Issue 4 - Summer 2012
Transcription
Issue 4 - Summer 2012
News from the heart of Downe House ISSUE 4 SUMMER 2012 Past and present join together DOWNE HOUSE Founded 1907 Contents Cover story The Gym VI 1930 90 Years at Cold Ash Jennifer Murray Our mate Jim Alexia Quin Alumnae news From the DHSA Alumnae return DH LINKS launch The end of an era Moving on Founder’s Weekend Something to celebrate Dates for the diary Looking back over the past year I feel incredibly proud of all that our alumnae have achieved. Throughout the past few months we have enjoyed talks, presentations, workshops and visits from our old girls. You will see some of these highlighted throughout this edition of Cloisters. In April we began our year of celebrating 90 years at Cold Ash. It has been a privilege to meet and talk to many of our oldest and boldest alumnae who have shared the most fascinating and engaging stories about the early days at Downe House. Those who have recently been back remark that the spirit of the school that Olive Willis created is still very much alive in the girls and staff who form the Downe House community today. There may have been some cosmetic changes here and there – but the School still takes pride in nurturing bright, resilient, ambitious and creative young women. This was especially evident at Founder’s Weekend. We were delighted that so many alumnae could join us for this very special celebration of all that Downe House continues to offer and achieve. As we look forward to next year’s events, we hope to see many more of you, to nurture our bonds of community, past, present and future. Finally, to the Leavers of 2012 – we hope your memories and friendships last for a lifetime. Enjoy a wonderful summer! Michelle Scott Director of the Foundation Top left: Olive Willis and Seniors in 1922 Top right: Mrs McKendrick with Head and Deputy Head Girls (seated) and Heads of Houses for 2011-2012 1 2 3 4 5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16 17 18-22 23 24 Meet the team Laura OgilvieJones came to Downe House in September 2003 as a Geography Teacher and then re-qualified as a Careers Advisor in 2008. Laura is now Head of Careers working with all year groups and with UCAS post-applicants. In January 2012, Laura launched the new ‘DH LINKS’ initiative which brings together the Careers Department and the Foundation Office by providing professional networking links and careers-based guidance for Alumnae and our current pupils. Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House 2 The Gym VI Mrs Rosemary Powell (neé James DH 1932) with her grand-daughter Emma Powell (DH 2010) The centrepiece of our Founder’s Weekend brochure this year was the ‘Gym VI’ photograph from 1930. Gymnastic displays in the Cloisters were an important feature of what was called ‘Seniors’ Weekend’ in Miss Willis’s time, from the early 1920s right through her time as Headmistress. It must have been quite a sight to see the girls ‘drilling’ en masse, as well as giving group displays as pictured above. The format and style of the annual displays seems to have changed over time, as Miss Willis herself recalled, “The massed gymnastics… has changed from almost military precision into free-movement, but it has not lost its attraction.” In the present day, Seniors’ Weekend has now become Founder’s Weekend, and in keeping with the custom set in Miss Willis’s time, a massed gym display is once again making its appearance in the Cloisters. Gym-slips may have been replaced by modern sports kit, but the tradition of those early days remains. It is quite remarkable that three members of the 1930 Gym VI are still in touch with each other after all these years. Mrs Rosemary Powell remembers very well being part of the group, and the time spent preparing their display for the events of Seniors’ Weekend. Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Spotlight on 90 years at Cold Ash Do you recognise this view? As the site at Cold Ash has developed over the years and the trees have grown, some of the views and locations in our archive photographs become harder to recognise. If you can pinpoint this location, we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact us at the Foundation Office – foundation@downehouse.net 3 4 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Alumnae feature - Jennifer Murray In November 2011 Jennifer Murray (DH 1957), who in 2000 became the first woman to pilot a helicopter solo around the world, attempted a more earthbound challenge: to become the oldest woman to race an Ultra Marathon. Racing the Planet, Nepal, was a 250km, self-supported, seven-day event in the Himalayas. After returning from her adventure, Jennifer wrote to Mrs McKendrick: I have just returned from Hong Kong, where I found, sitting on my desk, the wonderful ‘Good Luck’ card/ book from all and everyone at Downe – I’m overwhelmed. The most lovely and especially memorable wishes any ‘Old Senior’ could hope for. [T]here was your wonderful card, and now I feel renewed enthusiasm to ‘have another go.’ As you may have heard, I only managed two and a half of the six marathons, which was very disappointing. Rather belatedly we were informed that there would be strict mandatory cut-off times every day, as due to the vertical terrain they wanted everyone in camp by 5:30pm when it got dark. I’ve never managed to get in before 7:30pm in the previous two I attempted. As you can imagine I was way outside my normal pace and just couldn’t keep it up. So, I’m setting my sights on attempting another of their ‘Racing the Planet’ runs in 2013: ‘The Atacama Crossing’ – if my old joints aren’t totally worn out. Thank you to everyone for my lovely good luck wishes which will hopefully carry me through the next one. We are very impressed with “only two and a half” marathons in the Himalayan terrain! All at Downe House look forward to following Jennifer’s next proposed 250km ultra adventure in Atacama, Chile, which is the driest and most lunar-like landscape on earth: NASA uses the Atacama Desert to road-test its planetary rover vehicles. Meanwhile, we continue to be inspired by Jennifer’s ‘have a go’ attitude, dedicated preparations and determination to seek out new challenges. Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Our mate Jim Jim Burns, member of the maintenance team, reminisces about his time at Downe House as the events supervisor, caretaker and general ‘green man’ How long have you been working at Downe House? 12 years. I spent 6 years working as a double act with Butch. We used to argue a lot to the point that we were likely to kill each other. I knew what he didn’t know, and vice versa! One year group used to call me ‘Chocolate’ – it started when I used to drive the bus to and from Hermitage. It began when they were Removes and it stuck all the way through. What has changed the most in your time here? It’s gone from a really old fashioned school to one that feels more like an upmarket hotel. Very swish now. What are your favourite memories of working at Downe House? I was caretaking and was locking up the Concert Room one night. I heard some voices and thought ‘Hello, what’s going out there?’ It was pitch black and when I walked outside there was a classroom full of chairs on the roof of the IT cabin and a class full of girls sitting on them! I ended up chasing the girls around the school…what can you do?! I have also witnessed lots of midnight swims! However the one memory which will stick with me for life happened when I was locking up the school one night in the holidays. I noticed a girl in a black coat with long dark hair standing at the top of the steps near the Chapel. I called out to her ‘What are you doing here?’ She replied, I’m waiting for my friends’. I said, ‘OK then’, and then she walked down the stairs towards the Chapel. I carried on up the steps and she moved towards the Chapel, I then realised there were no girls here as it was an Exeat. I turned around and she was gone. I went to the Chapel door, looked around and there was no one there. I had never believed in ghosts, but after that night I now don’t know what to believe. If you were in charge of the School for a day what would you change? Take it back to the ‘good old days’ when life was a bit more laid back. Life has moved on somewhat…. What are your plans for the future? Carry on working part-time, see how it all goes. Still enjoy being in the world that is ‘Downe House’. There is nowhere else like it. It’s a happy place. It is its own little village….you come out of the real world into Downe House. 5 6 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Alumnae feature - Alexia Quin Downe House alumna Alexia Quin (née Cronly DH 1992), Director of International Music Therapy Charity writes... I was a keen musician when at Downe House, learning the Flute and Piano, winning a Music Exhibition in the Sixth Form, being Head of House Music (Aisholt), and finally taking Music A Level. I filled all my spare time when I wasn’t swimming or playing lacrosse, messing around with friends in the music block! During this time I had decided to pursue a career in music therapy when I was 13, after Miss Farr had granted me a special exeat to travel to London and attend an Introduction to Music Therapy Conference. In 1990 I was moved by the revelations of extreme child neglect that hit the media following the fall of Communism in Romania. Together with a few fellow pupils, we co-ordinated the collection of clothes to be shipped to an orphanage and spent many lunch breaks on the swimming pool gallery, where we stored and sorted sacks of clothes brought back to school and donated by the rest of the girls. I went on to build on this experience by volunteering in a Romanian orphanage during my year off, a trip towards which the DHSA gave me a small grant. I returned from Romania to take up my place studying Music at Exeter University, but I did not forget my experiences in Romania. I had been struck by how endless streams of young and inexperienced volunteers – like me! – were only a temporary solution to addressing the terrible need of children languishing in the country’s institutions. Training for local, permanent, staff seemed to be a longer lasting solution. In 1995 I brought together my passion for music therapy with my commitment to do something more in Romania. I recruited a professional music therapist who shared my vision and together we spent six weeks working alongside local Romanian care staff in a desperately deprived orphanage for children with complex disabilities. Our aim was to leave behind a set of musical instruments with local staff who would have the confidence, skills and experience to run therapeutic music sessions long term. The impact of this project was immediate. The music sessions offered staff a chance to see the healthy side of the children in their care and motivate them to build stronger, more positive relationships with them. When I returned to University I was then contacted by another Romanian charity who had heard about my project and wanted something similar for the permanent care staff in the orphanage in which they were working. 7 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House developmental needs of children and adults in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, South America, Africa and Europe. Over the next three years, I delivered more skill-sharing projects and registered ‘Music as Therapy’ as a charity, as well as training as a music therapist myself. I was then able to recruit more music therapists and raise more funds, so that I could coordinate the delivery of several introductory music therapy training projects in different schools, institutions and day centres around Romania. We continued developing our work in Romania and I was lucky to have the opportunity to speak to girls at Downe House, and fellow alumnae, about my work, and to enlist their support on a number of occasions. This phase of my work culminated with winning a Charity Award for International Development in 2006. In 2007, the positive reforms that had been happening within Romania’s care system meant we needed to re-think our training model and our role. We developed a wider portfolio of training and support activities and by 2009 had also broadened our remit to work in a similar way in other countries around the world. Re-launched as Music as Therapy International the Charity has continued its work promoting and pioneering music therapy in countries where it wouldn’t otherwise be available, addressing the emotional, social and We also work in nurseries and children’s centres in the UK, running training courses for early years practitioners working with young children, which was shortlisted for an Advancing Healthcare Award in 2012. This year we are taking a project to a further 3 teams of Local Partners in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (Sept), training 13 UK early years practitioners (ongoing), returning to 1 team of Local Partners in Georgia (May), training 8 Local Partners in new care settings around Romania (ongoing), as well as continuing our professional and moral support of Local Partners working in 15 different care settings around Romania, as well as 6 in other countries. In all we anticipate our work will make or keep some of the benefits of music therapy available to approximately 2,000 children and adults with a range of disabilities, emotional difficulties and mental health problems. To read more about the charity and to track its progress visit www.musicastherapy.org 8 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Alumnae news Gap Year Fair 2012 Louisa Reeve (DH 2002) to row in the Olympics DH alumna Louisa Reeve has been selected to race in the GB Team for the 2012 Olympic Games. Louisa competed in the women’s eight at the World Cup in Lucerne, finishing 5th and in Munich winning a bronze medal. At the 2012 GB Rowing Team Senior Trials held on 10/11 March at Eton/Dorney, Louisa raced in the women’s pair with Jessica Eddie, finishing second. At the 2011 World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia, Louisa raced in the Women’s Eight with crew mates Alison Knowles, Jo Cook, Jessica Eddie, Natasha Page, Lindsey Maguire, Katie Greves, Victoria Thornley and (cox) Caroline O’Connor. The crew won a Bronze medal, just 2 seconds behind Canada. We were pleased to welcome back several alumnae representing their business or employer at the annual Downe House ‘Gap Year Fair’ held in May. Top left: Katherine Campbell (DH 2010) During the 2011 World Cup Series Louisa raced in the women’s eight, taking a silver medal in Munich and 4th place in Lucerne. Top right: Alexandra Moss and Kitty Russell (DH 2007) We wish her the very best of luck! Bottom left: (right) Emma Bourne (DH 1985) 9 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House The very talented Emma Powell (DH 2010) takes to the stage with the Cambridge Footlights this summer. Shows in London, Edinburgh and at DH in September. Details about forthcoming performances below. Clare Balding carries Olympic torch through Newbury The sports commentator and television presenter, Clare Balding (DH 1989), carried the Olympic flame through Newbury. The 41-year-old former leading amateur flat jockey and Champion Lady Rider, who was once Head Girl at Downe House School in Cold Ash, was selected by the London 2012 committee as one of the Olympic torchbearers. Clare carried the torch through Newbury on Wednesday 11th of July. Photograph of Clare Balding courtesy of the BBC Mon 16th Jul @ Leicester Square Theatre, London Tickets: http://leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com shows/126525123/events Wed 18th Jul @ Etcetera Theatre, London Tickets: http://www.etceteratheatre.com/details.php?showid=1298 Sat 21st Jul @ Hen and Chickens Theatre, London Tickets: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/168320 Tue 24th Jul @ Canal Cafe, London Tickets: http://www.canalcafetheatre.com/EventPage php?EventId=876 We would be delighted to welcome alumnae to Downe House to see the production: Wednesday 26th September, 2012 7.30pm Performing Arts Centre Enquiries to boxoffice@downehouse.net Nicola Horsey Our sincere thanks to Nicola Horsey (DH 1975) who visited recently to meet with the staff responsible for maintaining and improving the library facilities at Downe House. Nicola is head of library services at Hampshire County Council and recently said in a report for the BBC “I think there will always be a need and desire for people to have books, books on shelves, books to hold, to feel, to smell and particularly for children’s books, for which number issues have gone up by 15% in the last financial year.” Ian Vallance and Lynda Scott-Picton (Librarian) with Nicola Horsey (DH 1975) 10 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House From the DHSA The Class of 1980 gathered for a reunion on June 20th, 2012 Left to right: with maiden names: Diana Ffennell, Caroline Thomas, Caroline Potts, Bridget Campbell, Louisa Melly, Caroline Findlay, Nicky Fazakerley, Fru Hazlitt, Alex Maude, Caroline Russell, Genevieve Benney, Carolyn Reid. Kate Spence joined the party later. Absent friends invited but unable to come and greatly missed were: Karen Edwards, Susie de Boinville, Alex Birnie, Janey Bunting, Lulu Witherington. The photograph on the right captures Anna Markwell’s handcrafted place settings for the 1980 reunion which she kindly hosted. Left to right: Diana Cox (Ffennell). Anna Markwell- our hostess! and Caroline Gladstone (Thomas). The DHSA is delighted to invite Old Seniors who left Downe House before 1960 to a lunch party at the Hurlingham Club, London, on Thursday, 20th September 2012. Invitations to all eligible members will be sent out by post shortly. For further information please email dhsa@downehouse.net or telephone the Foundation Office on 01635 204719. 11 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Can you help us update our records? We are seeking information on the following Old Seniors. If you can help, please contact the DHSA administrator Mrs Lucy O’Meara. T: 01635 204719 E: dhsa@downehouse.net 1915 Sylvia Aubert 1939 Jane Willis 1953 Anna Burley 1919 Joy Helps 1939 Maureen Mackenzie 1954 C A Scott 1921 M Milford 1939 Helena Wayne 1955 Johanna Carrie 1922 Betty Comerford 1939 Betty Normand 1955 Diana Wright 1923 Mabel Paton 1940 Anne Wyllie 1955 Jessica Markland 1928 Mamie Stephens 1940 Josephine Street 1956 Diana Rees 1930 Joyce Gairdner 1942 Alison Follis 1956 Gillian Pattinson 1934 Daphne Chute 1942 Penelope Robson 1957 Amanda Bourne 1934 Philippa Irwin 1942 Jane Joughin 1957 Harriet Townsend 1935 Alethea Knatchbull-Hugessen 1942 Helen Swinnerton 1957 Jane Cornelius 1935 Anna Hoare 1942 Elizabeth Young 1957 Judy Yendole 1935 Paulette Money 1943 Eanswythe Hunter ARCM 1958 Judith Mack 1935 Celia Lucy 1944 Jane Boffey 1958 Robin Sedgwick 1935 Patricia Corbett 1946 Valerie Marle 1958 Elizabeth Pryor 1936 Jill Porteous 1946 Elizabeth Brown 1959 Tessa Lefroy 1936 Venetia Phair 1947 Rosemary Dunne 1959 Caroline Howie 1936 Elizabeth Hallifax 1947 Moria Newell 1959 Beata Hay 1936 Rome Barclay 1947 Pamela Brown 1959 Gillian Williamson 1936 Frances Barnes 1948 Penelope Gladstone 1960 Carole Marshall 1937 Margaret Jackson 1949 Elizabeth Ansell 1960 Drusilla Thomas 1937 Mary Sedgwick 1949 Millicent Johnston-Jones 1960 Brigid Peat 1937 Elisabeth Ratiu 1950 Anne Tuttle 1960 Susan Devitt 1937 Diana Slemeck 1951 Elizabeth Sutherland-Hawes 1960 Carolyn Austin 1938 Vaire Solandt 1953 Heather Mayhew 12 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Alumnae return It has been a privilege to welcome back so many alumnae over the past few months who have shared inspirational stories with our current community. This is a wonderful resource and we are all very grateful for the time given and the support offered. The Upper Fifth girls completed their introduction to the Sixth Form week at the end of June with a gala dinner. The guest speaker for the dinner was Mary Westlake (neé Gomme DH 2001) who is a partner in the eco learning company RECRO. Mary has had a wide range of teaching experience both abroad and in the UK. She decided to specialise in primary education after graduating from the University of Bristol. Mary has enjoyed working in a range of schools across London, leading as Curriculum Co-ordinator and facilitating teachers to improve their practice. Recognising the importance of promoting sustainable living to children, Mary leapt at the opportunity to join RECRO shortly after it was founded. Her Masters in Education specialised in sustainability and working in schools where this was high on the agenda has sparked enormous interest in this area as well as confidence to inspire children across London to take environmental action. www.recro-it.com If you would like to return to Downe House to deliver a talk, presentation, seminar or workshop, we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact us: foundation@downehouse.net DOWNE HOUSE SIXTH FORM LECTURE Being Constructive in the West Bank by Tilly Forster DOWNE HOUSE Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 9JJ, Contact Mrs Kristin Simpson simpsonk@downehouse.net Tilly Forster (DH 1994) (centre) joined us in March to deliver an inspiring lecture to the Sixth Form. 13 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Life as a Humanitarian Aid Consultant The Interesting World of Headhunting and Recruitment by Emma Jowett In February we were incredibly lucky to have Emma Jowett (DH 1987) visit Downe House to talk to the Oyster Society about her career as a Humanitarian Aid Consultant. Emma works for a number of humanitarian agencies, principally the UN (e.g. the World Food Programme, The UN Agency for Refugees (UNHCR), UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), UNICEF etc. as well as international NGOs (non-governmental organisations) such as Oxfam, CARE, Save the Children, Medecin sans Frontieres (MSF). Emma works as an independent consultant developing training programmes on a variety of subjects related to responding to the immediate needs of people affected by disaster and conflict (typically food, water and sanitation, shelter, health, nutrition, education) Emma spoke about her transition from Downe House pupil to working in some of the most emotionally and physically demanding environments imaginable. Alice Whittaker (DH 2007) and James Taylor joined us on Thursday 24th May for an insightful look into the world of headhunting and professional recruitment. Alice and James work for Green Park in London, the UK’s fastest growing supplier of élite interim management and executive search solutions across the Private and Public sectors. Alice shared with us the career route she has taken since leaving Downe House. Her associate James explained a different route as he went to Sandhurst and had a law degree but utilised skills from these two areas to catapult him into this exciting profession. Eileen Field Eileen Field (née Gower) who left Downe in 1965 returned in March 2012 to adjudicate the annual Music Competition. Eileen was a Senior at school, earning the prestigious honour of Music Colours before moving on to the Royal Academy of Music In 2005 Eileen reminisced about her days at Downe…’I was lucky enough to have a music scholarship and my happiest times were spent making music and attending extremely good concerts, including a cello recital given by Jacqueline Du Pré when she was still a teenager.’ 14 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House DH LINKS Launch Event 26th May 2012 The new DH LINKS initiative began in style on Saturday 26th May, with the Launch Event. Twelve high-flying alumnae were invited back to Downe House to talk with LVI girls about their own career pathways, and to offer words of wisdom and advice to those just beginning to think about life beyond Downe. There was a wide variety of life experience between our twelve alumnae, with recent graduates standing alongside experienced successful leaders, business women and innovators. All girls attended four talks of their choice, and were by turns inspired, surprised and challenged by the stories they heard. Following the talks, all who attended had the opportunity to share lunch together in Willis, which encouraged a great deal of further informal discussion and discoveries. We are delighted that this first event – the first, we hope, of many – was such a success, and are, as ever, immensely grateful to our alumnae, staff and girls who contributed their time and enthusiasms to the day. Thank you all! Next year’s planned DH LINKS events include an Entrepreneurs’ Day and networking and cluster group events in London. A DH LINKS section will be featured amongst the upcoming new Foundation pages on the School website, which will provide an easy to access method for alumnae to register their interest in offering advice, practical help and opportunities for current girls or other alumnae. We would really love to hear from you! A new DH LINKS LinkedIn group has also been launched, which we hope will enable more professional networking for our alumnae. The 12 Alumnae who kindly volunteered their time to come and speak were: Lizzie Barry (2007) Emma Bourne (1985) Theodora Clarke (2003) Susie Greenwood (1980) Fru Hazlitt (1980) Camilla Hughes (1987) Hannah Jones (2008) Cesca Martin (2000) Clare Michell (2002) Sara Scrivener (1990) Sarah Waghorn (2003) Mary Westlake (2001) Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House 15 Get involved in future events by contacting dhlinks@downehouse.net Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House The end of an era Anthony Cain – Director of Music After 20 years of devoted service to Downe House, Anthony Cain is bidding farewell. Over the past two decades he has generously shared his great talent as a musician and as a water colourist. Anthony will be remembered for his iconic water colours of Downe House, the Choral tours in the UK and beyond and of course his exceptional commitment to the Music Department. Anthony has taught, conducted and mentored hundreds of gifted students who, I am sure, will be grateful for his guidance and inspiration – not to mention his wit! We all wish Anthony a wonderful retirement filled with travel, music and art. 16 17 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Moving on to pastures new A fitting tribute to the wonderful Mr Cain: Choral members spanning several years returned to sing a medley of songs at the end of the Founder’s Concert as part of our recent Founder’s Weekend celebrations. Our thanks to: Left: Lucy Elphinstone (right) will take up the post of Headmistress of Francis Holland, Sloane Square in September 2012. Lucy is pictured with Sandra Lewis-Beckett who is now Headmistress of Queen Mary’s School, Baldersby Park near Thirsk. Amanda Mead (DH 2007) Alice E Whittaker (DH2007) Alexandra Moore (DH 2007) Eleanor Nicholson (DH 2008) Harriet Pattinson (DH 2009) Karen Au (DH 2009) Right: Congratulations also to Nicola Huggett who will succeed Ian Davenport, as Head of Blundell’s School in Devon in January 2013. Nicola is pictured with Laura Ogilvie-Jones (DH LINKS co-ordinator). Laura Moore (DH 2010) Charlotte Moss (DH 2011) Serena Moore (DH 2013) We wish them both the very best for the future! We bid farewell and good luck to the following staff members who leave us to start a new chapter in their lives. Mrs Bettina D’Cruz (Modern Foreign Languages) Mr Ian Anderson (English Department) Mrs Sarah Haughey (Hermitage Housemistress) Miss Rhiannon Bland (Drama Department) Mr Anthony Cain (Director of Music) Mr Aiden Cooke (York North Housemaster) Mrs Lucy Elphinstone (Head of Sixth Form) Mrs Deborah Fallon (Drama Department) Mrs Lin Herd (Chemistry Technician) Mrs Claire Powell (Religious Studies Department) Mrs Amélie Thompson (French Department) 18 DE R’S WEE KE ND Founder’s Weekend F OUN Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House 19 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Blessed with sunny skies, warm temperatures and a wonderful mix of people from all areas of the Downe House community, the backdrop for Founder’s Weekend 2012 could not have been more perfect. Saturday’s events commenced with the annual alumnae lacrosse match. Although numbers were slightly down the Old Girls’ team did a sterling job against a strong USA tour team. Superbly captained by Cesca Martin (DH 2000), the alumnae team managed a draw. We were suitably impressed by the fitness of Eva Fisch (Dr Cummins DH 1948) and Marina Wagg (Stephenson DH 1989) who held their own against the young opposition. The DHSA Pimms tent also proved to be a popular destination for alumnae, parents and current girls (who might I add swapped the Pimms for a cupcake!) Sitting nicely beside the old oak tree at the bottom of the Greek Steps, this was a lovely opportunity for old and current members of the community to swap stories about Downe. Crafts in the Cloisters on Saturday afternoon gave a selection of alumnae and friends of Downe House an opportunity to sell their arts and crafts. Amongst the stalls were stunning high quality jewellery by Harriot Pleydell-Bouverie (DH 2003), beautiful needlepoint rugs for the home by Anna Manners (DH 1978) and handmade glass jewellery plates made by Mrs Jane Pitt-Pitts (Mackenzie DH 1953). Over the weekend we were treated to wonderful displays, showcases, events and demonstrations. All who attended marvelled at the work of our current girls, enjoyed delicious hospitality and the opportunity to explore Downe House as it is today – a vibrant, happy and thriving school. We hope you can join us for Founder’s Weekend 2013 – Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June. Save the date! Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House 20 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House 21 22 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Thank you to all who joined us for Founder’s Weekend 2012 Jennifer Davies 1938 H McWilliams 1947 Eva Cummins 1948 Elizabeth Campion 1948 Jane Baker 1949 Muriel Park 1951 Alice Greenwood 1953 Jane Wijsman 1953 Valerie Sollohub 1953 Christine Porter 1954 Sheila Bateman 1954 Linda Sykes 1963 Elizabeth Hanning 1963 Penelope Brodhurst 1964 Julia Hett 1964 Priscilla Park Weir 1964 Joanna Grant Peterkin 1965 Susan Woodd 1965 Sandra Hope 1975 Anna Manners 1978 Camilla Brown 1979 Caroline Findlay De Concha 1980 Anna Markwell 1980 Nicola Lovell 1980 Bridget Wheeler 1980 Clare Duffield 1982 Johanna Roberts 1984 Julia Simpson-Orlebar 1985 Emma Wippell 1986 Patricia Dopheide 1987 Antonia Kingsland 1988 Marina Stephenson 1989 Amanda Wright 1990 Annabel Kraushaar 1993 Francesca Martin 2000 Helen M Sinclair 2002 Eloise C Stonborough 2006 Francesca V Collins 2006 Katie M Barkes 2006 Sara Irvani 2006 Jennifer C Allen 2006 Auriol L Harford 2006 Alicia J Hockless 2007 Imogen L Sarre 2007 Amanda L Mead 2007 Alice E Whittaker 2007 Alexandra E Moore 2007 Georgina C Langton 2008 Emma E McCready 2008 Eleanor M Nicholson 2008 Harriet V Pattinson 2009 Karen H Au 2009 Abigail J Rudd 2009 Nadia N Galitzine 2009 Ella V Underwood 2010 Camilla H Walker 2010 Laura C Moore 2010 Augusta J Bunbury 2010 Charlotte E Moss 2011 V Byrom-Taylor former staff M Lawler former staff C Lunn former staff G Roberts Former staff E Wells Former staff G Salter former staff J Wood former staff C Clouting former staff J Kingsland archivist Please let us know if we have missed you off the list! foundation@downehouse.net 23 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Something to Celebrate Annabel Pilling District Judge Annabel Pilling (DH 1991) returned to award the cups and certificates at this year’s Prize Giving ceremony. Annabel’s humble advice to follow a career that you love, and not to be afraid to tackle work and motherhood side by side, was warmly received. Our sincere thanks to Annabel for joining us on this very special occasion. Rebecca Cloke (neé Sketchley DH 1997) Welcomed her son Joshua Harry Ratcliffe Cloke Born 4th April, 2012 8lb 13oz Engagements Cordelia Rosa (DH 2005) Rosie Priestley (DH 2003) Julia Boggis (DH 2002) Emma Clifton-Brown (DH 2002) Weddings Bridget Wijnberg (DH 1987) Emily Parry (DH 2004) Julia Flint (DH 2002) Charlotte Hungerford (DH 2002) Kathryn Laing (DH 2002) Forthcoming weddings Clare Michell (DH 2002) Would you like to share your happy news and photographs? Please let us know. E: foundation@downehouse.net T: 01635 204719 24 Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House Connect with us: Join us on Facebook ‘Downe House Alumnae’ Follow us on Twitter DH LINKS ‘DH LINKS’ group E: foundation@downehouse.net T: 01635 204719 www.downehouse.net/foundation.asp Dates for the diary Congratulations to the Year of 2012 who ‘graduated’ on July 4th. We look forward to sharing news from the prize giving, leavers’ lunch and ball with you in the autumn edition of Cloisters. Avlaki Olive Oils We make organic olive oils of a fresh taste and quality that cannot be found from the shop-bought. The olives come from single estates on Lesvos Island, Greece, are handpicked carefully, and the oil is bottled fresh from milling. It is unfiltered so nothing is removed from the olives’ well known nutritional properties, or the sensational taste! Light in texture, gold in colour (from the mix of olives), they astonish and delight food specialists and our clients who return constantly for repeat orders. www.oliveoilavlaki.com Natalie Wheen (DH 1964) Thursday 20th September, 2012 DHSA lunch party for Old Seniors pre 1960: Hurlingham Club, London Wednesday 26th September, 2012 ‘Perfect Strangers’ Cambridge Footlights: Downe House PAC 7.30pm Wednesday 27th February, 2013 ‘Daughters of Downe’: in celebration of 90 years at Cold Ash we will be holding a gala afternoon tea for past and present families who have had more than one generation educated at Downe House. April 2013 Downe House in Hong Kong Thursday 9th May Year of 2003 - Ten Year Reunion: Lansdowne Club, London Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June Founder’s Weekend 2013
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