The Alumnae Journal, Issue 6, 2021

ISSUE 6

THE

JOURNAL Th e Bedfo rd G irl s’ Sch ool Alum n a e Publi cati o n

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

CELEBR ATING A DECADE OF SUCCESS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Catching up with the first 10 Head Girls of BGS

A look back at milestones across our first 10 Years

Alumnae Working in the NHS

ALUMNAE CONTACT DETAILS P L E A S E S TAY I N T O U C H , S I G N U P F O R T H E A L U M N A E M E M B E R S ’ O N L I N E P O R TA L O R F O L L OW U S O N S O C I A L M E D I A T O F I N D OUT ABOUT UPCOMING E VENTS

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.

Monday 7th February 2022 The Alumnae AGM, Bedford Girls’ School Sunday 27th March 2022 Old Girls’ Hockey in Memory of Sarah Raven and Alumnae Netball, Bedford Girls’ School

AND MEMBERS’ NE WS.

Thursday 21st April 2022 London Alumnae Drinks, The German Gymnasium, London N1C

Emma MacKenzie, Marketing and Development Officer

Saturday 7th May 2022 156th Bedford Regatta; Celebrating 10 years of rowing at BGS

The Alumnae Office Bedford Girls’ School Cardington Road Bedford, MK42 0BX Email: alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Telephone: 01234 361900

Saturday 14th May 2022 The Association, 10 Year Anniversary Ball, Bedford Girls’ School Saturday 21st May 2022 The Guild Biennial, Bedford Girls’ School

Sign up at: community.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

Saturday 18th June 2022 Dame Alice Harpur School Class of 1982 Ruby Reunion, Bedford Girls’ School

Social Media

Tuesday 21st June 2022 Work The Room, Bedford Girls’ School

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 Carbon balanced print is produced by a carbon balanced printer on carbon balanced paper.

Thursday, 30th June 10th Anniversary Art Show Saturday, 2nd July 2022 BGS Culturefest, A family Festival to celebrate the whole BGS Community Monday 11th July 2022 House and Alumnae Rowing, Bedford Girls’ School Boat House Thursday 8th September 2022 Old Girls’ Lacrosse, Cople Fields Friday 9th September 2022 Class of 2021 Reunion Drinks, Sensory Garden, Burnaby House Saturday 17th September 2022 DAHSA Reunion for all eras, Bedford Girls’ School

A W E LC OM E F R OM A LUM N A E P R E S I D E N T

Mrs Gemma Gibson, HE A DMIST R ESS

I

am delighted to finally introduce myself as the new of Headmistress of Bedford Girls’ School. I am sorry for the delay between our publications; during the worst of the pandemic we shifted our resources to focus on operational issues, and that resulted in 18 months of living in a strange hybrid existence.

We are now thankfully fully back in School, and can once again look toward the future with confidence and return to more regular forms of communication.

We are a School where girls voices are truly championed and a diversity of views is welcomed and a School in which every child is at the centre of our decision making. We are flourishing: our students leave us for top university destinations; they are building fulfilling careers and become active members of their communities and they have the skills and motivation to change the world around them, to be the change makers, problem-solvers and creative-thinkers of the future. BGS is an exciting and dynamic School and if you have yet to visit please do come. Visitors are always welcome and our students are proud to show you around. You will read in this edition what has been achieved in ten short years and I think you will agree it is impressive!

I am also pleased to announce the launch of our Shortland-Jones Oxbridge Award, made possible by the kind legacy from BHS alumna (Elizabeth) Anne Shortland-Jones (née Young, 1950), and awarded annually to recognise students who accept places at Oxbridge.

In its first year, five students have benefited from this wonderful new award.

I would like to reflect briefly on the last 18 months since my arrival at BGS. I returned from Hong Kong, where I had been a Deputy Head at Harrow, in the Summer of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. It was not an easy transition, but the incredible welcome from the BGS community made what at times seemed like an impossible task, an uplifting and exciting opportunity. I have been overwhelmed by the support from my colleagues past and present, students, parents and alumnae. I have seen incredible daily acts of kindness and so much love for the School; it really has been touching. Our forward-thinking educational approach and investment in technology meant that we have remained agile and switched uninterrupted to remote and blended working. Our teachers continued to be creative, engaging and supportive of our students, whether at home or in school.

I am so thankful to the many alumnae who have helped during this time through online mentorships, careers talks, pre-university advice and so much more; it really showcased the strength of Women Supporting Women and how we are creating a professional network built upon a foundation of empathy and kindness.

As a community, we are keen to widen our reach and continue through our bursary programme to offer places to students, who without financial support, would be unable to benefit from a BGS education. This has long been a legacy for our heritage schools and I meet many alumnae who have benefitted from the HT bursary schemes. Part of our ambition is to grow the number of bursaries we can offer and later this year we will be launching a fundraising aim, linking into the celebrations of 10 Years of BGS. I look forward to revealing more soon, but in the meantime if you would like to learn about how to become a regular donor or how to leave a legacy please contact Emma MacKenzie in The Alumnae Office at alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk I do hope you will join us at our celebration this year.

You will see from our events diary that we have a number of opportunities for alumnae to celebrate together and as part of the wider community. I am really looking forward to truly bringing everyone back together and to the next 10 years of BGS.

It seems fitting that as we come back together, we have plenty to celebrate as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of BGS and 140 years of our heritage schools. I am a Historian and have enjoyed reading about the history of our legacy schools.

I am proud to lead a School with such a rich and diverse background. I can understand the sense of sadness that some of our alumnae felt at the time the merger was announced, but I hope that you are now able to see how the combined expertise and experiences of the two schools has created a wonderful environment that is really focused on preparing our students for the uncertain 21st century.

Gemma Gibson Headmistress

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Celebrating 10 Years of Success at…

2010

2012

2015

2016

BGS Junior School Officially Opens

Celebrated the Official Opening of Bedford Girls’ School

Inaugural Old Girls’ Lacrosse Match is played at BGS

The Opening of our Cople Fields Lacrosse facility

2022 The Junior School is accredited as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme School

2021

2021

September 2021

July 2021

July 2020

A new academic year sees the School community back on site and we launch the next stage of our Strategic Plan

The first cohort of BGS ‘lifers’ leave the Upper Sixth

Mrs Gemma Gibson, welcomed to BGS amid COVID restrictions and further lockdown

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2016

2017

Awarded Apple Distinguished School Status for the first time with the introduction of 1-to-1 iPad use across the School

Launched our Alumnae to student Mentorship Programme

2018 Held our first House and Alumnae Rowing Regatta and celebrated the life of much respected coach Mick Deards

2020

BGS ranked second best all girls independent school in the UK in sport

2018

July 2020

March 2020

February 2020

A virtual farewell to our first Headmistress Jo MacKenzie

Entered in the first COVID Lockdown and switched to remote learning

Celebrated our Excellent in all areas ISI Report

Unveiled our stunning 21st Century Science Department

…Bedford Girls’ School 03

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Do send us your news: alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

BEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL Sally Biddulph (née Mules, 1993)

Sally read French and German at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University. She started her professional life with Procter & Gamble, but soon realised business was not for her. She switched to journalism and worked briefly for The Times and Sunday Telegraph before heading to Bern, Switzerland to work for Swiss Radio International. After that she bounced from ITV Westcountry as a Producer to ITV Central as a Reporter and then to ITV Thames Valley as their Political Correspondent, before ending up at ITV News 12 years ago. She is still a newshound, but now on a part time basis after her Twincesses arrived - Bea and Eva, who are now 8. She is the early Good Morning Britain Presenter for ITV London and a Reporter for the ITV lunchtime national news. She lives in North London with her family and is in regular contact with 9 BHS alumnae.

The BHS “gals” still meet annually at Xmas for a bad taste dress-up lunch and lots of laughs, as well as dinner dates throughout the year. They have all known each other for 39 years and are still laughing and crying together.

Magic!!

Liz Boers-Maynard (née Maynard, 1985)

Liz has had a full international career in banking.

Together with husband Joost, Liz started an international marketing business in natural vitamins. In the last five years they were top producers with the company they work with, Beyuna. She loves the fact that everyone can benefit. liz@feeling-healthy.net

Claire Clark (née Radford, BHS 1994)

Claire studied Linguistics and Language Pathology at the University of Reading.

She has since worked in a variety of roles including with children, in an acute hospital working in stroke, head and neck cancer and now in a community role.

Claire is a community Speech and Language Therapist specialising in adults in North East Scotland. She works with anyone over 18 who has communication or swallowing problems. Interventions may include working specifically on improving communication through regular therapy, provision of alternative and augmentative communication aids and education of families and carers.

Swallowing interventions may include exercises, education and recommending texture modified diets.

Every day is different, Claire works alongside a range of medical professions and the role requires a great deal of compassion and effective listening skills in addition to medical knowledge.

Gemma Crawley-Roberts (BHS 1998)

Gemma studied International Management with American Business Studies at the University of Manchester.

A career in television and advertising production followed.

Gemma moved back to Bedford with her family in early 2020, taking over the reins of her family’s art shop, The Art Centre. Now renamed as The Arc, it has launched as an artistic emporium, selling not just products but incorporating her brother’s coffee shop and stocking homeware pieces. Gemma is showcasing lots of local talent and creating a thriving on-line side to the business.

Lucy Findlay MBE (1998)

Congratulations to Lucy, who recently secured two awards for her work in social enterprise and environmentalism.

Lucy is featured in the NatWest WISE 100: Leading Women. and was named

by Forbes as one of 100 female leading UK environmentalists.

Lucy is Managing Director of the social enterprise mark, CIC: a Community Interest Company.

Ruth Hogan (BHS 1979)

Ruth has released her 4th novel, Madame Burova, earlier this year to rave reviews.

Set in the seaside era of 1970s Brighton, amidst the social issues of the time, Ruth’s novel tells the tale of a retiring Clairvoyant, Madame Burova and her final swan song. Trademark of Ruth’s style, this is a magical read, with lots of twists and turns, including eclectic characters aplenty.

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Dr Sara Hornby-Anderson (née Hornby, 1968) Sara, a metallurgical engineer, who has a PhD in Industrial Metallurgy from Sheffield Hallam University was awarded several Steel Industry accolades in 2020/21.

In addition to her elevation to the level of Fellow of the Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Material of the UK, she has been awarded the The 2020 Benjamin F. Fairless Award from the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers; and The John Bell Award from the AIST Electric Furnace Committee honoring the many years of educating AIST members with process improvements, innovations in practices, and quality improvements.

Sara was featured as one of the “Legends of the Iron & Steel Industry” by the AIME.

Linda Kirk (née Greenwood, 1968) Linda has lived in a varied life in many countries, including passing the Cambridge CELTA course to teach English at the age of 60 and moving to King’s College, Murcia, for a year.

She is now based in Milton Keynes and is the PA to the (Anglican) Area Dean. Linda has just passed her Higher Certificate of Theology course via Oxford Diocese as a Durham student.

Linda has fond memories of learning to play the guitar and was Head of Choir at BHS. She still sings and plays.

Some years ago she had considerable success as a finalist in an International Songwriting Contest.

Georgina Laing (née Goodwin, 2010)

Following her mother’s death, Jane Hall (previously Goodwin, née Chandler, 1983) in 2017, Georgina has self-published a book documenting her mother’s journey from diagnosis to death. 2steps4ward is written using Jane’s personal blog, providing a moving and candid account of all that she experienced during her illness and treatment. The book is lightened

by Jane’s unique sense of humour, a tell-all look at the ups and downs of fighting terminal cancer.

International tours and regional productions before moving into Front of House Management.

The book is a multi-generational collaboration and includes a contribution from Jane’s mother, Dorothy Chandler (née Shreeves, 1958), sister, Jessica Goodwin-James (née Goodwin, 2007) and brother, Daniel Goodwin.

Having gone back to ‘treading the boards’ herself in 2017, Kathryn is Vice-Chair for Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust and has her own Drama Coaching company Standing in the Wings.

Jane Leech (née McKendrick, 1982)

Charlotte Tovey (McClean, 2009)

Congratulations to Chair of The Guild, Jane, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list (2020) for the recognition of her work at Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre in Clapham, Bedford. Jane has been a voluntary member of the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB), for 14 years.

The role of the Independent Monitoring Boards is to monitor and maintain fair treatment of people in prison or immigration detention.

Meetali Parekh (1998)

Meetali has enjoyed a varied career in Finance and Technology, both in the UK and the Far East. During this time, Meetali, inspired by her family’s heritage and recipes from Gujarat, India, has launched a food blog. Meetali is keen to develop this passion further and working towards becoming a full-time food writer.

Blog: www.gujaratifoodmadeeasy.com Instagram @meetalispantry

Debbie Patel (neé Ganguli, 1994)

Debbie currently works in General Dental Practice as a practice owner and surgeon in Bedfordshire. She also teaches Indian Classical Dance at her dance school based in Milton Keynes: Satayam - Debbie Ganguli-Patel Dance and Music School. Debbie has a 15 year old daughter, who attends BGS, and 10 year old son.

Anita Paymaster (née Anhal, 1985)

Following school, Anita has had a successful career in retail banking, working for both the Halifax and the Lloyds Banking Group. Anita was one of the faces of the Halifax Bank’s recent marketing campaign.

Kathryn Rose (2004)

Kathryn studied Arts Management at the University of Leeds. On graduating, Kathryn joined the stage management team at Opera North and spent a decade working on various productions including West End shows, UK and

in digital strategy. In 2020, she became Deputy Director of COVID Response in Further Education, a tough but fulfilling job. She has recently encountered two other BHS alumnae leading education policy! Tracey and her family live in Hertfordshire.

She lives in Northamptonshire and works as an executive assistant.

Charlotte studied medicine at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where she intercalated in History and Philosophy of Medicine and rowed in the lightweight Boat Race. After completing her clinical studies and foundation training in London and Birmingham, she commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Highlights of her three years as an Army General Duties Medical Officer included deployments to Uganda, training UPDF soldiers, and to Poland as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence. She also competed with her Regimental Nordic Skiing team in Norway and France during the 2020/21 season.

Charlotte is now training as a military GP and lives in Surrey with her husband, Matt.

Caroline Watson (2012)

Congratulations to Caroline who raised over £1200 for the charity, Brain Tumour Research; the charity is very close to her heart having been diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008 whilst at school.

Due to COVID, the charity were unable to run their usual Walks of Hope, and encouraged fundraisers to take part in their own socially distanced fundraising walks. Caroline, along with her parents and partner, took part in a 10 miles walk.

Angie Popham (née Williams, 1998) After a gap year in Germany, Angie studied German and Politics at the University of Warwick. She found a career that would combine her interest in language with her desire to make a positive difference. She completed a BSc in Speech and Language Therapy and now works for the NHS helping children who have difficulties with communication.

Tracey Williams Allred (née Williams, 2001)

Tracey studied Politics at the University of Nottingham. In 2010 she joined the Civil Service Fast Stream and has been a civil servant for 11 years, advising ministers in Education, Justice and Cabinet Office, specialising

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The Williams

Jess Miller (née Williams, 2010)

Jess enjoyed a gap year before studying Physiotherapy at King’s College London, specialising in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Jess works as a Physiotherapist at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Jess lives with her husband of five years, Ed Miller, they enjoy weightlifting and even enter the occasional Strongman competition together.

Mel Williams (2010)

Mel studied a Masters in Natural Sciences at University College London, specialising in Environmental Biology and Geology. She works for the factual television company, Atlantic Productions, where she has been working for six years, in various roles.

She has appeared on credits alongside David Attenborough, and met Judi Dench. Who says you can’t combine science and creativity?

DAME ALICE HARPUR SCHOOL

Farhana Haque (DAHS, 2011)

Farhana read Law at the University of Exeter and had a successful career in the high-growth tech industry, including Head of Legal and Compliance at a financial technology company.

Having grown up with asthma and numerous allergies, Farhana’s fascination with fragrances naturally led her to use non-toxic fragrances to fill her life with beautiful scents.

In 2017, Farhana along with her business partner, set up Handmade in Harpenden, a production studio and store selling their own environmentally friendly fragrant candles, diffusers and beauty products: www.handmadeinharpenden.com

Hannah Hurd (née Robson, 1998)

Hannah has launched a business with her friend Zannah Allen of Rosehip Bespoke Floristry, opening a shop at The Barn in Cardington selling beautiful arrangements of locally grown flowers www.rosehipbespoke.co.uk

Lucy James (2010) Lucy recently joined England Athletics as their PR & Communications Manager. A talented sportswoman, Lucy is a former International Athlete (400m) and Sports Management graduate of Loughborough University.

Sarah Kupke (née Webb, 1978) Congratulations to Sarah who has started a new role as Head of Professional Learning at the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS). She was previously the Head of Campus (Sindelfingen) at the International School of Stuttgart.

Alice MacFarlane (née Cooper, 2002) Alice studied Economics at the University of Edinburgh, before training as a Chartered Accountant with PwC and later became an investment manager with Kames Capital.

She relocated to Perthshire with her husband and was keen to start a business that worked around her busy family life. She met her future business partner at a mother and toddler group and together they launched their online business, Pairs Scotland, selling luxury mohair and alpaca socks. www.pairs-scotland.co.uk

Sonia Minney (née Pendall, 1957) Sonia has been the CEO of the Bedford Guild House (BGH) for 23 years. The charity provide activities for the over 50’s community. There are many alumnae involved with the charity but sadly the pandemic meant that the charity has been unable to do many fund-raising events. For more information www.bedfordguildhouse. org. Sonia’s claim to fame is two tandem skydives and still working at 80!

Abiola Onabule (2012) Abiola studied Fashion Design at the University of Westminster followed by a Masters in Fashion at Central Saint Martins. Abiola has worked for a number of London and European based designers before being selected as one of the four Designers in Residence at the Design Museum 2020-2021.

The Designers in Residence programme has been supporting emerging designers since 2007. Abiola’s work draws inspiration from her Nigerian culture. She has been researching the craft of adire, the indigo-dyed cloth typically made in southwestern Nigeria

by Yoruba women, using a variety of resist-dyeing techniques. Her collection uses adire techniques to investigate how local West African textile designs can be redefined to resonate with contemporary fashion, and uncovers the social, ethical and economic value of local production.

Abiola is interested in the process of making as an ‘act of care’; she has collaborated on a film, Iyá Àlàro (‘mother of indigo’ / ‘head dyer’), that presents this craft as nurturing and sustainable; the antithesis of the careless and wasteful processes found within western textile production.

Gloria Onitiri (2002) Gloria has built a very successful stage and TV career, her best-known work includes West End roles as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard, Nala in The Lion King and a Christmas Carol. She is currently starring as the Godmother in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End performance of Cinderella.

Unable to perform in lockdown, she came across poetry she penned as her younger self, which together with the backdrop of the Black Lives’ Matter in Spring 2020, inspired the launch of a podcast entitled, Letter to a Black Girl. Gloria interviewed inspirational black women sharing their stories and experiences. Each woman is asked to write a letter to their younger self – hence, Letter to a Black Girl. The interviews, and letters, provide an illuminating and thought-provoking listen.

Gloria was approached by members of the BGS African Caribbean (ACS) Society as part of their research into exploring how the diversity of the student body has evolved over time.

Impressed by the students Gloria offered them the opportunity to be part of the podcast. Switching her usual narrative she asked the students to write letter to their older selves, centred around what they might wish or hope for the future. The students read their letters before joining Gloria for a round table discussion. Listen on Spotify / Letter to a Black Girl.

(Capt) Neera Kaushik Shah (2009) By day Neera is a specialist Pharmacist for the Central and NW London NHS Foundation Trust and in her spare time she is an Army Reservist, serving as Commander of Hitchin (162) Detachment, 254 Medical Regiment. Her involvement as a Reservist was sparked by her time in the CCF and she continues 06

to enjoy the challenges and responsibility of Army Life. Neera is motivated to be a role model, she is an active member of the Defence Hindu Network, which links Hindus from across the Armed Forces and Civil Service to forward the diversity and inclusion within the Army. Neera recently married, and lives in Kempston.

BEDFORD GIRLS’ SCHOOL Frances Christian-Allan (2017)

Frances read Geography and Environmental Management at Harper Adams University, including a placement year working in the Environment and Sustainable Development Department, at Network Rail. She now works for her family business; a company specialising in agricultural trailer inspections to improve farm safety, where she has been given the responsibility of expanding the business to Northern Ireland.

Somerset Crosbie (2017) Somerset graduated in Economics and International Development from the University of Sussex. She is enjoying her role in the Civil Service as an Assistant Economist in the Department of Health and Social Care.

Abby Dawson (2017) Abby graduated in English Literature and Linguistics from Brighton University and is moving to Madrid to teach English to Spanish students.

Laura English (2017) Laura read Marketing and Management at the University of Sussex and is now studying for an MSc in International Business. Laura plans to gain industry experience before potentially qualifying as a Business Studies teacher. Her interest in Business was fostered by her inspiring Sixth Form teachers.

Bethany Guerin (2016) Congratulations to Bethany who has qualified as a Chartered Accountant and started working as a Student Recruitment Officer at PwC, recruiting for Tax and Legal roles in London and the South East.

Bethany studied Business Accounting and Finance at Newcastle University, as part of the Flying Start Programme with PwC, a degree programme which combined study and placements within the accountancy firm.

Hannah Hambleton-Jewell (2015) Hannah graduated from The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham, in 2020 and is now on the register of veterinary surgeons in the UK.

Hannah reflects on the most amazing five years which has taken her to Kythira, a small Greek island and South Africa where she completed a placement on a Game reserve treating animals including a rhino and a giraffe.

She also completed a sports medicine externship working at Gatcombe Park and Blenheim Palace horse trials.

Hannah has begun an internship at Bourton Vale Equine Clinic in the Cotswolds, working with racehorses, sports horses and pleasure horses. Her role will involve a lot of on-call/out of hours work and she will receive further training in anaesthesia, surgery, and in-patient care.

Claire Kearney (BGS 2017) Claire studied Mathematics at the University of Leeds including an industrial placement year with Mazars. She was subsequently offered a graduate role starting in September 2021, where she will complete further training to become an Actuary.

Katy Mansell (2016) Katy studied Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University and has secured a role at the uber-cool Ned Hotel, London. Based on the front desk she ensures the hotel’s guests are well looked after from the moment they step through the door. Katy is very grateful for all the valuable hotel and marketing work experience she gained through members of The Alumnae community during her time at university.

Clementine McIntosh (2017) Clementine graduated in Drama and Theatre Arts for the University of Birmingham, in 2021. Due to COVID, Clementine has been unable to move into this career path and has taken up a fundraising role at a new educational charity, Learning by Heart, which provides much needed affordable tutoring service and advice for GCSE and A-Level students. Students contribute what they can afford and any profits fund the work of pan-African charity, CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education), who work to widen access to girls’ education in the SubSaharan nations.

As part of her fundraising efforts, Clementine set up a virtual event for Sixth Form students. The event was hosted by Clementine along with guest students from a number of top universities answering questions about: choosing your final universities; how to navigate offers and student finances; and how to prepare for the start of university.

Courtney Osborne-Walker (2015) Congratulations to Courtnay who has joined The Body Coach team, with Joe Wicks, beating a mammoth 5000 applicants!

ALUMNAE TENNIS Emma Brown (2018), Tor Caldwell (2015) and Sarah Morse (2015)

Courtnay, who is the founder of Cardiocollective, impressed Joe with her ‘amazing energy and passion to inspire others’. Her role will involve creating fitness content for the new Body Coach app, as well at the UK’s leading YouTube channel, Body Coach TV channel. Courtnay reflected on her selection: “I am so grateful to Joe and The Body Coach team for providing me this opportunity to make an impact and share my passion and love for fitness.”

Revée Walcott-Nolan (2013) Representing Team GB, Revée secured a place to compete in the 1500m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

We are so very proud of Revée who ran a personal best (4:06.23) in her heat, narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot. To reach the Olympics is such an incredible achievement; what an inspiration and an amazing role model.

Alongside her sporting achievements, Revée has a burgeoning career as a model, modelling for many well-known brands including Sweaty Betty and Superdry.

ALUMNAE ACHIEVEMENTS After a pandemic-laden 18 months’ wait, the team at Maths Circle were absolutely delighted to formally receive their Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation. The company is co-owned by alumna, Nicola Reddy (née Oakley, BHS 1999) and over a fifth of her team are alumnae: Sarah Parrish (BGS 2014), Tor Caldwell (BGS 2015) and Natalia Baker (née Reddy, DAHS 2001).

Maths Circle created the popular Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots apps to engage children and improve numeracy skills, increasing confidence and proficiency in maths. www.mathscircle.com

The Dream Team comprising Tor, Sarah and Emma continue to play County tennis together for Bedfordshire, playing against some strong teams from Somerset, Cambridgeshire, Durham & Cleveland, Sussex and Berkshire.

Finally, well done to the many alumnae who have been busy fundraising:

Vicky Owens (née Harris, BHS 1995) In September 2021, Vicky took part in the Trek 24-Chilterns event where she was tabbing 24 miles carrying 30lb in a bergen for East Anglian Air Ambulance.

In June she will be doing the Fan Dance Double Tap again carrying a bergen with 30lb over the SAS selection route. This will be for Diabetes UK as she is a type 1 diabetic.

Helen Smart (née Cushion, DAHS 1994) In Autumn 2021, Helen challenged herself to run 200 miles, including the Great South Run, over three months in aid of Julia’s house, Naomi’s house and Jack’s place.

Philippa Tredget (BHS 2010) Philippa completed the Newport Wales Marathon in October 2021 in aid of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

Melissa Williams (BHS 2010) Melissa ran the Richmond Runfest Marathon in September 2021 in aid of the Peritoneal Malignancy Institute (PMI) at Basingstoke Hospital

Congratulations members of our alumnae community who took part in the London Marathon 2021; Hannah Ayres (BHS 2012) Ride High Elly Cooper (née Pendry BHS 1999 and BHS Staff) Alzheimer’s Society Ellie Gill (DAHS 2012) Dogs for Good Helen Hepher & Robyn Stewart (BGS 2013) Rainforest Foundation Chris Lugsden (née White, DAHS 1994 and Head of Art, BGS) Water Aid Charlotte Martin (née Ashcroft, BHS 1996 and Head of Year 3, BGS) Sarcoma UK

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Nicky Wright (née Sowerby, BHS 1987) RAF Benevolent Fund

Celebrating British Science Week and International Women’s Day with our STEMinists As a School, we have an impressive track record of the number of our alumnae who have gone on to study STEM related subjects at university and progressed to build interesting careers across STEM sectors.

B

ritish Science Week and International Women’s Day are celebrated dates with the BGS calendar and with this in mind we invited five alumnae to help launch the week with some virtually inspired talks and tasks for our younger students to undertake. It really was a wonderful way to welcome everyone back into class after the period of post-Christmas lockdown and to enthuse all the students.

We were delighted to welcome Dr Anna Ploszajski (DAHS 2009) to open the virtual proceedings. A keen scientist at school, Anna went on to read Material

Science at the University of Oxford, followed by a doctorate in the subject at University College London. Anna is now an award-winning materials scientist, writer and storyteller. She’s a materials generalist, equally fascinated by metals, plastics, ceramics, glasses and substances from the natural world.

Uniquely, Anna is also a stand-up comedian making people laugh about her favourite subject. She has won many awards for her work, including being named Young Engineer of the Year 2017 by the Royal Academy of Engineering, and winning the Silver Medal from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in 2018. She has also just released a book, Handmade: A Scientist’s Search for Meaning Through Making.

Inspired by her own swim in 2018, Anna delivered a fascinating talk on The Science of Swimming the English Channel, and how science affected every part of the challenge: Anna shared that she had to eat every hour of the swim to keep her energised and how mini rolls were the perfect energy providing food as they are also waterproof, buoyant,

Pictured (Left to Right): Helen Hepher (BGS 2013) Dr Anna Ploszajski (DAHS 2009) Lucy Wood (née Rosser, DAHS 2000)

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soft and small. She talked about the challenges of tidal flow, the Archimedes’ Principle, the development of swimwear material, ultra violet rays and jelly-fish stings.

Anna had created experiments in the confines of her garden, performing the slow burning of maltodextrin in contrast to sucrose as an energy source.

Anna also revealed how the constantly moving tides of the English Channel, in conjunction with gravitational forces, prevented her from swimming in a straight line. She exhibited this by setting up a line from fence to fence, imbedded with 200 Jelly Babies pierced cocktail sticks (100 either side), along with the help of a wave machine, creating a visual demonstration of the complexities of multiple small waves.

Inspired by Anna, our Year 3 students investigated how the lifecycle of jellyfish can be reversed! The excitement in their discovery of information was palpable and there was much delight when they uncovered that if you cut a jellyfish in half, the pieces of the jellyfish can regenerate and turn into two new jellies!

Helen Hepher (BGS 2013) studied Geography at the University of Sheffield, followed by a Masters in Urban Design at University College London.

Helen works as an Urban Designer at Levitt Bernstein; an innovative architectural practice specialising in social housing. Helen’s work focuses on creating sustainable regeneration in urban areas by working with the local communities, designing housing that works alongside the local environment.

Helen’s company prides themselves on inventive design that creates living environments which are beautiful, sustainable and functional.

Helen took the Year 3 girls on two virtual walks from BGS to St Paul’s Church in the town centre, accepting that all of us have different perspectives on which was nicer. The girls were then tasked with creating their own urban playground, coming up with their own success criteria, based on the elements Helen had introduced on how this would be successful.

Year 4 students met Lucy Wood (née Rosser, DAHS 2000). She studied Geography at the University of Nottingham, followed by a MSc in Environmental Management and then embarked on a career in environmental consultancy and planning. She works for Barton Willmore - the UK’s largest independent planning & design company, leading a team providing environmental, health & well-being, socio-economics and sustainability advice to development projects within a range of sectors.

Lucy challenged the students to design a new community, taking into consideration environmentally friendly and sustainable resources, impressing that they also needed to consider transport, energy, growing food and waste. In a perfect end to the day (International Women’s Day) Lucy also found out that she had been listed in The Planner’s, ‘Women of Influence 2021’.

Dr Claire Kotecki (DAHS 1989) works in biological and genetic research at The Open University; she is a lecturer in Biology and a STEM Open Media Fellow. She is also one of the Academic Consultants to the new BBC series, Forensics: The Real CSI, working with the production company to ensure everything on screen is scientifically accurate.

An experienced on-line teacher, Claire designs and presents live lab broadcasts bringing interactive lab science to students off-campus. Claire worked with both the Year 5 and 6 students and treated the two groups to a virtual tour of her lab in action, where they saw the research she is undertaking into fruit flies. The Year 5’s were surprised to hear that, as humans, we have 60% of our DNA in common with a fruit fly! Claire also talked about how she assesses sources of scientific information. The students were challenged to research their own ‘science stories’ and tell them in a medium of their choosing.

The Year 6’s were fascinated to learn about life as a research scientist and all the important research taking place using the tiny fruit flies we find on bananas. The genetic discoveries

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made help with medical treatments for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Claire tasked the students in groups to come up with a scientific development that could improve our lives. Ideas included wearable items such as hairbands that include trackers for safety and machines that cook you nutritionally balanced meals.

Lastly, we were joined by Emma Watt (2014). Having graduated in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Leeds she gained a MSc in International Security from the University of Bristol and now works for IBM as a Cyber Security consultant.

Geared towards our Senior School students, Emma prepared a fascinating virtual talk to budding computer scientists about her experience of being a female working in cyber security. Her talk focused on her experience of being a female breaking into the technical world from a non-technical background; playing catch-up on her IT knowledges on her graduate scheme. Emma also spoke about the growing apprenticeships in this area. She discussed having the confidence in applying for jobs when you do not necessarily have the full skill set required, making the areas you perceive you are lacking as goals rather than obstacles. There is a big drive in increasing the diversity within the industry and Emma is keen that women are equipped with the skills required to thrive in this ever-expanding market.

We are very grateful to Anna, Lucy, Claire, Helen and Emma for inspiring another generation of budding STEMinists.

A DECADE OF STUDENT LEADERSHIP The Journal catches up with the Head Girls who led BGS through its first decade.

Lucy Charatan (2012-2013)

Ellen Lovell (2015-2016)

Lucy studied Philosophy & Ethics, French and History A Levels and was the inaugural Head Girl at BGS.

Ellen studied Economics, Spanish, English, French, Maths and Biology for her IB Diploma.

She read Business Administration at the University of Bath, which also included a semester at the Sydney Business School, achieving a First Class degree.

Lucy read Law at the University of Cambridge, achieving a First and went straight to work as a trainee for global law firm, CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro.

Since graduating Ellen has been working for subscriptionbased workout app, FIIT, an app rivaling the traditional gym model. More recently, she has just started a new role at McLaren Racing as a Customer Relationship Management Executive.

Alongside her work, Lucy has gone on to gain her LPC and MSc at the University of Law (achieving a distinction) and later went on to undertake a Postgraduate Diploma in EU Competition Law at King’s College London. Impressively Lucy was awarded the Dickson Poon School of Law Prize for best overall mark.

A water sports enthusiast, Ellen has attained both her driving licences for RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the British Waterski Ski Boat Level 2.

Harriet Clough (2013-2014)

Anna Hunt (2016-2017)

With a passion for the sciences at School, Harriet went on to read Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nottingham.

In the Sixth Form Anna studied the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Harriet qualified as a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Summer 2020 and works for a practice in Bristol.

Anna read BSc Biological Sciences at Durham University, which included a work experience placement at Waitrose’s Leckford Estate, working in their Arable Team. She was President of the Durham University Netball Club as well as becoming the Sports Officer for her college, St. Mary’s.

Juliet Allen (2014-2015) Juliet studied the International Baccalaureate Diploma and read BA French and Philosophy at the University of Oxford.

Since graduating Anna has secured a job as a Trainee Assistant Farm Manger, at Elveden Estates, combining her love of science and farming. She continues to play competitive netball and remains involved with the Young Farmers.

After university Juliet moved to Brussels to work for COWBOY, a tech start-up that designs electric bikes and publishes thought pieces on the ideal sustainable city. Specialising in Creative, she writes and works on film shoots, most recently in Lisbon and Kiev. Now based in London, in her spare time she enjoys painting and film making.

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Devon Ward (2017-2018)

Leigh-Ann Cudjoe (2020-2021)

Devon is a Fourth Year Medical student intercalating in Psychology at Cardiff University. Devon has a keen interest in Psychiatry and this year she is also studying for a Psychology degree to improve her understanding of psychological medicine and mental health.

Leigh-Ann completed A Levels in Biology, English Language and Politics in the Summer of 2021. She has embarked upon a Law degree at the University of Leeds.

Leigh-Ann Cudjoe reflected on the extraordinary year her GLG had: “When we were appointed as the GLG in 2020, I think it is fair to say we were not expecting the year to turn out how it did. However, despite the challenges we faced, I believe that as a team we overcame these challenges and were able to fulfil our roles with the help and support of our peers and staff. When deciding our campaign One Smile, I did not anticipate how impactful it would be. Throughout a year where so many faced their own personal challenges, it was lovely to see our school community come together to keep each other smiling throughout challenging times.

Around her studies, Devon is a mentor for those wishing to study Medicine. She is a writer for Geeky Medics, writing 330 multiple-choice questions focusing on anatomy and histology. Her questions have been answered over 42,000 times by medical students and other healthcare professionals! Devon is also a university ambassador for the Unofficial Guide to Medicine (UGTM), a text book series working on a peer-led publishing model written by students and junior doctors.

“This year has been a whirlwind, but it has taught us all many lessons, it has shown us that in times where we face difficulties we can adapt. I also think this year has shown us just how much our school life means to each and every one of us and how important it is for our wellbeing.

“I cannot thank our teachers enough for encouraging us and supporting us in all the ventures we have set out to complete. As bittersweet as it is to be leaving, I can say that I am leaving knowing that the tight knit community we have will always welcome us all back with open arms, and will be there to champion our success, just as they have done for the last 10 years.”

We are also grateful to the help Devon offer aspiring BGS medical students help with interviews and applications.

Lauren Lewis (2018-2019) Lauren joined BGS in Year 9 from Kingshott School and she studied Mathematics, Philosophy & Ethics and Physics at A Level.

Lauren is currently reading Physics with Philosophy at the University of Sheffield.

She reflected on her time at BGS.

Masooma Sultana (2021-22)

“I am a strong believer that you are the product of the role models that are in orbit around you, and in looking back at the teachers I had the pleasure of being taught by over the years, I truly can see so many of their values in myself. My history teacher and my maths teacher at primary school, my form tutor during my GCSES, and my science teachers during my time at school, just to name a few, have all imparted their passion for the value of education onto me, and for that I am eternally grateful.”

Masooma is our current Head Girl and she is studying Physics, Economics, Maths and Further Maths. Masooma has applied to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at university.

Masooma has been at BGS since Year 7 and has thoroughly enjoyed every moment of her time here. She tries to take part in as many clubs and experiences as possible, including being one of founders of the South Asian Society with fellow Sixth Form students. Masooma is a very proactive member of the wider community and is a Deputy Member of Youth Parliament for Bedford. She is very passionate about giving every young person a voice and is leaning towards having a career in Politics.

Chloe Boul (2019-2020) Chloe and her twin sister joined BGS Sixth Form from North Carolina, USA. Chloe studied Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics.

Since leaving school Chloe has gone on to read BSc in Natural Sciences at Durham University and has hopes of becoming a teacher one day.

“Some of the teachers I had early on were really awesome and this made me think that I should be a teacher when I grow up. I started helping out the teachers in lessons by teaching younger kids when they were busy. This really made me realise that teaching is was what I want to do. I have yet to meet a teacher who hasn’t encouraged me and told me to go for it. I can honestly say that teachers have been a huge part of making me who I am today.”

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ALUMNAE EVENTS We would like to thank the following members of The Alumnae, who inspired students with their contributions at a number of virtual and in-person events across the last year including; the Campaign Challenge; the Girls’ Leadership Group Day; Upper Sixth Uni Prep Mentoring; Year 11 Introduction to Sixth Form; and the Year 10 IB Day. Ros Ball (BHS 1996) Ros has worked for the BBC on current affairs and political programming. She is an author as well as a policy maker at the Government Equalities Office.

Rose Gledhill (née Lane, DAHS 1979) HR Director and Executive Coach of Face HR, Rose works with new organisations and groups, focusing on building confidence and looking to the future as a team.

Liz Macfie (BHS 2002) Head of Data Science at Century Tech, provided a session on achieving effective leadership and team work, building on skills and strengths.

Fiyin Fayeye (BHS 2002) spoke to students about individual and group responsibilities and how it can effectively help them build their personal statements and CVs for the future.

Rebecca Hutchings (BGS 2015) works as a recruitment consultant at Holker Watkin Ltd, and provided lots of good tips on CV Writing and Interview Skills.

Hannah Leggott (BHS 1998) had a successful career in investment banking and consults in financial services, but has returned to studying and is a student of Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy.

Hannah is an accomplished mental health speaker and delivered a talk on Mental Health and Well-Being.

Emilina Lionetti (DAHS 2012) is an Education and Wellbeing Specialist and a Youth Engagement Officer for The Terrence Higgins Trust and ICaSH Bedfordshire. Emilina delivered two talk on Sexual Health and Healthy Relationships.

Emma Maslin (BHS 1999) is the founder of The Money Whisperer, educating women in financial health and wellbeing. Emma talked to the students about good financial habits and budgeting skills.

Hannah Ventisei (BGS 2014) shared her experiences of studying the International Baccalaurate Diploma, and the impact it had on her further education; after reading English and French at Durham she has begun a career with Danone.

Sophie Wright (BGS, 2015), pursued a post-school apprenticeship in Digital Marketing. She spoke about her career and provided tips for designing campaigns.

Additionally, thank you to Anika Sharma (BGS 2019) and Alice Frost (BGS 2017) for producing videos on their experiences of studying the International Baccalaureate programme.

Alumnae Netball, Summer 2021

Playing in South London as part of the Go Mammoth league, the alumnae team Big Goal Scorers (BGS), have gone from strength to strength this season finishing 4th in their league table. Well done Big Goal Scorers!

The Guild Biennial, May 2021

The first virtual Biennial was held on Saturday 15th May welcoming many alumnae from around the world. It was a lovely occasion remembering school days and celebrating friendships.

Co-hosted by Guild committee member, Hannah Leggott (1998), and talented musician and actress, Carrie Rawlings (1998), the Biennial took a different format this year. Many of the attendees had joined the virtual choir the month prior and under Carrie’s expert guidance showcased their uplifting version of Sing; featuring current BGS soloist, Ellie Robson-Green (Year 8).

Miss Jo MacKenzie was the keynote speaker and reflected on her Headship at BGS. She talked about her passion for girls’ education and the importance of preparing girls for an ever-changing world. Other speakers included, Guild Chair: Jane Leech; former BHS Headmistress Anne Kaye; Guild Chaplain Paul Fricker and BGS Headmistress Gemma Gibson.

The Biennial concluded with breakout chat rooms for decade groups and virtual tours of the archives.

Big Goal Scorers

Lottie Bruce (2014), Bea Caldwell (2014), Tor Caldwell (2015), Ellie Harbinson (2014), Holly Knowles (2014), Kirstie Moffat (2016), Katie Rossitter (2014), Rachel Sayer (2016), Amber Stewart (2013) and Emma Watt (2014), If alumnae are interested in starting a sports team please email alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

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Old Girls’ Lacrosse, September 2021

The start of the school year saw the return of the BGS First Team v BGS Old Girls’ match at Cople Fields. Hosting our first large scale sporting event since the pandemic felt special and it was lovely to welcome a large number of families.

For the majority of students this was their first competitive match for over 18 months but there was certainly no dust on any of the sticks! The final score was 11-4 to the Old Girls’.

BGS student Kierra Saloma was awarded the Joan Gibson Player of the Match Award for her impressive saves and a zero-fear approach to stopping balls!

Old Girls’ Lacrosse Match (September 2021)

We look forward to welcoming alumnae to our inaugural Alumnae v Current Students’ Hockey and Netball matches in memory of the late Sarah Raven (née Fisher 2004) on Sunday 27th March 2022.

OG’s Team - Emily Allen (2019), Mel Houghton (2019), Annabel Sadler (2014) Judith Tarrant (2019), Milly Thurman (2020), Bronwyn Tagg (2019), Holly Smith (2021), Maddie Axford (2021), Milly David (2021), Emily Dunning (2021), Bree Peer Bonsu (2021), Ella Turner (2021), Amy Chappelhow (2020), Mimi Collier (2021).

Class of 2020 Late Summer Garden Party and Opening of the Sensory Garden, September 2021 We were delighted to finally welcome our 2020 leavers and former Headmistress, Miss Jo MacKenzie, for a much-delayed farewell celebration and the official opening of our beautiful Sensory Garden.

Canapés and fizz circulated and fragrant smells from the garden filled the air.

The vision of the 2019/20 Girls’ Leadership Group (GLG) the garden is a calm retreat for student to use as a place to sit and reflect. The beautiful garden was kindly designed by BGS parent, Mr Scott, MD and Principal Designer at The Garden Co. A big thank you to The Alumnae, The Bedford High School Guild and The Association who all generously donated funds to turn the vision into a reality.

Thank you to the following alumnae who have helped over the course of the year in so many ways - mentoring, virtual Lunchbox Lectures, careers advice, work placement opportunities, mock interviews, university and course information and to those that have contributed to helping implement BGS’s diversity and inclusion programme: Naela Ali-Bacon (née Sayyeda Ali, BHS 1997), Juliet Allen (BGS 2015), Charlie Anderson (BGS 2018), Shivani Ashoka (DAHS 2003), Alice Baker (BGS 2020), Hannah Barbour (née Kettleborough, DAHS 1998), Zandria Barclay (née Tolliday, DAHS 1997), Sue Beardsmore (DAHS 1973), Hannah Beazley (BGS 2015), Aisha Bi (BGS 2017), Sally Biddulph (née Mules, BHS 1993), Hannah Biernat (née Davies, DAHS 2007), Katie Blackett (BHS 2007), Clare Brown (BHS 1999), Emma Brown (BGS 2013), Denise Burgess (née West, BHS 1994), Nathaniel Burrows (BGS 2014), Brooke Curtis (BHS 1999), Zoe Carter (BGS 2014), Flora Charatan

The garden incorporates raised-beds for growing organic vegetables for the use at Greens, promoting the importance of gardening and the benefits it brings to mental and physical health.

Mrs Gibson (Headmistress) reflected: “It was so wonderful to welcome many of our 2020 leavers and Miss MacKenzie to celebrate the opening of the Sensory Garden. It is a testament to the determination of that year group and the assistance of so many from our wider community that the garden came to fruition and it was lovely to bring parts of our community back together again past. I know we will continue to enjoy the garden in this way for many years to come.”

(BGS 2015), Maria Cherezova (BHS 2010), Sue Claremont (BHS archivist), Velda Croot (DAHS 1991), Emma Cummins (BHS 1988) , Rosalyn Dolan (BGS 2018), Chantal Duchenne (BGS 2015), Hannah Edwards (BHS 2008), Melissa Farquhar (BGS 2017), Gabriela Feerick (BHS 2009), Alice Fish (BGS 2015), Emma ForbesLaird (née Huddart, BHS 1994), Kathy Fricker (Former BHS staff), Alice Frost (BGS 2017), Emily Gentle (BGS 2014), Jess Haines (BGS 2013), Cat Hale (BHS 2005), Dr Mary Hardwick (DAHS 1978), Julie Hart (née Maw, BHS 1988), Mia Hartwell (BHS 2006), Penny Herriman (DAHS 1988), Emma Hooker (BGS 2014), Emma Hooker (BGS 2014), Rebecca Hooker (BGS 2016), Ola Hotson (née Britten 1997), Dr Christina Hough (née Beecroft, BHS 1987), Louise Hughes (née Truswell, BHS 1998), Emma Jaynes (DAHS 1995), Jess Kemble (BGS 2018), Bella Ladd (BGS 2014), Emilina Lionetti (DAHS 2012), Sarah Lucas (DAHS 1993), Grace Marner (BGS 2014), Clementine McIntosh (BGS 2017), Heather Merrison-Adie (née Adie, DAHS 13

2012), Kirstie Moffat (BGS 2016), Erisa Mokhtari (BGS 2019), Alexis Monks (BGS 2014), Rachel O’Brien (née Dolamore, DAHS 1990), Gloria Onitiri (DAHS 2002), Sarah Osborne-Clinch (née Osborne, BHS 1984), Nancy Paladina (BGS 2013), Meetali Parekh (BHS 1998), Jenni Penrose (née Akers, DAHS 2008), Dr Anna Ploszajski (DAHS 2009), Dr Hannah Pool (DAHS 2005), Ariadna Puchal Carrillo (BGS 2017), Eleanor Reeds (BHS 2007), Rachael Robson-Green (BHS 1992), Olivia Sergeant (BGS 2018), Abby Schofield, DAHS 1997), Lucy Scott (DAHS 2011), Neena Sharma (BHS 2002), Katie Sharrock (BGS 2019), Dr Fiona Smith (DAHS 1998), Eloise Stark (DAHS 2007), Juliet Stewart (BGS 2016), Emily Strange (DAHS 2010), Bonnie Tang (BGS 2018), Dr Charlotte Taras (DAHS 2009), Dr Charlotte Tovey (née McClean, BHS 2009), Catherine Tyack (née Good, BHS 1997), Hannah Ventisei (BGS 2014), Emma Watt (BGS 2014), Kerry Wilson (née Mann, BHS 1982) Lucy Wood (née Rosser, DAHS 2000).

ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT:

Working in the NHS Over the past eighteen months of the pandemic we have heard from many alumnae working in healthcare professions.

We are so proud and grateful for the work they have done throughout this time, but also for the incredible contribution their areas of expertise make to our lives every day.

Finola McDonagh (BGS 2015), embarked on an Adult Nursing Degree at Oxford Brookes University. Since graduating, Finola works as a Critical Care Staff Nurse in the ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) unit at the Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge. There are only six specialist ECMO centres in the country. ECMO is a medical intervention that provides a form of life support to patients suffering severely with respiratory failure: a specialist intensive care life support machine which pumps oxygen into a patient’s blood, taking the pressure off their lungs. Typically, the unit accommodates patients who are recovering from post cardiac surgery, but since the rise of Covid-19 the unit has been majority occupied by patients suffering with the worst symptoms of the virus. ECMO is a highly specialised technique and Finola only completed her training shortly before the first wave of COVID. Her ascent into working practice in the unit has been very fast paced and has culminated in an increased responsibility.

but as a physiotherapist I am proud of the role we have played. It’s a pleasure to work with NHS colleagues and a privilege to be part of my patients’ lives.”

Ruth Riisnaes FIBMS (DAHS 1973), trained at St Thomas hospital and spent 33 years in Cellular Pathology as a Biomedical Scientist.

She is now a Senior Scientific Officer and Laboratory Manager of the Cancer Biomarkers Team at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in Surrey and runs the Histopathology section of the team, comprising six Biomedical Scientists and a Pathologist. They oversee samples from advanced metastatic cancer patients on clinical trials conducted within the Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH). Ruth is passionate about her work; constantly investigating new biomarkers for cancer therapies and proteins of interest. The team work with many collaborators worldwide, and are part of the ‘International Prostate Cancer Dream Team’ for Stand Up to Cancer.

Additionally, they work with drug companies, including the development and trial of the drug, Abiraterone (Zytiga) which has been used by over 300,000 men in the treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer.

Kate Hughes (née Smart, BHS 1999) works as a Diagnostic Radiographer in the CT/MRI department at Aintree hospital in Liverpool. She completed a degree in Diagnostic Radiography at Liverpool and secured a job at Aintree University Hospital, working in the general x-ray department for three years before completing a post graduate course in CT. Kate is the deputy manager in Computerised Tomography (CT). Her day to day job comprises operating the CT and MRI scanners and managing the running of the department; ensuring that the most appropriate scan is carried out and the best possible images are produced to help the medical teams plan their patient’s care. She and her team scan patients for all kinds of reasons, for both acute and chronic conditions. She is proud of her role as an Allied Health professional.

Additionally, we would like to thank the following alumnae who helped at our Allied Health Careers event: Emily Allen (BGS 2019) – Physiotherapy Claire Clark (née Radford, BHS 1994) – Community Adult Speech and Language Therapist

At school Caroline Shaw (BHS 1997) knew she wanted to do a job role where she could help others but had no idea what form that would take. Fortunately, at a careers day, a Physiotherapist spoke passionately about how interesting and rewarding the role was: Caroline was sold.

Diana Dagg (née Bullock, DAHS 1966) – Retired Diagnostic Radiographer

Caroline gained a BSc in Physiotherapy and initially followed a traditional pathway of working across many different areas. Over the last decade she has specialised in older peoples’ mental health, supporting patients with dementia or depression. Caroline has also completed a Masters degree and became the first Physio in her NHS Trust to be able to prescribe medicines independently.

Dr Rachel Hagger-Holt (nee Holt, DAHS 1992) – Clinical Psychologist

Caroline commented, “Physiotherapy is a diverse and rewarding career. For obvious reasons this past year has been the most challenging of my career

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Laura Fisher (BGS 2019) – Occupational Therapy Angela George (DAHS 2001) – Physiotherapist at the English Institute of Sport working with British Swimming

Kate Hughes (née Smart, BHS 1999) – CT Diagnostic Radiographer Amanda Masterson (née Sharman DAHS 1993) – Paediatric Dietitian Angie Popham (née Williams, BHS 1998) – Speech and Language Therapist Ruth Riisnaes FIMBS (DAHS 1973) – Biomedicine Caroline Shaw (BHS 1997) – Physiotherapy Jane Wijeratna (née Samuel, BHS 2003) – Physiotherapy

LEGACY

Leaving a legacy can make a significant contribution to the lives of future generations of students. We are thrilled to have recently received two legacies, both of which are already having an impact on the recipients.

beneficial to the School and a fitting tribute to Marion. We have a thriving Eco Club here at BGS, which operates across the whole of the school. As a school we aim to make our girls aware of the importance of global environmental matters as well as those in their own surroundings, and that everyone plays a part in looking after their environment.

BGS has taken part numerous times in the RSPB annual bird watch survey and we have been keen to encourage more birds to visit our gardens and to watch their activity. The kind legacy has enabled the School to purchase two bird boxes with cameras, one for the School garden and one for the rear of the School (facing the river), connected to provide a 24 hour live feed to our Biology Department. This has been put to great use in Biology as well as those members of the Eco Club. Additionally, two pairs of binoculars have also been purchased to monitor bird activity too.

With the remaining legacy we will fund places for two Sixth Form students each year to obtain a Lifesaving Award, the Marion Waller Lifeguarding Award.

This will run over the next five years and we are pleased to confirm that this will be rolled out in the next school year.

(Elizabeth) Anne Shortland-Jones (née Young, BHS 1950) We are delighted to announce the launch of the Shortland-Jones Oxbridge Award, specifically for students who achieve a place at either the University of Oxford or Cambridge for their undergraduate studies. This award has been made possible as a result of the generosity of Bedford High School alumna, Mrs (Elizabeth) Anne Shortland-Jones (née Young, 1950), who made the specific request that her legacy be used to support students studying at either Oxford or Cambridge.

Anne attended Bedford High School as a boarder between 1943-1950 and then went on to read Classics at St. Hugh’s College, Oxford. She worked for Investment Research, Cambridge before securing a highly confidential role at the Ministry of Defence, which involved her working for the British High Commission in Lagos.

Launched in 2021 an award of £2,500 will be made to every BGS Oxbridge student for each year of their undergraduate study. We are extremely thankful for the incredible legacy which allows us to recognise the significant

achievement of our students and pleased that in its inaugural year five students gained places at Oxbridge and will benefit from this award.

Marion Waller (née French, BHS 1950) A linguist and talented swimmer Marion attended Bedford High School from 1942-1950. Following her studies Marion returned to Bedford to teach French and Spanish at Dame Alice Harpur School, where she went on to become Head of Department (1956 – 1963).

After achieving her life saving awards at school Marion later became an assessor for the Swimming Teachers’ Association.

Marion married Robert Waller in 1963 and they enjoyed a long and happy married life in Ascote, Northamptonshire. Both enjoyed the beauty and the tranquillity of nature and this motivated much of their past times together, as well as providing inspiration for Marion’s fondness for writing poetry.

Marion also taught at the local school in the village and one of her former pupils coincidentally included current BGS Senior Deputy Head, Mr John Gardner.

Upon her death, Marion’s husband, Robert, has provided a kind legacy to use in a way that would be both 15

LEAVING A LEGACY If you are interested in finding out more about leaving a legacy, or making a regular contribution to the school, please contact Emma MacKenzie in The Alumnae Office.

As neither of the heritage schools exist as schools it is no longer possible to leave funds to these organisations. Please be advised that if it were your intention to leave any bequests to either Dame Alice Harpur School or Bedford High School, they would not automatically be transferred to Bedford Girls’ School and you need to specifically amend your Will to stipulate that change in beneficiary to BGS.

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

Alexandrina (Caroline) Buchanan (1987)

Congratulations to Alexandrina and Lyndon on the birth of Jemima Jerusha Florence Worth on 26 February 2020, a sister for Angus.

Dorothy Chandler (née Shreeves, 1958)

Congratulations to Dorothy and Richard who celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in April 2021.

Renhold, before moving to Halesworth in Suffolk. After careers in teaching Alan retained as an Anglican ordained priest and Margaret was a great help to him in his ministry.

Cynthia Fairhurst (Teacher of Classics 1962-1977)

Cynthia died of cancer in May 2021 aged 88.

Michael ‘Mick’ Galley

Bedford High School

Mick died December 2020, aged 91. He was the dearly loved husband of ‘Meg’ (Head of Geography and Head of Sixth Form, BHS) who died in 1991 and Judy West (Head of Domestic Science, BHS).

He was the proud father of Elizabeth (BHS 1976), Ruth (BHS 1978, d.1981) and Richard (BS 1982). A talented artist, Mick’s work was recognisable around BHS: he produced several beautiful pictures of the school as well as engraving a limited series of glass goblets to commemorate the school’s Centenary.

Jean Baker (née Robinson, 1945)

Diana Guerrini (née Daniels, 1961)

Verity Mason-Mcleod (née Mason, BHS 2004 and Director of Sport at BGS)

Congratulations to Verity and Martin on the arrival of Hattie Eleanor Joy, on 15th December 2020. A sister for Tilly.

Deaths

Jean died in early 2020.

Joyce Cartwright (née Field, 1951)

Joyce died in July 2020. Joyce was a dental nurse, working in London until she married in 1958. She and her husband moved to Canada, then America, before settling in Huntingdon in 1962.

Brenda Collier (née Fortescue, 1945) Brenda died in February 2020.

Alison Cook (née Perks, 1962)

Alison died in January 2020. She had a happy marriage with four children and enjoyed life as a respected Leader and Chairman of Sevenoaks District Council and a UK representative on the Council of Europe. She also chaired a host of local charities.

Margaret Violet Deering (née Carter, 1954) Margaret was born in 1936 and following school went on to Teacher Training College.

An accomplished cook and needlewomen she become a Domestic Science Teacher first at Gerrards Cross and then Beccles High School.

She met Alan and they married in

Diana died in May 2020. Diana’s daughter, Emma (1984) and two sisters, Julia Richardson (1967) and Heather Daniels (1970) attended BHS.

Florence Audrey Griffiths (née Irons, 1943)

Audrey died in March 2020 aged 95 years. Audrey’s two daughters attended BHS, Ann Griffiths (1974) and Karen Lee (1974).

(Mary) Pamela Halsey (1943)

Pamela died in August 2020. Pamela, after reading Classics at the University of Oxford, completed her Teaching Certificate at the University of Bristol.

She was a well-respected Classics teacher at Stamford High School.

Sandy Hebblethwaite (née White, 1955)

Sandy died in February 2021. Wife of David and mother to Rich, Bill and Ed. Sandy spent most of her life in Bedford, having boarded at Bedford High School from the age of 7. After a year in Lausanne teaching English, Sandy settled in Bedford, marrying David in 1959. A legendary baker and friend to all, Sandy will be sorely missed.

Susan Lazenby (née Graham-Smith, 1950)

Susan Lazenby died in June 2020.

Susan, remembered by her friend, Margaret Scott (née Sturton, 1951): “I met Sue at Kindergarten in 1939 and become close friends. I joined the High School in 1942 and Sue arrived a few terms later. We progressed through to the Lower Sixth Form. On leaving school Sue trained as a S.R.N at Middlesex Hospital, before training as a midwife. She married Keith in 1958 and they had two daughters, Jane (1971) and Elizabeth (1973), who both attended DAHS. Later, Sue became a nurse to one of the local consultants in his private work.”

Valerie Ovenden (née Alsop, 1956)

Died in September 2021. Valerie was Head Girl and gained a scholarship to read Maths at Newnham College, Cambridge, before embarking on a career in Computer Science. She retired in 1992 from a senior position with British Aerospace. Valerie was an active member of the local community, sang in the choir of St.Mary’s, Wroxham and acted as Diocesan President of the Norfolk branch of the Mothers’ Union. Along with her husband Reg, she produced The Bridge, a village magazine for Wroxham and Hoveton. Valerie had two children, two step-children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Jenny Pallot (née Scholes, 1963)

Jenny died in September 2020.

Susan Penfold (1954)

Susan died in February 2021. At school Susan was in Russell. She studied Medicine at St. Mary’s Hospital, London. She and her husband moved to Canada, first to Ontario and then Vancouver, where Susan became a Professor of Child Psychiatry. Susan was a keen skier and hiker.

Anya Reardon (née Varezhkina, 2002)

Anya tragically passed away on 4th November 2021, aged 37, from ovarian cancer. Anya had been living in New Zealand and she sadly leaves behind her husband Nils and their three children, Basil (5), Dora (3) and Vivian (1 ½).

Anya attended Bedford High School between 1998-2002, having previously

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been brought up in Moldova. Anya will be remembered so fondly by her year group; her ability to be friends with everyone and she was so full of enthusiasm about everything in life.

Anya’s friends in New Zealand have set up a fundraising page to help the Anya’s family with financial support for the future https://givealittle.co.nz/ cause/financial-support-for-thereardons.

Patricia Robertson (1957)

Pat died in November 2020, aged 81, following a battle with Alzheimer’s. Pat will be remembered as kind, gentle and funny. Pat was a talented hockey and cricket player and went on to Anstey College of Physical Education. She began her career as a PE teacher before joining the Civil Service.

Monica Joy Scoones (née Davison, 1948) & Dr Christine Maxwell (née Davison, 1945)

Monica died in early 2020. She attended BHS from 1937 and was Head Girl of Hilbre Grange. She was sister of Margaret (1939) and Christine (1945), cousin of Elizabeth Lott (née Tanner, 1957) and aunt of Alison Dove (née Maxwell, 1964).

Sadly, Christine also died in 2020. She attended BHS as a boarder from 1933 and was Head Girl in 1945.

Margaret Smith (née Mitchell, 1941)

Margaret died in October 2019, aged 95 years. On leaving school, war had broken out, so Margaret volunteered to join the WRENS; this took her to many destinations including Mumbai and Columbo, before being demobbed in 1947.

Returning to Bedford she worked at Shire Hall until the formation of the NHS in 1948. Margaret met Derek Smith (BMS) playing tennis and they married in November 1954. She continued to work at North Wing hospital until 1957 when she left to start a family. The sporting theme continued throughout her life and this legacy passed to their children and grandchildren.

Margaret was an active member of many sporting clubs, Bedford Lawn Tennis Club, Nondescripts Hockey Club and Bedford & County Badminton Club. She formed Bedford Junior Badminton Club coaching 100s of children; her most notable pupil was Gail Emms (DAHS 1995) whom she started on the road to Olympic glory at the Athens Olympics 2004. Margaret was also a member of the association of WRENS, girl guides and scouting movements, Royal British Legion and Bedford Guild House. Margaret’s contributions were honoured, receiving awards from Bedford Sports Council, Volunteer of Year 2005, outstanding achievement from Badminton Association of England and being shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero Award.

Ruth (Biddy) Southon (née Sturton, 1948) Ruth died in August 2021.

Ruth enjoyed her school years. She trained as an occupational therapist in Oxford where she met her husband Hugh. Hugh’s job as a research scientist took them out to Tanganyika and Uganda for 10 years. On their return they lived in Bedford until Hugh was appointed as Executive Secretary of the Australian Academy of Science in Canberra. Retirement was spent in a bungalow built on a low cliff overlooking the Pacific where they entertained their relatives and friends.

The couple had four children. Hugh and one son predeceased Ruth.

Births & Marriages

Dame Alice Harpur School Emilina Lionetti (2012)

Congratulations on the arrival of Gianni Liberato Lionetti born on 16th September 2021.

Toni Lovett (née King, DAHS 2004 and Head of Food & Nutrition at BGS) Congratulations to Toni and her husband on the arrival of Esmé Elizabeth, on 6th June 2020.

Gemma Young (née Foster 2002)

Congratulations to Gemma and her husband, who welcomed Florence Elizabeth, on 17th September 2020.

Gemma Young (née Foster 2002)

Congratulations to Gemma and her husband, who welcomed Florence Elizabeth, on 17th September 2020.

Deaths

Dame Alice Harpur School Elizabeth Albone (née Wilkinson, 1945)

John Lewes (Teacher of History and Politics, 2002 - 2011) John died in June 2021 aged 61, following a short illness. John’s former colleagues remember him as the kindest of colleagues with a unique and engaging style of teaching. He would happily take on a leading role in a school play/pantomime, having a terrific stage presence and was an extremely able actor.

John leaves his wife, Anna, and children Christina (DAHS 2012) and David.

Marion Pearce (née Ashpole, 1950) Marion died aged 86.

Joyce Brooks (née Chambers, 1953) Joyce died aged 85.

Audrey Georgina Hallman (née Jarrold, 1954)

Audrey died in August 2020. Born in London, she moved to Shefford aged three. She trained as a Montessori School teacher. Audrey married Joel Hallman, in 1956 and proceeded to follow him to duty stations in West Germany, Utah, and Japan before returning to the UK in 1965. Audrey Hallman is survived by four sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a sister.

The only criticism that she ever made of the school was to say that school meals were less than delicious. In fact, there was a pupils’ revolt, over the quality of school, a complaint summarily dismissed by the stern Headmistress, who described the school meals as “excellent food, enhanced by its cooking.”

Mary Louise Hulme-Mardlin (née Hulme, 1957)

Mary died in September 2020.

Elizabeth died in February 2021. She leaves her husband of over 71 years, Laurence. Elizabeth’s daughter, Glynis Bower (1973) attended DAHS.

Di (1953) and Barbara Lang ford (1947)

Hazel How (Teacher of Mathematics and Computer Science 1973 - 1998)

Moire Osborne (née Ashley, 1958)

Hazel died in July aged 83. Hazel was also Head of the Third Year (1980) and Second Mistress (1987-1990). Hazel was firm and thorough in her teaching of Maths, which many girls initially disliked but realised later that the gain was worth the pain!

A keen badminton and tennis player, she had two children Kathryn (DAHS 1985) and Alistair, and five grandchildren.

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Sisters Di and Barbara died in 2020.

Di and Barbara are sisters of Marion Langford (1958).

Moire died, aged 79. A St. Neots local, Moire gave much time to family, friends, community and the sports that she loved (roller-skating, hockey, bowls). Much missed mother to Hayley and Glynn, sister, Nan and Great Nan.

Diana Smith (née Reese, 1956)

Diana died in May 2021. Diana worked as a librarian in the Bedfordshire County Library until 1964. Diana leaves behind her husband Anthony and daughter’s Nicola and Germaine.

Diana’s mother-in-law, Marion Coleman, attended the Bedford Girls’ Modern School during WW1. When she died in 2004, aged 100, she was the oldest “Old Girl”.

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Aston University Birkbeck, University of London Cardiff University (x2) Durham University Imperial College London Kings College London (x2) Lancaster University London Institute of Banking and Finance University of Kent Newcastle University (x2) Oxford Brookes University Sheffield Hallam University University College London (x2) University of Birmingham (x4) University of Bristol (x2) University of Edinburgh (x3) University of Essex University of Exeter (x4) University of Leeds (x4) University of Leicester (x4) University of Liverpool University of Manchester University of Nottingham (x3) University of Oxford (x3) University of Reading University of Sheffield (x3) University of Southampton (x2) University of Sussex University of the Arts London (x2) University of Warwick (x2) University of York (x2)

2021 Leavers 88% gained a place at their first choice university 69% accepted a place at a Russell Group university All of the IBDP cohort achieved a place at their first choice university IBDP average 39.6 points; with one student achieving top marks of 45 points 5 students gained a place at Oxbridge Wide range of courses across STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, Business and Economics, and The Arts

CARDINGTON ROAD, BEDFORD, MK42 0BX Email alumnae@bedfordgirlssc hool.co.uk

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Telephone 01234 361900

www.bedfordgirlssc hool.co.uk/alumnae