MY TIME AT CHURCHER’S: GILL CLARKE

My time at Churcher’s College began when I was appointed to be in charge of the girls in October 1986 - there were about ten in the Sixth Form at that time - and to teach English through the school. Starting work in January 1987, the school was soon closed for three days because of snow! I was in charge of what was 1G in the Goodfield Block at first, and taught the Sixth Form in the Common Room, now the Pavilion, with any number of old sofas and mis-matching chairs. Over the years, I also became Head of Nelson House, then Senior Mistress before that title was changed to Deputy Head – I retired from the role in 2005. My retirement present from the Governors was a trip on the Orient Express to Venice!

Churcher’s, of course, did not end for me then… I was asked to become the first College Archivist in a part time capacity in September 2005. One of my main early tasks was to help the former Headmaster, Don Brooks, to compile information for the ‘History of Churcher’s’, which I greatly enjoyed. I learned more about the College then than I ever knew as a mere teacher.

Working as an Archivist over the years has been very rewarding. I’ve met some very interesting Old Churcherians and families of even Older Churcherians. It was amazing to escort one family, whose three relatives were here in 1907, around the building and find corners where the three little boys who had come from Argentina might have worked and slept.

I’ve given talks to pupils and groups outside the college including the Hampshire Archive Trust and enjoyed all of it, except for the dust and chaos of moving the archive to three different homes in the time I’ve been in charge. It is, however very important to keep an archive in any establishment, so that everyone will know what has happened in the past, where the community has gone, and where it might be going in the future. Never throw anything away, but look to see where it might be useful.

It is very important to keep an archive in any establishment so that everyone will know what has happened in the past, where the community has gone, and where it might be going in the future.

I am also a member of the 1722 Society, which encourages people to leave a contribution to Churcher’s in their will, to provide funding for bursaries to help those who would like to come here but cannot afford it. I have been so privileged to be a part of the College for so long, the least I can do is to help out in this way. As a member, I also get to take part in the annual Members' lunch each year and chat to other like-minded people, which is lovely.

I can’t imagine life without Churcher’s, and I shall continue to invigilate examinations for some time to come if Ian Crossman will let me and I’ll be sure to come in to harass the Development Office, whether they let me or not!”