Central High Alumnae Newsletter | 2019/20

A HALF BAKED IDEA How baking saved writer and Alumna Olivia Potts from the grip of grief 2 3

CONTENTS 26

Olivia Potts 06 News From GDST and NHSG CHNS Alumna and Head Girl (2006), Olivia 08 School News Achievements of NHSG girls Potts, has written a memoir, A Half Baked Idea. After a family tragedy, she tells of the 14 NHSG Results Success difficult decision to leave her career as a GCSE and A Level criminal barrister and retreat to the comfort of the kitchen. Features 20 24 Russell House 21 A new lease of life

STEMinism 22 Anna Ritzema - women in STEM 27 The Children’s Tailor CNHS Time Paddington is Roya Manouchehri - sartorial success Capsule back! 28 Central High Reunion 2018 Over 100 ‘Old Girls’ reunited We were sad to see the A very familiar bear is demolition of the CNHS returning to our screens, Bursaries at the hands of a familiar 31 A gift of education site on Eskdale Terrace. The building, which holds face! Sarah Caisley, Class 33 Dame Catherine Cookson so many fond memories, of 2009, is leading the team Her lasting legacy contained one last of animators responsible for bringing the lovable 35 Events and Getting Involved surprise for us - but this Dates for the diary one held memories of a Paddington back to the very different era! small screen. Sarah tells us more on how she landed her dream job in digital animation. 4

Welcome to the latest edition of the Central High Alumnae magazine.

I hope you enjoy reading this latest copy of the Central We hope you find this High Alumnae newsletter. It is one way of keeping in touch newsletter informative with you all and demonstrating that we value our links with and stimulating. We do you. appreciate readers’ contributions This newsletter also details opportunities for you to link and comments. with each other, your shared histories and with the School. I wonder, however, if there is anything in particular you I look forward to welcoming you to Newcastle High School would like to see included? for Girls for reunions and events which will happen during the coming year as well as, I hope, to our first out-of- Are there aspects of the life Newcastle gathering which we plan to hold in London later of the School or the activity of Alumnae which we are next year. missing?

With best wishes Please do let Amy Rodway know, Marketing Officer, at [email protected]

Michael Tippett Head, NHSG

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A BRIEF NOTE FROM

THE EDITOR

Dear Friends,

Once again we are delighted to publish this year’s annual Alumnae newsletter, sharing news of both School and our Alumnae. I do hope you like our ‘new look’ and new size newsletter; our aim is to create a more modern style while still sharing the news you love. Thank you to Amy Rodway who has worked to bring our vision for the newsletter into being.

Thank you also to everyone who has contributed content for the newsletter. We begin with news of the School and some interesting updates on the former Central High site on Eskdale Terrace. We also feature some fabulous articles from our Alumnae including Anna Ritzema (Hayes), Olivia Potts and Sarah Caisley. I know you will relish reading these.

Please do continue to send your news and messages and we hope you see you at one of our reunions in the near future - the next Central High Alumnae Reunion at school will be on Saturday 5th October 2019 and we are planning a London Reunion too! We will be sending news of this to Alumnae via email so if you are interested please make sure we have your latest email details!

Warmest wishes,

Janice Graves Director of Marketing, NHSG 6

NEWS

The campaign is part of the GDST’s All Girl GDST Brand strategy to raise awareness of Campaign the organisation as a whole and We are very excited to announce generate interest for the individual that we have launched a new look schools across the country. Have you spotted the GDST’s for the Newcastle High Autumn 2019 marketing campaign, one advertising campaign? The adverts appeared on poster that champions a very traditional The GDST recently launched sites, in the press including maga- sentiment. Regional campaigns across the zines and on digital platforms. The UK to celebrate GDST girls, their results showed that the campaign reached and inspired new parents confidence and their spirit. But and girls to think about a future more importantly, this new phase with GDST. Current parents, pupils, of the campaign featured pupils teachers and Alumnae were ex- from Newcastle High School tremely proud to see the ads and for Girls. Kristiana Beasy, Year belong to a group that champions 8, and Rachel Tsang, Year 12, the education of girls. were selected to feature in the campaign and attended a high- Mentoring for every profile photoshoot in London. Sixth Former The eagle-eyed amongst you may have spotted one of our adverts To enable every GDST Sixth Form on the first page already! The new girl to connect with their ‘All Girl’ campaign celebrates the Alumnae family, we’ve teamed up values and benefits of an all-girl with rungway.com, the mentoring education, something we are app. Now, at the touch of a button, extremely proud of here at NHSG, our pupils have a way of asking and the essence of what makes our some of the burning questions school community so special. they have about study and life after school, anywhere and at any We feel it is more important than time. If you’d like to find out more, ever to shout about our status as or join the Rungway mentoring the leading school for girls in the community, visit the following North East, especially as the drive website www.gdst.net/ for gender equality has gained so Rungway-mentoring-app. much momentum. 7

INNOVATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE

The digital and tech sector Sixth Form pupils who were seated who will have the drive was the focus of a recent at each table, providing the girls with an impressive opportunity to and capacity to shape this dinner held at NHSG. learn from some of our region’s sector. I don’t just want Hosted by the School’s best talent. Governors, the annual our pupils to go on to be dinner, now in its third year, “Our theme for the evening was the end users of tech; I Innovation in the Digital Age and has been firmly established we were delighted to welcome Jim want them to be at the as a key event in the North Mawdsley, CEO of Generator and forefront of shaping its East calendar. head of Digital Union as our guest speaker. development.” Guests at the NHSG Governors’ Dinner included many of the most “Jim is an outstanding ambassador He added that the role of the influential people in the region who for the digital and tech business in school was to “encourage more were welcomed by the chair of the the region, and at the forefront of girls to follow their interest in NHSG governing board, Patricia many ground-breaking projects.” technical and digital areas so that Alexander, Managing Director of they can have an equal voice and the North East-based social lender Before Jim took to the floor, guests place at the table”. Shared Interest (pictured below). at the dinner heard from Michael Tippett, who was appointed as Jim, in his address, talked of the head of NHSG in September enormous change in the digital 2018. Michael set out his vision and tech sector in recent years for the school explaining that “the and that of how he is blown School’s mission is to educate the away by the technical and digital future leaders and shapers of the innovation in the region. He world”. expressed that all businesses were now built on tech, citing END Turning to the digital and tech clothing as a phenomenal local industry, Michael expressed his example of how digital and tech frustration at the very low platforms have been the key to percentage of women currently “astronomical growth”. working in the tech industry and Patricia said: “The aim of the NHSG how schools and businesses must Talking about the next generation Governors’ Dinner is to enable the work together to bring about of innovators, Jim impressed upon school to showcase its fantastic change. the guests the need for creativity. work as well as to look at ways that He said: “Being creative and business and schools can work He reflected on the evening: employing free thinking is the key together to nurture young people because the reality is that if you in the region. Guests very much “I see the role of NHSG don’t disrupt yourself, someone valued being able to hear the views else will. of the next generation and NHSG as educating the women 8 NHSG SCHOOL NEWS A Way with Words

Caitlin Pyper was one of fifteen talented winners invited to London to receive a prestigious 2018 Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award.

With over 11,000 entries to the competition from over 80 countries, Caitlin’s creative flair for poetry writing is demonstrated by this fantastic achievement. Her moving poem, titled ‘Mrs Richard’s Year’, was inspired by her transition from Junior to Senior School and began as a piece of work in the classroom.

Speaking about this year’s winning entries, Caroline Bird, Foyle Judge 2018, described the works as “politically brave and socially aware; NHSG are GDST Champions much braver than I remember feeling at that age. As long as they hold on to that wisdom, We are pleased to report that our Senior humankind might be all right.” A glowing review, Netball Team brought home the GDST Netball of which all winners should be extremely proud. Trophy in March, the first team to do so in the history of NHSG. As if this wasn’t enough to celebrate, on 1st October Caitlin was interviewed by BBC Look The competition took place at Bromley High North about her fantastic achievement. Caitlin School and girls competed against their fellow read a short excerpt from her poem and described GDST school teams from across the country, her total surprise on finding out she was a winner. in what can only be described as very gusty How did she celebrate, you might ask? There was conditions! The final game against some only one thing for it: cake, cake and more cake! dauntingly tall Royal High School Bath players finished with a strong 8-2 win; a fantastic result Caitlin’s poem is published in the and a phenomenal achievement overall! Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award anthology which includes the poems from the 15 winners of the competition. As well as attending the prestigious awards ceremony at the South Bank Centre, London, Caitlin has the opportunity to attend the prestigious Arvon writing course, led by highly acclaimed writers. 9

NHSG’s First Mother and Daughter Science Fair

Ines top 10 in London Mini

Marathon STEM Discovery Week 2019 took place on 6th-19th March. This international initiative encourages Ines Curran came 10th in the London mini-marathon projects, organisations and schools across Europe on 28th April, an absolutely amazing feat. She was and around the world, to celebrate careers and stud- representing the North East in the Under 15 girls ies in the fields of Science, Technology, team. Each team consists of six selected athletes com- Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). peting against teams from all over the UK and all the boroughs of London. She was first finisher for her team Deputy Head and STEM Co-ordinator at Junior and completed the three mile course (the last three School, Miss Williams, couldn’t let this fantastic miles of the London marathon) in a time of 17.20. As initiative pass us by and so came about our very first a result of her top ten finish, she has been selected Mother and Daughter Science Fair. Girls and their to attend a summer camp where she will meet elite Mums were invited to work on a Science project of GB runners like Mo Farrah. their choice and display their findings at an afternoon exhibition of all-things Science on 8th March. A Great British Record for rower, The variety, and quality, of the research was fantastic, Lucie Harrington covering a vast number of topics in great detail; from chemical reactions, electricity-producing lemons, Lucie Harrington, Year 8, has recorded a homemade hovercrafts and everything in-between monumental time of 3 minutes 40.2 seconds for rowing – it was clear that girls and their Mums had invested 1000 metres on an indoor rower, confirming a new a huge amount of time and energy investigating British Record. This is Lucy’s latest accolade in a string their topic. It’s safe to say the Science Fair is going to of rowing achievements, including recently placing 3rd become an annual event! in a Northern Regional Rowing Competition. Mr Tippett congratulated Lucie in a whole-school assembly on Monday 13th May so her phenomenal record could be recognised by all at NHSG. 10

Esther heads to the House of Commons

Esther Kirk, Year 13, had the opportunity to debate in the House of Commons in November, as a result of being elected as the Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for Newcastle in February 2018.

Talking about her experience, Esther said: “Hearing young people truly impassioned by what they were Gold Champion Status for NHSG debating for, and against, and having the wonderful Right Honourable John Bercow from NCS chair the event was an experience I will never forget.” National Citizen Service (NCS) has awarded ‘Gold Champion’ status to Newcastle High School for Girls, thanks to its During the day, key politicians dropped in to listen to consistent commitment to working alongside NCS to build the various debates, including Jeremy Corbyn who was awareness of the NCS programme and having exceeded present for the Knife Crime debate. Esther spoke on the expectations in promoting the programme as well as debate around the issue of Equal Pay and is fortunate recruiting students to take part. enough to be returning to the House of Commons next year in her role in the Procedures Group (PG). PG The NCS programme supports young people’s transition makes the decisions that guide the development of to adulthood by developing their strength of character the organisation, and agree on the arrangements for and life-skills which enables them to contribute to society each sitting. with a greater sense of purpose, optimism and belonging.

Open to young people aged 16-17 the NCS programme takes place in school holidays and includes outdoor team- building exercises, a residential for participants to learn ‘life skills’, a community-based social action project and an end of programme celebration event.

Jo Cooney, NCS Recruitment Coordinator for Newcastle says:

“We always receive a warm welcome from staff and students at Newcastle High School for Girls so I am delighted to present an award to mark their NCS Champion status.”

Pictured above: Esther Kirk at the House of Commons with fellow MYPs 11 NHSG SCHOOL NEWS

Alumnae inspiration for Connie Hayward, Year 9, was crowned the winner for her moving entry on suffragette International Women’s Lady Constance Lytton. Connie, also a talented violinist who was recently awarded a coveted Day prize from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, produced a 6-minute film Thanks to the generous donation from with a moving soundtrack, about the life and parents of an Alumna for an annual work of Constance, an influential prize, NHSG has been celebrating the suffragette activist. outstanding achievement of trailblazing women across the years through an excit- Other winners in the competition included an ing competition for our very own future emotive dance in honour of ‘Every Woman’ trailblazers. that has contributed to women’s rights, a poster and essay on the achievements of sailor The International Women’s Day Prize Susie Goodhall, and a beautiful poem on Civil encourages girls at NHSG to submit en- Rights Movement pioneer, Claudette Colvin, tries about the female they felt has done who refused to give up her seat to a white the most to empower girls and advance woman on a crowded, segregated bus. women’s rights in the last 100 years. As part of our IWD event, Helen Dalby, who We were delighted to welcome Mrs Vane, is now Senior Editor and Head of Digital at the prize donor, and Alumna Helen Dalby Reach plc which includes the Chronicle, Jour- to judge and present the prizes to the nal and Gazette, also spoke to the girls about girls at a special event on International how her education has shaped her climb to Women’s Day. success in what is a very male dominated field.

NHSG girls had submitted a superb We only need to look to our own Alumnae for range of films, poems, essays and dance so many inspiring stories of women who are choreography. Some were of women that making their mark on the world. most will have heard of and others were modern day change-makers.

12 NHSG SCHOOL NEWS

NHSG brought the Oomph! Many of the NHSG Alumnae who enjoyed theatrical triumphs at school have gone on to tread back to Oliver! the boards in theatre productions. Among their ranks are Alice Stokoe, who took the lead in the This year NHSG Senior School ditched West End production of Mamma Mia in 2015; and ribbons for rags to perform one of the most Laila Zaidi, a graduate from the Arts Educational beloved British musicals, Oliver!, bringing School who performed on BBC 1’s Shakespeare to life Dickens’ timeless characters with Live event, played Maria in West Side Story and is its infamous story of the orphan boy who now appearing in the new series of Benidorm. asked for more. Nearly 100 girls took part in the hit musical (in January at Northern We’re confident that this year’s cohort of aspiring Stage), which originally premiered in the performers will go on to achieve such success West End in 1960 and ran for an impressive when they leave NHSG to embark on the next 2,618 performances. Those of you that were stage of their educational journey. With just under able to come and watch will know that the 6 months to wait before the next production, its performances were a triumph, with the cast fair to say, the girls have definitely left us wanting wowing nearly 1500 people over four shows, more! including sell-out performances on Friday and Saturday evening.

Many audience members remarked that our production was at least as good as, if not better than a West End performance! Girls embodied their characters with ease and demonstrated their acting, dancing and singing talents like true professionals. The cast and orchestra had been tirelessly rehearsing from October last year but the reaction from the audience at each of the four shows ensured that their efforts were very much rewarded. 13

Over £6k raised for NECCR

Girls from Junior and Senior School have raised a collective £6014 for the North of England Children’s Cancer Research fund through individual sponsorship for completing the Children’s Cancer Run in 2018 and 2019. The money raised has gone towards helping children to overcome cancer and live long, happy and healthy lives.

Three girls from Year 6 who completed the run, Charlotte Hardie, Robyn Leck and Sarrah Khushnood, were invited to attend an awards presentation at Metro Radio’s studios at 55 Degrees North to accept a trophy and framed certificate on behalf of the School.

Remarkable golfer Rosie wins Rising Star Award

Talented golfer Rosie Belsham, Year 13, won a Rising Star Award after being nominated by NHSG PE teachers for this accolade. Rosie, whose home club is Whitley Bay, is currently ranked number 4 in the country and 22nd in Europe with a handicap of + 1.4. Rosie became the youngest ever Northumberland Ladies Senior Champion at the age of 15, which put her firmly on the sporting radar. She was lucky enough to be picked to represent England’s Under 16s in the National Cup, finishing runner-up.

Rosie attended the Awards Evening in February and said: “I only realised the calibre of the event when I arrived and I saw the famous and very talented athletes in attendance, along with presenters and sponsors. It was a fantastic night and I am very proud to have won the Award for Golf.”

Rosie took home the Bronze Grant Award which entitles her to a £250 grant to help support her sporting successes. We know it will be money well spent and Rosie has a very exciting future ahead of her. Most recently, Rosie has been selected by England Golf to play in the Duke of York Champions Trophy in Northern Ireland. We wish her the best of luck. 14

RESULTS SUCCESS AT NHSG

It’s been a great Summer for the results reported in 2018. Girls studying the Creative Arts girls at NHSG, and especially for the were also celebrating with Emilia girls who, this year, are joining the Appointed as Head in September Cooke and Annie Frost winning ranks of the Alumnae Network. 2018, Mr Tippett has spent his first places on the highly competitive year in post focusing on academic Art Foundation course at Kingston We were able to report a sharp attainment for all the pupils. University in London. increase in our performance at A Level compared to 2018 and have He said: “Our A Level results show Mr Tippett added: “For the girls been delighted to see NHSG soar an increase of 20 percentage points who attended NHSG, these results back up the league tables. at both A* - A grade and A* to B will mean that they will now be grades. With 51% of grades at A* following the university and career Over half of the A Level grades to A and 80% at A* to B, the effort paths of their choice. I know they achieved by the pupils at the and sheer hard work of the girls has have exciting futures ahead of them School are at A* and A, and an been recognised in this outstanding and we wish them every success. impressive 80% at grades A * to B. set of results. Both of these statistics represent NHSG has reported excellent results a rise of 20 percentage points on “Underpinning the girls’ across all subject areas ranging achievements is the excellent from Dance and Geography to teaching and support they receive Maths and Science and this is at NHSG and I would like to testament to the new approach congratulate our staff, as well as taken by the School over the past the girls.“ year.

There were some phenomenal Following the success of the girls individual performances from girls at A Level, results issued a week at NHSG. Alice Larsen (pictured later demonstrated that the School above, middle) who was Head Girl was on the ‘up’ at GCSE level too. at NHSG achieved four A*s and is An outstanding 130 grades were now going to St Mary’s in London awarded at the coveted top grade to study Medicine. of 9, an increase of five percentage points compared to 2018. Rosie Hurcombe (pictured left) was delighted to learn that she too There have been improved had gained four A*s. She is now results across all grades where an looking forward to embarking on impressive 38% of grades at GCSE her degree at Sheffield University have been awarded at grades 9 – 8/ where she will be studying A* and 62% at grades 9 – 7/A – A*.” Aerospace Engineering. 15 girls at NHSG achieved all 9 – 7/ Meanwhile Amal Hashmi saw her A* - A grades across their 10 GCSE place confirmed at Oxford’s Corpus subjects and three girls achieved Christi College to read Classics. a stunning clean sweep of ten top 15

grades (Grades 8 – 9 or A*). Mr Tippett said:“We are especially You may know that the grading delighted to be reporting improved system has changed at GCSE, so results at GCSE level with even while some subjects are still being more girls at our school achieving marked with the traditional A* to the highest possible grades. G grades, most subjects are now graded 9 – 1 (grades 9 and 8 are “The girls should feel the equivalent of an A* grade, with extremely proud of their grade 9 being introduced to allow for greater distinction of the very achievements; they have best candidates, while Grade 7 performed phenomenally equates to an A grade). well. I look forward to seeing them continue to excel in There were strong results across the whole range of GCSE subjects their A Level studies. offered at NHSG, from the Arts to Sciences and Humanities “Our 2019 GCSE results, to languages. – once again combined with the excellent demonstrating the strength of breadth across the School. A Level results we received, highlight the success of the work we have undertaken to focus over the last year on academic attainment. We will continue to build on this to ensure that every girl at NHSG achieves her very best. I am a passionate believer that an all-girl school provides the perfect environment for girls to achieve without limits and I am looking forward to a bright future for NHSG and all our pupils.” 16

ONE YEAR ON

It was delightful to welcome back last year’s Year 13 leavers, now NHSG Alumnae, for afternoon drinks and a light buffet before they headed into Jesmond for an extended Reunion evening. The girls, some of whom started at our founding schools Church High and Central High, delighted in exchanging updates about their first year of university with school friends and teachers. There was certainly no shortage of stories to catch up on!

It was lovely to hear that the girls have all kept in touch since leaving school and being back in the Sixth Form Common Room was a great reminder of all the fun times they had shared together over the years at NHSG. Many of them commented on how they missed school and felt they could ‘walk back into school tomorrow and feel they never left’.

The girls requested that they be allowed to attend next year’s ‘One Year On’, so it seems like we will be seeing our NHSG Alumnae even more regularly than we anticipated! 17

CATCHING UP WITH EMMA CARRIE

It’s been a year since NHSG Any mischief? Other than Head Girl, did you Head Girl 2018, Emma Carrie Nothing I’d like to print in these win any prizes or awards? (also CNHS Alumna), left pages… Over the years I won some NHSG to study at Edinburgh academic prizes at Prizegiving, and Favourite teacher? won the Sports Person of the Year university. We caught up Mr Tippett – but he never actually prize in my final year. with her to reflect on her taught me, so Mr Newman! time at school and see how What advice would you offer she’s getting on... Let’s talk about the food… your younger school-age self? It certainly changed a lot! Some Say yes to everything! And don’t of my first memories from school take for granted all the people are serving other girls in my class who are there to support you in in the West Avenue dining room – school, it won’t be the same after those were classic school dinners, you leave! and Barbie Cake was always a favourite. When I was in Chapman What are you studying now and House the food got so much what do you like most about it? better, and nowadays in Senior I’m studying Physics at the School, Nick (Mr Hearfield), never University of Edinburgh. My fails to impress – I don’t think the favourite thing about it is that girls at school realise how good it covers such a wide range of the food is now in comparison to topics so you are always learning what it was! That’s not even something new – and something mentioning the cookies in the challenging! Common Room, which made Sixth Form worth the exam stress. What are your plans after university? Where was your favourite place Describe your school experience at school to hang out? No idea! I will probably do a in three words? Masters and want to travel at some In the old school, under the Wouldn’t change anything! point, but apart from that I’ll just Science stairs – nice and close to see where post-uni life takes me.

the lunch hall so we could get in I like the idea of being an eternal Who was your best friend? first! student – not sure the parents I had lots of different friends over would approve though! the years, which came from our Sporty or outside field lingerer? Year Group as a whole being quite Sporty! Some of my best tight-knit. Still, some of my closest memories at school are from friends now are those who I’ve GDST trips around the country for known since Nursery! various events.

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NHSG STAFF LEAVERS

Sadly we said goodbye to Carol Elliott Newcastle and South Tyneside. We some of our long- serving wish Jennie every success as she staff this summer. We wish Mrs Carol Elliott joined in 2000 moves on. them all well. as the School’s Librarian and has ensured an excellent provision Paul Mogie at Central High and then NHSG Christine Chapman for the past has 19 years. She has Paul has been with NHSG as during these years developed and After 34 years of service to NHSG teacher at the Junior School maintained the School’s archives, for four years, having joined in and Church High before it, Miss leaving a lasting legacy for us all. Christine Chapman has decided to September 2015. Paul came to us We wish her every happiness in her with a huge wealth of experience – leave the School. Miss Chapman retirement. joined Newcastle Church High 19 years of teaching before NHSG School as an English Teacher in - and he put that to good use in 1985. For 12 years she was Head Toria Harrison the Junior School. He has been of Key Stage 4 before becoming much appreciated by girls, parents Head of Year in Newcastle High Mrs Toria Harrison has chosen to and colleagues alike, for his calm School for Girls, where she guided retire after 40, extremely happy, and dedicated approach. one cohort from Year 8 through years in teaching. The last 17 of to 11 and also led Year 8 during these have been spent in Central the 2018-2019 academic year. High and then more recently at Roger Newman Christine has a passionate interest NHSG teaching History. As Mr in the history of Church High and Allender, her colleague, would say, Mr Roger Newman started as a we thank her too for her many ‘this seems like a logical place to Physics teacher at Central High in contributions to the Alumnae end’. September 2003 and has taught magazines over the years. at Central High and NHSG for We wish Christine every happiness Jennie King 16 years. Roger has inspired a for the future. significant number of girls with Mrs Jennie King joined Central a love of Physics and girls have High in September 2010 as Head valued his knowledge, experience Emma Davie of Modern Foreign Languages and and care. His dedication to the became the Head of the Languages promotion and organisation of Miss Emma Davie joined the and Digital Literacy Faculty when the School’s Duke of Edinburgh PE department in September NHSG was created. Award Scheme has supported so 2016. She made a really huge many girls to develop as resilient contribution to the PE team and In recent years, Mrs King has individuals. We wish him every helped inspire a love of sport, SWIRE Chinese Language Centre happiness in his retirement especially hockey, among the Newcastle to successfully develop girls. We wish her luck in her new our Mandarin programme in teaching role in Newcastle. partnership with a number of primary and secondary schools in 19

Zoe Robinson School but Mrs Thew also taught School but Mrs Thew also taught English in Church High Senior English in Church High Senior Mrs Zoe Robinson joined Church School from 2007 and moved School from 2007 and moved High as an Art Teacher in 2004 and across to the Senior School across to the Senior School continued to teach Art until the end permanently in 2009. She became permanently in 2009. She became of the Summer Term in 2019. Zoe Head of Year 7 at NHSG in 2014. Head of Year 7 at NHSG in 2014. has decided to take the opportunity We wish her all the best as she We wish her all the best as she to focus on her individual work as a moves to her new job as Head of moves to her new job as Head of practising artist next year. We wish English at Mowden Hall. English at Mowden Hall. her well with her endeavour. Jill Tiryaki Dianne Smith Mrs Jill Tiryaki joined NHSG two Mrs Smith joined Central High years ago as our Home Economics in September 2001 and has teacher; her positive and energetic completed her 18th year of service approach to her role and school to the School. She started with us life have left their mark on us all. as a Biology teacher and in 2010 became the Head of Biology at Central High then Assistant Head Edyta Weronska-Bowles of Faculty in the Science and Maths Faculty at the merged school, for Mrs Edyta Weronska-Bowles, as one year 2014-2015, after which Senior Technician, has provided she continued steering the success excellent IT support to the whole of the Biology department as School since October 2015. We Subject Leader from 2015-2017. wish her and her family every Dianne is one of the most caring happiness as they make their move persons that you could wish to to Italy. meet, and is utterly devoted to ensuring the girls get the best Marguerite Wiggins possible experience. Mrs Marguerite Wiggins joined Central High in the Science Kay Thew department in September 2009 and has taught Chemistry, Biology and Science from Year 5 to Year 13 Kay joined Church High in the ever since, at Central and in NHSG. Junior School in September 1998 We will miss her and wish her well and has completed 21 years of in her future plans. service to Church High and NHSG. Her career started in the Junior 20

CENTRAL HIGH TIME CAPSULE: UNCOVERED!

We were all saddened to see the totally unexpected, nowhere in Daily Leader and Newcastle Daily beautiful old School building on our archives was the mention of Journal; an order of ceremony Eskdale Terrace demolished earlier the lying of this bottle which we for the laying of the stone; a silk this year. So many happy memories strongly suspected was an early school badge and a document were made there. Memories, of ‘time capsule’. The glass bottle, badly damaged by damp, which course, live on in people not in with only some slight damage, was sadly unreadable even after buildings but it was hard not to was carefully removed from the drying out. The silk school badge feel a sense of sadness about its demolition site and returned to was designed by one of the demise. It was therefore a delight to NHSG. Everyone was hugely excited teachers and pinned to clothes for discover that Eskdale Terrace had to have discovered this piece of special occasions as there was no one more surprise, in the form of a school history. uniform at that time. It is described farewell gift. in the school archives as showing Unsure how to open it, we asked for “a plant growing up from a seed We had asked the current owners help from Tyne and Wear Archives of truth and goodness in the heart to preserve a number of items for conservator Christina Stephenson to provide in the end a shield of us as the buildings were being who was able, after quite a defence for the young life.” demolished, including the original struggle, to open it and extract the foundation stone which was documents inside. We will be preserving the time situated to the right of the famous capsule in our archives, and front doors of the School. The capsule contained two perhaps it will inspire us to make newspapers both from 13th one for our new school. The foundation stone was laid December 1898: the Newcastle on 13th December 1898, by Earl Grey, and the building opened two years later. Central High had been operating in Newcastle since 1895 as an offshoot of Gateshead High, with a temporary school on Park Terrace, and the Newcastle school proved so popular that, when the permanent building was established, the Gateshead school gradually decreased in size and closed a few years later. In 1900, when Central High opened, it stood proudly on Eskdale Terrace, with no immediate neighbours.

As the builders carefully extracted the foundation stone, they discovered a space beneath in which was resting a large glass bottle, seemingly laid We’ll be posting more photographs on the contents on under the foundation stone and CNHS Alumnae Facebook page very soon! untouched since 1898. This was @centralhighalumnaeandfriends 21

NEW CHAPTER FOR OLD SYNAGOGUE

While we wait with bated breath in 1915 until the school purchased Council to ensure that there was to see what will rise from the the building in 1986, serving as a plaque to commemorate the rubble on Eskdale Terrace, we were the Central High’s Art Department fact that the building had been a recently delighted to attend the from 1986 – 2014 and NHSG’s Synagogue. opening of Byzontine House, better from 2014-2016. known as Russell House to CNHS Felicity explained: ”The Synagogue, Alumnae. The history of this beautiful designed by local architect synagogue was also celebrated at Marcus K Glass is a really beautiful The building has been re-purposed the event with Felicity Mendelson, building as well as playing an as residential apartments. It was CNHS Alumnae from 1964-1971 important part in the development so interesting to see how our and Local Councillor for South of the Jewish community in wonderful Art Studios (and at one Jesmond Ward (which includes Newcastle. My dad’s family – (the time Kitchen and Dining Room) had Eskdale Terrace and Tankerville late Sydney Mendelson who also been transformed. The building Terrace). Felicity liaised between served as a City Councillor)– was originally served as a synagogue the developers of the property , one of a number of Jewish families for local people when it was built Provenance Group and the City who moved to Jesmond from the West End in the early 1900s, which necessitated the building of a new Synagogue in Jesmond.

When I became a Councillor in South Jesmond in 2012, I visited the then Art Department and was blown away by the beautiful stained glass windows and so impressed that Central High, and subsequently NHSG, had preserved these and the external features of the building. When the school moved premises it was fortunate that Provenance Group ,who have developed the building so tastefully into flats, recognised the potential of the building as a heritage asset. It is locally listed which is one of the reasons why planning permission included the need to preserve these striking original features.” L-R: Janice Graves (NHSG), Cllr Arleen Ainsley, Cllr Felicity Mendelson (Alumna), Michael Tippett (NHSG). 22

CNHS’ SUPER STEM SISTERS

We were delighted to hear mathematics relatively easy and I and STEM learning; their culture from Anna Ritzema (nee have always been in the pursuit of is over 30,000 years old and it is Why? a privilege to learn from them Hayes), Alumna of Central and understand the value of this High, who reached out to In 2015 my young family and culture and its impact on Science us after watching a video I made the move to Western progression over time. of the NHSG Mother and Australia. I took a break from teaching and took up a post as a I am about to embark on my Daughter Science Fair on Consultant for a Science Centre. PhD with a focus on Aboriginal our School Facebook page. My role was to tour the state (it’s children’s understanding of We asked her to write an very big!) and upskill teachers Science. article on how she came to in STEM. I began speaking at conferences, writing publications I recently watched the NHSG video be so immersed in the world and resources for the Department showing a Mother and Daughter of STEM. of Education and I guess finding Science Fair at the Junior School my “voice”. Along the way my and thought how my sister, Nicola, In January 1986 I stepped through own child was diagnosed as “twice and I were so incredibly lucky to the doors of Central High Junior Exceptional” and I began sharing never have faced prejudice in our School on West Avenue. I sat in a my experiences; this culminated fields, to never have had anyone Kindergarten class with Mrs Barnes in being asked to present on tell us we couldn’t do something. and her advice after week one, was a National television panel for “you don’t need to write The End “gifted” children. It is so important to support after every piece of work”. I smile now, because I look back and think I missed teaching and my husband #womeninSTEM and of those words and how important was beginning his career in much of my time is spent they have become. teaching after his cricket career working with other female ended, so we decided to head up STEMinists to ensure all girls I come from a Science family, my to rural West Australia to a place sister is a Veterinary Lecturer at called Karratha. have these opportunities. Sydney University and my parents Last month my daughter was the are both in the medical field. I now teach in a full time classroom youngest entrant in a Robocup I resisted Science as much as capacity, run the STEM Network competition; she came 4th out of possible! I graduated from Durham program for all teachers in the 60 teams competing. She’s six. So, University and went to teach at The region and am the Program here I take my teacher hat off and Dragon School in Oxford followed Coordinator for the Graham Polly become a proud mum; knowing by Church High School and Farmer STEM centre. This is a new that the influence of wonderful Thomas’ London Day schools; along centre by Rio Tinto for Aboriginal women I had growing up will the way I had become a Science and Torres Strait Islander children, help me raise my daughter. It is and IT specialist and I’m not quite and is my absolute passion. It was important to know that you can sure how that happened! recently launched by the Minister be respected and admired in your for Education. Aboriginal children field, be incredibly successful in I found coding, programming and have a deep connection to Science 23

your pursuits but also raise a family and be a Mum.

When I graduated, I vowed every child in my care would make progress and if they didn’t I would fight for them. 16 years ago I had no idea how much those children would teach me and how much progress I would make.

So, Mrs Barnes was right; there is no The End with learning, and how lucky we are to have schools that promote lifelong learning in us all.

24

SARAH BRINGS PADDINGTON BACK TO SMALL SCREEN

freelance animation project. In 2015, I was accepted into Aardman Animation’s intensive Character Animation course for graduates. This put me in an excellent position to be able to learn from the many expert animators from within the industry and give me the opportunity to pursue my dream job. Afterwards I was offered an internship and then a contract at Blue-Zoo Animation in London where I have been ever since.

Making an animated TV show takes a lot of collaboration among a large team of people, each with their own specialism. At the start of each episode, myself and a small team of animators will sit down with the director and watch through a very early version, a moving storyboard set to the episode audio, showing roughly what has to happen and when. The episode is divided up into chunks Sarah Caisley, Class of 2009, Having loved animation since I and we are each assigned our own is part of the animation was very young, I have always section. wanted to become an animator team responsible for and am now fortunate enough to We then have creative control bringing backing to our have worked on several preschool over our own sections and screens, Paddington, the shows including Go Jetters need to deliver a believable and adventure-loving bear and Numberblocks and most appealing performance through recently as a lead animator on the who spreads love and our characters. To do this, we use upcoming Paddington. computer software to manipulate a marmalade wherever he digital puppet to create and move goes. Sarah tells us how After leaving school, I studied between a series of poses. Though she came to be the Lead animation at University and then simple on the surface, this process moved down to Bristol with some Animator for such an iconic requires a great understanding friends where I took a job in a of how people think and move character... coffee shop whilst doing the odd as well as an eye for design and 25

cinematography; the foundations networks worldwide in 2020, while keeping everything organised of which I was taught at Uni and local broadcast partners will be so we meet our deadlines. It has which I have had to constantly seek secured in France, Canada, China been an exciting and challenging to improve. Observation through and Japan. Each episode will open experience so far and working people watching, life drawing and close with Paddington’s letters with such an iconic character is and studying acting choices in as he tells Aunt Lucy what he has amazing. animated and live-action movies learned about life through the are invaluable in this regard. day’s new exciting adventure. The We have been putting in a series will invite a new generation lot of effort to make sure that I was recently promoted to the role of fans into Paddington’s world Paddington stays true to the of Lead Animator on Paddington full of heart, kindness, slapstick classic bear we all know and love, (working title), a television series humour, fun and generosity. but still putting our own mark on for pre-schoolers which follows the character. the adventures of a younger As well as my usual responsibilities, Paddington bear. I have been I’m now also in charge of working on the series since overseeing and giving help and February and loving every moment guidance to the other animators of it. in my team, liaising with the other departments that are The series will air on Nickelodeon’s working on the episode and 26

OLIVIA POTTS: FROM COURTS TO KITCHENS

to Cambridge to read English think I’d see again. Literature, and then I was going to convert to Law and become a A few years later, I quit. I swapped criminal barrister. This plan was so my wig and gown for chef’s whites, concrete, so ingrained, that it was and took a place on Le Cordon part of my identity. It was in my Bleu’s professional patisserie very bones. course. I learnt how to pipe macarons and blow sugar like it And that’s exactly what I did. was glass and make every type of Fast forward five years, and I was custard known to man. Now, I’m a working as a criminal barrister in food writer and private chef. I cater London. My days were spent in weddings, run supper clubs, bake the magistrates and crown courts towering and elaborate cakes, and defending and prosecuting. write about cookery and food for a But then something happened that wide range of publications. changed everything: my mother died. And suddenly, the plan My book, A Half Baked Idea, tells Olivia Potts, Class that had provided such structure the story of my journey from of 2006 and Head and purpose seemed to be built courtroom to Le Cordon Bleu, as on weaker foundations than I well as the story of how I lost my Girl 2005-2006, was first thought. I was desperately mother, and found love. I wanted overwhelmed by grief unhappy, hollowed out by the to write about what happens when loss of my wonderful, beloved whatever underpins your identity is when her mother mother, but also refusing to face dislodged, or lost. If you’d told me died unexpectedly the grief that had hobbled me. I when I was at Central that I would channelled my anxiety into my job, abandon my legal hopes and at the age of 54. but my heart wasn’t in it anymore. ambitions to bake cakes, I’d have She summarises her I dreaded every hearing, fixated on laughed in your face. There’s a each upcoming trial, convinced I lesson there. Life can take you in all journey for us in this was going to screw something up. kinds of directions, good and bad, article but you can read and the best laid plans can change. As a means of distraction, I began The thing that really matters is to the full story in Olivia’s cooking – something I’d never find happiness where you can, and newly-released book, A done before. I was very, very bad cling to it. at it. But in those quiet moments in Half Baked Idea. my little kitchen (one that I shared Olivia Potts, A Half Baked Idea: with two girls from Central High), How grief, love and cake took Thirteen years ago almost to the following recipes and turning raw me from the courtroom to Le day of writing this, I stood outside ingredients into more than the Cordon Bleu is published by Fig Central High having just received sum of their parts, I found solace. Tree (Penguin). my A Level results. I had my future Slowly, I got better, and that solace planned out: I was going to go turned into a happiness I didn’t 27

THE CHILDREN’S TAILOR

As a child Roya used to love Manouchehri reflects the dressing up and was always jotting countryside and nature but its down her designs in the notebook core designs are also influenced she carried with her. by timeless museum pieces, the history of fashion and a desire She went on to study Fashion to put a modern-day slant on Design at Northumbria University traditional favourites. - always imagining that childhood dream would lead to a career The vast majority of the fabrics in eveningwear. However, after used to create Manouchehri’s researching childrenswear she extra-special collections are identified a neglected market: sourced from British mills. Access inspired to create elegant to a year-round Liberty collection children’s clothing she established adds a touch of class to specific the Manouchehri brand and pieces and no two garments are opened up boutique store Ralph exactly the same: personality and & Mimi in the Northumberland individualism are of paramount market town of Hexham. importance.

A scrupulous eye for detail and You can visit Ralph & Mimi an addiction to creating timeless, online! www. ralphandmimi.com/ Roya Manouchehri attended classical clothes have put Roya manouchehri/ Central High between at the forefront of the new 1994 and 2006. Born children’s clothing revolution. Communicating childhood and raised in the North innocence through beautiful East countryside, it was designs, her tailoring remains a cut inevitable that an adoration above the rest. of her environment would The clothing line, recently featured provide the main source in an editorial within Tyne Valley of inspiration for her series Living Magazine, has already of truly special designs. caught the attention of fashion She furthered her love of conscious tastemakers at Vogue and Tatler. Manouchehri’s aesthetic fashion on family holidays to is deeply rooted in traditional Italy - the style and culture English style with a love for of locals who dressed to timeless elegance and heritage impress sparking the dream fabrics. Designs are made to be passed down without the worry of of pursuing her own fashion garments going out of fashion. business. 28

CENTRAL HIGH REUNION 2018

Saturday 6th October saw another successful Central High Reunion at Newcastle High School for Girls. Over 100 Central High ‘Old Girls’ joined us for an afternoon of reminiscing and renewing old friendships. The event provided the first opportunity for Alumnae to see Mr Michael Tippett in his new post as Head from September 2018, although he was certainly a familiar face for most of our guests having taught at Central High for many years, prior to NHSG. Check our CNHS Facebook page to see all the photos from the day! We were celebrating a range of milestones for different Reunion groups, some having left school 60 years ago, some as recently as five years ago and many in-between. It was clear from animated discussions that experiences at Central High have evolved quite dramatically over the years!

After a short speech by Mr Tippett, Old Girls and former Central High staff were very keen to be escorted round the facilities of NHSG by our enthusiastic Sixth Form prefects.

The afternoon concluded with a delicious lunch in the Dining Hall, Our next Reunion will take which continued well past our place on Saturday anticipated end time of 3pm. Many 5th October 2019. of the Old Girls were extending

their Reunion in Newcastle city Book your tickets today! centre. If they were as lively as they

were over lunch, we’re sure they www.trybooking.com/uk/ would have had a fantastic time! book/event?eid=6222& 29

Each year we invite Sophie Knowles Kathleen Mais Class of 2013 Class of 1978 Alumnae to provide Learning and Participation at Working as an Advanced Nurse their most up to date Rambert Dance Company after Practitioner in Head and Neck contact details as well graduating with First Class Degree Oncology at The Christie in as any personal news at University of Surrey. Manchester. In preparation for they would like to retirement and am studying Rachel Kirk Horticulture with the Royal share with us. Here are Class of 2013 Horticultural Society. some updates from In final year of Sheffield Dentist your fellow ‘Old Girls’! School, hoping to get a job here Margaret Lillian Ranson too. Class of 1966 Is now very fit and well, no longer Joanna Jennings suffers from mental illness. Keeps Class of 2013 in close touch with Judith Phillips. Completing a PhD in Plant Science Has a rescue cat called Willow. Extremely active in pensioners’ in Norwich. activities and Church. Attends a Eleanor Atkinson rambling club and likes going Class of 2013 Catherine Sandelands to the cinema. Planning her first Has just finished Graduate General Class of 2008 holiday for ten years. Management programme at Zurich (née Stringer) Check our CNHS Facebook page to Insurance. Now a compliance Married Mr Kenny Sandelands this consultant at Zurich, working and Summer at Newton Hall. see all the photos from the day! living in Swindon. Really enjoying it, very happy. Trish Turnbull Eloise Sludden Class of 1978 Class of 2013 Trish retired from social work five Still doing Medicine at Keele years ago and is now making and University. Catching up with the designing jewellery which can girls was amazing and seeing viewed on cargocollective.com the staff. Can’t wait for the next designed by Trish Turnbull. She reunion! also looks after hens and travels in her mobile home as much as Molly Bell possible. She doesn’t know how Class of 2013 she had time to work! (née Garsrud) Sue Branch Now a trainee solicitor at Ward Class of 1978 Hadaway. (née Rendall) Stephanie James Living in Potters Bar, still working Class of 2013 full time for the Civil Service/ MHRA (Medicine and Healthcare Living in Newcastle and working products Regulatory Agency) at for SSD Concerts (music promoter) Canary Wharf. Happily married and Gigs North East. This involves for over 30 years, son 23 – organising events such as Hit the environmental scientist, daughter North and This is Tomorrow and 20 – neuroscience undergraduate. gigs in Riverside Think Tank etc. all year round. 30

ADD TO YOUR ARCHIVES

No longer locked in the safe recesses of our school, our archives are now open to all through this excellent website which gives you the opportunity to explore some of our schools’ archives from anywhere in the world with internet access. You can explore our school magazines and conduct searches by name or special word too which we know will be a great advantage and save much research time.

We would like to provide a comprehensive digital archive of Central Newcastle High School. We will be drawing on material held in the Discovery Museum archives, our own archives and, we hope, contributions from Alumnae like yourselves.

It costs on average £100 to digitise each year which will include the school magazine at an average of £1 per page and photographs which cost up to £4 each.

We have been able to fund the digitisation of some of our archives through the generous support of our Alumnae and we hope you would like to help.

Our aim is to digitise the whole archive when funds become available to do this. We would like to appeal to you, our Alumnae to support this project, either individually or collectively in class groups and each digitised year will acknowledge the source of funds.

If we receive funds over and above what is required for that year then we will pool them to fund years that have no Alumnae to contribute or for extra material that falls outside a year group.

I hope that you are as enthusiastic about this project as we are. The digitisation of these archives will enable us to preserve this fascinating and evocative material and make it accessible to everyone. You can donate by contacting Polly (contact details below) or browsing to the following link: https://bit.ly/2kbwH1H

In the meantime please do go and have a look at the Archives so far: newcastlehighschoolforgirls.daisy.websds.net/ (click on the ‘Browse’ tab at the top left to explore the archive material).

For more information please contact:

Polly DeGiorgi Development Manager [email protected] 0191 201 6549 31

THE POWER OF EDUCATION IN DRIVING EQUALITY

Since 1872 NHSG and our limited well into the 20th century, opportunity to future generations. founding schools have been right up until the 1980s, where educating the young women of grammar school places for girls Independent girls’ schools the North East. With a combined were restricted. It is now estimated were able, in some measure, to history of over 270 years, that without the quotas, in mixed balance the scales by providing Gateshead High School, Church grammar schools, two thirds of bursary places to those girls High School, Central High School, all the classes would have been denied grammar school places and now NHSG, have played a occupied by girls. but in far fewer numbers than crucial role in the emancipation the independent boy’s schools. and advancement of women. Opportunities for bright boys from Lacking the culture of philanthropy all backgrounds on the other hand, embedded in these schools, and Women’s lives have changed were more readily available. From the fact that most Alumnae did radically in the last 100 years and as far back as 604, independent not have control of their finances education has been a fundamental boys’ schools, established by and were restricted by the part of this transformation. We charitable endowments from expectations of family have come a long way from religious institutions, merchants life, funding for home delivered lessons in basic and wealthy nobles, allowed boys bursaries at girls’ Latin, Greek, Music and etiquette to be taught free of charge. Many schools has designed to make girls ‘decorative, of these schools survive today traditionally modest, marriageable beings’. and their early philanthropic been founders paved the way for significantly them to continue to be able to less. Now, we are offered offer educational opportunity equal educational regardless of financial However, circumstance. Philanthropy times are opportunity – almost. is woven into the fabric of their schools and old boys Women’s education always understand that it is a conformed to class expectations. fundamental part of Educational reform for women belonging to was occurring from the late their school 19th century but it remained the that they privilege of the middle and upper contribute classes. Working class girls, if to providing they were educated at all, were an equal taught the very basics of reading, writing, arithmetic and domestic skills such as needlework. Bright, talented girls of this class had no prospect of social mobility through education. Opportunities for working class girls remained 32

“Education is liberation. Knowledge is power.”

changing. In the 140 years since Institute shows that nearly 50% future generations of women, and our founding schools were of female donors support causes we continue to shape the future established we have seen our for women and girls and are of all who pass through our doors. society transformed. 84% more likely to invest their There’s still so much do be done donations in sustainable social though. We can’t yet meet the Education is the agent of basic initiatives. Now that women have demand for places at our school change in the status of women control of their resources we have through our current bursary funds and has enabled us to grasp the a unique opportunity to establish and to be able to do so we need opportunities the suffragettes and girls’ schools as equals in the to demonstrate that women are two world wars opened up for us. field of offering life- transforming equally powerful in supporting one Gateshead High School, Church education regardless of financial another as the Old Boys network High School, Central High School circumstance. of old. and now NHSG have all been at the forefront of girls’ education. Here at NHSG, we are working We have educated thousands towards establishing a significant A gift of education is, of young women from across endowment fund that will enable we believe, is one of the North East and our Alumnae us to offer this remarkable – doctors, educators, lawyers, opportunity to as many girls as the biggest you can scientists and politicians to name we can. give. but a few – have all played a part in transforming the lives of future Our founding schools and our generations of women. Alumnae changed the world for

Education has given us access to the job market and financial independence.

Women now control 40% of global wealth and Forbes statistics show that women give almost twice as much of their wealth as men (3.5% vs. 1.8%).

Furthermore, empirical research by the Women’s Philanthropy 33

CATHERINE COOKSON

farms and the surrounding rural much to be said for growing up For over seven years, areas, her heroines overcome coal poor in Tyneside in the early the Catherine Cookson their class restrictions through 1900s when the North East was a Charitable Trust has education. Catherine Cookson’s derelict region in a period of deep supported Newcastle escape from a life of grinding depression. High School for Girls in poverty through education and our endeavours to make determination are a convincing Catherine was scantily educated an outstanding education example of the transformative and left school at 13 to work power of education and a in heavy domestic service for a available to the young strong reminder that a child’s wealthy family. It was here that the women of the North East level of competence should not differences between the classes regardless of their financial be presumed by their social were made apparent to Catherine circumstances. We are background. and her determination to better delighted to have recently herself through education and received our third tranche of The life of Catherine Cookson hard work was born. Borrowing funding from the Catherine could have been lifted from the books from South Shields Library Cookson Trust and we hope pages of one of her novels, an and saving every penny she made, illegitimate child raised in the she began the transformation from that she would have been North East in the early 1900s, who working class waif into one of proud of the fact that her dreamed of a better life, married Britain’s most prolific and wealthy legacy to the North East is a school master and eventually writers. giving the opportunity of became one of Britain’s wealthiest a transformative education women. During her lifetime Catherine to bright, determined and Cookson wrote 103 novels which deserving girls. Catherine Cookson had a tough sold more than 123 million copies upbringing. Born in 1906 in South and were translated into at least Shields, Catherine grew up in one 20 different languages. She was We are enormously grateful of the poorest communities in the awarded an OBE and later a to the Trust for their support. Western Word. The illegitimate Dame Commander of the Order daughter of a domestic servant, of the British Empire, received the her childhood was marred by Freedom of the Borough of South Newcastle High School for Girls alcoholism, unemployment, and Tyneside and an honorary degree is built on a strong tradition of poverty. Trips to the pawnshop, from the University of Newcastle. philanthropy. The belief in equality scavenging for wood and coal Catherine amassed a great fortune and social mobility through on the banks of the River Tyne, during her lifetime and, loyal to her education is woven into the ethos picking up coke from carts, roots, insisting that she had always of the School. cinder-sifting and other penny- been ‘a child of the Tyne’ she left saving devices were commonplace a lasting philanthropic legacy in Social mobility is a core theme features of everyday existence. the form of the Catherine Cookson throughout many of Catherine The description of her early life in Trust which continues to enrich the Cookson’s stories. Set against her autobiography Our Kate does lives of the people of the North a background of poverty in the not make easy reading, there’s not East. North East in mines, shipyards, 34

IN MEMORIAM

Since the last newsletter we have who also studied Latin and Greek “Liz was my absolute mentor been advised of the sad news of for A Level with me in the early and the one who set me on the following Alumnae who have 1980s visited her some years later my way to life. Her love of passed away. to drop off some books to pass on Geography inspired me, and to the next generation of CNHS her belief in me drove me to Brigid Ackerley Classicists . Penny arrived with a my interview and subsequent small baby in tow and remembers place at Cambridge University 1935-2018 the great warmth of Brigid’s to read Geography. She was welcome and interest she showed one of the first people in my We received news of the death of in both of them. world to fill me with confidence Miss Brigid Ackerley in February this and passion about something, year. Brigid taught Classics between Brigid loved the isle of Arran and for that I am eternally 1969-1996, and was duly promoted and had a house there which to Head of Classics during her final she shared with a friend, Joan. grateful.” years with CNHS. On retirement she moved there full-time but we believe that Brigid was also the timetabling she developed dementia which Jayne Fleet genius behind the smooth running became quite severe, needing full- 1958-2018 of Central High’s many academic time care. She spent her final years departments. As a teacher of Latin in a care home in Edinburgh. and Greek she was outstanding, We were very sorry to hear that with a genuine excitement at the fellow CNHS Alumna Jayne Fleet, Written by Alison Fisher (née daily opportunity to share her Class of 1976, passed away on Smart). knowledge and understanding Sunday 19th August 2018 from with students. Her attention to pancreatic cancer. She leaves her detail brought her Greek A Level Liz Wilkins husband John and two grown up Class of 1982 up to high levels of daughters, Laura and Rebecca. accuracy and linguistic style. She 1949-2018 The service of Thanksgiving for engaged fully with all her pupils. her life was held (after a private She had an exceptional gift for family cremation) on Saturday 15th Liz Wilkins sadly died on 3rd dramatic delivery of Greek and September 2018 at Whitley Lodge September. In her long career Latin literature, coaching girls First School. at CNHS she was a much-loved during morning break for verse- colleague, an inspirational teacher, speaking competitions at both local friend and nurturer to very many Dorothy Prichard and national level. This pursuit of girls and their parents. There was excellence was the driver in her 1926-2019 a gathering at NHSG on Saturday whole being. She enjoyed going to 17th November in Liz’ honour. concerts at the City Hall, and parties Dorothy Prichard (nee McIvor) After the announcement of Liz’ with friends and colleagues. She sadly passed on 20th June, aged death we received dozens of was a good friend to my mother, 93 years. She joined Central in messages from Alumna about Mrs Smart (Head of Modern 1939 and was Head Girl 1943/44. their fond memories of Liz, many Languages at around the same time Her sister Jean was also Head Girl citing her as their favourite teacher as Miss Ackerley). I can still hear at Central in 1945/46. She met her who had an infectious enthusiasm her distinctive laugh when I think of husband, Michael, whilst teaching and passion for teaching. One Miss Ackerley! in Cambridge and they had two particularly touching tribute read: children. She was dearly loved and Brigid was very sociable and kind to her funeral service was held in

her former students. Penny Jeffries the Chapel of Gonville and Caius where Michael is the Senior Fellow. 35

EVENTS & GETTING INVOLVED

Central High Reunion Charity Golf Day Inspire lecture series Saturday 5th October 2019 Spring/Summer 2020 11.00 a.m. We are hosting a Close House Newcastle High School for Charity Golf Day to raise money for Join us for our annual Central High Girls is proud to announce the our all-import bursary programme. Reunion on Saturday 5th October launch of an exciting public To book places for an afternoon of reminiscing lecture series. The series has (teams of four) please contact with delightful old friends and been introduced to offer [email protected]. opportunities for our girls, their delicious food. Everyone is family and friends and the wider welcome, whether you’re in a community, to attend engaging special Reunion group or want to and captivating events talks join us for the first time! within our school theatre space starting from September 2019. We’ll be sharing the link to book your tickets via email very soon! NEW Leaders Conference If you do not use email and Our biennual NEW (North East would like to come along, please Women) Leaders Conference is telephone Amy Rodway on taking place on 16th September 0191 2016 599. 2019 at Northumbria University. The conference aims to inspire Christmas Fair 16-18 year old girls from Saturday 30th November across the region, focusing on 2019 leadership characteristics and 10.30 a.m. skills. The event will involve Join us at Senior School for to our region’s high flying women enjoy a range of stalls from London Gathering and emerging talent coming local businesses, a raffle, a guest together to offer guidance on Summer 2020 appearance from Father Christmas routes to success and getting to Keep your eyes peeled for an and much more festive fun! the top in their chosen field. invitation to a Central London ______Alumnae gathering! We want to Christmas Carol Service stay connected with those that Want to get involved? Tuesday 17th December 2019 have moved away from the North Please get in touch with our 10.00 a.m. East and what better excuse for a Co-Ordinator of Co-Curricular celebration in our Nation’s capital. and External Links, Miss Sarah You are warmly invited to Festival We hope to share more details Penny. of Nine Lessons and Carols at with you very soon via email. The Parish Church of St George, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne. [email protected] You can update your details here: Afterwards, you are all welcome newcastlehigh.gdst.net/ back to Senior School for mulled alumnae/central-high-old-girls/ wine and mince pies. Get In Touch...

Janice Graves Polly de Giorgi Amy Rodway Director of Marketing Development Manager Marketing Officer [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

History Book We have a small number of copies of ‘An Illustrated History of Central High’ available, written by archivist, Carol Elliot. If you would like to purchase a copy for £5 please call 0191 2016 599.

@centralhighalumnaeandfriends

newcastlehigh.gdst.net/alumnae