A New Headmistress for EHS It Is a Great Pleasure to Write a Few Words for Laurel Leaves

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The Edgbaston High School for Girls Old Girls’ Association Magazine Laurel Leaves A new Headmistress for EHS It is a great pleasure to write a few words for Laurel Leaves. Since arriving at EHS last term I have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome given to me by pupils past and present, parents and staff. EHS is indeed a very special school which has a warm heart and an all encompassing ethos.

In this my first letter to you I thought you might like to know a little about me. As you may be aware I was born in Sutton Coldfield and was Contents educated at Birmingham University. I left Birmingham after completing Chariman’s Message P2 my PhD and returning now is very much like coming home, and in the Lara Fatah in Iraq P4 nicest possible way I feel as if I have been at EHS for a long time. I have following year I was amazed at Welcome New Old Girls P5 two daughters who were educated how many people had Edgbaston at Haberdashers` Monmouth a single connections. Friends and colleagues Art and Design at EHS P6 sex school, my eldest daughter has all seem to have a sister, mother, aunt just started work in Cheltenham as who either went to or taught at the Outstanding Woman a junior doctor and my youngest is school. All speak with much fondness in Business P8 studying medicine at Nottingham and affection of their time at EHS. University. My husband works abroad News from Old Girls P9 in Belgium 4 days a week; he has a I very much look forward to working very sociable career in the brewing with the Old Girls Association and My ‘Leap’ to Cape Town P10 industry! I have joined EHS following have already enjoyed supper with my first headship at Redland High the committee and a working Miss Mullenger’s School for Girls in Bristol. breakfast where Lucy Ladbrooke Retirement P12 gave an excellent talk on Events I was appointed to the post of Management to our current Sixth Obituaries P12 Headmistress in May 2005. In the Form. Two very enjoyable events.

2007 www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Chairman’s Message 2006

They say that “bad pennies” have beginning of every school holiday to is planning to be the organiser in a habit of turning up again, well I focus on the three Rs that is of course London. hope you will not feel that about Reading, Radio 4 and Relaxation. It my return as Chairman, taking was therefore fitting that our AGM In September we were delighted over from Diana Harris who has and OGA farewell supper reflected to welcome the new Headmistress, been chairman for two years Miss Mullenger’s love of Italy with Dr. Ruth Weeks, a biochemist, who and is now working away from an Italian theme for the food, completed her degree and doctorate Birmingham. I would like to thank decorations and a musical interlude at Birmingham University so is very Diana very much on behalf of the with singing from members of staff familiar with Edgbaston. We hope Association, she has done a great Anna Stockton, also an Old Girl, she will be very happy at EHS. The deal to move the Association and Declan Kelly accompanied by committee all enjoyed meeting her forward most notably producing Heather Howell. We were delighted informally at a committee dinner in last year’s new look magazine to be able to present Miss Mullenger, the newly refurbished Dirty Duck in with the well known name Laurel with a garden parasol which we Harborne in October. Leaves and increasing the number hope she can enjoy sitting under of recipients of the joint Old Girls on sunny days, sipping a glass of The meetings this year have been and Friends Initiative Award chilled Italian prosecco and varied and interesting. In March the which this year goes to four girls remembering happy times at EHS. charity dinner held in school was who left this year, Megan Woods, in aid of QARANC Fund for Nurses Louise Best, Harriet Borg-Bartolo As Diana mentioned last year the and our guest speaker was Old and Chloe Leadbetter and Sian school has very nobly taken over Girl Caroline Whittaker daughter of Simpson who left the previous the management of our existing another Old Girl Gillian Whittaker. year. data base and is in the process of Caroline had been the Commanding transferring all the data to a new Officer of the Nursing Squadron In the summer the school said a version, our thanks to Rebekah in Field Hospital 202 in Iraq. Her fond farewell to Miss Mullenger Lowe, School Director of Marketing very vivid descriptions of running who has been Headmistress since and Admissions and her assistant a hospital in searing temperatures January 1998. As Headmistress she Annelle Scott. This data base will in the desert illustrated with slides has overseen considerable changes enable us to extract details of reminded us all of the very difficult not only to the buildings with the members who left school at the conditions the armed forces are opening of the magnificent Octagon same time or who live close to each facing. but also to a changed look for the other or to identify family members. girls with a new school uniform This kind of information will make The AGM and Farewell to Miss combining the first school colour it much easier for you and for us to Mullenger was very well attended of navy with green. Miss Mullenger organise year reunions or regional and everyone enjoyed the Italian will also be remembered for her reunions. We are already planning theme from food to entertainment professional drama productions, regional reunions and we are very as already mentioned. At the AGM it her musical interest and ability grateful to Miss Mullenger who has was agreed that the life membership coupled with a love of Italy and for undertaken to initiate the first one should be increased from £35 to £50 her exhortation to the girls at the in Bristol and to Salma Khan who for the next seven years and that

Page 2 www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk from September 2007, £10 would Friends of EHS at the moment still Edgbaston High School be added to the summer term bill of in the planning stages but likely to girls in year 7 continuing each year be a country fair of hand made and Old Girls’ Association until they left in year13 or if they quality goods. Committee 2006-7 left before the end of the sixth form making up the amount to £70 which We do feel there are many ways would then be the life membership the Old Girls can become involved subscription, there would of course in the continuing life of the school President continue to be an opt out clause as and in partnership with the school Dr. Ruth Weeks there has been previously but we do the OGA are looking at ways of hope all girls will join the OGA. developing bursaries to give the Vice Presidents Our autumn meeting was held opportunity for girls to take up a in the Prep Hall and although a place at EHS and benefit from the Miss V. R. Belton (1976-1987) small gathering the occasion was excellent education offered. The Mrs. S. J. Horsman (1987-1997) very much enjoyed by everyone. breakfast meetings started last year Miss E. M. Mullenger (1998-2006) An excellent curry provided by are also a way of Old Girls giving the school domestic bursar, Steve talks on their career paths such as Chairman Watson who has provided delicious the meeting held in October when Anne Howarth (1954-1961) food for all our events this year, got Lucy Ladbrooke a former head girl things off to a hot start and the spoke inspiringly about her work as demonstration of Christmas flower an events manager with Cadburys. Past Chairman decorations by three ladies from Work experience placements have Diana Harris (1961-1977) Eloquent Flowers was most original also been offered by Old Girls but perfectly possible for us all to working in Birmingham. If you have Treasurer try out and quite different from the any ideas please do let us know and Penny Speer (1951-1962) usual traditional ideas. do visit the school web site at www. edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Our next event is a private viewing Secretary with drinks and light refreshments in Finally I would like to thank all Diane Hirst (1947-1961) the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, 6.00 members of the committee for their to 8.00pm on Thursday March 29th. hard work, enthusiasm and support Laurel Leaves The evening is open to all members at events, particularly treasurer and their friends and to EHS parents Penny Speer, secretary Diane Hirst Helen Holmes (1980-1985) through the Friends Association and and Helen Holmes who has compiled to Members of Council. The evening this newsletter. Also a special thank Past Staff Representative will commence with a short talk you to those members retiring Ruth Carter (left 1979) about the paintings with a tour of from the committee, Liz Taylor who the galleries followed by a reception after many years on the committee School Archivist in the foyer. The Barber Institute is including a term as chairman , Sue one of Birmingham’s little known Robinson who has been the staff Stella Pinkess (1946-1960) gems, housing a unique private representative on the committee collection of valuable paintings. We and also to Jill Siddall who remains General Committee do hope you will be able to come to on the committee but has retired Ronnie Shoebotham (1954-1968) this special event. from the role of minutes secretary. Celia Bell (left 1971) We do all feel that as we enter a The summer meeting and our AGM new era for the school that the OGA Jill Siddall (1956-1962) will be held in school on Thursday and the school are in good heart Judy Metcalfe (left 1987) June 14th when Kate Williams who and that we are looking forward Lara Fatah (left 2001) completed her degree and doctorate to a continued close working at Oxford and has recently published partnership with the school and Co- Opted Member a book on Emma Hamilton, will give enthusiastically renewing contacts Lucy Ladbrooke (left 1995) a talk. between friends made during their very happy school days at EHS. Our proposed event for the autumn Legal Advisor is to be a joint venture with the Anne Howarth Miss S. Thomas (1961-1972) www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Laurelwww.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Leaves 2007 Page 3 Lara Fatah Sixth Form in Iraq Alice Cooper, the first Headmistress of EHS, from 1875-1895 said, Since March I have been working as a journalist in Iraq, which is not as scary as it “A Sixth Form should be sounds, honestly. I am based in something more than a the Kurdish city of Sulaimania sixth class in a school and which is in the north of Iraq. The Kurdish region is now a separate you may not take the name federal entity within Iraq and until you are worthy of it.” the security situation is infinitely watched channels in Iraq and the better than the tragic situation in region but it is beamed via satellite Today, the Sixth Form, which has the rest of the country. into the homes of most expatriate over 110 students, represents the Kurds across the world. The advice to culmination of the girls’ school career I am the deputy editor of SOMA, an speak slower with good diction and offering the opportunity to achieve English language newspaper based to breathe well brought me mind academic goals, to contribute to in the city of Sulaimania – we cover of many choir practices at EHS, but school and community life and to primarily Kurdish affairs and of it certainly helps, while the head of learn new, sometimes unexpected, course Iraq as a whole. The paper is news always says that no matter skills. the most widely read English paper what happens just be charming and in the country, with our readers all will be fine. As tempting as it is I Most Old Girls would not recognise being made up from diplomats, the have so far resisted the urge to shout the beautiful, newly refurbished US and British army, politicians and ‘hello mum’ or laugh at inappropriate common room, with its buzz of an increasing number of Kurds and moments – which for some reason happy chatter and clinking of coffee other Iraqis. seems to increase when the camera cups. starts rolling. The staff of the paper is relatively small which means that I cover Working in Iraq, does however pose a wide range of stories, from some problems, the working culture interviewing important political is very different to the West, I think players such as the Kurdish Prime they actually drink about ten times Minister, Finance Minister and so on more tea than the British, every to trekking up mountains (OK, only task requires tea before, during and some of them were mountains the after! There is also a slightly different others were very steep hills) to see attitude towards deadlines too, newly discovered dinosaur bones most think that they can infinitely and ancient Sassanian monuments. be put back, getting commissioned While for the most part the challenge articles can be like getting water of writing and editing keeps me from a stone; but I like to think they more than busy, I do find time in the are getting better at that although evenings to read the news. I read the it has become a standard joke to ask 40 Year Reunion English news on one of the national whether I want it done to my time or channels, ‘Kurdsat’. I started working Kurdish time. Would all those who left EHS in 1967 there as a news editor and reporter and who would be interested in before gaining a regular spot as a While the problems can niggle, attending a reunion lunch plus newsreader. especially on deadline day, the optional overnight stay at a opportunity to witness and conference centre, former royal The first time I was asked to read the document momentous political hunting lodge in the Reading area, news was extremely nerve wracking, and social change in the region on 14/15 September 2007 please all I could think was that quite far outweighs the problems and it contact Frida Davies (nee Wilson) at literally millions would be watching, has made for a very exciting and [email protected] not only is it one of the most challenging year. or telephone 0208 203 1227 asap.

Page 4 www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Going wasn’t a problem as it was downhill all the way, 1959/1961 Leavers and a lovely Spring day, to boot.

Meet in Bath One or two others joined us at the restaurant and we had three tables in an area separate from the main There was good restaurant which was ideal. The menu choice was good response to this get- and the prices reasonable. In her usual bossy way, Diane together (termed a insisted that everyone changed tables for the dessert “mini reunion”) held and coffee; the usual chaos following this type of decree in April 2006. Jennifer ensued………… Howarth, now Howe, but there isn’t too At around 3oclock we “split”, a few going straight off by much difference, had train, but others who’d left cars chez Jen, returned there, lived in Bath for the with a certain amount of puffing and panting, as the previous ten years steep hill was climbed. Most of us went back in for cups or so and was shortly to relocate to London, which she of tea (how elderly, but then we are Old Girls). Somehow, has now done, due to her husband’s post as director of at this stage, the conversation (of which one focus had Radio 4 Drama. They had a large and beautiful house in previously been “How many Penalty Points have you Lansdowne Road, the ideal place to start the proceedings had?”…..surely EHS girls don’t get those!) turned to with coffee and biscuits. Unfortunately, very little of the The Archers; it seems we are all avid listeners and were large and beautiful house was seen, as few O.G.s seemed pumping Jeremy Howe for the low-down on future willing to progress beyond the kitchen! Any movement episodes! But his lips were sealed. might have meant a momentary cessation of the chat which would have been a tragedy, so it was amongst the Finally, we bade farewell to our hosts and returned in culinary effects that the twenty or so of us stayed until varying directions homewards. It had been a great it was time to walk down to the centre of Bath where a day and thanks are due to Jennifer and Jeremy whose table had been booked at Woods Restaurant. hospitality made it possible. Diane Hurst

The Old Girls’ Association welcomes its new members

Catherine Elisabeth Alton Stephanie Louise Duncan Sophie Alexandra Laitner Hannah Victoria Parker Alexandra Elizabeth Avern Mae Eastwood Chloe Leadbetter Anusha Patel Stella Louise Best Ashley Ayuk Etti Joanne Learmonth Jennifer Louise Peggie Malini Bhattacharyya Natasha Champak Ganatra Sarah Jean Lucas Melissa Louise Sands Naomi Elizabeth Blizzard Katie Elizabeth Glover Rosie Elizabeth Maguire Sharnaz Adeeba Shahid Harriet Borg-Bartolo Emma Daina Grindulis Jessica Katie Marchant Annabel Smith Laura Claire Brookes Anna Louise Hall Anna Catherine Martin Lucy Stockton Christine Cartwright Florence Harper-Benson Julia Frances Mason Elizabeth Rachel Stone Anahita Chouhan Nicola Jayne Hicks Sarah Elizabeth May Alexandra Holland Swartz Emma Chi Ling Chung Sabaah Shaheena Hussain Siddiqa Mehrali Nadina Tinsley Helen Jayne Clarke Mary Elizabeth Jack Charlotte Rose Morby Adefikayo Titiloye Victoria Clutterbuck Nicola Barbara James Kelsey Victoria Moyce Fatema Walje Lucy Victoria Cole Lucy Elisabeth Jones Sharanpal Kaur Nagra Emma Louise Walker Natalie Constantine Min Jung Kang Miriam Namih Claire Louise Walsh Jemima Louise Cox Joanna Elizabeth Keen Sameena Kaur Nijjer Megan Sahara Wood Tanya Deb Sophia Khanna Amy Elizabeth Noakes Sahrish Yousaf Philippa Dickinson Justine Laura Kinney Sheridan Dale Okey Alice Elizabeth Donaldson Stavrini Koumi Suprina Kaur Palak www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Laurel Leaves 2007 Page 5 Art and Design at EHS written by Helen Holmes

Last summer, for the first time in I was visiting school to talk to Mr a BA in Visual Communications and twenty one years, I found myself Dukes, the new Head of Art at EHS, then a PGCE from Birmingham. walking along the main hallway and indeed the same Mr Dukes that Mr Dukes told me how the art and at EHS. The sound of my shoes taught me all those years ago and design facilities have made a huge on the parqué floor, children influenced my chosen career path difference to the teaching of the happily chatting and the faint of graphic designer. Art at EHS has subject. The girls are now able to smell of chocolate concrete and changed beyond all recognition integrate their skills in photography, custard, brought back so many over the last twenty years – the texture, pattern and typography, happy memories of the early small dark art room at the back of together with traditional painting 1980s – crowding into the hall school, with its traditional wooden and drawing, to gain the best for assembly; rushing down the tables and paint splattered stools possible aesthetic outcome. Indeed salmon pink stairs to get to the has been replaced by a purpose- two girls received outstanding front of the dinner queue; the built, beautiful, light and airy results in their Art A levels last year sage green uniform and brown room equipped with state of – two of the top five in the country. shoes; sunny afternoons playing the art computers and the latest rounders down at the field.... design software integrated into The workspace facilitates a great the workspace, together with a atmosphere in the art room – the Duran Duran and Wham were my screen printing and painting area. girls seem eager to learn, bouncing favourite pop groups – I listened The changes have been driven by ideas off each other whilst talking to their LPs on my record Martin Dukes, who joined the school about influential artistic styles. player and called myself a New in 1984, after a brief spell working Much of this enthusiasm is down to Romantic! “Who shot JR?” was at the George Dixon School. He is Mr Dukes himself – his easy-going the question on everyone’s lips. trained in Graphic Design, having teaching style and praise for the studied at Kidderminster College and girls’ work, gives encouragement Wolverhampton Polytechnic, gaining and confidence, allowing them to go that extra mile and make a good piece of work, superb. He hasn’t changed at all!

Art Class 1985 Page 6 www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Top 5 Marks in the Country Hannah Parker and Nicola James, both recent EHS leavers, obtained exceptional A Level results in Art and Design. We are very proud to report that they both achieved grades within the top five in the country.

Nicola feels very privileged to have had the opportunity to study art at EHS, and told us about the amaz- ing facilities, which we believe are unique to the school. She especially enjoyed screen-printing, graphic design and textured art, and is thankful to all the staff for the tips and tricks that assisted her during her studies. The happy and inspira- tional atmosphere in the art room, not only fired the imagination but made the subject fun and exciting. Nicola is now studying Geography at Bristol University and is thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Hannah told us how she loved her art group, “it was so dynamic, with all the girls having different styles of working.” The relaxed atmosphere of the art room meant that they could bounce ideas off each other and therefore progress their work with confidence. Hannah used to be a self- confessed computerphobe, until Mr Dukes stepped in, with his Graphic Design training! By the end of the sixth form she felt comfortable with design software and actually quite enjoyed using PCs. Hannah is currently studying English Literature at Cardiff University – the course covers a broad range of modules and she loves studying in such a beautiful city.

Hannah’s mum, Hazel Parker née Hodgeskin-Brown was also a student at EHS, between 1968 and 1975. Hazel remembers school with fondness, and particularly enjoyed the Botanic Gardens being just next door. She is, of course, a very proud mum, especially as she struggled with her own A Levels due to a bout of Glandular Fever.

We wish both girls well, and hope to report on their progress over the next year, in the next edition of Laurel Leaves. Samples of Nicola and Hannah’s A Level work www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Laurel Leaves 2007 Page 7 Top five “Outstanding Tanya Deb has gained excellent A Level examination results, achieving A grades in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Woman in Business” Music, and also scored one of the top five marks in the country in both Biology and Maths. Robyn Jones has built a £54 She is currently studying Medi- million organisation in just cine at the prestigious Trinity fifteen years, and in doing so, College, Oxford. has set new standards for food in the workplace. Charlton House, Tanya joined EHS in year 10, which she co-founded with her after moving into the area from husband, Tim, in July 1991, is now Cardiff. She immediately found the largest independent contract both staff and students to be caterer in the UK. The company welcoming and friendly. Although employs 1,400 nationwide, and the other girls in her class had clients include Her Majesty’s existing friendship groups, Tanya Treasury, the National Assembly was made to feel like part of the for Wales and the corporate community straight away. “At EHS headquarters of BUPA, Sony and there’s a great relationship between Network Rail. Robyn and Tim staff and students,” Tanya told us. “The atmosphere is lovely.” In September this year, Robyn Jones was named the Credit Suisse In the summer of 1991, disaster Tanya had always been interested Outstanding Woman in Business struck; Robyn was made redundant in medicine as a career and there- at the National Business Awards. from her position as General fore concentrated on the sciences Charlton House was also named Manager with Higgs and Hill plc. It in the sixth form, but took music Food Service Caterer of the Year 2006 was at the height of a recession, and as a fourth subject purely because at The Catey Awards, the industry’s Robyn and Tim had just taken on a she enjoyed it, and it added a little equivalent to the Oscars. larger mortgage. variety to her subjects. She plays the violin and hopes there will be Robyn has come a long way since Although a big blow to her opportunities to further develop her days at Edgbaston High School, confidence, it was the catalyst she her music skills at University. which she remembers fondly. needed to start her own business. She established Charlton House on Trinity College was Tanya’s first “I have some very happy memories of a weekly Government Enterprise choice of University because it has my time at Edgbaston High School. My Allowance of just £50 and her £2,500 the same atmosphere that she has mother taught English at the school redundancy cheque. become used to at EHS – friendly, when my two sisters and I were there, integrated and welcoming. from 1966-1972. I feel that the school The vision for the company at that has given me an excellent grounding stage was to gain three clients. and a sense of confidence which has The rest, as they say, is history. helped me in my business activities.” Throughout – and despite – the phenomenal success of the company, After leaving Edgbaston High School, Robyn has remained caring, the family moved to Derbyshire conscientious and approachable. where Robyn completed an OND As a mother of two young children, in Hotel Catering & Institutional Tabitha (10) and Blake (7), she Management. She landed her first manages to balance her home and job as a school dinner lady and business life, and even finds time to steadily worked her way up the bake the children’s birthday cakes career ladder. herself!

Page 8 www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk 2005, got married to Mr Anoop Sharma, News from Old Girls who she had been with for three years prior. He works for Electronic Trading in Christina Hitchcock reports that worked in Australia and New Zealand Goldman Sachs and they are very happy. she lived in Perth, Australia from 1994 to for nearly a year. When she returned She is now living in London and has 2003 with her Australian husband and she worked for the Millenium Chain been accepted to endeavour on the LPC took exams in Australian migration law of Hotels for a year and then decided (Legal Practice Course) at the College of to became a Registered Migration Agent she wanted to do something different Law, London. in 2003. She has been living in Suffolk and went through a Sales Recruitment since October 2003 and runs a small Agency in Cheltenham and got a job Alison Shaw (née Moir) 1956 - 1964 business as a Migration Agent, which near Cheltenham for Group 4 Systems has just retired after 18 years as organises visas to Australia for clients as a Sales Consultant covering the Secretary of the Mulberry Bush School all over the UK. She has a daughter, Midlands and South West of the in Oxfordshire, a very special school Alexandra who was born on 25 February Country consulting blue chip companies for emotionally disturbed primary age 2004 and a son, Toby who was born on of their Security requirements. Her children. Ever since moving to Standlake 28 May 2006. biggest accolade was selling a whole in 1972 she has been very involved with Security system worth £150,000 to a the local Church and over the past six Josephine Finlay (née White) 1965 Young Offenders prison in Manchester. years has been involved in training with - 1972 after leaving Oxford, met her She stayed with Group 4 for nearly four the Diocese of Oxford which culminated husband Ian in 1974, and since then years, and then left to work for ADT in achieving a Certificate in Ministry has travelled the world extensively Fire and Security as a System Sales through Oxford Brookes University for several months each year – mainly consultant. She was promoted last year in 2005. This was her first academic during the winter to avoid the cold as a Service Sales Manager looking qualification since her A Levels! She weather here! These trips have included after a team of eight people across the is a Lay Pastoral Minister of her local many to Sri Lanka, the Caribbean, Midlands with a budget of £0.8 million. Church in Standlake. Two of her three Nepal (for the superb trekking in the She has found her niche. children live in the States, so much of Himalayas), and to Indonesia where they her retirement is going to be spent now own two properties on the magical Ekta Sharma (née Kaur) left EHS in flying “across the pond” to see her (so far) island of Bali. In 1987 they established 1999 to complete her A-levels at Abbey three grandchildren over there. their own business, which specialises College and then went on to University in selling top quality handmade silver of Wolverhampton to obtain a Law Lucy Walker 1991 - 1998 graduated jewellery, exotic woodcarvings and Degree LLB (Hons). She took a two year from De Montfort University, Leicester in furniture which they buy directly break, where she travelled up and down 2003 with a BA (Hons) Law and Media. from the makers themselves during England and to the States, mainly New She is now engaged to Graeme, who she their travels abroad. The items are York. The objective of these travels was met in her first year at university and she sold where they live in North Devon, to gain as much work experience in the made the move to live in Poole in Dorset and through their website. However, legal field as she could and also to have in October 2005. She is now an Account her particular interest has been Yoga an opportunity to travel at the same Manager for a magazine printer, after which she has practised since 1980. In time, as she had always regretted not learning the print trade in direct mail in 1989 she established a local evening taking a gap year. She recently, 10 July Leicester. class which ran for 10 years, and since then has been teaching yoga around southwest England and abroad. During the last few years her focus has been 1966/7 EHS Leavers’ Lunch upon guiding students during weekend Lois Burley (née Ward) hosted a Late Summer Lunch Party at her home and week-long yoga events. These in Moseley, Birmingham for former classmates who left EHS in 1966/67. workshops incorporate Ayurvedic Gathered around the table are (left to right) Sue Bowen Jones, lifestyle principles and specific breathing Frida Davies (née Wilson), Maggie Gough (née Ellis), Ruth Thomson techniques (pranayama) together with (née Walton), therapeutic/restorative yoga practices Sue White (née – all very much needed in the current Buchanan), western way of life! Jennie Tipper (née Cutler), Serretta Lloyd 1986 - 1993 studied Matty Thacker for a degree at Cardiff Institute for (née Pusey) which she received a BA (Hons) in and Hotel Management (1 year of which Davina Pearce was spent living and working in (née Quayle). Guernsey). She then went travelling and www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Laurel Leaves 2007 Page 9 My ‘Leap’ to Cape Town written by Sian Simpson

Following an informative assembly about her travels in South Africa, conducted by Miss Mullenger, I became aware of the existence of Leap School. Her tremendous enthusiasm about this unique school in Cape Town sparked my interest, to do voluntary work as part of my Gap year. I discussed my proposed plan with my mum, and as peculiar as it seemed at the time, the suggestion of having a shared experience to South Africa became somewhat of a family affair; she decided to come with me!

Before we knew it, our long awaited visit to Leap had arrived. Nerves were replaced by excitement of what lay ahead. Leap School exists to address a need of providing higher level education to children Sian with her Mum aged 14-20 years from nearby impoverished Langa Township and benefit of electricity, although they weekend. They all became known as other disadvantaged communities. share communal toilets and water. the ‘Welsh’ class in which they took a In 2004 Leap had 72 students and on A very stark and shocking sight, yet great pride. our arrival in 2006 over 150 students important to enable us to put into had been enrolled. context the family background of the Having expressed an interest in children. helping at a crèche in Guguletu We were advised to make a visit Township, we spent a day there. to Langa (meaning Sunshine), the Our regular assistance in the school On our arrival 29 children were township that so many pupils call Library, involved cataloguing books being supervised by one volunteer home. From Cape Town airport it is both manually and on the computer, carer. Her colleague had to attend a community that runs parallel to repairing and reorganizing books a meeting so together we held the motorway and comprises of a into what became an accessible the fort. We helped entertain the complex mix of accommodation, system. It was whilst in the Library children who were between 1-4 from squatter camps, to flats to that my mum became acquainted years old; this involved various songs, privately owned houses, although the with a class of grade 10’s who at the dances and stories. The crèche itself majority live in shacks of corrugated time were studying ‘Boy’ by Roald was barely adequate but a much iron sheets and wood. Most have the Dahl. Having read recently the very safer environment than the township same book, mum became involved itself. Mum at one point was feeding in class discussions about the Welsh five hungry children who were aspects of the story, and the children standing around her like chicks with keenly asked her to teach them some their mouths wide open. Once they phrases. From that day on, we were had food in their bellies all seemed both greeted in the morning with well for them to sleep, so we cleared ‘Bore da’ and in the afternoon with up and were collected shortly ‘Prynhawn da’ and ‘Hwyl’ before the afterwards.

Page 10 www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Destinations of 2006 Leavers

Name Destination Course Catherine Alton University of Nottingham Civil Engineering Louise Best University of Durham Mathematics Malini Bhattavharyya University of Manchester Ancient History Harriet Borg-Bartolo University of Newcastle Business Management Laura Brookes University of Birmingham Sport and Exercise Sciences Imogen Chapman St Martin’s College of Art Art Foundation Course Anahita Chouhan University of the Arts, London Art Foundation Course During our stay, we understood Emma Chung Oxford Brookes University Cities – Environment, that the children not only struggle Design and Development with poor housing but sadly having Helen Clarke Royal Holloway College, London Drama and Theatre visited Langa, we saw the poverty, Studies and also become very aware of the Victoria Clutterbuck University of Bristol French and German Natalie Constantine London School of Economics Philosophy, Logic and family difficulties that many suffer. Scientific Method Single parents and orphans were Jemima Cox University College, London Psychology common along with the blight of Tanya Deb Trinity College, Oxford Medicine HIV, T.B., alcohol abuse and drug Alice Donaldson University of Liverpool Nursing dependency. Life there is far from Stephanie Duncan Newnham College, Cambridge History easy – school for the majority was Ashley Etti University of Nottingham Philosophy a much needed safe environment. Natasha Ganatra De Montfort University Pharmacy Katie Glover University of Nottingham Management Studies with My feelings of affection towards Spanish Leap had grown to such an extent Emma Grindulis University of Leeds Geography that I truly felt a part of their ‘family’ Anna Hall Leeds Metropolitan University Psychology and Sociology and the prospect of leaving them, Nicola Hicks University of Manchester Music saddened me. However it is now, Mary Jack University of Cardiff Medicine having returned home, that I can Nicola James University of Bristol Geography reminisce on South Africa as being Lucy Jones University of Nottingham Nursing Science Sophia Khanna Queen Mary, London English the most valuable adventure I have Justine Kinney Loughborough University Psychology ever undertaken. I have broadened Stavrini Koumi University of Birmingham English my social outlook on life, and put my Chloe Leadbetter University of Bristol Psychology life in perspective. I recognize now Joanne Learmonth University of Bristol French and Spanish that our appreciation of good health Jessica Marchant University of Birmingham English and surroundings is ultimately the Anna Martin University of Leeds Sociology most important thing, and should Julia Mason University of Newcastle Combined Studies Siddiqa Mehrali University of Durham Modern Languages never to be taken for granted. Charlotte Morby Nottingham Trent University Fashion and Textile Management I look back on the energy and Sharanpal Nagra Cardiff University Applied Business enjoyment demonstrated during the Management Marathon Rowing day in July 2005, Miriam Namih University of Birmingham Medicine and not only do I feel proud about Joleen O’Hagan Wolverhampton University Psychology participating in such a momentous Suprina Palak University of Leicester Management Studies event, but also it was the importance Hannah Parker Cardiff University English Literature Jennifer Peggie University of Leeds Philosophy and Politics our ‘spirit of Togetherness’ as a school Elizabeth Stone University of Nottingham Nursing Science on that day which undoubtedly will Alexandra Swartz University of Manchester Languages and Social support the development of Leap Sciences School’s future. I also recognize the Adefikayo Titiloye University of Manchester Medicine value of Edgbaston’s link with Leap Fatema Walji University of Birmingham Medicine School, a link which should be both Emma Walker Manchester Metropolitan University Retail Marketing celebrated and maintained. I hope to Management Claire Walsh University of Bristol Physics and Philosophy remain in contact with Leap, as it has Megan Wood Homerton College, Cambridge Education Studies with been an unforgettable journey, and I Music thank everyone who supported me Sahrish Yousaf King’s College, London Mathematics with during my extraordinary time there. Management and Finance www.edgbastonhigh.bham.sch.uk Laurel Leaves 2007 Page 11 Dear Old Girls of EHS, Obituaries I am writing to thank all of you who Barbara Collingwood (née Tatham), contributed to the magnificent garden umbrella, with its stand passed away on 21st August aged 93. and cover, which the Old Girls’ She was at Edgbaston High School Association presented to me on more than 70 years ago, around my retirement this summer. It is a the time 1926-1928. She went on wonderful and most generous gift to St Felix, Southwold, and later and a timely incentive to design and to Westfield College, then part of plant part of the garden around it! London University. She spoke fondly of her time at the school. Thank you also for the many cards and good wishes – and most of Mrs Gwendoline Davis (née Weale), all, for a memorable evening on at EHS from 1943-1950 has sadly June 16th with its Italian theme, passed away. and lovely programme of song. The detailed planning and all the work Emma Kemm passed away on the which went into this occasion are so appreciated. 6th September 2006.

The Summer term seemed to be one Christine Russell (née Plevin) long round of meals, receptions and regional meetings and help to born 30th August 1940, died of a speeches! Mostly, one only retires keep EHS at the forefront of girls’ brain tumour on 2nd July 2006. once, so I was determined to enjoy education. As last year’s Head Girl She attended Edgbaston High it all. Thus far, I have been so busy and Deputy quoted to me in our final School, from where she went on that I am considering retiring from assembly: an exchange visit to Germany, and retirement! made lifelong friendships with a “Every limit is a beginning as well as an German family. After graduating in It gave me great pleasure to be ending. Who can quit young lives after French and German at Cambridge able to hand over to Dr Weeks, to being long in company with them, and she taught at Bedford and then someone who is such a committed not desire to know what befell them in for many years in Eastbourne. enthusiast for girls’ schools and so their after-years?” strongly in touch with the distinctive (George Eliot: ‘ Middlemarch’) When pupils wished to study character and ethos of EHS. As a Vice- subjects which weren’t on the President of the Association I am Exactly so for me – and for most of school’s curriculum, such as ethics, intending to be active in supporting us, I imagine. philosophy and economics, she and promoting it. I am delighted that taught herself these subjects the regular Breakfast Club meetings It was a privilege to be Headmistress so that she could provide individual with the Sixth Form are now well- of EHS and a great pleasure to know, coaching. She retired at the age established in school. I look forward or to meet, so many of you. I am of 50, and then went to Nepal where to being at the inaugural meeting delighted and honoured to have she set up a GAP organisation and of the first of the proposed Regional been made a Life Member and to negotiated to have it registered as a EHS OGA Groups in Bristol in the be able to act as a Vice-President NGO. For many years she supported Spring term. Contact, reunion, mutual of the Association. Diana and Anne three schools in Nepal, buying land, support and career networking will have been hugely supportive of new giving money for building, creating a be important functions of these ventures such as the Breakfast Club groups with, in true EHS fashion, and regional initiatives. I wish the mortgage fund for teacher’s housing, some food, wine and fun! OGA great success in all its activities. and sponsoring children. Christine was very much impressed by the Please give your support to this With affection and good wishes, spirituality of a Hindu family that invitation and to other proposed Elizabeth Mullenger she had stayed with, and that set her on a path of exploration which eventually resulted in her joining a Designed and produced by Disclaimer Quaker Meeting in 1997. She was an The Editor and Publishers of Laurel Leaves take no MarosHolmes Design responsibility for the accuracy and content of the enthusiastic traveller, birdwatcher, articles contained within this newsletter. Similarly, and environmentalist, but in her final Tel: 07986 131155 the Editor and Publishers take no responsibility for the quality of the photographs and their years her greatest love was music, Email: [email protected] subsequent reproduction within this publication. especially that of the baroque period.

Laurel Leaves 2007 Page 12