Annual Review 2023-2024 by claremontfancourt

ANNUAL REVIEW

2023-2024

A NOTE FROM THE HEADMASTER - William Brierly

- Kate Bradford

Longcross, Class of 2016

2 - A note fom the headmaster and the editor 3 - A year in photographs

My thanks go, as ever, to the alumni and wider Claremont community for their wonderful support over the past year, particularly in our centenary celebrations and our legacy project, Claremont 100. The year was capped off by a very enjoyable summer Gala Day and Centenary Ball, bringing together the whole school and wider Claremont community. I have been delighted to see so many members of our community getting involved with school-life over the past twelve months with fantastic contributions at events such as the school’s careers evening, as part of our JGP Inspire lectures and even talent show judging. The centenary was a moment to reflect on how far the school has come one hundred years since our founding from a small classroom in the back of Mrs Packer’s house to our one hundred acre home here at Claremont. In July we welcomed parents, pupils and alumni to celebrate the centenary at summer Gala Day with fair ground rides and activities all around the grounds - a throwback to summer meetings of the past. I hope even more of you will be able to join us for our Olympic themed summer Gala Day in 2024. Our pupils have been meeting the challenge set by Claremont 100 to be active members of our local community learning about the local charities we are working with, volunteering, and organising activities and fundraising events to support the work of these five wonderful organisations. Our charitable legacy from the centenary year, Claremont 100, inspired our whole school to raise in excess of £60,000 to date. We look forward to achieving the ultimate goal of £100,000 in the months to come. The development of the Joyce Grenfell Programme (JGP) has seen older pupils taking part in essay competitions, undertaking extended project qualifications, and gaining a deeper level of understanding in areas they enjoy with visiting speakers providing excellent food-for-thought. As ever, we were treated to performances of the highest quality with Senior School pupils delivering a thrilling production of Oliver! for delighted audiences and, similarly, our Prep School served a tremendous production of Porridge and Pre-Prep children treated their grandparents to a delightful tea featuring some lovely singing and a good quantity of cake! I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Kate Bradford for all her work putting together this annual review and to thank all those who have contributed to this second edition. I do hope you enjoy reading this wonderful publication and hope you will stay in contact and encourage your fellow alumni to get back in touch.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

CONTENTS 4 - Spring 2023 reunions 5 - ‘Back to Fan Court’ reunion October 2023 6 - A digital legacy of Fan Court School 7 - Tuning in - Alumni Spotlight 8-9 - Show time! - Alumni Spotlight 10 - Claremont news travels... 11 - ‘The 100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ 12-13 - An IT upgrade - Former Staff Spotlight 14-15 - Back to Claremont 16-17 - Historical Focus 18-19 - Claremont 100 20-21 - The next chapter - Alumni and Former Staff Spotlight 22-23 - Reading between the wines - Alumni Spotlight 24-25 - Onsite restoration - the mansion and buildings 26-27 - Onsite restoration - the grounds 28-29 - What’s new? 30-31 - Bowing out - Former Staff Spotlight 32-33 - Upcoming events 34-35 - A Note from the Alumni Archivist 36-37 - Looking Ahead - Future developments and fundraising 38-47- In memoriam 48 - Claremont merchandise across the world 49 - Claremont Connect gift shop

I would like to start the second edition of our annual Alumni Review with a huge thank you! Without the support of our alumni and wider school community, our centenary year which we celebrated during the academic year of 2022/23 would not have been so memorable. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this magazine, joined Claremont Connect or attended our reunion events. Thank you too to those who have actively taken part in our broader community events and championed our charity initiative, Claremont 100. The legacy of our centenary celebrations will live on in perpetuity through our Claremont 100 outreach projects. In this edition, I will reflect on the accomplishments of 2023 and preview some of the exciting plans we have for 2024. The final few months of our centenary year programme were celebrated during the first half of 2023. The Classes of 1966-1974, 1986-1994 and 1995-2000 enjoyed a visit back to Claremont for their reunions in March and April. In nineteen twenties style, our Gala Day and Centenary Ball marked an end to our one hundredth birthday in July. We welcomed in our new academic year 2023/24 with our annual Heritage Open Day in September and a month later, our ‘Back to Fan Court’ reunion in Chertsey. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to receive more information or to get involved in our programme of events in 2024. For now, I hope you enjoy looking back over the last year here at Claremont Fan Court School and I look forward to meeting you soon.

REUNIONS

Classes of 1986 - 1994: reunion 2023

CLASSES OF 1966-1974, CLASSES OF 1986-1994 AND CLASSES OF 1995-2000 In the Spring of 2023, we kicked off our series of reunions on 18 March with the Classes of 1966 – 1974. Over forty alumni enjoyed a visit back to Claremont on a sunny Saturday and we were blessed again with dry weather for the thirty past pupils who attended the Classes of 1986 – 1994 on 1 April. During both events, alumni gathered for a class photograph on the mansion’s back steps and enjoyed a buffet lunch in the Great Room. Here, guests had the opportunity to peruse an archive display featuring whole school photographs, videos, and alumni-donated materials, including a lacrosse stick and a sports kilt! We express our gratitude to everyone who contributed class memorabilia to enrich our archive. Your generous donations significantly enhance our continuously expanding collection. The final reunion for the Classes of 1995-2000 was the largest ever hosted at Claremont, with over sixty attendees. Due to the size, we relocated from our usual venue in the Classes of 1966-1974: reunion 2023 Great Room to the recently refurbished new dining hall. Alumni particularly loved to have a nosey around the mansion, notably so in previously unchartered territory! The Inner Hall’s blue carpeted staircase, once exclusive to prefects, was ran up and down (without a prefect badge in sight!) and the former dormitories now converted into language and business classrooms, were explored on the top floor. Memorable tales were shared among friends and with members of our department, including stories of sunbathing on the mansion’s roof, sneaking out of dorms after ‘lights out,’ and performances on the outdoor stage beneath the Belvedere! All three reunions were a great success. Thank you to everyone who made the journey back to Claremont! A special thanks is given to our school’s catering team who provided us with such a fantastic buffet lunch. We take immense pride in showcasing how the school continues to evolve, with kindness, community spirit, and a commitment to excellence remaining at its core. Photos of these reunions can be found on Claremont Connect. For more information on future reunions, please visit ‘Our Upcoming Events’ on page 32 & 33. If you would like to organise a personalised visit for your leaving class or your friendship group onsite at Claremont, we’d love to help facilitate this! Please email alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk Classes of 1995-2000: reunion 2023

‘BACK TO FAN COURT’ REUNION October 2023

An event which broke the mould was the recent ‘Back to Fan Court’ reunion. When Claremont School and Fan Court School merged in 1978 to form the co-educational school we know today, the Fan Court site in Lyne was sold and split into private residential homes. Today the land and the main house has a total of fifteen private residences. It was a pleasure to welcome back over fifty attendees, who included a mixture of alumni and former staff, to Fan Court on Saturday 14 October 2023. The sun shone whilst friendships and conversations were resumed in the very place they began and, for some, nearly seventy years had passed since they were last there. Once let loose (some ran!) with shoe coverings, two maps and a copy of their original admission form filled in by their parents, our alumni enjoyed a morning exploring the grounds and available homes. Some houses on the estate were kindly opened by the residents. Open houses included the locations of the former changing rooms, the wood workshop, the conservatory, the main entrance, the wood-panelled billiards room and the classrooms in the stable block area. A particular favourite for many was the chance to rediscover the shrubbery at the back of the estate. To our knowledge, no impromptu games of flag-raiding or conkers were played, nor any potatoes were roasted in the shrubbery though we do remain open to surprises!

In the afternoon, a buffet lunch reception was enjoyed in the ‘Old Bar’ at The Crown Hotel & Pub in nearby Chertsey. Next to a roaring log-burner, attendees thoroughly enjoyed the chance to reminisce and peruse an array of archival material on display which included whole school photos and the video ‘A Year at Fan Court’. Leatherbound editions of the school magazine The Vox Leonis were also uncovered from the archives. Alumni rediscovered their Prep School age handwriting, colourful drawings, cricket match reports and articles. An interactive screen displayed our digital archive found on Claremont Connect for attendees to enjoy a walk down memory lane. Another opportunity on offer was the chance for attendees to share their favourite memories as part of our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ project. The stories shared were endless and all the more sentimental after the morning’s visit back to Fan Court. Our alumni community played an essential role in making the ‘Back to Fan Court’ reunion possible, thanks to their dedication and enthusiasm for the school. Your collective efforts in spreading the word played a crucial role in facilitating our reconnection with lost alumni. We are immensely grateful to the residents of Fan Court who opened up their homes and gave our alumni the chance to revisit a place they hold with such fond memories. If you are a Fan Court alumnus who missed our ‘Back to Fan Court’ reunion and you would like to reconnect with any lost friends or pay a visit to the Fan Court site, please email alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk Photos of the day can be found on Claremont Connect.

HELP DIGITISE FAN COURT SCHOOL’S ARCHIVAL MATERIAL

What is the digital archive?

The Archive preserves material connected to our school’s history from its foundation in 1922 to present day. Whilst Fan Court School has now taken a new form, the school’s memory deserves to live on. Your help will ensure the school’s history is more accessible to those who would love to remember it the most.

How do I find the digital archive? The Archive can be found on Claremont Connect under the tab ‘Archive’ or by clicking here and click ‘Browse’ to explore!

Examples of digitisation packages:

• Digitise your leaving years Vox Leonis for £120 with your classmates or the other forty-nine editions for £5,880. • Digitise the Fan Court School books of honours (1933 – 1965 & 1965 – 1978) for £120 each. • Contribute towards the £12,000 - £30,000 to help digitise all our Fan Court School records. (We have only uploaded a small sample of material and need your support to be able to fund future uploads onto the archive.)

How can I contribute to the digital archive? If you would like contribute any material of your own or a relative’s to our school archive, or have any memories you would like to share with us, please contact the alumni and development department via alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk or ring 01372 467841. Please also do contact us if you wish to donate to the Archive Fund to support the ongoing digitisation of the archive.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Tuning In

Claremont Fan Court alumna, Sarah Willis MBE (Radnor, Class of 1986) is busier than ever! After being introduced to the French horn at Claremont Fan Court in 1982, Sarah is now a highly esteemed French horn player, presenter of TV and online programmes about classical music and became the first female brass player in the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2022, Sarah was awarded an MBE by King Charles III for ‘her services to charity and for the promotion of classical music’. Sarah’s family has generational connections to our school. Her siblings Alastair (Radnor, Class of 1989) and Ali (Radnor, Class of 1988) attended the co-educational school we know today and their mother, Margaret Willis née Stillwell (Radnor, Class of 1959) attended Claremont School. Margaret updates us on what Sarah has been up to this past year, her travels around the world and preview her exciting plans for 2024: “I can’t keep up with her! She is always on the move as well as playing her regular concerts with the Berlin Philharmonic this past year, she has spent quite a bit of time in South America teaching and playing in Venezuela and Colombia as well as in her beloved Cuba. She has just completed a full-on three week tour of Japan with the Berlin Philharmonic only to drop her bags back home and get on the next plane for Cuba playing in the Habana Clásica Music Festival. Then it’s back for the very popular BPh Children’s concert that she organises and comperes before more Christmas and New Year concerts.

Her third and final Mozart y Mambo CD, La Bella Cubana was released in September. It was Classic FM’s Album of the Week and received loads of publicity in various other medias. The Cuban orchestra spent several weeks on tour in Germany this summer and Ali, Angus and I went to Wiesbaden for a week to be with them all. And what fun that was! The tour ended up at Sarah’s home - the Berliner Philharmonie. All concerts had full houses. She has been on the cover of Gramophone with an excellent article inside: interviewed by the excelled Bachtrack online music site; been a guest on several different German TV shows; interviewed many times on BBC Radio 3 etc. In early summer she met King Charles III again in Hamburg on his state visit to Germany. He requested Sarah send him her CD’s, which she finally has done via the diplomatic pouch. Hopefully he and the Queen are dancing mambo around their stately home. On 4 January 2024, she will be presented with the Royal Philharmonic Society Honorary Membership at the Royal College of Music. And so you can have a dance, here’s some nice music - plus interviews!” -Margaret Willis née Stillwell (Radnor, Class of 1959) Note from the editor - to listen to Sarah’s music please visit her website www.sarah-willis.com

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

SHOW TIME! Claremont Fan Court alumnus, Lewis Cornay (Longcross, Class of 2014) graduated with a First Class honours degree from The Guildford School of Acting in 2017. Lewis’ esteemed career to date includes roles as Elder Davis/Cross in The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Kurt Von-Trapp in The Sound of Music at the London Palladium and Michael Banks in Mary Poppins at Prince Edward Theatre. Lewis most recently played SpongeBob SquarePants in The SpongeBob Musical at the Southbank Centre and on tour around the UK. Lewis was awarded an Offie for ‘Best Leading Performance in a Musical’ for his role as John alongside Wicked star Rachel Tucker in John and Jen at 54 Below in New York.

LONGCROSS, CLASS OF 2014

Lewis tells us about his journey from treading the boards of Claremont’s JGC stage to performing in London’s West End and offers valuable advice for any budding Claremont actors:

What led you to become an actor?

I’ve always been an attention-seeker! And as an only child I always had a very active imagination and loved putting on little shows for my parents and anyone who I could force to watch. I was never into sports so mum and dad decided to send me to drama classes on the weekend. I loved being able to create little worlds with the other children and felt like I found my community. At Claremont a lot of my reports would say phrases along the lines of “Lewis loves being the class clown”. When acting I could be the clown and not get in trouble for it! Whilst at school I was also performing in the West End in shows such as The Sound of Music. The brilliant drama and music teachers at Claremont were ridiculously supportive and would encourage me to stretch myself and delve deeper into the world of performance. It never really felt like an option to be doing anything else. Big thanks goes to the brilliant Mr Kimber, Mrs Horley and Mr Affonso for their commitment and support.

Lewis in the SpongeBob Musical

What are you appearing in at the moment? Well, talking of being the class clown I’m currently playing Spongebob SquarePants in The Spongebob Musical. The show is currently touring the UK and playing the Southbank Centre this summer. It’s a big Broadway musical with a fantastic cast and we’ve had some lovely reviews. Feeling very grateful to be able to be my truly silly self on stage eight shows a week!

What have been your career highlights? I’ve been really fortunate to play such a diverse range of roles. Before SpongeBob SquarePants, I played a womanising, angry teen in an actor-musician production of Whistle down the Wind. Before that I played a clean cut Mormon in The Book of Mormon (West End). I love the opportunity to have a window into different characters’ lives. Another highlight was winning an Offie award for my role in John and Jen. Myself and Rachel Tucker then went out to New York this year to perform the show and was probably the biggest highlight of my career to date!

Lewis in John and Jen

What advice would you give your sixteen year old self? (acting wise) I’d say that the things you might perceive as weaknesses will end up being strengths. Your quirks and individuality will open doors you never thought possible. Don’t be scared of listening to your instinct and following your gut! Sounds cliché but would have saved a lot of time.

Note from the editor: to see more of Lewis’s career, visit his website cornaycopia.com Lewis has shared his memories of his time as a pupil at Claremont Fan Court School on our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page found here. Once again, we would like to thank Lewis for his contributions. If you would like to share with us what life now has in store after Claremont, please do contact alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk Lewis (far left) in The Book of Mormon, The West End

CLAREMONT NEWS TRAVELS Alumnae meet up in the UK

Lynn shares photographs taken during her time at Claremont School. Can you spot nearby neighbour, George Harrison’s cat Corky, also known as ‘GC’?

In September 2023, we welcomed back to Claremont alumna Lynn Baker née Woodworth (Radnor, Class of 1970), husband Dennis and daughter Katy with fellow alumna, Miranda Filkins (Astor, Class of 1970). Since her last visit back to the school in 1993, Lynn only thought it would be fitting to introduce Dennis and Katy to the school they’ve heard so much about on their trip to the UK from Washington State, USA. The opportunity to rediscover the mansion’s classrooms, the lift (still found to be working!) and views over the London skyline from the former dormitories in the attic rooms were greatly enjoyed by all. Lynn has shared her favourite memories of her time at Claremont on our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page found here: www.claremontfancourt.co.uk/about-us/team/lynn-baker-woodworth/

Claremont alumna pays a visit fromTexas

Claremont alumna Janet Hickl née Wood (Radnor, Class of 1973) made a pit-stop to Claremont whilst on her holidays around the UK and Europe from Texas, USA with her husband Paul and daughter Megan. Whilst Janet was a child, her family and herself were relocated from the USA to the UK for their father’s job in London. Although the school has grown and became coeducational since Janet was a day girl between 1968-1971, she remembers her years here fondly.

Found the way back home

Gill Marriott very kindly donated a Claremont tea set to the school archive which once belonged to Gill’s great-grandmother, Annie Crowhurst. Annie was the Head Laundress at Claremont mansion in approximately 1880. In 1997, Gillian made a visit to Claremont with her late mother who particularly wanted to visit the mansion and reminisce about stories told her by her own mother, Annie.

Claremont China

Gill’s uncle Alan wrote recollections of his life in 1990 and included a write up on his grandmother Annie’s life at Claremont. “Granny South (née Annie Crowhurst) had a rather sad life. She went into service like so many young girls in those days. She became head laundry maid at a stately home Claremont in Esher, Surrey…she met and became engaged to be married to a cabinetmaker and joiner who probably did some work at the mansion. Rooms over the laundry were made available for the couple and they started to collect furniture, much of which the young man made himself. In order to get some extra cash before the wedding he got a job on a ship. In those days ships tended to have very elaborate woodwork in the staterooms and cabins….when the work was completed they would leave the ship at the next port and return to England on another ship, either as a passenger or working their passage in one way or another. The money for this type of work was very good. It is known that Granny’s fiancé left the ship according to plan, but then he vanished. Whether he was taken ill and died abroad, or was robbed and murdered, or fell in love with a…maiden we shall never know. Granny waited in her staff quarters with the furniture for a long time, just not knowing what to think. It is interesting to consider that now with quick communications, passports and Interpol the same situation would have been a very different conclusion.” We are thrilled with the new addition to our existing collection of Claremontrelated china we have on display in Albany classroom. Thank you, Gill!

Flashback!

Thank you to Vanessa Musson who kindly shared a selection of photographs taken of her late father, John Windsor Musson who taught at Fan Court School. “My father is the shortish man with dark hair and a sweeping parting to one side, dressed in a light coloured suit. He is standing directly behind a lady in a biggish black hat.” The portrait of Vanessa’s father would have been taken in around 1936 when he received his teaching certificate. Are you a Fan Court School alumnus and you know more information on John Musson? Do you have any interesting memorabilia connected to Fan Court School or you would like to pay a visit back to Claremont? Please do get in John Windsor Musson Fan Court School Staff circa 1940 circa 1936 touch and email alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

100 VOICES OF CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL To mark our centenary, members of our alumni community have shared their favourite memories with us. ‘The 100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ is presented on our school website’s centenary page and features alumni profiles from all four schools - Clear View School, Claremont School, Fan Court School and now, Claremont Fan Court School. Although the school has developed and grown over time, the experiences of our alumni can mirror even the most recent of Claremont Fan Court School leavers. With sixty alumni profiles collected so far, we would love to reach one hundred! Alumni have shared what their favourite years mean to them and how that particular time in their lives has shaped them into the people they are today. Sitting on the mansion’s front steps with friends, making model aeroplanes in the workshop, a flashback of singing ABBA’s Super Trouper in the talent show, flagraiding, winning the poetry prize at Summer Meeting, eating gooseberry crumble for lunch (the smell has haunted him ever since!), belting out The Animals’ hit We Gotta Get Out Of This Place on the mansion’s roof – the stories are boundless! A number of our school’s families have been a part of our community since the very start of our one hundred year journey. Some of whom have chosen to be a part of ‘The 100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page. It might be a great-grandmother who attended Clear View School or an uncle who boarded at Fan Court School. A great-aunt who was evacuated with Claremont School to Wales during the Second

World War or a grandchild who now attends our coeducational school in Esher. Looking ahead, these ties will continue to be strengthened over our next one hundred years. If you are a member of our alumni community and you would be interested in sharing your favourite memories, please contact alumni@claremont.surrey. sch.uk The ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page can be found here.

FORMER STAFF SPOTLIGHT:

AN IT UPGRADE

Peter working as a paramedic.

Claremont pupils go online, circa 2009.

teaching mainly chemistry and physics. Science teachers were in short supply, so I was soon promoted to a Head of Department post. Then, for reasons too complicated to describe here, I joined the British Army and spent ten years in Germany working in IT. After ten years of military life we decided to go to the USA where my wife had got a job as a teacher. Once there, I got a job working in IT in a Jewish boarding school (the only Jewish boarding school in the USA) and, as my boss had spotted my physics teaching on my CV, I was asked “My graduation from the University of Cumbria to set up a physics department. The school was story has really got around. I was interviewed at the forefront of educational technology and by the local BBC TV and radio stations, Leeds University Alumni, Greatest Hits Radio and The was way beyond anything being attempted in UK schools. This was how, after three years in the USA Times! They all asked the same question, which was, Why? Unfortunately, they focused on my age when we decided to come back to the UK, I was appointed by Claremont as the Director of ICLT and neglected the rest of the story as to how I had to head up the move to mobile technology. We arrived at that point. They gave the impression that one morning, when I should have been thinking were the first school in the UK to even attempt this and I spent quite a bit of my time speaking at about retirement, I woke up and thought, ‘I must become a paramedic’. The truth is less exciting. school seminars with other schools who wanted to learn from our experience as the Educational When I left school in 1977 I went to Leeds University Technological Revolution was happening and little Claremont was at the front. The vision was being and gained my degree in Pharmacology. This driven by Patsy Farrar with myself and our amazing subject covers a huge amount of physiology and ICLT department. biochemistry along with therapeutics, so I already had a background in life sciences. In 1980, when I graduated, jobs were rare (Thatcherite Britain) While I was at Claremont, I joined St John Ambulance (SJA) as a volunteer in Weybridge and so I did a one year PGCE and got a teaching job, Peter Watters was director of the ICLT department at Claremont Fan Court for ten years between 2004 to 2014. He was at the forefront of introducing the laptop programme to pupils in Year 4 and above, alongside the Senior Leadership Team and the school’s then principal, Patricia Farrar. Now Peter lives in Cumbria and has retrained as a paramedic. He shares stories on his career path and where life has taken him after leaving Claremont.

provided first aid and ambulance cover for events. This took me back to my pharmacology days and I really enjoyed the roles I had. When I finally left Claremont for family reasons, I was working from home which I didn’t really enjoy as I missed the social aspect of work. I even did a bit of supply teaching just to get out of the house! I was still a member of St Johns Ambulance in Cumbria when someone told me that North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) were advertising for Emergency Medical Technicians which was similar role to the one I was doing unpaid for SJA so I applied and was accepted for training. I became an EMT1 and worked on emergency ambulances alongside paramedics for five years. When the government published the NHS Long Term Plan one important aspect was that they needed a lot more paramedics. The government was prepared to pay ambulance trusts to use the apprentice scheme to pay for EMTs to attend university to gain their Paramedic Science degree with a view to boosting paramedic numbers. NWAS was very enthusiastic as they were losing paramedics to other trusts and to emigration due to their poor career progression protocols and it wouldn’t cost them very much. We were asked if we would like to upskill to paramedic and many of us did. As Emergency Medical Technicians we were doing eighty percent of the paramedic role anyway so it wasn’t a great leap. Along with working we attended university online and face-to-face and spent two years gaining our BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science. Much of the work overlapped with my Pharmacology degree so it was

Graduation - University of Cumbria

very familiar and it rekindled my interest in life science again. There is an element of physical exertion to the role and this is what surprises people when they only consider my age. Fortunately, I have no long term illnesses and I am not taking any meds (genetic luck, I suspect). I played football regularly well into my fifties, I have never smoked, don’t drink too much alcohol, I am vegetarian and keep myself reasonably fit without hitting the gym. I consider myself fairly healthy and only notice my age when someone mentions it, otherwise my head still believes I’m twenty five. The one advantage of age is in dealing with patients and situations when a bit of experience can be of great help and in supporting younger colleagues. Claremont’s ICLT Department

The job keeps you young and the difference you can make to peoples is very life affirming. It does have its darker side and the mental and physical health of ambulance crews is becoming more important. PTSD is not uncommon and building resilience is very important which is why it isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life, involving the whole family. My only regret is that I didn’t do it thirty years ago but then I wouldn’t have done the other things in my life, including Claremont, so maybe the time was right.” -Peter Watters (Former staff, 2004-2014) Peter has shared his favourite memories of his time working here on our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page found here. Once again, we would like to thank Peter for his contributions. If you would like to share with us what life now has in store after Claremont, please do contact alumni@ claremont.surrey.sch.uk 13

BACK TO CLAREMONT Michaela Strachan (Esher, Class of 1984) A very big thank you is extended to Claremont Fan Court alumna, Michaela Strachan (Esher, Class of 1984), for speaking to our Senior School pupils as part of our Joyce Grenfell Programme Inspire Lecture Series. On Monday 25 September, pupils from the eco club and the John Muir Award programme welcomed Michaela for a special Q&A lunch. She then went on to talk about her fantastic acting and environmentalism career in front of hundreds of our Senior School pupils in The Great Room. Thank you to Michaela for taking the time out her busy Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch schedule to come to talk to our pupils. Michaela’s talk as part of the JGP Inspire lecture series.

Dr. Mary Malecka On Wednesday 11 October four Year 13 pupils took part in a law inspired excursion around London, organised by Claremont alumna Dr Mary Malecka. Dr Malecka is a past pupil of Claremont School during the 1940s and her grandchild, Phoenix is at present a pupil in year 10. She has had a varied career, initially as a dancer and model for Vogue and Elle before pursuing higher education and becoming a barrister and mediator. She is a Governing Bencher of her Inn of Court. “I was a pupil of Claremont for only year or so, after the war when my parents escaped from Communist Poland, and before we moved to the USA where I attended Sea Pines School on Cape Cod and eventually Principia College. I have always been grateful to Claremont for its care and generosity and help to my family at that time, and a friend to those supporting the principles on which both Claremont and Fan Court schools are based on.” The pupils visited the Central Criminal Court and met with Her Honour Judge Judy Khan KC, before observing Her Honour as part of a criminal trial, where she gave directions to the jury on key points of the law. After lunch in Hall at Inner Temple, pupils met with The Honourable Mister Justice Derek Sweeting KC in the Royal Courts of Justice, going on to observe a cross examination in a civil trial presided over by Dexter Dias KC, sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court. The day ended with a visit to the law library at Lincoln’s Inn and a Q&A, with the Director of Education Services Middle Temple and the obligatory trying on of the barrister’s wigs! It was such a valuable experience for our aspiring lawyers and we are very grateful to Dr Mary Malecka for organising such key opportunities for them. 14

Center photo: Mary (far right) with Claremont sixth formers during law inspired excursion

Lauren Flynn (Esher, Class of 2015) Claremont Fan Court alumna, Lauren Flynn (Esher, Class of 2015) came back to Claremont in September 2023 to run a series of drama workshops created around costume, set design, sound and lighting with pupils from Years 11-13. Lauren has been working as an LX Technician at Royal Opera House and more recently on the production of Matilda The Musical. “My passion for drama really started at Claremont on the stage of the JGC, and later in the tech box, learning all sorts of things (including what a floppy disk was!) and reflecting back I feel so fortunate for the opportunities provided to me. Since leaving Claremont, I have gone on to work with some incredible designers and actors, including lighting designer Paulie Constable (Ocean at the End of the Lane, The Lauren’s talk to Claremont drama pupils. Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time), and actor James Phelps (Harry Potter) on all sorts of exciting projects. I spent a year at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, working on iconic productions like The Nutcracker, and La Traviata, and in recent months have joined Matilda The Musical as their LX4. Some days it is hard to believe my passion stemmed from just an opportunity to play around with the lighting and sound for the 2013 Claremont Spring musical, The Boyfriend! I have been so lucky to meet people who are passionate about the arts and are willing to work with young, talented, enthusiastic people, so of course I was delighted to bring my Understanding and Discussing Elements of Technical Theatre workshop to this cohort of GCSE and A level students.”

Morgan Williams (Radnor, Class of 2018) We welcomed back Claremont Fan Court alumna, Morgan Williams (Radnor, Class of 2018) in November 2023 who shot on location at Claremont a project on girlhood for her Masters course at the University of the Arts, London. “Having spent the first month of my Masters at UAL researching power and girlhood, I began to reminisce about my own girlhood which was spent mostly at Claremont Fan Court School. This led me to create a photoshoot with my childhood friend as the model and the location being Claremont as a way to explore my own memories as a student there. My practice comes from a background in documentary photography, working mostly with social groups and exploring a mixture of social and cultural themes of the current zeitgeist. I began to develop my work towards a more performative process during lockdown, where I photographed myself and my family. This work was displayed in a Tate Collective exhibition and featured in Source Photographic’s Graduate Showcase. Since this graduate project, I have been working at Twickenham Film Studios and as a freelance headshot photographer. I am excited to develop my photography practice further during my Fashion Photography MA and I am Morgan’s MA project shot at Claremont grateful I was able to involve Claremont in the process. I look forward to hopefully working with Claremont again, as it’s such a beautiful space and has played a large part in my girlhood.” Morgan Layla Williams - Instagram @morganwlms

Morgan’s photography featured at The Tate, London.

If you are an alum and you would like to use Claremont as a location for a photo or video shoot, or would like to participate in our careers and Joyce Grenfell Programme (JGP) of events, please contact alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

HISTORICAL FOCUS:

PRINCESS CHARLOTTE’S WEDDING DRESS Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians held at Buckingham Palace between Friday 21 April to Sunday 8 October 2023 gave members of the public an extensive insight into the evolving fashions, styles and sensibilities of 18th and 19th century England. Predominantly the exhibition focussed on upper class, noble and royal fashion. We sent our then Alumni Officer Rosalind Seabrook (Longcross, Class of 2018) to report on the rarely seen wedding dress of Princess Charlotte of Wales, one of the most notable residents of Claremont. Charlotte (1796-1817) was the only child of King George IV and his wife, Queen Caroline of Brunswick. Charlotte held the position of “heir presumptive” to the British throne. As many of you will know, she was gifted Claremont as a wedding present in 1816. Charlotte’s wedding dress was a triumph of Georgian-era fashion and craftsmanship. The dress remains one of the most notable bridal gowns in English history. The magnificent silver dress

was worn by Charlotte on her marriage to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld on 2 May 1816. It is the only royal wedding dress that survives from the Georgian period. Their wedding took place in the Crimson Drawing Room at Carlton House in London. The private evening ceremony was witnessed by only a small number of guests. A much more private affair than some would imagine for someone of her royal status. The custom of wearing a white wedding dress was not firmly established until the end of the 18th century. Most women instead chose to wear their best clothes, irrespective of colour. However, European royalty favoured silver, as did Charlotte’s mother and grandmother before her. Although in line with contemporary fashion, Charlotte’s gown does retain some of the same features of a traditional robe de cour (also known as a grand habit), with layered sleeves and a train. However, the neoclassical waistline, which sits just below the bust, and the narrower silhouette is firmly in the style of 1816. Another departure from earlier styles, is that the bodice was not stiffened. Instead, it would have been worn with a corset beneath that would help flatten the hips and push up the bust. The iridescent appearance of the dress is created through the use of silver lama. This specialist type of embroidery was produced by binding strips of silver or gold ‘thread’ (lama) onto a net ground. The Royal Collection quotes a contemporary source “silver lama on net, over a silver tissue slip, embroidered at the bottom with silver lama in shells and flowers in the Princess’ fair hair was simply arranged and crowned with a ‘wreath of brilliants’ in the form of rosebuds, as well as a ‘diamond hairpin, earrings and an armlet of great value.”

Charlotte and Leopold: Royal Collection Trust

A dress such as this was a huge investment piece. The precious metal thread would have been particularly expensive. Conservationists note that it had been significantly altered after the wedding although the exhibition did not explain exactly

was always being reused. The shell-ornamented trim of the sleeves appear to be original, as they are described in the Princess’ wedding trousseau. Trousseau refers to the personal possessions that a bride brought to her marriage. However, conservationists think in the two years after her wedding sections were combined with an existing court gown. The dress’s survival owes much to her devoted husband Leopold. Charlotte tragically died at the age of twenty one years old in 1817 during childbirth at Claremont. Her sudden death sparked a very public succession crisis for the British monarchy. She was the only legitimate grandchild of King George III at the time. Devastated Leopold retreated to Claremont. Leopold and others actively worked to preserve and protect his wife’s clothing. As a result, more items from her wardrobe survive intact than can be said for any other members of her family from this period. Dress: Royal Collection Trust

where or how. An engraving of the newlyweds reproduced in the fashionable magazine La Belle Assemblée a month after the wedding shows it has been changed to be re-worn for a different formal occasion. Re-working clothes was not unusual, even amongst the royal family. Clothing, fabric and trim

Etching: Royal Collection Trust

We hope some of our alumni had a chance to visit this very worthwhile exhibition. If you would like to learn more about Princess Charlotte please visit the Royal Collection Trust website. -Rosalind Seabrook (Longcross, Class of 2018)

Sleep Out supporting RentStart

An update from the Assistant Head: Outreach, Lucy Smith on the progress over the past year of our community initiative, Claremont 100.

Kitchenwares collection for RentStart

Chocolate sale fundraising for Claremont 100

“At the start of our centenary year we set ourselves an ambitious target of raising £100,000 for five local charities. As a school we wanted to pay particular attention to the role Claremont can play in the local community. We were conscious that we wanted to break down the physical barriers between Claremont and the community by building long lasting relationships with important local charities, inviting them to speak with our students and having our students volunteering with them. Our pupils and staff selected these five local charities, RentStart, Momentum, Shooting Star, Grace Dear Trust, and East Elmbridge Foodbank. There was a flurry of activities throughout the year, from reindeer runs to talent shows and even our first outdoor cinema. We were fortunate enough that one of our charities, Momentum, donated the largest amount of Lindt we have ever seen to support chocolate sales in the school, I am sure we were all

Chocolate sale fundraising for Claremont 100

guilty of buying more chocolate than we should have! It was lovely to witness the three schools coming together on many occasions to support fundraising initiatives. A year of fundraising culminated with our fantastic Gala Day celebrations and Centenary Ball. Across the year we were able to raise a total of £60,334.59 meaning each charity has received just over £12,000 each so far. This amount will make a huge difference to the work they can do supporting their members. Our total target remains £100,000 and we will continue with our fundraising efforts for our Claremont 100 charities. The year has started strong with our Christmas Fair supported by The Friends of Claremont (formerly, known as the PTA). We were pleased to host some stalls from our selected charities and continue to raise awareness of their causes in our school community.”

Chocolate sale fundraising for Claremont 100

Note from the editor: For more information visit the Claremont 100 website here. Reindeer Run

Cheque donations in December to our five Claremont 100 charities.

Gala Day

Centenary Ball

ALUMNI AND FORMER STAFF SPOTLIGHT:

THE NEXT CHAPTER Cathy Bradley née Edyvean (Norwood, Class of 1966) recently retired from her role as the Senior School librarian. Whilst initially a pupil of Claremont School with her sisters Lucy (Norwood, Class of 1973) and Mary (Norwood, Class of 1970), Cathy has been a member of the staff body since 1986. Cathy’s daughter Abigail (Norwood, Class of 1994) is an alumna of our co-educational school and Cathy’s partner was the Bursar at one time. We thank Cathy for her long-standing commitment to the school and wish her all the very best for this new chapter ahead of her! Cathy shares her career highlight at the school, what quirks she will remember the most about working in a listed building and who her favourite guest speakers and authors have been over the years.

What has been your career highlight here at Claremont Fan Court School?

What will you miss the most about working here at Claremont?

My most recent career highlight has been the move to our wonderful library software Accessit, which has opened up new opportunities to showcase what the library can offer to all library users, from Year 7 to the sixth form. I have enjoyed introducing it to classes and seeing them explore the library from their laptops. Inspiring stuff!

What will I miss most about working at Claremont? That’s easy: the people – both staff and pupils. But I hope to come back to help with some administrative tasks, if possible, and it will be lovely to stay in touch.

But perhaps the most memorable event occurred when a new school bursar wandered into the library, while exploring the school. I hadn’t met him before, but we chatted … and ended up staying together for thirteen happy years!

The chance to work in a building like Claremont is a unique opportunity, what is a quirk you will remember the most? I cannot imagine a more beautiful workplace than the mansion. But the most magical part of it is … the roof! Do try to get up there if an opportunity presents itself. The feature that fascinates all the pupils is how each fireplace is numbered (check one and see) and each chimney too, so the chimney-sweep’s boy on the roof would know which chimney the brush would be coming up.

Cathy (on the right) and Mrs. Mills in 1993

Cathy with her classmates in ‘The Close’

You have had some interesting authors Once again, we would like to thank Cathy for her contributions. If you would like to share with us what and guest speakers come in over the life now has in store after Claremont, please do contact years to talk to pupils in the library. alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk Do you have a favourite guest? Inviting authors and poets to visit the school has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my work. My alltime favourite author was Marcus Sedgwick, who visited us twice. He was a terrific speaker as well as being an exceptional writer. Another favourite is Caroline Lawrence, creator of The Roman Mysteries books, who is brilliant at conveying her passion for Roman life with lots of colour and humour.

What are you most looking forward to doing next? I am looking forward to finding some new horizons, maybe another visit to the Greek mainland soon, and being able to spend more time with my granddaughter in Somerset. Cathy has shared her favourite memories of her time as a pupil at Claremont School on our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page found here. Cathy (on the right) and Mrs. Mills in 1989

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

READING BETWEEN THE WINES

Since leaving school, Claremont Fan Court alumna Clara Monckton-Rubin (Esher, Class of 2005) went onto study Social Anthropology at the University of Kent. She soon embarked on an incredibly interesting career in the world of hospitality and wine but fear not, the end is not nigh for Clara. She hasn’t even hit her stride yet! Now head of wine at Hawksmoor, Clara credits her teachers for their encouragement and gives her best advice to soon-to-be alumni who are considering a career in hospitality.

ESHER, CLASS OF 2005

What are your stand-out memories from your time at Claremont?

in the careers room at Claremont and being utterly blown away that I could potentially spend three years of my life actually reading that. Excellent.

So many excellent and formative (and crushingly cringe-worthy!) memories from school days exist for me, I look back very fondly at my school years. It’s never a surprise to people that know me now, but I was always drawn to theatre more than sports; our annual productions, the play was the thing. I still don’t know how it got clearance, but performing Sweet Charity; a story about a sexworker’s attempts to raise herself out of poverty as she navigates late-1960’s New York... as a school play? Pretty fun. Therefore, without a doubt it’s the teachers I had that stand out; Bob and Hilary Longman, Alan Hitchcock, Kenneth Kimber, John Frood, Gordon Hunt. Brilliant, patient, insightful people.

Are there any personalities in the hospitality world who have inspired you? Some really brilliant people have contributed to the Hospitality industry even in my lifetime; Gerard Basset, Kate Nicholls, both quite rightly with an OBE each to their names. But mostly, hospitality can be a really fragmented and sadly, silo’d place. So many incredible people with skill, warmth, and diligence go unnoticed.

What led you to become head of wine for the Hawksmoor restaurant group? So many things but mainly my career in wine and hospitality is down to my love of social anthropology; it’s people, it’s international trade, it’s history, it’s how we dine together and interact, all in a bottle. I still remember filling out a UCAS form 22

Programme from Sweet Charity, 2003

Clara’s cast profile in the Sweet Charity programme, 2003

What have been your career highlights to date? Honestly? Too many to name and I don’t feel I’ve even hit my stride yet! I regularly fan-girl over tastings with brilliant winemakers or influential industry people, I get to open great bottles at oncein-a-lifetime occasions, and people always ask me what the most expensive wine I’ve ever tasted is... but I think they miss the point of wine when they do that. Best highlights are always the under-the-radar occasions when you can get on with the really great work. Hawksmoor’s chosen charity year after year is Action Against Hunger. In September we collaborate with other great chefs and hold a four course dinner with an incredible set of auction prizes; it’s the most important night to raise money for this awesome cause. Most recent highlight has to be putting together an incredible list of epic one-offs that raised 20% of the night’s contribution... not to mention my team and I got to taste every wine we opened.

Do you have a favourite wine you would recommend to our readers? You can imagine how many times I get asked this; from international panel discussions to casual party chat. If you imagine grape varieties like instruments you can follow them around the world being played

@clararubinwine

by different winemakers, in different climates, that change every vintage. I keep coming back to Grenache and Chenin Blanc; France, Spain, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, they always deliver. Do yourself a favour and get to a really good independent wine shop and get chatting to the crew there.

What advice would you give our soon to-be Claremont Fan Court alumni considering a career in hospitality and/or wine? Do it. The UK is finally starting to give recognition to hospitality as a skilled-profession and there’s so much to do within it. I can, hand-on-heart, say that I will never be bored by what I do; there’s always something new to learn about and then before you know it, it’s another vintage and the landscape changes again. There’s infinite travel opportunities and it’s a wildly diverse community. Not to mention I can pick almost any country to visit and make a connection to someone there who I know it would be rewarding to share a glass of wine with. Clara has shared her favourite memories of her time as a pupil at Claremont Fan Court School on our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page found here. Once again, we would like to thank Clara for her contributions. If you would like to share with us what life now has in store after Claremont, please do contact alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk Photo credit: clararubin.com

ONSITE RESTORATION The mansion and buildings The school architect, Anna Boutou shares an update on the progress of restoration projects undertaken in our mansion and across the Claremont estate over the past year.

“Our Grade I Listed mansion is our most valuable heritage asset. Seated on top of the hill is our most iconic feature and surrounding buildings, home to the majority of the Senior School classrooms. As custodians of our historic site, we are looking after our heritage undertaking every year important maintenance works and improving our educational facilities with upgrades to our classrooms and offices. Portico before repair above the main entrance

During the past year, we have organised some rather important works including the Quinquennial Inspection of the mansion and the repairs at the damaged section of the portico ceiling. To start with, the Quinquennial Inspection (QI) is a regular check (every five years) of the exterior and/or the interior fabric of a historic building that provides

drying out. We appointed Artisan Plastercraft who are specialist plasterers who had previously done work in our library and in This year we have organised a QI various capacities at the British of the exterior fabric (elevations), Museum and the Royal Academy of Arts. They inspected and the roof and the dome as well proposed a scope of repairs. as the tunnel rooms. After The work was carried out during almost a decade, the school the summer holidays and they has commissioned a specialist conservation architect to inspect identified that this area has been repaired in the past with not the mansion. Robin Nugent appropriate materials that now Architects have been appointed started eroding. We agreed that to undertake this task. Robin the timber structure and laths Nugent, has been the inspecting missing should be reinstated architect of Claremont for over and materials that matched the fifteen years in the past (circa original should be used. Artisan 1990-2000) and he was very Plastercraft reproduced the pleased to be invited back as ‘‘Claremont has a special place in central rosette from a moulding taken from the original. All his heart’’. ceiling sections were then From the deliverable reports, redecorated in a colour that we have a comprehensive matched an original scheme guide of works that need to and complemented the exterior be undertaken in accordance facades of the mansion. with urgency. This will allow Outer hall before restoration us to organise a maintenance program of works in line with the estimated duration and budget allowances. Part of his inspection was also the Inner Hall Dome which delivered a revised specification of works. This document will allow us to seek contractors that can tender and understand the estimated duration, as well as assist us to fundraise for this project. important information about the condition of the building and identifies any defects.

Another major project that took place this summer was an urgent repair of a section of the portico ceiling above the mansion’s front door. A leak on the roof caused a water ingress and damaged part of the ceiling which gradually started deteriorating as it was

We have also commissioned a company, TEXO DSI, to undertake a 3D laser scan of the Portico and at the same time to record all the significant ceilings of the

3D scan of the Mansion

and it enhances the decorative elements of the walls as well as the scagliola columns. Linen classroom redecorated.

ground floor of the mansion. A 3D laser scan technology captures the space and produces a file called Point Cloud that contains information about dimensions, volumes and millions of photographs, while one can get to see the space in 3D. It is quite important that we have a record of the monumental elements of the mansion captured, as this can be a great source of information for the years to come. We can always refer back to these files to produce accurate plans and 3D models. The rooms and areas that have been recorded to date are the library, the Great Room, Albany, Charlotte, Capability Brown, Leopold, Henry Holland, the Inner Hall, Outer Hall and the portico over the front door. It is our intention that more recordings will take place in the future and we will eventually have the inside and the outside of the mansion recorded in its entirety. Part of the redecorations which took place this summer were the classrooms, Linen and Newcastle. One can say the most significant improvement was the Outer Hall, the home of the Senior School’s reception and main entry point. It has been redecorated in a sympathetic new colour scheme that aimed to uplift and brighten the space and to complement the Inner Hall colours which are based on the original during Robert Clive’s period. The result has made the room brighter

As part of our caring for our buildings and in particular the mansion, we invited Helen Rogers (a structural engineer specialising in cantilevered stone staircases) to inspect both the backstairs and the Inner Hall stairs and identify any possible defects and to advise on how a scaffolding can be set up in these two areas without damaging the stairs. Her conclusion was that both stairs are in a good condition for their age and their constant use. Furthermore, our grounds team lead by Stuart Hourigan, have continued looking after our site undertaking regular vegetation clearances around The Milestone next to the Pre-Prep and Nursery, the Icehouse (which is now unearthed) and The Belvedere. These features are all now visible from all angles. Newcastle classroom before.

The Milestone, Icehouse or The Belvedere, fascinating points like the Forest School in the Pre-Prep and Nursery and historic trees around our site. Last but not least, minor works that have to do with maintenance mostly, is that we will be starting gradually repairs on the windows and the roof of the mansion, based on priorities set out in the Quinquennial Inspection report from Robin Nugent Architects. Other completed works – office spaces This year has been quite busy with a lot of offices spaces being moved and altered. We have created four additional teaching spaces for the Senior School and two for the Prep School. In a nutshell, the bursary has moved in the White Cottage, along with the finance, HR and ICLT departments. The head of Prep School and the PAs are back in Stable Court. The two flats on the first floor of Stable Court have been transformed in two medium size classrooms for Prep School, and we have provided a small staff kitchen and a staff bathroom with a shower facility. The old staff dining hall at the back of the Joyce Grenfell centre is now a large size classroom and some reconfiguration in the basement now provides additional space for teaching ICLT.” - Anna Boutou Newcastle classroom after.

The staff social and wellbeing committee which was established in the past year has prepared a whole site map where staff members are invited to follow certain paths which lead them to important monuments like 25

ONSITE RESTORATION The grounds

Our head groundsman, Stuart Hourigan gives an update on the progress of the restoration projects in our historic landscape over the past calendar year. “Upon hearing some of the memories from the alumni and seeing a photograph of the outdoor stage area, we set about investigating. The overgrowth was removed to find what remained of a stage area and that very much surprised us in its size. Much of the stage front and main steps had collapsed and some of it was missing. It was clear by some of the materials used in construction and dated debris underneath some of the structure, that the stage had undergone a number of modifications in its lifetime. With this in mind, we used a little artistic license during the Stable Court renovations. Many old stones were unearthed and stored for a later project, so what better project to reuse them on? The outdoor stage walls were reconstructed and the stage area itself has been relevelled and seeded with the vista to The Belvedere reopened. Down at The Icehouse we have managed to clear a new path along with much of the ivy and brambles that were taking over. A very rotten beech tree situated within feet of the structure with a lean towards The Icehouse was professionally removed using a crane. The view of the Belvedere is now clear!

The outdoor stage renovations

100 flowers in bloom for the centenary

Restoring the flower beds by the Sir Sydney Camm Building

Whilst we continue to monitor and keep the area clear, renovation and further stabilising requires a professional heritage company. We are in regular contact with the National Trust at Claremont Landscape Garden. We often join forces as we continue to restore some of the historic views from the south side of The Belvedere. Going forward, working with the PE department we have designed a 5km route taking in most of the features the site has to offer. We have also produced a map with key historic points and feature trees listed. It is with the hope this map will evolve (maybe in an interactive form) and information and history will be added as we learn more. The school’s eco club are keen to take on a project in 2024. The current intention is to clear, protect and make a feature of the original ha-ha wall near the Clear View building and the netball and tennis courts. Solely from the grounds perspective next year we are keen to finish removing the brush, false acacia and ferns from The Belvedere banking and restore all of our fantastic views to The Belvedere. We have just received the report from a very extensive tree survey and will be doing our best to preserve and manage our stock. A number of veteran trees require monitoring and fencing off. This is linked to the PiCUS test.” (PiCUS testing is a non-invasive method of determining the extent of decay in trees using sonic tomography) -Stuart Hourigan Before: The Icehouse

PiCUS test to check the health of our trees After: The Icehouse

WHAT’S NEW? HONOURS BOARD

In celebration of our school turning one hundred years old, we only thought it would be appropriate to uncover the Clear View School honours board from the resident school archive. Thank you to our ever-helpful DT and Estate and Facilities teams, especially Anthony Nevison-Smith and Yin Tan who helped bring this board back to life! The Clear View School honours board now sits proudly at the top of the green stairs located in the mansion’s inner hall. When you next pay a visit to the mansion, go and have a look.

WELL DONE, MRS WELLS Many Congratulations to Mrs Emma Wells, our head of sixth form, on the award of her BEM (British Empire Medal) in HM King Charles III’s first Birthday Honours List. Emma received the award from HM LordLieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux for services to fitness and to the community, as founder of Riverside Rebels Running Club based in Walton-on-Thames. Emma was accompanied by Kath Wilson and Elaine England, long term members of Riverside Rebels, to the special award ceremony at Loseley Park. We are all incredibly lucky to have her as a member of the Claremont community. If you would like to join Riverside Rebels Running Club, more information can be found here.

Mrs. Wells with HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux.

Mrs. Wells with her BEM.

Mrs. Wells with fellow runners Kath Wilson and Elaine England.

CLAREMONT ON THE SCREEN

Sir Paul McCartney’s Waterfalls music video, 1980

The Claremont mansion and estate has been used for numerous films, television programmes, advertisements and photoshoots over the years. Our Alumni Archivist, Natalie Lang née Bishopp (Astor, Class of 1980) remembers the filming of Sir Paul McCartney’s Waterfalls music video in where today is Claremont Landscape Garden. The music video was from his album McCartney II which was directed and released by Keith McMillan in 1980. Does anyone else remember the day Paul McCartney came to Claremont? The music video for Waterfalls can be viewed by following this link. In other news, Penelope Keith of The Good Life fame starred as an elocution teacher in a nationwide Parker Pens advertisement called ‘Finishing School’. The advertisement was shot on location in Claremont’s very own drawing room in 1976. As it was filmed two years before the school became co-educational, some might think Claremont School was the inspiration behind the finishing school in question! The Parker Pens advertisement can be viewed by following this link. Have you ever spotted Claremont on the big screen? If so, let us know and email alumni@ claremont.surrey.sch.uk

‘Finishing school’ advert, 1976

A similar scene taken in 1955 in our mansion’s drawing room from the collection of the late Vivien ap Rhys Price (Esher, Class of 1955).

FORMER STAFF SPOTLIGHT: BOWING OUT Alexis Affonso retires after sixteen years since he joined in 2007 as director of music at Claremont Fan Court School. Alexis has directed the music in countless school concerts, drama productions and services and taught many of our talented musicians here. We thank Alexis for his long-standing commitment to the school and wish him all the very best for the future. Alexis shares his favourite stories and what life after Claremont has in store for him.

the governors and Jonathan Insall-Reid was the headmaster. I was poised on the keyboard to play the school song for the assembled school and their parents/friends at the back of the mansion. From my position facing the Portsmouth Road I could see some rather black and ominous clouds in the distance, looking like a storm was heading this way.

What has been your career highlight here at Claremont Fan Court School? Teaching and coaching children who are now performing in the West End and who have gone on to musical careers.

The chance to work in a historic site like Claremont is a unique opportunity, what is a quirk you will remember the most? When the roof of the music school took flight on Boxing Day several years ago. It literally flew off into a tree opposite! I visited school on Boxing Day to secure the contents of the music school!

Any memorable moments? 30

Summer Meeting several years ago Gordon Hunt was chair of

Through the brief instrumental pieces which previewed the massed singing, I noticed these clouds getting closer by degrees, on striking the first chord of the school song the heavens opened and the rain bucketed down for all of a long minute, but enough to soak everyone thoroughly! JP Christian rushed down the mansion steps and kindly held an umbrella above me so that I could carry on playing without floating away! Post this experience, and my wondering how I wasn’t electrocuted on a keyboard, I then had to hang the music and myself out to dry. Another memorable story from

a Summer Meeting was when completed directing the music before the speeches, and having heard the speeches, I then legged it down to the Joyce Grenfell centre where I had to direct various musical and dramatical items in a concert for guests. As I swing around the front of the mansion, Mrs Holland, in charge of music in the Pre-Prep School, has her choir lined up on the mansion steps, to sing a Disney medley. I am in academic dress; a gown, a hood and carrying a baton to conduct the orchestra. Two children from the Pre-Prep School shout out, “there goes Harry Potter!” They clearly thought I was a magician with a wand!

What will you miss the most about working here at Claremont? The fabulous landscape of trees and grassland throughout the seasons which cultivate a feeling of calm.

You have directed music in countless drama productions, concerts and services here at Claremont. What are your most memorable? Salad Days - the band is on stage, the tabs are closed and someone activates the smoke machine, leaving the band in a fog and almost gassed!

The King and I - end of the first chorus, when the incompetent sound technician who forgot to mute the stage mikes at the end of the song. The audience heard the cast leave the stage with a few “blue comments” on departure. Return to the Forbidden Planet - when the band were above the stage on a scaffolded stage, one and a half metres from the stage lights. Every time the lights came on, we were grilled! A Midsummer Nights’ Dream - one of the visiting audience members fell to sleep and fell off their chair during the performance.

What are you most looking forward to doing next? Lots of travel and performing plans in place for 2024 onwards. Completing a PhD thesis I started thirty four years ago as a mature student at Oxford University. Continuing to teach piano to advanced students. Enjoying good health. Alexis has shared his favourite memories of his time working here on our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page found here. Once again, we would like to thank Alexis for his contributions and wish him all the best for the future. If you would like to share with us what life now has in store after Claremont, please do contact alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

UPCOMING EVENTS The following list of future events is non-exhaustive. There are always more plans in-store! Please keep an eye out on Claremont Connect and the school’s website for more information about future events. Wednesday 28 February 2024 7.30pm – 9.30pm - Historical Claremont Lecture Series (“And Claremont be the name”) – Current Claremont Fan Court parents and alumni community welcome. Event registration on Claremont Connect ‘Events’ page. Tuesday 5 March 2024 – Percussion/Guitar & Rock Band Tea – Claremont community and alumni welcome. Wednesday 6 March 2024 7.30pm – 9.30pm - Historical Claremont Lecture Series (The royal race and the family who won) – Current Claremont Fan Court parents and alumni community welcome. Event registration on Claremont Connect ‘Events’ page. Saturday 9 March 2024 – Claremont 100 Fun 5k Run - Claremont community and alumni welcome. 5k run in the historic Claremont grounds. Wednesday 13 March 2024 7.30pm – 9.30pm - Historical Claremont Lecture Series (Claremont as a sanctuary) – Current Claremont Fan Court parents and alumni community welcome. Event registration on Claremont Connect ‘Events’ page. Saturday 27 April 2024 – Classes of 2001-2005 reunion - Claremont Fan Court School class leavers from 2001 to 2005. Event registration on Claremont Connect ‘Events’ page. Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 May 2024 – Senior School drama production – Claremont community and alumni welcome. Saturday 29 June 2024 – Gala Day (formerly, Summer Meeting) - Claremont community and alumni welcome. Saturday 29 June 2024 – Friends of Claremont Summer Party – Just for current Claremont Fan Court parents. Saturday 7 September 2024 – Heritage Open Day - Claremont community and alumni welcome.

A NOTE FROM THE ALUMNI ARCHIVIST

Natalie Lang née Bishopp (Astor, Class of 1980) has recently become a part of the Development and Alumni department as our Alumni Archivist. She volunteers her time in our school archive and helps at our reunions and wider community events. Natalie provides an insight on how you too can help us. “I joined the team about a year ago to help support the work they do in preserving the history of our school. I also have a personal connection with their work as I am a third generation Claremont pupil! Whilst I investigated my family history within the school records, I couldn’t help but notice the number of other family names who kept appearing. My family connections with Claremont have been more significant than I first thought and I plan to share this with you in 2024. Whilst the team have asked you for your favourite memories from your time at our various schools through the ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page, we would also be really interested in hearing your family connections with our schools. How many generations can you trace who have gone to our schools? Do you have any photographs you can share with us? We’d love to hear from you. We may even be able to find an early photograph or poem that your family member wrote in a school magazine! Please email alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk Natalie pictured during her school days at Claremont circa 1970

Jill Stewart Walker scrapbook Reunited with family in Australia

Thank you to Ben Franks, son of Mrs Jennifer Franks who was former staff at both Claremont School and latterly, Claremont Fan Court School between 1968 – 1998. Ben brought in a selection of photos and albums which had belonged to former staff member Barbara Johnson to donate to the Claremont Fan Court School archive. After reviewing all the material, Kate Bradford and I identified several albums which were about Barbara’s family and though they were significant, they were not relevant to the school archive. We didn’t have the storage to keep them, however we both appreciated that it would have been sad to just throw them away. I set about trying to find a family member who may appreciate them and might want to keep them. There was one album which covered the birth and early years of a family member of Barbara’s, Jill Stewart-Walker. We soon discovered that Jill she was the niece of Barbara and through research, it sadly revealed that she died a few years ago. I set about trying to find a family member of hers to reunite them with the photo album. As someone who has been studying my family tree, I had access to Ancestry.com and I soon started to investigate Barbara’s family on there. I quickly found a lady called Nicola Blackmore who said that Jill was her mother’s first cousin. She told me that she had met

Jill a few times when she was younger and that Jill’s mother, Renee was her grandfather’s sister. Nicola was very interested in the album with photos of Jill’s first few years. She said she would be able to send them onto Jill’s husband and children, who now live in Australia as her mother is still in touch with them. Kate then sent on the album and a few weeks later we received the following email:

We still have some other albums which are more about the Johnson side of the family. Please email alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk if you know anyone interested in them as we would love to send them to a great home!”

LOOKING AHEAD...

Future developments and fundraising

Early concept design for the Great Room as new library and learning space

A contribution by Krish Gunatunga head of development “Our centenary celebrations last year was a moment of reflection on how far we have come as a school, and where we want to go in the future. When the school moved to the Claremont estate in 1931, there were only forty students. A move to the mansion with its one hundred acres must have seemed a complete world away from the room out the back of Mrs Packer’s house only nine years prior. In those ninety-two years since, Claremont has grown close to twelve hundred students across three schools with new buildings spread across the site. Last year we finally celebrated the official opening of the Sir Sydney Camm science and technology building and the refurbished Stable Court, home to the Prep School. These two projects were the second phase of our old masterplan. The school now has an exciting new masterplan (a document outlining the development plans for the site 36

over next few decades, based on the strategic direction of the school), which we will reveal in more detail over the coming year as we consult with Elmbridge County Council and other key stake holders. Our new masterplan will bring the site up to the high standards to match our pupils’ talents and ambitions, provide more teaching space and improved facilities. We have a few projects lined up which will improve our student’s learning experience and we need the support of the Claremont community to help fund these transformational projects. The Joyce Grenfell centre - Theatre upgrade The Joyce Grenfell centre has held many wonderful performances, from panto to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it has been the venue for so many happy memories. The Joyce Grenfell centre theatre will have a long overdue refurbishment, including a new lighting and rigging overhead as well as new cascade bench seating to increase the theatre’s capacity and create a quality venue to match the productions.

The Great Room as the new library and a learning space The Great Room is the centre piece of the mansion and has had many uses over the years, a dining hall, library, gallery, assembly hall and even a gymnasium. The Great Room enjoys one of the best views over grassy fields and meadow. The way our students use the library has changed with a need for more study and collaborative work space as well as a place to read. The Great Room and Albany will be turned in to a library and collaborative work and study space. The Great Room is the largest principal room in the mansion, and so would be the perfect space for a library and larger private study areas and collaborative learning spaces. The Great Room requires restoration as well as being fitted out as a library space. The Great Room would have its historic interior restored along with installing private study booths, collaborative work spaces as well as a library shelving and books. This change will mean the largest room in the mansion will be used throughout the school day. Music classrooms in the quad Last year we created new peripatetic music rooms in Stable Court which re-located music to the heart of both the Senior and Prep School. Overlooking the cobblestone quad and Prep School playground, these new practice rooms receive more sunlight and give more space for our pupils. To complete

the project and create a music hub, the two coach houses at the entrance to Stable Court will be converted into music classrooms, utilising the origninal architectural features of these buildings to create a light and airy teaching environment for music. Multi-purpose sports pitch The sports pitch has been delayed whilst we revise our plans and application to ensure we are granted planning approval. We appointed pitch specialists S&C Slatters who have decades of experience building pitches to guide our application for a multipurpose sports pitch through the complexities of the planning application process, including the environmental surveys and consultations. The pitch will enable us to teach a number of sports including hockey, football, lacrosse and tennis all year round. Increasing our provision of sporting options to our students will help our students enjoy sports all year round, and a facility to match other surrounding schools. All these projects will be funded by the school and the support of our Claremont community. If you would like to be part of this campaign and contribute to the future of Claremont, please get in touch with me directly to discuss any of the projects in more detail on kgunatunga@claremont.surrey.sch. uk.” JGC Theatre seating upgrade sketches

IN MEMORIAM On behalf of Claremont Fan Court School, we extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of all members of our alumni and wider school community who have sadly passed away in 2022 and 2023. Thanks to everyone who has shared these warm words and memories.

Michael Basman

(Former Staff, 1983-2022) We were fortunate to have Michael Basman run inspirational chess clubs at Claremont Fan Court School for over thirty years. His efforts encouraged countless young players to enjoy the wonderful benefits of chess. “The energy, originality and joy that Mike brought to all his endeavours is a source of great inspiration. He believed that young minds should be encouraged to be rational, compassionate and creative and that through chess and the UK Chess Challenge he could help develop these traits in the next generation. Mike was a fighter at the board and away from it – not afraid to stand up for his beliefs. Mike leaves behind an incredible chess legacy.” (Delancy UK Schools’ Chess Challenge) Michael was a renowned English chess player, author and organiser who was awarded the title of International Master in 1980. He founded and organised the UK Chess Challenge in 1996 and was a central figure in bringing chess to several generations of junior players. Michael competed at the highest levels of English chess over many years and defeated several Grand Masters in competitions. His achievements include popularising the Grob and invention of the Basman Attack and St George’s Defence openings. The St George Defence was used by Grand Master Tony Miles to defeat Grand Master Anatoly Karpov 1980. In 2020 he was one of ten chess seniors who were the subject of a tribute by International Chess Federation (FIDE) for their contributions to the game. Michael could often be found teaching chess in the library at Claremont Fan Court School and his legacy is keenly felt by the chess community. Michael’s former pupils, Arjan Dhawan (Esher, Class of 2024) and Diya Dhawan (Esher, Class of 2022) share their favourite memories of learning how to play with him on our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page here.

Mr. Brierly, Arjan and Diya Dhawan with Michael Basman and the book they co-wrote, The Ultimati Guide to Chess.

Steph Sellings

(Former Staff, 1992-2005, 2007-2022)

We are sorry to hear our lead science technician, Steph Sellings, passed away just before Christmas in 2022 following a very late medical diagnosis. While pupils in most schools tend not to chat to science technicians, at Claremont they do, and Steph ran a number of our science clubs over the 28 years she worked here. Members of our alumni and wider school community will remember Steph as being a deeply knowledgeable and a committed member of staff. Our thoughts are with her family and also with the science department generally. The school is committed to continuing her legacy and will work hard to recreate some of the exciting clubs, be that zombie apocalypse or crime scene investigation STEM clubs, as we allow her memory to continue to shine a light for the fun of science.

Teddy Read

(Esher, Class of 2026) It is with great sadness that we inform you of Teddy Read, a Claremont Fan Court alumnus who passed away in November 2022. Teddy’s siblings are members of our school community. This news came as a huge shock to everybody who knew him, both his fellow pupils and teachers. Headmaster, William Brierly paid tribute to Teddy in a Senior School assembly on 18 November 2022, with key year groups earlier that week and in his final newsletter published when school finished for Christmas holidays. “Teddy Read was known to many of us, having joined the Senior School just over three years ago. He was a boy of unstoppable goodness who always tried his very best in everything he did. He loved his sport, whether it be football, rugby or cricket and could always be counted on to step up when needed. He was vice-captain of the B team amongst other things and loved – truly loved – DT. Teddy had moved to Esher High School in September and was on a really positive journey. He was always prompt, walking to school and some of you may have passed him on his way. He was thriving with GCSEs, had plenty of friends, and a girlfriend. But while Teddy had not been here for some months, I know how much knowing Teddy touched so many of your lives, and thus how difficult this news is. Many pupils and teachers attended the memorial service for Teddy on 14 December 2022, and while it is with sadness that we mourn the premature loss of such a lovely young man, I know how universal the feeling of joy was for Teddy’s life. In particular his father Rob’s tribute, and the dedication delivered by a member

of the Claygate hub, created such a sense of energy and love for the way in which Teddy relished life and interacted with others. I was proud too of the way the community clubbed around his siblings, and I was in awe of his brother Matthew performing in the panto with his network of friends in the same week. My sincere gratitude goes to another Matthew for creating and organising such a fun and uniting sixth form pantomime. To date £1390 has been raised towards Claremont 100 charities thanks to the panto.” On behalf of Claremont Fan Court School, we extend our sincere condolences to Teddy’s family and friends. He is greatly missed by our school community. Photo credit: Claygate Youth & Community Hub, Esher

IN MEMORIAM Daphne Howell née Wells (Stewart, Class of 1945)

Written by her daughter and fellow Claremont School alumna, Jackie Elphick née Howell (Norwood, Class of 1977) pays tribute her mother Daphne. Daphne Howell (nee Wells) 6 September 1927 – 22 January 2023 “Daphne was born in Southbourne, Dorset and in 1938 the family moved to Branksome Park in Dorset. Her sister Cynthia Hafeli-Wells née Wells started at Claremont in 1934 and Daphne followed, as a boarder, in 1938. Daphne loved her time at Claremont, embracing all subjects and particularly enjoyed sport and history. Her love of history remained for her whole life. During the Second World War Daphne was evacuated with the school to Llandrindod Wells in Wales. The remainder of Daphne’s life at Claremont was spent in Wales until 1945. There were very few pupils in Wales and Daphne would tell stories of cycling adventures around the countryside with members of staff, sometimes stopping off at a farm. She often recounted a story when she and a few friends, with a member of staff, were out rowing in a small boat. Daphne thought it would be amusing to hold onto a rock underneath the water, and the poor member of staff (Miss Modrack) was busy rowing and getting nowhere. Daphne had great fun at school in Wales and, later on, enjoyed the responsibilities of being a senior pupil, looking after the younger pupils. Daphne also learnt the violin at school and often told the story of being so nervous for a solo performance that she had tensed her knee. Her knee suddenly went and so did the performance as the bow and violin jerked sharply. Boarding was fun and Daphne had a small Disney projector. She would show slides on the ceiling after ‘lights out’ to entertain her fellow dormitory friends.

the school. Even before her daughter, Jackie, attended Claremont in 1969, Daphne was already serving on committees. She served on the social committee, for a while as chair, and later on the PTA. Daphne enjoyed organising and, in the summer, the whole family would be roped in to help decorate the mansion in readiness for the annual Summer Ball. She was also in charge of the Golden Jubilee event in 1972, bringing together a huge number of past pupils for a wonderful celebratory lunch. Her daughter Jackie has many memories of committee meetings at the family home in the evenings. Whilst serving as chair on the social committee Daphne was responsible for changing the name ‘Old Girl’ to Claremontian. Daphne also worked as a secretary at Claremont for a while. In 1985 Daphne returned to her beloved Dorset where she joined many organisations and served on their committees, including the Bournemouth and Poole National Trust. In 2008 she was elected an Honorary Life Member of the Bournemouth and Poole National Trust. Whilst serving as chair of the National Trust committee she organised many holidays, and was also a tour guide.

Leaving Claremont at the end of the war, Daphne spent a year at domestic science college, and then secretarial college. She worked as a secretary in London, and later Bournemouth. She joined the Sea Rangers, Young Conservatives and Christian Science Youth Forum where she met her husband Lawrence.

Daphne stayed in touch with events at Claremont and maintained a close connection with the school. Later in life, after marrying and having children, a move to Surrey enabled Daphne to rekindle her connection with

Daphne with a fellow Claremont School girl in Wales circa 1940

Jackie with her mother, Daphne at Claremont circa 1960.

Claremont School evacuated to their war-time home in Wales circa 1940

In 2009 Daphne was presented with the Coates Award for invaluable long service to Poole Maritime Trust. She was also a steward at Kingston Lacey.

a lovely etching of the school. She made lifelong friends at Claremont and was very proud to have been a pupil.” -Jackie Elphick née Howell (Norwood, Class of 1977)

However, Daphne kept in touch with Claremont and very much enjoyed the alumni magazines. When able, she also returned to Surrey for the Summer Meetings.

In honour of Daphne, we have posthumously presented Jackie’s tribute to her mother and further photographs on our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page found here.

A few years ago, Daphne enjoyed being interviewed by the headmaster, William Brierly, at her flat in Bournemouth. She was so looking forward to another interview in 2023 for the ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page as she was the only living Claremontian from her year group. Sadly, this was not to be, but she enjoyed the idea that her stories would be shared. Daphne always had fond memories of Claremont and her time at the school, particularly in the beautiful countryside of Wales. She kept her school scarf and had

Shirley Smith née Jenkins (Esher, Class of 1961)

Written fellow Claremont School alumna, Jenny Walker née Jenkins (Esher, Class of 1964) pays tribute to her sister Shirley. “Shirley was born in Cambridge in 1943 and attended Claremont School from 1954 to 1961. She became Head Girl in third year of sixth form. Having gained excellent results in her O, S and A levels, she obtained a place at Girton College, Cambridge, to read Classics where she was awarded a 2:1 degree. After a Post-Graduate Teaching Certificate year in London, her first post was that of classics teacher at

Daphne at the summer meeting at Claremont circa 1960.

Sherborne School for Girls. She loved living in Dorset, and made many friends there. After seven years she decided it was time for a move, and was appointed classics teacher at St Felix School Southwold, Suffolk. During these years she met David Smith, and in 1983 they were married. She and David had the happiest of marriages. Though he was away at sea for many months, they kept up a regular correspondence, and their reunions when he was on leave always joyous times. She nursed David devotedly through his last illness, which ended his life in 2006. She retired in 2003 but continued to tutor classics students who needed extra coaching. Many local organisations relied on Shirley as secretary or treasurer, co-ordinator, or general fixer-up. All this involved an enormous amount of work, which she undertook willingly, and never seemed at a loss to solve problems. She is greatly missed by her family and many friends.” -Jenny Walker née Jenkins (Esher, Class of 1964)

IN MEMORIAM Leonie Knapton née Kelly (Radnor, Class of 1959)

We have received the sad news that Claremont School alumna Leonie Knapton née Kelly passed away in January 2023. On behalf of Claremont Fan Court School, we extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Eric Leigh

(Former Staff, 1974-1995)

immediately evident. So, too, his sense of humour. On one occasion he and his classmates removed all the clappers from the school bells! Mr Leigh! Mr Leigh! Husband to Noelle, dad to Wendy and to me Finding the love of his life through the Christian Science Youth Forum, Eric married Noelle – they were married sixty five years! Elizabeth and then Wendy made ‘The Leighs’ a family, settling in Surrey. Following his father’s wishes to pursue a career in banking, Eric honed a natural aptitude with numbers and a love of precision and persisting ‘til the job was done. However, in the late sixties, the joy of dinghy sailing floated them down to the South Coast’s Hayling Island in Hampshire and Eric secured a job with Save & Prosper. After a few sunshine filled years by the sea, the family returned to Surrey to give the girls a good education and Eric left the world of figures, somewhat relieved to be able to use his skills more creatively. As manager of Eric Baker’s Children’s Book Centre in Cranleigh, he was tasked with taking The Puffin Book Club into schools which he greatly enjoyed. Their home? The Close at Claremont School for Girls! Here Noelle took on the full-time role as Housemother, supported by Housefather ‘Mr Leigh’, to thirty-three girls aged eight to thirteen. Mr Leigh! Mr Leigh! Hobbies, woodwork, art and CDT

Claremont Fan Court alumna Lizzie Darcy Jones née Leigh (Norwood, Class of 1978), sister of alumna Wendy Leigh (Norwood, Class of 1983) and daughter of houseparent Noelle Leigh (Former Staff, 1974 – 1981), pays tribute to her father and 21 year staff member, Eric Leigh. “Eric Leigh! Eric Leigh! Middle one of brothers three…

It wasn’t long before headmistress at the time, Mary Doran, had persuaded Eric to train as a teacher. 1975 saw Eric on a 250cc Honda heading off in all weathers through Bushy Park to Maria Grey College in Twickenham. He arrived home to an enlarged family experiencing all the ‘enjoyment’ puberty brings and provided a steady calm influence. He also turned the old science laboratory into a boarders’ hobbies room, which later morphed into the woodwork room.

Eric Trevor Leigh – better known as ‘Mr Leigh’ – was born in 1934. Like many, he was evacuated during the war (to Wales) but completed his education at Minchenden School in Middlesex where his artistic talent – particularly for scraperboard – was

After graduating, Eric was appointed a Junior School form teacher and assistant art teacher, progressing swiftly to being a Middle and Senior School teacher and then head of CDT. In 1987 the local press celebrated his being awarded The

Rover Midlander Open Design Award for contributing most towards encouraging design engineering in secondary education. Simultaneously Claremont School for Girls was welcoming Fan Court School for Boys and Eric and Noelle found they were taking care of boy boarders. Mr Leigh! Mr Leigh! Always there to plant a tree… In addition to working with wood, Eric and Noelle were co-founders of The Claremont Tree Society – a registered charity. It enjoyed more than a quarter of a century of providing tree wisdom, tree husbandry and planting on the estate and hosted an enriching programme of visits and working parties. Visits included welcoming Princess Alexandra who planted an oak and just as importantly the tradition of the head girl and head boy tree planting. The Society’s work lives on in lives of the now towering trees around the estate. Mr Leigh! Mr Leigh! Lover of puns and first of April foolery! Retirement? No such thing for Eric. Moving to East Molesey from Claremont, landscape painting, tending his allotment and serving as a long-time member of its committee, decades as an exemplary executive usher for Claygate & Esher Christian Science Church as well as the forever list of home repairs and wood turning projects made for a fulfilling life.

In 2021, a final move to the appropriately named rural village of Leigh on Mendip in Somerset enabled Eric and Noelle to join with Wendy and son-in-law Bal as they returned from life in France in creating a beautiful family home, complete with apple orchard. It also homes Lizzie when she’s not in her writer’s retreat of a caravan, ‘Lady M’, in the Wylye Valley. Eric described Oak Cottage as ‘heaven’, sitting overlooking his two vegetable beds across fields towards the hills. Despite becoming increasingly immobile in late 2022, Eric’s sparkle and ability to make a good pun remained undiminished. He passed on peacefully in July 2023 at home, surrounded by family and still managed to seed what transpired to be a bumper crop of beans, potatoes, and courgettes. Noelle has been inundated with recollections from past pupils – almost all of them mentioning Eric’s sense of humour, unremitting enthusiasm, encouragement, and patience. He was as keen to build character as he was skills. These words, from Fleur (Fortune), sum up the sentiment: “Eric’s CDT lessons were always enjoyable. He created a fun and inspiring atmosphere where I learned a lot, the talent of a great teacher.” -Lizzie Darcy Jones née Leigh (Norwood, Class of 1978) A celebration of Eric’s life will take place in early June 2024. Contact Lizzie Leigh at wildrhyminglizzie@gmail.com if you’d like details. 43

IN MEMORIAM Angela Marriott née Walker (Radnor, Class of 1964)

Angela was a longstanding member of our school’s community: a Claremont School alumna, past parent at both Fan Court School and Claremont Fan Court School and latterly a school Governor in various capacities. We thank Linda Cox (Former Staff, 1968 – 2007) for her tribute to her friend Angela. Linda was head of the Lower and Upper Juniors at Claremont Fan Court School. “We note with sadness the passing of Angela Marriott in August 2023. Angela was a pupil at Claremont School from 1957 to 1962. She continued to have a long association first with Fan Court where her children Clive and Julie were pupils and then with Claremont Fan Court School after the amalgamation. Clive and Julie continued their education there and Angela was active in the PTA. In those days the top class of the then Middle School went to the Lake District for a week’s outward bound activities and Angela would be one of the adults who joined them a number of times. This involved supporting a group of the children through their activities including sleeping in a bivouac overnight by a mosquito infested lake! Angela was a member of the Claremont Fan Court School Council in the late nineteen-eighties and nineties and a school governor. Angela was later elected chairman of the governors where she worked closely with the Principal Patricia Farrar. Patricia valued her quiet strength, clarity of thought and steadfast reliance on God.

Angela brought these qualities to everything she did. She had great warmth, a mischievous sense of humour and much integrity. Perhaps one of the most memorable aspects of her was her sense of mother-love which enveloped everyone.” -Linda Cox (Former Staff, 1968-2007)

David Anable and Isobel Anable née Peacock

(Cayley, Class of 1952 and Esher, Class of 1956)

Photo of David provided by The Portland Press Herald. Photo of Isabel on the mansion’s front steps Spring term 1956.

We have received the sad news that Fan Court School alumnus David Anable passed away in August 2023. David returned to Fan Court School for two years as a maths teacher and sports coach and later married Isobel Anable née Peacock who was a Claremont School alumna. Isobel sadly too passed away two months later in October 2023. On behalf of Claremont Fan Court School, we extend our sincere condolences to their family and friends. Isobel kindly shared her favourite memories in 2022 as part of our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page found here.

John Orchard

(Lings, Class of 1952) We have received the sad news that Fan Court School alumnus John Orchard passed away in 2022. His brother William Orchard (Lings, Class of 1950) very kindly passed on this news to us. On behalf of Claremont Fan Court School, we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Vivien ap Rhys Pryce (Esher, Class of 1955)

We have received the sad news that Claremont School alumna, Vivien ap Rhys Pryce (Esher, Class of 1955) passed away in October 2023. Her brother Fan Court alumnus, John ap Rhys Pryce (Lings, Class of 1957) very kindly passed on this news to us. On behalf of Claremont Fan Court School, we extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends.

her sister was the same, so maybe it’s a genetic thing! Vivien was born to be an artist, perhaps getting it from our mother, who was also artistic and a very good water-colourist. Vivien never married, and although I know it is a cliché, I think her creations were her children. She worked in all mediums, clay, stone, wax, resin and ceramics. She also painted, mainly in water colours. She was also extremely good at sewing and knitting, making her own dresses and blouses from scratch. She had the wonderful ability to be able to knit while watching television at the same time! Two other important strands in her life were her faith and her dogs. She was a sincere Christian Scientist all her life and helped run the church in Warminster until it closed a few years ago. She decided to get a dog when she moved from London to Calne. She has a friend who bred spaniels, so her first dog, Dora, was a Welsh Springer Spaniel, who she had from a puppy. She used to show Dora regularly at all the local dog shows and collected a raft of rosettes over the years. Dora was followed by Amy, also a Spaniel, and then later by Letty and Muffin who both came from rescue centres. Having Muff towards the end was a great solace to her, and I would like to thank all her friends at Leighton Home Farm Court most sincerely for all their kindness in helping to look after both her and Muffin.”

Vivien on the front steps of Claremont whilst at school.

“Vivien was born in 1937, so she grew up in the war years. They were evacuated to a farm near Lewes in Sussex, and I remember her saying that she and her sister Hilary (Radnor, Class of 1952) used to watch the doodle-bugs, the V1 & V2 rockets, flying over towards London. I came along 6 years later, so you can imagine what a triumph it was for a 6-year-old girl to have a real live baby to look after. Our parents were often overseas, so Hilary and Vivien were at boarding school and in the holidays were farmed out to our Grandparents, Aunts or friends. I think the deprivations of rationing after the war made a profound impression on Vivien. She was always quite frugal and never threw anything away that might come in handy one day. Apparently

In honour of Vivien, we have posthumously presented John’s tribute and photographs she took during her school days at Claremont on our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ page found here.

IN MEMORIAM Alex MacCormick (Astor, Class of 1964)

Peter Brown

(Cazalet, Class of 1955)

A tribute to Alex is kindly made by her friend and fellow Claremont School alumna, Barbara Guthrie (Norwood, Class of 1964). “Alex’s mother was an architect and her father a script writer. She was a fluent French speaker and attended the Lycee in Paris when she was five. Alex lived with the Scrimgeour family while she was at Claremont and she and Tricia were firm friends. She showed early artistic talent and that stayed with her all her life. She was one of the first students to attend Lancaster University and she went on from there to work for Penguin Books. She was an editor for Weidenfeld and Nicholson and was very casual about the famous authors she took to lunch. Hers was an illustrious career. She wrote several books: Shark Attack, Dried Flower Arranging, The Mezzes of the Languedoc and A Biography of David Blunkett’s Guide Dog. But it was her love of painting that led to many wonderful trips with her mother, Delphine, and they exhibited together. Delphine’s death was a sad loss for her and she decided to ‘follow the light’ and settle in the Languedoc. She bought a lovely house there and lived there for about fifteen years until her death. She made many friends in Roujan and she will be missed by all who knew her.” 46

Photo credit: BC Security

We have received the sad news that Fan Court School alumnus Peter Brown passed away in March 2023. Peter’s sister Patricia Brown (Esher, Class of 1958) attended Claremont School. On behalf of Claremont Fan Court School, we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. On behalf of John Jackson (Lings, Class of 1956), we share his tribute to his friend Peter. “Peter was a lively and dynamic character. He loved sport. We played in the soccer team together – he was inside left, and I was inside right. He was a left footer with a strong kick. His nick name was ‘Bill’. I once hit him on the forehead with my ‘hockey’ stick (piece of wood) – we used to play a game of improvised hockey in the courtyard - which could get a bit wild.” Peter was a very early participant in our ‘100 voices of Claremont Fan Court School’ project. Along with games of flag-raiding, snow days and his train journey from Lincolnshire at the start of term, Peter remembers his years at Fan Court School as a “great opportunity”. Later in life when he emigrated back to New Zealand, he looked to replicate the school’s nurturing ethos for his two sons. His favourite stories of his time at Fan Court School can found here.

Leah with her dog Piper and insulated cup in Homer, AK, USA.

Maria with her centenary insulated cup at home in Seattle, WA, USA.

Claremont merchandise across the world

We always love to receive photographs taken across the world by our alumni and wider school community and especially so, photographs taken featuring our school’s merchandise. In honour of our centenary in the academic year 2022/23, we commissioned a collection of centenary merchandise which can still be bought through our online gift shop on our portal, Claremont Connect. We recently received a photograph sent from a Claremont Fan Court alumna, Leah Eskelin née Rigall (Norwood, Class of 1998). The photograph was taken of herself with her dog Pepper and her Claremont centenary insulated cup near her home in Alaska, USA. Claremont Fan Court alumna Maria Regan née Kassberg (Radnor, Class of 1981) kindly shared a photograph of herself with her Claremont centenary insulated cup near her home in Seattle, USA. One photograph is in the Olympic National Park and the other photograph is taken on the thirty-minute ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island across the Puget Sound. If you have bought Claremont merchandise from our online or one of our pop-up gift shops, please send in a photograph of your merchandise on its travels or in their new home to alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

CLAREMONT CONNECT GIFT SHOP Looking for a Claremont Fan Court gift for a loved one? All profits from centenary merchandise go towards the Capital Fund and all profits from heritage merchandise go towards the Heritage Fund, so why not treat yourself? As custodians of the school’s grade 1 landscape and listed buildings, we take our responsibility very seriously. Each year we schedule a programme of repair and reinstatement work, the Heritage Fund ensures that our school site and buildings are maintained and preserved for future generations. Donations allow us to complete projects beyond the ongoing immediate maintenance requirements. The Capital Fund ensures the school’s facilities match our student’s excellence and ambition. Claremont has a programme of upgrades, refurbishments and new builds as part of a new masterplan which is currently in the early phases of development, which will meet the needs of the school not just for now, but for the next twenty years. 48

Claremont mansion mug - £15 Fine bone china mug. Illustration by Alison Gardiner of Claremont mansion featuring Queen Victoria, Claremont Fan Court School pupils and Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold, and the Belvedere. Dishwasher safe. Can be purchased as the Claremont tea set with four mugs. All profits go to the Heritage Fund.

Limited Edition Pierre Cardin branded pen - £40 Limited Edition Claremont Fan Court branded Pierre Cardin Tournier Fountain pen. Silver in colour. Handgraved grid lines to the barrel of the pen, with in-built piston filler. Pen lid is branded with ‘Claremont Fan Court School’ on the side. Manufactured from brass and triple chromium plated. Pen sold with Pierre Cardin branded gift box. All profits go to the Capital Fund.

Limited Edition mounted print of Claremont mansion by Christine Scott - £50 Limited Edition mounted print of Claremont mansion painted by local West Horsley artist, Christine Scott. Print will come protected in cellophane. Number 15 of 150 prints. Christine’s artwork of local scenes around Surrey can be found at www.christinescottwatercolours.co.uk Christine has kindly donated this artwork to the school and she will receive 40% of the final sale. All remaining profits go to the Heritage Fund.

Would you like to place an order? Both UK and worldwide postage or Click & Collect is available. Email: alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk Call: 01372 473 647 Scan the QR code or order online at https://www.claremontconnect.co.uk/shop

Scan the QR code to take you to Claremont Connect.

Stay Connected We’re always keen to keep in touch with the Claremont Fan Court community. Whether it is memories of your school days, stories of your travels, career details, reunions or articles for next year’s review. Please email alumni@claremont.surrey.sch.uk with your updates. Kate Bradford Development office & Archive Kbradford@claremont.surrey.sch.uk Krish Gunatunga Development office development@claremont.surrey.sch.uk