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Wilderness Times | Summer 2021
SHARING CHERISHED MEMORIES AND MORNING TEA
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What a privilege to share the company of such a delightful group of old scholars. Pam Yule (Hardy) (1948), Anthea Wood (Codling) (1955) , Mignon Bowen (Holden) (1947), Nell Linn (Sprod) (1946), Barbara Stacy (Sadlier) (1941), Ann Price (Herbert) (1949) and I were kindly welcomed to a morning tea at the home of our gracious host, Rosemary Henderson (Stacy) (1948).
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I arrived at Rosemary’s home with an array of old year books relevant to the old scholars attending this catch up. As our guests scrolled through the pages, the sounds of laughter and reflective conversation were heard around the room. Every turned page unveiled memories and shared experiences of times during their days at Wilderness. This unquestionably gave leverage to already free-flowing conversation. The group has strong existing friendships, cherished amongst the group. The joy they share in catching up after so many years of friendship post Wilderness days is beautiful. I sat in amazement listening to stories of life at School during a time completely foreign to me. The differences in facilities, day to day operations and education were incredibly informative. This, combined with the challenges associated with war time, were key in defining this contrasting experience. It was fascinating to hear recollections of the difficulties and differences associated with this time and what the School looked like then. It was delightful to hear how the Misses Brown played such an integral role in the lives of our old scholars during this era. Not only did they act as our founding sisters, but each of them also had a wonderful influence on the students’ education across numerous teaching roles. The stories around the room of personal memories from times in the classroom were wonderful. Hearing details of how our founding sisters had a huge belief in and unconditional love for Wilderness was not at all surprising. This did however fill me with an even greater sense of respect and gratitude for the journey Wilderness has been on over the years, and the growth it has experienced. The history of our founding sisters and the Wilderness journey continues to be shared and cherished within our current community, visible and respected in today’s modern-day Wilderness. For old scholars, this living history continues to connect us and unite us in this great school. Thank you for having us to your home Rosemary, and for helping to host such an enjoyable catch up. Emma Bishop Old Scholars’ Liaison Officer
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A Rosemary Henderson (Stacy), Anthea Wood (Codling). B
Janet Angas (MacLachlan), Sue Morgan (MacLachlan) in 1947.
C 1947 Old Scholars Dress Up. D Jean Walkley, Ann Hornabrook, Sue MacLachlan, Janet Angas (MacLachlan), Betty Russell. E Mignon Bowen (Holden). F Mignon Bowen (Holden). G Nell Linn (Sprod), Barbara Stacy (Sadlier). H Pam Yule (Hardy), Rosemary Henderson (Stacy), Anthea Wood (Codling), Mignon Bowen (Holden), Nell Linn (Sprod), Barbara Stacy (Sadlier), Ann Price (Herbert).
