ASA School Tie December 2020

SCHOOL TIE

ASA

THE

THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

Be inspired NOVEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020

4 FROM THE ASA CHAIR 4 ALUMNI EVENTS 6-9 LEARN TO LISTEN TO YOUR INNER FRIEND

OUR INSPIRING MINDS

contents

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10 PODCASTING WITH THE POISONER'S CABINET

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE CORONAVIRUS

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24 34 SCHOOL NEWS

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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40

STAFF PROFILE

STUDENT WORK

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ASA PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

DEAR ASHFORDIANS This year I am having difficulty deciding what tone to adopt for my annual greeting to you all.... this has been such a strange year for us all! My usual “enthusiastic self” doesn't seem appropriate but on the other hand we've got to steer away from too much doom and gloom. It is lovely that the School is up and running again, I asked Hannah what happened with anyone coming in from abroad and she said they all arrived at School 2 weeks before the beginning of term, so everyone could start term together.

Members of the Legacy Society got together this year in the Spring at Eastwell Manor for a “Lilian Brake Legacy Society Lunch” so beautifully organised by our Alumni & Development Officer Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011). The luncheon is the School's opportunity to thank those who have already left a legacy to the School, however small, as well as for those who are interested in doing so to find out more. It is also a chance for the Headmaster to update us on the most recent developments at Ashford School and to share future plans - he did not disappoint us! You can read more about this event later in the magazine, and we hope we will be able to organise another in 2021.

Hannah has been organising online meetings throughout the year which have been a great way for people to get together, and she told me that it has been so wonderful to see such a wide variety of alumni signing up for these meetings and events. You can read more on these virtual events in the upcoming pages.

Thank you to all the “speakers” as well as to those who actively participated in these events.

We are also very proud to announce that Rae Stollard (née Sasson, Brooke Place, 1963) has been awarded an M.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Read all about it on page 20. Well done Rae, you greatly deserved it. I would also like to thank Rae for being such a loyal supporter of the ASA, coming to all our events over so many years.

From a personal point of view, I was so pleased to be able to come to England in March for the Legacy luncheon and then to go on to stay in Uppingham, Rutland, with my daughter Alexandra Chamberlain (1992) and her young son Jasper.

The following week I had a nice trip organised to go and see my school friend Sue Peckitt (née Coldrey, Nightingale, 1959) in Askrigg, Yorkshire.

However, when we heard that France may shortly be closing its borders, I decided to turn south instead and head for Folkestone and the Channel Tunnel!! No chance even to visit my son Henry in London and his family. Luckily Alex and Jasper and my husband Stuart chose what turned out to be the only possible week to come and stay with me in the Dordogne in early July, so I was able to see them once again. But Christmas looks difficult due to the 2-week isolation I would need to do once I arrive in England.

But I am optimistic that someone will come up with a suitable solution between now and early December. We must stay positive!

Thank you to all my school friends who regularly keep up with me, I do enjoy reading or hearing your news. And of course, I see our old magazine printer Howard Baker and Debbie from time to time, who now live in the Dordogne.

I am sure you are all going to enjoy reading this issue of the ASA School Tie, as you always do. On behalf of everyone, I would like to thank Hannah very much for all her hard work both past and future, please don't forget to write to her from time to time with your news at alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk Is it too early to wish you all a Happy Christmas, and who knows what is in store for us all in 2021, but my best wishes all the same.

Yours very sincerely,

Carolyn Chamberlain Carolyn Chamberlain (née Nelms, Nightingale,1960)

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ASA

WELCOME FROM THE ASA CHAIR JULIE PIPER (KNIGHTS,1979, ASA COMMITTEE CHAIR) On behalf of the ASA Committee I would like to welcome you to the December 2020 edition of ‘The School Tie’.

First and foremost, I hope you and your families have remained safe and well over the challenging months we have all experienced over the last year.

This has definitely been an unforgettable year, and it seemed fitting to highlight in the School Tie just some of our alumni community who have been working tirelessly in the fight against coronavirus.

You can see their faces on the front cover, and read their stories on pages 13-18. I hope you will be inspired by their careers, as well as the positives they have taken away from this experience. My thanks to them, but also to all our alumni. This year has shown us the power of being connected, we are stronger together, and I am immensely proud to be a part of this community.

I can understand your disappointment at us having to cancel so many ASA events this year but, as I am sure you will understand, your safety and wellbeing, as well as that of our colleagues, was of prime importance. However, it is not all ‘doom and gloom’! For me there were 2 highlights this year; the School production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in early March and the AGM in early July.

“Beauty and the Beast” was a fantastic production with everyone taking part looking as though they were enjoying themselves, whether it was those on stage, in the band, or backstage, and I would once again like to pass on my thanks to everyone involved. I am so pleased the production took place before ‘complete lockdown’ was imposed 2 weeks later! The AGM went ahead as planned, albeit virtually, and was well attended by over 40 people.

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I would like to thank all those who attended for taking the time to ‘zoom in’! I think it would be fair to say my committee and I were slightly anxious about how this ‘new way of communication’ would be received but our doubts were unfounded.

Looking ahead to 2021 we are hoping we will be able schedule events but, as I am sure you will appreciate, we will have to be guided by both Government and venue guidelines and restrictions that are in place at the time.

Please continue to hold your own socially distanced get-togethers, ‘zoom chats’, etc. and let us know what you have been up to.

We would love to hear your stories and receive your photos and news so we can include these in the next edition. The events we organise are for your enjoyment and involvement, and so if there is anything you would like to see or do please let us know. Do you have an interesting job or work somewhere interesting that you think would like to offer the opportunity of hosting an event?

It would be very remiss of me not to pass on my thanks to everyone at Ashford School for all their hard work over the last year, especially to Hannah for her continued support of the ASA and to Mike Hall and Sarah Kershaw. It has been a very trying and frustrating year but hopefully, through the challenges everyone has experienced, it has made them stronger and ready to face the next challenge whatever that may be.

Finally, I would like to end by thanking the rest of my Committee for their time, support and dedication and I look forward to working with them in continuing to build and grow the ASA.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy & Healthy 2021!

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REFLECTING ON 2020 HEADMASTER MR. MICHAEL HALL Like so many sectors in the UK and global economy, it is difficult to see beyond the short term, profound impact which coronavirus is having on our lives. As a leader, I derive a somewhat perverse satisfaction in steering the School and its community through these troubled waters. Why? I have always believed that out of significant challenge emerges good; we see the best in people, realise the unchartered boundaries that we can stretch ourselves towards. Moreover, it provides us with valuable context.

WELCOME FROM THE HEADS Unintended consequence is something which I keep referring to. One such positive has been the changing value in which students view school; having been forced into home online learning …. suddenly being at school does not seem quite so bad! We have all been spurred into new parts of the technological world: staff using ever more sophisticated presentations and techniques, Microsoft Teams and Zoom bringing us ever closer in a more efficient way, and not to mention the positive impact on the environment!

Covid initially stretched the mentality of all of us: nervousness, anxiety, uncertainty and maybe even chaos. Naturally, I found myself on the receiving end of a lot of these negative emotions; it was no surprise, children and adults were being put through challenges which they had simply never confronted before – they were frightened for their health, livelihood and wellbeing. Some still remain in this state. Yet, despite all of this, an emergence of humour, determination, character and humility.

It is this last point which has always been the fundamental guiding principle of my leadership of the School – humility. I have repeatedly spoken to the students about the importance of humility and tried to model a culture which epitomises this. The pandemic demonstrated the power of nature. Let’s hope the younger generation, a small proportion of which I am responsible for, mature with a passion to influence our world with a culture of respect, gratitude and above all – humility.

This last year the Ashford School community has come together and stood strong in the face of adversity, and I am exceptionally proud of the manner in which all our students, staff, parents and alumni, have responded to the crisis. I know that the School is poised to blossom over the next few years, and I am looking forward to developing Ashford School’s relationship and engagement with our alumni community. Thank you, as ever, for your continued support.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW HEAD OF ASHFORD PREP SCHOOL, MR.NICK TILEY-NUNN A welcome to Mr. Nick Tiley-Nunn, our new Head of Ashford Prep School, who joined us in September 2020 from Norwich High School for Girls where he served as Head of the Prep School and Nursery since 2016. He is also an ISI Team Inspector, published author and regularly delivers tailored professional development and training to schools and educational professionals in a consulting capacity. Mr. Tiley-Nunn is at his happiest when outdoors, playing hockey and cricket, walking with his family or taking to the slopes as an enthusiastic skier. He cannot wait to make the most of the outdoor aspects of Ashford Prep School’s incredible site.

DEAR ALL, September 2020 was a strange time to join a new school; the usual opportunities to get to know the wider school community have been somewhat limited due to the current circumstances that we all find ourselves in. However, this has in no way, shape or form diminished the warm welcome that I have received from pupils, parents, staff and friends of the School. As you will be all too aware, the Ashford School community is a truly special one and I feel beyond privileged to have become a part of it.

We have had a great first half-term at the Prep School, and it has been an absolute joy to see so many children enjoying learning and playing with their friends, but also the much needed greater degree of normality that a return to school life has provided them with. In time I hope that this shift towards normality will enable me to welcome many of you to join us at the Prep School at one of the many events that I hope to put on at the school in the future, but in the meantime, I have but one simple request to the alumni of Ashford School. Cherish the links that you have with this remarkable school as a sense of community has never been more important.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the hopefully not too distant future.

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ALUMNI EVENTS

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

ASA VIRTUAL AGM

THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2019

FRIDAY 3 JULY 2020

It was lovely to welcome alumni back for Ashford Senior School’s Annual Carols

by Candlelight Service back in December 2019. The service was held in St Mary’s Church, Ashford and featured musicians from both the Prep and Senior Schools perform a selection of Christmas music and carols. This years' service will hopefully take place on Thursday 10 December, in St Mary’s Church.

Left to Right: Katy Peart (Yeomen, 2012), Helen Powell (née Tesh, Former Teacher of Music), Alex Osborne (née Rogers, Yeomen, 2006), Naomi Edwards (Franklins, 2010) & Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011).

If you would like to watch the ASA AGM a video recording can be found on Ashford School’s YouTube Channel.

Minutes from the AGM can be found online, or alternatively, if you would like to see a copy please email Hannah Pinney (alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk).

JOIN THE ASA COMMITTEE

We are always looking to expand our Committee and would love to chat with anyone interested in joining. We hold 3 meetings a year (1 per term) over Zoom, and these are your chance to hear the Alumni & Development Office’s plans, and to share with us your ideas.

ASA PRESIDENT At the 2021 AGM the post of ASA President will be up for election. If you are interested in finding out more about the Committee, and the role of ASA President, please get in touch with Hannah in the Alumni & Development Office.

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This year, for the first time, the ASA AGM was held virtually, via Zoom, on Friday 3 July, and it was wonderful to see alumni (including several former staff) from across the generations attending.

We were welcomed by the ASA Chair Julie Piper (Knights, 1979) and ASA Treasurer Nicky Brightling (née Clarke, Knights, 1986) presented the 2019 Accounts.

Alumni & Development Officer Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011) shared what had been happening in the Alumni Office over the past year, from reconnecting with lost alumni, to reunions in Lagos, and virtual networking events during lockdown.

Headmaster Michael Hall shared what had happened over the past academic year at Ashford School, including inspiring achievements of pupils and staff, as well as how the School had been managing during lockdown.

We also heard about the School’s exciting future development plans from Sarah Kershaw (Director of Admissions, External Relations & Communications) We were also treated to a Q&A session with notable alumna Liv Boeree (Franklins, 2002). A self-confessed nerd with a first-class degree in astrophysics, Liv became the #1 ranked female poker player from 2014-2016, and holds both European Poker Tour and World Series of Poker championship.

Liv is also a keen philanthropist, and in 2014 co-founded Raising for Effective Giving (REG), a research and advisory non-profit that uses the philosophies and strategies of Effective Altruism to identify and raise money for the most globally impactful charities. Since retiring from professional poker in 2018, Liv is now focused on education, keen to inspire others with the rational thinking techniques she has learned through both poker and Effective Altruism.

The School’s outgoing School Captains, Gaby Goraşov (Knights, 2020) & Jonathan Zhu (Franklins, 2020), also joined us. Gaby shared some of her most memorable moments at Ashford School, from singing carols in the Refectory, to becoming Head Girl, to cooking pancakes on Sundays in the Boarding House! Jonathan read a beautiful poem by Xu Zhi Mo with some Ashford School twists to express what his time at Ashford School meant to him and highlighting how cultural diversity is one of our many strengths.

A big thank you our all our contributors, it was a pleasure to hear from you all, and do stay tuned for the date of the next ASA AGM!

ALUMNI EVENTS

BREAKFAST & VIRTUAL NETWORKING SESSIONS

BREAKFAST & VIRTUAL NETWORKING SESSIONS It was with great excitement that we launched our alumni-to-alumni networking series back in March 2020. The plan was originally to hold in person Breakfast sessions, to allow for our alumni to come together in-person. However, with lockdown in place, we pivoted these to virtual sessions. Read more below on the different sessions we hosted.

“THE MINDSET FOR SUCCESS” WITH KARINA HULSTROM (PILGRIMS, 2001) THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020

Hosted at Stag Coffee in Ashford, we heard from executive coach and founder of H4S ‘Head 4 Success’ Coaching Karina Hulstrom (Pilgrims, 2001). Karina has a passion for people and understanding what makes them tick and uses a variety of techniques and methodologies to help her clients overcome hurdles and achieve their goals. She spoke to us about how you can work hard enough to achieve your goals whilst also avoiding burn-out, a topic which all our attendees could identify with. A reminder that investing in ourselves and our well-being is integral to our success. There was time at both the beginning and end of the session for our attendees to network with each other, all whilst enjoying coffee and pastries!

“ G E T T IN G T H E M O S T F R O M Y O U R S O C IA L M E D IA C O N T E N T ”

W IT H SI N EA D H AN N A (K N IG H TS ,1 99 6)

TU ES DA Y 16 JU NE 20 20

A former journalist, Sinead has over 10 years' experi ence in running creative communications campai gns for leisure, travel and pu blic sector clients. Past clients include Dreamland Marga te, Visit Kent, The Wine Garde n of England and Creative Estuary. Using her extens ive experience of creating social media strategies for public and private sector clients, Sinead shared her practical, easy to follow tip s on how to make social media wo rk for your business goals, and covered Instagram, Twitter and Fac ebook.

The recording of this

talk is available on Ashford School's Yo uTube Channel.

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ALUMNI EVENTS

BREAKFAST & VIRTUAL NETWORKING SESSIONS

“HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH FEAR” WITH ROSE BERRY (PILGRIMS, 2008) TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER 2020

“KILLING THE COMMUTE” WITH HELEN FAIRLEY (YEOMEN, 2003) TUESDAY 14 JULY 2020

COO & Co-Founder of design and technology company SixTwo Helen Fairley (Yeomen, 2003) shared her advice on how you and your team can survive and thrive in the new remote working environment.

She spoke about how SixTwo has responded to the recent change in working environment, shared the tips and initiatives that have been most crucial to them in recent months, and spoke about how they will be moving forward as we begin to emerge from lockdown.

A fascinating talk with lots of practical takeaways and ideas. The recording is available to watch on our Ashford School YouTube Channel.

This workshop with Health & Life coach Rose Berry (Pilgrims, 2008) empowered attendees to let go of self-doubt and develop the courage to face their fears. Rose shared with us her own experience with social anxiety, which began in her teenage years, and then combined this with practical tips on how attendees could feel more confident and silence their inner critics. Ashford Senior School’s Deputy Head Pastoral, Nicky Timms (née Miles, Pilgrims, 1996) also shared with attendees the wellbeing initiatives in place at Ashford School, which you can read about later in the magazine.

Rose is the founder of “My Friend Fear” a coaching business on a mission to transform the lives of individuals suffering with Social Anxiety.

You can find Rose on instagram, @myfriendfear_ and view this talk on our Ashford School YouTube Channel.

Let us know what topics you would like covered in future sessions.

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BREAKFAST & VIRTUAL NETWORKING SESSIONS

ALUMNI EVENTS

“MEDIEVAL PILGRIMAGES” WITH JENNIFER WATSON-BORE (FORMER ENGLISH TEACHER) MONDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2020

In her virtual talk Jenny explored medieval pilgrimages, and took attendees on a journey along the Old Dover Road, the route which pilgrims would have taken from London to Canterbury Cathedral and beyond. It was full of tales of kings and queens, Geoffrey Chaucer, danger and murder. Jenny is a qualified London Blue Badge Tour Guide, and a City of Canterbury Guide. We are looking forward to organising an in situ tour with her in the near future. A fascinating talk filled with local Kentish history.

The recording is available to watch on our Ashford School YouTube channel.

Would you be interested in hosting a virtual talk? Get in touch with Hannah in the Alumni Office to express your interest at alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk

BUSINESS DIRECTORY WE WILL BE LAUNCHING A BUSINESS DIRECTORY, FEATURING PARENTAL AND ALUMNI BUSINESSES, ON THE SCHOOL WEBSITE FOR OUR ASHFORD SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

You can list your business for FREE by emailing Hannah in the Alumni Office at:

alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk.

Opportunities for advertising are available too.

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LEARN TO LISTEN TO YOUR INNER FRIEND ROSE BERRY (PILGRIMS, 2008) Are you terrified of speaking in public?

Does the thought of having to talk in a meeting or seminar fill you with dread?

Do certain social situations make you feel awkward, self-conscious and not the person you know you really are? Does it feel like all this self-doubt is just stopping you from being able to live the fulfilling life you know you could have, if only you were less afraid?

LEARN TO LISTEN TO YOUR INNER FRIEND 10

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then I have some great news - you are NOT alone.

Not only have I been there, done that and sweated through the t-shirt, but I can reassure you that fear of public speaking is incredibly common.

In fact, statistically, it’s the number one fear in the world. It’s so powerful and dominating that more people fear public speaking than they do death (yes, really!). But that doesn’t mean you should have to suffer.

Many of us have heard of the inner critic. The one who tells us we aren’t good enough, talented enough, capable enough or simply enough. This voice isn’t you. It’s made up of unhelpful beliefs of things you once had said to you or witnessed being said to others. It’s not supportive and it’s holding you back. However, there is a quieter voice which is actually yours and is the one that wants what’s best for you, which knows you’re capable, and which believes you have something unique and valuable to share with the world.

This is your inner friend, and, if you listen to it repeatedly, it has the power to change your life.

Trust me!

You may have heard of fight, flight or freeze. These are the different ways in which we automatically

LEARN TO LISTEN TO YOUR INNER FRIEND respond to fear. In order to protect us from harm, our bodies are designed to react to danger quickly and powerfully, to give us the greatest chance of survival. The brain receives a message to say we’re in danger, which it then passes onto the body.

That’s why when we’re afraid we have frightening thoughts, as well as strong, physical reactions like a racing heart, shaky limbs and excessive sweat.

Although our response to fear is automatic, it wasn’t always this way. For something to become automatic, it must first be learnt, and then repeated until it becomes part of our programming. This is why some people have a fear of public speaking and others not, and why the spectrum of how acute that fear is varies. It’s usually triggered by a conversation or experience which the individual internalises and anticipates will happen again. This turns into a repetitive thought and becomes habitual which then creates an unconscious response.

In my workshop ‘How to Make Friends with Fear,’ which is featured on the Ashford School YouTube channel, I go into much greater detail about this, as well as my experience with social anxiety and public speaking phobia. However, I want to offer you some words of encouragement here: you are not stuck like this forever. By continuously interrupting the thoughts that are causing the fear response, you can create a new habit which becomes your updated automatic reaction. And the best way to start doing that?

By listening to your inner friend.

no one else would have to suffer like I did, and to offer an approach to public speaking which was less about the perfect performance, and more about feeling truly connected to oneself.

I qualified as a Health & Life Coach in 2017 and have combined my own experience with the training I received, to develop a transformational programme that guarantees to change a person’s relationship to fear. Through working with schools, universities and workplaces, my hope is that their students and staff no longer have to live every day in fear. Instead, I wish for them to have the confidence to thrive in their academic, professional and personal lives. I also work with individuals outside those environments who are seeking help. My goal with this business is to ensure that individuals suffering with social anxiety have the right support they need.

MANY OF US HAVE HEARD OF THE INNER CRITIC. THE ONE WHO TELLS US WE AREN’T GOOD ENOUGH, TALENTED ENOUGH, CAPABLE ENOUGH OR SIMPLY ENOUGH. THIS VOICE ISN’T YOU. IT’S MADE UP OF UNHELPFUL BELIEFS OF THINGS YOU ONCE HAD SAID TO YOU OR WITNESSED BEING SAID TO OTHERS.

If you want to get more support with your individual struggle, get in touch with Rose. You can find out more about her business at www.myfriendfear. com and follow her on Instagram @myfriendfear_

Through my coaching business My Friend Fear, I help people with social anxiety tune into their inner friend in order to set themselves up for success with whatever goals they wish to achieve. I created this business so that

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ALUMNI & CAREERS

ALUMNI & CAREERS – GET INVOLVED Please get in touch with the Alumni Office if you would like to get involved with any of these initiatives at alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk

IN-SCHOOL TALKS We are looking for alumni to speak with our current students about a wide range of topics. Areas which our teaching staff have expressed an interest in covering are:

• Music: performance workshops; composition; conducting; talks from anyone working within the music industry for example in marketing, PR, or events.

• Sports: training sessions; coaching; physiotherapy; talks from anyone working within the sporting industry for example in marketing, PR, or events.

• Languages: how languages are used in business; international advertising; translation.

• Food Studies: veganism and vegetarianism; Chinese food; the commercial production of pasta.

• Art: talks from anyone working in this sector.

• Chemistry: talks on the application of curriculum knowledge in the development of everyday products; firefighting.

• Religious Studies: representatives from charities; ethics in the workplace; ethical business.

• Computer Science: talks from anyone working in this sector.

• D&T: application of design in business (e.g. website design, architecture, product design, fashion, gaming); sustainable/ethical design and engineering.

• Geography: urban planning; environmental engineering; energy conservation.

• Drama: talks or workshops from anyone working in this sector.

• English: journalism; PR & marketing; talks with alumni who have studied English at University.

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CALLING FOR AN ASA SCHOOL TIE EDITOR: Would you like to get more involved in the School Tie? We would love to recruit an alumni School Tie Editor to help us with the production of the magazine each year, both in terms of collating news and editorial tasks.

Get in touch with the Alumni Office if you are interested!

SUPPORT A YOUNG MUSICIAN Were you a musician at Ashford School? Do you have an old instrument collecting dust somewhere in the back of your closet? The Ashford School Music Department are in need of extra instruments for their 'Instrumental Scheme' - from trombones, to flutes, to double basses! If you would be happy to donate, loan or sell your instrument to the Music Department, please get in touch with Hannah in the Alumni Office.

LINKEDIN

connected to Make sure you’re LinkedIn, by Ashford School on ation in your updating your educ School. This will profile to Ashford t with fellow help you to connec n’t forget to Ashford alumni! Do tworking join our Alumni Ne n: Group on LinkedI /groups/8595031 www.linkedin.com

OVERSEAS NETWORK We know that we have lots of alumni based overseas and would love to help facilitate more events and networking opportunities.

Get in touch with us if you would like to help with this!

OUR INSPIRING MINDS

OUR INSPIRING MINDS THROUGH 2020 Although 2020 has no doubt been challenging for all, it has been incredibly inspiring to hear stories from across our School community of the work that has been going on.

Here we highlight just a few of those alumni whom we have been able to speak with over these past few months. Thank you to everyone for everything you’re doing. Keep looking after each other and keep an eye out for those struggling.

TEACHERS OF ASHFORD SCHOOL Our Head of D&T, Mr Adrian Barnett, produced and donated over 30 face shields to the NHS frontline in support of their work in the current COVID-19 pandemic. He set to work using 3D printers to produce the much-needed shields. The design was a mimic of the original shields used by the NHS staff, and, once completed, provided a replenishment of stock that would otherwise have taken over ten days to arrive. In addition, our Science Department delivered 37 Chemistry Goggles to Charing GP Surgery.

HELEN RYAN (SQUIRES, 2012) NURSE, ST THOMAS’ HOSPITAL, LONDON

“I am a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. My ward typically cares for adults following gastrointestinal surgery but since the pandemic, it now cares solely for Covid-19 patients. We have patients of all ages with some just requiring oxygen support and others recovering from being in intensive care. We are also providing end-of-life care for a few. My role has dramatically changed since the pandemic which has been stressful at times and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues who have become like family, and we are doing everything we can to support the emotional welfare of our patients.”

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OUR INSPIRING MINDS JOANNA NOLAN (NÉE EVANS, PILGRIMS,1980) HOSPITAL DIRECTOR, ONE HOSPITAL ASHFORD

“I am the Hospital Director for One Ashford Hospital and during the Coronavirus outbreak we have been working directly with our local NHS Trust to operate on cancer and trauma patients.

This has come about as part of the national NHS Mobilisation scheme and we stopped our regular work at the end of March to provide a Covid-free site for treating the most vulnerable patients. To date we have treated over 300 patients and we have been very proud to be able to work in partnership with the NHS at this time. We mobilised into this new way of working within 2 weeks and it shows how adaptable you can be when you need to in times of crisis. We feel very proud we could support the NHS!”

JAIMINI RANIGA (NÉE PATEL, NIGHTINGALE, 1977) GP, SIVANNA HEALTH, AUSTRALIA

“I am a Medical Practitioner registered in both the UK and in Australia, and I now practise as an Integrative Medical Practitioner, running Sivanna Health in Australia. We have remained open throughout the pandemic, however, we have seen the numbers of patient attending the clinic decline, as many are fearful of visiting. Medical practices have taken numerous precautions to work to prevent spread, and the government has opened telehealth and video conferencing as a way for us to continue patients' medical care whilst they are self-isolating.”

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ANJOLA ONIFADE (YEOMEN, 2012) EMERGENCY MEDICINE DOCTOR “I have been working on the frontline of efforts to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 as an Emergency Medicine Doctor at Poole Hospital Foundation Trust. Due to the pandemic, myself and other colleagues have had to be flexible with our roles. For me, this meant extending my work on a very challenging post for a further 4 months than intended. Beneath the obligatory surgical masks at hospital, there was still a sense of great appreciation from patients and members of the public for our service. This has been very encouraging and rewarding. As the pandemic winds down, I have had the opportunity to reflect and learn more about the importance of collective wellbeing. I recently became a member of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) group, an in-hospital organisation aimed at providing support to BAME staff. This is even more relevant now as recent evidence shows that people of BAME origin are disproportionately affected by Covid-19. From this role, I have witnessed first–hand the endless benefits that arise from improved personal and shared wellbeing for medics. This has led to improved outcomes at work which can be confirmed by testimonies of both patients and colleagues.”

OUR INSPIRING MINDS KARINA HULSTROM (PILGRIMS, 2001) HIGH-PERFORMANCE COACH

“I'm a high-performance coach, working with people who want to get to the next level in their chosen field, that could be within a business setting, competitive sport, creative arts, etc. I've been fortunate enough to be involved in a pro bono coaching programme for senior NHS managers and, despite the extremely challenging position they're in, many have pointed out the positive changes they've been able to make as a result of these tough times. The crisis has forced a lot of innovation that will hopefully remain after it's over. Sometimes it takes a situation where people are forced to throw out the rule book, for organisations to find the courage to try new ways of doing things.”

ALEX BLINCOW (SQUIRES, 2011) ELLIE ROGERS (NÉE JENNINGS, KNIGHTS, 1998) “ THE RAINBOW RUN” ORGANISER - FUNDRAISING FOR EAST KENT HOSPITALS

Ellie organised a sponsored run, back in May 2020, in aid of East Kent Hospitals Charity’s COVID-19 appeal “Helping Your Hospitals”. The money raised was used to support the emotional and physical wellbeing of staff at the William Harvey, and other East Kent Hospitals. It was officially support

by Kent Cricket, the Club’s Principal Partners, Shepherd Neame and the European School of Osteopathy. They smashed their original target and have raised over £15,000!

ASHFORD SCHOOL STUDENTS Our Ashford School students have been incredibly inspiring! From beautiful pictures drawn for #RainbowsforNightingale, to helping to raise awareness of the NHS, to those students who baked and donated treats to NHS front line staff at the William Harvey Hospital. The end of term House Challenge at the Senior School also aimed to show continued support and appreciation for the NHS and health services around the world, with pupils using their creativity to celebrate the NHS in a variety of ways. In addition, two students, Tommy and Billy, helped their parents make face shields for the NHS, producing up to 500 masks a week with 12 printers running 24/7. The shields are being used on the front line around the country, including in the neonatal intensive care and radiology units! Our students have shown a true spirit of kindness, which we are very proud of!

SENIOR STAFF NURSE, CONQUEST HOSPITAL HASTINGS

“During Covid I have been working as a Sister on the MacDonald Ward at Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

The ward I work on is usually a medical elderly ward looking after patients over 75 for a variety of conditions. During this pandemic, our ward has been turned into an end of life care ward for both COVID and non-COVID patients. I have been responsible for fitting ward staff with their masks to ensure they are safe when looking after COVID patients.

Communication has been key to ensure safety for both patients and staff. This period has shown us how important the NHS is and that we must continue to protect it after this pandemic is over. The whole experience has also enabled myself and my work colleagues to come together as a team and support each other – we have definitely grown closer.”

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OUR INSPIRING MINDS

YOSHIKA COLWELL (MERCHANTS, 2011) MUSICIAN, SOFA REVOLUTION – FUNDRAISING FOR END YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

Yoshika, along with friends from around the globe, created an isolation-inspired ballad, Sofa Revolution, in support of the charity End Youth Homelessness who do vital work supporting young people across the UK get back on their feet. Yoshika says: “Our somewhat silly song aims to inspire five minutes of joy, in return for a donation to the charity.

We wanted our song to tap into the pressures of lockdown life and offer a sense of “we’re all in this together”, while reminding people that we are lucky to be safe at home when so many young people have nowhere to go.” You can find out more at www.sofarevolution.co.uk & you can donate via the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ sofarevolution.

DAN FAEHNDRICH (SQUIRES, 2013) STUDENT DOCTOR AT IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON

“Volunteering on the Covid wards since late March at Northwick Park Hospital has been such a massive privilege. Having the skill set meaning I’ve been able to go and help in such a direct manner, helping relieve pressure on the other front-line staff with whichever jobs, no matter how ‘big or small’ has really meant a lot and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to do so. Seeing the sense of community around me, and the weekly tribute to our carers has had me feeling overwhelmed with joy and pride."

SUKI ATHWAL (FRANKLINS, 2013) KEY WORKER AND LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER

“I’m currently the 3rd generation running a family run convenience store, Shop Around the Clock, and Fish & Chip Takeaway in Tenterden.

The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the business in many different ways.

We saw a 75% increase in footfall over the month of May, and we have launched several new initiatives, including a same–day delivery service operating 6 days a week for the elderly, and those who were vulnerable and/or shielding. We have also launched onto an app: ‘Snappy Shopper’ and have now created 2 more jobs with the hope to employ another 2 in the near future. We also gave priority to NHS staff on any and all goods in our store, as many of these key workers had been struggling to obtain basic necessities.”

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MIA GRAY (PILGRIMS, 2016) STUDENT MIDWIFE, CANTERBURY CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY

"When the Nursing & Midwifery Council released their emergency standard following the announcement of the global pandemic, as students, we were given the option to either continue our studies and go on placement, or to defer. I immediately made the decision to take up a placement in hospital and help support the front line NHS workforce. We very quickly became part of the team, but nothing could really have prepared me for the intensity and challenge of the work we endured! Wearing PPE sometimes for up to 13 hours whilst on shift was absolutely necessary but also very hot. The women in our care have sometimes been scared, uncertain and anxious, and were unable to see us smile beneath our masks. We were not able to give them a hug or hold their hand when they needed it most, and could only provide verbal support. However, all these women have been a true inspiration and are the reason why I continue to do what I do even in these difficult circumstances. I have shown myself how resilient I can be and I am really looking forward to beginning my career as a qualified midwife and continuing to support women and their families with welcoming their beautiful babies into the world."

JESS BARNICK (KNIGHTS, 2011) SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPIST, STROKE SLT TEAM LEAD

“I am a Speech & Language Therapist working in a hospital with adults.

My role entails supporting people with all types of communication and swallowing disorders. Our swallowing muscles are the same as those which produce the voice, and these can be affected by many illnesses/ injuries, including brain injury, stroke, dementia, cancer, and most recently Covid-19. Consequently, our role in response to Coronavirus has been vital, supporting patients to coordinate their breathing and learning to swallow and voice again. For example, one patient (who I first met on ITU) had been intubated and then had to have an opening into his airway as a longer term breathing tube (tracheostomy). The breathing tubes massively impacted his swallowing, and left him unable to eat or drink anything for over 2 months without it going into his lungs. It took 6 months of investigations and rehabilitation exercises to get him back to eating and drinking safely.

We are still working on getting his voice strong again but he is back to cycling and eating his favourite foods. I have been extremely proud of my profession and all my colleagues over these last few months as we have helped people to recover after their illnesses.”

OUR INSPIRING MINDS SARAH QUINN (KNIGHTS, 2009) STUDENT NURSE AT OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY

“I have personally looked after patients suffering with COVID-19 and seen both sides of this pandemic: the pressure that this puts on family, friends, businesses and people’s way of life. So for people out there reading this, know that your everyday sacrifices are making a difference on the front line. Together we can get through this and a little compassion goes a long way.”

Sarah is a current MA Nursing student and wrote the following poem, ‘Compassion, the life blood of the NHS’, after an emotional and difficult day at work, and inspired by the art project @notestostrangers.

‘Compassion, the life blood of

the NHS’

est, most vulnerable and We are here for you 24/7, in your dark weakest moments. you we are here through it all.

We are the holding of a hand to show at 4am for that eight-year-old We are people who make porridge and was in need of distraction. boy whose beloved granddad just died when you wake up after surgery We are the first people who you see and tell you it all went well. ear-old lady recite from memory We are the ears who listen to that 90-y no family member comes to visit. her favourite poem perfectly because nds to which we dress without We are the eyes you show your wou batting an eyelid. learn to walk again, and who We are the assistants who help you motivate you to try again after failing. cup of tea after you find out the We are the people who make you a born alive. child you were carrying will never be n you can’t, so you look smart We are the carers who shave you whe bed. for your wife even in your hospital r name so they can communicate We are the staff who learn to sign thei with a way you understand. day and see so much. In this We are the staff that turn up every compassion goes further than neverending battle we still try. A little you may ever know.

We are the NHS.

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COMMUNICATIONS AND THE CORONAVIRUS AT SHARP RELATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE CORONAVIRUS AT SHARP RELATIONS AJ SHARP (YEOMEN, 2002) It’s probably no surprise that communications in 2020 has been and will continue to be entirely extraordinary. The media landscape has never looked so different, publications literally disappeared over night, writers vanished and some reappeared in obscure places and many publishers have ceased their print publications forthwith.

As a creative communications agency, the way we operate has changed unrecognisably and I don’t think we’ll ever look back.

If I’m honest, April was pretty terrible, with phone call after phone call from our hospitality, catering and leisure clients all apologetically pausing further activities. What could they do? So we agreed to stop all planned projects and pause contracts without any financial implications for the client. It was the right thing to do. But it hurt. The silver lining was that as we were building up contracts to bring another person on to the team, we were lucky to have a little flex in the system, which made the subsequent month slightly less painful.

At the same time, we were getting some new business enquiries. Not just from the smaller artisan brands we love working with but also from some big national players needing a smaller (probably more affordable) dynamic communications agency to support them during the pandemic. We dusted off our crisis PR skills and set to work as our clients' gatekeepers, pushing out good news and helping

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to control any negative messaging. It was exhilarating, one story we pushed out was syndicated nationally and appeared in 47 media outlets overnight, whilst two other clients got front page mentions in The Times and The Sunday Times.

These were extraordinary times.

In May, I worked 243 hours. Day and night seemed to merge together.

My husband, also a company director, gallantly stepped up to home-school our 5 and 6yo children during this time, which was not easy. Despite my long hours, I think we can all agree I had the better deal! By June, our clients started to get into their lockdown stride and we had more good news to push out to the press.

Some had completely reworked their business models and added in homedelivery options, takeaways and launched e-commerce sites almost overnight.

We were hearing sound bites like “best sales ever” to “never been so good” and “it’s like Christmas”. It was extraordinary, our portfolio was like night and day.

Moving into the Autumn, we’ve retained most of our bigger clients and we’re still getting a steady flow of new business enquiries each week, although many are for shorter term projects as our food, drink and travel brands know they need to do something, but they’re very mindful of budgets. We’ve listened to their requirements and – alongside the traditional retainer style model – we’ve launched a results-based package for new clients. Put simply, we work until the agreed targets have been met. So far, it’s been proving popular.

For the start-ups and growing food brands it’s imperative – especially when budgets are tight – that time is not wasted pursuing the wrong communications activities. A comprehensive brand analysis and communications strategy identifies the best activities and platforms to meet the business objectives.

It’s new and we’re calling it www.sharpenyourbrand.co.uk.

The website should be live by November 2020.

What the future holds remains to be seen. We’ve been able to grow our team of 3 to a team of 8 this year and increased the number and size of clients we represent, but it’s been seriously stormy sailing at times. I think there will be more to come. So, we have taken a few well-thought-out steps to future proof the business, we have some really good foodie professionals on our team and a whole lot of ideas and enthusiasm to boot! Hopefully, we’re ready for anything.

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI NEWS A CORNISH BETROTHAL

The latest book in the Nicola Pryce’s (née Snelson, Nightingale,1975) series was released this November.

Cornwall, 1798.

Eighteen months have passed since Midshipman Edmund Melville was declared missing, presumed dead, and Amelia Carew has mended her heart and fallen in love with a young physician, Luke Bohenna. But, on her twenty-fifth birthday, Amelia suddenly receives a letter from Edmund announcing his imminent return. In a state of shock, devastated that she now loves Luke so passionately, she is torn between the two.

When Edmund returns, it is clear that his time away has changed him – he wears scars both mental and physical. Amelia, however, is determined to nurse him back to health and honour his heroic actions in the Navy by renouncing Luke.

But soon, Amelia begins to question what really happened to Edmund while he was missing.

As the threads of truth slip through her fingers, she doesn’t know who to turn to: Edmund, or Luke?

A SUMMER REUNION

1954 leavers, Val Davies (Nightingale), Sandy Johnson (Cranmer), Lizzie Lee (Alfred) & Joey Waite (Alfred) all enjoyed a summer reunion at the home of Lizzie in Sussex.

FAMILY TIES A request from the ASA President, Carolyn Chamberlain (née Nelms, Nightingale, 1960) whose daughter Alexandra was at Ashford School in Knights, a 1992 Leaver: Are other members of your family Ashford School alumni too? Did your father attend Friars Prep School, or perhaps your children now attend Ashford? For next year’s ASA School Tie, we would love to hear from you, so please send in your names (now and at School), an accompanying photo, and some details. It would be wonderful to hear about the changes which have taken place in School between the generations, and those things that you felt hadn't changed.

In our case, I think the main difference was that when I was at School in the 50s there were five boarding houses and only two day houses, almost the reverse when Alexandra was there (mainly in the 80s, and into the 90s), and without going into details, all this implies. As the Hon. Secretary of the Old Girls' Association while Alex was at School I kept close tabs on what was happening and got to know her teachers rather better than most parents which to me was a privilege, and I also became

good friends with Tatiana Macaire, the Head Mistress. One thing that hadn't changed was the ethos of the School - to get the best out of every pupil and to instil “old-fashioned” principles such as duty to your peers, elders and even self and a sense of responsibility in its widest sense.

Both Alexandra and I still keep up closely with friends we made at School, and we all share each other’s joys and sadnesses - being there for each other when support is needed.

Please think about this project and let our lovely Alumni Officer Hannah Pinney have your photos and copy by next summer on pinneyh@ ashfordschool.co.uk. If you would like to contact me to discuss anything my email is carolyn. chamberlain@wanadoo.fr or phone me on my UK mobile 07850 156470 but only leave a voice message (not a text) and I will call you back. I am looking forward to seeing your contributions, it should be fun!

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ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNA HONOURED IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS, OCTOBER 2020

NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARSHIP 2021 Camilla Hayselden-Ashby (Yeomen, 2010) has been awarded a 2021 Nuffield Farming Scholarship. She will be studying "Hemp: How can UK farmers take advantage of this profitable, sustainable crop?", kindly sponsored by NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.

Her research will cover growing and processing technology, how a network of processing facilities could be established in the UK, routes to market and how legislation could be changed to support growers. The aim is that this will provide practical information for farmers wanting to start growing the crop as well as more evidence for those lobbying to get the restrictions on hemp growing in this country changed. Camilla has said if any alumni wants to chat hemp or have suggestions for subjects she should be looking into, people she should be speaking to or destinations she should travel to get in touch via email - chayseldenashby@gmail.com

Congratulations to Rae Stollard (née Sasson, Brooke Place,1963) who was honoured with an M.B.E. in the Queen’s belated birthday honours in October 2020 for her services to the community in Bournemouth.

As a member of Bournemouth Borough Council from 2011 - 2019 and an appointed Governor on the Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, she was passionate about encouraging physiotherapy in the community to enhance people’s quality of life at home or in care homes and facilitating rapid discharge from hospital to quality care in the community, the responsibility of local council services.

She had also worked as an advice worker in the Citizens Advice Bureau and sat on the local Trustee board as an appointee of the Council.

BRONZE AT THE 2020 EUROPEAN FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS Ashford Prep School alumna Carolina Stutchbury (Mountbatten, 2016) has won a bronze medal at the 2020 European Fencing Championships in Croatia, after competing for the first time ever in the competition.

Carolina travelled from her home in America to participate in the championships, where she competed against Europe’s top fencers, including Russia’s second-best fencer, whom she won against with a score of 9-2. As the youngest competitor, Carolina lost only in the finals, securing her overall third place and entry into the World Championships!

Carolina, who is currently ranked 55th in Great Britain for fencing, picked up the sport at Ashford Prep School a few years ago before pursuing the sport professionally. Alongside Carolina’s fantastic achievements in the fencing arena, she has also been awarded an academic scholarship to Stanford High School, where she will commence her studies in the new academic year.

We wish Caroline all the best in her preparation for the upcoming World Championships!

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ALUMNI NEWS

MOTORSPORT UK PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Congratulations to Lou Johnson (Franklins, 2010) who has won the 2019 Motorsport UK Photographer of the Year award – making her the first ever female recipient! The 2019 competition was particularly tough with judges impressed by the quality of the submissions.

Lou currently works for Spacesuit Media and covers the ABB FIA Formula E Championship for Mahindra Racing, and has photographed more than 35 Formula E races as well as events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Le Mans, and the World Endurance Championship. The judges commented that her photographs were on “another level” and that every image made them stop and look.

Lou said: “I’m not entirely sure the news has sunk in just yet, I’m delighted to have won this award.

It’s been an ambition of mine since I started motorsport photography, and am honoured to have been chosen, there are so many great young motorsport photographers out there and this was quite unexpected. It’s a wonderful way to end 2019, I’m already excited to see what 2020 brings.”

It was then our pleasure to welcome Lou back to School in March to talk to our current Year 8s about her career as a Photographer. The Year 8s had been studying movement & futurism within their art lessons. Head of Art, Nicole Rayner (née Ingham, Pilgrims, 1993) said of Lou’s talk: “Students and teachers listened avidly as our alumna, Lou Johnson described details of her life as a Motorsport Photographer and how she got to where she is today. She described all the different countries she visits, and showed us the photography taken there, how she managed the shots, from scoping the track and planning her shots carefully to quick fire lucky shots. Students were genuinely interested and asked such great questions about which cameras, lenses and software she uses to how long her awardwinning studio shots took to set up.

She spoke with such passion about her work and how she enjoyed her life as a photographer, it has genuinely inspired Year 8.”

I’M NOT ENTIRELY SURE THE NEWS HAS SUNK IN JUST YET, I’M DELIGHTED TO HAVE WON THIS AWARD. IT’S BEEN AN AMBITION OF MINE SINCE I STARTED MOTORSPORT PHOTOGRAPHY, AND AM HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN

After the talk, Lou was taken on a tour of the School by our Alumni Officer, Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011), and reunited with her A Level Psychology Teacher Mrs Ball for lunch!

You can see more of Lou’s photography on her website: http://loujohnsonphoto.com/ or on her Instagram @loujohnsonphoto

Mahindra Racing M6 Electro Launch courtesy of Lou Johnson

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ALUMNI NEWS INTERNING AT LUXURY FASHION HOUSE VIKTOR ROLF After leaving Ashford, Jesse O’Shaughnessy (Franklins, 2016) undertook a Foundation Course in Fashion at Central Saint Martins, and then went on to study Fashion Design at the University of Westminster, during which she has been lucky enough to work on the Viktor&Rolf – Haute Couture 2020 Paris collection. Jesse wrote in to tell us about her experience as an Atelier Intern: “For 5 months, I have been an Atelier Intern at the internationally known couture house Viktor and Rolf.

Learning how to crochet, develop the handwork patterns and create the final textiles was an experience I felt honoured to be a part of. I was trusted to assist stitching the final garments that were exhibited in the Paris Couture show which meant attention to detail was a must at all times. The team I worked alongside was the most organised and humble group of people, always willing to teach.

Looking at the ‘Patchworks’ SS20 show that we created makes me feel extremely proud of the teamwork behind this beauty.

O R G A N IS T AT S T M A R K ’S F L O R E N

CE

Congratulations to Jam es Short (Pilgrims, 2017) who has taken up the position of Orga nist at Saint Mark’s Church in Florence, Italy. James has recently graduated fro m Oxford University, rea ding Music, and holding the position of Parry Wood Organ Scholar at Exeter College. He was award ed Associateship of the Ro yal College of Organists in 2017, winning the Dr Joh n Birch Scholarship.

You can listen to re cordings of James ’ Recitals on Saint M ark’s Church Flore nce YouTube Channel.

I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity and will treasure the memories of the time spent in the Amsterdam and Paris studios for life.”

We’re looking forward to hearing more from Jesse as her fashion career progresses.

THE POWER OF MUSIC Vihan Patel (Merchants, 2010) was named as one of Ernst & Young’s Top 30 Young Entrepreneurs, as a recipient of the Top 50 Fashion & Beauty (FAB) Leaders, and has recently graduated from Cardiff University. He is now beginning his journey as the founder of a disruptive start-up dating app for music lovers called POM, having successfully raised seed capital for it in just under 4 weeks! POM uses the music people love to introduce them to others who feel the same. Studies have shown that music compatibility is one of the main things people look for in prospective partners, and POM’s API allows the app to integrate with the user’s streaming service of choice.

POM is exclusively inclusive – it’s all about loving what you love, being unapologetically who you are and finding the perfect match for the real you.

Vihan came up with the idea for POM when he accidentally sent a playlist to the wrong person. The two ended up communicating by sending songs back and forth. Eventually they met and ended up dating. Music had literally brought them together! POM is currently in beta and will be available early next month: www.discoverpom.com

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GRACE & MAY ILLUSTRATIONS Alumni sisters Anna Shields (Squires, 2011) & Ella Shields (Squires, 2017) have recently launched illustration and artwork company Grace & May. Ella studied Creative & Professional Writing at Canterbury Christ Church University and whilst there began doing artwork commissions specialising in oil paints and pastels. Anna studied Industrial Design & Technology at Brunel University, and currently works as a Product Designer & Quality Manager for Kent company Noted In Style! Grace & May specialises in personalised pet illustrations, produced using digital techniques, and then printed onto canvas. The portraits are incredibly detailed, and truly capture the personality of the pets they depict. They work with local businesses to ensure that they use the best quality materials and equipment. They plan to expand their business by offering hand drawn portraits using oil pastels, and long-term, through offering portraits, landscapes, and abstract paintings. This is very much a passion project, as both Anna & Ella work full-time, and so spend their evenings and weekends creating commissions.

If you have something unique you would like created, please email sales@graceandmay.com or head to their website: www.graceandmay.com

ALUMNI NEWS

VIRGIN MONEY – EMERGING STARS Congratulations to Alex Stevens (Franklins, 2010) and his band Mosa Wild on being recognised as one of Virgin Money’s Emerging Stars.

The Emerging Stars programme’s mission is to help grow the UK music industry by identifying, supporting, and promoting the best emerging talent it has. Each artist receives a development fund, as well as the opportunity to play live at Virgin Money’s newly opened retail stores across the UK and at the brand’s iconic partnership venues, The O2 and the SSE Hydro. The bands also receive mentoring by AEG Presents music executives and Virgin Money representatives on navigating through the music industry, as well as financial support and forecasting.

Mosa Wild describe their music as ‘cinematic, alternative, indie’ and their debut single ‘Smoke’ from 2017 has hit 10 million streams on Spotify! We can’t wait to hear more from them over the next few years, so do check them out on Spotify now!

CHAMPNEYS BEAUTY COLLEGE STUDENT OF THE YEAR Congratulations to Poppy Turnwell (Knights, 2015) who was awarded Champneys Beauty College Student of the Year 2019 and is now opening her own Beauty Salon, ‘The Chestnut Beauty Room’.

After leaving Ashford at the end of Year 11, Poppy went on to study ITEC level 2 to 4 and CIDESCO Qualification, the highest and most prestigious qualification within the Beauty Industry. After graduating from Champneys Beauty College in Tring, Hertfordshire, Poppy worked in both a luxury spa environment and freelancing from home.

She is now excited to be launching her own new Beauty Salon, located in the peaceful village of Stone in Oxney, Kent. Here to fulfil your beauty needs, it will provide a range of luxury treatments, all carried out by Poppy herself. The new salon will be completed in November and will be ready to treat clients as soon as restrictions are lifted.

Poppy credits her 9-years at Ashford School as giving her the confidence and skills to pursue her career path and has very fond memories of her time there, particularly of ceramics classes and making lifelong friends!

If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch with Poppy at: chestnutbeautyroom@gmail.com You can also follow Poppy on Instagram @chestnutbeautyroom Instagram

OLD BUNYARD’S KENT PRIDE Imogen Benson (née Bunyard, Lions, 2004) wrote in to tell us about a fantastic new project – the website ‘Old Bunyard’s Kent Pride’. This is an encyclopaedic tribute to Kent which took six months’ intensive work to complete. It amounts to around 175,000 words – the equivalent of a 500-page book – and has over a thousand entries, each with a picture. It is entirely free to access, requires no registration, and contains no advertising. The project was masterminded by her father and has quickly gained traction across Kent (and globally!).

WITH GRACE – CARDS WITH A KISS With Grace, Cards With A Kiss, was founded this June 2020 by our ASA Committee Rep Alexandra Playford (Knights, 2007).

With Grace sells a variety of cards and other gift items, including beautiful reflection notebooks and candles, with 25% of all sales going to TOMMYS and SANDS for more, much needed, research into both stillbirth and infant deaths.

Founded following Alex's diagnosis of severe pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome, sadly ending in the stillbirth of their little girl Grace Florence, their aim through the company is to provide focus and awareness that pregnancy can be inundated with trials and tribulations, and that it is okay to not be okay.

There is still much to learn about both pre-eclampsia, which affects 6% of pregnancies, and HELLP Syndrome which affects under 1%.

You can join the Facebook Group, by searching ‘With Grace - Cards with a Kiss', where Alex posts exclusive updates, including deals & raffles. Or alternatively, visit their website, www.shopwithgrace.co.uk, and support them and their associated charities.

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PODCASTING WITH THE POISONERS’ CABINET

PODCASTING WITH THE POISONERS’ CABINET

SINEAD HANNA (KNIGHTS, 1996) A few years ago, it was blogs.

Then came the rise of the YouTube stars.

And now podcasts are everywhere.

In my day job as a full time PR and communications consultant, I’m often asked by brands if it’s worth starting a podcast, and I can explain the pros and cons of using them for corporate exposure. But then my personal interest bubbles over and I end up babbling incessantly about the wild, weird and wonderful world of podcasting, and clients have to politely push me away with a large stick.

For you see, by day I work in the corporate world.

But by night, I drink cocktails and talk about poison…

I started my own podcast in February 2020, The Poisoners’ Cabinet. It’s a comedic true crime podcast, hosted by me and master mixologist Nick Gordon. Each week, we recount a real historic poisoning case (who doesn’t love of a vicious Victorian?) and create and taste a cocktail that is inspired by the tale we tell.

Why did we do it? Why does anyone decide to do a podcast? Because we got drunk one night, decided it was a brilliant idea, and snapped up all the domain names and social handles. So, there was no going back the next morning.

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LISTEN TO OTHER PODCASTS Do your research! Listen to lots of other shows to find out what works and what doesn’t. Look at their social media following too – how do they interact with fans, and what do their followers

But nearly 40 episodes, we’re lucky to have built a solid fan base with around 1,200 downloads a week.

We also have a healthy following on Patreon and have been mentioned in USA Today, The Sun, and we’ve even picked up a couple of famous fans on Twitter. It sounds mad, and it is.

chat about on their posts? You need to build a

Podcasts are a great way for people to express their creativity or to share their professional insights with the world. And if you’ve ever thought of starting one yourself, here are a few tips I’ve learned - both as a creator and a marketing professional – for making your podcast sparkle…

are carefully structured and edited. Give every

ASK YOURSELF WHY?

following, so check out who is killing it on social media and learn from the masters. And be kind and supportive to other shows.

DEVELOP A FORMAT IN ADVANCE Even the most chaotic-sounding successful shows episode a beginning, middle and an end, and make a list of what needs to be covered.

About 70 per cent of The Poisoners’ Cabinet is scripted in advance: we spend about 5 or 6 hours researching and writing the cases, plan what social medias to promote it (scheduling them

Be honest with yourself: what do you want to achieve from this podcast? Be as ambitious as you like; you’re going to be doing all of the work. Whether you want to educate or entertain, keep your goals in mind as it will ensure your experience stays positive and healthy.

on Buffer), and have a running order for each

CHOOSE A SUBJECT YOU LOVE AND KNOW WELL

You don’t want to release your show and then

What do you want to talk about for many, many months? Do yourself a favour and choose something you really love.

Don’t be afraid of covering topics that people have done many times before. Most marketers will faint at the thought of entering an over saturated market, but the podcast world is different. Audiences devour series faster than box sets and hop about finding new ones while waiting for the next episodes of their favourite shows to come out. Just think about what could make your show unique: are you an expert in your field, do you have insider knowledge or a unique experience, or do you simply have a really likeable presenting style? Or can you find a niche within a popular market to focus on?

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

episode. The rest is improvised on the day with the two hosts bouncing off each other. Having a set format stops us rambling too much!

Oh, and set up all of your social media accounts, websites and email address before you go live! find that the best social media handles are already taken.

THE FIRST STEP IS THE HARDEST Get on with it, stop putting it off, put down that bottle of tequila. Your first show is always the worst one you’ll create so the sooner you start, the sooner you will get better. And it really won’t be as bad as you think (I promise!). Think of it like training for a sport. Podcasts are marathons, not races.

IT TAKES HARD WORK The truth is if you want your podcast to grow to a point where you get paid sponsorship or hit the hallowed 10K Instagram followers, it’s going to take a lot of work.

PODCASTING WITH THE POISONERS’ CABINET On top of all the research I do for each episodes, I spend 7 hours a week editing, about 2 hours planning promotions and I have to monitor social media constantly to respond to fans. There will be times with this ‘thing’ you started out loving will feel like a chore. But…

STICK WITH IT After the initial rush of congratulations from friends and family, you might hit a wall and question if it’s all worth it. But don’t give up! It takes about one year to really build a big following, and you never know when people will find your show.

If you are time poor, you could break your show up into seasons and take a break in between.

This is great for busy people, just make sure you keep your social media accounts active even if you’re not publishing shows so you don’t lose followers.

YOU NEED TO LOOK GOOD TOO Make sure your show looks good to outsiders – get professionally designed artwork and logos for your channels, craft a snappy description of what your show is about, share positive reviews on your social channels, and think about merchandise! Create a beautiful little brand that people understand the second they see it.

AND FINALLY, A FEW SUPER GREAT PODCASTS FROM MY FELLOW ASHFORD ALUMNI: • Pep talk with Peppitt Maisie Peppitt (Squires, 2016) @peptalkwithpeppitt • ‘The Mindset Cafe’ Karina Hulstrom (Pilgrims, 2001) @karina_mindsetcafe • ‘If women were made to fly, the sky would be pink’ Enid Otun (Alfred, 1980) @pinkskypodcast • Grengo Talkback: An Energy Talk with Tosin Timitimi Tosin Timitimi (Merchants, 2012)

• Shedunnit Podcast Caroline Crampton (Pilgrims, 2006) @shedunnitshow

QUICK TIPS! • Create a 30sec-1min promo, and do a promo swap with similar shows • Get a good microphone with a pop shield • Audacity is the free editing software of choice • Keep episodes to between 40mins and 1 hour – some people actively avoid shows with really long episodes • People will find your podcast weeks after it first started - what would a newcomer make of your 34th show?

Listen to The Poisoners’ Cabinet on iTunes, Spotify, Castbox or wherever you get your podcasts (https://www.buzzsprout.com/884599) Follow @thepoisonerscabinet on Instagram too.

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ALUMNI NEWS

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

It was fantastic to hear from the following alumni who wrote in to tell us what they have been up to since leaving Ashford School.

JUSTIN KAN (KNIGHTS, 2015) is currently undertaking a 5-year dance course and is aiming to be a professional dancer. He specialises in Irish Tap Dance and recently performed at a socially distanced show at a children's disabilities center.

0): HOL LY SHE PPA RD (PIL GRI MS, 201

Rock Band' with Jack Dedman “Back in Year 10 I was in the 'Year 10 Amy Lillington (Yeomen) and James (Yeomen), Alex Stevens (Franklins), dary Mr Turner (Former Teacher of Au (Franklins), managed by the legen ue a career in music, and I now Biology). This truly inspired me to purs distributor owned by Sony Music) as work for The Orchard (independent rs and campaigns of over 70 record a Label Manager, managing the roste touring band called Honey Lung labels. I also manage an international outside of work.”

EMILY CARY-ELWES (MERCHANTS, 2000) “I have been married 10 years next year and now have two children, a 5-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl. I have worked in publicity within the publishing industry since graduating in 2003.”

989) TS /S Q U IR ES ,1 H IG N (K LE e RAF. ST iddle East in th AMANDA CA ions in the M

at rving on Oper ay & Christmas is currently se for my Birthd re he t ou be r Amanda say: ‘I will dress is Sqn Ld She wrote to a Card my ad nd se to ts an fr 779 (its ee so if anyone w 906 EAW BFPO E) (M CC FM 3L OC Castle 030641 g)!’

2K to post up

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GRAC E OGLE (NÉE HOLD STOC K, SQUI RES, 2010 )

for “My husband and I have been living in Somerset and home 2nd our on are we almost 6 years now, tic have 2 dogs that rule our lives. I work for a fantas rn Weste South housing association which mainly covers into and Central England, but we are slowly creeping isation organ l ethica an are We the South East too! ds the helping solve the housing crisis by working towar got ly recent I . vision of ensuring everyone has a home our promoted into Digital Experience to help improve

I’m services for our customers and colleagues which many with touch in really really enjoying. Sadly I’m not but away, of my fellow 2010 leavers since moving often think back fondly on my years at Ashford. plans 10 years has gone by so fast... I don’t have any visit a mend recom highly to move back to Kent, but I part iful beaut a to Somerset (if COVID allows), it’s such l of the country - and to all my fellow Ashford Schoo alumni - do get in touch if you’re ever in the area!”

JO E CO W AN (F RA NK LI NS , 20 15 ) “Whilst still at Universi ty, I started my own Mu sic Supervision Business, Rooted Soun ds, with the first film I worked on winning an award and being screened at the Bri tish Film Institute. 3-months aft er graduation, the succe ss of my business landed me a job at Believe, one of the largest independent music dis tributors in the world, working part-time as an assista nt in their sync team. Aft er 6 months of consistent hard work, I landed various big syn c deals with the likes of Apple and Sky TV which led to a hu ge promotion.

I was not only offered a permanent position, but I was also given the opportunity to set up and lead a ne w division of the Sync department, offeri ng a Bespoke service to our clients.

A big shout out to the Ashford School teachers like Mr Boyd and Ms Ball. It is becau se of teachers like the m that I am where I am; I owe a lot of who I am today to the m and what they taught me, both in and out of class.”

MAGGIE GORDON (NÉE BAGSHAWE,19

74)

to the Rutland, UK in March “After 22 years in Germany, I returned now part-time, and a Relationship 2019. I am still a Career Consultant, sisters Sue and Buffy Bagshawe Counsellor with Relate. My younger like to hear from people in were also at Ashford School. I would in 1974. My contact email is: my year group; I left from Vth Form inezmargaretgordon@gmail.com”

ALUMNI NEWS

AL EX IS GA M M AC K YA M AG AT A (K NI GH TS , 20 10 )

is looking forward to

progressing in his pro fessional life in small business and pro perty investment

SANDRA TREMLETT (NÉE PENGELLY, NIGHTINGALE, 1962) “I came to Ashford School as a 13-year-old in January 1958 joining the Upper 4th. It was during the Asian flu epidemic, and I remember that my Boarding House, Nightingale, was temporarily used as an overflow to the San. However, in comparison to today’s Coronavirus pandemic, life carried on as normal!

The 5 years I spent at Ashford were amongst the happiest of my days and gave me the stability I needed after attending several schools in different countries overseas. I have lasting memories of the discipline instilled in us, the respect for staff and seniors, the hard work but also of lots of fun, and of the great friendships I formed. I loved attending the Old Girls' tea on the Head's lawn at Alfred on Founders Day, meeting old friends and members of staff.

I still have my 'striped' Ashford blazer!"

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

ENGAGEMENTS • Sophie-Anna Hall (Squires, 2011) to Phil Bubb (February 2020) • Sarah-Jane Stewart (Knights, 2013) to Oli Reynolds (July 2020)

WEDDINGS • Alan Stamp (Former Performing Arts Technician) on his marriage to Bobbie-Marie Hickman on Saturday 19 September 2020.

• Liv Nippe (Squires, 2011) to Robert Millar on 5 September 2020.

The two met whilst they were studying for their PhDs at the University of Warwick. Fellow aluma Jess Barnick (Knights, 2011) was Liv’s Maid of Honour.

BIRTHS 2010) D (P IL G R IM S, R iversity and FO EN G O at Reading Un IM erapy degree r

nguage Th en working fo Speech and La gside it! I’ve be “I undertook a ol, eerleader alon ch ip sh on pi ial needs scho nal cham apist in a spec er th ge became a natio ua ng l and la d other specia ars as a speech sis of autism an the past few ye t have a diagno os ho m w e s th nt t de or ith stu g able to supp in particular w skills.” and enjoy bein mmunication I love my job co s. ed eir th ne l p lo na io ve de d educat an l ia nt te eir po nts to fulfil th amazing stude

ELI ZAB ETH HEN DER SO N (PI LGR IM S, 200 4)

“I am currently working for SCO Tstar retrieval service carrying out paediatric intensive care retr ieval for Scotland. Due the pan demic plans to work in Australia had to change and therefore I hav e been working for the retrieval service moving children requiring inte nsiv e care by road, fixed wing and heli copter retrievals across Scotland .”

LOUISA JONES (NÉE PRICE, FRANKLINS, 1998): Louisa has finally managed to capitalise on her Textiles GCSE and alongside her husband has opened a small shop in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway selling fabric, yarn and leatherwork items. Up until it was no longer advisable, she was teaching machine sewing and quilting. In addition, they repair shoes and cut keys and are also working with a local retailer's group to help improve footfall in the high street and promote local businesses. They can be seen at www.TheCourtyardAnnan.co.uk

• Hannah Strassburg (née Bilcliffe, Franklins, 2005) & her partner on the birth of their daughter Dorothy.

• Sophie Montagne (Merchants, 2001) & her partner Rod on the birth of their daughter on 29 May 2020, Madeleine Darby Brown.

• Katie Floyd (née Webb, Merchants, 2003) and her husband Ben, on the birth of Theodore Perry Floyd on 15 August 2020.

• Alice Yssennagger (née Lawlor, Franklins, 2010) & her husband Louis, on the birth of their second daughter, Amber Louise on 8 September 2020.

Katie Floyd with son Theodore

• Laura Concannon (née Flynn, Squires, 2005) and her husband Anthony, on the birth of their daughter Robyn Ciara Concannon, born on the 3 November 2020.

BIRTHDAYS Valerie Stoneham (née Jenkins, Brooke Place/Alfred, 1962) wrote in to let us know that Mary Thomas (née Dale) celebrated her 102nd birthday on 20 October 2020! Congratulations Mary!

Mary was at Ashford with Valerie’s mother Beryl, and their parents lived in Egypt and so they used to go out for the summer holidays by boat from Southampton to Alexandria together!

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ALUMNI NEWS

SCHOOL VISITS

It has been lovely to welcome alumni back to visit Ashford School over the past year!

OBITUARIES MAUREEN KNOX-JOHNSTON Maureen sadly passed away on Saturday 14 December 2019. Formerly Miss Johnston, Maureen was a teacher at Ashford Girls' School in the 1950s. She will be fondly remembered by all of the staff and pupils who knew her.

SHEILA OTTEN (NÉE NOTLEY, 1944)

Amberley Odysseas (Squires, 2020) and Jonathan Zhu (Franklins, 2020)

Sheila Otten sadly passed away on 19 March 2020, aged 93. She was born in Colombo, Ceylon and attended Ashford School during the war whilst it was based at Countess Wear, and then trained as a nurse. She returned to Ashford for a short while as a matron. Sheila married Capt F J Otten in 1950, a Royal Engineer, and had a wonderful life enjoying unusual postings, the most notable being to Norway and the Solomon Islands. After retirement, they moved to Lenham, Kent, where she lived for the remainder of her life. They had three children, Elizabeth, Catherine and David. Liz and Kate both attended Ashford School in the 1960s and have very fond memories of their time here.

SUZANNE LLOYD (NÉE TURNPENNY, SOMERVILLE, 1938)

Luisa Attoe (née Welling, Knights, 2010) & Caroline Welling (Knights, 2011)

Alexis Gammack (Knights/Alfred, 2010)

JUDITH SWATLAND (1946)

SUE MILES (NIGHTINGALE, 1978)

Judith sadly passed away on 24 April 2020 from Covid-19 at Paternoster House care home in Cirencester. She was at Ashford School along with her 3 sisters in the 1940s and had just had her 92nd birthday. After leaving Ashford School, Judith went to Horticultural College for a year. She later became Matron at two boys' Prep Schools and then spent 10 years working in Australia, before returning to England where she was a Marie Curie Nurse for 13 years.

Sue Miles sadly passed on 18 November 2019 from Metastatic Ocular Melanoma in a hospice in Nelson, New Zealand, surrounded by her family. Along with her sisters, Ann (Nightingale, 1976) and Judy (Nightingale, 1976), they attended Ashford School for ten years each, between 1964 and 1978, and were all in Nightingale. They all emigrated: Ann to Washington DC, and then Utah; Judy to Abbotsford, British Colombia, in Canada; and Sue to New Zealand. Sue has left behind two beautiful and accomplished young daughters.

Sue will be missed by her many Ashford School friends, with whom she stayed in contact until she died.

If you would like to come back and visit, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Hannah in the Alumni Office who would be delighted to show you around the School.

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ASHFORD SCHOOL FOUNDATION

ASHFORD SCHOOL

FOUNDATION THANK YOU Firstly, a big thank you to all our donors who support the Ashford School Foundation. Every single donation makes a difference to the school and its pupils, and we are forever grateful for your support.

GET INVOLVED We are looking out for new trustees & patrons, who can bring their experience and connections to assist us in our fundraising projects, to join the Ashford School Foundation Committee.

If you would be interested in getting involved, please contact Headmaster Michael Hall: hallmm@ashfordschool.co.uk

THE LILIAN BRAKE LEGACY SOCIETY A delicious Afternoon Tea was held at Eastwell Manor on Thursday 12 March 2020 for members of our Lilian Brake Legacy Society. It was a chance for Headmaster, Mr. Michael Hall, to express the School’s thanks for the support shown to the Ashford School Foundation, and also to update members on Ashford School’s exciting future plans.

E V E N T AT T E N D E E S : • Val Arends (née Davies, Nightingale, 1955) • Carolyn Chamberlain (née Nelms, Nightingale, 1960) • Michael Hall (Headmaster of Ashford School) • Sarah Kershaw (Director of Admissions, External Relations and Communications) • Hannah Pinney (Alumni & Development Officer, Squires, 2011) • Norma Smyth (Former Deputy Head, 1974-1998) • Rae Stollard MBE (née Sasson, Brooke Place, 1963) A legacy is one of the simplest and most flexible ways you can support Ashford School. If you would be interested in finding out more about legacies, or would like to be sent the Lilian Brake Legacy Society Brochure, please get in touch with Hannah in the Alumni & Development Office (alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk).

Development Office: The Ashford School Foundation Patrons: Mrs Jane Loudon, Dr Amanda Cottrell, Mr Peregrine Massey, & Mr John Hosking Trustees: The Ven Stephen Taylor (Chairman), Mr Michael Hall (Headmaster of Ashford School), Mrs Nicky Brightling, Mr Rory Montgomerie, & Mrs Sarah Kershaw (Director of Admissions, External Relations & Communications).

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ASHFORD SCHOOL FOUNDATION

OUR CAMPAIGNS The Ashford School Foundation was launched back in November 2016 and continues to go from strength to strength.

It is currently a very difficult time when it comes to development and fundraising, but here at Ashford School we have a clear vision for our future and want to develop further the diverse and close-knit community that we have.

BURSARIES Our Trustees continue to meet once a term and award the Foundation Assisted Places bursaries to deserving pupils. The School have helped 38 families by awarding children with means tested bursaries and over the coming years we aim to increase the available resources of the Fund so that more students may benefit from a transformative Ashford School education, irrespective of family circumstance. We want to ensure that we are using these awards to attract deserving, well-motivated, hardworking and bright young children who would not normally have access to the opportunities that we can provide. As a School we have a responsibility to be inclusive, grounded and in touch with the real world. It is well documented that this results in happier and more interesting schools, not to mention schools that have a socioeconomic mix reflecting society and thus preparing pupils for the real world.

If you would like to support our Bursaries Campaign, whether that be by donating or by offering your skillset to help with our fundraising, please get in touch with the Alumni & Development Office.

We know that a great number of our alumni community have benefited from bursaries. If you are a past bursary recipient, we would love to hear from you and what you have done since leaving Ashford. Please contact Hannah in the Alumni Office, at pinneyh@ashfordschool.co.uk

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A NEW SWIMMING POOL In last year’s ASA School Tie we shared our exciting plans to improve our swimming facilities here at Ashford School through the building of a new 25m pool.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we have had to temporarily pause this campaign. At the start of lockdown we closed our pools. We have been following government and Swim England guidance, and so were able to re-open, with safety measures in place, for a short time between August and November.

We hope to resurrect our fundraising campaign in the new year. If you would be interesting in getting involved with this project, and you would like to talk to the Development Team, please get in touch with Sarah Kershaw (kershaws@ashfordschool.co.uk).

FROM THE ARCHIVES

FROM THE ARCHIVES: ‘JUST KEEP SWIMMING’ Swimming has long been, and indeed continues to be, a popular sport at Ashford School, which was highlighted by the number of replies we received in response to our #throwbackthursday posts featuring photos of the old open-air pool. In recognition of its popular place in alumni memory, we thought we’d share a bit of the pool's history in this year’s ASA School Tie.

Before the open-air pool was built, Ashford School pupils used the local swimming baths for their lessons. In the Spring Term of 1934, it was decided by the School Council that the moment had come for the School to build its own pool:

“Ever since 1910 we have gone down to the big town swimming bath through the summer months, more and more going each year until last Summer we averaged about 1,000 a week … But now swimming is very popular in the town and our numbers have grown so much that it seems fairer to have our own pool.” (Extract from Miss Brake’s Letter in the Spring Term 1934 School Tie (Volume XXI No. 2)) It was agreed that the council would pay part of the cost, and the remainder would be fundraised from parents and alumni. The spot chosen for the new open-air pool was Brooke Place Orchard for it could be reached easily, was sheltered and private, and could “be made attractive”.

Swimming was an important part of Ashford School life, with pupils participating in swimming lessons and Life-Saving Awards, summer days spent by the pool, sneaked midnight swims, and with outdoor swimming displays a key part of Founders’ Day celebrations.

However, being open-air came with its difficulties, namely being that the pool was always freezing cold, even with the erection of a windbreak in 1979, and could not be used during the winter months! Often competitions and House events would be postponed due to low temperatures. There were also no tumble driers available, and so bathing costumes and towels had to be put through the mangle before being hung up to dry.

In 1986, work to modernise the pool began, and the open-air swimming pool was closed, along with the old buildings, the garages and Crow’s Nest.

The 1987 School Tie recalls:

In the interim, students made use of the Stour Centre pool for their swimming lessons, and Life-Saving Exams.

The new heated indoor pool, which still stands on the Senior School orchard, was opened on 21 September 1987:

“The newly heated swimming pool has proved a great boon. All girls can now swim, all have had some lifesaving and resuscitation instruction, Senior and Junior swimming galas have been held and we have now had our own swimming matches with other schools. Perhaps even more importantly, the pool is in use before school, after school, and at the weekends for recreation or specific activities, and has truly added a new dimension to the life of the School.”

(Extract from 1988 School Tie) We’d love to hear your memories of swimming at Ashford, whether you were in the School Squad or just enjoyed a leisurely swim.

Please get in touch with the Alumni Office (alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk).

‘'Though everyone welcomes our new, heated indoor swimming pool in Brabourne, those who knew the old pool were very sad to say goodbye to it. In the minds of many, it is inextricably associated with summer days at Ashford, and it has often been the scene of much excitement during House Swimming Competitions".

The first drop of water was poured into the swimming pool on Saturday 26 May (at which the School dog Sam showed his approval by dashing into the baths and lapping up the water!), and it was officially opened on Tuesday 5 June

by Miss Fountain, Principal of Chelsea College of Physical Education.

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STUDENT WORK

LOCKDOWN ESSAY COMPETITION Over the lockdown months, Year 11 and 13 pupils were given the opportunity to complete extension work, in place of their examinations. Year 11 were asked to write an essay on titles that Head of Departments provided, and Year 13 could write an essay on a chosen subject or a given title.

Congratulations to all those students who submitted essays! We are delighted to share the winners below.

YEAR 11

who wrote The winner was Rosie (Knights), those an essay titled ‘Power always corrupts English who hold it’ focusing on two of her beth Mac ’s Literature plays – Shakespeare . & An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley

LOCKDOWN LITERATURE During lockdown, students in the English Department rose to the challenge of remote learning and produced some fantastic pieces of work. Here, we share just few of their lockdown tales.

YEAR 7 – WAR HERO

with the sounds of screams and despair.

Guns echoed throughout the battlefield, along the was nothing to do except battle and fight to The situation was becoming dire and there s and screaming, the faint whinnies of horse end. It wasn’t just the sound of humans dying and squawks of birds could also be heard. y officer of the trench. He attached the vitall ‘We’d better send this to the CO,’ said the sent it up to the air. important message to the pigeon’s leg and into the bleak sky and over no man’s land.

The pigeon, who was called Sharon flew out manity that plagued the battlefield. Men She witnessed the scenes of violence and inhu without hesitation. Other men shooting the showing no mercy, slaughtering each other only final breath. She saw the objective: it was injured, making sure they do not take one one last time, she saw an injured medic, with a few hundred metres away. Looking down on the mud. An injured soldier was sprawled out a horse barely living, crawling through the them. floor metres away. She dived down to help

s), The runner up was Richard (Pilgrim PC?’. whose essay was titled ‘Consoles or

YEAR 13 The runner up was Amberley Odysse as (Squires, 2020) wh ose essay was ‘The Brain and Mem ory’ The winning essay for Year 13 was by Katarina Trinic (Y eomen/Brabour ne, 2020) and titled ‘H ow Abortion is Relat ed to the Feminist Ideo logy’.

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to in her direction. Moving quicker, she came As she went down, she saw guns being shot hand. the medic and lifted the bandages out of his soared as he ceased to exist in front of her eyes. She ‘Save him,’ he uttered with his last breath . with the bandages, dropping them in his hand back into the sky and landed on the soldier ‘Thank you,’ he muttered with a shortage of

breath.

wked a bullet shattered through her leg. She squa Just as she as was returning to her mission, time e she needed to go. Another bullet came. This but continued to fly up. She could see wher with ed land she began to lose consciousness and it hit her in the wing. Falling to the ground, leted. saved earlier. Her mission was not to be comp a thud on the chest of the soldier she had ded and upon noticing the pigeon and the woun A field ambulance drove through the field ing ics patched Sharon up, but could not do anyth soldier, it stopped. Two of the three paramed e. rtanc of her leg, they read it and realised its impo about her lost leg. Taking the message off adily but in a matter of minutes reached her Sent on her way, she soared to the sky unste knew exactly what to do. destination. The CO read the message and al part of winning the war. Later, she was She had won them a battle that was a pivot d in a home for retired war pigeons. discharged with a medal of honour and place mbered as a war hero.

She died there after a few years, forever reme

STUDENT WORK

YEAR 8 - DARKNESS I was scared. The huge castle was looking down on me as I feebly walked towards the gate and tried to calm myself. Was I really about to do this? Was I about to enter the supposed Dracula’s castle? Would this be my last adventure ever?

ART SHOWCASE

We are delighted to be able to showcase some of the artwork created by our students over the past years.

As I pushed open the huge oak doors, I heard the loud creak of the neglected hinges scraping together. I jumped in fear. Shaking with nerves, I heard a small, quiet cackle.

I realised I came too far.

I turned to run out the door, but as I reached it, it slammed shut. A shiver ran down my spine. I could hear the sound of footsteps behind me, slowly getting closer. As I turned around, I braced myself for what would be there.

But there was nothing. Was I just being paranoid? Maybe everyone was right and there was no Dracula.

As I turned to my left to explore further, I heard a voice. My lantern suddenly went out. ‘’Darkness.’’

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33

SCHOOL NEWS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT ASHFORD SCHOOL The month of October is Black History Month in the UK, and this year Ashford School was proud to summarise examples of topics and activities taking place in School which embrace diversity, themes of racial justice and equality, and raise awareness of black history, culture and heritage.

In the English Department the Reading Challenge list this year is focused around BAME writers and over the summer the students were set the challenge of choosing a book to read from one of these authors.

In addition, during lockdown, students completed a two-week unit on the Black Lives Matter campaign, using the time to reflect on their own thoughts and opinions about the movement before responding to it creatively. Going forwards, the department will also be celebrating Black History Month in lessons by looking at the importance of the month by focusing on the spoken word poet Samuel King and creating a display for the School’s Learning Resource Centre.

Poetry modules this year will include ‘Women Who Changed the World’ and ‘Celebrating Other Cultures’ which gives the students an in-depth look into poets such as Maya Angelou and Imatiaz Dharker.

In addition, students will study ‘Of Mice and Men’, and be taught the context of 1930s America, looking at discrimination and segregation, the Jim Crow

2020

Laws and how those with mental and physical disabilities were treated. Higher up the School the curriculum applies post-colonial, ecocritical and feminist theory to a range of diverse 20th Century poets. At every opportunity the School ensures that the students are exposed to and understand the world around them and their place within it.

In the History Department the younger students have been learning, researching and preparing presentations on non-European and colonial countries' involvements in World War 1. Further up the School students are learning about historic miscarriages of justice and researching and presenting on a range of topics including the recent shooting of Breonna Taylor as well as Guantanamo Bay and the discrimination of Muslims. The History A-Level curriculum also exposes students to the civil rights movement within the context of the Cold War and Churchill’s attitude towards India and Ghandi during the 1930s.

Within Religious Studies students have been learning about the importance of human rights and through this are reminded that with rights come responsibilities and that they have the responsibility to treat each other with respect, as equals and as human beings. This topic transcends racial prejudice, and the focus is very much on the fair and equal treatment of all. To help understand these issues the students consider how human rights are broken in North Korea as well as looking into how UDHR privacy laws were broken during the phone hacking scandal in 2011. Building on this, the students look at their own human rights which they believe are essential in their own lives.

As part of their wider ‘Crime and Punishment’ module, the Religious Studies department have also been studying hate crimes, including the case of Stephen Lawrence and in more recent lessons

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about Anthony Walker. These later classes have focused very much on forgiveness rather than the hate crime, and that something good can come out of so much suffering.

Outside of the classroom the Ashford School House Debating competition has been focusing on topical issues. This month one of the motions in the senior debate competition was: “This house believes that any institution that historically benefited from slavery should be made to pay compensation to the descendants of its victims”. Those arguing for the motion referenced the responsibility held by institutions to help reduce the economic and social discrimination which still exists for ethnic minorities and that reparations could help achieve this. Those against drew on the negative impact significant reparations would incur on institutions.

For example, if Universities were hit with large payments money would have to be directed away from education which would pose a risk to current students. During the debate both sides generated substantial and thought-provoking closing speeches which led to a range of questions being explored by the student audience. These included: ‘Would paying monetary reparations be putting a value on human life?’, ‘Should the reparations money be put into policies and education to help raise awareness?’ and ‘How will direct descendants be identified?’.

Mr Mike Hall, Ashford School’s Headmaster commented: “Ashford School is very proud that our curriculum consistently highlights the diversity which exists in society. The School’s fundamental belief is that all students should be provided with a diverse and inclusive curriculum. The School strives to preserve education as a natural pillar which helps to facilitate intellectual growth and develop academic curiosity. Therefore, we are very proud to be marking Black History Month at Ashford School.”

SCHOOL NEWS

2020

ASHFORD SCHOOL WINS HAT-TRICK OF NATIONAL AWARDS

CADETS DEMONSTRATE SKILLS TO ROYAL VISITOR

teachers for their exceptional achievements. Nathan was

Students from Ashford School were recently selected (out of hundreds of students across Kent) to attend a prestigious Royal visit in Dover, at which two of the School’s cadets led a CCF lesson with a group of DofE participants.

The pupils demonstrated a navigation lesson to HRH The Earl of Wessex when he flew in for a morning spent meeting local school children and DofE participants at Dover Christ Church Academy.

nominated by his teachers for his ‘outstanding’ attitude

Ashford School’s School Staff Instructor, Simon Burke said:

Ashford School is celebrating after winning three awards at United Learning’s national Best in Everyone Awards.

The awards recognise the impressive achievements of United Learning’s students and staff across the country. They include awards for academic excellence, extracurricular achievements and service to school communities.

The winning Ashford School students were Nathan Arnaud (Pilgrims, 2020) who won the Maths Award in the Years 7-9 category and George (Franklins) who was named Sportsman of the Year in the Years 7-9 category.

Each of these students had been nominated by their

to Maths which is exemplified by the way he is always eager to do additional work and stretch himself further.

All-round sportsman George was nominated for always going above and beyond expectations in everything he does. This year, George qualified for the Kent Regional Swimming Championships and, in rugby, he has been nominated to join the Saracens Development Player Pathway.

It was not just the students who were recognised at the awards, Ashford School’s Safeguarding Governor, Elaine Rose, was named Governor of the Year. Elaine

“This was a proud moment for our CCF cadets and DofE participants. They have worked incredibly hard during their years in our CCF and as DofE participants.

They demonstrated not only the opportunities that the schemes offer school children, but also the personal development skills that are an essential part of a rounded education.”

Under the guidance of student instructors Sgt Luca Voce (Yeomen, 2020) from Ashford School and Sgt Jac Wood from Wye School, pupils from Ashford School and Wye School learnt how to use a compass and work out directions using a map. The cadets had gained their teaching qualification through the CCF.

had been nominated for the significant support she has given the School over the past few years.

Congratulations to the winners!

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS AT ASHFORD SCHOOL NURSERY Congratulations and thank you to Sarah Pratt who this term celebrated 30 years at Ashford School. Sarah is Deputy Head of Ashford Prep School Nursery.

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SCHOOL NEWS

2020

GCSE RESULTS In what has been an unprecedented year, congratulations to all Year 11 students on their hard work and resilience! In summary, 52% of grades awarded were 9-7 and 90% of grades were awarded 9-5.

Director of Years 9-11, Mrs Carly Smythe (Former Member of Staff, 2020) commented on the results saying; “The final months of their School year saw them face unprecedented circumstances, but they met this with their usual resilience and commitment to succeed. The pupils should be very proud of what they’ve achieved and I wish them all the very best for the next stage in their education.”

INTRODUCING OUR NEW ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE: RAINNA ERBAS Ashford School is delighted to welcome Rainna Erbas as the new Artist-In-Residence for the 2020/21 Academic Year. She will be joining the School fresh from appearing as one of the twelve contestants taking part in the 2020 edition of the Channel 4 show ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’. Rainna can usually be found throwing in a converted garden shed but confesses to using her entire house as a studio to help accommodate her passion for potting. In addition to her own projects, she works closely with local organisations including Future Foundry and Ceramics Art Dover which both help to bring opportunities to the local community to engage in the Arts. Over the last year she has also been promoting ‘Clay Date’ events to help bring together fellow ceramic enthusiasts from the community.

Rainna’s enthusiasm for the subject will help grow the department and ensure that Creative Arts continues to be an integral cog in the educational lives and development of all students at Ashford School.

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THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

VIRTUAL MARATHON On Sunday 4 October, to celebrate London’s 40th Marathon, the whole Ashford School community was challenged to complete the sporting event virtually. The goal was simple, to run, cycle or walk a total of 26.2 miles in one day. In total our students, alumni, staff and parents travelled over 750 miles, with 16 individuals completing the full 26.2 mile distance, and raised over £375 for Action for Children. This money will go towards protecting and supporting children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support.

A special mention must go to Mr Ridley who ran the Marathon distance in a very impressive 3 hours 14 minutes. It was fantastic to see such a spread of ages taking part, with the youngest participant Isaac (age 6) racking up 15 miles, and Mrs Stockley (age 65) doing the full distance.

Head of Girls’ Games, Mrs Caroline Morris, who was due to run in the official London Marathon this year, not only helped to organise the day and, with the help of her husband and two sons, completed a staggering 93 miles as a family and raised an incredible £1500.

Congratulations to all who took part!

2020

SCHOOL NEWS

A NEW WELLBEING TEAM According to the Centre for Mental Health, 1 in 5 children will experience a mental health difficulty at least once during their first 11 years, and Covid has most certainly compounded children’s anxiety and fears.

Here at Ashford School, staff have been working hard to ensure that Wellbeing is embedded throughout all areas of the School and this year are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Wellbeing Team.

The Wellbeing Team consists of Wellbeing Manager, Lisa Ellis, who has over 14 years' experience of developing and facilitating therapeutic services in schools as a manager within the organisation Place2Be, a leading children’s mental health charity. She is joined by qualified Wellbeing Practitioner, Holly Webb who has over 20 years' experience in implementing and facilitating wellbeing sessions, utilising sport, yoga, mindfulness and the creative arts. In addition to this, Ashford School has 5 trained Mental Health First Aiders, a Health Centre consisting of 3 nurses and a School Doctor, and a School Chaplain to support Spiritual Wellbeing.

The introduction of the Wellbeing Team allows the School’s approach to mental health and wellbeing to move from an emergency response, to early intervention and prevention. Through a series of workshops, drop-in sessions, staff consultations, and parent consultations, the Wellbeing Team will support the School’s vision of ensuring all pupils have a voice, can be heard and know that they have the support of everyone in the School community to be themselves and achieve of the best of their ability. Over time, it is the Wellbeing Team’s intention to be able to extend these wellbeing services to parents and staff too.

A TALE AS OLD AS TIME Congratulations to all the cast and crew involved in Beauty and The Beast, who performed to over 900 guests in March 2020!

The cast, which was made up of over 50 students and 10 band members, performed the classic love story to two sold out crowds of local MPs, governors, parents, fellow students and the general public. They also performed their matinee and opening performance to a crowd of 300 primary school children, who attended the show from local primary schools in the area.

Gracious Belle and the legendary Beast were played by Izzie and Tybalt respectively, and the role of inquisitive and creative Maurice was portrayed by Petar. The roles of Gaston and his partner in crime, Lefou, were played by Adrian and Ryan Philpott (Squires, 2020), while evil, antagonistic D’Arque was played

by Fig. Not to mention the band of enchanted, talking furniture, which included Lumiere, Mrs Potts, Chip, Cogsworth, Babette and Madame de la Grande Bouche.

These roles came alive with the acting of Alfie, Kitty, Josh, Abi Tuck (Pilgrims, 2020), Sabrina Campbell (Squires, 2020) and Annabel Hoskins (Squires, 2020).

We are looking forward to 2021's musical performance, which this year will take the form of a cabaret evening and feature a fusion of songs from the musicals ‘Cabaret’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Sweet Charity’, and ‘The Greatest Showman’.

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STAFF PROFILE

HAMISH ROBERTS, HOCKEY COACH (KNIGHTS, 2017) We sat down to chat with current Hockey Coach Hamish Roberts for this edition of the ASA School Tie. We spoke about his Hockey career to date, his career aspirations and how Ashford School was crucial in his development.

HAMISH ROBERTS Tell us more about your career as a Hockey player. At what age did you get into the sport and how did it progress?

What has been your most rewarding moment so far?

• I only started playing Hockey at age 11 when I joined Ashford School, prior to joining I had never played before – so it was all very new to me. However, I picked it up quite quickly and by 13 I was playing for Ashford Hockey Club’s junior team. Shortly after, I started playing for Kent, and with encouragement from my hockey coach, Tom Butt, I started to play for the Men’s Hockey team at Folkstone. One year later, at 15, I moved to Canterbury Hockey Club, and at 16 I made their men’s first team and consequently my Premier League debut.

• As I developed as a hockey player, I moved up through the national ranks and in 2016/2017 I was selected to represent England U18 in the Six Nations and a series of other international fixtures.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

• I started at Ashford School in 2010 in Year 7 and left in 2017 after my A Levels. I went on to study Geography at Loughborough University, graduating this summer with a 2:1. During this time, I represented Scotland Men’s Hockey at both U21 & U23 level, and this year I am training as part of the Scotland Men’s Elite Development Programme (SEDP).

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• When leaving Ashford School for Loughborough University I switched allegiances to Scotland where I joined the U21 side. In 2019, I was selected to represent Scotland Men’s U21 in the European Hockey Championships in Plzeň, Czech Republic where we won gold! The tournament started on 14 July 2019 and saw us take on Russia; Portugal and Italy in Pool B before the latter stages of the tournament. We played Ireland in the Semi-Finals, with me scoring the winning goal.

The final was against Russia, which we won 9-0!

IT WAS A HUGE HONOUR TO REPRESENT SCOTLAND U21 AND TO BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD PLAYING HOCKEY.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

What was it like representing Scotland in the Men’s U21 team?

• It was a huge honour to represent Scotland U21 and to be given the opportunity to travel around the world playing hockey.

Where is the best place you have travelled to with your Hockey and why?

• My favourite place to have travelled was Plzeň in the Czech Republic for the European Hockey Championships. The tournament as a whole was an amazing experience, and every game had a great atmosphere, and it is also an extremely beautiful city.

What are your long-term sporting / career ambitions?

• In the long-term I hope to play in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Ideally, I would like to represent Scotland in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Great Britain in the 2024 Olympic Games.

You’ve now returned to Ashford School as our Hockey Coach. What made you want to take up this post? How have your first few weeks back in School been?

• I was excited to take up the post of Hockey Coach at Ashford, and my first couple of the weeks have been very enjoyable! The role allows me to continue to train and play at Canterbury Hockey Club as well as use the School’s excellent facilities. This combined with the on-pitch coaching experience, will definitely improve my game and help me to achieve my long-term ambitions of becoming a Commonwealth and Olympic athlete.

• The students are keen to learn and develop as hockey players which is fantastic to see.

I really want to encourage and inspire those who maybe don’t see themselves as hockey players to pursue the sport. Until I started at

S TA F F P R O F I L E

HAMISH ROBERTS

Ashford School, I had no experience of the game, and it was through the dedication of my hockey coach, Tom Butt, that I grew to love and progress in the sport.

What are your memories of Sport at Ashford School? Was it your favourite subject?

• My memory of sport during my time at Ashford School is the sheer diversity of sports we were able to pursue – I was able to play Rugby, Cricket, Indoor Hockey, Basketball, Athletics and participate in the Swimming Club. For me, as a passionate sportsperson, this experience was vital as it helped me rest from Hockey but also gave me the opportunity to develop more sporting skills and meet different people from other sports.

In what ways did Ashford School help you to pursue your hockey playing?

• Ashford School identified my talent for sport, and through mentoring, 1 to 1 coaching and small group sessions, my technical skills and ability were developed. The scholarship I was awarded also helped my parents financially.

To think, I started School not having played hockey, and ended up playing a sport I love internationally!

What advice would you give to budding hockey players, or sportsmen?

• My main pieces of advice for aspiring sports persons would be to aim high and be persistent. Often, it is those who turn up week in and week out, regardless of their situation, that will make the cut. Frequently, athletes drop out after injuries, poor performances or other setbacks, but it is those who continue to fight on that make it through.

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FAREWELL TO STAFF

VICKY O’SULLIVAN SPORTS TEACHER, SQUIRES HEAD OF HOUSE (2014-2019)

CARLY SMYTHE

Vicky O'Sullivan joined Ashford School on a maternity cover contract in September 2014 and made an immediate impact with her boundless energy, enthusiasm, and, of course, her talent on the hockey pitch! We were extremely pleased when we heard her role was being made permanent, although it did mean that we had to share her with the Maths department for a few lessons a week (yes, she was good at numbers too!).

ENGLISH TEACHER, SQUIRES HEAD OF HOUSE, HEAD OF YEARS 9-11 (2011-2020)

Some may also remember Vicky for her competitive nature, her ability to rock some crazy fancy dress outfits, her Flash mob assembly, or our Spice Girl performance in the 2016 leavers' assembly! Others will remember fondly the endless hours she would give to listen, support and mentor members of our school community, particularly as Head of Squires House. She was an inspiration to many and will no doubt have left lasting memories to all those that were fortunate enough to have worked with, or be taught by her, whilst at Ashford.

Carly joined the School as an English teacher in September 2011, and quickly rose to the position of HOH in September 2012. During this time she also travelled to Paddington on a regular basis to fulfil her role as an Initial Teacher Training subject tutor for the South of England. Carly was Head of Squires for 4 years (during which time I’m sure they won everything?!) before following in my footsteps and becoming Director of Years 9-11 in September 2016. I think it is safe too say that my footsteps were way to small and she has since transformed both the role and the year groups and I cannot thank her enough for all she has done as a key member of the Pastoral Leaders Team.

Vicky is now mum to 2 beautiful children; she was always destined to be the most amazing mother and we wish her all the best for the future.

Caroline Morris (Head of Girls Games)

JULIE PHILPOTT

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT (2009-2020) Julie worked at the school for 11 years, and during this time she supported pupils across all subjects with ease. As a French graduate, languages were her area of expertise, and she juggled studying for an MA in Translation whilst working full time.

A huge part of her role was working individually with pupils who struggled to access Maths and English. Julie always listened to the pupils and expertly differentiated work to suit each pupil's needs. Her understanding of their needs combined with a good sense of humour helped break down barriers and allowed pupils to reach their potential. She was incredibly professional in her approach to work - always putting pupils' needs at the centre of any discussions.

We wish her luck as she studies for a PGCE – we're sure all her years at Ashford School will lead to her becoming a fantastic teacher!

Ellie Stevens & Lara Gee (Learning Support Assistants)

During her time here Carly has become not only a trusted and extremely well-respected colleague, but also a good friend to many. I for one am not quite sure what I will do without my running buddy – I might have to invest in some professional supervision!!

Now on to her next adventure – Carly is taking on the role of Director of Learning at Larkmead School in Abingdon. But that’s not all… over the last few years, Carly has been studying for, and has now completed, two level 3 certificates: one in Canine Studies and one in Canine Training and Behaviour, plus a professional accreditation as a Pet Gundog instructor. This is an extremely sought-after qualification, and there are only 10 people in the UK with it!

Carly, it goes without saying that you should be immensely proud of your achievements whilst at Ashford School, and we wish you all the luck in the world for your new venture.

Nicky Timms (Deputy Head Pastoral of Ashford Senior School)

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FAREWELL TO STAFF

HELEN POWELL

TEACHER OF MUSIC, HEAD OF YEARS 7-8 (2003-2020) Since joining Ashford School in September 2003, Helen’s expertise, professionalism and joyful sense of humour has been felt across many facets of School and beyond. Within the Music Department Helen has been the rock to three Heads of Department and actively enthused all students, from music scholars to those who were picking up an instrument for the first time. Her passion and desire for all to engage with music meant that Helen was instrumental (pun intended) in the implementation and execution of the Year 7 instrumental scheme.

A scheme that has resulted in hundreds of students being able to learn a musical instrument for the first time and, for many, achieve a Grade 1 qualification in their chosen instrument.

As one might expect Helen was heavily involved in the co-curricular programme. Activities included Little Big Band, Elastic Band, rehearsals for the Lower School plays and even playing in the orchestra pit for the Senior School Musicals. Helen also played a significant role in the logistics and success of our House music competitions and annual Primary Schools Music day.

Although music is her love, Helen also taught religious studies and global perspectives whilst at Ashford. Having had the privilege to observe Helen teach on many occasions I recall the countless moments when I too wanted to be a member of her class.

With a strong moral compass and a wonderful sense of humour Helen was held in high regard as Head of Lower School, a role she held from 2012 to 2017. During this time students, parents and colleagues were always in good hands, her door was always open with considered and thoughtful guidance in abundance.

It is of little surprise that Helen has made the move to Wales, a move that she and husband Will have looked to do for a few years now.

Llanidloes High School will undoubtedly benefit greatly from her wealth of expertise. We will miss Helen greatly but wish her and her family all the best in Wales.

Adrian Barnett (Head of the Creative Arts Faculty)

TOM WILDING HEAD OF ASHFORD SENIOR SCHOOL (2007-2020) After just over 13 years of dedicated service to Ashford School, we say goodbye to Tom Wilding who, ready for a fresh challenge, has decided to move on to pastures new.

Tom Joined the School in April 2007 as the Head of Boarding and a Languages teacher.

He brought with him his young family who quickly settled into life at Ashford School. During his time at the School, Tom took on several roles which allowed him to experience leadership within different areas of the School. Initially, he was Director of Co-curricular activities, developing and coordinating a substantial activities programme. This programme is still very much in existence today, forming the basis of the now extensive co-curricular programme that plays a significant role in shaping the lives of our pupils.

Following this in September 2010, he took on the role as Director of Upper School (Years 9-11), a role which he enjoyed for 2 years. At this point he became the Deputy Head of the Senior School, before moving into the role as Head of the Senior School in September 2016 following Mike Buchanan’s appointment to the Chair of HMC. Tom was an integral member of the staff body. He is a man of great compassion and a strong sense of decency who was a great support to all.

As his Deputies, Jo Russell, Tony Wilde and I worked closely with him to help drive the School forward. Tom was understanding, patient and considered in his actions and dealings with staff, parents and pupils, and was incredibly proud of the School and the young people in it.

Although typically modest about his sporting prowess, Tom’s cricket skills were greatly appreciated in staff matches. In recent years his love of cycling came to the fore, often using his commute to school as a training opportunity even in the harshest of wintry conditions. Embarking on cycling challenges in the UK as well as a 550 mile route across the North of Spain, Tom raised money for a number of worthy causes, most notably the Air Ambulance.

As a work colleague and friend he will be greatly missed, but we wish him all the best for a happy, healthy and fulfilling future.

Nicky Timms (Deputy Head Pastoral of Ashford Senior School)

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FAREWELL TO STAFF

MANDY HALL SCHOOL NURSE (2005-2020) Nurse Mandy Hall is sadly leaving us for pastures new after 15 years' service to pursue a new position in the NHS. I know she will be missed by those that have known her, whether that be because of her wicked sense of humour, her caring approach to the pupils or her irrational fear of John Curry’s pet, Snowflake!

Mandy has dedicated the last 15 years of her Nursing career to Ashford School and has been a very proud member of staff and very happy here. Over the years Mandy has been an avid supporter and champion of children with special educational needs and has advocated for so many of them on so many occasions in the past, right up until the present day.

She has also been our allergy guru advocating for so many over the years. I know that Mandy has seen many children through the school being there for them through the highs and the lows. Nurturing and caring all as they pass through the Health Centre is a truly gratifying experience and one I know that Mandy will miss and has cherished over her time at Ashford School.

I thank you Nurse Mandy on behalf of the whole school community for your support and commitment to us all. You will be missed but not forgotten and your contribution over the years has been so appreciated. Good luck in your new adventure, we wish you well and true happiness in all that lays ahead of you.

Zoe Jefferson (Head of Nursing)

WE ALSO SAY FAREWELL AND GOOD LUCK TO:

• Sumita Chatterjee – Tea che r

• Les Connolly – Faci litie s Man

of Che mis try

age r • Iain Dickson - Finance Assistan t • Wendy Jakeman – Dep uty Hea d of Brid ge Nur

• Janet Kemp – Exa ms Assi stan

• Linden Lockhart – Hea d of Hoc • Kelly McBeath – Hea d of The • Michaela McDermott – Adm • Sue Reid – Exa ms Offi cer

key

Stab les Nur sery

issio ns & Mar keti ng Assi stan t

• Malcolm Riley – Dire ctor of Mus

• Harrison Straw – Prep Sch ool • Chloe Swan – Dep uty Hea d of

ic

Tea che r

The Stab les • Nick Townsend – Mar keti ng Man age r • Jess Wilson – Mar keti ng Man age r

WELCOME TO...

• Eavanne Allen – Learnin g Suppor t Assistan t • Nicky Dunmore – Prep School Caretak er

• Saskia Eastwood – Appren tice Learnin g Suppor t Assistan t • Lisa Ellis – Wellbe ing Manag er • Rainna Erbas – Artist in Residen ce Cover) • Indigo Germain-Shaw – Learnin g Suppor t Assistan t (Mater nity • Emily Hall – Directo r of Music • Sophie Hewitt – Head of Hockey • Glyn Hiatt-Gipson – Teache r of Chemis try • Bethanie Leadsham – Accoun ts Assistan t Appren tice • Hannah Luckett – Teache r of English • Hamish Roberts (Squire s, 2017) - Hockey Coach

• Stuart Sherwood – Teache r of Music (includ ing Academ ic Music) • Nick Tiley-Nunn – Head of Ashford Prep School • Nicky Warmington – Admiss ions and Market ing Assistan t • Suzannah Ward – Teache r of Drama (Mater nity Cover) • Heather Webb – Deputy Exams Officer • Holly Webb – Wellbe ing Practiti oner • Kate Williams – Teache r of Mathem atics

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THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

sery

t

DESTINATION OF 2020 YEAR 13 LEAVERS UNIVERSITY

SUBJECT

UNIVERSITY

SUBJECT

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Sport Coaching

University of Brighton

Sport & Exercise Science

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Sport Coaching

University of Bristol

Aerospace Engineering

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Sport Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage

University of Cambridge

Economics

Cardiff University

Music

University of Chichester

Criminology & Forensic Psychology

City University

Business Management

University for the Creative Arts

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Coventry University

International Hospitality & Tourism Management

University of Durham

Criminology

Imperial College, London

Medical Biosciences

University of East Anglia

Medicine

Imperial College, London

Medical Biosciences

University of Edinburgh

Economics & Maths

Imperial College, London

Medical Biosciences

University of Essex

International Relations

Imperial College, London

Medical Biosciences

University of Essex

Maths with Computing

King’s College London

Psychology

University of Glasgow

Aeronautical Engineering

London School of Economics

Accounting & Finance

University of Glasgow

Electronics & Electrical Engineering

Loughborough University

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

University of Kent

Computing

Loughborough University

Product Design & Technology

University of Kent

Philosophy & Management

Maastricht University

Maastricht Science Programme

University of Manchester (2021)

Planning & Real Estate

Maastricht University

Maastricht Science Programme

University of Nottingham

Economics

Manchester Metropolitan University (2021) Politics & Philosophy Nottingham Trent University

Interior Architecture & Design

Queen Mary, University of London

Biochemistry

Queen Mary, University of London

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Royal Holloway, University of London

Accounting & Finance

Royal Holloway, University of London

Computer Science

Solent University (2021)

Football Studies

Swansea University

Physics with Foundation Year

UAL

Design for Branded Spaces

UCL

Architecture

UCL

Biochemistry

UCL

Economics & Business with East European Studies

UCL

Management Science

UCL

Neuroscience

University of Bath

Psychology

University of Bath

Sport & Exercise Science

University of Belgrade

Medicine

University of Birmingham

Accounting & Finance

University of Nottingham

History

University of Nottingham

History

University of Oxford

Computer Science

University of Paris

Preparatory Programme for Medical Studies

University of Roehampton

Primary Education

University of Sheffield

Architecture

University of Sheffield

Economics with Finance

University of Sheffield

Urban Studies & Planning

University of Southampton

Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence

University of Surrey

Business Management

University of Surrey

Computer Science

University of Sussex

Drama, Theatre & Performance

University of Westminster

Biomedical Sciences

University of the West of England

Integrated Wildlife Conservation

University of the West of England

Property Development & Planning with Foundation Year

University of the West of England

Real Estate

University of York

Criminology

50%

A*/A GRADES 88% A*-C grades

54%

GOING TO A RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITY

10%

gained a place at a World top 10 University (THE university rankings 2020)

26%

of our students going to a top 10 UK University All students who undertook an Extended Project Qualification were awarded an A or A*.

100%

PASS RATE

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43

Ashford School • East Hill • Ashford • Kent • TN24 8PB Tel: +44 (0)1233 625171

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alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk

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ashfordschool.co.uk

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@ashfordalumni