Manor House School - Alumni Newsletter 3/22

Beyond THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

Welcome to this special edition of Beyond the Manor, looking back at our recent Centenary Celebrations and the first term of the 2021/22 academic year.

As always, the Autumn Term was a hive of activity with the majority of the term’s events going ahead, as well as the rescheduled Rock and Pop Concert initially planned for June 2021.

Registration for our next alumnae event is open, including the Netball Tournament in March and our next virtual reunions.

We also feature Fritha Mason’s (MHOG 1995) extraordinary new home in Sussex which featured on a recent episode of ‘Grand Designs’.

It is with sadness that we bring news of past Manor House Headmistress Joan Findlay’s passing, we reflect on her time with Manor House in this issue.

All news and contributions should be sent to Sophie Milton at smilton@manorhouseschool.org.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

MHOG Q&A

SARAH BLUMENAU (née Linden) Sarah is a Manor House School old girl from the class of 1997. We were delighted to welcome her back to give the keynote speech at this year’s Prize Giving Ceremony.

When did you join and leave Manor House School?

I joined aged 6 in 1987. I entered Prep 3 (there were only five of us in the class!). I left S5 in 1997.

Where did you spend your Sixth Form and University years? What did you study?

I boarded for Sixth Form at Wispers School in Haslemere. My intention had been to study classical singing at Music School but I changed my mind late on, missing the UCAS applications. I moved to the south coast and spent the next few years trying out various careers, even working as a commercial property underwriter! After doing a short Drama course, I auditioned for Drama School in London, got a place at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and began my career as an actor.

Sarah’s Prize Giving speech at Manor House in October 2021.

“

I auditioned for Drama School in London, got a place at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and began my career as an actor.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

MHOG Q&A

SARAH BLUMENAU (née Linden) What was your path to the work you are doing now?

I was lucky enough to work regularly in all aspects of the industry: theatre, TV, film and radio. I later retrained as a Voice Teacher at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama where I received my Masters degree. I quickly realised that whilst I enjoyed working with and teaching actors, my real passion lay with training non-actors: translating the skills (that so many performers take for granted) for people who have to deal with all sorts of audiences in their professional and personal lives.

My role as a Communication Consultant allows me to work internationally with a wide range of individuals, groups and organisations from both the public and private sectors. I work with them on all aspects of communication including personal and vocal impact, executive presence and leadership development, presentation skills, interview skills, anxiety management and public speaking.

I also work regularly within the education sector; with students, Senior Leadership Teams and consult for a variety of academic institutions. The areas that I am really passionate about are working with women and girls and the specific challenges faced throughout our various career stages. I am incredibly lucky – I think I have the best job in the world!

What memories stand out from your Manor House days?

Our tiny class of five in Prep 3, we would spend the days flower picking in the dell or baking cookies. Bliss! And playing short tennis in the sunken garden (now the Elizabeth Green Hall).

Dancing in the summer rain on the front lawn in our yellow summer dresses and the annual Open Day ballet shows and brass group performances on the front lawn.

Performing in ‘The Thing from the Planet Zloob’ at the Royal Festival Hall.

“

I am really passionate about working with women and girls and the specific challenges faced throughout our various career stages.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

MHOG Q&A

SARAH BLUMENAU (née Linden) Years later, I had the pleasure of receiving my Masters degree on that same stage and then going back and running a communication masterclass for the ”Women of the World Festival” that is run there every year.

At most there were only fourteen of us boarding, I remember swimming, tennis and lazy summer evenings in the grounds. I wasn’t anywhere near grateful enough at the time. Bizarrely, many of my dreams are still set in Manor House (or how it was 30 years ago) so it must have made an impact!

What is a typical day for you now? What are some of the challenges?

Generally, it would involve some form of teaching or coaching every day.

This could be anything from 1-1 executive coaching, to courses or masterclasses for organisations, to public speaking. Since the pandemic, everything has obviously had to go online. This has been one of the biggest recent challenges – adapting the work but also one of the biggest successes it is much easier to reach and schedule clients, especially international ones.

It also seems to have made the work more accessible to clients who may be nervous about communication training. They feel more confident to ‘give it a try’ from the safety of their own home.

What roles of responsibility did you hold, if any, whilst at Manor House School e.g. Sports Captain, Prefect, Form Captain, House Captain and how did these roles prepare you for the future?

Form Captain several times. Prep Prefect in S5.

What advice would you give to those planning for a career in your field?

Do it! I get to meet all sorts of people and help them build confidence and land their messages. Working for myself allows me the flexibility to spend as much time as possible with my 5 year old daughter and my husband. There are a myriad ways to access a career in my field either through a psychology, coaching or performance background.

What travelling have you done?

I regret not taking a gap year to travel but I was not particularly interested at that stage. Work has taken me to Hong Kong, Canada, USA, Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, Mauritius (that was a hard gig..!). I would love to travel more as the world starts to open up again.

“

I get to meet all sorts of people and help them build confidence and land their messages.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

MHOG Q&A

SARAH BLUMENAU (née Linden) Who has inspired you along the way?

So many teachers went above and beyond an expected level of pastoral care.

There was a huge amount of time, love, understanding and stability offered which I really needed at various points. I will always be grateful.

Miss Gay, for her endless patience, kindness and time. Mrs Mendes and Mrs Williams for challenging me to think critically and shaping all the values that I hold dear today.

Mrs Macaulay for the gift of music. Thank you for playing the piano for us every day as we walked into assembly. Mrs Herriot, our History lessons genuinely inspired me and a life-long love of history and it’s characters.

What skills or world view did you develop at MHS that served you well during your Sixth Form and university years and beyond?

That I can speak to anyone and that my voice and opinion matter.

To be kind and to speak up for those who may not have the opportunity to do so.

A love of Music, Art, Drama and an understanding of the impact that the Arts has on our lives.

To appreciate what a privileged start I had in life. Manor House truly shaped my values in life and are at the heart of how I try to raise my daughter.

And lastly… what would your super power be if you could choose one?

If I had to choose, I would go ‘old school’ and want to fly.

“

Manor House truly shaped my values in life and are at the heart of how I try to raise my daughter.

Memories of Miss Pettigrew and the Shakespeare play with Lower IV every summer in the Dell

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

CENTENARY PICNIC 11 September 2021

The Centenary Picnic, rescheduled from September 2020, took place to our great delight on 11 September 2021. The sun was shining for staff and students, past and present, celebrating 100 years of Manor House School.

Our new Centenary Sculpture was created and unveiled created by Alistair Lambert and designed by Manor House School students including Flora D and Asha D now in Year 9.

Mrs Gilbert (MHOG 2001), Sally Scothern and friends.

Mrs Davies (Physics and ICT ), Mrs Findlay (Headmistress 1985-1989) and Fritha Vincent (MHOG 1995).

Mrs Roberts and friends

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

CENTENARY PICNIC 11 September 2021

Amy, Harri, Gail and Alice (MHOGs 2003).

Matilda (MHOG 2012) and Florence Mills.

Mrs Roberts and Jo Mostyn (MHOG).

Emma Turetta née Anderson (MHOG 1984) Tracey Campbell née Radford (MHOG 1983).

Pat Benjamin (MHOG 1952) and Zoe Triantafillou (MHOG 1996).

Carol Meikle and friends (MHOGs).

Karin Warburg, Jane Arthur née Hobson, Anne Trout née Elmer, Mandy Hayes née Bushell, Hilary Stone (MHOGs 1972).

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

CENTENARY PICNIC 11 September 2021

Sue Raynham née Hastings MHOG 1962, Pam Holme MHOG 1960 and Janice Hawkins MHOG 1959.

Ms Poultney, Ms Kyte, Zoe Triantafillou MHOG 1996 and friends.

Mrs Findlay and friends.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

CENTENARY PICNIC 11 September 2021

Ms Fantham and Mr Hillier enjoying the sunshine and the live music.

Mrs Tunstall and Claire Hayman.

Mrs Marriott, aided here by Mrs Zaltsmann on the registration desk, is the mastermind behind Heritage Day at Manor House School every September.

Val Scardua and Mrs Wright.

Trisha Mayes’s Skincare stand was rarely quiet!

Mary Evans and Lucinda Kalupka.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

CENTENARY PICNIC 11 September 2021

Mrs Williams and a team of Seniors transformed the Entrance Hall of the Main House into a time capsule, with various set pieces celebrating different decades and events in the school’s history.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

CENTENARY PICNIC 11 September 2021

The Great Bookham Belles provided much needed cakes and refreshments on the day, with proceeds donated to their chosen charities.

Artichoke Interiors displayed their beautiful styling.

The ladies of Bennett’s Bar were on hand serving drinks from their beautiful vintage mobile bar, including Pimms, Moquitos and glasses of Processo. www.bennettsmobilebars.co.uk/

Reena Joshi and her team from RJ Clinic, the local Osteopathic Clinic in Fetcham, were on hand providing visitors with back and neck massages and advice. With Mr Rosenberg. www.reenajoshi.co.uk/.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

CENTENARY PICNIC 11 September 2021

The afternoon was filled with live music, provided by a number of our Seniors including Emily F (Year 7 Scholar, vocals and guitar), Bethany S (Year 8, vocals and guitar) Kat V (Year 8 Scholar, vocals and guitar), Asha M (Year 8 Academic Scholar, vocals and ukelele) and Director of Music Mrs Harman.

Our very own Manor House School groundsman Rob Smith and his singing partner Bill Boyse, known as The Decades, rounded off the celebrations.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

Manor House School celebrates 100 Years The following article was first published in September 2021 in a number of local and education magazines including the ‘Primary Times’ and ‘Effingham Roundabout’.

‘I know that lady, excuse me a moment!’ might have been the most overheard comment during Manor House School’s Centenary Picnic this past September, as teams of old girls and staff spotted each other across the front lawn and embarked on an afternoon of reminiscing.

The event, re-scheduled from last September, brought together school families, alumnae, local residents, community groups and Heritage Open Day visitors, all in the name of marking 100 years of Manor House School.

Amongst the many visitors, Mrs Findlay, Headmistress between 1985 and 1989, settled down to her picnic with three generations of her family, her daughter, Ailsa was a Parent Governor, her daughter, Fritha belongs to the class of 1995 and Fritha’s baby daughter, quietly enjoying the hubbub from her comfort of her pushchair. Fritha and her partner Olaf had not been sure that they would make it to the event, having recently completed their self build home in Sussex, the subject of a Grand Designs episode in its current series on Channel 4.

Meanwhile, in the Main House, a guided tour for a group of 1966 leavers produced complaints that the walls had moved since they were last at Manor House! They had been most keen to revisit their boarding rooms and stories of games and pranks came flooding back as they moved through the upper floors!

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

Manor House School celebrates 100 Years Over in the Food Court, the Great Bookham Belles WI were on hand to provide teas, coffees and cakes in exchange for donations towards their chosen local charities, reflecting ‘it’s good to be able to start fundraising for our causes again’. Cherry Trees, another local charity who provide short breaks for children and young adults with complex disabilities, hosted their own stall selling beautifully hand made gifts.

The afternoon of live music was kicked off by three of the school’s Senior girls, Beth S, Emily F and Asha M, who sang and played the guitar, Director of Music Mrs Harman performed songs from the 40s including ‘Cheek to Cheek’ and ‘A Sentimental Journey’.

Manor House School’s groundsman Rob Smith and his singing partner Bill Boyse, known as ‘The Decades’, headlined with a number of rousing songs to end the day’s celebrations.

Bringing an event of this size together is always a team effort and friends of the school gave their time generously including Dan Smith from DS lighting (@dslighting952) who was on hand to help with lighting and sound for the day’s performers.

Despite the village of Bookham being a hive of activity with other events taking place on the same day, Manor House School was thrilled to welcome just under 800 visitors on the day, a fitting celebration for a momentous birthday. Here's to the next 100 years!

The new Centenary Sculpture was installed the morning of the Centenary Picnic. Created by Alistair Lambert @alistairlambert and designed by Manor House students including Flora D and Asha M now in Year 9.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

Fritha and Olaf’s Grand Design The following paragraphs are reproduced from the January edition of Grand Designs Magazine (starting on page 21). The full article can be accessed for free here and following the link to register. Fritha Mason, née Vincent, is a MHOG 1995.

‘With its triangular footprint and steeply sloping roof, Olaf and Fritha Mason’s home is extremely unusual.

But the quirky shape is not the result of a design whim, it is a clever response to a problematic site hemmed in by a main road, a railway line and a sewer.

‘We started to look for a house almost as soon as we met but it was difficult to find anything in our price range,’ says Olaf. The couple have been together for five years after meeting on a dating site and volunteer as respite foster carers for vulnerable children at the weekends and during the holidays. ‘We considered building our own home early on,’ says Fritha, ‘but none of the plots we looked at felt right.’

Then Fritha’s dad showed them a piece of land with potential on an online estate agent’s website.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

Fritha and Olaf’s Grand Design ‘Olaf, 45, and Fritha, 42, knew that a mains sewer ran across the site but because there was outline planning permission for a house to be built on the plot, they assumed it would not be a problem. It was only after buying the land that they realised the sewer would have to be moved, at vast expense, if they went ahead as planned.’ For the full article, continue here.

Fritha is hosting ‘A Day in West Sussex with Secret Projects’ at Triangle House on Saturday 2 April 2022. Register here: https://retailuk.secretprojects.org/products/a-day-in-west-sussex-with-secret-projects-saturday-2-april-2022

Olaf is also running the next of his Self Build Master Classes on Saturday 26 March. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-build-master-class-at-triangle-house-grand-designs-s22e2-tickets-215567095987.

Photographer: Jefferson Smith Design and Build: Olaf Mason www.masoncarpentry.construction

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

MANOR HOUSE School News Autumn Term 2021 Prize Giving 2021 For the first time in two years, the ceremony was held in person in EGH, for all to enjoy. Sarah Blumenau (MHOG 1997) gave the keynote speech and presented prizes to Seniors and recent leavers, including former Head Girl Alicia P.

Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild Also back in the calendar was the visit to St James’s Palace in aid of the Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild.

Each year Manor House donates new clothing and bedding to those in need, providing warmth and comfort.

HRH Princess Alexandra, The Honorable Lady Ogilvy was present as patron.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

MANOR HOUSE School News Autumn Term 2021 Centenary Arch – Project Update and Fundraising Appeal We are thrilled to report that the Centenary Arch project has reached 50% of its fundraising goal so far and we are now launching our next fundraising phase and invite alumnae and current families to support this commemorative project which will bear the names of all its donors.

Construction will be in wrought ironwork with zinc blasted painting and will be inspired by Flora D’s design (now in Year 9) seen below.

The location of the arch is currently in discussion with the local Planning Department. Favoured positions include to the immediate left of the main house and Arcot Hall (demonstrated below by our Centenary fabric arch), or along the pedestrian path leading from the car park to the front lawn.

Please contact Sophie Milton on smilton@manorhouseschol.org or on 01372 457077 if you would like to support the project.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

MANOR HOUSE School News Joan Findlay 1927 – 2022

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of, Mrs Joan Findlay, Headmistress of Manor House School between 1985 and 1989 aged 94.

Having joined Manor House in January 1960 to December 1978 as a teacher of Geography, she was also Form Mistress, Careers Mistress and ran the Library and Christmas Fayre.

She then became a School Governor and then took up the role of Headmistress in January 1984 until December 1989 before retiring.

Mrs Findlay was a popular member of staff among both students and staff and as recognition of her commitment she had given to the school, as both a teacher and Headmistress, a classroom in the Elizabeth Green Hall was named after her.

Mrs Findlay continued to keep an active interest in the school regularly attending Drama Productions, the Carol Service, Speech Day and most recently the Centenary Celebratory Picnic in September where many former pupils were delighted to see her.

Mrs Findlay’s family have had a long association with the school and our thoughts are with them at this sad time.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

MANOR HOUSE School News Autumn Term 2021 Rock and Pop Concert 2021 The Rock and Pop Concert returned to EGH in October 2021 with an enthusiastic audience and a wonderful production by our talented musicians and staff.

Fulham FC Foundation Nativity Play 2021 Another welcome return in December, with our Early Years children performing once again in front of their parents.

As always, the Autumn Term has been a busy one with sports fixtures.

A particular highlight for the U11s was the Football Tournament hosted by the Fulham FC Foundation at their training ground at Motspur Park. Thank you to current parent Mr McSweeney, CEO of the Fuham FC Foundation for making it possible.

BEYOND THE MANOR

March 2022 – Issue 5

MANOR HOUSE Events Spring & Summer Terms 2022 Alumnae Netball Event

19 March 2022 – 10.00am to 1.00pm Originally planned for April 2020, the rescheduled Alumnae netball event is fast approaching on 19 March 2022!

Registration is open to individuals as well as ready formed teams. We look forward to hosting Alumnae and staff for a relaxed and sociable mini tournament, followed by a light lunch and refreshments in Arcot Hall.

Virtual Reunions Calling all year groups!

Following the success of our virtual reunions during the 2021 lockdown months, we are inviting further Year Groups to come forward and to suggest a teacher or teachers they would like to be reunited with for a virtual coffee and catch up and we will do the rest!

Please contact Sophie Milton on smilton@manorhouseschool.org or 01372 457077.

Heritage Day Picnic Saturday 10 September 2022

Save the date for the next Heritage Day Picnic, planned for Saturday 10 September 2022.

Due to the success of last September’s Centenary Picnic, we are planning a similar event with live music, food stalls, children’s games etc.

All are welcome, bring friends, family and a picnic and help us launch the new academic year!