Westonbirt 90th Anniversary

© Westonbirt Schools 2018

Published by Gresham Books Ltd

The Carriage House

Ningwood Manor

Ningwood

Isle of Wight PO30 4NJ

All rights reserved. No part of this publication which is copyright may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior permission of Gresham Books Ltd or the appropriate copyright owner. Full particulars of copyright are given in the acknowledgements.

Text set in 11pt Gotham

Printed in the UK by CPI Anthony Rowe

ISBN: 978-0-946095-93-3

With special thanks to:

Westonbirt 90th Year Project Manager

Westonbirt School Archivist

Mrs Lucy Brook, Director of Marketing

Mrs Bridget Bomford

Author of Westonbirt House & the Holfords Mrs Angela Potter

Westonbirt 90th Year Book, Sub-editor Mrs Lucy Dalgleish

The whole publishing team Gresham Books Ltd

A very warm welcome to this special celebration of the 90th birthday of Westonbirt School and the 150th birthday of Westonbirt House, as it currently stands.

Our book covers the history of Westonbirt House, the Holford family and the story of the school from 1928 to the present day. It is intended to be a photo-led commemoration rather than a detailed history book; however, many sources have been referenced from our extensive archives.

It has been a delight to read the many memories which have been sent to us for the book. We have been most fortunate to have received personal memories from a great number of Westonbirt alumni. I do hope you treasure their stories as they themselves do and I would like to thank everyone who sent in a memory to share. I would also like to thank all of you who placed a pre-order; your names are listed at the back and we are very grateful for your support, which has enabled us to produce such a wonderful commemorative book.

Headmistress – Natasha Dangerfield

THE HISTORY OF WESTONBIRT HOUSE

There has been a house on the site of Westonbirt School since at least the 13th Century and Weston Birt - written as two separate words until the 20th Century - is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1085, when Lord Ednoth lived at the Manor.

Beyond this, there is very little information about Westonbirt until 1665. At that time, it came into the Holford family when Sir Richard Holford married the young heiress of the Westonbirt estate, Sarah. From then on, six generations of Holfords owned and managed the estate for over 250 years.

The first three generations did not live at Westonbirt but married and made their homes in London where they worked as lawyers, managing the estate as absentee landlords. Their wealth was greatly increased by their lucrative jobs as Masters in Chancery and by investments in property and shares.

In 1823, Sir Richard’s great grandson George Peter Holford retired to Westonbirt and completely remodelled the property, replacing the old manor with a Regency house. Together with his son, Robert, he laid out new gardens with the picturesque improver William Sawrey Gilpin and planted the first trees in 1829 in what later became Westonbirt Arboretum. George died in 1839 and the estate passed to Robert.

Westonbirt House from the North, 1823

Robert Stayner Holford (1808-1892), backed by wealth from the original legal practice and from lucrative shares in the New River Company (which supplied London with fresh water), developed the property further, creating Westonbirt as we know it. A prodigious and cultured Victorian millionaire, Robert was a scholarly collector of Old Masters, rare books, manuscripts, porcelain and silver. He was one of the most learned judges of quality in the country at a time when Art was becoming an important part of British cultural identity. He married into an artistic family of collectors when he wed, in 1854, Mary Ann Lindsay (d.1901). They had three daughters, Margaret, Evelyn and Alice and one son, George. The daughters married, respectively, the third Earl of Morley of Saltram in Devon; the banker Robert Benson; and the fourth Earl Grey of Howick.

Robert was passionate about architecture and employed the celebrated architect Lewis Vulliamy to design and build Dorchester House, a fine Italianate palazzo in Park Lane, London with the aim of setting a new standard of architecture. He was also passionate about trees. He developed the Pleasure Grounds at Westonbirt to accommodate his impressive collection, many of which came from international seed and planting expeditions. He was assisted by landscape gardener William Broderick Thomas and the famous firm of James Pulham & Son.

Planting large areas of woodland on previously arable ground, initially for game cover because the Duke of Beaufort’s hunt was based at the adjacent estate of Badminton, Robert Holford laid the bones for his extensive arboretum, which included the ancient Silkwood area.

Westonbirt House from the South, 1813

An early photograph of Westonbirt House

Wollaton Hall, attributed as the model for the building of Westonbirt House

Photo credit: Wollaton Hall & Deer Park – Nottingham City Council

Many of the trees he planted were new introductions to the country. Rather than planting according to a scientific scheme, he positioned them in an aesthetic fashion, thus continuing to adhere to the style of planting promoted by W S Gilpin. During his lifetime Robert built up an important collection of orchids and amaryllis which his son George (1860-1926) developed to even further heights.

Robert’s other passion was art, and in 1864 he again commissioned Vulliamy to build a grand new house at Westonbirt to display his many fine art treasures. This is the house we know today.

Robert died in 1892 and the estate passed to his son George Lindsay Holford (1860-1926). Like his father, George subscribed to international seed and plant collecting expeditions and continued to expand his father’s tree collection. As Equerry to various members of the Royal family, George spent much time at Court. He married, late in life, Susannah Menzies (d.1945) but died childless, in 1926.

On George’s death, Westonbirt passed to his nephew, the fourth Earl of Morley who sold off most of the estate but who retained the arboretum. Under the guidance of its first curator W J Mitchell, aided by the botanist A B Jackson, the Arboretum continued to develop until Morley’s death in the

Robert Stayner Holford

Early archive records of Robert Stayner Holford

1950s when it was taken over by the Forestry Commission. Over the past fifty years, the Arboretum has been successfully managed by the Forestry Commission and is often enjoyed by Westonbirt staff and pupils alike.

Since 1928, the house has been a School, separately owned from the Arboretum. The parkland has long since been divided between different owners but survives largely intact. The gardens too survive in their entirety, although the planting has suffered from a degree of ‘benevolent neglect’ and the tree collection reached maturity some time ago.

Little currently remains of the walled kitchen gardens with their glasshouse ranges, the exception being Palm House, now one of the school’s music rooms and the adjacent Camellia House, recently restored with assistance from The Holfords of Westonbirt Trust (HOWT).

Holford’s Orchid - Westonbirt variety

Early archive records of the Gardens and the Arboretum

An original glass house which will be restored with the National Lottery Grant

Holford’s Amaryllis

The Duke of Clarence (d.1892), Prince George (later King George V) and George Lindsay Holford

A significant development in 2017 occurred however when HOWT became successful in its bid to secure a National Lottery Grant to help restore and refurbish Westonbirt’s nationally important and historic gardens. The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded ‘The Heart of Westonbirt Project’ development funding of £73,000 which will enable the trust to progress their plans to apply for a full grant in 2018. Once this phase has been successfully completed, the trust will then be able to submit a second round application for £920,000 to undertake the physical restoration and refurbishment starting work at the end of 2018.

Although Dorchester House was demolished in 1929 to make way for the new hotel and the Holford Art and Library collections were sold in the 1920s, Westonbirt House and the Arboretum remain a testament to the quality of the Holford family’s achievements.

George Holford with the Royal party in 1908

CHAPTER 2

1928: WESTONBIRT SCHOOL OPENS

In 1926, Westonbirt House was on the market. It was not a financially secure time, being less than ten years from the end of World War 1, and there was an economic recession looming. Even Lord Rothschild considered Westonbirt House to be too expensive for him to run. There was a real possibility that it might have to be pulled down, as many Victorian mansions were at that time.

Thankfully, a charity at the time called The Martyrs Memorial Trust was actively seeking potential properties to convert into boarding schools. The Rev Percy Warrington, a Trustee and Vicar of Monkton Coombe near Bath, was advised of its availability. In August 1927 he was persuaded to have a look at Westonbirt House and was bowled over with what he saw. Three weeks later he signed the contract for it to become a girls’ boarding school. They paid £25,000 for the site, one 20th of what it had cost to build 55 years earlier. The news was reported in the local newspaper in 1927.

1928: Westonbirt School Opens

Westonbirt listed for sale in The Times, Feb 15th 1927

Extract from the Bath and Wiltshire Chronicle and Herald, 24th August 1927

‘The information that it had been saved from demolition and preserved for purposes of national education brought great feelings of relief and a new enthusiasm. The Rev. P E Warrington now proposes within the next few weeks to form a Council to control the school, after which the Headmistress will be appointed. Westonbirt will enter upon its career as a public school in May 1928, and one cannot doubt that it will be as great a success in every way as the other educational enterprises to which the Rev. P E Warrington has lent his hand…’

The Martyrs Memorial Trust is today called Allied Schools and it has founded several schools throughout the 20th Century including Stowe. It continues to provide administrative support and arranges financial security during any difficult times for Westonbirt Schools.

When the school opened on May 11th 1928, with the inaugural academic year beginning in September, it was described as ‘A Freak School with No Rules.’ This is something the Headmistress addressed on the first Speech Day on 29th July 1929. It was reported in the Daily Chronicle, which set the scene:

‘Two hundred and two happy girls, all dressed in rose-pink, celebrated yesterday the end of the fourth term of Westonbirt School, which was opened in May last year on extremely original lines.’

The first School Council at Westonbirt

During her address on the first Speech Day, the Headmistress spoke as follows regarding the first inspection of the school:

‘The rumour which has got the strongest hold is that we have no rules here...This arose, I am afraid to say, because at the very beginning I told the girls I had no idea what rules would be wanted in a school, and we would just go on until we saw what were necessary, so it was in their own hands to keep them as few as possible.

‘Some time ago an official was sent down by the education authorities in London to see the school. He came into my room in the morning, saying, “I understand that this is a freak school.” I begged him to start his inspection with an open mind and assured him that after he had made his tour he would find there was only one freak in the school, and that was the Headmistress. He returned later to say he thoroughly agreed with me.’

Other forward-thinking aspects of the school included the policy that at the age of 15 girls were allowed to decide upon their own education, allowing them to concentrate on whatever subjects most interested them.

In addition, there were no prizes for individual girls on Speech Day. Honours were awarded, not to the girl but to her House. Sadly, there are no photos which record the first speech day, but there are plenty from the succeeding few years, which clearly show it was the highlight of the year.

The first Westonbirt staff photo, taken in 1928

The first ‘School List’, Sept 1928. The first pupils were listed by name inside the document.

Barbara Dixon (née Pitt) (1915-1996), enjoyed the distinction of being the first girl to be enrolled at Westonbirt and she was always very loyally attached to the school and its activities. On the 60th Anniversary of the school in 1988 she recalled her first day at the new school:

‘Having previously had a governess, my sister and I had never been to school before, so when Evans, the school butler, took charge of our trunks and our parents departed, we were left with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

‘I so clearly remember that group of seventy-two girls, about half of whom came from Scotland. Several of us who were put together that first night, in a dormitory off the gallery, have remained firm friends for sixty years and still meet regularly. One lasting memory of that first night, which became a cherished custom, was of the younger ones in dressinggowns singing ‘Taps’ around the gallery.

‘From that first day, thanks to the foresighted concepts of Percy Warrington and other Founders, so much has sprung: two generations of girls whose friendships made in those years have sustained them through life, whose beliefs and guiding principles were established at Westonbirt, who have abiding memories of a building and grounds whose beauty has an enduring influence on those who lived there.’

Westonbirt’s beginning was somewhat unconventional; it broke new ground ‘away from conventional lines of High School teaching’ and caused ripples in society. The Governors believed that ‘the education of girls should be thought out on first principles, and on the basis of their own needs’ rather than being ‘too closely modelled on the curriculum of boys’.

The Illustrated London News, May 19th 1928.

The appointment of the Headmistress, Mrs. Houison Craufurd was also a break with tradition; a woman with undoubted expertise in dealing with young people, being very involved with the Baden Powells and the Scouting & Guiding movement, but having no experience at all of teaching, or running a school. (It was natural, therefore, that in due course a pack of Girl Guides was set up at the school and ran for several decades.) The academic curriculum was, however, ably managed by the Vice Principal, Miss Angela Mason.

Portrait of Mrs Houison Crauford, the first Headmistress of Westonbirt School

By the beginning of the third term in January 1929, there were already two hundred pupils in the school and at the beginning of the third year, in the summer of 1930 numbers rose to over two hundred and sixty.

School life at Westonbirt quickly established itself with learning, fun, sports and day trips. An early prospectus showed that the school was surprisingly strict on the girls’ diets: ‘No food or sweets of any kind should be brought back at the beginning of the term or sent to girls, with the exception of birthday cake or fresh fruit which may be shared by all.’ They were, however, allowed sweets twice a week from the school shop, as long as they didn’t spend ‘more than four pence a time’, and during the summer term a ‘limited amount may be spent on ices.’

Speech Day, 1931

Whole school photo, taken in 1929

School chefs in 1931

A Record of a Day’s Timetable in the 1930s

7.00am Rising bell

7.25am Silence

7.35am Exercises for deportment

8.00am Breakfast

8.40am Form time

8.50am Prayers

9.10-11.10am Three lessons of 40 minutes

11.10am Break (cocoa and biscuits)

11.30–12.50pm Two lessons of 40 minutes

1.00pm Lunch

1.30-2.00pm Rest

2.10-3.20pm Games (4 days a week)

3.20pm Change down

3.50pm Tea

4.15-6.45pm Lessons or preparation in three periods of 40 minutes and one of 30.

6.55pm Vespers

7.20pm To bedtime free for clubs or drawing room

7.45-9.30pm Bedtime, varying according to age

At weekends Saturday afternoons: Free till roll call at 6pm Sundays: Free from 11am (after the school service) till roll call at 6pm

‘How the School is run’, from an early prospectus

Before long, Westonbirt was celebrating 10 years of being a school, but the peaceful idyll was about to be broken.

Celebrating the 10th Birthday of Westonbirt School, May 1938

CHAPTER 3

THE WAR YEARS

After a triumphant start to the school, the looming prospect of war quickly became a reality to the girls at Westonbirt. Soon after a second inspection and the school’s 10th birthday celebrations in May 1938, the buildings were commandeered by the Government for an Air Ministry department.

The 220 pupils and staff were evacuated and split across two sites in Wiltshire: Bowood House, near Calne, and Corsham Court, near Chippenham. Both houses were adapted to have boarding facilities but only Bowood had classrooms, so pupils were transported daily to Bowood by bus for lessons.

Corsham Park Lake and Corsham High Street

It is a tribute to the strength and leadership of Miss Grubb, who had taken over as the third Headmistress in 1936, that she managed to implement all the measures necessary to move a school, including science laboratories and gymnasium faculties, to say nothing of all the girls, to two separate sites.

Five lorries, provided by the Government and labelled O.H.M.S. in white chalk, were used to transfer all the school’s furniture, including pianos and laboratory equipment, to the new sites. Arrangements were made for the Middle School to go to Bowood, and the 6th Form and Juniors to go to Corsham Court.

Corsham Court

At Bowood, derelict outbuildings were turned into laboratories and a temporary Sanatorium was erected. The Bursar’s office was a boat house by the lake. The school shop was held in a loose box!

They made the very best of the situation, continuing to put on theatrical productions, and to field sports teams. Even the food at this time doesn’t sound too bad (except maybe the brawn and granny’s teeth!)

A record of the food during the War years, from Rosemary Hobs (née Davies)

In 1940, the increase in aerial bombardment in towns and cities led to many parents wanting to send younger sisters to school in a rural area. To add to the demand, some schools for younger children were closed down, including St. John’s School in Bexhill. Seventy girls from there came to Westonbirt.

In 1941, to cope with the demand for places, part of a third house, Spye Park, became a preparatory school for about 50 pupils. At the end of the war it became independent, but remained one of the Allied Schools, moving to Wicken Park in Northamptonshire.

During the war, valuable items from St. John’s College, Oxford were kept in the Westonbirt vaults for safekeeping. As a token of gratitude the College gave the school £50.00, which provides the prize for the annual St. John’s Essay Competition which still runs to this day.

In 1944 the Air Ministry had no further need of the Westonbirt building, so the school was able to return home in September of that year.

During the war, the school had provided office space for Government officials and several hundred clerks. Although it was relatively unaltered in layout, a lot of hard work was required to return it to a working school, with all the equipment having to be brought back from Bowood and Corsham. There were still aeroplanes parked under the trees, guarded night and day by members of the RAF and their Alsatian dogs!

Headmistress’s Report, 1943

In September 1944, the school returned to Westonbirt but only 10 of those who returned had previously been there in 1939. The 6th Form, now larger and with a greater sense of identity (due to having lived as one body at Corsham Court) was moved into the Courtyard accommodation and Common Room, which had been previously occupied by Beaufort. Beaufort had been disbanded in the war, but was restored in 1946 and brought into the main house. 6th Form studies became more varied, catering not only for those working towards university places, but also preparing girls for further training in such fields as nursing, physiotherapy, music and accountancy.

During this period, the school broadened its scope, embracing such initiatives as the formation of the Westonbirt and District Choral Society, a music club, and some concerts broadcast for Children’s Hour. At its peak after the war, the school had almost 300 pupils.

During the war, the lives of five former pupils were claimed. All were serving in nursing, the civil defence services or the armed forces. ‘Patsy’ Blakiston Houston joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the outbreak of the war and was killed in an air accident near the Mountains of Mourne, while being transferred to another station. Bridget Hill qualified as a pilot and joined the

Gloucester House, 1949

Westonbirt Lacrosse team, 1940

Air Transport Auxiliary, whose members were responsible for ferrying aircraft from one place to another. Honor Salmon (née Pitman) was also a qualified pilot in the same Command; both Bridget and Honor lost their lives in aeroplane accidents. Estelle Tidman joined the Civil Defence and was killed while driving her ambulance during a bombing raid on London. Grizel Wolfe Murray (née Boyle) enrolled in the Voluntary Aid Detachment and was returning from South Africa when the troopship was torpedoed by a German submarine. She succumbed after a few days in the lifeboat to which she had been transferred.

In 1946 a proposal was made that these former Westonbirt pupils ought to be commemorated. A plaque was duly erected within Westonbirt House which remains to this day. In addition, it was decided to raise a sum of money with the object of founding a Scholarship fund with which to educate girls who would not otherwise have been able to accept a place. The memorial panel was designed and produced by Mr Percy Delf Smith.

Memories of Westonbirt in Wartime - Elizabeth Gibson (née Panton)

‘I had one term at Westonbirt proper as we called this building, then the world changed. War broke out in September 1939. The War Ministry came to Westonbirt and the grounds became full of camouflaged aeroplanes. The school was moved to Bowood House and Corsham Court. The VI and III Forms to Corsham, the Middle School to Bowood. Can you imagine moving a whole school and all it needs to two stately homes? We had all we wanted but the staff had great discomfort. Miss Todd’s bedroom was a Drawing Room. She had one small cupboard and a camp bed. There was little comfort there!

‘We had our amusing adventures. Our VI dormitory was next door to a large locked room in which Lord Methuen kept his private treasures. Of course we found a way into the room! Inside we found a harp which we played a few times to upset Matron. She came to say goodnight and was bothered to hear a harp. We said we could not hear it but that the room was haunted.

The Memorial Plaque at Westonbirt House

‘At Bowood, form rooms and laboratories were made out of the Orangery and Out Houses. Pianos were in the dormitories for lessons and practice. Art was where we could find a space. The library was on bookshelves in passages and odd corners. Gym was in the Hall. Swimming took place in the lake which was cold, deep, dark and terrifying to me.

‘Miss Grubb brought the whole school into the Hall in dressing gowns at 9pm in the evenings to hear Winston Churchill’s famous war time speeches which were an inspiration to all in England.’

Philippa Booth’s (née Bennett) Story

‘I have always been extremely grateful that I was eligible to join the Air Transport Auxiliary in 1940 and so had 5 1/2 years of flying all types of aircraft. Before the war this would have been a job beyond my wildest dreams. In October 1941 I was posted from Hatfield to Hamble near Southampton. This was one of two all women pools. Later on both Bridget Hill and Honor Salmon (née Pitman) were posted to Hamble – they as you know were unfortunately killed and are remembered on the Memorial Panel. So I am speaking for them and also for the two other Westonbirt Old Girls who were with us, Cecile Power and Marigold DeaneDrummond. We ferried aircraft from the local factories to the maintenance units and to the squadrons and sometimes back again, thereby releasing young fit men for active service.’

From the very beginning, Drama has always been at the heart of life at Westonbirt School and there are many photographs showing a grand tradition of performances taking place within the grounds. Early performances included Twelfth Night, Love’s Labour’s Lost and The Tempest. In 1940 a spectacular drama was performed at Bowood called The Masque of the Kings, written and set to music composed by staff and pupils.

Twelfth Night, 1940s

A play at Bowood, circa 1939

Love’s Labour’s Lost performance, 1938

The Tempest, performed at Speech Day, 1939

On November 20th 1944 Queen Mary’s secretary rang Miss Grubb and said that the Queen would be paying a visit to the school that afternoon. With amazing swiftness, the school was prepared for the Royal visit. Her Majesty wished to see the girls at their work. A first-hand account survives in a letter from a pupil, Dorinda, to her aunt, Honor Colville, at the time.

‘On Friday we were playing lacrosse

when two of the mistresses came hurrying up and told us to change our shoes and go to the gallery. We did so and were told by Miss Grubb that Queen Mary was coming to tea with Lady Lansdowne and that they were coming to see us. We had to practise bobbing until we went in to tea. We were to be at tea when she saw us. Every time a door opened we thought

it was her, eventually she arrived but we could not see her very well because we were the other end of the room. After tea all the other houses went to change but we were told not to as she was looking at our dormitory. We waited to see her when she came down. I did and could have touched her. She was very made up.

‘After we had changed we were doing prep in the library. We thought she had gone when she walked in to see the pictures in the room. She asked Geoffrey Fitz Maurice (one of the visiting party) the name of one. He looked it up in a big black book and stumbled over an Italian name. Queen Mary snatched the book from him, took out her lorgnettes and read it for herself.’

Queen Mary visiting Westonbirt

Holford House at Bowood, 1939

Westonbirt Schools 20th Birthday cake cutting, May 1948

Westonbirt 90th Anniversary

Wartime Prospectus

As the following obituary shows, other old girls made extraordinary contributions to the war effort. One such ex-pupil was Jean Howard (née Alington) who became a war time intelligence officer, working at Bletchley Park, decoding German messages using the Enigma machine.

The excerpt below shows her Obituary from The Times, dated Monday 9th July 2007:

MEMORIES 1940s–1950s

‘Memories are funny things! I think one of the things that stands out for me is the Black Stars some of us were given in the Lower Fifth at the end of the summer term in 1951. We had never heard of Black Stars before, and certainly never did again, so I presume we killed them off! They seem to have meant that several of us in Gloucester House were not allowed to go to the final dinner or the closing ceremony that term because knitting had been found under the mattress of one of us. They were long summer evenings!

‘When I got home I told my father what had happened, and he wrote a rather angry letter to Miss Grubb. Miss Grubb replied but I do not think I was shown the letter. We certainly never heard another word, and at least four of us became members of the Parlour.

‘My other, more cheerful recollection, was of a Maths test. We were taking test papers before O level and the teacher made the mistake of saying that we did not have to do them if we did not wish to. So Christine Smart and I opted out and went for a long walk in the grounds on a gloriously sunny day!

‘My mother came down to school that term to discuss my efforts with the staff and was told that it was highly probable that I should not pass Maths. I actually got 100% in one paper, which caused a certain amount of comment!

‘I also have fond memories of skating on the frozen lake in the garden; visiting Slimbridge with Lady Scott’s god-daughter Aurea Gillett; marching down with Miss Grubb and fellow members of the Parlour to light the bonfire; evening vespers, with Miss Naylor playing Elgar’s “Dream Children”; the glass of sherry that I was given when I went to say goodbye to Miss Grubb.’

Mary Rusinow (née Worthington) - 1949–54

Gloucester House 1950

1953 Parlour

‘My Mother went to Westonbirt and used to tell us stories from her schooldays there in the 1940s. At school she was known as Maureen and she started there during the Second World War when Westonbirt had evacuated to Bowood.

‘Originally plans had been made for the school to use a wing of the Duke of Beaufort’s place at Badminton House but Queen Mary decided to leave London and stay at Badminton so the school had to hurriedly find other accommodation. This resulted in its being split across Bowood and Corsham.

‘Eventually the RAF allowed the school to return to Westonbirt. It was probably at this time when Queen Mary made a visit to Westonbirt while she was still staying at Badminton. Miss Grubb, the Headmistress at the time, was showing Queen Mary around the school and the girls were all busy with a variety of lessons and activities. Maureen was outside in the cold with a couple of others chopping wood. This must have been a normal activity during the War years when everyone was doing their bit. They watched out for the Queen as they worked but soon became cold so Maureen decided to slip indoors to find out where the royal party had got to. As she made her way up the back stairs by the Yeoman’s entrance horror of horrors, she met the royal party coming down! She feared a severe reprimand from Miss Grubb.

‘She flattened herself against the wall and Queen Mary looked at her and said “You’re very tall. You must stand back to back with me.” So Maureen stood back to back with Queen Mary who asked her lady in waiting which of them was tallest. “You have it Ma’am” was the reply.

FIREWORKS ACCIDENT

‘One night - and this may have been to mark the end of WWII rather than Guy Fawkes Night - the Sixth Formers had arranged a fireworks display. They carried all the fireworks out to the field in an open weave wastepaper basket. Unexpectedly, one of the jumping jacks jumped into the basket and set off ALL the fireworks at once. The display was the best one yet, as the fireworks flew out in all directions in a blaze of colour and sparks. Girls and staff found themselves jumping to avoid some as they flew horizontally along the ground!’

Maureen Price (née Craig) - Section 17

Bowood House

‘Just before Christmas 1946, my father asked me if I’d like to go to Boarding School.

‘I was getting ready to sit the 11+ at my suburban London primary school, from which, if we were bright, we might go to a grammar school or otherwise to the local secondary modern. No one I knew aspired to a public school education. Our parents certainly could not afford the fees. I had read the girls’ books about boarding schools and they sounded fun and exotic. So I agreed that that indeed was what I would like.

‘After an intimidating interview in a huge office building by the Thames, shopping with Mummy for mysterious uniform items and filling a trunk with them, I found myself one September day in 1947 on Paddington station with a chattering crowd of girls in red cloaks.

‘Without realizing it I had become part of a piece of interesting post war social engineering that Westonbirt had bravely signed up to. There is pressure today for Oxbridge to become more diverse in the intake of students and increase the proportion of students from state schools and these pressures are not new.

‘In 1944 a Committee chaired by Lord Fleming reported that their mandate had been to study the public school system with a view to advising on means by which associations between public schools and the general educational system could be developed and extended. The major recommendation was that public schools should voluntarily agree to take a minimum of 25% of their new pupils every year from the state primary schools and those parents should pay what they could with the County Councils, who at that time funded education, making up the difference.

‘In September 1947 five of the twenty-one new girls in Sedgwick House were Middlesex scholars. Only a few schools and local authorities signed up to the scheme. Westonbirt and Middlesex were among them.

‘Looking back I realise that Westonbirt Governors and staff made a very progressive decision. The Fleming Report called for “vision, courage and understanding” and anticipated benefits for both sides. The guiding principle was “that schools should be equally accessible to all pupils and that no child otherwise qualified shall be excluded solely owing to lack of means.” The children across the country who were involved in the scheme became known as the “guinea pigs.” I myself was Head of Badminton and certainly never felt my background was a handicap at school.

‘My memory at Westonbirt is that the romantic dreams engendered by those girls at Mallory Towers disappeared as I realised, with five other home sick little girls in a cold dormitory, that I had signed on for 7 years!’

Gillian Sandeman (née Wright) - Sedgwick 1947-48, Badminton 1948-54.

‘I remember the 14th birthday celebrations when there was a big cake and we had a whole day’s holiday! I think we went over to Bowood with a picnic lunch. I remember on two occasions in particular when we were in BIG trouble although I can’t remember what our punishment was.

‘The first occasion was in October in 1948 or 1949. A rumour had started that the ghost of Sir Robert Holford was known to walk around at Halloween. It was a Saturday night and we used to have dancing in the hall on Saturday evenings. We dressed Deidre Curtis-Bennett up like the portrait of Sir Robert in the hall with a lacrosse stick under her arm to look like his gun and we borrowed a whippet from Home Farm. We were up on the gallery and, at a given moment, we turned all the lights off and shone a torch on the figure of Sir Robert standing on the gallery above the organ. It was quite impressive but we were said to have terrified the juniors down below! There was great difficulty smuggling the whippet back to the farm!

‘The second time was one April Fool’s Day while Nicky Walsh was Head Girl. A flag was raised up the flag pole which we had made out of a sheet. On it we had painted an onion bulb, as an alternative to an amaryllis, and the words “Ede dum potes”. A classical scholar amongst us assured us that this meant “Eat while you can”.

‘In those days the games we played were lacrosse, tennis and netball. One year we asked if we could learn to play cricket but were told girls who played cricket either turned out flatchested or over-developed and that if we didn’t believe this, we should look at some of the girls from other local schools! The advice relating to hockey was that hockey teaches you to look down at the ground; lacrosse teaches you to look up and Westonbirt girls look up!’

Alison Robinson (née de Courcy-Ireland)

‘I arrived in England in September 1948 having spent six years at a progressive co-ed boarding school in the States and a year at an army school in Japan. My cousin, Diana Paxman, was already in the Sixth Form and her sister Carol started in the Third Form like me. They taught me how to eat the English way in the week before I started but could do little about my accent (half American, half Australian) so I was immediately told I needed elocution lessons!

‘Carol and I were in the same 8 bed dorm in Badminton, right opposite the matron “Auntie” Ayres. It was furnished with original cabbage wallpaper and rather uncomfortable beds, individual wash stands with marble tops and a china basin and jug.

‘There were no showers; we were allowed a bath three times a week. Red nail varnish had been painted as a marker about three inches up on the side of the bath and our bath water was not allowed to be any higher! Hairdressers came from Tetbury and our hair was washed once every three weeks.

‘In those days, communication with family was sparse. We had to write home once a week and the letters were vetted. We had no half terms so the weeks dragged on and one year, because Easter was early we had to spend it at school.

‘Each day we wore viyella blouses, dark red ties, grey sweaters with dark red round the v neck and heavy woollen skirts. For games it was heavy woollen shorts and aertex blouses. On Sundays we wore grey wool suits, poplin blouses with our dark red ties and dark red felt hats and in the summer, pink “silk” dresses.

‘On Sundays we also had to wear stockings and in those days stockings were heavy lisle ones. I could never get any long enough so the buttons on the very stretched suspenders were for ever coming off and the sixpence meant for the collection had to substitute. The one redeeming grace was our dark red cloaks, which covered us warmly and could substitute as rugs on the grass when we were in the grounds. Every Sunday evening we sat on our house mistress’s drawing room floor and darned our socks or stockings.

‘Rationing was still on then and food was stodgy. We had awful scrambled dried egg, and solid coloured blancmange, the pink one of which we christened “baby’s bottom”. For morning break we had watery cocoa and plain buns in the courtyard. Once a week it was currant buns, but we were allowed our own sweet rationing points to spend in the school shop.

‘In the dining room we sat at long tables of 14 with a mistress at the end of each table at lunch. At the table we were not permitted to ask for anything; a neighbour had to notice that one was minus potatoes or might like some salt and pepper as this was supposed to teach us to look out for our neighbours. Quite a lot of nudging went on or weighted questions such as “Would you like some cabbage?”

‘Every morning we were out on the forecourt in rows before breakfast doing exercises to the voice of Miss Gibb, the large and fearsome games mistress. I got into her good books by being good at swimming and getting into the

Westonbirt Diving Cup, 1948

team in the Third Form, which was great as away matches were fun. On the playing fields, we wrestled our lacrosse sticks during the two winter terms and played tennis or swam during the summer. The tennis coach, Major Millman, was interesting as he had a glass eye, but he had in the past, played at Wimbledon.

‘When Diana got to the Upper Sixth, she had a study. A highlight was that every now and then Carol and I were invited to tea with her, where we made toast on the one bar electric fire. I joined the Girl Guides and the advantage was that we could escape from time to time and once a year go camping.

‘I recall 8 of us, toes to the middle in a bell tent on the Badminton estate, starting to get dressed from our sleeping bags, fumbling with bosoms and bras, when the Duchess of Beaufort popped in to say hello. We were not allowed out of the grounds until the Upper Fifth and then only on special occasions, walking in threes. The only exception was that every now and then we were allowed to attend nearby churches, so we would walk in threes in our Sunday best. By the Lower Sixth we were allowed bicycles and could actually go to Malmesbury and Tetbury in threes.

‘We were terrified of the Headmistress, Dr Violet Grub, who had been a missionary in China and who was very authoritarian. We were not allowed to take RE as an exam subject as she thought it would skew our view of religion.

‘The school’s 25th anniversary was while I was at Westonbirt. There was not a great deal of celebration that I can remember but we did have a big cake!’

Jenny Botsford (née Reynolds)

‘The first memory I have was the news that, while I was still at the Westonbirt Junior School at Spye Park in Chippenham, the school was to return from exile at Bowood and Corsham to its proper site.

‘There was terrific excitement to know that we would be joining the school “at home.” More scenes run through my mind until that evening in 1952 when it was my turn to walk up through the hall to collect my leaving present of a specially bound book in Westonbirt grey and red of “The Trees of Westonbirt” from the hands of Miss Grubb.

‘Starting in the Third Form, there was much to learn; flatten yourself against the wall when a member of staff or a prefect was going down the passage to let them by; or there was the ordeal of learning the words of “Jerusalem” and “Father again” to sing at the end of each term AND to be tested by a Senior girl. There was also a whole list of hymns to learn by heart for Vespers. There were clothes to be mended on Sunday evenings in the House drawing room.

‘As I write, I sense my English teacher, Miss Warburton’s hand on my shoulder reminding me to write clearly. Learning to précis passages has been one of the most valuable gifts I received from school and I have frequently needed it. Miss Gibb played a dominant role in one’s life. There was the morning “Deportment” at 7.30 am. We waited, often in below zero temperatures in winter, with no coats on (or cloaks) in what is now the car park in front of the school. When she arrived we had brisk exercises before breakfast. At the end of term we had “back testing” where there were awards of A+ to D. I never got more than C+, but nevertheless have kept healthy all my life! One fatal day, a senior girl wanted to throw me into the swimming pool…I let her do so, but Miss Gibb’s wrath came down on us like a ton of bricks.

‘My mother was a school governor. That was a difficult situation to be in especially when I was in the junior part of the school. It meant being called to Miss Grubb’s study or beautiful drawing room to see her, places seldom visited otherwise. Then came the day when my mother was presenting the prizes at the fete. She was standing on the upper level on the garden side of the school. As I won a prize, my name was called out and I went up the steps to collect my prize, politely saying “Thank you Mummy,” to a roar of laughter from the assembled company!

Return to Westonbirt

Studying in 1953

‘After six years, of the usual school routines, I reached the Lower Sixth. We slept over in the stable block, many of us in cubicles, with our own common room. What a thrill to be elected into “the Parlour,” the sanctum of the prefects under the green stairs; that holy of holies where you exchanged your red tie for a grey one. In the Upper Sixth, that marvellous smell of toast that wafted down the passage from studies in the main building at the weekend became one’s own experience as well!

‘We had Vespers every week day evening, standing in our house rows in the main hall and on the balcony. This was a Christian tradition backed up by chapel each morning in what was then the village church, and of course, Sunday services every Sunday. (No weekends away, and certainly not a half-term week sleeping at home. Parents who came stayed at the Hare and Hounds, the Bell or the Cross Hands and their daughter joined them for a meal on a Saturday, and or Sunday after church. There were no day girls.) It was through this strong influence, the witness of our pupil-organised Christian Union and my own Bible reading that pointed me on the way to being a Christian Youth worker in Nigeria. I have continued in Christian service since returning to the UK.

‘Thank you, Westonbirt, for very happy teenage years, good teaching both academically and spiritually in beautiful surroundings both inside and outside the buildings. It has stood me in good stead for the sixty-six years since.’

Jane Sutton

‘Among my happy memories are being allowed to cycle out, always in three’s, to Tetbury and beyond as we reached the Fifth form, or perhaps the Sixth Form.

‘I also remember bonfire nights were always happy for me as my birthday coincided, as did half term and parents visiting so there were celebrations all round. My friendships from Westonbirt times were very strong and many have remained so to this day.

‘My not so fond memories are of getting a ‘black star’ for some misdemeanour or other, probably reading after lights out. On the whole we were pretty rule abiding although sometimes we did try and jump across the garden path from one wall to another which was strictly forbidden!’

Val Moorby – Section 24, 1954 Leaver

LIFE AT WESTONBIRT 1950-1980

After the tumultuous war years, life at Westonbirt settled down into the more regular school routine of lessons, sports, drama, art, concerts, trips and games.

Westonbirt was one of the twenty-six houses in England visited by the Committee appointed by the Government in 1950 to report on Houses of Historic or Architectural Interest. They cited a passage which stated ‘these houses were designed not so much to be the residence of a single family, as to

Pupils biking down the driveways of Westonbirt

be a social centre where the people of the neighbourhood would foregather. In these very different times, some use must be found whereby the hall and saloons will again re-echo with laughter and conversation.’ (Margaret Freeman)

Most girls have extremely fond memories but life as a boarder in the 1950s could be lonely and the house in the country was a long way from home with few parental visits. ‘The school then was mainly run by middle-aged spinsters who were keen on discipline. Pastoral care had not been invented yet’ remembers one old girl from the 1950s.

A ticket to Westonbirt and District Music Club, 1950-51

Holford girls, 1950s Dorchester House, 1952

Cooking in the 1950s

1950s Curriculum which included a broad range of subjects

Westonbirt uniform in 1963

The Westonbirt School shop which was open five days a week during term time.

Westonbirt was one of the few Public Schools for Girls to which a grant was made by the Industrial Fund for the Advancement of Scientific Education in Schools. As a result a spacious and wellequipped laboratory was built in 1958, at a cost of £5,500, which sum included £1000 from the Fund.

The 1960s saw a rapid expansion of facilities at the school, including an art and pottery room, music rooms, showers and a ‘hair washing room’. Fund raising for the new facilities began in earnest in 1962 with a target of £50,000 and by 1965 only £1,000 remained still to be raised to complete the new Gymnasium, two classrooms, a studio and a craft-room.

Photo from Di Gale (née Forwood) Section 38 (1968). Front row – Isabel Pendlebury, Jane Weston, Angela Hovey, Anne Rhodes, Diana Forwood, Alison Hocking, Katherine Smith. Also in the picture are Hilary Moore, Susan Woolmore, Madeleine Dunkerley, Susie Mitford, Victoria Lacon, Jacky Hibbett, Caroline St. Maur, Jane Townsend, Jo Fishwick, Jane Rotherham, Jackie Smith and Lucy Sadler. Miss Mercer was the guide leader at that time, an excellent French scholar.

During the 1960s and 70s, continuous improvements were made to the school including the establishment of a Development Appeal Campaign which was launched in 1972 and eventually ensured the creation of larger and better laboratories for Biology and Chemistry.

The new facilities were opened by Princess Anne in 1975 and were described as ‘a great and enjoyable occasion which took place at a time when the School was looking forward to the celebrations of its 50th Anniversary in 1978.’

The 1970s proved a challenging time in many respects, with curriculum changes which some felt were compromising academic standards. The girls were subject to ‘cold draughts oozing into everyone’s beds’ thanks to the lack of heating in the winter of discontent, whilst in the heat of summer 1976 several cows found their way into the Marble Hall, looking for somewhere cool and shady. However, in 1980 the fencing of the games field area and installation of cattle grids prevented further bovine visits.

In 1971 Gloucestershire Life interviewed the then Headmistress, Miss Margaret Newton.

‘One sits in the Head’s study and looks out on the lawns and the cedars…the girls stroll between the myriad of trees, unconsciously listening to the birds and rarely catching a trace of the internal combustion engine’s incongruously belligerent snarl. If girls can’t enjoy their schooldays here, in this atmosphere of Cotswold serenity, they will enjoy them nowhere.

‘There are three hundred boarders at the school not counting the small number of day girls. The staffing ratio is about one for every ten pupils. Westonbirt deliberately remains small and intimate; pupil-teacher relationship is important.

‘Westonbirt may not, by some standards, be very old. But it has established a varied range of revealing traditions: music and languages, Guiding and lacrosse among them…There is an accomplished senior orchestra and a training orchestra, as well as chamber music groups. The school has its own choir and flourishing choral society.

HRH Princess Anne at Westonbirt in 1975

‘There is, I suspect, a firm sense of propriety at Westonbirt: a no-nonsense outlook that falls short of primness. The girls in the middle school, for instance, are not allowed to see the pop and tabloid daily papers. The Telegraph and The Times, in that order, are bought by the girls. The Guardian is permitted, but I suspect that its intermittent penchant for four-letter words causes the morning coffee cups to rattle in the staff room.

‘Miss Newton, like her girls, is conscious of the privileged environment. It must be conducive to study. The school has, indeed, an impressive academic record.

‘The curriculum is planned to allow for the full development of the individual. The older girls are encouraged to think and work by themselves and to be responsible for the planning of their time, whether for work or for leisure.

‘Today, enclosed by its tranquil acres of parkland and the countless trees that stand like solid unshakeable sentinels against the crazy disrupting elements of modern living, it moves with sturdy, imaginative independence into a future of challenge and exploration but also one, where in this gentle corner of the Cotswolds, an incongruous touch of the gracious past holds its own with 1971.’

Summer, 1977

In the 1980s, another major development took place: the conversion of the Conservatory wing into a public performance space. The first event held there was a 1984 Carol Concert. In June the following year, the school was delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales to open what we now call The Orangery.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana visit Westonbirt in 1985 to open The Orangery

Extracts from an article, written by Headmistress Gillian Hyson-Smith, that appeared in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Standard, 20th May 1988

‘I suspect that the present school, though still in the same beautiful grounds and with much the same interior intact, is very different from the one in 1928 where girls knocked at the imposing front door of Westonbirt House, often accompanied by maids and horses.

‘Nowadays, girls come, often at great parental sacrifice, to prepare themselves for life in the 21st century. Certainly they all expect to pursue a worthwhile career...

‘I am keen to encourage excellence in English, the Sciences and Mathematics, as well as languages and the humanities in communications skills as well as technology.

‘But life in a boarding school is not all academic work. Sport is still our forte and we delight in high standards reached in music, art and drama.

‘I hope our founding fathers would be pleased with the present generation of girls 60 years on. They certainly seem a happy community proud in their heritage and purposeful for their future.’

The Sixth Form Common Room in the 1980s

An extract from Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Standard, 20th May 1988

‘Last term a group of Westonbirt girls interviewed a number of people who had been connected with the school in its early days. Some were lucky enough to interview two Old Girls who were part of the first intake of 1928. The more effete generation of the late 1980s was distinctly horrified by the idea of terms with no exeats or weekends out, a school day which began with a fast run up to the main gates whatever the weather, and lasted until 9pm, with games for everyone every day.

‘There are other features of Westonbirt life in the 1920s which the girls of 60 years later were happy to think of as history – unheated dormitories, only sick girls were allowed hot water bottles, Prayers every morning with Vespers every evening, a two hour service on Sundays. Girls with bad posture had to sleep on boards.’

A cookery class in the 1980s

48 Westonbirt 90th Anniversary

Lacrosse Team in 1986. Photo courtesy of Cordelia Gover (née Harries), Section 61 (1992)

MEMORIES 1960s–1980s

‘I remember jugs and basins filled with icy water to wash with on each dressing-table. This would be used for washing and tooth-brushing, then poured into buckets which we took along to the one bathroom on the “gallery” floor to empty. There was one other bathroom, but perhaps only for show, and it was Lady Holford’s sunken marble bath, an incredible creation, with decor likewise. For “fun” competitions in the dormitories, we would see if we could swing the buckets round and round over our heads, without spilling the water. Amazingly it usually worked, but dire consequences if not!

‘Another competition which was great fun was a game we called “shipwreck”. This involved jumping from bed to bed around the room without touching the floor; there was the occasional skid or crash, but that made it all the more exciting.’

‘I was at Westonbirt from 1956 to 1961 and I have vivid memories of the boys at Cirencester Agricultural College racing round the drive in their sports cars on summer evenings. It was very exciting and the matrons found it difficult to keep control. Another memory is talking after lights went out in Holford and having to miss the Christmas party as a result which was quite something in those days as the regular food was awful. I and my fellow dorm mates were made to clean ALL the shoes of all the members of Holford House. In those days we had at least 2 pairs of walking shoes, indoor shoes and welly boots. It was slave labour!’

Stephanie

‘I have a beautiful memory of waking up on the last day of the autumn term to the sound of carol singing as 6th formers came quietly down the corridors singing early in the morning. It was heavenly.

‘I also remember making bows and arrows out of bamboo and ivy stems down by the lake;

Heather Owen (née Grange) - Holford House, Section 24

Grant (née James)

jumping the ha ha and sunbathing in the long grass in the fields below; having different buns on different days of the week for elevenses and doughnuts on a Friday!

‘During my time in Sedgwick when the whole country was struggling with power cuts and a sugar shortage we had to use hurricane lamps and I remember sitting round the Aga which gave out some light in the kitchen in Sedgwick one weekend, and Sara Jones had a battery operated record player with a limited number of records. We soon learnt “I can sing a rainbow” and “We’re going to the zoo” and “Jake the Peg” off by heart. The sugar shortage meant we had Golden Syrup on our porridge which was most enjoyable!

Summer term, 1976

‘During the hot summer of 1976, it was unbearable for those of us doing our exams. I was sitting O levels and our main examination rooms were the Orangery classroom and the Gymnasium, both of which faced the sun with glass from floor to ceiling. The sweat poured off us and my hands perspired so much that I had to grip my fountain pen so hard that I dented it.

‘Those of us who did Geography had a Field Trip to Weymouth with Miss Challis and a visiting lecturer from Portsmouth Poly. We explored Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door and Chesil Beach and had to map the land use on a very wet walk. The most memorable thing was waking up in our guesthouse at 5am to a terrible rumbling sound outside. When I looked out of the window it looked like we were being invaded and a huge convoy of armoured vehicles and tanks were thundering up the street!’

‘I enjoyed Sedgwick. Miss Stoker read us “The Pied Piper” by Nevil Shute after supper in her drawing room. We were allowed to do some sewing whilst we were listening. One disastrous evening, our Assistant Housemistress thought she had swallowed a needle and was rushed off to hospital. Luckily the needle was later found in the carpet near to where she had been sitting!

‘My favourite time in the main school was Vespers. I found memorising hymns very difficult and dreaded the Friday test. I loved singing The Lord’s Prayer to the accompaniment of the school organ and hearing the solo of “Lead me Lord” but the best may have been when we German students sang the three verses of “Stille Nacht”.’

Amiel Price in red dress with her mother, Maureen Price née Craig from Section 17, then a Westonbirt old girl.

Amiel Price - Section 48

Diana Gale (née Forwood) - Sedgwick and Holford, 1963-68

‘I always wanted to do something just a little bit different, so one day two of us went down the “underground” passage that starts under the stairs outside Hades. It turned out to be just a dark, empty walkway coming out in the small tower at the other end of the main school building. It was much more fun to go on the roof! My best friend and I were in Dorchester House and could get to the roof by climbing through the loo window. We waited until most people were attending one of the ‘optional’ concerts and off we went. It’s the type of roof where you can’t fall off because of the waist- high decorative “walls”. We had to avoid the roof of the hall in order not to be heard by the concert goers, but it was fun. I think we did it twice.’

‘Here is a copy of a programme dated 1962 in which I took part, when I was in the Upper Fifth. It took place in the School Hall and the audience had their backs to the organ. We all performed with our backs to the Library.’

Jessamy Reynolds (née Smith)

Margaret (née Grubb) - Section 26.

Programme information from a 1962 concert

Lacrosse (L-R) Jessamy Smith; Christine Clyne; Hilary Todd; Hazel Wright and Margaret Black (kneeling)

1961, Girls wearing ‘Pink Silks’, all the mothers wearing hats and, most of them, gloves too!

House Lacrosse, Gloucester House, Feb 1962 (L-R) Hazel Wright; Jessamy Smith; Christine Clyne

‘In 1961 returning from a Saturday exeat I was asked to report to Miss Venning in the Beaufort drawing room. Looking very stern she said I had been observed putting money on a horse at the local Beaufort point-to-point. In view of the seriousness of this she would have to inform my father. She was rather nonplussed when I informed her that my father had given me the money to enjoy a punt on the horses! Nothing more was said about the matter.

‘In the Summer term of 1963 I was machining aprons in the Beaufort drawing room on a Sunday morning ready for sale at the fete the following Saturday. It was nearly lunchtime and Miss Venning the housemistress at the time, who was extremely formidable, suddenly asked if I would like to join her in a sherry before lunch! Of course I said yes even though it was sweet and I was under age!’

Helen Faircliff (née Wienholt)

‘One day when I was 11 the headmaster of my Primary school came in to class and asked if anyone might be interested in going to boarding school. The Allied Schools Association together with Middlesex County Council were offering assisted places to children moving up to secondary education. I persuaded my parents that this was what I wanted and duly applied.

‘I was interviewed at the HQ of the Allied Schools Association in Aldwych, London and offered a place at Westonbirt. My father was a self -employed welder and panel beater and my mother a housewife so they could never have afforded the fees.

‘I started in Sedgwick House in September 1969.

‘It was housed in the old Cotswold stone house near the current swimming pool. Although based in the house, some of us slept and breakfasted in the Annexe, which is the building just beyond the courtyard now called Querns. There was one classroom in a hut next to Sedgwick and one in the annexe. The teachers came to us for most subjects. From the hut, we could watch the Beaufort Hunt pass by on occasional Saturday mornings. We had little association with the main school after morning prayers in the church. Bed time was 7.30 pm.

Our typical school day in the Main school was -

7.00am Rising bell – hand bell rung round the landings by the Matrons

7.20am Inspection – Matron checked wearing correct uniform before breakfast.

7.30am Breakfast followed by bed making

8.00am Domestic work – girls allocated various cleaning activities around the school

8.30am Morning prayers in the church

8.50am Form time

9.00-11.00am Lessons

11.00-11.20am Morning break

11.20-12.40pm Lessons

12.50pm Lunch

1.30-2.40pm Lessons

3.00-4.10pm Games. Lacrosse in Autumn and Spring terms, tennis and swimming and athletics in the summer

4.30pm Tea

5.00-6.15pm Prep – supervised in classroom by a 6th former for 4th form, unsupervised in Common rooms for 5th form

6.15-6.50pm Free time

‘Vespers preceded supper every evening of the week and followed “House Drawing Room” where notices were given out. After supper, there was free time for prep or own activities, before going into say goodnight to the House Mistress.

‘Some evenings there was compulsory “Drawing Room” where the year group spent time with the House Mistress, and had to engage in polite conversation and some form of hand sewing. Anyone in Beaufort who didn’t have something of their own choice to do had to make a kneeling hassock for the church!

‘During my time at Westonbirt the food was generally good – with one or two notable exceptions. Breakfast was cereal and something cooked e.g. baked beans and fried bread. Twice a week there was continental breakfast of stewed fruit (usually prunes!), rolls and proper coffee.

‘The tomato crumble for supper was the worst meal. This consisted of a catering pack of watery plum tomatoes tipped into an aluminium roast dish and topped with wallpaper paste, a crumble mix of flour and margarine, salt and a small amount of grated cheese. It was tasteless and stuck to the roof of the mouth!

‘In my day, the Prefects were known as the Parlour, because they occupied the room behind the lift also known as the Parlour. The big cupboard by the door into the Parlour was for lost

property. This could only be reclaimed during morning break by knocking on the Parlour door and waiting for someone to come out. Initially the members of the Parlour were selected by the staff but later all the Sixth Form automatically became Parlour Members. They wore grey school ties rather than the usual maroon to denote their status. At the end of the summer term the Parlour put on an entertainment for the rest of the school. Various members of staff were parodied and a light-hearted look at school life taken.

‘We were weighed and measured at the beginning and end of each term and this was detailed on our termly reports. Regular nit inspections were also made by the Matrons.

‘Most of the school dormitories did not have wash basins so we washed in washing up bowls that occupied the marble topped side of our dressing tables. When the rising bell went someone from the dorm had to collect a big plastic pitcher jug of hot water from the “can” room on the landing. After washing, we “slopped out” into a sluice type sink in the can room. As far as I remember we had 2 baths per week and were allocated a 30-minute slot for this.

Swimming Pool

‘In my early years, we were not allowed to wash our own hair. A hairdresser came in from Tetbury and had a very small room on the top Beaufort landing. Hair was washed once a fortnight and dried under old fashioned hood driers. I had my hair cut short at the beginning of my Upper Fifth year and used to sneak into the tap room sometimes when I knew the Matron was off duty to wash my hair directly under the tap. I had to towel it dry and hope no-one noticed if it was still a bit damp.

‘The Matrons kept a record of when we had our periods. We had to go to them for sanitary towels. Tampons were a novelty then. By knowing when we had our periods, the Matrons knew when girls were trying to be excused swimming illegitimately!

Swimming pool

‘The swimming pool in the 70s was in an old barn up on the farm buildings near the Hare and Hounds. There were cubicles down one side of the pool for use of the upper school but the junior school had to change in a communal changing room upstairs under the eaves of the barn. It was also home to some huge spiders which were frequently found floating dead in the pool. You had to be careful when taking a breath in the water. The pool was surrounded by permanently wet coir matting and the smell of that, mixed with chlorine fumes, was unique. We always walked up to the pool through the grounds, straight up in front of the school, across the athletics track past the netball courts then through a kissing gate, across a small muddy field and into the farm yard.

Lacrosse

‘Played throughout the school. The keenest of us practised on Piccadilly after lunch every day before afternoon lessons. Some of us used to run before breakfast up to the crossroads part way up the main drive to get extra fit. The original lax pitches were up here, between the crossroads and the village. The voice of the Games Mistress Miss Vanstone could carry from the lax pitches almost down to the school. She would yell “Hurry up there please” to encourage the tardy to get to the pitches.

‘Lax sticks had wooden shafts and catgut and leather baskets. At the end of term lax sticks had to be cleaned, greased and oiled. This was done in the original “old gym”, now demolished. We had to massage Vaseline type grease into the leather and oil the wood with linseed. Sticks were kept in the lax passage (between the lift and the downstairs dining room). The passage always smelled of the grease and linseed.

Tuck shop

‘This was behind the 6th form common room near the entrance to the Italian Garden. It sold sweets and few essential toiletries and fruit. Each girl had a “fruit account” billed directly to her parents, so she could buy oranges, apples and bananas without having to pay precious cash.

Pocket Money and Bank

‘We were allowed £2 pocket money per term. This was banked with the House Mistress. One evening a week the House Mistress opened the bank. We had our own school cheque books and could draw a maximum of 2 shillings per week (20p now) of which 6 pence (5p now) had to be put aside for the church collection on Sunday.

Dormitories

‘These varied in size from 2 to 8 beds. Although you could express a preference for who you shared with, this changed every term and we were regularly mixed up. Most of the beds sagged in the middle so there was little danger of rolling out of bed. We each had a dressing table / washstand. Only 3 decorative items were allowed on top of dressing tables and 1 cuddly toy or teddy on the bed. No food was allowed upstairs and our dressing tables were searched for contraband. I was once summoned by the Matron for a telling off because she had found a packet of shortbread biscuits in my drawer. She must have been searching very thoroughly because they were rolled up in a rug in my bottom drawer. I have always felt that I have had a criminal record since then!

Midnight Feasts

‘These took place at least once each half term. We would buy fruit on account and smuggle it up to the dorm with a knife purloined from the dining room. We would cut up the fruit at teatime and make fruit salad in one of our wash bowls which was then hidden in the cupboard under the dormitory window. The Matrons must have turned a blind eye, as we naively thought they couldn’t smell the fruit salad. At the appointed hour, we would consume the fruit salad from our tooth mugs, together with any sweets we had managed to hoard. On one occasion, we had our feast by candlelight. It was brought to a swift conclusion when Miss Venning – my formidable Housemistress and History Teacher - burst in, alerted by the patrolling Night watchman who had seen the candle light reflected on the ceiling. We got a very severe telling off for our stupidity and our midnight feast was brought to a swift conclusion.

Ledge

‘Our stupidity did not stop with candles. One of my year had a reputation for being naughty. One summer evening she encouraged another very timid girl to prove how brave she was. The two of them climbed out of a window on the top floor Beaufort dormitory and then edged along the narrow stone parapet high above Piccadilly and back in through another window. They were spotted by Miss Vanning herself who was out walking her dog Hoppity. Fortunately, she had the presence of mind not to shout, but to keep out of sight until the girls were safely back in, but her heart must have been in her mouth as she watched them complete this foolhardy and extremely dangerous escapade. Miss Venning appeared in the dormitory and really read the riot act to all concerned. I think that special locks were put on the windows after this so that the windows could not be opened more than a couple of inches preventing a repeat performance.

Letter writing

‘A weekly letter home was compulsory. After church on Sunday mornings we had to go to our Common rooms and write at least 2 pages to our parents. The letters then went to the House Mistress in an addressed but unsealed envelope for her to vet before sending. I usually wrote about meals and sporting activities, but if my parents were due to visit I sent a list of requirements. I remember asking my mother to bring a cherry cake once. Incoming mail was put out in the Hall during morning break and was eagerly received.

‘During the 70s there was a postal strike which lasted several weeks. There were no mobile phones then and there was only one phone box for the use of 6th form only.

‘The parents were very resourceful at this time. If someone was due to visit their daughter, they would contact other parents local to their home and bring letters from them to their daughters. They also carried mail back the other way.

‘During winter of 1973-74 Britain experienced the 3-day week. There were frequent power cuts. I remember Vespers and supper by candlelight and always feeling cold.

Deportment marks

‘Once a week each House Mistress would meet with her Head and Deputy Head of House and the House Games Captain. They discussed and then awarded a set of three marks to each pupil from Lower Fourth to Upper Fifth. Marks were for Deportment, General Appearance and Table Manners. The marks were read out to the House on Friday evenings. At the end of each term those who had maintained high enough standards were awarded with a Deportment ribbon - a piece of red ribbon sewn onto our Games skirts. Deportment ribbons could be taken away as well as given.

Piggery and Feed-ups

‘The Lower Sixth occupied the dormitories and a few cubicles above the courtyard classrooms. They had a small room tucked under the stairs in one corner of the courtyard which was

Parlour, 1967

known as The Piggery. It was equipped with a few electric rings on which toast could be made, or a pan of beans or soup heated up. The Upper Fifth used to pester amenable members of the Lower Sixth for an invite for a “feed up”. This usually meant that after supper one evening or a weekend afternoon, the invited junior would sit on the cold red tiled floor outside the piggery while the Sixth former provided copious amounts of toast to them. The bread was freely available to the Sixth Form from the school kitchen.

Pipping

‘In the Lower Fourth it was customary to be “pipped” on one of the exalted members of the Upper Sixth. This meant that you worshipped them from afar and vowed to be just like them when you reached those dizzy heights yourself. It was tradition to ask them to give you their hymn book or Psalter when they left, suitably inscribed.

Rituals

‘The specially written School Hymn “Father Creator” was sung at morning prayers on the first day of every term. We were expected to know the words by heart. I can still remember them.

‘At the end of each term there was the Last Supper and Closing Ceremony. We had to wear our Sunday Summer dresses – pink or grey sack. Some of the staff attended the Last Supper and we dreaded being allocated one of them to entertain. If you had a staff member you had to collect them from the Staff room and escort them into the meal. It was expected then that you would keep up scintillating conversation throughout the meal.

‘After the meal came the Closing Ceremony in the main Hall. Miss Newton stood on a raised dais near the organ with a table in front of her. From here she gave a summary report on the terms activities before giving out the various awards. House colours or School colours were awarded for sporting prowess and Deportment ribbons were also presented. Upper Sixth Leavers were presented with a copy of “Weston Birt, A short account of the Manor and the School” written by Margaret Freeman, a former Vice Principal of the school. A brief resumé of any official posts held in school was read together with where the leaver was going next e.g. University places or in my case hospital for Nurse training. If you were lucky and had held offices there was time to walk the length of Hall at a sedate pace but otherwise it was more of a sprint. At the end of the closing ceremony we sang Jerusalem and Saviour Again.

Transport

‘Westonbirt had a mini bus, painted in the school colours and driven by Jimmy. It was used for small groups or for local messages. For bigger groups, the school employed Hamilton’s bus. This was a coach, owned and driven by Mr Hamilton. I think it was the same coach throughout my seven years at the school and it was old at the beginning of those seven years. It certainly did not possess much in the way of suspension. It took us to away matches, occasional theatre trips and other outings.

Westonbirt Guide Company

‘Miss Challis – the Geography teacher- also ran the Westonbirt Guide Company. This met on Tuesday evenings in the Geography classroom. We worked in our Patrols towards achieving different badges. In the summer term, we had a weekend away, camping under canvas – our distant destination was the lacrosse pitches. We erected old fashioned canvas tents, dug a latrine, cooked on open fires and built washstands from sticks lashed together with twine.

Freedom

‘On Saturday and Sunday afternoons we were free to roam the grounds. We played down by the lake, made our wishes at the wishing well or grotto, dared each other to jump the snake path (which ran from the edge of Piccadilly to the village), paddled in the Winterbourne in the winter months and fished for newts in the Italian garden ponds.

‘We had hideout in a copse beyond the back ha-ha on the edge of the golf course. There was a pond in the copse, bridged by a fallen tree. We fell inn more than once when trying to cross.

Television

‘Watching TV was a real treat and was at the discretion of each House Mistress. During seven years of schooling I can only recall two programmes. One was the first wedding of Princess Anne to Mark Phillips and the other was the Sunday night period drama The Palliser series by Anthony Trollope and starring Susan Hampshire.

‘I consider myself very fortunate to have been at Westonbirt. My years there have given me a group of life-long friends and an enduring love and appreciation of the countryside and trees. I am struggling to accept that it is nearly 50 years since I started at Westonbirt; many memories are still so vivid. ‘

Jean Stone (née Borritt) - Section 46 Westonbirt Association

Jean Stone (née Borritt) on her first day at Westonbirt with her mother, 1969.

‘I have a memory of a particular midnight feast in our Upper Fourth Year. Badminton were rather proud of our termly midnight feasts, which involved a lot of planning and were always held on a Tuesday evening, the night before the matron’s day off. The logic of this escapes me. I think we thought she’d be out on the town and not around to hear us. Si Gardner’s parents ran a poultry farm and she had smuggled a whole roast chicken in on the Sunday evening. We stuffed it up the chimney thinking that was cold enough to preserve it. When we opened it on the Tuesday night it stank to high heaven. We then had the problem of how to get rid of it. We stuffed it back up the chimney and eventually smuggled it out on a Saturday afternoon (by this time it was really high!) and buried it in the fields behind the school. We still erupt into hysterical giggles whenever we remember this!’

Myrth Russell

Tina Jenne, Jean Borritt, Jane Vass and Penny Ferguson posting 1st day covers for ‘Plant a Tree in 73’

‘I was at Westonbirt from 1972-78 and my top memories are:

• Lacrosse, the best game ever! Winning lots of matches and tournaments and playing for the Junior West of England team.

• Midnight feasts, being caught and made to stand in various spots around the gallery in the middle of the night which was super spooky. The portrait of Lady Stainer Holford was rumoured to wave her hankie at you!

• The Italian gardens in summer, a perfect spot for quiet reflection.

• “Silent Reading” in the house drawing room and trying not to get the giggles.

• Smuggling my radio in to listen to the Top Ten on Radio Luxembourg on a Sunday evening. Evening Vespers.

• Daily runs before breakfast to the crossroads and back to keep fit, voluntary and often alone, which resulted in my breaking the school 800m record twice.

• My sister and her friend Jo streaking up the main drive one evening, as was all the rage in the 70s, causing uproar and curfew but managing not to get caught through ingenious clothes hiding.

• Making the Chapel seating plans as Head of Holford and the singing.

• Deportment and the marks we got being read out in the house drawing room for sitting, walking, table manners and general appearance.

• Friendships and the trials and tribulations therein saved by the comfort of good friends.’

Susan Kennedy (née Sheard)

‘I entered Sedgwick, 3 months after my 10th birthday, in September 1957. Westonbirt was chosen by my mother, (who toured girls boarding schools in the south of England with a friend), purely it would seem on the beauty of its grounds, its 24 grass tennis courts and the colour of its uniform! Miss Field (Head), Mrs Chessell (Matron) and Mrs Horwood (Housekeeper) were our mother substitutes for this first year of our boarding experience. The dormitories were all named after local towns and villages and my first night in Tetbury was spent being spellbound by thrilling and graphic accounts of the facts of life from Sue in the bed opposite – most of which my mother had failed to tell me.

‘Sedgwick House, situated near the back gate, was intended to be a bit like a family house,

with a garden and outside playroom. It served its purpose well, integrating the twenty of us reasonably gently into boarding school life. Our favourite outdoor game was to create elaborate “jumps” out of sticks etc and “canter” round like ponies in a show-ring. Indoors we played endless games of jacks on the common room table and every evening before bed Miss Field would read us a chapter from a novel she had chosen. I remember being particularly entranced by Rosemary Sutcliff’s “Brother Dusty-feet”. On Saturday evenings we would often play party games, “spinning the trencher” with forfeits being one of our favourites. We were introduced to “Domestic Work”, a daily twenty minutes of hard graft with duster, broom and polishing cloth, minutely scrutinised for its thoroughness by Miss Field. To this day, whenever I have a table to polish I can see Mrs Horwood by my side urging me to “go with the grain”! Daily prayers were said in the classroom and a pianist from the Main School arrived to play the hymn. A member of the Lower Sixth was appointed Sedgwick Nanny for the year, who came and escorted us whenever we needed to go to the Main School or to Sunday church, gently keeping us in order and calming our fears or excitement. Miss Field had instituted a points system which would award +1 or 2 for good deeds such as perfectly polished shoes or -1 or 2 for those that required a penalty. “-2 for talking” rang in my ears, rather too many times!

‘Towards the end of our Sedgwick year we chose a friend we wanted to be with in the Main School and our preference for one of the five houses. And so it was that I ended up in Badminton House, with Miss Challen (Housemistress) and Mrs Davidson (Matron), the latter possessing a small pug-like dog called “Patch” which snuffled noisily and had long nails which clattered on the lino in the corridor. At the beginning of each term, we dutifully handed over our 30 shillings pocket money, which we were then allowed to withdraw in weekly instalments of 2/6, for which we had to write a cheque, from a pink Westonbirt cheque book. We also had to hand in all our books that we brought from home. These were duly initialled (if considered suitable) by Miss Challen and returned. We thus retained all unsuitable books and kept them hidden, hoping that books like “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” –which did the rounds, I remember – would not be discovered. There seemed to be a myriad of things to learn: Jerusalem and Saviour Again (for “Closing Ceremony” at the end of each term for which we had to wear our Pink “sacks”- ridiculously unsuitable silk dresses that creased if you breathed on them), The School Hymn, a new vesper every week and The Fire Rules. The latter were a set of nine whistles which were hung in specific places and then had to be blown along a designated route, should there be a fire drill or, heaven forefend, a real fire. Terrifying termly practices of the Davy apparatus were mandatory: climbing out of an extraordinarily high dormitory window with a cotton band under your armpits and at the mercy of the strength of the rope and the mechanics of the apparatus.

‘Our dormitories were ‘imaginatively’ called by a number. Dorm 12 in Badminton was next to Miss Scott-Smith’s (Headmistress) bedroom. All the -2s that I had accumulated in Sedgwick did not seem to have had the desired impact on my tongue, so thus it was that most of my time in Badminton seems to have been spent in dorm 12, where the HM would appear in

dressing gown and curlers to reprimand us for talking, midnight feasts or any of our other after “lights out” antics. We each had dressing tables with bowls and jugs of cold water for washing. The “slops” were collected in a bucket and delivered to the sluice room. Baths and hair-washing were infrequent and monitored for excessive use of hot water.

‘In the summer term of the Upper Fourth, two friends and I endured probably the most ridiculous punishment ever, for a crime which involved the piecing together of a somewhat imperious note from one member of staff to another, which we had found in a bin. We were caught and summoned to the Head. We were “put into Coventry” for, I think, three days. In real terms this meant that, as no-one was allowed to speak to us and we were not to speak to anyone else, we sat at a small table on our own for meals, and we were not allowed to go to any lessons!! Instead of lessons, the three of us sat outside in the sunshine and read “Cheaper by the Dozen” to each other. The only big worry was whether the HM would tell our parents or we would be expelled. Neither happened and after three days we were summoned to the HM’s study, given an almighty ticking off and normality was restored.

Badminton House July 1959 – June Cohen seated 3rd from left hand side of photo.

‘Boys were not on the agenda (previous dances with Marlborough College having been stopped because of “unacceptable behaviour”). Instead we had to be content with Saturday night ‘discos’ (alternate weeks of Upper and Lower School), when a record player would belt out Elvis, Cliff, The Beatles et al and we danced... with each other! Occasionally boys from Cirencester Ag. would come calling on a Saturday night and throw pebbles up at windows, only, of course, to be detected and then repelled by our ever-vigilant housemistresses and matrons. When we finally got to the Sixth form, we were, on alternate years, allowed to sing an oratorio with Monkton Coombe. The hours spent in front of a mirror before the event, had to be seen to be believed.

‘At the beginning of the Lower Sixth a new male teacher arrived on the scene (one of only three). Unlike the others he was young (ish) and, to us impressionable girls, had a somewhat

Westonbirt 1st XII lacrosse team success, March 1964 - June Cohen seated 2nd from left

intriguing sense of humour. He taught A level Zoology. Not only did he teach us but he also took us on exciting field trips. He had a friend who ran the old lighthouse on Portland Bill and it was there that we went to learn about marine flora and fauna for two or three days, sleeping in the old lighthouse by night and roaming the beach and cliffs by day. I suppose that there was the requisite adult female to accompany us, but that bit I don’t really remember and the rules were wonderfully relaxed or non-existent. On Sunday afternoons, in the Sixth Form, we cycled to the little shop at Shipton Moyne and filled our baskets with calorific goodies that were not available at the school shop (run by Mrs O’Brien).

‘I’m afraid that the bit of my education that I probably enjoyed more than all the rest were the physical activities. Netball, lax (with early morning stick-work in Piccadilly), tennis and swimming (in the old pool up near the farm) were the highlights of my schooldays. However, the spring of 1963, saw an entire term of snow and ice. We skated on the lake and jumped into snowdrifts in our grey skirts, which were nearly as deep as we were tall. Cross country runs were our daily exercise. As School games captain in the Upper Sixth, I had to stand outside church after prayers, every weekday morning and urge the entire school to walk sensibly and “Keep off the grass”. My daily challenge was then to accompany the HM from church to the path leading to the Orangery and find something different, interesting and sensible as a topic of conversation.

‘I left Westonbirt, in July 1964. I made some good friends and had, probably rather too much, fun. I learned a lot about myself, many life skills which have served me well, but was somewhat less assiduous in my academic studies than my poor long suffering parents would certainly have liked. Highlights include: exploring Hades and the tunnels in the fields; playing ‘kick the can’ by the lake; entertainment, such as hilarious annual parlour and staff plays, regular film slots in the old gym, Peter Scott lectures; and concerts given by outstanding professionals such as John Ogden, Jacqueline du Pré and Thea King; watching diminutive and brilliant Miss Naylor propelling herself up and down the organ seat in order to reach all the pedals, stops and keys; Ascension Day holiday; match teas! Lowlights include: Saturday detentions in the Orangery (too many); having to strip off for tinea inspections at the beginning of every term; “baby’s bottom” (pink blancmange), stewed apricots (always served with ants) and spam and beetroot (seemingly every Sunday) for supper.’

June Cohen (née Kefford) – Section 34

‘I do have quite a funny memory from my years in Badminton House from 1972-1975. All the girls in my year had to do building evacuation practice. Our training was based on how to leave from the upstairs rooms above the physics lab. This was when the physics lab was next to the Chemistry lab and both were entered from the main music room courtyard. Our class had to climb out of the upstairs window, sit on the window ledge in the davy and then abseil down to ground level, all of about 12 feet. However, though this was a much simpler exercise than we would face if we needed to evacuate our dormitories, one of our group managed to put her foot though a physics lab window!

‘Shortly after this, someone in our dorm offered a £5 wager to a more adventurous member of our group if she repeated the exercise from our Badminton dormitory window. £5 was a full terms allowance for the tuck shop, so was not to be sneezed at, and the challenge was accepted. Our friend climbed out the window in the davy and then abseiled down the outside of the building only to find that the rope was not long enough for her to reach the ground. She was left dangling on the end of the rope outside the Headmistress, Miss Newton’s, study! With an 8-12 foot drop beneath her, she decided to risk jumping down and thankfully got away with it unscathed.’

‘Memories from Sedgwick include letter writing on a Sunday evening and nightly shoe polishing. We also remember that we were not allowed to go to the bathroom until after the 8.30am bell rang on Sunday mornings. There are many fond memories of waking up at Christmas time to the sound of Christmas carols being sung by the choir. In the main school, we used to walk over to Church on clear, frosty mornings during the winter.

‘On the more fun side, we did used to have a few discos on Sunday nights and I remember dancing to music from the film Greece. One year we organised and band to come in and play for the disco and there were four boys in the band. They stayed in the ‘San’. The two soloists broke out during the night and were caught by Mr. Philby and his dogs who saw them half way up a ladder trying to get into the Sixth Form rooms!

‘Our favourite smoking spots were behind the music room and in the Italian Gardens. Sometimes on a Sunday evening after exeats, we would bring back bottles of Chinzano and Martini and consume them after Vespers in the toilets in Holford.’

Kathy Pratt - Badminton House, 1972-1975

Alumni in Section 52, 1982 leavers

‘I joined Westonbirt in the Sixth Form in September 1974. I had been to boarding school for the previous five years but don’t feel that experience adequately prepared me for Westonbirt and its idiosyncrasies! I was very glad that there was a system whereby new girls were allocated a mentor in advance (I can’t remember the name it went under). My mentor was Anna Worlidge , who went on to become head girl, and who looked after me very well, writing to me in the preceding summer holidays to introduce herself and to give helpful advice.

‘Despite having been to Westonbirt for my interview I was still overwhelmed on my first day by the grandness of the approach to the main building and the view from the drive. I was appalled, in similar measure, by the “Davy” (or possibly “Davey”?) equipment in the dorm, which was to be our means of emergency escape in the event of a fire. Fortunately, the need to use it never arose although there was a fire alarm once in the middle of a cold, dark night which saw us all trooping from the new study bedrooms to Piccadilly, complete with cloaks, damp flannels and sensible shoes, as per the fire evacuation procedure. We waited for ages to be allowed back to bed, and never did find out the cause of the alarm.

‘Another early memory is how everyone, even the most senior of girls, seemed relaxed about wearing long grey socks! I had come equipped with several pairs of tights, which were a significant privilege in my previous school, and I was very disheartened by this lack of chic, as well as being disappointed at not being allowed to wear jeans after school when we changed into mufti. I quickly came to accept that socks, grey or otherwise, were a lot easier to put on, especially on those chilly mornings in “the barn”!

‘A distinctive feature of school life was the language, several words of which mystified me. I suspect I have forgotten most of them now, but remember being told to “telescope” in the dining room and having no idea what this involved, and also being ordered to “stand” to allow a member of staff to pass through a throng of girls as we were milling around at break time.

‘Having only been there for two years, my “pedigree” was pretty short on leaving although I was awarded a “depi ribbon” and did eventually become a house prefect.

‘Despite the above, or perhaps because of it, I have happy memories of my time there, and really enjoyed being in the Tower study in our A level term, a hot summer not designed for revision but for blasting out Rod Stewart’s “Atlantic Crossing” and Bruce Springsteen, whilst looking down at the landscape, longing to be free! I made some great and long-lasting friends.’

Nicola Capewell (née Wilson) - Holford, September 1974-July 1976

CHAPTER 5

HEADS OF WESTONBIRT

To date there have been eight Headmistresses of Westonbirt and one Headmaster, whose tenures were as follows:

• Mrs Eleanor Houison Craufurd (1928–1932): 4 years

• Miss Margaret Popham (1932–1936): 5 years

• Miss Violet Grubb (1936–1955): 19 years

• Miss Catherine Scott-Smith (1955–1965): 10 years

• Miss Margaret Newton (1965–1980): 15 years

• Mr A. Herbert Nickols (1980–1986): 6 years

• Mrs Gillian Hylson-Smith (1986–1999): 13 years

• Mrs Mary Henderson (1999–2012): 13 years

• Mrs Natasha Dangerfield (2013- ): 5 years to date

Mrs Eleanor Houison Craufurd (1928-1932)

The first Headmistress of the school was Mrs Eleanor Houison-Craufurd (née Eleanor Louisa Dalrymple-Hay). She had a non-academic background including cattle-breeding and organising the Girl Guides in Scotland. She steered Westonbirt through its first four years and successfully grew pupil numbers with her unorthodox and unique approach. She left the school in 1932 to become Principal of Downham School in Essex.

Mrs Houison Craufurd obituaries

Miss M E Popham (1932-1936)

With the departure of Mrs. Craufurd in 1932 the school appointed a new Headmistress, Miss Popham. She came from Jersey Ladies College, having also been a Vice Principle of Havergal College, Toronto. At Westonbirt her key task was to develop and broaden the education of the Senior School. She opened a House of Citizenship in the old Laundry building (later used to house the Sedgwick Juniors.) Here girls could learn how to prepare for social service work, doing field work in the clinics and law courts of Bristol. At the other end of the spectrum, the first places were taken up at universities, including Cambridge and London. Miss Popham stayed for five years, leaving, in 1936, to take up a position as Principle of Cheltenham Ladies College.

Miss Popham and Miss Grubb

Miss Popham

Miss Grubb (1936-1955)

Miss Grubb has the distinction of being the longest serving Headmistress of Westonbirt School. During the first two years various improvements to the building were carried out, including improving the electricity supply and a new Sanatorium, now Querns House, part of the Prep School.

She led the school through the war years and the post war restoration. During her years of service Westonbirt School developed and matured, taking its place alongside the other girls’ public schools in the country.

During this period, the north aisle of the Church was extended to accommodate an additional 70 people enabling the school and parish to join together in Sunday morning services. A new organ was dedicated in 1954. In 1955 Miss Grubb’s 19-year headship came to a close when she left to become Principle of the Church Training College in Salisbury.

The Sanatorium, opened in 1938

Miss Catherine Scott-Smith (1955-1965)

In 1955, just as the fourth Headmistress, Miss Scott-Smith arrived, an inspection was carried out. Westonbirt was praised for the ‘enterprise and devotion of the staff, high standards of work throughout the school, the friendly and responsible attitude of the girls, and even the excellence and clarity of the school’s handwriting!’ Miss Scott-Smith recalled this time as a period of vitality, as demonstrated by the vast number of extra activities that took place. All this proved to ‘show how vital the school is, yet the only puzzle is how some members find time for less commendable outlets for their energy.’

Miss Catherine Scott-Smith with Canon Howard

Recalling this period, Karen Olsen (Section 36) wrote as follows:

‘The hard winter in 1962-3 provided more opportunities for using up surplus energy as the gardens became a winter wonderland and skating was enjoyed on the lake. The snow came down on Boxing Day and did not melt until around March.

‘It was doubtful whether pupils could go back to school after the Christmas holidays, such was the big freeze. Like many schools at the time, pupils were told to listen to an announcement on the Home Service, Radio 4, as to whether the school was able to open in time for the spring term. However, much to our disappointment, the school had got local tractors to clear the drive up to the front door. My mother’s car was stuck in a snow drift so she hired a man with a van to take us and our school trunks back to Westonbirt.

‘The school on our return was desperately cold, even with the radiators on. We spent most of the time huddled into our cloaks. In those days there were no showers and someone in the mornings had to fetch hot water in jugs from the still rooms next to the loos and bathrooms so that we could wash in china bowls at our dressing chests. However, if any water had been left in the jugs overnight it would freeze and the ice had to be broken before the jugs could be filled. There were also icicles on the inside of dormitory windows.

‘No lacrosse was played until March as the playing fields were completely covered – I think we were forced to practise our lacrosse in Piccadilly. We also had long walks in the countryside – not easy when the snow was so deep that we were walking in snow level with the tops of hedges and dry-stone walls. Some people may have skated but as I did not have skates I do not remember much about it. However, as the lake was frozen solid we all tried to walk as far as we could out onto the ice without it cracking.

‘Towards the end of Miss Scott-Smith’s time, the school acquired its first television. It was kept in the Reading Room on a high wooden frame so it could be viewed from a distance. It was of course black and white and very small. When Sir Winston Churchill died in 1965 we had to watch the funeral service and the whole school was crammed into the Reading Room, most people sitting on the floor to watch the programme on the BBC.

‘As the television was for educational purposes only, programmes were restricted. I remember we were allowed to watch Panorama every week and we discovered that an American television comedy called “Bewitched” was on half an hour before. We persuaded staff that the television took about half an hour to warm up before it would be ready to view Panorama so that we could catch the programme before. I don’t know whether anyone believed us or not but it was fun to watch something that was more light-hearted.’

As Miss Scott-Smith’s headship drew to a close, the school was in optimistic mood, and plans were already underway for a new Gymnasium complex. With the purchase of a new projector to celebrate the schools 30th birthday, the onset of technology had also started to begin.

Miss Margaret Newton (1965–1980)

When Miss Newton joined the school in 1965, it was enjoying the use of the recently completed Gymnasium complex. In her final year as Headmistress, called by her ‘the electronics year’, Mrs. Newton was looking to the future, acquiring a video recorder for recording ‘useful and entertaining television programmes’ and purchasing the school’s first microcomputer.

During Miss Newton’s time, many changes occurred at Westonbirt of which the key ones included the 6th form getting a new pantry and larder, the celebration of the schools 40th birthday and new buildings (which had been started in Miss ScottSmith’s time) were fully commissioned including a General Laboratory for Science, a Gym and an Art/Pottery Room.

A new lift was put in and changes were made to the library, with a lot of new

non-fiction added, and a Penguin Book Shop opened. In 1967/8 the school took part in Nuffield Biology experiment and changes were seen in terms of project work and use of calculating machines in Physics and Modern Maths. Westonbirt School was included in the A.C.E. list of the 100 best schools.

Gloucester House disappeared during this time due key staff leaving, this reduced the 5 boarding houses to 4. The lacrosse pitches were moved to front of main house and the 2 games fields amalgamated into one.

Miss Margaret Newton

Portrait of Margaret Newton

Mr. A. Herbert Nickols (1980–1986)

From 1980 until 1986 the school embarked on a new era with its first, and to date, only Headmaster, Mr. Herbert Nickols.

In 1982, the school was delighted to welcome back many of its 1,700 Old Girls for their 50th anniversary, the day being a very enjoyable one of reminiscences and entertainment.

Whilst Mr. Nickols was Headmaster, the Orangery was converted from classrooms into a stage and auditorium. Mr Nickols chaired the Appeals Committee. The Orangery was officially opened by The Prince and Princess of Wales on 19th June 1986 and was a real highlight of that time.

Mr Herbert Nickols

Mr and Mrs Nickols

Tree planting Ceremony by Mr Nickols’ family in 2017 to commemorate his life

Mrs. Gillian Hylson-Smith (1986–1999)

During this 13 year period the school continued to mature, and to expand its facilities and curriculum, with Technology established as a new subject area. 1991 saw the opening, by Francis Rawes, of the Art and Technology building, followed in 1993 with an adjoining construction of five new Science Laboratories and a Lecture Theatre. The Beaufort Garden came about in 1996, designed in memory of the late Duchess of Beaufort (who opened the school in 1928). It was designed by Sixth Former Fiona Thorne, as part of her A Level Art work. Another significant development occurred in 1998, when the Diocese of Gloucester gave the village Church to the school, as its own Chapel, thus formalising a long and happy association of school and church.

Mary Henderson (1999–2012)

Educated at Berkhamsted School for Girls and St Andrews University, Mary Henderson completed her PGCE at Durham University and subsequently taught modern foreign languages at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Warminster School and Westonbirt. Under Ms Henderson’s leadership the school continued to thrive, and excel in numerous and diverse ways. One of Ms Henderson’s particular goals was to raise the school’s academic profile and to see it consistently applied. In recent years the education sector has had to take on board an ever-increasing number of academic monitoring procedures and schools are under great pressure to perform well in league tables. In order to meet these challenges Ms Henderson standardised target setting across the school and introduced various commendation systems.

Mary reflects on her tenure towards the end of her time at Westonbirt:

‘Since becoming Headmistress in 1999, I consider one of the most positive developments the success of my version of the 3 R’s – Raising standards, Raising numbers and Raising profile. The improved work ethic enabled girls to realise their full potential without the need for Westonbirt to become an academic hot house. Numbers increased from 185 in 1999 to 245 today, without the need for special promotional events!

Mrs. Gillian Hylson-Smith

‘Another indication of our recent growth as a school was the establishment of the coeducational Querns Westonbirt Preparatory School on the main site. We are definitely not standing still!

‘We have also been thrilled with other improvements in our facilities provision, including the construction of the Copland Sports Centre in 2005, the recent addition of the Sixth Form Boarding House, and the restoration of the Library and Camellia House. All these achievements have only been possible thanks to the hard work and generosity of staff and benefactors.

‘I look forward to seeing the continuation of my vision of a Westonbirt where girls of all abilities thrive, working and playing hard and developing into outgoing and selfless young women who are confident but not arrogant.’

Current Headmistress Natasha Dangerfield (l) with predecessor, Mary Henderson (r), pictured in 2013

Natasha Dangerfield (2013-present)

Headmistress of Westonbirt since January 2013, Natasha is the current Westonbirt Head and was previously Deputy Head and Head of Boarding at Harrogate Ladies College. Prior to that, Natasha was at Gordonstoun School as Director of Pastoral Care.

An active teacher, Natasha likes to take classes with the Sixth Form on Skills for Life, a programme she is passionate about and was instrumental in instigating at Westonbirt. This rigorous course includes personal finance, interview and career development, ‘Breakfast and Politics’ sessions with the Sixth Form and exposure to a host of other skills required for life beyond school.

Natasha is an excellent sportswoman and while at Harrogate was a Yorkshire County Lacrosse Coach. She is still often seen on the side-lines of the pitch getting involved in the game. She also teaches BTEC Sport helping to instil confidence among the girls.

Natasha has made sure her four ‘flag ship’ areas of Art, Drama, Music and Sport stand out within school and beyond with girls excelling in all of these areas whether it be gaining a place at Central Saint Martins in London, performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, belonging to the exceptional Chamber Choir or playing lacrosse for England, all achievements Westonbirt pupils have succeeded in of late.

A passionate Headmistress, Westonbirt has thrived under Natasha’s leadership and this has led to industry wide recognition. She was recently announced Runner-up in Tatler Magazine’s Independent School Award 2017 for ‘Best Head of a Public School’. She also topped a 2015 list of Head teachers in a report by Absolutely Education magazine who nick-named her ‘The Firecracker’ and placed her top of their list of ‘Turbo Charged Headmistresses’.

Married with three school age children, Natasha juggles the demands of a busy and demanding career with motherhood and family life. She is immensely proud of all that the girls achieve at Westonbirt.

Current Headmistress, Mrs Natasha Dangerfield

CHAPTER 5

WESTONBIRT PREP SCHOOL

Westonbirt Prep School is much younger than its older sister school but has already been through three major transformations in this relatively short time.

The Prep School as we know it today began life as Querns School. This had been an existing school in Cirencester and was called Querns School Cirencester. Upon its acquisition by Westonbirt in 2002, the school was renamed Querns Westonbirt and was moved to the main Westonbirt site, the first prep school for Westonbirt. More development followed fairly soon afterwards when, in September 2009, Querns Westonbirt merged with another school, Rose Hill School.

The merger of the two schools was covered on the BBC’s website under the title ‘Royal opening for merged school’. The Duchess of Cornwall officially opened the school in 2009. After spending time with children at school, she unveiled a plaque commemorating the opening of Rose Hill Westonbirt and then met with governors and staff.

Parents outside Rosehill Westonbirt, 2012

Headmaster at the time, Mr Neil Shaw said of the day ‘Today has been a great experience and the children have loved every minute. The Duchess is part of our community, she lives just across the road so it is great to have her support and she knows the school well.’

Rose Hill School, a 175-year-old preparatory school in Alderley, 8 miles from the Tetbury site, was a co-educational, boarding and day, Pre-preparatory and Preparatory School for children aged 2–14 years old. On 2 September 2009, the school closed and was merged with Querns Westonbirt School, together forming the new school called Rose Hill Westonbirt School. Country Life magazine covered this in their magazine in 2014 when Alderley Manor became available for sale (Reproduced here with kind permission from Country Life magazine):

‘For 70 years from the outbreak of the Second World War, lofty Alderley House in the small south Cotswold village of Alderley, near Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, was the site of Rose Hill preparatory school until, in 2009, the school merged with Querns Westonbirt and relocated to nearby Tetbury, and the imposing, 25,000sq ft. mansion reverted to its historic use as a grand family home. Now, carefully restored, this “perfect country house”, set in 26 acres of grounds overlooking the Severn, is back on the market.’

The Rose Hill School had quite some history behind it and had originally started life in Tunbridge Wells in Kent in 1832. In 1903, the Headmaster opened a second school in Banstead, Surrey and most of the original school re-located there with him.

In 1939, following the outbreak of World War II, the school was forced to re-locate again and moved to Alderley, near Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. The school was based around the 20-acre site of Alderley House, a Grade II Listed neoElizabethan 19th century manor house designed by Lewis Vulliamy, the same architect who designed Westonbirt House. It had been built for Robert Blagden Hale between 1859 and 1863.

The house was built on the site of a previous Jacobean property, and the cellars from the original building remain to this day under the house. On the ground floor were the dining room, library, the Headmaster’s study, two classrooms, the school office, a billiards hall, a small laundry, the staff room, the staff dining room and the kitchens, whilst the upper floors (including the former servants’ quarters on the top floor) provided the Sick-Bay and all dormitory accommodation and washing facilities for boarding pupils, as well as living quarters for the matrons and some teachers. All of the dormitories were named after local villages, including Alderley, Badminton, Hawkesbury, Hillesley, Kingswood and Stinchcombe.

Alderley Manor House, formerly Rose Hill School

The sizeable grounds in which the school was situated included a number of spinneys, two grass tennis courts, a hard court, an outside swimming pool and a large playing field and it adjoined St Kenelm’s Church. The grounds directly to the west of the house were dominated by a mature Wellingtonia tree, a very tall specimen of the Giant Sequoia family, while on the other side of the house towards St Kenelm’s Church were two Monkey-Puzzle trees.

There are few photographs of the early days of the prep school at the Westonbirt site but the ones above are thought to be from the first years of its life as Querns Westonbirt

The Sanatorium, built in 1938 and originally part of Westonbirt School, now forms the part of Westonbirt Prep school which houses the Nursery and Pre-Prep departments.

It was developed in the modernist style and was originally the purpose-built sanatorium being ‘Fully equipped, and designed with a number of single rooms for the isolation of suspected cases of infection….A fully trained and experienced hospital sister is in charge, with a trained assistant, and the school medical officer attends daily. No girl is ever nursed in the school. On the first sign of illness she is moved to the sanatorium. Girls with heavy colds are also isolated.’

The main Prep School building was originally the Holford’s Laundry. Over the years it was also used as staff accommodation, the sanatorium and as junior accommodation in the 1950s. It was named Sedgwick after the School’s first, and much respected, Medical Officer, Dr Sedgwick from Tetbury. In the 1960s the juniors were brought back into the main building and it was later renamed Querns House.

Prep Headmaster at the time of the merger was Mr Neil Shaw who reflects here on some memories from that time:

‘I was extremely excited to be offered the opportunity of leading the newly created Rose Hill Westonbirt and, despite a couple of challenging years, the school that emerged out of the merger between Querns Westonbirt and Rose Hill School, Alderley was a significantly stronger and more robust school. We built on the traditions of each of the founder schools whilst trying to make our own ‘new’ traditions as we went. The merged school benefited from some excellent staff who brought with them the knowledge and experience of the two founder schools, and I am delighted to note that some are still with the school today. A few excellent appointments of new staff over the next few years also greatly enhanced the calibre of the school.

‘Although it was difficult to cap the prep school at Year 6 (previously Rose Hill School had offered co-education to Year 8), one of the great benefits of the merger was the establishment of a school operated Nursery on the Westonbirt site for the first time. The structure we established in 2010, Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep education from 3 to 11 for both boys and girls was the correct one and is still thriving to this day. The merger allowed a new

Rose Hill School inaugural tennis match, 2009

generation of boys and girls to benefit from the amazing grounds of Westonbirt School and the incredible shared facilities including the sports centre, swimming pool, tennis courts and golf course. The merger was also a turning point in the recruitment of boys. We went from having very few boys to a very even split between boys and girls in a short space of time; this greatly enhanced our boys’ sporting provision. Once the structure of the school was firmly settled, we worked very hard to improve the academic offering and I am extremely proud of the changes that were introduced at that time. An integrated approach to the teaching of phonics, a fully creative and themed curriculum and the introduction of an outstanding Forest School programme were all new features and enhanced the quality of the education on offer.

‘I am extremely proud of the development and growth of Westonbirt Prep (and Rose Hill Westonbirt) and am pleased to see that it is continuing to grow and to thrive to this day.’

Mr Neil Shaw, Westonbirt Prep Headmaster 2009-2016, with Prep pupils

Following several years of operating as Rose Hill Westonbirt, it was decided in September 2013 that the two schools should be more closely aligned and that Rose Hill was due a re-brand to bring it more in line with the senior school.

In September 2013, the prep school was rebranded Westonbirt Prep School. New school logos were designed and with them came a more modern approach to branding and communications.

Now a thriving co-ed prep school with over 160 pupils, including the nursery, the school has strong links to the senior school and shares some of the teachers and resources. Current Headmaster, Mr Sean Price has been keen to secure stronger bonds between the two schools since he took up his position in September 2016.

Today, the Prep schools expansion has led to some classes being divided into two smaller classes to retain the small class sizes and family feel of the school. There are two Year 6 classes and two Year 5 classes, and Year 3 may have two classes soon.

Querns House

In 2013, there were 111 pupils at Westonbirt Prep and there are over 160 today, a growth of almost 50% in five years. This tremendous growth has been due in part to the extensive wrap around care offered to parents and the co-curricular clubs that children can be involved in.

The closure of Grittleton House School in 2016 also saw several new pupils move across to join Westonbirt Prep. The re-branding to Westonbirt Prep and extensive marketing since that time have also served the Prep school well as it has attracted more local families through its doors.

Boys and girls at Westonbirt Prep today are praised for their efforts and good behaviour and are encouraged to develop a sense of independence, mutual consideration, manners and respect for others. Many pupils are identified as being gifted academically or talented in a particular field.

At the end of Year 6 pupils are awarded the Westonbirt Diploma at the school’s annual Prize Giving. This is a time for staff, parents and pupils to reflect upon all that has been achieved across the school year.

Westonbirt Prep boys receiving a Prize Giving award in 2017

Children in the Prep school often prepare for the 11+ and move on to a range of schools, including Westonbirt School and local grammar schools. Most pupils go on to their first choice school when they leave Westonbirt Prep, often with scholarships and senior school destinations include: Westonbirt School, Kingswood School, Pate’s Grammar, Wycliffe, Dean Close, Marling and Stroud High School.

Westonbirt Prep current Headmaster, Sean Price explains his passion for teaching and some of his thoughts from his first year as Westonbirt Prep Head:

‘Having spent several years at Westonbirt Prep as a form teacher and assistant head, it was an honour to be announced as the new Headmaster for September 2016. When beginning the role, I already had a clear idea of what our school offers and just how special a place it is. We

Celebrating the completion of Year 6 at Rosehill, 2011

are fortunate to come to school each day in unrivalled beauty in regard to our surroundings. This, allied to the family feel, the warmth and the friendship that the school radiates, makes it a wonderful place to work or to be educated. The children here at Westonbirt Prep are well-rounded, hard-working, kind and importantly, have a real sense of fun. The same can definitely be said for our staff team who have created this environment and continue to drive us forward as a school. In my role, I have enjoyed learning more about the things that happen all around our school every day and working in partnership with Westonbirt School and Natasha Dangerfield has allowed us to bring the schools closer together than ever before to share the wonderful things that have already been achieved and to explore the vast potential of what might be to come in the future.

‘I have had the privilege of experiencing some magical moments here at Westonbirt. The national successes in sport, the incredible productions and performances, the growth in pupil numbers and the confident speeches from children in front of a packed Orangery are all significant achievements. But more than this, the things that mean the most are the smaller moments. The joy of being part of a child’s first swim gala, the eureka moment when all that you have taught them sinks in, the entrepreneurial spirit of the child of who comes to you with an idea to renovate the library or design cross country vests or the simple pleasure of being able to give out a sticker for a great piece of work. These are what make our school special. There is a uniqueness about our school which I am very proud of and as we continue to strive for excellence and we adapt to the ever changing world around us, we will keep that Westonbirt spirit alive for another 90 years or more.’

Headmaster Mr Sean Price

Westonbirt Prep offers children Forest School lessons in the Spinney, a wooded area just behind the school. A fully accredited teacher leads the Forest School programme which has benefited boys and girls in all areas of education. A range of activities are explored in the Forest School including bark rubbing, leaf collecting, fire making, songs, team work and nature exploration. Children benefit from being surrounded by nature and learning outside of the classroom.

Research has shown that children benefit from an element of ‘risk’ in their education. Learning in an outdoor environment helps children to think creatively and stimulates them in a different way to the classroom.

Outdoor education at Westonbirt Prep is therefore a key part of school life, raising children’s awareness of green issues and using the environment as an aid to help with literacy, numeracy and other academic subjects.

Children enjoying Forest School, 2015

Forest School, 2017

With extensive grounds and fine facilities, physical activity is integral to the modern Westonbirt Prep curriculum and cocurricular activities. A broad range of Physical Education and Games are offered so that every child can benefit from the integration of sport within their daily life. Through Physical Education lessons, after school activities and team sports, children gain essential sporting and social skills alongside health and fitness benefits.

Annual Sports Day, 2017

Rosehill Sports Day, 2011

Children today participate in a full range of team sports as part of the curriculum including rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, cross country, athletics, swimming and PE. All children swim once a week in the 25m indoor pool and there are before and after school swim options for Years 3 to 6. Prep school children compete each year in the IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) National Swimming Finals gala and often take home several medals! In 2017, the boys Under 11 team came 1st in the 8x25m freestyle relay; the girls Under 11 team 2nd in the 8x25m freestyle relay.

Each year all Westonbirt Prep pupils compete in a fun summer sports day and there are usually some parents who join in too!

The school’s unique country setting means children are offered a huge range of exciting additional sporting opportunities outside of the regular classroom lessons. Pupils can participate in a full range of sports-based after school clubs aimed at both groups and individuals. These include tennis and golf coaching all year round and clubs such as judo, fencing and multi sports amongst many others throughout the year.

IAPS Swimming Championships team, 2015

Children relaxing between races, Prep sports day 2017

Westonbirt

CHAPTER 5

WESTONBIRT TODAY AND THE FUTURE

Westonbirt has had a remarkable history surviving two World Wars and several periods of economic uncertainty through the decades. The house and grounds remain a site of important historic interest and a tranquil place, not only for the pupils and staff, but for members of our wider community. There is no doubt Westonbirt has been through many changes and yet it still stands proudly in its wonderful parkland with its magnificent main house, essentially the same today, externally at least, as it has been for 150 years.

Inside Westonbirt lies a vibrant and forward thinking school, with a thoroughly modern approach to education whilst remaining very proud of the history on which the school is founded and of the wonderful building which is its home and of its school traditions. Under the leadership of Mrs Dangerfield, Mr Price in the Prep school and the current Senior Leadership Team and Board of Governors, both schools have excelled over the last few years. Facilities have been upgraded, numbers on roll increased in both schools and Westonbirt has been placed firmly on the map thanks to some high profile awards and accolades.

Westonbirt Swimming Pool

As a school, Westonbirt must continually move forward as all schools must, not least in the Gloucestershire education market. A few years ago, a new £3 million leisure centre was built on the Westonbirt site. It houses a 25m indoor, heated swimming pool for both the Prep and senior schools and also serves as a public leisure facility with a number of local current members.

Within the leisure centre complex, there is also a fully fitted gymnasium. This is used by both schools weekly and by external leisure centre members.

Westonbirt today would be possibly unrecognisable to many of our alumni, not least in the sports department where things are quite different to decades past.

Running machines in the leisure centre

Students in the Sixth Form are free to use the equipment in their free time

Personal trainers are available to students and members who may wish to have tailored for them a complete workout programme. A full range of classes are on offer within the centre each week including badminton, boxercise, stretch and tone, Yoga, sculpt, circuit training and dance fit amongst others.

Outside the leisure centre, the school continues to have several of its own tennis courts which include grass and hard courts. Students can book private lessons as well as take part in group class lessons during the summer terms. The tennis courts were completely refurbished in 2016 to provide better surfacing and new perimeter fencing.

Many students enjoy playing tennis

Tennis court refurbishment, 2016

In the senior school, lacrosse is still played throughout the years and Westonbirt has had many notable successes in the sport with girls regularly selected to play for Wales and England.

Inter-school and inter-county matches are played on a regular basis and many Westonbirt students excel at the sport.

Lacrosse Match

Modern Lacrosse Kit (photo courtesy of Mr Borthwick)

Javelin throwing - Sports Day, 2017

Track event - Sports Day, 2017

Drama at Westonbirt continues to play an extremely important part of the year and the curriculum and, for many students, is a chance to shine on stage and demonstrate what they have learnt throughout the year in terms of technical acting ability, singing and musical talent.

In 2016, the main production was of Oliver and this was performed in The Great Hall with a complete set of props brought in to make the room look like a historical bar with the audience in the round. This gave authenticity to the play with the audience feeling part of this classic tale.

The set of Oliver, The Great Hall 2016

In 2017, an even more ambitious production was delivered to high acclaim from the sell-out audiences. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe promised to deliver some highly inspiring and memorable performances by the cast.

The centre piece of the production was a magnificent lion ‘costume’ which was more of a construction and took three people to operate it. The first entrance of the lion on stage provided a stunning visual treat for the audiences who drew gasps when they saw it!

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, 2017

Having raised the stakes in the Drama department with this successful production, 2018 continued this ambition when, for the first time, a joint Prep and senior school play was performed of The Lion King, a full musical production by pupils in Years 4-9.

Students from Westonbirt also perform at the Edinburgh Fringe with a cast having gone in 2015 and performed to rave reviews. Another cast is due to go in the summer of 2018.

100

Westonbirt 90th Anniversary

Cast of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, 2017

Cast of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, 2017

Music continues to be a key area of Westonbirt life with over two-thirds of pupils playing at least one musical instrument and many students sing. The music department is central to the Drama productions at school, all the concerts and Christmas carols, music for the annual Speech Day and Remembrance Day and throughout the year singing and music play an enormous role in Chapel, Assemblies and a host of Lunch Time concerts and other performances, many of which are to parents or a full public audience.

Westonbirt employs numerous peripatetic music teachers enabling students to learn a variety of instruments including violin, viola, double bass, guitar, drums, piano, clarinet, flute, organ, percussion and brass instruments including the trumpet and the trombone.

There is significant musical talent across the school and in 2018, Westonbirt pupils have been accepted into the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain and The National Children’s Choir.

Music is thoroughly enjoyable, practical and inclusive and the aim is to encourage creativity and to develop confidence and self-esteem in the pupils through a variety of performance opportunities.

Director of Music (centre) Mrs Nicola Atwell with the Chamber Choir at Gloucester Cathedral for Evensong

Art at Westonbirt continues to flourish and the school is proud to have had students recently leave to attend such prestigious colleges as Central St. Martins and Glasgow School of Art, amongst others and the school is proud of consistently achieving this level of artistic ability.

The particular strength of the department is the varied range of disciplines in which the teachers are experts in their respective fields. From the start, girls are encouraged to develop their own artistic personality by exploring as many areas of Art as possible. They are encouraged to consider themselves to be artists and, to look at and learn from, the work of other artists, both past and contemporary, including their peers. In this way, their Art draws inspiration from work that goes on in the real Art world, as well as being a personal response to current issues and world affairs.

All year groups are exposed to, and visit major galleries and exhibitions on a regular basis. The school has links with contemporary Art Galleries in Bristol and Bath such as the Arnolfini, the ‘M’ Shed and the Watershed. Also regular trips are made to study resident collections and view major exhibitions at galleries in London and other venues; these are scheduled throughout the year for all classes and are used as the springboard for a full term’s work.

Stunning art work by a Westonbirt student

‘Brother and Sister’, painting by a Westonbirt student

A Westonbirt student painting

Painting from annual Prep School art exhibition

In addition to the strengths of Art, Drama, Music and Sport; academic life underpins all that the students do. A varied and broad curriculum is offered which now includes several BTEC courses alongside the A levels. There is a detailed programme of Skills for Life in addition to tutorial time and core academic study.

Girls study core GCSEs in English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science as a double or triple GCSE and Foreign Language(s). In addition they select a number of optional GCSE subjects. This varies depending on the ability and aptitude of each girl. Throughout these two crucial years all girls continue with Physical Education, ICT, and Skills for Life lessons. From Year 11, girls embark on a programme preparing them for entry into the Sixth Form that includes Year 12 taster lessons and Futurewise Profiling and careers advice.

It is a testimony to the school’s excellent pastoral care that students come to Westonbirt from around the world, and even local students often choose to spend their evenings and weekends at school.

Most students now study three A-Levels. Because of the increased dedication and curriculum time this allows, it enables students to achieve the best possible results when it comes to university offers through UCAS. In order to extend a passion for learning, all students begin to undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) developing independent research skills, and following an area of personal curiosity. In addition to this we offer a plethora of extra-curricular activities in which sixth formers take a leading role.

Where it comes to academic work, students are provided with a supportive environment which encourages and fosters self-discipline; girls develop leadership potential and organisational skills. In the end they grow into the sort of young people that universities and employers desire: those with the organisational and social skills to enrich their environment, and with the confidence and ability to hold and present themselves wherever they go.

Leaver’s destinations in 2017 included a range of prestigious universities including the Universities of Exeter, Edinburgh, Leeds, King’s College, Cardiff and Bath. Students went on to read Accounting and Finance, Film and Theatre, International Politics. Geography, English, History of Art and Fashion amongst others.

Sixth Form Common Room

Westonbirt Sixth Form offers small class sizes and therefore significant teacher attention and opportunity for small class discussion and debate. Sixth Form students have much more independence including a study bedroom for every student, day and boarding; a common room with kitchen area and TV; a bar for use at weekends; a yoga room, access to the swimming pool and leisure centre with a full time table of classes and a full range of extra-curricular activities to choose from which includes Young Enterprise and Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

The modern boarding rooms are bright and airy and include individual study areas.

An individual study bedroom

A mixture of Memories from Section 61 ex-pupils (1992 leavers) who recently met in London:

‘I remember lying on the grass in the beautiful grounds revising for exams - we were so lucky to have so much space.’

‘I remember going on the wishing well and my wish was ‘to be happy during my years at Westonbirt’ and I’m so pleased it came true!’

‘I remember the lovely warm rolls we had for breakfast on Sunday mornings, I still love them’

‘I remember exploring Haddes a little bit too much and getting quite scared of Mrs Holford’s (supposed!) ghost!’

‘I remember trudging across the fields which had the cows in them on our way to swimming’

‘I remember having to jump the ‘haha’ over the cross country path to be initiated as a new girl!’

A photo of a recent Section 61 re-union in London

Westonbirt Celebrates 90 Years

In May 2018, Westonbirt celebrated its 90th birthday as a school. The house itself, in its current form, is 150 years old. This milestone event was marked by the school at a grand gala evening with music and dancing held across the sumptuous state rooms.

Westonbirt continues to move with the times and, like other schools, communication is always key. Some recent developments have included a school App for smart phones, a new website, extended use of the parent portal and a texting service to enable messages to get to parents quickly. The school newsletter is always popular, with both prep and senior schools producing one each Friday to provide a round-up of the key school news of the week and the dates ahead and sporting fixtures.

Westonbirt continues to work with the Westonbirt Association and each year the school runs an Inspiring Women’s Day, skilfully put together by Head of IAG, Mrs Ann Dunn. This annual event sees a host of alumni returning to school to share with the next generation their routes into careers and their many and varied achievements to date.

The school continues to host a series of Friday evening lectures throughout the year and has been lucky enough to have wonderful and interesting speakers such as Tania Byron, Psychologist. A keynote speaker is also invited each year to the school’s annual Speech Day, often a highlight of the school year, and has included Joanna Lumley, actress; Charlotte Vere, Baroness of Norbiton and member of the House of Lords; and Kate Reardon, the former Editor of Tatler magazine.

Westonbirt today works very closely with our local community and other local schools and throughout the year many opportunities are presented for them to visit and be involved, including our annual prep school organised cross-country day which usually draws in several hundred runners from schools across the county!

We look forward to the school continuing for many years to come, consistently bringing forward its original founding principles of a diverse curriculum for all students and development in Arts, Drama, Music and Sport, whilst maintaining exceptional pastoral care. Alongside these school led strategies, the magnificent house and grounds must also be maintained and enhanced wherever possible, to preserve this wonderful estate for future generations.

All the staff and students at Westonbirt Schools hope you have enjoyed this book, found the changes throughout the school’s history to be as interesting as we did, and had your heart warmed by the memories of students past.

The future of Westonbirt looks bright and we look forward in another ten years to the school’s centenary celebrations.

Cast of The Lion King, Years 4-9, 2018

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It has been an absolute pleasure to go through the extensive archive collection in the compilation of this book which we hope highlights and celebrates some of the many historical milestones and achievements that have taken place at Westonbirt over the decades. This wonderful house and grounds of which we are so fortunate to be the caretakers will, we are sure, continue to give pleasure to all those who live there and visit them, be they students, staff, local schools, external visitors, local friends and residents, and those all over the globe who come here to experience our school and community.

Westonbirt School

Many thanks to all the supporters of this book listed below who placed a pre-order for the book.

Mrs L J Zaremba-Aldam and Miss Milenna Aldam

Sophia Ashe

Mrs S Ball

Martin and Noriko Barrow

Katherine Bathurst (née Ellison)

Mrs J Bell

Paula J Blatcher

Miss A Bolton

Guy and Rocco Bond

Mrs Lucy Brook and Miss Poppy Alexa Brook

Mrs K Broomhead

Miss S Buzzard

The Calder family

Catherine Campbell

Emily and Amy Chambers

Queenie Cheng

Emily Clare

Lucy Clare

Mrs J Cohen (née Kefford)

Mrs Nicola Cook

Mrs Natasha Dangerfield and Miss Taya and Master Tom Dangerfield

Ms Caroline Deller-Fitzgerald and Miss Libby-Mae Deller

Jenny Denholm (née Goodbody)

Angela Douglas

John Downes

Mrs Ann Dunn

Philippa Dutton

Mr A English

Alastair, Cathy and Bonnie Fairgrieve

Mr R Francis

The Fullerton family

Diana Gale (née Forwood)

The Gifford Nash family

Miss Sally Gould and Merlot

Cordelia Gover (née Harries)

Remi and Yemi Greene

Jenefer Greenwood

Sarah Gustafson

Camila Hernaiz Cantu

Briony Holland

Dr and Mrs Hylson-Smith

Miss Chloe Johnson

Susan Kennedy (née Sheard)

Mr Stephen Kenny

Alison Kerby (née Wilson)

Annabel Kerr (née Johnston)

Esther Kreitschik

Mrs Emma Lack (née Fitch)

Ms P J Lai

Priscilla Llewelyn

Miss Lydia Marshall and family

Sally Marston

Mrs Natasha McLeod

The McMeekin family

The Mills family

Mrs Clare Morton and Miss Arwen Morton

Claire Mustoe

Pauline Shum Nolan

Kerstin Pilblad

Mr Sean Price

Miss Caroline A Pullin

Ms Liane Ractliffe and Miss Charlotte Ractliffe

Mrs Leigh Ralphs (née Davidson)

Miss N Rennie

Mrs Jessamy Reynolds

Mrs Muge Begum Rice (née Gokruklu) and Miss Dilara Isabel Rice

Mary Rusinow (née Worthington)

Mrs Catherine Sach, Miss Ysabella Sach and Miss Lili Imogen Sach

Miss V Sainsbury

Miranda Saxby-Soffe (née Purves)

Kiera Segrave-Daly and family

Christine Shaw (née Morris)

Mrs Jane Shaw (née Clapham)

Mrs L Sims

Mrs Patricia Stevenson

Mrs J Stone

Sue Stratford

Simon, Catherine and Charlotte Vicary

Mrs Elizabth Warner

Ariella White and family

Georgina (Joy) Willey (née Crowe)

Hannah Willey

Katherine (Kate) Willey

The Winston-Davis family

Konstantin Winterberg

Helen Worthington