The Rochester 2015 Alumni Newsletter*

*previously Old Girls Association

Welcome to the 2015 RGS Alumni Association Newsletter!

Many thanks to those of you who contacted us last year with feedback on the new format. We have made some improvements this year which will hopefully make this year’s newsletter easier to read and even more informative. Even more of you have responded to our request for email addresses, which means we have been able to save money and get this newsletter to you earlier this year. Many thanks to you all and to the Committee who work hard all year round to ensure the Alumni Association runs like clockwork!

We are always delighted to hear from you, and have enjoyed catching up on news from alumni as we compiled this year’s newsletter. We would love for you to join us for the AGM and Annual Lunch on 17th October 2015 to see friends, share memories and see the school. Why not organise a table of friends from your year group? Forms for this, and to become a member of the Alumni Association, if you are not one already, can be found at the end of this newsletter. If you are a member already, please take time to read the feature on membership and get in touch to share your thoughts and ideas.

This year’s newsletter features some memories from the school in World War II and an opportunity to read through a summary of the history of the school compiled for current RGS students to study as part of the Founders’ Day celebrations last summer. We were also delighted to hear from the first ever recipient of the new Alumni Award for “Service not Self”, which many of you will have read about in previous newsletters.

Please do share this newsletter with as many RGS friends as you’d like, and encourage them to become members too.

If you have news or photographs you’d like to share, or any other questions, you can contact the Committee through all the usual channels, and Ann (Chairman) and Avril’s (Treasurer and Membership Secretary) details are at the end of the newsletter. In addition, you can email us at [email protected] or on twitter @RGSKentAlumni.

Enjoy! The Alumni Association Committee RGS ALUMNI ANNUAL LUNCH The Alumni Association invite you to join us for our AGM, a tour and then lunch on Saturday 17th October 2015, £22

This annual get together reunites we ‘Old Girls’ and offers chance to reminisce about the old days and MENU celebrate the new. Enjoy a tour of the new school buildings, then join Honey Roast Gammon us for the AGM to hear about the activities of the Committee and Beef Lasagne current RGS news. this will be a delicious lunch, at the end of Wild Mushroom Tart with Thyme which our speakers will share some thoughts with us. If you are unable to join us for the whole day, please feel Tomato & Mozzerella Salad (separate dressing) free to just come to lunch. Mixed Green Leaves with Toasted Pine Nuts & Parmesan Shavings There will also be a raffle and donations of prizes would be Green Beans appreciated. Coleslaw Why not get in touch with a few friends from your year and organise a Hot New Potatoes table for a mini reunion? Sun Dried Tomato or Balsamic Dressings To attend, please complete the form at the end of this newsletter and return to Sarah Earle. Chocolate Truffle Torte Apple & Cinnamon Crumble Raspberry Mouse with a Thick Summer Fruit Compote Base Cream or Custard Gipsy Tart

After Dinner Mints

The new E block Tea/Coffee Please bring something you would like to drink. Don’t forget your camera or your purse! Lots to look forward to… We would love to see and share your pictures of the lunch, especially if This year, we have not invited a keynote speaker, but instead are hoping to it marks the reunion of old school share with you some of the stories of RGS students past and present. The friends! Bring your camera along and current Executive Officer Team (aka Head Girl and colleagues) are working send us any pictures with suggested with the Committee to bring you a short presentation about the adventures of captions afterwards – we will include NChant, RGS senior choir and finalists of the Songs of Praise School Choir of as many as we can in next year’s the Year 2014, and some of our successful alumni, including up and coming newsletter. author Alice Oseman, featured in last year’s magazine.

Alongside the collection for the Our tour of the school usually introduces us to new buildings on the school Alumni Award, there will be an site, but this year has been a quiet one for building, and thus, instead, two opportunity to buy the beautiful RGS of our staff alumni have offered to lead a tour of the Psychology and Science pin badge (which was on sale last departments. This should be an interesting and informative tour for any who year), plus signed copies of Alice’s wish to take part, and will include the opportunity to ask questions and see book published last year, . student work on display. 2 Timetable for the day:

10.30am Registration

11.00am Tour

12.00pm AGM

1.00pm Lunch

2.30pm Keynote speeches

THE ALUMNI AWARD – SERVICE NOT SELF

At the lunch we will be asking for a £1 donation from each person to finance a money prize to accompany the new Alumni Trophy. The student recipient will be able to purchase a book/music item and the Trophy will remain at school.

For more information on this award see page 7

3 THE ROCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL ALUMNI ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Summary of the Annual General Meeting held on 13th September 2014, 11.45am

Ann West welcomed everyone to the University. Two students achieved 3+ 3rd year of the Comenius project AGM. A* grades, 30 students achieved 3+ involving students from Germany, A* or A grades, 41% achieved AAB or France and Italy. RGS won the district Apologies were received from Gay better. athletics for the 3rd year running Barker, Heather Gilbert, Myrna and the district cross country. World Reader, Sheena Florance, Elaine The International Baccalaureate Challenge students travelled to rural Gardner, Gwen Pope and Pat Boyle. Diploma results were also China. During the course of the year, outstanding, with an average score students raised over £14,000 for The Minutes of the Previous AGM of 37, an average UCAS score of charities. There were two fantastic were read agreed and signed off by 543 (equivalent to 4 A* grades). The productions; the school play, the Ann West. There were no matters average Higher grade obtained per Wizard of Oz and the game-themed arising. subject was 5.8 and 92% of Higher dance show, Soliflaire. Nchant were grades were 5.7. Results were above in the finals of the Songs of Praise Presidents Report – Denise the worldwide average. School Choir of the Year competition, Shepherd narrowly pipped to the post at the GCSE Performance 2014 was 69% last hurdle, but performing beautifully Ms. Shepherd once again gave a very A*/ A grades, 100% 5+ A* - C grades under the direction of Carolyn comprehensive report on the Schools (including English and Mathematics), Woodman. RGS won the Medway results and progress. The Thinking and the average (best) 8 subjects Young Dragons speaking contest. Schools Trust is now “a Average Point Score was 427.5 The STEM (Science, Technology, family of schools who are stronger (equivalent to 2A* and 6A). Engineering and Maths) group won together”. The mission statement and the “National Big Bang Competition”. moral purpose is to “Improve the life Apart from exceptional academic chances of all our children and young performance, the school has enjoyed Chairpersons Report - Ann West people; embed the philosophy of a a fantastic year. In the World memory MBE JP DL thinking school through transforming Championships, RGS student Ariana teaching, learning and leadership that Prince was crowned the UK schools This has been a different year, we will accelerate learner progress and Champion. RGS completed the lost our very strong member of staff cognitive development”

There are now six schools in the Medway Hub (Rochester Grammar School, Chatham Grammar School (boys), New Horizons, All Faiths and Gordon Infants and Juniors. There are also three Schools in the Portsmouth Hub. Further schools are expected to join both hubs shortly. RGS results 2014 were again outstanding. Year 13 achieved 83% A*-B at A2 and 84% A*-B (including equivalent IB scores). Year 11 achieved 69% A*/A overall.

At A2, RGS was the highest achieving school in Medway, and the highest achieving state school in and Medway apart from The Judd. RGS also achieved the highest Average Point Score per entry in Medway. Over three quarters of students gained their first choice places at Sports Day 4 in this field. We plan to use the email system to send out the date of next year’s lunch as soon as we agree it with the school. People can then get the date into their diary and not have to wait for the newsletter. We did look at having the lunch in May, near Founders Day, but we would not all be able to attend the Cathedral as there is insufficient room. We are therefore planning for the weekend before the October half term.

A welcome was extended to any Alumni members of staff, former staff members and Student Executive Officers, thanks was offered to Denise Last year’s production of The Wizard of Oz for her help and support and further link, Christie Ransom, as she was fund from Liz Cordone (Styles) was thanks to the Alumni Committee. on maternity leave and produced received in memory of Jane Reid If anyone would like to join us they a beautiful little girl, Naomi. She is (1950 to 57) who died this year. would be most welcome. back with us now and will join the committee but she has changed We undertook a huge task during Treasurers Report schools so we’re waiting to hear who this year, in trying to obtain as many our Alumnus member of staff will email addresses as possible in order The balance of the account stands be so that we may get back to our to cut down on the ever increasing at £3,447.02 credit and the accounts stronger links with the House system postage bills. The committee took a have been audited by Crittendens. activities. number of database sheets each and Two new members have joined the proceeded to have very interesting Alumni this year, both of whom are Our work with Mr. Ashley Wickens conversations, especially with school leavers. and our skills database has continued mothers whose daughters no longer and hopefully we have managed to lived at the phone number address. Database Update help students with university and career issues. We do still need more One interesting conversation was in Pat Stevens updated those people on the database, don’t hide connection with a request for another present on her progress with the your light under a bushel, you have a Old Girls Hockey Reunion and we are database. She asked for anyone lot to offer. Many thanks to Pat for all looking into arranging this. with a particular life experience or her work on this topic. knowledge or university students We then sent the newsletter out and leavers with relevant information I have continued to attend the RGSA. electronically, a new experiment and to contact her. The links with the The parent committee, meetings. one that definitely needs refining Trinidad schools are progressing well. This committee works very hard to for next year. We are looking at this raise funds to pass on to different carefully. Thanks must go to Christie The meeting closed at 1.00pm departments in the school. They also Ransom for all her skills and expertise organise an excellent students ball, which is well received and thoroughly enjoyed by the senior students.

I also attend the Trustee meetings representing the Alumni. This committee oversees funds that are invested for school use.

We are delighted with the new Alumni Award Trophy, “Service not Self” to be awarded annually to the student who has shown significant service in school and/or in the local community. We are asking each person at the lunch to donate £1.00. This money will be given as a monetary prize to go with the trophy (the trophy will stay at school). Any surplus money will be ring-fenced to build up a small fund for future years. A boost to this Last year’s game-themed dance production, Soliflaire 5 FEATURE

Rome Choir tour, 2012 LIFE BEYOND SCHOOL Emily Freeman, a recent RGS ‘graduate’ shares some of her experiences since leaving school

It’s been exactly 2 years since they were teaching, and I hope that I left RGS but training to be a I can emulate some of their passion teacher means I’m never far from a when I start teaching. classroom! I’m currently in my second year of studying Primary Education Whilst at RGS, studying IB music, with Music at the University of having singing lessons and being in Reading and absolutely loving NChant meant there was rarely a day it. Moving away from home and I wasn’t in the music department. experiencing a completely different Unsurprisingly, the same can be said style of learning to what I was used for university and much of what I’ve to was a big change, and initially I been up to since leaving RGS has struggled to get used to it. However, been music related. I am currently a I made some really good friends and member of 4 choirs, one of which I MEMBERS as I started to experience more of the started and co-direct with a friend, as REUNITED course I realised that it was perfect well as the music society wind band. for me and now I love Reading so As part of these university ensembles much, I’m probably going to stay here and through my course, I’ve had We know that there are after I graduate. a number of opportunities to sing Old Girls out there trying to solo and also do some conducting contact their old school friends I’m currently in the middle of my training, which I extended by going and teachers. The Alumni second block teaching placement, on a conducting course earlier in Association is keen to help! and the more lessons I teach, the the year. These have been amazing Unfortunately, due to the data more sure I am that this is what I experiences, but I’ll always remember protection act, we cannot want to do with the rest of my life. the RGS choir tours and the fun and give out personal information. I love the atmosphere of being in wonderful memories they gave me. However, if you are looking for school and working with children, and someone please get in touch knowing that a child learnt something It’s exciting but scary to think that in with us and we will do our best because of you is an amazing feeling. just over 12 months I’ll hopefully be to link you up. If you are willing I’ve even used mind maps and the a qualified teacher, and this next year to be found, please become habits of excellence in some of my is going to be a tough one, but I can’t a member and we will then lessons so as much as I may have wait. I’ll always be grateful to RGS for help to put you in touch with denied it at school, they are rather the skills and experiences they gave others from your school days. useful now! As I learn about effective me, and who knows, maybe I’ll end Membership forms can be teaching and learning, I realise how up back in an RGS classroom one found on the Learning Platform lucky I was to experience so much day. In the meantime, I’ll be back to or at the end of this newsletter. of this at RGS, and to have teachers visit - I haven’t missed a Founder’s who were so passionate about what day yet! 6 FEATURE THE ALUMNI AWARD Further to news in the last two Not only does she volunteer at a newsletters, we are proud to local hospice where she dedicates announce the birth of the Alumni large amounts of her own time to Award for current RGS students. support patients and their families, This Award was founded to celebrate but she also operates the lighting for the many ways in which RGS girls Woodville Halls Theatre in Gravesend. and boys serve others, and after Ayo is a credit to the school and a consultation with the school and credit to herself.” alumni, it was agreed that it would be awarded to a senior student who Ayo (pictured with the Award) was demonstrated “Service not Self”. delighted to receive it, and was keen to express her gratitude to the The Award is a beautiful trophy Alumni, writing, (pictured) which will be given annually. As the trophy will remain in “I am absolutely honoured to be school, it will be accompanied by a recognised as the first winner of gift voucher. This will be funded by the Alumni Award 2014-15. The voluntary donations of £1 from those Alumni Award is a prize received by Ayo and the Award who attend the annual Alumni lunch. students for their contribution to the community, and in my case I received patients and their families in a positive The first recipient of the Award, the prize for my work in the Wisdom way. However, I needed to make a nominated by Mrs Clare Brinklow, Hospice. The Wisdom Hospice is decision when I came to work one Assistant Headteacher and Director hospice based in Rochester that week to discover that the father of of Sixth Form, was Ayo Phillips, who has been part of the community one the teachers in RGS, was in the is a volunteer at the Wisdom Hospice for 30 years and a part of many hospice. in Rochester. Mrs Brinklow said of local people’s lives. In May 2014, I Ayo, started volunteering as a receptionist A lot of the time, students and in a ward kitchen on a Friday underestimate our teachers and “Ayo is one of the most evenings every week and as I became usually when we leave their lessons compassionate Sixth Formers I familiarised with the operation of the we don’t think about them anymore. have had the pleasure to work with. hospice I was able to relate to the However at RGS we have a different attitude and personally I enjoy the comfortable relationship we have with our teachers. Whilst I have painted the picture that the Hospice is a really nice environment that is THE BUTTERFIELD CUP warm and welcoming, which it is, Some of you may recall that there section of the award. She has there is a reality to face that many is another annual prize awarded diligently helped every Wednesday people come to the hospice for the in the name of the alumni, called lunchtime, being on hand for the last days of their life. Therefore, when the Butterfield Cup. It was given younger students to come and ask my teacher was visiting the hospice to the school by the old girls, in her questions about what to do, more frequently in her father’s last few memory of Miss Butterfield (former and how they should be getting days, I was encouraged to make sure Headmistress), to be awarded their sections signed off. She has that the family had a positive memory annually for “commitment to school”. helped with after school training and in the face of what was a very difficult stayed overnight on the school field time. I was able to demonstrate my This year’s recipient was Ellie with them, planning and delivering appreciation for our staff and use my Kennedy, 11Tm1, nominated by Duke theory lessons to help them with their position in the Hospice for good. of Edinburgh Coordinator and Head expedition. This included showing of Fitzgerald House, Mrs Hannah them how to correctly put up a tent, Receiving the prize was a huge Pearson, for ongoing commitment to how to safely cook on the trangia unexpected surprise and I could the Duke of Edinburgh Award. stoves, how to plan healthy and not be more grateful to the alumni nutritional meals, how to effectively for founding the Award, the staff Mrs Pearson said of Ellie, pack a rucksack and how to read of the Wisdom Hospice who have a map and navigate. She really encouraged me in my position and “Ellie Kennedy, as a Silver Duke has been a star, helping above and given me many opportunities, and of Edinburgh candidate, has been beyond what was required of her for the staff at RGS for their tireless work helping me with training the Bronze her Silver Award.” to help each and every one of their students as part of her volunteering students.” 7 FEATURE DAME JANE TROTTER Dame Jane Trotter, now Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, shares her memories of teaching at Rochester Grammar School.

I have very happy memories of Evil and the dimensions of Personal - they were indulgent of a young Rochester Grammar School. Responsibility. We also, daringly for teacher who believed that learning the time, explored a variety of faith should be fun and in the power of I joined the staff as Head of the positions. education to change lives. They also Religious Education Department and believed in the need to support young as a teacher of Sixth Form General I loved preparing material for lessons, women in their careers in a world Studies/Cultural Studies in 1969 - being adventurous and adapting the where equality of opportunity was not during my tenure the new building syllabus to suit the varying needs accepted as widely as it is today. was opened and I worked in both this of pupils. In Sixth Form Studies Mrs and the ‘old building’ in Rochester. Kilroy with whom I taught and I invited I left RGGS with regrets in 1973 an exciting array of visitors to lecture and worked in a variety of Colleges I had taught previously in two about politics, social structures, of Education before becoming the secondary modern schools in Kent economics and the changing nature Principal of the College of St Paul and and I can remember the great of such areas as Africa, Asia and the St Mary in Cheltenham which became contrast, although I enjoyed all USA - we learned much alongside the the University of Gloucestershire in teaching. Previous lessons were 30 pupils. 2001. minutes long with 10 minutes to settle the class and 10 minutes to pack I remember a commitment to high Since 1991 I have also been involved up, leaving little time for sustained standards in all we did among the in the NHS as a Non-Executive learning. The A-Level students at staff: we challenged ourselves and Director and was surprised to RGGS had 40 minute double periods the pupils to aim high as the world be invited to become the Lord- and I was amazed by their appetite was our oyster. Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, the for learning, diligence and ability to first woman to hold this appointment keep me on my toes. We had some I look back with particular affection on as the Queen’s representative in the wonderful discussions about God, Miss Day and Miss Trollope the two county, in 2010. the Universe, the Nature of Good and head teachers under whom I worked CLASS OF 2001 REUNITED When one of our year group got in I was surprised by how easy it was touch via facebook suggesting that to be together again. Catherine, entering our thirties sounded like a our head girl, exclaimed that we all good excuse for a meet up, it was looked exactly the same, but most of wonderful to see the response. Life us agreed that, in fact, only Catherine has changed considerably in the 14 looked exactly the same! It was lovely years since leaving RGS; some are to hear of all the adventures that we, living or working overseas, some and our friends, had enjoyed since we are enjoying high powered careers left the school, and between us, we across many professions, many seemed to be in touch with most of have travelled the world, some have the year. returned to academic study, and lots of new little people have entered our With huge thanks to Lindsey lives. Banfield for proposing the idea, and coordinating as many of us as Due to the demands of life as a she could manage! So many more young adult (or so we like to consider were unable to join us and thus, we ourselves), only 7 of us were able to hope to do it again soon. Class of make the soiree, a quiet afternoon 2001, clear your diaries and watch drink in a pub in Borstal, Rochester, this space (or at least the space on on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Two facebook and the twitter account!). of those little people were able to join us, which kept us entertained and Christie Ransom (née Scates) gave us plenty to talk about. 1994-2001 8 FEATURE

MR GWYNN BASSAN Introducing Mr Gwynn Bassan, current Principal of Rochester Grammar School.

After completing his teacher vision: to transform the life chances training in the Welsh valleys in 1994, of all students. This group works MEET OUR NEW Gwynn Bassan started teaching together to lead teacher training, staff at The Maplesden Noakes School training, school to school support ALUMNI STAFF in Maidstone and within two years and research and development LINK, LOUISA became Head of Geography. He across Kent, Medway and South then moved for a promotion to The London. One successful teaching HALLETT Hundred of Hoo School as Head of school collaboration has been with a large Humanities Faculty before the University of Kent where Gwynn, commencing his career in senior along with Vicky Kirby at Brompton Dear all, leadership in in Academy, created and designed 2004 where he led on Teaching and the first school-led Masters course, I am pleased to introduce myself Learning. the MSc in Professional Practice – as the new link between the Teaching and Learning. As a result In 2008, he became Senior Assistant of this, he and his colleagues have alumni and current staff. As a Headteacher at The Rochester now become associate lecturers and student, I joined RGS in 2000, Grammar School (RGS) and led it on assessors for the University of Kent. and left with fond memories in its journey to becoming a nationally 2007. Years later, in a decisive and internationally renowned thinking During his time at RGS, Gwynn has moment, I realised I wanted to school. It became the first secondary been seconded in to two schools teach. They say they like to “grow school in the country to be awarded in special measures by the CEO, their own [teachers] here” and in advanced thinking school status by Denise Shepherd, more recently in September 2014 I re-joined RGS, the University of Exeter and is now a the capacity of Interim Principal of training as a teacher of Science, global case study. City of Portsmouth Girls’ School and I am truly privileged to be (now for Girls), Over a six year period Gwynn moved to successfully move them out of here. to Deputy Headship and then to Head category. He was appointed Principal of School. As Head of School, he of Rochester Grammar in October Yours, created and led the New Horizons 2013 and still oversees the strategic Teaching School Alliance, a group plan for the Teaching School Alliance. Louisa Hallett of 40 schools who share in one

9 became busy for all us all. I was always terrified of Miss Simons, MEMBER PROFILES and when waiting for my car to be serviced years after leaving school (by which time I was married with Jane Scates (née Hughes) babies during my career, including two children), Miss Simons and Miss some future RGS girls no doubt! Eagle walked into the waiting room Years attended - 1965-1970 While my children were at secondary and I instinctively stood up! They school, I completed a degree were very interested to hear how I What did you do when you left alongside working full time, gaining a was getting on. Mr Chapman was my school? first class Midwifery BSc Hons from form teacher, and when we were the I went straight into nursing. I Christ Church University. extras in the school play one year, he was offered a place at Nuffield Since retiring, I have become a full left a tin of toffees backstage with a Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford to do time child minder, looking after my note that said ‘The extras of today an Orthopaedic Nursing Certificate. granddaughter Naomi while my are the stars of tomorrow’. He got daughter is at work! In my spare married while I was at the school and What have you done since then? time, I enjoy sewing and knitting and we went to ask Miss Day whether After orthopaedics, I did a general design and create couture dresses we could buy him a present. We nursing course and qualified as for special occasions, including saved up together and bought him a a state registered nurse in 1974. weddings. Pyrex dish as a wedding gift. I was I started a job as a staff nurse in extremely proud many years later A&E, during which time I married What are your thoughts about when my daughter, who also attended my husband, Robin. In April 1976, school? What events have stayed RGS, won the Alan Chapman Prize I started training to be a midwife, in your memory? for Mathematics. Miss Prior and Mr qualifying in May 1977. I worked as I hated running up to the school field Green also married while we were at midwife for 36 years at a number for games from the old building, so school- we used to laugh about how of hospitals in Medway; in the much so that I would sneak out of Miss Prior was always in Mr Green’s Delivery Suite at All Saints, Canada school at lunch time to walk up! My office, and when we returned to House Maternity Home and in the best friends at school were Jackie school after a holiday, we were told community in Walderslade, Chatham, Tester and Vivian Terry and we’ve they’d been married during the break! , Sittingbourne and Sheppey. stayed in touch, albeit mostly through I delivered more than a thousand Christmas newsletters when life

Emily Moore WHAT’S YOUR Years attended - 2006-2013 STORY?

What did you do when you left school? As soon as I finished my exams in year 13 I got a retail job for the summer Could you complete a profile while contemplating my university places. I decided not to go to university for the next newsletter? straight away and continue at my job while I decided what I wanted to do. If so, please email the following What have you done since then? information (and a current and/ Me and my partner have bought our first house and currently have a 14 month or school days photo if you old little boy called Zachary. I have started a degree in Spanish and French with can) to RGSKentAlumni@gmail. the open university and am in a new job part time. com or send to the school FAO Christie Ransom, Alumni What are your thoughts about school? What events have stayed in your Association Newsletter. memory? I always loved school, especially RGS. Even though I moaned along with Name, maiden name, years at everyone else about the pressure and the work, looking back I wouldn’t change RGS, plus short answers to the a thing. I loved being pushed to succeed and it’s made me who I am today. I following questions: will never forget my final years at RGS as deputy head girl. Organising events What did you do when you and being a part of the school’s decisions was a real privilege. The school’s left school? events will always be happy memories of mine, from school plays to dance shows, open days to founder’s days. Everything that the school put on was a What have you done since pleasure to be a part of and the people are the reason for that. Everybody who then? was a part of RGS while I attended made it enjoyable to go to school everyday and I will always remember my friends and teachers who helped me achieve What are your thoughts about what I did. school?

I am very excited to return for the leavers Founder’s day ball this summer and What events have stayed in be reminded of these memories once more. your memory?

10 OBITUARY

ELSIE AMY GEDGE (NÉE PYALL)

Barbara Hedley contacted Ann in January to inform her that her mother, Elsie Amy Gedge (née Pyall) had died during the late summer of 2014. This year, she would have celebrated her 100th . Below, Barbara shares some of Elsie’s story.

My mother attended RGGS in the 1920s although I am not sure of the dates.

She was there on a scholarship and then won a scholarship to Oxford but couldn’t go because her father had lost the money he had saved for her education in the run on the banks in the great depression.

Mum spent the war in the Tax Office and married my father Lenard Gedge in 1944. I was born at the end of the war in 1946 and Dad was offered a job running the Flying Boat Base at Rose Bay in Sydney in 1952. He was an aircraft engineer but later started his own manufacturing business in Sydney.

They always said coming to Australia was the best thing they ever did because there were far more opportunities here than they would have had in post war Britain. The business was very successful and they did a lot of travelling in later years coming to once a year to visit relatives and friends.

They also ran a hot air balloon lodge in country NSW for a hobby and were very involved in expanding that sport in Australia.

Mum lived in a retirement village in Mona Vale until her death in August at 99.5 years. She had no desire to be 100 because her body no longer did what she required of it. She had lived a very active and healthy life full of adventure, and sitting and reading lost its appeal after a while.

We will remember Elsie fondley as an alumnus who clearly went on to great things, and extended the RGS family to the other side of the world. BARBARA CHURCH (NÉE LUCKHURST)

We recently heard that Barbara died on Thursday 14th May 2015. Barbara attended RGS between 1950 and 1955. Our thoughts are with Gordon and family.

11 NEWS

RGS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP Thanks to many of you, we are In the past the membership fee was • Members are invited to attend now able to deliver our newsletter primarily to cover postage costs for school functions, for example to alumni electronically, which has this newsletter. Although there are dance and drama productions, significantly reduced costs and still costs involved in producing the sports fixture finals, music enabled us to distribute it in colour newsletter, these are significantly concerts and charity events for and with lots of photos for you to reduced by electronic distribution. free or at a reduced ticket price. enjoy. In order to promote the school Despite this, we would like to keep the • Members are invited to purchase and the Alumni Association we would membership fee at this level. any memorabilia offered by the also encourage you to share the school (books about the history of newsletter with other contacts from We hope that you feel that you the school, music recordings etc) RGS, and we are making it available get your money’s worth from your at a reduced rate. to current students and recent leavers membership fee, but we would like • Non-members receive the annual to read as well. your help to decide how we can newsletter only. present a new membership package • Non-members can attend the However, we are also committed to to the members of the future. Some of AGM but are not entitled to vote. increasing the number of members these benefits would also be open to • Non-members can attend the of the Alumni Association. We enjoy existing members. annual lunch, but at a slightly being able to maintain contact with higher cost. members throughout the year, and Our suggestions so far are as follows: hope to further develop this. Through • Members receive an attractive RGS We welcome your ideas and our members we have been able pin badge (these will be on sale thoughts on this proposal. to grow the curriculum enrichment again at this year’s lunch, and I If you have any questions or links, unite old friends and unearth hope you agree they are beautiful). contributions, please contact artefacts and tales from the school’s • Members receive the annual Ann West on rich history. The minimal lifetime newsletter by email, and interim [email protected] or membership fee of £25 enables us to communication regarding Christie Ransom on do this. important school events and news. [email protected]

12 FEATURE

THINKING THROUGH THE HISTORY OF RGS Christie Ransom (née Scates) 1994-2001 (student), 2007-2014 (teacher)

In the summer term of 2014, in the week leading up to Founders’ Day, Gwynn Bassan asked me to prepare a form time activity for the whole school exploring the history of the school. Below are some of the resources I compiled for this task. Each house looked at the ‘reign’ of a headmistress, and then compared that period of time with the school in the present day. The result was a school postered with double bubble maps showing the similarity and differences between their RGS experience and yours. I hope reading through the material brings back as many fond memories for you as it did for me (and many of the other alumni staff!).

13 HEADMISTRESS: MISS EASTON 1888 - 1906

Rochester Grammar School was a grand lady by all accounts, with founded in 1888 due to the generous golden hair worn under a violet velvet gift from the Bridge Wardens of bonnet, and the ceremony was Rochester. The Taunton Commission equally grand. in 1864 recommended a national system of education, including Adverts were placed in local extension to include girls. RGS was newspapers for students to attend built to accommodate 200 girls, a fee the school. Girls under 10 paid £2 paying school (education was not yet 13s 4d per term and those over 10 state funded) with some local girls paid £3 6s 8d per term (equivalent to attending on scholarship. £200-£300 in today’s money). Thus we see that the school educated Eliza Wingent, Mayoress at the time, girls of all ages, and there was also a Elizabeth Easton laid the foundation stone on 9th May on site which included 1888. boys. This you might have noticed The first Headmistress was Miss if you’ve ever examined the earliest Easton, described by an old girl “One wonders whether she envied pictures in the entrance hall. There as “a slender and elegant woman, the girls a generation or two younger was much excitement about the with a passionate love of dress. than she, who would be educated school from the community and the She dressed beautifully and always and have their intellectual aspirations girls who attended – one arrived walked the school in party slippers, fulfilled in the building upon whose on the first day of school riding a thin, black and adorned with beaded foundations she stood.” donkey! embroidery.” She had high aspirations for her girls though – at one speech This foundation stone can now be Although the school was a forerunner day, the guest speaker, Lord Darnley found in the entrance hall of the in educating girls formally, the school addressed the girls directly, “Now school. still focussed on preparing women for you girls, I daresay most of you running a household, making young are thinking of getting married…”. Under the stone they buried a time ladies suitable to adorn the homes of A student at the time remembers capsule (rediscovered in 1989 England. They were particularly proud “There was a rustle through the hall when the school moved sites) of their new cooking facilities which and Miss Easton pursed her lips and which included a copy of the Times included a gallery so that students looked down her nose as if something Newspaper from that day. She was could be observed while at work. improper had been said.”

HEADMISTRESS: MISS SANDFORD 1906 - 1934

Miss Sandford saw the school staff and pupils were geared towards with hard work dedicated entirely to through WWI, taking it from strength the war effort. The needlework war. A fair few RGS girls took up war to strength. During her time the classes gave up their examination work such as nursing and armament school gained electric lighting, central work and devoted their time to creation, working an average 7-7 hour heating and the building of new making garments. About 1000 day and working on the minimum facilities. The ‘Old Girls’ Association’, garments were dispatched from time wage of 2S 10D. On a ‘Sunday now known as the RGS Alumni to time to the centres in Chatham Shift’ an average of 300 shells were Association, was also founded during and London. In addition, the present made, per person, in one day. This this time. given to Headteacher, Mrs Sandford work further demonstrates how the on her birthday took the form of students and staff at the Rochester The following is a short article about contributions, under her request, Grammar School dedicated the school during WWI, compiled of £1 10S worth of mittens for the themselves to the war effort. from the archive by Tomlinson’s Ellie soldiers on the front line, which led Rust [this article featured in last year’s to the Officer Commanding the 3rd School life was hugely disrupted by newsletter]. Battalion Queen’s Regiment giving the war, in more ways than just a two concerts in the school hall as change in focus. In 1915 a German RGS remembers World War I thanks. Zeppelin raid occurring in Chatham “The War has, of course, affected our killed several people and caused life in school.” However, the patriotism of RGS was huge amounts of destruction, and not limited to just this. In November deeply affected many students at the Wartime at The Rochester Grammar 1915, The Rochester Grammar RGS. Although the girls faced these School was a difficult, yet inspiring School created a collection towards events with tremendous courage, time. Students had to be deprived of a “Plum Pudding Fund” which raised they continued to raise money. These school luxuries including Christmas funds to provide those on the front efforts showed and celebrations, and summer holidays line with Christmas puddings so they patriotism, proving that the spirit of were put on hold. Despite this, it is could also celebrate the event. This the students and the staff was not evident that the efforts of both the fundraising was held in conjunction damaged by the atrocity of war. 14 WANTED

Are you an RGS hoarder, or even just a hoarder? If so, then please help us.

In its new Library the school HEADMISTRESS: MISS METHUEN 1934 - 1939 is planning to have a display illustrating the history of the school and we are therefore Miss Methuen celebrated the Miss Methuen believed passionately looking for any kind of schools 50th birthday, promoted the in the advantage of Sixth Form memorabilia of your school importance of staying for sixth form education, and thus stressed to the days you may have tucked and introduced houses to the school girls the need to stay on at school, away. It may be anything leading to… which may have helped students to which illustrates the various form concrete career plans. aspects of your school life and “…a keen sense of loyalty and friendly school’s history. It is down to rivalry that fostered the competitive The years 1935-39 brought significant we alumni to hunt around in spirit, and not only in sport.” change. In 1935 the City of Rochester order to provide an interesting organised a procession in honour and comprehensive illustration Sound familiar?! of the King’s Jubilee in which local of the evolution of all aspects schools took part. Within a few years, of pupils’ lives at Rochester In the 1960s, inter-house drama the school magazines spoke, instead, Grammar School over its competitions were enjoyed alongside of hardship and evacuation. previous almost 130 years. It the traditional sporting events. In 1938, RGS turned 50! The Golden is hoped that we might have a Jubilee was celebrated by sowing sufficient variety of material so Domestic Science became part flower boarders around the school that the theme of the exhibition of the school curriculum, but the site, preparing stalls and fundraising could be changed throughout demand for teachers of the subject for a Grand Bazaar, opened by the year to illustrate different was high. Therefore, older students Lord Northburne, at which girls aspects of our formative school and recent leavers were encouraged sold their own craftworks. A special years: our achievements, to teach these lessons in household Jubilee magazine was produced aspirations, trials and skills, including sewing and home including photographs of the three tribulations and the fun we had. economics. Headmistresses to date.

Please contact By this time, RGS had graduated Just months after RGS celebrated its Lesley Homewood many cohorts, and ‘old girls’ were Golden Jubilee, war was declared. 01634 847068 employed in teaching (many went on [email protected] to become Headmistresses), doctors, missionaries and welfare workers. 15 HEADMISTRESS: MISS BUTTERFIELD 1939 - 1962

Miss Butterfield led the school Canterbury. What with all the effort little waifs and she agreed. The official through WWII, saying; and all the talking, we were thirsty man helped with our belongings by the time we arrived there but, and the two boys slipped away “The events of the war years for the fortunately, WRVS ladies had set up somewhere else. girls of Rochester Grammar School tables outside the station bearing were complex and varied, involving rows of cups of water to which we We were taken upstairs to the spare evacuation, part time schooling, were welcome. Thus refreshed, we room that had one bed, a cupboard the sharing of school buildings and walked into a big hall where there and a chest of drawers. As each of us eventually, the task of returning their were tables at which some people sat was accustomed to a room and a bed own building to normal after its use by to ask us questions about our names, of her own, we were not very happy the Civil Defense.” addresses, dates of birth and so one but agreed to see how we got on. (A and then we sat to wait for the next few weeks later, Judith’s parents took It was during this time that the excitement which involved us fetching her home and I was pleased to have a Preparatory School closed and the our belongings and standing in pairs room and a bed of my own again.) school became secondary as it is (I stood with Judith whom I did not today. During WWII, teachers acted know very well). As though we did We did some unpacking and putting as fire marshals, sleeping in shifts on not have enough to carry, we were away and then went downstairs to the site to protect the buildings. In 1941 each given a carrier bag containing dining room for tea. I took my bag of several bombs fell on the school and groceries including biscuits, a tin of sandwiches, put them on my plate parts of the site were destroyed. Also corned beef, a packet of tea and such and ate two. Mrs Hall encouraged me during Miss Butterfield’s reign, in like – these bags were intended for to eat the rest but I said that I didn’t the 1960s male teachers joined the our new hosts as a special gift for think I should eat any more until I school for the first time, including accepting us. knew how long they would have to Mr Alan Chapman, in whose name last me! Mrs Hall came across, put an the Mathematics prize is awarded at Then off we set, carrying our arm round my shoulders and said that Senior Prize Giving each year. belongings, up Wincheap and the I could eat as many as I liked as she along several roads where people would be feeding me from then on. The following is a memoir of stood at their doors to see us. An Much relieved, I ate the remainder (I her evacuation written by RGS official man with a list on a clip board, was eight years old). Alumnus and former Trustee, checked the hospitality previously Barbara Letchford: offered to take in evacuees and several of our party were selected MEMOIRS - Friday 1 September 1939 to go to their new hosts. I looked – Evacuation rather apprehensively at some of the people and their houses and prayed We got up early to finish packing in my head that no one there would the blue case (used recently for choose me! As it happened, nobody our holiday in Broadstairs) with just did and our gradually diminishing DO YOU HAVE enough room for a very small, well- crocodile finally reached Cogan’s ANY PHOTOS? dressed teddy-bear, and put it with Terrace, a new development divided my satchel, gas mask and mac and from Wincheap by a playground. Just then added a pack of freshly-made Judith and I were left when the official Do you have any photos of egg sandwiches. Having checked man went to ring the bell at number 5. school days which you’d everything, my mother and I set off to be willing to share with the the Rochester Grammar School for A lady came out, leaving two boys Alumni Association? Now that Girls in Maidstone Road, Rochester in the doorway, and the official man we can include photographs where, as usual for our family, we went to great lengths to persuade Mrs in our newsletter at no extra were early - and just as well as I was Hall to take us. She reminded him cost, we would love to see wearing the wrong school hat - my that, at the first survey for possible any that you can offer, and Panama for summer uniform, but interest, she had refused as she share them with our readers. I should have worn my velour hat felt that she had quite enough to If you’re able, you can scan (winter uniform). Wasting no time, my do looking after her two sons and and send your photographs to mother rushed off home to bring the her husband, who, as a commercial [email protected]. correct hat for exchange and then, traveller, was often away from home Include a bit of information with a quick kiss, she left, and I waited and he reminded her that she had about what or who is pictured with my friends until everyone had finally agreed to take one and Judith and when, and we will publish arrived. and I wondered which of us might be it in next year’s newsletter. This chosen and which would have to go could be a great way to share Carrying our luggage as best we elsewhere. The official man pleaded your story and, you never know, could, we set off in pairs to walk with her to help and see if these two you might spot yourself in here to Rochester Railway Station and little girls could have a home with her. next year! there to board a train to take us to By now, I expect we both looked poor

16 HEADMISTRESS: MISS DAY 1963-1973 & MISS TROLLOPE 1974-1988

Miss Day was in charge when work retired. She had attended the school of the rest has revealed no further on the new building began. The as a girl, and returned to teach weaknesses.” school had outgrown its building and here. Miss Day herself retired in a new shiny site was growing at the 1973, presenting the school with a Bomb hoaxes were common in top of Maidstone Road. This allowed collection of shrubs for the new site Britain in the 1970s and RGS was for better facilities, but did involve to remember her by. not exempt from concern. Alumni students walking between sites for remember assemblies taking place lessons. Miss Trollope saw the groundwork on the school field while the Police done for the new site to become searched the site. School societies flourished, including RGS’s sole and permanent home. a new Debating Society, who She was determined that the girls Miss Trollope saw the formation of the discussed controversial matters should study in better conditions RGSA, and led the celebration of the such as ‘that hanging should be and enjoy better resources, and she school’s centenary in 1988. Parents abolished’, ‘that all schools should worked tirelessly with the governors and past and present students be comprehensive’, and ‘that there is to ensure this. The crumbling old attended the celebrations, which no supreme being’. Other societies building was an ongoing concern, as included lunch on Founders’ Day and included the Science Society and she wrote in 1982; a dinner at the Corn Exchange with the Historical Society, both of whom over 100 guests. organised trips to the London “The descent of part of a form room museums. ceiling, fortunately at 4.10pm, has We have an easy life compared to ensured a beautiful replacement in those girls who traipsed between In 1970, Miss White, an English one room. I do not know whether to sites daily. When finally the decision teacher at the school for 20 years, be glad or sorry that an inspection was taken to move to the bigger site on which we now stand, Miss Trollope said;

“I’d like to pay tribute to all the girls who uncomplainingly walked between buildings, in all weathers, and to staff too, who did their share of the travelling.”

Many alumni who contact the school often express sadness at the loss of the old building. I am sure it was a sad day when they said goodbye to the old site, but Miss Trollope was positive, saying;

“Change is healthy. We must progress and pass on to our heirs a vigorous and thriving school where they may flourish as individuals and prepare for an exciting future. This is why any regrets about the demise of the Old Building must be smothered by thankfulness that the future of the school is assured in surroundings suitable for the 21st Century.”

Miss Trollope still lives nearby and is an active member of the Alumni Association. She is proud of the school in which she worked, and proud of the girls who enjoy all she worked for today.

17 HEADMISTRESS: MRS PRICE 1989 - 2002

Mrs Price saw the completion the subject and a creative or practical years, as some of your teachers new site and led the move up the hill. subject. Foreign languages became taught here during Mrs Price’s This included the relocation of the a bigger part of the timetable with headship. Likewise for some of our foundation stone (now in the entrance all students studying French in years support staff. Also, we must not hall) and the stained glass window 7-9 and Latin and German from year forget the equally long running history which used to adorn the hall of the 8. The school also worked with the of students returning to teach here, old building. On 9th May 1991, the governing body to become a Grant and lots of those working here today, new Rochester Grammar School was Maintained school, enabling it to have studied at RGS during this time. dedicated. more control over its budget. Mrs Price retired in December 2002, A new school called for other The school’s examination results were and was succeeded by Ms Shepherd, changes. In 1990, after much outstanding, and inspections of the who remains CEO of the RGS/AFS examination of swatches, a blue school were glowing. New facilities Trust. As her work has involved her tartan was chosen as the basis of a and resources (including computer in other schools, she has appointed new school uniform (goodbye to hats, rooms!) were valued as times, Principals at RGS, first Mr Gardner, and welcome to the kilt!), a definite and schooling, changed. Summer and now Mr Bassan. new identity for The Rochester examinations means that we now Grammar School. A new school mark Founders’ Day, not on 9th May, song was also launched, written for a but in the early weeks of July. Girls competition by a student of the time, continued to walk to the Cathedral for Rachel Leonard. a Founders’ Day Service to celebrate this, even though the new site was There were major educational further from Rochester than the old changes during her headship, building. including the introduction of GCSEs, The buildings continued to grow, and later, AS examinations replacing and during Mrs Price’s headship P linear A levels. Lessons started to block, the Technology block and the look different too – discussion and Sixth Form Centre were constructed, group work became more common meaning the staff could graduate and tables were arranged in groups from a small staff room (now known rather than rows. The National as A41) into the old Sixth Form Curriculum was in place from 1998 to Common Room. govern the content taught to pupils, and RGS reacted swiftly, ensuring all RGS has a strong history of loyal, examination students studied English, long serving staff. You all know Mathematics, Science, a Humanities people who were at RGS during these

18 GETTING INVOLVED!

Upcoming opportunities to participate in current school activities Other Events

Summer Events The school calendar includes many events which you are welcome to As in previous years, the School would be thrilled to welcome any alumni who attend should you wish to visit us. are interested in getting involved in the summer events. At the end of every These include the annual school school year, the summer brings the highlights of the annual calendar – Sports, production, lower school production, Arts and Olympiad Days! Any alumni who are willing and able to attend one of music concerts (including the RGS our end of year events: Young Musician), sports fixtures, the annual charity dance show, Sports Day runs much the same as you may remember from your school days the Christmas Carol Service and – a fun filled afternoon of sporting activities, brimming with House spirit! Founders’ Day celebrations (coming up on 10th July), alongside other In line with RGS’s world reputation as an Advanced Thinking School, we also smaller, house led events. have the Olympiad, a Crystal type day of events which involve problem solving in House teams. In addition, we are also keen to inspire our students with stories Not wanting to be outdone by the PE department, the Performing Arts are from alumni. I have received some also represented at House Arts Day, a day full of competitive events in drama, wonderful stories of school days music, art, dance, speech and much more. Last year even saw the launch past which have been used in of a new ‘bake off’ category to put our beautiful cookery rooms to work! All assemblies. RGS welcomes offers students are encouraged to participate in the day, and winners form a show for to speak to students at certificate the school as the climax of the event. evenings and special occasions, or in smaller classroom seminars on The Sports, Olympiad and Arts days are calendared this year for 13th, 14th and career pathways or to share subject 15th July 2014 respectively (subject to swapping depending on weather). knowledge. In return they would be delighted to show you the school If anyone has a particular interest in adjudicating on Sports Day, judging on and how it is growing and developing Arts Day or supporting the ‘Crystal Maze’ Challenge Day, The RGS Olympiad, so that it continues to provide RGS would love to hear from you. outstanding education for students in Medway. Please send information regarding your availability, preference for involvement and contact details to Miss Louisa Hallett at the school on 01634 843049 or If you are interested in coming to e-mail her [email protected] visit us or getting involved in current school life, please contact Miss Louisa Hallett at the school on 01634 843049 or e-mail her l.hallett@ rochestergrammar.org.uk 19 FEATURE MEMORIES FROM WORLD WAR II ROCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 1938-1943

My time at RGGS was a unique experience. I joined in 1938 and World War II started on September 3rd 1939. I was then 13 years old.

However, to the beginning. We had a school uniform; in the winter it was navy blue tunics, pullovers and blazers, mackintoshes and velour hats and striped blouses, with flat navy shoes; in the summer it was blue and white striped dresses, blazers and Panama hats.

We did gym and games in our blouses and knickers which had pockets in for our hankies! We wore navy plimsolls for both. I loved gymnastics, swimming and tennis, but did not enjoy hockey or cricket. The one luxury was the showers after exercising; only the rich had them at home in those days. to the crypt and wait for further evacuated. This time, after a slow The first year was challenging, hard instructions. Some 30 minutes eight hour train journey, we reached work and enjoyable. My favourite later we were told that the Prime Pontypridd, South Wales at 8pm to subjects were French, geography, Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, had find that the brass band was to play algebra (not maths), art, religious announced that we were now at war us to the Town Hall and we were then instruction, and needlework. with Germany. I remember feeling taken to our billets. rather perplexed and wondered what In 1939 there was talk of war, so at that would mean. My twin and I were taken two miles the end of August we were requested out to Hopkinstown to a lovely retired to attend school with our mothers for We were in Canterbury for 8 months, couple, Mr. & Mrs. Morgan. School a meeting, the reason for which was getting back into school and trying to was about five miles away, needing not told. Our mothers were called in settle into a new way of life. I was not two buses to get there. Again we individually and eventually we were happily billeted; the first two months were given rooms in the school but too, and were told that for our safety our presence was resented, so we always had our own teachers and we were being evacuated on 1st were moved to a retired couple who school identity. We were happily September, which saw us walking in were a real mum and dad to us and settled there and routine school line, with our suitcases, to Rochester we spent a very happy six months life returned, when two months Station, to an unknown destination, there. Foster parents were given later, we were told that the girls our teachers accompanying us. Our 6s.6d (32 and a half pence) a week who had remained at home had mothers had to say goodbye once we for each child in their care to cover been compulsorily re-evacuated to got to the station. food etc. Pothcawl about 40 miles away, and we were to join them to unite the After much waiting around we In April 1940 we returned home for whole school. We were duly put into eventually boarded a train for a slow Easter and as it was quiet in the coaches and taken there. My twin two or three hours journey arriving Medway towns, we were allowed and I were taken with two others of at Canterbury, just 30 miles away. to stay home and school life was our class to a Mr. & Mrs. Richards, a We were then taken to our billets resumed. During this time our school retired couple, who asked us to call in various parts of Canterbury. volunteered to knit for the navy, and them auntie and uncle. We were very On Sunday 3rd September we all those of us who were willing were happy there and it was a nice school. gathered at Canterbury Cathedral given wool and patterns; I knitted for the morning service which was socks for them. It did not seem very We always met at a given church stopped about 20 minutes in, and long at all before, owing to enemy for morning service on Sundays. In we were all told to walk quietly down action hotting up, we were again the evening we chose to go with our 20 foster parents to their Welsh Chapel; the service was in part English and part Welsh, and I remember singing their Welsh hymns with them. The people there were very friendly. Some Saturdays we walked the one mile or so to the sea front, though we could not walk on the beach and rocks due to oil from a tanker that had been CURRICULUM sunk by enemy action.

As months rolled by and enemy action stopped, pupils gradually went ENRICHMENT home again, and we all returned when there were only eight of us left in classes. LINKS UPDATE 2015 We never returned back to our own school as the ARP had taken The database, created by the Alumni database to give details of firms, possession of it during the blitz of Committee to enable former students organisations or voluntary groups, the Medway Towns, and again we to offer the current generation their which might be willing to offer work found ourselves in designated rooms many and varied experiences of life experience or work shadowing. Think of two schools in Rochester, so it after school, continues to grow. of all the work places that have been was all a bit disjointed. I remember inhabited by alumni over the years! one memorable occasion our class We are keen to make links between Could you give us details of them was taken to The Old Vic theatre in students and alumni of all ages, and maybe help us to make links? London to see Dame Sybil Thorndike whereby our treasury of experience Perhaps your family members in Macbeth. After the play we were and expertise, obtained through might help too in sourcing good told to wait until everyone had gone, qualifications, work and life, can be opportunities? and to our surprise Dame Sybil called passed on to today’s RGS students us up to the stage saying that she too as the explore their interests and Please complete or update the had been an RGGS girl, and was so future careers and make their all- Alumni Support questionnaire in pleased to meet us. She related her important applications for the next this newsletter, with details of any school times there and the antics they stage of learning and life. Our link ways you can think of to support our all got up to, ganging up against the staff member, Mr Ashley Wicken, current worthy students. It would boys’ schools. Such fun and most uses the database to enlist the help be wonderful to hear from recent interesting. of alumni in preparing students for graduate alumni. university interviews in particular I remember school dinners and, subject areas, linking up present We continue to work on links between although rationing was on, they were and past students to help young RGS and Bishop Anstey/Trinity reasonable, though we often arrived people explore particular career College East in Trinidad, West Indies, home hungry. Miss Methuen was areas and opening up opportunities in a project jointly run by staff and my first head mistress followed by for work experience placements. He sixth form students. Both schools are Miss Butterfield. I liked my teachers is delighted with the benefits of the high-flying, innovative and forward and achieved my School Certificate, database to date and sees enormous looking. The Trinidadian school has leaving in 1943. As it was still war potential in its future development. received high honours in Caribbean time, we had just four options for war We are currently exploring a safe national and international awards. work, (i) one of the Forces, (ii) the and secure educational network Land Army, (iii) Munitions – factory called Edmodo, whereby alumni Pat Stevens work, and (iv) nursing. I chose and students can communicate the latter, going to Kings College safely and securely and links can Hospital for a four year training be initiated through the internet, which I accomplished, leaving there phone or meeting up. During 2015, to gain my midwifery training, and Mr Wicken is organising work then to Battersea Polytechnic, to experience from 30th June and gain my Health Visitor’s Certificate. I holding mock Oxbridge interviews then married, had two children and in July, to enable students to be well subsequently returned to part time ahead in preparing their forms for nursing. the University and College Service (UCAS). I value very much the excellent teaching and encouragement I had at As all students are offered a work RGGS. experience opportunity during their RGS career, we want to extend the Girls from Bishop Anstey High School Joan Jones (née Brown) East working on an ICT project 21 BE IN NEXT YEAR’S JOLLY HOCKEY NEWSLETTER! STICKS Further to the notice last year, Here are three easy ways to feature in the if you have ever played hockey Rochester Grammar School 2016 Alumni Newsletter! for RGS Old Girls and would like to meet up with your old Come to the Alumni Annual Lunch been up to since. team mates, a reunion is being on Saturday October 17th 2015, £22 held on the 27th June 2015 at (see page 2 for details)! Boys at RGS – we became the the home of Ann Botterill. The Alumni Association partly to reunion is being arranged by Come along to the lunch, meet up recognise that there are now Old Margaret Bowman and if you with friends, reminisce and revisit Boys as well as Old Girls, so we’d are interested she would love your old school. You’re bound to have like to feature some of the gents to hear from you and will give a smile on your face and if we catch who have benefitted from the RGS you all the details then. Her that smile on camera, you might be experience. email address is margbow@ beaming from next year’s first few gmail.com, or feel free to pages. Book now using the form at If you have other ideas, and certainly contact the Alumni Association the end of this newsletter! if you have better ideas – please let Committee and we can put us know! We shall look forward to you in touch by telephone. We Send us a Profile! hearing from you! hope to see you soon!

We alumni love to hear how our old classmates are faring. Answer the three short questions on the form at the end of this newsletter and pop it in the post, or email [email protected] (you can even include a school photo if you’d like!).

Feature in a Feature!

Although compiling this newsletter happens in the late Spring, we are thrilled to receive your news all year round. If you run a small business, or are involved in a charity, write a short piece, including some photos, and send it our way. If you have something to celebrate or something to promote, write a short piece and we’d love to include it. If you’ve Honours Boards in the main hall recently reconnected or reunited with school friends, let us know how you got on, and the memories you shared. TWITTER We’re already thinking of ideas for next year’s newsletter, so if you’d be interested in participating in either The following on twitter grows year by year – please follow us of the following, or know someone @RGSKentAlumni. The account is used to share ideas and help people who would be, please get in touch by stay in touch with school. It is also a great way for us to hear your news, post, or email and we have enjoyed celebrating examination success, new babies, [email protected] charity achievements and more with you in 2014/15. Famous alumni following or followed by us include Charlotte Evans, gold medal winning A family affair – do you have a sister, Paralympic skier, Kat Driscoll, Olympic trampolinist, Sophia Webster, parent, daughter or other family world renowned shoe designer, and Caroline Feraday, BBC journalist. member who also attended RGS? Some of our members also run small businesses or charities promoted We’d love to feature families of RGS on twitter, including Elizabeth Ackerley, who featured in last year’s girls (or boys) and hear both your newsletter. Check out her super sewing crafts @ElizAckerley! memories of school and what you’ve 22 RESERVATION FOR ALUMNI LUNCH 17TH OCTOBER 2015

Number of tickets required ______at £22.00 each = £______

Please join us for a delicious lunch. For the menu, please see pages 2 and 3 Please make cheques payable to: Rochester Grammar School Old Girls Association (RGSOGA) and send them with your reservation form to Sarah Earle, 62 Kingfisher Drive, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9RT 01322 423413 [email protected]

Deadline for making a reservation is 1st October (Please ring 01322 423413 if you have a problem with this date)

Current Name & Address ______

______

Maiden Name ______

School Years ______

Telephone Number ______

Email Address ______

If you would like to be seated with particular I would like the vegetarian option Yes / No friends, please let us know who they are and we will endeavour to organise seating arrangements I will be coming to the AGM Yes / No in advance. It would help us keep costs down if you could I would like to be seated with friends. include a stamped addressed envelope for your tickets when you return this form. Thank you. They are ______There are members of the Alumni who no longer ______drive and who would be grateful for a lift to the lunch. If you are prepared to offer a lift or if you ______would like a lift, please tick the appropriate box below. ______I would be happy to offer a lift ______I would like a lift. ______I need wheel chair access ______Please bring your own wine or preferred ______libation. QUESTIONNAIRE SEEKING ALUMNI SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF AT THE ROCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Name & School Dates ______

Telephone Number ______

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Have you a particular interest or expertise in any of these areas? Please tick as appropriate

Art Business Geography Music Studies Graphics Philosophy Dance History Physical Education (PE) Drama ICT Religious Education (RE) English Mathematics Film Studies Modern Foreign Languages

Any aspect of the Sciences Any aspect of Technology

Please outline any particular aspects of the above subjects or others that you could offer, e.g. work at degree level, particular areas of expertise, work experience, mentoring, areas of particular interest.

______

______

______

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Can you recommend any firms, organisations or voluntary groups with whom you work or have worked, who might be approached to offer advice, work shadowing or work experience to a current student, interested in their particular area.

______

______

______

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Please continue on a separate sheet if appropriate. Some people enclose CVs, which give very useful information.

Thank you! Please return to Pat Stevens, 19 Culverlands Close, Green Lane, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 3AG E-mail: [email protected] ROCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP ENROLMENT FORM

Surame ______

First Name(s) ______

Address ______

______

School Years ______

Maiden Name ______

Telephone Number ______

Email Address ______

Life Membership: £25 – cheque made payable to RGSOGA please

We know that there are Old Girls out there trying to contact their old school friends. Unfortunately, due to the Data Protection Act, we cannot give out your personal information without your permission. However, if you are willing for your details to be shared with other members of the Old Girls Association, please indicate here:

I am happy for you to pass on my details to Alumni trying to get in touch with me: Yes / No

Signature ______Date ______

Please return to: Mrs Avril Noble, 176 City Way, Rochester, Kent, ME1 2AU Phone: 01634 849032 Email: [email protected] MEMBER DETAILS AND PROFILE

Please would you fill in this little profile for us, we know that there are people out there trying to contact their old school friends and they are really interested to hear how you are faring. If you are willing for the information to be published and shared with other members of the Old Girls Association please would you complete the form below and return it to:

Avril Noble, 176 City Way, Rochester, Kent, ME1 2AU or why not email me at [email protected]

If you don’t want to complete the “potted history”, but are happy for us to give your details to members trying to trace you, please would you just fill in your details and sign the bottom section. Without this we are unable to put anyone in contact with you.

Surame ______

First Name(s) ______

Current Address ______

______

School Years ______

Maiden Name ______

Telephone Number ______

Email Address ______

What did you do when you left school? What are your thoughts about school, what “events” have stayed in your memory? ______What have you done since then e.g. work, family, interests, travels. Don’t stop here if you have more to tell, just carry on overleaf. ______We know that there are Old Girls out there trying to ______contact their old school friends, unfortunately, due to the data protection act; we cannot give out your personal ______information without your permission. However, if you are willing for your details to be shared with other members of ______the Old Girls Association, please sign below and we can put you in contact with them. ______

______Signature ______Date ______The Rochester Grammar School

The Rochester Grammar School Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3BY, United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0) 1634 843 049 Facsimile: +44 (0) 1634 818 340 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rochestergrammar.medway.sch.uk

Chairman Treasurer and Membership Secretary Ann West Mrs Avril Noble

273 Walderslade Road 176 City Way Chatham Rochester Kent Kent ME5 0HN ME1 2AU

Telephone: 01634 864163 Telephone: 01634 849032 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]