The Chain 2019

OGA Chain 2019 The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff

The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff

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2 President’s welcome 3 Headmistress’ welcome 4 Summer 2019 leavers 6 School news - Greenpower racing 7 School news - Malawi trip 8 135 Celebrations 10 St Swithun’s Timeline 13 Bramston Bursary Foundation 16 St Swithun’s Way Challenge 2019 18 A Gift for Life 19 Partnership Programme 20 Old Girls’ Day 2019 22 Old Girls’ Day 2020 and Overseas Reunion 23 Spotlight - Lottie Graham 24 Spotlight - Victoria Bottomley 25 Spotlight - Perdy Light 26 Spotlight - Suzanne Cork 28 Spotlight - Jo Fiddian 30 Spotlight - Vivienne Parry 32 Spotlight - Sarah Campbell 34 Spotlight - Penelope Lake 35 The Jill Isaac Study Centre 36 Former Teacher Feature - Penny Burley 37 Former Teacher Feature Vaughan Clarke 38 Professional Guidance Department Event Reports 40 The University of Oxford Reunion 42 Professional Guidance Department Upcoming Events 43 Career Champions 45 Hamper Ball and How to join the Old Girls’ Network 46 Upcoming Events 48 Remembered with affection 50 Deborah Anne Kerridge

Contact Details If you have any queries regarding Chain magazine or the Old Girls’ Network, then please contact us using the details below:

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Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, St Swithun’s School cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author of the page and do not necessarily represent the views of St Swithun’s School.

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OGA Chain 2019

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any shape or form without prior permission from St Swithun’s School.

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Veryan Vere Hodge Head of development and alumnae relations Email: verehodgev@stswithuns.com Tel: 01962 835734 Kelly Carr Development and alumnae co-ordinator Email: carrk@stswithuns.com Tel: 01962 835782 The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff

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Welcome to our new look Chain magazine From the Editors A warm welcome to Chain 2019.

We hope you enjoy the new features and design style.

If you have news for our next edition, please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Happy reading.

Kelly and Veryan OGA@stswithuns.com T: 01962 835782

OGA Officers and Committee 2018-19 Officers President Mrs Rebecca Rothman V 1982 Headmistress (ex officio) Ms Jane Gandee Secretary Mrs Penelope Lake (Saunders) HH 1951 (retired 2019) Treasurer Mrs Roberta Brockman (Chew) CG 1968

Committee Members Mrs Christine Finch (Panton) V 1961 Miss Sophie Neyroud V 1979 Old Girls’ Day Manager (due to retire 2020)

From the OGA President As president of the Old Girls’ Association Committee, I am lucky to get a sneak preview of this magazine before it goes to print.

We are delighted in fact, that it’s not just Old Girls who have offered to share their professional experiences - our St Swithun’s parents want to help too.

One thing that struck me when looking through was that the new style enabled me to dip in and out, something very helpful in our time poor lives, and I hope you will share my view that the magazine will have broad appeal.

Wishing to maximise the opportunities open to all our Old Girls, we have decided therefore to open the Old Girls’ Association online network to current and former parents.

I loved reading the features where a spotlight was shone on a small number of our alumnae. It is wonderful to see such a variety of Old Girls’ pathways.

I was also particularly excited to read what’s been happening in the new Professional Guidance Department (launched in Summer 2019) with new professional sector events in London and university reunions.

Thank you to our new Career Champions who are kindly willing to share their professional experiences with alumnae interested in the sector that they work in and to those offering mentoring, work experience opportunities, help with interview practice and help to inspire students at the Career Speed Networking evenings.

Old Girls will still be able to use the network as they always have, searching for long lost friends, privately messaging each other and posting news and photos.

The only difference is that parents will be able to upload their career profiles to the network and offer to help with mentoring and professional opportunities.

We are also working on a new module where Old Girls and parents will be able to post and actively search for jobs based on their desired criteria.

Opening the network to parents will help vastly increase the size of the pool of contacts and opportunities open to Old Girls and I hope you agree it is a bold but a very exciting new move, which will harness the strength of the St Swithun’s community. ■

Even though we have freshened up the style, we have decided to keep the same name for this publication - Chain - and I thought you might be interested to know why it has this name.

The OGA newsletter morphed into The Chain in 2009 and took this name from Charlotte Yonge’s book The Daisy Chain (1856).

Miss Yonge’s connection with the school can be explained through her launch, in 1851, of a magazine called The Monthly Packet, designed as a Church of England paper for young people.

This paper built up a circle of admirers, among them Anna Bramston (founder of St Swithun’s) and Aimée Le Roy, who formed themselves into a society whose main object was the improvement of their minds. They asked Miss Yonge to be their president.

The Daisy Chain is a popular and beloved British Victorian novel chronicling the lives, loves and aspirations of the many delightful members of a middle-class, provincial family, the Mays.

Miss Yonge’s own preface to her book started with: “No one can be more sensible than is the Author that the present is an overgrown book of a nondescript class, neither the ‘tale’ for the young, nor the novel for their elders, but a mixture of both.”

We hope that we reflect this description in the sense that the Chain magazine appeals to a broad age range of our Old Girls.

The name Chain also reflects the lifelong links of friendship between Old Girls.

Having found The Daisy Chain online, I thought I would share with you a few lines from the opening chapter: “Miss Winter, are you busy? Do you want this afternoon?

Can you take a good long walk?”

“Ethel, my dear, how often have I told you of your impetuosity you have forgotten.”

“Very well”- with an impatient twist - “I beg your pardon.

Good-morning, Miss Winter,” said a thin, lank, angular, sallow girl, just fifteen, trembling from head to foot with restrained eagerness, as she tried to curb her tone into the requisite civility.

To read more visit: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3610 We can’t claim to replicate Miss Yonge’s writing style in this publication, but I sincerely hope you enjoy the content and learning about our new mission to help girls in care, or on the edge of care, through the Bramston Bursary Foundation.

Staff representatives

You will read about how I decided to run 33 miles for this cause and I’m pictured here, relieved and exhausted in equal measure as I cross the finishing line! ■

Head of boarding Miss Helen Carruthers Registrar Mrs Kate Cairns Head of development and alumnae relations Mrs Veryan Vere Hodge Development and alumnae co-ordinator Ms Kelly Carr

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Jane Gandee Headmistress Mrs Rebecca Rothman V 1982 The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff

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A warm welcome to the new Old Girls

Here are the courses and destinations of the summer of 2019 leavers:

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Course

Institution

International Business Management

Royal Agricultural University

German and Beginners’ Italian

University of Oxford

Ancient History

University of Bristol

French and Russian (year abroad)

University of St Andrews

Europe-North America programme

Science Po, France

Psychology

University of Nottingham

Law

University of Warwick

Medicine

King’s College London

Criminology and Sociology

Royal Holloway

Interior Design B.F.A

Pratt Institute, USA

Economics and Management

University of Bristol

Law

Newcastle University

Law

University of Bristol

Art History

University of St Andrews

Veterinary Science

University of Liverpool

Bioveterinary Sciences

Royal Veterinary College

Geography

University of Exeter

Bachelor of Arts

McGill University, Canada

Medicine

University of Nottingham

Hispanic Studies with Russian

University of Warwick

Biology

University of Groningen, Netherlands

Architecture

Cardiff University

Education with Psychology

University of Bath

Biological Sciences

University of Edinburgh

Medicine

University of Birmingham

Course

Institution

Medicine

St George’s University, Grenada

Psychology

University of Southampton

Architecture

University College London

English Literature

Durham University

Philosophy and Psychology

Durham University

Biomedical Sciences

University of Oxford

Biology

University of Southampton

Engineering Design

University of Bristol

Medicine

University of Nottingham

Social Policy and Politics

University of Bristol

Marine Biology

University of Exeter

Music

University of York

History

University of Oxford

International Relations

Durham University

Physics and Philosophy

University of Bristol

English and Modern Languages

University of Exeter

Economics and Business Management

Heriot Watt University

Criminology and Sociology

University of Nottingham

Management (with placement)

University of Bath

Economics, Finance and Management

Queen Mary University of London

Psychology

University of Warwick

Music

University of Liverpool

Natural Sciences

University of Exeter

Bachelor of Arts

And the 2019 courses and destinations of previous leavers:

Course

Institution

Management

University of Warwick

McGill University, Canada

History of Art

Oxford Brookes University

Sociology

London School of Economics

International Relations and History

London School of Economics

Fashion Design

Falmouth University

Physiotherapy

University of East Anglia

Art Foundation

Kingston Art College

Medicine

Cardiff University

Sustainable Development

University of St Andrews

Politics

University of Exeter

Biochemistry

University of Southampton

Economics and Management

University of Oxford The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff

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Greenpower 2019 Each year, at least one team from St Swithun’s enters the Greenpower racing competition and for the last 19 years the girls have reached the final.

The finals took place at the Silverstone Circuit on 17 October 2019 - exactly 20 years since the first ever event took place. Back then, local teams took part in a single race but today the competition is open to teams internationally, across three different categories. This year, over 100 cars competed on the day.

The girls built two cars: Rubidium (a complete kit car donated by the PTA) and Cobolt (built completely from scratch).

Everyone who helps design and build the cars gets a turn to drive them and the after school club where the action takes place is always a very popular one.

In fact, that is the intention of the Greenpower Education Trust (GET) - to enthuse young people about science and engineering by challenging them to build and race an electric car.

At the track, the girls were also supported by their sponsors RS and despite testing weather conditions, Rubidium placed 56 out of 95 cars and Cobolt came 32nd in the grand final.

Turn to page 37 to read about former teacher Vaughan Clarke who established this tradition at St Swithun’s. ■

Last summer, 23 St Swithun’s girls and three staff jetted off to Africa for four weeks of community, conservation and adventure... Malawian style!

Camp Kumbali After a long journey, Camp Kumbali was their first stop. Once settled in the girls began working at the local kindergarten, finding themselves building the children a new playground. At the end of their short stay, they were excited to present the children with a swing, climbing frame and a tyre dome to play on.

They learnt many things about the history, politics and culture of Malawi, including lessons in the local dialect Chichewa.

Camp Kuti At their second camp, the team embarked upon more exciting community projects.

Their challenge was to build 58 sustainable stoves for the villagers, the idea being that these would help reduce deforestation and improve issues associated with smoke inhalation. The girls exceeded all expectations and actually built a total of 312 stoves across four villages.

There was an impressive array of African wildlife, including zebra, wildebeest and giraffes at Camp Kuti.

Camp Cape McClear In this exquisitely beautiful setting bordering Lake Malawi, the girls took on yet more community projects. This stop saw them making baskets out of wire and bottle caps, forming briquettes, planting seeds, painting murals on the kindergarten walls and plastering buildings.

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Malawi Trip July 2019 Camp Mvuu At Camp Mvuu the expedition party experienced a game drive and boat safari, adding impalas, warthogs, buffalos, crocodiles, hippos, lions and elephants to the list of exotic animals they encountered.

Mt Mulanje The final destination was the mighty Mt Mulanje for an epic three day and two night trek to the summit.

Initially the girls had to reach the camp at 2300m which took them ten hours over 12km of tricky terrain.

After a nervous night’s sleep they set off at 6am the following morning on their ascent to the summit, finally reaching the peak at midday.

What an outstanding achievement…it truly was the adventure of a lifetime. ■

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135 Celebrations When St Swithun’s first opened its doors at what is now 17 Southgate Street, with just 17 day girls, the morning was for academic classes with more leisurely pursuits in the afternoon.

Although the school came in for some criticism in its early days for being too intellectually demanding, its pace of life now seems unimaginably slow to modern students.

In the summer of 2019, we celebrated 135 years of the school. We began the day with an introduction to the early days of St Swithun’s: the boarders who slept outside when the weather was good; the decision to move up the hill away from the ‘heavy traffic’ of Winchester in the 1930s; the change of name from Winchester High School for Girls to St Swithun’s in 1927; the first hockey match against the ‘burly and experienced’ girls of Queen Anne’s; the change to lacrosse; the dreaded outdoor swimming pool and so on.

Our students took part in lessons in the style of earlier decades or focused on key world events from the past 135 years. So it was, for example, that L6 experienced the student uprisings of May 1968 and the advent of pirate radio whilst M5 practised German listening with a cassette player and debated the babies who ‘disappeared’ in Franco’s Spain. U4 tried conducting research without recourse to the internet and L5 learnt about botanical drawing and how to use trig tables for maths.

We shot back to the 21st century with a Kahoot quiz on St Swithun’s and the last 135 years before an afternoon of more leisurely pursuits such as traditional playground games. This included the frankly dangerous ‘jumping over elastic round your knees’ and the less energetic Cat’s Cradle.

Students also learnt WWII first aid, entertained Old Girls for tea, took part in a nature walk and tried formation gymnastics and reeling as practised to celebrate the 75th anniversary of St Swithun’s.

In the afternoon all pupils from the prep and senior school, staff and Old Girls gathered together for a photographic recreation of the St Swithun’s daisy, which makes me think again of the daisy’s symbolic roots and connection to Miss Yonge’s The Daisy Chain book that I referred to in my introduction to this publication.

The day’s finale saw us gathered in Harvey Hall for stirring communal singing. Of course, in true St Swithun’s tradition, it was also an opportunity for cake! ■

Jane Gandee Headmistress

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The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff

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Celebrating 135 years of St Swithun’s (1884 - 2019)

1909

Lacrosse report “It is good to be able to say that for one year at any rate (through force of circumstances) lacrosse has taken the place of hockey.

May this desirable state of affairs continue! The level of the play in one or two of the House matches was decidedly higher than last year.”

1884 Where it all began…

Original school building, North Walls 1886

Inspirational leaders “During all these early years, as later, Miss Bramston and Miss Le Roy were at the back of everything, in the thick of everything, and always to the fore - in short, a vital part of the life of the School.”

“The history of St Swithun’s school is a story of Winchester’s community spirit, public support and the 19th century enthusiasm to improve girls’ education. In 1883 a campaign was organised by Anna Bramston, daughter of the then Dean of Winchester, with the purpose of establishing a school to provide a ‘sound and thorough’ education for girls in Winchester and its neighbourhood.

The idea found support across the local community: the cathedral, the college, the professions and trades were all represented in the committee of men and women who set about raising the necessary funds to start the school. On 5 May 1884, 17 pupils began attending Winchester High School for Girls. The original 17 soon grew to over 60 and the school took day pupils and boarders.”

Lacrosse 1st XII in 1911

1932

Moving to the new building On 2 October the Bishop of Winchester informally opened the school. The cost of building the school was £48,352 and of that £40,000 had been borrowed. HRH the Princess Royal formally opened the school, on 10 March, in front of nearly 1000 people.

HRH the Princess Royal and Miss Finlay

Annette Hutton (Rouse) HC 1949 reminisces about her spring term of 1947…

“It was one of the coldest winters of the century. There was a national coal shortage and the gardener used flower pots to make ‘bricks’ out of coal dust mixed with cement.

They gave out very little heat but they were all we had to burn on the common room fires. In those days we all had washstands with a bowl, jug for hot water and a slop bucket, and for weeks we woke up in the morning to find our flannels had frozen stiff in the night.”

World War II In 1942 all the school’s buildings were taken over including the one laboratory and later in the year the American army occupied school as a military hospital.

D-Day brought a huge influx of patients - as many as 700 a day, some of whom were German prisoners.

1898 Miss Bramston and Miss Le Roy

Hockey practice

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Hockey report “Our hearty thanks are due to the Members of the Wolvesey Ladies’ Hockey Club who have so kindly allowed us to play at Wolvesey on their days, thus affording us the double advantage of more frequent games and of practising with experienced players. A great improvement has been made this season for which we are all thankful.”

Pupils returning after World War II

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Bramston Bursary Foundation

Cast of Oliver!

The truth is, independent schools are pretty good at offering bursary places these days for children whose parents cannot afford the fees.

1977

This has many benefits. It helps schools to keep their charitable status, but more importantly, it is a huge advantage to not only the individuals benefiting from a top rate education, but to all pupils. To have a healthy mix of students with a variety of backgrounds prepares everyone well for life beyond the school gates. It also ensures that independent schools don’t just become the privilege of the extremely wealthy.

1995

Oliver!

“It was amazing how Miss Pemberton, the make-up organiser, kept her calm when cries of ‘Is my nose the right colour?’ and ‘My eye’s all smudged,’ floated round the Singing Room where little groups of multi-coloured figures stood, chattering nervously.

But ‘Food, Glorious, Food’ was one of our favourite songs and by the end of that energetic song, our spirits had risen and all signs of nerves had left us.”

Swimming report

“This has been the first year when we have been able to train all year round, thanks to the new swimming pool. This has meant the swimming team has improved and increased in number, with regular training three times a week.”

St Swithun’s has for many years allocated a percentage of its annual fee income to support bursaries like these in the belief that nothing should stop a talented and hardworking girl from reaching her full potential.

This, however, is just one of a number of different types of bursaries. At St Swithun’s, we offer:

Harry Potter room

Affordability bursaries (as described above) where new parents to the school need some top up support, between 25 - 75%, to enable them to afford the fees.

New swimming pool

2019 Harry Potter room

One of the upstairs spaces was refurbished in the style of Hogwarts to provide an engaging place for girls to read and study.

Old Girl Bridget Jackson V 1950 (pictured here with Roberta Brockman (Chew) CG 1968 and Sophie Neyroud V 1979) kindly donated her grandfather clock which has added to the room’s authenticity.

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Hardship bursaries, where parents of current students can no longer afford a St Swithun’s education. This normally results from a significant change of circumstances in the family situation, such as a death of a parent.

Transformational full bursaries, for girls whose family’s financial circumstances mean that a St Swithun’s education would otherwise be impossible.

These transformational full bursaries fall themselves into three different categories: 1. F or girls from homes where income is at a low level and an independent education would otherwise be completely out of reach.

2. F or girls who are identified by HMC (Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference) as HMC Projects scholars from Eastern European countries.

“It is clear from my visit to St Swithun’s today that Looked After Children could greatly benefit from the daily routine and structure that an independent boarding school provides - and for some children, though not all, this will be an ideal choice. It was heartening to see the genuine love the housemistress and team have for all the girls.”

The bursaries described above are awarded at St Swithun’s and they are all funded from the school’s annual allocation of fee income.

3. T he third category is what makes the St Swithun’s bursary programme stands out from other independent schools. Through the Bramston Bursary Foundation (BBF) the school has launched a new, far reaching and ambitious goal. The Bramston Bursary Foundation’s focus is to provide transformational full bursaries for girls who are currently in care, or who are on the edge of care, or for vulnerable girls from disadvantaged communities who would thrive emotionally and academically if given the stability of a St Swithun’s boarding education.

These girls are likely to be identified by our partners: Hampshire County Council’s Virtual School, Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation and Buttle UK. Hampshire County Council’s Virtual School and College for Children in Care leads the local authority’s work around improving the educational outcomes of care-experienced children. They work in partnership with schools, social care, foster carers, health and other key partners across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and in other local authority areas where children may be placed.

Anwen Foy, Executive Head Teacher for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Virtual School for Children in Care

Continued overleaf…

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“It is clear that ‐ for the right person at the right school at the right time ‐ boarding school can be transformational.”

Lord Agnew, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the School System

“Sometimes it’s the people no one imagines anything of, who do the things that no one can imagine.”

Alan Turing OBE FRS, 1912‐1954 Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation (Royal SpringBoard) gives life transforming opportunities to children in over 90 state and independent boarding schools through the country.

It partners with a range of organisations who work with disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people and is able to nominate candidates. Its partners include charities, mentoring organisations, state day schools and local authorities, who are looking to achieve the best possible outcomes for children. Typically, the children Royal SpringBoard helps come from a background of social deprivation and some may have gone through such harrowing experiences as dealing with the death of a parent or abuse in one of its many forms. They may be on the edge of care, or they may already be in care.

“89% of Royal SpringBoard school leavers have secured places at university compared with just 26% of disadvantaged pupils nationally.”

Dr Claire Hodgskiss, from Royal SpringBoard, describes one girl’s experience:

Adrienne Gregory from Buttle UK explains why the children they help need support:

Patrick came to share his experience with us.

He said:

“I was thinking about one of our individuals who you could count as vulnerable and disadvantaged at the same time. She went into care and she was with a foster family, she had been witness to domestic violence, you name it, this child had seen it, and she decided in Year 9, ‘Do you know what? I’m going to do something about this, I don’t want this to be my future.’ I’m pleased to say that child is predicted to score 43 in her IB [International Baccalaureate] and has just been offered a place at Cambridge. That is the kind of life transformation we can offer.”

“Some of the children we encounter, their home lives have gotten so chaotic, and they’re on the edge of going into care, and the outcome for those children is unfortunately really terrible and so, for those children who are missing that stability and that routine at home, we find boarding places.

“Here are the statistics: in 2018, 17% of children in care got 5 GSCEs [grades A*‐C] compared with 60% of children not in care.

This opportunity is really their chance to thrive. I can guarantee you, it will absolutely change the course of their lives.”

OGA Chain 2019

1 in 3 homeless people today have been in the care system.

37% of youth offenders in prison have been in the care system.

For 65 years Buttle UK has funded boarding school places for vulnerable children. Some families face serious issues, where parents or carers are struggling to cope and which mean that the child may be at risk of going into care. They believe strongly that boarding can offer an environment where some of these children can flourish.

So when people say to me, ‘why do you want children in care to go to boarding school?’ the answer is those statistics. That’s the reason.

Because children in care who go to boarding schools like St Swithun’s go to university, it’s as simple as that.

We are also working with expert Patrick Finegan who is a qualified teacher with extensive experience in all phases of education. He is an experienced Virtual Head for Looked After Children and was a Lead Ofsted Inspector. He was also ministerial adviser for Edward Timpson MP and the Department for Education. Mr Finegan has been an expert witness for the House of Commons Select Committee for Looked After Children and is a trustee of the Institute of Recovery from Childhood Trauma. Patrick is currently Virtual Head in Wokingham and is training schools in attachment and trauma.

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25% of children in care have zero qualifications. If you have zero qualifications, there are usually four choices and they’re not very good: homelessness, the sex trade, drugs or prison, that’s usually it.

My experience of children in the care system who have gone to boarding school has been nothing but positive.

It’s been absolutely fabulous.

Now cost. Some of our children unfortunately have multiple foster carers and they break the placements usually because they want to get home. But they can’t get home because their parents can’t look after them. Eventually they end up in what we call 52 week residential homes with a ‘school’ attached.

How much does it cost to put a child in one of these residential homes for a year? £250,000 a year per child to go to these institutions.

And guess what they come out with? Zero qualifications. Isn’t that horrendous? But it’s true.

One of the main things to understand, is that this isn’t about getting all Looked After Children into boarding school. It’s about the right child, with the right circumstances for the care package. That’s the crucial part.

‘It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults,’ that’s a Frederick Douglass quote.

So why do we do this for such a few children?

What difference are we making?

Quick story: a man was walking along the beach, huge storm the night before, starfish all over the beach, hot sun and they’re dying.

There’s a little girl walking along the edge and she’s picking up the starfish and she’s throwing them back, and there are thousands. So a man walks over to her and says, ‘that’s very nice but you’re not making any difference.’

So the little girl picks up another starfish and she looks at it and she says, ‘I am to him,’ and throws him back into the sea.

And that’s why we do it, we are making a difference for certain children, and it is transformational for them.”

“20 per cent of those in care experience homelessness within two years of leaving.”

Shelter FactSheet

“For 19 to 21 year old care leavers, only 6% (as a percentage of all young people) are known to be in higher education i.e. studies beyond A level.”

Department of Education. A guide to Looked After Children statistics in England, May 2019

We appreciate this article may leave you with questions, such as, ‘what happens in the holidays?’, ‘does the school have the right level of expertise?’, ‘will the children be able to join in with school trips?’ and we encourage you to visit our web pages which includes a Q&A to find out more: www.stswithuns.com/aboutus/ bramston‐bursary‐foundation

BBF Goal To fulfil the Bramston Bursary Foundation’s ambitions to fund two new places each year for students to start in L4 (Year 7), we need to be confident that we have the funds to pay for their entire education through to the end of sixth form (even though on some occasions we may also be able to obtain funding from our local authority and charity partners).

We therefore need to raise at least £250,000 per annum, which St Swithun’s will match. ■

If you would like to help BBF to change lives, please join the 1884 CLUB All members commit to donating a regular gift of £18.84 every month, quarter, or just once a year to commemorate the school’s founding year.

To join, visit www.stswithuns.com/aboutus/ bramston‐bursaryfoundation For more information about the Bramston Bursary Foundation please contact Veryan Vere Hodge Head of development and alumnae relations E: verehodgev@stswithuns.com T: 01962 835734

Thank you The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff

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St Swithun’s Way Challenge 2019 Headmistress, Jane Gandee decided to run 33 miles to raise funds for the Bramston Bursary Foundation, which has a new mission to help girls in care, or on the edge of care, by offering the safety and security of a St Swithun’s boarding place.

Although Jane is a keen sportswoman, having represented Cambridge at athletics and cross country and captained the university’s women’s football team, she had only ever run a half marathon before.

On 22 September 2019 an epic challenge was undertaken to run the St Swithun’s Way, a country track between Farnham and Winchester. The whole school community was inspired to follow Jane’s lead and took part by running or walking a 33, 18, nine or three mile course.

With enormous thanks to all the participants and their supporters, all the volunteers, and our corporate sponsors, a staggering £30,000 was raised for the Bramston Bursary Foundation.

300 students, parents, teachers, support staff and Old Girls took part. Congratulations to our most senior participant: Old Girl Sue Greenway HC 1961 who walked the 9 mile route.

After torrential downpours, which did nothing to dampen the St Swithun’s spirit, the sun greeted participants as they crossed the finish line on the school field.

Physio massages, hot food, a bar, climbing wall, bouncy slide and bungee run plus live music from our St Swithun’s girls and teacher band rounded the day off in style. ■

Sign up for the St Swithun’s Way Challenge on Sunday 27 September 2020 by emailing OGA@stswithuns.com

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A Gift for Life

Partnership Programme State school partnerships Over 30 pupils from Oliver’s Battery Primary School visit St Swithun’s each week for academic enrichment sessions in maths, French, art and drama, led by St Swithun’s staff and pupils. Pupils from St Swithun’s also visit Oliver’s Battery to deliver weekly individual reading support to 40 pupils, and 60 pupils from Oliver’s Battery visit St Swithun’s for weekly swimming lessons.

Whilst our school buildings do not define St Swithun’s as our community does, the wonderful estate contributes immeasurably to life here.

“Education is all about partnerships and we are really pleased to be working with St Swithun’s School.

We visit their school on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Tuesdays involve academic enrichment, working with the specialist teachers at St Swithun’s, and Thursdays we use their swimming facilities and swimming coaches for year 3. St Swithun’s provides not only the facilities, but also the transport. On Friday afternoons a group of pupils visit our school and listen to readers in year 1 and 2.

Since the school’s foundation individuals have made personal contributions in order to help fund the superb facilities we have today.

It is a common misconception that St Swithun’s is a wealthy school. In reality, it does not have a large endowment and relies on fee income for its annual running costs.

It is only through a combination of the school’s financial resources and philanthropic support therefore, that the school will be able to continue providing its girls with the top class teaching facilities in which they can excel in traditional subjects and also keep up with the pace of innovation.

We wish to share St Swithun’s and give as many girls as possible the chance to benefit from all it has to offer.

The school was founded by Anna Bramston in 1884, with a mission to provide girls, irrespective of background, with the same educational opportunities as those available to boys.

The Bramston Bursary Foundation strives to continue Anna’s legacy.

Believing that nothing should stop a talented and hardworking girl from reaching her full potential, the Foundation provides life changing full bursaries to study at St Swithun’s.

Now, for the first time, the Bramston Bursary Foundation’s focus is to provide boarding places for children in care, as well as for girls who are living at home but whom our partner charity and local authority experts believe would thrive both emotionally and academically if given the stability and opportunities of a boarding school education.

Keeping St Swithun’s open to a diverse and vibrant community enriches everyone’s experience and prepares all our girls for life beyond the school gates.

If you would like to help future generations of St Swithun’s girls, you may like to consider leaving a legacy, whether it is your wish to

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support the Bramston Bursary Foundation directly, or perhaps a department in the school that is close to your heart.

As a charitable legacy, your contribution will be deducted from your estate before the amount of inheritance tax is calculated. An estate can pay inheritance tax at a reduced rate of 36% on some assets if you leave 10% or more of the ‘net value’ to charity in your will.

If you decide you would like to leave a legacy, we would be very grateful if you would let us know. You do not need to provide the details of the legacy if you do not wish to, nor is the pledge in any way binding. It is simply a statement of your present intention - and we would just like to say thank you. ■ Professor Natalie Lee Chair of Council

We are really excited about this opportunity and know that this will add to the rich curriculum that we already offer here at school.”

Miss F Wood, former Headteacher Oliver’s Battery Primary School Over 30 pupils from Sun Hill Junior School visit St Swithun’s each week for science enrichment sessions, led by St Swithun’s staff and pupils. 60 pupils from Sun Hill visit St Swithun’s for weekly swimming lessons in the summer term.

“The children have loved their sessions with you and have learned a lot about the processes that were being studied.

The practical sessions have enabled them to explore the concepts more fully gaining first-hand experience that has been hugely beneficial and an experience that we could not have provided.”

Sue Griffiths, Headteacher, Sun Hill Junior School

30 pupils from All Saints C of E Primary School visit St Swithun’s each week for drama enrichment sessions, led by St Swithun’s staff and pupils. The Head of Outdoor Learning at St Swithun’s Prep School is working with her counterpart at All Saints to develop an All Saints outdoor learning programme.

St Swithun’s pupils also deliver weekly reading to 20 Winnall Primary School pupils.

Community partnerships In conjunction with Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club, St Swithun’s runs holiday swimming tuition and activity programmes for children from the Winnall and Highcliffe areas who receive pupil premium funding. We run 10 of these days each year with over 30 children attending free of charge.

To celebrate the end of their GCSEs, 25 U5 pupils spent time volunteering at Unit 12, a community facility in Winnall, which aims to provide excellent learning opportunities and skills development by building links with support services and working alongside professional performing arts organisations.

The girls took responsibility for internal redecorations, some significant garden clearance, designing and building outdoor furniture, creation of publicity material and organising a BBQ on the final day for local businesses. Expressing his thanks at the end of the project, Unit 12 Manager, Jamie Robinson explained that in three days the girls had completed tasks that would otherwise have taken six months to achieve. ■

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Old Girls’ Day 2019 This year’s sunny celebration included a prosecco reception in High House garden followed by student-led tours of the boarding houses. After a buffet lunch, the AGM took place in Harvey Hall and was followed by the first ever St Swithun’s Question Time. Later on, Old Girls gathered together to sing their favourite songs from Gaudy before ending a wonderful day with a delicious afternoon tea.

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The Old Girls’ Association is delighted to invite you to Old Girls’ Day on

Saturday 12 September 2020 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Pastries and prosecco Boarding house tour Buffet lunch St Swithun’s Question Time Gaudy singalong Afternoon tea

Meet up with friends and be reunited with school contemporaries you have lost touch with

All Old Girls and former staff are extremely welcome RSVP

Veryan Vere Hodge

1. First name

E: OGA@stswithuns.com T: 01962 835782

Please confirm your attendance, with the following information: 2. Surname 3. Surname you had at school if different 4. Your leaving year

Head of alumnae relations

St Swithun’s School, Alresford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HA

Overseas Reunion Are you an Old Girl living overseas? Do you live near other Old Girls? If you can answer yes to both these questions, then why not arrange your own overseas reunion on the same day? We would love to hear from you and find out what you are doing.

Lottie Graham V 2011 is currently living in Vancouver, working on an animation film about plastic pollution and the environment. It’s a subject close to her heart and she is excited to see how it will all turn out. “It’s a long process,” she explains, “there are possibilities of it remaining as a short film or being developed into a children’s TV series. A process like this can take a number of years or it can be green-lit in the next month.

It all depends on the support we gain and collaboration with other production companies.”

Clear Direction

It’s been a long journey for Lottie to get to where she is now. She finally has her own independent production label called I90 West Productions and the script to her first feature film, entitled Scarlet, went through to the final stages of the Sundance Film Festival Development Lab application process. At the time, she did not have a ‘proof ’ (or short film) to go with the script to showcase the visual potential of the film, so this year, Lottie directed the short film to accompany her feature. The short will also act as a film in its own right and begin touring international film festivals next year.

Lottie directed her film on location in Arizona, USA, alongside a female cinematographer. “There was pressure to do a good job and lead successfully but I had a team that were as passionate about the whole project as I was and who were all hugely talented in their fields, which made it a dream to work on set with them.

When I was at St. Swithun’s I loved my time there. I remember in my last year I was studious but painfully shy. However there was this brilliant teacher, Miss Oliver, who encouraged me to speak in class. It was just a tiny push, but that was all I needed and I haven’t looked back since. It really was great being part of a group of girls who supported each other.”

“It was a great experience being an assistant to the producer but commuting for two and a half hours to work was exhausting. I made the huge decision to spend a year at home, writing and working on my portfolio whilst walking dogs and working in a coffee shop.

As a result, my animation film idea attracted an investor which led to me setting up my company and starting Scarlet.

When she was at school Lottie loved the idea of becoming a film director but there were so few female directors that it seemed an almost impossible dream. She decided to focus on screenwriting instead and went to study English Literature at university.

This was quickly followed by a graduate course in film making in Los Angeles and an internship with a US production company.

It’s such a competitive industry. You have to work hard and prove yourself to be an asset and indispensable within a crew.”

Back in the UK, Lottie worked for another production company in London to gain more experience and started saving some money.

Lottie, however, has never given up on her dream and has kept on pushing forward. In the future she would love to direct feature films so in the meantime she is continuing to work hard whilst actively encouraging other young women who want to break into the film industry. ■

5. Your House 6. N ame/s of non Old Girl guests coming with you

Please note: There is no charge for any element of Old Girls’ Day for you and your family, but please register to reserve your place/s.

Lunch will be provided and allergen information displayed, but please advise if you have any special dietary requirements.

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Parking for those with limited mobility and wheelchair access can be arranged upon request and if you would like a relative or carer to accompany you, they would be most welcome.

For OGs bringing their children, there will be a kids’ zone corner in the dining room with a child friendly selection of food and DVDs. ■

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Sailing to Success

The St Swithun’s crew aboard their Sunsail

High Flyer Victoria Bottomley HC 2012 is now a First Officer flying aircraft with EasyJet out of Liverpool to destinations all over Europe. We caught up with her on her day off to ask about her experiences…

So what inspired you to be an airline pilot?

“I went to Royal Holloway and studied English Literature but even though my Dad was a pilot for BA it wasn’t something I’d thought I’d pursue. Later, I saw a documentary on female pilots in the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) who were totally awe-inspiring, so I investigated life as a military pilot but eventually chose commercial aviation. I was finally accepted into flight school on my third attempt and heard the good news whilst working in the editorial team at the publisher Penguin Random House. I’d only been there six months and dreaded telling my boss but, as a flying enthusiast, he was delighted for me that I’d been accepted and ran around the office telling everybody.”

How many hours a week do you work?

“We are capped at 100 hours flying per month due to fatigue and other negative effects of flying on the body. I usually have four days on and three days off but this can increase to five on and two off during the Summer when it’s much busier. My timetable changes all the time depending on delays, staffing issues, passenger emergencies and technical faults. A typical day might see me fly from Liverpool to Jersey and back in the morning followed by Liverpool to Barcelona and back in the afternoon. We fly to most major destinations in Europe.”

Can you tell us about one of these unscheduled changes?

“There was one occasion where a passenger had a psychotic break on board and we knew they would receive the best medical help down on the ground. We were flying back from Palma to Liverpool but quickly

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Perdy Light HC 2016 took part in the Arrow Trophy for the first time in an all girls’ team last October and placed an impressive fourth out of twenty five crews, to win the Radley Shaker Trophy (the fourth place prize).

decided to land at Bordeaux instead, as that was the nearest airport at the time.

Unfortunately, there was only a skeleton crew available at Bordeaux airport and the refueller took over two hours to arrive.

This delay meant our captain reached his maximum legal flying hours so everybody had to be put up in a hotel overnight and flown back the next day.”

What are your career ambitions?

“I’d like to become a captain, which usually takes around six years with EasyJet. There are lots of options open to you as you progress - you could train others, run a base or work in safety, for example.”

How many women are in the industry?

“Female airline pilots currently represent 4% of pilots worldwide but EasyJet currently

employ around 6% and increasing. When I first started my Ground School training there were 20 of us and I was one of only three girls. Later on, when I came to take my MPL (multi-pilot licence), I was the only female in a group of eight. Now I’m one of 10 women flying from Liverpool. It has taken me just under two years to qualify and one of the most important things I’ve learnt is to have confidence in myself and my abilities.”

The Arrow Trophy, a sailing competition run by the Royal London Yacht Club, is open to former pupils of independent schools. It began in 1987 as a competition between Harrow and Eton and now boasts between 15 and 25 teams each year. Taking place aboard Sunsail F40s out of Cowes on the Isle of Wight, there are now a total of five trophies to be won.

Perdy formed part of a 12-strong all female crew, nine of whom were St Swithun’s Old Girls. A complete mix of ages, experience and ability, the team had only sailed together once before during their training day a couple of weeks before the event. Perdy laughed, “the night before the boys were saying, ‘don’t feel bad if you don’t get anywhere. Come on our boat!’ but we did so well and they had never had a girls’ team place so high before.

We want to do it again next year.”

The winners were a team from Winchester College who have been sailing together for

The first St Swithun’s all female crew

25 years. Perdy didn’t mind losing to such an established team - many of whom had sisters who went to St Swithun’s. The prize giving will take place in a few weeks’ time and the women are looking forward to seeing each other again to celebrate their fantastic success.

Perdy attributes her team’s spirt and drive to their days at St Swithun’s. “There was always a sense of resilience and girl power at school… always a feeling of fun competition.” That positive mindset certainly paid off during the competition, as the St Swithun’s team beat the likes of Marlborough, Harrow and a team from Dulwich with Perdy’s brother in it!

Other alumnae crewing with Perdy were: Emma Lamb HH 1998, Nicola Butler (Robson) HH 1984, Alexandra Ling CG 2016, Claire Lainson (Delbridge) CG 1985, Olivia Williams ED 2016, Sophia Harper ED 2016, Gabriella Stewart ED 2016 and Lara Clementson ED 1987. Well done all of you for such an amazing first effort and we look forward to hearing about next year’s adventure. ■

St Swithun’s vs Winchester College at sea

What did your time at St Swithun’s teach you?

“It taught me that I could do anything if I wanted it enough and to pursue something I had a passion for. Being a boarder helped me learn the value of teamwork and pulling together to achieve a common goal - that’s something I draw upon every time I’m in the cockpit with my crew.” ■ The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff

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A healthy approach to life

Suzanne Cork (Robson) HH 1999 took a traditional route after leaving St Swithun’s and studied law at Bristol University. She secured a job at a top London law firm and subsequently found herself working hard in Monaco.

All was well until, at the age of 28, Suzanne discovered a lump in her abdomen. Tests showed it was an 11 cm fibroid in her uterus.

As a result of this, Suzanne decided to reevaluate her life; she no longer wanted to be burning the candle at both ends.

She began to look into the underlying causes of her condition and was drawn towards two areas: yoga and nutrition. Her research and analytical skills from working in law helped her to define her new path.

First Suzanne decided to train as a Yogi and enrolled in an intensive, month-long course in Bali where she studied the physical and philosophical aspects of yoga, learnt about the mind-body connection and about stress and all its effects on a person. She is now a 300+ hour Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor.

In 2013 Suzanne qualified as a Health Coach with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York, the largest nutrition school in the world. Living in Dubai at the time, she decided to run her first retreat the following year for men and women. It was a great success but after running a subsequent

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retreat which happened to be just women, she had such a sense of ‘sisterhood’ that she decided to focus her work solely on women after that.

Suzanne felt that women craved a safe environment in which to open up and be themselves with no barriers. Many women from different walks of life came together and shared their experiences openly and honestly.

Now based in the UK, Suzanne’s yoga retreats aren’t just a place for physical and emotional development as she includes a workshop to stimulate the mind too. Examples of previous workshops include leadership skills, essential oils and psychotherapy. Understandably, they have proven very popular.

In between these weekends, Suzanne also runs six week health coaching programmes based on her nutritional therapy knowledge.

Several years into her new life path and two very precious children later, Suzanne has now come full circle. Incredibly, she finds time to practice law on a consultancy basis

and feels this is the perfect balance for her.

She remembers St Swithun’s fondly and loved being a weekly boarder in High House.

She made many strong friendships during this time and felt she had a second family at school.

Suzanne’s first visit back to St Swithun’s recently was to help out at one of our Careers Speed Networking events - where representatives from different industries talk to students interested in those fields. She was amazed at the changes she saw, including the impressive Bramston Library where the careers evening took place.

Suzanne’s advice for the girls that evening was to find the thing that ‘lights you up’ as you are more likely to be good at the thing that excites you because of your innate passion for it.

Suzanne has certainly found her passion in yoga and nutrition and if you would like to discover more about it for yourself, then please take a look at her website: www.suzannecork.com ■

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Shaping the Nation St Swithun’s alumna Jo Fiddian ED 1999 came to Old Girls’ Day this year with her family. We asked her to tell us all about them and her successful career in the Civil Service.

Tell us about your family “I live with my partner Zac and we have two children. Caspar is seven now and is in year 3. In fact I’m just thinking about his cardboard Mayan temple for his school project. He’s going to make it when he gets home from school and has all these crazy ideas for it!

Penny (Penelope) is four now. She is in year R full time and even though she loves it, she finds it exhausting. I felt bereft when she finally started school.

With both of them in full time education now, we have to plan everything in advance and time just disappears in this endless cycle of terms. It’s all speeding up and it feels like they’ll be at university all of a sudden!”

Do you find it exhausting being a mum and a civil servant?

“Well there have certainly been times when I felt like I was doing neither job well! After I had Caspar I went part time but just ended up doing a full time job in part time hours.

Now I job share which works much better for me. I know that when I am off work my role is being competently covered so I feel like I’m properly off work. It’s also better for our team too as they have more consistency and our department certainly gets good value for money!

I’m currently working three days a week and one of those is from home. I’ve noticed a reduced tolerance for faff in myself since having children. These days I’m looking for greater efficiency at work and I really value my days off.”

Have you noticed a trend towards more flexible working conditions?

“Definitely. With improvements in technology and the use of laptops there’s been a clear shift enabling people to work all over the country instead of just in London.

We use Skype and teleconferencing for meetings too. I think it’s resulted in a greater diversity of thought and experience as employers can cast their net wider when looking for staff.”

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Are there many women in the Senior Civil Service?

“Senior civil servants only form 1.3% of the total number of civil servants in the UK (approximately 415,000). There are around 5000 people in the Senior Civil Service and roughly 43% of those are women. This is a huge increase from 17% back in 1996.”

(Source: Institute for Government).

What advice would you give to the girls at school now?

“I would say, ‘do what you love and see where it takes you. Follow your interests and passions.’ It’s great to have an idea of where you want to go but be flexible. You cannot control everything in your life and it’s helpful to get used to that idea early on.

I originally applied to the Foreign Office which is a long application process. Then I met my partner Zac and felt really happy and settled with my life in London. I didn’t like the thought of suddenly being posted to somewhere like Kazakhstan and decided that that particular lifestyle was no longer for me. So I changed my posting and was

drafted to work on domestic policy at the Home Office.”

What did your first role entail?

“My first role in the Home Office was to work on developing sexual violence policy.

We helped increase the number of SARCs (sexual assault referral centres) in the UK which enable victims to get all the help and advice they need in one place. It was so satisfying to be making a difference in such a sensitive area.”

What other roles have you held?

“I have had a variety of roles across the justice sector, including seven years at HM Courts and Tribunal Services. Until last year I was responsible for operational policy for the criminal courts - areas such as reducing waiting times for witnesses and increasing the use of technology in court processes.

I always thought I’d be working in an organisation outside of government and ‘poke’ them from outside but I love being part of policy making.”

Which department are you in now?

“A year ago I moved to be a senior civil servant at the Legal Aid Agency, part of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). There are two main parts to my role: I’m responsible for implementing Legal Aid policy in the organisation and advising ministers of operational changes. My other responsibility is to commission Legal Aid services from new providers using a tender process. It’s pretty interesting and delicate at times.”

Are you worried about job security in our unstable political climate?

“Well there’s lots of uncertainty surrounding the recent election but the UK Civil Service is a politically neutral part of Government so we operate under whichever party is in power at the time.”

It’s great you come to the reunion.

How did you feel about boarding at St Swithun’s?

“I loved my time at school. We had many quirky and wonderful teachers, like Mr

Brewer and Mr Clarke, who made learning so interesting. Life in the dorms was brilliant too - full of silliness and ghost stories!

I have many fond memories of playing lacrosse with Miss Roberts and even travelling to Australia and the Czech Republic for the European and World Lacrosse Championships.

I used to take part in the inter-house music competitions, school productions and I even sang Motown music in a soul band with WinCol. My family was extremely impressed with the facilities at St Swithun’s; especially Harvey Hall, the new Performing Arts Centre.”

What did St Swithun’s instil in you then?

“A sense of confidence and a ‘you can do that’ mentality.” ■

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The Art of Science These days you are just as likely to find Vivienne Parry (Mills) HA 1974 in a recording studio as you might at a conference in Saudi Arabia. So what led her to this intriguing lifestyle?

After Vivienne left St Swithun’s, she went to study zoology at university.

Her degree included many different topics, including animal behaviour, immunology and genetics. This love for biology was ignited by Miss Bevan her former St Swithun’s science teacher and despite a terrible reputation for breaking equipment in practicals, Vivienne excelled in this field.

Her first job took her to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists where she worked for a mother and baby charity, researching, organising events and working alongside their patron, HRH the Princess of Wales, for 12 years.

However, despite this flair for science and medicine, Vivienne, who had never lost her love of writing since her school days, decided she would like to move into the world of TV presenting. She applied for a job to present a science and technology programme and despite not having a show reel ready for the interview, she successfully landed the role of presenter on the flagship BBC programme Tomorrow’s World, pipping 4000 other applicants to the post.

Vivienne recalled her teachers at St Swithun’s always felt her talents lay in the arts whilst she thought they lay in science. Now the two worlds had finally come together and she was doing both.

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This wonderful opportunity soon led to many others and Vivienne found herself writing science articles for newspapers such as The Times and The Guardian.

At one point, she was the only person to be simultaneously published in both The Journal of Molecular Biology and The News of World.

Not all her time was spent in the UK though and Vivienne was also asked to present and facilitate at medical and scientific conferences across the globe.

Only last week she was in China and next week she travels to Switzerland.

This suits Vivienne down to the ground as, in her own words, she is a ‘portfolio person,’ that is to say someone with insatiable curiosity who always has lots of different things going on at the same time.

Something that completely enthuses her is her current role working on the 100,000 Genomes Project. This project was established in 2013, to sequence 100,000 human genomes (a genome is the complete set of genetic material in a cell) from NHS patients suffering from cancer or a rare disease. One of its main aims was to create a genomic medicine service for the NHS, i.e. a health service able to provide tailored medical treatments for individual patients dependent on their unique genetic make-up.

As the Head of Engagement at Genomic England, Vivienne is tasked with important responsibilities such as: ■ B ridging the gap between how

professionals talk about genomics and how patients talk about and understand it,

■ I ncreasing transparency within the

industry and building public trust,

■ O btaining stakeholder buy-in (from

patients) regarding the use of their data for research and commercial purposes.

It is an ethical minefield, yet one worth navigating when you realise that the result of such pioneering work will be a more successful, efficient and costeffective treatment for patients.

Even though there is still much research to be done, what once was the stuff of science fiction novels is now steadily becoming mainstream medicine thanks to the incredible efforts of people like Vivienne.

Vivienne hopes to share more of her experiences by coming to talk at St Swithun’s in Autumn 2020. Please check the OGA Network for event details. ■

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Play Well for Life St Swithun’s alumna, Sarah Campbell HA 2001 has just gained her PhD but it didn’t happen in the way she expected…

Where did you go after St Swithun’s?

“After St Swithun’s I went on to Epsom College to study my A-levels. I wanted to attend as a day girl instead of boarding and my brother was there too.”

It was a huge lifestyle change to go from being independent to living in halls at university.

The first term was hard but I met other selffunding, mature students and we all shared a dedication to learning.

Did you head off to university after that?

“No. This is where my journey differed from most of my friends. I’d been working in a restaurant and was really enjoying the financial freedom. Going to university just didn’t feel right at the time and much to the horror of my family, I decided to move to Brixton with a friend from the restaurant instead.”

I went on to work with children with autism, run a team at the Centre of Excellence for Professional Training and complete a placement at Broadmoor. I still use now the many skills I acquired during this time.

How did that unfold?

“It was great. I went to work for a small, independent record label and quickly worked my way up the ranks - in just over a year I had learnt a huge amount. I was also playing bass in my own band, gigging and recording at weekends.

After a while I decided to focus on the band, so we hired a manager, recorded songs and gigged for a while - until my dad had a triple heart bypass and I became his carer. That made me re-evaluate my life.”

Is this when you thought about psychology?

“Well, that was something I’ve always had an interest in - when I was young I’d wanted to be a serial killer profiler!

Even though I’d learnt a lot in my previous jobs, I knew that I couldn’t really progress without getting a psychology degree.

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Before my final year, I signed up for a music technology course and that steered me towards music psychology. I actually changed my dissertation to focus on music and emotion.”

Did you set up your own business after graduating?

“No. Next, I got funding for my PhD, worked as a lecturer, a researcher, a scientific director on a wellbeing app and was head of wellbeing at a music university. All of these experiences led me to create my business in some form or another.”

You are the founder and director of Play Well for Life. What does that entail?

“Play Well for Life brings the fun of games to the serious business of improving mental health, using evidence-based psychological principles. It brings a fun, informative and more effective approach to improving mental health, through workshops and game-based learning.

Its unique approach means learning is continuous which creates real, long-lasting improvement. As well as making people

happier, it equips them with the knowledge and skills to deal effectively with whatever life throws up, whether now or in the future.

We also have a digital product, Furry Feeling Frenzy, which is a music and game-based smartphone app to improve and track your mental health.”

Do you have a large team of people working with you?

“At the moment, we are working with 150 young people across 10 organisations to codesign the games, ensuring it is a product for young people, created by young people.

We ensure that some of the young people with design input have a range of physical and learning difficulties, to ensure it is inclusive and accessible by design.

We ensure the way the business operates aligns with what we are trying to achieve.”

How has it been received so far?

“This year I was shortlisted as a finalist in the Institute of Directors’ Student of the Year. I won Highly Recommended Runner-up - even meeting Trevor McDonald on the night.”

How do you think St Swithun’s helped contribute to your success?

“I had dreamed of going to boarding school and I loved it. It taught me how to live with others and about being independent. In that environment, you have to consider other people’s feelings and so you learn resilience and the ability to stay with a problem until you have solved it.” ■

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Jill Elisabeth Isaac Jill enjoyed her time at St Swithun’s and was a vibrant member of the school community becoming head of Venta. As well as being known for her mathematical ability she played lacrosse for her house.

Her great sadness was that she was not advised to apply for Oxbridge as, although she had an excellent Higher School Certificate, it did not include Latin and so excluded her from Oxbridge. This was a great pity as she was an excellent researcher and would have been a prodigious scholar.

She loved books throughout her life.

A Lifetime’s Commitment Penelope remembers petrol rationing was still in place during her school years, so the students didn’t get to travel much.

Penelope Lake (Saunders) HH 1953 has been closely connected with St Swithun’s for over 70 years now.

After completing her studies at St Swithun’s in 1953, she went on to secretarial college and then her first job with Strutt & Parker, in the estate office at Laverstoke House.

Next she journeyed to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where her sister and brother-in-law were living, and worked in the City Hall and High Court in Bulawayo as a shorthand typist.

After two years, she felt like taking on more of a challenge and returned to the UK to work for Strutt & Parker again, this time in the London office in Berkeley Square. This was interesting work as she helped to manage the requirements of estates across the whole country. One of her favourites was Uppark in West Sussex, a National Trust (NT) property in which the owning family still lived.

Penelope recalls a time when the lady of the house ran swiftly into the salon to hide her sewing under the cushions as the doors opened to the public.

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Jill, who sadly passed away in 2017, spent eight years of her life at St Swithun’s, firstly in the junior school which was in Winchester, and later at the senior school. Her first visit to the senior school was when it was an American hospital full of American wounded.

(Clarenbone) V 1949

We are delighted to announce that through a personal gift of great magnitude and generosity, Malcolm is enabling St Swithun’s to design and build a beautiful new building that will be a lasting and fitting tribute to his wife.

The Jill Isaac Study Centre, which will be situated in between the Bramston Library and science, will be a place of focus for Oxbridge candidates and an inspirational space for study and quiet reflection. ■

Jill took a secretarial course and worked for an estate agent, but moved to Vitacress in 1966, which was owned by Malcolm Isaac.

In 1983, she and Malcolm married and they had 30 happy years together.

Jill’s last wish was to give something back to the school she loved so much.

Penelope’s husband Patrick was working in personal finance. Together they took the brave decision to set up their own business, with Penelope working as an Independent Financial Advisor - something she continued to do until just five years ago.

During this time her daughter Henrietta Garrety (Lake) ED 1989 attended St Swithun’s and Penelope ran the second hand uniform shop for seven years. She had previously been a member of the OG committee but rejoined them taking on the role of secretary in 1992, a position she undertook with extraordinary professionalism before stepping down on Old Girls’ Day 2019 (pictured above).

Nowadays, Penelope supports her local NT and is secretary of a local supporters’ group, organising day trips, socials and lectures. Any profits the group makes on trips is donated to the NT helping keep properties such as Winchester City Mill, Mottisfont and The Vyne open for future generations to enjoy.

Thank you Penelope, for all your dedication and support through the years. ■

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Former Teacher Feature Former technology and physics teacher Vaughan Clarke started teaching at St Swithun’s after being asked advice by the then headmistress, Joan Jefferson (Lady Appleyard), on how to set up a technology department… she was so impressed she gave him the job of running it!

Former Teacher Feature Penny Burley joined the science department in January 1984 having completed her teaching practice here previously in the spring term of 1981. She joined the then head of science, Mr Essex, who also happened to be the first housemaster of the newly built Earlsdown boarding house.

Penny taught biology at St Swithun’s for 35 years but also enjoyed coaching netball (she was a county level player) with the house teams whenever she could. At the time, netball wasn’t officially taught but Penny encouraged the girls to play in inter-house matches.

Spaniel). Apparently Pebble has boundless energy and needs a lot of walking!

Being so sporty, it naturally followed that Penny would organise and join in many St Swithun’s ski holidays to France, Austria, Switzerland and the USA. Some of her favourite memories are from these chilly winter trips with the girls.

September saw Penny flying off to the medieval village of Begur in Spain, where she learnt to salsa at a Cuban festival and visited the museum house of Salvador Dalí.

Another wonderful experience Penny remembers from her early teaching days was meeting HRH Princess Anne during her centenary visit to St Swithun’s in 1984.

Since retiring school, Penny’s feet have hardly touched the ground! She initially spent some precious time walking in the Lake District with her family and their two dogs - Tarka (a 12 year old Springer Collie cross) and Pebble (a two year old Springer

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Then she and her husband spent time up in their Yorkshire house with friends, taking long walks along the coast - once again with their four-legged friends.

After a short time back in the UK, she next decided to travel to Crete with her husband.

In 27 degree heat, they happily explored three archaeological sites - Knossos, Aptera and Phaistos (the home of the mysterious Minoan disk).

One of Vaughan’s first projects with the sixth formers was to make a 12 foot hovercraft.

Despite only having ever used a hammer before, the girls soon picked up the necessary skills and successfully built and raced their creation along the beach at Brean Sands.

Penny is loving her retirement and having the time to travel. Next she plans on going to Amsterdam, The Hague and southern France. Apparently, the DIY at home can wait! ■

Inspiring children in STEM subjects was always something Vaughan enjoyed. He recalls that another sixth former wanted to know what the temperature of a cloud was, so together they built a rocket - four feet high with three engines, data sensors and

recorders. It was so powerful they had to ask permission from the army to launch it at one of their ranges. Another successful mission accomplished.

However, perhaps Vaughan’s most lasting legacy is the St Swithun’s girls’ annual entry in the the Greenpower International Motor Racing Competition. The competition is run by the Greenpower Education Trust (GET), a UK charity set up to enthuse children about science and engineering by challenging them to design, build and race electric cars. To this

day Vaughan remains a trustee of GET, 16 years after leaving St Swithun’s.

He said, “The best thing about being a teacher was seeing people do things they thought they’d never be able to do.”

As well as his trusteeship, Vaughan has also been a County Councillor for eight years, Chairman of the Petersfield Museum for 15 years and Mayor of Petersfield twice. He seems even busier than when he was teaching at St Swithun’s. ■

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Career Speed Networking

Bramston Library, 10 October 2019

Professional Guidance Department - Event Reports The Old Girls’ Association is delighted to announce it is now working in partnership with the head of student guidance and teachers at St Swithun’s to provide current students and Old Girls with academic/career guidance and professional development opportunities. Here is a taster of events we have organised to date:

The first of many now scheduled in the school diary, the Career Speed Networking event saw 16 professionals invited to spend the evening talking to St Swithun’s students about their chosen industry.

Representatives from sectors such as, building, insurance, law, physiotherapy, accountancy, medicine and even vlogging on YouTube generously gave their time to guide, inspire and inform the students.

Every six minutes a bell signified to students that they should move on to the next table of their choice to ask the professionals for their insights. By the end of the evening the girls had spoken to many different people and left the Bramston Library feeling enthusiastic about the variety of interesting career paths open to them.

The next date for Career Speed Networking will be 27 February 2020. Please email us at OGA@stswithuns.com if you would like to take part. ■

Meet the Scientist

Harvey Hall, 3 October 2019 On the evening of 3 October, a range of scientists from across Hampshire came to Harvey Hall to discuss their academic journeys.

Dr Stella Manoli talked about her challenging career in optoelectronics.

Hearing about her resilience through the field’s obstacles and her perseverance through failures was very motivational. It felt reassuring to hear that failing is essential in making progress.

The subsequent speed networking allowed us 15 minutes with each of the scientists.

Of the visitors that came, I heard from a marine biologist, a radiographer, a spinal surgeon and a mechanical engineer. It was exciting and informative to hear from these welcoming people and learn about their respective experiences.

I enjoyed the event and hope it will be repeated. It was especially intriguing for me, as I am interested in a career in biomedicine. The advice on post-university life was invaluable and I am looking forward to my own scientific journey. ■ Rosanna Culver U6

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Professional Sector Event (STEM)

Salters’ Hall, London, 16 October 2019 This stunning venue was the backdrop to the next professional guidance department event.

Surrounded by history, St Swithun’s girls (current and former) were able to network with each other in a relaxed yet lively environment.

All the STEM industries (science, technology, engineering and maths) were well represented and the sixth formers asked

many pertinent questions about life in a STEM career.

We are hugely grateful to all alumnae who support us by attending these events and look forward to welcoming more of you in the future.

The next professional sector event will take place on 5 March 2020 and will focus on law, finance and Government (venue TBC).

If you are interested in attending, please contact us on OGA@stswithuns.com ■

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The University of Oxford Reunion The Old Bank Hotel, Oxford, 14 November 2019

Anna Moth (Gillibrand) V 2001 shares her experience of the University of Oxford reunion and her wider thoughts on gender challenges…

Who are you? What do you desire in life? Can you define a good life?

“These questions, which I had a generation ago as a St Swithun’s girl, were forefront in my mind again the evening of the 14 November, and as I was to find out, also in the minds of the young women I was privileged to meet at the gathering in Oxford.

A dark and dour autumnal evening became warm and inspiring as we became absorbed in sharing our stories, hopes and anticipations for the future.

Some girls had scientific interests they wished to develop into niche areas such as genetics. Others had a thirst to know more about the physical universe or the philosophy of mathematics. One girl shared her passion for music. For another it was

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the history of art. Alongside these interests in the external world, we also discussed the privilege but also the challenges of being women in the 21st century.

I was keen to hear the views of the ladies that evening regarding the very relevant second question: if we know what we want, can we handle it?

As a mother of three, I wanted to learn what the girls think about motherhood. At their age I was not thinking that I would become a mother. It seemed a vague and distant idea, for my education had been exclusively single sex and I was preoccupied with thoughts about a future career. The reality is, as I have subsequently found out, that women must be as intentional in their relationships as in the development of their intellect and careers. Each decade that passes poses new relational and health challenges if authentic investments have not been in your emotional and social life. The thought of creating your own family may be a distant thought in your teenage years but it is extremely important for overall health as you grow older.

I believe there is an increasing need in these times of gender fluidity for people to develop in wisdom and discernment regarding the proven neurological and

obvious biological differences between the genders, so that instead of competing we can best complement. From what I have experienced thus far through my own journey as a woman, even if we do not become mothers biologically there will be countless opportunities to become mothers emotionally and spiritually. To mother is to mentor and ultimately to give life. I would argue that the struggles and deprivation in society today have arisen because this pivotal role has been largely devalued and neglected as we focus almost exclusively on consumerism and individualism at the cost of families.

As much as the Women’s Lib movement gave newfound freedom for educated women to rise into areas that used to be exclusively male, women today have all but forgotten and become embarrassed about the exclusive privilege and strengths of being female. Women often feel the need to become and act like men in order to achieve success in the work place. The result is often burnout.

I am unable to compete with my husband presently and no Government law or initiative will enable me to do so. In our household there is a huge gender pay gap, my husband thankfully earns all that we need. However I did not attract

him to do this for me by competing with him, we recognised and respected one another’s strengths in the masculine and feminine. Our success and happiness individually arises from this mutual love and collaboration.

My decision to read English Literature at Oxford was significantly influenced by the reading of C.S. Lewis among other great writers and thinkers. It was a part of a much bigger journey for me as I pursued truth as to how, in the light of pain and suffering, I should live and make a good life?

Certainly my time living and learning in Oxford took me deeper on this journey towards truth and I was open to this. I found great pleasure in the opportunity to read deeply into my chosen area of literature and to scrutinise my ideas and thoughts in the tutorial system. The intimacy and honour of sitting with great professors did not daunt me, but rather encouraged me to blossom in my writing, my character, and my confidence as a growing woman.

you. Perhaps these universities may not be best for you. Oxford is certainly not a ‘safe space’. Rather it is a place of intense heated discussion of thought and philosophy.

Through the tutorial system your ideas will be stripped and analysed to their natural conclusions. Reading here is not a comfortable journey and it is not meant to be. It will be an experience to test and refine your thinking.

It has been 15 years since I graduated.

Straight afterwards I made the choice to become a teacher of English and to join the PsyOp branch of the Royal Naval Reserves specially to understand the psychology of different cultural groups in preventing warfare. I married a Royal Marine and have since had my three children.

All those experiences arose out of that single choice to position myself in the University of Oxford. Truly I am grateful for all those experiences and the relationships which now define me. My hope is for each young woman I met to be able to say the same.” ■

A word of caution here for Oxbridge applicants especially if you may take offence easily, or struggle with the idea of criticism when someone who appears more knowledgeable than you disagrees with The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff

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Professional Guidance Department - Upcoming Events The Old Girls’ Association is delighted to announce it is now working in partnership with the head of student guidance and teachers at St Swithun’s to provide current students and Old Girls with academic / career guidance and professional development opportunities.

The Bramston Bursary Foundation Ball Committee is delighted to invite St Swithun’s Old Girls and Former Staff to the

Hamper Ball in aid of Bramston Bursary Foundation

Friday 3 July 2020 7.30 pm to Midnight The Marquee St Swithun’s School

We would be enormously grateful for your attendance and help to make these events and activities the best they can be.

■ ■ ■ ■ Career Speed Networking Thursday 27 February 6.30pm Thursday 30 April 6.30pm Thursday 8 October 6.30pm Thursday 12 November 6.30pm An opportunity for students from all year groups to be inspired by a wide range of professionals. We are looking to represent as broad a spectrum of careers as possible.

Would you be willing to come along and talk to students about your profession please?

Bramston Library, St Swithun’s

Professional Sector Event Law, Finance and Government Thursday 5 March 6.30pm Please join us for an opportunity to meet with other Old Girls working in the law, finance and Government sectors and share your experiences with current students wishing to follow in your footsteps.

London (venue to be confirmed) Work Experience Week for U5 Monday 29 June - Thursday 2 July Could your workplace possibly offer a work experience opportunity?

University of Bristol Reunion Wednesday 18 November 7pm Meet up with old friends and share your experiences of studying at the University of Bristol with our current sixth formers who wish to follow in your footsteps.

Undergraduates extremely welcome. Free food and drink. Bristol (venue to be confirmed)

Welcome cocktails Jazz on the lawn Auction ance the night away D to live music

What is a Hamper Ball?

We provide the venue, tables, chairs and live music so you can dance the night away.

You bring your own picnic supper, crockery, glassware and decorate your table.

No time to make a picnic? No problem, just order a delicious hamper through us.

Get together with old St Swithun’s friends and book a table of 10, or book individual tickets and we’ll introduce you to other guests to make up a table of 10.

For more details and to book tickets, email oga@stswithuns.com or check the OGA Network ■

Keep up with the latest events and news and connect with Old Girls through the OGA Network Here’s how to join: 1. Please visit www.friends.stswithuns.com/ homepage 2. Click JOIN NOW 3. Fill in the contact details boxes manually or populate the form by clicking on the JOIN WITH FACEBOOK, JOIN WITH LINKEDIN or JOIN WITH GOOGLE buttons 4. Click NEXT 5. Select an option from the drop-down menu: “I am joining as a……….” e.g. Old Girl.

6. Then enter the dates/year groups required 7. Select your communication preferences.

If you do not opt in we will not be able to email you 8. Click JOIN NOW 9. Welcome to the Old Girls’ Association Network! ■

Please contact OGA@stswithuns.com if you would like to come / help with any of these events, thank you. ■

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Career Champions

Jane Mycock D 2001 Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Computing Happy to be contacted about work as a knowledge and language engineer at Amazon. Work involving voice assistants and artificial intelligence. jane.mycock@hotmail.com

If you are a recent graduate or perhaps seeking a new career pathway, you may wish to contact one of our new Career Champions for advice.

Sophie Blanchard D 2004 Digital Analytics Happy to be contacted about working in the specialism of digital analytics (the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from businesses to drive continual improvement) which is used in a vast array of sectors including retail, banking and government. sophiecblanchard@gmail.com

Amy Richardson HH 1989 Hospital Optometrist Happy to be contacted about all aspects of optometry (eye healthcare). a.f.richardson@btinternet.com

Emma de Pfeiffer-Key D 2003 Marketing and Events Happy to be contacted about marketing, advertising or event management. mski08@googlemail.com

Sarah Campbell HA 2001 Psychologist, Wellbeing Consultant, Game Designer & EdTech Founder Sarah has a Phd in Psychology from the University of Surrey and has founded her own company which has developed a music and gamebased app to aid mental health.

Happy to be contacted about psychology, wellbeing, music, technology and business start-up. sarah@playwellforlife.com

Ellie Glenday CG 1999

Lottie Graham V 2011

Consultant General Paediatrician Happy to be contacted about working in paediatrics and the specialism of epilepsy. eleanorglenday@doctors.org.uk

Film Director Happy to be contacted about starting out in a competitive male-dominated film industry and founding your own production label. lottie@i90westproductions.com

Jennifer Vidler CG 2004 Civil Service Happy to be contacted about working in politics and domestic policy for the Government, and is also able to advise on the graduate scheme and civil service talent scheme. jennifervidler@outlook.com

Richard Tyson

A big thank you to all our Careers Champions who are kindly offering to share their professional experiences.

Lottie Mitchell V 2014 Medical Student, Exeter College: University of Oxford Happy to be contacted about studying medicine or any aspect of life at the University of Oxford.

14mitchellcha@gmail.com

Heather Mycock School council member and former St Swithun’s parent Retired GP Although now retired, happy to be contacted about a career in clinical medicine spanning more than 30 years, working as an NHS GP Principal in Hampshire and as a GP locum in Australia. mycockh@btinternet.com

A big thank you to all our Careers Champions who are kindly offering to share their professional experiences.

School council member and current St Swithun’s parent Chief Executive Officer of an innovative global electronics company Happy to be contacted about aeronautical, automotive, material science, space, life sciences, diagnostics fields or corporate finance. johnrichardtyson@sky.com If you would like to become a Career Champion, please contact OGA@stswithuns.com

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Old Girls and former members of staff are warmly invited to our 2020 events 1) Tuesday 4 February 7.30pm

7) Friday 13 March 7.30pm

Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Inspiring Confidence in Every Individual - A presentation by James Shone from I Can & I Am Many young people leave school with a developed sense of I can’t and I am no good.

James Shone will share a presentation with a truly inspiring story and philosophy to help adults and young people understand how best to respond to serious set-backs, teenage anxiety and general lack of self-esteem.

Please book by emailing lectures@stswithuns.com

Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Spring Concert Performances from a selection of St Swithun’s musical ensembles.

2) Wednesday 5 February 7.00pm

8) Friday 20 March 7.00pm Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Swithun’s Live II! in aid of the Bramston Bursary Foundation Bands from St Swithun’s and Winchester College will be performing in a spectacular rock concert.

Ticket details to be announced.

Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Music Scholars and Exhibitioners’ Concert Termly concert given by a selection of our music scholars and exhibitioners. A chance to hear our finest musicians performing as soloists.

9) Thursday 26 March 1.10pm

3) Sunday 2 February 6.30pm Winchester Cathedral School Evensong With guest preacher the Rt. Revd. Debbie Sellin, Bishop of Southampton.

Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Founders’ Day Concert The climax of the musical year, this concert will feature a selection of St Swithun’s musical ensembles including Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band.

4) Wednesday 12 February 7.30pm

11) Wednesday 10 June 7.30pm

Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s U5 Music GCSE Concert Performances from our U5 GCSE musicians who will perform a range of solos, ensembles and their own compositions.

5) Thursday 20 February 6.00pm (date may be subject to change) St Swithun’s St Swithun’s Sports Reunion - Judo, Karate and Fencing Did you enjoy judo, fencing or karate during your time at St Swithun’s? Come back to meet with old friends and former teachers.

6) Tuesday 10 March 7.30pm Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Histories of the Unexpected LIVE! An evening with Dr Sam Willis and Professor James Daybell Based on the chart-topping podcast and bestselling book Histories of the Unexpected LIVE! is a show that demonstrates how everything has a history - even the most unexpected of subjects and how everything links together in unexpected ways.

Please book by emailing lectures@stswithuns.com

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Wellington Barracks, London Lunchtime Recital in Guards’ Chapel A special lunchtime recital given by some of St Swithun’s top musicians.

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10) Wednesday 6 May 7.30pm

Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Music Scholars and Exhibitioners’ Concert Termly concert given by a selection of our music scholars and exhibitioners. A chance to hear our finest musicians performing as soloists.

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13) Thursday 18 June - Sunday 5 July

19) Sunday 27 September All day

Silent Online Auction in aid of the Bramston Bursary Foundation An array of tempting prizes to bid on. If you have something you might like to donate such as a stay in a holiday home, or a product or service (a great way to promote your company to the St Swithun’s community), please do get in touch. Thank you.

St Swithun’s Way Challenge in aid of the Bramston Bursary Foundation Take on a walking or running challenge along the St Swithun’s Way, which is a country track between Farnham and Winchester.

Various distances will be available. Food, bar and party entertainment will round off your challenge day in style. Entry fee/sponsorship.

14) Friday 26 June 7.30pm

20) November (date to be confirmed)

Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Summer Concert A concert featuring solos and ensemble performances.

Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s A Little Night Music A showcase of singing and piano performances in a relaxed cabaret setting.

15) Friday 3 July 7.30pm

21) November (date to be confirmed)

Marquee, St Swithun’s Hamper Ball in aid of the Bramston Bursary Foundation We provide the venue, tables, chairs, welcome cocktails and live music to dance the night away. You bring your own picnic supper and crockery, and decorate your table to match your chosen theme. Ticket details to be announced.

Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Swithun’s Live!

Bands from St Swithun’s and Winchester College will be performing in a spectacular rock concert.

16) Sunday 5 July

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(time to be confirmed) Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Joint Concert with the Band of the Scots Guards

17) Thursday 9 July 2.30pm

12) Saturday 13 June (time to be confirmed) St Swithun’s Prep School Dog Show and Summer Fete in aid of projects to benefit our prep school pupils Would your dog win a rosette for being the Loveliest Lady, Fabulous Fella, Playful Puppy or Golden Oldie? Or fancy entering the 11-legged race at your peril! Market stalls, inflatables and traditional games will all add to the family fun day out. Entry fee for dogs.

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Winchester Cathedral Valedictory Service

18) Saturday 12 September 11am

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St Swithun’s Old Girls’ Day Meet up with friends and be reunited with school contemporaries you have lost touch with.

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22) Sunday 29 November 6.30pm Winchester Cathedral Advent Service

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23) December (date to be confirmed) Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s Christmas Concert Performances from a selection of St Swithun’s musical ensembles including Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and String Orchestra.

24) Thursday 10 December 10.30am Winchester Cathedral Carol Service

25) St Swithun’s Senior School Open Days Sat 7 February 1.45pm Fri 1 May 1.45pm Sat 20 June 9.30am Fri 25 September 1.45pm Fri 6 November (6th form only) 1.45pm If you are considering a St Swithun’s education for your daughter, our Open Afternoons/Days are a chance to visit on what is a normal school day for the girls. Please book early by visiting www.stswithuns.com/school-enquiry ■

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For all events, please contact OGA@stswithuns.com or call 01962 835782 for more information or to advise you would like to attend (admission free unless stated).

THANK YOU

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Remembered with affection

Ruth Elizabeth (Liz) Stokes (née Evans)

Ursula Mary Norman (née Elworthy)

Chilcomb, Earlsdown 1962 27 Apr 1945 -21 Jun 2018

Hyde Abbey 1944 19 Dec 1926 - 20 Jun 2019

Liz was born in Sussex in April 1945, the youngest of three siblings. She attended St Swithun’s where she proved herself to be a perfectionist, a trait which endured throughout her life.

Born in Winterborne Monkton, Dorset, Ursula studied at St Swithun’s until she left in 1944. She then went to work in the WRENS at Collingwood, mending radars. After the war, she married her husband, who was in the Royal Navy based at Portland, and had two daughters.

She excelled at everything she put her mind to, be it sport (she captained the tennis and lacrosse teams), choir or orchestra, as well as clearly being academically gifted, like her parents and two brothers.

Ruth Elizabeth Stokes

After studying law at Bristol University, she trained and worked as a solicitor. She had a desire to teach others and subsequently completed a Masters Degree at King’s College, London. She when on to teach at Thames Valley University and the prestigious Inns of Court School of Law. Finally she became an Immigration Judge until she retired.

Away from work, she loved the arts, particularly music and theatre and spent many happy summers acting. Indeed it was while acting in Love’s Labour’s Lost with the Bar Theatricals that she met David, her husband of 34 years until his equally untimely death in 2004.

Ursula Mary Norman

During all of this, she had a strong desire to use her intellect, her energy and passion to help others. For many years, she and a friend ran the Putney branch of the YWCA and she later became a London Borough Councillor, particularly enjoying spending time with elderly residents.

At the same time she continued her work as an immigration judge. Her perfectionist nature came to the fore as she would work late into the night to make sure she assessed every case fairly and thoroughly. The job catered perfectly to her intellectual curiosity and she often joined other immigration judges on trips to countries in east Africa, as well as Georgia and Armenia from where so many of those who appeared in front of her came. She wanted to understand their motives first hand.

Liz also loved to travel with family and friends, including to Syria, Argentina, the Falkland Islands and New York. Christmas time with loved ones was a particular favourite.

In 1952, Ursula’s husband transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy and they emigrated first to Halifax (Nova Scotia) and then Victoria (British Columbia), where their son was later born.

Living in Canada, Ursula took great interest in the natural world. She was a keen bird watcher and huge flower and butterfly enthusiast. This was a lifelong hobby sparked off by her governess when she was only nine years old. The outdoor lifestyle in Canada therefore suited her very well and she decided to begin her guiding career there, which she continued on returning to England in 1966, when her husband took over the family farm at Monkton.

Ursula loved her garden and this was very important to her right up to the end of her life. She was an early volunteer for the World Wildlife Fund and showed concern about the world’s vanishing species years before it became mainstream thinking.

She was also a dedicated church warden for 30 years and a mainstay of the WI in Monkton. Every autumn, she would be out collecting for the Poppy Appeal, only giving this up once she reached her late 80s.

Family was always uppermost in Ursula’s mind and she was forever having grandchildren to stay and supporting her own three children and her husband.

Ursula’s sense of humour and resilience remained for all her 92 years and she died peacefully at home. Her caring and cheerful attitude to life will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. ■

Liz will be sorely missed by all her dear friends and family. ■

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Deborah Anne Kerridge

Debbie Kerridge

Hillcroft 1969 30 Jan 1953 - 10 Oct 2019 All my good friends will know that I have never been short for words, so why should that be any different now that I am gone! And it saves some poor friend having to waste an evening thinking up something nice to say about me or trying to find some amusing anecdotes.

the vegetable patch; teddies in the Porsche; Blackadder; the joy when he rescued me at the airport and how much I appreciated seeing that green sail come out to ‘Hobie sit’ if I was sailing alone on a gusty day. My motherin-law, Georgia McVeigh, for her delicious dinners and superb wines.

I am filled with appreciation and gratitude for so many others in my life. My numerous friends…to you all, I say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH, my wonderful friends, who brought so much joy into my life.

I have been so lucky that my life truly has been a stupendous journey. How many people have been so blessed? A life full of interest, wonderful people and marvellous adventures. My heart has bubbled over with joy so often and again and again I have been awed and amazed. I have been fortunate in being able to carry out so many of the items on my passion list. I have travelled the world - seen the sun rise over Ankor Wat and soared over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon at sunrise. I have seen gorillas in Africa, the Spirit Bear in the Great Bear Rain Forest and polar bears in Churchill. I have seen the Great Barrier Reef, Monemvasia in Greece, the Sistine Chapel and Halong Bay in Vietnam. I have bicycled in Italy and France with the sun dappling my arms and the poppies dancing in the fields. I have skied in the Rockies with majestic views of mountain peaks. I have climbed heights in Patagonia and seen the mists swirling over Iguassu Falls. I have hiked stunning national parks and flown in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon. I have read great books, drunk fine wines with great smelly cheeses, kayaked with the sun sparkling on the lake, sailed with the breeze in my hair and listened to the plaintive sound of the loon at the lake at dawn, kayaked under the full moon at midnight on

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the summer solstice. I have worked hard, played hard, loved greatly, had my heart broken and survived, laughed and cried. I have been so tremendously lucky.

But luck is not really the key. The key to my happiness and great life was due to the people in it. First, my amazing, small but special family, who not only provided me with great genetics but also gave me life skills.

Thank you, Mumsie and Dad. I was their only offspring, their precious little Debbie.

They never stopped being in my corner and were there backing me emotionally and financially with never ending support and encouragement. They gave me my inner strength.

My dear cousin Jacqui, who lived so far away in Australia, but was just a phone call away and ensured she was there for me with her deep, unending love. My two wonderful husbands; Bobbie Bear, Bob Luton, who taught me to love our beautiful Canadian north, Gander Island in Georgian Bay and never ever in all our time together and after, said anything negative to me or about me. Grizzly Bear, Dave McVeigh - still waters run so deep - quietly wooing me with thoughtful oldies tapes, She Drives Me Crazy (and I did) and Money For Nothing; a canoe in

Gosh, how many people have been a positive influence in my life? There were so many more along my path. I am so appreciative of everyone. I hope I entered your lives with grace and gentleness. I always tried to do my best and to be kind but I am sure along the way without intention I did my share of hurts and annoyances. For this I apologise.

Sadly, my path has come to an end. There is always so much more one wants to do.

One more quilt to make, one more golf game, one more paddle under the full moon at midnight, one last sailing race, one more sunrise over the lake or October mist to see, a rose to smell, another book to read, a big bear hug to give.

No hankies. I believe my energy has returned to the universe and a part of me will be found in the strumming of a hummingbird wing or the petals of a wild flower. My essence will never die.

I hope nobody I know ever gets this horrid illness, but I hope everyone lives every day as if they do. For you learn how very magical and special every moment is. You see the gift in every situation and the beauty in everything. So find and see JOY in your life, make love to someone you love, sit and watch the sunset, drink a fine wine, bring out and use those items left for best. Love, laugh, sing and live life with a capital ‘L’ every day. ■ Debbie Kerridge The annual publication for St Swithun’s Old Girls and former staff

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Patricia Nooria Hallett Joanna Pope (Hammersley-Smith) Former teacher Caer Gwent 1936 12 March 1922 - 26 Feb 2019 Patricia was well known for her friendliness and hospitality. She had many friends and loved bringing people together.

She sadly passed away this year aged 96 but was regarded as one of Lymington’s best known residents.

Patrica Nooria Hallet

Patricia met her late husband Geoffrey when they were both working in an army hospital in Egypt during the war. He was a surgeon and she was a theatre nurse. After his proposal, they married in the cathedral in Cairo and returned to live in Lymington when the war was over. They were married for 51 years.

Geoffrey then took up a position as surgeon at Southampton hospital and together they had four children, Nigel, Claire, Louise and Tamsin.

One of Patricia’s great passions in life was for the arts and she was in fact the founder member of the New Forest Decorative and Fine Arts Society. She was President of this and two other societies (the New Forest Evening Society and the Wessex Society) until her death.

Joanna Pope

Travelling was another love and Patricia visited many countries, including India, Nepal and China. She once worked for a travel company as a tour manager, after meeting the owners on a Nile cruise. They were so impressed with her that they gave her a job.

Patrica took up travelling again after Geoffrey died and was still travelling at the age of 93!

She spent many happy times in Morocco at her daughter’s house.

She will be sorely missed by her many friends, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ■

31 March 1935 - 2 Mar 2019 Joanna was born the second of four sisters in Bow, Devon. Her parents were married in Australia and her father was a naval officer who retired in 1946 after the war. The whole family then moved to Copplestone, Devon where Commander Pope took charge of the family farm.

Joanna and her sisters lived a very happy life on the farm learning many animal husbandry skills.

She loved trout fishing on the River Taw where they often made a fire out of dry sticks to cook fried eggs along with fried bread and syrup - a real treat.

Joanna loved riding in the countryside and was lucky enough to be able to do this on a very modest scale. At harvest time, she used to drive an extremely old tractor with ‘metal spade lugs’ which was generally agreed by all to be a real brute - it sent flames shooting up in the air from its vertical exhaust pipe.

The girls milked the three house cows at the weekends and were involved with all that happened on the farm, particularly during the harvest. Just recently Joanna remembered a cow that calved on Christmas day and whose calf wouldn’t suck, so of course they looked after it.

Joanna attended the Maynard School in Exeter, Devon, leaving home in 1953 to attend a course in London to learn how to teach Domestic Science. Her first post was in Ashburton, Devon and after two years she took another post at Cheltenham Ladies College. Later Joanna moved to St Swithun’s where she taught for 30 years.

Joanna had a knack with young people and used to have informal evening classes for cooking.

These became extremely popular when senior boys from Winchester College were invited to take part.

She retired in 1988 and became very involved with voluntary work in Winchester Cathedral, the Cathedral shop and in the wider community.

Joanna started in the Cathedral as a guide (including the tower tours) and then became the first lady sidesperson. Her long service of voluntary work in the Cathedral was recognised in 2017 when, in St George’s Chapel, Windsor, the Queen presented her with Maundy Money.

Joanna helped for many years serving teas to visitors in Winchester Prison. She was also involved in the theatre, being an usher for more than ten years.

Old Girls joined together for tea in the Chapel at St Swithun’s prior to Joanna’s memorial service at Winchester Cathedral on 12 April 2019. ■

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OGA Chain 2019

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OGA Chain 2019