THE JOURNAL
The Bedford Girls’ School Alumnae Publication
Catching Up with Alumnae YOUR SCHOOL MY SCHOOL Interview with Tash Miller & Suzanne Tanser
KEEP ON GEOGING
Where can a Geography degree take you?
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, Alumnae Manager
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
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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 for these and other events. Further details will be shared out via our Alumnae Portal and social media channels.
Wednesday 20th November 2024
Alumnae Speaker Series – Ruth Hogan (BHS 1979) Discussing her writing career and her new book, The Phoenix Ballroom
Thursday 27th February 2025
The Alumnae AGM
Monday 10th-14th March 2025
Science Week
Sunday 23rd March 2025 at 9.00am
Alumnae Super Sporting Sunday
24th April 2025
London Drinks
Saturday 10th May 2025
159th Bedford Regatta
Saturday 17th May 2025
Dame Alice Harpur School 1973 Reunion, Haddenham, Aylesbury
Friday 20th June
BHS Summer Drinks for all eras, Venue TBC
June 2025 – Date TBC
Work The Room, Bedford Girls’ School
Saturday 28th June 2025
BGS Culture Fest @ BGS
Monday 7th July 2025
Alumnae Tennis
Tuesday 8th July 2025
Alumnae Rowing
Friday 5th September 2025
Class of 2024 Reunion Drinks, Sensory Garden, Burnaby House
Saturday 13th September 2025
DAHSA Reunion for all eras
A WELCOME FROM ALUMNAE PRESIDENT
Mrs Gibson, HEADMISTRESS
t is always a great pleasure to write to you and report on the developments of the school over the last year; so much happens across an academic year and it is always lovely to have time to reflect on how far we have come. The 2023-24 year was no exception!
We have achieved remarkable milestones this year that truly highlight our collective commitment to excellence. Our recent ISI report underscored the exceptional standards of education and care we provide at BGS, which is a testament to all the dedication from our staff. I am thankful for their continued hard work, professionalism, and unwavering focus on the success and well-being of our students. We have also been honoured with the Most Inclusive Senior School of the Year Award from Muddy Stilettos, which recognises the huge amount of work and effort we have put into our Diversity and Inclusion agenda. Throughout the challenges and triumphs of this year, we continue to uphold our reputation as a leading girls’ school.
Our annual Prize Giving event is the pinnacle of the school year. As always we reflected on one of our BGS values and this time it was the importance of always being Bold. Our guest speaker and professional mountaineer, Fay Manners (DAHS 2005) was the perfect choice to demonstrate this value. Fay’s love of climbing was sparked by a friend in New York, who took her to an indoor bouldering wall. She was immediately hooked by this new challenge and the thrill it gave her. Delivering an inspirational speech about her career as a data scientist and her journey as a professional mountaineer, Fay balances her love of alpinism with her working life. She has traversed some of the world’s most treacherous peaks and was part of the first female ascent of the Phantom Direct on the south face of the Grandes Jorasses in Mont Blanc.
Fay’s concluding words have stayed with me, “Embrace your curiosity for the unknown, whether you are analysing data, plotting a route up a mountain, a doctor finding a cure for your patients, or a business leader making strategic decisions; curiosity leads to discovery, perseverance is key. Be adaptable, as life, much like the weather in the mountains, is unpredictable. Finally, follow your passion with purpose, and pursue what you love with all of your heart.”
We were all extremely relieved that Fay was successfully rescued when she and her climbing companion, Michelle Dvorak, became stranded at an altitude of more than 6,000m during their recent ascent of India’s treacherous Chaukhamba mountain in the Himalayas. Her tale of survival, in the most extraordinary circumstances, is an example of what an inspiring role model Fay is to us all.
As part of BGS’s strategic commitment to forward-looking girls only education, we are excited to welcome three members of our alumnae to the school’s governing board, each offering different areas of expertise to help shape Bedford Girls’ School. We welcome Dr Dupé Burgess (née Odunsi, DAHS 2003), a medical professional who now runs her own start-up, Bloomful, which aims to help clinicians provide better women’s healthcare; Sally Michaels (née Carroll, BHS 1997), a teacher with a of wealth of experience as a SENDCo, and now runs an alternative provision in Cambridgeshire, and lastly, Suzanne Tanser (née Rinaldo, BHS 1988) who has had a successful career in business development and building successful teams. Read more about Suzanne in our Your School, My School interview on page 2.
I would like to thank Charlotte Bryden (BHS 2008), who has recently stepped down as Treasurer of The Alumnae. Charlotte joined the committee in 2017 and has done a fantastic job in looking after the accounts. I would also like to wish Paul and Kathy Fricker well in their relocation to Somerset and to thank them for their years of support to Bedford Girls’ School since the merger of Bedford High School and Dame Alice Harpur School. Kathy was a valued part of the BGS governing body in the early years of the merger, playing an integral part in helping shape the foundations of the new school. I would also like to thank her for all her years of dedication in looking after the Bedford High School archives, keeping it in pristine condition and readily available for our alumnae events. As a fellow Historian it was always a treat to visit the BHS archives. Paul, as Chaplain of The Guild, has always helped create a warm and calming presence whenever we have hosted BHS events at BGS and so many former students have always been so pleased to see him again.
I look forward to meeting even more of our alumnae community in the year ahead and please do continue to keep us updated of your news. I always marvel at how many multi-generational Harpur Trust families I meet. I would love to hear more about those of you that have had three or more generations of your family attend Bedford Girls’ School and its heritage schools. As the sector faces significant challenges and change it is important to remember what an important role BGS and our heritage schools have played in the education of generations of strong, independent women. Please do contact The Alumnae Office alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk with your stories.
Best wishes
Gemma Gibson Headmistress
Your School, My School
Tash (Natasha) Miller was BGS Head Girl 2023/24. Tash was an active member of all areas of school life and an impressive role model to our younger students. She is studying Philosophy at University of Leeds.
Alumna, Suzanne Tanser (née Rinaldo, BHS 1988), studied Applied Language at the University of Brighton. From there, she built a successful sales career across a number of high-profile organisations before moving into leadership roles, having discovered a flair for coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams with authenticity and empathy.
For the past three years
Suzanne has been involved in school life; as a valued Mentor in the BGS Alumnae Mentoring Programme, and more recently has become a Governor, where we are delighted to be utilising her professional skills and experience.
Reflecting on your first day at school, what memories stand out to you the most and how did they shape your experience?
Natasha Miller (NM): As the youngest child and seventh member of my family to attend BGS/Dame Alice Harpur School, I had always heard stories about the school and the fun activities that they got up to; so, on my first day I was bubbling with anticipation and I just couldn’t wait to get started.
I remember feeling the inevitable nerves when walking into a classroom of strangers, but that was soon overridden with excitement.
Suzanne Tanser (ST): I was part of an intake into the UIV in 1983 so my memories are somewhat analogue! I remember feeling glad that I was part of a cohort who were all starting together at the same time and that there was huge solidarity in being part of a group of girls who were all embarking on the
same journey. We took care of each other, from helping one another navigate the corridors to working on homework together. I also recall the girls who had been at the school for longer being exceptionally welcoming and kind and looking back now, I am sure those first days set solid foundations for friendships that I still have today.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
NM: I love Religious Studies, more specifically Philosophy, because nothing is objectively right or wrong. Whilst some people may find that frustrating, I think it gives complete freedom of thought. Despite philosophical questions usually being existential and broad, there is a surprising attention to detail required when unpicking a question; which I find very rewarding. I also really enjoy Biology because, similarly to Philosophy, the content is precise and intricate. It allows you to gain a deeper understanding about something you wouldn’t really ever think twice aboutfor example, the structure of DNA.
ST: To this day, I love language and was thrilled to be able to study not only French and German at school but also Latin. As I’d entered the school aged 13 my cohort took Cambridge Latin which focussed solely on translation from Latin to English and I found it fascinating. It has really stayed with me and I’m incredibly proud of my O Level in Latin. I think that I can even still recite the first few paragraphs of the Aeneid. I also enjoyed Theatre, Arts and Music and enjoyed rowing in the Sixth Form (the 7am weight training sessions not so much though).
If you could have your school years again is there anything you would do differently?
NM: I think I would take advantage of how knowledgeable my teachers are, as the learning experience is equally as satisfying as the result that comes from it.
ST: I would tell myself very firmly to worry less about making mistakes. If I could give 13 year old me the wisdom
that I have now that if something doesn’t work out then don’t sit in it being miserable thinking that you are powerless, make some changes and be brave, there is always something else round the corner and the path you take that will bring you true happiness and fulfilment may not be the one you originally intended. Work on learning to trust your gut and then look for evidence to support the feeling. Then you can make good decisions.
How did the school environment and teachers contribute to shaping your values and aspirations?
NM: Teachers were extremely supportive and encouraging, allowing me to build confidence in my ability which made me more ambitious. I was inspired to follow my interests and was shown a plethora of avenues I could have gone down. This meant I truly enjoyed my education which led to a driven mindset as I was genuinely interested in what I was studying.
ST: I loved the comfort of school. The bubble of support and the care the teaching staff took with us. I do not have a natural aptitude for Maths and until I came to BHS had experienced quite unsympathetic teaching which had left me frankly terrified of the subject. I remember feeling enormous dread thinking about how on earth I was going to pass my O Level Maths as I knew it was a vital box to tick to go on to study A Levels and get to university and my performance in the subject was woeful. My fear was picked up almost immediately and I was fortunate enough to be in Mr Harrison’s class and somehow he made it click. I passed and got a higher grade than expected and it was 100% down to his gentle approach (shout out to Mr Harrison, I can never thank you enough).
Sum up your school days in three words or more?
NM: Inspiring. Innovative and Well-rounded.
ST: Challenging, Mind-expanding and full of Opportunity.
Legacies and Giving
We are always eternally grateful for gifts and legacies to the School, not only are they an important connection between our current and past community but a powerful demonstration to our students of the importance of giving-back and how that can have a material impact on a school. Now, more than ever, the support from our alumnae is vital. We are committed to always trying to ensure that our fees remain as affordable as possible, so that as many students as possible can continue to benefit from a girls only education. With the introduction of VAT on school fees becoming a reality in January 2025, all areas of our expenditure must be scrutinised so that we are able to help share the additional cost of education with our community. We will therefore be more reliant on gifts and legacies to help us implement future projects and protect our bursary programme in the longer term.
The Foundation Fund
The Foundation Fund has been revised to help families with short-term financial assistance through these challenging economic times, from early 2025. Families can apply for a one-off award during their daughter’s education, at the following three stages of their daughter’s education at BGS (as applicable): the Junior School, the Senior School and Sixth Form. Applications can only be made once at each stage, per child.
Applications can be submitted for financial assistance, up to value of £300, for the following: School Lunches, School Uniform, Examination Fees (GCSE, A Level & IB), The Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze & Silver Awards), Music Lessons, Dance Lessons, LAMDA and Rowing fees.
Recent Gifts to the School
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.
Paul and Kathy Fricker (former members of staff, BHS)
Paul and Kathy have kindly given the school a generous gift which we will put towards one of the school’s special projects as part of the BGS long-term strategic plan.
Dr Joan (1945) and Judith Anderson (1962)
We are honoured to be bequeathed the estate of Dr Joan and Judith Anderson. It will be used to enhance the education of current and future students.
Pamela (Pam) Phillips (née Bunker, BHS 1948)
Following her death in December 2001, Pam’s wishes were to leave some money to benefit the school. A talented artist herself, Pam had a general love of art and we intend to use her gift to benefit this subject area within the school, purchasing some new equipment and ensuring that our artistic students continue to flourish.
Shortland-Jones Award Oxbridge Legacy
We currently have seven BGS alumnae benefitting from the (Elizabeth) Shortland-Jones Award legacy, providing an annual bursary support towards their costs of studying their first undergraduate degree at Oxbridge.
Jacky Lane and Philippa Queenan (née Lane, DAHS 1982)
Twins, Jacky and Philippa, were avid table tennis fans at school and have continued enjoying the sport into adulthood. The pair have kindly given the school a contribution to expand our table tennis provision for our students, enabling the school to purchase an outdoor table, 3 x indoor tables and some bats and balls. The tables will be put to great use – school clubs, house competitions, wet weather provision and another sport option for our students studying PE at GCSE and A Level.
If you would like to discuss legacy donations in further detail, please contact Emma MacKenzie, either by email: alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk or by telephone: 01234 361900, who will happily be able to assist.
Where are they now?
Bedford High School
Emma Banks (1986)
CAA music agent, Emma, has been appointed Chair of the music therapy charity, Nordoff & Robbins. She will oversee Nordoff & Robbins’ work using music therapy to help those living with life-limiting illness, disability, and social isolation. Emma will also lead the charity’s new aims: using music to address injustice across society, lobbying for policy change and encouraging a ‘more diverse pool of musicians’ to train as music therapists.
In May 2023, Emma was awarded the iconic Strat Award at the Music Week Awards showcase.
Glynda Easterbrook (née Lewis, 1972) and Mollie Foster (née Stratford, 1960)
Glynda and Mollie, who bumped into each other aboard the MS Bolette. Mollie was a passenger and Glynda was aboard as a guest science and nature speaker.
Charlotte Fone (2009)
Allie Hill (2012)
Having been at BHS since Form 1, Allie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) just after sitting her GCSEs. She completed the IB Diploma in the final BHS cohort, studying medicine at University of Nottingham. She completed her GP training in 2022. She works in Derbyshire with a special interest in palliative care and leading projects addressing health inequalities.
Allie remains in good health and looks back very fondly on her time with her friends at BHS. She will be eternally grateful for the care and support that she received from staff and pupils, but particularly from her Sixth Form teachers during the most difficult period of her life.
Ruth Hogan (BHS 1979)
Charlotte is studying a three-year programme of realist oil painting at The Florence Academy of Art in Italy. She originally undertook a degree in Set Design at University of the Arts London and designed sets for productions for London’s fringe theatres. She trained and worked as a secondary school English Literature teacher where she applied and extended her personal interests in psychology, narrative, perception and the human experience. To follow Charlotte’s artistic journey and to see her artwork, please visit www.deae.art
BGS were delighted to host the launch of Ruth’s latest novel, The Phoenix Ballroom. Ruth’s fifth novel, focuses on the widowed protagonist, Venetia Hamilton Hargreaves, who with a large bank balance purchases the dilapidated Phoenix Ballroom. Set around The Embankment area of Bedford, the book features many well-known local landmarks.
Nancy Roberts (known at school as Annette Myfanwy Roberts, 1900)
Retired journalist, Peter Jenkins is writing, The Diary of an Actress, about Nancy’s life as a successful actress to coincide with the 75th birthday of the BBC television series, The Grove Family, in which Nancy starred as Gran Alma. Nancy was brought up in Luton and attended BHS between 1895-1900. She died in 1962.
Lilla To (2012)
Lilla is now based in Amman, Jordan working as a diplomat for the British Embassy Amman.
Dame Alice Harpur School
Audrey Hughes (née Bond BGMS 1945 and former teacher of Maths 1961-1972)DAHS
If you are walking along the Duckmill area of the river, do look out for ‘Audrey’s Seat’, a lovely new bench in place to sit, have a quiet moment, and enjoy the view. It has been a cherished spot for Audrey and we are delighted that her wish of a seat, has finally come to fruition.
Professor Helen Langton (nee West) MBE (1977)
Helen was awarded an MBE in the King’s first birthday honours for services to Education, Health and Community.
Helen is currently the Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of Suffolk. Helen has been recognised as a driving force behind a transformational programme that has created vital partnerships that increase education, economic and well-being opportunities for the East of England regional community.
L-R Audrey pictured with her daughters, Beryl Bowley (née Hughes, DAHS 1975) and Valerie Hayward (née Hughes, DAHS 1979)
Charlie Jenkins (DAHS 2012)
Charlie graduated with a distinction in her MSc in Learning and Teaching from the University of Oxford. Her thesis focused on strategies to improve the literacy skills of those in Key Stage 3 science education. It took four years to finish her Masters with Covid and school lockdowns hindering her work. Charlie is a science teacher and keeps herself busy as Head of PSHE and Oxbridge Advisor.
Sue Lander (née Tarry, 1971)
Congratulations to Sue, who along with her choir, Northants Sings Out, reached the semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent in May. The choir’s performance on the show of Show Me Love by Robin S, was described by Judge, Bruno Tonioli, as “sensational”. To listen https://shorturl. at/bM96P
Georgia Lennox-Lamb (2008)
Georgina joined the RAF with the goal of pursuing a career in HR. She has been assigned to various bases around the UK as well as deployments to Dubai and the Falkland Islands. Georgia is ranked as a Sergeant and in Senior recruitment; she cannot rate the RAF enough as a career path. As well as gaining additional qualifications, it has taught her discipline, life skills and amazing opportunities. Georgia enjoys skiing, canoeing, rock climbing and mountain biking.
Gloria Onitiri (2002)
Gloria has finished a tenure as Persephone in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical, Hadestown Having secured eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this West End sensation beautifully blends modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz.
Dr Joanna Jaaniste ( née Lewes, 1961)
Carolyn Sampson (1992)
Carolyn, was awarded an OBE for her services to Music. Carolyn has regularly performed at the BBC Proms, alongside many of the prominent orchestras of Europe and the USA, and on the opera stage in title roles, including The Magic Flute and The Fairy Queen This award follows an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Birmingham, College of Arts and Law.
Following school Joanna became a secretary at The House of Citizenship, Aylesbury and moved to Australia in 1963. She studied English at the University of Sydney and became an English and German Teacher. Once her daughters were old enough, she returned to the UK to study Dramatherapy at the University of Hertfordshire. Joanna now has a PhD and 30 years’ experience as a drama therapist. Now semiretired, she published a book on her research: Dramatherapy with elders and people with dementia (Routledge). Her brother, John Lewes taught History at DAHS.
Helen Clifford-Jones (née Booth, 1961)
Gill McKinnon (staff member 1972-1975)
Now in her 90s Gill recalls happy memories joining Mrs Proudfoot’s department as a Domestic Science teacher and a form tutor. After leaving DAHS she went to BHASVIC in Hove where she set up the new Home Economics department. She then followed her husband (an airline pilot) to Kuwait and Dubai. Neither countries’ schools had her subject so she taught English in the Japanese Embassy.
Mary Moloney (1980)
Mary would like to thank all the alumnae who helped get her book, Pippa and Friends Investigate, published. The book is now available to buy https://www. candy-jar.co.uk/books/ pippaandfriends.html
Elaine Spencer (née Howe, 1979)
Elaine has published her first book, Monsters don’t wear Glasses, a vibrant and imaginative book aimed at five’s and under. Full of repetition and rhyming while focusing on the very simple concept that it’s perfectly normal to wear glasses! The book is available to buy on Amazon.
Peggy (Margaret) Ward (née Smith, 1950)
A copy of Mary’s book is on display in the BGS Library.
Peggy celebrated her 90th birthday with friends and family in Bromham. Following school, Peggy trained as a nurse at Ashford Hospital (Middlesex).
The Class of 1961 643 Years and counting……
Linking up California, UK and Australia, friends from the Class of 1961 (Helen Clifford-Jones (née Booth), Joanna Jaaniste (née Lewes), Cally Wade (Catherine Solloway), Penny Rickard (Penelope Hilton), Eileen Walke, Jenny Brownlow (née Hughes), Margaret Appleton (née Meads), Carol Perla (née Munkman) meet via Zoom twice a year to enjoy laughter and shared memories. They are proud of their ‘unique friendship’ across three continents. Here are some of their stories:
Reflecting recently, Helen, realised how powerfully their English teacher, Miss Helliwell, had inspired in so many of them a deep love of literature, drama and poetry; how kindness, good manners – and a little French –were instilled by dear Miss Sas. Other memories were inevitably less happy: academic ambition was sometimes discouraged. Helen values her longstanding friendships; staying connected now as octogenarians is a joy!
Carol Perla (née Munkman, 1961)
Carol trained as a teacher, working in London and Italy, before locally in Bedford for 27 years.
For Carol there have been constant threads with DAHS and she was honoured to serve as President for DAHSA in 2006.
In School, Carol was inspired by Miss Wells’ Art History lessons, which included Ancient Greece, the Renaissance and the Impressionists. That interest, crystallised her desire to travel and to undertake an Ancient Greek tour, visit European galleries and Provence. Miss Helliwell’s English led to her subsequent love of language and literature.
Bedford Girls’ School
Leonie Cook (2023)
Leonie is studying for a Drama & Film degree at the University of Kent. In summer 2024 she headed to Maine, USA to work for three months in a performing arts summer camp for girls aged 7-16. Leonie enjoyed developing their skills before enjoying a month travelling in the US.
Imogen Cooper (2016)
Imogen read English & History at the University of Sheffield. She is now an executive producer in the film industry, having written and produced multiple feature films for Reel One Entertainment, a leading producer, distributer and financier of TV movies and series.
Ella Cotton (2019)
Ella achieved a First Class degree in Business from Sheffield Hallam University before successfully completing a two year Commercial Graduate Scheme at All About Food Ltd, where she is now National Account Manager.
Emily English (2013)
Nutritionist and social media influencer, Emily became an instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller with her debut cookbook, So Good. Emily’s delicious recipes and nutritional advice have gained over 1 million social media followers.
Rhiannon Fleming (2018)
Sarah Philpot (2018)
Sarah studied BA (Hons) Live Sound Production at London College of Music (UWL) followed by a MA in Light In Performance at Rose Bruford College. She has built a career as a freelance live sound engineer and has worked as a Front of House Engineer with acts such as Ricky Gervais, Sir Richard Stilgoe OBE, and his son Joe Stilgoe.
Sarah was awarded Breakthrough Talent 2022 by Production Futures in conjunction with Touring Production Industries. She has continued to grow her engineering and production skills, working as production assistant for Kalush Orchestra (Eurovision 2022 winners), and tours with Joe Stilgoe.
Katherine Taylor (2023)
Katherine left BGS after her GCSEs to start her role as a Project Controls Apprentice at MBDA, the UK’s leading defence company. Katherine returned to BGS to speak to students about her role as an apprentice, giving them an idea of her day-to-day life and what the application and interview process entails. It was incredibly inspiring to hear about her journey since leaving school.
Eloise Toone (2021)
Congratulations to Eloise who was selected in July 2023 to join the National Youth Choir of Great Britain for 2023/24. Eloise also performed carols at the Royal Albert Hall at Christmas.
Following school, Rhiannon joined an accountancy apprenticeship at KPMG, working towards her professional qualifications. She is currently working in tax for High Net Worth individuals.
Louise McCarthy-Gardner (BGS 2015)
Louise studied Primary Mathematics Education at the University of Brighton, followed by a Nutritional Diploma. Louise is the Head of Cooking & Nutrition at Goldington Academy as well as running her own wellbeing business, The Wellbeing Space; www.thewellbeingspacestewartby.co.uk.
Sport News
Revée Walcott-Nolan (BGS 2013)
We were delighted that Revée represented Great Britain at the Olympics, in Paris.
Ella Craven (BGS 2022)
Ella had a super season as part of the Oxford Brookes Lacrosse 1st Team, finishing the league in 1st place earning their promotion into the Premier 1 South Division! Ella is studying Business Management and International Relations.
Sophie Lewis (BGS 2020)
Sophie won a gold medal at the 2024 UEC Track Juniors / Under 23 European Championships. An established member of the Great British Cycling Team, Sophie is building a reputation as one of GB’s top riders.
Fundraisers Congratulations to those runners in the TCS London Marathon and the London Landmarks Half Marathon:
Sophie Alabaster (BGS 2015)
Ran for Sue Ryder St. John’s Hospice in memory of her Nanna.
Melissa Farquhar (BGS 2017) Ran for Oxfam
Helena Prettyman (BHS 2012)
Helena was selected to represent Team England for the Women’s Box Lacrosse at the World Championships in Utica, NY in September 2024.
Bronwyn Tagg and Victoria Sadler (BGS 2019)
Both alumnae are working at England Hockey, Bronwyn as a Marketing Officer and Victoria, as a Senior Events Officer. The pair had found themselves working at the same sports event (FIH Pro League) having followed their passions of working in the sports industry.
Holly Smith (BGS 2021)
Becky Kemp (BHS 2005)
Ran for The British Red Cross
Hannah Robinson (BGS 2016)
Ran for the Meningitis Research Foundation in tribute to her brother.
Courtnay Osborne-Walker (BGS 2015)
It was great to see fitness expert, Courtnay, hosting on the main stage at the TCS London Marathon, providing motivation to all.
Holly represented the University of Oxford in her third Varsity hockey match.
Etienne Maughan (BGS 2023)
Sprint hurdler, Etienne, was recently honoured with the Rising Star award at the Sport Newcastle Awards Ceremony, along with the Senior Women’s award at the Bedford & County Athletics Club annual awards.
Etienne enjoyed an impressive season last year, securing victories in the 100m hurdles at both the British University Championships and the Loughborough International, breaking her own record along the way.
Sophie Scott (BGS 2022) Together, Sophie and her sister Lucy (Upper Sixth) and their Dad, ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon.
Dr Emma-Jane Saru (née Smith, DAHS 2002)
Ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for the King’s College Hospital Charity, where she is a consultant anaesthetist.
Many other alumnae have been busy fundraising in other ways:
Anna Beckmann (BGS 2023)
Ran the Barcelona Marathon for Alzheimer’s Research UK in honour of her Grandma.
Cerynne Beesty (née Henley, BHS 1989)
Took part in the Shine Marathon Overnight 2023, for Cancer Research. This marks Cerynne’s 4th time taking part.
Heather Cunliffe (née Boston, BHS 1981)
Took part in the Trek 26 Cotswold Way Walk fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Maddie Lever (BGS 2022) and Ella Matthews (BGS 2022)
Ran the Great North Run 2023, raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Rebecca Nisbet (BGS 2019)
Cycled from York to London over 4 days raising money for St John Ambulance
Ava Orman-Wheeler (BGS 2021)
Completed the Paris Marathon in aid of the Hertfordshire Air Ambulance and the London Marathon for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
Ruth Riisnaes (DAHS 1973)
Participated in the Banham Marsden March in aid of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
Annabel Sadler (BGS 2014 and BGS Science Teacher), Victoria (BGS 2019), and Alex Sadler (BGS 2016)
The siblings ran the Great North Run 2024 in Newcastle to mark two decades since Alex’s diagnosis of type-1 diabetes.
Lois Twigden (DAHS 2010)
Faced her fear of heights and sky dived in aid of Sue Ryder, as a thank you for the wonderful care her Nana received at St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger.
Keep on Geoging
Where can a Geography degree take you?
Geography is a perennial popular Sixth Form subject choice for many of our students building a broad set of transferable skills and knowledge. A significant number of students continue to explore their passion ignited at school, studying Geography related subjects at university.
For many it is the versatility and breadth of the subject that appeals at degree level and beyond. The study of geography is a comprehensive discipline that explores the natural and social sciences, exploring the relationships between people, places, and environments. This interdisciplinary field
fosters environmental awareness, cultural understanding and analytical skills, preparing students to address global challenges and pursue diverse careers in areas like urban planning, environmental consultancy and international development. Geographers are taught to think creatively and critically, which makes their core skills extremely pliable in the working world.
The Journal caught up with some of our alumnae to find out where their love of Geography has taken them.
Bethany Cawood (BGS 2018)
Bethany studied a BA (Hons) Geography and Business Management degree at Oxford Brookes University. She was really attracted to the interdisciplinary feel and broad subject area of Geography; while at university she particularly enjoyed focusing on climate related issues, her dissertation concentrated on looking at poverty levels in London.
Bethany has begun a career in teaching and is currently enjoying working as a Geography teacher and Year 7 tutor at Goldington Academy, Bedford.
Frances Christian-Allan (BGS 2017)
Frances studied Geography at Harper Adams University and since graduating has gone into the wider field of agriculture. Frances is now a Director of an agricultural safety initiative called Tilly Pass, which was set up following a family tragedy, and is focused on improving the safety in the agricultural sector.
Frances works with a number of safety partnerships across the UK, improving road and farm safety. This includes attending parliamentary meetings with the Transport Secretary and other members of the Government, and other stakeholders including several regional police forces. Frances’ company provides trailer owners the opportunity to have their trailer serviced by fully qualified technicians.
Frances is proud of her work educating young people. She runs a trailer safety workshop at her old university for both Freshers and returning students. She also attends Young Farmer’s Clubs across the country to encourage young people to think about the safety of the machines they work with. She says young people are particularly at risk within agriculture, and her company have also developed a free app called Head to Tow, aimed at giving young people the ability to perform daily checks on their trailers and help to identify faults and issues with machinery which can cause accidents and fatalities. Since its launch, the app has had over 1 million uses globally.
Ellie Collett (BGS 2017)
After completing the IB Diploma, Ellie studied Human Geography at Newcastle University. Upon graduation she joined Cushman & Wakefield as a Graduate Surveyor and completed a MSc in Real Estate at University College of Estate Management.
More recently, Ellie has joined Octopus Real Estate as an Investment Associate. Ellie’s area of work covers the sourcing, planning permission and development of land for their clients, as well as asset management of health and care facilities.
Ellie is very passionate about encouraging young women to join the Real Estate sector.
Katherine Frizzell (BGS 2018)
Following her Geography degree at the University of Nottingham, Katherine competed a Masters in Business Management, graduating with a distinction.
In 2023, Katherine joined global real estate firms, CBRE on their Graduate Project Manager Programme. As part of the scheme, Katherine is undertaking another Masters, in Real Estate at the University College of Estate Management.
Katherine’s firm are keen for their graduates to raise awareness of the different pathways that are available within the real estate industry to young people and we were delighted that Katherine returned to school for the BGS Careers Fayre, along with alumna and fellow CBRE colleague, Rachel Sayer (BGS 2016), enlightening current students on careers in real estate and planning.
Millie Garbutt (BGS 2018)
Millie studied Geography with an industrial placement year at the University of Leeds. Sparked during her time at school, Millie always really enjoyed the climate science aspect of Geography and her dissertation therefore investigated the impact of past climatic effects on Japanese tree rings, in particular looking for past volcanic eruptions.
During her placement, Millie worked as an energy analyst at Arcus Facilities Management. She really enjoyed this role which included monitoring the performance of clients’ energy assets and supporting the client to explore opportunities to gain a return on their investment. She particularly found that the combination of using different analytical software and working with well-known companies, invaluable when applying for graduate roles.
Upon graduating she joined management consulting firm PA Consulting, completing their Strategy and Analytics Rotational Programme. Since finishing the graduate scheme, Millie’s main focus at PA has been supporting clients who work in the energy transition space, as well as aviation.
Hana Staddon (BGS 2014)
After completing her Master of Arts in Geography at Durham University, Hana ventured into the music industry. For the last three years she has been at BBC Radio 6 Music, working as the Assistant Producer in the Music Team. She programmes the music that goes out across the daytime schedule, and works closely with the wider industry to make sure that BBC Radio 6 are representing the best new music from the UK and beyond. She also helps to book the artists for the 6 Music Festival, which this year involved amazing performances from upcoming The Smile, Gossip, and Young Fathers.
Hana has always loved music and radio but wasn’t really made aware of careers in these areas until the last few years. She says: “It’s been a fun time meeting people and learning about different areas of the industry.”
Jessica Iddon (BGS 2013)
Jessica studied Geography at the University of Liverpool and was really keen to go into a career that involved working with people. She went straight into executive recruitment, recruiting for international c-suite roles, first for an agency and then latterly Sainsbury. During this time, she obtained her CIPD qualification and was headhunted by the Publicis Group, where she worked as a Talent Partner and in the People Strategy Team, which has involved a mixture of recruitment and talent planning/strategy. Jessica now works as a Talent Acquisition Recruiter at CDW, an IT solutions Partnership.
EVENTS 2023-2024
Work The Room, June 2023 & 2024
This event continues to go from strength to strength, thank you to everyone who shared their expertise and advise with our students: Michèle Bernat (née Conning, DAHS 1999), Ravneet Binning (BGS 2016), Patricia Clegg (DAHS 1976), Kimberley Clifton (BGS 2014), Emma Cummins (BHS 1988), Heather Cunliffe (née Boston, BHS 1981), Emma Forbes-Laird (née Huddart, BHS 1994), Coral High (BHS 2010), Katie High (BHS 2012), Anne Kaye (Former BHS Headmistress), Naomi Meanwell (BHS 2010), Sue Oliver (DAHS 1982), Sarah Parrish (BGS 2014), Rachel Parsonage (née Groom, DAHS 1993), Carol Perla (DAHS 1961), Nicola Reddy (née Oakley, BHS 1999), Hannah Rose (DAHS 2002), Claudi Schneider (BHS 1993 & DAHS 1995), Sarah Symmonds (BGS 2016), Megan Whittle (BHS 2010), Helen Wood (née Smith, BHS 1989), Katy Young (DAHS 2000) and Lucy Zwetsloot (BGS 2015).
Big Birthday Celebrations – DAHS 1971 & BHS 1981, June 2023
Amidst the glorious sunshine, we have enjoyed celebrating some recent birthday milestones with our alumnae community!
The celebrations commenced with a delightful gathering of members of the DAHS Class of 1971, embarking on a weekend filled with festivities to honour their 70th birthdays. The group enjoyed coffee and birthday cake in the Sensory Garden while catching up and looking over old photographs, school books and the accomplished needlework creations from their days at school.
The following day, the BHS Class of 1981 celebrated their 60th birthdays. They started the day with a tour of the former Bedford High School site before crossing the river to BGS, where they were treated to afternoon tea and celebratory bubbles in the Sixth Form Gardens. The occasion provided an opportunity for the group to also reconnect with their former PE teacher, Mrs Bullerwell, whose presence added to the heartening atmosphere of the day.
Thank you to Carolynne Peacock (DAHS 1971) and Heather Cunliffe (née Boston, BHS 1981) for organising their year group events.
BHS 1988 Reunion, May 2023
We welcomed the Bedford High School Class of 1988 into BGS for a tour of the school, before their reunion lunch. It was lovely to welcome many new faces to BGS. A big thank you to Suzanne Tanser (née Rinaldo BHS 1988) for encouraging so many of her year group to come along.
Mum’s Networking Morning – June & September 2023
We launched our Alumnae Mum’s Networking Group with two events across the summer, both held in the beautiful setting of the Sensory Garden, providing a friendly and relaxed setting for local mums and pre-school children to meet, with the aim of providing a supporting community, that not only offers friendship, but a network for those looking to return to work after having children. A big thank you to Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant (née Martin-Moran, DAHS 2004) for helping to co-host the event.
Guild Drinks, September 2023
Making the most of the autumnal sunshine, The Guild organised a Late Summer Social with drinks on the terrace at Bedford Rowing Club. A lovely evening was had by all.
Alumnae Tennis, September 2023
Four of our alumnae tennis players travelled to the All England Community Tennis Centre in Raynes Park, London to represent The Alumnae in an inaugural Independent Schools Tennis Association tournament.
The opposition was strong and teams from Repton, Epsom, Malborough and Reed’s were a force to be reckoned with. The BGS Alumnae played very well and thoroughly enjoyed the day: Harriet Potter (2019) and Emma Brown (2018) won 2 matches and lost 4, while Sarah Morse (2015) and Tor Caldwell (2015) won 3 and lost 3.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop, December 2023
We had our annual Christmas Wreath Making Workshop with Rosehip Bespoke Florists (Hannah Hurd née Robson, DAHS 1998). Everyone got into the Christmas spirit and guests used a wonderful selection of UK and Irish grown produce to create beautiful wreaths. A heady mix of pine and eucalyptus filled the air.
Science Week, March 2024
Financial Workshops, February 2024
Thank you to Emma Maslin (née Ritchie, BHS 1999) for delivering two financial workshops to our Sixth Form students, ‘Let’s Talk About Money’ and an ‘Introduction to Investing’, helping them understand their finances while studying and in the working world. Emma’s top tip for the students: “Spend less than you earn and invest the difference”.
Our biggest thanks to Dr Rachael Harlow (DAHS 2012), Coral High (BHS 2010), Stella Hunt (née Habgood, BHS 1989), Chivonne Koranteng (DAHS 2007), Laura Lopez Odriozola (BGS 2016), Dr Jane May Morrison (DAHS 2006), Mollie Muzzlewhite (BGS 2021), Millie Sutton (BGS 2018) and Alice Young-Lee (BGS 2015) for helping our students learn more about climate change research, architecture, medicine, PhD research, apprenticeships in science, geographical settlement patterns, the life cycle of a baby in the womb and carbon footprints in our homes. What a wonderful week of Science!
The Friends of Bedford Girls’ School Rowing Club (FBGSRC) Rowing Ball, July 2023 & March 2024
The FBGSRC Rowing Ball is a popular annual fundraiser event and we always look forward to welcoming back our alumnae rowers!
Rowers, parents, coaches and supporters enjoyed listening to Emily Baker (BGS 2019) our guest speaker in July 2023, who is currently studying in Texas at the Southern Methodist University on a rowing scholarship. It was fantastic for our rowers to hear about rowing life in the US.
Siobhan Cassidy (née McKenna, BHS 1990) was our guest speaker in March 2024. Siobhan chairs the board of the company that is responsible for delivering The Boat Race and previously sat on the National Schools Committee. She has spent her life driving women’s rowing forward and championing the sport, whether that was through running a slightly underhand tuck shop at BHS to fund equipment; establishing volunteer boards to support women’s rowing at CUBC; or leading the team that got the women’s Boat Race on the Tideway in 2015, on the same weekend as the men’s, televised alongside them, with equal funding and infrastructure. She inspired the audience with her reflections and made the students feel very proud to be female sporting role models.
BHS 1999 Reunion, March 2024
The Bedford High School Class of 1999 celebrated 25 years since leaving school with a visit to the former BHS site, exploring the Grand Hall and their old classrooms, before heading to BGS for an afternoon tea, lots of chatter and a browse of the BHS archives. Thank you to Heather Holloway (née Seabrook) for rallying the year group.
Alumnae Super Sporting Sunday, March 2024
A big thank you to all our participants who joined us for the recent Alumnae Super Sporting Sunday. Three very hard-fought games of Netball, Hockey and Lacrosse were played and it was great to see so many of our alumnae in attendance.
Congratulations to Anabel Sadler (BGS 2014), who was awarded the Fisher Cup for Netball, Katherine Winger (née Wood, DAHS 1996), who was awarded the Sarah Raven Player of the Match for Hockey and Beth Summerfield (2015) who won the Joan Gibson Player of the Match Award for Lacrosse.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the collection for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice at Moggerhanger, who provided excellent palliative care to Sarah Raven (née Fisher, BHS 2004).
London Drinks, April 2024
Thank you to the alumnae that joined us at Vinoteca City for our annual London drinks event. It was great to see you and catch up on your news.
Girls’ Leadership Group (GLG) Day, April 2024
Each year, as part of the GLG’s introduction into their new roles, they attend a Leadership Day, aimed with helping the group get to know each other better, collaborate and plan so that they can work effectively together in the year ahead as they lead the school community forward. We always invite members of our alumnae community, to engage and inspire the students as they begin their leadership journey.
In the morning we welcomed Bijal Shal (BHS 2000), Human Design Lifestyle and Mindset Coach, who led a workshop on working as a team through recognising the diversity of strengths within a group. A force of energy, Bijal boosted the confidence of the group through her uplifting approach, really encouraging the team to mix up and to get to know each other properly. Bijal introduced the concept of centred leadership, impressing that it is vital to utilise your whole team’s skills to get the best results.
In the afternoon, members of the GLG 2021/2022, Emily Fordham, Molly Jewers, Nazira Sultana, Grace Gaffey and Emily Coton spoke about the roles they’d held and how they had managed their roles around the other demands of Sixth Form life. They also shared their top tips for engaging the different year groups and reflected on the skills they had honed as members of the GLG.
Scottish Reunion, June 2024
Gold Duke of Edinburgh, May 2024
Earning the Gold Award is a tremendous achievement, signifying the successful completion of the four sections of the award: Physical, Volunteering, Skill and Residential. Well done to Isabel Baker (BGS 2024), Amy Hall, Erin Rowe, Eloise Taylor and Hannah Russell all from BGS 2023, who visited Buckingham Palace to receive their awards.
Model United Nations Conference, June 2024
BGS successfully hosted its second Model United Nations (MUN) conference and a big thank you to our closing speaker, Francesca Hill (BHS 2009), a former Cambridge Union President, who shared her career experience within diplomacy in the Civil Service, both in the UK and overseas.
MUN simulates the workings of the UN, allowing students to understand the principles of the UN and how it functions, allowing students to learn about debating, diplomacy, international relations and current world issues.
BHS 1984 Reunion, June 2024
The BHS Class of 1984 celebrated 40 years since leaving school reunion. The group were able to enjoy the pretty garden at BGS, over a delicious afternoon tea. Our BGS tour guides were on hand to show our visitors historical photographs and some of the beautiful stained glass from BHS that has been reinstated into windows and light panels at BGS. Thank you to Sarah McLeod (née Farr) for bringing the year group together.
Susan Vardy (née Upstone, BHS 1965), kindly arranged a Scottish get-together at her home in Perthshire for alumnae living in central Scotland. A lovely gathering for 12 ensued and new friendships forged.
Alumnae Rowing, July 2024
There was much fun on the Great Ouse as alumnae rowers returned for plenty of competitive action. It was lovely to welcome Emily Coughlin (BGS 2023), Aisling Fitzpatrick (BGS 2023), Holly Crawford-Smith (DAHS 2002), Liz Balfour (née Tatman, DAHS 2002), Anna Beckmann (BGS 2023), Grace Batten (BGS 2020) and Ellie Simester (BGS 2020). The event saw an amalgamation of double scull pairs competing against each other with additional support from our Sixth Form rowers.
If you are interested in attending, or wishing to organise an event, we would be delighted to hear from you via The Alumnae Office alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk
Thank You for Your Help
We are thankful to our alumnae for helping in support our students: Lunchbox lectures, Science Week, the International Baccalaureate Day, Oxbridge, Medical, Dentistry and Veterinary interviews, the BGS Careers Fayre, National School Sports Week, EPQ, career and mock interview guidance and maintaining the heritage school archives.
Kate Agar (DAHS 2006), Anna Allerton (née Edwards, DAHS 2000), Shreya Arun (BGS 2021), Emily Baker (BGS 2019), Dr Carla Barberio (2013), Emma Berresford (née Harrison, DAHS 2000), Dr Dupé Burgess (née Odunsi, DAHS 2003), Siobhan Cassidy (née McKenna, BHS 1990), Eloise Cawood (BGS 2022), Susan Chivers (née Campbell-Ferguson, BHS 1961), Imogen Cooper (BGS 2016), Emily English (BGS 2013), Charlotte Fone (BHS 2009), Emma Forbes-Laird (née Huddart, BHS 1994), Emily Fordham (BGS 2022), Katherine Frizzell (BGS 2018), Alice Frost (BGS 2017), Grace Gaffey (BGS 2022), Dr Debbie Ganguli (BHS 1994), Millie Giles (BGS 2021), Anne Groves (DAHS 1972), Dr Rachael Harlow (DAHS 2012), Mia Hartwell (BHS 2006), Amy Hickson (DAHS 2005), Coral High (BHS 2010), Francesca Hill (BHS 2009), Heather Holloway (née Seabrook, BHS 1999), Emma Hooker (BGS 2014), Sophia Hosseini (BGS 2023), Stella Hunt (née Habgood, BHS 1989), Molly Jewers (BGS 2022), Matisha Joshi (BGS 2022), Dr Emma Kavanagh (née Woodfield, BHS 1995), Meranie Kairu (BGS 2022), Chivonne Koranteng (DAHS 2007), Claire Kotecki (née Horsler, DAHS 1989), Rachel Langridge (née Goodridge, DAHS 1993), Kate Lanz (BHS 1982), Tricia Lennie (DAHS 1979), Georgia Lennox-Lam (DAHS 2008), Maddie Lever (BGS 2022), Laura Lopez Odriozola (BGS 2016), Charlotte MacMahon (BGS 2021), Emma Maslin (née Ritchie, BHS 1999), Anna Mathew (BGS 2023), Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant (née Martin-Moran, DAHS 2004), Dr Jane May Morrison (prev. Morrison Metcalfe, DAHS 2006), Mollie Muzzlewhite (BGS 2021), Whizz Middleton (née Shaw, BHS 1998), Rachel Parsonage (née Groom, 1993), Marie Pegram (DAHS 2004), Freya Peverell (BGS 2016), Sarah Philpot (BGS 2018), Dr Anna Ploszajski (DAHS 2009), (BGS 2018), Dr Hannah Pool (DAHS 2005), Dr Eleanor Reeds (BHS 2007), Rebecca Rowley-Smith (née Smith, DAHS 1992), Rachel Sayer (BGS 2016), Nazira Sultana (BGS 2022), Millie Sutton (BGS 2018), Bronwyn Tagg (BGS 2019), Avani Tambe (BGS 2023), Katherine Taylor (BGS 2023), Rachel Tisi (BGS 2015), Dr Charlotte Tovey (née McClean, BHS 2009), Isabella Trobe (BGS 2020), Catherine Tyack (née Good, BHS 1997), Dr Devon Ward (BGS 2018), Ali Watson (BHS 1998), Helen Wood (née Smith, BHS 1989) and Alice Young-Lee (BGS 2015).
A special big thank you to our wonderful BGS Alumnae Mentoring Programme mentors (2022 - 2023) for their commitment and encouragement to our young mentees:
Verity Barber (DAHS 2010), Liz Beales (née Menday, BHS 2000), Rachel Briggs (BGS 2015), Danielle Burton (née Hinckley, BHS 2007), Dr Debbie Ganguli (BHS 1994), Michelle Masih (DAHS 2011), Sally Michaels (née Carroll, BHS 1997), Rachel O’Brien (née Dolamore, DAHS 1990), Rachel Parsonage (née Groom, DAHS 1993), Clara Policella (BHS 1996), Abby Schofield (DAHS 1997), Paula Stevenson (DAHS 1989), Suzanne Tanser (née Rinaldo BHS 1988), Lois Twigden (DAHS 2010), Sonia Whitlock (DAHS 1998) and Sarah Worthington (née King, 1993).
If you would like to find out more about the BGS Alumnae Mentoring Programme, or would be keen to be involved in school life in another capacity, please contact The Alumnae Office alumnae@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk
Holly and Liz (pictured in the boat named after Liz’s sister, Victoria Tatman), who rowed together as part of a J4.
Reflections
It is always extremely sad in a school community when we lose those that have had an integral part of school life and helped shape the lives of students past and present. Over the past year we have sadly lost three greatly loved members of staff, whom many members of our alumnae will remember fondly. Sarah Hardy, Phil Davies and Jenny Morris as remembered by their colleagues.
Phil Davies (Guitar Teacher BHS and BGS 1999-2024)
In June 2024, we were saddened by the sudden passing of Phil Davies, our cherished guitar teacher at Bedford Girls’ School. For 25 years, Phil was a guiding light, inspiring countless students and colleagues with his unwavering commitment and gentle spirit. Phil began his teaching journey at Bedford High School in 1999 before moving when the schools merged.
Sarah Hardy (née Tanqueray, History & Politics Teacher DAHS & BGS 2001-2017)
Sarah Hardy (née Tanqueray) sadly passed away on 27th January after being unwell for some time. Sarah was firstly a pupil at Bedford High School (1973), going on to train as a teacher, before joining Dame Alice Harpur School in 2001 as a History teacher. Sarah’s daughter Lizzie (1999) had previously been a student at the school. Sarah was a dynamic and inspiring History, Politics and sometimes Classics teacher, as well as Head of Year. She continued at BGS for a couple of years after the merger before retiring in 2017.
Friend and colleague, Head of History & Politics, Lynda Sadler remembers Sarah: “The room lit up when Sarah was there, and she was much beloved and respected by staff and students alike. Her students still talk about her with great fondness, many years later. Her commitment to others whether in school or on trips was legendary and the world is a sadder place without her bright light around.”
Many staff past and present attended Sarah’s funeral to celebrate the impact and friendship she had offered them across the years.
“Not only did Phil teach the guitar with unmatched skill but he also nurtured young talent through the formation and guidance of school rock bands. Phil’s influence extended beyond the classroom; he was a source of sage advice to many, providing support and wisdom to both students and staff.
Known for his humility, Phil never sought the spotlight. Instead, he found joy in being just offstage, often with a keyboard or drum box, ensuring his students shone brightly. His presence was a constant source of reassurance, his encouragement a steady foundation upon which many young musicians built their confidence and skill. Students for whom performing was overwhelming would visibly grow in confidence and often end up leading bands and grasping opportunities to perform no matter how large the occasion,” said Dominic KeatingRoberts, Former Director of Music, BGS.
As a community we extend our deepest condolences to Phil’s wife, Alison, his two sons Matthew and Oliver, and his colleagues in the Music Department. At the celebration of Phil’s life, several of his student bands performed in tribute to him.
Jenny Morris (Head of Classics, teacher of Philosophy BHS 1991-2012)
Jenny passed away peacefully in August 2024 following a short illness. ‘Atque in perpetuum, soror*, ave atque vale’ (in Catullus, soror reads ‘frater’ as Jenny’s students will know).
Old girls will remember Room 17 with its large picture of a Roman fresco, room teeming with interest, books, artefacts, models, all things to promote interest in and enthusiasm for the Classics.
Jenny ran lunchtime sessions, lessons after school, lessons for staff; she showed how the classical world, whether Greek or Roman, influenced artists, writers and musicians. Her school trips to Greece and Italy will be remembered fondly.
She was a tutor at the Open University and after BHS, she taught Philosophy at BMS, as well as giving courses at Rothsay Education.
Her reach was extensive, her scholarship worn lightly, her way of drawing out individuals’ interests and talents, encouraging and supporting them was very special. She educated to the end and will be remembered by all who knew her. Tributes have come from all these areas of her influence although Jenny’s modesty and humility suggest she would probably have been surprised.
Remembered by friend and colleague, Debbi Clifton (teacher of English and Oxbridge Co-ordinator, BHS 1997-2012)
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
Danielle Burton (née Hinckley, 2007)
Congratulations to Danielle and her husband, James, who welcomed Evie Devon Florence on 12th February 2024. A little sister for Freddie.
Zoë Davis (née Carter, BGS 2014)
Congratulations to Zoë, and Guy Davis who married in Summer 2023. Guy is an alumnus of Bedford School and they married in the Bedford School Chapel.
Kathryn Johnson (née Rose, BHS 2004)
Congratulations to Kathryn and her husband, Ricky, who were married in May 2024.
Hannah Leggott (1998)
Congratulations to Hannah and her partner, whose son, Jasper Thomas Leggott-Pearce arrived on 27th July 2023.
Caroline Mizen (née Watson, BHS 2012)
Congratulations to Caroline who married Jack Mizen in October 2023. Caroline’s school friends, Polly Bayfield (2012) and Rebecca Burgoine (2012) were the Maid of Honour and Bridesmaid respectively.
Deaths
Bedford High School
Jennifer Brooke (1994)
Jennifer passed away in March 2024 aged 90. Jennifer was the Matron of Quantocks between 1992-1994.
Susan Marilyn Collins (previously Furnival, née Everett, BHS 1959)
Susan passed away in October 2023, aged 82.
Susan was a pupil from the age of seven, sadly her memories from school were not the happiest. She had memories of being called up on stage with all the other girls’ whose Fathers died during WWII and being terribly upset. She also had to stand on a table during lunch because she had forgotten her dinner money!
Susan had three children, Clare, Vicky and John. She worked as a PA at Aston Martin, which was rather too conventional for her. She left and started wood carving and painting.
She moved from Bedford, with Barry her second husband, living off grid on a small holding in the Devon countryside. She grew flowers that she would make into wreaths and decorative gifts. Her funeral was attended by many, including Sue Moss, an old school friend.
Dr Judy Hultgren (née Adams, BHS 1973)
Judy died in February 2024. She had a career in the computer and financial services industry before becoming a magistrate. Involved with her community in Cornwall, Judy was the Chair of the Board of Trustees for charity, Cass+. Judy was also a keen golfer.
Jennifer Linnell (née Bayes, 1955)
Jennifer sadly passed away in October 2024 at Aigburth MHA Care Home, Oadby, Leicestershire.
Catherine (Cathy) Ratzburg-Downs (née Downs, 1989)
Cathy passed away in May 2023. Following school, Catherine lived in Gstaad, Switzerland and worked as a secretary to celebrity clients such as David Niven and Yehudi Menuhin.
Sally Strong (née Odell, 1974)
Sally sadly passed away in October 2024 of Motor Neurone Disease, which she bore with immense fortitude. Sally was talented in so many areas - artist, potter, children’s book author, occupational therapist. She will be sorely missed by her husband Christopher, her three children, six grandchildren and many friends.
Deaths
Dame Alice Harpur School
Judith Anderson (1962)
Judith passed away in January 2024, aged 80. Following school, Judith had attended the Westminster Training College for Teachers and had a career as a teacher. Judith is now reunited with her late sister, Dr Joan Anderson (1945), with whom she spent her whole life.
Susan Barlow (née Wright, 1966)
Susan passed away in June 2023. She leaves her partner and soulmate of many years, Geoff, behind.
Edna Burton (former Chemistry teacher)
Edna passed away in January 2024. Edna joined the school in 1973, as well as helping with the Duke of Edinburgh programme and timetabling, retiring in 1995.
Maureen Chater (nee Tucker, 1946) Maureen sadly died in early 2023.
Hilary Churchill (née Wright, 1955)
Hilary passed away in June 2023. She was at DAHS from 1948 until 1955. She married Richard Churchill - an old Bedford Modernian in 1958 and had three children. After a career in the Civil Service (HMRC), Hilary had a career break to bring up her family and then trained as a teacher. She taught at Rickley Middle School in Bletchley for over 20 years, retiring in 1997. Hilary and Richard enjoyed a retirement of travelling. Hilary continued her love of sewing, including making a beautiful, made to measure wedding dress for each of her daughters.
Susan Cokyll (known as Susan Cockle, 1960)
Susan died in June 2023. Following school, she had studied at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) specialising in piano. Susan went to work for the BBC, first in TV drama and music, before moving to the English Teaching Department in World Service Radio, with responsibility for Drama and Childrens’ programming.
Professor Jose Harris FBA (née Chambers, 1959, Former Head Girl 1958)
Jose passed away in September 2023, aged 82. Following school, Jose read History and obtained her PhD at Newnham College, University of Cambridge.
She lectured at both University College London and the London School of Economics, before a lengthy tenure with St. Catherine’s College and University of Oxford from 1978-2007, latterly as a Professor of Modern History. Following retirement, Jose became an Emeritus Professor.
Professor Harris was a modern historian specialising in social history, the history of social policy, political thought and the interplay between the three, especially in Britain, France, and Germany. Her wide-range of publications includes the seminal biography of William Beveridge and the
history of the Welfare State. She was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 1993 and was a contributor to the London Review of Books and the Royal Academy’s work, most recently writing on Beatrice Webb, the first woman admitted to the Royal Academy and one of the founders of the London School of Economics.
Deanna Langford (former Head of Business Studies & Economics 1982-2003)
Deanna passed away in August 2023. She joined DAHS on a part-time basis before becoming the Head of Business Studies & Economics. Deanna was a popular member of staff with a great sense of humour.
Ruth Lawrence (née Minns, 1950)
Ruth died in October 2023, aged 91, after suffering from dementia. Following school, she trained as a secondary teacher. She enjoyed music and studied part time at the Royal Academy of Music. Once married with a family she became a private piano teacher and accompanied groups including the Marionettes, operatic societies and ran a boys’ clubs.
Jacqueline Simpson (née Impey, 1963)
Jackie sadly passed away on 26th October 2024. For many years Jackie organised regular lunch get-togethers for her school friends.
Sally Whitney-Mitchell (née Mitchell, 2003)
Sally lived a short life from June 1987 to January 2024 but full of fun, family life, love.... and health issues as described by her family.
Sally joined DAHS in 1996. She developed health problems during her late teens, later diagnosed with Lupus and then Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affected her connective tissues and caused mobility problems.
Sally was a determined character and completed 4 A Levels, achieved her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, learnt Mandarin, played the clarinet and enjoyed sports.
Sally started studying Medicine in Brighton, leaving due to her illness but remaining in the city. By her mid-twenties, Sally was confined to a wheelchair and needed constant supervision. In 2015, Sally was partnered with Ethan, a black labrador cross retriever, through Canine Partners. Ethan provided Sally with a new life; he helped her in her daily routine, anticipated her oncoming seizures and fetching help. Sally trained Ethan to Diamond Class and the pair became a poster couple for the charity, creating greater awareness.
Sally married her husband, Ed in August 2017 and they settled happily in Worthing.
For a period, Sally’s health stabilised allowing her to work as a researcher at the University of Sheffield, co-authoring papers on disability experiences. She also worked for Safe Haven, a charity supporting vulnerable women in Brighton, and as a trustee for Thru the Roof.
Sally and Ethan visited Bedford Girls’ School in 2017 and delivered an inspirational assembly talking about her health and her personal experience working with the charity, Canine Partners
University Destinations 2024
Bath Spa University
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff University 5. City, University of London (x2)
Durham University (x5)
Escape Studios, London
Fashion Retail Academy
King’s College London (x3)
Kingston University
Lancaster University
LCCM: London College of Contemporary Music
Leeds Beckett University
14. Loughborough University (x2)
15. Newcastle University (x6)
16. Northumbria University
17. Nottingham Trent University
18. Oxford Brookes University (x2)
19. Queen Mary University of London (x2)
20. Queen’s University Belfast
21. Royal Veterinary College
22. SOAS University of London (x3)
23. St George’s, University of London (x2)
24. The University of Edinburgh (x2)
25. University College London (x2)
26. University for the Creative Arts
27. University of Bath (x3)
28. University of Birmingham (x5)
29. University of Brighton
30. University of Bristol (x2)
31. University of Exeter (x4)
32. University of Glasgow
33. University of Hertfordshire
34. University of Leeds (x7)
35. University of Liverpool (x2)
36. University of Manchester (x2)
37. University of Northampton
38. University of Nottingham (x8)
39. University of Oxford
40. University of Sheffield (x3)
41. University of Southampton
42. University of Surrey (x3)
43. University of Warwick (x2)
ESMOD France, Fashion school Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
2024
Leavers
96% gained a place on their preferred choice course.
63% accepted a place at a Russell Group university.
IB Diploma cohort achieved an average score of 37 points against a worldwide average of 30.
Wide range of courses
Civil Engineering, Chinese with Social Anthropology, Architecture, Actuarial Science, Law, Medicine, Criminology, Linguistics, Banking and International Finance, Philosophy, Computer Science, Politics and International Relations, Biochemistry, Theatre Production and Fine Art. 1. Anglia Ruskin University