The Belvedere Chronicles 2015

The Belvedere

Chronicles

The Leweston Society Record 8 th Edition

Contents Head’s Introduction

1

From the Editor

2

Contributors

2

Creative Life

3

Diary Dates

7

The Belvedere Restoration Project

8

The Origins of Pug

10

There and Back Again

12

Head Girl and International Prefect

13

OA Reunions

14

Row Like a Girl

16

My Time in South America

17

Black Rock Ski Lodge, Chamonix

18

Class Notes

20

Marriages, Engagements, Births, Deaths and Retirements

26

The Road to Witnesses

27

The OA Award

28

Our Gîte Urbain

31

Saving the Planet is No Easy Task!

32

Spiritual Life

34

The School Year in Retrospect

38

A Helping Hand for our Sister School

44

Exam Results 2015

45

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K AT E R E Y N O L D S

As

As the new Head of Leweston, I would like to extend the warmest of welcomes to this, the 2015 edition of The Belvedere Chronicles. With another successful academic year behind us, we look back at all the outstanding achievements and developments that were packed into 12 busy months and also look forward with much anticipation to a new era at the School under my leadership. We move forward into this new era with excitement, positivity, energy and enthusiasm. Yet again, the School has had an exceptionally strong set of A Level and GCSE results which pay testament to the hard work and dedication of the girls, as well as the determination to go the extra mile for which the staff here are well known. Our great results can be read about on page 45. The School continues to thrive across campus and as we embark upon a new academic year, it is wonderful to see such strong numbers in our Nursery. We now have over 40 pupils on roll and hope to see that number increase throughout the year, as more children are welcomed into the Leweston fold, benefitting from the first class education we offer right from the start. It has been a busy year for the arts at Leweston, with the talent and creativity of the pupils never ceasing to astound us all (please see page 3 for a roundup of the

HEAD year’s creative news). The Sports department also goes from strength to strength, with more exceptional achievements registered this year across multiple disciplines (see page 40). We are fortunate as a school to welcome a wealth of new talent in our teaching staff: Victoria Hosegood joins us as our new Reception teacher; Albert Okai and Lucy Cozens join the Maths department; Abbie Vernon is welcomed into the PE department; Anna Dencher takes over from Dave Barlow as Head of Geography; and Juliana Atyeo joins the English department. We are also delighted to welcome Lloyd Beecham, our new Deputy Head Pastoral, who will be working in the Drama and English departments. In addition to this, Geoff Smith now takes on the role of Deputy Head Academic. As the new Head, the academic profile of the School is very much at the forefront of my mind. My vision is to secure Leweston’s reputation as a centre of excellence for teaching and learning. I want it to be a school where every lesson, all pastoral support and every decision is framed by the crucial question – ‘is this the best for this particular child?’ By sharing best practice in the classroom and working closely with other schools, I hope to keep the delivery of an outstanding curriculum high on the agenda at Leweston and I know that the staff are behind me 100%.

Communication is also vital to the continued success of the School and it is an area that I am keen to focus upon. In this vein, I would like to encourage you, our valued OAs, to stay in touch; your success stories are a great source of inspiration for our girls and the School would be a very different place without its strong heritage, of which you are now an integral part. We are also keen to implement a programme of interactive talks for years 11-13 over the coming months, to challenge and broaden the minds of our girls and staff and I feel that you, our valued OAs, would be well placed to lead them. We would be delighted to host any OA who feels they could be a source of inspiration to the girls and would like to invite you to please contact us if you are interested in getting involved with this exciting programme. We very much look forward to hearing from you. I hope that you enjoy reading about the last wondrous 12 months at the School, as well as the exploits of your fellow OAs. We look forward to welcoming many of you back to Leweston over the next academic year and to another year of excellence for past and present pupils alike. May you all continue to rejoice and do well, whether under our roof, or on the many paths that are taken beyond our four walls. 1

THE EDITOR AND ALUMNAE COORDINATOR In the blink of an eye another school year ran its course and I once again found myself embarking upon the joyous task of putting together the new edition of The Belvedere Chronicles. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that sent in news for the magazine and hope that you will find it an entertaining and informative read, capturing both the vibrancy of life at the School and the diversity of the directions taken once our girls step beyond its four walls. Once again our OAs have provided some wonderful articles covering some truly diverting topics and I trust that you will enjoy reading them as much as I did.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE FOR CONTRIBUTING: Jessica Beveridge at Red Rabbit Photography

JEMMA GOODLAND

RS O UT B I TR N CO

2014-2015 was another outstanding year for Leweston with the School continuing to go from strength to strength and the pupils excelling themselves at every turn. This year has seen academic records smashed, world beating results on the sports field and exciting developments across campus, all of which are helping Leweston to remain at the forefront of scholastic excellence. This year we were delighted to launch a project to restore the iconic Belvedere (from which the magazine of course takes its name) and were overwhelmed by the support shown by OAs. The Belvedere holds a special place in the hearts of many of our old girls and it is our duty to ensure it can continue to be loved, cherished and remembered by future generations of Leweston pupils. On behalf of the School I would like to thank those of you that are supporting the project, either as a member of the Friends of the Belvedere or through contributing to the restoration fund. Your time, expertise and generosity are all gratefully received. For an update on the project and how to get involved please see page 8.

• CHARLIE HOPLEY

• LAURA JAMES

• NICOLA BECK

• ELLIE MULES

• LIZZY MERCER

• MANDY HACKLAND

A retrospective of the past year cannot be complete without a mention of our sister school in Nepal, Jana Jyoti. Many of you will be aware that Jana Jyoti was badly affected by the devastating earthquake that rocked the country in April 2015. Thank you to all those OAs who got behind our fundraising drive to aid the school. We are now thrilled to report that they are getting back on their feet, having completed the necessary repair work. The full story can be read on page 44. At the end of the academic year Leweston sadly bid farewell to our Headmaster of 9 years, Adrian Aylward, as he stepped down to pursue a new challenge. Adrian gave so much to the School, steering its course from success to success, and he will be greatly missed by pupils and staff alike. We now embark upon a new era at the School, overseen by Kate Reynolds, who takes up the mantle with passion, enthusiasm and a strong vision to take the Leweston forward into the future. Kate is supported in her role by Geoff Smith (Deputy Head Academic) and by a new recruit, Mr Lloyd Beecham (Deputy Head Pastoral). Before I sign off, leaving you free to explore the 8th edition of The Belvedere Chronicles, I would like to encourage you to keep in touch with your news and your contact details. We love to hear from you and hope that you also love to hear from us! We also look forward to seeing many of you at the next Gaudy Reunion, details of which can be seen on page 7, or at any of the many events we hold throughout the school year.

• OLIVIA BOLESWORTH

HAPPY READING! • PETA WALMISLEY

• SARAH LESAGE

e v i t a e r C Life Table No. 2 The Senior School production of Table No. 2 was performed over three nights to great acclaim. Taken from the two part drama Separate Tables by Terence Rattigan, Table No. 2 focuses on the antics of a group of guests at the exclusive Beauregard Private Hotel in Bournemouth. The compelling narrative deals with the relationship between a repressed and hysterical spinster and a kindly but bogus man with a scandalous past, posing as an upperclass retired army officer. The cast of girls from years 9-13 impressed throughout, handling the challenging script, idiosyncratic characters and mature themes with great skill. The production was sleek and professional, the costumes authentic and the set design convincing, the latter bringing the Beauregard Hotel alive, propelling the action from the drawing room on the stage, to the restaurant on the audience’s level. Seating the audience members on their own private tables, surrounded by actresses cast as waitresses was an ingenious touch which served to envelop the onlookers right in the thick of the action.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT The 2014 Christmas Concert was held on Saturday 6th December in the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Aldhelm, Sherborne. The successful concert featured superb performances by Schola Cantorum, ensembles, soloists and the Sixth Form band. The event was attended by family

and friends of the performers, Leweston staff members and local parishioners. The concert was held to raise funds for the church, the Kampala Music School in Uganda and the 2016 School Tour to Nepal. The total raised was an impressive £550.

CAROL SERVICE

The Senior School’s Carol Service was held on Thursday 11th December in Sherborne Abbey. The service featured spectacular performances by Schola Cantorum and Junior Choir (now known as Cantemus), as well as a number of poignant readings from pupils, staff, parents and the Chairman of the Governors. It was a tremendous and atmospheric occasion, with the stunning festive songs filling the majestic interior of the Abbey from floor to vaulted ceiling.

SUMMER ART AND DESIGN EXHIBITION Over 40 guests were welcomed to the Manor House for the opening of the Summer Art and Design Exhibition. The private viewing showcased this year’s GCSE and A Level coursework and exam pieces. The guests were captivated by the remarkable exhibition which is a testament to the wealth of art and design talent in the Senior School.

Sacred Concert The Leweston Choral Society held their annual concert on Sunday 1st March. The Chapel was packed for the exhilarating jazz concert which saw the Choral Society take on Duke Ellington’s rarely performed Sacred Concert, a stunning compilation of sacred text settings, dances, voices and big band accompaniment. The Choral Society is a special choir consisting of pupils from Leweston’s Schola Cantorum and Cantemus, as well as parents, staff, governors and adults from the local community. On the night, the Choral Society, directed by Leweston’s Director of Music, Claire Hawkes,

The exhibition then remained open to the public for a week during which time it received many visitors and much acclaim.

was accompanied by internationally acclaimed jazz musician Andy Williamson and his Big Buzzard Big Band, esteemed jazz pianist Philip Clouts and the very talented professional soloist, Joanna Woolvett. The audience was also treated to a breath-taking tap dance solo by renowned tap dancer Annette Walker. The programme also included some superb performances by Schola Cantorum and soloists Evie D (Year 11) and Harriet G (Year 13). The evening was a resounding success.

A Sensational Spring Concert The Junior Department staged a sensational concert to mark the end of the spring term. The well attended concert took place on Monday 23rd March and featured performances by soloists, ensembles and the Year 5 and 6 Performing Arts Group, as well as a selection of English Speaking Board presentations by pupils in years 5 and 6. A particular highlight of the concert was the performance of The Selfish Giant by the Reception to Year 4 Performing Arts Group. Led by Nancy M (Year 4) as The Giant and Loki M (Year 3) as The Boy, the play was a joy to behold, with wonderful performances by the entire cast.

Outstanding LAMDA Results This year pupils from the Junior Department achieved an exceptional 22 Distinctions in their LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) examinations, with their Senior counterparts achieving an outstanding 33 distinctions and 17 merits.

Success at the Sherborne Solo Competition

Years 7, 8 and 9 Art Exhibition An exhibition of Art and Design pieces by pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 was held in March. The impressive collection showcased work created by pupils during this year’s Art and Design lessons.

First Ever Acting Leweston pupils Lexsis N and Izzy H (both Year 12) enjoyed a successful day at the inaugural Sherborne Solo Acting Competition hosted by Sherborne School, taking the top prizes in two highly competitive categories. Lexsis took first prize in the Senior Classical category and Izzy won the Senior Modern category. The competition was held on Saturday 17th January at Sherborne School’s Powell Theatre. There were 32 students between the ages of 13-18 taking part, representing the Gryphon School, Sherborne Girls, Leweston and Sherborne School. The participants performed both classical and modern individual speeches to a panel of judges, which included two professional theatre directors.

Fantastic Results at the Mid Somerset Festival of Speech and Drama Leweston pupils performed magnificently at the 114th Mid Somerset Festival in Bath. The School was delighted to take the top spots in three of the dramatic categories: Portia A and Olivia K (both Year 9) won the Duologue Acting Under 15 Years; and Antonia R (Year 13) and Old Antonian Olivia Macintosh won the David Garrick trophies for Shakespeare Acting Under 19 Years and the Noral Ball cups for Duo Acting Under 21 Years.

CreativLeife

CreativLeife Cantemus Triumph at Taunton Festival On Friday 6th February Cantemus attended the Taunton Festival of the Arts at Queen’s College, in order to compete in the 11-16 years Choir category. There was stiff competition but the choir sang their two pieces beautifully and were awarded first prize. They came home with the Bishop Fox Cup and very smiley faces!

Junior Department Pupils put on a Show Stopping Performance at Youth Makes Music The whole of year 5 and 6 were invited by the Rotary Club of Sherborne to perform in the annual Youth Makes Music concert. The fantastic concert took place on Tuesday 17th March at the Digby Hall in Sherborne. Mrs Bridgeman-Sutton, Senior Teacher at the Junior Department, commented, “The children performed incredibly well on the night, putting on a show stopping performance!”

St Francis Win the Junior Inter-House Music Cup The four houses of the Junior Department came together to fight for the much coveted Inter-House Music Cup. It was a closely fought competition, with some tremendous solo performances, presentations of individual compositions and the singing of house songs. Three of the houses took an equal second place but St. Francis rose triumphant. They celebrated their success by adding green ribbons to the cup where they will remain until next year, when they will have the task of defending their title!

Alice in Wonderland Dazzles Audiences A cast of girls from years 5 – 8 put on a stunning performance of Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland at the end of the summer term. Playing to a full house over three nights, the supremely talented cast dazzled all in attendance with their professional and polished performances. It was a joyous riot of song and dance, with Caroll’s wonderfully wacky world brought to bright and vibrant life in the school theatre. The production could not have taken place without the tireless work of the crew. Composed of a team of pupils and staff from across the School, the crew oversaw everything from the first class costume and set design, to the direction, lighting, sound, make-up and much more. The School was delighted to welcome pupils and staff from five local primaries and prep schools to the Friday performance and was honoured to receive wonderful feedback from the teachers and pupils alike.

Dates for Your Diary 2016 Musicians on Song at Summer Concert The Senior School Summer Concert was held on Friday 22nd May to mark the end of a busy and successful first half of the summer term.

WORLD BOOK DAY BRINGS LITERATURE TO LIFE

The concert featured brilliant performances by Schola Cantorum and Cantemus, as well as accomplished vocal duets and impressive pieces by instrumental ensembles from across the year groups. Highlights included a rousing performance by the recently reformed Flute Group and an original exam piece entitled ‘A Joyful Afternoon’ composed and performed by the multi-talented Evie D (Year 11) with expert accompaniment by the Director of Music, Mrs Hawkes.

SCHOOL PRODUCTION OF ‘THE LION KING’ Wednesday 2nd March 14.30-16.00 Thursday 3rd March 18.30-20.00 Friday 4th March 18.30-20.00 School Theatre Tuesday 29th March – Friday 1st April EASTER HOLIDAY OUTDOOR EDUCATION, SPORTS AND ADVENTURE CAMP for 5-11 year olds 9.00-17.00 Monday 4th – Saturday 9th April EASTER PENTATHLON, GB BIATHLE AND TRIATHLON TRAINING CAMP Residential training camp for 9-18 year olds run by GB Biathle coach Mick Flaherty

World Book Day was celebrated at Leweston with a day of fun activities and fancy dress held to raise funds for the charity School in a Bag. At the Senior School, pupils came in dressed as their favourite literary characters. The results were diverse and imaginative, covering everything from Shrek and Princess Fiona, to Legolas from the Lord of the Rings! Senior pupils also took part in a ‘fundraising fruit machine game’, where they

tried to match book covers to win sweets! At the Junior Department, the pupils enjoyed a whole day of themed activities to launch one of the World Book Day special publications. The children created websites, made television and radio advertisements and designed merchandise. The Reception and Year 1 class concentrated on an Elmer book: creating the most amazing Elmer elephants from milk cartons!

Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN DAY 09.45-13.00 Saturday 7th May GAUDY REUNION For leaver years 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006 (Invitations will be sent out in early 2016). Thursday 11th – Friday 12th May YEAR 7 AND 8 DRAMA PRODUCTION School Theatre Times TBC

Friday 10th June GCSE AND A LEVEL ART EXHIBITION PRIVATE VIEW Manor House 17.00-19.00 (Exhibition open to all Monday 13th- Friday 17th June) Saturday 18th June NURSERY AND JUNIOR DEPARTMENT OPEN MORNING 09.00-12.00 Monday 25th July – Friday 19th August SUMMER HOLIDAY OUTDOOR EDUCATION, SPORTS AND ADVENTURE WEEKS for 5-11 year olds 9.00-17.00 Monday 4th July – Sunday 28th August LEWESTON SUMMER CLUB (Enjoy the use of Leweston’s swimming pool, tennis courts and extensive grounds – various membership packages available) Monday 8th – Saturday 13th August SUMMER PENTATHLON, GB BIATHLE AND TRIATHLON TRAINING CAMP Residential training camp for 9-18 year olds run by GB Biathle coach Mick Flaherty.

For more information about any of the above events please see http://leweston.co.uk/index/ news/events-landingpage.html or contact the Marketing Office on office@leweston.sch.uk or 01963 210783.

7

The Belvedere Restoration Project

THE SCHOOL HAS LAUNCHED A PROJECT TO RAISE FUNDS TO RESTORE AND CONTINUALLY MAINTAIN ITS ICONIC ARCHITECTURAL ASSETS, WHICH INCLUDE THE BELVEDERE, THE BOAR AND THE SURROUNDING HISTORIC GARDENS…

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If you are able to offer your time and expertise to the project and would like to become a member of The Friends of the Belvedere, please email development@leweston.dorset.sch.uk

}

ose Thank you to all th y who have alread ct: donated to the projeearly dn we have now raise

£1000!

2015

The Belvedere is one of Leweston’s most famous, emotive and historic landmarks; it is treasured by pupils, staff and the local community and evokes a wealth of happy memories for many of our former pupils.

2014

Designed by the famous landscape architect Thomas Mawson in 1912 during the residence of Mr George Hamilton Fletcher, the Belvedere is a stunning architectural feat, reached by a long elegant box-lined walk, which leads down a short flight of steps flanked by Tuscan columns and capped with stone pineapples. The Belvedere itself boasts crescent shaped pavilions backing a stone flagged patio, a well head with a coat of arms set into the centre and a balustrade overlooking spectacular views of the Blackmore Vale. This was reputedly inspired by the Villa d’Este in Tivoli, Florence and the Boar at the head of the long walk to the Belvedere is a replica of the Florentine Boar, which in its turn is a copy of the Roman marble statue of a wild boar that can be seen in Uffizi. In recent years the condition of the amphitheatre, the Boar and the access to the Belvedere has begun to deteriorate. We are working with a landscape architect and a local heritage charity to refurbish the Belvedere and have formed a restoration committee: ‘The Friends of the Belvedere’. The committee will lead the fundraising activities to help us achieve our goal of bringing the Belvedere back to life, so that it can continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Leweston pupils and the local community for generations to come.

1982

1965 1952/53

1987 Circa 1970 1987

We have also launched a JustGiving page for the project where anyone that would like to make a donation to the cause may do so. The JustGiving page can be found at the following link: http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/le weston-school/belvedere-restoration Leweston is immensely grateful to anyone that is able to make a donation to the project and looks forward to seeing the Belvedere restored to its former glory!

1987

The origins 7 9 ‘ s e m a J a r by Lau My writing career actually started in my first year at Leweston when Mrs. Sherrard set us a creative writing exercise. I don’t remember the brief and I’m sure I veered completely off topic but without too much thought and relatively little pen chewing a poem called My Sister Amy landed on my page. It was a bit of a surprise, I have to say, but I handed it in at the end of the lesson and forgot all about it. The next lesson I received it back. It had been marked A+++. This was unheard of for me - a full house! My Sister Amy was duly put in the next edition of the school magazine; a nice reassuring something I could wave under my parents’ noses. Their money was being well spent. After all, they were never going to be able to brim with pride at my prowess on the hockey pitch.

Illustration credit: Eglantine Ceulemans

The thing is it didn’t stop there. That summer my father took us on holiday to Washington DC. Somehow as a result of that trip my mother and I entered My Sister Amy into a poetry competition in the States. Thrillingly my little poem was selected to be included in an anthology entitled On the Threshold of a Dream. And indeed I was! With hindsight I can’t think who bought this weighty (literally not metaphorically) tome apart from the proud mums of the nearly one thousand poets whose work was included. Even more excitingly my poem was read by an actor and put onto cassette (also available for my mother to purchase). Next it was on a calendar and wait there’s more, a second poem I’d written (I had the knack by now) was included in a subsequent anthology, modestly entitled Distinguished Poets of America. My mother ordered four copies.

of pug So that was sorted. My career chosen: Famous Poet. They make lots of money, don’t they? Of course reality did eventually hit and I did all the normal things, went to university and moved to London to get a job. Dreams of becoming a writer just faded into the background. For the most part I worked as a PA and I have to say I’ve generally been very lucky with my jobs. There were some disasters for sure but I learned a lot and managed to just about pay my way. One of my last jobs in London was working for the boss of Celador (best known for Who Wants to be a Millionaire?). He leant me out to the MD of his film company just at the time when they were working on Slumdog Millionaire. I loved the small but hugely talented team and got pangs of jealousy at how creative they were. At the end of filming I decided to quit my job and do something more creative myself. This was a bold move and a total false start. The pressure of paying rent coupled with my very hazy idea of what I was going to do sent me back into the PA world. During this career dither, I found myself in quite a cushy temping job. There I met my now great friend Alicia. One bored

afternoon, when the boss was away, we created our ‘dream books’. This entailed cutting out pictures of things we would like / wanted to happen in our lives and sticking them in a scrapbook. For a laugh I printed off a template and wrote myself a cheque from Bloomsbury. Eventually I decided it was time to leave London for good - I wanted a dog. Not perhaps the most practical of reasons but I packed my bags nonetheless and headed for my parents’ cottage in the blissful Dorset countryside. As I unwound from London life and looked after my puppy, Brian (he’d never forgive me if he didn’t get a name check) an idea for a children’s book about a pug began to form in my head. I have no real idea why a pug, especially as I was now the proud owner of a dachshund. The only thing I knew about pugs was that they are companion dogs and I think I just liked the idea that their whole purpose in life is to be a friend. Within a few of months of being at home I set up as a Virtual Assistant and when a friend of mine told me about the MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University I signed up. With the VA work to support me I moved closer to Bath. I

was up and running again. If you’re seriously considering writing for children or young adults I can’t recommend this course more highly. The support you get is tremendous and the success rate extraordinary. You can’t go into the children’s section of Waterstones without seeing a number of Bath Spa alumni’s books on the shelves. Wanting to become a published author is a little like saying your career goal is to win the lottery. Your chances are slight at best. They say that top agents have around 700 submissions a month and take on perhaps two new authors a year. The good thing about the course is that it almost guarantees that an agent will at least read your manuscript. Amazingly three agents expressed an interest in taking me on and a few months after the course ended I went with my amazing agent, Gill McLay. Last September I signed a three-book deal for my series for 5 – 7 year olds, The Adventures of Pug. An amazing French illustrator, Eglantine Ceulemans is on board and the first book, Captain Pug will be published in Spring 2016 - by Bloomsbury. For the record Bloomsbury didn’t actually pay me my advance by cheque and they seem to have missed off a few of my many zeros but my point is this - your dreams are yours so don’t give up on them, no matter how long it takes.

11

There and Back Again BY NICOLA BECK (NEE CONNOLLY ‘79) When the film The Last Emperor came out in 1987 I had just arrived back in the United Kingdom from the Middle East, where my father was working at the time, and my first ‘proper’ job in London. This was before I had even contemplated studying Chinese medicine and had certainly never thought about visiting China. I do remember being very impressed by the scenery in the film which was set in the Forbidden City and which had been ‘opened up’ for the first time to the public albeit on film. The setting, costumes and music of the film created an intense sense of history and scale, which made quite an impression on me. So by the time I first visited Kunming as a recently qualified acupuncturist in 1996 and nearly a decade after my sister had been interviewed on the news by the well-known journalist Kate Aidi in Tiananmen Square during the prodemocracy demonstrations, I was not sure what to expect. A fellow Chinese student had connections in the Yunnan Province of Southwest China and it was largely through her that we were able to spend a month working at the main hospital there. I was part of a group of twelve and newly qualified from the London School

of Acupuncture. It was summer, so reasonably warm and not uncomfortable, but none of us were brave enough to join the seething mass of fast-moving wheels of the hundreds of bicycles on the road each day into the town centre from the university campus where we were staying. Still the main form of transport at that time, it was not uncommon to see piles of fresh fruit, vegetables and everything including the kitchen sink, being transported by bicycle. If that was not eye-boggling enough, every street in that part of the city was lined with stalls selling a vast array of freshly cooked food, some of which I can still taste today. Even in 1996, remnants of the communist era were still very visible with ‘party officials’ on street corners ready to order us off the green areas of the park during our lunch breaks. Contradictions between the old and new were everywhere. High rise buildings and new roads were being constructed throughout the city, but it was still possible to observe the traditional heartbeat of the city in the ancient wooden buildings with their distinctive pagoda style roofs which still lined the un-metaled streets. Now, nearly 30 years later life has certainly moved on for me, but it would seem for China too. I went back in May this year to re-kindle my interest in all

things Chinese, but this time as a tourist. The trip was a last minute decision and I needed to avoid the monsoon season in Hong Kong, where I planned to finish up, before heading back to the United Kingdom. I decided that I must see those ‘once in a lifetime’ sights, whilst at the same time enjoying my first long-distance solo trip. There was one place however, that I definitely knew I wanted to see and that was the Forbidden City, of course!

At 9.6 million square kilometres, China covers a vast area - more than 39 times the size of the United Kingdom - so everything about China is large scale and Beijing is no exception. The city is laid out in a series of widening rectangles across the whole thirty square kilometres, with wide roads aligned east-west and north-south. The city was laid out according to geomantic theories and the Imperial Palace, or Forbidden City, was considered to be the exact centre of Beijing, which in its turn was considered to be the centre of the universe. The Forbidden City is surrounded by a moat, high turreted walls and gated courtyards. There are three gates at each entrance to these courtyards, the centre of which is the largest and through which only the Emperor was allowed pass.

Within the very centre lies a series of eleven south-facing halls each ornately decorated and each serving a unique purpose in the Imperial court. Also contained within the Forbidden City are more than eight hundred ornate halls, all sharing the exclusive Imperial colours of red walls and yellow roof tiles, with jade green, gold and azure blue woodwork, archways and balconies. China's practice of wall building started in the fifth century BC (Warring States period), but it was the vision of the first Emperor Qin Shi Huang (221-206 BC) to join and extend the disparate sections to form a continuous defence against the 'barbarians' to the north of China. Up to that time it consisted of a discontinuous array of fortifications and ramparts known as the ‘wall of ten thousand li’ (li = approx 500m). Some guide books state 25,000 battlements, 7m high and 7m thick some less some more, but exact measurements and facts are difficult to find as it stretches over such a wide area and some parts consist of nothing more than a line of rubble in the sand. I visited a quieter yet equally impressive part of the wall during my stay in Beijing. We drove out to Mutianyu and once past the usual security checks, a steep climb took us up to the top via an antiquated ski lift to a small viewing platform leading directly to the wall itself. As I reached the top a gentle, pleasantly cooling breeze greeted me. Clear blue skies and temperatures over 80°F made it an ideal day to get my very first view of the Great Wall. It was breath-taking to see and walk along this amazing ancient wall as it undulated like the spine of a fiery dragon over the wooded mountain tops, dipping and weaving into the distance interspersed randomly with watchtowers. I went on to see more of Beijing, including the Summer Palace where the Empress Cixi spent her final years. I also visited the Temple of Heaven where the Emperors worshiped the heavens and prayed for good harvests, before taking a pedi-cab through the Hutongs. I also visited Xian, another walled city, where I saw the famous terracotta warriors and the mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi. A wonderful trip, but a little sad to be leaving a much changed and vibrant China. As I travelled home on a British Airways A380 at thirty-four thousand feet up, a world away from the old and new China, I could not help wondering just what the Emperors would have made of this new China which is now so much a part of our 21st century modern world.

Inspiring Younger Generations at Careers Day 2015 Girls in Years 10 to 12 were inspired by industry experts as part of Careers Day in March 2015. These experts included a number of OAs who very generously gave up their time to come back to Leweston to share their experiences with the pupils. Girls enjoyed talks on the topics of Women in Business, how to present themselves for interviews and the world of work, Architecture, Engineering, Fashion, Psychology, Accountancy, Midwifery, Law, Veterinary, Marketing and PR, TV and Film and Zoology. Thank you to OAs Rosie Dru-Drury, Sophie Tuppen, Gabriela Bryson, Luciana Birch-Reynardson, Cat Fox, Sally Hughes and Nicola Walsh for sharing their knowledge with the girls. Careers Day is held every two years at Leweston and the School is always on the lookout for inspirational OAs to take part. If you are interested in getting involved in the 2017 event, please email development@leweston.dorset.sch.uk

A Word from the International Prefect

the Head Girl

COCO FUNG

ALICE ELLWOOD

As an International student, I have been through many tough times. When I first arrived at the School I was not a confident person and was very shy as well. I thought Leweston was really different from the school in Hong Kong and I felt I was not fitting in. But the International Boarding Prefect came and comforted me and that is how I settled down. Over these few years, I have become a more confident person as the teachers and students are all very caring and friendly and this makes me try to speak up and put in effort. I have not regretted studying abroad as the lessons here are less tense and they also have a more relaxing and delightful atmosphere. Boarding life has also helped me to become more independent and sociable.The most difficult thing to communicate with local students is the cultural difference. We are brought up with different backgrounds and we do not have many common topics. I tended to think I would look strange if I said something wrong and incorrect in English before but the most important thing that I learnt is that overseas students really need to make an effort to communicate and not be afraid to be wrong. The various international events at Leweston are also great for helping to break down barriers: for example the Chinese New Year Dinner and International Day, which let students learn more about other nationalities.

My time here at Leweston has been unforgettable and I was so honoured to be chosen as Head Girl for this academic year. It really gives me the opportunity to represent all of the Leweston girls; it is so important for me not only to improve in this role but also to learn from my own experiences and from others. Being Head Girl would be absolutely impossible without the help from the other prefects and I am so glad that at a school like Leweston, I know I can count on everyone to go the extra mile.

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OA Reunions

SATURDAY 9TH MAY 2015

The School was delighted to welcome back 47 OAs from the leaver years 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1995 and 2005.

The day provided the old girls with a chance to come back to Leweston to meet up with peers and to reminisce about old times. After an address by Mrs Kate Reynold’s, Leweston’s new Head from September 2015 and a short presentation on the School’s historic grounds by Jenny Hedin of the

Dorset Gardens Trust, the guests enjoyed a delicious leisurely lunch. A particular highlight of the day was the tour of the School, which bought back countless memories and wonderful stories.

A huge thank you to those OAs who were instrumental in getting their year groups together, it was a very memorable day for all and we look forward to welcoming you back to Leweston in the not too distant future.

We love to hear about all reunions, so please do keep us informed!

The

GAUDY DAY

Anna Forrest

“I really enjoyed getting to meet up with some old friends and see people that I hadn’t for a long time. The School seems to be doing well and I was very impressed by the new Head – let’s hope she can take Leweston to even greater success.”

1980 THEN AND NOW!

Victoria Linhart “Thanks very much for a lovely day, we really enjoyed ourselves. The food was delicious and it was so nice to see Sister Francis again, she looked so well.”

Jane Whinney

“I enjoyed every minute---from the delicious lunch to the fun reunions with old classmates. How lovely it was to see the dear nuns too---Sister Josephine even remembered an essay I wrote in my Leweston entry exam from the junior school in 1973!”

Caroline Acworth

2005 Enjoy a Ten Year Reunion in Hong Kong

THE GROUP IN THEIR LEWESTON DAYS

Sarah Sanderson attended a small ten year reunion for the class of 2005 in Hong Kong this past Easter and comments, “While I didn’t make it to the UK reunion I did have a 10 year reunion in Hong Kong with 4 OAs over Easter which was lovely! I met up with Grace Ng, Olivia Cheung, Bonnie Chang and Jade who I boarded with at Leweston for many years and hadn’t seen since 2005. Grace is now married and has a beautiful little baby called Ethan.”

Row Like a Girl In December OA Olivia Bolesworth (‘06) will set off on the Talisker Whiskey Challenge: an Atlantic crossing in a row boat as part of a team of four girls. The intrepid team are planning to row 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean, in support of Plan UK’s “Because I am a Girl” campaign. They are also hoping to set new world records as the youngest and fastest four girls to cross the Atlantic. Crossing the Atlantic is not an easy task and the girls will face extreme conditions, mental and physical hardship, sleep deprivation, exhaustion (they will be rowing 24/7, non-stop, in 2 hour shifts for 3000 miles), isolation (with no outside help from anyone and in an emergency situation a rescue can be 2-3 days away), harsh weather conditions (including 30-40ft waves, storms and a dangerous range of hot and cold temperatures), vulnerability (to sharks and vessels 30 times the size of their boat), heath issues (such as salt sores, blisters, infections, muscle damage and depletion), nutritional issues (it will be imperative to keep nutrition levels high and maintain full hydration), solitary confinement, rowing in the dark, and being solely responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the vessel.

In fact, more people have travelled into space, or climbed Everest than have rowed the Atlantic. It takes a certain kind of person to keep going when faced with blisters, salt rash, sharks and sleep deprivation and that’s why the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is one of the toughest races on earth. The gruelling crossing will take the team over a month to complete and will be fraught with risks, however the girls are determined to succeed in order to raise money and awareness for “Because I am a Girl”. “Because I am a Girl” is a campaign set up by Plan UK to help vulnerable girls across the world and the team are behind the project 100%, commenting: “Across the globe, girls’ rights are threatened by poverty, gender inequality, violence, poor education, unfair policies, ingrained attitudes, conflict and disasters. We want to speak out in support of every girl’s right to live safe from violence, to go to school, to take key roles in their communities, to marry who they want, when they want and to have their voices heard. Plan UK are helping the most vulnerable girls and are particularly focused on helping adolescent girls. For many girls, adolescence brings an increased threat of abuse or violence and a denial of rights and choices, meaning they are often invisible in global and national processes that seek to end poverty. Protecting the rights of adolescent girls, keeping them safe from harm, giving them access to a quality education and delaying marriage or childbirth means they can break the cycle of poverty to look forward to a brighter future. The kidnapping of hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls, and the shocking shooting of Malala Yousafzai in Pakistan, remind us that now is the time to act.” For more information about Plan UK and the “Because I am a Girl” campaign, please visit http://plan-international.org/girls/ The team are hoping to raise £50,000 for the cause and would welcome any help to reach their goal. Updates from the girls and ways to support their fundraising efforts can be found at www.rowlikeagirl.uk

4000 pupils, who each attend for a half-day, while those whose parents are working can use the facilities for the other half-day; they range from 2 years old (when they start to learn their letters and have a rest in the afternoon) to 19 year olds. When I visited in 2011, they had just completed a university on the same site, which only has evening classes, as the pupils all work during the day. Sister Lucia had been so thrilled to be back in Brazil, which appears to be one of only a few countries where girls are still becoming nuns (this order had had convents in Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Congo, Rwanda, England as well as Brazil), although I see that the proportion of women entering convents has increased by 25 per cent this year!

Having a niece and her family living in Argentina, I have visited South America quite a few times. This time, I went first to visit Sister Doroteia in Recife, which is in North East Brazil and where the Portuguese first landed. As a number of you will remember, Sister Doroteia was at Leweston, but went back to Brazil in 2004. She and Sister Lucia were the only nuns at the Community in Recife to have been sent to England. Some of you may remember that the Ladies of Christian Instruction (Damas da Instrucao Crista in Portuguese) came to England in 1891 (the arrangement was that they would build a Catholic Church in Sherborne, as there were very few Catholic Churches in England at that time); at the same time they were setting up convents in Brazil (they wore the same habits, shown in the photo of the Foundress, which must have been very hot in Brazil, but comfortable in the UK! Nowadays most of them wear blouses and skirts, although Doroteia wears the modern habit – seen left in the photo with me and Sister Maria Nazaré, the Mother Superior). When I was there, it was 37 degrees – and had rained heavily all night!

After spending several days travelling by bus in the Patagonian Lake District, I spent Holy Week with my niece and her Argentinian husband, son and daughter. They have, within the past two months, moved from Buenos Aires to a small town about 5 hours by bus, Tandil, which lies in a hollow completely surrounded by rocky hills – after miles of very flat countryside with very straight roads. It turns out to be a centre visited by large numbers of people (pilgrims?) for religious matters and is well known for the Stations of the Cross and an annual play of the Life of Christ, the latter of which has been performed in Holy Week since 1948.

I had visited Sisters Lucia and Doroteia several times before, but this was the first time I had seen Sister Doroteia since Sister Lucia died. While I was there, we were given a tour of the school (the community in which Doroteia stays is one of three on the site, where the retired and not so fit nuns live out their days; some nuns in the other communities teach or work in the school). The school has

The Stations of the Cross are set up on the hill leading to a massive crucifix, with thousands processing with lighted candles and the prayers relayed over a loudspeaker, all in the dark (since it starts at 7.30 pm). Fortunately I knew enough to know what was happening, even though I wasn’t able to understand all the (Argentinian) Spanish, where a lot of the letters are pronounced

differently (eg Villa is pronounced Bisha! I was told by a guide that this was partly because of the huge influx of Europeans, such as Italians, between 1880 and 1920 when the population of Buenos Aires rose from 2 million to 6 million. I hate to think what the population is now, as 50% of the population of Argentina lives in greater Buenos Aires).

The town has an amphitheatre, which is reached through the largest street market I have ever seen, but far from acting out the play on the stage, we sat the other way round on the rock benches (fortunately we had been warned that it would be cold and had taken blankets as well as coats). The play was enacted among the rocks on the hill behind, with each episode (from the Annunciation, through the birth, Herod’s interview with the Magi and the flight into Egypt; Jesus in the Temple as a child; John the Baptist baptising Jesus and Salome dancing as Herodias wanted his head; Jesus forgiving Mary Magdalen; the Last Supper and the arrest; before the Pharisees and the whipping; the interview with Pilate and his washing his hands; Jesus carrying his cross and the crucifixion; and his appearance as the Risen Lord, being performed at different places. As well as Jesus as a baby, a child and a young man, there were three men playing the part of him in different places. The highlights were Mary’s final words and Jesus ascending into Heaven, under the glare of a blue light. It appeared from the list of people saying the words, the actors and the technicians, that it was very much a family affair, where certain families seem to have been contributing large numbers of the performers over a long period. It was a wonderful way to experience what Christ has given us. We also had the opportunity to visit Balcarce, the birthplace of Juan Manuel Fangio, the racing driver who was World Champion five times, in 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956 and 1957, which is quite close by.

L -R: Christ, The Foundress, Colégio Damas and Peta with Sister Doreteia and Sister Maria Nazaré.

MY TIME IN SOUTH AMERICA By Peta Walmisley ‘62

Having a niece and her family living in Argentina

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BlackRock Owned and run by Lizzy Mercer (nee Kenyon), an Old Antonian and her husband Paul, a former Naval Officer, BlackRock Ski Lodge is a luxurious chalet nestled in the mountains above the Chamonix Valley in France. Beautifully arranged over three floors it is the perfect option for family and groups or those looking for a room in a shared chalet. You are guaranteed a warm welcome and can relax, safe in the knowledge that, winter or summer, they’ll take care of all the details so that you don’t have to. BlackRock Ski Lodge sleeps up to 18 people in total comfort and comes complete with stunning views of Mont Blanc, its glaciers and the mountains of the Chamonix Valley. WINTER SNOW SPORTS BlackRock Ski Lodge is set in the Les Houches ski area and is the perfect base for family ski trips – with exclusive fully catered, shared fully catered or self-catered options available. In the high season you can ski to door and walk on to the slopes that are just a short 200m from the Chalet itself. The Chamonix Valley has a reputation as one of the best winter sports destinations in the world and guests can choose to ski any of the five areas in the valley. You can also ski some of the best resorts in three countries on a single ski pass when you opt for a Mont Blanc Unlimited ticket including: Verbier in Switzerland, Courmayeur in Italy and now St Gervais, and Megeve too! Whisking you to and from the slopes in our dedicated Landrover is all part of the BlackRock experience, whether you are skiing the blue runs or spending your day with a high mountain guide exploring the back country. You just decide where you want to ski the next day and we will get you there! For non-skiers there are a host of other ways to discover the wonder of the mountains in winter including snowshoeing, husky sled adventures, Nordic skiing and much more, sometimes straight from the back of the chalet. SUMMER BREAKS The Chamonix valley is a breath-taking place to be in the summer. Whether you want to simply relax and enjoy all that the Lodge has to offer as a family or an individual– including perhaps the best view from a Jacuzzi anywhere on the planet – or spend time hiking, biking, trail running, climbing, parapenting, white water rafting, pony riding, visiting adventure parks, beautiful alpine lakes or canyoning, Lizzy and Paul will help you create the perfect summer break.

There is also a veritable feast of Michelin-starred restaurants and spa opportunities for you to indulge in too. Action-packed or chilledout, the choice is yours! SPORTING CAMPS BlackRock Ski Lodge is an amazing base from which to train. Former GB Age Group Triathletes, Lizzy and Paul have given the Lodge a sporting focus with a host of triathlon and cycling camps running throughout the summer. Working with a professional coaching and support crew these training camps offer the opportunity for athletes to train like a Pro, at altitude, and explore magnificent mountain terrain whilst having the prefect place to relax after a hard day in the mountains with fabulous hospitality. For summer 2016 they are hosting a Tour de France cycle week which includes four days cycling this year’s route and watching the cyclists as they pass, women’s cycling camps, and a number of triathlon training camps with coaches Phil Moseley and Silas Cullen. See the website for full details.

ABOUT BLACKROCK SKI LODGE With six bedrooms and six en-suite bathrooms (including three family rooms) BlackRock sleeps up to 18 people in complete comfort. There are three en-suite bedrooms, which can be arranged, as either double or twin. There are also three family rooms all sleeping 4 people: one double/twin en-suite with an adjoining room with bunk beds; a further double/twin en-suite with adjoining twin double room; and the final family room is a stunning mezzanine space with en-suite and Italian bunk beds below with bay window views into our beautiful forest. The spacious communal areas are split over 2 floors and include a wonderful dining room which is intimate by night but which opens onto a large terrace for summer dining. The lounge has plenty of space for relaxation with a chic bar to sit and tell tales from your day or to catch a bit of TV on our 56 inch plasma TV. For cosy nights in, the snug offers a log fire and library and the kids don’t miss out with a children’s TV and games area up in the eaves. The open kitchen is modern and comes complete with island breakfast bar. Step outside you’ll find wooden decks and terraces to make the most of sun-filled days and a jacuzzi with possibly the best view in the entire Chamonix Valley.

Find out more at www.blackrockskilodge.com or call +33 (0)6 71347202 and let Lizzy and Paul create the perfect holiday for you.

19

‘‘ CLASS

MANDY HACKLAND (NEE DANCASTER ‘68) is an author who has recently published her third book - this time a novel entitled Witnesses - a fresh encounter with familiar Gospel stories. More about the novel and Mandy’s life as an author can be read on page 27. Witnesses is available to purchase on Amazon now.

NOTES

PETA WALMISLEY (‘62) continues to travel the world. To read about her recent adventures in South America see page 17.

GABY GOODMAN (NEE STEWART ‘64) and her husband Richard are planning some overseas trips - perhaps next year to the United States to visit Richard’s brother who left the UK when he was 22! The following year they hope to visit the UK and Europe. A visit to see Judy Barrett is on the agenda, as well a visit to Leweston. The last time Gaby was there was in 1978! Gaby is in touch via email and Facebook with Sally Illingworth and Jennifer Feij. Gaby’s mother (Gaby van Munster van Heuven) sadly passed away in June 2015. Gaby reports that her mother “had a long and fruitful life and was 95 when her time came.”

GINI (VIRGINIA) WELLS (‘70) has now been retired for three years. Gini has been going to evening classes in silversmithing for the last two and a half years and has loved every moment – both the designing and the making. She is not yet selling anything commercially (as she needs to get pieces hallmarked before she can do that) but she has made rings and necklaces, cufflinks, earrings and brooches for friends, as gifts and commissions. She has also set up her own workshop at her home, in a small corner of what was the garage, where her partner, Graham, also works in retirement, mending and making stringed instruments. Gini comments that this arrangement is “both companionable and productive!” The other string to her bow in retirement is working, voluntarily, for her teaching union, the NUT. She has trained as a Caseworker and her job is to support teachers who have called on the Union for assistance with difficulties they are having at work. Sadly, more and more teachers find themselves in situations where their capability or their conduct is being called into question and, even more sadly,

BELINDA WINGFIELD DIGBY (‘71) retired from her role as Vice-Chair of Governors at Leweston in 2015 after fifteen years on the Board. Before joining the Leweston Board, she was a governor with responsibility for special needs at Thornford Primary School for 12 years. She had a career in publishing at Jonathan Cape and continues to do freelance editing work. In her role as Vice-Chair at Leweston, Belinda was a member of the Finance and General Purpose Committee, the Education Committee, the Health and Safety Committee and the Croft House Fund Committee. Leweston would like to thank Belinda for her hard work and support of the School over the years and would like to wish her all the very best for the future. The School is indebted to Belinda for her unwavering dedication, guidance and passion for educational excellence. many of those teachers are women in their 40s or 50s, whose careers have been successful until the moment when the School management decides to question their abilities. Gini is glad she was able to retire from teaching when she did and is also glad that she can be useful to those who find themselves subject to investigation. Lastly, one thing that delighted Gini this year was to reconnect with her old school friend, SARAH JAYNE BOOTH (NEE OLIVIER). An email alerting Gini to the Reunion in May sent her to the internet to see if she could find anyone from her year. Having lost touch with all her contemporaries over the years, Gini was delighted to get a reply from Sarah via a message sent into the ether on Friends Reunited. They agreed to meet up at the Reunion and tried to find more of their classmates, but ended up being the sole representatives of 1970 – perhaps the 50th reunion in five years’ time will produce a few more?! Gini comments that “it was lovely to wander round the school with Sarah and catch up with each other’s busy lives.” If any 1970 OAs read this and would like to get in touch with Gini, her email address is giniwells@blueyonder.co.uk .

MARIA ROSARIO DE MADARIAGA (‘74) runs a hotel in the “Camino de Santiago”, Rioja area and has had quite a few British guests, who most recently have included an old Sherborne boy and the Liddle family, whose daughters are currently at Leweston. GEORGINA WINSLOW (NEE O’FLYNN ‘75) After several years of discussing a move, and many months of house hunting, Georgina and her husband Bob have bought a home in North Carolina. None of their three children showed any signs of wanting to return to Texas: David and family are in Pensacola, FL; Anna in Brooklyn, NY; and Julia about to marry a young man from North Carolina! So after much searching and discussion, Georgina and Bob decided that western North Carolina seemed perfect: not only is it centrally located for all of them, but it is also absolutely beautiful. They are 22 miles south of Asheville, surrounded by hills, mountains, rivers and forests. LUCINDA LOWCOCK (NEE MOUBRAY ‘77) is a regular at Leweston as she works for Castle Guardians and has a number of Leweston girls under her wing.

VALENTINE SIMSON (NEE COOPER ‘77) became a Granny on October 5th 2015 to Edward Kestrel Litton Simson better known as Eddie. His father is Jos who was at Sherborne Boys’ School. Granny Val and her daughter OLIVIA SIMSON (‘09) are much enjoying being a Granny and aunt to little Eddie. Valentine continues to work at Bovington for the MOD and Olivia is working in Sherborne. NICOLA BECK ( NEE CONNOLLY ‘79) recently returned to China after a number of years and enjoyed a fascinating trip to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. To read more about Nicola’s time in China see page 12. SARAH LESAGE (NEE MONEY ‘81) has been running an urbain “gîte” in Alsace for two years. She hosts people from around the world and comments that it is “fascinating”. She reports that no OA’s have visited yet except ROSIE CUNNINGHAM (NEE COUBROUGH), who is now in Uruguay but that she would be delighted to see anyone that would like to come and stay. For more information please see Sarah’s article on page 31 or visit her website at: www.lesecuries-mulhouse.com JULIA GREGORY (NEE ACAS ‘85) has now been living in France (just outside Paris) for nearly 28 years and is still loving it. She has been working at the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) for 20 years. The OECD is an international organisation based in Paris with over 34 member countries and Julia comments that “it is an extremely interesting place to work, with all the different nationalities”. Julia’s daughters are now 16 and 19. The oldest is studying at the University of Essex, and is now in her second year, and the youngest will take the French Bac (with the international option i.e. two A-levels as well) in two years’ time.

TAMSIN CLARKE (NEE WIGLEY ‘90) is still running ITCH, an experiential agency in London working for brands such as Google, YouTube, Virgin, Mazda & Cineworld, however she is happy to report that this is now within a 3 day week rather than 5, allowing her some much needed family time. A recent house move (to Iford, East Sussex) has been a long time coming but finally she is in what she hopes will be her family home for a fair few years. In September 2015, Zach, now 8, started Prep School and Jake started Reception. Tamsin was lucky enough to climb and summit Kilimanjaro last year for charity (RNLI) and is now looking for her next challenge for 2016 and is open to suggestions… Tamsin regularly sees Clare North, Ali Dale, Theresa Ely and Caroline White.

CHARLIE HOPLEY (NEE COLTMAN, ‘93) was welcomed back to the School in February 2015 to talk to the Sixth Form about Grassroots Tanzania, the not-for-profit organisation that she founded in 2013 alongside her husband Martin. The interactive session also covered the topic of responsible volunteering, with Charlie providing the girls with much food for thought on the subject. Grassroots Tanzania focuses on community based environmental conservation and education. Their vision is to unite people and the environment through compassion and mutual respect, and to encourage people to invest in a sustainable way of life. They aim to put an end to land degradation by delivering conservation and education programs which cultivate enduring self-reliance within remote communities. Charlie was in the UK to promote the work of Grassroots Tanzania and also teamed up with musician VICKY TILSON (ALSO ‘93) for a fundraising concert in Bristol in March. The event showcased The Vicky Tilson Quartet’s new album Mojo Risin’, and raised funds for Grassroots Tanzania. Vicky & Charlie were school friends at Leweston and after meeting at the 20 year school reunion, decided to team up to stage this very special night of entertainment. For further information about Grassroots Tanzania, please see Charlie’s article on page 32 or visit www.grassrootstz.org and for more on The Vicky Tilson Quartet, please see www.vickytilson.com .

JOSIE AGGETT (NEE SINNOT ‘90) and CAREY FAULKNER (NEE SINNOTT ‘94) really enjoyed looking around the Nursery at the School’s recent Open Day and then walking their children to the Belvedere to remember old times. Josie’s children are Coraline, 3 and Elodie 18 months, and Carey’s 1 year old son is called Fred. At the time of writing, Carey was also expecting her second child, due in August 2015. Both Josie and Carey were thrilled to hear there are plans in place to update the Belvedere and loved going back with their families. AMANDA MIRFIN (NEE NICHOLSON ‘91) Having lived in South Australia for two and a half years, Amanda’s family have now bought their own house and moved in at the beginning of June 2015. Amanda has been promoted to Primary Coordinator in her school but also still teaches Reception as well. Her son Zac is now seven and playing many sports, including ice hockey, soccer, cricket, athletics and swimming. Amanda says that, “We are loving our new life here”. LIZZY MERCER (NEE KENYON ‘92) was at Leweston from 1987-1992 and has strong family links with the School: her three other sisters were also at Leweston and her niece is now there as well. Lizzy and her husband set up a Ski Lodge in 2012 in the Chamonix Valley and run tailored luxury ski holidays both on a catered and self-catering basis in the winter. They also offer summer family retreats, along with Triathlon and cycling holidays in the summer months. Further information can be found in Lizzy’s article on page 18 or at: www.blackrockskilodge.com

JESSICA FOX (‘94) has had a busy few years! She has had two children, a daughter - Willow Scarlet Fox Morgan born 17th July 2013 and a son - Atticus Phoenix Fox Morgan born 13th June 2015. She is engaged to Mungo Morgan (Old Canfordian) and will be getting married next summer. Jessica reports that she caught up with a few Leweston girls whilst she was living in Poole, including May Palmer, Lucy Northey, Rosie Dru Drury, Zoe Maclaren, Lorraine Starmer and Emma Childes. She has recently moved to North Somerset and has since caught up with Julia and Helen Virgin and Leanne Penfold.

EMILY FRENCH-ULLAH (NEE FRENCH ‘94) continues to live and work in London and this year has been lucky enough to work on the Licensing and Merchandise programmes behind 2 of the years’ blockbuster movies: Minions and Jurassic World! In September Emily celebrated her 40th Birthday at the Tower of London where many OA’s were present, including JULIET CLEMENTS (NEE BIGGART), EUGENIE TOMLIN (NEE WILKINSON), SUSANNAH BENHAM, ELIZA GLUCKMAN (NEE PATTEN), ANNA ASHFIELD (NEE DE HALPET), AMY WORTHINGTON-DUGMORE and MICHELLE FATTORINI. CLAUDIA DHARAMSHI (NEE SANDEMAN ‘97) is a qualified art and art history teacher and has recently moved back to Dorset. LAURA JAMES (‘97) has recently signed a three-book deal with Bloomsbury for her series The Adventures of Pug for children aged 5 – 7. The first book in the series will be released in February 2016. For the full story of the origins of “Pug” see Laura’s article on page 10.

ALEX HARRIS (‘01) has been in the Royal Navy for seven years and alongside serving in HMS Sutherland (which included a stint in Libya) she has just returned from being a Flag Lt to an Admiral in NATO, based in Portugal. JO CUNNINGHAM (‘01), although Jo is a certified chartered accountant, she has recently undergone a career change, completing a BSc (Hons) degree at The University of Hertfordshire and becoming a registered Dietician.

DR HELEN ROCHE (‘04) is a research fellow at Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge and was recently cited as a historical expert by the Independent newspaper in an article entitled: Archive video shows Nazi flag flying in Glasgow; Hitler salute in London – but what should we read into it?

SARAH SANDERSON (‘05) has recently moved back to the UK after living in New Zealand for two years. Sarah is now undertaking anaesthetics training at Dorchester hospital. Sarah attended a small reunion for the class of 2005 in Hong Kong recently. OLIVIA BOLESWORTH (‘06) is a graphic designer with Brandwave Sports Marketing. In December 2015 Olivia will set off on the Talisker Whiskey Challenge: an Atlantic crossing in a row boat as part of a team of four girls in support of Plan UK’s “Because I am a Girl” campaign. Read more about this on page 16. MADELEINE LOVE (‘09) graduated from Bristol University in the summer of 2015 with a Distinction in her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. She is now working in North West London.

ALICE COWEN (‘97) recently met up with EMMA GIBSON (NEE CHARLES) at a birthday party. They both now live in Dorset. Emma has two girls called Lola and Betsy (aged 1 and 3) and Alice has two boys called Indigo and Sonny (aged 1 and 2). Alice is a Personal Fitness Trainer working between London and Dorset and Emma has recently moved down to Poole, Dorset.

KATE ACHESON (‘11) has recently graduated from Southampton University with a First Class Honours degree in Geology. Kate has also been chosen to join the postgraduate research team in the Palaeontology department at Southampton and is working towards her doctorate. Kate was selected to advance straight onto the university’s PhD programme without undertaking a Master’s degree. This extraordinary achievement is highly unprecedented and is a result of the outstanding work she produced during her time on the BSc course. Kate’s PhD studies will see her specialising in Ichthyosaur Death and Taphonomy from Lyme Regis. ELEANOR MILLER (‘11) has just started a 4 year PhD at the University of Cambridge. She is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and will be studying Molecular Ecology.

CATHERINE HAMMICK (‘11) has secured a job working for world renowned American fashion designer and Oscar winning film director Tom Ford. Catherine recently graduated with a BA First Class Honours degree in Fashion Business.

CHARLOTTE PATTON (‘11) recently completed her BA in Footwear Design at Cordwainers, London College of Fashion (part of UAL) with a 2.1 (Hons). Cordwainers offers one of the best Footwear Design courses in the world (with alumni such as Jimmy Choo, Patrick Cox, Sophia Webster, Nicolas Kirkwood and Charlotte Dellal) and Charlotte feels that it was thanks to Leweston that she managed to get a place on the course without completing an Arts Foundation Degree first. Charlotte chose to do a four year course with a year out working in industry, so in her third year she secured a yearlong placement in the Footwear Design department at Hobbs in their London head office. The design work she undertook that year gave her a significant advantage for her fourth and final year, at the beginning of which she was awarded the prestigious Kurt Geiger Cordwainers Scholarship. This enabled her to have the samples from her final year project manufactured in a footwear factory and was fantastic practice for working in industry after university.

IVY NG (‘12) graduated from Essex University in the summer of 2015 with a First Class Honours degree in Psychology. Former EAL student Ivy has now returned to Hong Kong but hopes to return to the UK in the near future. SIOBHAN STEWART (‘13) is now President of Oxford University Hockey, and is responsible for both the men’s and the ladies’ teams.

ESMÉE ROACH (‘13) is part of a group of six university students who have formed a theatre company called Peas ‘n’ Pods to assist children with special educational needs. Esmée is currently in her third year of a BA Drama, Applied Theatre and Education degree at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. The second year of Esmée’s course ended with a large module called ‘Collaborative Outreach’, which involved the students creating a company, pitching for projects, funding them through donations and fundraising events, and then carrying out the project. The Peas ‘n’ Pods project saw the six students facilitating a week-long series of interactive, multi-sensory drama workshops at a specialist school for children with Special Educational Needs in Penzance, Cornwall. These workshops were centred on exploring a play at the Minack Theatre (devised by a company of first year students on Esmée’s course) which the group took the children to see. The workshops also included music and craft based activities focusing on the auditory and tactile areas of sensory exploration, as well as many more elements such as storytelling and ‘Teacher in Role’ exercises.

ANNIE TREVIS (‘14), has been selected to represent the University of York as a Chemistry Ambassador. Annie is currently in her second year at the university reading Chemistry. After achieving excellent grades in her A levels at Leweston in 2014, Annie was delighted to secure a place at York where she is now thriving. Annie recently applied to be a Chemistry Ambassador for the university and after a thorough selection process, requiring her to attend a round of interviews and to submit a personal statement, she was chosen to be a First Year Ambassador. Student ambassadors promote the university to potential students: they are on hand during open days to welcome visitors to the campus and to guide them through their day, giving them the inside track into what life is like as a Chemistry student at York, and answering any questions the visitors may have. As a result of her selection as a Chemistry Ambassador, a profile on Annie will feature in the new edition of the York prospectus. Annie, who intends to do a four year Masters course followed by a PhD with the eventual goal of entering a career in forensics, cites Leweston’s Dr Kemal as the spark that ignited her love for Chemistry, commenting, “My Chemistry teacher was my first inspiration and she encouraged me to push my boundaries and follow my dreams.”

END!

23

Gaudere et Bene Facere Rejoice and Do Well

&

Births

Marriages Engagements LUCINDA MOUBRAY (‘77) remarried in February 2015 and is now Lucinda Lowcock. Lucinda lives in Dorset and works for Castle Guardians, who are responsible for a number of overseas girls that are currently studying at Leweston. LOUISE ASHMORE (‘06) is getting married on the 19th December 2015 with two Leweston girls as bridesmaids (VICTORIA THORNTON ‘06 and IZZY BIRCH REYNARDSON ‘07) with another 10 or so other old classmates attending and also doing readings (including LOTTI EAGLES ‘06 and PHILLI CLIST ‘06). HELEN SHERWOOD-TAYLOR (‘97) got married in March 2015 to Jim Bailey, her partner of seventeen years.

LUCY HASELDINE (NEE GRASSBY ‘02) a son, Oliver John Haseldine, born on 23rd March 2015.

CAROLINE MATTHEWS (NEE HUMPHRIES ‘99) a son Zachary Charles Alastair Matthews born on 2nd April 2015. Zachary was born weighing 7lbs 12oz. CHARLOTTE PUNDYKE (NEE FREEMAN ‘96) and her husband Paul Pundyke welcomed baby Quinn into the world on the 14th June 2015. A little brother for Conor (now 4).

EMILY BEDNALL (‘03) married Rick Grundy in September 2015. A number of OAs were present at her wedding (including two as bridesmaids). These were: CHRIS PENSON (NEE COCKERAM), DEMELZA CLEMENTS, ROSIE HOFFMAN (NEE COFFIN), GEORGINA BESENT, HANNAH PILLING (NEE PARMLEY), CHARLOTTE CARTER and JO TIZZARD. JESSICA FOX (‘94) was proposed to on September 29th 2013 by Mungo Morgan (old Canfordian). Jessica and Mungo were at Castle Court Preparatory School together when they were 11 but lost touch when they left at 13. They met up again through Facebook whilst Mungo was living in Sydney and Jessica was in living in Melbourne. Jessica moved to Sydney for a year then they both came back to England to start their family. They are getting married on 13th August 2016 and are having the reception at their old school.

SUZIE FRANKLIN (‘96) and fiancée Nat Bredenkamp, twins Max and Emily, born on 4th July 2014, a brother and sister for Fin and Alice.

CLAIRE ZARB-OWEN, (‘00) a daughter, Thea Salomé Zarb-Owen, was born on the 18th January 2015. All doing well and living in South London.

SARAH GORDON LENNOX (NEE MCVITTIE ‘95) a son, Archie Clement Gordon Lennox, born on 16th March 2014.

AMELIE SAUPE (NEE VON FÜRSTENBERG ‘99) a son, Xaver Saupe, born on 26th March 2015 in Tokyo where she is living with her husband Konstantin.

Deaths PIPPA DAVIES (NEE DRU DRURY ‘91) passed away suddenly in May 2015. She leaves behind a husband and young daughter. Out of every sadness comes a few positives though, as masses of girls in her year group have reunited on Facebook - chatting madly and remembering good times at Leweston. One of the girls, Mel Moore, also ran a marathon in Pippa’s honour, with the funds raised going to the Salisbury District Breast Cancer Unit.

JEMIMA PETTIFER (NEE WESTWOOD ‘06) a son, James Pettifer, born 28th September 2015. Jemima is currently living in Malaysia.

ANNA CHAPMAN (NEE GRANT-IVES, ‘02) a son, Jasper George Chapman, born 26th March 2015, little brother to Ted. His godmother is PHILLY PETRE (NEE RIDDELL, ‘02).

Retirements Mathematics teacher JOHN CROSS retired at the end of the 2014-15 academic year after 17 years with the School.

Witnesses The Road to

JESSICA FOX (‘94) a daughter, Willow Scarlet Fox Morgan, born 17th July 2013 and a son, Atticus Phoenix Fox Morgan born 13th June 2015.

CAMILLA BROOME (NEE BARBER ‘06) a daughter, Rosie Elizabeth Broome, born on 1st October 2015 weighing 8lb 9oz, little sister to Daisy.

LUCY FAIRHURST (NEE O’RIORDAN ‘01) a daughter, Madison Rose Fairhurst, born 14th February 2015.

By Mandy Hackland (nee Dancaster ‘68)

I live in South Africa and have done so for the last 40+ years. That’s longer than I lived in England! But I will always be grateful for the gentle education I received in the rolling hills of Dorset which has helped me to become the woman I am. But who am I? First and foremost I am a Christ-follower, and my greatest passion in life is to encourage others to deepen their own relationships with Christ. To this end I am an author and am about to publish my third book - this time a novel entitled Witnesses - a fresh encounter with familiar Gospel stories. Ever since I was a little girl, visiting my grandparents in a country cottage in the farmlands of Somerset, when I was permitted to use my grandfather’s portable typewriter, I have dreamt of writing a novel. In fact I tapped out the first few chapters of one then and there. (I wonder what happened to all those laboriously typed pages?) For almost sixty years that dream has remained buried. So what changed? Here is the introduction to Witnesses which shares how the book came about: It started in Israel. We spent an hour in the garden at Gethsemane. One hour. I heard Jesus say to me ‘Could you not wait one hour?’ (Mark 14:37).

Finally it has been a year of summer babies for the leavers of 2001…

And I wondered what it would be like if I did.

LIZZIE CHAMBLER (NEE CAIN) a daughter, Beatrix Alice, in June.

So I wrote a story, there, under the olive trees, almost two thousand years later, of a man who did wait – and watched and wondered; a story of a man whose life was changed by that one hour – and the smile of the One whom he watched.

DAISY BASS (NEE DUGMORE) a son, Indy Jack, in July.

Later, as I shared the story with my fellow travellers a dream was born. A dream to write more stories told by ordinary men and women who were bystanders as Jesus walked the roads and visited the towns in Israel. Who were they, these people? How were they affected by what they saw? Were they even noticed?

SARAH HARDING (NEE WATSON) a son, Jack Alan, in June. RACHEL REES (NEE WOOD) a son, Sunny, in May. ELE KENDALL (NEE MCMAHON) a daughter, Florence, in August. SARAH BROWN (NEE COWIE) a daughter, Zennor Evelyn Mary, in May.

The questions tumbled in my mind – and the people I imagined began to tell their own stories. Some of these people are mentioned in the Gospels, others are not; but, whilst the events each one describes are recorded in the Gospels, their own personal stories are the result of my imagination.It is my prayer that all who read this book meet Jesus as every person in its pages did; that each one may go back to read the Gospel stories with fresh eyes and perhaps understand for themselves in a new way both the humanity and the divinity of Jesus Christ. So the book was born - and over the last few months the characters have, indeed, told their own stories. There is Sarah, the wife of the one leper who turned back to say thank you when all the others rushed away; Eliakim, the servant to Joseph of Arimathea; Marcus, the Roman guard on duty outside a sealed - and then opened - tomb; and Isaac, who carried water into an upstairs room. These and others tell their stories and find their lives are touched by their encounters with Jesus Christ. The book is available now via Amazon. 27

The OA Award THE OA AWARD IS is a sum of money available annually to assist a pupil or former pupil of Leweston School whose project develops the School’s mission statement of assisting the less privileged. The chosen project could be overseas or in the UK. It could be inspired by the Sisters of Christian Instruction or any other religious or charitable organisation. When applying for the award applicants will detail how they became interested in their chosen charity, what they want to do to help the charity and how they propose to raise money for their chosen project. If there is no suitable applicant found for the award in a year the committee can consider awarding an “OA Grant” to a pupil at the School who needs money for a charitable project. The sum of money awarded will contribute towards the travel and living expenses of the successful candidate so that she is able to live and work with the community of her choice for a minimum period of six months (a shorter period would be considered for a gap year candidate). It is not envisaged that the Award will be used directly to assist –the community or those in its care. At the beginning of each academic year the Award will be launched at the School and made known to OAs through the Leweston website and the Old Antonian Magazine which is produced annually. There will be continual reminders and advice for applicants during the scholastic year. ELIGIBILITY The Award is open to any former or present pupil of Leweston School aged between 18 and 30. DISCLAIMER The successful applicant for this Award will be required to sign this form as a statement absolving the Old Antonian Association and Leweston School from all responsibility. Neither the Old Antonian Association nor Leweston School can be held responsible for accidents to the applicant whilst working with her chosen community.

CONDITIONS FOR GRANTING THE AWARD • The successful applicant will be at least 18 years old when she takes up the Award. •

She is expected to take up the Award within a period of 12 months from the date of the offer.

•

The successful applicant will be required to provide proof of: adequate travel and personal insurance cover; satisfactory personal health; completion of a course of appropriate immunisation and vaccination.

•

She will be required to undertake, on her return, a presentation of her experiences during the time she was in receipt of the Award by personally visiting Leweston School to give a talk.

APPLICATION OAs wishing to be considered for the Award will be required to submit the following: • A completed application form including the names of two referees. •

An explanation of the nature of the work she would envisage doing and the benefits which the applicant and the community she intends to visit would expect to gain from her stay.

•

Written correspondence indicating acceptance from the head of the community the applicant plans to visit.

•

An estimate of the total cost.

To obtain an application form please email development@leweston.dorset.sch.uk or alternatively, visit the website www.leweston.co.uk where an application form can be found under Leweston Society and OA Award. Applications should be made before the end of March. This will enable all applications to be carefully considered, and shortlisted applicants interviewed by the Chairman of the OA Association at Leweston. The successful applicant will normally be announced at Speech Day, which is held at the beginning of July each year. APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO: The OAA Chair, Mrs Shirley Hewson, Leweston School, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6EN.

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NEWS FROM PREVIOUS OA AWARD WINNERS

OA Award Winner Volunteers in South Africa Old Antonian Eleanor Mules (‘14) travelled to South Africa to work for Gap 360 on a volunteer project teaching children from local communities in Cape Town. Eleanor was the winner of the 2014 OA Award, which helped to fund her voluntary work. ELLIE REPORTS THAT: “Thanks to funding from the OA Award I was fortunate enough to travel to Cape Town in May 2015, to volunteer in Skandaalkamp, an informal settlement. I was told that the crèche I was to be teaching in was ‘a little piece of heaven in the middle of hell’, and that is exactly what Sunshine Educare is. Driving through a landfill site, down a dirt road, trying not to breath in the awful smell, you see out of the dust and shambles of broken glass and tarpaulin a collection of bright blue sheds and a crowd of small children with their faces pressed to the fence all chanting ‘Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!’ As they cling to your arms and legs you cannot help but have an enormous smile on your face and an instant love for all these children who have so little yet so much joy. Whilst working there I got to teach my own classes as well as help supervise teeth cleaning, wash up after breakfast and lunch (for most children their only meals) and run circle time (where dancing to Shakira’s Waka Waka is a must!). After two weeks I couldn’t imagine ever doing anything else and decided to stay an additional month. I was also asked to be project leader. This involved managing the daily running of the crèche and volunteers. Also liaising between the charity and teachers and generally making sure we had enough food and nappies (the responsibility was terrifying!). Circle Time

A gift from Ellie

Witnessing life in Skandaal was a real eye opener. Families share one single bed and live in tiny one room shacks made from scavenged materials from the landfill site with 1 toilet and tap for every 6 families. Bath time is a freezing affair, and waking up in a wet bed due to leaks is a regular occurrence. Some children do have loving parents, but for most sexual and physical abuse is not uncommon. Girls generally have children between the age of 13 and 17 (some as young as 11) and unemployment, drug or alcohol addiction is the reality for most.

These children changed my life and stole my heart! However, I loved every second that I spent at crèche, never knowing what each day would bring from being handed car keys and told to take a child to the clinic (I had no idea where it was!) to rescuing a dog from a porcupine or caring for a child with a chronic ear infection. I brought home so many fantastic memories; the look on the children’s and parents’ faces when every child received a pair of wellies and warm coat, or the sheer joy of an 11 year old with Driving around the settlement cerebral palsy when we let him drive around the settlement, will stay with me forever! I gained skills and experience I would never have dreamed of and have plans to return each summer until I graduate as a nurse and can set up my own clinic in the settlement. In the meantime I am continuing to fundraise for them and am encouraging as many people as possible to volunteer. The project is very close to my heart and really made me appreciate how lucky I was in my education.” For more information please visit www.sunshineschool.co.za Ellie is currently studying Children’s Nursing at UWE.

2013 Winner Returns to Leweston Issy Worrall (‘13) returned to Leweston in March 2015 to deliver a talk to the Sixth Form about her experiences on her gap year. During this time Issy spent three months undertaking charitable work in Auki, an outlying island in the Solomon Islands, where she lived with a group of nuns and taught music to nursery level children in schools across the Diocese. Issy was the winner of the 2013 OA Award, which helped to fund her trip to Auki.

THE OA AWARD WINNERS 2015 IN 2015, the OA Society was delighted to assist two young women to follow their dreams of volunteering abroad. ANTONIA REDPATH (‘15) was the recipient of this year’s OA Award. The award will help fund Antonia’s trip to Cambodia where she will volunteer for various charities and organizations, over a period of 10 weeks in various locations. Her experience in Cambodia will be organized by ‘The Leap’. Examples of the charities she will work for include: KID TEA, an NGO providing free education for underprivileged children and young teenagers, based in Siem Reap, where she will assist in teaching English and basic computer skills. Furthermore, at the Elma School Project, based in the rural village of Sambour, she will assist with the teaching of English and further learning classes to improve awareness in health and welfare and to enhance community unity. LET US CREATE day care centre in Sihanoukville, provides a safe haven in the form of a day centre. Here Antonia will be helping with creative arts and crafts projects, as well as preparing meals for children who normally find food through garbage heaps. Some projects are more physical and will see Antonia working in local communities to plant trees, grow vegetables and build fish farms, so families are able to generate long term income. She will also take part in a water pump project: working with local construction workers, learning to make cement, lay pipes, install water pumps and build wells to provide clean safe drinking water. In addition to this she will help to build flushing toilets, which will not only increase health and hygiene in rural areas, but will also help to foster relations in the community. After her visit to Cambodia, Antonia is also keen to continue volunteering in Borneo for another month, where she will work with Borneo Child Aid. Antonia comments that, “I have been very fortunate and privileged with an education at Leweston, with a fabulously supporting community and ethos, and if I could take even a fraction of the support that I have received and pass it on to a less fortunate community, I would feel a little bit of my good fortune has been spread a little further afield. I have been fascinated by Asia for a long time; Cambodia is perhaps one of the most beautiful places, and yet it suffers from the most crippling poverty and social problems, and its brutal past has caused it to have one of the youngest populations in the world. To be able to enjoy visiting and living in such a place, whilst giving something back in return, will make it the most rewarding and positive experience.”

RHIANNON VALENTINE Current pupil Rhiannon (Year 13) was awarded a grant by the OA Society to help fund her volunteer work with the OMV pilgrimage to Lourdes in the summer of 2015. During the pilgrimage, Rhiannon worked amongst a group of volunteers to help care for the disabled HPs (Hospital Pilgrims) ensuring that their stay was enjoyable and comfortable and that their daily needs, both physical and emotional, were met. On her return from Lourdes, we caught up with Rhiannon to find out about her experience on the pilgrimage… “I spent a week in Lourdes as a helper with the Order of Malta Volunteers. This was an invaluable experience where I learnt a great deal from both the hospital pilgrims and helpers. Many of the pilgrims were unable to walk, talk or feed themselves. I particularly enjoyed looking after and learning a great deal from a girl around my age, who had cerebral palsy. She taught me that even if you have a physical illness which makes communication difficult, your personality and sense of humour can still shine through. Most of all, my experience at Lourdes has taught me to be humble and patient.”

So after having moved at least every two years all my life, it still shocks and surprises me that I have now lived in Alsace in North Eastern France for 22 years! Of course having a husband, 3 children, several dogs and a cat anchors you but I could never have imagined that I would put down roots anywhere and least of all in Alsace. However the urge to travel has never left me - that feeling where you arrive in a strange place, where you know no one or much about the place and everything feels and smells exotic and exciting. Spending a couple of hours or days with people who you meet along the way and enjoying the diversity and often the oddities of mankind. Moving around other than for holidays is no longer practical with a family, so when we moved into town a couple of years ago, into a house with a downtrodden outbuilding, I had an idea. I decided that as travelling is restricted for the moment, I would create a place where people from around the world would come to me. So 18 months after extensive work on

what had been originally stables, I opened what the French like to call a "Gîte Urbain". This is basically a holiday cottage in a town but mine is somewhere between a rental and a bed and breakfast. As the cottage is in our courtyard, I am on hand at all times to meet and greet guests and although I do not provide breakfast on a daily basis, I provide all the basics such as coffee, tea and jams, as well as a bottle of our delicious local wine! My husband was very sceptical about who would actually be coming to a small provincial town that most people have never heard of. I still remember seeing a page from the diary of a Leweston girl who had travelled to Mulhouse with the school choir. I was disappointed to have missed the concert, as I did not read about it until afterwards but also saddened that the diary entry just said something along the lines of "nothing much to see, a town badly bombed during the war." How wrong they both proved to be! I opened in February 2014 and I have been pretty much full ever since! Through this project I have actually rediscovered or learned about the incredible abundance of things to do and see in the area. My guests arrive from around the world either as a final destination or en route somewhere. To put Alsace on the map, we are literally in the centre of Europe on the borders of Switzerland and Germany. One thing I like to say to my guests is where else can you enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in 3 different countries in one day? We are only 20 minutes from the Basel-Mulhouse airport and with all the cheap flights available today many people just decide to come for a weekend. The Alsace wine route is a big attraction as well as the many museums in Mulhouse. In winter guests come for the Christmas markets

By Sarah Lesage (nee Money ‘81)

I have always loved travelling. It must be in my bones because by the time I arrived at Leweston aged 11 I had already moved about 10 times with my family. My father was in the army and moving is a way of life which stays with you. After school I travelled extensively during my gap year and most of my summers during university were spent in France. When I started work, I looked for jobs which would and did take me abroad, even as far afield as Hawaii. The itchy feet syndrome is very hard to shake off.

or skiing in the Vosges Mountains. Few people know that the world’s largest car museum is in Mulhouse, or that there are strong links with Manchester dating back to the textile industry of the 19th century. Guests also come here for international trade shows each year including Basel World (watches and jewelry) and Art Basel (contemporary art). As France is much cheaper than Switzerland people prefer to stay in France and take the short train ride to Basel every day. Some guests stop off here on their way home from Italy or Switzerland and others to visit family. I had one Old Antonian to stay as a guinea pig just before I opened. Rosie Cunningham (nee Coubrough), her husband Ed and children Lily and Finn spent a couple of days in the cottage after visiting Nicky Vickers in the Alps. It’s great for when friends come to stay, as the cottage means that each family has their own space while spending time together. The cottage is a cosy two floor building and we have managed to restore many of the original features such as the wooden flooring and staircase, the beams and wooden exterior. It has a large double bedroom and a sofa bed in the sitting room to sleep 4 people comfortably. My French guests tell me it is very English which makes me laugh, as I don’t think it is at all, but I don’t want to disillusion them. Every time a new guest arrives, I have the impression that a small part of me is travelling again. I have made new friends from around the world but I would love to have more Old Antonians come and stay so that we can share our experiences of our time at Leweston! Les Ecuries is open year round: www.lesecuries-mulhouse.com/

Our Gîte Urbain

4. 3. 2.

1.

T E N A L P E H T ! G K N S I A V T SA Y S A 3) 9 E ‘ n a O m olt C IS N e e n ( y e l p o H e t Charlot

In 2013, Charlotte Hopley and her husband, Martin, founded Grassroots Tanzania, a small conservation and education organisation working in remote rural Tanzania, East Africa. Working miles from any infrastructure (running water, roads, and electricity) on the edge of a game reserve, Grassroots Tanzania is protecting over 100 acres of land, producing their own honey as part of their sustainable business model and building a primary school for the children of Itumba Hill Singida nearby. This is off the grid. This is where development doesn’t reach. This is where many villagers haven’t ever attended any formal education. This is where there are no services. No tarmac for miles. No roads other than dirt tracks. No electricity other than for those who have the capacity to install solar. No running water. No water pumps. And that’s just the infrastructure. Not to mention the other development needs, health, education, and environment. The list is endless. Tanzania is witnessing one of the fastest rates of deforestation in the world. Unseen to many as it is off the beaten track, far from the tourist trails, where semi nomadic tribes fight for arable land for subsistence farming. Finding a piece of

Miombo woodland is a gift and yet, with Tanzania as the second largest producer of honey in Africa, these areas are ideal for beekeeping and if protected offer much opportunity for development. By a wing and a prayer, Grassroots Tanzania is now in its third year. Producing small quantities of honey, they have firmly established their presence protecting a beautiful part of the world’s wilderness and have started the build of the Primary School. As sole fundraiser, Charlotte has been managing the project office, all aspects of, whilst delivering babies and growing the Hopley family. No mean feat, but with her second child now a walking talking toddler, Charlotte and her family have returned to the UK to build Grassroots Tanzania’s fundraising platform and build a sustainable organisation for the future. And, Charlotte needs your help to be part of Grassroots Tanzania’s story and help support the development needs of an isolated population in Africa. Reconnecting with Leweston friends is one of the ways Charlotte is hoping to achieve this. Since 2013, help has come from a variety of friends in many different ways, those willing to share their talents and expertise for a worthy cause. Clare

Thompson (nee Helyar ‘82) has supported Charlotte with her marketing and communications since the beginning. Early this year, Charlotte hosted a couple of events with the help of Leweston friends, including Rosie Thomas (nee Richardson-Aitken ‘93) and Vicky Tilson (‘93) who were both keen to share their thoughts on their involvement with Grassroots Tanzania: “My husband Charlie and I have been watching the amazing work that Charlotte and her team have been doing in Tanzania over the years and were so pleased to be able to attend one of her fundraising evenings. As fellow beekeepers (on a very small scale!) it was great to get a better understanding of how the honey and school projects are taking shape, to meet members of the team, support the cause and to taste some of the honey! Charlotte’s energy and dedication are a constant source of inspiration.” Rosie Thomas

“When Charlie approached me about doing a fundraising event with my original jazz quartet, I jumped at the chance as it was an opportunity to not only help out her amazing charity but, support a fellow classmate in the process. We decided to

5.

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lyar ‘82) e H e e n ( ompson h T e r a l C rketing a m a h t i tonian w ing design”) n A d l nO “i catch n ( s s “Being a e n i s t positio bu a e r n g g i s a e d in and friend, a, I was i y n m a z p n l e a h out in T vices to r e s ions and y t i m b e m t a a n r e to do realise h , improve y e l o t p o a i H n a e i z n Charl tion in roots Ta a s c s a u r d E G th & goals wi rvation e s nzania. n a o T C f y o t i s n a Commu otest are great love of m e r e h t one of as is my , t r a u can’t e o h y y d m n a o t 7. oundless are dear b s s t i lfill her c u e f j m o s r r a e i p h s e u g s n th The y of seei y and en o j g r e net from e h a n t l e p n r i r e u p o H u f Africa. wrapped l piece o cess.” l o e a r b p m t s e u h a b t g in help ilst savin ruction h t s w e d s m a dre

combine her event with the launch of my band’s third album, which was being released on a well-known jazz label. The band would perform two sets of original material and, in between, Charlie would talk about her work with Grassroots Tanzania and auction off some rare memorabilia. The event took place in Bristol and, whilst the audience numbers weren’t as epic as we had hoped, it was great to see Charlie and some other Old Antonians after so many years.” Vicky Tilson Honey production is at the core of the organisation’s sustainability and Grassroots Tanzania produces both varieties, honey that you are most familiar with on your breakfast tables and that of the non sting bee variety used for medicinal purposes. Longer term, Grassroots Tanzania hopes to address many of the development needs by partnering with likeminded organisations in health and so forth, but for now building a school is their primary development objective with the villagers, in addition to protecting the environment and reducing the devastation that surrounds them. In Charlotte’s own words … ”Doing this can be like eating elephants sometimes and I can shy away from asking for help. This is a mammoth task for my husband and I and we need all the help we can get! Whether it is assisting us via a donation, sponsoring a hive, hosting an event or sponsoring a project, we would welcome the support. It could be something small like baking honey cakes for sale at your children’s school or something grander like producing a honey recipe book for sale or hosting a black tie charity do. I am so grateful to those from Leweston School who have helped me to date, their generosity, time and talents, make a huge difference to small organisations like us. It also enables people to feel more connected with charity work. If you are looking for something to participate in, we would welcome the support….”

She continues…. “I have come to the conclusion that in this world it's easier to burn 100 acres in Indonesia for palm oil than to protect 100 acres, but nothing will deter me from protecting a small piece of this planet. It’s wonderful too to be producing our own honey and that unto itself is a great achievement for 3 years of tough work.” With the availability of electricity down to the equivalent of 2 days per week due to intense shortages in Tanzania, Charlotte has returned to the UK for 2016 & until the work of Grassroots Tanzania is fully sustainable. If you would like to donate you can at https://www.justgiving.com /Grassroots-Tanzania-2013 or help in another way please contact Charlotte direct at charliehopley@grassrootstz.org. For further information about the work of Grassroots Tanzania, please see their website:

KEY 1. Village meeting 2. Charlotte & Martin 3. Hives 4. Vicky Tilson 5. Miombo Woodland 6. Clare Thompson 7. The Existing School

www.grassrootstz.org

Spiritual Life

PUPILS CELEBRATE THEIR CONFIRMATION MASS AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION On Saturday 2nd May we were delighted to welcome the Rt Rev. Mark O’Toole, Bishop of Plymouth, to the School to celebrate a very special Confirmation Mass.

10 Confirmands from Leweston were joined by Confirmands from Sherborne School, Sherborne School for Girls and Milton Abbey School for this special event. The celebrations continued on the Sunday, when three girls from the Junior Department made their First Holy Communion. Fr Peter Clarke was our celebrant for this important moment in the lives of the girls and their families.

HARVEST MASS OF THANKSGIVING The Harvest Mass of Thanksgiving was held on 1st October and was attended by the whole School. Dr Genevieve Cox, Chaplaincy Coordinator, commented:

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to all parents, pupils and staff who brought in donations for the Sherborne Food bank. The Harvest Mass of Thanksgiving was led by Year 5 who confidently led us in the bidding prayers, scripture reading, altar serving and the offertory procession. The Chapel Choir and Schola excelled themselves in singing harvest anthems for the Mass and I am very grateful to all students and staff who work hard to rehearse these pieces and lead our worship in song. The visual spectacle of our Harvest Mass is thanks to our Maintenance and Catering teams who crowned our celebration with fruit, freshly baked breads, pumpkins, apples and other fruits and seeds from the Leweston grounds. It was such a treat for me to experience the Leweston Harvest Mass for the first time and to have the Reception class for faith activities during the first part of Mass.”

JUNIOR DEPARTMENT SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE To mark Armistice Day there was a short Service of Remembrance in the Junior Department. Everyone stood in a solemn circle and some children read their own World War One poetry. A representative from each class then laid a poppy by the candle in the centre and a two minute silence was observed.

Service of Thanksgiving for Animals

On Friday 19th June Leweston Junior Department held a special outdoor service of thanksgiving for animals. The service was led by Fr Peter Clarke and the girls in Year 5 and took place on a

gloriously sunny morning in the beautiful setting of the Junior Department’s Walled Garden. The hymns were led by the Yetminster Choir who very kindly joined us for this special occasion. The service was very well attended with many families bringing

their pets along to be blessed. The School was delighted to welcome dogs, cats, ponies, chickens, budgerigars, rabbits, a tortoise, a guinea pig, a hamster and even some fish!

RETREATS STAERTER

YEAR 8

YEAR 7 The image of retreat is often one of austere solitude and silence. Not so for the Year 7 retreat this year! Whilst their visit to St Gilda’s retreat centre offered a chance for spiritual refreshment, it was action packed with fun, noisy and lively activities. The retreat centred on the theme of friendship; our personal friendship with God and our community friendship. The presence of the whole year group, Head of Year and the Year 7 tutors provided that unique opportunity for everyone to bind together as a year group family.

On Tuesday 2nd December, Year 8 enjoyed their retreat day at the Catholic parish in Sherborne exploring the meaning of Advent. They began by discussing the symbolism of the Advent wreath and soon the room was full of foliage and berries as they made their own wreaths. Mid-morning they walked to the Abbey to meet the lovely Rev Lesely and were given a beautiful tour of the incredible building, which included meditations on Advent, lighting candles and writing prayers to the child Jesus. Before lunch they took part in an Advent arts and crafts workshop in the parish rooms and in the afternoon, they were blessed with a visit from Jane Fenton who led a Taize workshop. 35

RETREATS STAERTER YEAR 9 Year 9 added colour to their prayer during their retreat day on the theme ‘expressing faith through art.’ The day was full of vibrant and interactive workshops, which allowed the group to nourish their prayer life in a different way. Miss Fielding started the day by introducing the idea of colour diaries. These allowed the girls to express their emotions and prayers through colour, images and symbols. The colour diaries workshop was accompanied by a powerful Ignatian reflection given by Miss Fielding on recognising God’s presence in the world around us and in the beauty of God’s colourful creation. Year 9 were then privileged to have Fr Nicholas Crowe join the retreat from the Dominican priory in London. Fr Nicholas gave a workshop on what it means to be made in the image of God. In the afternoon, the group discussed how Friar Angelico, the early Italian Renaissance painter, preached through his artwork.

YEAR 10 This year’s Year 10 retreat was centred on the theme of ‘expressing faith through music.’ The aim of the day was to experience prayer through many different musical charisms. The girls began the day with what might be called the beginning of music, or at least the first form of musical notation after knowledge of the early Greek notation was lost: plain chant and to what would become Gregorian chant in the sixth century. Fr Nicholas Crowe spoke about the role of chanting in his community prayer life. The group then shared this monastic experience of prayer, by chanting the morning office. Fr Nicholas then celebrated Mass for Year 10 in Trinity chapel, a beautiful experience to share as a year group. The girls then continued the experience of praying through music in the Mass by singing the Mass parts and their favourite hymns. Jane Fenton then joined the retreat to lead a Taize workshop. The group entered into the spirit of Taize by sitting on rugs in the chapel, using icons and lighting candles. They learnt a few Taize chants and proceeded to share a short liturgy in which they sung, wrote leaf prayers, and read passages from the Scriptures. Leweston’s home team came up trumps before lunch as Mrs Hawkes and Dr Milestone led sessions on expressing faith through choral song. Needless to say, the sound was angelic and many staff members stopped to listen to their beautiful vocal music. In the afternoon, Year 10 were joined by a worship music band from Elim Church in Yeovil. Their music ministry team gave a presentation on their prayer through worship music and led the group in an afternoon of high volume and high energy singing.

YEAR 11 On Tuesday 2nd November, Year 11 spent the day learning about and reflecting on the subject of relationships. The talks and activities of the day aimed to unite their spiritual appreciation of the purpose and felicity of relationships with the practical considerations and consequences of their decisions. The day encompassed a great deal, including lots of wet feet, an introduction to Pope John Paul II’s theology of the body, tiny feet badges, baby dollies showing different stages of development, talks on the hard topics of abortion and STIs, and a reflection on virtue and marriage using Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The girls were privileged to have Jane Ingram from the ‘Life’ charity to lead them in thinking about relationships and the ethical and emotional issues which surround the choices we make. The approach was participatory throughout, with good use of ultrasounds and video clips. The girls were enthralled, eager to volunteer and worked really well, appreciating both the seriousness and the relevance of these issues in society today.

On Thursday 18th June Year 12 embarked on a two day Pilgrimage walk to Chideock. The walk started with a prayer at Melbury Bubb and finished on the first day at the wonderful Parnham House just outside Beaminster (approximately 12 miles). Parnham was the group’s base for the night, kindly offered by Emma Treichl, Governor and parent at Leweston. The next morning, well rested and well fed, the group continued to Chideock

where they finished their walk with a prayer in the beautiful surrounds of Chideock’s Chapel, attached to the Manor House. Once again, the group were welcomed with great hospitality and tea and cake were offered in abundance. The pilgrimage was a great experience for both the staff and the girls alike.

We Bid Farewell to Doctor Cox At the end of the summer term Leweston bid a sad farewell to Dr Genevieve Cox. Dr Cox had taken on the role of Chaplaincy Coordinator in September 2014 and enjoyed an immensely successful year, overseeing the thriving spiritual life of the school. She truly revitalised the chaplaincy, breathing new life into the Marian Day retreat programme, introducing ‘Pyjama Prayers’ and ‘Hot Chocolate Prayers’ (an enjoyable mix of prayers and activities for the girls), organising the weekly Masses and orchestrating many of the fundraising events held by the school throughout three busy terms. She quickly became a friend to all and her positivity and enthusiasm made her a wonderful asset to the pastoral life of the school. She will be truly missed. Genevieve has left Leweston to pursue a teaching qualification and we wish her the very best of luck.

STOP PRESS: The School is delighted to have appointed Mrs Louise Worrall as Lay Chaplain with effect from January 2016. Mrs Worrall is also Head of Nursing Care at Leweston and we are excited that she will now also lead the spiritual life of the School.

RETREATS

YEAR 12 PILGRIMAGE

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THE SCHOOL YEAR IN

RETROSPECT It’s been another extremely busy and immensely successful academic year at Leweston, with incredible achievements across the board, exciting events and a number of landmark moments. Here are some of the highlights…

Leweston Chinese New Year

Hosts the 10th Public Speaking Competition for International Students

On Sunday 1st February Leweston celebrated the Chinese New Year with a special party. Year 12 pupils Jeannie, Min, Amy and Steph organised a wonderful banquet and party to celebrate the start of the Year of the Sheep. The girls designed a banquet menu and invitations, drew up a guest list and trialled all of the recipes in Cookery Club. Planning for the day was meticulous and the girls prepared and delivered a superb banquet with help from girls in years 12, 11 and 10, for 108 invited guests. The theatre was beautifully decorated by girls in Year 13 who planned and made themed decorations with Mr Bush. A sheep themed chocolate and vanilla marble cake was designed and decorated for the party by girls in Sugarcraft Club. The games and entertainment organised by the girls and the message from Mr Crozier kept the party fun, so everyone had a wonderful evening.

Leweston hosted the highly entertaining 10th Public Speaking Competition for International Students in the spring term, with speakers representing five local schools talking on a diverse range of topics, from sumo wrestling to dancing, via stem cell research and the Hadron Collider at Cern. Former Headmaster Paul Carling and retired English language specialist Anne Kennedy had the unenviable task of judging the very high standard of talks. Their eventual winner came from Sherborne Girls’ School, with Andrea T (Year 9) of Leweston coming a highly commended second. Andrea delivered an emotive speech about her year of happy experiences at Leweston. IFS Student Investor Challenge 2015 Leweston pupils had a second successful year taking part in the IFS Student Investor Challenge: a UK wide stock market game where pupils have to make as much money as they can from an initial £100k investment. Five teams took up the challenge, two of which came in the top 8% out of 8720 teams! Our top team – “The Business Bosses” namely Emma W, Lucinda E, Lilly G and Helen C (all Year 12) outperformed the rest and ended up in the top 4% of the

country, followed closely by Ashley M, Hailey K, Michelle Y and Christy C (all Year 13).

Cambridge Chemistry Challenge 2014 Girls studying AS Chemistry were entered for the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge 2014. After sitting a very stretching and challenging paper, six pupils were awarded certificates. Alina P obtained GOLD and was in the top 7% of all entries. Jennie L and Cecilia J were awarded SILVER and were in the top 14% of entries. Christy L, Daisy L and Rosie F achieved COPPER awards and were placed in the top 35% of entries. There were a total of 6,687 students from 400 schools in this year’s competition.

Pupil Wins Illustrious German Scholarship Year 12 student Helen C won a prestigious scholarship to study in Germany over the summer holidays. The scholarship was funded by the German Government and Helen had to compete against hundreds of applicants to win a much coveted place.

Best Ever Leiths Results for Leweston Sixth Formers Fourteen students worked hard over their five terms in the Sixth Form to meet the practical and theory demands of the Leiths Basic Certificate in Food and Wine. They prepared and cooked a wide selection of dishes and learnt a range of techniques including knife skills, meat, fish and vegetable preparation, baking, sweet and savoury sauce preparation, as well as practical tasks such as time management, menu planning, sourcing and purchasing ingredients and basic theory. Leiths teacher Susan Larkin commented, “The final results revealed

that all girls attained their qualification, achieving the highest percentage so far of Distinctions, Merits and First Class passes in the five years the course has been running at Leweston School. The girls worked exceptionally hard on both practical and theory sections of the exams. I am delighted with this achievement for the girls and know they will put into practice what they have learnt, either professionally or for pleasure, as the girls who have previously been through the programme are already doing.” Sixth Formers Celebrate Success in UK Chemistry Olympiad 2015

Following last year’s success, Leweston once again celebrated its students performing brilliantly in a national Chemistry competition. The UK Chemistry Olympiad is an annual competition organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry which invites the most talented Sixth Form students to compete, applying their chemical knowledge to some modern day chemical problems. It is a real challenge for those involved and leads to the selection of a UK team for the International Chemistry Olympiad, from the many thousands of students taking part. Over 6000 students sat an intense Round 1 examination not only on material commonly studied at A level but also on material well beyond their normal studies. Five students achieved awards for Round 1: Alina P and Katarzyna Z were awarded Gold certificates and were amongst the top 7% of candidates who entered the competition; Jenny L was awarded Silver; and Daisy L and Christy L secured Bronze certificates. Antonia R, Cecilia J and Phyllis P obtained commendation certificates.

Helen stayed in Ludwigshafen am Rhein and thoroughly enjoyed this “total immersion experience” to enhance her study of A Level German.

Pupil Wins Place on Prestigious Headstart Engineering Course Aoife M (Year 12) was the proud winner of a much coveted place on the Head Start Engineering course at Exeter University. Over 20,000 applicants applied to take part in the week and Aoife was one of the select few chosen to attend. The comprehensive course explored how many of the greatest challenges facing society, from climate change to sustainability will require radical new engineering approaches. The residential course allowed students to experience how engineering is taught at the University of Exeter in a friendly and supportive environment. All sessions where delivered by world leading academic and industrial experts through a mixture of university style lectures and practical project work. The course was aimed at gifted students considering a future in engineering who are interested in exploring a range of engineering disciplines.

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2014-15 was another sensational year for Leweston’s biathletes with the girls racking up some outstanding achievements. Here are some of the best:

Boundless Biathletes

• In January Elizabeth T (Year 9) was ranked as the number one biathlete in the world for her age group! The incredible accolade, awarded by the UIPM (The International Modern Pentathlon Union), was the result of points gained across the 2014 Biathle World Tour. Elizabeth accumulated the highest number of points across this series of international events, leading to her being crowned the winner of the Youth C category (for girls aged 14 and under). The 2014 Biathle World Tour was made up of a series of events around the world with races in Argentina and Cuba, as well as the four races Elizabeth competed in: Pisa in Italy where she won, Erding in Germany where she also won, the European Championships in Setubal near Lisbon, Portugal where she finished 7th and Weymouth, UK where she was placed 6th. Five other pupils from Leweston also featured in the 2014 Biathle World Tour rankings. • 1 team and 3 individual gold medals were won at the National Schools’ Biathle. • A win at the South West Biathle Championships. • An individual gold medal and two bronze medals at the British Biathle Series Race 1. • 3 individual and 3 team golds at the South West Schools’ Biathle Championships. • 4 team gold medals for the School at the Dorset Schools’ Biathle Relays with Leweston topping the leader board. • 4 team wins and one individual win at the Dorset Schools’ Biathlon.

• Team bronze and team gold at the National Schools’ Biathlon Championships which took place at the Olympic Park. 12 girls from the School competed here, with the youngest representative from Year 5 and the oldest from Year 12. They all qualified for this prestigious event by generating strong results in previous rounds of the Biathlon last year. Over 6000 athletes from across the UK were vying for a limited number of qualifying spots and only the top ranked athletes in each age group were selected to compete at the National Championships.

• 4 team gold medals and three team silvers at the National Biathlon Championships helping the Dorset Pentathletes take the title of top club in the UK. • Three Senior girls selected to compete at the 2015 World Biathle Championships.

Riding High: Largest Ever Equestrian Team for Leweston School

Triathlon and Tetrathlon News The School is fast carving out a reputation for itself as the regional leader for all multisports events. Not only are our girls dominating the biathle/biathlon events, they are also making waves in the world of triathlon and tetrathlon. Here are some of this year’s magnificent multisport results: • Individual and team gold for Elizabeth T (Year 9) and team gold for Lily A (Year 5) and Elektra C (Year 7) at the Pentathlon GB National Triathlon • Individual 1st and 3rd and team 1st at the Bicton Inter-Area Pony Club Tetrathlon. • 2 individual and 1 team win at the New Forest Pony Club Tetrathlon. • Individual 1st and 2nd at the Cattistock Pony Club Triathlon held at Leweston. • 12th place for Elektra C at the Pony Club National Triathlon Championships. • Elektra also won the Area 14 Winter accumulator prize for Mini Girls out of 20 pony clubs, for the four best scores accumulated in triathlons over the 2014/15 season. • 1st place for Elektra C at the Mendip Triathlon. • 1 individual gold, 2 team golds and a silver at the South West Modern Tetrathlon. • 1st and 3rd at the Wyle Valley Pony Club Triathlon.

Year 13 Pupil Takes Part in England Rugby Trials Talented rugby player Maddie K (Year 13) was this year selected to trial for the England Women U20s. Maddie has been playing competitive rugby for three seasons. She is currently team Captain for the North Dorset RFC; Pack Leader for the Dorset and Wilts team; and has ViceCaptained the England Junior Academy South West team.

Leweston pupils are riding high thanks to the largest ever equestrian team the School has ever seen. The 17 strong team includes girls aged from 8 to 18, each exceptionally talented in their chosen equestrian field. Leweston’s equestriennes successfully compete in the disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and eventing, as well as Tetrathlon and Pentathlon events. The girls represent the School and their local Pony Clubs, with some riding for the county and even aiming to represent Great Britain.

Leweston Announ Tour to Sri Lanka ces Exciting Multisport

Leweston is excited to announce that it will be running a Senior Sports Tour to Sri Lanka in July 2016.The proposed will offer girls in tour years 10-13 the oppo rtunity to compete netball and/or swim in ming and biathle ev ents in stunning loca around the island of tions Sri Lanka. Sri Lank a offers exceptional competitive opportu nities in netball an d open water swim events, as well as a ming host of social and cu ltural experiences that will remain wi th the girls for a lif etime.

Inter-House Swimming Gala 2015 A very exciting Inter-House Swimming Gala was held on the penultimate day of term. There were many Inter-House and age group records broken, thanks in no small part to the increase in training sessions and subsequent improvement in standard. Six InterHouse Swimming Gala records were broken and 17 year group records were also broken. It was a truly competitive event and it was great to see such good House spirit engendered. The overall Inter-House results were: 4th Campion • 3rd More • 2nd Mayne With the title of 2015 Inter-House Swimming Champions going to Fisher House!

News from the Boarding Houses

After much consider ation and consultatio Houses have been re n with students and named in order to staff, the Boarding link to the history of Junior House is no the estate. w Rose House - This is in honour of Mr family, who restore Eric Rose, of the Ro d Trinity Chapel an se’s Lime Cordial d owned the estate Glyn House - Rena at one point. Middle med in recognition House is now of Sir Richard Glyn Vale Hunt and adde who was Master of d the wing where th th e Blackmore e current Middle Ho Hamilton House - Mr use is situated. Seni George Hamilton Fl or House is now etcher designed the predominately used Belvedere, an area by Sixth Form as on no w e of their privilege School. Therefore Mr s for being head of Hamilton Fletcher’s the name was chosen to represen t Senior House. 41

Tremendous Season for Senior Cross Country Team The Leweston Senior cross country team enjoyed a tremendous season. Throughout the spring term they competed on the local circuit in 9 different competitions, winning 8 and finishing 2nd in the other. Victories were recorded at the Downside, Kingswood and Milton Abbey races, the Sherborne Trophy held in the Castle grounds, the Ken Baily races organised by Bryanston School, as well as the Clayesmore, King’s Bruton and Bryanston Relays. The Senior Girls are building on the success of previous generations which saw the Under 13 team finish as National Runners Up in 2006 and the Under 15 team crowned as England Cross Country Champions in 2008, in a competition contested by over 300 schools.

Leweston Wins Summer Netball League Leweston’s netballers were victorious in the Leweston Summer League for local schools and clubs. The girls from years 5-8 took part in a series of matches throughout the Summer Term. Both the U11s and U13s enjoyed victories against teams including Keinton Netball Club and Yeovil Netball Club. This was the second year of the Leweston Summer Netball League and the hope is that it will grow and develop, involving more local teams next year. It has already attracted over a hundred girls from the area, many of whom have been encouraged by their experiences to join a local team.

Records Smashed at Inter-House Athletics Competition On the final Wednesday of the summer term, the weather held out for an excellent afternoon of Inter-House Athletics which saw a number of long standing records toppled in fine fashion. With the Sixth Form ably leading by example, the new House captains rallied their troops and took on the rest of the School in every House. The atmosphere was electric and the competition fierce, with a number of new Inter-House and Age Group records being set, including two held by Old Antonians for over 20 years! These were the 800m Year 9 record held since 1992 by Dido Harding with a time of 2.33, which was beaten by one second by Libby T, and the 1500m Sixth Form record, held by Rachel Lawrence since 1978 and finally beaten this year by Georgie K. Rachel’s original time was 5.28 and this was smashed by just over 5 seconds by Georgie, who raced home in 5.22.50! The final Inter-House results were as follows: 1st Fisher • 2nd Campion • 3rd More • 4th Mayne This year the title of Junior Victrix Ludorum was awarded to Elizabeth T, with Senior Victrix Ludorum going to Eve S.

The 29er EuroCup In February, gifted sailor Izzie B (Year 12) travelled to Spain to compete for Great Britain in the 29er EuroCup. Izzie and her teammate Luke Robinson took part in the international competition held at El Balis over 11 days. They were confronted by tricky weather conditions and problems with their boat but overcame these to enjoy a successful competition, finishing in 27th place out of 61 teams.

Hockey Star Qualifies for National Finals Year 9 pupil Poppy B had a tremendous season on the hockey pitch, playing for Dorset, being selected to try out for the West of England Regional Performance Centre and also qualifying for a national championship as a member of the Sherborne and Yeovil Hockey Club’s U14 A team. On Sunday 19th April this team won the West of England Hockey U14 Championships, qualifying for the England Hockey U14 National Finals held at London’s Olympic park on Sunday 10th May. Sherborne and Yeovil were one of only 8 teams lucky enough to qualify for this prestigious competition and were delighted to finish in 4th place, very narrowly missing out on a medal. Inter-House Gym Competition On February 6th the Senior School held their Inter-House Gym competition. Eleven teams of pupils from years 7-9 were entered, all vying for the much coveted Inter-House Gym Cup. The floor routines were impressive throughout, with each team scoring highly with the judges. Leaping into first place were Anna V-A and Ottilie M-S (both Year 8) representing Mayne and More. The girls stunned the judges and the assembled audience alike with their gymnastic prowess; only dropping one point to score an astounding 19 out of 20!

Exciting Developments at the Nursery Leweston Nursery is going from strength to strength thanks to a number of exciting recent developments, which include the expansion of its facilities and the introduction of specialist sports tuition for older pupils. Due to the high level of demand for Nursery places across the age range, the School is delighted to have opened a new specially designated room for the rising three year olds. This space has joined the current baby and 2-3 year old rooms which have remained in their existing locations. The older Nursery pupils receive regular specialist PE sessions and those aged 3 and over have also recently begun weekly swimming sessions. These fun, action packed lessons are led by Ali Parnell, a qualified ASA level 2 teacher and focus on improving water confidence and swimming ability through play. This specialist tuition comes at no extra cost to parents and takes place in Leweston’s school pool. The

children are making great progress and look forward with excitement to their weekly sessions. Sally Turner, Leweston Nursery Manager commented, “We are delighted that so many families are joining the Leweston community and that our recent developments will enable more children to access the exceptional education offered at the School.” Leweston Nursery takes pupils from 3 months to 4 years old. It holds a weekly Parent and Toddler Group on a Thursday morning (9.45-11.30) and an Aquatots session every Wednesday morning in the school pool (10.00-10.45).

Pupil Selected for the Satellite Netball Academy Portia M (Year 9) has been selected to join the Satellite Netball Academy. Portia is currently attending the academy’s coaching sessions in Blandford. This is the first level of the England Excel Netball Development Pathway. Tennis Mollie P (Year 11) was part of the victorious Dorset team in the Tennis County Cup held in Newport from February 27th- March 1st. 43

A Helping Hand

for our Sister School Many OAs will be aware of our sister school, Jana Jyoti, which is situated in Baglung Pani, Nepal, with a number having ventured there either during their time at Leweston or afterwards as volunteer teachers on gap year projects. With such strong ties to the school, the Leweston community was justifiably concerned when the school’s region was hit by a devastating earthquake on April 25th 2015 and it was with great relief that we received news that they had sustained no serious damage as a result of that quake, or the second that struck on May 12th. At the time the Headmaster, Bill Gurung, reported that there were no human injuries at the school, although sadly two people died nearby. The school buildings were all standing, however many sustained cracks and Rutter Home, where gap year students stay when at the school, was badly damaged. This information was confirmed by Liz Rutter, the former member of staff at Leweston who facilitated Leweston’s links with the school and enabled many staff and Sixth formers to visit the school on the Annapurna Trail. In response to the news from Nepal, Leweston swiftly began a series of fundraising activities to assist our friends at Jana Jyoti; donating £250 from our Tuck Shop proceeds to the cause and holding a cake sale and a mufti day for them in the summer term. The School also set up a Just Giving page where anyone could make a donation in

aid of Jana Jyoti. We were delighted to raise nearly £700 via the online page and the in-school activities. The money has now been received by Jana Jyoti and has been put to great use funding their necessary repair work. The following is taken from an email from Bill, thanking the Leweston community for its kind donations. “It is my pleasure to thank you all for your generous contribution to my school. I received quite a good amount of money from Leweston this year after we were badly affected by the destructive earthquake in April and May. The second big quake was on May the 12th that caused much damages in my school with cracked walls and broken window glasses. Luckily nobody in the school was harmed. Thank God! Now I have got all the damages repaired, spending the money from you and some other kind people. We all in school are in normal life now.

I know that Leweston and Jana Jyoti School have a good link since about last two decades. Several Lewestonians have already visited this school. Especially gap year girls who have contributed a lot in teaching English voluntarily and they have left a good impression to us. We have been receiving financial support from Leweston School too from time to time that adds to our school fund to bring reforms in physical aspects. It is hard to find a word to praise Leweston’s contribution to my school. I wish the friendship between these two schools would last long and I want to strengthen our friendship tie. We are always with Leweston by heart for her progress.” Leweston would like to thank all the OAs that got behind the fundraising drive, helping us to assist Jana Jyoti during its time of need.

EXAM RESULTS 2015

A LEVEL

THIS YEAR’S GCSE STUDENTS PRODUCED AN EXCELLENT SET OF RESULTS. 34% of examinations were passed at A* with 59% of all entries passed at A* or A. 84% of examinations were passed at A*, A or B. 30% of all candidates achieved 9 or more A or A* grades and 17% of girls were awarded 9 A* grades or more.

THIS SUMMER, SIXTH FORM GIRLS ACHIEVED A 100% PASS RATE AT A LEVEL, WITH 92% OF THE EXAMS PASSED AT GRADE A* TO C OR PRE-U EQUIVALENT AND 77% AT A* TO B OR PRE-U EQUIVALENT. 63% of the results were passed at A* or A grades or Pre-U equivalent, more than double the national average of 26%. Average UCAS points per candidate were 372, the equivalent of over three A grades per candidate.

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Beth M, Elizabeth H and Elizabeth D all achieved 11 A* grades. All three girls are academic scholars at Leweston.

It is wonderful to see such strong academic results from this multi-talented year group. Their achievements across the subject and ability range are as impressive as the list of additional accolades they have garnered in music, sport and outdoor education; all testament to the benefits of an all girls’ education where Leweston girls achieve to the best of their ability both inside and beyond the classroom.

These results have enabled almost all Leweston’s leavers to win places at their chosen universities or specialist colleges. The outstanding achiever was Alina P with 3 A* and 3 A grades who has gone on to read Natural Sciences at University College London. Many girls have now taken up places at the more selective institutions including Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, St. Andrews and University College London, studying degrees such as Accounting, Architecture, Economics, English, Modern Languages, Mathematics, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Nursing, Philosophy and Politics, Psychology and Theology.

I am delighted with what is another strong set of results at Leweston across the whole ability range further building on our record of success. These outstanding achievements pay testament to the hard work of the pupils and the work ethic of the School. These girls should be justifiably proud of their success and they will undoubtedly continue to thrive in their further studies. Retiring Headmaster Adrian Aylward

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Kate Reynolds - Head

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Particularly notable were the results in the subjects of Latin and Further Maths. 100% of the pupils taking Latin achieved an A* with 94% of the candidates taking Further Maths (representing 37% of the year group) achieving an A* or A.

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GCSE

I am thrilled that the girls’ and teachers’ hard work and aspirational attitudes have been rewarded. Kate Reynolds - Head

The Leweston Society THE LEWESTON SOCIETY IS THE UMBRELLA STRUCTURE UNDER WHICH ALL ASSOCIATES OF THE LEWESTON COMMUNITY CAN COME TOGETHER INCLUDING SCHOLARS, OAS, PARENTS AND FORMER PARENTS, PARISH MEMBERS, PAST AND PRESENT STAFF AND GOVERNORS.

KATE REYNOLDS Head JEMMA GOODLAND Alumnae Coordinator THE LEWESTON SOCIETY PARENTS COMMITTEE Year 7 – Emma Fidler Year 8 – Vikki Marsh Year 7 – Claire Godman-Dorrington Year 10 – Diana West Year 11 – Lisa Glydon Year 12 – Janie Garnon Year 13 – Fiona Maguire GOVERNORS Mrs Mary Head (Chair) Mrs Emma Treichl (Vice-Chair) Dr Nick Bathurst Mr Charles Comyn Mr Christopher Fenton Mrs Sarah Gordon Wild Mr Mark J F Hudson Fr Richard Meyer Mr Eddy Newton Mr Ian Stanton Mr Keith Newton (Advisor for the Board)

The Leweston Society

Sherborne

Dorset DT9 6EN

Tel: 01963 211015 Email: development@leweston.dorset.sch.uk

www.leweston.co.uk