Holles Connect 2026

FROM SCHOOL TO STAGE

Merryl Ansah on passion and purpose

80 years of friendship

SHAPING THE WORLD A LIFELONG BOND

SUSTAINABILITY AND HOLLES CONNECT

Holles Connect magazine is mailed only to alumnae who have requested it, or if we do not have an email address for you. It is also available to read in digital format, so if you would prefer an electronic version in the future, please email alumnae@lehs.org.uk to provide your details.

It is printed by Stephens & George Print Group, who hold ISO 14001:2015 GB07/72753, ISO 9001:2015 GB95/6121, and FSC® Environmental Management Systems Certification. Holles Connect is printed on FSC®-certified, carbon-balanced paper, and all copies are posted in fully recyclable paper wrap. Printing and mailing are carried out from a single site to reduce transportation-related waste and emissions.

ALUMNAE ADVISORY GROUP MEMBERS

CHAIR Lisa Day (Director of Development and Communications)

SECRETARY Isabella Panattoni-Wallace (Alumnae Communications Officer)

MEMBERS Sue Barber (LEH 1973–1980)

Emily Formby (LEH 1975–1985)

Vivienne Hay (LEH 2003–2010)

Joanna Hubbard (LEH 1977–1987)

Gillian Keller (LEH 1963–1970)

Lizzi Michael (LEH 1997–2007)

Jane Ross (LEH 1957–1964)

Charlotte Surguy (LEH 1982–1986)

Trish White (LEH 1947–1955)

WITH SPECIAL THANKS FROM HOLLES CONNECT EDITOR ISABELLA PANATTONI-WALLACE

I am very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this bumper issue of Holles Connect. This is my first year working on the magazine, and it has filled me with joy to get to know so many of you. I would like to thank everyone for sharing their stories with us.

Thank you to my fantastic colleagues in Marketing and Development for their kind support and brilliant proof-reading. A special thank you also goes to our very own LEH designer, Jennifer Browne, for doing such a fantastic job on the new look of the magazine.

Many thanks indeed to the talented Merryl Ansah for agreeing to be our cover star.

HEAD’S WELCOME

Rowena Cole celebrates our wonderful community, both at LEH and beyond, reflecting on achievements

BE BOLD GRANT

Meet the five alumnae who received Be Bold Awards

Sasha Nash becomes the first woman to lead the Red Arrows.

QUICK QUIZ

Can you match Gail Trimble, the ‘Human Computer’, in this Classics quiz? and lifelong happiness. 2 19

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ROWING AT ITS BEST SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS TEACHER NEWS

BACK TO SCHOOL

OUR TALENTED STUDENTS

Louise Kingsley received an MBE in 2026 for her leadership in British rowing.

CRICKETS FUELLING THE FUTURE

Mary Sutherland continues to inspire students through the Sir Gordon Sutherland STEM lecture series.

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PITCH HEROES

LEH are National Lacrosse Champions.

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THE FINAL CURTAIN CALL

Petrina Tate taps her way into retirement.

Current LEH student Amna writes a beautifully crafted short story about a mother and daughter in Pompeii. HOLLES HIGHLIGHTS

We remember beloved alumnae, including a former Deputy Head of LEH Junior School. 40 58 30 42 47 33

LEH REUNITED

Smiles and hugs abound as LEH alumnae return for their reunion.

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LEH ELEVATE

Our mentoring platform that supports and uplifts students.

OBITUARIES

alumnae@lehs.org.uk NEWS

Follow us on social media: LEH Alumnae

@HollesConnect

Lady Eleanor Holles School

HEAD’S WELCOME

Dear Alumnae,

It was fantastic to welcome so many of you back to LEH at our reunion in October. Seeing former pupils from across the decades, hearing your stories, and watching friendships rekindle was a real reminder of the warmth, loyalty, and generosity that make this community so special. I look forward to seeing many of you again at the LEH Alumnae Reunion 2026 on 3rd October. I am also deeply grateful to those of you who have returned to share your time, wisdom, and expertise with current pupils. Whether speaking about careers, mentoring Sixth Formers, or offering encouragement, your presence inspires our pupils and helps them imagine the many paths that lie ahead and really helps us to encourage them to face their futures undaunted!

Life at LEH continues to be full of energy, ambition, and opportunity. Our pupils have achieved a great deal this year, both in and beyond the classroom. We were delighted to be

recognised as one of the UK’s top twelve schools for academic excellence in the Sunday Times Parent Power list – but LEH today is about far more than exam results. Curiosity, creativity, and community remain at the heart of school life, and we all share in the joy of seeing individuals flourish. The success of others gives a boost to us all, and we delight in each team and individual as they achieve and succeed.

Sport has been a particular highlight and a source of pride this year. Our Senior lacrosse team enjoyed a remarkable season, winning the South East regional title and then building on this success with victory at the National Schools Championship. We were also delighted to meet Charlie Wilson, a 2019 LEH alumna and member of the GB lacrosse programme, who presented the Most Valuable Player award to our winning lacrosse captain, Molly.

Meanwhile our senior netballers secured the County Championship after a series of hard-fought matches.

These achievements reflect not only talent and dedication, but also the confidence that comes from trying new things, supporting one another, and striving to be your best. The lacrosse team captain, Molly, led the team with a saying that spurred them on all season: “The longer the string, the higher the kite flies.”

Reading this issue of Holles Connect it is wonderful to discover all the extraordinary ways in which our alumnae continue to make impressive and impactful strides in the world. The range of passions, careers, hobbies, and accomplishments is remarkable, and is exactly what I hope for our current pupils. Your achievements inspire them, and the ripple effect of your success uplifts the entire LEH community. We watch with pride – not only for what you do, but for the spirit in which you approach the world.

This issue explores the theme of joy, which resonates so deeply with the ethos of our school. One of our core values is simple but powerful: we embrace joy and laughter. School life should be filled with discovery, friendship, challenge, and moments that make us smile.

Wherever life has taken you, you remain an important part of the LEH story. I hope you enjoy this issue and the inspiring stories it contains. Thank you for continuing to share in the spirit, joy, and achievements that make this community so special.

With warmest wishes,

Rowena Cole Head

FACING THE FUTURE UNDAUNTED:

ONE ACTOR’S JOURNEY FROM CLASSROOM TO STAGE

Meet Merryl Ansah, LEH Class of 2011, who brings Nala to life on the West End in The Lion King. Her journey from school productions to the Royal Academy of Music shows the power of passion, resilience and joy. In 2025, Merryl returned to LEH to be the keynote speaker for the Celebration of the Year where she inspired students to dream boldly and embrace every opportunity.

Being invited back to my former school to speak at last year’s Celebration of the Year was both an honour and a privilege. As I reflected on what to share, I kept returning to the school strategy: Facing the Future Undaunted. Ironically, the phrase itself sounds a little daunting.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘undaunted’ means being “still determined and enthusiastic, despite problems or lack of success.” That definition sums up the life of an actor perfectly. A study by Queen Mary’s University revealed that only two per cent of actors earn a living

solely from acting and that at any given time, 90 per cent are out of work. So, it is perhaps no surprise that my parents were hesitant when I told them I wanted to pursue acting in my final year of an Accounting and Management degree at the University of Bristol. Their concern was understandable. Having both immigrated from Ghana, they had worked tirelessly to give my siblings and me the best education possible, and here I was contemplating a career filled with uncertainty. Why walk away from a stable future? The answer is passion.

The word passion comes from the Latin word pati, meaning “to suffer” or “endure.” Following your passion does not mean life will spare you from challenges.

At school, I threw myself into a wide range of activities, including Speech and Drama, Latin, and sports such as lacrosse, netball, athletics, and gymnastics. Balancing all of this was not easy. I performed well in my GCSEs, but A-Levels proved more challenging. I fell short of the grades needed to get into Manchester University. Up until then, life had flowed smoothly from one stage to the next, and this setback felt devastating.

“I sang casually, often to myself, and vividly remember a German lesson with Herr Tompsett when I tried singing quietly into a microphone, unaware that he was listening. His words flashed across my screen: “singst du Merryl?” Eventually, a gentle nudge from Mrs Ashe led me to audition for the Holles Singers. My first full-scale musical came in the Lower Sixth when I performed in the joint LEH-Hampton production of Oklahoma!, combining my interests in music and drama. Compared with some of my peers in the industry, I was a late bloomer.”

It was at this point that I discovered my own resilience.

I spent the following year retaking exams and reapplying to university, earning a place at the University of Bristol. I worked as a Finance Administrator to gain experience for my degree, but I could not ignore the creative itch. I started a YouTube channel singing covers and mashups, confronting my fear of performing for others. Inviting feedback from strangers was terrifying, but the response was overwhelmingly positive. That small step grew my confidence. In the waiting and in the discomfort of feeling left behind while friends

enjoyed their first years, my character was being shaped.

In my first year, the Musical Theatre Society’s main show was ‘Spring Awakening’, a personal favourite. I auditioned, reached the final round, but was rejected. It stung, yet I later realised that rejection is part of the numbers game in acting. We are faced with a choice: to let a “no” define us, or to learn from the experience and try again.

I decided to aim higher, auditioning for the National Youth Music Theatre, whose alumni include Idris Elba, Jessie J, and Eddie Redmayne.

Merryl at her dressing table in costume

MERRYL

After two rounds, I was accepted. Collaborating with industry professionals and performing in a newly commissioned musical, The Other School, was transformative. Performing was no longer just a hobby; it was something I felt deeply connected to.

During the remainder of university, I balanced musicals, plays, and singing with internships at top investment banks and accountancy firms. As graduation approached, I faced a crossroads: apply for graduate schemes or audition for drama school. Deep down, I already knew the answer.

I was fortunate to join the Musical Theatre Masters course at the Royal Academy of Music. That year involved gruelling hours of practice, discipline, and sacrifice, performing eight shows a week. Yet alongside the intensity came moments of pure joy in pursuing a career rooted in passion.

“Looking back, every setback moved me closer to my purpose. I am where I am not in spite of my failures, but because of them.”

My career has been varied: leading roles in iconic plays and musicals such as Heathers, A Christmas Carol, and The Lion King, voicing video game characters, and performing on national television for BBC Children in Need. A personal highlight was running for a bus, missing it, and looking up to see my face plastered along the side in a Lion King poster. At least my face made it to work on time that day.

A verse from 1 Peter 1:6 captures this journey: “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.”

Looking around, I see girls brimming with talent and facing a world of limitless possibilities. I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. Follow your passions, apply yourself fully, and never take “no” for an answer. Strive for excellence, even in the face of adversity.

“Hold on to the core LEH values: choose to succeed, rise to challenges, lift others up, take ownership, and embrace joy and laughter. With these values, you stand ready to face the future undaunted.”

your tickets now. Merryl’s run in the show ends this May

By

Merryl at the Celebration of the Year with Mrs Cole and the Leadership Team.

Meet Dr Deborah Horner, Class of 1995, whose career in maternal critical care has transformed outcomes for women and their families. From LEH to Bradford, her work led to the creation of METERNAL: The Maternal Critical Care Alliance, a charity dedicated to ensuring every woman receives the care she needs during pregnancy and childbirth. Her mission is clear: to prevent harm and help more women and their families to have positive birth experiences.

SAVING LIVES, ONE MOTHER AT A TIME

After leaving LEH in 1995, I studied medicine at the University of Leeds and stayed in West Yorkshire to complete postgraduate training in anaesthesia and critical care. During this time, I married and had my children, Emma and Tom, training part time while they were young. In 2014, I became a consultant in Anaesthesia and Critical Care in Bradford, focusing on maternal critical care.

Bradford is a vibrant but diverse city, with significant health inequalities linked to deprivation. These inequalities mean shorter life

expectancy and higher rates of chronic illness. Early in my consultant career, I realised that collaboration across teams was essential. Ensuring women received the right care, in the right place, from staff with the right skills could make the difference between life and death.

It soon became clear that the challenges we faced in Bradford were not unique. Across the UK, maternity units were seeing increasing complexity in cases, contributing to rising maternal and infant death rates. National inquiries revealed failings

DR DEBORAH HORNER “ CLASS OF 1995

“Setting up a charity has been a steep learning curve. I had never previously been a trustee, yet my time at LEH instilled the belief that with effort and determination, nothing is beyond reach. When it became clear that no other organisation was addressing these critical gaps, I knew action was needed. Working with trustees who bring the right skills, we have established METERNAL to influence maternity care nationally and give it the best chance to succeed.”

in care, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated, specialist support for critically ill women.

In 2018, I joined the Yorkshire and Humber Maternity Network to set up the Maternal Enhanced and Critical Care (MEaCC) Steering Group. This multidisciplinary team develops regional guidelines, trains staff, and collects data on women who become critically unwell. The figures are striking: at least one in ten women will experience serious illness during or shortly after pregnancy. This hidden reality sits beneath the headlines about maternal mortality, which remain rare but alarming.

Many first-time mothers express a desire to give birth in a midwifery-led unit or at home, yet only around ten per cent achieve this. In other words, a woman is almost as likely to become critically unwell as she is to experience her ideal birth. This imbalance is stark and troubling.

Although national work is underway to improve outcomes, no organisation focuses specifically on critically ill women. This leaves gaps in policy, education, and psychological support for women, their families, and the staff who care for them. After years of working with and lobbying existing organisations, it became clear that a new approach was needed. Over the past year, I have worked with a group of trustees and founder members, all nationally recognised experts, to create METERNAL: The Maternal Critical Care Alliance.

With so many women experiencing serious illness in or around pregnancy, many will have personal insight into the physical and psychological challenges involved.

We’re keen to hear from you especially if you can offer expertise, shared patient experiences and fundraising support. By supporting women to make informed choices and giving birth in a safe and caring environment, we can help create happier beginnings and bring more joy to families, one birth at a time.

For more information, please contact me via the MATERNAL website: www.maternalcriticalcarealliance.org

METERNAL aims to ensure that every woman receives the enhanced and critical care she needs during pregnancy and childbirth, reducing maternal illness and death while promoting equality. The charity focuses on three main goals:

• Hosting a UK-wide multidisciplinary forum with NHS organisations, women, and families to co-produce policies, guidelines, and competency frameworks addressing gaps in maternal critical care.

• Developing educational resources to equip staff with the knowledge and skills required to care for critically ill women.

• Supporting the mental health of women, families, and staff affected by maternal critical illness, through existing resources and by creating new ones where needed.

Returning to the place where we first discover ourselves can feel like stepping into a time machine: familiar, a little strange and full of surprises. Read about Suzannah Zitter, Class of 2011, who revisited LEH for an unexpected mission!

If you had told my fourteen-year-old self that one day I’d return to school to give a plastic fingernail a manicure, I would have assumed it was a metaphor. It was not.

As a teenager, I was obsessed with climbing. In Design and Technology, we were asked to make clocks. Most people sensibly made squares or circles. I made a climbing hold with a plastic hand gripping it, finger tape wrapped around one knuckle (because my fingers were always injured) and purple nail varnish on the tips. It was

very me. It was also, in hindsight, not particularly aesthetically pleasing. My mom (she’s American) kept it anyway, proudly, for nearly two decades.

Recently one of the plastic fingernails fell off and disappeared. My mom, who almost never asks for anything, asked if I could fix it for Christmas. Naturally I said yes – long before it occurred to me that matching 2007-era purple acrylic wasn’t going to be straightforward. The clock really needed an entirely new manicure, but I had no idea where to start.

On a whim, I emailed the school to ask whether I might come back and use the DT lab. To my surprise, the reply came from Mr Bicknell – who joined while I was in Sixth Form and is somehow still young enough to be teaching. He kindly invited me in.

Returning felt surreal. The school has had a major glow-up. The DT lab now has dedicated computers, sleek

Suzannah gave her mother the repaired clock for Christmas.

WHERE SMALL THINGS MATTER

machinery and – incredibly – a laser cutter. I used it to cut brand-new acrylic fingernails, something teenage me would have considered the peak of technological advancement. The only thing missing was that familiar wooden smell from the old workshop. I didn’t realise how much I’d loved it until it was gone.

Mr Bicknell said I could call him Steve, but my brain short-circuited at the thought. Something about stepping back into those corridors resets you to student mode.

After we fixed the clock – and the new nails look better than the originals ever did – he took me on a tour of the refurbished school. The Art department in particular is astonishing; the students’ work is leagues beyond anything I could have produced at their age.

Most of my old teachers have moved on, but a few remain. I was thrilled to hear that Mrs Nicholls was still here. We crashed her class to say hello, and then the three of us went for lunch in the teachers’ canteen. She hasn’t aged at all, so now looks younger than me. Again, I still couldn’t help but call her Mrs Nicholls. Old habits die hard.

What stayed with me most wasn’t just the nostalgia, or the shiny new facilities, or even the satisfying neatness of a perfectly laser-cut acrylic thumbnail. It was the joy – unexpected and very real – of reconnecting with the place that shaped so much of who I am. Of meeting teachers who cared enough to make time for me years later. Of fixing something small and slightly silly that my mum had treasured far longer than its design probably warranted.

Joy often hides in unlikely places. Sometimes it’s even found in a plastic clock from Year 9.

FINDING LIGHT AFTER POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS

Ana Lockerbie, Class of 2002, reflects on the deeply personal ordeal of experiencing postpartum psychosis following the birth of her second child. With honesty and courage, she shares the profound challenges she faced, and the remarkable full-circle journey that has since led her to support and guide new mothers navigating the same distressing experience.

My daughter’s birth came as a surprise. Well, as much as it can be at nine months pregnant. She shot out - pink and squealing - onto my bathroom floor as my husband was on the phone to 999 and my toddler was strapped in his car seat on the drive. A few hours and a quick hospital check-up later, we were back home in time for lunch.

I often wonder if that speedy birth contributed to what happened next. At first, things were textbook. Maggie fed like a dream and slept like a

champ. I felt like I was bossing motherhood. But I wasn’t sleeping. I would lie in bed and watch the sunset at night and then rise again the next morning and I wouldn’t have slept a wink.

Gradually, odd thoughts started creeping in. I became paranoid, convinced that delivery drivers were trying to send me secret messages. I started to believe in earnest that medical professionals were going to take my baby away. I thought I had died and that I was stuck in purgatory.

Thankfully, during a routine phone call, a quick-witted GP clocked that things weren’t right and set in motion a chain of events that led to me being dragged to a waiting ambulance in my bare feet and taken to the nearest hospital.

A&E was like a warzone, with wounded people sleeping in corridors. I was utterly irrational at this point, ranting and raving at staff; convinced the entire thing was a simulation. I was restrained and injected with a sedative. When I woke up, my husband was holding my hand and crying quietly.

I was told that I had postpartum psychosis (PP) – a serious illness that affects 1-2 in 1,000 women and comes on in the days and weeks following birth. I was told I was being sectioned for my own safety. At this point I was still in a side room in A&E, where I would stay for two days, only emerging to go to the toilet. I stopped wanting to feed my baby.

Behind the scenes my husband and the perinatal staff were fighting to get me a place on a Mother and Baby Unit. MBUs are specialist mental health wards, designed to keep mothers and their babies together while the mother has treatment for her illness.

I was eventually moved to an MBU twenty minutes from home. I was

lucky; many women are either separated from their babies or put in a unit miles away from their family. I remained there for three weeks; still convinced I was in a computer game and regularly trying to escape from the locked ward. Maggie slept in a cot next to me, or in a fully equipped nursery just down the corridor.

Gradually, I came out of my psychosis. I was allowed home; for a day at first and then eventually for a night. Six weeks later, I was discharged. My mum came to live with us for a while because I just couldn’t cope. Your driving licence is suspended when you have a psychotic episode, and I live in a rural area, so I felt like my independence and my maternity leave were taken away. I fell into a deep depression.

A lifeline during this period was a café group run by a charity called Action on Postpartum Psychosis. Facilitated by women who’ve been affected by the condition, it was the first time I had ever met someone who had gone through psychosis. I began to look forward to the monthly meetings, and they aided the transition back to

my busy job as a journalist. They also provided support when I was finally diagnosed with bipolar, which had lain undetected for my entire adult life. Suddenly everything made sense; women with bipolar are much more likely to suffer an episode of PP.

Now, nearly four years on, I am enjoying life as a busy mum of two amazing kids whilst also working in a job share role as a Senior Journalist Team Manager for the BBC in their Money and Work department. I wanted to make sure I gave back to the system that supported me and I have recently accepted a part-time job with Action on Postpartum Psychosis. I’ll be a peer support worker; visiting women on MBUs and helping them as they reintegrate back into the community. I finally feel like I have come full-circle, and like I can offer hope to other women that recovery is possible after such a traumatic time.

You can read more about postpartum psychosis here: www.nhs.uk/mentalhealth/conditions/post-partumpsychosis/

BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE

Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts. It brings us joy, laughter, comfort, and support, carrying us through both happy times and challenges. In this feature, we meet Patricia (Trish) White née Bush, Class of 1955, and Hilary Symm née Bowdler, Class of 1955, whose extraordinary friendship has spanned eight decades. From their first days at LEH to the joys and trials of adult life, their bond is a reminder of the enduring power of shared memories and the happiness true friendship brings.

Nearly Eighty Years of Friendship: Memories from LEH Hilary and I often say how lucky we are to have shared nearly eighty years of friendship. Our story began in the classrooms of LEH in Hampton. Hilary joined in Form 1, and I arrived in Upper 2. Life sometimes took us in different directions, with family matters and other commitments, yet even when we were apart, we always knew we could rely on each other.

Much of our bond was shaped by the school itself. Looking back, it is astonishing how vividly those memories remain. The friends we made, the teachers who inspired us, and the small adventures we shared all come flooding back as if no time has passed at all.

Most of the staff in the 1940s were women, perhaps because of the war, although there were a few notable exceptions. Hilary remembers Mr Ridgeway, an elderly gentleman who taught piano, with particular fondness. She loved her lessons and I can still picture her practising as the notes floated down the corridors. Then there

was Madame Lécuyer, our French teacher, whose husband was a chef at the famous J. Lyons. Every year he made the most wonderful cakes for the German Club. Even those of us who did not study German made sure to get an invitation, just for the cakes. They were unlike anything we had tasted at home and became a highlight of the year.

We adored our teachers. Miss Lacey, Miss Cross and Miss Denney encouraged us to develop our talents and continue our studies at university. We all adored Miss Bannister, our Lower V Form Mistress and sister of Roger Bannister, the four-minute miler. We still laugh when we remember her telling us to “test for oxygen use with a glowing sprint” instead of a splint. Such a simple moment, yet it has stayed with us all these years.

School life also had its rules. Misbehaviour or incomplete homework meant detention, a half hour after school and a slip sent home to our parents. It felt strict at the time, yet in hindsight it seems almost tender in its intention, teaching us responsibility and discipline.

We were fortunate to enjoy many memorable occasions. When the French Ambassador visited the

school, we were coached to sing La Marseillaise. Amazingly, we still remember every word. One of our group, Mary, was asked to mouth the words as her singing voice consisted of just one very loud note. We laughed so much that day and it made the performance all the more memorable.

Even small honours remain etched in our memory. The Excellent Awards recognised outstanding work and gave the winner the privilege of signing the Excellent Book in Miss Garwood-Scott’s study on a Friday morning at first recess. It was a quiet moment of pride we never forgot. The Sixth Form Prefects had their own room near the Tower. One of our year, Madeline, painted a beautiful mural showing the Prefects dressed as goddesses performing school duties such as selling buns at first recess. It was removed before a school inspection, yet the colours and sense of fun remain with us today. Miss Denney, our Form Mistress in 1952, once told Susan off for wearing a skirt only thirteen inches from the floor. Times have certainly changed since then.

Life after school brought its own joys and challenges. Hilary and I each married, but we missed attending

each other’s weddings. I married Alan on 15th August 1959, while Hilary married George later, and we were not present at their celebration. Despite the distance that sometimes grew between us, we remained steadfast in our support for one another through life’s ups and downs. We were there for each other during difficult times in our marriages and during the most heartbreaking moments, including the loss of my beloved daughter, Fiona. Hilary’s friendship was a quiet but powerful comfort, a reminder that some bonds endure even the deepest sorrow.

every achievement with me as if it were her own.

My career as a teacher at LEH was another source of joy. I relished the challenges the role presented, especially watching pupils develop into confident young adults. The most rewarding moments came when former students returned to

Over the years, Hilary and I have met often, sharing tea, laughter and conversation. We delight in school reunions, social gatherings and evenings at the restaurant at The View. Looking back on nearly eighty years, it is astonishing to see how a friendship that began in sunlit classrooms has endured through the twists and turns of life. Some friendships, we have discovered, are indeed for a lifetime.

THE JOY OF WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN IN BANKING AND FINANCE

Rachel Mann, LEH Class of 2011, is a Vice President at BlackRock and Co-Chair of the Future Leaders Network, for the industry network, Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF).

Rachel writes below about her experience in the Banking and Finance industry and what a pleasure and a privilege it has been to champion talented women through her leadership, both in her corporate roles and in her industry positions, as well as the joy of ‘women supporting women’ through industry networks.

Community

Women’s networks in banking and finance, whether formal or informal, are vital because they create communities where women can actively support, mentor and advocate for one another, help break down barriers, and accelerate career progression. These networks promote a more inclusive and equitable financial sector and ultimately instil a sense of belonging in a highly competitive industry.

Over the last 10 years, one of the most rewarding experiences of my

investment management career has been leading the Future Leaders Network. The network is designed for young professionals in the first 10 to 15 years of their career to provide mentorship to members, create a supportive community and build a strong talent pipeline of industry leaders.

The first step for my involvement with women’s professional networks was becoming a member of the three largest networks after my first few years in the industry: Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF), 100 Women in Finance (100WF) and Women in Finance Group (WIFG). These networks are inclusive women’s groups and not sector specific, so it was a great starting point!

This was a pivotal point in my career as I found connection and community outside the internal networks at my firm. Since then, my career has taken on a new dimension. There were leaders to learn from, opportunities to grow and visibility of new roles that I didn’t even know existed - just like my current role!

After a year as a member of these industry networks, I had the

‘‘Women’s empowerment is an economic imperative’’ “ CHRISTINE LAGARDE, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN

opportunity to apply for the role of Co-Chair of the Future Leaders Network in Women in Banking and Finance. As I had experienced the value and impact of the women’s networks firsthand from attending the events and participating in the mentoring programmes, I was inspired to step up and volunteer in order to help drive positive change. It was a perfect fit given my leadership experiences at LEH as Deputy Head Girl and Chair of the Charity Committee. I was excited to pay it forward and widen my industry network.

It has been a passion project leading the Future Leaders Network for the past two years. In that time, we have: grown the network’s membership by 350%; launched new initiatives such as the Future Leaders Book Club and Future Me Mentoring Programme and hosted our quarterly events with partners such as Citi, Wells Fargo and Marsh, which have attracted record attendances. I take great joy in my influence on, and responsibility for, this community. Our membership growth shows that there is great demand from high performing young women who are excited to connect and ambitious to advance their careers. I

BANK (ECB)

Connections

It gives me so much joy that so many of the Future Leaders have secured new promotions, new roles, new mentors and even new friendships through WIBF. It is exceptionally rewarding seeing the live connections being made, new ideas discussed and to experience the energy in the room during our networking events, panel sessions, workshops and book clubs! One of my highlights has been the genuine friendships I have made at the network, and I have no doubt will all be cheering each other on throughout our careers!

Call to Action

If this resonated with you, then I am sure there are groups and networks that you can be a part of - it doesn’t have to be in the financial services industry. LEH promotes leadership, teamwork and inclusivity at all levels of the school and rewards excellence, effort and enthusiasm. All these opportunities and qualities are great stepping stones to give you the confidence to succeed in any industry. There is space for everyone, and the groups are very welcoming. If a network doesn’t yet exist for your sector, you can always start one! There are always like-minded people out there who would welcome the opportunity to connect.

I would highly recommend volunteering if you would like to take your interest one step further to contribute to the collective success of women supporting women through these communities. There are different levels of commitment with flexible options - you can always start small! My experience has consisted of multiple professional and personal benefits

1. Elevate your corporate skillset

Learning valuable lessons in strategy, communication and negotiation are transferable skills in the corporate world.

2. Entrepreneurialism experience Building a community (such as the Future Leaders Network) develops the same skillset as scaling a business or building a client book in sales/ relationship management and demonstrates the power of networks.

3. Developing high-performance teams

Sourcing and developing talent, seeing your team excel and celebrating their successes, is not only a great skill to have, but incredibly rewarding too.

PERSONAL BENEFITS

1. Working with talented women across industry Building relationships that become friendships.

2. Exciting opportunities Ringing the opening bell at the London Stock Exchange with the Women in Finance Charter in 2026 and hosting the Future Leaders Roundtable at Association of Financial Markets in Europe in 2025 were special moments in my career.

3. Launching creative initiatives

Launching a Book Club, Monthly Newsletter, LinkedIn Group etc.

I am thankful for the education, values and opportunities at LEH for developing the foundational skills and confidence to join, and lead, networks like these, so that I have been able to make so many new friends, access new opportunities and have so many new experiences! I look forward to crossing paths with LEH alumnae in the financial industry in the future. It’s always a joy to witness women win!

Bio

Rachel Mann is a Vice President at BlackRock in the International Cash Sales Team. Her focus is the Private Markets sector, covering Private Equity, Private Credit, Private Debt, Infrastructure and Real Assets. Over the past 10 years, Rachel has built a career in investment management through roles in private wealth and asset management at Goldman Sachs, Schroders and BlackRock.

At BlackRock, Rachel is a member of BlackRock’s Women’s Initiative Network and Women in Investments Network. In industry, Rachel is Co-Chair of the Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF) Future Leaders Network and a board member on the Future Leaders Shadow Board.

The Women in Banking & Finance network (WIBF) is the largest, and oldest, financial services women’s network in the UK. It is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led, social enterprise, promoting diversity and gender equality and has been championing women for over 40 years. WIBF supports women’s career ambitions through development programmes, leadership opportunities and networking events.

www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmann0/

RACHEL’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UK WOMEN’S NETWORKS:

Women in Banking and Finance

Best for general, non-sector specific, industry events.

100 Women in Finance

Best for economic and thought leadership panels.

GAIN (Girls Are Investors)

Best for student insight days/ investment challenges and flexible volunteering opportunities for industry professionals.

Women in Finance Group

Best for innovative networking, such as the ‘Women in Sport’ series.

Women in Exchange Traded Funds Best International Women’s Day events such as the London Stock Exchange Bell Ringing Ceremony.

Female x Finance

Best for fun events like ‘Women in Dealmaking Dinners’ and ‘From Desk to Disco’ with Charlotte Tilbury.

Rachel at a WIBF event.

Imagine unlocking the secrets of flavour with the precision of a scientist and the joy of a chef. LEH Chemistry teacher, Mr Mangion, leads us through the science of cooking. From Lebanese shish taouk to cutting-edge vegetarian burgers, discover how chemistry transforms everyday cooking into extraordinary experiences. Join him on a delicious journey where science and culinary magic meet.

As an alumna, you will know that curiosity and creativity often go hand in hand. For me, one of the most delightful ways these qualities come together is in the kitchen, guided by science. Few books have captured this intersection as brilliantly as McGee on Food and Cooking by biochemist Harold McGee. Part encyclopedia, part love letter to the kitchen, it was voted one of The Guardian’s top cookbooks of the decade. Food critic Matthew Fort described it as “science as it should be written – practical, clear, elegantly presented, with an astounding range of non-scientific

THE ALCHEMY OF TASTE:

EXPLORING THE WONDER OF SCIENCE AND COOKING

reference.” For anyone who loves both experiments and eating, it is irresistible.

I still remember attending a conversation between Harold McGee and chef Heston Blumenthal at the Cheltenham Science Festival in June 2010. Hearing two great minds enthusiastically explain the chemistry behind flavour was inspiring. I even had a short chat with Dr McGee afterwards and walked away with a signed copy of his book, a treasured keepsake ever since.

My fascination with the science of food grew while studying Medical Biochemistry at King’s College London, alongside a growing love of Lebanese cuisine. One dish that captured my imagination was shish taouk, a wonderfully aromatic barbecued chicken I first tasted at Maroush on Edgware Road. Traditionally marinated

with garlic, tomato paste, lemon juice and spices, it is a perfect example of chemistry at work in the kitchen. In my own version, I add molasses sugar to enhance both sweetness and depth. ”Understanding the science behind food can make a remarkable difference to flavour, texture and enjoyment.”

Many professional chefs keep McGee’s book close at hand, and food scientists continue to apply its principles in surprising ways. A recent example is the discovery that a molecule called heme plays a crucial role in the savoury flavour of burgers. This insight led to the development of vegetarian burgers by Impossible Foods, which use heme produced by genetically modified yeast rather than meat.

The chemistry behind barbecued food is particularly fascinating. A good marinade adds flavour and improves texture. Acids in the marinade break down collagen fibres in meat and

proteins in vegetables through a process called hydrolysis, making them tender. At the same time, this produces amino acids that contribute to the Maillard reaction, responsible for the mouth-watering flavours of a barbecue. The longer the marinade, the more tender and flavoursome the result.

Red meats such as beef and lamb naturally contain heme, giving them their rich taste. Chicken lacks this molecule, making it milder and more delicate. This allows for lighter marinades, using ingredients such as honey or citrus, which might overwhelm red meat. Chemistry explains what cooks have known instinctively for generations.

”Fruits such as pineapple and papaya also bring their own chemistry toolkit to the kitchen. They contain enzymes called

proteases that break down proteins, similar to enzymes in our stomachs. Papaya contains papain, while pineapple contains bromelain, so powerful that people harvesting pineapples must wear gloves to protect their skin.”

Over the years, I have loved sharing this intersection of science and cooking with students at LEH. During the Covid lockdown in 2020, I ran a weekly Lower Fifth GCSE Chemistry Club live from my kitchen. Each week, students received a recipe in advance, from fermented red peppers and caramel to frittatas and ice cream. They cooked along at home and then we explored the chemistry behind the meal together. From the science of chilli heat and garlic aroma to fermentation, ice cream structure and marmalade setting, these sessions

were a highlight of a challenging time. Attendance was fantastic, and it was a joy to receive photos of some truly impressive culinary creations.

More recently, I have delivered an annual STEM lecture to the Upper Fifth entitled What Makes Noma the Best Restaurant in the World: the Science of Fermentation. Exploring how cuttingedge science underpins one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants never fails to captivate, and it has been wonderful to see these talks shared through the LEH STEM community.

Whether in a laboratory or a kitchen, curiosity is the key ingredient. Bringing science and cooking together has been one of the great pleasures of my career. As an alumna, I hope it reminds you that chemistry is not just something you read about in a textbook. Sometimes, it is what makes dinner taste extraordinary. I hope you enjoy creating one of my favourite recipes.

PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH

Everyone at LEH – be it your former teachers, fellow alumnae, or current pupils – delight in hearing your news. Discovering what you have gone on to do, inspires and uplifts us all.

Please help us celebrate your activities and achievements by emailing us at alumnae@lehs.org.uk to let us what you’ve been up to. It is our mission to continue to champion you and show our support long after your LEH days.

In addition to monthly alumnae newsletters and the annual Holles Connect magazine, we regularly share stories on our social media accounts, so please make sure you to follow them too. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

LEH ON LINKEDIN

If you haven’t done so already, please ensure you have added the official Lady Eleanor Holles School page to your LinkedIn profile and add the dates you were here. This will allow you to appear on our ‘Alumni’ tab.

The Alumni section makes it so much simpler to search for your fellow alumnae by year groups, job title, or even company, creating valuable networking opportunities. You can also filter profiles based on subjects studied, location and skills.

The more of us that sign up to our official LEH page, the better the results will be.

Lady Eleanor Holles School

Holles Connect - Join the Conversation

The LEH Alumnae community is a strong, supportive network of remarkable women, all here to cheer each other on. There are many ways to stay in touch. Join our Holles

Follow us on social media:

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@HollesConnect

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Connect Clubs Today

Please visit hollesconnect.org.uk to sign up for our industry, sports and social clubs.

1. Latin Literature

Which Roman poet wrote the Aeneid, an epic chronicling the journey of Aeneas after the fall of Troy?

2. Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, who was condemned to hold up the sky for all eternity?

3. Word Origins

The English word ‘candidate’ comes from the Latin candidatus. What did candidatus literally mean?

4. Famous Quotations

QUICK FIRE CLASSICS WITH GAIL TRIMBLE QUIZ:

Take five minutes to outwit mythic monsters, impress the gods of history, and show off your knowledge of the classics in our brand-new quiz, created by Gail Trimble, Class of 2000.

Gail, a celebrated classicist and Oxford tutor, was described as “the human computer” following her unforgettable performance on University Challenge in 2009. She fondly remembers her time at LEH and credits the Classics Department with sparking her lifelong love of Latin and Greek.

“I was a member of the LEH Class of 2000, having started in Year 6 in 1992. I enjoyed many aspects of LEH, including choirs and orchestras, the Drama Festival and making lifelong friends, but the biggest influence on me was the Classics Department. Learning Latin and Greek with such wonderful teachers set me on a path that led to studying Classics at Oxford. Since 2011 I have been Fellow and Tutor in Classics at Trinity College, Oxford.”

Where in the ancient world would you have gone to ask Apollo a question and get an answer such as “If you attack the Persians you will destroy a great empire” or “Trust in the wooden walls”?

5. Quick Classical Trivia

In Homer’s Odyssey, which goddess assists Odysseus throughout his journey home?

Miss Eltis, Gail’s former teacher, recalls:

“Gail was a privilege and a pleasure to teach. A true polymath, she impressed with the breadth of her knowledge, the depth of her interest, her delight in learning, and her healthy competitive spirit when faced with a quiz. Her passion for literature, both ancient and modern, meant she could be as immersed in the novels of George Eliot as in the epics of Homer and Virgil. A true humanist, she was equally versed in science and the arts, and her powerful performance as the Nurse in our production of Medea set the tone of anxious foreboding. Gail could, and did, do anything.”

Do you think you can navigate the twists and turns of history like a true hero of Olympus? Take the quiz and put your knowledge of the ancient world to the test. Answers will be revealed on the Holles Connect website. Good luck!

ON PAGE 41

Shafali and Anisha in action as part of a McDonalds fundraising day.

CONFIDENCE, COMMUNITY, AND THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD IN BUSINESS

Shafali Shown-Keen, Class of 1999, and Anisha Sharma, Class of 2000, are sisters, entrepreneurs and proud LEH alumnae. They both believe that confidence is essential for success in business and emphasise how developing strong values at school helped shape their lives. They have taken time away from building their empire to answer a few questions for Holles Connect.

How did LEH shape you?

“For us, LEH was about so much more than just lessons and exams. Being surrounded by confident, ambitious girls made a huge difference.”

“LEH really gave us confidence from the start,” says Shafali. “You were encouraged to speak up, share your ideas and believe that your voice mattered.”

Teachers made a lasting impression too. Both sisters remember Miss Candy, Mrs Richardson and Mrs Barnes as people who pushed them to aim high but also made them feel supported.

“They really believed in us,” says Anisha. “It gave us the sense that we could try anything, and even if we didn’t get it right the first time, that was okay.”

What lessons from school have stayed with you?

“Confidence, resilience and the importance of helping others. Seeing women in leadership every day normalised ambition.”

“Being surrounded by female leaders made it feel completely normal to want to lead and take responsibility,” says Anisha. “It gave us a belief that anything was possible.”

Kindness and teamwork were just as important. “School taught us that success isn’t just about what you achieve for yourself, it’s about supporting others too,” adds Shafali.

How did that help when you moved into business?

Both started in finance, but the confidence gained during their time at school gave them the courage to take the leap into running their own businesses.

“LEH taught us not to limit ourselves,” says Shafali. “So when the opportunity came to build something of our own, it felt exciting rather than scary. And that’s the key – we genuinely enjoy it. Seeing a team succeed and watching a business grow is such a joy.”

That joy comes through in how they run their restaurants. Shafali began running her first McDonald’s franchise in Brentford in 2021 after months of

LEH really gave us confidence from the start,” “

SHAFALI SHOWN-KEEN

interviews and hands-on training. Anisha started her training while on maternity leave and opened her first restaurant in Hanwell in 2022.

“There’s no such thing as a typical day,” says Anisha. “Every day is different, and I love that. You get out what you put in, but the best part is celebrating little wins with your team. That’s the joy of it.”

Do you still see the lessons from LEH in the way you lead today?

“Absolutely. Leadership for us is all about people, and that comes straight from school.

“At LEH, you were encouraged to lift others up,” says Shafali. “That’s exactly how we try to lead our teams now. Seeing them succeed and enjoy their work is the most rewarding part.”

Both sisters are proud that their senior leadership teams are mostly women, showing that the values they learned at school can thrive even in traditionally male industries.

What would you say to current LEH students?

“Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to take the first step,” says Anisha. “School gives you a foundation that stays with you, even if you don’t realise it at the time. And remember, work can be joyful – find what you love and go for it.”

As mothers, the sisters are especially keen on showing their daughters what they learned at LEH. “Ambition is a good thing,” says Shafali. “That lesson has shaped everything we’ve done since, and finding joy in what we do has made it all worthwhile.”

Whether running businesses or supporting their communities, Shafali and Anisha continue to live by the motto they first learnt at school: Hope favours the bold.

A simple phrase, but one they carry with them every day. And it reminds them that business can be challenging, but it can also be deeply joyful.

THE COURAGE TO START OVER: HOW FOLLOWING

MY GUT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Sarah Nicole Edwards, Class of 2004, is a wellness entrepreneur, and the founder and creative director of Copper + Cloves. Currently based in Bangalore, India and with an international focus, Sarah works across the holistic wellness, positive sobriety and nutrition space and is a successful restaurateur. After a decade working in the not-for-profit sector she made a career U-turn in her early 30s to build something rooted in the nourishment of mind, body and soul with an intrinsic focus on sustainability.

Tell us a little about your journey so far. Being an entrepreneur is not something I expected that I would do in my life. After my Masters in International Development at LSE, I worked in the not-for-profit sector as a Programme Manager for Save the Children and Frontline. I relied not just on the security but the respectability of that type of job to reassure my self-worth - in hindsight this was inside my own head. The only person putting that pressure on was myself. I had an internal narrative about what I should be doing.

I moved to India when I was 30, I had felt drawn to move there ever since I first visited several years earlier. I got a job with a well-known education NGO which finally facilitated the move. I knew no-one there but I loved the energy and community-mindedness and friendliness of India.

My instincts pulled me to quit my job and study health and nutrition, to help people transform their lives, through discovering the joy of eating and living well. I was passionate about cooking and I knew how to cook plant-based food that people enjoyed. I started by

conducting cooking workshops and doing pop-ups and food market stalls. I didn’t have a clear business plan to begin with. It was all about doing small things and getting myself out there e.g. taking up a market stall at a flea market or approaching a local cafe to do a collaborative menu – rather than writing long business plans before launching anything.

I kept taking the next step, which led to a small cafe of my own, and eventually led to a larger cafe and a yoga studio/cafe. It was intuition that led me forward, the early stages

arose moment to moment, small, instinctive and practical steps. Meeting people and trying ideas out, however imperfect, rather than waiting at home creating lofty strategic plans was the way to get my dreams off the ground.

What does joy mean to you?

For me, joy is about two things. The peace that comes from living in alignment with my values, and finding gratitude and wonder in the small, daily things. It’s very hard to naturally find joy and ease when you’re following a life script or conforming to someone else’s plans. So, to me, joy is rooted in following your instincts about the type of life and career you are committed to. Joy comes when you follow the instincts both personally and professionally. When you find the role or career that’s meant for you, even the difficult days and the occasional chaos of running your own business still feel like the right thing to do. Embracing hard work and challenges can be a joyful thing.

It feels like there are many conversations happening at the moment (including this conversation and the topic of this issue of Holles Connect!) about centring joy, wellbeing

and the importance of intentional gratitude and positivity. Whether it’s a career choice, friendship, how we move our bodies and how we nourish ourselves, we need to place joy at the centre.

Reflecting on her LEH friendships, Sarah happily talks about meeting her friend Stephanie Martin, Class of 2004.

Steph and I met on the first day of Thirds at LEH and we’ve been best friends ever since - despite living in different continents for the last 10 years, Steph is one of the few people with whom friendship is entirely unfiltered and is maintained through pure connection and not proximity or similarity.

Over the last few years I’ve been focusing on the joy found in sobriety, rather than seeing living alcohol free as something lacking. I have founded a sober community that places joy, freedom and plenty at the centre of a sober (or partially sober) life.

How would you say your time at LEH has shaped you?

The joy and importance of female friendship, solidarity and women championing each other personally and professionally has been a huge part of what enabled me to have the courage to forge my own path. Women lifting each other up and also having a real sense of humour about our lives both professional and personal is something that LEH has given me. Being able to not take yourself too seriously, to laugh when things are falling apart is something we’ve been doing together since 1997.

The confidence I developed at LEH has helped me in my entrepreneurial journey. I think we were encouraged to believe that we could do anything, so when I decided to completely start a new career after I turned 30, I had the confidence that eventually I could make it a success. Of course, self-belief wavers. Starting from the bottom of a new field aged 32 made me feel immature and self-consciously

behind my peers. I’m grateful that LEH instilled that self- belief in us or I might never have found my own joyful path!

With special thanks to Stephanie Martin, Class of 2004, who helped write this feature. It is so wonderful to see how friendships that started at LEH are still going so strong!

CACAO, COFFEE AND PEANUT BUTTER SMOOTHIE BOWL

At Copper + Cloves we love creating thicker smoothies and eating them out of a bowl. This one is full of plant based protein, antioxidants and a caffeine kick.

INGREDIENTS

50g ripe bananas (tip - freeze overripe bananas and use in smoothies)

10g of frozen spinach

15g raw cacao powder

80ml coffee (cooled)

30ml oat milk

1 tsp hemp seeds (or any seeds)

1 tsp peanut butter

2 dates (stone removed)

Pinch of sea salt

METHOD

Put everything into a blender jar, and pulse until smooth.

Serve in a bowl topped with some granola, pomegranate seeds and hemp seeds.

FINDING HAPPINESS A STITCH AT A TIME

From the Textiles room at LEH to dressing a national television winner, fashion designer, Celia Birchall, Class of 2018, talks to Holles Connect about her inspiring journey into the world of sustainable fashion. Her time at school sparked a love of being creative, developing a curiosity about how things are made, and the confidence to follow her own path.

From the buzz of the Textiles room at LEH to dressing a national television winner, Celia Birchall, Class of 2018, has carved a career built on creativity, care and integrity. She reflects on how school shaped her, the sparks that inspired her, how it felt to design the clothes for the winner of The Great British Bake Off 2025 and why designing with intention now drives everything she does.

Celia’s favourite memories of school are hands-on and full of discovery. It all started in the Textiles room with Mrs Angliss, where she fell in love with garment construction and pattern cutting.

”I loved it so much that I started

taking clothes apart at home just to see how they were made, and then I tried to put them back together myself.”

Art A Level added another layer of magic. She recalls Miss Pauffley emerging from a cupboard with boxes of Liberty fabric scraps.

”It felt like a treasure trove. Working with those beautiful vintage prints sparked my love of textiles and the stories they carry.”

Although making was always a passion, fashion as a career took shape gradually. After LEH, she completed an Art and Design Foundation year at Kingston University, followed by a

Fashion Design degree at Edinburgh University. Starting her own business was not something she had imagined.

After university, life became more practical. Returning to her parents’ farm in the Cotswolds, Celia juggled three part-time jobs: production assistant for a homeware brand, marketing assistant for a non-profit jewellery business, and barista at a local bakery.

”It was full-on, but I learned so much about start-ups and discovered what I was truly passionate about in fashion.”

With time and experience, Celia’s confidence grew and eighteen months

“ CLASS OF 2018

CELIA BIRCHALL

“There is a real culture of bravery at LEH, and it is something I rely on all the time.”

later, she took the leap and launched her own brand and Celia Birchall was born in 2023. Focusing on local textile supply chains and bespoke design, using natural fabrics to create beautiful clothes with ethical fashion is central to every piece.

”A garment can only be truly beautiful if it has been produced with integrity, from the ground all the way to the final stitch.”

The Be Bold grant recipient who received her award in 2023 to support the upgrade for her studio and production setup, has already gained some fantastic career highlights which have ranged from high-profile moments, such as dressing Jasmine, winner of The Great British Bake Off, with two bespoke looks created from concept to final fitting, to quieter,

deeply personal projects, including bespoke bridal gowns. Seeing a creation worn on someone’s special day is a constant reminder of why she loves what she does.

Thinking about her time at school, Celia reflects on LEH and the key role this played in building the confidence to pursue such a path.

”There is a real culture of bravery at LEH, and it is something I rely on all the time.”

Sustainability is another cornerstone to Celia’s ethos. Inspired by eco-activists and designers such as Orsola de Castro, who famously says: “the most sustainable garment is the one already in your wardrobe,” Celia ensures her designs form creations that endure in both quality and sentiment.

If there was one bit of advice she had to offer you, her fellow alumnae, it is to stay true to who you are. Creativity and ethics are inseparable from happiness. Taking time to make, choose, or create things with care brings a satisfaction that chasing trends never will.

”Creating with intention brings a very different kind of joy.”

Her journey shows that the lessons, confidence, and values nurtured at LEH remain long after leaving the school gates. Beyond academics, it is bravery, creativity and integrity that shape work, life and joy in ways that are uniquely your own.

You can see more of Celia’s work here: www.celiabirchall.co.uk

Celia at work in her Cotswolds Studio.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THE LEH GERMAN EXCHANGE:

FRIENDSHIP, LAUGHTER AND CULTURAL DISCOVERY

Language is far more than a collection of words; it is a gateway to understanding diverse cultures and embracing new experiences. The joy of shared connection becomes much richer when we can truly communicate with one another. As Heir Tompsett reminds us, languages have the power to bring communities together, strengthen bonds, and create joyful experiences for everyone involved. It turns out we are most certainly better when we’re together.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

With the busy lives we live it can be easy to forget reasons to smile. Yet the academic year 2025–2026 has already been a season of joy for the

German Department at LEH, filled with memories that will warm hearts for decades to come. Why? Because our Lower 5 German exchange with Hampton School and the Ellenrieder

Gymnasium in Konstanz is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

To mark this remarkable milestone, past and present staff from all three schools gathered at LEH in October to reminisce and celebrate. A particular highlight was welcoming Jennifer Basannavar, the visionary founder of the exchange, whose reflections on its early history reminded us all of her foresight, enthusiasm and enduring impact. Former LEH staff who played pivotal roles over the years, including Frau Johnson, Frau Colclough,

Memories and Laughter “ It was fabulous to meet up with so many colleagues from my time at LEH, both from Konstanz and Hampton, and to meet new staff, too. A lovely time was had by all, exchanging anecdotes from times past and bringing each other up to date with recent events. An evening full of laughter and friendship.“

— Rosie Johnson, former LEH German teacher

Madame Robbins and Mrs Gilroy-Scott, also joined in the festivities, evoking memories of countless adventures, laughter and cultural discoveries.

What makes this exchange so enduringly special is the friendship, openness and sense of togetherness at its heart. Students from LEH, Hampton and Ellenrieder do more than learn a language. They embrace a culture, a way of life and the personal connections that blossom with host families and peers. The fact that Richmond and Konstanz have been twinned for nearly 70 years adds an extra layer of significance. This is not just an exchange, but a genuine European connection founded on shared values of respect, integrity and celebration. Over four decades, almost

1,500 LEH students have experienced the joy, laughter and growth that this programme fosters.

This spirit of cultural curiosity was celebrated during LEH’s week-long European Day of Languages in September. Staff and former students alike spoke passionately about the transformative power of language learning. In a world where headlines are often dominated by conflict and division, there is no better way to nurture understanding than by offering young people the chance to immerse themselves in another culture firsthand. As the Germans would say, Völkerverständigung, the promotion of international understanding, remains at the heart of our Konstanz exchange.

Looking Forward with Joy

So, no matter how busy life can get, we remember the laughter, friendships and unforgettable experiences of this exchange. “We celebrate not only a love of language but also the way it bridges cultures, fosters empathy and highlights the joy of what unites us. Here is to the next 40 years of discovery, connection and celebration.“

Have you got an experience of how languages have strengthened your friendships with LEH alumnae, if so, let us know via email alumnae@lehs.org. uk - we’d love to hear from you and see any photos you’d like to share too.

BIRTH POWER: FEARLESS, FIERCE, AND UNSTOPPABLE ALUMNAE

A New Era of Antenatal Education and Choice

Jane Ross, Class of 1964, has been a valued supporter of LEH for many years and volunteers on the Alumnae Advisory Group (AAG), alongside her fellow AAG members. Here, Jane shares her thoughts on the importance of the Be Bold Grant.

The AAG has funds invested and is keen to use the income generated to benefit our alumnae. We believe that the School motto applies just as much to former pupils as it does to those currently at LEH, and we are committed to encouraging our alumnae to remain brave and bold in pursuing new ventures.

In particular, we aim to support alumnae with innovative ideas or those embarking on a new direction in their lives who would benefit from receiving seed funding to help develop their project or personal growth.

Over the years, we have received a number of inspiring applications and have been delighted to contribute to these initiatives.

We would be thrilled to see even more applications. You can read about the 2025 grant recipients and the exciting projects they are undertaking in Holles Connect. We look forward to seeing how their ideas develop with our support and to reviewing applications for the 2026 grants this autumn.

The Be Bold grant application process is now open, if you would like to find out more about applying, please email alumnae@lehs.org.uk or visit Holles Connect for further information.

Megan Rossiter née Crawford, Class of 2009, tackles the important conversation of putting women front and centre of their birth experiences to make sure they are empowered and informed.

It’s no secret that our modern maternity system is in crisis. After decades of underfunding, with little value being placed on women’s health and the important role of parents in society, it’s no surprise we’ve ended up here. An injustice that has stolen many hours of sleep from me for many years working in various roles in the maternity sector.

In 2017 I founded Birth-ed®, an organisation created to put women back at the centre of their birth experiences. With a focus on encouraging expectant parents to think critically and understand the system in which they are birthing, in a way that makes them feel safe to make their own choices, free from judgement, shame or expectation, The

Birth-ed Method offers a completely unique approach to antenatal education. Having supported 10,000s of families in their birth and postnatal preparation over the last decade, I am thrilled to be drawing together this collective wisdom and insight in my first book, BIRTH POWER, due be published in May 2026 by Bluebird, PanMacmillan.

I was delighted to be selected as a recipient of this year’s Be Bold Grant, which will be used to put this nuanced and empowering book into the hands of women from communities who might otherwise never have found it. As well as supporting marketing efforts, so that this work continues to reach expectant families for many years to come. Seeing the future of women’s health (and babies’ health for that matter!) recognised by LEH, is a reminder of the collective power we hold as women, and how much good can be done when we raise each other up.

BOLD STEPS FOR BETTER BIRTHS: LAUNCHING METERNAL

Dr Deborah Horner, Class of 1995, a Bradford Anaesthetics and Critical Care Consultant, shares her journey founding METERNAL, a charity ensuring critical maternal care, made possible by a Be Bold grant supporting its launch and vision.

The Alumnae Advisory Group, recognises that many alumnae are mothers and values the impact of Dr Horner’s work in helping all mothers access the support they need for

“

“I am incredibly grateful to the Alumnae Advisory Group and the school for awarding me a Be Bold grant this year. I first heard about it while reading Holles Connect after a long day navigating the early challenges of establishing METERNAL: The Maternal Critical Care Alliance.“

positive birth outcomes. This is why Dr Horner was awarded a Be Bold Grant this year, providing her with vital support for METERNAL.

Deborah reflects on the difference the Be Bold grant will make:

Our mission is simple but essential. We want to ensure every woman receives the critical care she needs during pregnancy and childbirth, reducing maternal morbidity and mortality and promoting equality. My ten years as an anaesthetics and critical care consultant in Bradford highlighted just how vital collaborative care is. Working alongside brilliant multidisciplinary colleagues inspired us to create METERNAL, bringing together maternity and critical care professionals, together with service users, to focus on the care of critically unwell women and their families.

Receiving this grant is a huge boost. It will cover legal and Charity Commission fees as we register as an official charity and prepare for our full launch next year. I have shared more about our journey and aspirations in this edition of Holles Connect and would love to hear from anyone interested in getting involved with fundraising and helping to spread the word about METERNAL.”

You can learn more about METERNAL in Dr Horner’s article on page 6.

BOLD MOVES, BRIGHT FUTURES: PARISI:BLUE TAKES FLIGHT

Shivani Lodhia, Class of 2016, has been awarded Be Bold funding to expand Parisi:Blue, an innovative platform within Parisi Consulting, where she serves as Founding Partner. This initiative marks an exciting new chapter in the agency’s communications offerings.

Being a Be Bold Grant winner as a Lady Eleanor Holles alumna is both an honour and a powerful reminder of the values LEH instilled in me: curiosity, independence and the courage to pursue ideas that may not yet have a clear or conventional path. Those values are core to Parisi, and not just for me, but for my co-founders, and we have built a communications consultancy rooted in ideas, impact and backing emerging voices.

Young entrepreneurs learn the hard way to trust their instincts and embrace uncertainty. Undoubtedly, my path has been made easier by the many alumnae I rely on for support, advice and encouragement, who have

carved out bold, individual paths, not necessarily high-profile achievements, but redefining what success looks like on their own terms. Their journeys are a reminder that ambition does not follow a single trajectory, and that taking risks is often where the most meaningful work begins. There is a special bravery, perhaps madness, in forging your way on paths unknown, but courage is not the absence of doubt, it is the decision to continue in its presence.

The Be Bold Grant will support the launch of Parisi:Blue, our new platform that combines global media and parliamentary data with custom data sources to measure how conversations

and actions influence an organisation’s reputation in real time. The biggest problem for communications professionals has been demonstrating the value of their work. Parisi:Blue replaces guesswork and outdated reporting, giving us the power to analyse, monitor and prove the true value of reputation, which will be vital in the AI content fuelled world where trust is fragile and misinformation travels fast.

To be backed by the LEH community as we take this next step to grow our business is deeply meaningful, and a reminder that hope really does favour the bold.

THE HOLLES GRANT 2025

FUELLING AFRICA’S CRITICAL MINERALS VISION WITH THE BE BOLD GRANT

At a time when Africa’s role in the global clean energy transition has never been more critical, visionary entrepreneurs are stepping forward to reshape the narrative. Among them is the founder of Critical Minerals Africa Group, Veronica Bolton-Smith née KarundeRogers, Class of 2000, who has recently been awarded a Be Bold Grant from LEH. This recognition not only celebrates bold leadership but also fuels a mission to ensure Africa’s critical minerals are developed responsibly, transparently, and with long-term value for the continent and the world.

I am a proud recipient of a Be Bold Grant from LEH and I am deeply grateful for this support at a pivotal stage in my entrepreneurial journey.

This grant represents more than financial assistance; it is a powerful vote of confidence in my vision and in the mission of Critical Minerals Africa Group. The Group was founded with a clear ethos: to promote transparency, responsibility, and long-term value creation across Africa’s critical minerals sector. As

the global transition to clean energy accelerates, critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earths are becoming increasingly strategic. Our vision is to position Africa not merely as a supplier of raw materials, but as an informed, empowered, and respected participant in global critical mineral value chains. Our mission is to bridge knowledge gaps, challenge outdated narratives, and foster more equitable engagement between African stakeholders and international partners.

The Be Bold Grant will directly support the development of high-quality video content that explains what we do, why it matters, and how Africa’s critical minerals can be developed responsibly and inclusively. Clear, accessible storytelling is central to our work, and this funding enables us to reach wider and more diverse audiences, from policymakers and investors to students and the general public.

Receiving this grant is particularly meaningful given LEH’s longstanding emphasis on confidence, leadership, and purpose. I am proud to carry those values forward through my work, and I gratefully receive this support as both an encouragement and a responsibility to continue building boldly and with impact.

You can learn more here: www.cmagafrica.com

THE HOLLES GRANT 2025

THE METAMORPHOSIS OF MOTHERHOOD

Exploring the changes we undergo when we become mothers can extend beyond our physical and emotional state. How are we perceived by the world around us? What impact does motherhood have? And where do we go next?

Writer Stephanie Martin, Class of 2004, explores these vital questions through her project supported by the Be Bold award. Learn more about her piece of work which will become a play and maybe even appear on screen.

My project explores the concept of “Matrescence - the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood”, as defined by Lucy Jones. I am continually struck by the absence of conversation, information and space given to the realities of motherhood in the theatre industry where I mainly work, as well as culture and society as a whole. Motherhood, care-giving, the enormity of the physical, emotional changes are often treated as an afterthought, something that should be hidden. Of course, there is deep sexism

involved in this which urgently needs redressing. I’m particularly interested in how motherhood intersects with women’s careers and ambitions. This work is a new step for me, working autobiographically and staging characters, narratives and themes that women are often encouraged to hide, keep quiet and get on with and simply leave at home. My project will reveal the sexism, discrimination and inequality surrounding matrescence. I’m passionate about creating theatre and screen work which is a part of the movement to make bold and positive

change for mothers. It feels brave (and often impossible) for women in the workplace and society to shout loudly about motherhood and its demands. This project has sparked essential conversations and will be a part of the movement to redress deeply rooted sexism and insist mothers and care giving can exist front and centre. I would like to thank the Alumnae Advisory Group for choosing to support my project through the Be Bold Grant.

THE HOLLES GRANT 2025

More details will be announced via Holles Connect Online soon 25 JUNE 5.00pm – 7.00pm

For members of the Class of 2025 4 JULY 11:30am – 1:30pm Henley Cricket Club 3 OCTOBER 10:00am – 4:00pm LEH All are welcome, plus special get-togethers for year-groups ending in 6’s and 1’s. 7 DECEMBER 6:30pm – 8:00pm St Mary’s Church. Hampton

Holles Connect chatted to Mercedes Brown, Class of 2010, who’s making waves as the International Marketing Director at Warner Music Group. Mercedes takes us behind the scenes of her career, sharing how embracing boldness at LEH gave her the confidence to climb the career ladder and connect with global superstars. Get ready for an exclusive look into the world of music, marketing, and major success!

How did your education or experiences at LEH prepare you for your current role?

They say at LEH, “Hope Flavours the Bold ” and that couldn’t be more true. What I remember most about my time there is how brilliantly we were challenged. We were constantly encouraged to push ourselves, take risks, and develop a well-rounded

MERCEDES BROWN ON TRANSFORMING PASSION INTO INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

skill set, something I now realise has been instrumental to everything I’ve achieved since. LEH gave me structure, discipline, and a sense of routine that I didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but which laid the foundation for both my personal and professional growth.

The school instilled in me the belief that hard work is always worth it, and that merit is recognised.

”I felt that the Arts were truly valued at LEH, something that can often be overlooked in other schools.” That environment not only nurtured my creative interests but also helped build the resilience, perseverance, and self-belief that have carried me through the challenges of adult life.

What’s your favourite LEH memory?

Some of my favourite memories at LEH are from music classes with Mr Yeo Sat-Soon and guitar lessons with Freddy D’Albert. I genuinely wouldn’t have the career I have today without their support and encouragement. I’m also incredibly grateful to the friends I roped into forming a school band, who humoured my slightly odd obsessions.

Can you walk us through your career path and what led you to become an International Marketing Director?

They say all music industry executives are failed musicians, and in my case, that might be true. My musical journey ended with a GCSE composition assignment and the realisation that songwriting wasn’t my strength. But what I lacked in talent, I made up for in passion. Looking back, I now understand that what I thought was an obsession with music was actually a “special interest,” something I better understand now as an adult diagnosed with ADHD.

Straight out of education, I threw myself into the industry. I signed up for newsletters, joined street teams, and volunteered at live events. My first real opportunity came in 2011 with an internship at Roadrunner Records. It was my first taste of office life, where I learned that making a great cup of tea can surprisingly take you far. More importantly, I was shown generosity, guidance, and encouragement that still shapes me today.

From there, I took on various roles

including being a Label Assistant, Agent Assistant and PR Assistant, building a solid foundation across many corners of the industry. This breadth was crucial in becoming a well-rounded marketeer. My first major label experience came with an internship at Universal Music in Global Marketing. I worked on catalogue releases, learning quickly about international campaigns, spreadsheets, and tea.

After a stint at an indie label, I missed the scale of major labels and moved to Sony. I started in Production, then transitioned to Marketing for compilations. Eventually, an old boss from Universal brought me back as an International Product Manager. Working with artists like Aurora, Blossoms, and Sean Paul, I fell in love with international marketing, fast-paced, relentless, and deeply rewarding. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about building global relationships, understanding cultural nuances, and shaping an artist’s international presence.

I later moved to Warner to secure a senior role, briefly explored artist management, and then returned as an International Marketing Director. Working at Warner has been careerdefining. The company fosters a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and global thinking. I’ve been empowered to push boundaries, explore bold ideas, and collaborate with some of the most talented people

in the industry. There’s a unique spirit here that’s hard to describe but easy to feel, and I’m proud to be part of it.

What exciting projects are you working on?

Every day feels exciting because we’re working in a space that’s constantly shifting, whether it’s driven by cultural trends, digital innovation, or how people engage with music globally. The pace is fast, but that’s what makes it so energising. While there’s a lot I can’t share publicly just yet, I can say that we’re gearing up for the release of a highly anticipated mixtape from the UK’s hottest internet sensation PinkPantheress, someone who’s gone viral in a way that’s redefining what breakout success looks like today, whilst keeping complete artistic integrity and control.

At the same time, we’re preparing for the next leg of Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism tour. The campaign around this tour has been a masterclass in global collaboration, and it’s been a privilege to be part of something that connects with audiences on such a massive scale. From localised marketing rollouts to digital fan engagement strategies, there’s always a new challenge, and that’s what keeps the work so compelling.

What has been the most rewarding part of your role as an International Marketing Director?

The most rewarding part of my role as an International Marketing Director is

MERCEDES BROWN

her

“You need resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion. Be willing

to put in the hours and show up even when it’s hard. It might not always be easy, but if you love it, it will absolutely be

worth it.”

getting to witness how an artist’s vision can move across borders and connect with audiences around the world.

What makes it even more special is our team, who work relentlessly hard and the collaboration with international partners. There’s something really powerful about being part of a network across time zones, all aligned with the same goal.

It’s a privilege I’ll never take for granted.

What advice would you give to an LEH alumna aspiring to pursue a career in international marketing? ”Never give up. Persistence is everything.” There’s a great quote by Hunter S. Thompson that’s always stuck with me: “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.” It’s obviously exaggerated – but it captures the intensity oddly accurately.

Mercedes with

team supporting the behind stage work with her artists.

MEET CECE GREEN FIGHTING CLIMATE ACTION AND BECOMING A WORLD LACROSSE CHAMPION!

Cece Green’s love for lacrosse began at home with her two older sisters, but it was at LEH in Thirds that she truly fell for the game. Surrounded by a talented team and inspiring coaches, Cece quickly made her mark, helping the 1st Team win the National Schools Championship in 2018, for the first time in 30 years.

Her journey continued with England U19, including the 2019 World Cup, before captaining the U23 England squad while at Durham University. After university, she joined the England Senior Squad and, in 2023, the emerging Great Britain Squad.

Training remains intense, with four weekly sessions, monthly squad weekends, and international tours. Recent highlights include playing against Japan’s national team in Tokyo. Balancing elite sport with a full-time job is challenging, but flexible employers and tailored coaching make it possible.

Cece credits her first coach at LEH, Nicky Budd, for instilling grit, discipline, and a lifelong love of lacrosse. Her advice to her younger self: be kinder and more patient, trusting that achievements will come.

Cece Green, Class of 2018, is an Analyst at a global NGO by day and a Team GB lacrosse player by night. From LEH to Tokyo, her journey shows passion, perseverance and impressive multi-tasking.

TRAILBLAZING FORENSIC NURSE JESSICA DAVIDSON MBE

Jessica Davidson MBE, Class of 1986, combines compassion and leadership to transform forensic nursing in Scotland, ensuring expert care for victims and inspiring a new generation of trauma-informed nurses.

Jessica Davidson (née Higgins), Class of 1986, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List 2024 for her outstanding services to forensic nursing and victim support in Scotland. Based in Edinburgh, Jess was Senior Charge Nurse and Clinical Lead for South East Healthcare and Forensic Medical Services for People in Police Care, as well as Nurse Lead for the SARCS Network for Scotland. She is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing and a Queen’s Nurse.

Jess is widely recognised as one of Scotland’s most experienced and respected senior clinical forensic charge nurses. She has worked closely with Police

Scotland to develop a pioneering regional nurse-led service that has transformed care for people needing medical and forensic support. Her dedication has ensured that victims of sexual assault and people in police custody receive trauma-informed, person-centred healthcare, setting new standards across the country.

Alongside her clinical work, Jess has had a lasting impact on education. She helped establish Queen Margaret University’s PgCert Advanced Forensic Nursing (Person-Centred Practice) course, training a new generation of forensic nurse practitioners. Through this programme, she continues to support highly skilled nurses committed to improving care for people who have experienced sexual assault, trauma, or marginalisation within the criminal justice system. Her work demonstrates the values of leadership, service, and compassion that LEH instilled in her from an early age.

Reflecting on her MBE, Jess said, “I am delighted to receive an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List. This is a reflection of the collective hard work and vision of so many people across the networks I am privileged to work within. Being recognised for forensic nursing and victim support can inspire all of us to be the people our patients want to see and to begin the journey of recovery alongside them.”

Jess’s work has also had a profound effect on policy and practice in Scotland. Today, there is a 100 per cent attendance rate of a nurse examiner in all rape cases, ensuring victims receive expert care at every stage.

From LEH classrooms to the forefront of forensic nursing in Scotland, Jess Davidson’s career is a testament to dedication, leadership, and compassion. Her MBE recognises a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of some of society’s most vulnerable people and embodies the values of excellence and service instilled by her alma mater.

ROWING WITH IMPACT

Harriet Taylor, Class of 2021, now a Newcastle rower, has launched a British Rowing award promoting wellbeing and inclusion.

When Harriet first picked up an oar at LEH, she could not have imagined how rowing would shape her future. Now a student at Newcastle University, she excels on the water while championing welfare, wellbeing and inclusion across British Rowing.

“Harriet is a truly committed and inspirational athlete,” says Abby Johnston, Class of 2007, and LEH Director of Rowing. “She played a key role in the LEH Eight that became National Champions in 2021. Seeing her continue her journey, promoting wellbeing and inclusion, makes everyone at LEHBC incredibly proud.”

Harriet recently created a British Rowing award recognising initiatives that promote welfare and inclusion. The idea came after her Newcastle women’s first eight was named University Crew of the Year at the British Rowing Awards.

Harriet, top right with her LEH team at the National Schools’ Regatta 2021

“I realised that what we were doing around wellbeing and inclusion could inspire others,” she explains. “Not all clubs share this culture, so it felt important to highlight good practice.”

She credits much of her passion to LEH. “It was where I learned to row and developed my passion for teamwork and inclusion. The coaches created an open environment, with sports psychology sessions that broadened our understanding.”

Beyond sport, Harriet remembers the school’s culture of kindness. “Teachers genuinely cared about every student’s mental health and wellbeing. That attitude has stayed with me.” She also notes the empowering environment

of an all-girls school. “I never once felt girls had fewer opportunities than boys. That has inspired me to promote inclusion and equality in sport today.”

Her favourite memory is winning the National Schools’ Championship 8+ title in 2021. “After two long lockdowns and endless solo training sessions, that win was the ultimate reward.”

Harriet’s journey from school rower to national advocate is a reminder of what the LEH community nurtures: confidence, compassion and courage. “That attitude of openness and care I learned at LEH drives me to make rowing a sport where everyone feels supported and included.”

LOUISE KINGSLEY RECOGNIZED WITH MBE FOR IMPACT ON BRITISH ROWING

Louise Kingsley, Class of 1984, has been awarded an MBE for her leadership in British rowing, guiding GB to record Olympic and Paralympic success and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Congratulations to Louise Kingsley, Class of 1984 for receiving an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List. As Louise was one of the first instigators of the LEH rowing club, who worked very hard to forge a partnership with Hampton Boat Club, we know so many of you will be very pleased to see that Louise went on to create such a fantastic career in the sport.

Louise exclusively spoke to Holles Connect and happily stated, “I feel very humbled to have been honoured in this way and think of it as recognition of the hard work

Paris 2024, where the GB Rowing Team delivered its most successful Olympic Games ever by number of medallists, with 36 of 42 athletes winning medals, the team’s best overseas Olympic performance. At the Paralympics, Great Britain topped the para rowing medal table with three golds and one silver, marking its strongest Paralympic rowing campaign to date.

and dedication that goes into the GB Rowing Team from all of staff, athletes and volunteers. Rowing is an incredible team sport and I am in a very privileged position having been introduced to it whilst a pupil at LEH and now being able to lead the World Class Programme.“

Louise is the first woman to lead British Rowing’s Performance programme since the introduction of Lottery funding in 1997. With over 20 years in the sport, she has shaped British rowing from the ground up –beginning as a successful coach before going on to lead the performance pathway and Paralympic programme.

She has served as Team Leader for the GB Rowing Team’s para squad at four Paralympic Games: Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016 and the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games. Her leadership reached new heights at

Earlier in her career, Louise coached GB’s first-ever junior women’s crew in the World Championship in 1993 and joined the GB Rowing Team in 1997, later coaching at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to sport, she was awarded an MBE in the King’s Honours in 2026.

Driven by seeing others progress and exceed their own expectations, Louise remains a lifelong sportswoman and accomplished archer. Away from work, she enjoys an active life, often walking her much-loved labrador along the riverbank, and is also a Non-Executive Director at British Shooting.

We know that the students who take part in rowing at school will certainly be looking up to Louise with hope and inspiration for where rowing could take them!

Sky’s the Limit: LEH Alumna Sasha Nash Becomes First Woman to Lead the Red Arrows!

Wing Commander Sasha Nash, Class of 2002, has been promoted to Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, in a landmark achievement for both the Royal Air Force and the LEH community.

In her new role, she will command a team of approximately 150 RAF and civilian personnel at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, with full responsibility for all aspects of the team’s operations.

Her appointment is being celebrated at LEH as a powerful source of inspiration for current students especially those who are considering a career in the Armed Forces.

Nathan Cousins, Head of Outdoor Education and Acting Pilot Officer Contingent Commander LEH CCF (RAF) said: “It’s fabulous news about the appointment of Wg Cdr Nash. Within our current LEH CCF (RAF) contingent we have two cadets who are set on pursuing a career in the RAF, one as an engineer and one in fast jets. Wg Cdr Nash’s career to date

LEH ALUMNA WING COMMANDER SASHA NASH TAKES COMMAND OF THE RED ARROWS IN HISTORIC RAF APPOINTMENT

Sasha Nash, Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team

and appointment is an inspiration to these two as well as the rest of our cadets and we wish her continued success. The LEH CCF (RAF), delivered in partnership with Hampton School, offers a structured extra-curricular programme for students providing a co-educational experience and focuses on developing the key personal attributes, of communication, leadership, confidence, responsibility and teamwork.”

Wing Commander Nash’s journey from school pupil to one of the most prestigious command roles in the RAF demonstrates how ambition, dedication and resilience can lead to extraordinary careers. Staff and pupils alike have praised her achievement as a reminder that no career path is beyond reach.

A former Tornado GR4 fast-jet pilot, Wing Commander Nash has flown frontline operational tours in Afghanistan and brings extensive experience to the role. As Officer Commanding, she will oversee the planning, training and delivery of the Red Arrows’ internationally recognised displays, alongside the management and welfare of the wider unit.

Reflecting on her appointment, Wing Commander Nash described the role as “a career opportunity of a lifetime”.

“If someone had told me 20 years ago that one day I would be Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows, I do not think I would have believed it,” she said.

Her passion for aviation began at a young age.

“I was a six-year-old girl when I decided I wanted to join the Royal Air Force and fly fast jets,” she said. “That ambition stayed with me throughout school, where I achieved a Sixth Form scholarship and a subsequent university bursary to join the RAF.”

Wing Commander Nash’s success serves as a powerful role model for current LEH students, particularly those considering careers in aviation, engineering, leadership or the armed forces. Her appointment highlights the importance of self-belief and perseverance, and stands as a proud moment for the entire LEH community.

CLEFT LIP AND PALATE AWARENESS

Harriet Linnell-West, Class of 2012, is raising awareness to support children born with a cleft. Here she tells Holles Connect readers more about her experiences as a mother with a child who was born with a cleft lip.

Globally, one in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip, palate, or both. That might seem small, but almost everyone knows someone affected, directly or through a family member.

Cleft is often misunderstood. Many think it can be fixed with a single surgery, but it is a complex condition. Children may need up to 20 operations from birth into young adulthood, alongside support for feeding, hearing, dental, and speech challenges.

My son, Eddie, was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate in early 2023. Our journey has been difficult, but Eddie is a remarkable little boy.

QUICK FIRE CLASSICS WITH GAIL TRIMBLE

Despite facing more than most toddlers, he brings joy, laughter, and resilience to his world every day.

The hardest moments have been diagnosis and the surgeries. Learning of Eddie’s cleft during the 20-week scan, usually a joyful time to discover a baby’s sex, was devastating. Watching him go under general anesthetic for surgery, is something I will never forget.

In a world that often prioritises appearance, I hope Eddie grows up surrounded by understanding and kindness. Before he was born, I knew very little about cleft. Raising awareness matters, so families face fewer obstacles and less judgement.

For support, the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) helps families through diagnosis and treatment, while Smile Train funds surgeries in Asia, Africa, and South America. Both charities transform lives for children like Eddie and their families. You can read the longer article on Holles Connect online.

1 - Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro)

2 - Atlas

3 - Dressed in white (from candidatus, meaning “clothed in white”, referring to the specially whitened togas worn by Roman candidates for office)

4 - Delphi/the Delphic Oracle (Croesus got the first answer, attacked the Persians, lost, and destroyed his own empire; the Athenians eventually worked out that their ‘wooden walls’ were their ships)

5 - Athena

FRESH FACES, BOLD WORK

Do you remember the quiet nerves and excitement of walking into English class, carefully re-reading your creative writing and hoping it would impress the reader? At LEH, we are fortunate to have some very talented writers, and we are pleased to share a selection of their work with you. As you read, you may find those familiar feelings returning, reflected in the voices of our current LEH students and the talent they bring to the page. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

Pompeii, August, 79 AD

The mountain is open.

It has split like a mouth, and inside it is red and gold and moving, fire sliding out slowly, not rushing, not panicking, as if it knows it will reach everything in the end and therefore has no need to hurry, and I have never seen anything so bright in my life, so alive, so busy with itself, and even though it hurts my eyes a little I do not look away because it feels important to watch it, like watching bread rise or the sea change its mind.

The sky cannot decide what it is. It keeps becoming something else. Every time I think I know it, it changes again, turning soft and swollen like peaches left too long in the sun, then shiny and brown like a new coin, then suddenly dark pink, the colour of crushed berries smeared across a table, and ash floats through it and makes the light thick and blurry, the way metal goes cloudy when I breathe on it and write my name with my finger.

Ash lands on my hands. I clap and laugh because it flies back up again. It feels like tiny feathers that do not belong to birds.

“Look,” I say to Mama. “It’s snowing fire.”

Little white stones fall too, tapping on the ground and bouncing like they are playing a game with themselves. Mama says they are pumice. I pick one up and laugh because it is silly and light and feels like it is pretending to be a stone, like it forgot the rules.

Everything smells like smoke and bread and hot dust and soap from the laundry house nearby, and I feel wrapped in it all,

AMNA H is a twelve-year-old writer in Lower 4 with a love for the past. Recently she received a ‘Commended’ award in the highly competitive ‘Poetry Society’s Foyle Young Poets of the Year Awards’. Amna enjoys English, Latin and History, and spends her time writing free verse poetry, running her blog Ancient Musings, painting and collecting coins. She is inspired by historical fiction, myth retellings, classical philosophy and the poet Mary Oliver, and her writing is thoughtful, reflective and full of curiosity. Her story about a mother and child during Pompeii is a hopeful tale, showing how love and courage can endure even in the darkest times. At home, she shares her life with her cat, Catullus, and is passionate about keeping HALE alive in the modern world.

as if the whole day has climbed into the bath with me and come up to my shoulders.

Ash lands on my arms and makes pale lines where my skin is darker. I like how it looks. Mama wipes my hair with her fingers and the ash moves the way flour does when she bakes, leaving soft trails.

“You’re getting dusty,” she says.

“I like it,” I say. “I look important.”

She smiles and says, “You’re turning into a statue.”

That makes sense to me.

I stand up very straight and pull my arms stiff by my sides. I pull my face into a serious face, like the stone men near the forum who never smile and never blink. My mouth keeps trying to smile anyway, trembling at the edges. I press my lips together until they hurt.

I last almost long enough.

Then the laugh comes out of me all at once, like I dropped it, like it slipped out of my hands and smashed open on the ground. It jumps out before I can stop it, bending me forward, making a strange broken sound in my throat. I try to hold it in and that makes it worse. My shoulders shake. My knees forget how to work. I grab my own legs and laugh into them, breath bursting and breaking.

Mama laughs too, a short laugh, surprised, like it escaped her by accident.

“You moved,” she says.

“I’m a laughing statue,” I say, and that is the worst thing I could have said because now the laugh comes back bigger and messier and louder, and I sit down hard and bang my bottom on the step and get angry at the stone for one second and then laugh at myself for being angry, and the laugh turns into a snort that makes Mama laugh again.

The ground trembles beneath us, not angry, just awake, like a giant turning over in sleep.

Mama takes my hand and we start walking. Everyone is walking. The street feels wide and pointed, like it knows a secret and is showing it to us slowly. My feet make little slapping sounds on the stones. The air is thick and bright and my head feels loose, like when I spin and spin and the world keeps going even after I stop. We turn a corner and the street changes its mind. The ground is pink and yellow and purple, like someone tipped a paint box and forgot to clean it up.

Flowers lie there, face up, touching each other, filling the stones the way colour fills a page when you press too hard. Red ones like they have been holding heat, yellow ones like bits of morning, purple ones deep and soft like the sky just before night. They look awake. They look pleased to be seen.

They aren’t dropped or spilled. They feel decided. As if the street woke up and chose them. As if this is what roads do when they want to be kind.

I laugh because it is too much beauty for where we are.

“Mama,” I say, tugging her hand. “Look.”

I step carefully between the flowers, the way I step between sleeping animals. They smell sweet and warm and green, and the smell rises up around me like a promise.

I think laughter is like flowers. It appears where it wants to, even on stone. I think joy is something that grows without asking.

We keep walking, through colour and light, and I laugh again because the flowers keep going and so do we.

WHY LAUGHTER TRULY IS THE BEST MEDICINE

We all lead busy lives, and it is easy to get swept up in the day-to-day and forget to have fun. At Holles Connect, we want to change that, especially as our theme this time is all about joy and laughter. Bringing joy back into your life can feel tricky, but Maryam in Lower Sixth is here to help. She will show you why it is so important to take a moment each day to laugh and share some simple ways to make sure you get those giggles in.

Maryam is 17 and excelling in History, French and English. She sings in the choir, plays in the jazz band, runs cross-country, debates and is completing a drama diploma. Curious and witty, she writes about the small joys that make life brighter, starting with laughter, because she believes a day without a smile is a day wasted.

We have all heard it before: laughter is the best medicine. It may sound like a cliché, but science shows that laughing can improve your body, mind and social life. From burning calories to easing tension, laughter is more than fun; it is essential.

Laugh Your Way to Fitness

A genuine belly laugh is like a miniworkout. Studies show it can increase calorie burn by 10 to 20 per cent above resting levels. Ten minutes of laughter can burn roughly 40 calories, which adds up over time.

Boost Your Heart and Mood

Laughing expands arteries, improves oxygen flow and reduces inflammation,

supporting heart health. It also releases endorphins, raising pain thresholds and boosting mood. Laughter yoga, founded in 1995, proves that even fake laughter has real benefits.

Laughter is Social Glue Laughing together encourages eye contact, conversation and touch, strengthening friendships and easing tension in relationships. Couples who laugh together often enjoy longerlasting, happier relationships.

Did you know?

Most laughter happens around friends or family, making it one of the easiest ways to feel connected.

Try laughter yoga classes – fun, energising and surprisingly effective.

Watch funny videos – curate your feed to bring joy.

Go to comedy shows – laugh in person and meet people.

Spend time with friends and family –game nights, dinners and nights out are guaranteed laughs.

Laugh randomly – even fake laughter releases endorphins and spreads joy to others.

Laughter is simple, free and universal. As Maryam says, a day without a smile is truly a day wasted. So giggle, chuckle and laugh; your body, mind and heart will thank you. TOP 5 WAYS TO LAUGH DAILY

OARS, MEMORIES AND MILESTONES: A YEAR ON THE WATER AT LEH

The 2024–25 season will linger long in the memory at LEH Boat Club, not just for the results, but for the familiar rhythm of early mornings, long journeys and shared triumphs that many alumnae will remember well. It was a year that reminded us how strong the club has become, and how deeply its traditions continue to run.

The racing year opened at Quintin Head, where the J15s, J16s and Senior squads combined to secure the Victor Ludorum. It was the sort of start that lifts everyone’s spirits and sets the tone for what follows. That confidence carried through to Schools’ Head, with strong performances across the board, including a top-five finish for the senior eight and an impressive top-three placing for the J15s.

The J14s enjoyed their first national outing at the Junior Sculling Regatta,

The 2024–25 season was a memorable one for LEH Boat Club, marked by early victories, strong national performances and shared moments that echo across generations. From Quintin Head to Henley, training camps abroad and international success, the year celebrated tradition, resilience and a thriving, connected rowing community for all involved. Director of Rowing, Abby Johnston, Class of 2007, has paused her coaching on the river to let Holles Connect readers find out the updates from our current rowing squads.

rowing with composure beyond their years to claim third place. Many alumnae will recognise that particular mix of nerves and excitement. The senior girls also represented LEH at the Women’s Head of the River Race, finishing 47th out of more than 300 crews and racing shoulder to shoulder with universities, clubs and international athletes.

Easter brought the much-anticipated training camps. The Senior squad travelled to Lago di Pusiano in northern Italy, where perfect water and long days on the lake provided both speed and perspective. Closer to home, the J14s made the most of a productive week in Nottingham, laying foundations that would serve them well through the summer.

As regatta season arrived, success followed. A standout win for the J15 eight at Wallingford was joined by a steady stream of victories at Bedford, Thames Ditton, Reading and Thames Valley Park, with crews across the age groups returning home with tankards and tired smiles.

National Schools’ Regatta tested both resolve and resilience. The Senior girls

finished fourth in the Championship Eights time trial as the fastest non-scholarship school, while the J15 eights both reached A-finals. The J14s enjoyed a particularly special regatta, with the B boat winning their event and the C boat finishing as the fastest C crew in the country.

Henley Royal Regatta provided a fitting highlight. The First VIII were selected into the top twelve and opened with a memorable win over Surbiton High before a hard-fought quarter-final.

The season closed with alumna, Lucy Pitt’s selection for Great Britain at the Coupe de la Jeunesse, where she won two gold medals, a proud moment for the whole LEH community.

With a strong start to the new Autumn Term and plans for an Alumnae Boat Club Membership underway, the club’s story continues, built on shared memories and a love of the sport that connects generations. Watch out for our invitation to the Holles Social at Henley Regatta. Invitations will be sent out to Holles Boat Club members that have joined via Holles Connect online.

INSIDE HALE CLUB: HONEYED HOURS

Amelie, one of our Lower Sixth Creative Directors, creates brilliant ideas for the LEH Marketing team and is a talented writer. She reflects on how a summer’s day warms not just the world around us but also within us.

The sun bursts into the sky and the buildings are turned golden. Flowers perk their heads up, bathing in its glow; metal glints like silver; and suddenly the world is filled with a tranquil joy. The air slows, becoming honeyed, flecks of dust suspended in its lazy flow.

The clock strikes eight as a steady stream of chattering girls begins to pour through the gates, with their bags slung carelessly over their shoulders, shirts untucked and hair hanging loose. The languorous heat has slowed our pace, softened our steps. Laughter drifts across the lawn like smoke, as feet tread on the sun-baked path.

Inside, classrooms hum with quiet energy. Windows stand wide open, inviting a soft sunlight to pool across desks. Pages turn drowsily, pens scratch at paper in unhurried rhythm, and the clock on the wall ticks softly, barely noticed.

Outside, some classes have decided to make the most of the heat.

Language orals are conducted in the open air; clipboards are everywhere, makeshift desks; teachers wear sunglasses while explaining circle theorems. The surroundings seem sharply at odds with the subjects, but all meshes together into a flowing summer rhythm.

Soon, breaktime arrives, and the world stretches even further. Shoes come off;

sink into the grass; hands brush against earth as girls lounge beneath the generous shade of old oaks. Water bottles glisten in the sunlight, cold against heated palms, and the tang of fruit and melting chocolate drifts between conversations.

The heat emboldens our youth: suddenly we are twelve again, kicking footballs and cartwheeling endlessly. For these moments, nothing exists outside this patch of sun and shadow.

When we think of school, this is what we will remember.

Yet even in this slowness, there is the quiet awareness that it will not last. The afternoon leans toward evening, the sunlight softening, shadows stretching long across the grass. Backpacks grow heavier, and the gates loom closer with each step. But the joy does not fade - it lingers, pressed into memory, a promise that the day, even when gone, leaves its mark.

As the final bell rings, the gates open once more, and the world beyond waits. The golden glow clings to hair and sleeves, to skin and smiles. Girls spill into the streets, quietly glowing, carrying inside them the honeyed heat of the day. Even as the sun dips lower, the world remains, for a moment, exactly as it was: full of warmth, of laughter, of quiet, unspoken joy.

CREATIVITY, CURIOSITY AND COLLABORATION

HALE Club, run by our enthusiastic Lower Sixth HALE reps, is the hub for anyone interested in Humanities, Arts, Languages and English. Students from across the school come together to explore different aspects of HALE subjects, share ideas and get creative. Recently, the club launched the HALE Hangout podcast, giving students the chance to hear from teachers about their subjects. HALE reps also contribute to the HALE Journal, showcasing research, competition entries and more. Whether you love debating, writing, performing or just learning something new, HALE Club is your space to connect, create and celebrate the world of HALE.

Laura Allison Teacher of History and Politics HALE Coordinator

socks

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENTISTS

Have you ever thought about how crickets might find their way onto our plates? Thanks to the generous support of Mary Sutherland, Class of 1962, students are now exploring science and being inspired by our exciting new STEM lecture series.

I recently returned to LEH for a truly memorable occasion: the first STEM lecture I had sponsored, held alongside the new Heath Robinson Prize for invention. Both were created in memory of my father, Sir Gordon Sutherland, and of Heath Robinson, celebrated for his whimsical and ingenious inventions. The day became even more memorable when pupils, teachers, and I sampled chocolate brownies infused with ground crickets – surprisingly delicious, if a little gritty.

The lecture, delivered by two specialists from Surrey University, explored the exciting field of food science. They encouraged Lower Sixth pupils to consider it as a potential future career, using the brownies as a fun and memorable introduction to a relatively new and lesser-known branch of science, vital for developing

safe, healthy, and sustainable ways to feed the world.

The idea for my donation came from a generous friend who once gave me a gift, saying he preferred to see me enjoy it rather than leaving it in his will. That thoughtful experience inspired me to support LEH. With the guidance of Andy Brittain and his colleagues, the new prize and lecture became a reality.

I hope these initiatives help uncover the special talents of at least one or two pupils, sparking scientific ideas that could shape their own futures and the future of the world.

Sir Gordon Sutherland was a pioneering physicist and Director of the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington. Heath Robinson is remembered for his extraordinary, whimsical machines, which combined imagination and engineering in ways that continue to inspire inventors today.

Paying it forward - how your gift can impact the next generation

If you have been inspired by Mary’s thoughtful and generous donation to LEH and would like to discuss a similar gift in sponsorship of a subject or field that you would like to see more girls experience and consider for the future, please get in touch with us at development@lehs.org.uk and we will be happy to discuss your ideas.

WRITE

THE GIRL GOES FROM SUCCESS TO SUCCESS!

Write the Girl is a partnership between schools and theatre professionals to support playwrights in creating the powerful, meaningful stories young women deserve. Schools select a play from our play-pack, commission a playwright, and collaborate on a creative journey from pen to stage.

What began in 2019 with the support of many of our wonderful alumnae including actress, Ana Martin, Class of 2018, has grown into something truly special. In the early stages of the initiative, we launched with a special Q&A day, welcoming representatives from Nick Hern Books and acclaimed playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm as our keynote speaker.

Since then, the initiative has continued to flourish, expanding beyond our school community and now reaching regional audiences. Most recently, Miss Torrent travelled to Bolton to meet the writer and cast and to watch their performance. It was a real joy to see the project embraced and celebrated by so many!

We are incredibly proud of how far Write the Girl has come and hope that even more schools will take up this empowering initiative. Above all, we are so grateful to our exceptionally talented students past and present, who have been at the heart of this journey from the very beginning.

By Sophie Torrent, Director of Drama.

You can learn more about this fantastic initiative here: https://lehs.org.uk/sixthform/drama/write-the-girl/

At LEH, sport thrives with passion, talent, and teamwork, as pupils excel, compete nationally, and celebrate remarkable achievements on every stage. Dani Mugridge, Director of Sport, takes two minutes out of training to let us know how the year is already shaping up for Lacrosse and Netball!

Netball

We are thrilled with the progress our netball programme has made at LEH since the challenges of COVID. Every year group now takes part, and many pupils are choosing to play competitively for the school. We are especially proud to celebrate having A to H teams in Year 7, with participation continuing strongly as our girls move up through the school.

Our teams have achieved some outstanding success. The U14, U15, U16, and Senior 1st teams consistently qualify for County finals, and last year our U14A and U15A sides were

LOCAL MATCHES TO NATIONAL GLORY

1st teams both qualified for Regionals, facing strong competition from some of the best schools in the region. While they did not progress to Nationals, the experience was invaluable, and their performances were a credit to their skill and dedication.

We also regularly take part in the School Sport Magazine and Sisters n Sport national competitions, achieving notable success. Most recently, our Senior 1st team beat Millfield to secure a place in the South Schools semi-final of the Shield competition and will next face Churcher’s College.

Middlesex Runners-Up, which was a tremendous accomplishment.

A standout moment came last year in 2025, when our U14A netball team reached the National Finals in Nottingham. Competing against the very best from around 600 schools across England, this was a remarkable achievement, particularly as Middlesex and the South East are among the strongest regions in the country. Our pupils, now in L5, enjoyed an incredible day at Nationals, finishing 10th overall in England.

This academic year, our U16 and Senior

Across all age groups, our teams enjoy regular friendly fixtures against local rivals and often secure strong results. It is also fantastic to see many pupils attending clubs and development pathways outside school, further nurturing their love for the game.

Lacrosse

We are equally delighted with our lacrosse achievements. Most recently, our Senior 1st team won the South East Schools Tournament, putting on a spectacular display of skill and teamwork. This triumph reflects the dedication and hard work the squad has invested over the past couple of years, and it is wonderful to have some silverware to celebrate their talent.

Flying High: LEH U19 A Team Triumphs as National Lacrosse Champions

On Sunday 8 March, Lady Eleanor Holles School celebrated a momentous achievement as the LEH U19 A lacrosse team were crowned National Schools Lacrosse Champions. The victory was the culmination of a season that had already seen the team lift the South East Region Cup, defying a long-standing superstition that regional winners rarely go on to claim national glory.

From the very first rounds on Saturday, it was clear that the girls were a force to be reckoned with. Both the U19 A and U19 B teams advanced to the national championship, showcasing the remarkable depth of talent across the school’s lacrosse programme. The U19 A squad approached each game with confidence and composure, navigating their way to a thrilling final against the formidable Godolphin team.

In a fiercely contested match, LEH’s determination shone through. Every pass, every sprint, every goal reflected not only their skill but also

the teamwork and belief that had been carefully nurtured throughout the season. By the final whistle, the girls had secured the national title, capping a campaign of exceptional achievement with a triumph that will be remembered for years to come.

Rowena Cole, Head of LEH School, praised the team’s efforts:

“We are incredibly proud of the girls and all they have achieved. Their determination, teamwork and commitment have been inspiring to watch. This success reflects not only their hard work but also the dedication of our fantastic sports department and coaches. It is an achievement we will never forget and one that has inspired everyone at LEH.”

For the girls themselves, the journey was as meaningful as the victory. Team captain Molly recalled the mantra that carried them through the season:

“The longer the string, the higher the kite flies. That became our focus – working together to reach the highest of heights. It is a feeling we will never forget; this team will always be a family.”

Chris Summers, Head of Lacrosse, highlighted the bonds formed both on and off the field:

“They have become a family that supports and cares for one another. From preseason to now, they took it

one day, one practice, and one game at a time. Being crowned National Champions is a testament to their hard work and something that can never be taken away.”

Behind the scenes, the commitment was extraordinary. Early morning strength and conditioning sessions, break-time wall-ball, and after-school training all contributed to the success.

Rich Lalor, Director of Performance Sport, reflected on the dedication required:

“The girls have given everything they had, not just this season; it has been many years in the making. Today, they have shown exactly what such dedication can achieve.”

The U19 B team also demonstrated courage and skill, finishing in the top eight B teams nationally, and providing inspiration for the younger players competing in the remaining championship rounds.

This national title marks the culmination of what has been widely regarded as a season of dreams for LEH lacrosse. By lifting both the South East Region Cup and the National Championship, the U19 A team has not only rewritten expectations but also reinforced the school’s status as one of the country’s leading lacrosse programmes.

We’d love to hear about your favourite sporting memory at LEH! Email us (alumnae@lehs.org.uk) with your story so we can learn more about your time at school.

THE HAPPY MEDIUM

We are thrilled to introduce, for the very first time, the exceptional work of our Art students in Holles Connect. Head of Art, Debbie Howorth, describes the creativity and joy that studying the subject brings.

At LEH, Art is more than a subject; it is a joyful experience. Our studios buzz with colour, energy and curiosity, offering dynamic spaces where ideas take shape and imagination thrives. Here, students are encouraged to take creative risks, think independently and express their individuality through bold and challenging work.

This collection of pieces showcases the joy of self-expression and the power of creative thinking, featuring work from both current students and alumnae.

Among them is Emily Atkin, Class of 2021, whose passion for fashion was sparked during a workshop with artist and lecturer Nicole Line. She recently graduated, having studied Fashion in Paris. Also featured is Josephine Olutayo, Class of 2024, who recently completed a Fashion and Textiles Art Foundation at UAL and is preparing to continue her journey at Central Saint Martins, specialising in Fashion Design Knit.

We also celebrate Niv Prabhu, Class of 2025, currently on the Art Foundation at Kingston University, exploring her creativity before applying it to her future undergraduate degree in Computer Science. Equally, this exhibition highlights the impressive work of current A Level students, including pieces developed from their GCSE Portraiture projects.

Art at LEH is a joyful testament to the boundless possibilities of creativity and the uplifting journeys it inspires.

By Debbie Howorth, Head of Art

Yufei T current U6

Niv Prabhu 2025 Kingston Uni Art Foundation

Chloe Chen 2024 Dentistry

We are proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our alumnae in the world of business. From innovative products to cutting-edge software and everything in between, our community is shaping industries everywhere.

Now you can showcase your brand with us each year, giving us the opportunity to share your story and help spread the word across our alumnae network. Here are just a few of the remarkable businesses that make up our community. If you would like to include your brand in the next edition, then please email alumnae@lehs.org.uk.

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LEH ART TEACHER WINS SURREY ARTIST OF THE YEAR!

We are delighted to share wonderful news about former LEH Art Teacher, Mrs Hilary Peat, who has been channelling her creativity and passion into crafting beautiful pottery in her home studio.

Her dedication and artistic vision have been recognised, with Mrs Peat being named Surrey Artist of the Year 2025.

ADIÓS SEÑORA BUCK

By Usue Arrieta, Head of Spanish.

Hilary said: “I retired in December 2020 after 31 happy years at LEH. Since then, I have been busy creating my own artwork in my studio at home. This is the first year that I have taken part in Surrey Artists’ Open Studios. It has been a great opportunity to share my work and reconnect with friends, including colleagues from LEH.”

Hilary’s work is deeply inspired by the world around her:

“Much of my inspiration comes from the natural world and its ever-changing colours, light and reflections. I create hand-built ceramic vessels adorned with geometric patterns that wrap carefully around each piece. Every vessel is individually hand-painted and layered with colour to build a richly textured, tactile surface, full of subtle tonal variations.”

We send our warmest congratulations to Mrs Peat on this remarkable achievement and encourage everyone to take a moment to explore her beautiful and inspiring work.

After just over twenty years of dedicated service, Adriana left our school having shaped generations of students and colleagues with her passion, professionalism, and unwavering positivity. From the moment she joined, she became not only an exceptional teacher but a true ambassador for Spanish language and culture, the real deal, as so many of us have proudly said.

Her commitment to languages extended far beyond her mother tongue. A talented polyglot, Adriana also taught Key Stage 3 German, inspiring students with the same energy and clarity that characterised all her lessons. Her classroom was always a space where curiosity was encouraged, cultural understanding was deepened, and young people felt genuinely supported.

Adriana’s contribution to pastoral life has been equally remarkable. As a Key Stage 4 tutor, she guided students through their GCSE years, offering steady support as they prepared for A levels and considered

their future career paths. Her advice was always thoughtful, practical, and grounded in a sincere belief in every student’s potential.

Beyond the classroom, Adriana threw herself wholeheartedly into school life. Whether on trips, events, or day-to-day activities, she brought a hands-on attitude and an infectious enthusiasm that lifted those around her. She was organised, reliable, and endlessly generous with her time, the kind of colleague everyone hopes to work with, and few are lucky enough to find.

As we say goodbye, we do so with immense gratitude. Adriana leaves behind not only a legacy of outstanding teaching but also the memory of a colleague who cared deeply, worked tirelessly, and enriched our community in countless ways. She will be profoundly missed and warmly remembered.

Gracias, Adriana, for everything you have given, and everything you have inspired.

CELEBRATING A CAREER OF COMPASSION, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

By Haig Agulian, Head of Modern Foreign Languages

At the end of last academic year, we said farewell to Dana Robbins - an exceptional colleague whose influence and impact at LEH over the last 26 years will be felt for generations. As a dedicated teacher of French across both our Senior and Junior School, she brought language learning to life with warmth, humour, and unwavering enthusiasm. Her classroom was a place of encouragement and discovery for language learners of all ages, where pupils not only gained confidence in speaking French but also developed a genuine appreciation for culture and communication.

Beyond her teaching, she gave generously of her time as leader of our Service Volunteers, fostering meaningful connections with members of the local

elderly community. Through her compassion and careful guidance, pupils learned the true value of empathy, responsibility, and service to others.

She has been a steadfast friend, an inspiring mentor, and a deeply valued member of our staff community. While we will dearly miss her kindness and good cheer, we are delighted that she has begun an exciting new chapter in Edinburgh with her partner and two daughters. We wish her every happiness in this well-deserved retirement.

? bient?t ! Haste ye back !

MASTER OF COMPUTERS AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT

By Paula Mortimer, Head of LEH Junior School

We celebrate the remarkable career of Jane Allden, who has retired after an extraordinary 39 years at LEH. From the early days of BBC Micros and floppy disks to iPads, cloud storage and Teams meetings, Jane has not just witnessed the digital revolution, she has quietly led it. As Junior School computing teacher, digital lead and a member of the Junior SMT, she has been the go-to problem solver for everything tech-related, from temperamental screens to last-minute Arts Festival videos, always delivering with patience, calm and an uncanny knack for miracles.

Beyond technology, Jane has shaped the Junior School community with her wisdom, humour and boundless energy. She has welcomed thousands of pupils through the gates, guided House events and competitions, and inspired curiosity, creativity and teamwork in every child she has taught. Colleagues have benefited equally from her generosity, support and legendary stash of spare cables.

Jane’s contribution cannot be measured in lesson plans or meeting minutes. It is seen in the lives she has touched, the skills she has nurtured and the laughter she has shared. Her humour, kindness and dedication will be dearly missed. We thank Jane for her decades of service and wish her a retirement filled with joy, adventure and, of course, tech glitch-free days.

THE FINAL LEH CURTAIN CALL

By Mrs Miranda Ashe, Director of Music

At the end of the Summer Term 2026, after working here for 13 years an absolute legend retired from LEH. Mrs Petrina Tate originally interviewed for the Music Admin post, and I was under strict instructions from Richard Nicholson (then Deputy Head) to make it clear there would be no dancing or choreography opportunities. It was to be admin, and nothing but admin. Her CV, of course, was packed with Musical Theatre experience, and she had run a Dance School in America. What a hilarious and forlorn hope that

was, bless him, as she has been the dancing beacon around whom we have all revolved ever since. Dance club, countless shows, and even staff dances (for the movementally challenged) came naturally to her, and she would choreograph, adapt, and teach us all with the patience of a saint.

She took no prisoners. Oh, if you could have seen the ‘glowing’ dancers emerging from yet another Sunday rehearsal with her for Legally Blonde! Not to mention her final triumph, the glorious tap dancing of 42nd Street, which led us to victory at the National Schools’ Theatre Awards, winning Best Musical 2025. What a tribute to her professionalism and work ethic. Talk about going out with a bang.

Under Pet’s direction, my first tentative plans for Cabaret, which involved the Holles Singers in their black dresses backed by a

A QUIET FORCE IN SCIENCE:

CELEBRATING

JO’S 16 YEARS OF DEDICATION

By Diane Blease, Head of Chemistry

After 16 years of remarkable service at LEH, Jo Crook has retired. As a talented chemistry teacher, Assistant Examinations Officer and Middle School Science Lead, she has been a constant source of strength, wisdom and quiet excellence within the department.

Jo is the colleague everyone hopes to work alongside: intelligent, dependable and unflappable. She has a rare ability to bring calm to the busiest of days and clarity to the most complex of problems. Generous with her time and guidance, she has supported staff and pupils alike, often

with her trademark dry humour. Many will remember her fondness for a classic joke, delivered with perfect timing and a completely straight face.

In the classroom, Jo has inspired generations of pupils, guiding them patiently through the intricacies of chemistry. Her lessons have always been thorough and carefully planned, ensuring that every student felt supported and capable. Beyond teaching, her work in the examinations office has been characterised by meticulous accuracy and steady composure. High pressure situations never seemed to ruffle her; every detail was managed with precision and care.

For six years she led Middle School Science with characteristic efficiency and common sense, strengthening the curriculum and supporting colleagues with quiet assurance. She has often been described as the department’s

live band, transformed into the most glorious nightclub setting. A myriad of stunning costumes borrowed from Pet’s mother’s decades in the business added to the spectacle. Then came the choreography, the moves, and the mirrorball, which turned it into showtime, a far cry from the original concert I had imagined.

Pet’s wicked sense of humour has kept us all giggling for years, girls and staff alike, and her dazzling smile made everything better during the most stressful times. She is also the most compassionate woman you could ever hope to meet. Generations of LEH pupils and staff have felt reassured and comforted by her warmth and practical advice, whether dealing with boyfriend troubles or maths test hysteria. We still miss her hugely, and to be honest, have already got her back in to costume, choreograph, and produce a couple of epic Fantastical Concerts. Her spirit will shine on in everything we do at LEH. We wish her and Darryl the most wonderful ‘retirement’ and look forward to seeing her as often as we possibly can once she’s back from her well-deserved holidays.

unsung hero and an absolute rock, someone who offers solutions before problems fully surface.

Jo leaves behind a department that is stronger and better organised because of her dedication. More importantly, she leaves colleagues who value her friendship and kindness deeply. Retirement will no doubt bring new adventures, well-earned rest and time to enjoy the things she loves most.

CAESAR WHO? MR PIPER CONQUERS LEH

Mr Piper began his career at LEH in 2006, joining the Classics Department, where his passion for teaching and innovation quickly became evident. Over the years, he progressed to become Director of Teaching and Innovation and a valued member of the Senior Management Team, roles he held with distinction until his departure from the school in 2025. Here, Mrs Brown, who worked closely with Mr Piper throughout his time in the Classics Department, deliberates his remarkable contribution to, and career at, LEH.

O tempora, o mores! …Mr Piper has left the building! What is there to say about him? Who could possibly put it into words? Cicero can: “What nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than that of the man who instructs the rising generation?” For

Mrs Rhiannon Brown, Classics Teacher and Head of Thirds, has very kindly written a wonderful tribute to Mr Piper’s career at LEH, which spanned almost twenty years. Like the great Roman statesmen of old, whose influence shaped the generations to come, Mr Piper has left a lasting mark on the school and its students.

countless years, Mr Piper has been the embodiment of Cicero, inspiring and supporting students in their love of the classical world. His enthusiasm for learning and unwavering (obsessive?) commitment to grammar have been neatly tied together with his desire to see LEH students succeed in their chosen pathways.

The Doric column of the Classics Department, he brought academic rigour, creativity and genuine care to everything he did. From guiding ambitious students through the Latin Reading Competition to bringing fun and laughter on countless school trips, Mr Piper combined high standards with approachability and humour. Quick with a joke (even quicker to spot unauthorised jewellery), generous with his time and unwavering in his commitment to the Sixth Form panto,

Mr Piper was always at the forefront of exploring ways to help students learn. He has made a profound impact on generations of young people.

Mr Piper’s legacy is one of curiosity, dedication and wholehearted joy in learning, qualities that have inspired both students and colleagues alike. While we will miss his humour, his expertise and his gentle nudges (or hefty pushes?) toward excellence, we know that there is a big world out there and it would be irresponsible to keep him all to ourselves. And so, as Hercules and Meg would say, it’s time for Mr Piper to “go the distance”, thank you, Mr Piper, for being awesome, “it’s been a real slice.”

LEH REVISITED

With over 130 alumnae returning for a day of fun, connection and nostalgia at our annual reunioni in October, it was lovely to welcome back every single one of you. As the sun shone, the doors of LEH opened to greet former students spanning the decades, from the Class of 1949 right through to the Class of 2020, with ages ranging from 25 to 96. It was fascinating to hear stories of school life across the generations.

Several retired teachers joined us, eager to catch up with former pupils, including:

Judy Perkins, former RE teacher 1989–2006; Joanna Crooks, former

Head of English 1981–2000; Lesley Hazel, former Classics teacher and Deputy Head; Sheila Leigh, former Maths teacher; Kate Ellis, former Physics teacher; Ruth Parker, former staff 1985–2018; Brenda Jones, History teacher 1980–2003; and Dr Margaret Hustler, former Chemistry teacher.

A special shout-out goes to the Class of 1985, with over 35 of you returning and even setting up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch. The Class of 2000 also made their mark, with 20 of you spotted frolicking along the corridor near the Nora Nichols Assembly doors, a playful reminder of the fun that was never allowed when you were here. That is what reunions

are all about: reliving school memories with the joy of being grown up. They offer the perfect chance to pause and celebrate all that life has brought you since your time at LEH.

This year we are inviting all year groups ending in 1 and 6 for their special reunion years, but everyone is welcome to join us on Saturday 3rd October. We tweaked last year’s format to include a quiz, a sing-along and other fun activities. This year, based on your feedback, we are starting the morning earlier so you can enjoy refreshments and catch up before the entertainment begins.

Edith Serkovitch, Class of 2000:

“Connecting with old friends - our year group (class of 2000) are a fab bunch and whilst we mixed in different friendship groups, we all got along and laughed together so often. It was wonderful to see that, 25 years later, nothing had changed. We laughed and reminisced together once more. I think the day was well thought out - it was the perfect length and the right amount of time on each aspect. I especially enjoyed the tour - we ran out of time to really see everywhere in detail, but it was really fun and interesting.”

Ruth Parker, Former Teacher 1985-2018: “It was lovely to receive such a warm welcome back to the school and to have the opportunity to reconnect with so many former pupils and colleagues. Everything about this event was uplifting, and it was clear that the Alumnae team had spared no effort in the preparation, from the elegant decor in the Atrium through to the take-home gift at the close of proceedings.”

Caroline Davis, Class of 2000:

“It felt exactly the right mix of opportunities to chat with old friends and get a sense of school life today. I especially enjoyed the lunch and the tour. The singsong was also a lot of fun, and I was in awe at the talents of the musicians. I can’t think how the format of the day could have been improved. The organisation was excellent!”

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and come back to LEH this year. All the details are on the events page of Holles Connect. We cannot wait to welcome you.

By Isabella Panattoni-Wallace, Alumnae Communications Officer

In December, we were overjoyed to welcome alumnae and the LEH school community to a beautiful carol service at St Mary’s Church in Hampton. Almost 300 people gathered, creating a wonderful start to the festive season. The church was filled with the stunning voices of our school choirs, and alumnae were invited to join them at the altar to sing Star in the Sky. We shared the video in our December newsletter, and we hope you enjoyed the performance as much as we did that magical evening.

This issue is all about embracing joy and laughter, and at Christmas that feeling is especially welcome, cutting through the frosty air and dark winter nights. Coming together to sing,

A SEASON OF SONG, MEMORIES, AND TOGETHERNESS CHEERING, CHOMPING, AND CHAMPIONING

celebrate and reflect on the birth of Jesus brought happiness to so many. That evening, I had the pleasure of meeting alumnae, their parents, current students and their families. The warmth and cheer in the church were truly uplifting, and I still feel the glow from that night.

At the end of the service, I met Dinah Alsford, née Henley, Class of 1958, who stayed behind to take photographs. Dinah no longer lives locally, yet she made the journey back because this church has been such a meaningful part of her life. Her story is shared on page 63, and it is a wonderful reminder of the enduring connections that events like this can foster.

I hope that, with each passing year, even more of you will be able to join us for this special service so that we can continue to share in the joy and merriment it brings. My heartfelt thanks go to Mrs Ashe and her brilliant team for creating such a beautiful concert, to the readers, including Amber D’Albert, Class of 2000, who brought the Nativity story to life with such expression, and to everyone who braved the cold and windy night to be with us. You all shone as brightly as the fairy lights that twinkled gently above us in the church, filling the evening with light and laughter.

Over 30 LEH alumnae donned their rowing blazers for a fantastic day out at the Henley Regatta, cheering on LEH in style back in July last year. During lunch, former students savoured our Pimms and Paella event, hosted in partnership with Hampton. We can’t wait to do it all again this year! Keep an eye on your inbox, as an email with full details will be sent to all Holles Boat Club members very soon.

A huge thank you to Abby Johnston, Director of Rowing, Class of 2007, for making the day extra special.

CLASS OF 2024 RETURNS

CHRISTMAS, CHURCH, AND FRIENDSHIPS

By Dinah Alsford, née Henley, Class of 1958

When I think back to my school days at LEH, one of the happiest memories is the Christmas carol service in the school hall. I was an alto in the choir, sitting next to my friend Angela. Miss Maden conducted, while Miss Morgan Brown played Jesu, joy of man’s desiring again and again as everyone filed in, filling the hall with a sense of anticipation and joy.

In later years, the service moved to St Giles’, Cripplegate, and we travelled by train to London. But in 2025, joy of joys, it was to be at St Mary’s, Hampton, the church of my childhood, and I was determined to be there.

My sister and I lived on Staines Road, just past where it becomes Sunbury. We were 2nd Hampton Brownies, then Guides, and for a short while, Air Rangers. We cycled miles to attend Church Parades, Sunday School, and all the events at St Mary’s.

One September Sunday in 1952, I told

my mother I was in the confirmation class. “You can’t be confirmed; you haven’t been baptised,” she said. The following Sunday, I told Mr Knapp, the vicar (the one in the mural on the back wall), who soon arranged my baptism. On Easter Day, 1953, at thirteen, I was baptised, followed by confirmation a few months later. My faith, nurtured by Ruby Davies, our RE teacher, has sustained me ever since. Later, I was married in St Mary’s, and my two boys were christened there.

The church seemed enormous and was packed for the carol service. The music and readings were a beautiful blend of traditional and modern, performed by 3rd formers to Sixth, and ended with the Head reading the first chapter of St John’s Gospel. I had once memorised it myself; it is the Bible in a nutshell.

I was a little sad to see the uniform almost entirely grey. I had loved my red beret with its metal badge and my scarlet pullover, worn with a red

On a balmy summer’s evening in June, we welcomed back the Class of 2024. Heir Tompsett and Head, Rowena Cole, hosted our annual event to greet our most recent LEH graduates. It was a wonderful evening spent catching up with teachers and each other, sharing what had happened over the past year.

We are now preparing to welcome back the Class of 2025 on 25 June!

purse belt, perfect for saving up for a Chelsea bun at recess.

After the service, I chatted with the present churchwarden, identifying the characters in the mural. I was told it remains as controversial today as when it was first painted.

In 1997, four of us from the years 1950–1958 gathered with old school photographs to compile the names of girls we remembered. Networking was slow, so we spent weekdays in the library and weekends on the telephone, tracking down married names. By 1999, we had enough to organise a lunch in East Molesey, and later thirty-six of us attended the “Holly Club” lunch. Miss Davies, our beloved former teacher, was there too. We are featured on pages 150 and 166, and page 7 of Grace and Integrity. Before COVID, we met every spring, often from Monday to Thursday at selected hotels.

My advice to those nearing the end of their school days is simple: keep the contact details of three or four friends from LEH. Sharing memories later in life with people who understand the roots of your values and aspirations can be unexpectedly rewarding.

10.00am – 4.00pm at LEH

£25 per person including lunch

Incorporating reunions for the 1’s and 6’s

To

TEACHER’S PET

Our runners-up are this sprightly group of Border Collies, owned by Sue Kitcatt, Class of 1982.

“

SUE KITCATT

CLASS OF 1982

“Here are my four Border Collies enjoying a holiday in the Lakes. Always full of fun and energy, they enjoy competing in agility, chasing around the beach, and long country walks, but also never say no to a good snuggle on the sofa. They certainly keep me feeling young and on my toes.”

Earlier this year, we asked you to send in photos of your beloved canine pals, and boy, did you deliver!

Louie joined Merrie Mannassi, Class of 1975, in December 2021 from Saint Sled Dog Rescue after his previous family could no longer care for him. Now nearly 14 and a half, he is still a fluffy bundle of cheekiness, love, and classic husky mischief. Unpredictable, hilarious, and endlessly charming, Louie has definitely earned his crown as the clown of the dog world. You never know what hijinks he will get up to each day!

We are launching a new competition and opening this up to all pets! Cats, chameleons, or anything in between, we want to see them all. Send your pet pictures, along with a short note explaining why your companion deserves to win, to alumnae@lehs. org.uk. The winners will receive a £20 gift voucher and will star in an upcoming newsletter.

This year’s winner is Louie!

It’s been almost two years since we launched our mentoring programme, LEH Elevate. With over 500 alumnae around the world already signed up to support students and other alumnae it just goes to show the strength of the LEH community, raising each other up through providing advice and opportunities.

SIXTH FORM MENTEES AND THEIR ALUMNAE MENTORS

“Coming from a family where nobody has ever worked in the field of Law, it was just amazing to connect with Jasmine on LEH Elevate. She provided me with such good advice which then led to the opportunity of completing a four-day work experience placement in her law firm and which undoubtedly strengthened my UCAS application. Without LEH Elevate I wouldn’t have been able to find such a great match for my interests and aspirations.”

Amelia , Upper Sixth

LEH ELEVATE

I am hugely passionate about mentoring young women as I know firsthand how daunting the legal profession can feel without guidance. I did not have a mentor myself, and much of the journey felt like I was navigating in the dark. Having someone to demystify the path, offer encouragement, and show what is possible can make an enormous difference and mentorship can be truly transformative at that early stage. It gives me great pleasure to have mentored someone as engaged and enthusiastic as Amelia and I wish her every success in her chosen career path.”

Jasmine Amaria, Class of 1994

“I had such a fantastic experience of using LEH Elevate while finalising my university choices for a degree in Veterinary Medicine. Alice was perfectly placed to provide me with excellent advice which had a direct impact on the courses I applied to. Her knowledge of veterinary specialisms was amazing, and I just couldn’t believe how speedily she responded to my request for advice. I’m so grateful!”

Lara, Upper Sixth

“I have enjoyed being involved in the Careers evenings over the years and so was more than happy to sign up to be a Mentor. It is a great system for students to be able to ask for advice and information about prospective careers and easy to offer them help and support. Lara has been an impressive student who has clearly given great consideration to Veterinary Medicine as a course and vocation. I am happy to have been able to guide her and wish her all the best for the future.”

Alice McCartney, Class of 2007, BVSc MRCVS PgCSAS CertAVP

NEXT STEPS

To sign up or find out more information, please visit our LEH Elevate page on Holles Connect: www.hollesconnect.org.uk/careers or email alumane@lehs.org.uk

RAISING UP THE NEXT GENERATION OF BOLD ALUMNAE

WE GROW TOGETHER

LEH Elevate isn’t just about making new contacts; it marks the beginning of a journey that can lead students to inspiration, valuable experience, and even career opportunities. After meeting through the LEH Elevate programme, Eliza Meehan, Class of 2021, is now working for her former LEH mentor, Georgia Myers, Class of 2014. What began as a simple introduction has grown into a fantastic professional connection.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

– You need to opt in to be a mentor via Settings on your Holles Connect account.

– Please select Sixth Form Mentor.

– Please upload a photo to your profile.

– Complete a career profile to make the most of the match function.

ELIZA MEEHAN “ CLASS OF 2021

“Joining Lady Eleanor Holles sparked a curiosity, discipline and resilience that continues to shape my professional life in health science. The school’s focus on independent thinking, critical analysis and collaboration has guided every step of my career. After LEH, I studied Life Sciences, fascinated by how physiology, nutrition and biochemistry could improve people’s health. That foundation led me to Flow Health Science, where we develop innovative clinical nutrition products to address specific health needs, which includes Klario®, a product designed to help people with diabetes better recover from hypos (low blood sugar). I first connected with the company through the LEH Elevate mentoring programme, and my mentor, Georgia Myers, Class of 2014, CEO of Flow, has provided invaluable support and guidance. Every day, I draw on the analytical skills, scientific curiosity and teamwork nurtured at LEH as I help translate evidence-based science into patient-centred care. The lessons I learned at school remain at the heart of everything I do.”

ANTON CHEKHOV, EARLIEST STORIES: STORIES, NOVELLAS, HUMORESQUES, 1880–1882 , translated by Rosamund Bartlett, Class of 1980

This collection presents the earliest stories of Anton Chekhov, written while he was a medical student. Translated and introduced by Rosamund Bartlett, the volume showcases Chekhov’s youthful wit and observational skill. Comprising sketches, anecdotes, and humoresques, the stories depict everyday Russian life with humour, subtle pathos, and satirical insight into bureaucracy and human folly. Bartlett’s translation captures the lively spirit of the originals, while her introduction situates them in 1880s magazine culture. These early works reveal a writer honing his craft, hinting at the depth and empathy that would define his later masterpieces.

“During the translation process, we would just collapse in fits of giggles … his incredible compassion, tenderness, and understanding of ordinary people.”

Rosamund Bartlett

WHAT’S MY BABY THINKING? by Tanith Carey, Class of 1985

Following on from her hit What’s My Tween Thinking?, What’s My Baby Thinking? by Tanith Carey explains how babies’ brains develop during the first two years of life and what this means for their behaviour. Drawing on neuroscience and psychology, the book helps parents understand how babies learn to communicate, form attachments, and make sense of the world. By linking

ALUMNAE BOOKS

everyday moments with what is happening inside a baby’s mind, Carey offers practical insight into how early experiences shape development.

“This is the first parenting book that simultaneously brings together the thinking of both the parent and the child.”

Tanith Carey

A -Z OXFORD HIDDEN WALKS by Victoria

Bentata, Class of 1984

Victoria’s guidebook A -Z Oxford Hidden Walks offers an engaging way to explore Oxford on foot. It features 20 mapped routes through the city and surrounding areas, each varying from about one to six miles, with clear written directions and colour photographs of landmarks and lesser- known gems. Tailored for both residents and visitors, the compact paperback encourages walkers to uncover hidden corners of the historic university city through thoughtful, well - researched paths that reveal architecture, green spaces, and local character. The book reflects Victoria’s deep knowledge of Oxford’s streets and sites and brings fresh insight to familiar walks.

“Each walk is not just a route, but a story that unfolds underfoot.”

Victoria Bentata

ART CURE: THE SCIENCE OF HOW THE ARTS TRANSFORM OUR HEALTH by Daisy Fancourt, Class of 2008

Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt explores the powerful relationship between creativity and health. Drawing on her work as a leading researcher in the field of arts and health, Fancourt examines how activities such

as music, painting, dance, and writing can support both mental and physical wellbeing. The book brings together scientific studies, historical examples, and personal stories to show how engaging with the arts can reduce stress, improve mood, and aid recovery from illness.

Accessible and thoughtprovoking, Art Cure highlights the growing evidence that creativity is not only enriching but also beneficial for health. Fancourt makes a compelling case for the arts to play a greater role in healthcare, education, and everyday life. The book offers readers an engaging insight into how creative expression can support wellbeing across all stages of life.

“If the arts were a pill, we would be taking it every single day.”

Daisy Fancourt

AMBUSH AT STILL LAKE by Caroline Bird, Class of 2005

Poet and playwright Caroline Bird’s latest collection, Ambush at Still Lake, explores the unexpected complexities of adult life after the supposed “happy ending.” The book brings together vivid, darkly humorous poems about marriage, lesbian parenthood, addiction, and recovery.

Selected as a Financial Times Poetry Book of the Year 2024, Ambush at Still Lake confirms Bird’s reputation as one of the most original voices in contemporary British poetry. Caroline also wrote the play The Last Stand of Mrs Mary Whitehouse, which was performed at Nottingham Playhouse in late 2025.

“I write while being ambushed while staying still - hence the title of my book Ambush at Still Lake.”

Caroline Bird

SUPPORT THE LEH BURSARY FUND

CHANGE A LIFE TODAY

Every girl at Lady Eleanor Holles School deserves the chance to flourish, regardless of her family’s financial circumstances. The LEH Bursary Fund makes this possible, opening doors to an outstanding education, lifelong friendships, and opportunities that shape futures.

BURSARY FUND

We now receive more applications for financial support than ever before. Your support helps us identify and nurture bright, curious pupils who will thrive in our community and go on to make a difference in the world.

Here’s what some of our bursary recipients have to say about the impact of the fund and the kind donors who make it possible:

“Thanks to the Bursary Fund, I’ve been able to discover passions I never knew I had. I want to give back one day, so other girls can have the same chance.”

“I’ve been able to access incredible opportunities academically and beyond. I’m so grateful for everything I get to experience and everyone is so kind and supportive at LEH.”

“Being part of LEH has changed my life. I’ve learned to believe in myself and my abilities – and that’s what I think the Bursary Fund is all about. I’m inspired by our alumnae and pupils, and by all those who give their support to help girls like me reach their potential.”

Every gift – big or small – helps sustain the LEH Bursary Fund and ensures that more girls can benefit from the same lifechanging education that shaped generations of alumnae. By supporting the fund, you are investing in the future of our community and paying forward the opportunities you may have received yourself.

To support the LEH Bursary Fund and help girls thrive, please visit our website to make a donation. You can also donate directly to the LEH Bursary Fund:

BURSARY FUND ACCOUNT DETAILS:

HSBC, The Lady Eleanor Holles School

Sort Code: 40-05-20

Account Number: 93693813

Please include ‘Alumna 2026’ as the reference

If you’d like more information, please email development@lehs.org.uk –we would love to hear from you. Together, we can continue to change lives – one girl at a time.

JEAN BECKINSALE, 1927–2026

IN MEMORY OF JEAN BECKINSALE: A LIFE DEVOTED TO TEACHING AND GUIDING OTHERS

Jean Beckinsale, former Deputy Head at LEH Junior School, inspired pupils and colleagues with her patience, creativity and compassion. Her dedication and kindness will be deeply missed.

Jean Beckinsale, beloved former Deputy Head of the Junior School at LEH and mistress of Form 1, passed away peacefully earlier this year. She worked at LEH from 1964 to 1984, dedicating twenty years to the education and wellbeing of her pupils.

Jean was a teacher of great kindness and quiet strength. She was always firm but nurturing, guiding each child with care and dedication, and sharing her expertise generously. Many alumnae remember the joys of watching silk moth caterpillars transform, clay-play sessions outdoors, and the excitement of catching sticklebacks in the Longford Stream. Her love of learning and adventure left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

OBITUARIES

Colleagues remember her as a mentor and friend. She welcomed new teachers with patience and generosity, helping them discover the joys of teaching with creativity and fairness. Her retirement was celebrated with a memorable party in the gardens of Burlington House, a testament to her warmth and the affection she inspired.

LEH alumna and former teacher, Patricia White, Class of 1955, warmly recalls

“I am grateful for her friendship both as a colleague and friend. Many others are grateful too.

She always he’d a lovely smile on her face to greet you. She had a penchant for fast cars which she loved to drive, even as she became older.”

Jean lived a full life beyond the classroom. She had a passion for fast cars, painting, travel, and storytelling. She shared wonderful memories of her early life in Africa, extensive travels, and her beloved Cyprus.

Even after leaving LEH, Jean maintained strong personal connections with her colleagues including Phoebe Samuels who said:

“Once Jean left LEH, we kept in close touch and she had a special place in our family, becoming godmother to my daughter, Eleanor and honorary grandmother to my son, Gabriel.”

Friends recall picnics in Kew Gardens, curry nights, and rainy-day painting sessions in her flat, all filled with her lively spirit and joy of life.

In her later years, Jean faced physical challenges with courage and cheerfulness. Never one to complain, she was always grateful to the staff who cared for her and continued to greet everyone with a smile and kindness. Though she had no immediate family, Jean’s life was full of friendships, loyalty, and devotion to those she loved.

She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

HAZEL DRAPER (NÉE LETCHER), CLASS OF 1942

1 APRIL 1925 – 1 MARCH 2025

Hazel Draper passed away one month before her 100th birthday. Born on the Isle of Wight, she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, remembered for her kindness, wit and enduring grace.

Hazel Draper, much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, was born on the Isle of Wight in 1925. Hazel was the youngest of three daughters of Thomas and Ida Letcher. Her father, a Cornishman and the son of a Methodist minister, met her mother, Ida Brown, who came from a long-established Cowes family of merchants and shipbuilders. With her sisters Christine and Elizabeth (known as Buffy), Hazel spent her early childhood on “The Island”, developing the love of the sea and nature that stayed with her throughout her life.

Although the family began in comfortable circumstances, the Great Depression brought hardship when Hazel’s father’s boat-building

business experienced difficulty. Her mother’s determination to provide for her children left a lasting impression. Working as a stewardess and nanny for Cunard, Ida was often away for months at a time, and Hazel’s sense of resilience and independence was forged in those years.

When the family later moved to Thames Ditton, Hazel and Buffy were enrolled at the distinguished Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton. It was here that her natural academic ability flourished. She was a capable and diligent pupil with a particular gift for languages, writing and the meticulous skills of shorthand and typing that would shape her professional life. Her education was interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War, yet Hazel’s determination never wavered. She continued her studies throughout the Blitz, even revising by torchlight in an Anderson shelter.

After earning her School Certificate of Education, Hazel began her career as a shorthand typist, a profession for which she was ideally suited. Her speed and accuracy became something of a legend among her colleagues. She worked for the Bank of England, which had been relocated to Winchester during the later years of the war, and it was there that she met a young naval officer, Colin Draper, at a dance. They married in 1949, and between 1950 and 1956 welcomed three daughters: Judith, Hilary and Anne.

Those who knew Hazel remember her as intelligent, witty and unassuming, a woman of quiet courage and steadfast principles. She never sought attention, yet her wisdom, kindness and calm presence enriched countless lives.

She leaves behind three daughters, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, a legacy of love, learning and gentle strength. To her family and friends, she was, quite simply, the “still, small voice of calm.”

REMEMBERING ANNE PEREGRINE FULLER: A DEDICATED SCHOLAR AND CHERISHED ALUMNA

We are saddened to share the news that Anne Peregrine Fuller (née Dobson), Class of 1963, has passed away. Her obituary was lovingly written by her husband, Christopher Fuller, who has since passed away himself.

Anne Peregrine Fuller (née Dobson) was born in London (Hornsey) in 1945 and was the only child of John Henry Dobson (then serving with the British army in Cairo) and is wife, Eveline. Anne was educated at Leeds Girls’ High School and Lady Eleanor Holles School, from 1960 to 1963. Anne studied A levels in English Literature, History and Latin. In the 1963 Prize Giving Day programme records show that Anne achieved A grades in History and English Literature which led to a special telegram from the Headmistress, Ruth Garwood Scott, to congratulate Anne on her results. Anne was also awarded a prize for History. On the court, Anne was known as an exceptional sports woman and loved games, even becoming Captain of the Basketball team.

Anne’s academic excellence won her a place at Westfield College, University of London, to study History, where

she was inspired by leading scholars of the Italian Renaissance. A research studentship led her to pursue a PhD on the patronage of the church of Santo Spirito in Florence. Though Anne did not complete her PhD, this academic training provided a solid foundation for her later work.

Anne’s scholarly career took a decisive turn when she became an editor for the British Academy’s Calendar of Papal Letters (CPL) project. Initially appointed under informal terms, she later secured formal employment with UCL and Cambridge. Anne’s dedication and intellectual curiosity made her a pivotal figure in the CPL’s development.

Her editorial work was distinguished by her rigorous attention to the nature and origins of papal registers. She challenged prevailing assumptions by showing that many register entries derived not directly from final documents but from preliminary drafts. Though this insight was not fully integrated into the project’s official practices, it marked a significant scholarly contribution.

Anne also revitalised the CPL’s visibility through initiatives like the centennial census and redesigned book jackets. Her editorial excellence and marketing acumen ensured wider recognition for the project.

Anne’s later years were overshadowed by Alzheimer’s disease, but her work endures. Her meticulous volumes remain vital tools for historians and are expected to outlast many contemporary historical writings. Through her contributions to the CPL, Anne Fuller achieved a form of scholarly immortality that continues to benefit future generations.

OBITUARIES

NORMA DINNAGE, CLASS OF 1952

It’s with great sadness we announce the passing of Norma Jesty Dinnage aged 89 years. Much loved mum of Marcus, Micaela and Leo. Caring grandmother to Eva, Archie and Bertie. Now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Michael.

Norma was an excellent nurse and studied midwifery becoming Staff Nurse and Theatre Sister. She followed Michael her husband around the world giving birth to three children, Marcus, Micaela and Leo.

Norma had a love for dogs especially Dobermans and Weimaraner’s. Norma lived life to the full traveling overseas with her husband where Leo was born in Africa and having a lion as his first pet. Norma will be sadly missed by all.

LEAVE A LEGACY – CHANGE A LIFE.

At Lady Eleanor Holles, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. For generations, our alumnae have helped us shape a community that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Today, you have the opportunity to ensure that this legacy continues.

By remembering LEH in your will, you can support our Bursary Fund and open the doors of a life-changing education to a talented pupil who would truly thrive here but may not otherwise have the means.

A legacy gift – no matter the size – helps us offer bright, ambitious young people the chance to experience the unique ethos of LEH: a spirit of intellectual curiosity, independence, kindness, and courage.

Leaving a legacy is a powerful way of paying it forward. It is a lasting expression of gratitude for your own time at LEH, and a meaningful investment in future generations. Your gift will help ensure that the school continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact in the world.

If you are interested in leaving a legacy gift and supporting the LEH bursary fund, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please get in touch with us at development@lehs.org.uk to learn more.

Together, we can shape the future – one pupil at a time.