ORA Magazine 2024 - Interactive

Old

Roedeanians’ Magazine

OR 2025 Calendar

Wednesday 12th February Founders’ Day and Commemoration Service

Wednesday 12th March OR Golf Day

Thursday 13th March Careers Fair

Saturday 26th April OR Netball v The School

Sunday 27th April

New York High line Walk

Thursday 8th May OR Spring Networker

Saturday 10th May Class of 2005 Reunion

Saturday 17th May OR Tennis Afternoon + BBQ

Monday 2nd June Silver Tassie Golf Competition

Monday 16th June

Old Roedeanians’ Association AGM

Saturday 21st June Roedean Day

Saturday 30th August OR Hockey v The School

Thursday 18th September OR London Lunch

Saturday 27th September OR Los Angeles Lunch

Thursday 4th December ORA Christmas Drinks

Saturday 6th December

Roedean Christmas Fair

Roedean School Contact: alumnae@roedean.co.uk

Windlesham Golf Club, Bagshot GU19 5HY Contact: golf@oldroedeanians.co.uk

Roedean School Contact: alumnae@roedean.co.uk

Roedean School Contact: netball@oldroedeanians.co.uk

34th Street and 12th Avenue, New York Contact: bonnie.host@icloud.com

Beaufort House Chelsea, 354 King’s Road, London SW3 5UZ Contact: alumnae@roedean.co.uk

The Prince of Wales Feathers, 8 Warren St, London W1T 5LD Contact: alumnae@roedean.co.uk

Roehampton Club, London SW15 5LR Contact: tennis@oldroedeanians.co.uk

The Berkshire Golf Club, Ascot SL5 8AY Contact: golf@oldroedeanians.co.uk

On-line via ZOOM

Contact: president@oldroedeanians.co.uk

Roedean School

Contact: alumnae@roedean.co.uk

Roedean School

Contact: hockey@oldroedeanians.co.uk

The Gallery Room, The Bluebird Chelsea, 350 King’s Road, London SW3 5UU

Contact: alumnae@roedean.co.uk

The Tangerine Room, The Garland Hotel, 4222 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, CA91602

Contact: president@oldroedeanians.co.uk

The Antelope, 22 Eaton Terrace, London SW1W 8EZ

Contact: membership-secretary@oldroedeanians.co.uk

Roedean School

Contact: alumnae@roedean.co.uk

Book for OR events on the Roedean Community Network: https://community.roedean.co.uk/events.

School performances are open to ORs to attend. Keep an eye on https://roedeantheatre.co.uk for upcoming productions and to book tickets.

ORA Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roedeanians/

ORA LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3665480/

ORA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/old_ roedeanians/

ORA Website:

Cover design taken from the 1910/11 plans for the New Studio Building (the Library and the Art Studio), designed by John W Simpson, FRIBA and Maxwell Ayrton, ARIBA. Examples of intaglio tiles on the walls of the Art Studio showing life at the School, created by the girls in the 1930s, form the border.

From the Editorial Board

Dear Readers

This latest edition of the OR Magazine marks another year in the lives of many ORs and the Editorial Team is grateful that so many have been able to provide material for its inclusion. Voluntary work, both here in the UK and abroad, has been the subject of a number of articles and ORs have been involved in an astonishing range of projects and activities with many charities and organisations of which the following are just a small sample: careers guidance, life-guarding, prison chaplaincy and Urban Street Coaching.

Once again, the achievements of ORs in sport are recorded in this issue of the Magazine, as are the various social events where ORs have gathered, one such event being attended by a double Bronze medal Olympian no less! SAORA has updated us on all that has happened there in the past year with ‘A Blooming Affair’ once again providing one of the highlights of the season with stunning displays of flowers, food, fashion and art. Huge gratitude goes to those members of the SAORA Committee who have worked tirelessly for the benefit of both past and present students and staff.

Published OR authors are included in the Magazine, writing about subjects as varied as cooking with an air fryer and design icons of Paris. There have been wonderful developments with the Heritage Projects, including the restoration of the friezes in Houses 1, 2 and 3 and the Sundial, which was one of the first projects to be completed. We are so grateful to the generosity of ORs whose donations have ensured that these artifacts will survive for successive generations of ORs as a symbol of Roedean’s heritage and a sense of connection with the Founders.

The article on the stained glass windows in the Chapel is of particular interest. It’s a good example of not always being aware of the history all around us, even in a place we used to visit on a daily basis.

Kathy Wright (www.designbykreation.com) has again worked wonders on the Magazine design. We appreciate her expertise. Trevor Holding at Action Press

(https://action-press.co.uk ) continues to produce the printed copy and we extend our thanks to him.

Do please get in touch with your news, articles, memories of Roedean, or notifications of births, weddings and obituaries, with labelled photographs wherever possible. Your contributions are what make the OR Magazine what it is. Our email address is: magazine-editor@oldroedeanians.co.uk

Alternatively, you can contact us through our LinkedIn and Facebook Groups.

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3665480/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/roedeanians

If you have registered with the Roedean Community Network, there is a free online copy of the Magazine at https://community.roedean.co.uk/users/login then navigate to News/ORA Magazine or go to: https:// community.roedean.co.uk/news/old-roedeaniansmagazine.

If you would like to subscribe to a hard copy of the Magazine, please use the following link: https://community.roedean.co.uk/news/oldroedeanians-magazine/119/119-Subscribe-to-theOR-Magazine-Printed-Version

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of the OR Magazine and look forward to hearing from you with contributions for the next one! Have a happy, peaceful 2025.

Mary,Jane,Noëlle and Cynthia

The Editorial Board

Report from Noëlle Chase, President of the ORA

I succeeded Mary Henderson as the 46th President of the Old Roedeanians’ Association at the OR Lunch in New York City in February 2024. It was wonderful to meet so many US based ORs, all enjoying each other’s company whether they had met before or not!

Iamhonoured to follow in the footsteps of the many illustrious ORs who have been influential in the life of Roedean. Mary is, of course, a ‘hard act to follow’ and I am grateful to her for her advice and enthusiasm, not to mention her IT skills.

Back long ago in the Michaelmas Term of 1970, I followed my sisters Jontë and Gabrielle Thompson into No. 4. As a small child I always knew I was ‘going to Roedean’. I didn’t imagine in my wildest dreams that I would become your President.

I also feel privileged to take up this office during Niamh Green’s first full year as Head of Roedean. She is an enthusiastic supporter of the ORA and has already travelled to Hong Kong, Nigeria and the USA to meet with ORs. She has a wealth of experience and is fully committed to girls’ education. Read her report later in this issue.

I am happy to report that the ORA today is an integral part of the life of the school, whether it be laying the wreath at the Remembrance Service, alongside the youngest girl in the school, or our role in the Founders’ Day & Commemoration Service where we give thanks to our Founders, the Lawrence sisters, and remember the members of our community who are no longer with us.

Of course, the ORA also organises sporting and social events including OR v school matches. We hope there is something for everyone.

I cannot write this without highlighting the fantastic achievement of the OR Team who successfully swam the English Channel in June. Inspired by the school team, a group of ORs from all over the country trained, qualified and swam the Channel. The ORA was pleased to support and encourage them. The swimmers were fortunate that their designated slot coincided with a break in the weather; nevertheless, this was a huge achievement. Watching the film that was taken during their crossing, I am full of respect for each one as they jumped into the cold, wavy seawater mid-Channel to commence their leg.

Throughout the current girls’ time at school, the ORA President has several opportunities to talk to them about the ORA and its role so that they can choose to join us when they leave. I am happy to say that the vast majority do. I was delighted when a sixth former sought me out following the assembly I had attended to introduce herself as the OR Scholar and express her gratitude to the ORA for enabling her to remain at Roedean into the 6th form. The Channel swim raised nearly £4,000 for the Scholarship Fund. Please do read the Old Roedeanians’ Scholarship Fund update and support the fund in any way you can.

There is huge scope for ORs, even those living outside the UK, to contribute to the life of the school, passing on experience to current pupils, mentoring and networking.

Pre-pandemic I might not have said that but Zoom and Teams have opened up the world and enabled contact between people that was previously too difficult.

It’s been said before, but ORs are a vibrant and diverse group who came to Roedean from all over the world and now live in equally far-flung places. Whilst I know experience of school life was more positive for some than others, firm and enduring friendships were made and the school and its heritage, whether it be the fabric of the buildings or OUR place in its history, binds us all together.

My involvement in the ORA Committee started in 2019, when I was asked by the then President Ginny Stephen if I might visit the school and identify items of architectural and historical significance that I felt ORs might be interested in helping restore.

The ORA Heritage Project fundraising campaign has been highly successful and I can’t thank enough those who have generously donated. Please turn the pages to read more about it. I was very proud to be there ‘on site’ when the stone mason hand carved on the stone base of the newly restored astrolabe on the front terrace ‘RESTORED BY THE ORA 2024’. What could be more satisfying.

Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75)

ORA AGM

12th October 2024

The ORA AGM was a hybrid event, held both in person (at School) and, to be quorate, on-line. With over 20 participants, the meeting was a success.

Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75), 46th President of the ORA, welcomed ORs to the first AGM since she took over in February 2024.

As it should be, the ORA today is an integral part of the life of the School.

Noëlle reported on her tenure to date, which started in February with a lunch for ORs at Manhatta restaurant in New York City. The event was organised by Diana Oreck-Webster, who is now our USA Overseas rep. It was attended by 21 ORs from all over the US— and some from the UK. The event was held jointly with the School, and Niamh Green was there to meet ORs. A similar event is planned in Los Angeles in 2025. Enthused by meeting each other in February, ORs proposed a walk through Central Park in the fall. We were hoping for good weather for them (and our wishes came true)!

Back in the UK, members of the Committee have enjoyed school events throughout the year: laying the ORA wreath on Remembrance Day; attending the Carol Service, the Christmas Fair and Speech Day; and overseeing networking drinks for Young Roedeanians.

In June, Noëlle had the great honour on your behalf of re-presenting the original HMS Vernon ensign that flew from the flagpole on D Day, conserved by your donations, to Niamh Green at an open-air service in the quad. It was a beautiful day—looking out to sea one really could imagine the lines of ships in the Channel transporting allied troops to liberate Europe.

Our traditional Christmas drinks was held at the Antelope Pub off Eaton Square and was well attended by all year groups. We used to think mainly younger ORs like to

come, but in fact all ages came and mixed easily. It has become a tradition to collect donations—gifts and supermarket gift cards, which we pass on to St Mungo’s Homeless charity in Clapham. They are always gratefully received.

The Lantern Tea at the Covent Garden Hotel, organised by Di Wu in February as part of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations, was not as well attended as we would have liked. However, it was a very enjoyable event.

As a committee, we constantly review events for their success, and try to come up with ideas for gatherings that might appeal to different age groups.

Grace Chaston and her team organised Spring Drinks for ORs at The Last Talisman, a bar in Bermondsey, and in the Autumn there was a Lunch for ORs at the Bluebird restaurant in the Kings Road in London.

Roedean Day had over 200 attendees (including some guests). It started with the official opening by Juliet Mabey (No.4, 1967-72), publisher at Oneworld Publications, of the newly refurbished library in the Old Hall. Then we enjoyed the Lower School production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Theatre, tours of the Houses, the art exhibition, and the tunnel tour. Unfortunately, the art exhibition was open only in the morning, so many ORs didn’t get to see it. There never seems to be enough time to fit activities in during Roedean Day—let alone catch up and reminisce with friends over lunch. On your behalf, we will try to rejig the format for next year.

Noëlle reported that the ORA has 6,986 living members, not including this year’s leavers. We keep in touch with our members on social media: Facebook (2,013), Instagram (260) and LinkedIn (952). We post on The Roedean Community Network and contribute to the School’s monthly newsletters, as well as the quarterly Roedeanian. We also of course continue to produce the Old Roedeanians’ Magazine, where we are in fact creating a fabulous archive for the School and the ORA.

Lunch in the Blythe Room

Noëlle Chase Jane Aldred

This is our second year of holding the AGM here at the School. The savings last year in terms of venue hire and catering were considerable: £3,410. We hope it wasn’t too difficult for ORs to get here! As we did last year, we propose to divide the savings between the OR Scholarship Fund and the ORA Heritage Projects.

Before she finished, Noëlle thanked Mary Henderson (No. 3, 1971-76) for her tireless work for the ORA in her four years as President. Mary has also been a stalwart of the Magazine Editorial Board and we were all relieved when she agreed to continue her role there. Mary’s is a hard act to follow, but she’s passed the baton to me so smoothly that it’s easy to follow in her footsteps.

Erica Faircloth (Rhodes, No.4, 1958-64), ORA Treasurer, presented the accounts for the ORA General Fund for the year to 31st March 2024. The cost of mailings to those ORs who have not provided an email address is considerable although numbers are a little lower than the previous year. Efforts have been made to contact and persuade ORs to provide email addresses. The total income for the year was £26,564 and the total expenditure was £22,250.

Trustee Emma Smellie (Beauclerk, No.4, 197381) presented the Report and Accounts for the OR Scholarship Fund. After 20 years, Emma is stepping down as a Trustee of the Fund. She has been the longest serving Trustee on record, and the ORA is grateful for all she has done.

Noëlle Chase announced that Mary Henderson has been appointed a Trustee of the Scholarship Fund by the ORA Committee. She is confident that alongside the other Trustees, the ORSF will be in good hands.

Jane Aldred (Curran, No.4, 1968-75), ORA Membership Secretary and a member of the Editorial Board, reported on the 2023 Old Roedeanians’ Magazine. As you would expect, it marked the 125th Anniversary of the School on its present site. An article on the Founder Donors, whose names are listed on the wood panel just inside the front door of the School, reported that over 130 investors raised £60,000. Without their generosity and belief in the philosophy of the Lawrence sisters, the School would not be here today. From a Roedean Day exhibition of

photographs of the School over the years, we had a treasure trove of material from which to present a picture of the School’s history up to the present day.

Noëlle Chase updated the meeting on the ORA Heritage Projects. Conservation/ restoration of the astrolabe was successfully carried out in April. This included the cleaning of the brass equation table for correcting solar time that is attached to the south face, and the recarving of the inscription on the north face. At the base of the east face of the new stone column, the restoration is attributed to the ORA.

In July specialist conservators spent three days in the Art Studio to draw up a detailed report on conserving the decorative tiles. Different grouts and fixatives were tested, and we hope to have a cost estimate shortly.

The frieze in No. 1 was removed from the wall in August and transported to the specialist paper conservator’s studio for conservation. There is a question mark over when it can be returned, as the wall adjacent to the site of the frieze (in the House Mistress’s drawing room) is visibly damp; this will need to be rectified before the frieze can be returned.

We would dearly like to conserve the fountain in the cloister garth, which is in a pitiful condition. Now that we have seen what can be done with the sundial, it would be wonderful to achieve the same transformation of the fountain!

Reports were received from Amelia Balthazor (No.1, 2009-18), Noëlle Chase and Mary Henderson regarding OR Sport: hockey, netball, golf and tennis. (Sadly, there was no OR sailing event this year.)

Encouraged and supported by past President Mary Henderson, a team of ORs swam the English Channel in June. No mean feat. Their chosen charity was the OR Scholarship Fund.

Anne Gilbert, Sue Stanway & Amelia Balthazor Nicky Orlebar, Erica Faircloth, Ginny Stephen & Noëlle Chase

Sian Ellis, Grace Chaston, Jonte Royall & John Atkins

Head Niamh Green thanked Mary Henderson for her work as ORA President

132 new members were elected to the ORA. There were no Honorary Members to elect this time.

Kate Coker (No.4, 1977-79) has been a Trustee of the Scholarship Fund since 2019 and was elected Vice President of the ORA.

Three new committee members were elected formally:

Cynthia Pigott (Moekle, No.2, 1973-77), who lives in New York City, has experience as a magazine editor and a writer, so she will be an invaluable member of the Magazine Editorial Board.

Ann Gilbert (Rees, No.4, 1966-74) is a chartered accountant and has experience in the charity sector.

Vivi A O Ibru (No.1, 1984-92) is a Trustee of several charities in the UK. She is a current parent with

The ORA Committee 2024

Committee Member

Louise Axton (JH, No.4, 1968-75)

Committee Member

Di Wu (No.1, 2003-05)

Committee Member

Amelia Balthazor (No.1, 2009-18)

Vice President & Scholarship Fund Trustee

Kate Coker (No.4, 1977-79)

daughters in years 9 and 13. She represented the ORA at the recent reception held by the School for ORs in Lagos.

We are still looking for one or two ORs willing to take the role of Treasurer of the Scholarship Fund and the ORA General Fund. New committee members are always welcome. The committee meets four times a year. Three meetings are held on Zoom and the fourth is an in-person social meeting in London. However, living outside London or indeed overseas is no barrier to joining us on the committee!

After the meeting, we had a convivial lunch, followed by a tour of the OR Heritage Projects, which was much enjoyed by all.

President Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4 1970-75)

Committee Member

Ann Gilbert (Rees, No.4, 1966-74)

Scholarship Fund Trustee

Wendy Challen (Nelson-Griffiths, No.4, 1964-72)

Treasurer

Erica Faircloth (Rhodes, No.4, 1958-64)

Committee Member

Vivi Ibru (No.1, 1984-92)

Scholarship Fund Trustee

Mary Henderson (No.3, 1971-76)

Membership

Secretary Jane Aldred (Curran, JH, No.4, 1968-75)

Committee Member

Cynthia Pigott (Moekle, No.2, 1973-77)

Scholarship Fund Trustee

Emma Smellie (Beauclerk, No.4, 1973-81)

The ORA Heritage Projects

Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75) & Mary Henderson (No.3, 1971-76)

2024 has been a momentous year for the Heritage Projects. Pleasingly, we can report that the conservation of many of the projects has now been completed.

ASTROLABE/SUNDIAL on the Terrace

In April, work started on the conservation and restoration of the sundial on the front terrace.

As you know, the Sundial, or Astrolabe as it is often known, was the first gift to the school in its new location in 1899. It commemorates the time at School of Clara Simpson (No.4, 1897-99), the daughter of Roedean’s architect, John Simpson. It also serves as the focal point on the front terrace at the front of the quad.

We were there to photograph and marvel at the work as it progressed. It was indeed fascinating. The structure was taken apart and cleaned. Then the base and collar were retained and prepared for the newly hand carved column and top to be installed using heavy lifting gear.

The Cliveden Conservation stone specialist Ben Newman hand carved the inscription on the north face of the new Portland stone column. The brass plate secured to the south face was removed, cleaned and repatinated in CC’s workshop. Pleasingly, the inscription and table for calculating solar time is now clearly visible.

Ben’s final task was to hand carve, ‘Restored by the ORA 2024’ at the bottom of the east face. Away from the prevailing wind and rain we hope it will be visible for years to come.

The armillary sphere, which sadly was not the original but one that was donated by a local historian being of the same style and size, was cleaned and repositioned by specialist Johny Balson.

You will notice that the newly restored artefact now features heavily in the school’s social media photographs. It does look amazing.

Donate online to the ORA Heritage Projects https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ora-heritage-projects

Thank you for your support!

The Appeal Brochure can be downloaded from here: https://community.roedean.co.uk/resources/ora-resources/47/ora-heritage-projects-brochure-

Detailed brochures about each of the ORA Heritage Projects can be downloaded from here: https://community.roedean.co.uk/resources/panel/227/ORAResources Or email: heritage@oldroedeanians.co.uk

Restored sundial

HMS Vernon Ensign

The HMS Vernon Ensign, which flew from the flagpole on D-Day in 1944 and was later presented to the School when HMS Vernon vacated the School buildings, was conserved by Zenzie Tinker Conservation, who are based in Brighton.

The ensign had hung in the Chapel until 20 or so years ago along with the WW1 Battle of Jutland Ensigns. They were all in poor condition and whilst it is our plan to conserve them all to a state where they could

be rehung in the Chapel, we were delighted to receive donations that enabled this most special ensign to be conserved.

On 6th June 2024, the 80th anniversary of D Day, I was able to re-present the ensign to the Head, Niamh Green, at a special Service with the whole school assembled in the quad. It was the most beautiful (early) morning, relatively cold but sunny and clear,

What Next?

Both the Royal Naval Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich have, as part of their treasured historic collections, historic naval ensigns that were flown at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. Roedean School itself has four. The story of the girls visiting the ships anchored in the Channel and each of the four houses presenting an ensign to a royal naval ship is a charming and unique one. We know that they were flown in battle and returned to the school after WWI and thence hung in the chapel. Many of us sat beneath them every day of our time at School. Surely, they are worth conserving?

and in the background the sea was calm and flat. Niamh and I were both aware of the historical significance and could well imagine 80 years previously, lines of ships commencing their Channel crossing to start the liberation of Europe.

FOUNTAIN in the Cloister Garth

The fountain in the cloister garth, presented to the school in 1906 by Muriel Silver (Abbott, SS, No.2, 1894-99), is in a dismal state. There is no denying it. It has not functioned for some time and the lettering acknowledging the benefactor is damaged and detached. The marble is in a poor state and in the past has been covered in fibreglass – itself now also failing. The pump, pipework and electrical wiring all need replacing. The original pedestal was removed some time ago (and is safely stored). We have estimates for both restoring the fountain to its original design and returning it to working order. Having seen what can be achieved with the sundial this must now be a priority. At the time of writing, we need to raise £27,800 to complete this restoration.

Conservation completed and presented back to the school on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

FRIEZES in

the Drawing rooms

Three friezes painted by Sylvia Lawrence, the younger sister of the Founders, are situated over the fireplace alcove in the House Mistresses’ drawing Rooms of Nos. 1, 2 & 3. Happily, we reported in the last issue that the frieze in No.3 had been conserved due to the generous donation by a No.3 OR family. Due to other generous donations, we were able to conserve the frieze in No.2, ‘The Good Shepherd’. Stig Evans, a Brighton artist who is also the paintings and wall paintings conservator at the Royal Pavilion and Museum, carried out the work on site.

Conservation has brought the painting back to life, brightening it and adding definition to the features on the shepherd’s hands and face as he tends his flock on the cliff top above the sea.

We had to obtain Listed Building Consent to carry out the conservation of the frieze in No.1 as it had to be removed from the wall in its entirety for conservation in the specialist paper conservator’s studio. The frieze depicts a host of trumpet playing angels, welcoming the

TILES in the Art Studio

The tiles in the Art Studio were created by the girls in the 1930s and 40s under the tutelage of DB Martin.

sunrise with streaks of gold across the morning sky.

The work was carried out by wall paper conservator Mark Sandiford assisted by Stig Evans. After stabilising the cracked and flaking paint, the paper on which the painting sits was painstakingly peeled from the wall. After this slow process, the frieze itself (surprisingly heavy!) was laid out on the floor-a good opportunity to examine it in detail before being rolled for transportation to Mark Sandiford’s studio for conservation. We eagerly await its return!

The estimate and report we had obtained in 2022 from Cliveden Conservation’s specialist ceramics conservator required a further, more detailed survey of the tiles to be carried out. In July, funded by donations from the ORs, two conservators, Kris Zykubek and Claire Clifton from CC, spent three days in the art studio examining the tiles in detail, testing different grouts and adhesives in order to give a more accurate quotation for restoring and conserving the tiles, as well as re-attaching panels of tiles, to ensure their conservation and longevity. In some places tiles can be re-attached, but in others blank tiles may be made to fill gaps. There are in addition many “intaglio” tiles made by the girls in the 1930s and 40ssome made in the 40s after the girls’ return from Keswick have never been displayed on the wall. There is correspondingly space on the north wall where these might be sited. Some tiles can be repaired and if necessary replicated. We need to raise a further £38,000 to complete the second phase of this work.

It is the building and its historic artefacts that link us all together, from the Lawrence sisters and their vision of education for girls to the newest members of the Old Roedeanians’ Association.

Please help us complete the conservation of the Heritage Projects. You can download the updated Appeal Brochure using this link: https://community.roedean.co.uk/resources/ora-resources/47/ora-heritage-projects-brochure-

AROPS AGM 2024 Report

Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75)

I represented the ORA at the AROPS AGM on 14th November 2024. Once again it was held in the library at Queen’s Gate School in Kensington. We were hosted by the Principal Amy Wallace, who is a graduate of Newnham College, Cambridge, in common with Penelope Lawrence!

The meeting was chaired by AROPS Chair Alan Cooper, supported by Treasurer Vijay Khullar.

Although the number of members of AROPS—and attendees at the AGM—is still down from prepandemic levels, Mr Cooper was able to report that they have successfully held regional meetings at several school venues throughout England. The meetings will be rebranded as Forums going forward.

These gatherings are a good opportunity for representatives, both professionals and volunteers, to exchange best practices and to create ideas for engagement with alumnae of both independent and state schools.

Representatives from St Swithun’s, St Paul’s, Francis Holland, Hampton and The Royal School, Haslemere, were present at the AGM to name just a few.

The Old Roedeanians’ Scholarship Fund

Registered Charity 1066599

For nearly a century, through the Scholarship Fund, ORs have been helping Roedeanians and their parents with the costs of their education.

The Fund was born in 1928 with a £600 debenture gift and many, many Roedeanians right up to the present day have benefited.

Many have been daughters, granddaughters and even great-granddaughters of ORs. Initially a lump sum award was given to deserving pupils “to assist in their education at Universities, Colleges or other places of higher or technical or professional education after leaving school”. From the mid 1970s the award became a contribution towards fees for each year of the 6th form.

Were you an OR Scholar? We would love to hear from you.

Did the award enable you to stay on for the 6th form? Did the award (pre mid 1970s) enable you to pursue higher education or travel? Did it help you launch your career, forge lifelong friendships and/or grow in confidence?

We would love to know the impact of the award on your life, and what you have done since. Please do get in touch with us by emailing us at trustees@oldroedeanians.co.uk

AROPS - The Schools’ Alumni Association is a nonpolitical, not-for-profit organisation that promotes the exchange of best practice and creates ideas and thought leadership in alumni engagement for professionals and volunteers working in independent and state schools, both in the UK and overseas.

We dined afterwards in the very pretty staff dining room. It is interesting to learn that so many people have a Roedean connection.

I hope that Roedean will be able to host a Forum for AROPS in the near future.

How to donate

Raise money as you shop online without it costing you a single penny by signing up to EasyFundraising easyfundraising.org.uk

You can now donate directly via JustGiving www.justgiving.com/campaign/orsf2022

AROPS Regional Meeting, Bolton School

2024 Leavers

My Roedean Experience

Bonnie Host (Lawrence, 1984-85)

I’m an OR who was born and raised in the USA. Between high school and college, I spent the 1984-85 school year at Roedean as an exchange student. It was a year well spent. I came for the second year of Sixth Form and lived in Lawrence House. The girls were residentially combining after being divided into Houses 1-4 for many years. It was a great time to arrive because a lot of people were making new friendships. The “Bloody Yank” was kind of an ice breaker for remnants of the inter-house competitive attitude that lingered only very briefly at the beginning of the school year.

My first-term roommate was none other than the fabulous Jaspreet Gill (No.2, 1977-85). We both loved music and spent hours listening to Tina Turner’s comeback album, Private Dancer. I still know the lyrics to “I Can’t Stand the Rain” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” by heart. Melanie Betts (No.4, 198085) lived down the hall on the right side of the same floor. She was studying hard to pursue medicine at University. She later became a doctor and moved to New Zealand, where I have visited her twice. Fiona Williams (Green, No.2, 197985), who had the most amazing penmanship and natural feathered hair, lived just up the staircase. How she managed that hairstyle without a blow dryer, I’ll never know.

As always, academics were quite serious at Roedean. I took the

two-year English A Level in one year and the one-year Computer Science AO Level, along with a smattering of maths to maintain my skills during the year. In English, we read Chaucer, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and an intense gothic novel called The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner,

by James Hogg, which I shall never forget. In computing, I wrote a software program to store basic information that could be updated to keep in touch with classmates. I always joke that it was the precursor to Microsoft Outlook, which came out a few years later. I’d like to thank my teachers, who were superb and truly prepared me to face challenges of all sorts—not just academic—throughout my life. My hat goes off to all the teachers who taught 1st and 2nd Year Sixth Form English that year, and also to Mr. Lee, who taught the first ever Computer Science course at Roedean. While I thrived in Roedean’s academic environment, I lacked aptitude for fencing, squash, and ballet. So, I joined Roedean’s needlework club!

I have so many fond and funny memories of Roedean and the friends that I met there. There was the time that I got locked in the art department during lunch and had to crawl out the window onto the roof to get someone’s attention. There was the time that Melanie Betts’ father, David Betts, allowed me to fly his plane. I had been trained earlier by a World War II pilot named Robert Seamans—so it wasn’t a complete leap of faith. I also spent a week at Lasham Airfield doing

Bonnie in her Roedean uniform

The fabulous Ms. Jaspreet Gill Jaspreet Gill (No.2, 1977-85)

Bonnie, Jaspreet, and Mr. Lee in the first ever computer lab at Roedean

a gliding course and obtained my gliding certificate with the help of World War II pilot Derek Piggott. Through the needlework club, I had the opportunity to attend a tea with the Queen Mother! It was a very large tea, and I didn’t actually get to meet her.

One of the funniest memories I have is doing Jane Fonda exercise videos in the common room upstairs to combat the “Freshman 15” that I gained because of eating so many cream-filled biscuits! Then there was our one night out on the town. Usually, we had a strict curfew on the weekends. Towards the end of the year, however, we begged Mr. and Mrs. Lees to allow us to go out late just one

night and they agreed! I remember doing a pub crawl and going on the bumper cars on the Brighton pier. Lots of people went — Steph,

Tibbles, Venetia, Seema, Angie, Fiona, Melanie, me, and more! I want to thank the Betts Family for informally adopting me while I was there. I spent several lovely weekends at their home called Highfield, in Sedlescombe. And, I was happy to return the favour after school was out when Melanie came to visit me in Pennsylvania. I had such a good time giving Melanie peanut butter instead of Marmite. She found it disgusting, of course. While she was visiting, my flight instructor and I flew my dad to Pittsburgh, and Melanie came along in the back seat. We hit a huge thunder and lightning storm, as well as massive updraft, but Ms. Betts stayed calm and carried on despite the darkness that ensued and the

lack of engine power for some minutes.

I would also like to thank the Green Family for inviting me to a cricket tournament and league gala. Fiona, Melanie, and I looked pretty fancy out of our Roedean uniforms! A big thanks to Jaspreet’s “Uncles” for inviting me to a delicious dinner at their family restaurant. And I would like to thank Wanda for allowing me to stay at her London flat, if I remember correctly. The warmth and generosity I was shown by so many people kept my 18-years-oldand-never-been-away-from-home homesickness in check.

Venetia, Tibbles, Seema & Bonnie on the bumper cars

Venetia Kent (Goodfellow, No.2, 1978-85), Amanda Tibbles (No.3, 1979-85) & Seema Sharma (Bahal, No.1, 1983-85)

Bonnie, Tibbles and Melanie out in town

Melanie Betts (No.4, 1980-85)

Bonnie at Lasham Airfield

Life After Roedean

In 1985, I came home from Roedean and matriculated at Columbia College of Columbia University in New York City. I majored in Economics. I am a founding sister of the second sorority at Columbia University — Alpha Chi Omega, Theta Psi Chapter, which we began during the 1988-89 school year. Columbia College had gone co-educational only in 1983, so there were very few women’s activities when our class hit campus. I graduated in 1989 and went to law school at the University of Chicago Law School. We wore tee shirts saying U of C on the front and “Hell Does Freeze Over” on the back. During First Year, we were ranked the second-best law school in the USA. No congratulations were in sight, however. Instead, the Dean of Students posted an index card on the student board stating, “Number 2. Would you all please work just a little bit harder?” I graduated law school in 1989 and returned to New York City to begin my legal career. I worked as a litigator for approximately 12 years. My favourite case was BF Goodrich v. Allied Signal. I was on Allied Signal’s trial team. The case alleged patent infringement against Allied Signal, which was successfully defended, in part, by a Roedean girl (that’s me) discovering a document on which BF Goodrich’s “inventor” admitted that Basil Lockwood Goose’s design

for the Concorde’s brakes was “bad for” the validity of BF Goodrich’s patent. Talk about a hot document. A few years after having children in 2001, I gave up the courtroom and specialized in legal ethics— advising law firms on the dos and don’ts of legal practice, with a focus on conflicts of interest. Working in ethics meant I didn’t have to travel for trials and depositions, and I was able to spend a lot more time parenting my children.

Speaking of children, I have triplets— Isabel, Santiago, and Rafael—who are now twenty-three years old and have just graduated from college this past Spring. We are fortunate that they have each found employment — Rafael in Private Equity, Santiago in Consulting, and Isabel in Marketing.

My empty nest has given me a little more time to get involved in Roedean alumnae affairs. Under the guidance of Grace Chaston and Noëlle Chase, I am working with Diana Oreck-Webster and Jade Ma to organize events for ORs in the

Keep in touch via social media

Fiona&Bonniereadyforthe cricketgala

USA. By the time this goes to press, we will have had our Walk in Central Park event on October 13th

That brings me up to date. I can be reached at bonnie.host@ icloud.com— I would love to hear from my classmates and teachers.

Please use these links for updates on OR events and to reunite with old friends:

ORA Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roedeanians/

ORA LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3665480/

ORA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/old_roedeanians/

ORA Website: www.oldroedeanians.co.uk

Fiona & Melanie ready for the cricket gala

Two ORs get down and dirty after two Florida hurricanes

Teresa Outhwaite (Brach, No.1, 1985-91)

Lauren Tarry (No.1, 1985-91) and I had planned a beach vacation in Florida for the first week of October 2024. Little did we know when we booked the date that just a few days before our flights, Hurricane Helene would cause catastrophic damage to the entire Anna Maria Island with a storm surge up to 5 feet high in places.

Neighbours checked on my house and on first inspection it seemed largely intact, although in need of some cleanup — especially the pool, which was a black swamp. We had fared better than most, taking only 8 inches of sea water in the house and 21 inches in the garage. Friends and neighbours on the island did not fare so well, having lost all

their possessions when their house took on 5 feet of sea water and sewage. We packed three suitcases of emergency supplies and clothes for our friends and neighbours and set off to Florida on Monday 7th October with an aim to help out by volunteering in our community wherever needed.

Halfway across the Atlantic en route to Tampa airport, we became aware that Hurricane Milton was fast making his way to our area, with a direct hit on Tampa predicted for Wednesday 9th October. A mandatory evacuation order had been issued for the entire coastline of southwest Florida. Reports of gridlocked roads were coming in as people were trying to leave the area.

Gas stations were running out of fuel, and supermarket shelves were emptied of emergency supplies and bottled water.

We made a mid-air decision to book a hotel in Tampa for the first night, as we wouldn’t be allowed onto the island, and then to wait and see what happened next. By 3am on Tuesday it was becoming very clear that the direct hit from Milton would be heading to us. We quickly booked one of the last remaining hotel rooms in Orlando, then checked out of our Tampa hotel room at 3am and headed inland. We would still potentially be in the path of the hurricane, but by the time we got there it would have

travelled so far inland that it would have significantly weakened, and there would be no danger of the devastating storm surge predicted for the coast.

We rode out the storm in Orlando and stocked up on supplies—water, jerry cans of fuel, flashlights and batteries. The storm raged all night in Orlando and the hotel briefly lost power, but luckily it had powerful backup generators. Lauren and I both commented that the by-now Category 1 hurricane was like a windy day at Roedean.

The next morning, we checked out of the hotel and drove towards the coast again, not knowing what we would find. Residents were not allowed back on the barrier islands until the emergency services and authorities had had a chance to inspect roads, causeways and bridges, as well as the damage to the island. We took refuge with Caroline Hewitt (No.1, 1987-93), who lives half an hour inland from the coast near our island. Caroline offered us dry beds, hot showers and electricity—a luxury that millions of Floridians were to be without for weeks to come.

Residents were finally allowed back on the island at 8am Saturday morning, and we drove over the bridge with a sense of trepidation, not quite sure what we would find.

Sand was piled up on both sides of the road like snow drifts in an alpine resort. Houses that had already sustained flood damage were now missing roofs, balconies and entire sides of the building, leaving them exposed like dolls’ houses. Some elevated homes had their foundations ripped from under them and were leaning over onto the neighbouring property. Cars were buried in sand and trees were uprooted in their entirety. It was a scene I’d only ever seen in an apocalyptic disaster movie.

Again, we were very lucky—my house had fared better than most. Six roof tiles were damaged and the neighbour’s trees had jumped the fence and ended up in my garden and swimming pool.

The volunteering work we thought we’d be doing in the community we were now doing on my own house.

We emptied out all the furniture, salvaged and disinfected what we could, treated it with mould spray and vinegar, and started a huge pile of debris. Everything that had touched the floor and the seawater and sewage had to come out. The house was gutted from the floor up to 4 feet high. Walls, floors, doors, wiring, all appliances and cabinetry had to come out. Landscaping debris in the garden and pool had to be cleared. We put on our rubber gloves and set to work. Construction crews

and builders would not be allowed onto the island for a few days yet to allow residents time to assess their damage and to allow emergency services to look for anyone who had potentially stayed on the island and not survived the storm. Luckily there were no fatalities.

We camped at the house, working into the night by torchlight, boxing up items that had survived to put into storage while the house would be repaired. On Wednesday the construction crew was finally allowed to start work, and they took over what we had begun. By Friday the house was an empty shell— generators were hooked up to fans to dry out the supporting structures and walls—and we flew back to England, leaving the construction crew to put the house back together before we returned.

Before we left Florida, I asked Lauren if she fancied coming back with me in November to finish the work on the house—not quite the beach holiday she’d envisaged, but at least it would be warmer than

Brighton! I’m eternally grateful she agreed, so once again we set off for Florida together on 20th November. We donned our rubber gloves once more, this time to remove the dust left by the builders. A week later, after many long days spent cleaning, moving furniture and boxes, painting and flat-pack furniture building, we headed back to the U.K. leaving behind a house that looked better than new.

People asked us how we managed it all. We laughed and said we went to Roedean.

Lauren Tarry, Teresa Outhwaite & Caroline Hewitt

The Travails of a Travel Writer

Teresa

Levonian Cole (JH and No.1, 1968-75)

I have a recurring dream. I have to catch a flight , and there is an impenetrable obstacle preventing me from arriving on time. At least the dream is never boring, I’ll give it that: my subconscious thwarts me with a dastardly inventiveness. Last time, Heathrow was surrounded by a girdle of rotating blades that had to be negotiated - suitcase in tow, of course. I woke before being turned into wafer-thin slices of carpaccio garnished with shreds of Gortex and wool.

A shrink would call it an anxiety dream - as well he might. Because as a travel writer, forever fearful of missing a flight/connection/ship/ train, I am of the ilk that arrives at the airport two hours before check-in even opens - just in case. You never know, the taxi might develop a flat tyre, the tube drivers might call a lightning strike, the car park might be full - there is no end of potential catastrophes. Just occasionally, though, neurosis pays off. Like the time I arrived at the airport five hours before my flight to Madrid, connecting to Santiago de Chile, and on to the Antarctic via Ushuaia - an entire domino-effect of potential drama - only to be told my plane was delayed. “But don’t worry, Madam,” said the nice lady at Iberia as I wailed that the entire trip was now doomed. “You are so early you can catch the plane that

leaves three hours earlier than your scheduled flight. So you will make your connection.”

As it happens, that was my first ever trip as a travel writer - a three-week extravaganza to the last continent, before it became a commonplace rite of passage for travellers on luxury expedition cruises (not that I have anything against such small ship

2nd Antarctic voyage - walking on pack ice

Uganda

Saudi Arabia Bhutan

adventures - the emphasis being on small). The year was 1995, in those halcyon days before mobile phones, social media, and “influencers”; in the days when taking a photograph involved reels of film that had to be developed, prompting you to consider whether you really needed that 114th picture of a macaroni penguin; best of all, they were the days before innocent words became weaponised, when you could call a spade a spade without evoking howls of offence and outrage at some perceived -ism. O blessed innocence!

I had absolutely no experience of journalism when I acquired this first commission. I had been working in the rarefied world of classical music before being suddenly smitten with an irresistible yen to go to the southern wastes. Journalism was, for me at that time, just a way to cover the not inconsiderable costs involved. Not even knowing there was such a thing as a travel editor, I decided to cold-call the Editor of The Scotsman with my pitch (there’s snow in Antarctica, and there’s snow in Scotland, I reasoned, so maybe he’ll like the idea). But I had a trump card: the explorer, Ranulph Fiennes,

had been all over the news for his recent unsupported crossing of the Continent, with Mike Stroud. And I’d discovered he was about to return to the Antarctic, as a guest lecturer aboard a scientific research ship, The Explorer. With all the self-assurance ignorance confers, my intention was to accompany him.

I decided to wait till 6.30pm, by which time I reckoned the Editor’s secretary would have gone home, and placed the call. Sure enough, the Editor picked up. “Would you like an article on going to the Antarctic with Sir Ranulph Fiennes?” I ventured. “3,000 words,” he replied, and slammed down the phone.

Well! I could now call myself a freelance travel writer, with a modicum of truth. The next step was to get myself on the Explorer, which carried just 60 passengers, including a raft of -ologists: glaciologists, cetologists, ornithologists, geologists…. But, armed with a newspaper commission, that wasn’t a problem. Off I went, on the journey that began with that three-hours-earlier flight, tossed me through the maelstrom that is the Drake Passage, and culminated on the Antarctic

peninsula. Since that breath-taking (in every sense) experience, I haven’t looked back. Writing for the national broadsheets and glossy magazines, I have visited 127 countries, from Albania to Zanzibar (there’s a wonderfully naff App called Been, by the way, on which you enter the countries you’ve been to, turning them green on a virtual globe, and getting a country tally in return). There have been some memorable adventures - including being arrested in Russia, landing in the Kizilkum desert in an ancient Tupolev with our engines on fire, finding myself at the mercy of a pack of Greenlandic sled dogs, and having my watch stolen by a lemur in Madagascar. Other experiences have been more benign. I’ve had a four-hour audience with

Jane with Levison Wood at RGS

Tall ship cruise - Costa Rica Sudan

Yom the elephant

the astrologer of the King of Bhutan (who announced I’d been an eagle owl in my last life), swum with whale sharks in the Maldives, with beluga whales in Hudson Bay (drysuit provided), played elephant polo in Nepal, and been fed figs by a monk in a Venetian monastery, sitting on a bench at which Byron studied the Armenian language.

I am a very lucky dinosaur, I remind myself, as I groan at airport queues and the indignities of Security. Times have changed. Today, most newspaper offices don’t have phones, and unsolicited emails remain unanswered, making things so much harder for those wanting to break into travel writing. Lucky, too, to have been able to go to so many countries now deemed unsafe -

Syria, Ethiopia, Russia, to name but a few. And just as our horizons close in around us, journalists find themselves, increasingly besieged by AI, while newspapers themselves are beleaguered by diminishing circulation figures that bode their ultimate extinction.

But until that time comes, and despite the rose-tinted spectacles of retrospection, a travel writer’s lot remains a fine one. There is nothing I’d rather be doing - in this life, at least. So, arm yourself with chutzpah, a thick skin, and a quill pen, and give it a go!

Please contribute to the next issue of the OR magazine

There would be no magazine without your contributions – and we love to hear your news! Articles, News of Friends, Births, Weddings and Obituaries should be sent to the Editor: magazine-editor@oldroedeanians.co.uk

Gorilla in Uganda

Laguna Miscanti, Chile

Yom the elephant

The boa constrictor - Nosy Hara

The Bissagos Telegraph

The Founder Donors of Roedean

By the OR Magazine Editorial Board

When the Lawrence sisters decided that they wanted to build a school they needed finance, so they reached out to their friends, family, ORs, friends of ORs and parents for support. Over 130 investors raised £60,000, which allowed Roedean School to be built. Without this generosity and the belief in the philosophy of the Lawrence sisters, Roedean School would not be here today.

The wood panel just inside the front door lists these Founder Donors. This sparked our interest – who were they and what was their link with the Lawrence Sisters and Roedean?

E K Blyth Esq

This follows on from the first article in the 2023 OR Magazine. From many of the donors below it is possible to get a feeling of the tremendous support that the Lawrence Sisters had from their wider family – the same names keep on cropping up!

Edmund Kell Blyth (1831-1901)

Edmund was a solicitor and the father of Colonel C F T Blyth. He was Chairman of the proceedings at Sussex Square before the laying of the Foundation Stone of Roedean School in 1897. He had long been connected with educational affairs.

Mrs C F T Blyth

Agatha (1867-1952) came eighth in the Lawrence family. Agatha taught art at Roedean, with her sister Sylvia, and had a gift for music and languages. Her activities outside Roedean included involvement in Women’s Suffrage, Infant Welfare and, in particular, the Girl Guide Movement, being a member of its Council from 19151950.

In 1896 Agatha married Colonel C F T “Fred” Blyth who was secretary of the Roedean School Site and Buildings Company and later Clerk to the Council, member of Council and VP of the School. Their son, Edmund Blyth, succeeded him in that office.

Their daughter Margaret Joy Dowson (Blyth, No.2, 191220) and granddaughter Eve Bysouth (Dowson, No.2, 1939-46) would later also be at Roedean.

Miss A M Caro (Mrs Berlyn)

Alice Maria Berlyn (Caro, SS, 1893-94), preferred name Cita Cita was born in 1877 in Valparasio, Chile but was a British citizen. By 1881 the family were living in Norwich; her father, originally from Russia, is mentioned in various censuses as a wool merchant or shoe manufacturer. Her younger sister is Rachel Makower (Caro, SS, 1893-95) described at the right.

Cita married Ernest Alphonse Berlyn, a shoe manufacturer, in 1908 and lived in Paris. She had two

daughters, Pierrette Ernestine Berlyn and Sylvia Philippa Moore (Berlyn, No.3, 1923-27). Cita died in 1928.

Miss R Caro (Mrs Makower)

Rachel Makower (Caro, SS, 1893-95)

Rachel was born in 1878/9 in Valparasio, Chile but was a British citizen. By 1881 the family were living in Norwich, Norfolk. Her father, originally from Russia, is mentioned in various censuses as a wool merchant or shoe manufacturer. Her older sister is Alice Maria Berlyn (Caro, SS, 1893-94) described to the left.

In 1901, Rachel married Ernest Samuel Makower, a silk merchant who later became Director of the Royal Academy of Music and a Trustee of the London Museum. The couple had two children, including John Moritz Makower, MBE, MC, whose daughters, Sister Francis Leitia Gillian Makower (No.3, 1942-48) and Rachel Elizabeth Leonaura Nugee (Makower, No.3, 1939-44), attended Roedean. Rachel died in 1960.

Mrs Cornford

1869-1952. Christabel “Kitty” Lawrence (LC, 1885-86)

Christabel was the twin sister of Roger Lawrence and one of the first pupils at Lewes Crescent. She later joined the staff to teach English, but her real interest was in games and athletics. Christabel was very involved in the formation of the Ladies’ Hockey Association in 1895, of which she was Honorary Secretary and Treasurer.

In 1898 she married Leslie Cope Cornford, an architect and writer, who introduced the Founders to Sir John Simpson, Roedean’s architect.

A W Hanckel Esq

Alfred Woods Hanckel (1874-1958)

Alfred was born in Cronton, Lancashire, and was a Civil Engineer in Bombay and Nepal.

Sir Henry Harben

Sir Henry Harben (1823 –1911)

Henry was one of those who gave the Founders important financial assistance in the Site and Building Company. Called Cousin Henry by Penelope Lawrence, he was the grandson of Henry Harben and first cousin to Penelope Lawrence’s mother. When Roedean was being built he was Deputy Chairman of the Prudential Insurance Company, of which he was to later become Chairman and then President. He was first cousin to the politician Joseph Chamberlain, who in turn was the first cousin of Sir Henry Harben.

His daughter Mrs Thomas Wharrie (1847-1937) was to be a Vice President of the School. His greatgranddaughters Agnes Mary Dick (Harben, No.3, 191519) and Naomi Lutyens (Harben, 1914-20) were later to be at Roedean.

The Misses Lawrence Penelope, Dorothy and Millicent Lawrence – The Founders!

N T Lawrence Esq

Nathaniel Tertius Lawrence (1823-98)

Nathaniel was an uncle of the Lawrence sisters. A solicitor, he was President of the Law Society in 1879.

P Ogden Lawrence Esq

The Right Hon Sir Paul Ogden Lawrence PC (1861-1952) He was the second son, being born between Dorothy and Millicent Lawrence. Knighted in 1919, he was a member of the Privy Council and was Lord Justice of Appeal from 1926-34 .

It was his gift of £50 from his first professional earnings that enabled his sisters to embark on the opening of their school. He was a close and trusted adviser to “The Firm” on many legal and financial matters (but only when asked, and always leaving the final decision to his sisters). He was a generous supporter of the School throughout his life. Known as “Uncle Paul” to many ORs, his interest in all aspects of Roedean life, both in Brighton and Johannesburg, was unfailing.

He was a member of Council for eight years, its Chair from 1933 and then President from 1944 until his death.

R B Lawrence Esq

Roger Bernard Lawrence (1869-1925)

Roger was a younger brother to the Founders and the twin brother of Christabel Lawrence. He was a KC who was later to be Vice Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. He was on the first Roedean Council. He had two daughters at the school, Clara Margery Lawrence (No.3, 1913-19) and Beatrice Lawrence (No.3, 1920-25).

F M Lupton Esq

Francis Martineau Lupton (1848-1921)

Known as “Frank”, he was a businessman and housing reformer, transforming the work of slum clearance and helping to lift the city of Leeds out of Victorian darkness. His father Francis was a partner in the family wool business, while his mother Fanny was active in various social causes, particularly women’s education; her aunt was the writer Harriet Martineau. He went to Trinity College, Cambridge, and then joined the family business, William Lupton & Sons, at Whitehall Mills.

His eldest daughter Olive (No.3, 1896-1900) was educated at Roedean. She married a Leeds solicitor, Richard Noel Middleton. They are the greatgrandparents of the Princess of Wales. Francis Martineau Lupton was the first cousin of the Mayor of Birmingham, Sir Thomas Martineau, whose nephew was Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. There were also two other members of the wider Lupton family at Roedean, Dora Lupton (SS, 1886-90) and Kathleen Margaret Jowitt (Lupton, No.3, 1910-12)

Mrs Martineau

Mrs Russell Martineau (1836-1921)

Frances (Fanny) Martineau (née Bailey) was Penelope Lawrence’s maternal aunt and the first Vice-President of the School from 1920-21. PL’s mother had died when she was three months old. Fanny had been very closely connected with the School from the beginning; when the Lawrence sisters first decided to start the school it was on her advice that they came to Brighton. One of the stained glass windows in the chapel commemorates Mrs Russell Martineau, whose Christian name is recalled by St Francis of Assisi and St Francesca Romana.

There were several Martineau nieces at Roedean –Lucy Martineau (LC, 1886-87) and her sister Sarah M Martineau (LC, 1887-90), Lucy Bramwell-Jones (Martineau, No.3, 1921-28) and her sister Mary Margaret Tetley (Martineau, No.3, 1920-25) and their cousins Anne Capewell (Martineau, No.3, 1924-27) and Edith Marjorie Cumming-Lattey (Martineau, No.3, 192125)

Fanny’s husband, Russell Martineau, shared a grandfather (Thomas Martineau) with the Princess of Wales’s great-great-great-grandmother Frances Elizabeth Lupton (née Greenhow), whose mother was his sister, Elizabeth Martineau.

Miss Eleanor Maw

Eleanor Smith Kennedy (Maw, SS,1890-92)

Eleanor married barrister Willliam Smith Kennedy.

Miss Lilian B Maw

Lilian Beatrice Heap (Maw, SS, 1890-94)

Lilian married engineer Ray Douglas Theodore Heap in 1901.

Miss Jessie Maw

Jessie Sparshatt (Maw, SS, 1893-96)

Jessie married bank manager Bouverie John Sparshatt in 1915.

W H Maw Esq

William Henry Maw (1828-1924)

William was an engineer who had 10 children including 6 daughters, 3 of whom were educated at Roedean. He was President of the Civil & Mechanical Engineers’ Society, President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers and also the co-founder of the British Astronomical Association and President of the Royal Astronomical Society.

F Nettlefold Esq

Frederick Nettlefold (1833-1913)

Frederick was an industrialist who was also a leader in the Unitarian Church. There was a family connection (Chamberlain & Harben) with Penelope Lawrence. He held the mortgage on Roedean, which enabled the building to be completed so that the architectural effect, as designed by Sir John Simpson, was not spoiled and the additional pupils in the 4th house would enable the school to be profitable.

Mrs Nettlefold

We assume this is Ruth’s mother, Frances Nettlefold, née Wyman. Ruth’s father, Edward John Nettlefold, died in 1878.

Miss R Nettlefold

Ruth Nettlefold (SS, 1887-92)

Ruth was the niece of Mr Frederick Nettlefold, who held the mortgage on Roedean School. She held the mortgage after the death of her uncle and was on the first Council in 1920. She continued to sit on Council and became Vice-President of the school from 1953-1957. Ruth was born in 1875 and died in 1957.

Mrs F Ryland

Her husband was Frederick Ryland, who died in 1899. They had three daughters at Roedean: Clara Winifred Ryland (No.3, 1904-06), Helen Darby (Ryland, No.3, 1907-10) and Hester Emily Ryland (No.3, 1908-13)

Mrs F Ryland was Clara Chamberlain before marriage. She was the daughter of Joseph Chamberlain and Caroline Harben.

Sidney P Ryland Esq

Sidney Procter Ryland (1853-1923)

Sidney was married to Ann Whitfield, daughter of Sir Thomas Gladstone (elder brother of William Gladstone). He was the father of Dorothy H Willoughby (Ryland, No.2, 1897-01), who also had two daughters at Roedean, Peggy Melville (Willoughby, No.2, 1924-28) and D June Davis (Willoughby, No.2, 1926-31)

Miss L Tagart

Margaret Lucy Tagart (1838-1925)

Her father was Rev Edward Tagart, a Unitarian Minister who in 1828 married Helen Bourn (1797–1871), daughter of Joseph Bourn, a grandson of Samuel Bourn the younger. Helen was the widow of Thomas Martineau, brother of Harriet Martineau, and survived him with an only son and three daughters. She is often known as Helen Martineau.

G F Watts RA

George Frederic Watts (1817-1904)

He was regarded as one of the great painters of the Victorian era. In the late 1870s he first stayed with a friend and patron in Brighton at 24 Lewes Crescent. He believed the light good for painting and the sea air good for his health.

The Lawrence sisters set up what was to become Roedean School at 25 Lewes Crescent in 1885. In 1890 they acquired 35,36,37 Sussex Square. It is recorded that GFW was friends with all 7 Lawrence sisters and the photo, taken in 1889, records Watts’ studio with Ruth, Agatha and Sylvia Lawrence. He encouraged Sylvia’s art career. In 1888/9, Watts returned to Brighton to live at 31 Sussex Square.

His ward/adopted daughter Lilian Chapman (Mackintosh, No.1, 1896-99) became a pupil. His wife Mary Watts’ diary of June 1898 records “they joined Lilian at Roedean, where they viewed the new school buildings, which had only just been constructed, and met the architect, Sir John William Simpson”.

Lilian was 16 when she enrolled at Roedean, reportedly heartbroken to leave aged 19 having excelled as a pianist and on the hockey field. Mary Watts’ diary also records that her niece, Grace Violet Kellie Blagden (MacCallum, No. 3, 1899-1901), who was born in 1885, was also at Roedean.

Mrs Wharrie

Mary Woodgate Harben (1847 - 1937) married Thomas Smith Wharrie in 1899.

Her father, Sir Henry Harben, a member of the family to which the mothers of Miss Lawrence and Mr Joseph Chamberlain both belonged, was one of the first and greatest benefactors of Roedean, and Mrs. Wharrie followed in his footsteps. She became Vice-President of the school in 1920 and, as an old personal friend of the founders, took the greatest interest in its doings, sharing in Speech Day festivities whenever possible and sometimes presiding at them, rejoicing in the School’s Jubilee and swelling the Jubilee Fund with her generous contribution.

The Roedean School Mission

Mary Henderson (No. 3, 1971-76), Carmel Carragher (Director of Sixth Form) & Jane Aldred (Curran, No. 4, 1968-75)

In its remarkable history of sixty years, the Roedean School Mission received an estimated total of 4,700 children into its care. It started off as The Wimbledon House Mission Society in the spring of 1894 at the suggestion of the School Chaplain, Rev. E Luce and of the prefects, that the School should be responsible for some work of charity. To this, Miss Lawrence added the proposal that it should take the form of “giving some London waifs the benefit of a fortnight at the seaside.”

“The children come down for a month; during the first fortnight they are kept in quarantine, and during the second may join in the School games, dancing and Saturday amusements.

At Half-Term the Matron described the happiness of the children during their four weeks of fresh air, new toys, the sea and the beach, kindness and abundant food, which made up for them a kind of existence hitherto undreamt of, and how reluctant they were to return home. Their letters always expressed a longing to come back, and their mothers’ letters (expressed) gratitude for the help and relief the children’s holidays had been to them.”

From the Committee’s Report for 1895

One destitute London family was helped by the Mission in 1904. Their baby was christened Kathleen Roedean Longuet in the Old Chapel. She and her sister, Ethel, emigrated to Canada in 1926 aged 21 and 31 respectively.

The Matron of the Roedean Mission was Eugenie Frances Maunsell, “who brought devotion, skill and kindness to her work of fourteen years.” Her domestic servant was Frances Louisa Rodber who, in 1902, married Charles Albert Whiteing and gave birth to their son John Roedean Whiteing on 25th June 1908. He was christened in the newly built School Chapel. In the Report of 1907-8, there is reference to the interest on a £30.00 legacy from Lucy Smiles (SS, 1892-95) being given to John’s mother. It seems that by 1915, John

was an orphan (his mother having died of TB). In 1925, John emigrated to Canada as part of the assisted child emigration movement, which saw over 100,000 juvenile migrants sent to Canada from Britain between 1869 and 1932.

The Report of 1907-8 also noted that “At the beginning of the year the School had a special collection for Elizabeth Hulett, as whilst she was down here, her younger brothers and sisters were obliged to go to the workhouse as the father was seriously ill and the mother was unable to support them. With the money collected we were able to get her into a home for a year. There were also three very bad cases of rickets and of starvation.”

*The original Chapel, dedicated on 6th May 1897, was the building first completed on the School’s new site and it was used in that capacity until the present Chapel was consecrated for worship in 1906. After that it was used as a store room in situ and in 1908 was marked for destruction as the new road to the Junior House was planned to pass right through the building. ‘However, Mr. Edmead, the School engineer, with much ingenuity succeeded, by the use of jacks and rollers, in moving it bodily and so retaining it as his capacious and useful store.’ It stood for another twenty years and was still there when Roedean House was built for the Headmistress, occupying the ground which was to form the garden. It was finally removed in 1928 as it started to disintegrate at the end.

The Roedean School Mission in its early years

Funds were subscribed by the Founders, ORs, Staff, current girls and friends of the School. A Lady Matron was employed and after renting various premises, the Mission moved in 1909 to the old Sanatorium premises, Nos. 1-2 Prince’s Terrace, which the Committee bought in 1918. The Constitution of the Roedean School Mission was approved at an Extraordinary Meeting of Subscribers in 1924. The Committee of the Old Roedeanians’ Association was to control the Roedean School Mission and form a Committee for its administration. It was to be called the General Committee, Roedean School Mission. Roedean School Ltd were Trustees.

The Mission remained at Prince’s Terrace until 1930 when it moved to ‘Littledean’, a house and land in nearby Rottingdean, built with Mission funds, designed to accommodate sixteen children. A slice of the frontage being taken with the building of a new road

had no great adverse effect on the work of the Mission at this time. But in the summer of 1940, the children were moved from the wartime dangers of the south coast and the Mission closed, with the building itself housing first the Army and then the Admiralty from February 1942 to June 1945.

Meanwhile, in 1938 when Roedean School Ltd was wound up after the granting of the Royal Charter to the School, the Midland Bank executor and Trustee Company, Ltd, were appointed Trustees of the Mission.

After letting the house for a year, the Committee finally reopened it in 1947, with children arriving “all underweight and small for their age, some from unhappy homes, neglected, over-burdened by care and worry, some rough and dirty in habit.” They left with improved physical and emotional welfare in response to “the revelation of sea and country, fresh air and cleanliness, comfort, security and love.”

Sadly, in 1950 Littledean had to be closed. Financial difficulties increased in the post-war period; it was harder to find suitable paid helpers as there were many posts available under Local Authorities. No longer was it possible to find ORs to assume the roles of Chairman and Secretary, both demanding long hours. A Subscribers’ meeting in 1951 approved a recommendation that the affairs of the Mission be wound up and the property sold. The following year’s ORA meeting confirmed this decision; however,

Littledean

the objects of the Mission expressed in the 1924 Constitution were that the proceeds of a sale would have to be put in a closed fund, the income of which would only be allowed to be used for the benefit “of the Children’s Country Holiday Fund or similar charity”

The Mission Building, investments and cash were taken over by the Corporation of Roedean School, using the powers given to it in Clause 3 (10) of the Royal Charter.

In 1952 the School council agreed to let the building to the Brighton Corporation for use in connection with the care of deprived children; a repairing lease of the premises was negotiated accordingly. In 1968, Littledean was sold to the Brighton Corporation and the proceeds invested with the Charity Commissioners.

A letter to the Charity Commision in that same year proposed “that Roedean School in its corporate capacity shall retire from the position of Trustee of this fund and that three named Trustees shall be appointed ab initio from the members of the ORA (the founders of the charity) and that they would be a self-perpetuating committee of management.”

The Minutes of the ORA General Committee in May of 1968 read that a proposal was agreed upon for the ORA to resume responsibility for the affairs of the Mission and for a special Committee to be set up for this purpose. Later that year, a new Mission Committee was formed to distribute money for the benefit of poor children, including the provision of holidays.

The Minutes of the ORA AGM in December 1998 state that in the Spring of 1998, the Mission was ‘handed back to the school’.

The Mission is now run by a Committee of Sixth Form Girls, two members of Staff and two ORs who act as Trustees. The Committee meets three times a year to award grants from the interest on its investments to a number of organisations that help children under the age of 16 in the UK.

Over a hundred years since its founding, The Mission continues to target significantly underprivileged children, often focusing its awards on groups who give restorative holidays to abused and emotionally deprived children.

All income is invested in COIF (Charities Investment Fund) and only interest is spent. No expenses are charged so every penny received is invested and every penny of interest is spent on the underprivileged.

The Committee tries to keep a geographical spread in mind in terms of funding organisations. Among the many recipients of grants in 2024 are the following: Achieved Dreams which supports disadvantaged children in London; Safe Families, which supports children in difficult family situations and so prevents

them from going into care; Step by Step, which supports children with disabilities through a programme of sports activities, play schemes and Sunday Clubs and Life Education (Wessex and Thames Valley), which helps with the provision of academic programmes addressing issues such as obesity, drugs, alcohol, smoking, internet safety and emotional health and wellbeing for children aged 3-11.

The present Trustees are Wendy Challen (NelsonGriffiths, No. 4, 1964-72) and Miranda Newboult (No. 1, 1979-85).

Perhaps there is no better way to encapsulate the wonderful work of the Mission than by referring again to Dorothy E. de Zouche’s wonderful book about Roedean’s first seventy years. In a chapter entitled ‘Good Causes’, she wrote the following:

‘One girl was placed, after her month’s holiday, at East Grinstead, and made her way, chiefly by walking, back to Matron. An unmanageable, trouble-making big girl was transformed, when Nurse fell ill and Matron asked for help with the little ones, into an invaluable lieutenant, kind, practical and efficient. Another at 14 had gambling as her sole pastime until the visits of Roedeanians so impressed her that she took to worthwhile reading and housewifery, assuring Matron when she left that she meant to make up for lost time. The records mention only ten children with whom the Mission did not succeed. With many hundreds the School’s gifts of money, time, trouble and work were abundantly blessed.’

References

Roedean School 1885-1955 by Dorothy E. de Zouche

Roedean School Magazines, Nos. 1-3, 1897-1900; Nos. 4-5, 19001902; Nos. 6-7, 1902-1904; No. 8, 1904-1906

Coast Road and Marine Drive Improvement, Roedean. January 1933February 1935. Brighton Borough Council. ESRO Ref. DB/A/1/42

Town Clerk’s registered files: negotiations for the lease of Roedean School Mission, Littledean, Marine Drive, Rottingdean. 1952-67. Brighton Borough Council, ESRO Ref. DB/B/393/4/46

Roedean Mission 1930

Just think!

Patricia Metham Headmistress of Roedean,1997-2002

Deciding on an improving activity for their teenage daughter on her summer holiday from boarding school, my parents packed a wholesome picnic and drove to a spot on the Sussex coast where they could park in view of Roedean. “Just think, Patricia,” my mother urged, “if you work hard and do well, one day you could be a teacher at Roedean!” Well, sadly she died before I more than fulfilled her ambitions for me, but she did see me become a teacher and even a headteacher—firstly at Farlington School, also in Sussex. Years later, I could still hear her voice in the onshore winds rattling Roedean’s windows: “Patricia, just think!”

There is something about this extraordinary school that spurs imagination and captures hearts. It’s hard to remain sceptical or cynical about Roedean if you

spend any time there, with eyes and ears open. I remember being nervous about the impending visit of a lead journalist writing a feature for The Guardian. The “Great Divide” he had in mind was between independent schools like Roedean and those maintained schools struggling with complex challenges and limited resources. I anticipated that he would present Roedean as representing only privilege and exclusiveness. I was wrong. When he spent time with us, meeting staff and pupils, seeing the life of our school as a community, he recognized Roedean’s strengths and qualities.

Education - the great divide Patricia Metham’s study is a peaceful place. There is a group of wicker chairs in front of the fireplace, a Persian rug, a collection of sculpted hands, a computer, a printer, a teddy bear, a neat and tidy desk and a picture window looking down over the playing fields to the sea. … It is a place of academic excellence but, more than that, she says, it is a place of breadth, which prizes drama and dance and sport and music. Even more than that, she wants it to be a place for free thinkers.

She was rather proud to find one of her old girls leading a rent strike at Oxford last year. “Intelligent independence” is her mantra.

Nick Davies, The Guardian, Monday 6th March 2000 http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2000/mar/06/educationincrisis.uk

He particularly valued the scope given to skilful and knowledgeable teachers to be creative and persuasive, accountable first of all to their students, to parents, and to the school’s leaders rather than to directives from government.

“Cometh the hour, cometh…” not so much “the man,” but Roedean’s “save the day” team. The hour in question began at 5:30 am on a cold and gusty morning. Following our active involvement in Brighton’s wider

education scene, the local radio station had decided to present their early morning news magazine—a Sussex Coast version of “Today”—from Roedean itself. Suitably suited and booted, I welcomed the tech team and the keen, young presenter to an otherwise sleeping school. She and I settled into my study, with a clock, she explained, that would tell her when to begin the opening interview, at 6.00 am. When she sat down, it showed 5:50 am. We made gentle conversation for a while— until I pointed out to her that the clock still showed

5:50 am. Panic swept through the radio team. The problem— they couldn’t get a signal, so no contact with the crew back at base. “Cometh the hour,” cometh Roedean’s indomitable and unfailingly elegant Head of R.E. and lay chaplain, Mary Sitwell. She appeared as if in answer to a prayer. Together we agreed that if the BBC couldn’t come to Roedean, Roedean would go to the BBC. Within minutes, Mary had roused her House 3 tutor group, seen them bright-eyed and smartly uniformed, and together we followed the radio crew into Brighton. With the verve and fluency of practiced performers, our House 3 Roedeanians added life and wit to the programme. In response to public demand, our sixth formers became regular contributors “on air.”

Roedean’s international depth and breadth seemed only natural to me. My father’s career as an exploration and production engineer for Shell led to my birth in Egypt, my infancy in Borneo and my formative childhood in Trinidad. Once I had outgrown Shell’s excellent primary schooling, I “came home” to boarding school in the Isle of Wight. My love of colour, dance and performance was certainly fostered in Trinidad. A highlight was appearing in the pantomime put together by Shell staff and their families. It toured Trinidad, finishing up at Government House. I was one of the Babes in the Wood, rescued by Robin Hood (played, as a “principal boy,” by my class teacher) and Maid Marian (played by my older sister). Little surprise, then, that I studied English and Drama, with History, at Bristol University, and became a teacher. Beyond the classroom, I wrote scripts and provided voice for BBC’s Hull-based radio for schools and later became one of the Victoria & Albert Museum’s steering committee to set up the new Theatre Museum in Covent

Garden and to develop Theatre Studies as an A Level subject. It was my work for Methuen’s Student Editions of plays—writing critical commentary and providing notes—that took me to Merton College, Oxford, on a Schoolteacher Fellowship. There I met my scientistteacher husband, Dr. Tim Metham. While I was at Roedean, he was Director of the Sussex University ArtsScience programme—a connection that led to a range of enterprising school-university links and opportunities.

Perhaps it was the sounds and smells of my tropical childhood—tree frogs and heavily perfumed humidity— that proved irresistible. Early in 2003 I became Principal of The Regent’s School in Thailand. As well as supporting an international scholarship programme and leading an English-based approach to education, I became adviser to the Thai government on how to work with gifted learners, encouraging critical thinking, enterprise and creativity.

Family priorities brought us back to the UK. Rather than retire gracefully, I went over to “the Dark Side” as one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools, becoming National Lead for English and Literacy. Eight years later, I joined the East Sussex team of school improvement advisers. Now I am actively involved in four schools— three secondary and one primary—as the “Quality of Education” governor in all four, and Chair of Governors in two.

Never a dull moment.

Patricia Metham on a tour of schools in North Thailand with Education Minister, Khun Pongpol, and her husband, Dr Tim Metham.

From California to Sussex

Ann Longley Headmistress of Roedean, 1984-1997

Ann Longley served as Headmistress from 1984 to 1997, having previously worked in southern California. During her headship, enrolment numbers increased and the school’s facilities were upgraded.

After 16 years living and working in the States, arriving at Roedean was quite a culture shock! In 1984, “Hi there” was clearly not an acceptable greeting from the Headmistress, and being addressed as “Madam” took some getting used to. Looking back, I was somewhat surprised that the governors had appointed me. While I had plenty of boarding experience, I had only founded a small independent girls’ school on an existing campus of 250 boys.

The Webb School of California was founded in 1924 by men “to educate men.” In such a male-orientated, allboarding environment, introducing girls was going to require major change. So, in 1981, with a separate Board of Trustees but at the same location, we opened the Vivian Webb School, named after the founder’s wife, with 34 day girls. We took over a small central building as our base, which was off-limits to the boys, and I appointed several new female staff members. We had separate chapels and assemblies and formed our own Student Council. Although some classes were co-ed, Maths, English and IT were single-sex and remained so until the girls voted for them to become co-ed.

As the number of girls increased, the Webb community—both boys and male teachers—grew accustomed to girls on the campus, and once we had a girls’ boarding house, life for both girls and boys became easier and more equal. It was several years before the two Boards merged, but now—in Webb’s Centennial year—

I’m happy to report that the two schools have equal numbers and have fully merged to become the Webb Schools of California.

It was only on arrival at Roedean in 1984 that the reason for my appointment became clear: pupil numbers were down, income was low, and there were insufficient funds to update the school’s ageing facilities. Sir Michael Pickard, the chairman of the governors, made it quite clear: Rosemary Lewis was competently managing the school and John Farmer, together with the Heads of Departments, were providing an excellent academic programme. My initial priority would be marketing and development.

Fortunately, soon after my arrival, the school’s 1985 centenary provided me with the perfect opportunity to invite the press in and—through them and numerous visits to prep schools—to revitalize Roedean’s founding purpose. That is, to demand the highest standards of excellence in all areas of school life, and to inspire young women to make the fullest possible contribution to the world around them—a “whole life education”.

Slowly, pupil numbers increased, and through a combination of fundraising and income, new facilities were built and outdated areas were upgraded. First was the Centenary Hall, then the renovation of the old gym into modern classrooms. In 1987, a new subject was introduced— Craft, Design and Technology—

Ann Longley believes in educating young women for life as well as university. Saga Magazine 1994

necessitating the conversion of the old Play Room into a new classroom. Not even the Great Storm of 15th October 1987 held us back, when we lost 275 windows in one night. The Medical Centre was moved to the first floor of New Wing, and the attics above were converted into the Humanities Centre. After a huge fundraising effort led by Rita Skinner (Oldak, No.3, 1958-63), the new Performing Arts Centre was opened in 1994 by HRH the then Prince of Wales. This meant the original School Hall could be converted into the Emmeline Tanner Library. And then, in 1997, the splendid new Science Facility, designed by OR Heidi Paxton (Locher, No.2, 1968-74), was formally opened by our first British astronaut, Helen Sharman OBE.

The result was that increasing numbers of Roedean girls who benefitted from these opportunities gained places at universities and went on to become successful in a wide variety of careers. None of this would have been possible without the forethought of the governing body and the leadership of its chairman, Sir Michael Pickard and later Christopher Everett, as well as the dedicated work and encouragement of the staff, and the generosity of parents and Old Roedeanians.

For me, it was the privilege of a lifetime to work with them, and I am grateful to them all. My good wishes to Niamh Green, who has taken over the leadership of Roedean at a difficult time financially as a result of the recent budget. I am sure that she too will be able to rely on the continuing support of Old Roedeanians.

Following my retirement in 1997, after 13 years at Roedean, I took on a less onerous part-time position as Education Advisor to the Haberdashers Livery Company. The Company has an interesting portfolio of very

different schools spread around the country, from Elstree to Monmouth to Newport in Shropshire. My task was to keep the Company’s Education Committee up-to-date with policy and to accompany the Committee in visiting the schools. It was an interesting time to be involved in school education policy, as Tony Blair had just been elected Prime Minister, and his mantra was “Education, education, education.” I also became a Governor of Harrow School and later, Harrow’s new school in Bangkok, which entailed two trips a year to Thailand.

Between meetings, I managed walking holidays in France, Spain and Portugal, summers in Cornwall, and visits to my daughters, one working in Zimbabwe, and the other in Western Australia.

It was only in 2020—two days before the national Covid lockdown—that I left Brighton for Cornwall. I am now fully retired and living happily in the small fishing village where I was born. Thus, I have come full circle and am thoroughly enjoying being back home.

Ann Longley and the then Prince Charles 1994 - Saga Magazine

How Did My Time at Roedean Impact My Headship?

Sally Hobbs (Hutchings, No. 2,1967-69) Headmistress of Orchard House School, 1993-2015

A granddaughter of the School—my mother was Ann Hutchings (Carter, No.2, 1938-40)—I studied in the 6th form at Roedean, before going on to the University of Exeter. I completed my PGCE in 1975 and went on to teach in state and private primary schools. In 1993 I was asked by proprietors to start a school in the attractive Bedford Park area in Chiswick, where there was demand for independent schooling from ages 3 to11. Orchard House School (OHS) started with four classes of 3- to 5-year-olds and grew, year on year, until we were a fully-fledged prep school for boys and girls. When the numbers on roll had reached nearly 300, and at the end of my 22nd year as Headmistress, I stepped down to make way for others to lead the School forward into its next phase. It had been a huge privilege to set up and lead Orchard House, and I was very fortunate to have been so well supported by the proprietors and members of staff.

As a sister school to an existing preprep school in Kensington there was already a strong ethos to emulate. At the heart of everything we did was the well-being of the child. Before the days of assessing mental health, teaching mindfulness and monitoring screen time, the talk was mainly of ensuring the children were happy and that each could reach his or her potential. In due course, OHS children gained places at competitive entry schools and alumni/ae began to return to boast of future academic

successes. Alongside our desire to ensure that children got into the right school—the one which was going to take them successfully further on their academic journey— was the need to offer a broad curriculum, one which involved regular lessons, delivered by teachers who loved their subject, in art, drama, music and sport. Towards the end of the ‘90s we added IT to the list, and were delighted when OHS was one of the first schools to gain an award from BECTA for pioneering the effective use of IT in lessons. Children greeted their teachers with a handshake in the mornings and afternoons, but gone were the days when they had to add ‘Madam’ or ‘Sir’ as we Roedeanians had done at the termly “hand pumping exercise”!

My journey to headship differed from most of my colleagues in that I had not worked my way up a management ladder, or been a leader before. I came from a background of class teaching and a seven-year gap to bring up my own three children. I wanted to tell my story here because it yet again demonstrates the important effect that a school such as Roedean can have on its pupils. My own education up to O levels was unremarkable, and short! I only went to school when I was 7 and, following my two years in the 6th form at Roedean, celebrated my 17th birthday only after I had finished my A levels. Those two years had a profound impact on my developing character

and personality. I was fortunate to have had a very happy childhood and to be part of a large and loving family. Whilst, for some, boarding school provided companionship and thrills not on offer during the holidays, my siblings and I saw termtime as a temporary hiccup between the holidays. But we all valued the education we received.

Joining in the 6th form, I had to break into existing friendships and find my soulmates; this I did easily thanks to a wonderful cohort including Louise Ellson, Catriona Betts, Felicity Goulden, Olivia Seligman and the late Anne Webb. I joined House 2 under the watchful eye of Aunt M! For the rest of my life, I have sought to make sure that those joining an organisation feel included. Children joining OHS were assigned a guardian angel or buddy, and daily checks were made by the staff on their effectiveness. Equally important was for new members of staff to feel welcomed and included. I had to make a name for Orchard House on the educational stage, and had to

Sally Hutchings - last day at Roedean

work hard to build the relationships upon which prep school Heads depend to ensure children do go on to the most appropriate senior schools.

Anyone who has battled with the wind high up on the hill outside Roedean will smile when I say I learned resilience there. Blessed with good health, I needed little encouragement to cope with the weather, the cold and the general deprivations, and I found the extra reserves of energy and determination, actively encouraged by staff and fellow pupils at Roedean, that stood me in good stead at OHS. I was proud, in the severe winter of 2010, to be the only school in West London to open on a day when the capital was blanketed in snow! I think the buffeting on that windy cliff developed a “can do” attitude in us all. I still have that thick cloak in which we so gratefully wrapped ourselves!

I learned far more than the curriculum for my three A level subjects at Roedean. I developed my love of reading and can trace back my appreciation of art and music to the cultural courses which complemented our A levels. As a hobby, dress-making was

what we girls did on a Sunday afternoon, there being no Primark or Zara for affordable fashion! I had deportment lessons and, being tall, have to this day to remind myself about standing up straight. Community service taught me to care about older people and to think of those less fortunate than ourselves. I learned the hard way that Success only comes before Work in the dictionary and re-reading my journal for those years has brought back the efforts needed to satisfy the O’C’s French idioms and vocabulary tests or Stooge’s quotations from Milton. References to “laying tables” or “JCR duty” confirmed that we were privileged but never entitled.

The staff at Roedean, ahead of its time in my day, encouraged me to go to university and gain a professional qualification; I know many of my age group in other settings were less lucky and were frustrated in middle age not to have a rewarding career. Mrs Fort was a role model! It was not easy and I definitely struggled academically, but Roedean’s legacy meant that I believed in every one of the children at Orchard House, remembering how Mrs Fort and her staff believed in me and encouraged me to aim high.

Old Roedeanians’ Association

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I found my lifelong love of the Anglican tradition in the cloisters at Roedean. Those walls provided for me the perfect transition from the rigours of academic life to the peace and tranquillity of the Chapel. At OHS we were designated as nondenominational, but I was able to build up an effective link with our local C of E church in Bedford Park, as well as using a Buddhist Vihara as a hall and ensuring that every child, of whatever faith or none, had the opportunity to develop spirituality. My faith, nurtured in the Chapel at Roedean, has provided a compass throughout my life.

In my retirement, the legacy from my time at Roedean lives on. I look back on my days there with not only affection but huge gratitude.

Sally Hobbs is an independent education advisor, governor in both the state and private sectors, and an honorary steward at Westminster Abbey.

She is also the recipient of a number of awards: Walter Hines Page Scholarship Award - 2007 Tatler Best Prep School Head Award - 2015 TES Lifetime Achievement Award - 2015

Using Seasoned Skills and Discovering a New Interest as a

Volunteer

Sharon Hall (Bunn, No.3, 1971-78)

Starting voluntary work in 2020 was never in question for me once I had finished my “career” (British Airways, teaching at an FE college, running my own Executive Search business, and doing an MA/postgraduate Diploma at Reading University in Careers Guidance). This was followed by 20 years as a Careers Guidance Adviser, as well as bringing up 3 children and caring for elderly parents. My work always needed to fit around the family—term time and working from home in the early days of email, fax and the internet.

Once I reached 60 and the government contract for paid work with which I was involved came to a conclusion, I wasn’t prepared to sit and twiddle my thumbs whilst my husband was at the Golf Club! I wanted to continue using the skills and extensive experience I’d developed through my career. I had worked with a huge range of clients, from senior executives at the top of their game in a vast array of industries, to recent graduates, to those claiming employment benefits such as exoffenders. My work also supported clients with a range of disabilities and mental health problems, those with addictions, asylum seekers, refugees, homeless, lone parents and young carers. The list goes on.

I approached a Job Club in Camberley (funded by the local council and a local charity), offering my services in whatever way I could to support them. The first meeting was on Zoom (yes, Covid had started), and they immediately asked me to be a Trustee. (I didn’t know what that would involve, but I said yes!) So now I’m back to doing Careers Guidance with clients, which I enjoy. I’m also a member of the small Management team working to raise funds, helping at Job Fairs and other community events, enlisting help from other volunteers, putting together a constitution and applying for charitable status. We work with other local charities in the community such as Citizens Advice. We’ve been instrumental in supporting Ukrainians when the War started, helping refugees from Afghanistan, and working with people of all different nationalities.

Not only am I helping and supporting so many people back into work,

which benefits them (and the country), but I’m always learning something new. Also, I can be flexible, so if I’m required to look after our grandchildren, or I’m fortunate enough to be off travelling or visiting our daughter and granddaughter in Singapore, I can still fit this in around my volunteer work.

Then two years ago I discovered The Arts Society. What a revelation! I hadn’t been hugely interested in Art or History of Art at school, but now that I was “retired,” I was keen to keep learning. History and Art all of a sudden became a fascination. After being a member for a few weeks, the Chair said they were looking for more committee members and were having difficulty “recruiting,” so now I’m a volunteer on the committee for The Arts Society. Again, I’m learning from the Arts lectures themselves, which are fascinating, and I can support the committee with organising regular events/ day trips to interesting places. (Recently we visited Oxford University and the Ashmolean Museum). We have regular monthly meetings and an annual lunch for the committee, and I have recently taken over as Secretary. One of the advantages of being on the Committee (of course it’s unpaid work) is that we have a priority place on the annual overseas group trip. Next year I’m joining the group and will be visiting Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga.

There’s a lovely article in our quarterly magazine from the new Chair of The Arts Society in which she discusses volunteering and comments, “I like to think I make a difference. Volunteering gives me huge satisfaction and I get back so much more than I put in.” I couldn’t have put it better myself!

Sharon Hall (on the right)

From Lifeguarding to Advocacy: A Lifelong Volunteer

Roz Frampton (No.1, 1967-71)

I grew up volunteering from a very young age in small, informal ways, visiting senior citizens, and raising money for various charities through carol singing, swimming, and other events.

My first volunteer role, at age 8-9, was when I was asked to help less advanced dancers on Saturday mornings. I loved dancing and I loved the opportunity to assist others to develop their skills.

My next significant volunteer role was when I was 15 and qualified to teach up to Bronze Cross life-saving. My summer holidays were spent as a beach lifeguard, which was both great fun and a big responsibility, especially as many people either did not know, or ignored, safe sea practices. Although I am not a lifeguard any longer, my awareness is embedded deep within me. When I’m in the sea, I’m aware of what’s going on and usually remain further out than weaker swimmers so

that, should something go wrong, it is easier to resolve situations. It is amazing how many adults let children with limited skills play around in the sea without keeping an eye on them. Inflatables often blow away, yet weaker, young swimmers often sit in them, letting themselves drift further out.

During one summer the tide had taken a friend of mine, a reasonably good pool swimmer, further away, although parallel to the beach. I called out to see if she was aware of her position. It was at that point that she realised how far she had drifted. Although she was always safe, her awareness of the sea when swimming is now much improved.

During my undergraduate years, I did soup runs under Charing Cross Bridge and in Lincoln’s Inn Fields with the homeless. It was interesting to see the more complex ‘home’ creations using cardboard and plastic in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, compared with the huddling in doorways under the Bridge. I remember finding the people so interesting. They had varied

backgrounds and life could have been so different for them. It made me aware of how anyone could end up in their positions.

During the summer vacation before my final year, I volunteered in Israel, living in a centre in Haifa for Palestinian Arab non-political prisoners. We were part of a resettlement programme; in addition we had some prisoners who were in prison for part of the week. We also provided social welfare for the local community. Kamil founded the Centre and was the only Palestinian who could access all prisons. He had received an award from the Government, the only Palestinian to have one at that time. His Swiss wife, baby Jamal, and a couple of other volunteers also lived there. (Jamal is the director now but the situation there is very difficult due to the current political climate.) When I was there, in 1983, young men were moving large cement bags. As they were difficult to hold, this took time. When they went to lunch, another young woman and I finished off. It was very much a man’s world and they were surprised to find the work

Part of the roof of the House of Grace, Haifa

Looking down from the House of Grace into the courtyard and beyond

finished. We may not have had their brawn, but I decided to put each bag across a wooden, fold-up chair and hold that, which was quite easy. Lateral thinking won the day for women.

Later on, back in the UK, I volunteered as a member of a chaplaincy team in a men’s prison in the north of England. We held various discussion groups and services. I ran a music/singing group and produced religious materials for prisoners to do in their cells, which passed the time for them as well. We also ran a club on Saturday mornings for around twelve carefully selected prisoners and twelve children with significant learning needs. This provided an opportunity for their parents to go into town with their other children. I was in ‘Strangeways Prison’ a few weeks before a massive riot there and, a few weeks later on a Sunday morning, they thought there was a chance our prisoners might riot. Security measures were taken, but holding a service while wondering if a riot would start at any moment was a surreal experience. As the only woman I felt a bit more vulnerable. However, all passed peacefully.

There were, of course, times when emergency situations arose and

999 services arrived. At these times, prisoners were locked in their cells and everyone other than prison officers and fire officers, etc, remained in directed areas until the emergencies were resolved. As in all prisons, prisoners’ moods could vary and I always knew the importance of helping people to feel more upbeat and supported. I loved volunteering in the prison.

The following year, having moved and being in a different job, I undertook letter writing to an identified prisoner (in a different prison). The prisoner I wrote to enjoyed writing poems about their experiences. It was also a way to process their emotions. All letters are read by prison officers and letters are sent via a third party for security reasons. When the prisoner left prison, my letter writing stopped.

Having volunteered with prisoners, I then decided to volunteer with those who had been on the receiving end of crimes. I became a ‘Victim Support’ volunteer and also joined the committee of our local scheme as a Volunteers’ Rep, Vice-Chair, and Chair. It was a privilege to listen to people’s stories and travel beside them in the immediate aftermath of events. ‘Victim Support’ volunteers were there to

listen, provide information, and help people in those first days. People were trained to respond to different types of crime, starting with lowerlevel crimes and progressing up to crimes such as serious sexual offences and murder, although not everyone acted as a Supporter to the more serious crimes. Apart from the VS training, the police and probation services provided input, just as some from VS provided training to other agencies. Volunteers also went through training alongside police officers for the most serious crimes. The training and insights were very informative.

In 2015, NHS GP surgeries were required to have a ‘Patient Participation Group’ (PPG) and I have been on committees at the two surgeries I was registered at during that time. We were there to provide patients’ perspectives about the services offered, suggest ways to develop services, and assist with some activities. Some also raised money for additional resources. Recently, physiotherapists wanted to update some Service request forms and came to our PPG for suggestions. We also assisted during vaccinations, and provided befriender groups, plus other activities. We liaised with other PPGs locally, as well as linking with larger Trust decision groups.

Roof of the Ecce Homo Convent, Jerusalem

Entrance to the House of Grace

I have previously written about my volunteering with a local hospital radio. We were honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services (MBE equivalent). As this became part of the last awards Queen Elizabeth II undertook, it assumed a special significance, especially as the ceremony that took place was carried out by the King’s Representative - the first of the presentations when Charles was King.

On 18th October 2023, I was commissioned as an Ambassador to raise awareness about exploitation, trafficking, and the abolition of modern slavery. The ceremony took place in Chichester Cathedral and involved people from the Roman Catholic and Church of England dioceses, working with other organisations (e.g. police, local authorities, etc), as well as other faith traditions, and none. I also

participate in the steering group. This is a good opportunity for readers of this article to consider how aware they are about types of exploitation and whether any organisations they belong to have effective statements regarding procurement, commissioning, and contracts. They should also reflect on the curriculum, to ensure they all understand how to raise awareness and how they can keep themselves safe.

Volunteering has been an integral part of my life and has been very enjoyable. A job would never have provided me with as many opportunities as volunteering has. I have enjoyed taking on many roles, including being a religious sister, which have allowed me to make a difference to people without getting bogged down in bureaucracy.

I understood from a young age that

we need to help each other, since we are all of equal value. As a child I found it fun. I have had many opportunities that I would never have developed just working in one job. It’s not about going in and just helping others, thinking I/we know how to improve things; it’s about walking alongside and learning from those we are assisting.

Every experience is just one experience amongst many. The real university is out there on the streets. Education is important and exams open training and job opportunities. However, none of that matters when two souls connect; when one is in need, and the other comes alongside to open the door, so the gifts of all blossom. We are God’s hands on earth.

Lesson: whenever we help someone, ensure we have learned something from that person as well.

Have you lost touch with a friend or teacher from school and would like to reconnect?

Please do email Jane Aldred, membership-secretary@oldroedeanians.co.uk, and we will see if we can help.

Magazine subscriptions

If you are enjoying reading our OR Magazine and would like to receive a printed copy, please follow this link or scan the QR code to subscribe: https://community.roedean.co.uk/news/oldroedeanians-magazine/119/119-Subscribe-to-the-OR-Magazine-Printed-Version

Subscription rates: £27 for three years / £9 for a single issue / £5 for past issues These rates include postage (UK and overseas).

If you are not on the internet, please contact Alumnae Office, Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, BN2 5RQ Phone: 01273 667363, Email: alumnae@roedean.co.uk

Finding Fulfilment as a Wellness Volunteer

Kelly Cheung (No.2, 2019-21)

Volunteering as an Urban Street Coach at London’s Great Exhibition Road Festival was an experience that has deeply resonated with me.

I was part of the family zone at the “Stand for Health: Urban Street Coaching” stall, led by Dr Dimple Devadas, where we aimed to promote wellness and spark curiosity about health. The festival setting was alive with energy—families milling about, children tugging at parents’ sleeves, and people of all ages stopping by for a chat. It was a place where curiosity met learning, and I loved the chance to connect with people from so many backgrounds.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was when a child approached the stand with their parent. At first, I noticed how they held back a bit, eyes wide, taking in the bustling environment around them. It seemed they were assessing everything, perhaps finding the vibrant surroundings both exciting and a little overwhelming. As I knelt down to their level and gently asked if they’d like to talk about health, I could see a spark of curiosity begin to form.

As we began chatting, they started asking questions - direct and thoughtful ones - about how to stay active and what it meant to be healthy. We discussed different ways they could enjoy physical activity, and I shared ideas that might suit their interests, including some

creative games that encouraged movement and exploration. I watched as their initial hesitancy turned into engagement; they even started sharing ideas of their own, making the conversation feel more like a collaboration than a lesson. Their curiosity was infectious, and in that moment, I felt grateful to be part of their journey, even if just for a short while.

It wasn’t until later, when their parent thanked me, that I realised how meaningful this interaction had been for them. They explained that their child sometimes found new environments challenging due to sensory needs, but the supportive and welcoming nature of the family zone had allowed them to feel comfortable enough to open up and explore. Hearing this, I felt a deep sense of fulfilment and pride, knowing that our stall had provided a space where people of all abilities and backgrounds could feel included.

This encounter truly opened my eyes to the power of inclusive health education. It’s not just about delivering information; it’s about creating environments where

About The Great Exhibition Road Festival in 2026

The Great Exhibition Road Festival is a free annual celebration of science and the arts each summer in South Kensington. Join us on 6-7 June 2026 for a weekend of free science and arts events for all ages.

Enjoy hands-on workshops, fascinating talks, performances and installations from iconic museums, research and culture organisations, including Imperial College London, the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A and many more.

everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. The experience reinforced my belief that healthcare should be accessible and adaptable to individual needs, and that our role as health advocates extends beyond simply sharing knowledge. It’s about connecting with people on a human level, meeting them where they are, and building trust in those brief yet meaningful moments.

As I looked around at the bustling festival, I realised that every conversation we had at the stall was part of something bigger—a shared commitment to health and wellbeing that brought us all together. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity to volunteer as an Urban Street Coach, to contribute to community health, and to connect with people in such a personal and impactful way. It reminded me that the heart of healthcare is, ultimately, about compassion, understanding, and the willingness to listen. I left the festival with a renewed sense of purpose, excited to continue supporting community health in ways that make a difference for everyone I meet.

Plus, you can indulge in food from all over the world and enjoy eclectic performances from the Royal College of Music and Royal Albert Hall.

https://www. greatexhibitionroadfestival.co.uk/

Stained Glass Windows in the Roedean School Chapel

Mary Henderson (No.3, 1971-76) & Jackie Sullivan Archivist, Roedean School

The Chapel was dedicated in 1906, with the first stained glass window, in the East wall over the altar, donated the same year. Over the subsequent 16 years, a further 22 windows would be donated, 5 of which are also included in the Imperial War Museum War Memorials Register.

Many ORs have sat in the Chapel and admired the colour of the stained glass windows as the sunlight streams through. However, it is not easy to appreciate the detail with a number of these, and we suspect that many ORs are not aware of the very personal stories behind each dedication. Hence this article (which includes closeup photos taken during recent restoration work of the Chapel).

The majority of the windows in the Chapel are by Clayton & Bell. The firm has a family connection to the school: Michael Farrar-Bell, whose mother and daughter attended Roedean, designed the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother stained glass window commemorating her 1955 visit. Farrar-Bell’s mother also donated one of the early windows from 1908.

Examples of work by other firms and artists include Gustave Hillier, Charles Eamer Kempe, Ernest Heasman for Herbert Bryans, Morris & Co, James Powell, Herbert Bryans, Barraud & Westlake, Geoffrey Fuller Webb and George Farmiloe.

We have taken the liberty of “naming” some of the windows in addition to providing their depiction.

MARTINEAU WINDOW

Location: North wall, 10th window from the altar

Depiction: St Francis of Assisi and St Francesca Romana

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. On the left is Saint Francis of Assisi and on the right is Santa Francesca Romana. The lunette shows building work (stone masons, scaffolders, etc.).

Dedication: To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Frances Martineau Vice President and benefactress of Roedean School born 21 Nov 1836 died 27 Jan 1921. This window is affectionately dedicated by her nieces and nephews.

Inscriptions:

Left light: Saint Francis of Assisi

Right light: S Francesca Romana

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell, BSMGP Directory 1939

Additional Notes: RS Magazine October 1922

South wall, 6 double windows (12 in total)

North wall, 5 double windows (10 in total)

BELL WINDOW

Location: North wall, 9th window from the altar

Depiction: Florence Nightingale and St Catherine of Genoa

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. On the left is Florence Nightingale and on the right is St Catherine of Genoa. The lunette shows Christ blessing the sick.

Dedication: To the Glory of God and in memory of Thomas Bell J.P. D.C.L. who died Sept 19th 1914 aged 73 years. This window was given by his daughter Kathleen Moore Bell.

Inscriptions:

Left light: Florence Nightingale

Right light: St Catherine of Genoa

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell, BSMGP Directory 1939

Additional Notes:

• Kathleen Moore Lynch (Bell, No.1, 1897-1901)

• Eveline Morton Pollock (Bell, No.1, 1898-1903)

• Thomas Bell was a coal merchant/exporter from Topcliffe, Yorkshire

• RS Magazine October 1921

GIMSON WINDOW

Location: North wall, 8th window from the altar

Depiction: Jesus and his followers upon Ascension.

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. In the right hand light is St George and a family looking towards the Risen Christ, who is in the left hand light. At the bottom of the right light are the regimental badges of the 4th Leicesters and the 29th Lancers. The lunette shows women and children surrounding Christ.

Inscriptions:

Left light: Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen

To the dear memory of Michael, aged 6, died March 6th 1919 and Rosemary, aged 5, died February 27th 1919

Right light: E A. Harvey 2nd Lieut. 20th Lancers, died in India Nov 14th 1917

R.C. Harvey Lieut. 4th Leicesters, Killed at Hohenzollern Redoubt Oct 13th 1915.

Spanning both lights:This window is given by Olga M. Gimson in memory of her children and brothers.

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell, BSMGP Directory 1939

Additional Notes:

• Olga Gimson (Harvey, No.1, 1904-08) had two daughters at the School: Olivia Margaret Wildt (Gimson, No.1, 1931-36) and Ruth Maclean (Gimson, No.1, 1936-41). She also had three granddaughters at Roedean: Felicity Jelley (Wildt, No.1, 1956-63), Sue Maclean (No.4, 1960-67) and Kirstie Maclean (No.4, 1962-69)

• Olga’s two children commemorated in this window died within 8 days of each other in 1919, both of pneumonia following influenza (the Spanish flu). Olga Rosemary was 3 years 2 months old and Michael was 6 years 5 months old. Their deaths were announced in the June 1920 issue of the RS Magazine (though Olga Rosemary’s date of death was published as 7th February 1919 rather than 27th February 1919). Olga gave birth to her daughter Olivia Margaret on 1st February 1920, which was also announced in the same issue of the Magazine.

• RS Magazine October 1921

• Included in the Imperial War Museum War Memorials Register

ARKWRIGHT WINDOW

Location: North wall, 7th window from the altar

Depiction: St Bride as a little girl and St Patrick

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. On the right is a seated Saint Patrick holding a crosier, a book on his lap and his hand held up in blessing. A monk stands in the background. On the left is Saint Bride talking to Saint Patrick. Three monks surround her. The lunette has a saint holding a child. There are several women around, one of whom looks like she is wearing a djibbah!

Donated by: The Rev and Mrs H. Arkwright in memory of their daughter, E. Yolande E. Arkwright. Dedicated 22nd May 1920

Inscriptions:

Left light: S. Bride a little girl went to S. Patrick & talked to him without fear or hesitation. He saw that she was touched with holy fire & blessed with many gifts.

Right light: A.M.D.G. in memory of YOLANDE daughter of Hubert and Evelyn Arkright, Roedean 1914-1919. Died March 31st 1920 Aged 14 AMDG, Ad maiorem Dei gloriam (All for the greater glory of God).

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell, BSMGP Directory 1939

Additional Notes:

• Evelyn Yolande Elizabeth Arkwright (1914-19)

• RS Magazine June 1921

MOWAT WINDOW

STRAKER WINDOW

Location: North wall, 6th window from the altar

Depiction: Valour and Fortitude

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window depicting the armoured figures of Valour and Fortitude. A stained glass lunette spans both. The bottom of the left light has the coat of arms of The King’s School Canterbury and the right the badge of the Royal Field Artillery. The lunette contains an angel and the phrase from Wilfred Owen’s poem “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori”.

Inscriptions:

Left light: Valour

Right light: Fortitude

Spanning both lights: IN PROUD AND HAPPY MEMORY OF Lt. FRANK STRAKER RA , KILLED IN ACTION FRANCE JULY 1916 AGED NINETEEN. DEDICATED BY HIS SISTERS RUTH AND VIOLET.

Lunette: DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI

Firm/Artist: Morris & Co, ref A C Sewter

Location: North wall, 5th window from the altar

Depiction: Sacrifice and Victory

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window depicting Sacrifice, Victory, The Risen

Christ and the Archangel St Michael. A lunette spans both and contains an angel with golden wings.

Inscriptions:

Left light: Sacrifice

Right light: Victory

Spanning both lights: IN LOVING MEMORY OF CAPT. J. GRAHAM MOWAT M.C. WEST RIDING

REGIMENT KILLED IN ACTION AT HULLUCH FRANCE 27th JUNE 1917. GIVEN BY HIS SISTER MARCIA.

Firm/Artist: Morris & Co, ref A C Sewter

Notes:

• Lucy Marcia Mowat (No.3, 1911-16)

• Dorothy Hall (Mowat, No.3, 1902-05)

• RS Magazine June 1920

• Marcia was head girl at Roedean. Her brother Sir Alfred Law Mowat Bart DSO, OBE, MC, DL, JP, who was President of the Spenborough British Legion, donated the family home, Kenmore in Cleckheaton, to the Leonard Cheshire Charity in 1960.

• Window and part of the design referred to in the Catalogue Raisonné of Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, as after Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, by Morris & Co

• Included in the Imperial War Museum War Memorials Register

ROBINSON PAIR OF WINDOWS

Location: North wall, 4th window from the altar

Depiction: Sarah and Hannah

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. On the left is Sarah and on the right is Hannah, who are recorded in the bible as being barren but through faith and hope gave birth to sons. The lunette has a cherub and the inscription of Faith Hope.

Donated by: Gwen & Muriel Robinson

Inscriptions:

Lunette: Faith Hope

Left light: Sarah

Right light: Hannah

Firm/Artist: James Powell

Additional Notes:

• RS Magazine Lent Term 1912

• Gwendolen Frances Lethbridge (Robinson, No.1, 1908-11)

• Blanche Muriel Frances Godley (Robinson, No.1, 1910-14)

Location: North wall, 3rd window from the altar

Depiction: Queen Esther and Ruth

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. The left has Queen Esther in a red robe holding a scroll “How can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people” Esther 8:6, and the right has Ruth in a blue robe holding a sheaf of corn.

The lunette has a cherub in a blue robe.

Donated by: Gwen & Muriel Robinson

Inscriptions:

Lunette: Humility, Love

Left light: Queen Esther

Right light: Ruth

Firm/Artist: James Powell

Additional Notes:

• RS Magazine Lent Term 1912

• Gwendolen Frances Lethbridge (Robinson, No.1, 1908-11)

• Blanche Muriel Frances Godley (Robinson, No.1, 1910-14)

RUSSELL WINDOW

Location: North wall, 2nd window from the altar

Depiction: The Annunciation

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette.

Dedication: In memory of Evelyn Lightfoot, who was married to Edgar Campbell Russell on 20th December 1905 and died 24th October 1906, aged 26. This window is affectionately dedicated by her husband.

Donated by: Edgar Campbell Russell

Firm/Artist: Herbert Bryans (signed)

Additional Notes:

• RS Magazine Michaelmas Term 1908

• Evelyn Russell (Lightfoot, No.2, 1895-99)

• Evelyn Lightfoot was a senior prefect in Sussex Square and was in No.2 from Autumn Term 1898 to Christmas 1899.

EDYE WINDOW

Location: North wall, 1st window from the altar

Depiction: Epiphany. Adoration of the Shepherds and Magi

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette.

Inscription: “What can I bring him poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. What I can bring him, bring my heart.”

Donated by: Mr E H H Edye

Firm/Artist: Herbert Bryans

Additional Notes:

• RS Magazine Michaelmas Term 1908

• Alice Dorothy Stuart (No.4, 1898-1900) married Ernest Henry Huish Edye on 24th September 1908. We think that this window may have been donated to commemorate their marriage.

FARMILOE WINDOW

Location: South wall, choir gallery, 12th window from the altar

Depiction: Samarian Woman at the Well

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. The left light shows Jesus seated and the right light shows a woman with a water jug. The lunette has an angel holding a scroll with the words “Je répandrai mon Esprit sur toute chair.”

Inscriptions:

Left light: Margaret Farmiloe at Roedean School. 1911.12 & 13

Right light: Winifred E Farmiloe at Roedean School. 1911.12.13 1914

Across both lights: “Je répandrai mon Esprit sur toute chair” Joel 2:28

“I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh” King James Bible

“Quiconque boit de cette eau aura encore soif; mais celui qui boira de l’eau que je lui donnerai n’aura plus jamais soif; l’eau que je lui donnerai deviendra en lui une source d’eau qui jaillera jusque dans la vie eternelle.” John 4:13-14

“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” King James Bible

Firm/Artist: Assumed to be George Farmiloe

Additional Notes:

• Winifred Elizabeth Swaine (Farmiloe, No.1, 1911-14)

• Margaret Lee (Farmiloe, No.1, 1911-13)

• The father of Winifred and Margaret was Thomas Meakin Farmiloe, a lead and glass merchant. Companies associated with the Farmiloe name are known for window glass and some stained glass.

• RS Magazine Michaelmas Term 1914

CONFIRMATION CLASS 1921 WINDOW

Location: South wall, choir gallery, 11th window from the altar

Depiction: St Margaret and St Barbara

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. In the left light is Saint Margaret, with Saint Barbara in the right light. Saint Margaret in a red robe has her foot on the dragon, symbolising the devil, and a cross in her right hand. Saint Barbara is wearing a green robe.

Dedication: To the Glory of God and in thankful remembrance of their Confirmation from the Candidates of 1921.

Inscriptions:

Left light: Saint Margaret

Right light: Saint Barbara

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell, BSMGP Directory 1939

Additional Notes:

• RS Magazine October 1922

LAWRENCE FAMILY MEMORIAL

Location: South wall, 10th window from the altar

Depiction: St Dorothy and St Faith

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. In the left light is St Dorothy holding a basket containing roses and apples, with St Faith in a green robe facing in the right light. The lunette shows women and children.

Dedication: To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Penelope Dorothy Lawrence. Born Aug 8th 1892 Died Nov 24th 1913. This window is placed here by her friends in No.1

Inscriptions:

Left light: Saint Dorothy

Right light: Saint Faith

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell, BSMGP Directory 1939

Additional Notes:

• Penelope Dorothy Lawrence was the daughter of Henry Lakin Lawrence, the eldest brother of the Founders

• RS Magazine Summer Term 1915

Location: South wall, 9th window from the altar

Depiction: St Jeanne d’Arc and St George

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with an inscription at the base of each light. A stained glass lunette spans both. The left light depicts St Jeanne d’Arc with the 27th Punjabi’s regimental badge in the bottom left corner. The right light depicts St George with the regimental badge of the Royal Sussex regiment at the bottom right corner. The lunette shows an angel in a suit of armour surrounded by men in desert uniform and helmets holding rifles.

Dedication: In memory of Charles Phillip Lawrence, who fell in Mesopotamia on April 29th, 1916, and of Thomas Edward Lawrence, who fell in France on September 24th, 1918.

Inscriptions:

Left light: ST JEANNE D’ARC IN LOVING AND PROUD MEMORY OF / CHARLES PHILIP LAWRENCE / 27th PUNJABIS WHO GAVE HIS / LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY IN THE / GREAT WAR 1914-1918. Right light: SAINT GEORGE IN LOVING AND PROUD MEMORY OF / THOMAS EDWARD LAWRENCE/ ROYAL SUSSEX REGT WHO GAVE / HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY IN / THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918.

Additional Notes:

• RS Magazine February 1920

• Included in the Imperial War Museum War Memorials Register

GLADYS FARRAR WINDOW

Location: South wall, 8th window from the altar

Depiction: St Elizabeth and St John the Baptist (left), the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Anne (right)

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. The left light carries the inscription Saint Elizabeth and St John the Baptist. The right light has the inscription St Anne and St Mary BV (Blessed Virgin Mary).

Dedication: To the glory of God this window is erected by Gladys KM Bell (née Farrar) June 1911

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell, BSMGP Directory 1939

Additional Notes:

• RS Magazine Summer and Michaelmas Terms 1911

• Gladys Kathleen Madge Bell (Farrar, No.1, 1898-01)

IVES WINDOW

Location: South wall, 7th window from the altar

Depiction: Three Marys at the Tomb

Description: A two light stained glass window with figures depicted in each light. The left light shows Mary and the women at the tomb of Jesus looking at an angel, depicted in the right light, announcing the Resurrection. The lunette is showing an angel appearing to a group of shepherds. At the bottom left is the badge of the West Yorkshire Regiment, and at the bottom right is the badge of the Royal Navy.

Dedication: TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF KENNETH HILL IVES / 2nd LIEUT. 8th WEST / YORKS REGt WHO DIED IN MILITARY HOSPITAL YORK DEC 9th 1914 AGED 22 YEARS AND / DERRICK IVES LIEUT R.N. H.M. SUBMARINE H.10 WHO WAS KILLED IN ACTION JAN 1918 / AGED 21 YEARS. THIS WINDOW WAS ERECTED BY THEIR SISTER ALEX IVES.

Inscriptions:

Right light: “Fear not. He is not here. He is risen”.

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell (BSMGP Directory 1939)

Additional Notes:

• Alex Best (Ives, No.2, 1915-19) also had a daughter at the school, Elizabeth Jackson (Best, No.2, 1946-48)

• RS Magazine Autumn Term 1919

• Included in the Imperial War Museum War Memorials Register

GREIG WINDOW

Location: South wall, 5th window from the altar

Depiction: Women at well

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. The left and right lights show the encounter of St Photine, the Samaritan woman, with Jesus at Jacob’s well, where he asks her for water. St Photine is standing with the water jar.

The lunette shows a woman washing the feet of Jesus.

Dedication: In thankful remembrance of her schooldays - Mary Law Greig at Roedean 1915-1919.

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell (BSMGP Directory 1939)

Additional Notes:

• RS Magazine Autumn Term 1919

• Mary Hall (Greig, No.3, 1915-19)

KENNEDY-JONES WINDOW

Location: South wall, 6th window from the altar

Depiction: Suffer the Little Children

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette.

Dedication: To the Glory of God offered by G, D & M KennedyJones “He shall gather lambs in His arms”

Donated by: Gottie, Dorothy and Molly Kennedy-Jones, 1913

Firm/Artist: Gustave Hiller (signed)

Additional Notes:

• Henrietta Augusta “Gottie” Mason (Kennedy-Jones, No.1, 1908-11), who also had three daughters at the school: Margaret Beets (Swan, No.1, 1933-39), Julia “Jill” V Theis (Mason, No.1, 1941-46) and Mary Mason (No.1, 1945-49)

• Dorothy Hersey (Kennedy-Jones, No.1, 1908-12)

• Mary Janet “Molly” Bosanquet (Kennedy-Jones, No.1, 190813), mother of Reggie Bosanquet, journalist and broadcaster in the 1960s-80s

• Their father, William Kennedy-Jones, was a journalist and newspaper manager who worked for Alfred Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe, and was later an MP.

• RS Magazine Michaelmas Term 1913

EDWARDS WINDOW

Location: South wall, 4th window from the altar

Depiction: Dorcas (right) and St Salome with James and John (left)

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette.

Dedication: “A remembrance – Irene Edwards March 1918”

Donated by: Irene Edwards, 1918

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell (BSMGP Directory 1939)

Additional Notes:

• RS Magazine Lent Term 1918

• Irene E Vereker (Edwards, No.2, 1913-17)

Ives Window

Kennedy-Jones Window

Greig Window

Edwards Window

MCEWAN WINDOW

Location: South wall, 3rd window from the altar

Depiction: St Cecilia and St Margaret of Antioch

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette.

The left light depicts St Cecilia playing the organ.

The right light depicts St Margaret having been swallowed by Satan (in the form of a dragon), from whom she escapes alive with the aid of her cross. The dragon is also chained to her girdle. She is holding a martyr’s palm in her right hand.

The lunette shows three musicians playing various instruments.

Dedication: Dedicated An Dmi 1910 by Ida and Margaret McEwan in grateful remembrance of many happy years at Roedean; and in loving memory of their sister Joy, born 5th May 1901, died 27th May 1902.

Firm/Artist: Charles Eamer Kempe. Kempe was born at Ovingdean Hall in 1837; he died in 1907 and was buried in Ovingdean in St Wulfran’s Church. The window has his signature, a wheatsheaf, at the bottom of the left light.

Additional Notes:

• RS Magazine Michaelmas and Summer Terms 1910

• Margaret McEwan (No.3, 1905-10)

• Ida Duncan (McEwan, No.3, 1904-08) had a daughter, Joy Crawford (Duncan, No.3, 1934-40), at Roedean

LAWRENCE FAMILY MEMORIAL

Location: South wall, 1st window from the altar

Depiction: Crucifixion (St Paul and Isaiah with angels)

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette. The left light depicts a rare green Cross symbolising renewal – new life.

Dedication: In remembrance of the sacrifice of the death of Christ, and in memory of Henry Philip Lawrence d: 15th Oct 1895 and of Margaret Lawrence d: 8th July 1903. This window is dedicated 1907.

Donated by: Paul Ogden Lawrence, KC

Firm/Artist: Ernest Heasman for Herbert Bryans (verified by Heasman’s granddaughter, Linette O’Sullivan, in 2001).

Additional Notes:

• This window was restored after the storm of 16th October 1987.

• RS Magazine Summer Term 1907

WOODMAN BURBIDGE WINDOW

Location: South wall, 2nd window from the altar

Depiction: Thanksgiving and Praise

Description: A two rectangular light stained glass window with figures in each light, both spanned by a stained glass lunette.

Inscriptions:

In memory of their schooldays – Enid and Sylvia Woodman Burbidge 1921

Firm/Artist: Clayton & Bell (BSMGP Directory 1939)

Additional Notes:

• Edith Catherine Venables (Woodman Burbidge, No.1, 191720)

• Sylvia E Woodman Burbidge (No.1, 1917-1920)

• Their sister was Alva G Holman (Woodman Burbidge, No.1, 1923-29), whose daughter, Carole Beattie (Holman, No.1, 1951-56) was at Roedean.

• Their father was Sir Richard Woodman Burbidge, Chairman of Harrods

• RS Magazine June 1921

SAINT LAWRENCE WINDOW

Location: Ante chapel, West wall

Description: A single arched light stained glass window with Saint Lawrence holding a gridiron.

Inscription: Sanctus Laurentius

Firm/Artist: Barraud & Westlake of Bloomsbury in 1884. Confirmed by Anne Willis, researcher from Bradford-on-Avon, 18th April 2024.

Additional Notes:

• The St Lawrence window came from Holy Trinity, a Saxon church in Bradford-on-Avon, as “stained glass was not in keeping with an ancient Saxon church.” Winifred Eleanor Russell (JH & No.3, 1917-21) was involved in this window being moved and reinstalled in the Chapel at Roedean in the 1970s.

• RS Magazine November 1972

McEwan Window Woodman Burbidge Window Lawrence Family Memorial Saint Lawrence Window

SCHIFF WINDOW

Location: East window above the altar

Depiction: Christ in Majesty with Saints

Dedication: In memory of Mr Charles Schiff

Donated by: Catherine, Lucile, Mary and Jeanette Schiff

Firm/Artist: Geoffrey Fuller Webb while working for Herbert Bryans. His signature, a spider web, is in a corner.

Additional Notes:

• Charles Schiff, a banker, was born in Trieste, (then) Austria, in 1839, and died in London in 1905. He had four daughters:

• Catherine Storrs (Schiff, No.2, 1900-01)

• Lucile Sayers (Schiff, No.2, 1901-05). She had two daughters at Roedean: Pataricia Ward (Sayers, No.2, 1926-29) and Rosalind Mazzawi (Sayers, No.2, 1944-48), as well as a granddaughter, Mary-Lu Hick (Ward, No.2, 1954-59)

• Mary “Mamie” Brydone (Schiff, No.2, 1904-09), ORA President 1930-31. She had three daughters at Roedean: Alison Graham (Brydone, No.2, 1935-41), Barbara Calder (Brydone, No.2, 1936-41) and Susan Brydone (No.2, 1938-44), as well as a granddaughter, Judith Haworth (Graham, No.2, 1966-68)

• Jeanette Tarleton (Schiff, No.2, 1905-11)

• RS Magazine 1906

THE QUEEN MOTHER’S WINDOW

Location: Spanning the internal corridor to the south of the cloisters leading to the chapel

Depiction: Coat of Arms of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

Dedication: Commemorating the visit of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1955 for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the school.

Donated by: Marilyn Farrar-Bell

Firm/Artist: Michael Farrar-Bell (both his mother and daughter were pupils at Roedean)

Additional Notes:

• Mother of Michael Farrar-Bell - Gladys Kathleen Madge Bell (Farrar, No.1, 1898-01)

• Daughter of Michael Farrar-Bell - Marilyn Diplock (Farrar-Bell, No.1, 1956-60)

• See also the Gladys Farrar window, which is on the south wall, 8th window from the altar.

• Clayton & Bell : After the deaths of Alfred Bell (1832–1895) and John Richard Clayton (1827–1913), the firm continued under Bell’s son, John Clement Bell (1860–1944), then under Reginald Otto Bell (1884–1950), and lastly Michael Farrar-Bell (1911–1993) until his death.

• RS Magazine November 1960

Key and references

BSMGP: British Society of Master Glass Painters

The Stained Glass of William Morris and his circle, A Catalogue by A Charles Sewter, published 1975

The Lantern Tea at the Covent Garden Hotel

Mary Henderson (No.3, 1971-76)

On 24th February we held a champagne tea at the Covent Garden Hotel to celebrate the Lantern Festival. It was so interesting to find out more about each other – what a diverse set of experiences! When ORs get together, we always have a good time.

Thank you to Di Wu for organising it.

Feb 2024

L>R: Joanna Sterling (Munro, No.3, 1972-75), Di Wu (No.1, 2003-5), Sharon Betts (Bywater, No.1, 1986-91), Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75), Frances Taylor-Weekes (Gordon-Smith, No.3, 1958-62), Rosalind Buckton-Tucker (Buckton, No.2, 1964-65)

A Room with a ViewOR New York Lunch

Cynthia Pigott (Moekle, No. 2, Lawrence, 1973-77)

With a 60th floor view of the city skyline, some two dozen ORs gathered on February 10th 2024 for lunch at Manhatta restaurant in New York’s financial district, an event organized by the ORA Regional Rep for the US, Diana Oreck-Webster (Oreck, No.4, 1971-75). Our mostly U.S.based group, hailing from New Mexico to New Jersey and points in between, was welcomed by Headmistress Niamh Green, who spoke enthusiastically of Roedean’s successes, old and new. Joining her were Head of Alumnae and Development Grace Chaston and our new ORA President, Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75), who brought us up to date on the ORA Heritage Projects.

Feb 2024

On a personal note, it was great fun for me to meet a fellow OR who, like me, is also a graduate of an American women’s college (Wellesley in her case, Smith in mine). During her fascinating career, Yekyu Kim (Chung, No.4, 1986-88) worked in Washington, D.C., for Hillary Rodham Clinton, first when she was a Senator, and then when she was Secretary of State.

Our lunch in the Big Apple was a great success. We look forward to the 2025 state-side gathering, which will be in the City of Angels, Los Angeles.

row standing from left: Christina Shearman (No.3, 1988-91), Hibeh Dilzer (Bakr, No.3, 1981-83), Cynthia Pigott (Moekle, No. 2, Lawrence, 1973-77), Fiona Li (2005-09), Jade Ma (No.2, 2013-18), Elda Kalbian (No.4, 1969-75), Diana Oreck-Webster (Oreck, No.4, 197175), Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75), Aisha Juanita Arden (No.3, 2007-14), Aletha Fitzpatrick (Cheng, No.4, 1987-91), Penelope Taylor (Spathis, No.3, 1956-62)

Middle row standing from left: Luci Zhang (No.1, 2008-10), Jennifer Jung (2005-09), Marguerita Smith (Oundjian, No.1, 1965-71), Michele Roberts (Wiggishoff, No.4, 1973-75)

Seated from left: Yekyu Chung Kim (Chung, No.4, 1986-88), Jessica Thomson (Martens, No.4, 1965-69), Bonnie Host (Lawrence, 1984-85), Leila Adamoski (Werlein, No.4, 1972-75) Jean Naggar (Mosseri, No.3, 1949-54), Victoria Woo (No.4, 2006-11), Joy Crane (Keswick, 2008-11)

Back

OR Spring Drinks

Grace Chaston (Head of Alumnae and Development, Roedean School)

80th Anniversary of D-Day

On Thursday 6th June 2024 the School marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a service in the Quad.

In front of the assembled school, Noëlle Chase re-presented the newly conserved HMS Vernon ensign to the Head, Niamh Green.

Donations to the Heritage Projects have enabled the ORA to carry out the conservation needed to preserve this historic ensign. It was originally flown from the School’s flagpole on D-Day in 1944. On that day many watched, from that exact spot, the parade of ships passing on their way to France to commence the liberation of Europe.

6th June 2024 was cool and clear and very atmospheric. One could easily imagine the lines of ships containing men and supplies passing in the Channel on their way to Normandy.

On 26th April we were delighted to meet with ORs at the Last Talisman in Bermondsey for the OR Spring Drinks. There was a lovely group, including four OR friends from the Class of 1978 who had a wonderful time catching up together, and other ORs who enjoyed meeting for the first time.

The food was delicious, and guests enjoyed some fabulous cocktails while the conversation flowed. It was wonderful to hear ORs chatting about their memories of school and how they differ between different year groups. It seemed everyone was keen to see what is going on at Roedean now and it was great to be able to share all the new and exciting things we have been up to as well as talking about the plans for the future.

Prayer read at the service:

Dear Lord, let us always remember Roedean’s strong connection with the Royal Navy and the sea. As we enjoy wonderful views of the English Channel every day, let us remember those who sailed past the School on this day 80 years ago to fight on the Normandy beaches, and let us honour all those who have fought so bravely in the past to secure our future. We ask this in your holy name, Amen.

HMS Vernon 1944

Roedean Day

Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75)

On 22nd June there was a wonderful turnout for Roedean Day-and the weather was fabulous. Thank you to the Headmistress, Niamh Green, Grace Chaston, Richard Poffley and all the staff at the school for making us welcome and putting on such a performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, School Tours, Tunnel Tour, Art Exhibition, Opening of the Library after its recent renovation, Heritage Projects Tour and Sports Day. How lovely to see you all!

Years

Photo captions

1. Louise Tanner (No.1, 1967-74), Susan Greene (Burdett, No.3, 1948-54)

2. Susan Greene (Burdett, No.3, 1948-54), Valerie Collis (Shellim, No.3, 1952-58), Anne Sinstadt (Hamilton, No.3, 1946-51), Jean Robson (Beynon, No.3, 1947-57)

3. Sian McGrath (Owen, No.4, 1992-94), Clo Davey (Nsudde, No.2, 1994-98), Mo-Yee Lam (No.2, 1990-94), Camilla Bellord (Corrigan, No.2, 1986-94), Faye Abdullah Gauguier (Abdullah, No.3, 1986-94)

4. Camilla McPherson (No.1, 1989-94), Esher Jeng (No.2, 1990-94)

5. Oonagh Mandal (No.4, 2011-16), Grace Robertson (No.3, 2015-17), Jasmine Haddaway (No.2, 2012-17)

6. Opening of the refurbished library – Niamh Green, Juliet Mabey (No.4, 1967-72)

7. Class of 1994 Emily Williams (No.1, 1988-94), Gillian Morrison (Law, No.2, 1989-94), Eugenia Cheng (No.4, 1987-94), Dorcas Constable Maxwell (Burdess, No.2, 1986-94)

8. Sally Offord (Koefman, No.4, 1964-69),Susan Simpson (Greenwood, No.4, 1964-70), Elaine Ellison (Fisher, No.3, 1957-61), Rosalind Copeland (Goldstone, No.3, 1958-63)

9. Back Row L>R: Sophie Sharpe (No.2, 2009-14), Vatsala Sharma (2012-14) Front Row L>R: Lydia Augousti (No.2, 2009-14), Iona Tarbet (2008-14), Nina Mdwaba (2012-14), Louise Gorringe (No.4, 2009-14), Jessica Roper (2008-14), Sophie Watson (No.2, 2008-14), Nikki Payne (No.4, 2009-14)

Programme for the Day!

10. Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75)

11. Vanessa Richards (Kent, No.2, 1959-64), Sally Echlin (Wilkes, No.2, 1958-63), Flavia Taylor (No.2, 1987-94)

12. Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75), Claire Hawksbridge (Gammon, No.4, 1969-73)

13. Registration

Roedean Day 2024 1974 Leavers Year Group

Ann Gilbert (Rees, No.4, 1968-74)

An amazing number of the 1974 leavers year group attended Roedean Day on 22nd June to mark the 50th anniversary of leaving the school. Many of these had arranged to attend well in advance, but having arranged a 20- and 25-year reunion with Judy Niner (No. 4, 1968-74), I decided I would try to track down as many others as I could. Using the internet to find contact details for a few girls (unfortunately, some were unable to attend), together with a “Save the Date” email and letters sent by Head of Alumnae and Development Grace Chaston, the total number of attendees was 35. The day started with registration in The Studios where Sarah Counter (Mounsey, No. 3, 1968-74) had brought a significant amount of memorabilia, including a scrapbook of letters and information leaflets, her school boater and her school cloak covered in old photographs!

Photo captions

Years

Standing L>R: Caroline Whately-Smith (Franks, No.3, 1969-74), Susannah Shelton (Whittingham, No.4, 1968-74), Judy Niner (No.4, 1968-74), Kate Kaye (Angel, No.3, 1968-74), Gillian McKeown (Williams, No.4, 1968-1974), Phillida Purvis (Seaward, No.3, 1972-74), Diana Cowell (Tweedie-Smith, No.3, 1968-74), Tryphena Jordan (No.3, 1969-73), Sylvia Planer (No.3, 1967-74), Wendy Whalley (Scott, No.3, 1970-74), Katherine Simmons (HolmesWalker, No.2, 1968-73), Elizabeth Shrager (Bogod, No.2, 1968-73), Carol Campbell (Blake, No.2, 1969-74), Gail Faulkner (Wilson, No.4, 1968-74), Louise Tanner (No.4, 1967-74), Caroline Radford-Weiss (No.4, 1966-1972), Morag King (Alexander, No.2, 1967-1974), Katie Graham (Boyd, No.3, 1967-74), Margaret Raggett (King-Salter, No.3, 1967-74), Angie Monro (Hickling, No,3, 1966-74), Anthea Donaldson (Laird, No.4, 1966-74), Ann Yellowlees (Troy, No.2, 1968-74), Anne Cooper (Nicholson, No.4, 1966-74), Alex Eldridge (Illingworth, No.4, 1969-74), Nicola Barker (Bentall, No.2, 1967-74) Seated L>R: Suzanne Petrides (Fussell, No.2, 1972-74), Ann Gilbert (Rees, No.4, 1966-74), Caroline Spicer (No.3, 1968-74), Sarah Counter (Mounsey, No.3, 1967-74), Sonia Falaschi-Ray (Falaschi, No.3, 1966-74), Rowena McArthur (Bright, No.3, 1967-74), Claire Hawksbridge (Gammon, No.4, 1969-73), Isabel Bishop (Macdonald, No.2, 1968-74), Susan Williams (Wadsworth, No.4, 1968-74)

We then had the option of a tour of the school, a visit to the Art Studio or a trip to the Theatre to see a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, after which we all met in the Cloisters for a glass of bubbly and photographs. Fortunately, the weather was fine and everyone was able to mingle easily. The photographer was kept busy taking photographs of the individual Houses as well as a photograph of the whole year group, which required some of us to sit due to the large number attending!

We had lunch in the dining room, followed by tours of the House Friezes, the tunnel or a visit to the Sports Day activities. Although we did not all get together again, a few of us found our way back to The Studios for a lastminute chat.

It was wonderful to see so many faces again and to catch up. Sadly, the day passed too quickly, and I found myself regretting not having had the opportunity to speak with everyone.

Celebrating Legacy and Impact: Roedean School’s Historic Reception in Lagos, Nigeria

Vivi A O Ibru (No.1, 1984-92)

On 19th September, ORs gathered for a memorable evening at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos. The Head of School, Niamh Green, and Director of Marketing and Admissions, Alison Wienekus, flew in from England to host the event.

It was a historic reception, bringing together alumnae from as far back as the 1980s to the early 2000s. I was honoured to represent the ORA committee at this elegant affair, which was a true celebration of the school’s legacy and the impact it has had on our lives.

The evening kicked off with welcome drinks and hors d’oeuvres, setting the tone for an event filled with nostalgia, storytelling, and pride. It was heartwarming to see so many old girls thriving in their professions, with careers spanning law, banking, property development, public relations, publishing and more. The atmosphere buzzed with lively conversations about shared memories, experiences, and the lasting impact of a Roedean education, which has equipped us to excel in diverse fields.

Mrs Green gave an insightful presentation about the school’s

ongoing developments, focusing on academic, extracurricular and infrastructural improvements. The detailed presentation highlighted Roedean’s continuous growth, commitment to excellence and preservation of Roedean’s (our) heritage.

After the presentation, attendees were treated to a beautiful Nigerianinspired buffet, featuring a spread of delicious local dishes that truly celebrated the rich culinary culture of Nigeria, much to everyone’s delight.

In addition to the warm reunion, one special attendee stood out—a father of an old girl. His presence added a special touch to the evening’s atmosphere and emphasised the strong support of the Roedean “family.”

As the event drew to a close, each attendee was given a delightful Roedean goodie bag—a thoughtful token of the school’s appreciation for the ongoing support and commitment of its alumnae.

With over 40 members, the Nigerian chapter of the ORA is an active and growing community. We are committed to working together

to expand our network, preserve Roedean’s heritage, and embark on impactful local community projects in Nigeria. The future is bright, and the passion to give back remains strong.

Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about the potential of the ORA Nigerian chapter. We are eager to continue fostering our connections and look forward to welcoming Roedean representatives back to Nigeria, possibly in Abuja next time.

The event was a powerful reminder of the bonds we share as old girls and our collective commitment to excellence, both in our professional lives and in our efforts to give back to the community.

Standing, top row, left to right: Osio J Ibru (No.1, 1981-89), Eyitemi Taire (No.1, 1984-89), Renua Adeboye (Abdulai, No.2, 199799), Doyin Abiola-Tobun (Abiola, Keswick, 19992001), Ada Abdul (Jipreze, No.3, 2000-02) Folake Akinkugbe (Majekodummi, (No. 2, 197883), Pearl Uzokwe (Igboegwu, No.1, 1997-99), Ali Wienekus (Director of Admissions and Marketing), Vivi A O Ibru (No.1, 1984-92)

Seated, bottom row, left to right: Oby Ugboma (No.1, 1993-95), Bunmi Aboderin-Talabi (Aboderin, No.2, 1984-89), Niamh Green (Head), Funmi Onajide (No.1, 1980-83) Adiba Anyaoku-Ighodaro (Anyaoku, No.2, 1974-81)

Young Roedeanians’ Networking Evening

Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75)

Sep 2024

Organised by the school’s Alumnae and Development Office, with drinks and canapes at the Last Talisman Pub in Bermondsey, the event was attended by recent leavers and a group of year 13 students from School, accompanied by several members of staff.

Also present were ORs who gave specific advice on careers - in finance, law and in the arts to name a few.

It was delightful to talk to current students and staff and to encourage our young ORA members to come to future events.

Please contribute to the next issue of the OR magazine

There would be no magazine without your contributions – and we love to hear your news! Articles, News of Friends, Births, Weddings and Obituaries should be sent to the Editor: magazine-editor@oldroedeanians.co.uk

Keep in touch via social media

Please use these links for updates on OR events and to reunite with old friends:

ORA Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roedeanians/

ORA LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3665480/

ORA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/old_roedeanians/

ORA Website: www.oldroedeanians.co.uk

OR London Lunch Oct 2024

The London lunch for ORs was organised by the School at the Bluebird Café on the King’s Road on Thursday 10th October. It’s a pleasant venue (we’d been there in 2022), with a private room, and the food is delicious! Over 40 ORs attended, including some Honorary ORs.

Chair of Council, Anthony Millard, attended, and Dr Ross Barrand, Deputy Head, represented the School. Both spoke and updated us on events at the School and going forward.

OR and Olympian Amber Anning (No.2, 2012-17) was there with a whole table of friends. Amber competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics for Team GB and won Bronze medals in the 400m Mixed Relay and the 400m Women’s Relay. In the Individual 400m Final, whilst coming fifth, she set a new national record. Amber generously showed everyone her medals, allowing us to wear them and examine them in detail! It was a great occasion.

Have you visited our online Roedean Merchandise shop?

We have a fantastic range of Roedean merchandise available at https://community.roedean.co.uk/shop

The range includes Roedean umbrellas, keyrings, tote bags, notepads, and more, along with a Roedean X Chilly’s water bottle and Roedean pyjama bottoms. We also have beautiful prints and greetings cards featuring an illustration of the School by artist Katie Cardew.

Most products can be shipped anywhere in the world, and we also offer a free ‘Click and Collect’ service from the School.

We will also have a stall at Roedean Day if you would like to shop on the day, alternatively, you can order online and arrange click and collect from the school if you are coming to the event.

OR Walk in New York’s Central Park

On 13th October 2024, four intrepid ORs who live across the pond met in New York City’s Central Park for a hardy walk. Organisers Bonnie Host (Lawrence, 1984-5) and Jade Ma (No. 2, Keswick, 2013-18) were joined by Stephanie Rowbotham (Leon, No. 3, Lawrence, 1991-93) and me (Moekle, No. 2, Lawrence, 1973-77). Though none of us had met before, we seamlessly exchanged memories of our Roedean days while relishing the park’s crisp fall air.

Jade Ma, the youngest among us, reminisced enthusiastically about her Computer Science and Psychology studies, subjects that were not part of the Roedean curriculum in my day! Her cosmopolitan background - Jade’s family lived in Spain and Hong Kong while she attended Roedean - also distinguished her from my fellow Roedeanians of the 1970s, the majority of whom hailed from the UK. Currently a researcher at New York City’s New York University (her alma mater), Jade said that “one of the most important things Roedean taught me was to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into even the smallest things. I saw everyone, from the girls and the teachers, to the house staff and the cleaning staff, work tirelessly to do their part and support each other. That is something that will remain with me forever.”

The family of Stephanie Rowbotham (the only one among us who has retained a thoroughly British accent!) lived in Dorset and the Isle of Man while she boarded in Brighton. After Roedean, Stephanie attended Exeter University, married, and moved first to Utah, then to New York to accommodate her husband’s career. “Roedean taught me resilience and independence,” Stephanie told me. “And not to complain about the food!” she added jokingly. (A favorite memory is “going out for Häagen-Dazs ice cream most Saturdays.”)

Stephanie currently lives in Madison, Connecticut - whose quaint village atmosphere reminds her of England - with her husband, three daughters, and three dogs.

Bonnie Host was a high-school graduate from a small town in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania when she did a gap year at Roedean in the mid-1980s. Having never been away from home, Bonnie learned to be independent at Roedean, an experience that eased her transition to bustling Columbia University in New York City the following year. She spoke of a favorite Roedean memory, which undoubtedly enhanced her growing sense of personal freedom: “The one night we were allowed to go out in Brighton. Think pub crawl and bumper cars!” Bonnie, who has three children (triplets!), is an ethics lawyer in New York City.

After my father was transferred from the U.S. state of Michigan to a new job in England, I attended a day school in London, then switched to Roedean for my O levels and A levels. Like Bonnie and Stephanie, I learned to be self-reliant at Roedean. Another important skill I honed there is essay writing, a craft I have developed throughout my life, first as a magazine editor, and then as the author of two books (Diary of a Mad Juror, about my service on a year-long wrongful death trial, and Superlative City, about New York City’s distinctive landmarks). A favorite memory of Roedean is bopping in the common room to the television program Top of the Pops with my fellow House 2 girls every Thursday night! I have lived in New York City since the late 1980s and have two children, one husband, and one dog.

After our hike through the park, Bonnie treated us to coffee at a nearby café. Here’s to our next OR gathering in the Big Apple!

Cynthia Pigott (Moekle, No. 2, Lawrence, 1973-77)

Oct 2024

L -R; Jade Ma, Stephanie Rowbotham, Cynthia Pigott, Bonnie Host

Hong Kong Reception

Grace Chaston (Head of Alumnae and Development, Roedean School)

Following the success of our separate events for ORs and Parents in 2023, in 2024 we decided to bring our whole Hong Kong community together at the same reception. The reception, held on October 24, was hosted by Head, Niamh Green, and Director of Marketing and Admissions, Ali Wienekus, at the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel.

The conversation flowed all evening, and many of the parents were delighted to be able to talk to Old Roedeanians, and as with last year, we had a few enquiries from ORs about sending their daughters to Roedean in the future. Mrs Green and Mrs Wienekus also gave an update on the School, and our plans for the future. It was a wonderful evening, and it was lovely to be able to meet and connect with everyone who came - we are already looking forward to our next Hong Kong event.

Remembrance Service

Commemoration of the Armistice was held in three parts at School in November 2024.

Due to restricted numbers in the Chapel, two separate services were held there. Following the singing of Praise My Soul the King of Heaven, the Act of Remembrance was read, followed by The Last Post, the twominute silence and the Rouse. At the first service, the School’s President, Mary Henderson (No.3, 1971-76), alongside Kosi, the youngest girl in the School, laid poppy wreaths on behalf of the ORA and the School. At the second Service, ORA Committee member Jane Aldred (Curran, No.4 1968-75) had the privilege of laying the wreath alongside Kosi.

On November 11th at 11am an open-air Service was held in front of the sundial on the front terrace as the Act of Remembrance was read with members of the CCF contingent in attendance. ORA President, Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75), and the Head, Niamh Green, laid the poppy wreaths on behalf of the ORA and the School.

At each service the Last Post and Rouse were played beautifully by year 12 student, Ellen.

“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”

From ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

Composed in honour of the casualties of the British Expeditionary Force who suffered a loss at the Battle of the Mons in August 1914. Published in The Times on September 21st 1914, seven weeks after the start of the War.

OR Christmas Drinks

Mary Henderson (No.3, 1971-76)

ORs gathered at the aptly named Antelope Pub off Sloane Square on the first Thursday in December for our traditional ORA Christmas Drinks. It’s a popular reunion destination, as Old Millfieldians were downstairs! As ever, how lovely to see ORs at this time of year.

I then visited the St Mungo’s Wix’s Lane Project with the generous gifts and donations from ORs collected on the night— a collection of sweets, chocolate, socks, mugs, toiletries, some “surprise wrapped presents” and £375 in supermarket gift cards (wow!). St Mungo’s is so grateful for our continuing support. The Project serves clients with

Dec 2024

complex needs: one man, whom I have met with for the last three years, is now moving into his own flat with support services, a big move after being homeless and living on the streets. Our donations help fund the Project’s Christmas lunch, and our gift cards are used for food and clothing for new clients who arrive at the Project with nothing.

Thank you so much to all those ORs who donated.

Photo Captions

1. Yian Zeng (No.2, 2016-18), Maggie El Beleidi (No.3, 2011-18)

2. ORA Merchandise for sale

3. Sian Ellis (Alumnae Office), Lisa Heath (Alumnae Office), Nickie Schrager von Altishofen (Lovett-Standing, No.3, 1972-78), Grace Chaston (Alumnae Office), Ashley Peterson (Messum, No.2, 1973-80)

4. XX, Kate Coker (No.4, 1977-79), Sarah Le Blanc (Tyson, No.1, 1974-80)

5. Claire Hawksbridge (Gammon, No.4, 1969-73), Alex Eldridge (Illingworth, No.4, 1969-74), Sue Williams (Wadsworth, No.4, 1968-74)

6. Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75), Mary Henderson (No.3, 1971-76)

7. Kate Coker, Noëlle Chase

8. Penny Allsop (No.2, 1974-79), Kirsty Fine (Knul, No.2, 1974-79), Sharon Betts (Bywater, No.1, 1986-91)

9. Claire Hawksbridge, Ann Gilbert (Rees, No.4, 1966-74)

Rosalind Adler: Actress and Playwright

(Ashley, No. 4, 1965-71)

The end of 2024 was busy in my work both as an actress and a writer. That was most welcome after tough times in the industry with gravitational waves continuing to hit from the writers’ and actors’ strikes in the USA.

I’ve filmed a very silly sketch with Lou Sanders for a new show on Amazon, had some happy days in Folkestone on a new feature film MISPER, and a short film I’m in, MAFIA, has been selected for several film festivals both here and in the USA, winning multiple awards, including the Audience Choice Award at the Soho Film Festival in London.

All that has been a real boost. Sometimes it’s tough out there - but as U.S. President Calvin Coolidge wrote: ‘Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.’ Too right, Calvin; I have you pinned above my computer.

Last September, a rehearsed reading of HOLY FOOL, a play about Dmitri Shostakovich written by me and Lea Sellers and directed by Kate Fahy, packed the house to the rafters at Park Theatre (Park200). The cast of Daniel Lapaine, Jenny Rainsford, Phoebe Pryce and James Sheldon was first-rate, and a full production has been greenlit for late 2025/early 2026. We are looking forward to the run of this play ‘awash with comedy and love, terror and humanity’ and of course full of music, music, music.

It feels like Shostakovich is having a moment right now, and parallels between Stalin and Putin could not be more timely.

The embryo of the play was conceived more than a decade ago when a mutual friend and fellow actress fixed it for me to have half an hour with the wonderful Simon Russell Beale in his dressing room at the National. I asked him what the ideal subject of a play would be to fire his interest. He told me: ‘Shostakovich’ (about whom, we can safely say, I knew absolutely nothing).

Luckily my co-writer, Lea, is a Russophile as well as a music lover, and we set to work. The reading of the first draft was headed (beautifully) by Simon - but the script felt a little too linear. Since then, we’ve redrafted the play, sometimes ignored the play as we worked on other projects, picked it up again, redrafted, redrafted, redraftedand, last year, been gifted (by Park Theatre) the time and skill of a wonderful dramaturg and fellow writer Ali Bodin Saphir to bring this new incarnation to life. Watch this space...

Visit our Virtual Bookshop

You can also find details and reviews of other books written by ORs in the Virtual Bookshop on the Roedean Community Network.

https://community.roedean.co.uk/news/virtual-bookshop

If you are an author, please do consider donating a copy of your book (whatever the subject) to the school library.

Park Theatre

Foolproof Veggie Air Fryer

Foolproof Air Fryer

By Louise Kenney (No.2, 1991-98)

Air frying is a miraculous cooking method; you get all the satisfaction of fried food, without the mess. It’s versatile (as well as “frying”, you can bake, roast, steam and more), and it makes simple and satisfying dishes in minimal time.

Elevate your most-loved vegetables with this foolproof kitchen gadget. Whether you’re cooking for the family or need to easily cater for a vegetarian guest, Foolproof Veggie Air Fryer reveals just how simple it is to create satisfying dishes in little time and with zero fuss.

From snacks to light bites, sides to mains, and even sweet treats, within this book you’ll find a huge variety of quick and straightforward meals that make the most of this must-have appliance. With step-by-step instructions and a photo for every recipe, packing flavour and texture into these inventive vegetarian and vegan dishes is effortless.

From golden, fluffy chips and flaky Empanadas to sweet and smoky Chicken Wings and cheesy Arancini – Foolproof Air Fryer includes a wide range of easy dishes, using the air fryer to maximum effect. All the recipes use metric measurements, suitable for the UK market.

The Foolproof series celebrates the simple ways to cook, eat and enjoy different dishes and techniques, and offers amazing new ways to elevate classics, as well revealing new sure-to-be favourites.

The Foolproof series includes: BBQ, One-Pot, Freezer, Veggie One-Pot, Fish, Picnic, Roasting Pan, and Slow Cooker

To order:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Foolproof-Veggie-Air-FryerVegetarian/dp/1837832161/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Foolproof-Air-Fryer-QuickRecipes/dp/1787139670/

About the author: Lou Kenney was going to be an actress but, after the death of her mother, she realised making things was the ideal therapy and so she trained as a chef at Ballymaloe Cookery School, then ran her catering business for 10 years. She is now a food stylist, home economist and recipe writer and she is the author of Dinner’s in the Bag, Foolproof Air Fryer and Foolproof Veggie Air Fryer (all published with Quadrille). Kenney is passionate about food, farming and avoiding doing the washing up. Late to motherhood she is now a mum and stepmother and juggles her career with her young family, meaning she selects projects which fit with family life.

www.bobsiloula.com

www.instagram.com/bobsiloula

Photo credit: Ellis Parrinder

Paris in Fifty Design Icons

By Imogen Fortes (No.4,

1991-98)

In the 50 Design Icons series, the Design Museum looks at the fifty design icons of major cities around the world – icons that, when viewed together, inherently sum up the character of their city. Covering anything from buildings, monuments and iconic designers to a classic film or street sign, these books explore a tapestry of famous designs, all with their own story to tell. One part design history, one part visual guidebook, this fascinating series unlocks the design stories of the biggest, most creative cities in the world.

Paris in Fifty Design Icons contains entries on design icons from I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid to the humble baguette, Le Monde newspaper to Le Corbusier’s striking Maison La Roche and builds an intricate portrait of Europe’s most romantic city. With stunning photography, this book is the perfect gift for design enthusiasts and anyone who loves anything Parisian.

About the author:

Imogen Fortes is a writer, editor and author of The Design Museum’s Paris in Fifty Design Icons and Le Mot Juste: How to impress Tout le Monde with your French. She has written books on behalf of cultural institutions, brands, restaurants and chefs, and has contributed lifestyle and travel features to a range of publications and websites.

Le Mot Juste: How to Impress Tout le Monde with Your French

By Imogen Fortes

(No.4, 1991-98)

This book celebrates the art of the French language with a charming collection of words and phrases to bring into everyday conversation. C’est parti

Have you ever wondered exactly what déjà vu is? Have you made a Eaten an hors d’oeuvre? Voulez-vous an explanation of the above? Then here is a collection of les bons mots so you can start to learn that certain sais quoi of the French language.

Le Mot Juste contains 150 beautiful words and phrases that you’ll love to say every day.

Reviews

This tongue-in-cheek guide to the French language and its many foibles is a far cry from the stuffy phrase books of old [...] it’s the perfect read.

France Today

To order: https://www.amazon. co.uk/Paris-FiftyDesign-Icons-50/ dp/1840917423/

Beautifully illustrated, the phrases and words chosen all reflect a love of the elegance and harmony of the French language.

French Property News

A tiny but fabulous book of words... the sort of words that roll off the tongue and sound delicious, romantic, and so... well French!

The Good Life France Magazine

Charming, witty and cheerful, this is a delectable feast of the French language. Allez les Bleus!

Raymond Blanc

To order: https://www. amazon.co.uk/ Mot-Juste-ImpressMonde-French/ dp/1782439862/

OR Netball 2024 Apr

Well, 20th April wasn’t tropical—one might call it “crisp”—but the sun was shining, and the wind wasn’t too bad. It was an excellent, fast-moving game. The ORs started well, taking the lead, but the girls soon got into their stride and their goals kept on coming. The final honours went to the girls, with a score of 35-17. Many thanks to member of the PE staff, Lou Bamford, and to the girl who stepped in to play when Harriet Clifton-Sprigg was injured.

It was lovely to meet the parents who came to watch, as well as friends and family of ORs. The headmistress, Niamh Green, also joined us, having finished her stint on the MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association) fundraising walk with Y8. As ever, the school provided a super match tea, which was held in “Horizons” in Keswick House.

Thank you all for playing. Here’s to another game next year!

The OR Netball Team members

Amelia Balthazor, Captain (No.1, 2009-18)

Harriet Clifton-Sprigg (No.2, 2009-17)

Lea Donovan (No.3, 2014-16)

Ashlin Humphreys (No.1, 2000-06)

Zarbanu Malekshahi (No.2, 2012-19)

Emma Rice (No.3, 2021-23)

Lara Sellins (No.1, 2015-22)

OR Golf Day 2024

Phoebe Daws (Hughes, No.3, 1971-73)

Apr

2024

Not having been able to hold the Golf Day for a few years, either due to lack of numbers or COVID, it was wonderful to have great interest this year. On 3rd April, 10 ORs gathered at Windlesham Golf Club for coffee, bacon rolls and a good chat before playing golf. (Sadly, three ladies were not able to stay for the golf.) Despite the very wet spring, we had a rare dry day, albeit rather overcast and windy. No formal competition had been organised — we simply played a 3-ball and a 4-ball, and both groups had great fun. Most had to leave as soon as they had finished their rounds to beat the commuter rush on the motorways. However, Odette and I stayed for tea, together with Odette’s granddaughter, Marina, who had walked around the course with us.

Another great day of golf, and we were all grateful to the ORA for their kind support for the event.

The Silver Tassie 2024

Phoebe Daws (Hughes, No.3, 1971-73) Jun 2024

The Silver Tassie was played this year on 10th June at The Berkshire Golf Club. Even though it was summer, it was bitterly cold, and we started the round in winter fleeces and woolly hats. (Only the latter came off during the morning).

The Roedean team this year was Vicky Schaverien (Warshaw, No.3, 1980-83) and Lucy Jackson (Kerry, No.2, 1967-74) playing the Blue Course, and Phoebe Daws (Hughes, No.3, 1971-73) and Carolyn Aitken (Allen, No.2, 1955-60) on the Red Course. Vicky and Lucy played well, Phoebe and Carolyn less so, and with all scores calculated, our results were in the middle of the field of 29 (comprising 26 different schools) in both the scratch competition and the handicap competition.

All of us enjoyed our day and were very grateful for the support of the ORA.

Clockwise from the person seated in the middle front: Vicky Costain (Pope, No.4, 1953-59), Wanda Lloyd (Davidson, No.4, 1951-58), Odette Henderson (SAORA), Linda Dalling (No.1, 1962-66), Jean Noble (Barclay, No.1, 1966-68), Phoebe Daws (Hughes, No.3, 1971-73), Vicky Schaverien (Warshaw, No.3, 1980-83), Tonie Quantrell (Churn, No.1, 1955-62), Carolyn Phillippo (Williamson, No.3, 1961-69), Susan Platts-Martin (No.4, 1973-78)

About the Silver Tassie

The Silver Tassie is a ladies golf competition for alumnae of independent schools which are members of the Independent Schools Joint Council. The Silver Tassie was founded in 1961 by Gerty Hubbard who wanted to create an event, similar to the Halford Hewitt, but for ladies.

The event is now held at The Berkshire Golf Club and played over the Blue and Red Courses which are widely regarded as two of the best courses in the British Isles.

This prestigious event attracts alumnae of schools from all over the country, whose home golf clubs are affiliated to the LGU. Recently, teams from coeducational schools such as Marlborough have also taken part, fielding an all female team.

www.thesilvertassie.co.uk

The Silver Tassie golf competition welcomed two new schools to the competition this year: Loretto and Cranleigh. Two schools returned after a long absence: Harrogate College and Mayfield School.

112 women played in cold but dry conditions, bringing in some great scores. Loretto narrowly beat Millfield, winning the Silver Tassie Cup and the Scratch Cup.

Carolyn Aitken, Phoebe Daws, Vicky Schaverien and Lucy Jackson.

The OR Channel Relay Swim

Mary Henderson (No.3, 1971-76)

Inspired by the team of girls from Roedean who swam the English Channel in June 2022, a few hardy Old Roedeanians decided that “we” might like to do the same. Claudia Purley (No.1, 1995-2002) led the charge! Kate Wakeling, Roedean’s Head of Sport, managed to get us a swim slot with the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation on the neap tide (when the tidal range is least extreme) between 29th June and 4th July 2024 with the same pilot that the girls’ team had had. The adventure was on!

In March 2023 we asked for volunteers from the OR Community, and before long we had a WhatsApp Group of a dozen, plus several others who were interested.

The Relay Team:

Louise Beach (Horwood, No.4, 1979-85)

Pip Delamere-Wright (Tattersall, No.1, 1988-93)

Ria Perkins (No.1, 2001-04)

Caitlin Boyland (No.1, 2006-11)

Lea Donovan (No.3, 2014-16)

Ella South (Keswick, 2015-17)

The Support Crew on the Boat:

Maureen Boyland (Caitlin’s Mum)

Stefan Serafimov (Father of Serena Serafimov (No.2, 2012-17))

Josh Aylott (Lea’s partner)

Over the next few months, life, exams, and other “stuff” got in the way, people dropped out - “maybe next time” - and we were suddenly down to four … but we really wanted a team of six. A shoutout just before Christmas raised some more swimmers. Swimming the Channel is not cheap; the ORA had paid for the deposit on the “slot”, the extreme sport insurance and branded hats, but the rest of the costs were shared by the swimmers (£573 each). As well as taking part in a personal challenge, the OR swimmers wanted to raise money for the OR Scholarship Fund. By paying for the swim themselves, the OR swimmers would be able to contribute 100% of the donations to means-tested awards, enabling girls to continue

their education into the 6th form at Roedean.

A team of six ORs (Caitlin, Ella, Lea, Louise, Pip and Ria), spanning four decades since they left Roedean, were the final team. Sadly, Claudia, who started this whole adventure and had even joined in the Zoom calls from Peru (!), was in the end unable to take part. Maybe next time!

We had dates to “hit”. Each swimmer needed to pass both a medical examination by 30th April 2024 and a swim assessment by two weeks before the swim date. The swim test, in water of 16°C or less, was rigorous: A swim of at least 1.5 hours, followed by 1-1.5 hours out of

Application of F50

Application of Vaseline

Ella - swimming

the water, then another swim of 1 hour. All in a standard swimsuit and hat!

Training really began in earnest after Christmas. The group were spread all over the place – Aberdeen, London, Brighton, Gloucester, Southampton, Cornwall and Peru –and most did not know each other before this adventure.

So it was a real demonstration of self-motivation and teamwork, facilitated by Zoom calls. John Hobbs and Kate Wakeling from the School joined in a couple of these calls to answer questions, which was absolutely invaluable. The WhatsApp Group also buzzed!

As the water warmed up, so did the training. I joined some of the team in the estuary at Southampton (they swam; I watched!). Later on, three of the team did their assessment swim at Seaford. I sat on the beach, counting the swim hats, with family and friends and watched the ORs swim round the bay back and forth.

After a “breezy” Roedean Day, several of the team joined Stefan Serafimov for some rough water swimming at Seaford. Again, I sat on the beach counting the swim hats.

On 26th June we got the message from the pilot that we might be swimming on Sunday 30th June,

convening at Dover Marina at 04.30. (Whether or not we would swim depended on the performance of the previous day’s solo swimmer and, of course, the weather). If we couldn’t swim on Sunday, we would have the next available swim (depending on the weather) before the end of our slot.

Pip then flew down from Scotland and plans were made for who was picking up whom. The music playlist was curated, hotels were booked and packing lists were refined. The merits of various foods had been discussed over the weeks, as well as seasickness pills. The School provided an extensive first aid kit and a defibrillator (which Stefan was trained to use).

It’s a long way to go and no land in sight!

There was also changing weather to deal with. Stefan messaged “Saturday is the very best, low winds 3-6kn to 6-10kn winds, flat 0-0.3m waves, great for the solo swimmer. Then slightly worse Sunday, 8-14kn N, then S winds after 1500, 0.3-0.5m wave. Monday morning looks a bit better - 4-6kn 00-4am 0.3m waves, to 7-16kn WWN 0.2m till midday…”

We were swimming on Sunday!

Another update: On the 29th “Satbest weather, now - looks likely Sat night/ Sun am waves 0.0m-0.3m till 0500, then 0.4m-0.3 all day Sun, then again, the lowest winds, 0.2 m waves Sun 2100 - 0300, wind picks up on Mon 13-1500, 0.9m -1700h ….”

On Saturday 29th we watched the solo swimmer swim track avidly. She had a tough time, but she kept on going and made it to the other side – 19 hours 28 minutes! Very well done!

Then at 18:15 we got a text that we were on: all needed to be at Dover Marina ready to go at 04:30 on Sunday 30th

Our boat was “Optimist” with Pilots Paul Foreman and Jason Parrott. There was also an official observer from the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation on board.

As well as the type of swimwear allowed, there were strict rules on how the swim was conducted; each swimmer would swim for 60 minutes, then hand over to the next swimmer. During the change-over, the new swimmer had to enter the water from behind and swim past the preceding swimmer. The swimmer that had completed their designated swim period of 60 minutes had to exit the water as quickly as possible and within a maximum of five minutes. The team members would swim in the same rotation throughout the swim.

Lea (on her birthday!) swam the first leg setting off from Samphire Hoe at 05:17.

The other team members then swam their 60 minute leg in rotation: Caitlin, Ella, Louise, Pip, Ria.

The official observer from the CS&PF made notes throughout the swim regarding each swimmer’s stroke rate, the condition of each swimmer, the quality of changeover, wildlife (jellyfish, dolphins, birds), flotsam and jetsam, shipping vessels (fishing boats, tankers, cargo ships) … and also who got stung by jellyfish!

The sea temperature throughout the swim was 16.1 - 17.9°C while the air temperature was 15 - 20°C. The sea was smooth with the wave height reaching a maximum of 0.2m. The

And it rained!

Louise - swimming

Keeping warm

Pip taking over from Louise

Lea - swimming

Caitlin

Shoulder massage

Dawn - the CSPF observer watches Lea on the final leg

Catching supper

wind speed was 3.1 - 8.1kn mainly Northerly apart from the middle of the day when it veered round to the South.

The team finished at Cap Gris-Nez at 18:06.

As the crow flies, the shortest distance across the English Channel is 18.2 nautical miles (20.9 miles, 33.7 km) but in reality, due to strong currents, tides, and navigation challenges, swimmers cover a much greater distance as can be seen from the swim track. You can also see the effect of the tide turning halfway through the swim sweeping the swimmers south.

For a successful swim, the pilots’ experience is vital: To steer the best route, they need knowledge of the waters and the weather conditions as well as the abilities and speed of the swimmers.

Of the seven pilot boats that went out on the 30th, three had to turn back, and the OR team was the first to reach France in 12 hours 49 minutes.

Well done to Lea, Caitlin, Ella, Louise, Pip and Ria – a great team of swimmers! Thank you to the support team, Maureen, Stefan and Josh, and to the pilots, Paul and Jason for keeping our team on track and cheering them on, and, of course, to the official observer, Dawn.

The Trustees of the OR Scholarship Fund also give their profound thanks.

The successful relay team:

Swimmers and support crew: L>R: Pip, Stefan, Louise, Caitlin, Lea, Ria, Ella, Josh and Maureen (kneeling).

They did it! - The Swim Track

Support crew watching over the swimmer in the water

Ria - swimming

Comments from the Team…

Louise Beach (Horwood, No.4, 1979-85)

An amazing adventure across The Channel alongside kind and strong minded ORs. Together as a team we conquered extreme cold, jellyfish and the world’s busiest shipping lane, with wash from passing tankers. A dream come true that was first seeded as I looked through a frozen dormitory window in 1979. Proud of us all.

Retired FCO and Mum. Enjoys travel, coastal path walking with my dog and a good dirty martini

Ella South (Keswick, 2015-17)

Swimming The Channel Relay was such an exciting adventure. Everybody swam brilliantly, I could not be prouder to be part of such an amazing team.

25 years old. Currently living in London and working at the British Museum.

Caitlin Boyland (No.1, 2006-11)

There were no divas and morale was high throughout. No one swimmer could carry the team. Each one of us was crucial to the relay. Our biggest opponent was the sea. The cargo ships made some legs feel like you were swimming up hill in a washing machine. But in all, the sea was beautifully clear and we even were blessed with the sun at one point.

Designer by trade, adventure fiend by nature. Tries to swim in every body of water I see. Tackling an Ironman next!

Pip Delamere-Wright (Tattersall, No.1, 1988-93)

Taking part in the OR relay was a great adventure that I had the privilege to be part of.

Time passed quicker than I liked and before I knew it, we were standing dockside at Dover.

The group had come from all over and it was the first time we had met in person but there was an immediate bond; we were all ORs, we were all females and we have a love for swimming (well, at least before swimming the Channel!)

Everyone swam knowing they were part of the team. The conditions were reasonable, but the water still felt cold despite all the cold-water training. The shipping

lane provided some interesting swells, the dolphins were magical and the jellyfish were ... well, just best ignored. The weather kept us focused, with sunshine followed by heavy rain, but it did nothing to dampen our spirits with France in sight. There was a great feeling of elation as Lea clambered over the slippy French rocks. Confirmed by our observer, we set sail for home. If I’m completely honest I found the challenge harder than I thought it would be, swallowing seawater and my body refusing to maintain heat. But I’m still glad we did it. I’m heading back to Scotland with some new friends and the mantra ‘just keep swimming’ playing on repeat in my head.

Ria Perkins (No.1, 2001-04)

I first saw that the Old Roedeanians’ Channel Relay Team was looking for more swimmers at Christmastime, and I instantly jumped at the chance. It felt like I’d been gifted an opportunity to do something that the younger me had always wanted to do, but that I didn’t know how to even start to make happen.

The months before the swim passed surprisingly quickly, and it was a struggle to get the level of training in that I wanted to, around work and life. But after the test swim, something clicked, and I knew I was as ready as I could be and that I was going to enjoy this experience immensely. Each hour’s swim passed surprisingly slowly, but everyone kept pushing themselves and supporting each other. It really was a team adventure. We couldn’t have done it without each other’s support, Mary’s impeccable management and organisation, the boat pilots and crew’s experience, and our wonderful supporters.

I am so grateful to have had this adventure, and to be part of such a wonderful team. It’s been a reminder to me that we really can do so many things. We just need to decide to make it happen. And if we can find a tribe of like-minded people, then we’re winning.

Civil Servant, wannabe selkie, dog owner.

Lea Donovan (No.3, 2014-16)

My whole childhood was centred around swimming, fitting in training sessions around school and competing in galas on weekends. I made it to the Nationals and went on to continue my aquatic journey at Loughborough University, where I joined Lifesaving Sport and was selected for the UK Performance squad.

Since COVID and leaving university, my priorities changed and swimming was put on the back burner, as something I missed but struggled to fit into busy working life. When I saw the post about signing up for a channel relay with the Old Roedeanians, I immediately became equal parts nervous and excited, and just knew that I couldn’t pass up such an amazing opportunity.

Fast forward months of training, cold water acclimatisation and preparations, and we were off! We had the most amazing support system both on the boat and from land; Mary, Josh, Maureen and Stefan - thank you all so much. I was the first swimmer in our relay order and felt very nervous about starting off the swim for the team. However, I couldn’t have imagined a more incredible bunch of women to do it with, all of whom were really encouraging and made me feel very

Support Crew

Maureen Boyland (Caitlin’s Mum)

supported. It felt like a real honour to be standing on that beach in Dover, positively quaking with excitement and in trepidation, as the boat’s horn sounded, and the relay began. The whole experience was completely surreal, swimming through countless jellyfish, come rain and shine, across shipping lanes and coming up close with ferries and cargo ships alike.

It was a brilliant experience on the boat between swims as well; cheering on our fellow swimmers, laughing with our teammates, drinking endless hot chocolates and even dolphin spotting. The whole day was absolutely magical. I ended up swimming three times, with my third swim being the leg that brought us into France and onto the rocky shores of Cap Gris-Nez; an honour and an experience I will never forget. As I touched down in France, all I could hear was a deafening chorus of “Happy Birthday” from my teammates and support crew on the boat; our crossing date had fallen on my 26th birthday. Certainly, a birthday I will never forget, and an experience I’ll cherish forever.

Little did I realise when I volunteered to be support crew for the OR Channel Relay Swim what an iconic and memorable day it would be. It was a privilege to be amidst seven intrepid ORs. I encountered an extraordinary organiser and boundless determination from all six swimmers despite the obstacles and challenges presented by the world’s busiest waterway. Our skilful pilot crew advised that they should give their all in each swim and they did! Did I wish I was swimming? NO! My role to make sure they were warm, dry and fed was made easy by their limitless support for each other. I am in awe of their bravery.

Retired teacher and Mum, lover of the outdoors, yoga, walking and always bubbles to celebrate.

Stefan Serafimov (Father of Serena Serafimov (No.2, 2012-17)

Thank you for inviting me to help and support you on this incredible (and successful!) Channel Relay Swim endeavour!

The individual and team spirit and the desire to complete the swim successfully was absolutely amazing! I’m delighted and proud to be part of it! I’m certain we will complete another challenge again.

Beach lifeguard at Brighton and swimming coach.

Josh Aylott (Lea’s partner)

It was a pleasure to be a part of the Old Roedeanians’ Channel Relay attempt in a supporting capacity. From start to finish, the team were in high spirits and tackled the mammoth challenge of swimming from Dover to France in aweinspiring fashion. Lea’s third and final swim, where she set foot on French soil (rocks), was reminiscent of Mo Farrah’s 5k at London 2012’s ‘super Saturday’, with the entire boat crew building excitement as she edged closer and closer with every stroke.

Back row (l-r): Pat Wheatley, (Wilding, No.1, 1960-62), Lulu Sinclair (Ogley, No.2, 1969-73), Annie Sheaf (Clowes, No.2,1968-74), Elda Kalbian (No.4, 1969-75), Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75), Charlie Eldridge (No.4, 1996-2001), Jasmine Samra (No.4, 1996-2001) Alex Eldridge (Illingworth, No.4, 1969-74) Front row (l-r): Phillida Purvis (Seaward, No.3, 1972-74), Susan Platts-Martin (No.4, 1973-78), Mary Henderson (No.3, 1971-76), Siew Chin (No.4, 1996-2001). Foreground: Stan, the pro!

OR Tennis Day 2024

Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4, 1970-75) Jul 2024

Our Annual Tennis afternoon was held on Saturday 20th July at the Roehampton Club. We are indebted to former ORA President Pat Wheatley (Wilding, No.1, 1960-62), who is a club member.

It is such a lovely venue and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to play on their immaculate grass courts. It’s a very different surface to play on!

Although delayed in starting, whilst the grass dried, we had great tennis—a combination of “drills & skills” and games, supervised by club pro Stan Fletcher.

It is always nice to have spectators, and we were all able to eat alfresco afterwards as the weather had cleared.

I would like to thank everyone for coming and encourage other ORs to join us at the next event whether it be playing or spectating. It’s a great opportunity to get together.

Clockwise from the left: Pat Wheatley, Lulu Sinclair, Annie Sheaf, Phillida Purvis, Siew Chin, Charlie Eldridge, Jasmine Samra, Mary Henderson, Susan Platts-Martin, Noëlle Chase, Alex Eldridge

OR Hockey 2024

Roedean School 1st XI vs Old Roedeanians XI (2-1)

The first Saturday (31st August) back at Roedean after a long Summer meant only one thing—to have an almighty clash on the Astro between the Sixth Form girls and OR Hockey XI! Previous results favoured the formidable OR team, who beat the girls in 2022 and played to a hard-fought draw in 2023. This time, the girls saw it as an opportunity to even the playing field, but it would be a tough old battle out on the Astro.

The ORs arrived early, set about their warm-up and cranked up the tunes for a suitable prep before taking to the Astro. From the first whistle, it was attack after attack, with the pupils getting up to speed and getting a foothold in the game. The girls edged into the lead with a well-executed PC with Lydia smashing a rebound off the OR keeper in goal, 1-0, after the first quarter. The second quarter saw the OR midfield begin to dominate.

The OR Hockey Team members

Izzy Barwell (No.3, 2017-24)

Sophia Clyde (No.3, 2015-22)

Eloise Goddard (No.3, 2016-21)

Jemima Goddard, Captain (No.4, 2016-21)

Millie Jenner (No.3, 2016-23)

Amelia Kortens (No.4, 2017-24)

Amy Nicholson (No.1, 2017-22)

2024

Each attack was relentless until finally the girls’ defence broke, leading to an equaliser toward the end of the second quarter.

It was all square and the match was balanced nicely. The third quarter led to counter attack after counter attack, with both teams pushing all the way up the pitch. Finally, Elodie broke down the right and carried to the baseline and round the keep to make it 2-1 to the girls. The final quarter saw a lot more action but no goals. The girls held off the ORs and evened the results at one win each in three matches.

Until next season, with a rumour that the OR side have scheduled training sessions prior to the match!

Thank you to the Roedean sports staff for the report!

Lucy Petit (No.1, 2015-22)

Erin Sellins (No.1, 2017-24)

Sophie Sheaf (No.2, 2008-15)

Eliza Steeles (No.2, 2019-22)

Olivia Taggart (No.3, 2015-22)

Emily Townsend (No.3, 2013-18)

Poppy Townsend (No.3, 2015-22)

Aug

Weddings

Miriam Bouché de Vitray (North, No.3, 1979-85)

Miriam married Yari Bouché de Vitray on 18th July 2024 at Lewes Register Office, then all aboard a Routemaster to a lively (!) reception at Tottington Manor, Henfield, West Sussex.

Golden Wedding Anniversaries

Angie Fry (Harvey, JH & No.2, 1957-65)

Angie Fry was married on 22nd December 1973, and celebrated her Golden Wedding Anniversary on 22nd December 2023.

Jenny Lebus (Harvey, JH & No.2, 1960-68)

Jenny Lebus was married on 6th July 1974, and ORs Nicky Orlebar (Ford, No.2, 1961-68), Ali de St Croix (Parker, No.2, 1961-68), Nimmi Naidoo (No.2, 1961-68) and Sylvia Haywood (King, No.2, 1961-68) were there, as well as Miss Stenning.

Angie & Richard on 22nd December 2023

Left to right (1973): Jenny Lebus (Harvey, JH & No.2, 1960-68), Richard & Angie Fry, the best man and Di Ventham (Harvey, JH & No.2, 1958-66), who will celebrate her Golden Wedding Anniversary next August!

With Miss Stenning

Left to right (1974): the best man, Angie Fry, Richard & Jenny Lebus, Di Ventham and another bridesmaid

Jenny & Richard on 6th July 2024

Head’s Report

It is such a pleasure to reflect on my first full academic year at Roedean. 2023-24 was so full of highlights, from the range of activities our students took part in, to their incredible achievements both in and outside the classroom.

The start of the year saw the fantastic holistic provision at Roedean recognised, as we were named a Finalist in the Boarding School of the Year category at the Independent Schools of the Year awards. We were incredibly proud to be featured in The Tatler School Guide, recognising Roedean as a bastion for girls’ education where students can flourish across the board whilst achieving the first-rate grades they deserve. Finally, we finished a fantastic year winning the Muddy Stilettos Brilliant Boarding School award. These achievements are not only a testament to the opportunities and activities available to the girls at Roedean, but also to the hard work and dedication of our staff.

The traditional House Competitions that many of you will remember so well remain an integral aspect of Roedean life. During the year there are a wide range of House Competitions, with everything from Swimming and Dance to the Spelling Bee and Christmas Decorating, and it is clear to see the immense sense of pride the students feel in representing their Houses.

The strength of the Performing Arts at Roedean never ceases to amaze me. There are countless musical and theatrical performances, and the number of students involved is remarkable. I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to attend the regular Teatime Recitals and to witness the students’ progress throughout the year, along with Dance Showcases highlighting a range of styles from Modern and Tap to Ballet and Contemporary. Many of our students have also enjoyed tremendous successes outside School—such as Lily, who played Lavender in Matilda in the West End and performed in the National Lottery Big Night of Musicals in March.

As usual, the School productions were spectacular and I encourage ORs to attend future performances. In the Autumn Term, we enjoyed an exceptional portrayal of Jane Eyre. The simple, modern stage set and masterful ensemble retelling were inspired by the National Theatre production, and beforehand our Drama Scholars attended a Q&A with one of the actors from the production.

The Spring Term saw us head to Harvard for the musical version of Legally Blonde. With so many talented girls wanting to take part, we had two separate casts performing on alternate nights, and both were outstanding. Amelia and Galina both threw everything they had into their energetic, bold portrayals of Elle Woods, alongside a fifty-strong cast and

Niamh Green

House Eco Comp - Jan 2024

House Netball - Mar 2024

House Cross Country - Nov 2023

Year 7 Music Showcase

Dance Showcase - May 2024

Jane Eyre - Nov 2023

Legally Blonde - Feb 2024

superbly talented live band. A student tech team made sure that everything ran smoothly, as Merla called over a thousand cues.

Our final drama production of the year was Key Stage 3’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This take on the classic Shakespearean play was set during a festival, and the moment the audience walked in they were immersed in a beautifully created set adorned with festoon lighting, streamers and tents. The plot was brilliantly executed by the entire cast, as every performer brought their character and Shakespeare’s words to life.

The Music department didn’t disappoint with their three Gala Concerts: The Magical Music of Disney in November, Waltzing Through Time in March (which saw some of our talented dancers accompany the musicians) and the Brighton Fringe concert in May. The breadth of different musical styles taken on across the three concerts was incredible with the girls displaying breathtaking talent, whether playing as part of the full orchestra, smaller ensembles or bravely taking on solo pieces.

Not to be outdone by the Performing Arts Faculty, the Sports Department also had a brilliant year. We all of course enjoyed cheering on Amber Anning through the Paris Olympics in the summer, and if their achievements last year are anything to go by, we will have more ORs to support in major competitions in the future. We have widened the number of teams playing within many sports, so that any girl who wants to take part in a team sport can. My thanks go to the PE staff for therefore managing a tremendous number of home and away matches (and leading them to many victories!).

Carol Service - Dec 2023

Fringe Festival Concert - May 2024

A Midsummer Night’s Dream June 2024

Cricket Club - Apr 2024

Open Mic - Nov 2023

Magical Music of Disney Concert - Nov 2023

Kayaking - Jan 2024

Football Club - Jan 2024

Away from the traditional school sports, sailing has now become a firm part of Roedean, and we are very grateful to the OR whose donation made it possible. Four of the Saturday Sailors achieved their RYA Dinghy Level 1 and 2, and we had our first fixture against Lancing.

Sticking to the water, our intrepid sea swimmers trained hard to take on the Channel Swim Relay. On Tuesday 11th June, the team of six set off on the boat from Dover ready to start their swim at 2 a.m. Unfortunately, the weather went against us, and the predicted calming conditions worsened. With the boat rocking everywhere, the team were nearly all battling seasickness. This meant that despite their brave efforts, as we reached over halfway, it became clear it was unsafe to continue the crossing attempt. This was hugely disappointing for the team, who were on track for a strong time of 11.5 hours, but we are so proud of them for everything they have achieved and the dedication they put into their training.

Other highlights of the year have, of course, also included the OR vs Student Netball (student victory) and Hockey (a draw) matches, now a firm part of the annual calendar and hotly anticipated. ORs are most welcome to come as spectators—or of course to join the team.

Academically, our students have continued to thrive, and to make the most of many opportunities beyond the classroom. Our weekly Academic Lectures are often presented by students, and I’m always impressed with the level of work they put into preparing for them, and by their bravery to stand up and give a lecture to their peers and teachers.

To supplement their studies, there is a wide range of trips throughout each year. During 2023-24, we saw our Geographers head to Iceland and the Jurassic Coast, our Artists go to Paris and St Ives, and our Linguists go to Berlin. There were year-group trips to France, Devon, Belgium and Bristol, a sustainability trip to Wales, a literacy trip to the Isle of Sheppey, and a Netball Tour of South Africa, as well as local day trips to historic sites, museums and plays.

All of this hard work paid off, and we were once again incredibly proud of the GCSE and A Level cohorts for their excellent grades. At A Level, almost 60% of grades were A*-A, the highest in the last 15 years, showing incredible strength across the year and a range of subjects. Six remarkable students were awarded all A* grades, and 19% of the cohort achieved two or more A* grades. Overall, 82% were awarded at least one A grade. These excellent results have seen them take up places at many impressive institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia in New York, and Kingston.

Iceland Trip - Feb 2024

Netball Match - Jan 2024

Sea Swimming - April 2024

Year 7 Sailing - Sept 2023

Sports Day - June 2024

Berlin Trip - March 2024

Yr 12 Wakehurst Place Trip - Apr 2024

Year 7 Trip - Arundel Castle - Sept 2023

South Africa Netball Tour - May 2024

The largest GCSE cohort in years took a total of 1,353 GCSEs, and 36.2% were awarded the top Grade 9. Almost 80% of all GCSEs were awarded Grades 9-7 (equivalent to the old A*-A). Again, showing the breadth of talent across the year group, an exceptional 91% of students were awarded at least one Grade 9-8.

Our partnerships with other schools have continued to develop over the year. Our work with St Mark’s has continued with weekly sporting and academic enrichment sessions on the Roedean site, and with regular visits from our students as Reading and Language buddies, amongst others. The Roedean Academy programme with six local schools was again very popular, and saw the Year 10 students delving into exciting supra-curricular topics. We have also now established a regular programme of social events with Tonbridge School, and we are looking forward to this relationship flourishing in the future.

A fundamental part of our ethos is to encourage our students to actively participate in charity fundraising and community projects. Our Impact Report, published

in September 2024, demonstrates how deeply this has become ingrained. Over the course of the 2023-24 year, Roedean students committed 2,134 hours, and staff committed 582 hours, to partnerships. Every lunchtime, students visited local institutions to support their work and an exceptional £46,313 was raised for various charities. Each year group had a dedicated charity to fundraise for, each with a major fundraising activity, and the students were also encouraged to come up with their own initiatives.

Project 125 Moldova, now an annual event, sees twelve students in Years 11-12 travel to Moldova in July to teach English to Ukrainian refugees and underprivileged Moldovan children. The students apply for a place, and then spend two terms training. We have also pledged to raise 3% of the annual running costs of the orphanage every year for the next decade—£5,000 each year. This year, it was wonderful to be able to present a cheque for over £8,300. The impact on the students who attend is incredible, with one saying after the trip this year, “Although we were told this experience would have a huge impact on us, I didn’t completely believe it—on reflection, my outlook on life has completely changed, and I’m so grateful to everyone on the trip”.

There is so much more about Roedean life that I haven’t had the space to touch on during this report— from individual successes to brilliant initiatives and experiences. I am immensely proud to be at the helm of Roedean, and to have a part in shaping the future of our wonderful students.

A Level Results Day - Aug 2024

GCSE Results Day - Aug 2024

Yr 10 Sleep Out for Off the Fence - Jun 2024

Lesson - Jan 2024

Dissection Lesson - Feb 2024 Careers Fair - Mar 2024

CAP - Somerset Centre - Nov 2023

Charity 24-hour Run - Apr 2024 Yr 7 Abseil for Rockinghorse - Jun 2024

Easter Cake for Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital - Mar 2024

Year 12 Social with Tonbridge SchoolMay 2024

St Mark’s Reading Buddies - Mar 2024

SAORA Acting President’s Report

2024 has been a year of significant change, both for South Africa as a whole and for Roedean School (SA) and the SAORA.

2024 reaffirmed that life post-Covid has settled into a “new normal,” with face-to-face events such as Foundation Day and “A Blooming Affair” proving highly successful in attracting large numbers of Old Roedeanians and visitors to the school. The SAORA Committee has made the best of both worlds by embracing a hybrid model for meetings, alternating between online and in-person gatherings as necessary.

A very welcome consequence of the improved inperson attendance at the SAORA events has been that our fundraising initiatives have returned to pre-Covid revenue levels. In particular, the SAORA Bursary Fund and the Roedean Academy have benefitted from the income derived from the Uniform Shop, the Cupped Gourmet Coffee offering and A Blooming Affair.

The SAORA Tutoring Programme, in which recently matriculated Roedeanians provide academic support to current Senior School and Upper Junior School students, has gone from strength to strength, and continues to be a mutually beneficial arrangement for the tutors and students. We encourage the Class of 2024 to consider offering their time and expertise to this highly rewarding programme.

I would like to extend our special thanks to the SAORA Committee, whose members have continued to contribute substantial amounts of time and effort for the benefit of past and present students and teachers of “The Best School of All.” Despite many challenges, the team has pulled together and ensured that the SAORA continues to enhance the relationships between Old Roedeanians, current students, and school staff.

I would also like to express our gratitude to committee members who have stepped down during the last year.

• To Nkateko Khoza, a past President of SAORA, who guided the SAORA and the School through a journey of accountability and redemption through the process of installing the Transformation Stones, as well as holding a Healing Event to acknowledge the failures of the past and committing to a more inclusive future.

• To Amanda Sebolai, a past President of SAORA, who played a significant role in establishing the highly successful SAORA Tutoring Programme. Amanda’s enthusiasm for this initiative has been critical for its growth and success, and the programme will ensure that her efforts continue to bear fruit for many years to come.

• To Sasha Martalas, a past President of SAORA, who established and led the Blooming Affair Garden & Craft Market Day. Sasha is an excellent example of why we are “The Best School of All.” Her tireless efforts and decades of commitment to the SAORA have set a high standard for the committee’s goals going forward.

• To Dr Sithembile Mbete, who embodies the excellent education that Roedean (SA) offers. Her valuable knowledge of current political issues has allowed the SAORA to stay current by founding the Girls’ Leadership Summit.

• To Tendai Shitto, who represented the SAORA in the Parent Teacher Association. Her keen legal and analytical mind will be hugely missed.

Our staff representative, Megan Hope, having taught Life Sciences at Roedean (SA) for more than 25 years, will be moving to a new position at St John’s College. Megan is an Honorary member of the SAORA and will continue to serve on the SAORA Committee. While we are sad to see Megan leave Roedean (SA), we look forward to continuing to benefit from her institutional knowledge and her passion for Roedean (SA).

We also welcome a new committee member, Alexandra Willis (2011), who has been willing to assist the Committee wherever needed. She has a keen interest in education, social media, and journalism, and we hope to make good use of these skills going forward.

With so many excellent ladies stepping down from the committee, we would very much like to invite other Old Roedeanians and Honorary members of the SAORA to consider joining the SAORA Committee or any of our several sub-committees.

I look forward to another year of working with this amazing team.

Pam Hayward (Woodhead) Acting President of the SAORA

The SAORA Committee

Pamela Hayward Acting SAORA President, A Blooming Affair and Second-Hand Uniforms

Jana Barnard Archives

Lawrence (Bosman) Cupped Coffee

Jane BuissonStreet

SAORA Secretary

Megan Hope Staff Representative

Dominique Laroque

SAORA Treasurer and Board Representative

Zuma Board Representative and Networking

SAORA Awards

The SAORA is delighted to fund scholarships and awards that recognise the achievements of Roedean (SA) students.

The SAORA Award for Excellence was awarded to Rosemary Chung. The award was created by the SAORA Committee of 2019. It is given to a current student whom the School and the SAORA wish to recognise for her achievements in a particular field, which may include an academic subject or subjects, sport or a cultural pursuit. The award may also be given to a current student whom the School and the SAORA wish to recognize for her exceptional contribution to the Roedean or broader community, and who epitomises Roedean values.

Rosemary Chung also received the SAORA Dorothea Campbell Award. This award was created in 1974 in memory of Dorothea Campbell, a remarkable person whose connection with Roedean (SA) lasted her whole life. Her association with Roedean was as a student, teacher, active Old Girl,

Board Member and Trustee of the Roedean Trust. The scholarship is awarded by the SAORA to a student at Roedean (SA) who shows special talent and dedication as a musician. It is hoped that she will value and enjoy this recognition and privilege and be inspired by Dorothea’s example, and even perhaps bear in mind the comment Dorothea made when she was 75: “Now is always the best moment in life.”

The Hidden Gem Award was jointly awarded to Imogen Preston and Paige van den Heuvel. This award was initiated by the Matric Class of 1975 and is an acknowledgement of a student in Lower V to Matric who has displayed courage or perseverance, or has shown empathy by emotionally or socially assisting others.

Gontse

Lindsay

Mathobela Mollo Uniform Shop Alexandra Willis Social Media

SAORA Foundation Day

The Foundation Day celebrations took place on Saturday 9th March 2024, welcoming Old Roedeanians from various matric cohorts. The event was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, celebrate shared memories, and witness the developments at Roedean (SA).

The aim of Foundation Day is to:

• Reconnect Old Roedeanians with their former classmates and teachers.

• Celebrate Roedean’s legacy and continued excellence in education.

• Provide Old Roedeanians with updates on new initiatives, facilities and programmes at Roedean.

• Encourage continued engagement with the Roedean community.

The day started with a chapel service officiated by Fr Thapelo Masemola from St John’s College. The Roedean Chamber Choir, conducted by Ralf Schmitt, opened the service with a wonderful rendition of Ndikhokele Bawo. After the service, the congregants enjoyed morning tea at the D&T Foyer before proceeding to the SAORA Annual General Meeting.

At the AGM, Lindi Dlamini and Annabel Roberts informed the Old Roedeanians about developments at Roedean and responded to their questions. Nkateko Khoza (1994) delivered her SAORA President’s Report and welcomed our new Honorary members Gillian Boltman, Nicole Cunningham, Marianne Kluth, Lucky Methe, Benjamin Moloi, Zita Mnyandu, Sue Rabie and Pinkie Thlaole to the SAORA. Our SAORA Treasurer Dominique Laroque (1983) delivered her Financial

Report. Our A Blooming Affair beneficiaries were delighted to receive their donation cheques—Roedean Academy (R100,000), Life Spheres (R30,000) and the Link Literacy Project (R30,000).

Old Roedeanians and Honorary members of the SAORA congregated on Bears’ Lawn for a glass of bubbly and had their reunion photographs taken. They joined the Matric Class of 2024 for the formal lunch in Founders’ Hall. SAORA President Nkateko Khoza warmly welcomed everyone to the celebrations. She was delighted to be celebrating Foundation Day with her classmates on the occasion of her 30 Years On reunion and was especially pleased to welcome the Old Roedeanians who were celebrating their 70 Years On reunion. Nkateko Khoza thanked Kelly Keys (2004) for gifting the beautiful décor and design for the lunch. The traditional programme followed, including entertaining and thought-provoking toasts by Matrics and staff. Kara Gnodde (1984) proposed the toast to Roedean Brighton. The Matrics and Old Roedeanians sang their hearts out during the school songs as per usual. Nkateko Khoza and Lindi Dlamini concluded the programme with the traditional cutting of the Foundation Day cake.

The reunion was well-received. Old Roedeanians enjoyed reconnecting with their friends and teachers. Many expressed their delight in Roedean’s continued growth and commitment to excellence.

Foundation Day was once again a resounding success, fostering a sense of community and pride in Roedean’s legacy. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to the success of the celebrations. We look forward to welcoming Old Roedeanians back next year to celebrate more milestones and memories.

A Blooming Affair

This year we celebrated our 13th annual “A Blooming Affair” Garden & Craft Market Day, and it certainly did not disappoint! From the stunning weather to our regular visitors’ welcoming laughter and smiles, the day turned into a splendid familyfriendly fun day out. This year we welcomed on-site live broadcasting from Jacaranda FM, who not only provided the Top 40 music for most of the event but also shared their keen interest in the Roedean Academy and the promising students supported by the Academy. From live interviews with current Academy students to sharing the SAORA’s reasons for supporting the Academy, Jacaranda FM was a welcome new partner to our A Blooming Affair family.

This year we went a little bigger than last year and hosted a remarkable 95 vendors, selling a variety of foods, flowers, fashion, and fantastic artistic

creations to suit a variety of tastes. It was heart-warming to see the number of Old Roedeanians who supported us, whether by serving shifts at the SAORA stalls or bringing friends and family to enjoy the festivities.

Visitors were delighted that we reinstituted the Garden Tour this year. Our Roedean landscaper, Heather Mansour, led the group of gardening enthusiasts through the beautiful gardens. She proudly shared that the South African Landscape Institute (SALI) awarded Roedean the Gold Award of Excellence in the Landscape & Turf Maintenance category. Congratulations to our gardening team on this fabulous achievement!

A BLOOMING AFFAIR

An event like “A Blooming Affair” doesn’t happen without considerable preparation and planning, and the SAORA would like to extend its thanks to the planning committee, the volunteers, the school (particularly the grounds staff), the vendors, and other partners. Our gratitude also goes to the Central Johannesburg College and the Sunnyside Office Park for kindly allowing the use of their parking facilities.

The highly anticipated A Blooming Affair Garden and Craft Market Day, established in 2010, was a celebration of the beauty of nature and the creativity of human hands. On Saturday 7 October, A Blooming Affair transformed our school into a veritable cornucopia of colour and delight. Visitors wandered among the stalls, browsing the wares of talented artisans and craftspeople, or simply revelled in the beauty of the gardens. There was something for everyone at A Blooming Affair, from delicious food to bespoke quality goods to stunning displays of flora.

Funds raised from the event go towards the Roedean Academy and our chosen charitable beneficiaries. We invite all current and Old Roedeanians to join us next year for this spectacular celebration of spring, gardens, crafts, and community spirit.

We look forward to seeing you next year, on the first Saturday of October.

A Blooming Affair is part of the Gardens of the Golden City initiative, which invites the public to go behind the walls and fences of Johannesburg’s best kept gardens while raising funds for various charities. The garden is a resplendent display of botanical interest that intertwines with the school’s 120year history. For over 35 years, Anne Lorentz, a renowned horticulturist, cultivated a magnificent garden at Roedean. Lorentz’s legacy was carried on by Fiorina and Selwyn Jansen, who were entrusted with the care and development of the gardens for 12 years until 2021. During their tenure, the Jansens built on Lorentz’s legacy by adding new plants and features to the garden. Landscape architect Martine de la Harpe cared for the Roedean gardens until September 2022. Martine demonstrated her commitment to maintaining the garden’s beauty and heritage, while introducing new elements to reflect the changing times.

Obituaries

Joyce Smithells (Tyndale, No.3, 1934-38)

Died 21st December 2004

Renée-Jean Wilkin (Garrett, No.4, 1939-42)

2nd May 1925 – 12th March 2024

Written by her daughters Margot Chaundler (Wilkin, No.4, 1962-67), Georgina Reed (Wilkin, No.4, 1963-70) and Alison Wilkin (No.4, 1966-72)

Like many children of the Raj, Renée-Jean returned to England at the age of 6. Unusually, she was sent to a school in Bude, Cornwall, for the children of Russian emigres, where she learned ballet and Russian. As the only British child, life at the school must have been lonely. She often spent the holidays with the Headmaster and his family.

When Renée-Jean’s parents returned to England, her father took up a GP practice in Brighton, and Renée-Jean was sent to Roedean. With the outbreak of war and the evacuation from Dunkirk, most of the school moved to Keswick, while 50 girls, including Renée-Jean, travelled by sea to join Edgehill School in Halifax, Nova Scotia, accompanied by two teachers.

A number of ships in the convoy were carrying evacuee children. The danger from submarines was omnipresent. Sadly, the ship ahead of theirs was torpedoed and, although a number of the children were rescued and came aboard Renée-Jean’s ship, many drowned in the icy waters of the Atlantic. It was a great relief when they entered the mouth of the St Lawrence River.

When she finished school, the war was still raging, so Renée-Jean went to Dalhousie University in Halifax, where she studied modern languages. She graduated in

Monica Harris (No.1, 1937-43)

Mary Stallard (No.4, 1938-44)

Elizabeth Joy Buhr (Gornall, No.4, 1943-46) 10th August 1928 – 24th March 2024

Joy was born on 10th August 1928, in the Cheshire home of her grandparents and was the daughter of Daynel Gornall (Wheatley, No. 4 1920-24). Her early years were spent in Malta and later South Africa following the postings of her father, a Royal Navy Officer. With her family, at the age of thirteen, she returned to England via a treacherous route on a British troop ship which also carried three

1946 and returned to England. She met her husband, Tim, in 1947, and they were married in June of that year. They settled in Brighton where, for the first time in her life, she enjoyed a settled family life, with three daughters, as well as dogs and cats.

All three daughters eventually followed their mother to Roedean. At that point, with more time at her disposal, Renée-Jean became a Justice of the Peace. She thoroughly enjoyed the role and eventually became Chairman of the Hove Bench. In between times, she and Tim visited their apartment in Anzère, Switzerland, twice a year. They walked in the mountains in the summer and langlauf skied in the winter.

It was a happy time. Renée-Jean was an excellent hostess and saw the humour in everything. She was very proud of her three grandchildren, and latterly, of her two great- grandchildren. Theirs was a good marriage that lasted for 69 years, until Tim died in 2016.

Renée-Jean made the most of her remaining eight years, staying at the family home and enjoying the company of children and friends alike. She died in her sleep on 12th March 2024, aged 98, having hosted a family party for Mother’s Day two days beforehand.

thousand Italian and German prisoners of war from North Africa. Following family tradition, she attended Roedean, at that time evacuated to Keswick. She was forever grateful for the education she received during her school days and the time and dedication given to her by her teachers. When visited by her mother’s sister, Grace Watson (Wheatley, No.4, 1924-27), with a view to being

Joy on her 90th birthday with cousins (l/r) Stephanie & Miranda

taken out for the day, she was confronted by a fierce Tiddle (Miss Middleton) who informed her that was simply not possible without written permission from her parents. Aunt Grace announced she was an OR and the atmosphere completely changed whereby she was greeted with open arms and able to whisk Joy off to the limited delights of a war torn country on rations. Joy completed her Roedean years in Brighton, nurtured with her love of music and ballet.

In 1949 Joy graduated from the School of Occupational Therapy in London and was asked to join a small group of OTs to work with the US Zone in Germany. The World Health Organization needed OTs to work in hospitals caring for Displaced Persons from Eastern Europe. When the International Refugee Organization programme ended, she decided to join friends in Canada, working in three different hospitals in Ontario. It was here in 1952 she met her husband, Dr Alvin Buhr, then a resident in surgery. For the next ten years they moved between Canada and the UK where Alvin completed his training as an orthopaedic surgeon, before settling in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Joy dearly loved her husband Alvin and they were blessed with four children. When they were of school

Penelope Dellaporta (Metaxas, No.2, 1944-46) 19th May 1928 – 16th January 2023

Anne Bradshaw (Woolley, No. 4, 1945-51)

Jean Dunbar (Price, No.1, 1948-53)

Jane Varley (Maples, No. 4, 1948-53)

Written by her son, Charles Varley

Jane passed away at age 88 at a nursing home in Oxfordshire on 17th August 2023. Her fierce independence and determination to live in her own home ensured that it wasn’t until the last few months of her life that she moved to Beech Court, Eynsham. She mused to her grandson, Charlie, only a few weeks before she died, that if only she could get out of bed and scale down the wisteria covering the front of the building, she would escape back home!

Jane was followed at Roedean by her two younger sisters, Pauline Ansell (Maples, No.4, 1950-54) and Sarah May (Maples, No.4, 1952-5). Jane went on to train as a nurse at St Thomas’s Hospital, which provided her the direction for much of her later life. In addition to her Roedean schoolfriends, she also made lifelong friendships at St Thomas’s.

In May 1961 Jane set sail from Tilbury to Leningrad as the newly married wife of the Assistant Naval Attaché

age, she volunteered at the Children’s Hospital, the Help Line and Meals on Wheels. She also studied at Mount St Vincent University and had a special interest in gerontology. On Alvin’s retirement they took many rewarding trips to the Far East and the Caribbean where Alvin worked for Canadian Orthopaedic Overseas.

Joy was a beautiful, talented, keenly intelligent and elegant lady in every way, proud of her British heritage. She was a voracious reader and always interested in world affairs and current topics of the day. She was a wonderful cook and hostess, and her garden was the envy of her neighbours, especially in springtime. Her creativity didn’t end there, as her artistic gifts led her to take up sculpting which she greatly enjoyed. Well into her nineties, with her head held high, she was still walking her beloved long haired dachshund, Magie. She was courageous both in living her life and in reaching the end of it, choosing to die on her own terms, with dignity and grace, surrounded by springtime flowers, gorgeous music and her dearly loved children. To the end she maintained close links with her UK family. These included Julia Rollings (Gornall, No. 4,1953-57), Stephanie Chapman (Watson, No. 4, 1952-57), Miranda Hall (Watson, No. 4, 1955-57) and Valerie Jackson (Watson, No. 4, 1960-64).

at The British Embassy in Moscow. A fascinating and dramatic time was spent there at the height of the Cold War. Her only son Charles was born in February 1962 in Helsinki, Finland, as it was not safe at the time for Embassy babies to be born in a Moscow hospital. The posting was cut short in late 1962 as a consequence of the tit-for-tat diplomatic recriminations and expulsions following the Greville Wynne and Oleg Penkovsky involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Jane returned toTunbridge Wells in Kent, where she’d lived her childhood years.

A further overseas posting for two years in 1966 followed in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Singapore. Returning to the UK and with a marriage that had failed, Jane arrived at Radley College boys’ school near Abingdon in

Oxfordshire for the Autumn Term in 1969 to take up the post of Matron in G-Social. Jane moved at the end of her first year to become deputy at The School Sanitorium and then to take over the running of it a year later.

Radley provided the perfect antidote for Jane and with the school holidays, the perfect balance to bring up her son.

Always out walking the sports field touchlines in all weathers with her King Charles Spaniel, Scrum, Jane had a wonderful seven years at Radley. She fondly recounted those days as the happiest times with more friendships that again endured for the rest of her life.

Jane was an accomplished cook and a new career beckoned, so she left Radley in 1976 to fulfil this passion by becoming Chef to the London Directors’ dining room at BHS/Storehouse under Terence Conran and Denis Cassidy. With unlimited budgets in those days, she had the joy of shopping for ingredients at Marylebone’s finest grocers and butchers.

Sheila Evans (Dick, No.1, 1947-54) 1936 - 2023

Jill Mulcahy (Williamson, No.4, 1948-54) Died 6th May 2023

Penelope Powell (Smith, No.3, 1948-54)

Pauline Ansell (Maples, No.4, 1950-54)

Elizabeth Bureau (Angel, No.4, 1945-55)

Donald Fowler-Watt (Friend of the School) Died 30th November 2024

Avril Leslie (Allam, No. 4, 1948-55) 23rd February 1938 – 27th November 2024

Joan Beckinsale (Little, No.2, 1947-56)

In 1988 Jane opened her own restaurant, The Good Hope at Hilfield, a little village near Cerne Abbas in Dorset. The timing was bad, and the financial crisis of 1989 resulted in the restaurant closing a few years later. Jane never regretted the opportunity to have done her own thing.

Jane returned to Schools, first becoming a Dame at Eton College and then a Housemistress at Stover Girls School near Newton Abbott in Devon. Moving back to her roots in Oxfordshire to be nearer to her son and his family, in 1998 Jane turned her hand to sales and spent many happy years at Multiyork furniture in Oxford, working well into her late 70s.

A complicated spinal operation in 2014, resultant from a car accident she had had in 1969, left her having to give up work and slowly becoming wheelchair dependent. But she never let this get her down!

Liz Watson (Pope, No.4, 1950-56)

Written by Phoebe Daws (Hughes, No. 3, 1971-73)

This year we sadly lost another valued member of our OR golfing community, Liz Watson.

Liz regularly participated in our golf days, and captained and played many times for Roedean in The Silver Tassie team.

Liz was the elder daughter of Betty Pope (Graham, No.4, 1927-32), who was a school prefect in the Summer and Michaelmas terms of 1931 and became Senior Prefect (Head Girl) in the Lent term of 1932. Betty went on to become the ORA President from 1956-59.

Liz started at Roedean in the Junior House and progressed to House 4. She played lacrosse and tennis for the school; in the latter, she partnered with Wanda Lloyd (Davidson, No.4, 1951-58) as the second couple in the 1st team. These two girls would both go on to represent the school for many years in The Silver Tassie team.

Liz was in the winning Silver Tassie team on three occasions, in 2000, 2001 and 2006, and each time,

Anne Sheila Godfrey (Goldstein, No.1, 1952-57) 20th December 1939 – 13th December 2024

Wanda was there, too. Liz’s other team members for these wins were a combination of her sister, Vicky Costain (Pope, No.4, 1953-59), Sarah Waugh (No.4, 1969-73) and Phoebe Daws (Hughes, No.3, 1971-73). At The Silver Tassie, Liz also twice won “The Donkeys” for the pair with the best scratch score –– once with Wanda and once with Sarah. The prize’s name comes from the two silver donkeys that make up the trophy.

Liz was a delightful lady, a great team member, very competitive and also very supportive of her other team members. “Serious Fun” was the spirit of her golf, a motto from her home club of Rye Golf Club.

Liz battled bravely and very stoically with cancer for three years, never wanting to give in. But finally, she died on 4th June 2024. She will be missed by all the OR golfers.

Deborah Sinclair-Stevenson (Walker-Smith, No.3, 1954-57) 15th June 1941 – 26th December 2022

Penelope Gingell (Gains, No.4, 1953-58)

Judith Portway (Neve, No.2, 1955-59) 15th May 1941 - 9th August 2024

From the Vintage Sports Car Club Bulletin, Winter 2024

The Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) lost lost one of its most popular members with the death on 9th August of Judy Portway, née Neve, a onetime committee member and friend, inspiration and support to many. Having suffered a stroke she died at home in Suffolk surrounded by her family, including husband Nic and children Nic and Sally. In recent months Judy had become especially devoted to her great-grandson Otis, installing him in the Frazer Nash pedal car built for her by her father Kenneth Neve, a founding member of the VSCC.

Judy was born on 15th May 1941 - she was overdue and to hasten her arrival, her mother Jo Neve, née Hodgson, was driven over the cobbled streets of Liverpool at speed in the 1925 Frazer Nash they had rescued the previous year from a scrapyard. Judy remembered her mother driving this and many large powerful vintage cars

with skill throughout her childhood, including various Vauxhall 30-98s and RollsRoyces. When Judy was six, the family moved to what has since become a pub in Stretton, Cheshire, which had the advantage of a large garage block.

Judy grew up surrounded by vintage cars and VSCC life, with regular visits from various eccentric members from all over the country. Her first car was an Austin Seven Nippy but she had already driven a 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II on the road for her 17th birthday. When she was 18, a 1927 Lancia Lambda was acquired in which she competed in various rallies and in The Pom in 1960, when she was 19.

When she was in her mid-20s, Judy married James Smith with whom she had two children. They lived in Brae Cottage in Knutsford, which had been built by Henry Royce in 1898 and was the first house in Knutsford to have electricity. Oulton Park was the local circuit, and Judy was always a presence there, three times winning the Oulton Concours and driving her father’s 1911 Silver Ghost rather fast round the circuit. She took a break from the vintage car world in the 1970s and ‘80s as her then husband was not keen.

In 1989, Judy met Nic Portway on the Isle of Man at the 75th anniversary of the 1914 Tourist Trophy race. Later that year she moved to his home county of Suffolk, and in 1992 they were married, Judy throwing herself back into VSCC life and once again getting involved with Vauxhall 30-98s, of which her parents had owned six, and about which her husband Nic wrote his definitive book in 1996. In the early Noughties, Judy was elected to serve on the committee, and enjoyed her three years helping to navigate the club through various problems that had arisen. After stepping down from the committee, Judy continued to be very active in VSCC life,

Celia Sullivan (Allen, No. 3, 1957-59)

Lady Diana Lewthwaite (Tomkinson, No. 3, 1956-60) Died 30th January 2023

Gail Sofianos (Fox, No.2, 1957-63)

Ann Rountree (Hunter, No. 3, 1958-64)

Felicity Jane Osborne (Boutwood, No.3, 1959-64) Died 12th January 2024

Written by her husband, James

Janie was brought up in West Wittering, Sussex, and born in a nursing home in Bognor Regis. Two and a half years before, I was born in the same home with the same midwife. We met 18 years later.

After Roedean, Janie went to London, trained as a secretary and worked for five years for the Keeper of the Privy Purse (Sir Rennie Maudsley) at Buckingham Palace.

We married at Chichester Cathedral in 1971 and enjoyed 53 years of marital bliss. I was running Howletts

and in 2016 bought back the Anzani Frazer Nash Super Sports which helped bring her into this world.

A service of thanksgiving for Judy’s life was given on 22nd September in Suffolk which was attended by many friends and members who have been left devastated by Judy’s departure. She was always particularly kind and generous to other members, especially mentoring the young and helping anyone whom she met and liked. She will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Wild Animal Park near Canterbury and our first child was a chimpanzee called Yonkers whose mother had died giving birth. Janie used to take her in a carry cot into the Palace in the days when security was rather less stringent than it is today. In 1972 we moved to Port Lympne which was to become another Wild Animal Park. We lived there for 24 years and Janie gave up working at the Palace to become part of the safari team.

In 1987 my job required me to go to Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia for two years. Janie was not thrilled, but we ended up staying five years. When I had to return to London to manage the Aspinall Gaming Club, Janie didn’t want to leave.

After Yonkers we had twin boys born in 1977, and then finally another son in 1988.

Janie had a ruthless sense of humour and used to tease me as I went to a very minor public school called Seaford College (it was nowhere near Seaford). If we were disagreeing on a subject, she would just say “Roedean” and I’d shut up!

I am unbelievably lucky to have had Janie as my soul mate and lover for all those years. She died of a rare cancer (neuroendocrine), which she fought for 11 years, but she finally succumbed in January last year.

Hilary Allen (Ricketts, No.3, 1961-67)

Anne James (Webb, No.2, 1964-68) 12th May 1951 – 20th October 2023

Anne was one of many cousins at Roedean following her grandmother. The cousins were the Waldes, the Stannings and the Webbs themselves, altogether six of them . She was a popular and much loved member of the house. She was neither academic nor sporty but an all-round “good egg”. On leaving school she travelled

Jane Hall (Prideaux, No. 4, 1966-72) 1954 - 2024

extensively including time in Australia and New Zealand. Once married, she lived in Herefordshire and, with her daughter, pursued her lifelong passion for horses and riding. She was a pillar of Herefordshire society. She faced her final battle with cancer with great humour and fortitude. She will be much missed by all who knew her.

Taken from the Eulogy given at her funeral by her husband, Nigel Hall

Jane was born on 15th November 1954 at The General Lying -In Hospital in Lambeth. She was one of 5 children for Ann & Jim – Jonathan was her elder brother, and Jane was followed by David, Ross and Anna.

When Jane was 2 the family moved from a flat in London to their current home in Wimbledon and all the children went to ‘The Rowans’ nursery school just around the corner.

After a brief time at an American school, Jane went to board at Roedean where, despite having glandular fever when she was 15, she passed all her exams and went on to Queen’s College London University to study Nutrition. Once she obtained her degree, she worked at Hammersmith Hospital.

She shared digs with many friends in Shepherd’s Bush and it was there that she got her first cat to deal with the mice. In addition to her studies, Jane took up cleaning jobs in private homes to help make ends meet and she would ride around the streets of London on her little moped. She did find time to enjoy life with friends, singing and playing her guitar and of course there was always bathtime by candlelight with a gin & tonic.

In 1976 she moved up north to work as a Dietician at

York Hospital. Amongst Jane’s many friends in York were a couple I had worked with from Birmingham, Nick & Karen, who were instrumental in matchmaking the two of us. We met for the first time on our way to Eton College Founder’s Day in June 1978. (Nick was an old Etonian). Then 2 weeks later they arranged a lunch party to make sure Jane and I met again. Even my flat mate, Chris, told me I was going to marry Jane after only meeting her twice.

The match making worked, although with Jane working in York while I was living in Birmingham (but working in Lancashire) during the week, we would only ever meet

at weekends. So, I’m afraid it was a full 8 weeks before I proposed to her. Jane accepted on one condition: that I would not ask her to live in Birmingham.

We were married in April ‘79 and after a brief time in Lancashire, we moved down to Dorset. There were no jobs for Dieticians there, so Jane went to Secretarial College in Weymouth. Once qualified she worked for a Partner in the Wimborne office of Savills.

Our eldest sons, Ben and Josh, were born in Poole hospital (in ‘83 & ‘84) and shortly after we moved to Horsley. Chris was born in ‘87 at St Luke’s, Guildford and Jane’s cousin Mandy came over from Greece to help manage the growing family for a few months.

In the early 90s, Jane decided it was time to go back to university and she started her PGCE at King’s College to become a teacher. Her first teaching role was at George Abbott in Guildford.

Jane moved on to Manor House School for 2 years before going on to Surbiton High School for Girls, teaching Biology and Chemistry to A Level. She was Head of Year 9 and mentored trainee teachers. She would frequently work until midnight, marking homework, preparing lessons and writing reports, such was her commitment to the girls.

Gillian van Zwanenberg (No. 4, 1967-73)

1956 - 2023

Written by Guy van Zwanenberg

Gill was born in 1956 in Wargrave, Berkshire, and followed her mother, Suzanne van Zwanenberg (Holdron, No.4, 1935-39) and grandmother, Nina Holdron (Wells, No.4, 1909-15), to Roedean.

After leaving Roedean, Gill embarked on a career in the theatre. She graduated from RADA in London, and her first job as stage manager was for the original Rocky Horror Show at the Kings Road Theatre in Chelsea.

From there, she worked for more than a decade on many of the best known and successful West End theatre musicals, including Song and Dance, Evita, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Les Misérables, culminating in a world tour of Cats, as well as a short season of Song and Dance on Broadway in New York.

After the West End, Gill worked for the communications company Imagination, both launching new products with industrial theatre productions and running their gallery in London’s theatre district (her “home from home”).

Gordon (Walsh, No 2, 1966-74)

Jane decided to leave Surbiton once the administration started to take up more time than the teaching which she loved. That same day she signed up for a beekeeping course.

She joined Guildford Beekeepers Association and within no time she was on the committee and started to teach beekeeping, acquiring a whole library of books, equipment and paraphernalia for this new hobby. Jane went on to win many prizes at the Surrey County Show for her beeswax candles and honey, which is funny because she didn’t even like the stuff.

Jane was studying to become a Master Beekeeper going through 6 of the 9 exams one by one when it was eventually realised that her superb memory was starting to fail. She entered a care home for 2 years, and died on 25th August 2024.

Jane was herself always a very caring person with a big heart. She loved life but also enjoyed a jolly good murder. She was an avid reader, perpetual student and a dedicated teacher.

She was a sewer, a quilter and a beekeeper. She was a cook, a baker and family maker. She collected everything, especially friends. Her smiles will stay with us forever.

Outside working in theatre, Gill’s passion was the river Thames (and especially the Hennerton Backwater, where she lived for the last 30 years of her eventful life).

As a committee member and controller of the Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta, Gill made her professional experience and enthusiasm seen (and heard) while making events run smoothly.

In 2019 Gill married her long-term partner, Stephen, after many years of living together. They enjoyed life to the full living by the river. Gill had many hobbies, such as minibus driver and tour guide in London, massage therapist for the elderly, supporter of local meals for the needy, and contributor to her weekly book and Pilates clubs. But most of all, she loved life and her family, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Penelope

Catherine Fairbairn (Cruickshank, No.2, 1969-74)

Claire Barker (Former Staff, 1970-75)

Claire Evelyn Barker, who taught Geography at Roedean between 1970 and 1975, died, peacefully at home on 30th May 2024 aged 77. Beloved wife of the late Andrew Barker, a much-loved mother, mother-in-law and a cherished grandmother, she will be sadly missed by everyone. Donations in Claire’s memory for Friends International Ministries and Scripture Union may be sent c/o A W Lymn, The Family Funeral Service, Robin Hood House, Robin Hood Street, Nottingham, NG3 1GF.

Christine Woodcock (Former Staff, 1985-91)

Colette Doughty (Former Staff, 1990-95) 22nd April 1963 – 14th January 2024

There are some exciting new additions.

Here are a variety of items for sale in aid of the ORA Heritage Projects.

• Cuddle up under a pure new wool Tweedsmill throw (with the ORA logo embroidered in the corner).

• Go on a picnic with a water-resistant lined fleece rug (with the ORA logo embroidered in the corner) - always optimistic that the weather warms up!

• Make your own selection from over 20 different greetings cards (blank inside) illustrated with images from the ORA Heritage Projects and other memorable artefacts at Roedean. Or just select one of the packs of 5 different cards.

• Easy to apply – just turn on the iron – a patch with an embroidered ORA logo.

Also, for sale from the shop with proceeds going to the OR Scholarship Fund

• Keep your head (and ears) warm with an ORA beanie hat (as worn by the OR Channel Swim Relay Team).

• Have you lost your ORA badge? Here’s a chance to buy a replacement.

• CD of the 1953 Recording of the Roedean Carol Service as broadcast on the BBC.

Please email merchandise@oldroedeanians.co.uk with any queries.

Explore the shop: https://old-roedeanians-association.sumupstore.com/

Old Roedeanians’ Magazine 2024