Rose 2018

ROSE THE OTA MAGAZINE . SPRING 2018

All-girls’ boarding

– why it works at Tudor

Equality in the workplace – Radio 4’s Sarah Montague

What to expect when you’re expecting – at the same time as your sister

ROSE THE OTA MAGAZINE . SPRING 2018

CONTENTS

Cover image: An experiment with a palette knife, impasto and an enhanced palette.

By Nareeratn Rojchuphan (2017).

Why Tudor is still an all-girlsʼ boarding school Wendy Griffiths explains

04

Tudorian values Clare Macro reflects on resilience, ambition and more

08

Degrees

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How important is confidence?

Rani Tandon shares her insights Is there equality in the workplace?

Radio 4’s Sarah Montague answers

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Aim Higher Susie Jeffreys explains how aiming higher has become part of everything we do at Tudor

14

Electronic Education John Field considers how computers are making an impact in the classroom

15

A scientific mind Ed Way discusses the importance of getting girls into science at an early age

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Thirty years at Tudor Head of Art, Sheila Craske, looks back over three decades at the school

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An exhibition of Tudorian art Learn more about the exhibition and hear from some of the artists who have contributed work

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Design and layout: Baseline Arts Ltd, Oxford.

Development at Tudor The Teaching Centre project is underway thanks to the generosity of all our donors

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Print and production: Technique Print Group, Banbury

Staff profile - Rachel Graves Meet Tudor’s new Head of Development and Alumnae Relations

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Old Tudorians’ Association Wykham Park Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 9UR Tel: 01295 756201 Email: lsilver@tudorhallschool.com Facebook: Old Tudorians’ Association

Editor: Lindsay Silver

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A life less ordinary Nemone Lethbridge’s incredible journey to life at the bar in the 1950s and beyond

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Upfront and personal with Darren OʼNeill Tudor chef talks chicken teddies and beans, traffic cops... and why guacamole is definitely off the menu

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Adventure Learning Kitty Wells and Saskia Everard advocate the benefits of going beyond your comfort zone

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Travel slowly, stop often Annie Garnett advocates discovering breath-taking Northern Tanzania on foot

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Habeo ut dem Elizabeth Krempley on living with arthritis and receiving recognition for her charity work

46

Road trip round Australia Emma Lomas shares her tips for travelling around this beautiful country without blowing the budget

80

What to expect when youʼre expecting ... at the same time as your sister India Sturgis talks cravings, Kardashians and more

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OT Prefect Amelia Ash reminisces with her mother and shares her thoughts on what the role has meant to her

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The shape of success Cleo Barbour on learning to embrace changing ambitions and dreams

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OTs today Catch up on what other OTs are doing now

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Interview with Davina Combe The jewellery designer shares her inspirations and her love of gemstones

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Book Review Cat-mad Ottilie Buckner-Rowley reviews Molly Arbuthnott’s new children’s book, Oscar the Ferry Cat

A house of many colours Tor Saer showcases the clever use of colour and fabrics to transform an Oxfordshire manor house

54

For the love of plants Caroline Butler describes life as a garden designer

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Collaborative garden design James Alexander-Sinclair on the collaborative nature of redesigning an outdoor space

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Food for a summerʼs evening Recipes from a range of Tudor’s finest foodies

66

Events Tudor get-togethers from Bristol to Edinburgh

102

The perfect summerʼs evening William Sitwell transports us to his ideal setting with food and drink to tantalise the tastebuds

72

Announcements Births, engagements, marriages and deaths

109

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News in brief 90 Find out more about OTs hitting the headlines School news It’s all-go at Tudor: share some of the highlights from the last year

93

Tudor Archives Bringing Tudor’s past to life

96

Reunions See who has been catching up with old friends

98

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FROM THE EDITOR I first came to Tudor when my daughter was three years old – she had been invited to her friend’s birthday party at Todd House. To my surprise, after the party, she announced emphatically that she was going to go to school here when she was a big girl.

Three years later, and now working part time at Tudor, I am rather impressed by my daughter’s instincts!

Having been to an independent girls’ school myself, I

FORTHCOMING EVENTS SPECIAL DECADES REUNION Wednesday 23rd May (7-9pm) The Cholmondeley Room, House of Lords A drinks reception for OTs from the classes of 2008, 1998, 1988, 1978, 1968, as well as ‘Nesta’s Girls’.

Invitations have been sent out by post. If you belonged to one of these year groups, but have not received an invitation, please email: development@tudorhallschool.com TUDOR-ON-TOUR IN NORFOLK * Thursday 21st June (7-9pm) Heydon Hall A drinks reception for Norfolk and Suffolk-based OTs and other friends of the School, kindly hosted by parent Rhona Bulwer-Long at her home Heydon Hall. Invitations have been sent out by post. If you would like to attend, but have not received an invitation, please email: development@tudorhallschool.com

needed no convincing about the educational benefits of all-girls’ schools, and Tudor’s fantastic facilities and inspiring co-curricular opportunities were no surprise to me. What I hadn’t expected, however, was the amazing sense of community, not only amongst the current pupils and OTs, but also their parents, the teaching staff and others with connections to the school. It has been a real privilege to meet and start to get to know members of the Tudor community in the course of compiling this edition of Rose. Though working in a diverse range of fields and spanning many decades, those I have been lucky enough to talk to have been interesting, talented, characterful and engaging. They also have in common a genuine warmth for the school which, I feel, is a unique and special thing.

So, if the Tudorians of the future share the qualities of the Tudorians who I am sure you will enjoy reading about in this magazine, I would be delighted for my daughter to be one of them!

OT LACROSSE/ HOCKEY MATCH Sunday 16th September (10:30am – 12:30pm) Tudor Hall School OTs v the 1st XII lacrosse and 1st XI hockey teams followed by lunch (and the annual Dog Show for those who wish to stay on). If you would like to play in the lacrosse and/ or hockey matches, please email: development@tudorhallschool.com TUDOR-ON-TOUR IN EDINBURGH * Thursday 27th September (7-9pm) The Café Modern One at The Gallery of Modern Art A reception for our OTs in Scotland. Invitations will be sent out in June; so if you are based in Scotland and would like to be included in this event, please ensure that we have your current contact details.

*Tudor hosts a series of ‘Tudor-on-Tour’ events around the country to bring together all elements of the school community: OTs, current parents, staff and students, prospective parents and other friends of the School.

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Wendy Griffiths talks of Tudor Hall and its beginnings, and explains...

WHY TUDOR IS STILL

Wendy Griffiths Headmistress

an all-girls’ boarding school In 1850, when the Revd Dr JW Todd founded Tudor Hall, he could never have imagined what the school would be like in its 169th year. He was forward-thinking, devising an academic curriculum which moved away from the practice of teaching accomplishments such as piano playing, drawing and

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embroidery. Instead, the first pupils learnt astronomy and chemistry. The school has continued this tradition of challenging the pupils academically but the educational experience is now much more than what goes on in the classroom. The ethos of the school, however, has remained unchanged and this is often

commented on by past pupils who visit the school.

The surroundings may be different, but we remain committed to being an all-girls’ full-boarding school. It is a model that defines the success of our girls at school and beyond.

The Tudor of today is flourishing with record numbers of pupils sitting the recent 13+ assessment despite the increasing number of options available to parents. We know from the feedback of prospective parents that we have something special, which they identify when they visit. It is something I was aware of from my first visit, now many years ago.

For girls, single-sex education has huge advantages.

Much has been written about their higher academic achievement at GCSE and A Level. At Tudor we consistently achieve excellent results, but what is more impressive is our value-added score. When you compare

Our girls are allowed to be themselves. They can study any subject that interests them and get involved in any activity. There is no gender stereotyping.

the results of individual students against baseline data, there is a significant positive difference between our girls and those at similar schools. This happens due to the focus and drive of our public examination candidates, generated in an environment where there is a mantra of ‘aim higher’ and an understanding that the only ‘secret’ to success is hard work.

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Our girls are allowed to be themselves. They can study any subject that interests them and get involved in any activity. There is no gender stereotyping. The girls develop strong friendships and large circles of friends from the community. This is not only remarked upon by OTs themselves but also by people who know Tudorians in the world beyond school. This is undoubtedly made easier in a single-sex environment; you only have your girl friends to worry about. Our students are not concerned about how they look on a day to day basis. This is evident to anyone who spends time in our community!

Full boarding provides practical advantages by having more time for lessons and therefore allowing us to provide the broadest curriculum, ensuring that girls can play to their strengths when they are given the opportunity to choose. The extra time also allows them to invest in their interests.

The shared down-time for girls who board is what they often view as one of the most important aspects of their school life. This is where shared memories are

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Full boarding provides practical advantages by having more time for lessons and therefore allowing us to provide the broadest curriculum ensuring that girls can play to their strengths when they are given the opportunity to choose. built and relationships are able to cement. They laugh and cry together and know that they are truly now ‘friends for life’.

There has been great publicity recently about the ongoing gender pay gap and the disadvantages that women face in the workplace. It is hard to believe that this is still happening in 2018, one hundred years since women were first allowed to vote. Girls and women have to make their voices heard. Girls’ schools have a big part to play in this challenge. Gender stereotyping begins at an early age, way before children arrive at secondary school so the time they have with us between eleven and eighteen is critical. We need to support our students during this time to develop the

resilience to speak up, to question and to be bold.

We believe as leaders of the school that they can do whatever they want to do. Some take more convincing than others, but by the time they leave us at eighteen we hope that they believe they have choices in their future lives.

Leading the school is a privilege, but also a huge responsibility. Looking at the school today I hope that Dr Todd would feel that we have built on his vision for the education of girls. We are totally committed to giving our girls the foundation they need for the next stage of their lives and understand, as he did, that being in an all-girls’ boarding school has ensured they know who they are and where they are going. R

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Clare Macro Deputy Head

Tudorian

VALUES Clare Macro reflects on resilience, ambition and more.

Having just returned from Leeds, where I spent the evening with a few of our girls who are studying there and in York, I am reminded once again of how resilient and ambitious Tudorians are. Resilience is not something that we are born with; it is something that can be taught and that we can develop as we go through school, university and life. The Tudorians who I meet constantly show that they have listened well to advice, had good role models and have applied what they have learned. They know to challenge their beliefs, have perspective, find positive value in challenges, detect the icebergs that lurk to unsettle us, step back from problems and think more resiliently, and to ask questions such as ‘what choices do I have?’, rather than ‘who is to blame?’ Above all though, Tudorians know the importance of having a sense of humour.

I am often asked by prospective parents, ‘but how will they cope when they leave Tudor having never studied with boys’? After a quick flick through my memory of the OTs who I have met, I am confident responding with, ‘they don’t just ‘cope’ they positively thrive at university’ and they are able to do this because they have had our support and been able to study unencumbered by stereotypes. As such, when they arrive at university they are focused on their learning, being successful and full of excitement for the opportunities that are

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ahead of them. In all the conversations we have with Tudorians on our university tours, we hear only positive things about their experiences at university and positive reflections of how their school days have had an impact on this time. On a personal visit to Exeter University recently, I bumped into two Tudorians, one

was just embarking on a Law degree and the other was just finishing her degree. Both were brimming with confidence and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

Tudorians are ambitious and I use that term unapologetically. We know that when the word ambitious is used of women it can have a negative connotation, but we encourage ambition as it is only when we push beyond what we perceive ourselves to be capable of that we will find our voice and place in the world and that we will change the perception that women should not be ambitious. The now famous Heidi/Howard study at Columbia Business School in 2015 continues to fascinate me: a professor at

The diversity of degrees and careers that Tudorians choose also shows the ambition, creativity and intellectual rigour that our girls leave us with.

CBS presented half his class with a case study of a successful Silicon Valley venture capitalist called Heidi Roizin and gave half the class the same case study with her name changed to ‘Howard’. It was reported by the class that although they found Heidi competent they did not like her, whereas Howard was found to be both competent and liked. Students went on to say that they felt Heidi was significantly less worthy of being hired than Howard and perceived her as more ‘selfish’ than Howard. The research seems to show that powerful, ambitious and successful women are not viewed in the same way as powerful and successful men.

I feel very strongly that we should challenge this and Tudorians are at the forefront. Leadership is a quality that we expect all of our girls to develop and it is fabulous to see those leadership qualities coming to the fore in the girls who are studying at the moment and those who have just graduated. OTs are successful at university and beyond; just glancing down the list of recent graduates, the classes of degree I see most often are 2:1 and First. This is something that we are enormously proud of; we know how hard they work and how motivated they are to do well. The diversity of degrees and careers that Tudorians choose also shows the ambition, creativity and intellectual rigour that our girls leave us with. How fantastic it is to hear of OTs graduating and going on to study for MAs in their chosen fields: Computational Biology, Geography and Theology to name a few. Equally fantastic to hear of the graduate schemes they secure places on and to hear that something they had a passion for at school is coming to fruition in their careers. Tudorians know how to be successful and relish the opportunity to talk about their experiences, both positive and negative, seeing the value in both. Traditionally, women are not as good at networking as men and this is considered to be a key differential as to why men might seek and achieve promotions and women do not. However, Tudorians know all about supporting each other and maximising or creating opportunities, and I am glad that I can say that Tudorians are ambitious not only for themselves but for the whole Tudor community. R

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DEGREES Charlotte Bovill (2013) graduated from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Media, Communication & Cultural Studies (2:1).

Anastasia Brown (2013) graduated from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Politics (2:2).

Lucy Dowling (2013) graduated with a First Class (Hons) in Geography from Bristol University.

She is now part of the Teach First Leadership Development Programme in South London learning to teach on the job in a primary school in Croydon!

Alicia Forsyth-Forrest (2013) graduated from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Geography and Planning (2:1) Rhiannon Gray (2014) graduated with a First Class (Hons) in Religion and Theology from Bristol University.

She is now studying for an MA Religion and Theology at Bristol University.

Iona James (2013) graduated from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Sociology (2:1) Bethany Joslin (2013) graduated with a First Class (Hons) in Sport Sciences from Exeter University.

She is now on a Graduate Scheme with a global pharmaceutical company called MSD where she works as a Graduate Brand and Customer Manager within the Speciality Care business unit, predominantly working within the Antibiotics franchise.

Olivia Knox (2013) graduated with a BSc First Class (Hons) in Medical Sciences from the University of Exeter.

She is now reading for an MPhil in Computational Biology at the University of Cambridge.

Lucinda Sewell (2012) graduated from Durham University with a BA in Geography and Spanish (2:1).

She is currently working at Marsh in London on their graduate programme.

Annily Skye-Jeffries (2013) graduated with a First Class (Hons) in Geography from Exeter University.

Georgie Hatherell (2014) graduated from The Royal Agricultural University with a BSc (Hons) in Rural Land Management (2:1).

Hayley Wood (2013) graduated from Bristol University with a BSc in Economics and Politics (2:1).

She completed an internship at Savills as a Rural Surveyor and now has a permanent position on the Burghley Estate.

She is now on Deloitte’s Corporate Audit three year graduate scheme.

Charlotte Woodruff (2013) graduated from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Geography (2:1).

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Rani Tandon Deputy Head (Pastoral)

How important is

CONFIDENCE? Confidence is the most important thing we can give our young people. Our primary aim at Tudor Hall is to give students the self-respect to fulfil their potential and withstand all that life will throw at them.

We strive for confidence that comes not from others’ opinions or perceptions, but from an inner self-belief borne out of experience. It is not something we can simply give our pupils, but we can provide the right environment for it to develop and grow.

No one can prepare children for what life will bring – challenges arise when you least expect them.

Resilience has become something of a cliché in education, but it is a vital life skill which modern society doesn’t necessarily engender. As parents, we often want to sweep problems away before our children encounter them, and we are thereby robbing them of the confidence gained from dealing with those problems.

HOW DO WE INSTIL IT? At Tudor we are convinced that confidence can grow where two elements are present: a safe environment and challenge.

A child must feel it is safe to take risks and even fail. A safe environment is one where a child feels recognised, understood and valued. So we work hard in both teacher-pupil and pupil-pupil relationships to create an environment where students feel known and

understood and therefore able to take risks and make mistakes. Outstanding pastoral care, which we value so much at Tudor, is not just a nice extra – it is the seedbed in which individuals can flourish.

We present students with the element of challenge in diverse ways both in the classroom and beyond, in our co-curricular programme. We are convinced that fostering independence is vital. We must resist the temptation to do things for our children and overstructure their lives, which robs them of the chance to develop a sense of self. The boarding environment is a great place to develop that independence.

Our ‘Tudor in Three Continents’ programme for LVI students enables girls to spend seven to ten days working in India, South Africa and the UK. They work with young people in challenging conditions, very different from anything they’ve experienced before, and gain invaluable confidence in the process.

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? It’s immeasurable. Enabling someone to develop selfbelief and confidence will make a greater difference than anything else we can do for them. Self-belief, or lack of it, has a fundamental influence on a child’s life chances. People with healthy self-confidence are more employable and willing to seize opportunities when they arise, and self-belief has a huge impact on mental health and well-being. R

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Is there equality in the workplace?

SARAH MONTAGUE ANSWERS Head Girls Lizzie Coombs and Maud Swanborough were invited to meet Radio 4’s Sarah Montague at Broadcasting House in London.

They sat in on an edition of the Today programme, had a tour of the radio studios, and then sat down to ask her a few questions of their own.

Lizzie Coombs: It’s amazing for us to be able to interview you today, but it’s usually you asking the questions! How do you prepare for interviews, and do you have any tips for first-timers like us?

Sarah Montague: It depends – you can prepare for a week or you can prepare in five seconds. You can do lots of preparation and reading for a big interview, thinking about your questions and their likely responses, almost like building a scaffold on which to base the interview. But my main advice would be just LISTEN – which is actually quite hard to do when you are nervous and busy thinking about your next question. Be ready to completely ditch your questions if you need to. Make sure you know the subject area really well and you can follow the interviewee’s lead.

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Maud Swanborough: What sustains you when you have to get up so early to get to work for a 6 a.m. start?

SM: There is so much to do, so much to read and think about, that the adrenaline kicks in and gets me through it. The hours we work are intense but they are short, so there’s always the prospect of a quick nap later!

LC: We know you went to an all girls’ school like us.

Do you think it helped you?

SM: I think there are pros and cons, and different schools suit different people. Sometimes I can see in a single sex environment that girls can be freer to take risks, ask the question that everyone else

is too nervous to ask, even make a fool of themselves which we all need the confidence to do.

MS: You’ve met so many extraordinary people in your work. Have you been inspired by anyone in particular?

SM: I am so lucky to meet a whole raft of different people who have done incredible things, but inspiration sometimes comes from those you wouldn’t expect. One who sticks in my mind was a doctor who I interviewed on his work on treating the ebola epidemic. He described a time in his early career when as a young doctor in Africa, he recognised a pattern which revolutionised the way we understand AIDS; as he was talking I felt the hairs go up on the back of my neck as I thought about the phenomenal contribution this understated man had made.

LC: Are there any lessons you’ve learnt from interviewing these amazing people that you could pass on to Tudor girls?

SM: Everyone has feet of clay! We’re all really very similar. Someone may be very famous or good-looking but they still have the same emotions and reactions as the rest of us. The ordinariness of people often surprises me.

LC: Along with many women at the BBC, you have called for an end to the gender pay gap. How did you feel when you first saw those figures in black and white and realised the true inequality that was going on?

SM: It wasn’t a total surprise, but what shocked me was the scale of the difference between me and my male colleagues; and the way it was handled by the BBC. Pay is a judgement value on what you’re worth compared to the person next to you; it’s very personal.

I knew the BBC valued me because I am always being asked to take on new work, but the pay gap completely contradicted this, and it was outrageous.

When I was your age, I would never have thought for a moment that I could be in this situation today; we

thought we had won the battles, and here I am now aged fifty two, with daughters the same age as you, and it’s shocking to think that this inequality is still going on.

LC: Do you think your daughters will face this inequality?

SM: Absolutely not, because this time we are going to nail it!

MS: Have you ever regretted speaking out in the way you have done?

SM: I would like to go back behind the news barrier, but it’s something I and other women like me were compelled to do. We couldn’t ignore what we had discovered. I hope it hasn’t affected my career; perhaps it has, but it’s worth it.

LC: Do you have any advice for Tudor girls on challenging inequality?

SM: Timing is important. If we had spoken out ten years ago we wouldn’t have gained any traction because the world wasn’t ready to hear it. Things have to move beyond a tipping point where suddenly everything shifts and you find that you can apply pressure and change things. There’s no point bashing your head against a brick wall; you need to wait for the right time to be heard, but you can try to change the prevailing mood to cultivate fertile listening. R

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m r i A ighe H

Susie Jeffreys

Aim Higher: ‘to never be satisfied with the status quo’…; ‘to push oneself to achieve more’…; ‘striving to be the best one can be, in any area of life’ …. These are just a few phrases shared with me when I asked staff and girls what Aim Higher means to them.

This is the third year of Tudor’s Aim Higher Programme. It has grown from an Independent Learning Project (ILP) in Todd to a much bigger, wholeschool approach. Todd, IIs and IIIs are all involved in an ILP, the aim of which is to equip them with essential learning skills and encourage them to be involved in the school and wider community through reading, writing, research and fundraising projects. We eagerly await the results of their research projects and year group presentations in the Summer Term. The girls’ work will be on display in parent meetings next academic year.

The well-established Extended Project Qualification at A Level continues to inspire girls to research a topic of particular interest to them. This year’s topics in the LVI highlight the girls’ wide range of interests and passions, with one pupil setting up an art exhibition on twins, and another looking at changing perceptions towards GM crops.

All girls are invited to weekly Aim Higher sessions run by staff and girls on a wide range of subjects. These

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sessions aim to broaden their horizons, inspire them to learn about new subjects and encourage them to engage in debate with one another. Sessions this year have included ‘The art of strategy’, ‘Philanthropy’, ‘Sugar’, ‘Early Roman Emperors’, and ‘The right person for the job’, to name just a few.

On Tuesday 9th October 2018, Tudor will be running its second Aim Higher conference for IVs-UVI. We are very excited that Professor Deborah Eyre, an academic researcher and writer, and founder of High Performance Learning will be opening our conference.

The girls will then engage in various workshops led by people in business and education, before they hear from their closing speaker: Sarah Outen, who will speak about her inspirational journeys as an adventurer and the lessons she has learned along the way. The Aim Higher conference will be an annual event in the school’s calendar; so if any OTs are interested in leading a workshop this year, or in the future, please do get in contact with the school.’ R

John Field Director of Digital Learning

ELECTRONIC education

How computers are making an impact in the classroom.

Harking back to a more innocent age, whenever that was, some may regard the ubiquity of computers as a curse. Doubtless, the citizens of Mainz felt the same as they looked anxiously at Gutenberg’s movable type and wondered whether these new-fangled books would take humanity anywhere positive.

Regardless of whether we wish it were otherwise, human ingenuity and the desire to connect and communicate continues apace and offers students exciting opportunities to connect and collaborate.

The use of technology in classrooms at Tudor is evolving at a rapid pace. Never before has it been easier for girls to share work and collaborate on projects. The school’s blisteringly fast internet connection and enterprise standard Wi-Fi network are allowing mobile devices like iPads to help students learn like never before. SharePoint enables

girls to peer mark review and to work on documents collaboratively. In the past, few students backed-up their work and, if a laptop was dropped, broken, or just stopped working, then the recovery of that girl’s work was in the lap of the gods. Today, every girl enjoys a whopping 1TB of cloud storage that syncs across all devices.

We asked some of the girls for their perspective. Lizzie Coombs, Head Girl, is studying for A Levels in English, French and History and writes: I use my laptop now for most of my school work and take it to almost every lesson. Whether it’s to take notes in a Word document, or to do a listening exercise on the online textbook in French, most of my teachers set work that can be made more efficient and valuable with technology.

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Firefly (the school’s virtual learning environment) plays a big part of the way in which I use technology to make my school work easier – there’s almost nothing that it can’t do. Teachers can not only set us work through it, but can provide feedback and marked preps also, allowing us to have a digital record of all our results, so that we can track our progress and keep on top of the things we need to work on.

We can also access resources that the teachers provide on Firefly, such as videos that they would like us to watch, a copy of notes we made as a class, or the exam mark scheme and specification, meaning that everything we need really is at the tips of our fingers.

For my French A Level, I spend a significant amount of time working from the online textbook which can be found on Kerboodle. Here, listening exercises run alongside the text, together with assessment materials that our teachers often set us for prep.

The school also gives us access to a London Library e-library account and access to the full Oxford English Dictionary online which, along with OneNote, I have found invaluable when writing an essay for an external essay competition recently. OneNote is a sort of digital lever arch file and has allowed me to make and organise all my notes, as well as attach and annotate pdf copies of essays that I have been able to access on JSTOR, which is a digital library included in the school’s London Library membership.

I could then share these notes with my teacher.

Grace is in the IVs and is currently studying for her GCSEs. Here’s her take on technology in the classroom: In lessons, we have recently started to incorporate more online resources such as OneNote and OneDrive. OneDrive is a cloud storage system which allows me to back up the files on my laptop and makes it easy to share work with my teachers and to collaborate on projects. In lessons, I

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have found this extremely useful, as online resources such as OneNote are easy and quick to use and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. We can share our ideas with other students by sharing the page we are working on with everyone in the class.

This makes lessons more inclusive as everyone gets a say in the discussions. Furthermore, it gives the opportunity for everyone in the class to share their work with others to give the class a broader understanding of the topic being discussed. Most importantly, using online resources helps us to make more creative notes in lessons such as Science and Textiles, as we can add diagrams and pictures which we wouldn’t be able to do on paper. Also, for lessons such as English and History, making notes takes no time at all and writing all the information becomes less of a burden and more enjoyable.

...online resources such as OneNote are easy and quick to use and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. We can share our ideas with other students by sharing the page we are working on with everyone in the class.

Girls in Todd and the IIs are spearheading the school’s use of iPads. Rejoice in the IIs writes that: “iPads are useful for researching, emails, jotting things down and much more besides.

This has made a great impact on our learning at Tudor. We have been much more organised with iPads. In lessons, if we need to do any research or jot something down, we put our hands up and ask for permission to go on our iPads. We also have the opportunity to use our iPads in prep. This is really useful because we can use it to type up our preps and print them out. In the IIs house, we have an iPad locker each, to charge our iPads before we go to bed.

We have really enjoyed using the iPads.”

We know that virtualisation, Skype conference calls and the collaborative authoring of documents are commonplace in a working world with unprecedented access to information. However, the debate about screen time and device addiction is yet to conclude and parliament has asked Mark Zuckerberg to testify about Facebook’s ‘catastrophic failure’ in the aftermath of the Cambridge Analytica data leak. So, we need moderation in all things and our students should select the most effective tool for the job.

When I started at Tudor, Miss Griffiths visited an English lesson I was running with the IIIs. The girls were evaluating the school’s marketing materials and believed they had spotted a flaw in the prospectus: there was a photo of Miss Griffiths – but no name. They put their question to her and she explained that there had not been an oversight.

The reason her name was omitted was because she signed each prospectus personally.

So, in a world awash in email and low-quality communication, our girls will enter the workplace not only as young women who are digitally literate – but also as people who understand the value of eye contact, a smile and a good handshake. R

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A scientific mind Ed Way, Head of Carrdus, reflects on the importance of getting girls into science at an early age.

As Head of Carrdus, I believe that an interest in subjects like Maths, Physics and Computing cannot start early enough for both girls and boys, particularly in today’s society with its ever-increasing reliance on technology. However, the key finding of a study of girls and young women aged eleven to thirty, commissioned

by Microsoft was that, on average, there is only a five-year window to foster their passion for the STEM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

We can’t afford to wait until girls are thinking about university courses to foster their interest in STEM. Cindy Rose UK CEO, Microsoft

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The research shows that while most girls in the UK become attracted to STEM subjects just before leaving primary school, this interest drops off markedly between the ages of sixteen to seventeen. Ironically, even though boys form the greater proportion of entries for all GCSE science subjects, girls are more likely to perform better.

Despite this, girls only accounted for thirteen percent of the pupils doing Computer Science at A Level in 2017 and less than twenty one percent of pupils doing Physics.

Encouragingly however, 2017 results do show that more girls than boys chose Chemistry A Level for the first time.

In order to keep girls interested in pursuing the STEM subjects to a higher level, they need outstanding role models, lots of encouragement from teachers and parents, as well as hands-on and engaging practical experiences from as early as possible, giving them the confidence and the belief that they really ‘can do’ these subjects and that they are very real options for their future lives.

At Carrdus there is a big focus on STEM. From a very young age, the children are taught by specialist teachers in Science, Computing, Design and Technology, and Maths. Experienced class teachers build on these strong foundations; there is a distinct buzz along the ‘STEM corridor’ at Carrdus as the children move confidently between the Computing and Science teaching areas, enjoying programming and designing algorithms, separating solutions and building machines.

With its well-developed Outdoor Learning programme, STEM at Carrdus is not just confined to the classroom, but regularly takes place in our Outdoor Classroom and its stunning surroundings. There is a Messy Science club for the older girls, which often takes place outdoors for obvious reasons. This enables the children to design and carry out their own demonstrations and experiments, freed from the constraints of the indoors. Along with its new and well-equipped science lab, computer room and outdoor teaching areas, Carrdus offers excellent education for both its girls and boys throughout their STEM ‘formative years’, giving them the confidence to succeed and move forwards strongly in these very important subjects. R

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30

years

atTudor

Head of Art, Sheila Craske, looks back on thirty years at Tudor, reflecting on what's changed and on Tudor's abiding qualities which make it such a special place.

Arriving at Tudor for the first time in the spring of 1987 ‘felt like coming home’ for Sheila Craske (née Lees). Although she already had three job offers on the table, the fresh-faced young teacher had decided to come for interview at Tudor because she was familiar with the area, having recently graduated from Oxford University. As the spring flowers and buildings reminiscent of the Oxford Colleges sprang into view, she knew she liked the environment, but what really made her choose Tudor over the other schools she could have taught at was the friendly, community atmosphere of the school and the dedication of the staff she met, who all loved their subjects and for whom teaching was not ‘just a job’. The canine members of the community were part of the attraction too. “I think Miss Godfrey offered me the job because I was able to control her dog!” Sheila laughs, as she describes Bossy, Miss Godfrey’s springer spaniel, trying (and failing) to steal the sandwiches from her handbag.

Tudor was a very nurturing place for a young teacher and the school had a real family feel.

As the youngest member of staff, Sheila had lots of ‘mothers’ in the staff room: “They were delightful,” she recalls warmly. She joined the

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In her first year, quite a few of Sheila’s GCSE groups achieved very good results and went on to become artists, including Lucy Pratt, Flora Blackett, Batt Coley, Nonie Vinson and Francesca Hall where lack of facilities, lack of time on the timetable and lack of funding had been a constant battle, Art was a real strength at Tudor. As a boarding school, it was possible to afford the girls the time and space they needed to work on their art and, as Sheila became a Deputy House Mistress when she joined the School, living on site gave her more opportunity to go into the Art Room to help the girls.

Left: Sheila with her two dogs in 2018.

Above: At the Dog Show in 1998.

Top: Sheila at her first Radley Social as a teacher in 1987.

school at an exciting time, just as GCSEs were being introduced. Fresh from her post-graduate studies, she became the in-house expert on the new GCSE marking systems. Sheila also became part of a brand new Art Department as, like her, both the Head of Art, Mrs Lamont, and the school’s Art Historian, Crispin Robinson, were newly appointed. In contrast to the schools she had experienced working in prior to Tudor,

In her first year, quite a few of Sheila’s GCSE groups achieved very good results and went on to become artists, including Lucy Pratt, Flora Blackett, Batt Coley, Nonie Vinson and Francesca Hall. Thirty years on, and now Head of the Department, Sheila is still nurturing the talents of girls who go on to fulfil their ambition to become artists. However, those aren’t the only girls Sheila remembers fondly from her three decades at Tudor. One of the things she finds most rewarding is working with girls who think they can’t draw when they start in Todd and taking them all the way through the school, watching them grow into capable and confident artists. “I teach what I would love to have been taught,” she explains. “Tudor girls are so eager to learn the skills they need to be proficient artists: life drawing skills, colour theory, oil painting skills. As they progress through the school and master these skills they become inspired and are ready to run with their own ideas.”

Her time at Tudor has not only been spent in the Art Studio: school trips also feature strongly in Sheila's story. Her experiences range from helping girls with D of E training for a number of years, to World

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Challenge expeditions and Tudor in Three Continents.

These trips provide truly amazing experiences and bond the ‘gutsy girls’ and dedicated Tudor staff involved.

Sheila remembers being thrown in at the deep end on her first trip accompanying Sixth Formers on a World Challenge trip to Borneo. As most of the girls were hockey firsts, keeping up with these energetic teenagers whilst climbing mountains was a real test of stamina.

They had all been well-prepared though, as Sheila had friends in Wales who trained the SAS and who helped her to train her team for Borneo.

They also allowed the group to camp on their sheep farm in the shadow of the Brecon Beacons: an ideal spot to train the World Challenge teams every exeat weekend in all weathers. Sheila also considers herself fortunate to have participated in Tudor in Three Continents, where she has organised art activities at the Ebenezer School in Chennai, India, five times. “Tudor gave me the confidence to travel with students,” she reflects.

“Once I had taken girls to the depths of Borneo, Sulawesi and Madagascar, I realised how much students get out of a cultural exchange.”

Integrating what she has learned from her experiences into her art teaching, Sheila includes a visit to a European city for her Art GCSE students as part of their research, providing first-hand inspiration and research to develop their painting, drawing, printmaking and ceramic skills. For Sixth Form students, in recent years, trips to New York have become an October half term staple. “When you see a student gasp with surprise and wonder at a piece of artwork hanging on a gallery wall that she has only previously experienced on an app on her phone or computer, it makes all the paperwork and risk assessments worthwhile!”

So how has Tudor changed over the last thirty years?

In the late eighties, the whole school could fit in the Ballroom for Mark Reading with all of the staff on the stage. Now it is difficult to fit just the staff in the

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Ballroom; let alone the girls! The whole school would go out for the school birthday: all of the staff, all of the students and all of the office staff (which in those days was only two people).

The dining experience has been transformed. The dining room used to be in the IIIs Common Room and everyone had to queue up the staircase and through the Ballroom. The acoustics were terrible, so the noise

Above: Searching for leeches in Borneo.

Right: Trip to Madagascar 2000.

Perhaps one of the biggest changes has been communication.

In the past, the only way to communicate was face-to-face, in writing, or by telephone (a landline with a cord, not a mobile phone).

Each boarding house had one telephone and the girls would each have one slot per week to use it. If a girl had a boyfriend who she was desperate to talk to, she would bribe the rest of her year with chocolate so that she could have their phone time. Digital technology has totally changed this.

Above: With one of the students of the Ebenezer School in Chennai.

However, thirty years on, although there are many more staff and the structural changes to the school are too numerous to mention, the feeling of the school has not changed. “The essence of Tudor is still the same,” Sheila asserts, reassuringly. “When I walk my dogs Barkus and Dotty down the front drive every lunch time to get some fresh air away from the oil paints, it is as if I am back in time, still walking Casey, Benson and Binker, my three previous black field spaniels. I half expect to hear a whistle and catch a glimpse of all the dogs following Miss Muirhead across the fields, just like a Winalot advert.”

The essence of Tudor is still the same,” Sheila asserts, reassuringly.

“When I walk my dogs Barkus and Dotty down the front drive every lunch time to get some fresh air away from the oil paints, it is as if I am back in time... in the dining room was awful. Consequently, you ate your lunch very quickly! The acoustics in the ‘new’ canteen are wonderful, allowing for a relaxing lunch and a conversation.

Darren and Linda have transformed lunch and supper, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the staff gaining ‘the Tudor Hall stone’!

Sheila has often been asked what is so special about Tudor that has made her stay for thirty years. “To be perfectly honest, I have been so busy, I have to admit I have not seen the years pass by,” she reflects. At one stage in her career she was a full-time teacher, a full-time housemistress, she ran an art club every Saturday and led the world Challenge expeditions, so it is easy to see how the time has raced by. “But there is something special about Tudor,” she states. “It makes me enjoy my job. My husband and I love being creative, Tudor gives you that opportunity.” R

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An exhibition

Tudorian Art

of

The School's Main Corridor and Museum Area underwent a complete transformation last autumn, with the launch of the Exhibition of Tudorian Art. With the help of some bold colour and clever lighting, the Museum Area has become a striking and atmospheric space in which to appreciate the truly amazing pieces on display from Tudorian sculptors including Caroline Stacey (Clay, 1948), Annie Field (Charlton, 1963) and Candida Petersham (Bond, 1989).

The Main Corridor has become a gallery for a diverse range of artwork, ranging from vivid oil paintings to striking charcoals, beautiful watercolours to playful welded steel pieces. Those with a little more time to stand and stare will also be captivated by the

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Transforming Vanitas Painting by Tudor parents Rob and Nicky Carter. This animated piece, displayed on a computer monitor hidden behind a picture frame, blends technology with still life to depict the decomposition over time of a frog. Whether it’s the somewhat gruesome subject matter, or the ingenuity of the technology, this piece has certainly got the school community talking (and squealing)!

Thanks to the support of Tudorian artists from across the decades and from all corners of the country who contributed their artwork, the exhibition, which was

the brainchild of Headmistress, Wendy Griffiths, has been a huge success. She explains:

“As a school, we are immensely proud of the creative talent of our community.

We have brought together a collection which we feel reflects and celebrates the breadth of Tudorian creative talent.

We hope it will inspire both current and future pupils.�

Art has always been an important part of life at Tudor, not only for those who go on to forge their careers in the art world, but also for girls who leave with a lifelong love of art that has been nurtured at school.

Here is what some of the artists who took part in the exhibition have to say about their work and about their experiences of art at Tudor.

Above and right: Sculptures in the museum area.

Left: Rob and Nicky Carter next to their piece, Transforming Vanitas Painting

DISPLAY YOUR WORK If you would like more information about this Exhibition, or would like to contribute a piece of artwork, please contact Lindsay Silver: lsilver@tudorhallschool.com

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CAROLINE STACEY (Clay, 1948) Written by husband Tom Stacey It was Tudor Hall that planted the seed of the sculptural career of my wife Caroline Stacey, which was to lead to exhibitions in major galleries in London, Paris and Chicago, and collectors of her bronzes around the world. It was a career brought to a close (with a remarkable four foot semiabstract The Sacrum) in 2005. As Alzheimer’s closed upon her she would say, ‘My mind has gone, but my hands know what to do.’ She remains with us, serene now, at our family home in Kensington.

as a draughtsman but a sculptor, both in stone and in clay-for-bronze, with Tudor Hall’s Georg her inner mentor. London’s Cass School of Art taught her the techniques of bronze. She searched out Georg Ehrlich at his Kensington home, to become the only studio pupil of his life.

Within a couple of years she had become a gallery artist of Alwyn Davies’ sculpture gallery in Grafton Street, off Bond Street, the only all-sculpture site in London. Soon came the first of several solo exhibitions at the same venue; and thence to Bernheim-Jeune, Paris’ legendary gallery in the Faubourg St Honoré – which had launched Cézanne through to Bonnard – for two of her own solo shows. By then a son and a fourth daughter had been added to our family.

Born in 1931, Caroline arrived at Tudor Hall as a twelve-year-old in the middle of the war – a school she learned to love after a school she’d learned to hate.

Tudor was then at Burnt Norton, Chipping Campden.

A diminutive Jewish refugee – so Caroline would relate to me – had walked up the drive to offer himself to Nesta Inglis as an additional teacher of art, modestly unveiling evidence of his reputation as a sculptor in his native Vienna from which he had fled with his wife shortly before the war, aged thirty nine.

Nesta hired him on a hunch. Georg Ehrlich was to inspire a school generation of young Tudorians until the war ended, guiding his pupils with a soft-spoken intensity in, above all, the disciplines of life-drawing, key to his own mastery as a sculptor. Caroline Clay (as then she was) and her Tudor contemporary Sarah Lutyens, were to justify their Tudor grounding and inspiration by becoming professional artists. Postwar Ehrlich was to build his own national reputation in Britain, finding major collectors in (for instance) Aldeburgh presided over by Benjamin Britten.

With our marrying young, Caroline had already brought us three daughters when, by her later twenties, the creative clamour became irresistible, no longer now

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Sketch of Caroline, c. 1943 by Georg Ehrlich

Caroline’s fellow Tudorian artist Sarah Lutyens succumbed in early mid-life to an illness brought on, perhaps, by inhaling the fumes from the enamelling of her creative work. The Ehrlichs remained close to Caroline and me all their lives – Georg dying in 1966, Bettina in 1985. Vienna’s equivalent of the Royal Academy gave space to a comprehensive exhibition of Georg’s oeuvre on his death. Nesta had spotted a master-benefactor.

WREN HUGHES (née Jennifer Adderley, 1972) Wren is a sculptor, creative arts therapist and group facilitator based in Oxford. She exhibits her work in solo and group shows nationally and internationally and remains indebted to the wonderful support and encouragement she received from her art teacher, Mary Browning, and her friend and fellow sculptor, Tessa Pullan (1971).

While at Tudor Hall, Wren made full use of the art room and pottery cellar, which was at that time situated underneath the headmistress’s study. She also arranged for the school to invite the sculptor Kostek Wojnarowska to hold classes for A Level students in her final year. On leaving Tudor Hall, Wren went on to study for two years in the studio of the late sculptor Sally Arnup in Yorkshire and with John Skeaping RA in France, followed by three years at the City and Guilds of London Art School.

Expulsion of Adam from Eden (1985) – 2.5m by Caroline Stacey.

Bronze seated figure by Wren Hughes.

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Wren also exhibits drawings, paintings and work in stone and bronze and leads groups and retreats in the creative arts. www.wrenhughes.co.uk

LUCY PRATT (1988) Lucy Pratt is a contemporary British artist whose paintings convey the vitality and spirit of a joyous moment in space and time.

Gathering inspiration from all corners of the world, she spent the majority of her twenties painting in India, Nepal and Thailand. She returned to London where her figures and city scapes joined her love of sea and landscapes. Now based in the Cotswolds, she constantly experiments with new subject matter, whilst continuing her passion for the South West coastline.

Her uniquely vibrant and technically accomplished paintings have made a significant impact at the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition for several years, with many of her works housed in collections in both the UK and abroad.

She says of her time at Tudor, “If I was given the chance to go back in time to those days in the art room at

Angel Sculpture by Wren Hughes.

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Hive of Activity by Lucy Pratt.

Left: Stormy Skies, Thurlestone Rock by Lucy Pratt.

Below: Emily Ponsonby next to George.

Tudor, I would be first in line! I spent every spare minute there or in the pottery shed, the generosity with the materials and ‘open door’ freedom was totally limitless – just how an art room should be. Happy days!” www.lucypratt.com enquiries@lucypratt.com

EMILY PONSONBY (2008) Emily’s painting George currently hangs in the Museum Area at Tudor Hall. Emily has known ‘George’, his facial expressions, mannerisms and postures, forever. It is not the first time that he has adorned the walls of Tudor Hall. Aged twelve, the poor thing was pounced upon by his older sister to be captured asleep in blue and white checked pyjamas…whilst holding a trompe l’oeil papiermâché banana. The ease of a painting often comes from the relationship between sitter and artist, and the atmosphere of the studio. Emily’s studio is usually filled with the honeyed aromas of melted beeswax. She specializes in a variety of media: beeswax, oil and ink.

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Her latest work combines all three, building up layer upon layer of wax and paint before scratching into the surface to create greater detail and depth. Her technique derives from the Ancient Egyptians’ encaustic process… attaching waxy paintings known as Fayum portraits to the heads of bound mummies.

After an excitingly successful first solo show of bathing nudes, ‘SOAK’, in London in 2017, Emily has moved to Cape Town for six months in search of fresh inspiration, light and adventure.

Watch this colourful space. www.emilyponsonby.com emponsonby@gmail.com Insta: @emilyponsonbyart Instant Hero by Emily Ponsonby.

ISSY GIBBS (2016) Currently studying at Charles Cecil Studios, Florence, Issy spends her mornings learning the art of portraiture in oils, spending two to three weeks on a project on average. In the afternoons she uses either pencil or charcoal to draw the figure. She will continue practising portraiture for the remainder of her time at Charles Cecil, gradually developing and progressing into larger scale paintings and continually training her eye to achieve a greater likeness in each portrait.

When she graduates from Charles Cecil in two years’ time, she plans to continue portraiture and hopes to

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Joey by Issy Gibbs.

set up her own studio where she can do commissioned portraits and work on her own projects. She would also like to practise landscape painting and hopefully sculpture one day.

Issy enjoyed art hugely at Tudor. She was given a great freedom to chose what she would study and to expand her own ideas, and benefited from the wide variety of material and equipment she was able to use. The staff gave lots of support, especially during the final term with A Levels. Her History of Art A Level also gave her a great knowledge of Renaissance and Baroque art. Issy feels that all of this gave her a fantastic grounding from which to start her studies at Charles Cecil, where she is learning about the great portrait masters such as Van Dyke, Titian and Velazquez. R Right: Guiseppe by Issy Gibbs.

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DEVELOPMENT

Artist's impression of the proposed Teaching Centre.

AT TUDOR

The Teaching Centre

When Rose went to print last year, the Teaching Centre felt like a distant prospect – all we had in place were a set of plans and an ambitious fundraising target. One year on, things are moving on apace – an impressive £2.1 million has been raised in support of the project, the building contractor has been appointed, trees have been cleared from the front drive in preparation for the groundworks, portacabins have been set up in the top car park as temporary classrooms and office accommodation, and work on site has begun.

The end of the Spring Term saw the project begin in earnest with the arrival on site of a ten tonne crane, in place for the day to install the portacabins (a logistical challenge for all concerned!) This was followed by the ‘turf-cutting’ ceremony (sadly in the rain) attended by the Mayor of Banbury, Governors, members of Senior Management, construction and architects’ teams, to officially mark the commencement of works. Over the Easter break the unsightly buildings housing the IVs’ classrooms, the ceramics room and the offices for

The turf-cutting ceremony for the new Teaching Centre.

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Mathematics and Science were demolished and the contractors began work digging the Teaching Centre’s foundations. Progress is visible on a daily basis and we look forward to moving in to the new space in the summer of 2019.

The Teaching Centre will be at the heart of the school and will include eight modern classrooms for Mathematics and English; purpose-built studios for Textiles and Ceramics; a spacious, professional kitchen for Food and Nutrition; and a photography studio. It is a much-needed development for Tudor and the girls are

excited at the prospect of these new facilities. Equally exciting is the opportunity that the new building will provide for reorganisation and refurbishment of existing spaces to further enhance our provision.

We have been delighted by the level of support we have received from current and former parents and are hugely grateful to the generosity of all our donors. We are seeking to raise a further ÂŁ400,000 in philanthropic gifts from the extended Tudor Community so please do consider making a donation to this project; every gift, whether large or small, takes us another step closer to achieving our goal.

If you would like further information on any aspect of the project, please contact Rachel Graves, Head of Development and Alumnae Relations on 01295 756287 or rgraves@tudorhallschool.com or, for information on how to make a donation, visit www.tudorhallschool.com/makeagift R

Left: Clearing the site ready for the groundworks to begin.

We have been delighted by the level of support we have received from current and former parents and are hugely grateful to the generosity of all our donors.

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Below: The new temporary classrooms.

STAFF PROFILE RACHEL GRAVES, Head of Development and Alumnae Relations

How long have you been working at Tudor Hall and what is your role?

I joined the school in January 2018 as Head of Development and Alumnae Relations, a new role encompassing alumnae relations, communications, events and fundraising. It is an exciting time to have joined Tudor; the Teaching Centre project is well under way, our Bursary Programme is about to be launched and other plans are in the pipeline. Miss Griffiths is, rightly, ambitious for the school and the girls who study here, and her enthusiasm and energy are infectious.

Where did you work before Tudor?

Before joining Tudor, I worked at Oriel College, Oxford, as Deputy Development Director, and prior to that at St John’s College, Oxford (my alma mater) as Head of Alumni and Supporter Relations. At Oriel my role was largely operational, running a busy Development Office, managing the team and overseeing the systems that underpin a successful £25 million fundraising

campaign. My role at St John’s focused more specifically on relationship-management, working with all the College’s major stakeholders from President and Governing Body Fellows, through benefactors and alumni, to students and prospective students.

Why development?

As with many development professionals, I have not always worked in this field, starting my professional life as a teacher and then spending over ten years in advertising before taking a career break to raise my family. After children, I knew that I wanted both a new professional challenge and ‘to make a difference’. My time at Oxford as a student had been pivotal for me, but it was clear that, while in many ways an Oxbridge education was more accessible than it had been in the eighties, the introduction of fees had put it beyond the reach and aspirations of many. It was this belief that everyone should be able to access first-class education that drew me to the world of development and educational fundraising; being a champion for positive change is what continues to motivate me.

What is the ambition for development and alumnae relations at Tudor?

Everything we do at Tudor is driven by our commitment to constantly improve the educational offer, ensuring our girls have the best co-curricular experience and achieve the best results possible; development is no exception. We are fortunate at Tudor to have committed parents and an engaged alumnae body who love the school and share our aims. Our goal is to continue to build on this support and reap the benefits it brings.

Development is often regarded as synonymous with fundraising, but in reality it encompasses so much more. There are many ways in which the Tudor community can, and does, support the work we do: participating in our Aim Higher Programme; offering careers advice, mentoring, work experience and internships; contributing to our publications; facilitating events; donating money, gifts in kind, professional time; volunteering; the list goes on! Our aim is to harness this support for the benefit of the school and thereby secure its future for the generations of girls to come. R

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A life less Barrister, Playwright, Broadcaster, Mother, …

Nemone Lethbridge has played many roles in her life, but it is her determination and resilience which are truly inspirational.

Nemone Lethbridge

Having recently heard OT Nemone Lethbridge (1948) being interviewed on Radio 4 about her career in Law, I feel immensely privileged to have the opportunity to meet this remarkable lady face-to-face and to learn a little more about her story.

As she opens the door of her North London home to me, the sparkle in her eyes, which mirrors the sparkle on her playfully painted toenails, confirms my hunch that I am in the presence of a lady who is far from a stereotypical octogenarian.

Elegant and eloquent, she talks warmly about the sense of community in her little patch of ‘The People’s Republic of Hackney’ as we go to sit in a bright conservatory filled with an eclectic mix of antique candelabras, vibrant cushions and brightly coloured children’s toys belonging to her grandchildren.

Nemone is best known for being one of the few women to have successfully established a career as a barrister in the 1950s, only to be frozen out of her chambers in

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the 1960s when her marriage to a convicted murderer was made public. She ultimately returned to her former career in 1981 and still practises on a parttime basis at a law centre which she set up in her local Catholic Church with her former colleague, Mark Twomey QC, to help the local community.

Before finding out more about her inspirational career, I am keen to learn a little about her time at Tudor, between 1942 and 1948.

Traditionally the girls in her family had gone to Sherborne, but after meeting and being rather put off by the Head of that school at the time, her mother decided to look elsewhere. She was so captivated by the ‘ravishing beauty’ of the school at Burnt Norton, and so impressed with Miss Inglis, that she decided to break with family tradition and send her eldest daughter to Tudor Hall.

Nemone remembers with fondness the stunning school grounds surrounded by woodland where the girls enjoyed the freedom to roam and explore the magical setting and the natural treasures waiting to be discovered. “It was limestone country,” Nemone explains. “The brooks calcified everything they touched.

We would find the most beautiful calcified leaves.”

ordinary

Nemone Lethbridge at home in Ladbroke Gardens, Notting Hill, c. 1960.

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Music was a great strength of the school at the time, largely due to the influence of Miss Inglis, who was an accomplished musician. Although Nemone doesn’t consider herself to have been particularly musical, she enjoyed dancing: “We did Greek dancing, dressed in little green tunics. We did it in our bare feet, so you could feel the cold, soft grass.”

unsuitable place for children, remained outside with four-year-old Cherry, whilst the others went down the steps into that concrete dungeon. Back at school, Nemone and Dione saw a picture of Martin Bormann, the Nazi who got away, and were convinced that he and the boiler man at Tudor were in fact one and the same person! “We spent weeks debating whether we should tell Miss Inglis that she had a war criminal amongst the staff,” she confides.

There was a pencil line five inches from the bottom of the bath.

We were told that the King bathed in five inches of water, so we should too.

School life became more disciplined when the school relocated to its current site at Wykhan Park, but there were advantages to the new site. The girls were now allowed to bring their pets with them: “The rich girls brought their ponies, the rest of us brought our rabbits.”

Nemone and her friend Dione both brought their rabbits – Nemone’s was a doe called ‘Cellophane’. Another attraction of the new site was the riding school and its popular riding master, Captain Anderton, who was very handsome and wore shiny boots and a green pork pie hat: “Naturally all the girls were in love with him,” Nemone chuckles.

She describes with amusement the enormous bathrooms at Wykham Park, each with a different coloured marble bath. In contrast to the decadence of the surroundings, the bath water was rationed: “There was a pencil line five inches from the bottom of the bath. We were told that the King bathed in five inches of water, so we should too.”

During her time at Tudor, Nemone, her brother Peter and sister Cherry, spent the school holidays in Germany. Her father, who was Chief of Intelligence for the British Army in the Rhine, took the family with him on one of his monthly visits to Berlin to meet his Russian, American and French counterparts. Whilst there, they visited the bunker where Hitler and Eva Braun died. Her mother, thinking that this was an

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She was determined to go to university so, after completing her School Certificate at Tudor Hall and presenting the customary chair to the school upon leaving, Nemone studied for her Higher School Certificate at Bath High School, near her family home. She then enrolled at Somerville College, Oxford to read Law. She was one of only two girls reading Law and the Tutor treated them both ‘with total contempt’, informing them: “The idea of you going to the bar is totally laughable, but it doesn’t matter, as both of you will commit matrimony.”

She had originally wanted to go into politics and thought the best way in was through the Law. However, rather than learning about parliamentary procedure as she’d anticipated, she spent her first year at Oxford studying Roman Law, mostly in Latin, and the second year studying Medieval Land Law, mostly in French.

Clearly a ‘glass half full’ kind of person, Nemone finds the positive that, although the Law degree didn’t equip her with the knowledge and skills she’d anticipated, it did mean she had to do fewer bar exams.

After graduating from Oxford, the next challenge Nemone faced was finding a pupillage since, although it was possible for women at the time to gain a qualification in Law, there were significant barriers to being able to go on to practise. Luckily, her father’s links with the Nuremberg Prosecutors from his

time investigating war crimes enabled her to find a pupillage, via one of his friends, with Mervin GriffithJones. Griffith-Jones practised mainly at the Old Bailey and is remembered as the prosecutor in the Lady Chatterley obscenity trial. Although kind to her, it was clear he didn’t really like taking on a woman. On her first morning in Chambers, the Junior Clerk was given the job of going out to buy nail varnish remover for Nemone because the nail varnish made her look ‘too flighty to go to court’.

Not only was she not allowed any work, even the bathroom was off limits to her as a woman; she was instructed to use the facilities of the nearest café on Fleet Street!

After a second six month pupillage in Family Law, she finally got a tenancy. I ask Nemone how she felt when she first qualified as a barrister. I expect to hear of pride or elation, but instead she tells me in a very measured way, “It was very challenging.” The Chambers at which she finally got a tenancy would not allow her any work because the Scotland Yard Solicitor, who provided work to the Chambers, wouldn’t instruct a woman; so she had to go out and find her own … not an easy task even for a determined and inventive young barrister.

Not only was she not allowed any work, even the bathroom was off limits to her as a woman; she was instructed to use the facilities of the nearest café on Fleet Street!

There is no resentment in her voice as she recounts these stories from her early career, just a wry smile on her face. “Things are infinitely better than they were for women in Law,” she reflects. “There is now a female President of the Supreme Court, Lady Hale, who is a lovely, modest person, but there is still a way to go.”

In a very considered, balanced way she adds: “The Callaghan Government made some very unfortunate appointments as a result of positive discrimination, and this set the cause of women back. People should only be appointed on merit.”

During her first tenancy, she was instructed by a firm of Orthodox Jewish solicitors who couldn’t go to court on a Saturday and were looking for a gentile to cover this work. It was here that she acquired two of her most infamous clients – Ronnie and Reggie Kray. They would frequently get arrested on a Friday night, so her

Top: Nemone's Call photo, when she was called to the bar in 1956.

Above: The Kray twins. Image from http://thekraytwins.wikia. com/wiki/File:Kray-Brothers.

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Saturday mornings would often involve representing them. I expect to hear some gruesome stories about these notoriously violent gangsters, but instead, in a characteristically understated way, Nemone comments: “They were always extremely polite.” She describes being invited to tea at their house in Bethnal Green, where she went with the solicitor’s Clerk, and being given a wad of notes by Ronnie as a token of his appreciation. “I explained that I wasn’t allowed to take gifts and that I was happy with my fee,” she tells me. Unhelpfully, the clerk with her suggested Ronnie get her a nice crocodile handbag instead, but she managed to make it clear that she didn’t want that either. “I think they liked the fact they couldn’t buy me” she says, triumphantly.

It was through a member of her chambers, Sir Lionel Thompson, that Nemone met the man she would marry, Jimmy O’Connor.

When she was still in her first year at Tudor Hall, he had been convicted of murder and sentenced to hang, but the conviction had been unsound and he was reprieved, and his death sentence was downgraded to a life sentence.

Being a barrister is the most fascinating job you can imagine and there is such terrible injustice which needs to be fought.

The couple married in secret in Ireland, but when their marriage became public knowledge, Nemone’s chambers informed her that they could no longer keep her on, and her hard-won career as a barrister came to an end. It was almost twenty years before she returned to the bar, joining the chambers of a liberal, open-minded Barrister in 1981. But those intervening years were far from empty.

She lived in Greece for a while, had two sons, wrote for television and radio and even had a stint as a television presenter with the BBC filming in Manchester.

So what made her keep going in the face of all these challenges?

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“Being a barrister is the most fascinating job you can imagine,” she enthuses. “And there is such terrible injustice which needs to be fought,” she continues with more gravitas. She mentions just a couple of the people with whom she has worked through the law centre she set up to help her local community: a girl she saved from an honour killing by convincing the Court of Appeal she was in danger and securing residential status for her and a lady who had been trafficked by her husband and had lived as a slave in London for seven years who she was able to help secure legal status for. It is clear what an immense impact Nemone has been able to make on people’s lives since returning to the bar and it is heart-warming to see the pleasure on her face as she tells me that the girl she saved from the honour killing is now living happily in Welwyn Garden City and sends her a Christmas card every year.

What is this talented lady most proud of?

“My children” she replies, without hesitation. She is extremely close to her two sons, a head-hunter and an energy trader, with whom she shares a strong bond. She even shares her home with one of her two sons and his family and it’s clear that she also has an amazing relationship with her grandchildren, learning German with her eldest grandson and sharing in her eight-year-old granddaughter’s excitement about her upcoming First Communion.

Her advice for girls at Tudor today?

“Follow your heart, follow your instinct and don’t take ‘no’ for an answer!”

Inspired advice from a truly inspirational OT! R

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Adventure Learning Kitty Wells, Director of Outdoor Education at Tudor

At Tudor Hall we pride ourselves on education beyond the classroom. Headmistress, Wendy Griffiths, has always been passionate about Outdoor Education, and the importance of experiences gained by being out of one’s comfort zone. I am sure many of you will have fond memories of your experiences on expeditions, from a cold, wet Bronze D of E, to the wild and remote Mustang Valley in Nepal. Recently, I contacted OT Saskia Everard (2012), who embodies the adventurous spirit we aim to foster in all our girls. This is what she had to say about her adventures at Tudor, and how they have shaped her adult life so far: As I’m sure many of the teachers at Tudor will remember, I was always the first one to put my hand up for adventures at school – from skydiving in South Africa (with Warriors) to hiking up a volcano in Nicaragua (World Challenge). Starting travelling so early has changed my life – I don’t mean that in a clichéd way – genuinely it has.

Where am I today? Palenque, Mexico.

What am I doing? I work for myself as a freelance graphic designer, remotely (so I can live where I want!), with

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clients primarily from East Africa and Western Europe.

How did I end up working thousands of miles away from where my work comes from? Good question…

Being open to alternative paths gives you an advantage in life, trying new things whenever you can.

Allow me to explain, using my work as an example.

Graphic design in London is incredibly competitive and

it takes years to get anywhere worthwhile. This process is tedious and (in my mind) not the most effective way. So, how can one avoid this process and get to the good stuff quicker? Take away the competition. If you do something differently then there are fewer people like you doing it, meaning you are a small fish in a slightly smaller pond – things get easier from then on. Alternative path. How did I do this? Initially, I moved to Kenya to seek out work with NGOs and other interesting organisations. There are very few designers with a decent design background based in East Africa; so once I began, things started snowballing quickly by word of mouth. I was based in Kenya for about a year. Since then, I (temporarily) went back to London to help a luxury travel company on their communications team, after which, I decided Central America was calling, which is where I am now. My client base is now strong enough that my being in Mexico just adds a bit of exoticness to the service!

Suswa Manyata stay.

When you’re in a situation you’ve never been in before, you don’t know how you are going to handle it.

If you put yourself in these situations as often as possible, you realise that you can handle most things...

Mural painting in Kenya.

How did I decide there was more out there for me than the typical nine-to-five so early on? Adventures started early. These adventures started at Tudor. Going away, getting out of your comfort zone or giving yourself a chance to shine does two things. Firstly, it sparks curiosity. You begin to understand that you really are a tiny person in this amazing world, and there is so much still to be learnt from that Mexican drinking Mezcal with his donkey or the kid in Kenya who insists on braiding your hair. Secondly, it gives you confidence in your own abilities. When you’re in a situation you’ve never been in before, you don’t know how you are going to handle it. If you put yourself in these situations as often as possible, you realise that you can handle most things, this is the key to being self-assured.

Mount Kenya hike.

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How did my experiences at Tudor kick-start this? The trip that taught me the most was the World Challenge expedition to Nicaragua and Costa Rica, for a few reasons. Having raised all the funds for the trip myself, through various 14-year-old hustling methods, I began to understand that making money doesn’t need to be done the conventional way and, what’s more, hard work makes the reward so much sweeter.

This lesson has helped me greatly to decide on my career path later down the line and not be phased by ‘recommendations’ of people around me (who really are looking out for me, but don’t always know best) or society’s norms. This trip also taught me that the warnings people give you before you go (e.g. ‘keep your money belt on you at all times, you never know…’, ‘don’t talk to strangers’ etc.) are often given out of fear rather than understanding. 97% of the people in this world are good, and the other 3% give us all a bad reputation. When you hear a far-fetched story about some drug lord in Nicaragua attacking all the tourists – the story was told out of fear, not understanding (and more often than not, these stories are complete fabrication).

Top and above: World Challenge, Costa Rica.

Top right: Far Frontiers, Uganda.

Left: World Challenge, Morrocco.

Right: Trip to Iceland.

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Outdoor Education at Tudor is undergoing a change of brand.

My aim as Director of Outdoor Education is to remove the perception that all learning needs to be based on a muddy hillside in the rain in Wales, and that it is the nature of the experience, not the climate, that enables personal development.

Do I recommend outdoor education? Yes, always, become as badass as you can. Five years after Tudor, I look around and see what everyone is doing and it is very clear that those people who put themselves out there and say ‘yes’ are leading much more exciting lives.

So say ‘yes’ to getting muddy and playing in the woods – life is, and always should be, a playground. R

Indeed, a lot of Saskia’s experiences took place overseas in lovely sunny and warm climes; this doesn’t mean she didn’t learn from them as you can clearly see from what she has written. In addition, the concept of ‘education’ to me brings connotations of a classroom environment where the student is a passive participant in a ‘lesson-based’ experience.

Whereas learning is something one must take control of and the responsibility lies with the learner to choose how much they take from each experience. R

OUTDOOR EDUCATION BECOMES ADVENTURE LEARNING. In adventure learning, our focus is entirely on the whole person. Through a mixture of skills-based activities, experiential and directed learning, we aim to develop every element of the girls’ character. By ensuring the programme is varied and progressive, pupils are encouraged to self-evaluate their progress and post-session reviews develop a framework for the girls to examine their strengths and weaknesses and identify the benefits of their experiences.

In short, it provides the girls with the tools and skills required to be totally ‘badass’ throughout their time at Tudor and into their future careers. R

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OT Elizabeth Krempley (Davidson 2001), on living with arthritis and receiving recognition for her charity work.

When she was in her second year at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, USA, Elizabeth Krempley was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

She went from being an active teenager, who had played lacrosse for Tudor Hall and was captain of the Stuart squash team, loved to play the guitar, dance, ride horses and hike, to one who struggled to get out of bed in the morning because of the pain and joint stiffness that comes with the disease. By the time she was diagnosed, after more than a year of being misdiagnosed, she was so ill she had to leave college.

She could barely hold a pen.

Learning to live with rheumatoid arthritis was difficult.

Elizabeth could no longer enjoy her hobbies, the career she had envisioned for herself was no longer possible, and the illness set her on a path to multiple surgeries, expensive medical bills, and learning to navigate the confusing American healthcare system.

Luckily, a wonderful and supportive family, good friends, and a gifted rheumatologist saw her through the bad days and helped her to carve a new life

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Habeo ut dem

for herself. Sixteen years on, though managing her illness remains a constant challenge, her life is full of adventure and joy. Today she holds a DPhil from the University of Oxford, directs communications for the Justice Programs Office at American University in Washington, DC, and is happily married with two funny dogs.

As an Old Tudorian, Elizabeth believes in the school’s motto: Habeo ut dem. That is why she works with the Arthritis Foundation as it leads the fight for the arthritis community in the United States and raises funds to conquer arthritis, America’s leading cause of disability.

She serves on the Arthritis Foundation’s Metro DC Leadership Board, and, as a member of its Advocacy Committee, she also speaks out on behalf of the fifty million Americans, including 300,000 children who, like her, live with arthritis or related diseases. She has presented on a Congressional briefing panel as well as helping to organize, and volunteering at, numerous Arthritis Foundation events.

In recognition of her work, the Arthritis Foundation named her its 2017 Adult Honoree. She was presented with the award at its annual Jingle Bell Run in Arlington, Virginia. Each year the Arthritis Foundation holds Jingle Bell Runs – fun, festive, holiday-themed five kilometer runs – across the country to raise money to support the Arthritis Foundation’s critical programs, such as research to find a cure. R

India Sturgis (right) with sister Emma (2004)

India Sturgis (2005)

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING ... at the same time as your sister Telling my older sister Emma that I was pregnant was a moment I'll never forget. She’d visited for a cup of tea. She was pregnant too – four months by then – and I’d started to call her Cookie Monster as she’d devour anything in sight. But instead of a plate of Choco Leibniz, I placed a positive pregnancy test in front of her and watched as her eyes brimmed and an incredulous smile spread across her face. She was shocked to the core and we did a histrionic dance, laughing and screaming at each other.

With fourteen months between us, and as our parents’ only children, we’ve always been close. But this was dramatic, uncharted territory. Aged thirty and thirtyone and both in the early stages of marriage, these are our first babies, and although her pregnancy was not a huge surprise, mine was a bolt from the blue.

It’s not often that I compare myself to a Kardashian sister, but there are parallels to be drawn. At the start of this year, three of the Kardashian-Jenner clan were

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expecting – Kim using a surrogate for baby number three, while it was reported that Khloé and Kylie may even give birth on the same day (in what would make for quite an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians).

However, as I can now testify with some authority, while there’s nothing more unifying than growing inch-by-inch, bumpto-bump alongside your sister, it also highlights some startling differences.

With three months separating our due dates, she has beaten me to the treasured family heirlooms locked in moss-clawed barns at our parents’ home in Suffolk. Most controversial was a Beatrix Potter children’s cupboard painted by our aunt and used by us as children. It has been offset by an ...she's been the offer to use her second-hand breast amazing support pump with the cost split 60:40.

most with kind, patient and unfailingly wise words at the ready, gleaned as her stomach swells in advance of mine.

I wasted no time in finding out at my twenty week scan that I’m having a girl, whereas my sister has decided to keep the sex of hers a surprise.

Emma wants a natural birth with a birthing pool, gas and air and has been reading books on hypnobirthing (self-hypnosis during labour), whereas I will welcome all the drugs in the world. Then there have been the cravings. Me: crunchy greens and yogurt. Her: biscuits and cake.

We’re also at an impasse when it comes to names. She’s keeping her shortlist a secret to prevent the inevitable eye-rolling, teeth sucking and irritating input, whereas I’m desperate to discuss my favourites with her – but I’ve decided to withhold any and all ideas until she relents and shares hers. It’s a classic stalemate.

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But despite our differing approaches to pregnancy, birth and probably parenthood, nothing would be more terrifying than facing this new reality without her. Already, she’s been the most amazing support with kind, patient and unfailingly wise words at the ready, gleaned as her stomach swells in advance of mine. I’ve called her day and night, worrying about everything from hospital appointments to bodily outgoings turning green (we decided it was down to pesto). There’s nothing I wouldn’t tell her or would feel silly asking. She’s never once made me feel as though I’m muscling in on something she started or that there is a ‘right’ way to do this.

We have a long road ahead but the past few months have reminded me why I’m so incredibly lucky to have her as a sister and, now that we live ten minutes apart, the Beatrix Potter cupboard feels a small price to pay for the extraordinary fun we’ll have raising our children together.

© India Sturgis / Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 R

THE SHAPE

OF SUCCESS Embracing change as dreams and ambitions change over time

Cleo Barbour (2004), Artist and Designer

Above: Tropical Peep Board Installation at Carfest for Children In Need, 2017. Cleo with fellow Tudorian Leonora Bovill.

My favourite time at Tudor was spent in the Art and Textiles classrooms. I had an innate appreciation of contemporary art, which had been instilled in me by my parents. I studied any fashion magazine I could get my hands on and admired the glamorous pages of Vogue and Harpers. When it came to career choices, I decided that life as a fashion designer looked like the dream job. In the holidays, I took on as much fashion industry work experience as possible, ultimately developing the ambition of owning my own shoe brand. I ignored suggestions to keep my A Levels academic and chose Art, Textiles and Music.

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I applied for the renowned Cordwainers College at London College of Fashion (because Jimmy Choo went there) and started my degree straight after my A Levels.

There was no time for a gap year; I wanted to become a shoe superstar. Whilst the rest of my friends were backpacking in India, working in ski resorts, or exploring Australia, I was cutting patterns and crafting my first shoe.

When it came around to graduating some four years later, I immediately made plans to start my own shoe brand.

Cleo B launched in 2009 with a collection of colourful and innovative flats and heels, designed to be smart, fun and wearable. They were produced in a Spanish factory and reflected my love of fine detailing and bright colour. I worked hard on the brand, and the shoes began to be exhibited and stocked internationally, capturing a wide media and celebrity following.

I later introduced the trend for shoe accessorising, with clip on pom poms becoming a phenomenon.

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I worked hard on the brand, and the shoes began to be exhibited and stocked internationally, capturing a wide media and celebrity following.

The colourful world of Cleo B was spectacular and fun, with trips to New York, Las Vegas, Paris and Italy for trade shows. I even had a Cleo B London boutique, where I organised events and created magnificent window displays.

Six years in, everything from the outside looked peachy; I had achieved a strong brand and a significant following. However, balancing the diverse demands of

a fashion company was challenging and the market was increasingly saturated. Being the ‘face of the brand’ brought with it tremendous pressure to be seen (smiling and colourful) in the ‘right’ places. I worked evenings, all-nighters, weekends and felt guilty if I took time off. I felt like a swan swimming in circles around a big, swirling fish bowl, paddling like crazy under the surface to keep afloat. I realised I was flogging my soul to a world whose values no longer resonated with mine. Furthermore, it was impossible to ignore a new desire to fulfil alternative creative ambitions bubbling up inside me.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change any aspect of my career to date.

I fulfilled my shoe design ambition and created a distinctive brand identity, which I have translated into a new creative entity.

After months of deliberation, and when I finally decided to call it a day, I was more shocked than anyone. I called quits on my projects, sold off my stock, let my employees go and shut the door to the world of fashion. I had never imagined a life without shoes and, although it was both liberating and exciting, working out what came next was difficult. My family and friends were supportive and told me I was brave.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change any aspect of my career to date. I fulfilled my shoe design ambition and created a distinctive brand identity, which I have translated into a new creative entity. I now work as an artist and designer, producing colourful digital illustrations, prints and embroidery artworks in Brighton. Life is different, my priorities have shifted and my work is much freer and more rewarding without the constraints of the fashion industry. I have learnt that life is an ever-evolving process and that moving on from something that no longer serves you does not mean you have failed. I also learnt to trust my inner voice to guide me and always be completely honest with myself. R

Top left: Cleo in her shoe boutique.

Top: Digital Illustration & Print, part of a Country House Commission, 2018.

Above: Mini Super Jade, machine embroidery artwork, 2017.

www.cleobarbour.com Insta: @cleobarbour

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Davina Combe Interview with (2005)Jewellery Designer

Were you interested in jewellery when you were at Tudor?

Yes 100%. From a young age I started designing and making jewellery from a treasure chest of beads, pearls and stones I had collected. I signed up to a World Challenge trip to Tanzania in the Sixth Form and I made jewellery to fund the expedition, designing a brochure that I sent to friends and family. I loved this and the creativity of making the designs alongside doing Art and Textiles at A Level. I instantly loved the process of designing and how rewarding it was to make no matter how delicate or statement the design was!

What did you do when you left school?

When I left school, I wanted to travel and see the world so took a Gap Year. I then read History of Art at university and in my holidays I did lots of work experience with a wide variety of designers and brands, which was invaluable in getting an understanding of the industry.

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I adore gemstones and when seeing these all together they make such a colourful impact even on the most delicate pieces and I really enjoyed designing our recent Rainbow Collection.

What prompted you to start designing your own jewellery?

I had so many ideas and following a jewellery internship after leaving university, I took the plunge and decided to go it alone. Six months later I launched my brand and website in 2011 and I have never looked back!

What makes your pieces unique?

I design for all ages and our customer base reflects this. Our collections can be worn by everyone and with a core selection of favourite gemstones. They all complement one another, which allows people to build their own collection from one to the next, matching a pair of earrings from one with a necklace from another. I love the endless options that this gives and I always aim to create jewellery that can be worn everyday.

with interchangeable pendants and I incorporate the different themes of inspirations with this.

What does the future hold for you?

I am currently finalising designs for our next collection, which we can’t wait to launch later this year. I am thrilled to be able to design jewellery for a living and I am excited about continuing to grow our business in the UK and internationally. R www.davinacombe.com Insta: @davinacombejewellery

Which of your designs is your personal favourite?

I love our stacking rings and the way you can create your own unique look by mixing and matching your favourites. Equally, I adore gemstones and when seeing these all together they make such a colourful impact even on the most delicate pieces and I really enjoyed designing our recent Rainbow Collection. As my go-to item and ‘jewellery box essential’ I always turn to our gold hoops!

Where do you draw inspiration for your designs from?

I design jewellery that I want to wear and I am hugely inspired by my travels and the colourful gemstone world.

The focus is always to ensure that in each design the gemstone is set in the best possible light and in a design that is instantly wearable. I love to run similar designs throughout each collection from stacking rings to hoops

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A HOUSE OF MANY COLOURS Tor Saer (Tudor Hall Parent) creates beautiful handmade furnishings for the home. She showcases the clever use of colour and fabrics to transform an Oxfordshire manor house.

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In the pretty north Oxfordshire village of Upper Tadmarton, near Bloxham, behind a gracious sweeping drive is the Grange, rebuilt from the old rectory in 1842. Steeped in history, and Grade II listed, the house has now undergone a complete transformation making it a unique home for a young family and bringing it right into the 21st century.

The owners were keen to retain as many original features as possible, including elegant tall sash windows and flagstone floors. But they were also keen to transform it into a practical, but comfortable, home for their family which includes three young boys and a yellow Labrador.

Interiors were designed by Fiona Crole, and soft furnishings made and supplied by Tor Saer of Westcot House. Many of the furnishings have been collected by

Left: The kitchen Right: Snug – chair upholstered in orange fabric with cushion in Rapture & Wright’s Cloud Garden fabric Right: Details of cushions in Romo Linara shades of yellow and orange to match the grey and white theme Bottom right: Kitchen curtains in Titley & Marr Paisley French Grey

the owners through their years of living and working in the Far East, resulting in an eclectic and unique mix of old, new, East and West.

In the kitchen (originally the dining room), the tall windows leading onto the garden are a focal point.

Full length curtains in Titley & Marr’s paisley fabric in French Grey give a calm restful feel, while pops of colour are provided by the chair cushions in Romo’s Linara in shades of orange and yellow, to match the owner’s paintings. Tor mixed fabrics from the owner’s existing cushions to create a completely unique look.

The snug leads directly from the kitchen, and in contrast to the pale whites and greys, a warm orange theme permeates here. Curtains in Tissus d’Helene basketweave fabric with a deep warm orange border,

and cushions in fabrics by Rapture & Wright break up the solid blocks of colour.

Jane Churchill’s Nuri fabric in blues and greens brings a contemporary feel to the drawing room and the poles

by Walcot House, with their glass finials, draw attention to the height of the windows. The owner decided to replace the original carpet with a wooden floor and so a

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Above: The drawing room.

Below: Landing – elegant curtains with pale blue leading edge complement owner’s furniture from travels abroad.

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Below: Dressing room – pretty pink linen curtains in fabric by Tissus d’Helene.

bespoke rug ties the colour scheme together and adds softness. The blue theme is picked up in the sofa fabric and a gentle yellow introduced with sofa cushions in a geometric design by Veere Grenney.

Tor Saer, Westcot House, 07899 796077 www.westcothouse.co.uk Insta: @westcothouse

When it came to the bedrooms, having three boys in the family means that the master bedroom is a haven of restful pinks. Relaxed linen curtains in the bedroom and dressing room in a soft pink linen by Tissus d’Helene rule here, and in the family bathroom, an elegant freestanding bath in front of a window featuring Rapture & Wright’s Guadeloupe fabric means that calm pervades.

Photography by Joel Rundle, 07908 372598

The boys have opted for shades of blue, red and beige, with a favourite reading spot being the window seat in red and beige check. They all have bespoke headboards in striped fabrics by Ian Mankin and piles of cushions to complete the look.

The smallest detail has been thought of here – the blinds in the utility room, in Christopher Farr’s ‘Carnac Lemon’, bring a slice of sunshine to life in the laundry.

Throughout this house the clever use of colour and fabrics has resulted in a combination of beauty with practicality – surely the holy grail of interior design. R

Fiona Crole Designs, 07718 581808

Right : Utility room – roman blind in Christopher Farr’s Carnac Lemon.

Below: Boy’s bedroom – headboard upholstered in Ian Mankin stripe fabric with cushions to match.

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MENSWEAR | WOMENSWEAR | JEWELLERY | SHOES | HOME | GIFTS

Market Place, Deddington, Oxfordshire, OX15 0SE

t: 01869 336972 | w: nellieanddove.com 10 minutes from Tudor Hall | 10% Discount for Tudor Parents

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Caroline Butler (Bell, 1987) describes life as a garden designer

For the

love I am very fortunate to work as a garden designer, doing a job I love that uses my creativity and fascination with plants.

Growing up, I always felt more at ease outdoors. My childhood home had a mature garden with different areas that served different functions, but later I came to realise that these varied environments also had

different atmospheres which affected my mood. For example, a secluded rose garden was a good place to escape from parental attention, and an orchard area was perfect to relax in with a book, whilst a formal terrace was somewhere to be well behaved!

After leaving Tudor Hall, I studied Art and went on to teach Art and Design at secondary level, but always

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enjoyed ‘pottering’ in the garden – cutting out border shapes, arranging plants according to texture and colour and constructing simple garden features. The natural progression, combining my creative side and horticultural interests, was to enrol in a garden design diploma. Two children and a husband later, I undertook a ‘Wrags’ horticultural training year, working alongside a head gardener in a contemporary garden. Armed with plenty of practical experience and a second garden design qualification, I entered a national competition by designing a show garden at Malvern Show and won the chance to produce a further two show gardens, and a year’s mentoring from award-winning designer Chris Beardshaw. This climaxed with my design being built at Chelsea Flower Show 2012, an amazing experience!

My design process is done in stages. Firstly, I visit the client to establish the brief and view the garden space to be designed. This is followed by a survey and concept design, which I present to the client for discussion and possible amendment. Once the masterplan is established, I work this up into detailed ‘setting out plans’ with measurements, heights, notes on materials and construction etc. This is produced in conjunction with planting plans and a planting schedule, which are guided by the client’s preferences, as well as soil type and aspect. A lot of planning takes place before the build starts and is not really anything like the instant gardens you see on TV! I am frequently asked to source contractors, compare quotes, ‘project monitor’ the build process and give maintenance advice, giving the

I love to design large country gardens, but I am equally happy designing small town courtyards and contemporary gardens.

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client a full ‘concept to completion’ service. I am often asked back to develop another area of the garden and most of my work is now through word of mouth.

I love to design large country gardens, but I am equally happy designing small town courtyards and contemporary gardens. It is always my aim to evoke atmosphere in a place, either by bringing out an existing character, or creating one through choice of plant and hard landscaping materials. I recently designed a garden that had a steep gradient and hot south-facing aspect, with free draining, sandy soil. My design solution was to terrace the site with a semi-circular wall, include curved steps at the wall’s centre, which swept up to the higher level. Here I included a small seating area which then flowed on to a meandering wooded walk, and back down to the original level. The warm terraced slope is planted with Mediterranean type plants that include lavender, herbs and a Cercis tree, whilst the wooded area has wild strawberries, grasses and shade tolerant shrubs. The garden offers the client a circular route to several seating and entertaining areas with different atmospheres.

I generally advise clients to keep a design uncluttered, as too much ornamentation can create an over-fussy design. Often a few large well-placed objects are better than lots of smaller ones. I also repeat types of plants in quantity, which is easier to maintain as well as more restful visually. It is a good idea to restrict the types of hard landscaping materials to three in any one area, again because it will create a more coherent look. R If you have a garden design or planting project in mind please do get in touch at caroline@carolineebutler.co.uk 01491 682980 www.carolineebutler.co.uk

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Collaborative GARDEN DESIGN James Alexander-Sinclair, Garden Designer and OT Parent on building gardens for OT clients and the collaborative nature of redesigning an outdoor space.

I have now been a gardener for more than thirty years and made many gardens, for many people, in many different locations. One of the few things in my life that beats gardening for longevity is my connection with Tudor Hall. My mother, my sister, my daughter (and even an ex-wife) have been educated within those hallowed walls. I have also had a fair few OT clients over the years, with whom I have enjoyed making gardens.

Designing a garden is always a partnership and often involves much time sitting at kitchen tables, drinking coffee and eating biscuits (Old Tudorian biscuits are, naturally, always of the highest quality). It is my job to listen and to advise, rather than dictate – although sometimes one has to steer clients away from making terrible mistakes that we will all live to regret.

In this way, most gardens take many years to come to fruition and, even then, they benefit from the occasional visit to keep everything on track and adapt to the needs of family life. One of the great joys about working with the natural world is that gardens are never finished. Every year they grow and, as they grow, the needs of the plants change slightly; some fail to thrive and others do a little too well and become rather thuggish. You can’t just trust them to get on with things on their own!

One of my longest running projects is the garden I have made with Georgie Fordham (Bevan, 1981) who lives with her husband, Rupert, four bouncy children and around three equally bouncy dogs. Georgie is

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a universally acknowledged live-wire and a deeply wonderful person, both as a client and as a friend. She moved to Northamptonshire from deepest Notting Hill about twenty years ago and soon after called me up to help with the garden. The existing garden was inoffensive and easily maintainable, packed with shrubs of the sort one usually finds in a supermarket, in other words completely lacking in zip, voom, soul or excitement.

Our first move was to change the entranceway, so that the main drive went to the front door, rather than slinking around the side and depositing all visitors at the back door. We made a wide turning circle around a raised pond edged with box, which gives lots of parking and a more imposing approach. With gardens, it is imperative to sort out the practicalities before one can concentrate on the pretty bits – drives, paths, steps, drains, compost heaps and washing lines are really important.

Top left: Mrs Fordham dressed for action.

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Top right: The village church viewed across the pond.

Following on from this, we have made deep borders, new terraces, sitting areas and a vegetable garden – where Georgie reigns supreme, growing bucketfuls of vegetables and some of the best cut flowers I have ever seen. The garden has hosted more than its fair share of spectacular parties, with marquees in several different places. It has also seen the rough and tumble of family life (I still maintain that the area of lawn given over to football is too generous!), the depredations of various puppies and always lots of laughter.

It is a well-loved garden and every year I look forward to a couple of visits where we wander around the place and discuss what has worked and what could work better. We change plantings, move things from one place to another, admire the razor-sharp corners that Simon (the gardener) has sculpted into the hedges and sit and drink frothy coffee, in this way it continues to grow and bring pleasure. R jamesalexandersinclair.com 07515 336 356 Top left: The fruits of Georgie’s labours.

Left: Anenome 'Honorine Jobert' and Geranium 'Rozanne' leading up to the top terrace.

Below: Rosa 'Mutabilis' with towering Thalictrum 'Black Stockings', Sanguisorba 'Red Thunder' and Salvia 'Caradonna'.

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FOR A SUMMER’S EVENING Recipes from a range of Tudor’s finest foodies.

Gin-cured salmon with pickled cucumber & tonic sorbet

by Harriet Lewis (2008) I love this recipe, as although it sounds complicated, itʼs really very simple and easy to do. Being able to make a starter in advance that can all be put together just before serving is perfect.

Serves 4-6 INGREDIENTS FOR SALMON 100g table salt 100g caster sugar 2 tsp grated lime zest 1 tsp whole black peppercorns 1 tsp pink peppercorns

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1 tsp juniper berries 1 small bunch of dill 100 ml gin 4 salmon fillets, de-skinned and pin-boned INGREDIENTS OF QUICK PICKLED CUCUMBER 1 large cucumber, medium sized 1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp sugar 120ml white wine vinegar Ice cubes ½ tsp coriander seeds INGREDIENTS FOR TONIC SORBET 400g sugar 400ml water Zest and juice 2 limes 400ml tonic water

METHOD FOR THE GIN-CURED SALMON l You will want to start this recipe at least 24 hours in advance l In a small bowl – combine salt, sugar, zest, chopped dill, gin and lightly crushed juniper berries, black and pink peppercorns l Place half the mixture in a flatbottomed dish and add the fish l Cover with the remaining mixture, clingfilm and place in fridge to chill overnight l After 12 hours turn the fish and make sure its fully covered in the gin mixture l Place back in the fridge to cure for another 12 hours l Remove the salmon from the dish and rinse, pat dry with a paper towel METHOD FOR THE TONIC SORBET l At the same time you’re getting your salmon cured; in a saucepan, combine your water and sugar, heat until the sugar has dissolved l Take off the heat and add the lime zest and juice l Allow this to cool then add the tonic water l Pour the liquid into the bowl of your ice cream machine, following machine’s directions l Alternatively place the mixture into a container that can go into your freezer l Freeze, stir the mixture every couple of hours l Once it’s fully frozen, place in a food processor and blitz until smooth and re-freeze

FOR THE FRESH PICKLED CUCUMBER l Lightly peel the cucumber so there is still a small amount of dark green peel l Slice the cucumber in half and using a teaspoon remove the seeds l Cut the cucumber into small cubes or use a mandolin or potato peeler to create thin ribbons of cucumber l In a bowl, combine the sugar, salt, vinegar and coriander seeds, mix until the sugar has dissolved l Place the cubes or ribbons into the vinegar mixture; make sure all is covered l Add 4/5 ice cubes to make sure the cucumber stays fresh l Leave to stand for around 30 minutes, stirring occasionally l Pour off the excess liquid TO SERVE Either cut the salmon into large cubes or thinly slice lengthways and arrange on plates l Place tonic sorbet in a small shot glass or chinese spoon (this melts very quickly so leave this step until last minute) l

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Scatter with cucumber and if you can get your hands on some pea shoots and borage flowers, use to decorate Drizzle with rapeseed oil and serve with sourdough

THIS COULD ALSO BE SERVED AS A CANAPÉ l Cut cucumber into 2 cm circles l Using a small pastry cutter, remove the peel from the cucumber to make a small cup l Remove half the seeds from the centre with a teaspoon l Cut the cured salmon into small cubes and place in hole of the cucumber cup l Grate some fresh lime zest and ground pepper on top to serve BASIL INFUSION www.basilinfusion.com Insta: @basilinfusioncatering LEWIS AND GEORGE SUPPER CLUBS www.lewisandgeorgesupper clubs.com Insta: @lewisandgeorgesupperclubs

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Za’atar Crusted Prawns with a Bulgur Wheat & Herb Salad

by Jane Haggarty, Head of Food Studies and The Leiths School of Food and Wine Cookery Course I love using this recipe with my Sixth Form Leiths students. Sometimes the students who are reluctant to try new things, especially sea food, are more willing to taste the food if they have prepared and cooked it themselves. The combination of how nice the dish looks, together with the fresh, tantalising smells, makes these students willing to try it. Seeing them changing their minds, becoming open to new tastes and widening their food repertoire is really rewarding.

I also enjoy cooking this recipe at home. It’s great if you’re entertaining because the bulgur wheat base can be prepared in advance and it just takes a couple of minutes to cook the prawns when your guests arrive, or the whole thing can be prepared in advance and eaten cold.

Serves 4 INGREDIENTS FOR PRAWNS 20 raw prawns 2 – 3 tbsp olive oil 3 – 4 tbsp za’atar

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½ tbsp plain flour Salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE SALAD 100g bulgur wheat 1 red onion 1 tbsp olive oil 1 pomegranate ½ cucumber ½ bunch of dill Bunch of flat-leaved parsley ¼ bunch of mint FOR THE DRESSING 1 lemon 1 orange 5 tbsp olive oil Pinch of ground sumac ½ - 1 tsp clear honey TO SERVE 1 lemon METHOD l Peel and clean the prawns, leaving the tail tip intact, then set aside in the fridge. l For the salad, prepare the bulgur wheat. When tender, drain well

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and scatter over a tray lined with kitchen paper, then cover with kitchen paper to absorb the moisture.

Meanwhile, halve, peel and finely slice the onion. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a low heat and add the onion. Cook gently until the onion is just starting to soften, then increase the heat and allow it to brown a little. Remove from the heat, drain the onion of excess oil and transfer to a large bowl. Heat the oven to 120ºC/gas mark ½.

Halve the pomegranate and extract the seeds. Cut the cucumber in half lengthways, deseed by scraping the length with a teaspoon, then finely dice.

Pick the herbs into bite-sized sprigs or very coarsely chop. Add all these ingredients to the onion.

Once the bulgur wheat is dry, add it to the bowl. Cut the lemon into wedges and reserve for serving.

For the dressing, juice the lemon and orange. Mix 1 tbsp each with the olive oil, sumac, honey and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk to combine, then set aside.

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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in the frying pan over a medium heat. Mix the za’atar and flour with some salt and pepper in a large bowl. Dry the prawns and add them to the bowl.

Toss in the za’atar mix to coat.

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Fry the prawns in batches until pink and the tails have curled, 3 – 4 minutes. Keep the cooked prawns warm in the low oven while you fry the rest, adding 1 tbsp oil to the pan for each batch.

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Add the dressing to the salad and toss together. Divide the salad between 4 shallow bowls and arrange the prawns on top.

Serve with lemon wedges.

Figs, almonds, & green beans, with sumac

by Bella Carter (Thomas-Ferrand, 2001) Here is one of my favourite summer salads, which I adapt and add to each year, depending on what is at its most prolific in the garden (e.g. some fresh fennel shaved over the salad).

I first made this salad at the request of a bride for her summer wedding. She was from Malta, where she described trees laden with figs which you could smell wafting around in the heat; that heady, figgy smell. The figs we had were really juicy and ripe and went so well in the salad.

We served it with slow-roasted and shredded lamb topped with dukka and homemade labneh. It was a really fabulous combination which reminded her of her home in Malta.

This salad also goes perfectly with barbecued lamb, perhaps a butterflied, marinated leg, and served with a couscous salad. It

could also be topped with some crumbled feta or labneh.

Serves 6 people as a side dish INGREDIENTS 500g trimmed green beans 100g toasted and chopped almonds (pistachios or toasted hazelnuts work well too) 10 fresh, ripe figs A few sprigs of mint A couple of pinches of sumac Optional feta or labneh to scatter over the top 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper METHOD Blanch the green beans by plunging them into some boiling

salted water. Do not put the lid on as I find this makes them lose their colour. Boil for 3 minutes then whip them out and chill them right down in some really cold water.

Drain them and dry them on some kitchen paper.

Make the dressing and toss half of it through the beans. Add some salt, sumac, and pepper, and some of the chopped almonds. Then put them on a serving platter, cut up the figs and spread them around, tear some mint over the top, and scatter with more almonds.

Then drizzle the remainder of the dressing over the whole dish, add a pinch more sumac and serve. www.simpkinandroses.com Insta: @simpkinandroses

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Passionfruit & white chocolate cheesecake

by CarolineAnson (2008) and Elizabeth Curtis Caroline has co-owned Anson and Curtis for 5 years with her business partner Elizabeth. Their catering company is based in London, although they often find themselves travelling to Oxfordshire or Shropshire for large events and weddings.

This is one of our favourite recipes as you can vary the fruit depending on the seasons. The colours are really beautiful with the jelly topping and it is very easy to make at home. It’s a crowd favourite with our clients as unlike other cheesecakes it's not too sweet.

Serves 6-8 INGREDIENTS 300g white chocolate 600g cream cheese 300ml double cream

250g ginger biscuits 125g melted butter 500ml passionfruit juice or puree 1 passionfruit 4 Gelatine leaves METHOD In a magimix blend the biscuits and pour in the melted butter.

Press into a lined tin and freeze. l Melt the white chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Leave to cool slightly. l Whisk together the cream cheese and cream, then whisk in the white chocolate. Spoon the mix l

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onto the biscuit base and set for at least 4 hours.

Then make the jelly. Sponge the gelatine leaves in cool water.

Gently heat the puree/juice then add the gelatine. Allow to cool, then pour over the cheesecake and allow to set. You can decorate with the seeds from the passionfruit.

www.ansonandcurtis.com info@ansonandcurtis.com 07775 925 245 Insta: @Anson and Curtis

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Coloured vegetable salad with tahini dressing

by Hester Sale (1982) I am an OT from a few years back and there were certainly no cookery lessons then!

I am lucky enough to now teach the Vs, LVIs and UVIs a Cookery Club, where they learn fun, quick and easy economical recipes. It sets the girls up for cooking with confidence and gives them ideas to help them eat well at university, or wherever they end up after they leave Tudor.

I have had so much fun with them all and we chat away about anything and everything whilst creating delicious suppers.

This is a recipe we cooked a couple of weeks ago. I love this dish because you can use any vegetables in season, change the herbs, experiment, it goes well as a side salad with fish, meat or barbeques and is so colourful.

I also run a catering business and a B&B and have one daughter still at Tudor in her GCSE year, who certainly works much harder than I ever did!!

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS 100g baby carrots, trimmed 4 spring onions, chopped in lengths 100g tender sprouting broccoli 6 baby beetroot or 1 large one chopped 100g petit pois Small bunch of dill, flat leaf parsley, tarragon and mint, torn 1 Dstspn lemon juice 1 Dstspn sesame oil TAHINI DRESSING 1 tbsp tahini paste Small teaspoon sugar 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp soy sauce 1 tsp sake

METHOD Steam the baby beetroot for about 15 mins or until tender or boil one large one for up to an hour until tender. Once cooked, peel and set aside. Steam the vegetables individually until al dente. When each is cooked ‘refresh’ and pat dry. l In one small bowl mix together the sesame oil and lemon juice and season. In another bowl, mix together tahini, sugar, lemon juice, soy sauce, sake and 3 tablespoons water, then season. l Mix the lemon and sesame dressing together with vegetables, saving the beetroot.

Arrange on a plate adding the beetroot at the last minute and serve the tahini dressing separately. R l

www.minehillhouse.co.uk

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William Sitwell, Tudor Hall parent, writer, editor and broadcaster, describes

The perfect

SUMMER’S EVENING There is a scene in Peter Greenaway’s masterful film, The Draughtsman’s Contract, that my mind sometimes turns to on a cold and bitter wintry day.

The film is set in the late seventeenth century and the set design, clothes, wigs and speech are all an exaggerated reflection of the time of William and Mary.

One particular scene is filmed outside on a summer’s evening. A long dining table is set in the gardens of Groombridge House. The camera is positioned some fifty yards away and captures the initial part of the scene, almost as a curious onlooker. There is the noise of conversation and of affected laughter, which echoes against the house. The shrill screech of a peacock is heard and all this with the atmosphere of Michael Nyman’s score, which evokes Henry Purcell on the harpsichord. Witnessed from the distance, it is the perfect summer’s evening.

And so, whenever I have friends over in the summer and we decamp outside, I often have that scene

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playing at the back of my mind. How I ache to one day re-create that 17th century moment in my own garden. The idea of an evening still enough for the table to be lit by tall candles and

where the English night air is warm enough for us to be able to sit out several hours after sunset.

There would be rosé (Mirabeau, if you’re asking) in magnums – some white burgundy (Macon Uchizy) and a light South African merlot/cabernet sauvignon (Vondeling) which covers all the bases. Oh, and we would have started with some Jelley’s Elderflower vodka with Double Dutch cucumber and watermelon tonic.

So that the chefs (myself and my wife Emily) would not have to constantly dart back and forth to the kitchen, the table would be set heaving with bowls of hummus and delicious breads, little salads of cherry tomatoes with olive oil and balsamic, plates of grilled halloumi and others of grilled asparagus drizzled in olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper and grated pecorino.

The centrepiece would be a panzanella; a delicious

Italian salad of roasted chicken bits, toasted chunks of sourdough, red onions, celery, tomatoes, rocket and pine nuts all nestling in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For pudding, out would come a chocolate tart (possibly bought from Waitrose) with vanilla ice cream. Then we could linger over cheese (manchego, Northamptonshire Cobbler’s Nibble, chunks of parmesan and Bath soft cheese, which is like a French brie).

At some point, when even the pashminas had failed to keep the women from chilling, we would repair inside. At which point the excellent investment of some staff would arrive to clear and wash up the whole affair.

We don’t have peacocks, and are without a harpsichord, and I think we might give the wigs and seventeenth century dress a miss, but we might nudge at my filmic dream. But there is an element of that scene from The Draughtsman’s Contract I might forego; the underlying plot of intrigue and murder. If I can get the food and drink right – and there’s an evening when the English weather spares us – then I think my friends can go home happy enough, without the need for further entertainment by way of a mysterious death. R

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UPFRONT and personal

Darren O’Neill, Head Chef at Tudor for more than twenty years, talks chicken teddies and beans, traffic cops... and why guacamole is definitely off the menu!

Tell me about your favourite things to eat.

I love food, so it’s hard to pick!

Like most chefs, if I’m cooking for myself I prefer to keep it simple. Anything from a good bacon butty to a proper roast dinner.

What’s your favourite food destination?

Café Rouge in Oxford. The food is good, it’s not over-priced and the atmosphere is chilled out. It’s been a favourite place for meals out with family and friends for years.

What is your least favourite food?

Avocados – I hate them with a passion!

Favourite chef?

Gordon Ramsey. It’s not just listening to his ranting (though this is funny), behind the shouting he is actually an amazing chef who cares about food and the industry.

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How have things changed since you’ve been at Tudor?

Everything has changed. When I started at Tudor, the dining room was in the IIIs Common Room and the kitchen was beneath it.

The food was fairly basic: chicken teddies and beans was a supper staple. Nowadays we have a purpose-built canteen, operate a full scale hotel set-up and offer a great choice of quality food. We’ve matured the girls’ food tastes, getting them to try and enjoy fish, pulses, etc.

What’s the worst thing that’s gone wrong in the kitchen here?

There have been one or two challenges over the years, from flooding in the kitchen, to loss of gas and electricity, to food not being delivered.

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

I enjoy being a chef.

The only other career I could have seen myself doing is being

a traffic cop. I think I’d enjoy the adrenaline of a high speed chase.

Favourite place to be at the weekend?

Home: I’m never there!

Favourite sports team?

Nottingham Forest FC – I’m a season ticket holder.

Favourite album?

Probably Michael Jackson’s Thriller; but I haven’t bought an album for years – I tend to download and stream songs.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

I’d need more than three! I’d take my wife, my dogs and a boat so that we could get back again – I couldn’t stand to be stuck on a desert island.

Tell us something people would be surprised to hear about you.

I had a recipe published in a cook book.R

a i n a z n a T Travel slowly, stop often discovering Northern

ON FOOT

by Annie Garnett (Gurney, 1977)

I'm lucky enough to work for a specialist safari and wilderness travel company that has been built over the years from a lifelong passion for wildlife and travelling to the world’s wildest places. Days in the office listening to conversations of exciting destinations certainly whets the appetite for travel. I am also very lucky that I am actively encouraged to travel regularly and experience the Natural High way first hand.

I have done many amazing trips but most recently my husband, Anthony, and I took off from a miserable, wet and cold England to spend a week in Northern Tanzania – a trip specifically designed to get us off the beaten track, travelling slowly and stopping often with a drop of understated luxury thrown in.

OT Annie Garnett (Gurney, 1977) has been keeping the wheels of Natural High turning for nine years as part of the finance team. As a traveller she’s long had a penchant for the grass roots approach; travel preferably on foot, with time to stop, sit and soak it all up.

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The trip was built around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas – both well-known names, but both with vast, little-visited wilderness areas that most tourists miss altogether. The trip included a great deal of walking by day and light mobile camps by night – an incredible way to experience a safari.

Authentic, simple and just brilliant. This approach got us into remote, wildlife-rich areas – every location better than the last for our early evening sundowners!

One afternoon, deep in the Serengeti, our guide suddenly exclaimed, “Look at my scarred hands”, as he waved his hands frantically at us. He explained

how he’d received his injuries scaling an acacia tree to escape an angry rhino almost in the very spot where we were standing. I did feel slightly alarmed as I looked around for the nearest tree, knowing that I was the least athletic of the four of us, and that even if I did get to a tree I’d never make it up the trunk. The joys and excitement of doing a walking safari…

The highlight of the trip was a fifteen mile walk around the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. I for one had not appreciated the plethora of wildlife you come across on foot around the rim of the crater, particularly giraffes that aren’t found on the crater

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floor. We walked, slowly, with our private guide who had the most incredible botanical knowledge and was well-equipped for the hundreds of questions we fired his way. Having him by our side added a magical element to the walk and I would advocate the value of a private guide on one of these trips.

I loved spending time learning how to track various wildlife and whilst studying some very new imprints in the mud I remarked that it was probably a small cat of some sort travelling towards us. I turned, just in time to glimpse a young leopard dash across the path right behind us, where it had dived into the undergrowth when it heard us coming. Amazing! It is these encounters that nobody could ever predict, but that made my safari genuinely unique.

To walk through grassland and woodland, past Maasai villages with time to look closely at the plants, to

Natural High has been specialising in safari and wilderness travel for over fifteen years and would be happy to give any guidance or help if you’re thinking of travel in the future.

follow tracks, and also be in a position to look down into the crater floor far below, where the elephants are mere specks, is an enormous privilege and a wonderful experience.

We ended our trip with two nights in the Entamanu Camp on the Ngorogoro Crater rim. Set in a wonderfully remote location with the most breathtaking views over the crater, it was perfect for watching the sun rise and set over Northern Tanzania.

The camp has been designed to be supremely comfortable, yet completely removable ensuring minimal impact to the extraordinary site. A perfect finale to our itinerary.

Sadly, we arrived back into London Heathrow to the same miserable weather but with unforgettable memories and the strong feeling of where next‌? R

01747 830950 info@naturalhighsafaris.com

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a i l a r t s u A

Roadtrip round

by Emma Lomas (2014)

Although I’m still on the road and won’t be finished until mid-June, I cannot recommend travelling around Australia enough.

From the beaches to the rainforest to the outback, Australia really does have it all!

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About me: After leaving Tudor in 2014, I flew across to the other side of the world to attend university in Sydney, Australia.

During that time, I realised there was huge potential to start my own travel blog, mainly focusing on Australasia travel and travelling in luxury on a budget. In the three years of attending university, I visited over fifteen different countries including The Cook Islands, Vanuatu, The Philippines and Lord Howe Island.

Shortly after having graduated from university in November 2017, I set off on a six-month road trip around Australia to document my travels, as well as being a fulltime travel blogger and social media influencer.

A bit of background on my trip: My aim was to show how amazing and beautiful this country really is, and that it can be done on a budget despite the stigma of how expensive Australia is. So hopefully I will be able to inspire others to one day circumnavigate Australia too!

I wanted to find the hidden gems and local places to visit in Australia, beyond the usual tourist hubs of places like Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns etc., to share with others. As I knew that I was going off the beaten path quite a bit, and calculated I’d be doing over 30,000km in total, I bought myself a 4WD Mitsubishi Pajero (also called a Shogun in England). I built myself a bed in the back, packed up all my belongings and headed out on my biggest adventure yet!

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How to travel on a budget around Australia As I’m sure many of you already know, Australia is not a cheap country to travel in. Thus, before I left I did a fair bit of research and planning into making my road trip cheaper and more cost-effective. Being able to save money on road trips will be hugely beneficial and will mean you can travel longer and further, so here are my ten tips on how to save money on road trips: Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle If you’re thinking of going off-road and by 4×4, then it’ll be very hard to find a car that’s great and reliable and has a low fuel consumption. However, if that’s not in your plan, I highly recommend you do your research before buying or renting a vehicle. For example: an older Toyota Landcruiser (which is great if you’re going off-road) will only yield fifteen miles a gallon.

Whereas a modern station wagon/saloon car can do around forty-five miles a gallon. Now that’s a pretty big difference if you’re wanting to save money on fuel, which will most likely be your biggest expense.

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Have a rough plan If you are going on a road trip for an extended period of time, then you should try to have an outline of a plan of where you’re going. Whether your trip is spontaneous or not, planning out your trip, even if it’s the afternoon before you leave, can be helpful because it may help you find deals (such as looking up hotels/ hostels/campgrounds in advance and using a coupon).

Also, having a plan can save you money when it comes to fuel because you can plan your trip out in the most fuel-efficient way and not backtrack.

Sleep in your car/camper or campsite If you’re wanting the real backpacker experience, sleeping in your car/camper will save a tonne of money. Many camps/rest stops are free and very safe in Australia and staying in a campsite will cost a lot less than overnight in a hotel/hostel. You’ll be paying on average between five to fifteen dollars per night. If you’re traveling solo, you might even be able to score

Highlights of my road trip: New South Wales: Sydney, Blue Mountains, Jervis Bay, Byron Bay. Victoria: Wilsons Promontory National Park, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road and The Grampians.

Tasmania: Cradle Mountain National Park, Bay of Fires, and Freycinet National Park.

South Australia: Adelaide, The Flinders Ranges National Park, Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta Track and Port Lincoln.

free accommodation through the Couchsurfing site or app, which connects members with people willing to spare a couch for the night for free (although I’ve never tried).

If you’re not into camping/sleeping in your car or couch-surfing, Airbnb is a great budget option too, if you’re in towns or cities (it won’t work in the outback or rural areas).

Northern Territory: Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Red Centre Way, Uluru, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge.

Western Australia: Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park, Denmark, Margaret River, Perth, The Pinnacles National Park, Monkey Mia, Ningaloo Reef, Karijini National Park, Broome and The Bungle Bungles.

Queensland: Lawn Hill National Park, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Cape York, The Whitsundays, Fraser Island, Brisbane and Gold Coast.

It may work out cheaper to buy instead of renting This might not be true if you’re only travelling for a month or less.

However for me, buying a 4×4 works out significantly cheaper than renting one. Not only because I can sell it after, but I will also be gone for over six months and Australia has expensive rental rates.

It really depends on the country you’re in. You can do the maths yourself, but of course it’s better to buy a car for 9,000 dollars and sell it after three months for 7,000 dollars, rather than paying a daily rental fee of 100 dollars (adding up to 9,000 after three months, which you won’t get back!)

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Improve the efficiency of your car Before and during your road trip, improve the efficiency of your car by making sure it runs smoothly and is fully serviced. This will reduce any expenses that you might incur during your trip. Here are some of our top tips: 1. Check pressure of car tyres.

2. Watch the weight of your luggage – the heavier the car, the more fuel it will guzzle and the quicker it will wear out the tyres!

3. Use the right oil to increase mileage.

4. Stick to the speed limit.

Do the FREE stuff Wherever you are in the world, there are always free things to see and do whilst road tripping through towns, cities, beach resorts and the countryside.

Examples include: 1. Go to a street fair, market, concert, museum or cultural event.

2. Catch a magnificent sunset or sunrise.

3. Take a walk or bike ride.

4. Relax around the campsite.

5. Free movie screenings in parks and hostels.

6. Swim at the beach or lake.

7. Visit National Parks.

8. Go surfing.

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Buy travel insurance I highly discourage setting off on a road trip without travel insurance, especially if you’re travelling to rural areas or large cities. The expense of travel insurance is nothing compared to the risks you’re taking if you don’t take any out. I highly recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance - I never travel without insuring myself through them and if you ask pretty much any travel blogger or backpacker, nearly all will say they have insurance with them.

Spend more time in fewer places I personally love travelling slow and taking in the surroundings. It’s sometimes better to spend a few nights getting to know a place, rather than spending one night and hopping onto the next place the following day. By choosing to spend more time in fewer places you can save on fuel and snatch more accommodation bargains, like staying four nights and receiving one free. R

Follow me on my road trip and my latest blog posts below!

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OT PREFECT Amelia Ash

I remember always wanting to come to Tudor and follow in my mother's – Lucinda Ash (Middleton 1978–83) and my Aunt Caroline Middleton’s (1976–83) footsteps. After hearing about the amazing and fun times that they had at Tudor, I wanted nothing more than to experience it myself.

I have been at Tudor for nearly five years now and after every drinks party that my mother takes me to, I always get approached by OTs who ask me “Has Tudor changed?” Of course, throughout the years, Tudor has developed and become even better, with new buildings, including the drama studio, the new Sixth Form café and of course the new teaching centre which will be coming soon. However, there are some things at Tudor that have never changed, for example, the court yard class rooms, the ballroom, the top pitch and of course ‘Tudor girls’ themselves.

In the eighties, Tudor was described, very accurately, in the Sloane Ranger Handbook which asserted: ‘Tudor turns out nice girls’.

Tudor girls have always had ‘it’. In those days ‘it’ was fun, charm, wit and the ability to go places – a few to university, the majority to finishing schools for example, Winkfield, the Ox & Cow and Evendine etc. Whilst it’s safe to say that the girls still retain those qualities, the goals and aspirations have changed.

Everyone aiming to go above and beyond, from doctors to artists and from barristers to designers, everyone has a different goal in mind.

Tudor girls have always had 'it'. In those days 'it' was fun, charm, wit and the ability to go places...

Finally, Tudor friendships have remained the same – strong and long-lasting, I have no doubt that my friends now will be my friends for life.

I have so enjoyed being OT Prefect and hearing about other events and stories that have happened throughout other people’s life at Tudor. R

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OTs today Alexie Bonavia (2008)

Upon leaving Tudor, Alexie went on to do a degree in Spanish and Italian with European History at Bath University. This was a four year degree and her third year was spent working and studying in Madrid and Rome.

She then went on to complete a law conversion (GDL at College of Law, Guildford and LPC at BPP Holborn) and then took the opportunity to work at a top international law firm in Monterrey, Mexico for three months.

It was during Alexie’s training contract in London that she identified an interest in family law. She qualified in September 2017, and is now a family solicitor working at a leading family law firm in the city, Levison Meltzer Pigott. Alexie advises her clients on all areas of family law, including divorce, financial settlement, pre- and post- nuptial agreements, Children Act matters, injunctive relief and cohabitation.

Levison Meltzer Pigott www.levisonmeltzerpigott.co.uk abonavia@lmplaw.co.uk

Alice Clark (Irvine, 1993) Having taught at London’s Hill House and Garden House Boys School, Alice began running the hugely popular The Willow Nursery in Clapham. Since returning home to Hook Norton she has opened its sister school, The Willow On The Farm, offering two-and-a-half to four-year-olds a truly unique and magical learning experience. She is passionate about reconnecting children with the outdoors and exposing them to all that it has to offer.

In Forest School they explore the natural environment, learn to take risks safely, solve problems, develop imagination, meet the animals and go on tractor and trailer adventures! She has also pioneered the RULER program from Yale University, which encourages children to understand and express their emotions.

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The Willow On The Farm www.willowonthefarm.co.uk alice@willowonthefarm.co.uk 01608 730143

The Hunt Sisters

From left to right: Jessie, Eliza, Marina and Sylvie

Jessie (2006) Jessamine completed a degree in History of Art at Oxford Brookes and then took a year out to travel.

During this time she worked at her local hospital as a maternity assistant gaining experience within this field, ultimately leading her to pursue a career as a midwife.

She completed her training at The Royal London Hospital in 2013 and worked there for three years before deciding to specialise in midwifery research at St Thomas’ Hospital.

Eliza (2007) After completing a degree in English Literature at Newcastle University, Eliza spent the next couple of years living in France, travelling and working as a chef. She then moved to Auckland, New Zealand and began working for a small content marketing company specialising in SEO, web content and digital marketing.

She spent three years enjoying everything the Kiwi lifestyle has to offer, and has recently returned to London where she is now working as a digital brand executive at The Times and The Sunday Times.

Marina (2010) Marina graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in Psychology and then did an MSc in Mental Health at King’s College, London. While working for Richmond Borough Mind at the NHS Improved Access to Psychological Services, she did a postgraduate course in Cognitive Behavioural Interventions at University College, London. She is now working at

Guy’s Hospital in the psychology department and is applying for a doctorate training in Clinical Psychology.

She lives with Milly Bruce (2010), Antonia Harington (2010) and Juliana Temple-Richards (2010).

Sylvie (2012) Since leaving Tudor Hall, Sylvie went on to study History of Art at Oxford Brookes University, graduating with a 2:1.

She then completed a three month Graduate Training programme at Quest Professional. Having always aspired to a career in Interior Design, she currently works as a trade showroom assistant for Colefax and Fowler in the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre. This is a clientfacing role with top Interior Designers which Sylvie loves and she is keen to pursue a future in the sector.

Aminah Javed (2012) After graduating from university, Aminah went on to complete her teacher training in Sheffield, and Masters in Educational Research.

Having worked as Head of KS3/4 RE at an Outstanding school in Yorkshire, Aminah has recently taken a promotion with Pastoral responsibility. She is now working in an Academy in Nottinghamshire as Head of Year (7 and 8), alongside teaching RE and Philosophy.

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Louise Newton (Darby, 1976) In 2011, Louise joined forces with Amanda Lowther (mother of OT Lucia Lowther, 2012) to establish a pop-up art gallery, British Art Portfolio. This followed on from studying for a BA in History of Art at Leicester University as ‘very’ mature students (2008–2011). Both previously had careers in the arts – Louise worked in several West End art galleries and Amanda worked as a professional artist and painter of special effects.

British Art Portfolio, as the name suggests, specialises in British paintings, drawings and sculpture of both the 20th and 21st Centuries. They hold about five exhibitions per year in private homes around the UK, with each exhibition raising money for charity – normally the choice of the host. To date, they have raised in excess of £25,000 for a selection of charities, ranging from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to Young Diabetes.

British Art Portfolio’s connections with Tudor Hall are strong: hosts are often OTs, or parents of Tudorians, many clients are OTs and they represent a number of professional OT artists (including Annie Field, Florence Houston, Emily Ponsonby, and Tessa Pullan).

If you feel you might like to hold an exhibition in your home and raise money for a charity of your choice – please do contact louise@britishartportfolio.co.uk

Hayley Wood (2013) Whilst completing her A Levels in 2013, Hayley, like most of her peers at Tudor, was keen to take a gap year prior to attending university. Hayley secured a place on Accenture’s eight month management consultancy Horizons scheme in London, giving her the opportunity to work on business projects all around the city and a taste of corporate life. Although a daunting prospect at the age of eighteen, it really was the cocurricular activities offered at Tudor which gave her the

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confidence (recommending MUN/drama). Following the scheme, the banking client Hayley was working with offered her contracting work until she started university, as well as work in Manchester the following summer.

Hayley attended Bristol University to study for a BSc. in Economics and Politics. University isn’t for everyone, Hayley did say, however the friends and contacts she made, and the transferable skills she learnt are irreplaceable. In her final summer of university, Hayley interned in private banking at Coutts: a fascinating summer, opening her eyes to the entrepreneurial businesses Hayley would love to be a part of in the future.

Hayley is now on Deloitte’s Corporate Audit graduate scheme, completing her ACA. From the experience gained in holidays, she realised that Audit is a perfect place to start a graduate career, gaining such a variety of business knowledge and a prestigious qualification.

Without the early work experience, Hayley assured us that she would never have considered her current career path. Hayley’s advice to any girls interested in a career in business is to gain as much work experience as possible: never turn down an opportunity or have an empty summer holiday. This does not necessarily need to be gained through contacts – just by googling you can easily find a variety of schemes to apply for. hayleybethaniewood@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-wood-439b4181/

BOOK REVIEW Oscar the Ferry Cat

by Molly Arbuthnott (2005) Reviewed by Ottilie Buckner-Rowley, age 6 (daughter of Todd Housemistress, Beth Buckner-Rowley) Ottilie was excited to read a story whose main character was a cat: Ottilie’s favourite animal!

She enjoyed Oscar the cat meeting lots of new friendly characters who try to make him feel better because he is sad to be lost.

He meets Sammy the seagull, Robert the rat, Charlie the chef and Mercy the ferry cat, who becomes Oscar’s new friend.

“It is sad, because Oscar is lost and just wants to go home, but is happy too, because everyone wants to be his friend, especially Mercy.”

Molly Arbuthnott

The beautifully illustrated story was inspired by a real event in author Molly’s life. In April 2014 Oscar, the Arbuthnott’s beloved family cat, went missing on a Caledonian Macbrayne ferry.

The curious cat managed to open the car window by stepping on the control before the lock took full effect. The family returned to the car in Oban to find paw prints on the bonnet, signs he had tried to get back into the car, but no cat.

Despite weeks of subsequent searching, Oscar was never found.

His memory is forever immortalised in the pages of this tale. R

Beth and Ottilie Buckner-Rowley

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News in brief Charlotte Martin MVO  Charlotte Martin (1999) has been made an MVO (Member of the Victorian Order) in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to The Queen and the Royal Household. She joined the Royal Household after university in a temporary role while she looked for a real job and has been there for thirteen years now! Charlotte has been involved in organising some incredible events from Royal Weddings to the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and the Chinese State Visit.

She is currently working on this summer’s Garden Parties when over 40,000 people will come to Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse for tea. She was delighted to watch Mrs Granville receive her medal from The Queen in November and can confirm that she did a fantastic curtsey, setting the standard for her own Investiture the week after.

Eloise Thompson (Marshall, 1987) becomes a QC p The last time I wrote for this magazine, I was explaining the procedure for becoming a criminal barrister. Now two years on, I am writing about my appointment as Queen’s Counsel (QC), also known as taking silk. That makes the transition from junior barrister to QC sound quick and easy, well it is anything but.

A QC is a senior barrister and roughly only ten per cent of the profession are awarded silk. I had been a junior barrister for over twenty years before I applied for silk and the procedure was extremely pressurised. You are required to complete a form describing twelve notable

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cases, cases which have a novel point of law or were particularly complex. You need to set out in detail what your role in that case was and exactly what you did which demonstrates your excellence. In addition to completing the form you have to provide eighteen assessors, judges and colleagues who have to rate your level of expertise, nothing less than excellent will be good enough to get you through to the next round.

Once you have submitted your form and you have been rated by your assessors, the QC selection panel decide whether to give you an interview. If you are lucky enough to get an interview, it will be four months before they tell you whether you have been successful.

Being a criminal barrister is both exciting and rewarding, I don’t regret all the hours of hard work that have got me to this level. Since only thirteen per cent of all QCs are women, it is very important that we encourage women to join the profession and stay the course, right to the very top.

turn. ‘Harriet, Mrs Granville, for services to education,’ and in I went past charming air vice-marshals. A curtsey, the presentation, a brief conversation, another curtsey to the stunning-looking, smiling monarch and, as I left the ballroom, Charlotte was there to greet me which was lovely; she was quite unchanged.

I re-joined the family as the band played Scipio and it was then off to drinks, thank you, Charlotte and Willie Peel - Lord Chamberlain, Iona’s father. The day concluded after a lovely lunch with some of our dearest, oldest friends, including Heather Holden-Brown (1968) and Anabel Donald. What a happy and humbling experience and one that will never be forgotten. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Harriet Granville MBE Investiture 7th November 2017 u This was indeed a very special day. Antony, Edward, Matilda and I met in a coffee shop in Buckingham Palace Road and then walked to the Palace in glorious sunshine dressed up to the nines and feeling very proud. We went through the gates and doors and up the magnificent staircase. At this point, the supporters headed for the ballroom and the recipients to the drawing room.

The ceremony was to begin at 11am; splendidly, it was to be The Queen herself officiating and the orchestra played as the Yeomen of the Guard prepared for her arrival. I met some fascinating co-recipients: the last of the dam busters, a female sailor who had saved many from drowning and others who had contributed in numerous other ways. I did wish that Crispin Robinson could have been there to identify the wonderful pictures.

After a brief explanation of what was to happen, we were all moved towards the ballroom. The Gurkha orderlies and Her Majesty had arrived and it would soon be my

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OTs received DofE Gold at Buckingham Palace  OTs Serena Goodhart (2016) and Tilly Rigby (2016) visited Buckingham Palace to collect their gold Duke of Edinburgh medal. The medals were presented to them by television news and sports presenter Ore Oduba who, according to the girls, “was hilarious”

Queen’s magnolia tree in full flower, May 2017  To celebrate HM The Queen’s ninetieth birthday in April 2016, Old Tudorians planted a red magnolia tree to mark the momentous occasion. One year on, and with a plentiful supply of sunshine, the tree is in full bloom.

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Jasmine Faulkner – An Evening of Opera and Song  Jasmine Faulkner (2013) studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As part of her coursework, Jasmine organised her own concert – An Evening of Opera and Song – at St Peter’s Church, Hook Norton.

The concert raised money for the charity Kenyan Kids and funds went towards paying for the childrens’ rent, food, school uniform, medication and school fees.

Soprano Jasmine was joined on stage by baritone Ben Watkins (also Guildhall) and pianist Joseph Cummings (a post-graduate accompanist at the Royal Academy of Music) who performed songs and arias by composers such as Schubert, Handel and Mozart. R

School news

Café 6 q The new sixth form café has been a great hit, with Sixth formers singing its praises. “We love it - it’s a brilliant place to socialise and get away from the pressures of work for a little while before getting back down to it,” one student explained. It is a special place for our sixth formers to enjoy hot drinks, home-baked cakes and, weather permitting, to relax on the south-facing decking outside. The Sixth form girls have played a key role throughout the development of the café.

They chose its name and were involved in planning

menus, deciding opening hours and shaping the style of the interior. Along with Miss Griffiths they sampled coffees and chose an organic Fairtrade product made using coffee beans from Café Femenino, an all-women co-operative in Peru. They had an eye for the café’s green credentials, choosing biodegradable takeaway cups and commissioning a ‘keep cup’ which can be bought and refilled. OT Lucy Ayres (2017), now studying Graphic Design at Brighton, designed the logo and branding. Sixth formers are partly responsibly for staffing the café, gaining valuable work experience.

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The Penelopiad u The Penelopiad, this year’s senior school play, enjoyed a run of three performances in the drama studio. Alan Christopher directed a superb ensemble of girls from the IVs-UVI in Margaret Atwood’s modern take on the ancient myth of Penelope and Odysseus. The girls produced a stunning performance and tackled challenging material with impressive maturity and sensitivity. The simplicity of the set and random quirkiness of the costumes worked effectively to enhance the storytelling, which Penelopiad incorporated a smorgasbord of drama techniques.

Model United Nations Conference in Rome u For the first time ever, Tudor was invited to attend an international Model United Nations (MUN) conference in Rome, Italy. Four UVI girls were given this fantastic opportunity as a reward for their commitment and contribution to MUN over their time at Tudor.

There were many highlights during the debate, but the girls’ favourite was when all four Tudor girls were arguing against each other whilst the rest of the room looked on in fear. Kate Kot, representing the Russian Federation, was also awarded an honourable mention in the closing ceremony. “It was great to be at a genuinely international MUN with delegates from seventeen different countries from across the world,” the girls enthused.

Mud Run raises money for Allegra's Ambition u This year’s annual Mud Run was held in aid of the school’s charity Allegra’s Ambition. The Charity aims to enable young people to engage in being outside and participating in sport – with a focus on the vulnerable and disadvantaged. Everyone from Todd to UVI participated in the supposed ‘Mud’ Run, which due to beautiful weather was more of a Sun Run, although the Todds somehow managed to make their own mud and use it as face paint!

The five kilometre course through the school’s stunning grounds included cargo nets to climb through, tunnels to crawl through, paddling pools to wade through and many water balloons and water pistols. The whole event was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and was a successful fundraiser for this worthy cause.

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Careers Day for Media and Journalism q “That was awesome!” was a response from the IIs; “Really interesting” came from the IIIs and the most inspiring of all “I think I’m going to be a journalist…” from Todd – all heard after the KS3 careers event focusing on media.

A good quality careers education raises girls aspirations and plays a central role in preparing our girls for life after Tudor. We were therefore delighted to hear from true experts in their field: William Sitwell (Editor, Writer and Broadcaster), who introduced the group to the concept of media and journalism, and spoke engagingly about their role in the communications world; Mark Pougatch (Freelance Journalist and Broadcaster), who worked with the girls on what makes a story; OT Annabel Archer (1999) (Executive Editor CNN International and Co-Producer Amanpour), who spoke about her route into TV news editing; Claire Dumbreck (Communications Consultant at PropelTechnology), who explained the different areas of communication such as marketing, PR, Journalism and the Media; the challenges of setting up your own business and marketing yourself were explored by OT Lily de Watteville (2010) (Entrepreneur and Founder of LDW Communications); whilst Paul Jenner (Reporter, Producer and Presenter currently based at BBC Radio Oxford) hosted a broadcasting workshop.

It was an inspiring day, greatly enjoyed by the girls and we are hugely grateful to all our eminent speakers for taking part.

We are always particularly keen to encourage OTs to take part in our careers events; it is lovely to get the opportunity of welcoming alumnae back to Tudor and the girls themselves relate that much better to OT speakers, knowing you were once in their shoes! If you would be interested in speaking at, or taking part in, a careers event, please contact Head of Careers, Joanne Benlalam: JBenlalam@tudorhallschool.com

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Tudor archives Nesta Inglis as bridesmaid to Harold and Elsie Inglis

Charles Inglis, father of Sylvie who started in Todd in September 2017, sent Rose the wonderful photo of Nesta as a bridesmaid to his grandparents, Harold and Elsie Inglis (she stands to the far right of the picture). Sylvie and her cousins, Coco and Lara Morris-Marsham, and Sarah and Ella (2016) Ziegler, all Tudorians, are Nesta’s first cousins three times removed.

Alison Holdsworth’s cardigan Alison Holdsworth (1960) gifted her Tudor cardigan to the school museum. Bought in 1956, the cardigan is made of wool, is an apple green colour and was labelled ‘Harvey Nichols of Knightsbridge’ alongside Alison’s woven name tape. Alison wrote: “I think I kept it because when I left Tudor it was still in good condition, and it kept me warm in various flats in London circa early 1960s. It has certainly faded and oddly appears to have shrunk!”

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Helena Harcourt’s tie and school photographs Patricia Keiller, daughter of OT Helena Harcourt (1926) visited Tudor Hall School to present a selection of evocative photographs and also the green school tie her mother had worn when she attended the school in the twenties. At that time Tudor Hall was located in Kent and Helena had been Head Girl.

Left: Helena Harcourt (2nd from left) in 1924 tennis team.

Below left: Helena Harcourt in school photo, 2nd row from front, 5th from left.

Below: Patricia Keiller with Emma McGowan.

Helen Webster’s medal OT Gillian Graham Dobson (1955) has shared pictures of her late grandmother, Helen Webster, who was co-Head with Miss Worters when Tudor was at Chislehurst, before the First World War. She was Nesta Inglis’s Headmistress. Gillian says “Nesta told me that she really admired and liked my grandmother, who taught Music at Tudor, playing the piano ‘to Concert standard’ – and she had had her lovely soprano voice trained in Vienna. So perhaps Tudor’s reputation for excellence in Music had its beginnings around 1910”.

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Reunions

Class of 1957 reunion

The sixtieth reunion lunch was held in Hartley Wintney in September. It was the latest of several get- togethers we have held in different parts of the country. They have all been great fun with lots of catching up.

Class of 1976 reunion After the brilliant sleuthing of Juliet Dettmer (Moira) and Louise Newton (Darby) to track us all down, eighteen of us from the 1970 – 1976 Tudor Hall intake recently got together for a reunion lunch in London.

Though many years have elapsed since some of us have seen each other, it really was just ‘taking up where we left off’. Rather than finding out what we had all been up to in the meantime, we were straight into reminiscing about our years at Tudor, some even managing to quote Miss

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Jenkinson’s French poems. Of course we all thought that none of us had changed at all! Gosh it was such fun.

Sadly some couldn’t make the occasion, but never fear, there will undoubtedly be another – does one call this

a ‘mid life crisis’ of reminiscence-seeking! Anyway it demonstrates how many friendships were formed at Tudor and how they endure over the years even with gaps in seeing each other.

Class of 1978 reunion The Class of 1978 gathered for lunch at the Ivy Kensington Brasserie. Margaret Beers (Evans), said: “It was as if we picked up from where we left off!

Such happy years those Tudor years were. There were twelve of us at the lunch, which was an accomplishment indeed!”

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Class of 1987 reunion Nineteen members of the Class of 1987 returned to Tudor for their thirty year reunion. Cathy Rackstraw rallied the troops, re-connecting with several OTs who had ‘vanished’ from the OTA’s database. A champagne reception in the front hall kick-started the celebrations followed by lunch in the Dining Room and a tour of the school.

Rebecca Sunang-Joret (Smith) later wrote: “Thank you very much for organising such a lovely lunch and tour of the school. It was so enjoyable to meet old friends and catch up with their news. We all seemed to really enjoy the tour of the school, remembering many escapades past! It is wonderful that such a spirit of friendship exists between us after all these years. It is a testament to our happy school years at Tudor.”

OTs in Lisbon Taxi!

It’s not often you find yourself in a foreign taxi with four OTs but recently I did, writes Nicola Beard (Hudson, 1987). My husband and I were in Lisbon supporting my daughter who was on her school choir tour with St Hugh’s. After listening to the children sing in Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Navigantes in Cascais, the parents went out for supper. One of the fathers had organised everyone into taxis back to the hotel and it was then that we realised (as we were giggling and chatting) that we were all OTs! So a lot of comparing notes over the ages began! It was a very entertaining journey.

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Class of 2007 decade Reunion Thirty-five OTs from the Class of 2007, together with Tudor Hall staff past and present, enjoyed a wonderful evening at The Orange, Belgravia for a ten year reunion.

The squeals of delight, beaming smiles and animated chatter reflected how delighted everyone in the room was to be together.

Harriet Drinkwater and Harriet Lewis, who spearheaded the reunion, later wrote: “We were amazed at the turnout. It is a huge testament to Tudor, and to the time we spent there and the friends we made, that the enthusiasm was so high�. R

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Events Drinks Reception in Edinburgh, March 2017

Members of the Tudor community living in Scotland and Northern England joined Wendy Griffiths and staff for a drinks reception at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh. OTs ranging from Class of 1955 to 2016 mingled with former, current and prospective parents as well as Canon Gunner who was the Tudor Chaplain from 1970 to 1986. Edinburgh undergraduates sang the university’s praises, sighting the capital as the perfect university destination. The recent leavers also wowed prospective parents with one later commenting ‘We particularly enjoyed meeting the greatest advertisement for the school, the delightful and charming recent school leavers.’ After a highly enjoyable evening, one guest left saying how nice it was to only have a ninety minute journey home!

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Nesta’s Girls Lunch Tudor Hall was thrilled to welcome twenty five OTs, who attended school during Nesta Inglis’ years as headmistress from 1935 to 1960, to Wykham Park. As Gilly Nester-Smith (Hedges, 1955) later wrote, “The day went with a real swing… a treat to lunch in the old drawing room where Nesta used to teach cello lessons

and where we were prepared for our confirmation.

The girls who took the tours were exceptionally self-confident and the vibes all around were first class. Thank you very much indeed for letting us ‘old girls’ have such a happy day and relive some great memories of sixty and seventy years ago!”

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A Celebration of Tudor Hall Past, Present and Future at The Assembly House, Norwich, Over thirty members of the Tudor community met at The Assembly House in Norwich to celebrate Tudor Hall past, present and future. Former staff including Sandra Blakey, Harriet Granville, the Reverend Canon Laurence Gunner, Diana Muirhead and Jane Tindle mingled with Old Tudorians Gillian Graham Dobson (Cook, 1955), Josephine Stark (Crosier, 1971), Philippa Dannat (Gurney, 1972), Georgina Gurney (Shepherd,

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1974) and Davina Barber (Duckworth-Chad, 1996) with former and current parents and governors. Beeston Hall School’s Headmaster Fred de Falbe and his wife Juliet were warmly welcomed by Wendy Griffiths along with three Beeston families who are sending their daughters to Tudor – one of whom is the great granddaughter of former Headmistress Nesta Inglis.

London drinks at The Goring Hotel The OTA took The Goring Hotel, London, by storm with over eighty five OTs of all ages descending on the Garden Room. As one OT later wrote: “It was lovely to see the Tudor team and to catch up on ‘the gossip’.

Events like these are so special and certainly bring back many happy memories. The lovely thing about our year group is we see each other all the time and I hope this continues – I guess that’s Tudor values for you!”

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UVI OTA Drinks - May Girls from the UVI (Class of 2017) enjoyed a glass of champagne and a light-hearted break from their revision ahead of their public examinations. Girls were encouraged to keep in touch with the school after they left and we look forward to hearing what they’re up to in years to come.

Leavers’ Ball 2017

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This image has been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame photographers and can be ordered by visiting www.gsimagebank.co.uk/tudorhall using the token tudorhall2018

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Tudor on Tour – Bristol On a crisp autumnal evening, a minibus-full of Tudor Hall staff made their way to Bristol to catch up with OTs studying in the city. Despite the initial disappointment that taking Mr Galloway dancing was not going to be an option, the gathering was enjoyed by all and was a great opportunity to catch up with everyone’s news.

UVI Last Supper After the marathon of A Levels, the UVI gathered for their final supper in the Dining Room before heading off on work experience. R

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BIRTHS 22 FEBRUARY 2017 To Holly (Alston, 2003) and Harry Armour, a daughter, Coco Elizabeth Clare, a sister for Arthur.

13 APRIL 2017 To Iona (Sinclair, 1996) and Alex Garton, a son, Archie.

13 JUNE 2017 To Sophie (Cooper, 1999) and Mathew Patey, two sons, William David Campbell and Edward Francis Mathew, brothers for Flora.

25 MARCH 2017 To Alice (Llewelyn, 1999) and Robert Windsor, a daughter, Olive Mary, a sister for Grace.

APRIL 2017 To Clemmie (Innes, 2002) and Charles Underwood, a daughter, Florence Olivia.

5 APRIL 2017 To Kelly (Food Service Assistant at Tudor) and Jason Green, a daughter, Matilda May.

7 APRIL 2017 To Natalie (Food Service Assistant at Tudor) and Graham Woodward (former sous chef at Tudor), a son, Arthur (right).

31 MAY 2017 To Elodie Turqois and Pete Garratt (Mathematics teacher at Tudor), a daughter, Zelda Victoire GarrattTurqois.

18 JUNE 2017 To Laura (Longsdon, 2002) and James Sealey, a daughter, Lily Rose, a sister for Thomas.

21 AUGUST 2017 To Clare (Blackwell, 1999) and St John Neilson, a daughter, Rosabella Marina.

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22 AUGUST 2017 To Alexandra (Munro Ferguson, 2002) and Nicholas Verney, a daughter, Hermione Mary, a sister for Arthur.

7 SEPTEMBER 2017 To Francesca (Rabl, 2001) and Matthew Cockcroft, a daughter, Matilda Anne Rabl.

8 FEBRUARY 2018 To Rachel (Carson, 2002) and Georg von Reutter, a daughter, Josephine Alice Maria, a sister for Clara.

ENGAGEMENTS 2017 APRIL Alexie Bonavia (2008) to Alexander Drake.

12 FEBRUARY 2018 To Annabel (Thomas-Ferrand, 2001) and Hugh Carter, a son, Wilfrith Angus John Carter, a brother for Grace.

5 DECEMBER 2017 To Monica Jimenez (Head of Spanish at Tudor) and James Booth, a daughter, Poppy.

APRIL Georgina Bovill (2007) to Angus Bailey.

MAY Alicia Bridgeman (2004) to Philip Warrilow-Wilson.

MAY Helen Crosbie Dawson (2007) to James Carnegie.

15 MARCH 2018 To Louise (Nicolson, 2003) and Charlie Morshead, a son, Frederick Charles Merlin, to be known as Freddie, a brother to Rory.

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AUGUST Georgina Gilbertson (2006) to Henry O’Lone.

OCTOBER Sophie St Clair Tisdall (2004) to James Fullerton.

OCTOBER Christabel Beeson (2008) to Edward Hart

NOVEMBER Louisa Houldsworth (2004) to Cuthbert Hopkinson.

NOVEMBER Katie Lidell (2001) to Lloyd Meadows.

DECEMBER Harriet Drinkwater (2007) to Hamish Davison.

DECEMBER Sarah Fetherstone-Dilke (2007) to Dominic King

MARRIAGES 3 JUNE 2017 Amber Tilleard (2008) to Edward Derbishire. Tudor Hall girls Martha Prestidge (violin) and Grace Sale (cello) played at their wedding at St Mary the Virgin Church in Moreton Pinkney.

3 JUNE 2017 Flora Beaumont (2008) to Frederick Kisielewski. R

2018 JANUARY Camilla (Millie) Fitzherbert (2008) to Harry Turner FEBRUARY Francesca Bradshaw (2007) to William Eaton NOVEMBER Lucy Fortescue (2001) to Robert Kรถenig.

MARCH Sophie Carson (2007) to Charles Cartwright, son of Sister Cartwright, former nurse at Tudor.

NOVEMBER Celia McCorquodale (2008) to George Woodhouse.

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NOVEMBER 2017 Andrew Shepherd (Chemistry Teacher 1980s)

DEATHS 22 APRIL 2017 Juliet Hatherell (1956).

4 JANUARY 2018 Jane Addis (Taylor, 1950) mother of Richard and Willa-Jane, grandmother of Ferdie, Beatrice, Katharine, Oliver, Grace, Mimi, Theo and Sebastian, great-grandmother of Xanthe, died peacefully on 4th January 2018, aged eighty-three.

9 JUNE 2017 Mary Holborow DBE (Stopford, 1953).

25 JULY 2017 Katie Evans (Stott, 1970).

13 AUGUST 2017 Caroline Kapranopoulos (Lindsay-White, 1968) passed away at home in Sierra Vista on 13th August 2017, aged sixty-six.

Caroline was born in Newcastleupon-Tyne to William and Joan Lindsay-White, and grew up in Marlow. She was married to Roderick Bromley in England in 1969, giving birth to their son, Toby, in Switzerland in 1973. She later married John Bell in South Africa in 1975 where she had her second child, Catherine, in 1976. John and Caroline moved to New Zealand in 1979 where Caroline established and operated the New Zealand Cordon Bleu School of Cookery. They moved to Hong Kong in 1989 and then to Portugal in 1991 where she began a career as an artist and later a jewellery maker. John Bell passed away in Portugal in 2009 and Caroline later met John Kapranopoulos and moved to Arizona. They were married in 2012 and Caroline became an American Citizen in 2016. She and John Kapranopoulos had six wonderful years together, travelling to amazing places worldwide with their many friends.

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15 OCTOBER 2017 Lady Belinda Morse (Mills, 1948) died peacefully on 15th October 2017 in Richmond, aged eightysix. Wife of Jeremy, dearly loved mother of Clarissa, Richard, Andy, Samuel and Isabel and adored granny of fourteen grandchildren.

After leaving Tudor Hall, Belinda went to finishing school and subsequently spent time in Helsinki, working as an au pair. She started her first job in 1951, with publishers Chatto and Windus. Later in life she became a published author. Belinda was also a Director of The Shakespeare Globe Trust, spearheading its rebuilding in the 1990s.

As one of the founding members of our Legacy Society, Belinda was a very special and supportive OT and will be sadly missed.

“She was caring, interested, interesting, redoubtable, and the best example of an Old Girl from any school.”

Harriet Granville, Chair of the OTA

Jane was born into an outdoorsy Warwickshire family. Her father Geoffrey was a surgeon and England rugby star; her mother, Isobel, had been a Scottish lacrosse international. She married “Ritty” Addis, a District Officer in the Colonial Service, in 1954 and began married life in Malaya. Their children, Richard and Willa-Jane, were born there before the family were posted to the Gambia. Upon returning to England, Jane trained to be a teacher. She taught first at Colet Court, where her pupils included George Osborne and Eddie Redmayne. In 1986 she opened the Merlin School in Putney, developing her own innovative and effective methods for teaching maths and earning herself a reputation as an eccentric, but extremely effective teacher. R