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ISSUE29 | SPRING 2018 - NON NOBIS
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ST CATHERINE’S ASSOCIATION
The Big Boarding Sleepover
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DIARY DATES 2018 JUNE Fri 22
19.00 – 21.30 Middle School Summer Concert, Auditorium All Welcome
Thur 28 Fri 29
19.00 – 22.00 The Sixth Form Musical: Grease, Auditorium All Welcome, tickets via Brown Paper Tickets (BPT)*
Thur 28
19.00 – 20.30 Middle Cantores Concert, St John’s Church, Farncombe All welcome
JULY Wed 4 Thur 5
19.00 – 21.30 LIII Production of Alice in Wonderland, Auditorium All Welcome, tickets via BPT*
Sat 7
Speech Day, Open Day and Leavers’ Ball
Tues 10
16:30 – 20.30 St Cat’s Fest in aid of Action Against Hunger, Grass Tennis Courts All Welcome, tickets from School Office
Thur 12
End of Term
SEPTEMBER Thur 6
First Day of Term
Sun 23
14.00 -17.00 Foundation Day Celebration All welcome – book your place now, further details will follow by email
OCTOBER Wed 3
Thur 18
19.30 – 22.00 St Catherine’s Presents … The Band of the Welsh Guards All welcome, tickets via BPT* 18.30 - 21.30 The London Network – Branding Event, BMW Mini Showroom, Park Lane, London All Welcome but spaces must be booked via association@stcatherines.info
STAY IN TOUCH WITH ST CATHERINE’S We’d like to communicate with you by email and telephone, to keep you in touch with news about School life, alumnae reunions, career network opportunities, supporting your School and much more … but new data regulation means we can only do so if you agree to our communicating in this way, even if you’re a long term supporter or if you have given us permissions before. STAYING IN TOUCH IS THE BEST WAY FOR YOU TO GET THE MOST FROM WHAT YOUR COMMUNITY FOR LIFE OFFERS YOU.
A big Thank You to those who have already responded and given us their preferences. Don’t get left out, if you do want to continue hearing from us, either …. Fill in the enclosed form, and return it free of charge. Call Dawn or Fiona on 01483 899751 and give your preferences verbally. Email: association@stcatherines.info with your preferences. Your privacy is important to us and we’ll always keep your details secure. … If we don’t hear from you we’ll no longer be able to contact you and you’ll miss out.
NOVEMBER Wed 14
17.30 – 18.00 Choral Evensong sung by Cantores, Winchester Cathedral All Welcome
Fri 23
19.30 – 22.00 St Catherine’s Day Gala Concert Parents only but all can watch via live stream on the website!
DECEMBER Thur 13
End of Term
Mon 17
18.30 - 20.00 Association Carols by Candlelight, Chapel All Welcome
Wed 19
Nigeria Reception in Lagos Invitations to St Catherine’s families and alumnae in Nigeria with full details will follow
*BPT – tickets for St Catherine’s events are managed at www.brownpapertickets.com
Thank you! Dawn Pilkington, Association Director P.S You can change your preferences at any time but please act now to be part of the St Catherine’s community. If you have received multiple copies of the communication preference form, it is because we need confirmation from each individual St Catherine’s Association member in order to comply with regulations.
PROSPECTIVE PARENTS’ EVENTS 2018 Senior School Tuesday 18th September 2018 Friday 12th October 2018 Thursday 15th November 2018
Prep School Wednesday 12th September 2018 Thursday 11th October 2018 Friday 16th November 2018
Senior School Registrar - Clare Woodgates 01483 899 609 clare.woodgates@stcatherines.info
Prep School Registrar - Sally Manhire 01483 899 665 sally.manhire@stcatherines.info
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KEEP ON RUNNING WE WERE DELIGHTED TO HEAR OF THE SUCCESS OF MANY ASSOCIATION MEMBERS WHO RAN THE LONDON MARATHON THIS YEAR. As well as those highlighted below we know other runners included, Charlie Bergqvist (2011), Jane Spencer (Cello teacher) and Hannah Johnson (2013) who ran for MPN Voice, a charity which supports those diagnosed with rare types of blood cancer. Fundraising link: www.justgiving.com/hgjohnson Lizzie Dingemans (2012) writes: After watching the London Marathon last year and being amazed at the phenomenal atmosphere, I knew I wanted to run it myself. I was thrilled when I won a place through my job with Strutt & Parker. The company work with Sebastian Coe‘s charitable foundation and I ran for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), which Seb’s mother unfortunately suffered with. Having been a competitive athlete during my time at St Catherine’s I knew the training would not be easy. The whole event became real when I went to the Excel Centre to pick up my running number. It was the hottest on record and the heat was a huge challenge. I had my name on my vest (which I strongly advise) as everyone is cheering your name as you run along. You also cannot beat the feeling of seeing your family and friends cheering for you. I crossed over the finish line in 3 hours, 48 minutes and 16 seconds and it was an incredible feeling. I cannot even put into words the atmosphere of the London Marathon, it was unbelievable and I will cherish the day forever. I am still in awe of the whole day and recommend it to everyone, runners or non-runners! Fundraising Link: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ LizzieDingemans Lizzie Dingemans
Jo Tridgell (Larmer)
Jo Tridgell (Larmer) (1995) writes: In January 2016 the unthinkable happened and I lost my husband to male breast cancer. As a keen runner, it had long been John’s ambition to run the London Marathon so after his death I felt that this was a way I could raise money for charity and try to do him proud. Well, after 262 miles of training through one of the coldest winters I can remember, this year’s London Marathon turned out to be a balmy 25 degrees – a far cry from the snow blizzards I’d been running through just a few weeks earlier! My biggest fear was overheating and not reaching the end so I decided to take it slow and steady. In the 4 hours 50 mins it took me to complete the race, the thought that kept me going the most was remembering how hard John had fought to survive – if he could do that for us, then I could manage this little run! Taking part in the marathon was a truly life affirming experience. From those who sponsored me, to those who trained with me, gave me tips on running technique, babysat my daughters whilst I went out training, gave me equipment, and even a friend who physio’d me for free – without them I truly wouldn’t have made it to the start line let alone the finish. People’s generosity and kindness was seemingly endless. What’s more, I think I did John proud. Fundraising link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ makejohnproud Alex Crouch (2010) writes On the 22nd April, Jess Short (2010) and I lined up at the start of the London Marathon 2018. This was the first marathon for both of us and nerves were setting in. This also wasn’t helped by the fact it was 20 degrees at 10am. Having trained through the Beast from the East and done our longest training runs in the pouring rain, we were not used to conditions like this. From the get go, the crowds were out
lining the streets and we both set off feeling good. Both of us really struggled with the heat. I had a complete sense Helly Muir of humour failure in Canary Wharf and it took 3 miles of battling with my own body to get to mile 20 and finally feel that the end was in the site. Jess was unfortunately plagued by blisters throughout training and the heat of the day did not help. However, once you hit Embankment the crowds are absolutely unbelievable and having random strangers/charities shouting your name is a real motivator. It was also nice to see lots of St Cat’s girls in the crowd! I crossed the line in 04:52:04 and Jess in 04:59:31 raising over £4,500 for Action Against Hunger between us. Fundraising Link: virginmoneylondonmarathon2018. everydayhero.com/uk/alex virginmoneylondonmarathon2018. everydayhero.com/uk/jessica Helly Muir (2011) writes I was fortunate enough to get a charity place to run my first marathon for Oxfam this year. Through extreme cold weather in training to extreme hot weather on the day itself, it was a real challenge and probably the hardest thing I have ever done. With some great support from friends and family (including a much needed boost from the St Cats girls at mile 24!) I completed it and am now looking into where to do my next one! The sense of achievement at the end was second-to-none, and I would recommend it to anyone. Any lastminute donations for Oxfam would be hugely appreciated; following the negative press surrounding them this year, they really need the support: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HelenaMuir1
Jess Short & Alex Crouch
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BOARDING SLEEPOVER IN APRIL, WE WELCOMED BACK 47 ALUMNAE FROM 1980-2015 FOR A LAST CHANCE TO SLEEP IN THEIR SIXTH FORM rooms before we pull down The Unit and the Barbara Platt (BP) to make way for a new three storey Sixth Form building.
Masha Alieva (1999) writes: When I learned that the school was organising a boarding sleepover, I knew I had to go. Despite the dates not matching my son’s Easter holidays, and disputes in Russia, I found myself booking a red eye flight to England for one night in the place I spent 8 years of my life. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Upon arrival we found St Cat’s goodie bags and sweets waiting for us on our beds, which made us feel so welcome, whilst a delicious cream tea with teachers gave us a chance to catch up with Miss Youens and Mrs Silver. As a keen squash player, the highlight of my trip was seeing the remarkable Mrs Blake, who appears not to have aged a day since we left in 1999! We all missed Miss Garcia (now Mrs McQuade), as sadly she was not able to attend the event, but she thoughtfully sent us a sweet video message. Then, we wandered around the school admiring the incredible new classroom and sports facilities, and even shed a tear outside Symes; how long ago was that?! Before the candlelit Compline service, we happily joined the choir and had a quick, but fun rehearsal. We sang as if we had never left. We remembered every word by heart. I even recorded the service on my phone to take the beautiful memories back home. After Chapel, we explored Keller and Bronte, bursting into every room full of nostalgic stories from the past. We still knew every little corner; I could walk around with my eyes closed. In the evening, we all enjoyed pizza and wine back in the sixth form common room. It was lovely to catch up with the staff and to meet older girls and hear their stories. This event was incredible and totally surreal. Whether we considered St Catherine’s our home or not, this is where we grew up, where we met our friends for life and this is where we became who we are today.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SIXTH FORM? THE BOARDING SLEEPOVER WAS A CELEBRATION OF THE UNIT AND THE BARBARA PLATT BUILDING. Soon they will be demolished to make way for a new modern, vibrant and spacious 6th Form building. Currently referred to as The 6, the new building will offer generous modern bedrooms with lots of storage space (a must, the alumnae who slept over concurred!), bright shared bathrooms but with private spaces within, a spacious common room and snugs for relaxation. It will complement the Speech Hall Library where 6th form girls currently study with a larger social space to call their own on the ground floor and with boarding bedrooms alongside and on the floors above. We are lucky enough to have an amazing ‘virtual reality’ tour of The 6 so if you’d like to ‘walk inside’, gaze out of a bedroom window onto the school below or wander round the Common Room, do get in touch.
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GIVING GIRLS BRIGHT FUTURES YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE GIRLS BRIGHT FUTURES
Alumna of 1948
We are very grateful to Mrs Courage, Miss Bayliss and our alumna for sharing their reasons for leaving a gift to St Catherine’s in their Will. Generous acts such as theirs will help St Catherine’s to educate the women of the future; to raise girls’ ambitions, to encourage independent thinking and to build self-confidence. We believe educated girls are a force for change. If you’d like to discuss leaving a gift in your Will, after you have provided for your loved ones, do contact Pippa Carte, Development Director on 01483 899754 or pippa.carte@stcatherines.info
An alumna of 1948, who prefers to remain anonymous, has told us of her decision to ‘thank’ St Catherine’s by donating an amount of her estate to the School. She told us she wanted to recognise the part her education played in forming her character and in shaping the opportunities she has had in life.
Mrs M Courage Mrs M Courage was grandmother to four sisters all educated at St Catherine’s between 2002 and 2015. She chose to give a gift in her Will ‘in acknowledgement of the grandchildren’s education.’ She will be remembered in School with a rose bush in our legacy garden. In her most recent note to us before she passed away she wrote, ‘May I congratulate you on all the wonderful achievements of the girls of the past year and your plans for the years that lie ahead.’
‘We rise by lifting others.’ Robert Ingersoll
Miss M Bayliss Miss M Bayliss has chosen to leave a gift in her will to the School. A long-standing member of the school community, as a pupil between 1939 and 1946 and as a Prep School teacher from 1960 to 1989, Miss Bayliss still continues to ‘give back’ to the School, recently talking to the girls about life at School during the 2nd World War.
We need to raise £750,000 from the community to support the building of The 6. For alumnae, there are lots of opportunities to remember your days in boarding and say ‘thank you’ for the life-skills, friendships and independence it gave you. You could come together with a group of friends to ‘Sponsor a Room’ and select a woman of influence whom you admire, from a list proposed by current pupils, after whom the room will be named. For parents, you can invest in the leaders of the future. There are currently 45 rooms available. Find out more online under Development and Create the Future or contact Pippa Carte, Development Director on 01483 899754 or pippa.carte@stcatherines.info Thank you for considering your support.
Create the Future The St Catherine’s wheel turns; we do not stand still. We are ambitious and invite you to join with us to Create the Future. Our goal is to ensure continued success by developing the School’s strengths and attracting the very best girls and staff. The Governors and teachers have prioritised future developments and we will need the financial support of the whole community to make them a reality within the next few years. We are fundraising for The 6 – a new Sixth Form boarding accommodation and social space; The Catalyst - a new science and technology building to replace ‘West Block’; and for an extension to the John Palmer Centre – the Art&Maker Space. If you’d like to find out the benefits of these projects to the girls and how you can support and give back to the St Catherine’s community, do visit the Development section of the website. If you’d like to discuss your support, please contact Pippa Carte, Development Director, 01483 899754 pippa.carte@stcatherines.info
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ASSOCIATION CHOIR
THE ANNUAL ASSOCIATION CHOIR CONCERT IN MARCH IS THE CULMINATION OF REHEARSALS THAT TAKE PLACE OVER THE AUTUMN AND SPRING TERMS. Members come together each week not only to share in singing classical music but also to enjoy each other’s company.
‘Thank you all so much for the wonderful concert and indeed for all the fun of practicing for it. The Bach was by far the most difficult piece I have ever sung and I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ Choir member (Soprano) ‘Just a quick note to let you all know how much we all enjoyed the concert yesterday. It went really well and it was a particular pleasure to perform with such talented musicians and alongside my daughter for the first time.’
The concert is one of the highlights of the Association year and an opportunity for the Choir to perform in Guildford with professional soloists. For some, it is also an opportunity to perform with their daughters or even granddaughters who sing in either the Senior Choir or the Middle Chamber Choir or play in the orchestra. Matthew Greenfield, Director of Music, conducted the joint Choirs ably supported by Chorus Master, Simon Phillips, and accompanist Morta Grigaliūnaitė, Graduate Musician in Residence. This year’s programme opened with Te Deum by Charpentier, an exceptionally prolific and versatile French composer of the Baroque era. This was followed by Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves, a traditional melody first enjoyed by the Tudors, the first of two pieces played by Camerata and directed by Silja Loya. Their second was Sibelius’s Andante Festivo and, to close, the joint choirs and orchestra performed one of Bach’s most popular vocal works, Magnificat in D major.
Current parent & Choir member (Bass)
Importantly we raised £527.88 for the Music in Secondary Schools Trust, which helps give inner city school children the opportunity to play classical music. If you would like to join this friendly Choir that meets on Wednesday evenings from 7.459.45pm, please email: fran.flammiger@stcatherines.info or call on 01483 899692 for more information.
BABY CATS
BABY CATS CLASSICS IS AN INFORMAL AND INTERACTIVE SERIES OF CONCERTS HELD REGULARLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR featuring Classical and Jazz music for parents and babies/ toddlers up to age four. This initiative has been so successful that this year it was expanded to explore a selection of creative activities as well: story time, mini sports and toddler art. Prep School teachers and our outstanding music staff provide the inspiration. This is an excellent opportunity for parents and children to experience what’s on offer before they join the school. ‘I am thrilled to know you are running more concerts; we all really enjoyed your first one and are looking forward to more.’ ‘I loved the story time because the relationship between the two helpers was so lovely and I am always keen to see what the current girls are like.’
These free sessions take place from 9.4510.45am on Thursdays or Fridays and there’s a chance to socialise over coffee. Come and join us on Thursday 14th June to hear our piano trio. Simply email prepoffice.junior@ stcatherines.info to reserve your place. Baby Cats has proved very popular.
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LONDON NETWORK OVER 60 ALUMNAE, CURRENT U6, AND PARENTS WHO ATTENDED THE LONDON NETWORK IN MARCH AT DENTONS LPC discussed the future of the legal sector, exploring how women can impress in meetings, the impact of technology on flexible working and new career options, career breaks, the gender pay gap and the valuable contribution of sponsors and mentors. Whilst much of the debate focused on city firms, those working as company in-house lawyers were advocates for its family friendly benefits, and the barristers present spoke about life on the road and the autonomy they enjoyed. Young alumnae, completing their graduate law qualifications, were able to meet potential employers, and selected sixth formers could explore different facets of the law and hone their networking skills. Grateful thanks go to current parents, Dame Rosemary Squire, Chair of the London Network for introducing the evening, Martin Mankabady, for his generous hospitality of the event and Claire Manches for introducing some of the discussion themes and Co-Chairing with Martin.
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT EVENING ON THURSDAY 18TH OCTOBER at the spectacular BMW Mini Showroom in Park Lane when the theme of the evening will be Branding: Personal & Corporate. This event is a general networking evening and is open to all career sectors. If you wish to book a place please email: association@stcatherines .info
L6 - A TASTE OF A CAREER IN BANKING ON FRIDAY 12TH JANUARY, LIZ WILCOCKSON (DEWICK) (1991) VISITED ST CATHERINE’S TO TALK TO A GROUP of L6 girls about careers in Banking. She spoke about her own varied career at Goldman Sachs and highlighted the rewarding nature of the work and breadth of opportunities available to women at investment banks. They were very interested to discuss the commitment Goldman Sachs makes to personal development as well as some of the challenges of working in a traditionally male dominated environment. She encouraged the girls to apply for the Goldman Sachs A-Level Girls Inspire Programme. Tash Chang (U6), Kate Windle (U6) and Hannah LoeffenGallagher (U6) were delighted to be successful and attended the day at Goldman Sachs in February. We are delighted that Liz’s daughter is joining St Catherine’s in September 2018.
A PATHWAY TO PATHOLOGY On 20th December Mrs Marianne Leung (Yang) arranged a visit around PathLab Medical Laboratories where she works in Wanchai, Hong Kong. Gigi Tang (L6), Emerald Cheung (U6), Sofie Ng (U6) and Chloe Siu (U6) who are all interested in pursuing Medicine as a career were delighted as work experience or visits to pathology labs are understandably not commonly available. Gigi Tang wrote ‘The lab tour was definitely interesting. We now understand how a medical lab works with all the help from different departments like microbiology and biochemistry. We got to see how the blood samples were processed and analysed by machine, which was also the most interesting part of the tour. I was amazed by the technology used in the lab. Mrs Leung gave lots of useful advice for us on how to choose the right university courses in order to get the license of being a MLT in Hong Kong. Many thanks to Mrs Leung for making this possible for us.’
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ST CATHERINE’S
Presents...
ST CATHERINE’S HAS WELCOMED THREE NOTABLE GUESTS IN ITS PRESTIGIOUS SERIES OF EVENING EVENTS, ‘ST CATHERINE’S PRESENTS’, OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS: Helen Rappaport, leading historian on the Russian Revolution, Dame Helen Ghosh, retiring Director-General of the National Trust and Master Elect of Balliol College, Oxford, and Gary O’Donoghue, BBC News political correspondent in Washington. Helen Rappaport
Dame Helen Ghosh
FOR YOUR DIARIES: The Band of the Welsh Guards is returning to St Catherine’s on Wednesday 3rd October. This promises to be another spectacular evening of music and fun. Please save the date and book your tickets at http:// guardsatstcats.bpt.me
CAUGHT IN THE REVOLUTION Helen Rappaport was invited to mark the centenary of the Russian Revolution and spoke about Petrograd (formerly and currently St Petersburg) in 1917 through the prism of a number of foreign visitors ‘Caught in the Revolution’. She vividly captured the experiences of diplomats, journalists, businessmen, volunteer nurses and expatriate socialites recorded in diary entries and letters home. Incidents retold included the story of an English nurse who had already survived the sinking of the Titanic; the black valet of the US Ambassador, far from his native Deep South; the suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst, who had come to Petrograd to inspect the indomitable Women’s Death Battalion led by Maria Bochkareva; and Arthur Ransome, who went to Petrograd as a British spy and sent encrypted messages to his London controllers. Gary O’Donoghue
THE NATIONAL TRUST IN THE 21ST CENTURY Dame Helen Ghosh set out to answer the question, ‘What are the challenges facing the National Trust in the 21st Century?’ Controversy and debate have followed her views over fracking and wind farms, the price paid for farmland in the Lake District, and hunting, but she explained that her focus had always been on conservation and heritage. Her time at the helm had seen membership and visitor numbers rise and she had overseen an ambitious programme of work. Before moving to the National Trust, she had spent her career in the Civil Service, rising to become the first female Head of the Home Office. She has now returned to her alma mater of Oxford University where she has taken up the post of Master of Balliol College.
TALKING TRUMP More hellfire than fireside, the Summer Term got off to a crackling start with an evening of hot political debate when Rev’d Dr Benjamin McNair Scott, the school’s resident political enthusiast, interviewed Gary O’Donoghue, BBC News Washington Correspondent, about the machinations of the current US administration. Supported by an audience of keen presidential observers, the tables were turned on Gary for his views about the nature of President Trump’s rise to power and issues such as gun control, race, political polarisation and, of course, the presidential Tweet. Gary also shared fascinating reflections on his experience as a blind journalist, the practicalities of news acquisition in an everexpanding media landscape and his support of the charity, ClearVision which provides bi-media braille and sighted picture books, enabling visually-impaired and sighted children or adults to read together. If any consensus was to be reached among a St Catherine’s audience, it was that a rare and illuminating education was gained across many topics in one evening and, particularly, a new-found insight enjoyed into the workings of US political power. ‘Thank you so much for inviting us to Gary O’Donoghue’s talk. We so enjoyed it. He seemed relaxed, very informative and totally lacking in fake news.’ Current Parent ‘Gary O’Donoghue’s enthusiasm and love of his job was infectious and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to him. He was very refreshing.’ Former Staff
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SPOTLIGHT ON MISS SILVER (1947-1981) IN APRIL, ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR DAWN PILKINGTON WENT TO VISIT MISS SILVER AT HER HOME IN LITTLEHAMPTON. Miss Silver taught in the Prep and Senior School. She joined the Prep School in 1947. She was a housemistress in Bingley, Musgrave and Ashcombe and in 1960 was instrumental in establishing Symes, the then boarding house for girls at 11 years, a ‘home from home’. Symes House is still a boarding house, but now a home for U4 and is located behind the Anniversary Halls. What was School life like? It was all plain teaching with none of the outside activities that go on now. It is so much larger now and more activities have been introduced. I often wonder how the staff have time to teach when I look at the School Magazine and I see what goes on. I think I should have hated it as I was trained to teach!
Dawn and Miss Silver today: “I look like an old hag because the hairdresser here can’t cut hair!’
I remember many pupils – Rosemary Christophers (Munn) (1960), who is now our volunteer Archivist and Liz Cook (Gooding) (1954) and many others. What was your favourite subject to teach? Biology was my special subject. I taught it to all the children in the Senior School. I am fond of all aspects of nature. Ed: When Dawn told Miss Silver of the upcoming ‘Take your Parent to School Day’ where parents return to School for lessons and that there was a lesson on the ‘Biological life of the Squid’ she laughed cheekily and said: ‘Does a squid have a particularly interesting life?!’ Who was the naughtiest child? A small boy called Christopher. We had boys up to seven years old during war time. He locked all the lavatory doors from the inside and he said he was the only one whose ‘ears would go under’ allowing him to crawl beneath the doors to unlock them. What was life like as a boarding housemistress? It was very basic, linoleum on the floor, iron bedsteads. I am very proud that I established Symes as an U3 boarding house in 1960.
Rosemary Christophers, remembers being taught by Miss Silver in the Prep School in the 1950’s What did the girls do at the weekends? Nothing in particular except go for walks, which we as boarding staff had to accompany. Do you remember the chamber pots? Ed: We have heard lots about them from alumnae – races down the dorm corridors in chamber pots and their branded ‘wheel’. Yes. They were porcelain and they had the St Catherine’s wheel on them and said ‘Let Us Go On’! Did the girls have dances? Yes, we had dances in a fashion with Cranleigh School and with Christ’s Hospital School. I took the girls there once and it was a deadly experience!
Staff Photo of Miss Silver in 1960
I remember Miss Silver with great affection – she was my favourite teacher. She probably won’t remember me but, if she does, please give her my very best wishes. She was quiet and efficient and very kind – the sort of teacher you could turn to with a problem. What was the food like? Very basic! Did you make strong friendships at St Catherine’s? I became very good friends with Mary Egglestone (1963-1985, Head of Science) we still keep in touch even though she is in Australia. Ed: We featured Mary Egglestone in Non Nobis, in 2015 when she was visited by ex Prep School teacher, Fiona Thomas. There is an active St Catherine’s network in Australia led by Fiona – if you’d like to connect contact: association@stcatherines.info and we will put you in touch.
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REUNIONS AROUND THE WORLD Parents gathered and met for the first time
6,000 MILES APART BUT STRONG BONDS PERSIST Our first girl to join St Catherine’s from Hong Kong arrived in 1969 and since then we have welcomed over 300 girls. It is always an honour to visit Hong Kong and share news with the community of alumnae and parents. Following successful Receptions in 2013 and 2016 we decided to visit in October 2017.
MEETING PARENTS IN CHINA In October 2017, Pippa Carte, Development Director visited Beijing to meet parents of St Catherine’s boarders and to host a small gathering to connect the parent and alumnae community based in Beijing. ‘We are so glad Rachel feels good about her boarding life and study at St Catherine’s; and we are grateful for the state of the art facilities and friendly environment St Catherine’s offers to the students. We have set up a wechat group for parents in Beijing.’ Mr Lin and Ms Wu – parents of Rachel Lin (L6)
Over 70 of the community attended a Reception at the Regal Hotel, a truly joyous and noisy gathering! Past and current parents, alumnae and some current girls on Half Term holiday were hosted by Governor, Mr Albert Alonzo, Headmistress, Mrs Alice Phillips, and Development Director, Ms Pippa Carte. We had alumnae from 1972 to 2015 at the event and the year groups of 2006-2009 made it a reason to gather with over eight of their number present! The event was also a chance to share the School’s exciting plans to ‘Create the Future’ at St Catherine’s.
‘Our daughter is so happy at St Catherine’s. She has so many varied interests and she has said she would like to give back to St Catherine’s when she is employed!’ Mr Zhang and Ms Lei – parents of Grace Zhang (2018) Ed: Pippa would like to express her grateful thanks to Mr Fan who gave her a tour of China Radio International and Mrs Fang Luo who took her to the Summer Palace and introduced her to a traditional ‘hot-pot’.
If you’d like to view a video of the gathering, you can online at Association, Events & Reunions.
‘We are a global community connected by our love of St Catherine’s and pride in an education that challenges and inspires the young women of the future.’ Mr Albert Alonzo, Governor and ex-St Catherine’s Parent ‘The HK reception was a huge success! It brought all the old girls, current students and parents together - it was just great to see all the familiar faces again. I also bumped into my ex-colleague, at Thomson Reuters, Ms Cecily Luk, who is now the parent of two girls at St Catherine’s! ‘ Karen Lau (2008) now FX Trader at Bank of America Merrill Lynch ‘It was so lovely to join the Reception and to meet so many other fabulous young women here in HK making a difference!’ Sam Kitson (2003) now Director of Learning at West Island School. ‘I am sure current and past parents learnt more about the school and were reassured that they had made the right decision to send their daughters to St Catherine’s.’ Mrs Andrea Chan – parent to Charmaine Chan (2015) and Denise Chan (L6) ‘I cherish this opportunity of reconnecting with old friends as well as meeting new faces, all sharing the same background of this alma mater that even now, still gives me that familiar and unforgettable feeling of home. We were thrilled to hear about all the exciting new changes planned for the school, especially the Sixth Form boarding house and the science building, both of which carry particular personal significance for me.’ Miss Alison Chan (2012) now training in Ophthalmology during her Residency in Hong Kong. Ed: Alison came to the Reception despite having just worked at 36 hour shift at the Hospital!
COOKS THEN & NOW Zena Skinner (1944) and Philip Friend (Staff, 1998 to present) MANY WILL REMEMBER ZENA SKINNER, WHO SADLY DIED IN MARCH AT THE AGE OF 91. As a TV chef and cookery writer in the 1960s and 1970s, producing wholesome family fare in contrast to the fearsome Fanny Craddock, she had a slot on Town & Around, Bon Appétit, a programme on French regional cookery, and her own programme, Ask Zena Skinner. In 1969, she even appeared on Desert Island Discs, selecting Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music, as her top choice. She was an alumna of St Catherine’s, leaving in 1944. She immediately volunteered for the Women’s Royal Naval Service and worked decoding signals in Portsmouth. After the war ended, she trained as a demonstrator at the London School of Electrical Domestic Science, following a similar career path to Marguerite Patten and Mary Berry who were both electricity manufacturers’ demonstrators and fellow household names. Whilst training demonstrators in East Africa in 1959, she was photographed in
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Our grateful thanks go to Mrs Andrea Chan for supporting the organisation of the venue, Ms Susanna Ho for the wonderful photographs of the event and to Miss Natalie Leung (2007) for sharing how St Catherine’s shaped her life path.
ST CAT’S IN TORONTO! IN NOVEMBER 2017, PIPPA CARTE, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, TRAVELLED TO TORONTO for a Conference and arranged a gathering of the St Catherine’s Canadian community in The Distillery District – a regeneration area of downtown Toronto. Now connections have been made the alumnae have said they’ll meet annually at least! Emily Kinnon (2010) has agreed to be our ‘Ambassador’ in Canada. If you are based in Canada do get in touch with the Association who will connect you.
Emily Kinnon (Millard) (2010) – now with Parks Canada as a Camp Coordinator ‘What a wonderful afternoon! It was so lovely to hear stories about St Cat’s from different perspectives - I particularly enjoyed Lesley’s story about escaping over the wall and returning in time to “be part of the search party”!’ Deborah Bowen (Hewitt)(1966) – now Association Professor and Chair of English at Redeemer University College ‘It was most amusing to recall Miss Platt and her coloured liturgical dress throughout the Christian calendar!’ Lesley Wormald (Catling)(1967) – now retired after a career in nursing and medical sales ‘The magazines for our day were delightful; it was quite a sense of achievement to see one’s name in the magazine and to discover the career paths taken by all. I don’t think I quite realised the level of education that I had enjoyed at St Cat’s or the how special the nurturing environment was until after I left.’ Daphne Kwan (1984) – now a dentist ‘It was a pleasure to catch up with the latest news from St Catherine’s and share our stories.’ Sue Boyce (Hattersley) (1973) - now retired, worked in the travel industry ‘It was just lovely to meet you at the Santa Claus parade! Thank you so much for the great St Cat’s bag & cards – how very kind. Sorry I couldn’t make the Distillery District too – I hope the St Catherine’s girls enjoyed it!’
SYDNEY REUNION Catching up in Sydney on Saturday 27th January 2018, following Australia Day, were nine Association members, meeting under the gold and burgundy balloons at The Quay Bar, Circular Quay. Alumnae included: Amida McGuinn (1963), Nicola Onslow (1978),
Kenya feeding fairy cakes to some Masai warriors in full dress! This made the British newspapers and led to her involvement in Cookery Club. In retirement, she raised over £100,000 for Keech Hospice Care in Luton through speaking engagements and by selling her own handicrafts. She was a regular at St Catherine’s get-togethers and last year read the lesson at the Golden Girls Reunion. Mary Berry has enjoyed a late renaissance in her career as a TV cook and her latest show, BBC’s Britain’s Best Home Cook, sees our own Philip Friend, Maths teacher at St Catherine’s for 20 years, as a competitor. We are all cheering him on as the show progresses and hoping that Mary will have kind words for the delicious food he produces. Fingers crossed as we go to print….Go Philip!
Sophie Morgan (1994), Charlotte Hill (2004), Annabel Carroll (2011), Natalie Schaffer (2011); former staff members: Deanne Solomon and Fiona Thomas and present staff member Nancy Moore. Conversations were warm and interesting, as stories of ‘Why did you come to Australia?’ and ‘How long have you been here?’ shared equal time with lots of, ‘Do you remember so and so?’ It was good to hear that both official and unofficial networking amongst alumnae was thriving! It was a happy occasion and we were all most appreciative of the support for the event from the Association Office and agreed it would be good to meet up again, perhaps in two years’ time. While The Quay Bar is a perfect central location in Sydney, Sophie’s kayaking business on Sydney Harbour (as an alternative activity/ venue) drew much interest!
SAVE THE DATE UPCOMING REUNION IN LAGOS NIGERIA We are delighted to announce that Alice Phillips and Dawn Pilkington will be hosting our first St Catherine’s reunion in Lagos on Wednesday 19th December 2018. Further information will be available soon so save the date and spread the word. We are looking forward to meeting up with as many Association members in Nigeria as possible.
YOU’RE INVITED! Celebrate the School’s birthday with us on Sunday 23rd September at 2pm. Join us for Chapel, then go behindthe-scenes of BBC’s Britain’s Best Home Cook with a talk from Philip Friend (Maths teacher and cooking star!), and then enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea. They’ll be plenty of time to catch up with friends and revisit old haunts. BOOK NOW: association@stcatherines.info
END OF TERM LECTURE HARRY ELLISON – MARCH 2018
Harriet Ellison (2010)
SAM KNIGHTS- DECEMBER 2017 THE DECEMBER END OF TERM LECTURE WAS GIVEN BY SAMANTHA KNIGHTS (1989) WHO IS A BARRISTER at Matrix, specialising in immigration and asylum law, public law and commercial law. She studied Modern Languages at University and began her working career as a journalist. It wasn’t until she was reporting on a case of refugees stuck in Estonia that she decided that she would make a difference if she retrained as a lawyer. Samantha has worked on a number of civil liberty cases both in the UK and against the Russian and Georgian governments before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. She is also a trustee for the Farkhunda Trust whose mission is to provide scholarships to women from disadvantaged backgrounds to enable them to pursue higher education and, ultimately, to contribute to shaping a progressive Afghan society.
WE WERE MOVED AND ENTERTAINED IN EQUAL MEASURE DURING HARRY ELLISON’S (2010) lecture about her role as Lead Student Fundraising Officer at Action Against Hunger. She spoke most engagingly about the charity’s operations internationally in over 45 countries and explained how they are committed to ending child hunger and saving lives. They work in prevention, helping families produce food and providing access to clean water. We all got to try on an arm band which is used to identify acute malnutrition, and saw the special food packs that are necessary to help the children regain their health at the steady speed necessary to avoid further damage. Harry’s work involves supporting others at universities in the UK to raise money on behalf of the charity. She spoke of her struggle to get through the Tough Mudder Challenge and of running her one and only marathon in order to lead by example. This year, she encouraged a number of St Catherine’s alumnae to take part in the London Marathon. You can read about their experiences on Page 3. Her commitment and enthusiasm for charity work had started at School with the Charities Board and led to her becoming President of RAG (Raise and Give) at Leeds University, where she gained a First in History. Many of the girls were inspired by her talk and proceeds from a new initiative this summer, St Cat’s Fest, will support Action Against Hunger.
We were very privileged to hear her speak as she was truly interesting and inspiring, especially for those who are looking into law for as career. We were delighted to hear that only a few days after speaking to us Samantha was made a QC. Sam Knight (1989)
CHANGING OF THE GUARD! Thank you and farewell to Catrina Gell, Hermione Menges and Lara Scadding who have been excellent in their roles as Association Prefects over the past year. A warm welcome to Bel Casciani Govan, Megan Gough and Eva Smith, who have taken on the role. CORRECTION - Issue 28 Autumn 2017 - We apologise for misattributing a photo of Shu Fey Wong to Annemarie Ko at The London Network event held at Imperial College. Shu Fey Wong very kindly gave the vote of thanks at the end of the evening. BEING IN CONTROL OF YOUR DATA AND OUR FUNDRAISING PROMISE
Nobis
non
We take your personal privacy seriously. We have a Confidentiality and Data Privacy Policy that is available on the St Catherine’s School website under ‘School Policies’. Communications we send might include publications, surveys, appeals and event marketing and may be sent by post, telephone or email. We will never release your details to any third parties for their use for marketing purposes. We are committed to high standards of fundraising, being open and honest, respectful of you and accountable for the support you give us. We adhere to the Institute of Fundraising Codes of Best Practice and as a charity are registered with the Fundraising Regulator. Our Fundraising Promise and Vulnerable Adults commitments are on the Development section of the website. If at any time you would like to change your preferences, please call Dawn Pilkington on 01483 899692 or email assocation@stcatherines.info Thank you.
Non Nobis Domine! Not unto us, O Lord, The praise or glory be... The opening of the school hymn Rudyard Kipling