs Jean Holme (nee Lambourn), Capitaine Maridor's fiancee at the time of his death, was a special guest at the Service and at the subsequent lunch at the School, hosted by Mrs duCharme. The order of service was rendered into French by Caroline Bartlett.

Jean Maridor

Mrs Jean Holme and Wing Cdr R Sampson, CBE, DFC

Mr T S C Busby, OBE, DL (Benenden), Mr Kenneth Potter (British Legion) and Col M Bottine (Air Attache French Embassy)

THIRTY-SIX VE Day in Hyde Park

On 6 May 1995, the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Sec­ ond World War was celebrated. My great-grandfather was Sir Win­ ston Churchill and my grandmother, Mary Soames, is his youngest daugh­ ter. Because of this, the Royal British Legion, who were in charge of organising the official VE Day celebrations, invited me to be the person to hand to Her Majesty the Queen the torch with which she would then light the Beacon of Peace.

I was allowed the weekend off School as there were several rehear­ sals in Hyde Park for the ceremony. On the preceding Friday night, I went to a concert in the Park and was privileged to sit in the Royal Box. We all stood when Princess Anne arrived. On the Saturday afternoon, Photograph by courtesy of Reuters we returned to Hyde Park for a rehearsal during which I met the torch bearers, who, after the cere­ mony, were to run to many destina­ tions all over the UK, bearing the official torches. On the Sunday, there was another rehearsal for the television cameras. Visionary ideas... On the night itself, I stood for three- quarters of an hour holding an unlit Personal helicopters, flying motor­ The burial ceremony was well torch and this time there were bikes, hologram televisions, under­ attended by students, staff and the 230,000 people in the stands watch­ water cities, automatic hair cutting press. Lauren Pobjoy, as the young­ ing. Then I walked to the Queen's booths, and temperature regulating est member of the school, had the chair where I lit my torch and handed clothes were just a few of the vision­ honour of burying the capsule. it to Her Majesty. 1 did not curtsey as ary ideas buried in a time capsule on Details of the location of each of the I was told not to while holding a 10 March 1995. 2045 capsules buried nationwide flaming torch. As I handed it to her, have been recorded at the Museum of the Queen asked me what she should The Design Council marked its 50th Mankind. A copy of each entry do with it! I watched the rest of the anniversary by celebrating the sealed inside our capsule will be kept ceremony through binoculars from nation's commitment to design and in the school's archives. the stands. I then went home very inspiring innovation for the 21st cen­ cold but it was a great honour to be tury through Project 2045: Design for I hope that the contributors and sup­ asked and it was thrilling to our future. The project was open to porters will be able to congregate participate. schools, colleges, businesses and once more at the site on March 10th design consultancies. Participants 2045 when the capsule will be were asked to put forward visions for retrieved! Emily Macmanus design and living in the year 2045. Fourth Over eighty students submitted work Samantha Cannon ranging from concept sketches to Head of Design and Technology poetry, reflecting ideas ranging from those within the realms of possibility to the truly fantastic.

THIRTY-SEVEN Inter City to Adventure

After arrival at Euston, we endeavoured to make the four and a half hour journey to Betws-y-Coed, crossing the border into Wales without the delights of duty-free. However, we were blessed with the Inter City buffet car.

Upon arrival, we piled on to a waiting mini-bus and were taken to the field centre where the important sites of the village were grafted on to our minds. We were sharing the centre with five other schools, two of the male variety and therefore welcomed by all of us, especially Cariad. Work started that afternoon with an introduction to the rules and regulations of the centre which were assimilated by all listeners.

Our first day involved hydrology, which brought back fond memories of Nettlecombe and a very humorous incident occurred when Ali Ross disap­ peared, temporarily, in a bog. The day at the beach proved the most successful and enjoyable. The sun shone down and rather unfairly caught the pale skin of Alex's face, turning it to a dark shade of beetroot. To cool ourselves down, a dip in the sea was in order. Georgina Harland with Hygrometer Photo: Jane Grayling Mrs Grayling joined us, though a little assistance was required, which consisted in her being carried down the beach by all of us and thrown into the imitation Caribbean.

Another of our adventurous days was spent taking a peaceful stroll in the countryside around Betws-y- Coed where, at one point, having climbed a daunt- ingly steep incline, we were greeted by an ill- humoured Welsh landowner, which distressed some of us. The farmer seemed to regard the place as a gold-mine rather than the slate heap which it seemed to us but we retreated to the welcoming surroundings of the field centre.

Our evenings were spent concluding the day's work and relaxing in front of Welsh television! The whole field trip was a tremendous success. We enjoyed it AND learned a good deal and sincerely thank Mrs Grayling for agreeing to accompany us. It was such fun that we are all looking forward to the slide show!

Alexandra Bateman Rachel Khalil Six One

Even at their Society supper Inkslingers continue to write

THIRTY-EIGHT Sixth Form Field Studies at BREAD Dale Fort, Pembrokeshire New to the scene in Benenden, BREAD was launched in late November. It is a Christian meeting that takes place on Friday evenings, aimed to appeal to those of religious inclinations or none.

A wide range of visiting speakers have come to talk on various issues and the relaxed atmosphere, varied activities and homemade cake make it a welcome way to end the week!

Fish's Eye View Rebecca Mullins Head of Religious Studies

Several changes...

The School Union has met regularly this year and brought about several changes. One of these developments is the presence of two fixed exeats in the Autumn Term. This was because it was felt that this term is very long and tiring, for the new girls Worm's Eye View especially. A water fountain has finally been installed in the Cloisters for students with games between lessons.

An effort has also been made to improve the School's security. Stud­ ents now meet with staff regularly as it is realised that students are often the most aware of security problems in Houses. There has also been much discussion over the necessity for Human's Eye View obligatory church for Sixth Formers. Nothing has yet been concluded, however this is a thought for the future.

Many other small changes have also been made. I would like to thank all Union officials and staff that support the Union. I look forward to more progress this year.

Anna Jennings Seagull's Eye View President of the Union Photos: Peter Lewis

THIRTY-NINE Trip to the Sinai

I wriggle in my sleeping bag and open my eyes; the sky is totally clear, the sun is rising. I realise that I have never really seen a completely blue sky; liv­ ing in England, that is hardly surprising.

In the Easter holidays, ten girls, four parents and Miss Moat set off to the Sinai Desert. It was an amazing experience and great fun. One of our first feats was to climb Mount Sinai itself and we all felt very pleased with ourselves until we saw all the The best day, I feel, was the day we Photo: Harriet Reid old ladies who skip up and down the spent in the sandstone desert. mountain every day of their lives. Chicken Man' took us to a Bedouin On the way up, we went half-way on well and proceeded to soak everyone camels, which was very amusing. - and then we took our revenge on The camels liked to walk on the edge him. That day we also climbed a of the path and push each other sand dune and raced down. A variety around and I don't recommend being of names were adopted and allocated: terrified of falling down a mountain. the five Fifths on the trip took to Believe it or not, at the summit there calling themselves 'The Famous Five were stalls selling Cadbury's choco­ Fifths', Mr Carter's designer stubble late and hot drinks! earned him the title 'Yasser Arafat' and we suspected that Miss Moat fell On our first day in the desert, it was for our young Bedouin guide! my birthday and my mother had insisted on sending me off with a It was, all in all, a wonderful trip and cake. To further my embarrassment, on behalf of all those who went, I my godmother had insisted on icing would like to thank Emma Loveridge it. We sat around the camp-fire and from Wind, Sand and Stars, all our ate the cake and I am sure it was the Bedouin guides and especially Miss first time the drivers of the vehicles Moat, who made it all possible. saw and ate an English birthday cake. This brings me to our Bedouin guides Harriet Reid and drivers. I am sure that I have Lower Filth never met such a friendly, forthcom­ ing and funny people. The biggest hit were the two Mohammeds who were nicknamed 'Banana Man' and 'Chicken Man'. Perhaps 'Chicken Man' could be persuaded to come to Benenden to help with the catering: the food was delicious. We also stayed at St Catherine's for one night where we were, it seemed, overrun by Greek tourists. This monastery is a major landmark in the desert and is a Greek Orthodox establishment and is very beautiful though we only caught a glimpse of the priests, who, not surprisingly, seemed to avoid visitors.

FORTY Phoenix and Hands On

Early in the Autumn Term, over forty enthusiastic Six Ones formed two Young Enterprise companies. By half-term, these were fully oper­ ational and each was equipped with a managing director: Char­ lotte Baden-Powell and Sophie Brodie. 'Phoenix' made and sold cotton scarves, while 'Hands On' produced grass heads.

The two companies soon got their goods into production and started to sell them straight after half-term, to willing parents, staff and fellow stud­ ents, as well as at a trade fair outside School.

Both companies were successful and made profits. Each produced an annual report and, as a result of this, Phoenix progressed to the second stage of the competition. During the Spring Term, many of us sat the Young Enterprise Europe examina­ tions and no fewer than eight distinctions were obtained.

Considerable thanks are due to our two company advisers and to Dr Peter Lewis, who gave both groups a great deal of practical help. In the course of this year, we have often been told that Young Enterprise is, above all, a learning experience. I am glad to say that it was a lot of fun too!

Gemma Shearman Six One

Photo: Eva Phillips

FORTY-ONE The Nettlecombe Experience

One Saturday morning in May, the Lower Fifths frantically sped around their Houses searching for various objects of kit. Outside, the clouds were low and grey - perfect weather for field studies, but luckily for us, the weather stayed good most of the week. Trembling teachers embarked on a long coach journey with 78 noisy girls. The coaches lurched forward amid cheers of "Freedom"! Five hours later, hordes of hot and sticky teenagers emerged from the convoy outside a looming house with a haunted air and creaking floorboards. Those hours of stored-up energy were released in unpacking and. exploring. The groans of the field studies staff were drowned in yelps and squeals of delight. By dinner time the group had been clothes in grass stains! When we shocked into reality by measuring went to Porlock Bay we had great yellow flowers all over the front fun measuring stones and investigat­ lawn! Dinner was a noisy affair, ing longshore drift: as the stones aided by the acoustics of the Great moved along the beach they were Hall. After dinner, a welcoming eroded and made smaller and speech in the Flanders and Swan smoother. It was a privilege to see a style was addressed to us by a metal­ seal swimming in the Bristol Channel hipped man called Dr Crothers. He - a first time for some; when it looked like Henry the Eighth and poured with rain, we took refuge in a held his stick under his arm in a tiny shop. Another day we did the military manner, reminding me of an famous 'Nettlecombe Grassland ex-sergeant major who was now a Experiment', counting different strict PE teacher. With this picture in species in plots mown like a normal my mind, I thought that we had been lawn, plots mown every year and sent to an army camp and would plots never mown; it wasn't the most have to work from 6am till 10pm till interesting investigation! However, we died of exhaustion, but Dr we liked the idea of working with the Crothers was so friendly and funny real world rather than imitating the that I knew that, after all, we were land forms in a classroom. going to have a good time. His trusty canine companions were Basil, the We worked a lot, we learned a lot, Fun? Jack Russell and Sam the golden and it was great fun. Only believe retriever, who was very good at the good rumours about Nettle­ releasing "dog gas" in the laboratory! combe: you'll have a good time.

At Nettlecombe there is a delicious CONTRIBUTORS: Olivia Powles range of food, which prevented our Amelia Calverl stomachs from talking. It was almost Anna Fremantle like home cooking - cooked break­ Harriet Witheridge fasts, decent packed lunches, Catherine Langdon delicious buns or cakes for tea and a Katie Cullinan filling supper. What more could we Louise Heming Johnson want? On a typical day a loud rising Alice Wright bell rang at 8am, but if it was Sara Milnes Coates someone’s birthday we would get up Joanna Langham somewhat earlier. Freya Coolden Tessa Viljoen We worked and played in the beauti­ Saivipa Patpongpibul ful Somerset countryside, paddled in Zita Yarwood the bubbly stream of Embercombe in Helen Dunnet magnificently scenic Exmoor, and Juliet Nash flooded our wellies investigating the Zante Walker distribution of freshwater inverte­ Rebecca Smart brates at six stages downstream; this Tanya Madhvani day ended happily with a water fight. We trapped field mice and rolled Work? down the steep hill, covering our

FORTY-TWO Behind the Scenes Week Macbeth

at the Royal Opera House A trip to see Macbeth ? Various emo­ tions spread through the Upper I applied for the course for 16-21 year-olds in February 1995, Fifths. After discussion, we decided expressing my interest in theatre and was delighted to receive the this might be useful and enjoyable, letter of acceptance to start on 17 July.. with perhaps McDonald's too! So, Thursday, 23 February came My first day at the Royal Opera and the coach arrived. We arrived in House was certainly an eye-opener good time for a quick leg-stretch and I was particularly surprised at before settling down in the (some­ how easy it was for over eighty of us what small) New End Theatre, to become friends during our initial Hampstead. 'bonding' session. Each day was The beginning seemed somewhat broken down into four two-hourly different from the play we had been sessions with a one hour lunch break studying and a few sat through the in Covent Garden. Throughout the first five minutes believing we had week, we attended a ballet and opera come to the wrong play! However, it demonstration, a 'life in the orchestra' slowly became familiar to all and we sequence, a tour of the Opera House Kathryn Eustace waited eagerly to see how these and of the workshops for directing actors would interpret the plot. set and costume design, stage man­ astonished by the ultimate cost. I We were pleasantly surprised also managed to obtain an interview agement and lighting design. We when the supposed 'old hags' of with one of the costume designers, even attempted some opera singing witches appeared from under the which will be very helpful for my A which was certainly an experience! stage as three young girls dressed in Level Theatre Studies costume My favourite, however, was certainly bright orange. The general opinion project. the 'wigs and make-up' demonstra­ was that the characters were por­ tion, which consisted of the head of trayed effectively with interesting department showing us various wigs At the end of the week, I had the ideas, such as modem dress, incor­ chance to direct a scene from the of the past and also giving us a fasci­ porated. It was encouraging to see play Arms and the Man by George nating make-up demonstration. For such a young group of actors work­ Bernard Shaw. I found this particu­ this, a volunteer was chosen from the ing so well together. audience whose face was divided in larly challenging, as the three The play continued in an impres­ characters in my scene were played two and then skilfully made up, sive fashion and most of the original by actresses from a London stage much to his embarrassment, half as a text was kept. The characters were, school, who were much older than I man and half as a woman! on the whole, similar to those we had was. However, I found that by work­ expected, although we were all disap­ ing closely with them, I was able to Another highlight of my week was pointed with Lady Macbeth, as she the 'Department Visits’. Firstly, we express my own ideas successfully. had a strong Irish accent which saw the 'Model Room', which had an undercut the play's vital Scottish The treat of the week was a perfor­ amazing display of miniature model setting. mance of Verdi's La Traviata, with sets of all past productions at the A particularly impressive part of the leading role of Violetta being Royal Opera House. Afterwards, we the production was the way in which played by Carol Veness. Unfor­ visited a performer's dressing room, the stage's wooden platform was where we saw a demonstration on the tunately, the performance had to be slightly raised, not only to give a abandoned after the second act as art of prosthetics, which is the mak­ slanted look, but also to allow the ing of constructions to alter Carol Veness was suffering from actors to emerge from underneath, laryngitis. I will, nevertheless, someone’s appearance on stage. In often surprising the audience. always have wonderful memories of this case, the performer used the At the end, we were so impressed the beautiful singing, the extravagant character of one of the gnomes he with the play's effect that we com­ set and the elaborate costumes. played in Wagner's Ring cycle as his pletely forgot our craving for Big example. Macs! The return seemed quick and The entire week was a very colourful no doubt seemed comfortable for our Our last visit was to the costume experience, greatly developing my able 'minders’, Mrs Elkin and Miss own presentation skills, and I would department, where we were shown a Cannon, as the loud group were fast encourage anyone interested in the display of costumes used in past asleep in the back. productions along with the extensive arts to attend this course. wardrobes. I was astonished by the Kate Kandiah Alexandra Pye amount of attention to detail which Kathryn Eustace Upper Fifth went into the costumes and equally Six One

FORTY-THREE Post Examination Programme 1995

Shades of Bruges I Bruges Transport

Other than Bruges visits, elements of the post-exam programme included: Parents' Association outings Visits to Aylesford Priory, Knole Park, Cambridge and The Body Shop fac­ tory and headquarters Lectures: Colour Me Beautiful How to Entertain Shades of Bruges II Checking the Money As You Like It workshop

Shades of Bruges III

In the Square

FORTY-FOUR Questions and Answers Sixth Form Lectures

What do you do if you want to have breakfast in bed, Forensic Science Mike Silverman have a slave for a day, wear your own clothes in lessons Scientific Support Manager, or have your car washed? Kent County Constabulary An Introduction to Further Education How do you persuade even the most conservative Jacki Burr-Lonan members of staff to wear bright red? Kent County Council Careers Department

What do tennis rallies, visiting Her Majesty the Queen Economics and Being a working mother Mother, hair plaiting in Marshall and Sushi band pop Professor and Mrs Lai concerts have in common? Applying to university Brian Heap Developmental Learning DifficultiesSteve Clarke THE ANSWER to all of the above is: raising money for Developmental Therapist and charity at Benenden. creator of The Centre for Developmental Learning Difficulties There's something about a good cause that inspires the best Life from my wheelchair in everyone and this year has been no exception. A huge Mark Bowen amount of money has been raised through the imagination, Mark, a 19 year old paraplegic and ex-Haileybury boy, flair and sheer hard work of girls and staff on all sides - achieved ABD at A level despite breaking his neck two they and family and friends have given most generously, years previously and suffering total paralysis. He had just enabling us to raise a recorded total of £5819.56. spent three weeks on safari in Africa and after his GAP year has a place at SOAS to study African Studies. A powerful and moving talk by Sally Trench elicited numerous enterprises to raise money for Project Spark: to South Africa, a den of iniquity or a cradle of hope? fill two lorries with food and medical supplies, for Sally to Jeremy Taylor drive across firing lines to reach the neediest people in A Career with Shell International John Pearce Bosnia. The Born Free Foundation Annette Andre Closer to home, a well illustrated talk by Mrs Margaret MONTY Gary Montgomery Hanlon prompted some fruitful fund-raising for the Canterbury Oasts Trust. This is an important charity Careers for a journalist Barry Penrose which enables mentally disabled adults to run a Rare Investigative Editor of Sunday Express and The Times Breeds Farm with a restaurant, as well as other local Russia from the inside Greg Yeoman projects. Classic and Caribbean - travelling thoughts on cults Other charities supported this year include: and culture David Harmsworth Save the Children Queen Mary's Clothing Guild Benenden Challenge Comic Relief World Wildlife Fund St Botolph's Centre, London Survival International The Macmillan Fund Help the Aged The Royal British Legion Royal National Lifeboat Institute St George's Church, Benenden Baroness Warnock Treloar Trust Marie Curie Cancer Care Shelter Founders' Lectures Rebecca Mullins Feminism BaronessWarnock Almoner Taking supplies to the people in Bosnia Sally Trench Author of 'Bury me in my Boots' and Founder of Project Spark

FORTY-FIVE Sculpture Textile News

Girls are encouraged to visit exhibi­ tions and museums to look at historical or modem textile pieces. This year the Fifths saw professional artists' work at the Commonwealth Institute in an event entitled 'The Art of the Stitch', which included large- scale pieces for corporate display. A visit to the Indian Rooms at the V & A later that day proved to be a wond­ erful source of ideas and, for some students, was the first of many visits. Besides looking, it is exciting to take part in a public exhibition and some girls exhibited at three events this year. Firstly, congratulations to Melissa Clive who won joint first prize in the 15-18 age group in the Embroiderers' Guild de Denne Bur­ sary Awards, winning a cheque for £50. Her richly-embellished velvet waistcoat Streets Paved with Gold Prof Grigori Bulgarov won the Young Textile Group's com­ (aka Mr Stiller), with his petition 'Pantomime', held at 'interpreter' Richard Whitehead, Hampton Court Palace, to be visits the Long Gallery exhibited again at Alexandra Palace, in October. K8 and K9 at Sunset: Nicola Bullard, Melissa Clive, the first sculpture in the new sculpture park Hannah Morgan and Alexandra Ross were amongst those who, in April, exhibited with the Tunbridge Wells Group of the Embroiderers’ Guild at the town's art gallery. Finally, congratulations to Joanna Aitchison, U16 class winner in the National Embroidery Championships at Ascot Racecourse in June. She was awarded £50 for her piece Free­ dom. Jenny Newton and Elizabeth Parish had the pleasure of hanging work alongside that of other textile artists. Fashion and creative textiles are regularly exhibited in the Entrance Hall and in Long Gallery Art Exhibi­ tions. Watch for displays of wonder­ ful embroideries and textiles from the Historical Costume Collection which has items from 1800 onwards and from many cultures and countries. The Menswear section of the Collec­ tion recently had its 1970s area extended with the donation, by Alex­ ander Stiller, of an Aquascutum Anthony Hawken demonstrates sculptural technique at the Arts Festival 1995 suede overcoat with fur collar. Elaine Tyler Head of Textiles

FORTY-SIX Ski-ing and a Sun-tan, Benenden trips across the pond to California

In the early hours of the morning of Friday, 24 April, the party began to assemble at Heathrow, ready to endure an eleven-and-a-half hour flight. We were wonderfully wel­ comed by the sight of two of our three instructors who would take on the arduous task of (supposedly) chaperoning us throughout the holiday. Our first stop, once in LA airport, was the nearby 'Continental Plaza', a suitable 'passing through' place with spectacular views of Burger King. Overcome by jet-lag, we 'crashed out' on the first night. On Sunday, we embarked on our seven-hour coach journey to Mam­ moth Lakes, where we would spend our week ski-ing. Surprisingly, the time passed quickly thanks to bizarre The Intrepid School Ski Party in California musical tastes, incredible scenery and After a strenuous day on the slopes, a lot of jumping about by Emily the spa pool, outside the hotel in the Wills. snow, was very inviting and soothed When we finally arrived at the away many aches and pains. It also Skiing in Flaine Austria Hof Hotel, everyone piled off gave James Scopes the chance to get From 28 January to 1 February 1995, the 'bus in relief. Naturally, in the his own back by splashing every one the Benenden School skiing team excitement, the Six Ones made a bee­ as much as possible. After some stayed in Flaine in France for the line for the bar. Alas, the Americans capers on the last night, we annual British Schoolgirls' Races. are a peculiar people and you have to reluctantly packed our bags and The team consisted of seven: Sarah be over twenty-one simply to enter departed, not forgetting to rescue Baddeley, Zoe Bedford, Natasha one, even if, like us, you have only Helena from behind the bar! McDonald, Jenny Bekenn, Katy the innocent intention of buying We became stars for the day and Tiptaft, Natasha Pobjoy and Lauren orange juice. We were not to be visited the sights and sounds of Hol­ Dudley. Miss Steven kindly looked deterred however, and later managed lywood and Beverly Hills, planting after us during our stay. winningly to persuade the barman to our hands and feet in the prints of our serve us - much to Helena de Chair's heroes and heroines. When we felt We arrived in Flaine on Saturday delight. sufficiently armed with handfuls of evening and on Sunday we trained The following seven days were suitable souvenirs - plastic Oscars for the forthcoming races in cold and spent in bliss, skiing on some of the and the inevitable T-shirts, we windy conditions with heavy snow­ best snow in the world and, with the boarded our 'plane and waved a fond fall. We woke on Monday morning assistance of our lovely instructors, farewell to California and to a great nervous about the giant slalom race we became speed demons overnight. holiday. On behalf of the whole but everybody made it through the During the day, the sun shone end­ group we would like to thank Mrs course, which, considering the lessly while in the evening, the Scopes, Mrs Grayling and Mr Nebbs weather, was very impressive. That moisturisers were continuously re­ for putting up with us all and organis­ afternoon the sun finally came out for applied in a vain attempt to curb ing such an excellent and successful the dual slalom, a fun event in which peeling and cool the 'lobster look' trip which was thoroughly enjoyed we competed as a team. that all but Ali Ross had been blessed by those reporting on it here, who Our last race, the slalom, was on with. are: the Tuesday and on a difficult course, Almost two-thirds of the group Sophie Brodie which we were all pleased to com­ tried their foot at snowboarding, Lucinda Comes plete safely. We left Flaine with urged on by rumours that the instruc­ Alexandra Ross sorrow on Wednesday, having had a tors were gorgeous. It proved to be Sarah Scolt tiring but thoroughly enjoyable stay. harder than it looked and produced Six One some seriously impressive bruises.

FORTY-SEVEN "Computers are a powerful way of creating pictures." An innocent enough statement; and even if you don't like computers, you'd probably expect to be denounced as a E reactionary if you dared to argue with it. Now I'm a physicist, X and I dolike computers. So if computers are so wonderful, j why is it that all the pictures I try to draw come out like the r two opposite—neat but totally unrealistic? A My complete lack of artistic talent is only part of the answer. C The problem is that traditional computer drawing packages clouds U make it easy for you to draw lines and curves, and to colour in r shapes. But if this is all that your drawing program can do, r you have to work very hard to get something that looks even 1 remotely realistic. With the exception of certain styles of C interior decoration, the world around us is notmade up of y straight lines, curves and solid areas of colour! L A This matters, because unless computers can generate realistic r pictures without the intervention of artists or cameras, they'll mountains never be able to complete their program(me) of total world

domination. Fortunately, advances in mathematics in the last twenty years have provided a way to generate realistic pictures using shapes called fractals. These shapes have the property that if you magnify part of them, you see the original shape once again. The 'plant' opposite is an example of this: each branch is a copy of the whole plant. Nature is full of shapes with this structure—ferns, trees, the course of a river, the edge of a cloud, the side of a mountain... These natural shapes aren't perfect fractals, but they're close enough for fractal versions of ferns, trees, etc., generated by computer, to look extremely real. And because the rules that describe a fractal ("make the branch the same as the whole plant") are simple, computers can draw them very quickly and efficiently.

Just as traditional drawing software is best at drawing simple shapes, so traditional physics is best at handling simple systems—a pendulum, a single atom, a single planet orbiting a single star. Of course, this doesn't mean that traditional physics can onlyhandle simple systems. Just as a skilled artist can draw realistic pictures using only straight lines and curves, so a physicist with the requisite skill can identify the essence of a complicated problem and simplify this until it can be solved, without simplifying so much that the link with the original problem is lost.

But sooner or later both the artist and the physicist

FORTY-EIGHT reach the limit of what they can do in this way. The artist who finishes with straight lines and curves and wants to draw something more complicated can move on to new shapes. Some of the best modem computer drawing software allows the use of fractal shapes and textures, giving the artist access to a far greater range of images. Is there something similar for the physicist? Is there some unifying principle, analogous to fractals, that will allow the physicist to study complex systems?

Understanding complex systems fully is going to keep scientists busy for a long time yet, but the first step on the road is the notion of chaos. Scientists have long been used to the idea that simple systems behave in simple ways. A pendulum is a simple system: swing it, and it does more-or- less what you'd expect; swing it again, and much the same thing happens. But not all simple systems behave in this simple way. Swing a pendulum in the presence of three magnets (see the picture) and it goes all over the place! What's more, if you start it off from the same place a second time, its motion is completely different! Adding the magnets has made the motion of the pendulum very sensitive to small changes in its starting position. Because the starting position is never known exactly, the motion of the pendulum is actually unpredictable, even though the laws that govern itslaws, which means that understanding complicated motion are known. This unpredictability is calledchaos. behaviour is no longer hopeless. It's true that we can never predict the long-term behaviour of a chaotic system. But if Chaos occurs throughout Nature—in the size of animal we know the simple laws which govern the system, we can populations, the weather, the beating of a weak heart, the predict what will happen in the short term and we can dripping of water from a tap. All of these systems are understand the general features of what might happen in the governed by simple known laws, but all can be so sensitivelong term. For example, the weather is a chaotic system. to external conditions that, like the pendulum, there's no way Knowing if it is going to be raining in six months’ time is of predicting what will happen over long periods of time. impossible. But short-term forecasts work well, and our Left-over hippies will tell you that chaos represents the final understanding of long-term climate changes is getting better failure of reductionistic Western scientific rationalism, or all the time. something similar. Even if you know the laws that govern a system, they say, you can't tell what that system is going toThe study of chaos is the study of complex behaviour in do, so science has failed. But the real situation is almost the simple systems. Of potentially much greater importance is exact opposite of this. Let me explain. the study of simple behaviour in complex systems. An example: the human brain is a complex system, but human If it's true that simple laws can lead to complicated behaviour doesn't reflect the complexity of the brain at all. behaviour, then it is also true that behind complicated This is lucky, because the wiring of our brains changes from behaviour there may lie simple laws. Before chaos was day to day as our brain cells die and aren't replaced. If our recognized, a system which looked complicated was behaviour was as complicated as our brains, we'd be generally assumed to be complicated. But chaos has taught different people every day! But if ifc not the detailed us that complicated behaviour may be the result of simple structure that matters, what is it about our brains that makes them work? It's looking increasingly likely that the answers to such questions will come not from slicing brains up on a chopping board, but from a general theory of complex systems. Nothing in Nature is random... A thing appears random only Nigel Dowrick through the incompleteness of Physicist our knowledge.—Spinoza

FORTY-NINE Developing a product...

During the Summer Term the Upper Fourths embarked on a group project in association with Mercury Communications Ltd.

It entailed the setting up of a design company, in which a Managing Director, Marketing Manager and Design Manager were appointed to oversee and coordinate the develop­ ment of a mobile phone for Emily Urry, Managing Director of Gemini pictured with Judges, Paul Whitehead and Fraser Hodgson of Mercury Communications teenagers. Debra Price and Samantha Cannon of Benenden School and members of Gemini

A report, a block model of the pro­ posed design and a marketing Pictured right: The Apollo phone strategy were produced. Each group which was awarded 'Best Product' presented their work to a panel of for its added value incorporating an judges including two representatives attack alarm in its ergonomic design. from Mercury Communications. Pictured below: 'Overall Winner' The Gemini phone Prizes were awarded as follows:

Overall Winners Gemini

Best Logo Saturn

Best Product Apollo

Best Marketing Gemini As part of the GCSE course, students were given the opportunity to design a wall mounted or freestanding metal sculpture reflecting the Best Advertising Saturn Art Nouveau or Art Deco period.

Best Report Gemini

Best Presentation Gemini

All work can be seen on display in the Technology Centre.

Sculpture work by Amber Jefferys

FIFTY The Music Year

In a year which has seen so much activity and, it has to be said, so much success it is not easy to review that year without fear of leaving something out! As I look through my file of the year it seems only a short time ago that I was rather rapidly teaching the Senior Choir the Marseillaise for the Memorial Service in honour of Captain Jean Maridor on the first Sunday of the year. They sang excellently, typical of the Benenden student mentality of delivering the goods when it matters. (Now if they can do it in rehearsals too ...... ! )

A new concert venue was tried out in September when staff and students gave a lunch time Prom concert in the Entrance Hall with items featur­ ing the harpsichord. This proved to be a very popular venue and a further concert was held there just before Christmas. The level of music mak­ ing in Prayers and School Services greatly increased throughout the year giving our performers invaluable exposure and an important input to these services. The School Orchestra acknowledges applause, for the last time under the baton of Stephen Threlfall Autumn music... Speech Day 1995 formed by Canzonetta, the 1992 tuoso pianist Leslie Howard; a styl­ In early October the School was host Sainsbury Choir of the Year. A istically interesting concert given by for the Voices for Hospices perfor­ hectic weekend which also included the Kazakstan-born Bekova Sisters mance of the Messiah, part of a concerts by Canzonetta alone and Piano Trio and a concert given by synchronised nationwide fundraising students from the Royal Academy of our musicians in aid of Macmillan event. Many of our students took Music. This weekend, I feel, did Nurses held at the School in part in both the choir and orchestra in much to make many aware of our February. This concert raised in what was a happy and exhilarating School as part of the community and excess of £700 and along with event. This was closely followed by I know from many of the letters I was concerts for the RNLI in Rye, given a concert given by our Music fortunate to receive that many had by the HFYO in May and latterly at Scholars at Marlborough House greatly appreciated our facilities and Smallhythe Church given by our School where they performed with friendly hospitality. The powers of scholars, musical performances great maturity and flair and enjoyed music! raised in the region of £1800 this a marvellous supper as their reward. year. (Just ask Olivia Cotton about the Highlights... amount of chocolate desserts!) At this stage of my review I can Major event... sense the editor's pen, poised to say 'yes I can see that the Music Depart­ The major event of the Autumn Term ment's year was very full'. So in was the first Benenden Music Festi­ order to save further censure I will val. This incorporated the choral progress with a few highlights and weekend as established in 1993 and award winners. represented a very successful blend of youth, adult, professional and Following on from a Carol Service, amateur performers. This was epi­ which, from all accounts, seemed to tomised by the performances of the have pleased everyone, we were Beethoven's Concerto for Violin, fortunate to have recitals from many Cello and Piano given by the distin­ visiting teachers and performers guished cellist Alexander Baillie and which included a stimulating recital his two 16 year old daughters stun­ of 20th century songs given by the ningly accompanied by the Hemsted soprano Lesley Ann Dawes and hus­ Forest Youth Orchestra and Vaughan band Alistair; a stunning recital of Williams Serenade to Music, per­ Liszt transcriptions given by the vir­

FIFTY-ONE Competition success... report I cannot help feeling some sadness as I shall be leaving also this Some of our musicians' successes summer as I have been very fortunate included the performance of Jacob's in becoming Director of Music at Concerto for Clarinet, Trumpet and Chetham's School of Music in Piano played by Alexandra Roberts, Manchester. As many of you will Tabytha-Lee Hall and Lucinda know, this is one of only four Smallman which won the area round specialist music schools in the of the National Chamber Music country. I hope that I have left Competition for Schools, wins at the Benenden in a happy, musical Hastings Music Festival for Tabytha- position and that the perception of its Lee Hall and Lucinda Smallman, students as part of the community Advanced Certificate of the continues to grow, and the prime Associated Board status for Tabytha- importance of music in the lives of Lee Hall (trumpet) and Barbara everyone has been established. I Leung (piano), participation in both look forward to returning next April the Audi National Young Musician when I shall give a concert with the contest and the Marlowe Young Philharmonic Chamber Strings. I am Musician of the Year by Yvonne sure that the future of music at Liao (selection for both of these con­ Benenden is in secure hands and I tests is very hard), and Grade 8 take this opportunity in thanking passes for a number of students everyone who has contributed their including a distinction for Hannah time and effort towards its success Harper in piano: this automatically and sending my best wishes to my makes her eligible for application for capable successor, Neil Vanburgh. an Associated Board scholarship. Tabytha-Lee Hall Advanced Certificate of Associated Board Stephen Threlfall And finally... and Director of Music Soloist in the The music department has seen a few Jean Maridor Memorial Dedication Service changes this year which began when NEW VENUE! Peta Anderson, a very popular mem­ ber of the team, decided to leave at On Friday, 23 September the the end of the Autumn Term in order Music Department inaugurated a to get married. She had done much new venue for lunchtime concerts: to galvanize the Junior Choir as well the Entrance Hall became the as academic music, particularly in the 'drawing room' after lunch, for a Lower School. Happily not only did she hold her wedding reception at the Prom concert. School but she has since returned to lead the double bass section in our One almost felt inappropriately various concerts. dressed in 20th century costume, Also leaving this Summer are such was the atmosphere of a bygone Nancy Strevens, one of our long ease and elegance created in this standing flute teachers, who has setting by the music of Flackton, given the School many years of Moffat, Vanhal, Handel and Haydn. service, Leslie Young who has left to The strings, played variously and at head the piano faculty at Colchester times with virtuosity, by Sarah Joh­ College and Andrew Stowell, our nson, Hannah Harper, Lucinda bassoon teacher, who is second bas­ Smallman, Abigail Burton, Mr Thre­ soon at English National Opera. Our lfall and Mrs Lewis, were accom­ Head of Academic Music, Paul panied on the harpsichord either by Smith is also leaving, having secured Mrs Harmsworth, Mrs Lewis or Mr Peta and Jo Andrews the post of Head of Instrumental Smith, and the concert concluded Studies at Alleyn’s School in Dul­ with the grace and charm of Alex­ wich. This position will combine andra Roberts's treble recorder. Rare both his academic talents along with delights! his inexhaustible skills as an accom­ panist. We wish them all well. Chris Moat Nearing the end of this brief (!) Head of Geography

FIFTY-TWO GCSE Music Compositions Musical Magic and a Plea Benenden Music Festival First, the plea: there are now so many concert given by Paul Smith and his excellent musical events in the wife Carole Presland. Lucky School that your dedicated corre­ Alleyn's, one is tempted to say. The Benenden's weekend-long spondent cannot cover anything like programme was divided between inaugural music festival, all of them, even with the enthusias­ Barber's Souvenirs, which I did not which took place in mid- tic help of Miss Moat - so come on, know and Ravel's La Valse, which I girls - do some reviewing yourselves knew only in the original orchestral November, involved an and submit your efforts, which need version; this had been transcribed for astonishing range of people. only be brief, to the Magazine's edi­ four hands by L. Garban. I need not The age span of the listeners and tor, who, although he is the corre­ have worried; not only did my those who joined us as participants, spondent mentioned above, is not attention not wander at all but I was stretched across about seven decades. simply trying to avoid work! held throughout by the marvellously Professionals, students, parents, staff On to much happier things: the assured and musical playing of both and members of the local community recital at the very start of the Autumn pianists which never faltered in these came together in various groupings Term was especially pleasing very testing pieces. for different activities. The adrenalin because of the appearance of David Towards the end of the Summer flowed freely and there was an Elwin, who injured his hand on the Term I was lucky enough to hear exhilarated atmosphere throughout last occasion he and Dorothy the weekend. Maxwell were to play for us. This time there was no such problem and It all got off to a gentle start on the the occasion was well worth waiting Friday evening with a chamber for, with works by Poulenc and concert by four prize-winning stud­ Schubert exhibiting skilled teamwork ents from the prestigious Royal as well as sensitivity and Academy of Music. Julia Thornton expressiveness of a high order. This (harp), Emma Ramsdale (harp), was rounded off with a splendid Rachel Brazier (flute) and Julia Constant Lambert rarity. One of the Graham (cello) fragrant in their delights of the Benenden recital coloured taffeta dresses entertained season is the number of exciting but us with chamber music played on relatively little-known works which their rather unusual combination of figure in programmes. instruments. I especially enjoyed This was certainly the case in the Rossini's Andante con Variazioni for winter recital given by Lesley Ann flute and harp because the two Dawes , accompanied by her husband Areata String Quartet instruments blend so beautifully and Alistair. After her memorable yet, apart from in Mozart's famous concert of European songs the performed a work very familiar to concerto, they are rarely heard previous year, this impressed not me: Ravel's beautifulString Quartet. together. only by the quality of the What was unfamiliar here was the Hard work... musicianship but also by the quality explanation by the performers, the of the solely 20th century English Areata Quartet, of some of Ravel's Saturday morning was when the hard works included, reminding us, if such methods, especially his use of work started for amateurs like me. a reminder were needed, that pizzicato. Surprisingly, these We had less than thirty six hours in England is definitely NOT 'the land explanations did not 'murder to which to prepare a performance of without music'. The songs by dissect'; the music sounded just as Beethoven's Mass in C. Although Bridge, Finzi, Britten and Berkeley fine as ever and just as mysterious we'd been working on it for some were quite splendidly and but afterwards one could reflect on weeks at senior choir practices, there expressively performed and this the composer’s creative genius and was still a great deal of work to be concert too had its unusual element: wonder at the art which truly makes done. Mr Threlfall took us through it Alison Bauld's Banquo's Buried, a something from nothing. Much was all together first - and, with all musical version of Lady Macbeth's the music that I had to miss, notably respect to those valiant gentlemen Mr sleepwalking scene. On me, this had Liane Keegan and Leslie Howard in Baylis and Mr Moore who come a very powerful impact indeed and it late June but Benenden provides along to rehearsals every week to was a pity that so few of those innumerable opportunities to listen sing the bass and tenor lines, the studying the play seemed to be in the and enjoy - take them! music immediately sounds and feels Hall to hear it. quite different when a sizable group Hard on the heels of the song Alexander Stiller of male singers joins in. recital came a second piano duet English Department

FIFTY-FOUR Learning a lot... charismatic Jeffrey Wynn Davies, this piece, which she executed with they sang crisply and with impec­ poise, accuracy and aplomb. Later we split up for the sectional cable intonation, music from Morley rehearsals with which whole group Beethoven for three... to Messiaen. Their programme also sessions were interspersed. My included a delightful work compris­ For me, though, the most exciting group - altos - was very fortunate in ing six short poem settings by the performance of the entire weekend being taught and helped, at different famous Thea Musgrave, composed came next. Beethoven's triple points in the weekend by two profes­ especially for them. Four members concerto - for cello, violin and piano sionals: Kate Hardie and Jeffrey of the group sang beautiful solos and is breathtakingly lovely although, Wynn Davies. What a lot we learned the evening ended with unforgettable regrettably, it doesn't get performed and how satisfying it is when the renderings of three folk songs. All in very often because it needs three music gradually emerges from the all it was a delightful concert which soloists. Our treat was to hear Alex­ difficult notes on the page. Every enraptured everyone present. If you ander Baillie, internationally note, cadence and rhythm gradually missed it, take the first opportunity renowned cello virtuoso, play this became clearer until it was almost you get to hear Canzonetta sing - gem of a concerto with his talented second nature. they've released their first CD since daughters: Helena (violin) and Even the meals and breaks were their visit to Kent. Martina (piano). It came off magi­ fun because there were so many dif­ Sunday morning found us tidying cally, in spite of their never having ferent people to talk to. 'I think up the loose ends in our Beethoven performed it in public before. The Stephen Threlfall’s absolutely ter­ Mass and, as always in the final sense of vibes - musical and familial rific,' one lady told me. She had rehearsals of a large choral work - passing between and amongst the come from Headcom with a group of putting choir, orchestra and soloists three, was palpable. The orchestra friends, having seen the weekend together. Canzonetta provided the played beautifully in support and I mentioned in the Wealden Adver­ soloists for the Mass and how good feel very privileged to have heard tiser. 'Can't you persuade him to they were! The remaining Can­ this concerto played in this place by start a regular community choir? zonetta members had agreed to sing these astonishing people. We'd all come,' she went on. A num­ with the choir which, naturally, Then, after the interval we sang ber of girls had the pleasure of helped to boost the confidence of any and played our Beethoven Mass. singing alongside their parents in the timid amateur who was still feeling a Perhaps it isn't for me as a participant choir, or in some cases parents of bit nervous about the forthcoming to pass any comment on how it orchestra members joined in as sin­ performance. sounded. Suffice it to say that I thor­ gers. Plenty of staff, their spouses oughly enjoyed learning it and and friends were in evidence too. Final concert... singing it - the audience clapped and Indefatigable accompanists... After lunch and one more brief clapped and lots of people said nice rehearsal, it was time to rest for an things afterwards. While we were learning our choral hour and then change into our formal parts, elsewhere in the building the gear in readiness for the climax of It was a wonderful weekend. Thanks Hemsted Forest Youth Orchestra was the weekend - the final concert at to Stephen Threlfall, staff in the rehearsing, joined at one stage on 4pm. The hall was full and the music department and the many peo­ Saturday by the Baillie family. Dur­ atmosphere expectant when proceed­ ple who helped in a whole host of ing Saturday afternoon the sixteen ings began with Canzonetta's different ways to make it such a members of Canzonetta arrived from rendering of the wistful Serenade to success. Manchester to rehearse with the Music, for sixteen solo voices. It was orchestra and in some cases with Mrs beautifully accompanied by our own Lewis - she, like Mr Smith worked Susan Elkin Hemsted Forest Youth Orchestra, indefatigably playing accompani­ English Department ably led by Jamila Groves who had a ments throughout the weekend. considerable amount of solo work in Saturday, thanks to Mr Threlfall's careful planning ran very smoothly - although co-ordinating all the things which had to be fitted in must have been extremely tricky to get right.

The highlight of Saturday, however, was the evening concert by Can­ zonetta. This newish group won the coveted BBC TV Sainsbury's Choir of the Year in 1992 and anyone who heard them at Benenden will under­ stand why. Conducted by the

FIFTY-FIVE Senior Choir and Chamber Associated Board The Year Reviewed... PIANOFORTE CLARINET Grade 1 Grade 2 Isabel ClementDistinction Victoria Glasson Merit The standards of performance of both the Senior Victoria Pilkington-Miksa Grade 5 Choir and the Chamber Choir have gone from Grade 2 Suzannah Gunn strength to strength this year and, under the direction Julia Piechoczek Merit Lindsay Noton of Mr Threlfall, both groups have put in many Grade 3 Alice Pulman appearances, both at Benenden and further afield. Emma Buzzard Grade 7 Serena Carter Merit Helena de Chair The Senior Choir began by performing in the concert Natasha Pobjoy Holly Vemon-Smith at the end of the second, annual Benenden Festival Jay Stephenson-Clarke Grade 8 Chorus Weekend. They gave an accomplished and Grade 4 Alexandra RobertsMerit professional rendition of Beethoven's Mass in C Katie Riesco Zanthe Walker OBOE together with the Hemsted Forest Youth Orchestra Harriet Witheridge Grade 1 and the rest of the Benenden Festival Chorus, which Grade 5 Charlotte HutleyDistinction consisted of staff, parents, friends and Canzonetta, Elizabeth Daniels Grade 3 who were the BBC's and Salisbury's Choir of the Sophie Hall Harriet Witheridge Year in 1992. Grade 6 Victoria Sham TRUMPET The Choir also sang Faure's Pavane with the HFYO Anneline Groves Merit Advanced Certificate in March, which went very well, especially as the Grade 7 Tabytha-Lee Hall number of Choir members was significantly reduced, Minesha Wong a large number being members of the Orchestra. Grade 8 SAXOPHONE Jamila Groves Grade 2 However the full complement returned in the sum­ Hannah Harper Distinction Elizabeth Heneage mer to perform in Canterbury Cathedral with the Grade 4 King's School and Simon Langton School. The VIOLA Sylvia Ng works performed were by Elgar, Vaughan Williams Grade 5 and Borodin and the concert was valuable experience Zoe Bedford SINGING for all concerned, especially as there was very Grade 7 Grade 1 limited rehearsal time. Sarah Johnson Distinction Amelia CalvertMerit Grade 8 Davinia Pearson The Chamber Choir has improved greatly this year, Jamila Groves Sophie Hall Merit tackling such repertoire as three of Rachmaninov’s Grade 2 VIOLONCELLO Kate BuzzardMerit Six Pieces for Female Chorus. Especially taxing was Grade 2 Anna Steel Distinction the task of singing in Russian. We overcame that Clementine Shipp Grade 5 hurdle but were unconvinced about copying the Grade 3 Ada Law facial expressions Mr Threlfall seemed to use every Siobhan Callaghan time he started to speak the language! We performed Supapom WattanakulMerit THEORY at both of the charity concerts in the Easter Term and Grade 4 Grade 1 the final concert of the year at Smallhythe Church, Minesha Wong Merit Emma Buzzard which was described by one local as 'magical' - a Grade 5 Alice Moss Distinction fitting tribute to all the hard work of students and Emma Parfitt Natasha PobjoyDistinction staff. Alexandra Seddon Lucy GilbertDistinction Sarah Foley Distinction FLUTE Grade 2 I would like to extend a huge thank you to Mr Thre­ Grade 4 Victoria Dorich Distinction lfall, Mrs Lewis and Mr Smith for their dedication Gemma Perkins Merit Emily Jones this year and we shall also miss the membership of Julia Wells Catherine Langdon Sixth Form leavers Jamila Groves and Elizabeth Grade 7 Katie RieSCO Distinction Daniels, both of whom have conducted the Chamber Jessica Alford Anna Riesco Distinction Choir as part of their A Level Music. Their work has Lucinda Watts been much appreciated and we wish them all luck in DESCANT RECORDER Grade 3 the future. Grade 5 Nicola Robinson Distinction Sophie Johnstone Grade 5 Alexandra Roberts Alice Pulman Head of Choir Rommaneeya Tingsabadh FIFTY-SIX Speech, Drama and Dance

Once again the Speech, Drama and Dance Department has enjoyed a year packed with variety, hard work and success, culminating in a record piece de resistance: no less than three students accepted by the National Youth Theatre. Barbara Holroyd-Pearce and Genevieve Quarrington will join the NYT this summer (Barbara as an actress, Genevieve as an ASM), and Jenny Papas is flying to the United States even as I write, to join the American Bayfest as an actress. Such successful forays into the world of theatre beyond Benenden, together with a constant endeavour to produce confident and articulate communicators, are the overall aims of Speech, Drama and Dance at Benenden, and I believe that this year above all, our students have achieved everything that they set out to do. In the world of effective communi­ Dram, memorably adjudicated by The School Play The Importance of cations, not only did they achieve Mrs Shema Treheme. Being Earnest, celebrating the play's 100% pass rate in the English Speak­ centenary was cast among the Upper ing Board examinations in oral The Autumn Term closed with a School this year, and the perfor­ communication skills, with the Certi­ moving and traditional Dickens mances were packed with audiences ficate in Spoken English for Higher Evening, produced by Graham Lee in among whom were many Seniors, Education gained by Susannah Gault the perfect and appropriate setting of including one of the cast members (credit) and Nicola Cronk (distinc­ the Entrance Hall, the gracious stair­ from the staff version of 1938! tion); but this year a junior team case utilised to the full, with consisting of Alex Whitelaw (Chair), ingenious shadow play above. LAMDA examinations continued to Sophie Johnstone (Speaker) and Vic­ flourish, with Gold medals achieved toria Neave (Proposer of the Vote of The twelve-strong A Level Theatre by Rebecca Harrel, Yara Shamji, Thanks), entered and won the Studies group, led by Jeni Whittaker, Hannah Cotton, Nicola Cronk, Regional Heat of the Allied Schools gave us a feast of physical theatre in Vanessa Kirke-Smith, Anna Corin Public Speaking Competition, with a stunning production of Berkoffs (honours), Victoria Webb, (honours) Sophie Johnstone also achieving the Agamemnon in the Spring Term. The Joanna Brice (honours), Jenny Papas Best Speaker award. Senior and group went on to produce two inno­ (honours), Serena Rowe (honours), Junior Debating flourished under the vative and imaginative group projects and the Certificate of Merit Reading leadership of two committed Six for their examination in the summer, achieved by Jenny Papas (distinc­ Ones, Alex Schaafsma and Charlotte together with individual skills of a tion). Minesha Wong and Mr Lee Baden-Powell (Juniors), and two very high standard, in acting, set deserve the credit for a score of 96% equally committed Six Twos, Vic­ design, sound, costume and puppetry. in Mime, another Benenden record! toria Webb and Abigail Banfield The Six One group were pleased to (Seniors). have their photograph in the Sunday In the Summer Term, no less than Times recently, enhancing an article 121 members of the School, from the Not only did the Benenden students extolling the virtues and the heavy Fourths to Fifths, presented a colour­ spend much of their time in dramatic demands within the AEB Theatre ful and lively Circus Workshop, pursuits this year but in the Autumn Studies examination. comprising songs learned in music Term some of their parents joined lessons, dances learned in tap classes them for the Two Generation Theatri­ GCSE has thrived and expanded, choreographed by Liz Banks, and cal Performance Evening. This with two groups in the Fifth and one drama put together in drama classes production was taken very seriously of nineteen in the Upper Fifth. A under the umbrella theme ofCircus. as mothers and daughters, fathers and wide variety of performances for A wide variety of drama was pre­ daughters, aunts and nieces rehearsed assessment were presented to parents sented in a hall resembling a religiously to the end, with extended this year, ranging from Bill Owen's colourful 'big top' thanks to Graham families in the background providing Laundry Girls and Dreamjobs, to Lee. Improvisation, original poetry scripts and ideas, and offering gen­ Alan Ayckbourn’s Confusions and and scripts, scenes from plays and eral and consistent encouragement. Maureen Duffy'sRites. Find Me by perfected circus skills even including The event at the RSA in London was Olwen Wymark was presented on a tightrope walk, were combined received with rapturous applause, Seniors' Day by the Upper Fifth in with music ably provided by Alison and everyone involved was well preparation for their Moderated Futrell and Vivienne Lewis, to pro­ pleased with the performance. Assessment in the following week. vide a very enjoyable and fitting end A selection of technical skills ranging to the year. Junior Dram was, as always, ably and from Prop Making to Costume and efficiently organised by Shirley Make-up were also prepared for the Visiting workshops, theatre trips to Roche, and I thank her on behalf of Moderator. keep our students abreast of all that is everyone for this her final Junior happening in British theatre, the

FIFTY-SEVEN Stage and Screen Society and our elderly and shaky Merriman this the Drama Department, Shirley involvement in the Arts Festival all year?). Shirley Roche's herculean Brinkhurst has been such a stal­ kept the Drama Department on its task of providing instruction for 121 wart creator of so many wonder­ toes this year, together with excellent circus faces in one one-hour session ful costumes over the years, that results in ballet and a moving and is just an example of her skills as an I add here my sincere thanks to beautifully choreographed piece by administrator and teacher. I thank her and warmest good wishes for Ana Jackson, taught by Jane Hay­ her for all that she has done, and the future. Her swan song as the ward, which formed part of the wish her every happiness in the sad clown in the Circus Work­ Benenden village VE Day concert. future. Fortunately, we shall still see shop will not be forgotten, and I Contemporary Dance workshops her when she leads the Ballroom hope she will visit us often. have continued throughout this year, Dancing classes with her husband and we look forward to more of these Patrick next year. We now look forward to next in the future. Tap under Liz Banks year and new beginnings; I has flourished, culminating in the When I first met Jo Lewis on a extend my warmest thanks to Jo aforementioned Circus Workshop Saturday morning six years ago, I Lewis, Graham Lee, Shirley display. Next year all dance moves knew instinctively that she was per­ Roche, Jeni Whittaker, Liz into the SPLASH dance studio with fect for Benenden. What an enor­ Banks, Tana Macpherson-Smith its new dance floor. mous amount she has achieved, with and Jane Hayward for all their that bright and cheery, cheeky per­ work in Speech, Drama and It is always sad to say goodbye, and sonality we all know and love! Her Dance at Benenden. Shirley Roche has given fifteen years encouragement and training of tech­ of her life to Speech and Drama at nical crews will be followed through, Cinny Whitelaw Benenden. So many of her skills will I can assure her, and all that she has Head of Speech, Drama be remembered, not least her expert been for the girls and staff at Benen­ and Dance and wonderful make-up (who can den will long be remembered. I forget the transformation of Barbara thank her too, for her loyalty and Holroyd-Pearce into Miss Prism, service, way beyond the call of duty. Jenny Papas into Lady Bracknell and Annabel Mackenzie-Beevor into the Although not officially a member of

Head of Drama Ginny Whitelaw with Sixth Form Drama Students Photo: Nick Cornish

FIFTY-EIGHT Secrets

A Hall humming with excited tension, fleeting glimpses of scurrying girls swathed in startling costumes, blackened faces, luridly coloured hair; the lights dim, coughs and shuffles die down and another Junior Dram competition is under way. Last year, in the unenviable role of adjudicator myself, I had sat in the darkened Hall and wondered what to expect. I had been both surprised and delighted. This time, burdened simply with writing the review of proceedings, I wondered: can they carry it off again? I need not have worried. My belief is that they pulled it off to an even higher standard all round. Perhaps it is the very strictures of time and the superfluity of cast members that actually ensures these standards, everyone working together to overcome the difficulties and produce a triumph of dedicated team-work, spurred by the spirit of competition.

Echyngham led off with The Secret Marshall gave us The Secrets of 'musty effluvium'. Chamber, a fantastical horror story Count Dracula, a contrast to the with literary pretensions and very previous two not so much in subject The fourth delight in this afternoon suitable for this year's theme of matter as in approach. This piece of delights was Ali Baba and the Secrets. Plenty of side-swipes here at relied largely on music and on narra­ Forty Thieves (actually eight), as literary jargon and many poetic jokes tion and as such was a very challeng­ delivered by Hemsted. This produc­ with Bluebeard's (Danda Seddon) ing and brave show. Songs were tion had plenty of energy, good high-flown verse contrasted to the sweetly put over in the person of control among the whole cast - the doggerel of Puma (Arabella charming little Mina (Lindsay-Anne tableau freezes were excellent - and a McDonald). Literary merit aside, Noton) who looked and sounded just widely varied, strong cast of charac­ there was plenty more to ters. Ali (Victoria Dorich) amuse and delight in Susanna had a very expressive face Davidson's script. and good presence. Melanie Campbell played the aristo­ Musical jokes were as com­ cratically bored-sounding petently and wittily used as King with a real feeling for poetic ones. All scenes of comedy, as we saw in his tension or climax were under­ clumsy movements and his lined with such as the 1812 sobbing at the end. Sophie Overture or I vow to thee my Johnstone was a glue-sniffing country. And who could for­ beggar with a particularly get the skeleton dance, those clear voice and Nikki Wood's highly comical jigging sassy Princess was more than bones? Characterisation was a match for Zita Yarwood's sharp and clear, with a nicely suitably evil suitor. I enjoyed evil Bluebeard to carry the the charming and nubile story to its 'tragic' conclusion belly-dancers, the very and a stage littered with corpses. right, or clearly and strongly macho, the five o'clock-stubbled expressed, as was that sung by van thieves charging through the audi­ The Dancing Damsels was Medway's Helsing (Rhiannon Jones), he of the ence and the colour and contrasts of contribution, most memorable for its very startling eyebrows! Dracula the whole presentation. wonderful costumes and masks and (Siobhan Callaghan) had presence its attractive backgrounds. The sun and very striking make-up and Last came Guldeford's utterly and moon at the opening were stun­ Jonathan (Anna Fremantle) made a delightful Pandora's Box. More like ning, as was the pretty wedding good foil for him. I particularly a dance/drama in style, this piece scene and tableau at the end. Popular enjoyed the tableau, very English, charmed by its beauty and enchanted touches were the princesses' disco with the cast in tennis whites, the fun with its very imaginative inventive­ dance and the water dance with its of the dancing bats and the way that ness. There were genuine dramatic flickering strands of tinsel and wav­ the director (Lucinda Smallman) contrasts, such as the wildly thrash­ ing streamers. My personal fav­ achieved a genuine shiver with the ing curtains at the beginning, setting ourites in this piece, though, were the stake through Lucy’s (Caroline an atmosphere of tension, followed King (Emily Orwin), with his waggl­ Stripp) heart. Best of all were the by the peaceful, white and still ing eyebrows and the Witch (Lucie endlessly groanworthy variations on figures of idyllic Olympus. A very Lambert), whose strong voice and Dracula's native soil, variously effective touch was the live music of effective movement lifted the action described, among other things, as flute and strings on stage in this whenever she was on stage. 'niffy humus', 'obnoxious loam' and scene. The imaginativeness of the

FIFTY-NINE production showed in such moments as the formation of Pandora's box itself, when actors in black and gold joined together to create the box shape, their gold helmets projecting upwards to form the knobs on the comers of the casket. The opening of this casket, when all the sinister evils flood out, was genuinely frightening. Indeed, the costumes and the overall look of the piece were particularly impressive. Here we had dryad-trees of fluid grace, their trunks formed of elegant draperies, a beautiful balletic journey through the stars and revolv­ ing planets and an attractive and graceful Pandora in the person of Cressida Whyte.

I did not envy the adjudicator, who was surely as struck as I was by the Marshall Junior Dram high standard of all the work that had Anna Fremantle (Jonathan) and Siobhan Callaghan (Dracula) been shown. It was good, therefore, to see how carefully Mrs Shema Treheme gave every item its due, Talented trio... never criticising except construc­ tively and balancing each small This year the tap classes performed Cressida Whyte, Minesha Wong and criticism with words of encourage­ in the Circus Workshop which Ana Jackson showed their talent with ment. She particularly stressed the involved more than 120 students three items, including a Mambo tap team-work that all the plays had from the Lower School, with all dance, dancing in the sand, and they shown but finally chose Pandora's taking part in drama, dance or finished with their trio of Harlequin, Box as the winner, a verdict that was orchestra and some taking part in all Columbine and Pierrot, which was greeted with enthusiasm by the audi­ three. The tap groups put on five danced with passion and feeling. ence, though I am sure the cheering numbers which were all very differ­ was quite as much for the effort and ent, from the clowns with coloured Liz Banks commitment contributed by every hoops and cartwheels to a sophisti­ Assistant Housemistress girl in every play. cated number called Shufflebeat Echyngham which involved gold and silver hats. Jeni Whittaker Drama Department

Pictured left to right: Minesha Wong (Pierrot), Ana Jackson (Columbine) and Cressida White (Harlequin)

SIXTY Events of 1994-95

Allied Schools Debating Competition Regional Winners and National Finalists: Sophie Johnstone, Pictured above: Sixth Form Drama - Berkoff's Agamemnon Alexandra Whitelaw and Victoria Neave Pictured below: A Christmas Carol - Scrooge (Julia Burton Brown) confronts The Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come (Lucie Lambert)

Comedy Evening - Ainsley Everingham and Xanthe Elbrick Dickens Delights Drama Department One of the highlights of the Christmas festivities at Benenden takes over... was the Drama Department's pro­ duction of A Christmas Carol, In April, the School Entrance Hall staged in the School's appropri­ was taken over for a second time ately wood-panelled main by the Speech and Drama Depart­ Entrance Hall. ment when thirty students, taking drama as an extra, presented A Using a combination of 'dramatised Comedy Evening. readings' and tableaux vivants, the cast of mainly Fifth and Upper Fifth Over a dozen short scenes were pre­ girls, all beautifully dressed by Mrs sented with material from a wide Shirley Brinkhurst, recreated the range of sources from Alan Ayck­ atmosphere of a Victorian country bourn to Victoria Wood. This was, house entertainment as they brought for many of the girls, the first oppor­ to life the most moving of the tunity to perform their pieces in front Christmas stories of Charles Dickens. of an audience after they had finished Superb lighting and ghostly effects preparing them for the LAMDA act­ were created by Miss Jo Lewis and ing examinations. Both those her technical team and the evening's watching and those taking part enjoyment was rounded off with agreed that the evening was a huge mulled wine and mince pies: sheer Comedy Evening success and more 'drama evenings' delight! Barbara Holroyd-Pearce are planned for the future.

Graham Lee Graham Lee Drama Department Drama Department

SIXTY-ONE Presented by BENENDEN SCHOOL

Friday, 17 March 7.30pm Saturday, 18 March 7.30pm

Cast in order of appearance: Lane, a Manservant Miss Amanda Cowan Algernon Moncrieff Miss Julie Hawkins John Worthing, JP Miss Mariamne Moore Lady Bracknell Miss Jenny Papas Hon Gwendolen Fairfax Miss Marina Greenhalgh Miss Prism, a Governess Miss Barbara Holroyd-Pearce Cecily Cardew Miss Vanessa Hunt Rev Canon Chasuble Miss Georgina Dancy Merriman, a Butler Miss Annabel Mackenzie-Beevor The play directed byVirginia Whitelaw

By OSCAR WILDE

Production Manager Jo Lewis Stage Manager Harriet Butterfield Deputy Stage Managers Kate Eustace, Genevieve Quarrington Set Design and Construction Jo Lewis, Jane Chapman, Chris Fahy, Annabel Barnett, Tammi Cairley, Kate Durr, Sarah Johnson, Kate Kandiah, Katherine Taylor Lighting Juliet Nash, Laura Talfourd Sound Charlotte King Costume Sarah Brinkhurst, Shirley Brinkhurst, Liz Banks Make Up Shirley Roche, Vanessa Kaoukji, Elizabeth Scott Hair Liz Banks, Claire Stephenson Programme Design Philippa Ovens Programme Hannah Addyman, Jenny Marshall Pianist Sarah Johnson Music Advisers Clare Harmsworth, Vivienne Lewis, Stephen Threlfall Box Office Jenny Marshall Front of House Manager Graham Lee Furniture kindly lent by the Honourable Mr & Mrs J W Butterfield, Mr & Mrs J A Quarrington and Mrs S Brinkhurst Our most grateful thanks to Samantha Cannon, Colin Hayman, Anne Holding, Jim Peters, Elizabeth Sanders and everyone who has given their assistance

SIXTY-TWO A Centenary Celebrated

The crammed Hall fell silent. Exactly one hundred years, give or take a week or two, after The Importance of Being Earnest first opened, Benenden School's own version was about to begin.

The curtain drew back. The lush the best delivered line in the whole drapery and lordly furnishings of play. Barbara Holroyd-Pearce Algernon Moncrieffs drawing room clucked away superbly as Miss Prism were revealed. Hushed murmurings and Marina Greenhalgh was a study of appreciation broke out. The mood in feminine poise. I was especially caught me. On this very night back impressed by the way she kept look­ in 1895, I found myself speculating, ing down and picking at her gently Wilde himself might have been swinging parasol. Jenny Papas ensconced in a similar room, pro­ played Lady Bracknell with such bably as a feted guest and doubtless gurgling conviction that I would not surrounded by fawning hosts. Hardly have been surprised to see her make surprising: he was at the pinnacle of straight for the TCP bottle and Geor­ his literary career and easily the most gina Dancy (Reverend Chasuble) sought after company in London. No reminded me of an old dentist I once serious party could have been com­ had. Yes, the drill really did shake in plete without him. I imagined the his hand! I also liked the slow-mov- choruses of laughter greeting the ing, cobwebby Merriman the butler witticisms as they floated off that though perhaps his entry did take a mellifluous tongue. How things were little too long! to change for him - but then, that's another story. A play can be broken or made by its costumes. This one was made. The This night was all about the colours were vivid but refused to Pictured above: Georgina Dancy as wholehearted acting of the Benenden compete too keenly with each other. The Reverend Chasuble girls and the astute and detailed stage I thought the swishing, peach pastel Pictured below: Barbara Holroyd- Pearce as Miss Prism direction of Virginia Whitelaw. Both dress worn by Gwendolyn Fairfax Julie Hawkins as the effete Moncrieff particularly worthy of mention. and Mariamne Moore as the springy John Worthing faced tough tasks in A facet of any production which playing two ostensibly similar initially escapes notice is sometimes characters. They achieved admirable an indication that it is being unfussily delineation, skilfully picking their taken care of. This was certainly the way through the thicket of Wildean case with both the stage lighting and quip and counter-quip - not easy. 'All the music. Throughout, the lighting women become like their mothers - proved faultless and projected the that is their tragedy...' croaked Mon­ freshness and vivacity of the physical crieff, with a dismissive waft of the set. The music was unobtrusive and hand. It deserved a sparkier audience eased us both into and out of scenes. response. In 1938, so the programme for the Act Two had us in the Manor House night told us, Benenden School staff garden, complete with trellises, staged Wilde's masterpiece. They luxuriant foliage and trickling foun­ would have been very hard pushed to tain. As if this wasn't enough, there have matched the 1995 pupil was the gentle trill of a bird. It all equivalent. formed an excellent backdrop to the genteel sparring between Cecily Simon Heron Cardew (Vanessa Hunt) and Miss Chemistry Departmen Prism (Barbara Holroyd-Pearce). 'I look perfectly plain after my German lessons,' Cecily sniffed. I thought it

SIXTY-THREE BENENDEN SCHOOL

Speech, Drama and Dance Department PRESENTS

A CIRCUS WORKSHOP with the co-operation of the Music and PE Departments, showing some of the work in progress in Lower School and GCSE Drama this term, taking the theme of CIRCUS

Join the Circus The Company

Photographic Memories UIVA

Clown Dance

Murder at the Circus LVA

Mambo Dance

The Fairground scene from Ernie's Incredible Illucinations by Alan Ayckbourn Vth GCSE Drama

I Can Do That by Jo Lewis IVB

Shuffle Beat Dance

Scenes from Pinocchio by Brian Way IVA

Trio Dance

Circus Sadness UIVB

Come Follow the Band The Company

SIXTY-FOUR Ring Master LucieLambert

UIVA The Dancers Directed by Tana Macpherson-Smith Choreographed by Liz Banks Julia Bader Arabella McDonald Olatokunbo Akande Victoria Pilkington-Miksa Lucie Bonham Eva Phillips Elizabeth Allison Charlotte Scott Charlotte Brooke Julia Piechoczek Tiffany Buckland Elizabeth Sebag-Montefiore Hannah Brown Anna Riesco Sophie Colville Anna Shadbolt Sarah Foley Charlotte Scott Sophie Hall Natasha Shah Holly Hum Emily Urry Holly Hum Julia Weatherill Charlotte Hutley Julia Weatherill Ana Jackson Alexandra Whitelaw Sarah Jensen Sara White Sophie Johnstone Cressida Whyte Emma Lance Alexandra Whitelaw Arabella McDonald Minesha Wong Jennifer Ma Henrietta Williams Caroline Melland Joanna Yate Louisa Macmillan Andrea Peartree LVA Directed by Jo Lewis The Band Kate Buzzard Suzie Perkins Oboe Alicia Blunt Elizabeth Heneage Ella Riesco Charlotte Hutley Sophie Johnstone Laura Talfourd Louisa MacMillan Victoria Liddell Emily Wills Flute Harriet Dancy Siripach Mahagitsiri Serena Wilson Claire Howeson Vth GCSE DRAMA Victoria Lewis Directed by Virginia Whitelaw Arabella McDonald Annabel Carter Emma Parfitt Henrietta Williams Lauren Dudley Sarah Kirke-Smith Megumi Yawata Julia James Anna Steel Clarinet Ying-ying Cheng Surina Cohen Cressida Whyte Helen Dunnett Georgina Cross Sophie Colville Aileen Everingham Sarah Deloford Harriet Dancy Arabella Lloyd Owen Samantha Lawson Davinia Pearson Julia Weatherill Noelle Ho Elizabeth Waterhouse Drum kit Sylvia Ng Lucie Lambert Keyboard Accompaniment IVB Vivienne Lewis Directed by Jo Lewis Jessica Boston Joanna O'Brien Musical Director Alison Futrell Rose Colville Victoria Pilkington-Miksa Bridget Halcrow Lauren Pobjoy Set Design Graham Lee Victoria Lewis Morgana Robinson Lighting and Sound Jo Lewis, Laura Talfourd Emily MacManus Caroline Smith Juliet Nash Arabella Martin Nicola Sumner Costume Liz Banks, Shirley Brinkhurst, Liese Mayer Philippa Tennant Olive Lunney, Wendy Mellon, Alice Moss Stephanie Whitelaw Penny Murphy, Jean Reeves, Rosalie Nicholson Holly Williams Emily Scalpello, Diana Lindsay-Anne Noton Francesca Wilson Wodehouse, Anne Peiris IVA Choreography Liz Banks Directed by Virginia Whitelaw Make-Up Shirley Roche, Marina Carolyn Behar Clementine Harvey Greenhalgh, Elissa El Hadj Emma Buzzard Claire Howeson and team Candy Chanyavongse Lucinda Jagger Stage Hands Helen Dunnett, Aileen Marina Clement Marina Mooney Everingham, Bella Lloyd Owen Julie Dowse Leonora Pearson Props Graham Lee and members Rachel Dunckley Olivia Saponaro of IVA. The stilts kindly made Helen Foti Amy Shadbolt by Mr Jonathan Jagger. Ileana Georgiadis Maya Shamji Tightrope supplied by Kevin Lucy Gilbert Abigail Smart Fletcher. Sophie Giles Jay Stephenson-Clarke Box Office Jenny Marshall Victoria Glasson Julia Wells Programme Vivienne Lewis, Virginia UIVB Whitelaw, Judith Hayter Directed by Tana Macpherson-Smith Johnson Katherine Alexander Claire Moore Catering Jim Peters Alicia Blunt Louise Neil Pimms Bar Claire Stephenson Siobhan Callaghan Andrea Peartree Ying-ying Cheng Elizabeth Sebag-Montefiore The Show Produced by Isabel Clement Clementine Shipp Virginia Whitelaw and Liz Banks Bridget Green Charlotte Teare Sophie Hall Lucinda Watts With grateful thanks to Jane Chapman, Kevin Fletcher, Laura Hawkes Candida Wells Colin Hayman, Jill Horsburgh, Wendy Reynolds, Stephen Ana Jackson Megumi Yawata Threlfall, Eddy de Vries. Olivia McGill

SIXTY-FIVE Drama in RS

In Religious Studies, UIVA were given a series of plays to perform and were all divided up into groups of five or six. The group which we formed was performing the Old Testament story of Gideon. We did a modern-day version of the tale, which involved our dressing up in various costumes. Also, each person in the group was given a particular job to do in producing the play, such as script writer, scenery maker, props provider and director. We put our play together co-operatively and acted it out in class.

Julia Bader Jennifer Ma Eva Phillips Anna Riesco Emily Urry Sara While Upper Fourth

The 'Gideon' Group

Through the good offices of Fifth Form student, Jessica Alford whose brother Joseph is a member of the Company, Scapegoat visited the School twice in 1995 to conduct workshops and perform remarkable compressed versions of Shakespeare plays, a tragedy for winter -Romeo meets Juliet - and a comedy for summer - As You Like It - in the Rose Garden.

Romeo meets Juliet As You Like It- Cast Andrew Watson and Wendy Meakes (Romeo and Juliet) with students

SIXTY-SIX London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

READING Grade 4 Honours Emma Parfitt Marina Greenhalgh Grade 2 Pass Keziah Kelsey Nancy Prall Tabytha-Lee Hall Katherine Cameron Certificate of Merit Rebecca Saponaro Emily Hayward Surina Cohen Jenny Papas Alexandra Seddon Anna Jennings Joanne Cordrey Anna Steel Vanessa Kaoukji Julia James IMPROVISATION Arabella Stewart Serena Ridley Day Deepika Lai Grade 1 Pass Alexandra Tweed Alexandra Schaafsma Samantha Lawson Georgiana Aitken Elizabeth Waterhouse Elizabeth Scott Rebecca Saponaro Amy Jempson Cressida Whyte Silver Medal Honours Anna Steel Grade 1 Distinction Nicola Wood Eleanor Akenhead Arabella Stewart Jessica Alford Grade 7 Honours Julie Hawkins Grade 2 Distinction Katherine Cowpe Alexandra Pye Barbara Holroyd-Pearce Georgiana Aitken Katy Heard Hilary Smith Annabel Mackenzie-Beevor Bryony Bullard Sarah Hodgson Bronze Medal Pass Cariad Silk Melanie Campbell Clare Kendrick Joanna Aitchison Sophie Urry Nicola Close-Smith Rebecca Macmillan Laura Boome Gold Medal Pass Sophie Colville Sophia Mooney Madeleine Bosher Hannah Cotton Katherine Cowpe Emma Nye Lucy Briggs Nicola Cronk Georgina Cross Charlotte Prince Nicola Bullard Rebecca Harrel Sarah Deloford Serena Seddon Julia Burton Brown Vanessa Kirke-Smith Victoria Dorich Poppy Buxton Yara Shamji Lauren Dudley MIME Emma Cole Gold Medal Honours Charlotte Dunstan Grade 3 Distinction Olivia Cotton Joanna Brice Alexandra Edwards Nicola Close-Smith Susanna Davidson Anna Corin Amy Jempson Grade 4 Honours Juliet Douglas-Hughes Jenny Papas Lucie Lambert Minesha Wong Alexandra Gordon Serena Rowe Holly Lock Lucy Gossage Victoria Webb Sophia Mooney ACTING Holly Havers Davinia Pearson Grade 7 Pass Olivia Higgins GROUP ACTING Nancy Prall Katherine Cameron Marcia Ho Grade 1 Distinction Roberta Ramsden-Knowles Sarah Deloford Kate Kandiah Olatokunbo Akande Katy Riesco Kirstie Dowse Natasha McDonald Nina Bunnag Alexandra Seddon Alexandra Edwards Mariamne Moore Kate Buzzard Anna Shadbolt Katy Heard Hannah Morgan Chloe Collyer Neelam Verjee Sarah Hodgson Katharine Morris Kate Cullinan Minesha Wong Amber Jefferys Philippa Newell Helen Dunnett Nicola Wood Clare Kendrick Henrietta Paul Freya Goolden Grade 2 Honours Samantha Lawson Julia Pendred Suzannah Gunn Elizabeth Allison Vanessa Li Caroline Preston Christina Hadden Amber Jefferys Holly Lock Charlotte Prince Louise Heming Johnson Sarah Kirke-Smith Emma Nye Emily Pritchard-Gordon Emma Howeson Emma Parfitt Davinia Pearson Jodi Riches Sophie Johnstone Li-Kun Phng Anna Shadbolt Serena Seddon Tabitha Lake Elizabeth Waterhouse Audrey Wong Bronze Medal Honours Catherine Langdon Grade 3 Distinction Grade 7 Distinction Georgina Dancy Victoria Liddell Alison Chiu Phoebe Allpress Xanthe Elbrick Arabella Lloyd Owen Antonia Loudon Jessica Avery Ainslie Everingham Tanya Madhvani Ramona Pearson Melanie Campbell Vanessa Hunt Siripach Mahagitsiri Gemma Prall Annabel Carter Jennifer Newton Caroline Melland Kate Stanley Surina Cohen Sarah Yorke Sara Milnes Coates Antonia Van der Bijl Joanne Cordrey Silver Medal Pass Saivipa Patpongpibul Grade 4 Distinction Georgina Cross Charlotte Baden-Powell Suzie Perkins Victoria Hervey Harriet Dancy Annabel Barnett Annabel Perkins Vanessa Kaoukji Victoria Dorich Nina Barttelot Anna Portnik Jenny Papas Julia James Sophie Brodie Sarah Quarrington Charlotte Witheridge Vanessa North Poppy Buxton Ella Riesco Emily Orwin Anna Colbeck Clare Roberts

SIXTY-SEVEN Lucie Sargent Rebecca Smart English Speaking Board Ballet Clare Stroud Laura Talfourd SPOKEN ENGLISH ENGLISH AS AN Standard III Zante Walker Grade 2 Good Pass ACQUIRED LANGUAGE Special Merit Venetia Wickham Samantha Lawson Foundation Stage 1 Sophie Giles Emily Wills Arabella Stewart Credit Holly Hum Serena Wilson Zoe Tomlinson Praethip Chanyavongse Emily Urry Harriet Witheridge Grade 2 Very Good Pass Rommaneeya Tingsabadh Standard IV Joy Worley Bishop Phoebe Allpress Intermediate Stage 1 Merit Alice Wright Annabel Carter Very Good Pass Freya Goolden Grade 1 Hounours Sophie Colville Neelam Verjee Andrea Peartree Jennifer Bekenn Julia James Intermediate Stage 1 Alexandra Whitelaw Penelope Bennett Deepika Lai Credit Standard IV Tiffany Buckland Vanessa North Vanessa Li Special Merit Amelia Calvert Roberta Ramsden-Knowles Li-Kun Phng Helen Foti Alexandra Carse Caroline Stripp Intermediate Stage 1 Victoria Lewis Serena Carter Cressida Whyte Distinction Carolyn Newton Alexandra Carty Grade 2 Credit Audrey Wong Clare Roberts Aileen Everingham Bryony Bullard Intermediate Stage 2 Standard V Anna Fremantle Surina Cohen Very Good Pass Merit Katharine Gilbert Victoria Dorich Bianca Law Aileen Everingham Louise Glasson Katie Riesco Standard V Katherine Gordon Rebecca Saponaro Special Merit Kasia Grocholska Nicola Wood Lucy Gilbert Nadine Guirguis Grade 2 Distinction Ana Jackson Annabelle Holland Lucie Lambert Samantha Lawson Emily Jones Alexandra Tweed Cressida Whyte Rhiannon Jones Grade 3 Very Good Pass Senior Grade Joanna Langham Kate Stanley Commended Yvonne Liao Antonia Van der Bijl Penelope Hands Lucinda Lovelace Grade 3 Credit Jennifer Newton Sophie Moore Joanna Aitchison Ada Law Juliet Nash Caroline Preston Senior Grade Victoria Neave Senior Proficiency Highly Commended Carolyn Newton Good Pass Phensoame Assakul Alexandra Pearce Alison Chiu Natasha Pobjoy Senior Proficiency Ellen Pooley Very Good Pass Olivia Powles Sarah Scott Harriet Reid Senior Proficiency Livia Schaafsma Credit Victoria Sham Justine Bhar-Amato Jenna Shorten Ramona Pearson Lina Shour Certificate in Spoken Katy Tiptaft English for Higher Arabella Ure Education Tessa Viljoen Credit Zita Yarwood Suzannah Gault Joanna Yate Distinction Nicola Cronk

SIXTY-EIGHT Tennis

This season has been pleasingly successful at all levels, perhaps more so than ever before. The U13 and U12 teams reached the semi-finals and finals respectively of their Mid­ land Bank tournaments and the U14s have remained undefeated, despite some tough opposition. The U15 squad has also enjoyed continuing success, with the Benenden A team beating the School's B team in the Kent Midland Bank final. The U15s will go on to play Sussex next term. Another highlight of the tennis this year has been the achievements of Members of Senior Tennis Teams the First Team, whose efforts culmi­ nated in their reaching the Midland Bank National finals for the third Tennis Results consecutive year. On behalf of the Doubles Singles players, I would like to thank all of the Games Department for their con­ Upper School 16.6 and over tinual encouragement and support, Not Played because of injury Penelope Hands beat Anna Jennings and wish luck to next year's team. 15.6 and over Middle School Georgina Dancy beat Sarah Yorke Georgina Cross and Lucy Bucknall Penelope Hands beat Caplain of Tennis 14.6 and over Rowena Martin and Clare Kendrick Six Two Clare Kendrick beat Georgina Cross 13.6 and over Lower School Arabella Martin Emma Buzzard and Abigail Smart beat Cup for Improvement in beat Lindsay-Anne Noton Tennis Hannah Brown and Arabella McDonald 13.6 and under Amelia Calvert Arabella McDonald Annabelle Holland beat Rebecca Smart Prize for the outstanding Upper School House Tennis Lower School House Tennis contribution to Tennis 1st Norris 1st Echyngham throughout her 2nd Echyngham 2nd Guldeford School career 3rd Marshall 3rd Marshall 4th Guldeford 4th Norris Penelope Hands 5th Medway 5th Medway 6th Hemsted 6th Hemsted

TENNIS

1st Squad Georgina Dancy, Penelope Hands U15B Squad Phoebe Allpress, Nicola Close- U13B Squad Lucie Bonham, Emma Buzzard, Captain, Lucy Hutton, Natasha McDonald, Amy Smith, Frances Morrish, Nancy Prall, Alexandra Laura Hawkes, Charlotte Hutley, Sarah Jensen, Wickham, Sarah Yorke Seddon, Anna Steel Anna Riesco, Abigail Smart, Sara White

2nd Squad Julia Burton Brown, Patricia Fletcher, U14A Squad Jennifer Bekenn, Amelia Calvert U12A Squad Emma Buzzard, lleana Georgiadis, Emily Gore, Emily Hayward, Sheelagh Houlden, Captain, Alexandra Carse, Annabelle Holland,Bridget Halcrow, Claire Howeson, Arabella Anna JenningsCaptain. Sophie Robinson Lucinda Lovelace, Rebecca Smart Martin Captain, Lindsay-Anne Noton, Abigail Smart, Nicola Sumner 3rd Squad Naomi Chambers, Sally Clarke, U14B Squad Kate Buzzard, Chloe Collyer, Elissa El Hadj, Holly Havers, Alexandra Ross, Emma HowesonCaptain, Siripach Mahagitsiri, U12B Squad Lucy Gilbert, Clementine Harvey, Antonia Van Der Bijl Serena Wilson, Alice Wright Victoria Lewis, Joanna O'Brien, Olivia Saponaro, Amy Shadbolt U15A Squad Lucy Bucknall, Georgina Cross U13A Hannah Brown, Arabella Martin, Arabella Captain, Harriet Dancy, Clare Kendrick, Rowena McDonald, Lindsay-Anne Noton Martin, Laura Newton

SIXTY-NINE Tennis Co,ours Squash 1st Georgina Dancy Penelope Hands This has been a very enjoyable and Lucy Hutton successful year with both the First Amy Wickham team and the Senior Team winning U15 the majority of their matches. The Upper School Squash Cup Lucy Bucknall 'friendly' game against the King's, Georgina Cross Canterbury boys was much enjoyed, Lucy Hutton Harriet Dancy although we had an advantage and Clare Kendrick still managed to lose! Once again the Middle School Squash Cup Rowena Martin First Team entered the National Frances Morrish Schoolgirls' Tournament and played Clare Kendrick Laura Newton to a very high standard, beating Anna Steel Crofton and Brighton and Hove and Lower School Squash Cup U14 thus reached the South Final where Jennifer Bekenn they unfortunately lost to Fareham Lucinda Lovelace Amelia Calvert College. They could not have Alexandra Carse progressed so far without the extra Cup for Improvement in coaching given by Jane Vaines or the Annabelle Holland Squash Lucinda Lovelace support given by Mrs Strong. Rebecca Smart Natasha McDonald U13 The annual match against the staff Johane Royds-Jones Lucie Bonham played at the beginning of the Autumn Term Hannah Brown Summer Term was exhilarating to all, Laura Hawkes especially the playing team, as we, at Gemma Prall Charlotte Hutley last, broke the tradition of defeat and Spring Term Sarah Jensen won 5-3. I would like to take this Arabella McDonald opportunity to thank the staff for the U12 regular Wednesday night games, Emma Buzzard which provide valuable practice. Arabella Martin Lindsay-Anne Noton I would also like to thank Abigail Smart Mrs Strong for her coaching, support and enthusiasm - she will be Squash Colours greatly missed by the School. 1st Team Hannah Vaines Lucy Hutton Lucy Hutton Captain of Squash Clare Kendrick Six Two Sophie Robinson Anna Jennings

SQUASH

Midland Bank Tennis Teams U16 Kent Cup Julia Burton Brown, Georgina Penelope Hands, Sheelagh Houlden, Lucy Senior Students A Team Georgina Dancy, Dancy, Natasha McDonald, Laura Newton, HuttonCaptain, Anna Jennings, Clare Kendrick, Penelope HandsCaptain, Lucy Hutton, Amy Sarah Yorke Sophie Robinson, Hannah Vaines Wickham

Senior Students B Team Julia Burton Brown, Alice Carver, Lucy Hutton, Anna Jennings, Natasha McDonald, Katherine Taylor

U15A Team Lucy Bucknall. Georgina Cross, Clare Kendrick, Rowena Martin

U15B Team Harriet Dancy, Frances Morrish, Laura Newton, Anna Steel

SEVENTY Netball

Benenden's netball season has once than they have already (if that is again been a huge success with every possible), they have the potential to team winning the majority of its do extremely well. Cup for Improvement in matches. Netball May I take this opportunity to give Despite continual problems, such as huge thanks to Mrs Stephenson for Elizabeth Kendon illness, the Firsts achieved very high all her invaluable advice and support Spring Term levels of success with great credit and thank Sally Clarke and Alison going to Sally Clarke, our centre, Yeung, whose vice-captaincy has Arabella McDonald whose skill and enthusiasm proved to been really helpful. Autumn Term be one of the team's principal assets. Congratulations are also due to Han­ Finally, I would like to wish the best nah Harper and Katharine Morris, of luck to Nancy Harber and believe who worked remarkably well that, under her command, the teams together and demonstrated a very will be very successful, high standard of shooting in the circle. Charlotte King Captain of Netball Combined with the Seconds, the Six Two Firsts often enjoyed friendly matches against Sandhawks Ladies' Club, which proved very beneficial as they Netball Colours always gave us a challenging game, 1st Team 1st Netball Team as well as plenty of valuable advice. Sally Clarke Charlotte King The U15s displayed impressive team­ U15 Team 1st House Netball work, constantly showing determina­ Lucy Bucknall Autumn Term tion and persistence in all their Laura Newton 1st Norris matches. Many thanks are due to Hannah Vaines 2nd Medway Lucy Bucknall, who helped out the Nicola Close-Smith 3rd Marshall Firsts on a number of occasions and Frances Morrish 4th Guldeford led us to victory by immense accu­ U14 Team 5th Hemsted racy in the shooting department. Victoria Clarke 6th Echyngham Both U14 and U13 teams have had Carolyn Newton many wins also and each team has U13 Team Lower School House Netball managed to acquire a balance of Hannah Brown Autumn Term strength between attack and defence, Arabella McDonald 1st Guldeford a feature particularly evident in their U12 Team 2nd Marshall victories over Mayfield and Marlbor­ Emma Buzzard 3rd Medway ough House. Jay Stephenson-Clarke 4th Echyngham Claire Howeson 5th Norris The U12 team has shown signs of Arabella Martin 6th Hemsted great promise this season and with even more enthusiasm in the future

NETBALL

1st Sally Clarke, Hannah Cotton, Nancy Harber, U14A Olatokunbo Akande, Jennifer Bekenn,U12A Emma Buzzard, Lucy Gilbert, Bridget Hannah Harper, Charlotte King, KatharineAmelia Calvert, Victoria Clarke, Carolyn Newton, Halcrow, Arabella Martin, Jay Stephenson- Morris, Alexandra Roberts, Alison Yeung Alice Wright, Zita Yarwood ClarkeCaptain, Nicola Sumner, Philippa Tennant

2nd Nicola Bullard, NaomiChambers, Olivia U14B Kate Buzzard, Alexandra Carty, Louise U12B Julie Dowse, lleana Goergiadis, Claire Higgins, Caroline Preston, Alexandra Ross Glasson, Annabelle Holland, Lucinda Lovelace,Howeson, Victoria Lewis, Lindsay-Anne Noton Lucie Sargent, Arabella Ure Captain, Morgana Robinson, Olivia Saponaro, U15A Phoebe Allpress, Lucy Bucknall, Nicola Amy Shadbolt, Abigail Smart Close-Smith, Amy Jempson, Frances Morrish, U13A Lucie Bonham, Hannah Brown, Laura Laura Newton, Hannah Vaines Hawkes, Ana Jackson, Arabella McDonald, Anna Riesco, Lucinda Watts U15B Georgiana Aitken, Harriet Dancy, Charlotte Dunstan, Sarah Hodgson, Clare U13B Ying-ying Cheng, Bridget Green, Eva Kendrick, Vanessa North, Rebecca Saponaro,Phillips, Charlotte Scott, Elizabeth Sebag- Anna Steel Montefiore, Clementine Shipp, Alexandra Whitelaw SEVENTY-ONE Lacrosse

As the 1994/95 season began, the Apart from the Kent Tournament, the first lacrosse team boasted only three Firsts remained unbeaten all season, players from last year's line-up and and the sought-after redemption was Cup for Improvement in so a time of rebuilding began. The soon to be achieved by a superb win Lacrosse 1994 USA Lacrosse Tour provided at the All-England National School the basis to the selection because of Finals. After we had beaten the Sarah Jones everyone's success abroad. reigning champions in our section, Autumn Term we went on to beat Walthamstow The Kent Lacrosse Tournament took Hall by 3-0 in the semi-final and by Julia Burton Brown place, as usual, in the Autumn Term. drawing 1-1 with Haberdashers' Spring Term Both the Firsts and Seconds played Aske's in the final, shared the trophy. well and progressed through their Champagne flowed, as this is the first sections, resulting in a match against time that Benenden have ever been Lacrosse Stickwork Cup each other in the semi-finals. After National Champions. Amelia Calvert full-time and, embarrassingly, extra­ time, the Seconds won, beating the Finally, I would like to thank every Juliet Nash Firsts by 2-1. This called for the School player for enthusiasm and Autumn Term Firsts to redeem themselves during dedication but especially pay tribute Jennifer Bekenn the remainder of the season, to Miss Reynolds for all her support something achieved in spectacular throughout the year. Our success Alexandra Carse style at a later date. could not have been achieved with­ Spring Term out her influence and determination. Benenden was very well represented, as always, in the Kent trials and Sophie Robinson many players went forward into the Captain of Lacrosse U15 and U18A and B teams. After Six Two subsequent county trials, Alice Carver, Sheelagh Houlden and Sophie Robinson were selected as reserves for Junior East of England.

Xanthe Elbrick Lax Larks Upper Fifth ------LACROSSE ——

1st/2nd Abigail Banfield, Joanna Brice, Alice Laura Newton, Lucy Bucknall, Nicola Close- Newton, Lucie Sargent, Katy Tiptaft, Serena Carver, Belinda Cole, Georgina Dancy, JulietSmith Captain, Nicola Wood, Rebecca Wilson Douglas-Hughes, Patricia Fletcher, Emily Gore, Saponaro, Victoria Dorich Jennifer Grey, Penelope Hands, Georgina U14B Tiffany Buckland, Aileen Everingham, Harland, Holly Havers, Emily Hayward, U15B Elizabeth Allison, Phoebe Allpress, Greer Anna Fremantle, Katherine Gordon, Catherine Sheelagh Houlden, Lucy Hutton, Anna Jennings,Baird, Melanie Campbell, Anna Dingle, AmberLangdon, Sophie Moore, Natasha Pobjoy, Olivia Sarah Jones, Mariamne Moore, ElisabethJefferys, Amy Jempson, Sarah Kirke-Smith, Powles, Harriet Reid, Rebecca Smart, Venetia Parish, Anna Riccoboni, Sophie RobinsonFrances Morrish, Nancy Prall, Katie Riesco Wickham, Emily Wills, Joanna Yate Captain, Serena Rowe. Katherine Taylor, Amy Captain, Anna Shadbolt, Alexandra Tweed, WickhamVice-Captain, Sarah Vorke Elizabeth Waterhouse, Victoria Watson U13A Hannah BrownCaptain, Laura Hawkes, Ana Jackson, Arabella McDonald, Olivia McGill, U15A Alexandra Seddon, Clare Kendrick, U14A Jennifer Bekenn, Kate Buzzard, Amelia Louise Neil, Andrea Peartree, Anna Riesco, Deepika LaiCaptain, Emma Nye, Emma Parfitt, Calvert, Alexandra Carse, Rosie Garthwaite, Elizabeth Sebag-Montefiore, Emily Urry, Lucinda Georgina Cross, Hannah Vaines, Harriet Dancy,Louise Glasson, Elizabeth Heneage, AnnabelleWatts, Sara White Holland, Emma Howeson, Juliet Nash, Carolyn

SEVENTY-TWO Lacrosse Colours 1st Team Alice Carver Belinda Cole Georgina Dancy Penelope Hands Emily Hayward Sheelagh Houlden Lucy Hutton Anna Jennings Sarah Jones Anna Riccoboni Sophie Robinson 1st Lacross Squad National Champions 1995 Katherine Taylor Amy Wickham 2nd Team Abigail Banfield U15 Team Lucy Bucknall Nicola Close-Smith Deepika Lai Laura Newton Emma Parfitt Rebecca Saponaro U14 Team Jennifer Bekenn Kate Buzzard U15 Lacrosse Squad Amelia Calvert Alexandra Carse 1st House Lacrosse Rosie Garthwaite 1st Echyngham Annabelle Holland 2nd Guldeford Juliet Nash 3rd Norris Carolyn Newton 4th Marshall Lucie Sargent 5th Hemsted Katy Tiptaft 6th Medway Serena Wilson U13 Team 2nd House Lacrosse Hannah Brown 1st Echyngham Laura Hawkes Guldeford Ana Jackson 3rd Marshall Arabella McDonald 4th Norris Anna Riesco 5th Hemsted Lucinda Watts 6th Medway U12 Team Emma Buzzard Checking the Teams Upper School Games Cup Lucy Gilbert 1st Guldeford Arabella Martin 2nd Norris Jay Stephenson-Clarke 3rd Marshall 4th Echyngham U13B Katherine Alexander, Lucie Bonham, Ying- ying Cheng, Isabel Clement, Sarah Foley,5th Medway Bridget Green, Charlotte Hutley, Emma Lance, 6th Hemsted Claire Moore, Eva Phillips, Charlotte Scott, Charlotte Teare, Julia Weatherill Lower School Games Cup U12 Squad Emma BuzzardCaptain, lleana 1st Guldeford Georgiadis, Lucy GilbertCaptain, Bridget Halcrow, Clementine Harvey, Claire Howeson, 2nd Echyngham Arabella Martin, Joanna O'Brien, Leonora3rd Marshall Pearson, Abigail Smart, Jay Stephenson-Clarke, Nicola Sumner, Philippa Tennant 4th Hemsted Norris Medway

SEVENTY-THREE Swimming

This has been a very successful year for all swimming squads as a result of continuous training and almost overwhelming enthusiasm, and the introduction of the new pool- side rugby tops smartened up the teams and lifted team spirits. The First Team squad was the largest ever and as a result, we were able to beat both Roedean and with considerable ease and over the whole year the Senior Swimming Squad squad was virtually undefeated. All of the junior teams were also highly successful and worked extremely hard throughout the year. Further success was seen at the All-Kent Schools Swimming Gala where the School was second out of eight and every single Benenden competitor reached her final. We would like to congratulate everyone on a tremendous effort. We would also like to take this opportunity of thanking Miss Chap­ man, Miss Colville and Mr Geer for their support and encouragement during the year and we wish good What sort of race is this? luck to all swimmers next year. Upper School Swimming Cup 1st Norris Style Cup Vanessa Kirke-Smith 2nd Echyngham Alexandra McGowan 3rd Medway Georgina Harland Captains of Swimming 4th Hemsted Six Two 5th Marshall Ellen Fraser Cup 6th Guldeford Vanessa Kirke-Smith RelayCup Lower School Swimming Cup Alexandra McGowan 1st Norris 1st Hemsted 2nd Guldeford 2nd Guldeford Medway 3rd Norris Cup for Improvement in 4th Hemsted 4th Echyngham Swimming 5th Echyngham 5th Marshall Marshall 6th Medway Clare Stroud

SWIMMING

1st Squad Henrietta Andrews, Julia Burton- U14 Squad Jennifer Bekenn, Chloe Collyer, U12 Squad Victoria Glasson, Bridget Halcrow, Brown, Poppy Buxton, Naomi Chambers, Elissa Katherine Gilbert, Emma Howeson, Sophie Claire Howeson, Lucinda Jagger, Joanna El Hadj, Georgina Harland, Emily Hayward, Lucy Johnstone, Rhiannon Jones, Sara MilnesO'Brien, Leonora Pearson, Victoria Pilkington- Hutton, Anna Jennings, Kate Kandiah, VanessaCoates, Carolyn Newton, Natasha Pobjoy, EllenMiksa, Olivia Saponaro, Caroline Smith, Philippa Kirke-Smith Captain, Alexandra McGowan Pooley, Olivia Powles, Harriet Reid, Lucie Tennant, Julia Wells, Stephanie Whitelaw, Captain, Jennifer Newton, Alice Pulman, Sophie Sargent, Clare Stroud, Katy Tiptaft, Tessa Francesca Wilson Robinson, Vanessa Robinson, Cariad Silk,Viljoen, Joy Worley-Bishop, Alice Wright Maidie Yeung U13 Squad Katherine Alexander, Lucie Bonham, U15 Squad Phoebe Allpress, Lucy Bucknall, Hannah Brown, Sarah FoleyCaptain, Ana Melanie Campbell, Sarah Deloford, Sarah Kirke-Jackson, Olivia McGill, Eva Philips, Clementine Smith, Rebecca SaponaroCaptain, Minesha Shipp, Charlotte Teare, Emily Urry, Lucinda Wong Watts, Megumi Yawata

SEVENTY-FOUR Judo

Bronze Medallion Swimming Colours The ever-increasing judo squad has had yet another successful season. Phoebe Allpress 1st There are now many new youngsters, Greer Baird Henrietta Andrews who have grown in confidence and Lucy Bucknall Poppy Buxton approach each session with increas­ Bryony Bullard Naomi Chambers ing enthusiasm. Each girl has Annabel Carter Georgina Harland progressed and attempted all new Miss Chapman Emily Hayward skills with enthusiasm. This dedi­ Nicola Close-Smith Lucy Hutton cation showed through in all our Rosemary Cox Vanessa Kirke-Smith closely-fought matches, especially Nicola Cronk Alexandra McGowan taking on the Bethany boys. After Georgina Cross Sophie Robinson the initial cautious anticipation of Sarah Deloford Maidie Yeung fighting boys, the whole squad took Alexandra Edwards U15 up the challenge and many promising Katy Heard Phoebe Allpress individual performances emerged. Amber Jefferys Lucy Bucknall Our success is made evident by Sarah Kirke-Smith Melanie Campbell the large number of belts which have Deepika Lai Sarah Kirke-Smith been awarded this year and this Holly Lock Rebecca Saponaro clearly indicates that a higher level of Sophia Mooney Minesha Wong skill and knowledge of the sport has Pollyanna Moore U14 been gained. Emma Nye Chloe Collyer Emma Parfitt Katharine Gilbert Yellow Belt Davinia Pearson Rhiannon Jones Katherine Alexander Nicola Robinson Carolyn Newton Charlotte Brooke Olivia Ruggles-Brise Olivia Powles Katy Heard Rebecca Saponaro Harriet Reid Olivia McGill Anna Steel Clare Stroud Davinia Pearson Zoe Tomlinson Katy Tiptaft Eva Phillips Alexandra Tweed Joy Worley-Bishop Orange Belt Hannah Vaines U13 Surina Cohen Elizabeth Waterhouse Katherine Alexander Rosie Garthwaite Victoria Watson Hannah Brown Green Belt Minesha Wong Sarah Foley Julia Burton Brown Olivia McGill Sophie Robinson Award of Merit Clementine Shipp On behalf of the whole team, I Emily Urry would like to thank Mr Petty for Rosemary Cox Lucinda Watts being such a supportive and Nicola Cronk Megumi Yawata encouraging coach; we would not U12 have gained such success without his Bridget Halcrow influence. Claire Howeson Lucinda Jagger Sophie Robinson Joanna O'Brien Captain of Judo Leonora Pearson Six Two Victoria Pilkington-Miska Caroline Smith Senior Judo Shield Philippa Tennant Sophie Robinson

Junior Judo Shield

Olivia McGill

Judo Colours

Swimming Sports' Spectators! Julia Burton Brown

SEVENTY-FIVE Riding Self Defence

The necessity to feel safe in any situation is an aspect of increasing importance in everyday life. As girls, knowing about self defence provides us with this sense of security as well as a feeling of full independence. On behalf of each participant, I can cer­ tainly vouch for the fact that the skills of the instructor are communi­ cated to us fully during the course and through the time and effort one puts in, there is always a sense of achievement at the end of each ses­ sion. We recruited many new students at the start of the year and I hope that self defence will continue to flourish in the School after I leave. Off for a Lesson We are constantly and rightly remi­ nded to look after our personal safety This year the numbers have again and are thus grateful for having had risen for pupils who ride from the opportunity to study this branch School. It has now become a popular of the martial arts. In the future, I and stimulating extra enjoyed by all hope that my seven years’ knowledge ages. The two riding schools, Lynx of self defence will enable me to Park and Appletrees, have continued protect myself if need be, in addition to further the girls' interest in dres­ to giving me a basic understanding of sage, jumping and other skills. There other areas of the martial arts which I has been a great deal of improvement hope to attempt. during the year. Although the School team has not been able to compete in Yara Shamji any major events this year, it con­ Captain of Self Defence tinues to maintain a high standard of Six Two riding and I have no doubt that inter­ Self Defence Colours est will continue to flourish, enabling the School to achieve impressive Annabel Leathes results next year. Alice Pulman Rounders Colours Lucy Briggs Captain of Riding U13 Upper Fifth Hannah Brown Arabella Martin Alexandra Whitelaw U12 Emma Buzzard Arabella Martin

HOCKEY ROUNDERS 1st Hockey Squad Annabel Carter, Nicola Senior Henrietta Andrews, Abigail Banfield U13 Lucie Bonham, Hannah Brown, Laura Close-Smith, Georgina Cross, Sarah Deloford, Captain, Poppy Buxton, Tammi Cairley, Annabel Hawkes, Charlotte Hutley, Ana Jackson, Arabella Victoria Dorich, Sarah Kirke-Smith, Deepika Lai, Christian, Tabytha-Lee Hall, Hannah Harper,McDonald, Eva PhillipsCaptain, Anna Riesco, Lucie Lambert, Rebecca Macmillan, Pollyanna Kate Kandiah, Philippa Newell, AlexandraEmily Urry, Lucinda Watts, Sara White, Moore, Sylvia Yuen Ng, Emma Nye, Emily Roberts, Lucinda Smallman Alexandra Whitelaw Orwin, Davinia Pearson, Katie Riesco, Nicola U15 Georgiana Aitken, Phoebe Allpress, Greer Robinson, Natasha Shah, Alexandra Tweed, U12A Emma Buzzard, lleana Georgiadis. Lucy Nicola Wood Baird, Harriet Dancy, Clare Kendrick, Laura Gilbert, Bridget Halcrow, Claire Howeson Newton, Rebecca Saponaro, Anna Steel Captain, Arabella Martin, Lindsay-Anne Noton, Captain, Hannah Vaines, Nicola Wood Abigail Smart, Nicola Sumner, Philippa Tennant U14 Jennifer Bekenn, Kate Buzzard, Rosie Garthwaite, Annabelle Holland, Juliet Nash, Carolyn Newton, Lucie Sargent, Zita Yarwood Captain

SEVENTY-SIX Athletics Fencing

I. here has been an increasing School fencers continued to practise demand for participation in athletics and improve their skills throughout this year resulting in a relatively the year though no matches could be successful season. A considerable arranged. Nevertheless, all partici­ amount of potential has been noted in pants showed great enthusiasm and the younger age groups and it is to be their proficiency has improved con­ hoped that they will continue to siderably. We hope to arrange develop this next year. matches in the future and urge those who want to try fencing to take the Athletics Colours Because of A Level and GCSE, plunge: sorry about the inappropriate members of the U15 team have had Seniors metaphor! to move up into the senior section Georgina Harland Georgina Harland and with weakened teams their Emily Hayward Captain of Fencing results have been adversely affected. Anna Jennings Six One The Senior, U14 and U13 teams have U15 had a more successful season, win­ Lucy Bucknall ning the majority of their matches. Nicola Close-Smith Frances Morrish A number of girls participated in the Laura Newton Senior Fencing Cup District Athletic Trials held at Ash­ U14 Li Kun Phng ford and notable performances were Alexandra Carse achieved by Anna Jennings and Carolyn Newton Emily Hayward, who were first and Lucie Sargent Junior Fencing Cup second respectively in the Senior Katy Tiptaft 1500 metres. In the Juniors, Carolyn U12 Nicola Sumner Newton won the 100 metres and Jay Jay Stephenson-Clarke Stephenson-Clarke the 800 metres. Lucie Sargent and Georgina Harland were both selected to represent the District, the former in the discus and the latter in the 800 metres.

Everyone has worked hard and many Athletics Prize have achieved personal bests this Jay Stephenson-Clarke season and we look forward to fur­ ther successes next year.

Georgina Harland Caplain of Athletics Six One

ATHLETICS Seniors Henrietta Andrews, Poppy Buxton, Xanthe Elbrick, Patricia Fletcher, Nancy Harber, U14 Jennifer Bekenn, Amelia Calvert, AlexandraU12 Emma Buzzard, lleana Georgiadis, Lucy Georgina HarlandCaptain, Holly Havers, Emily Carse, Chloe Collyer, Rosie Garthwaite, Gilbert, Bridget Halcrow, Emily MacManus, Hayward, Anna Jennings, Mariamne Moore,Rhiannon Jones, Victoria Liddell, LucindaArabella Martin, Victoria Pilkington-Miksa. Kate Stanley Lovelace, Sara Milnes Coates, Sophie Moore,Morgana Robinson, Olivia Saponaro, Maya Juliet Nash, Carolyn Newton, Harriet Reid, LucieShamji, Jay Stephenson-Clarke, Nicola Sumner, U15 Georgiana Aitken, Lucy Bucknall, Nicola Sargent, Katy Tiptaft, Alice Wright, Zita YarwoodPhilippa Tennant, Julia Wells Close-Smith, Victoria Dorich, Amy Jempson, Clare Kendrick, Anthea Moore, Frances (773 Alicia Blunt, Lucie Bonham, Hannah Brown, Morrish, Laura Newton, Vanessa North Siobhan Callaghan, Ying-ying Cheng, Bridget Green, Laura Hawkes, Ana Jackson, Arabella McDonald, Louise Neil, Charlotte Teare, Emily Urry, Lucinda Watts, Alexandra Whitelaw

SEVENTY-SEVEN Founders' Sixth Form

Upper Sixth with Mrs duCharme Photo: Gillman & Soame

20 More Sixth Form Study Bedrooms

Benenden's School Council have approved the preparation of detailed plans for a 20 bed extension of Founders', attached to Beeches, and including accommodation for a fourth Sixth Form Housemistress.

Original plans for the creation of Founders' Limes and Oaks - shown in the model pictured left - included this provision. Details are being dis­ cussed with architects and the final decision to proceed is likely in about 12 months’ time with completion for September 1997 occupation.

The creation of 20 new study bed­ rooms would raise the capacity of the Sixth Form (Six One and Six Two) to 160 students. Photo: Sloman and Pettitt

SEVENTY-EIGHT Inter-House Swimming Challenge, Echyngham cheering crowds of supporters once again urged us on to second place in Head of House the Upper School competition and Katherine Taylor fourth place in the Lower School. Deputy Head of House Vanessa Kirke-Smith was presented Lucy Hutton with a cup acknowledging her con­ tinual involvement in, and organis­ Captain of House ation of, School swimming events. Hilary Low Autumn Kathryn EustaceSpring On the social calendar, a highlight Johanna Newhall Summer was the visit of boys from Park Vice-Captain of House House at who Natasha McDonald Autumn came to play tennis and also to enjoy Emma Cole Spring the following volleyball and barbe­ Sara Bateman Summer cue. This event was a great success and a splendid recreation for all of Head of Middle and Lower School us. Sophie Colville Autumn Emma Parfitt Spring With the stress and tension around Deepika Lai Summer the time of examinations, the Sixth Junior Dram Producer Formers have still managed to Susanna Davidson remain in close contact with 'junior ranks', ably supported by the Almoner Echyngham has had what, in the enthusiasm of Mrs Brinkhurst and Henrietta Paul vernacular, might be termed 'an all­ Mrs Banks. Sacristans round great year'. In Junior Dram, Henrietta Paul held during the Autumn Term, every­ As this Summer Term ends, so too Alexandra Gordon thing ran smoothly, thanks to the does Mrs Brinkhurst’s distinguished Serena Seddon efforts of the whole House and period as Housemistress of Natasha McDonald especially to those of the director, Echyngham. She has contributed an Susanna Davidson and Anna Col­ immense amount to the development Fire Party Captains beck, stage manager. Next time of the House and that of its students Serena Seddon around, Hettie Paul will be in charge during her eleven years in charge. Charlotte Prince and we hope that all will go as well. She will be greatly missed by us all Sara Bateman and we thank her and wish her all Henrietta Paul In sport, the blissful summer sun saw good fortune in the future. We know Sarah Baddeley the welcome sight of Echyngham she will not be idle! Hannah Harper playing outstandingly well in the House tennis competition, though we Seniors' Rep Katherine Taylor had to concede first place to Norris. Alexandra Gordon Head of House Rowena Martin was one of those Lacrosse Captains awarded colours in tennis. In the Emily Gore Alexandra Seddon Netball Captains Tabytha-Lee Hall Nicola Close-Smith Swimming Captains Gemma Shearman Serena Seddon Sarah Kirke-Smith Tennis Captains Emily Gore Rowena Martin Volleyball Captains Anna Colbeck Hannah Vaines Squash Captain Dancing Skeletons - Echyngham Junior Dram Lucy Hutton

SEVENTY-NINE Sporting success was most notable in Guldeford the number of Guldeford girls selected for Kent lacrosse, in House Head of House netball, School lacrosse and even the Yara Shamji cross-country run. However, regard­ ing the swimming sports, any helpful Deputy Head of House tips would be greatly appreciated. Abigail Banfield The VE Day walk posed few prob­ Captain of House lems for a House of Guldeford's Davina Langdale Autumn athletic ability. All attended, except Jodi Riches Spring Emily Macmanus who had a prior Annabel Mackenzie-BeevorSummer engagement with the Queen.

Vice-Captain of House We hope that the public examinations Elisabeth Parish Autumn went well for all involved. Post­ Caroline Preston Spring 4 examination celebrations were cer­ Vanessa HuntSummer tainly engaged in with enthusiasm and taken full advantage of in truly Head of Middle and Lower School traditional style. However, the end of Alexandra TweedAutumn Once again Guldeford has had a examinations brings the imminent Nicola Robinson Spring successful year and we have been departure of the leavers. On behalf Elizabeth WaterhouseSummer well represented in all scholarly of the House, we wish them all luck activities as well as in sport of all and also extend our sincere thanks to Junior Dram Producer kinds. Mrs Strong, a long-serving and Barbara Holroyd-Pearce much-appreciated Friend of Gulde­ Abigail Banfield The transition to having Mr ford. We lack words to express to McQueen as Housemaster has gone Miss Lewis our gratitude for what Almoners smoothly although quite recently she has given, not only to us in Barbara Holroyd-Pearce there were conflicting views between Guldeford but to the whole School. Caroline Preston our leader and the rest of us over We shall miss them both and hope Kate Cullinan something called the Rugby World that they will not forget their time in Cup (who won again?). our House. Sacristan Victoria Webb There are congratulations due to all involved in the winning Junior Dram Yara Shamji Fire Party Captains production, especially Boo Holroyd- Head of House Joanna Aitchison Pearce, the director, and this, together Abigail Banfield Juliet Douglas-Hughes with the School Play contingent, Deputy Head of House Lucy Briggs established yet again that Guldeford is a force to be reckoned with where Seniors' Reps acting is concerned. Annabel Mackenzie-Beevor Charlotte Watson

Lacrosse Captain Alice Carver Netball Captain Victoria Hervey Swimming Captains Jodi Riches Antonia Van der Bijl Jessica Porter Tennis Captain Sheelagh Houlden Volleyball Captain Yara Shamji Squash Captain Gemma Prall Miss Lewis receives her leaving Guldeford HouseSupper present from Yara Shamji and Leavers Alice Carver (left)and Abigail Banfield GemmaPrall

EIGHTY As always, Hemsted organised Hemsted another charity event in the Spring Term. A band called Sushi came to Head of House play in the Clarke Room during one Belinda Cole weekend evening, to the enjoyment of all who attended. The money Deputy Head of House raised was sent to help the war- Ailana Kamelmacher ravaged people of Bosnia. Captain of House Without doubt, this has been a very Elizabeth Kendon Autumn successful year for Hemsted. We Yasmin Yarwood Spring would like to thank Mr Walls, Miss Phensoame Assakul Summer Chana, Miss Mullins and Mrs Wode- house for running the House so Vice-Captain of House smoothly and thank also all the Amanda Cowan Autumn House officials for their hard work Hilary Smith Spring and support. We look forward with Lucy GossageSummer optimism to next year and hope that At the beginning of the year, Hem­ we can bring out Hemsted’s full Head of Middle and Lower School sted was glad to welcome Miss potential. Melanie CampbellAutumn Chana into the House as Assistant Rebecca Saponaro Spring Housemistress. She also teaches Surina Cohen Summer Phensoame Assakul biology and chemistry in the School. Elizabeth Kendon We were happy to see her settling Junior Dram Producer Six One into Hemsted quickly but during the Emma Lewis year, she was away for quite some time because of an accident to her Almoners knee. Fortunately Miss Mullins, who Marcia Ho was originally a House Academic Anneline Groves Tutor, took her place during this time and helped Mr Walls and Mrs Wode- Fire Party Captains house keep Hemsted going and Emma Barkas 'under control'. Hilary Smith We were pleased to welcome all the Seniors' Rep new girls who arrived in September. Jennifer Grey They had no problem at all, it seemed, in adapting themselves to Lacrosse Captains their new environment and have Jennifer Grey brought a great deal of new talent to Rebecca Saponaro the House. Netball Captains Olivia Ruggles-Brise Junior Dram, with Emma Lewis and Vanessa North Lucy Poole at the helm, was a great Swimming Captains success and although we did not win, Charlotte Baden-Powell everyone enjoyed the chance it gave Melanie Campbell us to work together as a House on a Tennis Captains major project. Phensoame Assakul Charlotte Dunstan Hemsted has proved itself once again Volleyball Captains to be a friendly, lively and active Ailana Kamelmacher establishment which is particularly Nicola Wood strong in swimming where we once Squash Captain again triumphed in the Knock-out Rosemary Cox Competition. We also have great potential in netball, lacrosse and tennis. With dedication and increased effort, we trust that our sporting performance will improve next year. Rapid sketches by Nina Barttelot

EIGHTY-ONE House Supper Hemsted Junior Dram On the last night of the Autumn Term, the School was Ali Baba and the invited to the annual House Forty Thieves Supper, which was hosted by Hemsted. This production was very successful and everybody worked hard and tried Upon arriving at the dining-room, the their very best. The newcomers as School could have had no doubt as to well as the existing members of what the theme for the evening was Hemsted enjoyed themselves on the to be. Huge banners, previously actual day of Junior Dram as well as painted by the budding artists of in all the rehearsals, except for the Hemsted, revealed copies of the well- times when a few members of the known album covers of bands such House became a little frustrated. It as The Beatles and The Rolling was also a good way of everybody Stones. Peace and Ban The Bomb getting to know each other. posters hung from every wall, between the miles of psychedelic The atmosphere in House before the streamers and hundreds of balloons. performance was filled with laughter Each guest was handed a flower as and excitement. The rather they stepped back in time to the unusual(?) make-up and costumes of 'Swinging Sixties'. Hippies, teddy- some of the characters provoked boys and dolly-girls greeted them many giggles from the rest of the and showed them to their tables. cast, especially the big camel with Throughout the evening, greatest hits more than two humps. from the Sixties created the enjoy­ able party atmosphere and Hemsted In the original story, there were forty themselves added the mood by danc­ thieves but we had to manage with ing 'Sixties Style' to Judy In just eight; however, they made up for Disguise. the other thirty two with all the noise they made entering the scene. We Mr Peters and the rest of the Sonny and Cher or Mr and Mrs Walls had a variety of acts, including the as they are better known domestic staff prepared a delicious belly dancers (Sai Patpongpibul, supper. On the menu was: Carnaby Julia James and Eva Phillips), who Street Chicken, Penny Lane Potatoes, were dressed in sophisticated, baby- Petits Pois and Mersey Mud Pie Walls, who bear a striking pink and blue outfits and we had live (commonly known as Banoffee Pie). resemblance to the original couple. singing from Ali Baba (Victoria Between courses, the School were Dorich) and the beautiful princess lucky enough to be entertained by the In all, the evening proved to be a (Nikki Wood). leather-clad Leader of the Pack (alias great success, for the performers as Dr Lewis), and the rest of his gang well as the guests, and Hemsted We have to congratulate our brilliant (Miss Cannon, Miss Mullins, Mrs would like to thank Mr and Mrs producer and stage manager, Emmy Wodehouse and Miss Reynolds) and Walls, Mrs Wodehouse, and Mr Lewis and Lucy Poole, because with­ of course his adoring admirer (Miss Peters and his team for all their hard out them we could not have done so Kemp)! work in making the evening truly well; more to the point, we would not memorable. have had a Junior Dram Production The usual embarrassments and at all. Although we did not win, it humiliations were inflicted upon was worthwhile and a pleasure to Zita Yarwood innocent members of School as they take part and perform in front of all Lower Fifth were called up to 'do the Twist' and the other Houses on the afternoon of feed yoghurt to the Upper Sixth and, Junior Dram. naturally, the staff were not spared! Natasha Shah The evening came to an end with an Fifth entertaining rendition of Sonny and Cher's I Got You Babe performed most excellently by Mr and Mrs

EIGHTY-TWO Sushi SENIORS' DAUGHTERS Four good-looking young lads from East Sussex came to Benenden AND 1 on Saturday, 29 April for a charity 'gig, under the aegis of Hemsted CRAND-DAUCHTERS House. Echyngham The School's appetite was whetted by formed a number of funky, rockin' Nicola Close-Smith (Rachel Earp); a great number of posters displayed tunes, sending the audience into a Sophie and Rose Colville (grand­ everywhere it seemed, of the four, wild frenzy. The band enjoyed the daughters of Pamela Tulk-Hart); posing fetchingly. Their most suc­ attention and became quite carried Katie and Alexandra Gordon (Susan cessful song was played in Prayers away. The evening proved a great White); Kasia Grocholska (Caroline with various members of Hemsted success. Hamilton-Fleming, grand-daughter of Lower School displaying just how Bridget Mann); Sarah and Vanessa 'wicked' and 'fit' this band was going Enjoyable cavortings... Kirke-Smith (Catherine Dixon) to be. This occasion simply could Guldeford not be ignored. As a result of all these enjoyable Jessica Alford (Penelope Wort); Alice cavortings, Hemsted raised £381 for Carver (Andora Derbyshire); Commendable specimens... Project Spark, a charity brought to Vanessa Hunt (Julia Bennett); the School's attention when Sally Annabel MacKenzie-Beevor (Gail So, on that eagerly awaited weekend, Trench spoke in Prayers about the Paterson, grand-daughter of Audrey along came the much-talked-about appalling living conditions in Bos­ Langford); Emily Macmanus (grand­ band and spent Saturday afternoon nia. The money we raised will go daughter of Fiona McAlpine); Emma carefully setting up and preparing, towards food and clothing which and Nicola Robinson (Anne Bevan); not quite sure what to expect. Who Sally Trench will help transport to its Philippa Tennant (Jane Seabrook); could blame their being a little appre­ destination in the charity's lorries. Charlotte and Victoria Watson hensive, performing to a gaggle of The funds were raised from ticket (Lynne Paterson, grand-daughters of excitable teenage girls eagerly await­ sales for the Sushi event and from a Audrey Langford); Candida and Julia ing an energetic performance and pleasing number of tapes sold after Wells (Louise Ward) exciting guitar solos. Eat your hearts the 'gig'. Hemsted out, Guns 'n 'Roses, one might say. Charlotte Brooke (Consuelo Alex­ We hope that the band will return in ander); Julia James (Helen Patterson, The Clarke Room was filled with the near future though, if not, we grand-daughter of Jenny Chandler); Benendonians clad in denim minis shall no doubt see them on Top of the Emma Lewis (grand-daughter of and 'Babe Power' T-shirts, admiring Pops. Diana Dick-Read) these four commendable specimens Tabitha Langton-Lockton Marshall of the opposite sex. In fact, their Lucy Poole Zoe Bedford (Deborah Sitwell); playing wasn't bad either. They per­ Six One Poppy Buxton (Rosaleen Bagge); Anna and Camilla Dingle (Jacqueline Stead); Anna Fremantle (Sarah Whit­ bread); Venetia Grove (Jennifer Calvert); Sophia and Marina Mooney (Gail Turner); Mariamne and Sophie Moore (Georgina Calvert); Julia Pen- dred (Penelope Davidson); Serena Rowe (Sarah Thomas); Elizabeth and Sarah Scott (Jacqueline Pool) Medway Eleanor Akenhead (Elizabeth Jack­ son); Hannah de Courcy Morgan (Belinda Evans, grand-daughter of Anne Oliver) Norris Laura Boome (Rosemary Barstow); Georgina Harland (Claire Hunt)

Hemsted's Belly Dancers

EIGHTY-THREE Boyce for all they have done to help Marshall House members this year and also wish to record my special thanks to Head of House my deputy, Sophie Kemp, for her Camilla Dingle never-ending support and dynamic ideas. I wish Olivia Higgins and Deputy Head of House Anna Jennings the best of good for­ Sophie Kemp tune and have complete faith in their abilities as our successors. Captain of House Sophie Brodie Autumn Olivia Higgins Spring Camilla Dingle Camilla Bennett Summer Head of House

Vice-Captain of House Zoe Bedford Autumn Mariamne Moore Spring Poppy BuxtonSummer

Head of Middle and Lower School Marshall has had yet another very Rebecca MacmillanAutumn successful year and its friendly and Frances Morrish Spring happy atmosphere has once again Sophia Mooney Summer been coupled with talents in every area. Junior Dram Producer Lucinda Smallman Lucinda Smallman produced an admirably polished performance of Almoners Dracula for this year’s Junior Dram Alice Pulman and the intricate programme, made Li-Kun Phng by Gemma Murdoch-Smith, proved the skill involved in making it by Sacristans winning the best-programme compe­ Mariamne Moore tition. Mariamne Moore and Georgie Julia Pendred Dancy excelled themselves with superb performances in the School Fire Party Captain Play: The Importance of Being Ear­ Kathryn Pinker nest. Georgie Dancy showed her versatility by being, along with Anna Deputy Fire Party Captain Jennings, one of the front runners in Jennifer Newton the cross country. Indeed, Marshall has produced impressive perfor­ 'Erm... could we have those lights out Seniors' Rep mances in all the Inter-House sports now, please?' Venetia Grove Louisa Macmillan competitions and I know that aca­ Upper Fourth demic achievements match these. Lacrosse Captains Serena Rowe Mrs Murphy's presence has been Georgiana Aitken missed but her place was brilliantly Netball Captains filled by Mrs Irene Denis, who Sophie Kemp gained the confidence and respect of Frances Morrish the whole House. Unfortunately, her Swimming Captain having to leave after only two terms Nicola Cronk created another vacancy and I would Tennis Captain like to thank Mrs Olive Lunney for Virginia Simkins her generous help at such short Clare Kendrick notice. I wish her successor luck and Volleyball Captain hope that she enjoys her time in Annabel Barnett Marshall. Squash Captain Elizabeth Scott I would like to take the opportunity of thanking Mr Watts and Miss Marshall Junior Dram

EIGHTY-FOUR mance of the Dancing Damsels, Medway written and directed by Charlotte Witheridge. Congratulations must go Head of House to all of those who helped in any way Sophie Robinson to make this enterprise such a successful one. Deputy Head of House Harriet Storey On the sporting front, Medway has continued to show increased Captain of House confidence and determination, Eleanor Akenhead Autumn culminating in the winning of Upper Keziah Kelsey Spring School Netball and a valiant third Hannah Morgan Summer place in Upper School Swimming. It proves that the House spirit is as Vice-Captain of House strong as ever. Vanessa Robinson Autumn Emily Latham Spring Medway has once again enjoyed a Katharine Morris Summer number of social events this year, having a new link with Manor House Head of Middle and Lower School at Tonbridge and undertaking a trip Anna Shadbolt Autumn to London to see Willy Russell's Lucie LambertSpring Blood Brothers. Katie Riesco Summer I would like to take this opportunity Junior Dram Producer welcomed a new Housemistress, to thank Hattie Storey for all her help Charlotte Witheridge Miss Steven, in place of Miss Barker, who left after dedicating nine years as Deputy Head of House and wish Alex Roberts and Eleanor Akenhead Almoners to the House. Medway has taken this the best of luck as our successors. Holly Vemon-Smith major transition in its stride and Miss Anna Shadbolt Steven has already shown her Clare Roberts enthusiasm as well as her support for Sophie Robinson all House members. Head of House Sacristans Abigail Burton The Autumn Term, as always, saw Olivia Cotton Junior Dram bring together all the Alexandra Nutting acting talents possessed by the House, producing a superb perfor­ Fire Party Captains Katharine Morris Julia Burton Brown

Seniors' Rep Hannah Morgan

Lacrosse Captains Sophie Robinson Katie Riesco Netball Captains Hannah Cotton Bryony Bullard Swimming Captains Harriet Storey Anna Shadbolt Tennis Captains Sophie Robinson Emily Orwin Volleyball Captain Abigail Burton Squash Captain Vanessa Kaoukji Medway Junior Dram

EIGHTY-FIVE Norris Crease Head of House On the evening of 21 January, the Sally Clarke whole of Norris, very excited, piled onto a double-decker bus to travel to Deputy Head of House see the musical Grease in London. Alexandra McGowan This followed our performance the Captain of House previous day, in front of our parents Georgina Harland Autumn and the rest of the School, of The Emily HaywardSpring Jungle Book. As this had been taped, Melissa CliveSummer we watched ourselves on the televi­ sions on the bus. Vice-Captain of House Norris has once again seen a busy Kate Stanley Autumn Once in London, we were given our Naomi Chambers Spring and successful year in all areas. In tickets, disembarked, entered the Holly HaversSummer inter-House sports we have gone theatre and waited for the show to from strength to strength, winning Head of Middle and Lower School begin, settling back in our comfort­ the Upper School netball, swimming, able seats. Georgina Cross Autumn tennis and volleyball, with the Lower Katherine Cameron Spring School coming second in swimming, Lucy BucknallSummer The production starred Sonia and netball and tennis. Again, Georgie Shane Ritchie and was, to coin a Harland has achieved outstanding House Play Producer phrase, 'totally brilliant'. The play performances in both swimming and had convincing atmosphere and all Marina Greenhalgh running. Stage Manager the actors looked as if they were Emily Hayward really enjoying performing. The One of the year’s biggest events was effects and the sets looked com­ the House Play: The Jungle Book, pletely realistic. I liked the song Almoners which took place in the Spring Term. Holly Havers Greased Lightning best because it Marina Greenhalgh directed, with all used a real car which looked as Maidie Yeung members of the House, including Georgina Barker though it was actually moving and staff, involving themselves with great which was covered in realistic-look- enthusiasm. Sacristan ing lights. Gemma Perkins Many social events have also The music was especially enjoyable occurred throughout the year. These with a live orchestra playing and the Fire Party Captains included links with Tonbridge and Georgina Barker conductor made sure that all of the Bethany Schools, an ice-cream party score was very dramatic. At the end, Gemma Perkins and a trip to the theatre to see the Kate Stanley everyone sang along with the cast musicalGrease. and none of us could resist tapping our feet to the beat! All of us in Seniors' Rep The House has fortunately had only Georgina Harland Norris thoroughly enjoyed ourselves one change in staff: Mrs Jean Reeves and would like to thank those who replaced Mrs Buckles as non-teach­ took us. Lacrosse Captains ing Assistant Housemistress at the Penelope Hands beginning of the year. As the year Emma Nye ends, Mrs Dinah Clayton, our Assis­ Henrietta Williams Netball Captains tant Housemistress, is leaving with Upper Fourth Sally Clarke her husband David, to take up a post Lucy Bucknall in Suffolk and will be deeply missed. Swimming Captains Georgina Harland We would very much like to thank Sarah Deloford Mrs Smith for her encouragement Tennis Captains and support throughout the year and Emily Hayward wish good luck to Georgie Harland Georgina Cross and Emily Hayward as Head and Volleyball Captains Deputy Head of House for this year. Jennifer Papas Lucie Sargent Sally Clarke Head of House

EIGHTY-SIX THE JUNGLE BOOK Norris House Play - 20 January i 995

en I was asked to write a review of our House Play, I first wondered if they had chosen the right person for this 'onerous' task. Being unfamiliar with School ritual, I assumed that an outside observer should write the review, in order for it to be fair. But then I realised that the whole point was to see how the play looked from the inside...... so here is what I have come up with. I started out with a question - was this really The Jungle Book? There was certainly no Kiplingesque The Jungle Book Cast mongoose setting the scene, as my Photo: Emily Hayward parents and their parents would have But what were your first impressions Marina directed the play with great expected... No, poor Kipling has of our play? I, of course, cannot say, enthusiasm and imagination, with been cast aside by the Hollywood but it had to be one of stunning scen­ Emily demonstrating Mowgli's dar­ machine and The Jungle Book we ery. Norris House artists spent ing stunts and providing similar have all now come to recognise is, it countless hours painting backgrounds insights. Added to this, the sound seems, the Disney version. I think a as well as the main elements of the and lighting crew did an excellent job large portion of the audience would jungle and the city with its ape-like of creating just the right ambience. have been more than a little confused inhabitants and the unforgettably Marina was ever coming up with to see a mongoose at the beginning charismatic King Louis (Toks new ideas and impressed us all with of the play. Akande). (My own artistic contribu­ her patience and determination - tion was limited to two leaves and In the circumstances, it seemed only the eye of the gold statue - for which "SING! I can't hear you ... natural that Mowgli should have an I received rather over-generous pra­ American accent, and who better to ise from Mrs Greenhalgh.) play him than Sarah Jensen? That louder ! ... LOUDER!!" was not her only asset however - she I was completely taken aback by the possesses the ability to fall convinc­ finished result, and I was not alone. Great pains were taken over the ingly as almost no one else can I'm sure we'd all like to thank Mr actions of every member of the cast, (except perhaps for Emily Hayward). Greenhalgh for designing the set with and the results were shown in the I thought the casting overall was apt such expertise and attention to detail. outstanding choreography in many of (then why did I play the snake?!). the scenes. Given their many other The costumes and make-up were also commitments, the contribution of the What amazed me was how quickly it striking. The most intricate details staff as elephants was much appre­ was over. After the anticipation and were painted on us - I even had a ciated, in particular the memorable nervousness, suddenly we had forked tongue sticking out of the side cameo performance by Mr Harms­ reached the end. Not to say it was an of my mouth, for example - and worth as their incompetent helms­ anticlimax - how could it be?! - but it every member of Norris was trans­ man. Mrs Roche was suitably just went so fast!! All I can say is I formed into a surreal-looking beast. sinister as the menacing Shia Khana. hope it was as speedy for the audi­ The atmosphere just before we began ence...I thought you were great. The was terrific, mingled with a strange, This play gave us a lot of enjoyment response to Danielle-the-tree was almost sad sensation, knowing it and an involvement of the whole incredible, and I was just a little would be the last time. House. We hope you enjoyed it as unprepared for the amount of booing much as we enjoyed presenting it. I received once on stage. The director, as I'm sure you are all Madeleine Bosher aware, was Marina Greenhalgh. Upper Fifth

EIGHTY-SEVEN THE BENENDEN SCHOOL TRUST

Reaching the £1 million +

Since 1983 the Benenden School Trust has raised £990,000 through the generosity of parents, Seniors and friends of the School and for 1995 was determined to exceed £1 million. It did with some £35,000 being raised or pledged during 1995. The Trustees would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to parents, Seniors and other friends of the School for continuing to lend their support. For 1995 the Benenden School Trust highlighted support for the School's performing arts as a special fundraising priority. During the year Trustees have worked to raise funds for a portable technical lighting rig and an extension of the art & textiles display in the Long Gallery as well as pedal timpani for the Music Department. Support for this project has been enthusiastic and generous. The Trust's Parents Events Committee also added their hard work and dedication to the overall fundraising effort. Their programme included Two Generation Tennis, a wonderful evening of Two Generation Theatrical Performances at the Royal Society of Arts, an evening of tutored wine tasting introduced by Sir Ewen Fergusson, Chairman of Coutts & Co at the Bank's London Headquarters and a cookery demonstration held at Benenden. This calendar of social events not only provided great entertainment but also raised money to support this year's fundraising goals. Debra Price Development Director Photographs depict scenes from the Two Generation Theatrical Performance Evening

Lollipop A Magical Arabian Extravaganza The Cotton Family Barbara Holroyd-Pearce

The Green Grocer Benenden Calypso Phoebe Allpress and Mr Robert Allpress The Riesco Family

EIGHTY-EIGHT THE BENENDEN HISTORY

Three young women with £100 each and a dream to set up their own school in the early 1920s - so began Benenden School. The founding and subsequent history (to be published next year) is a remarkable story of faith by the Founders, Council and parents. Seniors, past staff and Council members, and wartime occupants of Benenden have all made valuable contributions through interviews and written Pa Smith's Taxi Photograph kindly lent by Marigold (Williamson) Page H40 reminiscences. Photographs and other memorabilia have provided us with a great choice of illustrations.

We shall have collected enough for more than one book! Anything submitted, if agreeable to the contributor, will remain in the archives for future generations of Seniors or researchers. There are 75th and Centenary Year celebrations coming up so I have no doubt that the material will be useful. A School Holiday Photograph kindly lent by Marigold (Williamson) Page H40

Janet Grenier Benenden Historian A School Holiday

We only went home at half-term in the summer. During the Christmas and Spring Terms one day was unex­ pectedly chosen to be a School Holiday. Shelley announced it after Prayers, to great delight. It was always a fine sunny day. No rules applied. You could run in the Long Passage and go up the front stairs! We were each provided with a 'nose­ bag' - a brown paper bag with lunch. We were allowed to go anywhere we could get on our own feet, as long as we said where we were going and there were three of us.

Marigold (Williamson) Page Hemsted House with Miss Bird circa 1932 Photograph kindly lent by Lettice Curtis H32 H40

EIGHTY-NINE Ringing the Changes BENENDEN SCHOOL 1995 has been a year of changing faces for the Seniors' Association. SENIORS’ ASSOCIATION Mrs Jackie Scott completed her three year term as Chairman to the warm thanks and appreciation of the Seniors as did Honorary Treasurer, Jane President Mrs G D duCharme Anderson. Mrs Consuelo Brooke, a current Benenden parent, took up Benenden School, Cranbrook, the Chair and Deborah Simon was elected as Treasurer. The Association Kent TNI7 4AA 01580 240592 was delighted to be able to welcome Mrs Gillian duCharme as its Vice-President Sheila Doyle M48 President and Mrs Sheila Doyle as Vice-President. Slip Mill, Hawkhurst, Sally Everist retired from the Committee and was enthusiastically Kent TN18 5AB 01580 752707 thanked for her five years of loyal service and Roz Hyslop, Victoria Chairman Consuelo (Alexander) Brooke H64 Hyman, and Penny Orgill were warmly welcomed on to the Seniors' 20 Caroline Place, Association Committee. Roz Hyslop will take over Sally Everist's London W2 4AN 0171 229 4844 responsibilities as young Seniors' representative. Victoria Hyman will Hon Secretary Margaret (Best) Elliott N49 assist Sue Elworthy with her sterling work in the regions and Penny Vinehall Farm. Robertsbridge, Orgill will support Claire Harland with her promotion of Seniors' East Sussex TN32 5JW 01424 870282 sporting activities. Hon Treasurer Deborah Simon M71 The Seniors also said a very fond farewell to Mrs Hannah Addyman, Flat 5,26 Belsize Park, who retired as Clerk to the Seniors' Association after sixteen years. In London NW3 4DU 0171 435 7365 her role as Clerk to the Seniors Hannah served six different Chairmen Bursary Secretary Marjorie (Howison) Jones E48 and built up innumerable friendships with several generations of Seniors; Whitecraigs, Rock, Wadebridge, her unique knowledge of the affairs of the Association will be a hard act Cornwall PL27 6NP 01208 862530 to follow. Mrs Judith Hayter Johnson took over this summer as Clerk to Magazine Representative Miss R Langton the Seniors and has already been welcomed into the role by several 15a Dorset Road, Windsor, vintages of Benenden Seniors. Berks SL4 3BA 01753 861738 Address Secretary (Regions) Sue (Balicki) Elworthy Ma74 Little Frith Farm House, Newnham, Sittingboume, Kent ME9 ONG01795 886821 Committee Members Geraldine (Boorman) Allinson Ma85 Stonestiles, Hart Hill, Charing, Kent TN27 08W 01233 712607 Claire (Hunt) Harland H66 Handville Green, Waltham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7EU 01227 700231 Victoria (Poster) Hyman N86 8 St Barnabas Street, London SW1W 8PE 0171 730 9525 Roz (Kennerley) Hyslop Ma84 63 Bramfield Road, London SW11 6RA 0181 265 7026 Penny Orgill M90 26 Petersham Place, London SW7 5PU 0171 581 9019 Felicity (Raybould) Patterson M63 Elm Hill House, High Street, Hawkhurst, Kent TNI8 4XU 01580 752780 Margaret (Crawford) Yule M66 Shootlands House, Abinger Common, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6JX 01306 730280 Overseas Representative Jane Mumford E86 23D Cordial Mansion, 15 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong 00 852 28690602 Co-opted Member Gym on the beach at Newquay Abby (MacFadden) Geyer E62 Photograph kindly lent by Dulcie (Roddick) Chrismas H42 Apt 5P. 2500 Johnson Avenue, Riverdale, New York 10463, USA 001 718 6012436 Seniors' Clerk Mrs J Hayter Johnson Benenden School, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA 01580 240484

NINETY