News from the heart of Downe House
Reconnecting – a love of languages brings Alice back to Downe House. Read the full story on Page 11 (Mrs Maggie Richardson, Teacher of Italian, is pictured with Alice Wonnacott [DH 2005])
Spring 2016.Issue 15
SHARE YOUR LIFE BEYOND DOWNE HOUSE
MEET THE TEAM
Cloisters CONTENTS
ALISON ILOTT Alison joined the Foundation Team in October 2015 as the Foundation Administrator and PA to the Assistant Headmistress, Michelle Scott. Previously, Alison has worked as a Geography teacher and Gifted and Talented CoOrdinator in an inner-London school. Alison has also worked as an office manager in a large IT firm as well as in the charity sector, first at Teenage Cancer Trust and later at the British Association for Adoption and Fostering.
Please contact Michelle Scott at foundation@downehouse.net.
Update your details online
Or email us at: foundation@downehouse.net
DH LINKS Cluster Group
4
University Success News for Florence Li and Sarah Creedy-Smith
5
From The Archives
6-7
DHSA News
8
The Honourable Heather Galbriath
9
In Memory of Lynette Gridley
10
Alumnae Talks and Lectures
11
Holcombe Goes Venetian for Open Arms Orphanage Malawi
12
Alumnae in the Spotlight, Priscilla Woolworth
13
Duke of Edinburgh Award
14
Save The Date Reunions
16
14-15
Marathon Success for Mrs Dakin
15
Happy Day
16
The Interschool Ski Challenge
17
Street Child
18
Laptop for Ladies
19
10 Year Vision Update
20-21
Alumnae Around The World, Christy Powell
22-23
Obituary 24-27 Founder’s Weekend 2016
28
Dates for the Diary
29
Contacts
30
17 22
T I ON O DA
ICE
http://www.downehouse.net/foundation/update_details_form.asp
Alison says ‘I am delighted to be a member of the Downe House community, working within the Foundation Office, particularly whilst it is in the midst of an Appeal as exciting and ground breaking as the Ten Year Vision. The myriad of activities taking place within a school Foundation Office - marketing, communications, alumnae relations, event planning, fundraising, to name just a few, means no two days are the same in the Foundation Office. I am thoroughly enjoying being immersed in the fast pace and positive spirit of the Foundation team.’
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Have you recently moved, changed your email address or phone number? You can simply update your details online:
Working in the Foundation Office has allowed Alison to amalgamate her experience of teaching within a school with her experience of event planning and fundraising administration within charities. It also means she is back in her favourite environment – a thriving, inspirational school.
F OUN
It is one of the greatest strengths of our alumnae community that so many of you feel able to share your expertise and offer support to both current girls and fellow alumnae. The story of your lives help inspire the next generation of Downe House graduates to go on to achieve great things, and they greatly value the words of advice and encouragement from those that have gone before. We are putting together the 3rd Edition of our Beyond Downe House brochure and we’d love to hear from anyone that feels able to share their story.
Meet The Team
Magazine team: Editor-in-chief Michelle Scott Content Alexandra Barlow Designer Satvinder Orton Issue 15 CLOISTERS 3
CLOISTERS
DH LINKS PROPERTY, ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING CLUSTER GROUP SAVILLS
CLUSTER GROUP
DOWNE HOUSE
MEDLEY LECTURE LORD GEORGE CAREY
Property, architecture and engineering were the focus of the latest DH LINKS cluster group.
Former Archbishop of Canterbury
Girls aspiring to careers in property, architecture and engineering found a wealth of information at their fingertips at last week’s DH LINKS Cluster Group. The careers and networking event for this sector was held at Savills Global Headquarters in London, which provided the perfect platform to explore options for girls with A level or university choices ahead of them. About 50 alumnae, parents and current girls spent the evening exchanging information about university pathways, careers, work experience and contacts to make this one of the most well attended cluster groups so far. Upper Fifth pupil, Nutthapit, found the experience extremely valuable, commenting “I think that it was really useful for me personally because I now know more about what ‘engineering’ is and it gave me an insight into what jobs these engineers actually do in the real world. This event got me excited for university because by hearing from all these people I know that I will be doing what I actually love and enjoy and engineering is the right path for me.” Current parent Mr Jonathan Hewlett, Head of London Residential at Savills, who hosted the evening, commented, “It was great to see so many current Downe House girls keen to learn more about the property industry, all of whom networked the room and approached the alumnae and the current and former parents in the industry to ask their questions. Property is a great industry and one that certainly should have more female professionals so I hope that we see more girls from Downe choosing this profession. All in all a great evening.”
MEE TI NG CLUSTER GROUP WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 Please join us at the eighth DH LINKS networking event at the Francis Taylor Building (London)
“… in the face of the reality of needless suffering” Can Giving Permission to Die Ever be Right for the Terminally Ill? A medical ethics discussion on assisted dying THURSDAY APRIL 28 AT 7.30PM IN PAC
To confirm your place please email:
foundation@downehouse.net
CAMBRIDGE FOOTLIGHTS Huge congratulations are in order for Sarah CreedySmith (DH 2015) who has been offered a place with the prestigious Cambridge Footlights on their 2016 national and international tour. Sarah is currently in first year studying English, Drama & Education at Cambridge University.
A retiring collection for Christian Charity Downe House is an independent boarding school for girls aged 11-18 Downe House, Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 9JJ t: 01635 200286 f: 01635 202026 www.downehouse.net
IVY LEAGUE SUCCESS Congratulations to Florence Li (DH 2015) who has been awarded a place at Brown University and New York University (Gallatin and Wesleyan). Florence will be moving to the United States in August this year and we wish her every success for when her classes begin in September.
‘I wish Sarah every success and hope she will return to Downe House in the summer to share her experience of her first year at Cambridge with the girls at one of the Drama Department’s Stage Door Lectures.’ MRS SARAH HANNIBAL-WHITE
(Head of Drama)
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Issue 15 CLOISTERS 5
From The Archives NAMING OF THE HOUSES ANCREN GATE / AGN AND AGS
FROM THE ARCHIVES In 2001, to give the girls more space, there was some swapping of buildings between houses. So AGN swapped with Hill House, moving into a revamped, enlarged building - its present building. AGS swapped with Darwin House, also into its present, revamped, enlarged building.
HOUSEMISTRESSES ANCREN GATE 1979 - 1982 Mrs Juliet Austin 1982 - 1986 Mrs Judith Hamilton 1986 - 1992 Mrs Rosanna Oldham ANCREN GATE NORTH 1992 - 1997 Miss Pat Volanté 1997 - 2004 Mrs Paula Plass 2004 - 2008 Mrs Kristen Simpson 2008 - 2010 Miss Virginia Woods 2010 - 2013 Mrs Suzy Dixon 2013 - Miss Kayleigh Anger
1994 - 1997 Mrs Jenny Crosby 1997 - 1999 Mrs Michelle Hobbs 1999 - 2003 Mrs Jane Shone 2003 - 2011 Mrs Genevieve Ford 2011 - 2014 Mrs Charlotte Jones 2014 - Mrs Sofia McClymont AGN 2016
ANCREN GATE SOUTH 1992 - 1994 Mrs Jennifer Howard AGS 2016
LIESE BROWN (NÉE FLORA CARVER)
The original Ancren Gate was built in 1914, so it was already in the grounds when the school came to Cold Ash in 1922. Miss Curtis, one of the two founders of the Order of Silence, from whom Olive Willis bought this estate in Cold Ash, had a house built for her own use. It was, Anne Ridler writes “at the eastern edge of the grounds … called Ancren Gate, to recall the medieval anchoresses”. An Anchoress or an Anchorite is one who withdraws from the world for a solitary life of prayer. Note that they will withdraw, not cut themselves off completely. They would live in a small room which would have three windows; one looking towards the church so that communion can be received, the second would allow contact with their assistant and the third would allow people to come and seek the guidance and advice of the anchoress or the anchorite, and to request prayers to be said. Again from Anne Ridler, regarding Ancren Gate; “The school retained the name, but filled it first of all with staff, and later on with the younger girls, who slept there under the wing of Miss Croft”. After a time being used for the Sixth Form, when the house system started in 6 CLOISTERS Issue 15
1979, Ancren Gate (AG) became one of the four main school houses and occupied both the original Ancren Gate and Red Shute, the building next to it, which is now Darwin House. As the school enrolment increased, it was decided in 1922 to have a fifth house and AG was split into Ancren Gate North (AGN) and Ancren Gate South (AGS) with AGN occupying the original AG and AGS occupying Red Shute – both had extensions added. The terms AGN and AGS were used before that, depending on which building girls were in but they were combined as AG for inter-house activities such as drama, games, music and so on.
Flora, known as Liese, was born in 1922 in Malawi, where her father was a forestry officer. At the start of the war she returned from Ireland to work for the Friends Relief Service firstly at an evacuation centre in Cornwall where she met Alec Brown, who had been driving relief vehicles through the London Blitz, and later in London hospitals. Despite opposition from both families, they married in 1944. After the war, they welcomed German POWs to their home, one of whom became a life long friend. Her priority was the support of Alec and their two sons, all of whom she helped through higher education and training. She developed a series of neglected houses and gardens. She was a potter and professional sculptor. A prolific correspondent and amateur genealogist, in pre-internet days, she maintained links with family and friends across the globe. Wherever she lived she was an active member of her community, politically (Liberal) and apolitically. Liese died in 2006 and Alec died 3 months later. Liese was at Downe from Michaelmas 1934 to Lent 1939. Written by CHRIS BROWN
(Liese’s son)
Extract from the Downe House Magazine Archive: Flora passed a Piano Exam in Summer 1935. Summer 1939, Flora was one of eight girls whose rooms were to be recommended for tidiness. Issue 15 CLOISTERS 7
DHSA party 2016 for members who left in or before 1963
DHSA NEWS
THE HONOURABLE HEATHER GALBRAITH RECEIVES AN MBE
Miss Galbraith has played a huge role in the equestrian world and continues an active involvement in eventing. She has run the Eglinton Horse Trials since 1959 and now breeds horses at her property in Ayrshire, Scotland. She has been recognised for being one of the most enduring event organisers in British Equestrian history, still in charge of Eglington after more than half a century.
A luncheon party will held at the Hurlingham Club, London SW6 on
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 14TH 2016 AT 12.30PM Formal invitations will be sent to those eligible in due course.
Annual General Meeting 2016 This was held on 16 February in London. Further details will be published on the website. The meeting marked the retirement of Mrs Jane Baker from the committee. Jane Baker (Dunphie DH 1949) has been a stalwart supporter of the DHSA for many years. Originally a registrar for her own year, she has gradually added the responsibility for another four years to her portfolio. She has also served on the committee since 1988, including 10 years as Secretary and three years as Chairman. So many Old Seniors have cause to be grateful for her kindness, enthusiasm and efficiency. The committee will miss her wise counsel but thanked her for her sterling service.
Reminder: Deadlines for applications for DHSA Grants in 2016
Jane Baker (Dunphie DH 1949)
Applications for funding towards worthwhile pursuits from members of any age are considered three times a year, following deadlines in 2016 of 31 January, 30 April and 31 August. Full details and application forms on the school website/DHSA.
It was with immense pleasure that we received the news that The Honourable Heather Galbraith, a former Downe House girl, has been awarded an MBE for Services to Equestrianism in Ayrshire in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List 2016.
Change of DHSA administrator We send our thanks and best wishes to Lucy O’Meara as she goes on maternity leave, welcoming in her place Louise Peto who looks forward to working with the Old Seniors.
DHSA Short Story Competition 2016 The Association sponsored this competition for the third year running. Open to all girls in the school and organised by Mrs Jessica Boswell, a member of the English department, entries were divided into three sections – Senior (UV-UVI), Middle (UIV & LV) and Junior (Remove & LIV) – writing respectively on the themes ‘Talisman’, ‘Shadow’ and ‘Mirror’. The judging panel comprised seven Old Seniors who between them possess years of experience in journalism and publishing.
Louise Peto and Lucy O’Meara
The Clare Balding Prize for the highest scoring entry went to Saskia Robbiati.
Names and Addresses List 2016 This was published in February and sent to all members pre- 1963 and to those post- 1963 who had requested a copy. Some copies are still available: please apply via the website or directly to the DHSA administrator at school (dhsa@downehouse.net or 01635 204719)
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Heather’s attendance at Downe House spurred a family tradition which was to last for generations and continues to the present day. Born in February 1930, Miss Galbraith came to Downe at the age of 14. Before long she was joined by her first cousins Ann, Agnes, Mary and Alison Martin. Subsequent generations of cousins have also enjoyed being at Downe together.
Our thanks go to Mrs Ghislaine Kennerley for bringing the news to our attention and drawing the family connections for our Archives. “I enjoy talking to Aunt Heather about Downe and we often share stories. Having members of my family at Downe is good fun and we often enjoy supper together in the school dining room.”
The prize winners were Senior: Gemma Mountain LVI, Middle: Isabel Fincham LV and Junior: Saskia Robbiati LIV. All the prize winners and the runners up enjoyed a bespoke creative writing course at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford before attending a prize-giving supper with the Chairman of the DHSA, Mrs Bridget Wheeler (Campbell DH 1980).
Pictured at Barskimming on New Year’s Day 2016: Jane Rowe (née Galbraith DH 1969), Susan Galbraith, Heather Galbraith (DH 1947), Jean Galbraith & Ghislaine Kennerley (née Galbraith DH 1975).
As one of seven children, Miss Galbraith’s association with Downe led to the wider family becoming a treasured member of the Downe house community, a tradition that has been continued over the years by her nieces and great nieces, all of whom enjoyed happy times at the School.
Gina Galbraith LVI DHSA Short Story Competition Winners
Current members of the Galbraith family at Downe House (Daisy, Gina, Rose and Julia)
Dearest Lynette,
IN MEMORY LYNETTE GRIDLEY It is a great sadness that we report that much-loved Drama teacher, Mrs Lynette Gridley, died peacefully just before Easter. Lynette was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of cancer at February half term and fought bravely. “To lose such an outstanding teacher and such a warm, enthusiastic and generous-spirited member of Common Room is a blow to the whole community. May we ask you to keep Lynette’s daughter, Kate, and her family in your thoughts and prayers?” MRS EMMA MCKENDRICK Lynette (pictured 2nd from right, top and bottom) with her Drama Department friends past and present.
For your generosity of spirit. For your care and commitment. For your dedication to your students. For your support and understanding. For your wonderful stories. For your magnificent calligraphy. For your bright and joyous clothing. For your “Jilly Cooper” inspired outfits. For your fabulous performances. For your beautiful props. For your sheer hard work and determination. For your twinkling eyes. For your wicked sense of humour. For your kindness and empathy. For your warm heart and wonderful hugs. For your courage. For your beautiful smile. For every day that you gave to us. You won a place in all of our hearts and it just won’t be the same without you. Sleep tight, the sweetest of dreams, we will never forget you.
With all our love, The Downe House Drama Department
ALUMNAE TALKS AND LECTURES LENT TERM 2016 ALICE WONNACOTT (DH 2005) It was lovely to welcome back Alice Wonnacott who shared her love of languages with us and talked about how her passion for Italian had been ignited in Italian lessons with Mrs Richardson. Our LIV were impressed to hear about how many languages she speaks and uses in her everyday work life where she travels around the world to a variety of sporting fixtures doing deals for TV companies (I think!). She certainly gave our LIV something to think about and further sparked their desire to become excellent linguists. MRS JANE BASNETT
(Head of Modern Languages) ‘I was delighted to come back to Downe to speak to the LIV about language options. Hopefully it was useful for them to hear it from an Old Senior’s point of view - I was certainly impressed with the volume and quality of questions afterwards.’ ALICE WONNACOTT (DH 2005)
KATE MOZZICARELLI (EDEY DH 1991) We were delighted to welcome back Kate Mozzicarelli on Monday 14 March as part of our Oyster Society programme. Through her role as Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, Kate was able to give our girls an insight into the finance sector and the path she taken since leaving Downe. MRS SOFIE MCCLYMONT
(AGS Housemistress, World of Work Co-ordinator, Teacher of PSHE)
Issue 15 CLOISTERS 11
HOLCOMBE GOES VENETIAN FOR OPEN ARMS ORPHANAGE MALAWI On the 27th of February, Holcombe hosted a Venetian Carnival Ball. We all put a lot of effort into the night and it really payed off. It took place in the transformed main school dining room which was decorated with fairy lights and beautiful centre pieces on the tables, including beautiful flowers and venetian masks, and girls in Holcombe even drew the table cards. The evening was extremely eventful with entertaining music and performances from the whole house, singing the winning House Music song “Skyfall” was great fun again and Holcombe Singers stole the show with a collection of their newest songs. To top the night off, it ended with a competitive auction which included prizes ranging from a gorgeous Fortnum and Mason hamper to a holiday in Portugal! It ended with the parents, teachers and even girls buying either a term of education for a child in Malawi, uniform for them or other much needed supplies. Everyone was so generous and we managed to raise ten thousand pounds for Open Arms Orphanage. It was such a wonderful night and it was lovely to see everyone contributing and getting involved for such a worthy cause. We hope all the parents and teachers enjoyed the evening as much as we did. A special thanks to Mrs Mears-Smith and Miss Baker as we all really appreciate all the hard work they put in to make this such a magical evening. A fantastic grand total of £10,000 was raised on the night. COSIMA DAVIES AND IMAN KHALIL
LV Year Reps
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ALUMNAE IN THE SPOTLIGHT PRISCILLA WOOLWORTH (DH 1980) Priscilla Woolworth is the founder and CEO of PriscillaWoolworth.com, an online sustainable living General Store and Monthly Almanac. Her store offers a diverse range of environmentally friendly and socially responsible products for the home. Priscilla is a direct descendant of one of the founders of the iconic F.W. Woolworth ‘five-and-dime’ stores, and is passionate about continuing her family’s legacy into the 21st-century by promoting a lifestyle of environmental awareness and sustainability. In 2009, she was thrilled to be named, “New Green Pioneer” by Time Magazine. Her passion for all things sustainable and environmentally-responsible led to the creation of the Almanac, a quarterly online resource that celebrates the eco-world, promotes emerging green technologies, and champions innovations in sustainable design, bio-dynamic gardening, the arts, and plant-based cuisine. Each month, Priscilla spotlights a group or organisation that endeavors to arrest, contain, or reverse environmental damage and preserve our natural world for future generations. Priscilla has lived in New York City, the coast of Maine, and the south of France, and now, is currently living and working in Los Angeles, where she raised her two daughters. Last year, she released a book titled LOLA, Lots of Love Always, which is aimed at young women showing them how to live a sustainable lifestyle and make healthy choices that are good for them and the planet at large. L.O.L.A./lots of love always (lotsoflovealways.com), is also a website specifically conceived for young women as well, where Priscilla continues her commitment to the future by sharing valuable prescriptions for sustainable, joyous, and healthy living. LOLA, Lots Of Love Always by Priscilla Woolworth is a health and lifestyle reference book for young women on the brink of leaving home for the “real” world. Whether those first steps are toward college, the workforce, or beginning an independent life, LOLA will serve as an invaluable field guide for anyone who wants to adopt a sustainable lifestyle, thrive on her own in social and professional environments, and make healthy choices that will benefit not just herself, but the planet at large. LOLA is organised into 20 chapters with topics that range from roommate etiquette to job interview protocol; from all natural beauty recommendations to toxin-free housekeeping tips; as well as advice for traveling internationally and entertaining in your dorm room or first apartment. Learn which organic foods are worth the price point, how to set up your first kitchen, and how to make delicious plant-based meals from recipes provided in the book. Thoughtful and creative ideas for living on a budget, such as concocting healthy and effective alternatives to conventional retail products, and how to reuse, repurpose, and recycle all manner of waste. LOLA suggests easy and creative opportunities to practice the elegance of frugality and simultaneously reduce the carbon footprint. LOLA is also a big fan of good manners, handwritten letters, volunteering, as well as being prepared in the event of an emergency. And so much more. Illustrated with photographs and colorful graphics created by Priscilla Woolworth plus contributions from wonderful photographers, LOLA is not only full of practical advice but it’s emotionally optimistic and visually fun! LOLA hopes to inspire young women of all ages to demonstrate love for themselves, their neighbours, their communities, and our earth. LOLA wants girls everywhere to have the best life possible starting now!
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Issue 15 CLOISTERS 13
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
MARATHON SUCCESS FOR MRS DAKIN!
On Tuesday 1 March an excited group of Downe House alumnae and staff headed to St James’s Palace for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Awards presentation. It was the culmination of many years of commitment and hard work for the girls who began the awards programme early in their Downe House career and continued it beyond school. Accompanied by Mrs Michelle Scott (Assistant Headmistress, Foundation) and Mr Tony Riddle (PE teacher and co-curricular co-ordinator) who runs the Duke of Edinburgh scheme at Downe, the girls were presented with their awards by HRH Prince Philip. This was the end of a rich and rewarding programme of activities for Lara Spearman (DH 2015), Frances Nicholson (DH 2015), Charlotte Whitehead (DH 2015), Adetoun Karunwi (DH 2015), Eleanor Dewhurst (DH 2014) and Flora Tiley (DH 2013). It was a grand occasion and a great honour to meet HRH Prince Philip, who continues to fulfil his role at the helm of the D of E Awards at 94 years old and with the scheme now in its 60th year.
(Lara, Frances, Charlotte & Adetoun)
Mr Riddle explained, “The scheme is hugely popular at Downe and provides a fantastic framework for serving the community, developing skills including leadership, becoming self-reliant and participating in the great outdoors with expeditions. We are immensely proud of the girls who stay the distance to complete their gold award. It’s a huge sign of strength, commitment and character and we congratulate them.”
5 YEAR REUNION REUNION FOR THE CLASS OF 2010 Wednesday 18 May The Atlas Pub, Fulham 6.30pm – 9.30pm
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10 YEAR REUNION REUNION FOR THE CLASS OF 2006 Thursday 20 October, London (venue to be confirmed) 6.30pm – 9.30pm
RSVP foundation@downehouse.net
Lydia originally wanted to do the Brighton marathon but couldn't do it because of work, so instead she planned her own private marathon around Winchester. What had started out as a personal challenge, soon became a full-blown event with water stations, other runners, even people employed to cheer her on! Lydia completed the marathon on Sunday 10 April and has raised nearly £400 for her chosen charity, Plan UK. “I’ve never been any good at sport, but started going out running (with my daughter in the pushchair and dog on the lead) about this time last year, and got hooked! I completed the Great South Run last October and decided that a real challenge would be to take on a marathon. Doing my own independent one actually put a lot of pressure on me – what if I didn’t make it to the finish line where all my friends were waiting to cheer?! It was a real effort to make it round the course (9 miles completely alone, but then 17 with family, friends and colleagues helping out), but when I did get to the end it felt amazing! I’ll be back out doing a gentle jog again soon, but will definitely be doing another marathon at some point in the future…” MRS LYDIA DAKIN
(Head of Classics)
1995 20 Year
1991 25 Year
REUNION FOR THE CLASS OF 1995
REUNION FOR THE CLASS OF 1991
Sunday 18 September Downe House 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Wednesday 21 September 20 Cavendish Square, London 6.30pm – 9.30pm
RSVP foundation@downehouse.net
RSVP foundation@downehouse.net Issue 15 CLOISTERS 15
HAPPY DAY
THE INTERSCHOOL SKI CHALLENGE
The Downe House junior ski team travelled to France on 4 March for the Artemis Interschool Ski Challenge. The trip began with two days of training to prepare for the races ahead. With conditions poor on the first morning, it was too dangerous to train for the giant slalom but by the second day conditions were more settled and the girls got plenty of practice runs under their belts.
IN SUPPORT OF STREET CHILD HAPPY DAY
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Amidst all the madness and colour on Wednesday 16 March, there was a serious side to the Happy Day celebrations. It was just one of the events being held through the year in support of Street Child. Street Child is a UK charity, established in 2008, that aims to create educational opportunities for some of the most vulnerable children in West Africa. The day of fun culminated in a colour run on the playing fields. We are delighted that four members of our Sixth Form are Ambassadors for Street Child: Alyx Van der Vorm LVI, Lucy Mortlock UVI, Anouska Royle UVI & Miranda Shaw UVI Read more about Street Child on page 18 of Cloisters.
The U14s and U13s raced together, so too did the U12s and U10s. Competition was tough, particularly as the Swiss and French schools are able to ski regularly throughout the season. All the Downe House competitors did themselves credit and finished in the top 20s with over 60 entrants in each category. Most importantly they relished the opportunity to compete and really enjoyed the experience of travelling together, training, participating and celebrating their successes. The team was captained by Katy N, who narrowly missed a bronze medal due to a fall. She and Miranda D skied in the U14 category, finishing 8th and 9th respectively in the U14 giant slalom. Lulu H and Bea P were great assets to the team, competing for the second time at Les Houches. Congratulations go to Emily G who completed all her runs without any falls. In the U14s she was placed 28th in the giant slalom and 40th in the slalom. In the U12s Kate M and Georgia D were placed respectively 8th and 20th in the giant slalom and 17th and 26th in the slalom. Mrs Capps, who led the trip, commented, “The girls skied well and team spirit was fantastic. I’m very proud of them all. “ Issue 15 CLOISTERS 17
CHARITY FOCUS
Charity Focus
Street Child A year ago a presenter from the charity Street Child came to talk at an assembly about the charity's inspiring work. The presenter mentioned a Young Leaders programme, and after applying and receiving a place on this programme, I enthusiastically started my work as a Street Child Ambassador in September. Firstly, Street Child is a UK based nonprofit which works in West Africa, predominantly in Sierra Leone, Libera and New Guinea. Street Child focuses on the education and relocation of street children in Western Africa into stable homes and concentrates on making the change which they catalyse sustainable - they have four primary initiatives: the Every Child in School initiative, the Sex Workers Programme, the Family Business Scheme and most recently the Ebola Response. Through this work, Street Child aims to end the cycle of poverty as through educating these children they will have the skills and opportunity to secure work in later life and therefore improve their standard of living and that of their family, enabling their children to go to school and hence continue successfully in their footsteps. The Family Business Scheme works in tandem with this goal of education, as the parents are offered opportunities to start up their own businesses and therefore increase their income so they can pay for the education of their children not only imminently but in the long term to ensure maximum success. As a Young Ambassador and member of the programme, I have two main aims to achieve; spreading the word and fundraising. We were all required to 18 CLOISTERS Issue 15
give two presentations, one to a group within our community - for me this was a presentation to my year group in an assembly - and another to a group outside our direct community - for this I went around knocking on the doors of my neighbours and telling them about Street Child’s great work. I also attended two formal occasions with the whole team of Young Ambassadors, one fascinating induction and skills day in London at the beginning of the programme and an Appreciation Ceremony at the end. In order to raise money for this inspiring and worthy cause I organised a School mufti day in the Michaelmas term which was a great success, and then ran a sponsored 10k at the end of February which raised £1,600 in total. Street Child was kind enough to grant me two awards, one for most funds raised in the programme and another for most recruits, and I am very honoured to have received these gratifying prizes. Towards the end of the programme I focused on finding new Ambassadors and applicants for the programme in the year below me and managed to gather a group of 14 wonderful ambassadors who will all continue this worthwhile and meaningful work. Being part of this programme and a Street Child Young Ambassador is
so inspiring and truly a wonderfully rewarding and exciting opportunity that I can recommend with the utmost confidence. It is truly an honour to be a part of and contribute to the admirable efforts of this amazing charity. Finally, when the formal programme ended I was truly touched to receive a picture (shown below) of a with a sign with my name written on as a thank you for my efforts and contribution, which was for me an extremely rewarding sight. ALYX VAN DER VORM
(Lower Sixth)
‘Helping young women follow their dreams’ Laptops for Ladies is a UK based charity providing laptops for women in Sri Lanka for educational purposes. The laptops are sourced specifically for women who come from the Tea Estates in Sri Lanka. Founder of the charity, Poppy Royal (DH 2011), made the decision to track down her biological family. On this journey she met her biological sister for the first time in almost 20 years. On her latest visit back to Sri Lanka Poppy brought with her a spare laptop that had been lying around the house. Poppy had previously learned that her sister had been struggling to juggle both computer school and language school, as the cost of both was too high. Earning the equivalent of £2.50 as a tea packer in a factory day made this dream a very distant prospect
Now her sister has a laptop, she has been provided with the tools and the opportunity to self-educate and it was the effect that this has had on her life that set this mission off. Laptops for Ladies is a charity that aims to utilise laptops as tools to empower young women in Sri Lanka. Poppy writes: ‘On the 4th September 2015 we travelled to Colombo to meet with the Upcountry Education Development Society. UEDS are a Sri Lankan charity, committed to helping young upcountry people develop their education. We partnered up with them as we were certain they would be able to help us identify the women we wanted the laptops to go to. We arrived to a very warm welcome and proceeded to present the laptops to 13 young women, all currently studying at universities. These girls were inspiring, since they overcame many obstacles on a daily basis in order to achieve their grades. These girls do not have much money, however they have the drive and determination for success. We were incredibly proud to present them with their laptops and it was very apparent that these laptops would make a huge difference to their academic and professional careers.’ For further information on this remarkable charity, see www.laptops-for-ladies.com
YEAR
• Seminar rooms will provide the much needed space for small group learning, discussions and tutorials • The entrance foyer will be a welcoming open gallery space
YEAR “In an ever and fast-changing world, Downe House strives to provide girls with an excellent holistic education which equips them with the knowledge and skills, as well as the self-confidence, to play a full and positive part as global citizens. The Centre for Learning will be transformational for Downe House and will help us to provide the opportunities to achieve this aim.” MRS EMMA MCKENDRICK
Headmistress Downe House has built an international reputation as one of the leading independent girls schools in the UK. It is the School’s aim to ensure that Downe House moves forward and remains at the forefront of boarding education. As part of our strategy to achieve this vision the School is building a Centre for Learning. The Centre for Learning will cost £6.5 million and will provide a multi-purpose innovative learning space that embraces and enhances the experiences of every Downe House girl: • It will facilitate independent learning through the provision of spaces where girls can work independently or collaboratively in the new learning resources centre • It will provide a state-of-the-art 220 seat auditorium to enhance the enrichment programme and provide a space for recitals, workshops, lectures, demonstrations and performances as well as curriculum teaching
• The learning café a place for the whole community to enjoy relaxed learning, read newspapers and journals, as well as socialise with peers • The Centre will meet BREEAM excellence by being a highly sustainable building The School has had an enormous amount of positive support over the years. A private phase of fundraising saw the first major donation of £150,000 in September 2013, since then just over £2.7 million has been received from 27 current and past parents, governors and alumnae, with a further £800,000 being firmly pledged. The campaign is really picking up momentum, but we are aware that we have a huge challenge ahead and are appealing to the full Downe House community, past and present to support the cause. Previous generations of parents and alumnae have left Downe House better than they found it which has brought the School to its current state of good health. You, in turn, have the opportunity to contribute to the continued work of the School for the benefit of future generations. As part of the fundraising effort the school is offering supporters naming opportunities as well as the opportunity to sponsor a room, area, virtual brick or make a general gift to the Centre for Learning. Areas and items can be sponsored by individuals, groups, and companies, and can be done in celebration or memory of a loved one.
For more information please contact Catherine Newman, Deputy Development Director on: 01635 204741 newmanc@downehouse.net. Over the coming months we will post Centre for Learning project and fundraising updates on the school website, so come and visit and see the project evolve.
“We have the determination and the expertise – and a glowing track record – to be able to deliver tomorrow’s level of education today. All we need are the financial resources to make it possible and to create a state-of-the-art Centre for Learning facility that will transform the level of education for our girls.” MRS MICHELLE SCOTT
Assistant Headmistress (Foundation)
my undergraduate degree in Comparative Literature and Spanish. I loved every minute of my time there.
ALUMNAE AROUND THE WORLD Christy Powell In Hong Kong
Career path since graduating:
We continue our trip around the world with our alumnae, this time we visit Hong Kong with writer Christy Powell (Murray DH 1991). Where in the world are you now? I live in Hong Kong.
Current occupation/activity: I am a writer.
When you were 16, what were your main ambitions for the future?
A level subjects studied:
I wanted to be a journalist or work in television.
Did you take a gap year? If so, what did you do?
English, Economics and Geography.
Yes. I studied Spanish at the Complutense University in Madrid for the first 3 months. I then went to Mexico for 8 months where I helped out in a very remote village in the Sierra Norte Mountains. There was no electricity or running water, no cars and no-one spoke a word of English. It was very tough and I almost left on many occasions. In the end I stuck it out. After 8 months I could speak fluent Spanish (having started the year with not one word) and I had learnt to value my own company. There was no-one my age in the village because they had all left to find work in the city. The only person to hang out with was me! It was an intensely lonely experience but one I wouldn’t change. I’ve never felt lonely since and life has always felt pretty good after that. Then, I met up with friends and travelled around Mexico, Guatemala and Belize – brilliant fun!
Undergraduate degree and /or other qualifications and where gained? I went to Brown University in Rhode Island where I got
I worked for Chris Evans on TFI Friday. Then I moved to work for Selina Scott at ITN and on to SKY TV. I then left (disillusioned by the TV world) and went to Conde Nast. Two years later I left the magazine world to set up my own chain of American style Nail Bars in London. I opened 5 shops and then sold the company. Shortly afterwards we moved to Hong Kong. Since then I have been pursuing a writing career: I published a book in 2012, called ‘News from the Nail Bar’. I have a travel guide called ‘The Spoilt Brat’s Guide’ (sold on ibooks). I write a weekly blog called ‘Just a Bit Confuscius’ and I’ve just started writing my next book. All sounds great except there’s virtually no money in it!
Future Plans: Keep writing books.
Words of Advice: If you get a chance to work or study abroad, take it. Don’t stay in England because you know it and it’s safe. You never want to be someone who stayed on the path, you want to be the person who went off the path and made your own tracks. When you return to England, you will also stand out for having done something different and people will want to hear about your experiences; you are considered more worldly and often more employable.
I think the most important thing you can do is learn the language. In Hong Kong I didn’t need to speak Cantonese to live and get by but I started learning it last year and the difference it has made to how I am perceived here is huge - I’ve gone from “Gweilo” (white devil) to local. What I love and find challenging about living abroad is that you are constantly aware that
the majority of people may have a very different point of view to your own and you are the one who has to be flexible. It’s not always easy but it’s character building stuff. Finally, if you’ve lived in England all your life, go and work abroad, even if it’s just to get some sunshine!
OBITUARY
OBITUARY After Downe, Clare returned to London and trained as a secretary before going to work for the Free French and later the Control Commission. Like all Londoners she worried about the V1 and V2 bombs, witnessed the celebrations at the end of the European war, was sobered by the advent of the nuclear age and shivered through the winter of 1947. In that year she went to live in Paris as a paying guest with an elderly French couple and supplemented her funds by teaching English and by translation work. Thus began what she called her lifelong love affair with the continent of Europe and particularly France. She discovered the delights of the city and made expeditions to Italy and the Cote D’Azure, not so frequented then as it subsequently became, where, she said, she was among the first to wear the innovation of the time, the bikini.
MRS CLARE HEDDY, NÉE KENNEDY (1926 - 2015) DH 1942 -1943
parents thought that schools were hotbeds of infection. War time evacuation didn’t help but Clare eventually arrived at her 6th school, Downe House, in 1942 and matriculated in 1943.
Clare Heddy was born on 28th August 1926 in London and died in Somerset on 28th March 2015. She was the second daughter of Aubrey Leo Kennedy, a journalist, and Sylvia Kennedy (nee Meysey-Thompson), the middle of 3 sisters.
She was at Downe under the redoubtable Olive Willis who was one of the best known girls’ educationalists. Clare thought Olive Willis was outstanding, though a socialist and feminist; although DH was outstanding academically, with many girls passing the School Certificate a year earlier than in most schools, Clare found Olive Willis unapproachable, ergo many of the staff.
More than most, she was born into a world that no longer exists. In her home in Oxford Square there were six servants, including a nursery maid and a governess, and in her written account of her life she mentions that when she and Diana had their tonsils out, the operation was performed on the table in the day nursery, though she reassures us that a trained nurse was present, and it was under gas. Though privileged, her school life was fragmented as her 24 CLOISTERS Issue 15
However Clare did enjoy being in the rifle team as they always hope they would get a chance to shoot at invading Germans! Clare came back to Downe in 2009 to visit her relation by marriage, Tor Mackarness (Holcombe 2006-2011) and enjoyed meeting Emma Mckendrick.
In 1950 she joined the Foreign Office and was posted in turn to Bordeaux, Berne and, after a period working in the Parliamentary under Secretary’s office back in London, to Vienna. However, during this time family illness contributed to her decision not seek further foreign postings and she spent the latter part of her Foreign Office career working in the Cultural Relations department, a department she described as something of a backwater. During this time she bought a flat in Kensington and holidayed in Europe whenever she could. Her final involvement with the Foreign Office came in the form of an assignment to the British delegation at the UN Assembly in New York, which she was able to combine with a Greyhound bus tour of the United States.
joys of this gracious existence, and the natural beauty and interest of the country and its birds and flowers. This was the high point of her life. After Brian’s retirement they settled in Winsham, near Chard, in 1978. With Clare’s flair the house, Wynyards, was transformed into a lovely home, and she became a serious gardener, spending she reckoned, about three hours a day on average working on it and created a beautiful setting and enjoyed opening the gardens to the public. They stayed there for 20 years before downsizing and moving to Sherborne and later Sturminster Newton where Clare died, some 7 years after Brian. Clare was a person of strong personality and lively sentiments. She was never less than candid and could not have been described as politically correct. In addition, partly due to her family background, and her interest in and love of places and people outside England, she sometimes appeared to have little engagement with and understanding of the society of the country she was born in, at least in the abstract. But at the personal level she showed a keen sympathy and shrewd insight, unfailing goodwill and a quirky sense of humour. She grasped energetically whatever opportunities presented themselves, in the form of the garden, NADFAS lectures, concerts in the Abbey, and the visits of the family and friends from Somerset and all over the world. Written by: CHRISTOPHER MACKARNESS
(father of Victoria Mackarness DH 2011)
She subsequently trained and then worked as a welfare officer with the blind, but this career was discontinued when she re-encountered a former colleague at the Foreign Office, Brian Heddy. She married him on the 1st November 1969. The marriage lasted until his death 37 years later, and she described this as the happiest period of her life. Soon after they were married, Brian was posted to South Africa and Clare had to learn and then undertake the duties of a Foreign Office wife; they spent the next five years there until his retirement. They lived in a gracious house in Durban on the heights overlooking the ocean, set in a large garden full of beautiful exotic shrubs and flowers. It is hard to think of anyone who would have been more alive than Clare to the Issue 15 CLOISTERS 25
OBITUARY
OBITUARY MRS SYLVIA WILLOUGHBY, NÉE HIRD (1925 – 2016) DH 1937 - 1940
MRS CAROLYN FREEDMAN, NÉE JACK (1950 – 2016) DH 1962 – 1968
Sylvia joined Downe House in September 1937 shortly before her thirteenth birthday and therefore was an “Early-Bed” in Top Wast (now part of Aisholt) in July 1940. Due to difficult war-time travel conditions between Scotland and England, Sylvia left Downe early to continue her education as a day girl at the Beacon School in Bridge of Allan, followed by four years at St Andrews University reading Maths and Physics.
It seems that Carolyn knew from an early age who she was and what she wanted, even when that differed from expectation. Asked as a child if she wanted for her birthday a pony like her sister’s or an alarm clock, she chose the alarm clock. Certainly that seems better suited to the life of a traveller. Even at primary school in Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, Carolyn’s strongest qualities were evident. As one old friend remembered: ‘she was very clever and motivated and always interested in so many things: travel, and languages and animals, and sports, and general knowledge… She was endlessly kind and patient with me, teaching me to skip class and catch boys…’ Sorry: ‘skip rope and catch balls’. At Downe House in Berkshire, Carolyn’s enjoyment of music, literature, history and languages grew further, the latter cemented by a year in Germany as an au pair. From there she returned to Scotland and Edinburgh University to study French and German, spending a year in Geneva before graduating in 1973. Her interests and her ability to communicate those interests with enthusiasm meant she was well equipped to teach, and after a year of training at the prestigious Hughes Hall, Cambridge, she took up a post at Crown Woods School in Eltham and then, for seven years from 1977, the Bennett Memorial School in Tunbridge Wells. Then, in her mid-30s, Carolyn bravely decided upon a career change. ‘When I learned that Miss Jack was to leave the teaching profession,’ reads a letter of reference from the time, ‘I was impressed by her courage! Nevertheless I was not surprised because her initiative has always been admirable.’ Carolyn’s interest in others extended from individuals to entire cultures and countries, and with her languages - fluent French and German and with a good grasp of Italian - she soon found she was equally well qualified to be a tour guide, and she worked for a number of operators, including Inghams, Ski West and Titan. As one letter from an employer related, Carolyn had ‘a delightful manner with clients and a gift for combining efficiency and knowledge with warmth and personal care… She has the ability to mix with all ages and her wide range of personal interests make her an excellent conversationalist and attentive listener… An expert linguist and historian, she always researches thoroughly before each assignment, and shares information with humour and clarity.’ One of Carolyn’s jobs was as a summer rep in Niederau, a resort she came to love, and a love she came to share with Arye, her husband. They married in October 2008, and we were all so pleased to have witnessed Carolyn’s happiness with him, and in their years together to have recognised their mutual devotion. We’re particularly delighted to have Arye’s daughter Sefi 26 CLOISTERS Issue 15
Her family moved south in June 1946 and on leaving university Sylvia joined the G.E.C Research Laboratories in north Wembley where in a department of sixteen she was the only female! At G.E.C she met her future husband through membership of the works drama society and they continued that hobby in the Northwood/Pinner area during the first half of a 61 year marriage. After moving near to Berkhamsted they joined the Berkhamsted Choral society and were then stalwart members of their local church choir at Potten End. While at Downe Sylvia excelled in tennis, lacrosse and gymnastics and at University she
here today, having come all the way from Israel. In 2010, Carolyn and Arye moved here, to Mayfield, where they soon became immersed in a number of different artistic, historical and charitable organisations and activities, including the local branches of the British Legion, U3A and NADFAS. Like any good teacher, Carolyn never stopped learning herself she only recently started Spanish lessons - and these groups gave her great enjoyment, stimulation and friendships. Carolyn’s mother, Mary Jack (née Beckett) was a pupil at Downe House from 1937 – 1940. Written by: ANDREW WATSON
(Carolyn’s nephew)
represented St Andrews in high jump and sprinting in the 1946 interuniversity athletics at the White City. She leaves a son, 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, an older sister and her family with two great nieces currently at Downe, and many charismatic memories. Written by: AUDREY HARRISON (Hird DH 1938)
(Sylvia’s Sister)
MRS ELI Z AB ET H J ACK S ON , N ÉE F LET CH ER (1950 – 2016) DH 1961 - 1966 Elizabeth (Liz/Lizzie), died tragically as a result of a riding accident in January, with husband of 39 years, Simon, at her side. Born on 3rd April 1950, she was the daughter of Brigadier Neil Fletcher (Kings Shropshire Light Infantry) and Mary Fletcher. She spent most of her formative years living overseas in Singapore and Hong Kong, along with her half-brother, Jonathan Seddon-Brown. Liz, who left Downe in 1966, went on to attend a secretarial school in London and complete a cookery course at Tante Marie before moving to Warwickshire in 1977 when she married Simon. She set-up ‘Lizzie’s Basket’, a company catering for directors’ lunches and other events, and also put her needlework skills from school to good use by making curtains. A keen gardener, bridge player and golfer, she also regularly volunteered for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) near Stratford-upon-Avon, delivered ‘meals on wheels’ within the Banbury area, and more recently, campaigned to raise funds for the restoration of the Beauchamp Chapel at St. Mary’s, Warwick. She was a dedicated family woman - a wonderful mother to Henry and Kizzy (who also attend Downe, 1994-2001), and a thoroughly devoted grandmother. “Mum was extremely upbeat, always looking on the sunny side of life. She would never give up when faced with a challenge, something I think she learnt from her days at Downe”, said her daughter, Kizzy. Written by: KIZZY JACKSON DH 2001
DEATH NOTIFICATIONS Mrs Carolyn Freedman (née Jack ) DH 1968 Mrs Elizabeth Jackson (née Fletcher) DH 1968 Mrs Janet Kendall (née Hudson ) DH 1947 Mrs Sylvia Willoughby (née Hird) DH 1940
(Elizabeth’s daughter)
Issue 15 CLOISTERS 27
Dates for the Diary 2016
FOUNDER’S WEEKEND SATURDAY 2 JULY - SUNDAY 3 JULY 2016 SATURDAY 2 JULY EVENT PROGRAMME:
SUNDAY 3 JULY EVENT PROGRAMME:
10.45am – 12.30pm Family Tennis and Rounders Tournament
10.30am
Lower School Speech and Drama Showcase
Design and Technology workshops
11.30am
Holcombe Singers performance
Cookery taste-testing
12.00noon
School lunch and family picnics
Maths Relay
12.45pm – 1.45pm
Upper School and Sixth Form
Art and DT Exhibition
Speech and Drama Showcase
Computing and ICT workshop – Lego Robots
2.00pm
Founder’s Concert
12.00pm - 1.30pm School Lunch and family picnic
3.30pm – 4.30pm
Founder’s Tea
1.00pm – 2.30pm
Science workshops
4.30pm – 5.30pm
Music Event – ‘Buskers’ Environment’
1.00pm – 4.30pm
‘Founder’s Fair’- House activities in the Cloisters
6.00pm
Dance Showcase
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Family Big Band BBQ
2.00pm
Music Event – ‘Bring the House Downe’
Music ensemble performances
3.30pm – 4.30pm Tea 4.15pm
Gymnastics display
4.30pm
Music Showcase
6.00pm
School Musical, ‘West Side Story’
WEDNESDAY 4 MAY DH LINKS, Law Cluster Group WEDNESDAY 18 MAY – Class of 2010, 5 Year Reunion
Connect with us: Join us on Facebook - Downe House Alumnae
SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – Class of 1995, 20 Year Reunion
Follow us on Twitter DH LINKS and/or DowneFoundation
WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER – Class of 1991, 25 Year Reunion
‘DH LINKS’ group e: foundation@downehouse.net T: 01635 204719 www.downehouse.net/foundation
Have you visited our website?
For tickets and event enquiries contact: foundation@downhouse.net
t: 01635 204719
www.downehouse.net/foundation
W
F OU N D ER’ S
SATURDAY 2 JULY & SUNDAY 3 JULY– Founder’s Weekend
THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER – Class of 2006, 10 Year Reunion For more information on events contact foundation@downehouse.net or telephone 01635 204719