The Alumnae Journal, Issue 7, 2023

THE JOURNAL

The Bedford Girls’ School Alumnae Publication

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Catching Up with Alumnae

VIEW FROM THE SUMMIT

Risk Taking and Resilience with Fay Manners

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Alumnae Working in Politics

ALUMNAE CONTACT DETAILS

PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH, SIGN UP FOR THE ALUMNAE MEMBERS’ ONLINE PORTAL OR FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO FIND OUT ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEMBERS’ NEWS.

Emma MacKenzie, Marketing and Development Officer

The Alumnae Office

Bedford Girls’ School

Cardington Road

Bedford, MK42 0BX

Email: alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

Telephone: 01234 361900

Sign up at: community.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

Social Media

Twitter/@BedfordGirlsSch

Facebook/BedfordGirlsSch

Flickr/photos/bedfordgirlssch

Instagram/bedfordgirlssch

YouTube/BedfordGirlsSch

DATA PROTECTION

We send you news as we have your data on our database, this will either have been passed to us from BHS or DAHS alumnae databases, or you have signed up to the BGS Alumnae database. If you would rather not receive news from us, we will remove your details from the database. If you would any like further information please email alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

Dates for your Diary

We host a number of events throughout the year. We do hope you can join us. Further details will be shared out via our Alumnae Portal and social media channels.

Thursday 8th June 2023

Work The Room, Bedford Girls’ School

Friday 23rd June 2023

Dame Alice Harpur School Class of 1971 Reunion

Saturday 24th June 2023

BHS 1981 Reunion at BGS

Thursday 29th June 2023

Alumnae Speaker Series – Anna Allerton (DAHS 2000) – The Menopause

Friday 30th June 2023

Mums’ Networking Morning Event

Friday 8th September 2023

Classes of 2021 & 22 Reunion Drinks, Sensory Garden, Burnaby House

Friday 15th September 2023

The Guild Drinks at Bedford Rowing Club

Saturday 16th September 2023

DAHSA Reunion for all

Thursday 28th September 2023

Alumnae Speaker Series – Kate Lanz (BHS 1982) – All the Brains in the Business

Autumn – Wednesday 15th November 2023 Milton Keynes Alumnae Drinks

Tuesday 5th December 2023

Christmas Wreath Making Event

Thursday 14th December 2023

The Guild Christmas Carol Evening at The Arc in Bedford

Sunday 24th March 2024

Alumnae Super Sporting Sunday

Saturday 11th May 2024 158th Bedford Regatta

Saturday 11th May 2024

Dame Alice Harpur School 1973 Reunion Swavesey, Cambridge

Mrs Gemma Gibson, HEADMISTRESS

R eviewing the pages of this publication I am overwhelmed by the number of alumnae who have been so involved with BGS this year. Mentoring our Sixth Form Students; helping with interview practice; networking with our Lower Sixth students; speaking at Lunchbox Lectures; running wonderful workshops for Junior School British Science Week; and attending one of our many sporting and social events. It is just fantastic to see such a warmth of support for the School. We have a bold ambition; we want to build a network of Women Supporting Women to rival the traditional old boys’ network, and it is rewarding to see that so many of you share in our vision and that you are actively engaged in helping us make it a reality.

I spoke earlier this year at an educational conference about the desperate lack of young women moving into one of the world's faster growing sectors, technology, and how part of the reason was the of exposure to female role models; only an estimated 2210 jobs are held by women in this sector, with only 5% in senior roles. The reasons for these somewhat shocking figures are a complex mix of cultural, societal and educational. I spoke at length about the urgent need for this to be readdressed and the responsibility of educators to provide educational opportunities specifically directed at girls. We need to proactively promote female role models, not only in the arenas of STEM and computer science, but across a much broader range of careers. If young girls do not see themselves in roles, they cannot aspire to be in them and the status quo will not change. As a school that is at the forefront of the integration of technology into education our students are fortunate; they have the exposure and the opportunity to meet women in a multitude of roles, to listen to their stories, to ask questions and to be inspired to follow in their footsteps. Our Prizing Giving speaker last summer, the incredible world renowned Music Executive, Emma Banks (BHS 1986), echoed this message, urging the students to be the change they wanted to see; to grasp opportunities and to work as hard as they can at every opportunity they are given. Her exceptionally inspiring story of success will have resonated with and inspired many students.

A highlight for me this year was our London Drinks Reception in May, kindly hosted by BHS alumna, Helen Wood (née Smith, 1989), at her stunning London offices. The room was buzzing with women of different eras connecting with each other. I was greatly inspired by my conversation with the Conservative MP and Dame Alice Harpur School alumna, Jo Churchill (Wood (née Wuidart, 1982); her commitment to making a change and to promoting women in politics at all levels was uplifting. Looking more broadly, we have a number of alumnae who are using their extensive skills and voices to influence change within the political sphere both at a local and national level. For our students to see these women striving forward is incredibly important and I hope that many of our more recent graduates and current students will follow in their footsteps.

Finally, who couldn't be inspired by the exceptionally courageous alpinista, Fay Manners (DAHS 2005), who juggles her career in Business Intelligence with scaling some of the world’s most dangerous terrains. I do hope you enjoy reading her story in this edition of the magazine.

Our doors are always open; we love to welcome alumnae back into school. Our community is your community and I greatly believe that the friendships you make at school sustain you throughout your life. We are always keen to host reunions, workshops or talks, which help you stay in touch with each other. We are pleased to be launching a local mums’ networking group this summer, to reconnect alumnae mums’ who are taking career breaks to raise their children; please contact Emma MacKenzie in The Alumnae Office if you would like to know more about this.

I look forward to welcoming many of you through our doors in the year ahead and please do get in touch and keep us up to date with your news.

Best wishes

Gemma Gibson Headmistress

Fay Manners

Fay Manners left Dame Alice Harpur School in 2005 and went on to read Information Management and Business Studies at Loughborough University. A career in Business Intelligence ensued, working for the likes of international names Coca-Cola, Autoglass and Unilever, before combining her love of alpinism into her working life.

Have you ever fancied climbing up the steep and often precipitous edge of an icy mountain over several days, perching a tent (and perhaps losing one of the poles south mid construction!) on a narrow ridge for your night’s sleep, whilst continually adapting and being alert to whatever nature throws at you, be it avalanches, snow storms or blazing sunshine? Most of us would find this difficult to entertain but this is the fascinating life of alumna and professional British alpinist, Fay Manners.

Having had no real exposure to climbing as a child, it was a chance climb on a bouldering wall in New York that began a love of climbing for Fay. This progressed to the mountainous terrain of North Wales, climbing with friends local to the area, who knew the local mountaineering ‘like the back of their hand’, expertly navigating the rocky streams and grassy paths and wet terrain. These climbs in Wales equipped Fay with a variety of skills, enabling her to have the confidence to

be more adventurous in her climbing challenges. This determination and curiosity eventually led to Fay being a professional alpine climber.

Now permanently based for the past seven years in Chamonix Mont Blanc, France, Fay can be usually found in the high mountains either ski mountaineering or alpine climbing. She has recently teamed up with outdoor athletic and recreational apparel company, The North Face, who work with a number of intrepid athletes. Aside from her busy climbing pursuits, Fay runs her own data consulting company, BadManners Ltd, and is also working with Unilever as a Business Intelligence Consultant. Fay really is living the dream: living in the mecca of the alpine world and combining what she loves with her day job.

Fay has traversed some of the most challenging peaks of the world including the Phantom Direct on the south face of the Grande Jorasses; at 1,600m it is the longest and most serious winter mixed

“The mountains and I have shared many magic moments. They don’t judge, and they don’t care about my gender. This is my place.”

climb of the Mont Blanc massif, crack-climbing in Cadarese and skiing above the Arctic Circle in Norway. Last year, Fay and her fellow alpinist, Michelle Dvorak climbed Alaska’s Bacon and Eggs on Mini-Mini-Moonflower and the Cassin Ridge on Denali, in what was the first female ascent of the season. To view Fay’s perilous Alaskan climb and a gallery of her photos please visit faymanners.com.

Fay explains the draw of climbing for her: “Now I truly appreciate the mountains, both their intrinsic awe-inspiring beauty and the beauty of the challenge they present to us. I see mountaineering as a physical and mental battle that requires you to be some kind of super-human Swiss Army knife; to have perseverance, courage and adaptability; to venture beyond comfort and into a beautiful unknown.”

Female alpinists are few and far between. There has historically been a perception that females are not strong enough physically and mentally to cope with such harsh and isolated conditions, and Fay feels this has discouraged many women in the past. Fay cites UK climbers Helen Rennard, Katy Whittaker and Emma Twyford for her inspiration. She goes on to say that the latter two have played a huge part in starting a female climbing movement in North Wales.

Fay’s ambition is to inspire women to pursue their interest in alpinism, she told us: “I think it is a good testament for students to chase their dreams and not simply feel like they have to follow one

set career path of a five day a week job. By sharing my personal experiences, I hope that I might influence young girls across the UK to try mountaineering. I also hope that by spotlighting some current mountaineers who inspire me that there can be more recognised role models at both an elite and grassroots level. I believe mountaineering should be an accessible and equal sport for anyone.”

Fay’s long-time ambition is to climb the rock faces of Greenland, but in Fay’s true twist of style, she plans to mix it up a bit and sail there first.

“My lungs drawing in cold, thin air at the summit. My body warming from the rays of the late-night sun. My eyes soaking in the vista, an endless horizon of snow-laden peaks. My brain focused on the next step.”

Legacies and Giving

Legacies and regular gifts make a substantial difference to current and future generations of BGS students. Recent legacy bequests have funded life changing bursaries for students, supported for post-school education, enabled the purchase of educational school equipment and provided donations towards the refurbishment of areas of the School. It is a wonderful way to ensure the memories of our alumnae are woven into the heart and fabric of the School.

Under our strategic aims we are committed to widening access to education and keen to support students with financial assistance, who may not otherwise be able to benefit from a life changing education. Building our bursary funds is a key objective and every donation towards this aim is hugely appreciated.

For more information please contact:

Emma MacKenzie

Alumnae@Bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

How to Give

There are a number of routes to giving at BGS.

Leaving a gift in your Will

As neither of the heritage schools are registered as schools is it no longer possible to leave funds to these organisations. Please be advised that if it was your intention to leave any bequests to either Dame Alice Harpur School or Bedford High School they will not automatically be transferred to Bedford Girls’ School. If you do wish for your bequest to be transferred to BGS please note that you will need to specially amend your Will to stipulate that change of beneficiary.

Regular or one-off Gifts

If you wish to leave a regular, or oneoff gift, please do so by either making a donation straight to the School or through our charitable organisation, The Foundation. Please contact Emma MacKenzie for further information: alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk.

Recent Legacy Donations

We would like to give heartfelt thanks to the following alumnae who have kindly given to Bedford Girls’ School in their Wills, enabling current and future students to benefit from their generosity.

Moira Margaret Bates (previously Albone, née Richardson, DAHS 1954): left £120,000 to the school to support a future bursary student.

Sheila Cubitt (former member of staff BHS 1955 – 1976): left £1000 to school for charitable purposes.

Nesta Kathleen Jones (former member of staff BHS 1943-1961): £1000 left to The Foundation.

Recent Legacy Benefactors

Marion Waller Lifesaving Award

Two Sixth Formers embarked on their Lifeguard training during February halfterm, under the expert guidance of Head of Swimming, Mr Ed Castro. Marion’s kind legacy will enable the School to fund two lifeguard training places, each year over five years.

During the application period for this Award we received many strong applications from students looking to benefit, and kindly The Fellowship Fund agreed to fund an additional three Sixth Form students to benefit from the weeklong training course. The Fellowship Fund have since kindly agreed to compliment Marion Waller’s Lifesaving Award and will fund two places for the next four years.

Lower Sixth student, Ella Ponter reflected on her experience: “Doing the Marion Waller Lifeguarding Award was a wonderful and very beneficial experience. Being able to have such an opportunity has taught me many important skills, as I now have a wider knowledge of first aid and more capabilities to be able to help others.”

Lower Sixth student Clea Grimshaw said of her experience: “I loved taking part in the NPLQ course at school, as I felt it was a great way to gain another qualification, learn first aid and work towards a part-time job. I am grateful for the Fellowship Fund that covered the course cost for me as I don’t think I would been able to have this opportunity otherwise.”

Oxbridge Legacy

We currently have six BGS alumnae benefiting from the (Elizabeth) Shortland-Jones Award legacy, providing an annual bursary support towards their costs of studying their first undergraduate degree at Oxbridge.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

BEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Hannah Ayres (2010)

Hannah undertook a degree in Politics & Social Sciences at Nottingham Trent University, followed by a Masters in Human Resource Management from the University of Westminster. She’s held a number of HR management roles in large financial institutions, before she was inspired by the relaxed vibe of Cape Town to set up a coffee shop in Bedford, No 7 Coffee House. It is also the supporters’ shop to the Bedford Blues.

Fleur Bassett (née Marshall, 1990)

Fleur recently became the first female doctor to be appointed Head of Navy Healthcare in the Navy Command Headquarters in Portsmouth.

Bella Bonadies (2012)

Bella runs BELLA’S Beauty, offering a range of well-being treatments, in Bedford. Her business is by appointment only @bellasbeautybedford.

Charlotte Clifton (2005)

Charlotte teaches English at Bedford Greenacre Independent School.

Emily Clifton (2001)

Emily is Director of Protocol at the American Embassy. She is also an Officer in The Royal Naval Reserve.

Mia Hartwell (2006)

Mia recently launched a new plantbased meal kit brand in Waitrose, The Flavourists, a range of semi-scratch meal kits and ingredients for foodies that want to enjoy innovative plantbased meals.

Mia has spent over 10 years in food marketing & sustainability, working for Jordans Cereals and Ryvita. She also spent four months taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Dr Sara Hornby Anderson (1969)

Sara has been awarded the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining Hadfield Medal & Prize 2022 in recognition of her immense contribution to the industry.

Sara Stephenson (née Bromley, 1989)

Sara studied Geology at the University of Bristol and achieved her PGCE from the University of Cambridge. She has worked in education since 1995, mainly in the USA. Sara is currently Director of Strategic Enrolment Management at Ashley Hall, a private girls’ school in Charleston, South Carolina. Sara has also served as a teacher, and school leader as well as running her own educational consultancy. She is married to Paul and they have two sons, aged 12 and 16.

DAME ALICE HARPUR SCHOOL

Dr Jill Berry (former Headmistress)

Jill has recently published three short novels; The Dresser, #OneWord and The Button Box, each focusing on relationships, growth and human frailty. They are available to buy through Amazon, in both paperback and kindle editions.

Suzy Carrington (née Wimbourne, 2008)

Following the set-backs of the pandemic, weddings and gigs are back, Suzy and her husband, Alex, are now busy with their thriving Lancashire based businesses: a coffee roastery business www.carringtonscoffee.com; a wedding photography business www.suzywimbournephotography.com and their acoustic music www.suzyandalex.com.

Rebecca Dover (2010)

Rebecca has started an exciting new position as a Senior Marketing Manager - Global Brand Voice at the LEGO Group. Over the last eight and a half years Rebecca has worked across local, regional and global marketing roles in LEGO, including the development of some of their biggest global brand campaigns.

Claudia Hammond (1989)

Broadcaster and journalist, Claudia Hammond published her latest book, The Keys to Kindness in 2022. The award-winning author takes you on a deep-dive into kindness, the science

behind it and how we can better build it into our lives.

Chivonne Koranteng (2007)

Chivonne studied at the University of Manchester, followed by the Centre for Alternative Technology and finally graduated from the University of Westminster in 2019. Chivonne now works for award-winning architect practice, Adjaye Associates, whose notable work includes the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.

Mary Moloney (1980)

Mary works as a university administrator and lives in North London. She studied French Language and Literature at University College London before training as a language teacher at the University of York. She has taught in France and worked as an English teacher in Tokyo. Mary had always enjoyed writing but has always wanted to pen a novel. Childhood holidays in Wales, provided the inspiration for Mary’s novel, Pippa and Friends Investigate, which will hopefully be published later this year. Mary says, “The novel is aimed at 8-12 year old detectives, and all detectives who are 8-12 at heart!” Mary would like to thank all of The Alumnae community who supported her appeal to get her book published.

Rosamond (previously Cynthia) Reavell (née DunbarMarshall, 1959)

After leaving school, Rosamond worked as an au pair in France, Germany and finally Norway. She returned to Cambridge in 1962, to work at the University Library, which she very much enjoyed, meeting lots of interesting people, and innumerable books to discover.

She was Librarian at the Department of Chemistry from 1965-7, when she married Tony Reavell, Bookseller and fellow member of the Bibliographical Society. They moved to the nearby village of Little Shelford a year later, when her children David and Tamsyn

were born. In 1975 they bought Martello Bookshop in picturesque Rye. Due to poor health Rosamond now resides in assisted-living in Polegate. She is really enjoying the activities on offer, particularly the scrabble and poetryreading.

Rosamond ran an appreciation society for comic novelist E.F. Benson, The Tilling Society, for almost 25 years. She was also Assistant Librarian at Hastings Quakers.

Rosamond is keen to reconnect with Molly Merrill, if anyone has any news please email alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

Nabihah Parkar (2012)

Nabihah has been named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 2023 Awards for her contribution to jounalism, and has been shortlisted for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, Nabihah reports on current affairs aiming to give voice to people and stories that too often go underrepresented in mainstream media.

Rachel Parsonage (née Groom, 1993)

Rachel was recently invited by the British Beauty Council to the launch of the Future Talent Programme at 10 Downing Street, hosted by Rt Hon Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education.

The programme helps to inspire and share knowledge about the wide and diverse opportunities in the beauty industry particularly through STEM, cosmetic science, microbiology, packaging technology and sustainability.

Anna Ploszajski (2009)

Congratulations to Anna who has become a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, in recognition of her public facing contribution to the field.

Emma Timewell (DAHS 1994)

Emma has spent 17 years living in New Zealand, working in communications for the New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Ltd, a governmentowned science organisation, which uses world-leading science to improve the way the country produces food. She says it is her dream job; she never felt at home in a laboratory and has always relished talking about science instead. Emma holds a Biological Sciences degree from the University of East Anglia.

Winnie Yeung (2003)

Winnie is currently taking up a 12-month post at the University of Sydney as a Clinical Fellow in Laryngology. She will be working at the Medical School and its affiliated hospitals to further her ENT surgical skills, specifically in the treatment of pathologies concerning voice, swallowing and the upper airway.

Katy Young (2000)

Katy has joined England Rugby as their University Partnership Manager, which oversees university rugby in England, working to increase participation. She is particularly excited that England will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.

BEDFORD GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Cecilia Castell (2019)

Cecilia is studying BA Fashion and Apparel Design at the University of Leeds. She is currently enjoying an industry placement year, firstly working as a Studio Assistant for Lucie Vaclav and her brand LVFD, and latterly for ELV Denim.

Kimberley Clifton (2014)

Kimberley has achieved her childhood dream and qualified as a Barrister, joining Guildford Chambers as a tenant. Kimberley read Law at the University of Leicester and completed her BPTC at Manchester Metropolitan University

Isabella Devile (2019)

Following school, Izzy undertook a year’s Mechanical Technician course at college. She then joined Team Parker Racing working part time for a year, before being offered a full time position in January 2022. At Team Parker racing she joined as a race technician and runs a Porsche Carrera Cup car.

Emily Fordham (2022)

Congratulations to Emily, who has received an unconditional offer from Sidney Sussex College in Cambridge to read Law. Emily is currently taking a year out working as a teaching assistant in Australia for six months before travelling.

Joanna Griffiths (2016)

Joanna competed her Art Foundation and a degree in Fine Art at Oxford Brookes University, resulting in First Class Honours. She completed her PGCE with commendation in Secondary Art, Craft & Design at Northumbria

University. She is now working as an ECT Art and Photography teacher at a school in Sunderland, which provides specialist teaching to cater for a range of different needs.

Izzy Gurney (2017)

Congratulations to Izzy and her colleagues at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the MCC Foundation for winning the Tessa Jowell Community Award at the Sport Industry UK Awards for their Afghan Refugee Project. A talented cricketer and ECB Level 2 coach, Izzy is currently the Operations Coordinator at the MCC Foundation, which is the charitable arm of the cricket club.

Ellie Hind (2019)

Ellie read English Literature at the University of Newcastle. Following graduation she has been gaining some experience in the publishing field, working as an editorial intern at a small indie press in London, before enjoying a working holiday around Australia.

Rosalie Inman (2019)

Rosalie studied Biological Sciences at the University of Durham, and is now taking a Masters in Biomedical Science Research at the University of Bristol. Rosalie’s upcoming research will be focused on how micro plastics are affecting the human body.

Rosalie continues her rugby success playing for Cheltenham Tigers WRFC (on loan from Bristol Bears).

Lucy Kemble (2017)

Lucy graduated from the University of Leeds with a Masters in Banking and International Finance (Distinction), which followed a First in Economics. Lucy joined Fitch Solutions last year as an Emerging Markets Banking Analyst. Lucy is responsible for researching and managing risk on behalf of her clients who range from banks, government bodies, multinational and domestic companies.

Heidi Lawson (2016)

Heidi’s promising rugby career is going from strength to strength with the Bedford Blues Women, playing Flanker. The team are currently top of the NC3 Midlands (Central) Division. Following BGS, Heidi has pursued a career in business and currently owns a high street store selling greetings cards.

Emma Leach (2017)

Emma completed a Psychology Degree at the University of Warwick. She is now undertaking a MSc in Forensic Psychology at the University of Bath. During this time, she is undertaking a year long work placement at the NSPCC in London, working in the research and evidence team.

Sarah Lee (2017)

Sara has landed herself a job with ITV, working as a Sound Assistant on the iconic British soap, Emmerdale, centred on a fictional farming community in the Yorkshire Dales. Based in Leeds, Sarah is really enjoying her new role in the city. Sarah achieved a First in Music Technology at Coventry University. During lockdown, Sarah released a dance track, Strawberry Mojito.

Fleur Leech (2019)

Fleur studies Spanish and Economics at the University of Leeds. She is spending her third year in Guadalajara, Mexico where she is taking Economic classes in Spanish at the university. Fleur commented: “My Spanish has improved massively since being in the city as English is barely spoken! Mexico is a huge country, with a rich history and I have a great opportunity this year to explore it.”

Grace Marner (2014)

Congratulations to Grace, who has recently landed her dream job as a journalist on the BBC’s Newsround. Grace read Biology at the University of Hull before undertaking a Masters in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Whilst at Sheffield, Grace was awarded the Dan Walker Scholarship and she was mentored by the journalist throughout her Masters. Grace is an advocate for diversity in journalism and broadcasting, particularly creating opportunities for those that are disabled. Grace has type 3 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which can create challenges in her life. She documents living with a hidden disability on TikTok @gracemarner.

Ematice Mokhrari (2016)

Ematice joined Real Estate law firm, Brecher LLP in Mayfair.

Megan O’Reilly (2018)

Megan graduated in 2022 with a First in Human Geography from the University of Leeds and is pursuing a career in the film and television industry. Through The Alumnae connections, Megan has worked on a number of film shoots as a runner.

Matilda Pinn (2018)

Following a Business Management degree at the University of Kent, which includes a Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship in conjunction with Pearson College, Matilda is now an Events Associate at Lloyds.

Georgina Puchal Carillo (2018)

Gina studied International Relations followed by a Masters in National Security Studies, both at King’s College London. She is currently enjoying a year out working at Knightsbridge School, before starting work in September in the defence and intelligence sector.

Hannah Selvey (2015)

Hannah read Economics with Spanish at the University of Birmingham which included a year studying in Spain. Hannah moved to China where she lived for two years whilst working as an English teacher. Hannah is now working as an Area Manager for Aldi in their Cardiff region.

Hannah Short (2013)

Hannah studied Medicine at the University of Birmingham. She spent her first two years working as a doctor in London during COVID, before moving to Sydney where she is balancing work in an A&E Department with travel. Hannah plans to apply for anaesthetics training on her return.

Chelsea Spanoudakis (2017)

Chelsea achieved a First in BSc Chemistry and MSc Cancer Immunology & Biotechnology with distinction from the University of Nottingham. She joined the Tech & Engineering Graduate scheme at KPMG as a Product Analyst. It is a role she is really enjoying and she is hoping that some of her future projects will focus on healthcare, which is an area of particular interest.

Bella Taylor (2019)

Bella graduated with a First in Applied Psychology from the Royal Holloway, University of London, before embarking on a MSc in Applied Paediatric Neuropsychology at UCL.

Bella was nominated for an undergraduate award from the British Neuropsychological Society, for her research work into Neurogenetics. She has also worked as a research volunteer for charity,

Harry’s Hydrocephalus Awareness Trust, her work was used in a parliamentary reception in summer 2022.

Alice Worker (2018)

Alice studied Biomedical Science at Birmingham followed by a Masters in Research in Cancer Sciences, specialising in blood cancers. Throughout the pandemic, she worked in a research lab focusing on acute myeloid leukaemia. This included testing drugs which could be repurposed to prevent cancer relapse. She is now a PhD student at Nottingham, where she is investigating multiple myeloma and drug resistance. She is enjoying a mentorship and part-time teaching role and giving PhD application advice.

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

Kate Axford (BGS 2017)

After a prolonged injury in her hockey career, former England and GB hockey player Kate decided to switch to athletics and claimed victory in her first ever 5,000m elite race, the Comeback 5000!

Maddie Axford (BGS 2021)

Maddie, has been selected for the 2023 GB Women’s Elite Development Programme (EDP) hockey squad. She was part of team who won a historic bronze medal for England at the Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup in South Africa (April 2022) and was awarded the player of the match.

Maddie is reading International Media and Communications at the University of Nottingham.

Florence Miller (BGS 2022)

Northamptonshire cricketer, Florence, has signed her first professional contract with Sunrisers Cricket Team. Florence is studying Management at Loughborough University.

Holly Smith (BGS 2021)

An outstanding hockey player Holly recently competed in her second Varsity Cup, representing the University of Oxford. Holly is reading Geography at Keble College, Oxford.

Sophie Lewis (BGS 2020)

Sophie claimed a bronze medal for Team England track cycling on the opening day of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Congratulations to the following alumnae who took part in either the London Marathon 2022, Manchester or London Marathons 2023, collectively raising over £61,000:

Eloise Bailey (BGS 2020) & Emma Watt (BGS 2014) Teenage Cancer Trust

Sitara Johns (DAHS 2010) Turvey Overseas Education Support (TOES).

Vicki Reeves (née Huckle, BHS 2011) Team Breathe

Angela Stango (DAHS 2000) Breast Cancer Now

Rachel Sayer (BGS 2016) for The Stroke Association

Joanna Prettyman (BGS 2017) for Alzheimers Research UK

Anna Worboys, Rosie Leech, Felicity Towler (all BHS 2012) & Ellie Harbinson (BGS 2014)

Cardiac Risk in the Young

Philippa Abruzzese (née Healey, DAHS 1999 & BHS 2001)

Marie Curie

Lottie Bruce (BGS 2014)

Pancreatic Cancer UK

Rebecca Downing-Holmes (BGS 2017) The NSPCC

Rebecca Hutchings (BGS 2015) BEAT

Kirstie Moffat (BGS 2016) & Erin Osgood (BGS 2017)

Parkinson’s UK

Chelsea Spanoudakis (BGS 2017) Great Ormond Street

Well done to the many alumnae who are also busy fundraising in other ways:

Whizz Middleton (née Shaw, BHS 1998) Whizz, and her daughter Millie, took part in ‘Trek 24’ in aid of the East Anglia Air Ambulance.

Mia Mundell (BGS 2021)

Mia will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2023, coinciding with her 20th birthday, raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Vicky Owens (née Harris, BHS 1995)

Vicky will be taking part in the SAS Fan Dance in the Brecon Beacons, raising money for Diabetes UK.

Ruth Riisnaes (DAHS 1973)

Took part in the Banham Marsden March in May, raising money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Olivia Perkins (BHS 2005) & Nicola Gotzheim (née Sharman, BHS 1991) Raised £13,000 for Cancer Research UK, cycling from Lands End to John O Groats.

Jane Jacob (née Bushby, DAHS 1996) & Helen McCormick (née Bushby, DAHS 1993)

Took part in the Ultra Challenge Thames Bridge Trek, walking 25km across London, crossing over 16 bridges to raise to raise money for the MND Association.

Rachel Sayer

Joanna Prettyman

Anna Worboys, Rosie Leech, Felicity Towler

Ellie Harbinson

Philippa Abruzzese

Rebecca Downing

Rebecca Hutchings

Lottie Bruce

Kirstie Moffat

Erin Osgood

Olivia Perkins & Nicola Gotzheim

Jane Jacob & Helen McCormick

Women in Politics

Recent figures have shown that female representation in the House of Commons is now at an all-time high, with women making up over a third of the house. However, it is important that this is replicated at every level of society in both formal and informal political and civil settings. Women’s representation and leadership in decision-making bodies contributes to more inclusive and representative laws, rulings and policies.

BGS students are encouraged to actively engage in the political environment to understand the challenges of our ever-changing world. Our values encourage our students to find and use their voices, helping to develop a new generation of politically minded individuals.

Cllr Amanda Marlow

(née Ward, BHS 1988) and Cllr Alice Jenkins (née Bramall, DAHS 2007)

Cllr Amanda Marlow (AM), is the current Mayor of Milton Keynes (20222023) and the first woman in post since 2012. Cllr Alice Jenkins (AJ) was always interested in Politics and went on to study Politics at Durham University.

Amanda and Alice visited BGS to talk to our Sixth Form.

How did you get into the world of politics?

AM: I got into politics quite accidentally. The council-run day nursery that my boys attended was told that they were under threat of closure. There were several other day nurseries in the same boat. The nursery was in an older part of Milton Keynes, and it was in a relatively deprived area. I had to do something to stop it, so whilst everyone else was collecting signatures for a petition I went along to a council meeting and stood up and made a speech. My speech gained the attention of a group of councillors, and they supported me with our campaign to save the nurseries. It would be another ten years before I decided to stand for political office. The nurseries survived and are still running today.

We are proud that a number of our alumnae are committed to public duty, shaping the political scene, here in the UK and abroad, from local councillors to central government. These include Jo Churchill (née Wuidart, DAHS 1982) who has been the MP for Bury St Edmunds since 2015. Always a supporter of local causes, she began her political journey 10 years ago by becoming a County Councillor at Lincolnshire County Council. Before standing for national election, she has held roles at the Department of Health and Social Care and DEFRA. Since September 2022, Jo has been serving as the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household and a Government Whip.

The Journal spoke to a range of our political alumnae about their experiences and inspirations.

AJ: In my last year of university my Dad told me it was time to get a job and to do something that didn’t feel like one. I started helping the local MP with his comms, then he offered me a job in Parliament. I loved that you were able to help people and he asked me if I’d like to do it myself and to stand as a councillor. I was then asked to stand for Parliament, which was a real eye opener.

Did you have any political idols growing up?

AM: My parents were posted abroad while I was growing up and with that, I saw a lot of political change in the countries where we lived. Former Republic of Yugoslavia was ruled by Marshal Tito who had been in power for 27 years until his death. We also lived in India, and while we were there the Prime Minister was Indira Gandhi who was India’s first and so far, only female prime minister. We were there when Mrs Gandhi was assassinated; it was a frightening time. These two examples of politics showed me that personally, you are never far from politics, and whilst they certainly were not my political idols, they had a huge impact in the countries where they governed.

What does your current role entail?

AM: My role is a very busy one. I am officially the First Citizen of Milton Keynes which means that I represent Milton Keynes in a civic capacity, be it at military events such as Armistice or at large occasions such as the recent

Accession Proclamation ceremony in Buckinghamshire as the representative of the city of Milton Keynes. I meet an awful lot of people and have made some incredible connections this year that have helped those in either the charitable sector or the business community of Milton Keynes.

AJ: I’m a mum of three kids under six, am a local ward councillor in MK and run my own communications business, so there is a lot of juggling.

I spend a lot of time speaking to people, walking around my ward capturing issues that I can raise and responding to emails. There are also a lot of meetings at council, which run late in to the night.

What has been your most challenging role so far?

AM: Being a mother, without doubt. I have learned more about myself, what I am capable of and how life challenges you and gives you the tools to be an advocate for your child as a mother than any role I had previously had.

AJ : For the twelve years I’ve been a councillor and I’ve served in the cabinet, chaired the Health and Adult Social Care Committee and been Deputy Leader of my political group, managing 22 councillors. Probably the most challenging period of time though was while I sat on a working group of six councillors, supporting the council’s management during Covid. There were a lot of really difficult conversations that had to take place.

What has been your career highlight to date?

AM: Being Mayor of Milton Keynes. In my year as mayor, Milton Keynes has become a city - something that I am incredibly proud to have been a part of. Milton Keynes held a parade for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations which was noisy, colourful, and joyful kicking off a weekend of jubilee activities in our city. The Women’s Euros coming

to Milton Keynes was incredible and the enthusiasm for women’s football was infectious. I hadn’t really followed much women’s football until then, but I am a huge fan now. They play with skill, passion, and fairness. Meeting England Ladies Captain Leah Williamson was a great honour, especially as I presented her with the Freedom of the City for sporting achievements. The sad death of HM The Queen was an unprecedented event in our short history, as Milton Keynes was a product of the modern Elizabethan age. We were very lucky to receive a visit in February by HM The King to officially confer City Status onto Milton Keynes, I played a key part in both organising and accompanying The King on his visit to Milton Keynes. I certainly won’t forget anything from my Mayoral year.

AJ: I am very lucky to have my own successful business as well as being a councillor. There have been lots of

working in the Government Equalities Office on celebrations for the women’s suffrage centenary. I went for six months and so far I have stayed for over five years, moving on to work on policy in a few different areas. Since joining the civil service I’ve realised it’s an excellent way to live out your values; you can make real world change through the work you do.

Did you have any political idols growing up?

Ros Ball (BHS 1996), Journalist and Policy Maker

Ros has worked for the BBC on current affairs and political programming She is a policy maker at the Government Equalities Office and an author of The Gender Agenda and Women Who Won.

Why did you pursue a career in working in government?

To be perfectly honest I didn’t ever pursue it, it just happened. I spent 15 years working at the BBC, 12 of those were at the BBC in Westminster where I got up close to politics and became pretty obsessed with it. Politics affects every single area of our lives and I loved seeing how it played out every day.

In 2017, I was offered a secondment

I’m sure going to an all girls’ school was a factor in my interest in feminism and working in roles that promote equality for women and girls. I’ve got a really overdeveloped sense of fairness and at school I generally tried to get along with everyone. I didn’t always succeed, but there can be a solidarity among girls that I enjoyed being part of.

What has been your most challenging role so far?

I have a book coming out this year called Women Who Won which profiles 70 women from around the world who changed politics. It includes the first women in the world to be a Prime Minister or President. Writing a book about politics, while working in the current very turbulent political world, as well as being a mother, was really tough. For a while I was working seven days a

highs and lows! That said, I’ll never forget the night I stood for parliament in Liverpool, attended the count there and then drove down to MK in time for my council seat declaration.

Why are women so important in politics?

AM: Simply because we bring a different perspective, through lived experiences whether it be as a working woman or as a mother or carer. Women have opinions and a voice that will be heard. Women sacrificed their lives to bring us the vote. I am just conscious that I should honour their sacrifice by being the best of me and representing my residents’ needs.

AJ: Balance, life experience, representation. If you want policies that represent half of the population, that half of the population need to be involved in formulating them.

week. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved but it was definitely a challenge. I now work 3.5 days a week in my main job, saving one day for writing and one for a horticulture course. I’m lucky to be able to get this balance in my life and I recommend it as a great thing to work towards for anyone.

What has been your career highlight to date?

Publishing my first book, The Gender Agenda in 2017, a two-year diary of the way the world treats my daughter and son differently, remains one of my proudest achievements. It led to so many brilliant experiences, one of which was moving to work in the civil service on gender equality policy. In 2018 I was part of the team that worked to erect the first statue of a woman in Parliament Square. The statue of women’s suffrage campaigner Millicent Fawcett was unveiled by the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London and some London school children on 24 April 2018 and I was there at the front.

Why are women so important in politics?

During the pandemic there was a lot of speculation about why countries that were led by women might have a more successful approach to dealing with the virus. My take on this is that countries

that have women leaders are likely to have a much more diverse talent pool. Diversity of thought is vital in every institution and system that we have,

whether that be in business, culture, parliament, everywhere. When you have a variety of voices evidence shows that you escape group-think, you are more

Why did you pursue a career in working in politics? Was there anything that inspired you at school?

Cllr Shanika Mahendran (BGS 2015)

Shanika studied the International Baccalaureate Diploma at BGS, before embarking on an undergraduate degree in Art History with Journalism. She worked in political communications followed by an MSc in Sustainable Cities from King’s College London, during which time she was elected to represent Loughton & Shenley ward on Milton Keynes City Council.

I sort of fell into a career in politics. I was at a point where I wasn’t sure what to do next, and I started volunteering with my local Labour Party. Once I saw the huge difference that local politics can make to our communities and to people’s lives on an everyday basis, I began working towards elected office, so I could be in a position to help even more people.

Did you have any political idols growing up?

I always say that when I was growing up, I didn’t see many politicians who looked like me, as a young mixed-race woman. I think that’s a huge barrier to diverse communities getting involved in politics. Now things are slowly changing, and a personal inspiration of mine is Lisa Nandy. We aren’t all the way there, and

successful and can achieve more. Do please read Women Who Won for much much more on why women in politics are so important!

we need more brilliant young women to get involved in politics!

What has been your most challenging role so far?

I was appointed Chair of Planning Committee in Autumn of 2022, and this was an enormous step up, as it is a role that comes with a lot of responsibility. There was definitely a degree of surprise and doubt from some about giving it to a young female councillor. Despite this, I had confidence that I could do it well, and I have really enjoyed it. I am still learning but acknowledging that you don’t always have to be perfect is helpful.

What has been your career highlight to date?

At the national Labour Local Government Conference earlier this year, I was invited to give a speech introducing the keynote speaker, Lisa Nandy MP. As I mentioned before, she is a personal hero of mine, so that was a very special moment.

Francesca Hill (BHS 2009)

Policy Maker

Francesca has a MA Cantab Hons Management and Modern Languages from the University of Cambridge. Francesca was the Cambridge Union President in 2011. She joined the Civil Service European Fast Stream and has worked in the Foreign & Commonwealth

Office, the Treasury and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Why did you pursue a career in working in government? Was there anything that inspired you at school?

At school, an interest in current affairs led me to debating, which I continued at university. I never wanted to be a politician myself, but I realised at the Cambridge Union that I was intrigued by the behind-the-scenes work of policy development and international relations.

What does your current role entail?

I’m designing new rules for big tech firms at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The legislation, to be debated in parliament this year, will boost competition and ensure consumers are treated fairly when they use major platforms.

What has been your most challenging role so far? What has been your career highlight to date?

Both the greatest challenge and the biggest highlight was working in the negotiating taskforce for our FTA with the EU - challenging because it was Covid, we worked through the weekends and I’d spent some very happy years in Brussels; a highlight because it was also a unique and historic experience.

Why are women so important in politics?

For the same reason all underrepresented groups are important when setting the priorities and plans for this country - because a wider set of experiences gives broader perspective on what UK citizens today need from their government.

EVENTS 2022-2023

Celebrating 10 Years of BGS

Early in May 2022, we were joined by some of our alumna mums for a visit to the Junior School as part of our Heritage Week celebrations, to mark 10 years of BGS.

The morning began with coffee in the Library and much reminiscing over the school year books that were on display and sharing memories from their time at school, before being expertly taken on a tour of the Junior School led by their daughters!

We have a huge number of multi-generational alumnae and it is lovely to hear all the different memories of the generations when they are together.

The 66th Guild Biennial, May 2022

Hosted by Guild Chair, Lady Leech MBE, guests gathered in the Assembly Hall for a morning of music from talented Year 10 pianist, Eva Ng, before

Gold Duke of Edinburgh, May 2022

listening to alumna guest speaker; Courtnay Osborne-Walker (BGS 2015) delivered a high-energy talk charting her journey from school to her work as a highly successful personal trainer, and influencer. She credited much of her success to the opportunities she

experienced at school. Guests enjoyed lunch whilst catching up with their friends. It was particularly special to welcome three former Headmistresses, Mrs Anne Kaye (1976-1987), Mrs Barbara Stanley (1995-2000) and Mrs Julie Eldridge (2006-2012).

We are proud to announce that the following alumnae recently their achieved the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh AwardOlivia Allen (2019), Molly Barker (2021), Olivia Benjamin (2020), Aarti Bhogaita (2016), Flora Charatan (2015), Masha Ermakova (2022), Zayneb Farhoud (2014), Bryony Fleming (2020), Charlotte Forbes-Laird (2021), Isabelle Gurney (2017), Isabella Iacono (2019), Amy Lammin (2018), Francesca Lynn (2017), Sophie Parry (2020), Johanna Rawlings (2014), Gabriela Samuels (2014), Priya Shah (2013), Charley Spriggs (2017), Olivia Swain (2017) and Kaia Sweatman (2019).

Dame Alice Harpur School 1982 Ruby Reunion, June 2022

We welcomed the Dame Alice Harpur School Class of 1982 back into school for their Ruby Reunion. We had a superb turnout including several friends who made it over from Australia, as well as former teachers, Miss Calvert (Geography) and Mrs Scott (Biology). After tours of the Senior School, they enjoyed a glass of bubbles and a delicious afternoon tea in the Library

Pictured L-R, Hannah Rogers (née Butt, BHS 1999) with Hattie, Emma Maslin (née Ritchie, BHS 1999) with Evie, Whizz Middleton (née Shaw, BHS 1998) with Millie and Nicola Whiteman (née Roulston, DAHS 1999) with Chloe.

Celebrating 10 years of the GLG, June 2022

As part of the BGS 10th birthday celebrations we welcomed back former GLG members to a celebratory dinner with our current GLG team. A wonderful evening of catching up and networking, which included 4 former Head Girls, 8 Deputy Head Girls, 11 outgoing GLG and 13 of our current GLG as well as our Former Headmistress, Miss Jo MacKenzie, and current Headmistress, Mrs Gemma Gibson.

Celebrating Women in Engineering, June 2022

A number of our alumnae engineers joined us for the International Women in Engineering Day, a yearly event to highlight the diverse field of careers in this area. Our guests were Lucy Hill (née Scott, DAHS 2011), Sharon Kindleysides (DAHS 1987), Melody Stokes (BHS 1974) and Elizabeth Gilbertson (née McDonald, BHS 1999) who helped with a number of engineering challenges over lunch. Between them, they have worked on projects as wide ranging as aerospace engineering for the RAF; designing and installing the roof on No. 1 court at Wimbledon; and designing and installing traffic flow mechanisms on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

A big thank you also to Emma Forbes-Laird (née Hudart, BHS 1994) who sent a presentation about her area of engineering expertise.

Prize Giving, July 2022

We were honoured to welcome music agent and alumna Emma Banks (BHS 1986) as our Prize Giving speaker. A full marquee saw prize winners, parents, governors and teachers listen to Emma deliver an inspirational speech about her career in the creative arts industry. A trailblazer, maverick and hugely influential agent, Emma represents U2, Kylie Minogue, Florence and the Machine, Dua Lipa, and Harry Styles. In 2018, she received the highly prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award (MITs) in

Work the Room, September 2022

At BGS we are always preparing our students to be future ready; our Work the Room two-part workshop focused on learning confident and effective networking skills is always a popular event with our Sixth Form students as they practice the importance of making the right impression, securing business relationships and building networks.

After attending a workshop led by Mrs Whitlock (Head of Careers), the students take part in a networking drinks reception, comprising invited members of our alumnae and parent community who represent a number of careers from Law to the Civil Service, Motorsport Engineering, Construction and Accountancy.

recognition of her contributions to the music industry.

Emma said: “Do what you can do, don’t do what you are expected to do, go above and beyond. For the first couple of years after you leave the education system, my recommendation is that you work harder than you have ever worked before. If you are being sent into battle, there are millions of warriors that want the same thing as you, so you have got to be better, stronger and more capable than all of them.”

She concluded: “There’s a phrase which you have all heard before ‘the harder I work, the luckier I become’, and I really do believe that. What can I leave you with – seize every opportunity that presents itself to you, say yes when you can, saying yes is a privilege, it is so important… You’ve all got so much ahead of you and are some of the best and brightest women that we’ve got, we need you. You have all been given a fabulous start with an incredible education and whatever you do next, I wish you all health, happiness and prosperity.”

Thank you to the following alumnae who helped with the event – Charlie Abrahamson (née Gardner, DAHS 2010), Verity Barber (DAHS 2010), Kimberley Clifton (BGS 2014), Francesca Denny (BHS 2011), Emma Forbes-Laird (née Hudart, BHS 1994) , Harriett Mather (BHS 1992), Sally Michaels (née Carroll, BHS 1997), Rebecca Nisbet (BGS 2019), Megan O’Reilly (BGS 2018), Rachel Parsonage (née Groom, DAHS 1993), Carol Perla (née Munkman, DAHS 1961) and Caroline Watson (BHS 2012).

We are always keen to encourage alumnae to be part of this event, if you would like to volunteer please email, alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk.

Alumnae Super Sporting Sunday, March 2023

A huge thank you for joining us for our Alumnae Super Sporting Sunday, with the First Teams playing the Old Girls’ in Netball, Hockey and Lacrosse, for a very competitive day of sport!

The Netball and Hockey matches are dedicated to the memory of Sarah Raven (née Fisher, BHS 2004 and former PE teacher at DAHS & BGS); Megan Whittle (BHS 2010) was awarded the Fisher Cup for Netball and Jossy Young (BGS 2022), the Sarah Raven Player of the Match.

The Lacrosse Match celebrates the life of Miss Joan Gibson, former Head of PE at BHS 1951-1972, and Octavia Cavill (BGS 2012) was awarded the Joan Gibson Player of the Match Award. The results were as follows: Netball 20 - 12 to BGS, Hockey 2-2 and Lacrosse 12 - 8 to BGS

London Drinks, April 2023

A lovely night was had by all at the London Alumnae Drinks Reception in Covent Garden at our annual London get-together. A big thank you to Helen Wood (née Smith, BHS 1989), MD Orveon Global, who generously hosted in her office space, as well as setting up a wonderful London Marathon fundraising beauty shop for Eloise Bailey (BGS 2020).

It was good to see lots of old faces as well and catch up with some of our younger alumnae, who are progressing well in their careers. The evening also provides a great opportunity for alumnae to connect with others in their field and increase their network.

THANK YOU

We are hugely appreciative to members of our alumnae who have helped in so many ways this year, including supporting us at Lunchbox Lectures, the International Baccalaureate Day, Science Week, and International Women in Engineering Day; providing careers advice; offering work experience; undertaking mock interview practice; demonstrating at the International Cookery Club; maintaining the archives and in so many more ways. It is wonderful to see a community of Women Supporting Women.

Olivia Ames (BGS 2020), Ros Asplin (née Chadwick, BHS 1958), Alice Baker (BGS 2020), Emily Baker (BGS 2019), Ros Ball (BHS 1996), Emma Banks (BHS 1986), Liz Beales (née Menday, BHS 2000), Anthea Beange (née Mather, BHS 1997), Sarah Beard (BGS 2020), Dr Christina Beecroft (BHS 1987), Olivia Benjamin (BGS 2020), Hannah Biernat (née Davies, DAHS 2007), Michelle Blaauw (née Cantwell, DAHS 1994), Harriet Brettle (DAHS 2010), Clare Brown (BHS 1999), Charlize Boul (BGS 2020), Helen Broens (BGS 2018), Emma Burton (DAHS 2012), Bea Caldwell (BGS 2014), Tor Caldwell (BGS 2015), Juliet Cass (formerly Allen, BGS 2015), Sue Claremont (BHS Archives), Jemma Couchman (BHS 2004), Robyn Crossman (DAHS 2006), Catherine Dale (née Watson, DAHS 1981), Sabira Egan (BGS 2021), Fiyin Fayeye (BHS 2002), Lavinia Fernandes (BHS 1991), Elise Ferretti (BGS 2018), Laura Fisher (BHS 2006), Emma Forbes-Laird (née Hudart, BHS 1994), Kathy Fricker (Former member of staff BHS / BHS Archives), Debbie Ganguli (BHS 1994), Zadee Garrigue (BGS 2015), Sue Gerrard (DAHS 1972), Elizabeth Gilbertson (née McDonald, BHS 1999), Rose Gledhill (née Lane, DAHS 1979), Simi Godagama (DAHS 1997), Rachael Harlow (DAHS 2011), Anne Harnan (née Ronald, DAHS 1995), Hannah Harvey (née Edwards, BHS 2011), Lucy Hill (née Scott, DAHS 2011), Ruth Hogan (BHS 1979), Elizabeth Howcroft (BGS 2015), Anna Hunt (BGS 2017), Rosalie Inman (BGS 2019), Alice Jenkins (née Bramall, DAHS 2007), Angharad Jones (BHS 1999), Izzy Jones (BGS 2018), Matisha Joshi (BGS 2022), Jess Kemble (BGS 2018), Katherine Kerr (DAHS 1999), Sharon Kindleysides (DAHS 1987), Chivonne Koranteng (DAHS 2007), Mihaila Kuveljic (BGS 2016), Rachel Langridge (DAHS 1993), Amy Lammin (BGS 2018), Jane Leech MBE (née McKendrick, BHS 1982), Hannah Leggott (BHS 1998), Emily Logan (BGS 2016), Helen Lund (née Warner, BHS 2005), Georgie Lusty (BGS 2015), Gaynor Maher (née Rodwell, BHS 1982), Hilda Makamba (BGS 2021), Katy Mansell (BGS 2016), Emma Maries (née Blake, DAHS 1983), Amanda Marlow (née Ward, BHS 1988), Michelle Masih (DAHS 2011), Mary Moloney (DAHS 1980), Niru Muthia (BGS 2020), Amy Osgood (BGS 2016), Meetali Parekh (BHS 1998), Dr Anna Plosajski (DAHS 2009), Alexis Monks (BGS 2014), Esther Platt (BGS 2015), Dr Hannah Pool (DAHS 2005), Ariadna Puchal Carillo (BGS 2017), Harsimran (Sim) Ranautta (BHS 2012), Hania Raza Rizvi (BGS 2018), Rebecca Rowley-Smith (née Smith, DAHS 1992), Janet Scott (former teacher DAHS), Hannah Selvey (BGS 2015), Dr Elisabeth Slack (former teacher DAHS), Dr Fiona Smith (DAHS 1998), Jaspreet Sohal (BGS 2017), Chelsea Spanoudakis (BGS 2017), Kirsty Stark (BGS 2020), Paula Stevenson (DAHS 1989), Melody Stokes (BHS 1974), Annabella Taylor (BGS 2019), Emma Timewell (DAHS 1993), Isabella Trobe (BGS 2020), Catherine Tyack (née Good, BHS 1997), Hannah Ventisei (BGS 2014), Jorga Vernon (BGS 2015), Devon Ward (BGS 2018), Lucy Wood (née Rosser, DAHS 2000) and Amy Wootton-Hickson (DAHS 2005).

A very special thank you to our wonderful BGS Alumnae Mentoring Programme Mentors (2021-2022). Your commitment, guidance and encouragement has been gratefully received by our students.

Sarah Anstee (née Smith, BHS 1995), Zandria Barclay (née Tolliday, DAHS 1997), Liz Beales (née Menday, BHS 2000), Maria Cherezova (BHS 2010), Katharine Cook (née Chapman, DAHS 1987), Emma Cummins (BHS 1988), Rebecca Dover (DAHS 2010), Catherine Hale (BHS 2005), Joanne Hobday (née Baylis, DAHS 1990), Lucy James (DAHS 2010), Rachel O’Brien (née Dolamore, DAHS 1990), Rachel Parsonage (née Groom, DAHS 1993), Abby Schofield (DAHS 1997), Paula Stevenson (DAHS 1989) and Suzanne Tanser (née Rinaldo, BHS 1988).

BIRTHS, DEATHS & MARRIAGES

For full obituaries, please visit the members’ bulletin section on The Alumnae website. For inclusion in further editions, please contact Emma MacKenzie: alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

Births & Marriages Bedford High School

Wendy Balzan (née Roberts, 1991)

Congratulations to Wendy and her husband Tony who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in August 2022, with a celebratory family trip to America.

passed away aged 91 in December 2021 in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.

Pam joined BHS as a boarder in 1943. She loved school and kept in touch with her Bedford friends. Pam went to The London School of Occupational Therapy, working as an occupational therapist in England and then in Middleton, USA, where she lived in the later years of her life.

Pam was an accomplished artist; she enjoyed drawing and painting animals and country scenes.

Pam just made people smile, she made instant friends with everyone. She is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren.

Pauline Burgess (former Junior School teacher, 1995-2009)

Catherine Victoria ‘Vicky’ Frossell (née Boutwood, 1957)

Vicky passed away in October 2022, aged 83. She was the beloved wife of the late Dennis and loving mum to James, Tom, Charlotte and Emily, as well as grandmother and friend to many.

Claire Harvey (née Aylett, 1954)

Claire passed away in January 2022, aged 86. She was the beloved wife of Philip and mother of Ian, Neal, Colin and Lee.

Florence Johnson (née Collier, 1954)

Danielle Burton (née Hinckley, 2007)

Congratulations to Danielle and her husband, James, who welcomed Freddie on 3rd December 2021.

Hannah Harvey (née Edwards, 2011)

Congratulations to Hannah and her husband Iain, who welcomed their daughter, Evelyn, on 28th December 2022.

Eleanor Reeds (2007)

Congratulations to Eleanor, whose son, Finn Reeds Jacobs, was born on 19th November 2021.

Charlotte Tovey (née McClean, 2009)

Congratulations to Charlotte and her husband Matt who welcomed their first baby, Leo Charles on 23rd June 2022.

Deaths Bedford High School

Susan Beardsworth (née Mace, formerly Miller, BHS 1954)

Sue sadly passed away in April 2023. She lived with her husband, Roger, in New Zealand. Sue enjoyed watercolour painting, patchwork and quilting.

Pamela (Pam) Phillips (née Bunker, 1948)

Born in 1930, the daughter of Victor and Doris Bunker in Bow Brickhill. She

Pauline sadly away in December 2022 after a short illness.

Sheila Cubitt (former member of staff 1955 – 1976)

Sheila passed away in July 2022, aged 92. Sheila grew up in Norwich, and along with her older sister, Heather, was educated at Norwich High School for Girls before attending Roehampton Teacher Training College. She joined the BHS Junior School in 1955. Always popular, Sheila really enjoyed art and her form room was a riot of colour. Her History lessons were often brought to life with creative friezes she had made.

Sheila later joined The Perse School for Girls, along her sister, Heather, who was Head of History in the Senior School.

Barbara Dalton (née Elphick, BHS 1946)

Barbara died in March 2022 aged 94. Barbara married Lieutenant Colonel Roy Dalton and during his career lived in many different countries before living in London. The couple had three children Michael, Mark and Catherine. Barbara returned to the BHS for a period in the 1980s as a teacher of Classics.

Sheila Felce (1944)

Sheila passed away in July 2021. Sheila loved animals and her garden. She was well-known in the local community for running her own chiropody practice, working in the profession for 70 years.

Florence died in October 2022, aged 87. Sister of Patricia Farquhar (BHS 1960). She was proud of her school and remembered the dramatic productions by members of the BHS staff in the early 1950s, particularly Alice in Wonderland.

Nesta Kathleen Jones (former member of staff 1943-1961)

Nesta passed away in December 2021, aged 104. Nesta began her schooling as a boarder at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, before going on to read Classics at Girton College, Cambridge.

Nesta taught Classics at BHS from 19431961, and was then Headmistress of The Kingsley School, Royal Leamington Spa from 1961-1977.

Nesta will be remembered as a beloved aunt and as an inspirational Latin teacher by her former students.

Clifton Ibbett, OBE

Clifton sadly died in May 2021. Clifton, a former Bedford School student (1953), ran the Bedfordia Group.

Clifton was instrumental in setting up and overseeing The Foundation in 2007, in memory of his daughters Anita (1982) and Julia (1984), with the aim of generating a provision of funds for bursaries for Sixth Form students and capital projects.

Clifton also established the Road Victims Trust, the Bedfordshire Daycare Hospice and care home, Anjulita Court.

Jill Knox (née Mackness, 1958)

Died in May 2022, aged 82. Loved wife of Robert (Bob), sister of the late Robin, mother of Caroline, Patrick and Callum, and grandmother to Abby, Harry, Bella, Silas, Cameron, Athis and Findlay.

Liz Rawlinson (former member of staff c. 1975-1984)

Liz passed away in July 2021. Liz was always very proud of the fact that she taught three subjects and had to be replaced by a number of different teachers (Geography, Social Biology and Economics). She had particularly fond memories of working under Mrs Galley in the Geography Department.

Megan Traini (née Roberts,1946)

Megan died in January 2022, at the age of 93. Megan is survived by her older sister, Gene (BHS, 1944) and younger brother, John (BS, 1950), as well as three children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. At school Megan loved hockey. She studied Medicine at University of Liverpool, where she met her husband, Douglas. They lived in Australia and Uganda before returning to the UK in 1966 when Douglas was offered a position at Dundee Dental Hospital. Megan worked the Medical Sciences Institute at Dundee University, eventually becoming a lecturer in Anatomy.

Ruth Weaver (née Prosser, 1982)

Ruth sadly died in September 2022. Ruth was married with two children and lived in Tunbridge Wells.

Nicola Young (née Treby, 1984)

Nicola died in October 2020 after a brave fight with cancer. After school she trained at Cambridge Marlborough College and worked as Legal Secretary/ PA. She leaves her husband Ben and a family of four. Nicky kept in touch over the years with Katy Zwetsloot, Sara Jane Crozier and Clare McCracken. Nicky was a wonderful, strong and caring human, who is greatly loved.

Births & Marriages Dame Alice Harpur School

Toni Lovett (née King, DAHS 2004 and Head of Food & Nutrition at BGS)

Congratulations to Toni, her husband and big sister Esmé on the arrival of Connie on 26th March 2022.

Deaths Dame Alice Harpur School

Moira Margaret Bates (previously Albone, née Richardson, 1954)

Moira passed away in October 2021, aged 85. Moira was awarded an 11+ scholarship to DAHS in 1947. Moira kindly left BGS a generous legacy to be used within the Bursary Fund. Moira’s legacy will enable one student to receive a full bursary from Years 7-Upper Sixth.

Moira qualified as a teacher from the University of Leeds. She taught in the Balby area of Doncaster. She married George Bates and they relocated to Little Kimble, near Aylesbury. Moira continued teaching until retirement.

Jenny Clark (Former member of staff BHS 1967-1974 and 1978-1998)

Jenny died in August 2022. Jenny joined BHS, teaching in the Junior School (1967-1971) and then as the Boarding House Mistress at Westlands in 1971 - 1974. She joined DAHS in 1978 as the Boarding House Mistress, later teaching Year 3 from 1981. A kind and popular member of staff Jenny retired in 1998.

Phyllis Dickens (née Uff, 1950)

Phyllis died in January 2021. Phyllis visited Bedford with her daughter, Caroline, a few years ago, where she enjoyed walking along the river bank to look at her old home in Denmark Street and the School.

Chief Otutuola Modupe Majekodunmi (1954)

Known by her school friends as Modupe, she enjoyed meeting up with them every September at the DAHSA reunion. She was very fond of her school days in Bedford. Modupe sadly passed away on Boxing Day 2021, when visiting family in Lagos.

sheltered unit and served as pastoral leader at her Methodist church.

Nicola Maughan (1982)

Nicola passed away in May 2022 following a long illness.

Dr Angela Robinson (née Jeffs, 1961)

Angela died in December 2021. Angela trained as a Doctor at St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, before training as a Haematologist. She became Medical Director of the National Blood Authority, pioneering treatment for Leukaemia. She was one of the first DAHS students to qualify in Medicine.

Claire Sage (née Cantwell, 1991)

Claire passed away in September 2021, after a period of declining health. Through these difficult times, her courage and determination were incredible.

At school, Claire excelled and was a very talented sportswoman. Claire was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and received a life-saving liver transplant at Addenbrookes Hospital, in 1992.

For the next 29 years, Claire lived an amazing life, touching so many with her caring, giving nature and wonderful smile. Her husband Craig, parents Joan and Kevin, sisters Michelle (DAHS 1994) and Phili and their families will always be inspired by her.

Judith (Judy) Stimson (née Beal, 1953)

Judy died in March 2021 aged 86. Her husband, St John Stimson, passed away in May 2022. Both will be lovingly remembered by their children and grandchildren.

Judy was a remarkable woman who dedicated herself to the care of others. She co-curated the Museum of the Home in Pembroke and served as a town councillor. In 2012, Judy was awarded a certificate of commendation by Pembroke Town Council for her fundraising work.

Ayleen Thomas (née Bull, 1957 and former History teacher at DAHS 1982-1999)

Ayleen died in July 2022. Ayleen was a friend of fellow DAHS teacher, Wendy Walters.

Sue Sanders (was Cluley née Mortimer, 1974)

Congratulations to Sue, who married Dennis, in Grenada on Friday 20th May 2022.

Modupe shuttled between the UK and Nigeria, she was an experienced administrator and she worked at the National Bank of Nigeria in London for many years. At the age of 72, she enrolled on a Masters degree in Business Management, drawing on her volunteering experience with Community Action Southwark to use as part of her dissertation. She relished community work: she had previously been Vice Chair of her Tenants and Residents Association, worked with the homeless in Westminster, supported a

Births & Marriages

Bedford Girls’ School

Elin Davis (2015)

Congratulations to Elin who married Tom Short on 9th April 2022.

University Destinations 2022

1. Arts University Bournemouth

2. BIMM Institute, Brighton

3. Birmingham City University

4. Durham University

5. Goldsmiths, University of London

6. King’s College London

7. Kingston University London

8. Lancaster University (x2)

9. Loughborough University (x3)

10. Newcastle University (x5)

11. Nottingham Trent University (x3)

12. Oxford Brookes University

13. Queen Mary University of London

14. Royal Agricultural University, Gloucestershire

15. The University of Edinburgh (x2)

16. The University of Manchester

17. University College London

18. University for the Creative Arts, Farnham

19. University of Bath (x4)

20. University of Brighton

21. University of Birmingham

22. University of East Anglia (x2)

23. University of Exeter (x5)

24. University of Leeds (x2)

25. University of Leicester

26. University of Nottingham

27. University of Oxford

28. University of Sheffield (x3)

29. University of Southampton (x2)

30. University of the Arts London

31. University of Westminster, London

32. University of Winchester

33. University of York (x3)

34. University of Warwick (x2)

2022 Leavers

95% gained a place at their first or insurance choice university.

50% accepted a place at a Russell Group university.

80% of IBDP students achieved a place at their first-choice university.

IBDP average 40 points; with one student achieving 44 out of 45 points.

Wide range of courses Medicine, Law, Aerospace Engineering, Astro Physics and Computer Science to Psychology, Economics, English and Fashion Marketing.