Cloisters 2023 - Issue 32

2023

VER STORY CO Apple Studios acquires rights to novelist and screenwriter, Cesca Major’s latest novel Maybe Next Time, with Reese Witherspoon’s brand Hello Sunshine set to be producer

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V IE N E WS

THE

1922 Club

You’re part of our history.

Be part of our future.

The 1922 Club is open to all alumnae, parents, former parents, grandparents and friends of Downe House. It has been established to engage support from across the Downe House community to make a difference to our young people.

Giving on a regular basis, whether it is monthly, quarterly or annually, is one of the easiest ways to support Downe House.

Your gift can help us to ensure that Downe House remains a very special place.

Regular donations of any size are transformatinal and make a real difference to us.

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Contents 9

Alumnae Awards Recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of our alumnae community and the variety of ways they are making a difference across the globe

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Reunion Gallery

Alumnae Profiles

Photographs from all the wonderful reunions that took place this year

Showcasing rising stars within our alumnae community who are making their way through a range of different career paths

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Obituaries

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History

Hear from Hannah Litvack, the School’s new Development Director about future fundraising plans

A time to remember members of our community

A focus on two inspirational members of our community, trailblazers and humble in equal measure

Development

Staying connected has never been so easy The DH Society is a global platform for the Downe House community to connect, register for events and commuicate: downehousesociety.net @dh_links

Editor in Chief Mrs Alexandra Barlow Director of External Relations Editorial Mrs Sue Lister Director of Marketing & Communications Magazine Designer Mr Craig Stevens

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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Welcome to the 2023 edition of Cloisters A message from the Editor

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he Cloisters Magazine builds bridges between the School and our diverse alumnae community. It aims to keep you in touch with what fellow alums are doing in their lives but also the life of the School. There is reflection on the past, and those shared experiences which bind generations together, but also news of the present and signposts to the future.

In this edition, we feature interviews with alumnae who have followed very different paths since leaving school and they share their own personal journeys with us. It is always a great privilege to get to know our alumnae more and to hear their stories. We explore the lives of two fascinating members of our community through our History section and reflect on those who we have sadly lost this year.

We celebrate the incredible achievements of our recent leavers and hear from our Headmistress on her highlights from the year.

It is also that time when we reflect on what we have achieved across this incredibly busy year. Our many achievements would not have been possible without the energy and determination of our wonderful school community. As we swiftly move towards the festive season, we look forward to coming together as a community and planning a whole host of new events and opportunities for 2024.

Downe is a truly special place, and we can achieve so much when we come together.

MRS ALEXANDRA BARLOW DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Remembrance Artwork Our Creative Arts department have been busy working with Upper Fourth pupils, who study the full range of Creative Arts disciplines on offer at Downe House, to create a beautiful display of poppies. The installation was situated outside Wakefield House which is at the heart of the School campus so it could be seen by our whole community and visitors. See right for more information.

Perhaps the jewel in the crown of Downe’s enrichment programme, is the termly DH LINKS events programme which spans a wide range of different careers and industries.

Pupils, staff, parents and alumnae have the opportunity to listen and question eminent professionals from a variety of different fields.

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his year’s programme has been one to savour, with brilliant speakers providing a wonderful array of guidance and advice. One of the most powerful parts of DH LINKS events is when speakers share their own personal career journeys with the audience and the challenges they have experienced along the way.

Four events have taken place this year and plans are already underway for further events both at School and off campus.

The inspiration behind the piece was the 2014 Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation at the Tower of London which commemorated the outbreak of WWI in 1914. This installation used 888,426 ceramic poppies to represent the number of British or colonial servicemen killed during the war.

Each creative discipline used a different approach to make their poppies. In Art, the pupils made their poppies from ceramic. The poppies were spray painted before the girls added hand painted acrylic detailing.

Our Textiles students used pleated and gathered muslin which they hand-coloured. These were backed with fabric which was free machine stitched, with the black centres being hand stitched after. In 3D Design, the girls used their CAD (Computer-Aided Design) skills to design their poppies. Then, laser cut polypropylene was heat formed and the petals assembled using laser cut centres.

FEBRUARY 2023

Fashion In the Lent term the spotlight was on the fashion industry, and it was wonderful to bring together members of the Downe House community to share careers advice and guidance. Six current pupils travelled up to the event from school and hopefully have secured some potential future work shadowing placements through the conversations they had and the connections they made. The venue in London, the Hearth, was the perfect backdrop for this informal networking event.

It was great to see DH alumnae from the world of fashion supporting this event, either as guest speakers or as audience members; Sophie Quy (DH 2003), Jameliah Adekunle (DH 2018), Nellie Standbrook (DH 2018), Clementine Pemberton (DH 2020), Hannah Stacpoole (DH 2012), Tara Farquhar (DH 2020), Flo Palmer (DH 2017), Farleigh Hungerford (DH 2004), Pom Ogilvy (DH 2013), Sarah Kwok (DH 2018), Thea Finney (DH 2012), Georgina Anastassopoulos-Tubby (DH 2018), Clementine Bronw (DH 2011), Clio Cooper (DH 2011) & Natasha Tan (DH 2018).

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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MAY 2023

JUNE 2023

Law

Interior Design

The focus in May was on the legal sector and this event was held in the collaboration space of the Murray Centre.

Our panel of guest speakers Victoria Peckett (friend of DH), Lauren Brolly (DH 2016), Sarah Ford KC (current parent) and Jo Henley (DH 2010) managed to strike the right balance between providing clear, informative guidance for budding young legal professionals whilst highlighting the huge variety of opportunities available in the sector. Not surprisingly, all were very compelling in putting their own case across! We were also fortunate to have the expertise of three current parents, all of whom work in the legal sector and enjoyed chatting to the girls during the networking part of the evening.

“I really enjoyed hearing about their different avenues into law, and the benefits and drawbacks of doing a law conversion or straight law as a degree.

I liked how each lawyer had a slightly different path into law and specialised in different areas as helped to show the wealth of ways to get into law and the plethora of different areas of law that you can specialise in.”

UPPER SIXTH PUPIL

“I was able to find out about different paths and routes into law that I was not aware of earlier.”

LOWER FIFTH PUPIL

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As part of the Introduction to Sixth Form week in June, the DH LINKS team hosted an event in the Concert Room for Upper Fifth pupils.

We kicked off the afternoon with a team of DH LINKS Mentors (recent leavers) talking to the year group about life beyond Downe House and concluded with keynote speaker Susie Rumbold (former parent) sharing her career path into Interior Design and setting the pupils a brilliant interactive case study to work on. Susie is the Founder and Creative Director of Tessuto, a successful, multidisciplinary design studio, based in London, and a Past President of the British Institute of Interior Design.

It was a brilliant end to a successful week for our future Lower Sixth pupils.

Our Mentors were: Josie Adams (DH 2018), Tilly McDougall (DH 2021), Flossie Hack (DH 2021), Lauren Raeburn-Ward (DH 2022), Honor Neville (DH 2022), Omotara Edu (DH 2018) & Bella Horsfield (DH 2021).

SEPTEMBER 2023

Drama The first DH LINKS event of the Michaelmas term took place on Wednesday 27 September and the focus this time was on careers in the TV, film and theatre. industries. The Murray Centre provided the perfect venue for our pupils and alumnae to connect over their love of the performing arts.

We were joined by six members of our alumnae including Marianne Oldham (DH 2000), Sophie Roberts (DH 1996), Flora Montgomery (DH 1992), Anna Hewitt (DH 2018), Eliza Horn (DH 2018) & Emilie Cheung (DH 2018). All our guest speakers shared such wise guidance and advice with the pupils and took questions on a range of different themes. It was a fantastic start to the next series of DH LINKS events of the new academic year, and we didn’t want the evening to end!

“It was really interesting to hear from the speakers with lots of experience, as well as the speakers who have recently left School.”

“I enjoyed hearing from Flora Montgomery as she had a lot of experience in the acting industry and had worked her way up from the bottom and become successful in acting. This was very inspiring to see, and she had such a collection of tales to tell about her experiences, which were so very interesting.”

LOWER FIFTH PUPIL

UPPER FIFTH PUPIL

SEPTEMBER 2023

Global Careers On Friday 29 September we held the very first LIVE DH LINKS Global Careers event which was streamed into Upper School and Sixth Form boarding houses around the School at 8.30am (UK time). A brilliant way to start the school day and our hosts, Molly and Leila (Global Ambassadors & members of the Upper Sixth) did a wonderful job of steering the questions to our guests from around the globe. Our thanks to our panel of guests who joined us from Thailand (Ms Sirisant), Hong Kong (Dr Hon), China (Ms Chen) and Singapore (Dr Lim) and shared some fantastic advice about their own career paths with our pupils.

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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The House of Lords Reception for New Parents 14 June 2023

On Wednesday 14 June we were blessed with beautiful weather for our reception for new parents at the House of Lords. Thanks to the generous hospitality of former parent, Lord Strathclyde, we were able to come together, admire views of London from the terrace and celebrate all that the girls are achieving.

It was wonderful to have new parents, Governors, staff, alumnae and Upper Sixth Seniors with us for the evening.

We were also able to hear from DH Alumna, Sarah Holt (Waghorn DH 2003) who is currently a Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force, about her journey through Downe House and how she had drawn on her education in her career.

Sarah commented: “An all-girls environment made me realise that that there is no single mould for a female in society today and provided extensive opportunities to allow me to identify my talents and passions, which ensured I thrived in the modern workplace.

I was empowered to participate and develop my own perspectives without concern for gender stereotyping, or pressures and distractions that are prevalent in a coeducational environment. Pursuing a career as an engineer in the armed forces I never questioned my ability, I was confident that I could be successful and knew that being true to myself would allow me to succeed.”

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ALUMNAE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

2023 The first Downe House Alumnae Achievement Awards were launched in April 2023.

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Background: ©-strizh-/Shutterstock.com

he Downe House Alumnae Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of our alumnae community and recognise the variety of ways they are making a real impact across our society, both in the UK and around the globe.

We heard stories of how individuals carry Downe’s vision and ethos into the world. Community spirit is an important part of the school’s ethos, and these awards are designed to reflect our diverse community.

Nominations were not based on specific categories, but on the contribution that the nominee has made in their chosen field. These may include, but are not exclusive to: Success in enterprise and innovation Academic or research success Contributions to STEM industries Personal or professional success Achievements in sport, music or the arts Charitable work or contributions Contributions in a global capacity Striving to implement change in social & environmental sustainability Nominations closed on Thursday 4 May 2023 and nominations were received by either an alumna themselves, by a fellow DH alumna or a family member. Individuals were able to make multiple nominations for different people if they wished to.

The Judging Panel The winners were selected by a judging panel of representatives from across the Downe House community and chaired by the Headmistress.

MRS EMMA MCKENDRICK HEADMISTRESS

MRS SARAH BARNARD DIRECTOR OF FUTURES DEPARTMENT AND TEACHER OF HISTORY & POLITICS DR CLARE RATNAGE MICHELL DH 2002 & GOVERNOR

CLEO DUTERTRE-DELAUNAY DH 2023 & FORMER DEPUTY HEAD SENIOR

EBUNLOLA OYEGUNLE DH 2023 & FORMER HEAD SENIOR

We received over thirty nominations and are thrilled to announce the five winners on pages 10 and 11.

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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Award

Winners

Whether working in the NHS or forging careers in male-dominated industries, this impressive group of Downe House alumnae are making their mark on the wider world.

Sophie Shipton (DH 2014) LEAD CASEWORKER AT REDEMPTION ROASTERS

Sophie’s nominee said: “Sophie has just completed two years in Feltham YOI prison as part of her Unlocked graduate programme. She has been in a particularly testing work environment as a prison officer whilst completing a MSc in Applied Custodial Leadership. Sophie has also been awarded a leadership prize elected across the governors when graduating from the programme. Sophie deserves to win this Alumnae Award because she has faced these past two years in a young offenders prison with composure and a good dose of (arguably necessary) humour. The type of role Sophie is undertaking demonstrates inspirational bravery and empathy which Downe House should be championing!”

Jessie Robinson (DH 2014) SENIOR BURNS PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Jessie’s nominee said: “Since graduating from the University of Nottingham, with a degree in physiotherapy, it has been Jessie’s mission to help people. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jessie worked on the Intensive Care Unit at Charing Cross Hospital, where she was one of the proning team’s lead physiotherapists. She worked tirelessly to help the most severely ill patients on the ICU as well as working with patients who needed significant ongoing care and rehabilitation. She is kind and selfless, and puts everyone before herself. Her ambition is to work as a physiotherapist in major trauma in disaster zones all across the world and I have no doubt that she will do just that.”

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Siobhán Hewlett (DH 2000) DIRECTOR – OYSTER FILMS – WRITER, ACTOR, PRODUCER, VOICE OVER ARTIST

Siobhán’s nominee said: “I think Siobhán deserves to win an Alumnae Award because she has embodied the spirit of the Downe House girl in her life – using her fierce intelligence for the greater good as an award-winning actress on stage & screen and recently screenwriter. Alongside her acting, writing & producing, she is a passionate activist – working with Surfrider to stop the release of raw sewage into our seas, oceans & rivers. She has forged a successful career in a challenging male driven industry.”

Dr Lucy King (DH 1995) ZOOLOGIST

Lucy’s nominee said: “Dr Lucy King has blazed a trail in developing and promoting naturebased solutions to human-wildlife conflict in Africa and around the world, for which I think she thoroughly deserves recognition through these awards. Lucy has won many high-profile awards including the St Andrews Prize for the Environment, the UNEP/CMS Thesis Award, and the Future for Nature Award. She now manages the multi-donor Elephant Crisis Fund which supports similar projects around the world, in addition to continuing her own research through the vibrant research centre she established at Sagalla, near Tsavo National Park in Kenya.”

Jennifer Murray (Mather DH 1957) HELICOPTER PILOT

Jennifer’s nominee said: “Helicopter pilot Jennifer Murray became the first woman to successfully fly round the world in a helicopter on 8 August 1997. She completed the feat in 97 days, flying with co-pilot Quentin Smith. Their route took them through Europe to Italy, then across the Middle East and India to Southeast Asia, up into Russia, across the Bering Strait to Alaska, down into California and across the USA before flying up Canada’s coast and back to England via Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

The feat earned her several world firsts – first woman, first grandmother, smallest helicopter and first British pair to circumnavigate the globe in a helicopter – as well as an FAI World Record. The FAI World Record is for Speed Around the World: Eastbound, in a single-engined piston helicopter, and was set at 22.44km/h.”

The award winners were invited to collect their award at a ceremony at the House of Lords in June 2023

Look out for the launch of the 2024 Alumnae Achievement Awards next year.

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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A Message from the Headmistress Doing justice to what has happened in a school year in a few paragraphs is never going to be an easy task, especially a vibrant community like Downe.

Nevertheless, I hope the following pages will at least give a sense of how much has been achieved and experienced by the pupils and staff, past and present in 2023.

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or my part, I never cease but to be amazed by the diversity of the achievements, the high levels of aspiration and commitment shown by all, but also the humility and integrity that underpins these accomplishments.

One excellent example of this was the introduction of our Downe House Alumnae Achievement Awards which were presented at the House of Lords in June. The candidates were nominated by others in the community and the panel, made up of existing staff and pupils, as well as an alumna and Governor, was tasked with choosing the winners. It will be no surprise that this was not easy, but it was a privilege to take time to see how our alumnae have contributed to and continue to contribute to making our world a better place. Whether that is as an expert in their field, a campaigner for social justice, a volunteer in health care, or as entrepreneurs and pioneers, each inspired and challenged us all in equal measure to do more. I am already looking forward to next year’s awards.

Within our School community, we have had many areas of focus. Ensuring the joy of learning lives inside and outside the classroom is of primary importance. This year was a time when our public examination candidates faced a reset in standards back to the 2019 levels. Despite this, we enjoyed

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an excellent set of results and extremely good university placements too with over 90% of girls gaining places at their preferred universities. However, the richness of the academic life outside the classroom is also particularly noteworthy.

Our joint symposia, lectures and debates with Radley College, our strategic partner, have encouraged excellent discussions. Our range of Medley Lectures, including former politician, Michael Heseltine, author, Robert Harris, entrepreneur, Johnnie Boden, GlaxoSmithKline CEO, Emma Walmsley, leading film-maker and producer, Anthony Geffen, and our very own writer and journalist, Marina Hyde, have been thought-provoking and enlightening, and our inaugural House Debating Competition for the Galbraith Cup showcased the girls’ communication skills at their best. Whether you were a participant or an audience member, it was equally enjoyable, and we were delighted that Lord Strathclyde, whose family has a long association with Downe, was our adjudicator for this inaugural competition.

House competitions are perhaps one of the things that capture the spirit of the School so well and the joy at being able to have all the competitions reinstated post the pandemic made this year’s even more special. Whether that was House

Dance and Gym, always highly sought-after trophies, House Music where the energy and talent are outstanding, House Debating, House Science or the hotly contested House Drama competition, there really is a place for everyone to make a contribution. Some will lead, direct, choreograph and conduct; some will perform; some will plan and manage logistics; some will design and create programmes; some will manage lighting and sound; some will create routines, compose pieces and write scripts; but everyone will play a part. The quality in every case is astounding and this year as never before, our adjudicators have been taken aback by what can be achieved through excellent collaboration, determination and commitment. It is fair to say that, although there is no shortage of competitive spirit, the support and respect for one another are a key feature that makes these competitions so enjoyable for everyone.

The life of our campus in Cold Ash is rich and varied but it is complemented by our very unique and, I do not think I am overstating it when I say, groundbreaking Global Programme.

The unique opportunity that all of our Year 8 (LIV) pupils have to spend a term in France was reinstated this year and what a success it was. Our two sister schools in Muscat and Riyadh, which had only opened in September 2022, were able to welcome exchange pupils from Downe House and we too were

partnerships and opening up our events and facilities to the local community have been further areas of focus. We have been delighted to participate in the Newbury Spring Festival, welcome visitors to Founder’s Weekend, talks and productions, and open up our sports facilities to local young people. Seeing our astroturf buzzing with the local girls’ football club has been a particular highlight!

There is so much to celebrate, and we look forward to the future with optimism but without complacency. There are strong potential political and financial headwinds which face the independent sector. However, we believe that these are best faced together as a strong community and one which continues its commitment to develop young women who will make a positive contribution to the world beyond Downe House. We will seek to remain at the forefront of educational development and debate as well as remaining committed to the highest quality holistic education. We will remain focused maintaining a strong financial discipline as well as the development of our site and facilities to ensure they support our aspirations. Above all, we will remain resolute in our commitment to build and value our wider community, as in so doing we believe we will face the future with confidence. A huge thank you to all our alumnae for your ongoing support in so many different ways.

“I never cease but to be amazed by the diversity of the achievements, the high levels of aspiration and commitment shown by all, but also the humility and integrity that underpins these accomplishments.” delighted to welcome pupils and staff here. Our Global Schools’ Exchange Programme expanded to include schools in Brazil and Japan, taking the total number of schools to seventeen across the globe. In addition, we were able to launch our first ever programme of Global Internships for members of the LVI who took up placements in a variety of sectors in Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Europe, Thailand and Zambia amongst others! These were made possible by the generous support of our parent and alumnae community and had a profound impact on those involved. Closer to home, developing

EMMA MCKENDRICK HEADMISTRESS

1 AND 2 JULY 2023

Founder’s Weekend was a marvelous celebration and perfect end to our Summer term. The culmination of months of hard work by our pupils and staff from across the School. A wonderful series of events took place over the whole weekend which were enjoyed by everyone in the Downe House community, including parents, alumnae and friends of the School.

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lways a highlight of Founder’s Weekend, Sports Day allows our pupils to showcase their skills in field and track events. Pupils represented their House and onlookers could be seen proudly wearing their House colours and cheering the athletes, displaying an excellent show of team spirit. A special congratulations must go to Aisholt House, for winning the Overall Prize for Sports Day 2023. The musical offerings at Founder’s Weekend are always spectacular, and this year was no exception!

The Creative Arts Department put on a magnificent exhibition in the Murray Centre which showcased work from across the year groups. It was months in the planning, took a week to assemble and involved countless rolls of Velcro but was a such a highlight of the weekend. The exhibition featured GCSE and A Level work in the Murray Centre itself and work from other year groups could be found in the Pottery Room, 3D Design Workshop and Textiles Studio. The exhibition was opened to the public immediately after the weekend as part of Open Studios and many members of the local community enjoyed viewing the high quality work of the pupils.

The Founder’s Concert saw nearly 200 performers filling the Farr Centre with a joyful sound. A special mention must go to the Scholars’ Ensemble, who brilliantly handled a particularly tricky piece of percussive speech by Ernst Toch called ‘Geographical Fugue’. On Sunday, our flagship choir, Prima Voce, treated our audience to a rendition of Faure’s Requiem, being joined by the talent of The Cecilia Consort from Newbury. To close the weekend, our enthusiastic young performers took to the Founder’s Festival Tent for a varied programme spanning classical, pop, show tunes, jazz and choral pieces.

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THE FOUNDER’S MUSICAL

We were certainly given the ol’ Razzle Dazzle in this spectacular production of Chicago! Huge congratulations to the cast and crew of our School musical, who performed twice over Founder’s Weekend.

It was wonderful to welcome so many local community members to our Friday evening performance, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Newbury who shared their support for the show afterwards.

‘Quite simply, it was one of the best musical theatre performances we have seen, and we have seen many in the West End! Everything about it was superb, the cast were amazing (the lead characters showing real talent), the entire ensemble were in complete harmony both in song and movement. The costumes were dazzling, the set – perfect, and the lighting showcased the whole show so well.’

CLLR NIGEL FOOT AND CLLR SARAH SLACK

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“There is something rather special about lacrosse – everyone came off the pitch, hungry for more, already talking about next year and asking if there could be a Christmas edition too!”

CHARLOTTE WILLIAMS (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPORT)

Annual Alumnae Lacrosse & Hockey Matches

Now a firmly established tradition in the Founder’s Weekend celebrations, we were delighted to welcome back a number of our alumnae for a lacrosse match on the field and a hockey match on the astro. Both matches were competitively fought between current pupils and alumnae, with a delicious brunch in the dining room afterwards.

The unwavering support of family members on the sidelines made it even more enjoyable and special.

“Many proved that lacrosse is just like riding a bike and despite the years ticking on … they definitely still have it!”

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“We loved having so many of the alumnae back.

The friendships they made on the Hockey pitch were still as evident as ever. We had girls who left in 2003 to 2022 and lots of years in between.

Next year’s leavers are already planning when they are going to come back and represent the Alumnae team!”

LIZZIE BROYD (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPORT)

Lacrosse Match Report WORDS CESCA MAJOR (MARTIN DH 2000) Dusting off boots, twenty-year-old sticks and a mouth guard that was two years older than the Downe House captain – the alumnae team took to the field. With no real time to warm up because everyone was querying the rules (“Vicky they don’t know who third man is – he’s not a thing anymore” “what do you mean they’re allowed IN THE GOAL CIRCLE”) we were delighted to discover the match would be a mere four times fifteen minutes. Our aim: to play well and, vitally, to not put our backs out.

The Downe House team, looking pristine in white on the eve of their tour to the States, also seemed to double in number with every quarter that passed. Or this could have been the fact this writer had to play in varifocals to see the ball.

Coached by the indomitable Lydia Rayne (current staff) the Downe House players poured onto the pitch. The old girls got an early goal and were helped in the first half with many a spectacular save from old girl, and now Downe House teacher, Emma Stonebridge (DH 2017) in goal.

It was a really wonderful game – with some excellent lacrosse for the spectators to enjoy. A final score of 11-5 to the alumnae means that Downe House will no doubt be out for blood next year. And I hope, hips and knee injuries aside, we can return to triumph once more.

An enormous thanks to Downe House for hosting us so brilliantly – to Tash Bott (current staff) and Bex Gaunt

(current staff) for refereeing and letting the game run so smoothly, to Charlotte Williams (DH 2001 & current staff) for bringing us all together once more and to all the pupils, staff and parents who came out to cheer us all on. It was a great day.

If you would like to play in next year’s matches as part of Founder’s Weekend, please do get in touch with Charlotte williamsc1@downehouse.net or Lizzie broyde@downehouse.net.

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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LEAVERS’ DAY

CLASS O

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OF 2023

With their exams finished, it was time to say farewell to the Class of 2023 and to celebrate all that they have achieved at Downe House.

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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n Wednesday 5 July, we welcomed our Upper Sixth pupils and their parents to celebrate their Leavers’ Day. A wonderful day of celebrations which began with the final Assembly of the year in the splendour of the Cloisters.

As is tradition, the Upper Sixth staff led the procession of Upper Sixth pupils to their seats to the moving sounds of the Bagpiper. This year, we were delighted to welcome back Mary Bonsor (DH 2005) to lead the Prize Giving section of the Assembly. Mary lives in London with her husband and two daughters and is the Founder of legal start-up, Flex Legal. Mary wished all the girls good luck and spoke of her journey since leaving Downe House. Remembering so vividly the feeling of excitement and trepidation as she sat in her final Assembly back in the summer of 2005.

The Summer term House Cup for Stars & Commendations was awarded to AGN and former Head of AGH House, Elfreda Harvey (DH 2023) was invited to the stage to collect the Cup on behalf of AGN. The Olive Willis Prize is awarded each year to a pupil in the Upper Sixth who has made an outstanding contribution in a wide variety of ways to the life of the School and this year was awarded to Lauren Akinluyi (DH 2023).

Junior Olive Willis prizes are also awarded to members of the

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Lower Fifth who have contributed to School life in a quiet and humble way and these girls were: Polly F, Yuwen G, Lisa L, Maria T, Clotilde T and Lottie F. A Chapel Service for the Upper Sixth took place immediately after the Assembly, before the girls and their parents enjoyed Pimms and canapés on the terrace outside Aisholt. A beautiful three-course lunch was prepared by the Downe House Catering team and served in the marquee before everyone gathered out in the Cloisters for the final spectacular confetti and streamer explosion. Photographs and final goodbyes brought a truly wonderful day to an end.

Following their A Level results in August 2023, Mrs McKendrick shared these words: ‘I could not be more proud of the Class of 2023 who are moving on to top universites across the globe after achieving a very successful set of examination results. They have made invaluable contribitons to school life in every field, have led the School community with distinction, commtiment and compassion, and leave us equipped and ready to make the most of the opportunities that they will have. They are, above all, young women who want to make a positive difference and I have no doubt they will.’

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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Reunion 5 Year

Classes of 2016 & 2017

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CLOISTERS 2023

18 November 2022 West 4th Bar & Kitchen Parsons Green, London

“A big thank you for organising such a lovely 5 year reunion on Friday night. It was amazing to see all those familiar faces in one room again and I feel that, although five years is a long time, it felt like nothing had changed at all. I’m already looking forward to the 10 year reunion!”

OLIVIA HARRISON (DH 2017)

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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Reunion 10 Year

Class of 2012

3 November 2022 West 4th Bar & Kitchen Parsons Green, London

NOW

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THEN

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e were delighted to welcome the class of 2012 for their 10 year reunion at the West 4th Kitchen and Bar in Parsons Green. Over fifty girls from the year group came together over glasses of prosecco and enjoyed sharing their memories of Downe House.

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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Reunion 5 Year

Class of 2018

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CLOISTERS 2023

25 May 2023 West 4th Bar & Kitchen Parsons Green, London

Reunion 20 & 25-Year

Classes of 1997 & 2002

16 March 2023 House of St Barnabas, London

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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ALUMNA PROFILE

Serena Ansell (DH 2014) Founder & Director of Serena Ansell Jewellery

Serena is a passionate designer, Gemologist and an avid creative mind. She is a fine-jewellery, solid-precious-metal lover and a believer in doing things beautifully and properly.

Tell me about your time at Downe House.

I had the best seven-year extended sleepover with friends for life. My memories are full of so much silliness. It was so special to be able to live with your friends day in and day out. I now crave having proper time with my best friends such as weekends away because we were so used to being around each other all the time and it’s so rare that we can have time together like that now. When you’re at school you don’t tend to appreciate how much fun you’re having and what an incredible time in your life it is.

Can you briefly describe your professional journey since leaving Downe House?

I went straight to Exeter Uni after Downe to do History of Art. During that time I was lucky enough to do work experience at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, but both times found myself yearning to be in the jewellery department rather than the Old Masters. I then studied at the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in London to become a Graduate Gemologist before going into the jewellery industry as assistant to renowned jeweller William Welstead. I worked for William for four years, gaining lots of valuable experience, before starting my own jewellery brand in 2022.

Describe a typical day for you.

My day typically starts with waking up early to get myself as organised as possible with admin before the rest of the world wakes up and the market opens. I’ll then set off running around

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Hatton Garden and Mayfair between my workshops and the stone dealers that I work with, and various other parts of London to see clients. Still being a fairly new business, I do all of the running around myself, and I actually really love it – most people think that is the part a business owner would soonest want to give up – but I love being out and about so much with my work. I will then often spend the later part of the afternoon designing, speaking to clients about current projects, creating content for social media and email campaigns, or putting together inspiration for upcoming projects.

What are the most valuable skills for someone to be successful in your career field?

Perseverance. Don’t doubt yourself. Keep moving – if something isn’t working, change it or scrap it, even if you love it.

What has been the greatest accomplishment in your career?

Exhibiting my work at a night Art Exhibition in London. I was so nervous beforehand but after the first hour of chatting to people about my work I was in the swing of it and I loved it. I actually ended up feeling very selfindulgent talking about gemstones and my jewellery designs for four evenings straight! The next big thing will be the Spirit of Christmas Fair (30th October – 5th November at Kensington Olympia) which I am quite nervous for, again, because it will be quite a different, much bigger beast. I’m excited at the same time though and I’m sure I will end up loving it.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in your career?

Dealing with finances. I have a creative brain, so all of the numbers stuff usually goes over my head, but running a business I have to do it. It still definitely doesn’t go smoothly all the time because I have a total addiction to designing and making new jewellery because I love it, but I can’t always afford to do it!

How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance and prioritise your wellbeing?

Seeing my friends is extremely important to me so I am usually socialising in the evenings and at the weekend, but I also find it really important to have quality down time with my boyfriend and my family. There needs to be a balance so that you don’t burn out. I am gradually learning not to put too many plans in small amounts of time. Routine is also key for me.

What career advice would you give to our girls who are thinking about pursuing a career in your chosen field?

Get good experience first, don’t rush into anything. You need to learn about every part of running a business before going out on your own. Don’t doubt yourself.

Expect it to be hard work before you see any rewards.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

At the moment I work from and often meet clients at a members club, but I would love to have my own client space in London with an in-house workshop, so that everything can be made on site.

Finally, please indulge us with a random fact about yourself!

My Great, Great Grandfather was a fine jewellery designer and maker in the late 1800s & early 1900s, so jewellery is in my blood.

View Serena’s jewellery and read more about her business here: Serena Ansell | Fine Jewellery, London

ALUMNA PROFILE

Lucia Borradaile (Vivian-Neal DH 1975) Retired Racehorse Trainer & Great Britain Cyclist

Lucia spends a lot of time her cycling since retiring as a racehorse trainer in 2004. She came 4th in the UCI World Championships in Scotland this summer, cycling for Great Britian and missing bronze by half a second. She is a former point-to-point rider who rode in the Cheltenham Foxhunters in 1995 and is a self-confessed ‘adrenaline junkie’.

Tell us about your memories of Downe House?

I was there 1969-75 and it was a very different school to what it is today, but I have so many memories, most of which are very happy ones. Getting up every morning in those splendid old djibbahs, with the large pockets to keep our letters in. (Letters were so important as we didn’t have mobiles.)

We used to shuffle round the Cloisters

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with our cloaks buttoned round our waists as it was very cold especially during the three-day week to conserve electricity (1973-4) thanks to Edward Heath’s government. The swimming pool was unheated and absolutely freezing. Going to Chapel every morning and regularly being told to stop talking on the way in. We used to start the term with tins crammed full of sweets….so bad for our teeth and we

must have been wired to the moon!

Listening to Radio Luxembourg down our beds after lights out. Watching Colditz on a Sunday evening on a black and white tv was the highlight of the week. Every time I smell toast, I am transported back to the sixth form block. The list could go on, but the clearest memory is the friends we made – some of whom I keep up with and others one bumps into years later and immediately pick up where one left off.

As a former point-to-point rider, which races are you most proud of?

I took up racing when I was 37 as my children were hopefully old enough then to cope should I be injured, so at that age I was proud of most of the races, except when I fell off, and especially riding in the Cheltenham Foxhunters. However, if I was to pick one, it would have to be my sixth race at Larkhill when I was upsides Cool Dawn, who won the Gold Cup the following year, as we went flat to the boards fence after fence!

When I started training our two horses, I was immensely proud to win the Walrus Hunter Chase at Haydock in two consecutive years with an outsider and have runners at both Aintree and Cheltenham Festivals.

When did cycling become such a big part of your life?

I trained the racehorses at home for 17 years, so by 2014 we decided that we needed a bit more freedom and swapped the four legs for two wheels.

Not having been particularly interested in cycling, other than going as far as Bucklebury whilst at Downe House on an old 3 gear bike and thinking we had gone miles, it was a completely new challenge. Within a short time, we did Land’s End to John O’Groats, and this was followed by joining a club and starting to do time trials. Always up for a challenge I entered L’Etape du Tour (the amateur stage of the Tour de France) in 2018, and although I completed, I had to push the bike up the final climb, as I had such bad cramp but was determined to finish.

Since last year I have a coach and have taken time trialling seriously and even went to the World Championships in Dundee, where I missed the podium by one second in my age group (6569), which has galvanised me for next year’s Championships in Denmark.

Luckily, I have just qualified at Varese in Italy this October.

Describe some of the incredible challenges you have undertaken for charity?

My first big challenge was getting super fit and running the London Marathon in 1990 – that was the easy

bit, but raising £7,000 for MacMillan Cancer was much more difficult having to ask people to sponsor me.

On our Land’s End to John O’Groats, we raised £21,000 for Alzheimer’s, and then aged 60 was very fortunate and chosen to ride in a charity race over the Derby Course at Epsom, when I raised £15,000 for The Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Describe a typical week?

No two weeks are ever the same, but I always must fit in the training workouts that my coach sets me, whether out on the road, on the turbo or in the gym. Weather permitting, I try and fit in at least two lots of tennis.

David and I are hot on DIY so often we are redecorating, and then there’s the garden that always needs attention!

Between us we have 13 grandchildren scattered round the country and we try and see them as much as possible and watch them in school matches. We like to do our share of grandparent duty, for the younger ones and have them to stay as much as possible.

Living in a village there are always jobs to be done to keep the village hall and the church going. Then if we have any energy left, we love having fiends to supper and Bridge.

What have been the greatest accomplishments in your life?

Falling in love and marrying David, who was an Olympic skier and therefore is such an inspiration and encourages my sporting endeavours, and he makes me laugh, which is vital when there is so much gloom and doom around. Also, having my children, William (aged 44) and Laura (Boscawen DH 2001), who

never cease to amaze me, and of whom I am incredibly proud. My other coup was following my intuition to invest in Sipsmith Gin in its infancy.

What has been some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in your life?

There have been plenty, but particularly when David had a lifethreatening operation to remove most of his gut and the subsequent complications, as it is horrendous seeing someone you love in such dire straits. However lately, it has been sticking to what I know is right for me, despite huge opposition and a lot of abuse, for refusing Covid vaccinations, as Downe House taught me to think outside the box, do my own research and trust ones’ intuition and not to believe everything the media tells you!

Learning to fly, as I was not a natural pilot and therefore ended up having some very scary moments.

What advice would you give to current Downe House pupils?

Be grateful for the first-class allround education you are receiving, as it will enable you to have the ability and confidence to follow your dreams.

Always persevere and do your best but have the courage to change tack if you need to. You only have one life, so make the most of it, and learn from your experiences.

Finally, please indulge us with a random fact about yourself!

I believe in Angels and life after death, so hopefully when the time comes, I won’t be afraid of dying.

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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Medley Lecture On Tuesday 10 October we held our first Senior Medley Lecture of the School year in the splendour of the Performing Arts Centre. Part of three inspiring Senior Medley Lectures taking place in the Michaelmas term, we were delighted to welcome Johnnie Boden, CBE to School.

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ohnnie Boden is the Founder and Creative Director of Boden, the global fashion brand with teams in London, Boston and Pennsylvania. The Boden brand has grown to be synonymous for its colour, pizzazz and vibrancy and Johnnie was awarded a CBE for services to the Fashion & Retail Sector in the New Year Honours List 2023.

Medley Lectures are a very important part of our enrichment programme and take place every year with audience members usually consisting of pupils, parents, alumnae, staff, and friends of the school. These lectures take their name from former Headmistress, Miss Nancy Medley, who had a great passion for learning outside the curriculum, encouraging pupils to think and to broaden their horizons.

This talk was hosted brilliantly by Ginnie ChadwyckHealey (Fraser DH 2001) who is a sustainable fashion advocate, journalist, stylist, Ambassador of Smart Works Charity, and mother of three. Ginnie lives not far from Cold Ash and returned to Downe House after twenty-two years. Twelve of those years were spent at British Vogue, firstly managing the British Fashion advertising portfolio and latterly, as the Executive Retail Editor. After leaving British Vogue, Ginnie set-up her own consultancy in 2018 and VCH Style was born.

Sonya Leong (Upper Sixth), one of our impressive Ambassadors, introduced Johnnie and Ginnie to the stage and handed over to Ginnie to steer the evening.

Johnnie shared some excellent guidance with the audience; be yourself, read any books that explore characters, listen to criticism, become a good judge of other people and failure isn’t bad.

Johnnie ended with this quote: “Take risks, make a fool of yourself and don’t worry when people laugh at you. I was terribly self-conscious when I was younger and worried what people thought of me. Push yourself a bit more and try new things”.

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Our audience thoroughly enjoyed the evening: “I just wanted to say how much my daughter and I enjoyed our evening last Tuesday. Mr Boden and Ms Chadwyck-Healey were both engaging, entertaining and informative; there were lots of things for both the girls and older members of the audience to take away. We also appreciated the opportunity to come and experience a little slice of School life ahead of my daughter starting at Downe next September. She came away full of positivity and enthusiasm.”

“I just wanted to say a big thank you for arranging such an insightful and fun evening on Tuesday with Ginnie and Johnnie.

As an alumna, it was great to be included in such a great evening.”

We’re proud to support VCHRISTMAS 2023, which encourages a more considered approach to gifting, from brands, that are striving to do better in the ways they produce, design, deliver and source.

VCHRISTMAS runs from 1st–3rd December 2023, with special offers available.

The guide is created (and curated) by DH alumnae, Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey (www.vchstyle.com).

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GlobalInternships A FOCUS ON

2023 saw the launch of Downe House’s unique Global Internship Programme for our Lower Sixth pupils. A total of twenty Sixth Form pupils undertook placements in the UK and overseas. These girls embraced the opportunity to gain an early introduction to global cultures and work styles, and their professional conduct certainly impressed by our employment partners.

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any of the internships were based here in the UK, but seven of these took place at companies based overseas, from Bangkok, Thailand to Hong Kong and Avenel in Australia.

The Recruitment Process The Global Partnerships team set about making the experience as true to life as possible, with the girls completing application forms, taking part in interviews and in many cases attending an introductory meeting with their internship contact either face to face or via Teams.

Types of Internships The girls undertook placements in a variety of sectors, including Human Rights Law in the UK, Venture Capital in Zambia, Finance and Market Research in Hong Kong, Veterinary Medicine in Australia, Education in the Gulf countries, Marketing in London, Insurance & Audit in Germany, Sustainable Development in the UK, Women’s Rights & Mental Health in Canada, and Engineering and the Chemical Industry Supply Chain in Thailand. Each girl was matched to the internship that best suited her studies or career aims.

Internship Insights After the internship, the girls wrote thank you letters and completed evaluation forms. The internship

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companies were also invited to provide feedback on the girls, for insight into their attitude to work, ability to work as part of a team, quality of tasks and attention to detail. The girls rose to the challenge brilliantly, and from the comments made by their internship providers, it is clear they have proved themselves to be a real asset as all girls were noted as being either ‘very good’ or in most cases ‘excellent’ across all areas.

Highlight from one of our Internship Partners

“Zara was a pleasure to have in the team. She has set a high standard for the next work placement student. My colleagues were very impressed that, even without any prior work experience, Zara could keep up with the pace of tasks

assigned to her. Compliments to the school as well, because Zara brought with her a solid knowledge of sharepoint and powerpoint, essential for office workers!”

CATHERINE DIETRICH (WILLIAMSON DH 1995), CFO, ALLIANZ X GMBH, GERMANY.

Highlight from one of our Downe House Internship Ambassadors

“One evening we went to an entrepreneur’s pitch. There were 5 people trying to get funding for their startups.

I found it really interesting.”

GEORGIE (UPPER SIXTH PUPIL), 30THIRTYCAPITAL, AUGUST 2023

Case Study Downe House Muscat is Oman’s first premium, British all-girls’ school with an impressive purpose-built campus. As such it was the ideal location for one of our first few Global Internships to take place at one of our sister schools.

In March 2023, Emily (Upper Sixth) and Alice (Upper Sixth) embarked on a multi-skilled internship, with both girls excited at the prospect of working at our brand new facility in the bustling city of Oman with beaches, and the striking Hajar mountains not far away. Highlights included a visit to the Muttrah Souq and the Grand Mosque, with both girls impressed by the beautiful architecture.

Alice commented “I really enjoyed marketing, working with the girls to make videos for the school. It taught me how to work quickly and efficiently, as often there would be a short deadline.

Another thing that I really enjoyed doing was helping with lessons, for example, food technology or sports lessons.

I particularly enjoyed playing tennis with the very enthusiastic Grade 5s!”

Emily commented: “DH, Muscat is the most incredible school. It was so nice to be able to see it for myself and I am very excited to tell the girls at Downe House UK about my amazing time.”

Ms Michelle Scott, founding Principal of Downe House Muscat said, “It was a pleasure to have Emily and Alice here at Downe House Muscat. The girls had a positive attitude to work and fully embraced all of the opportunities whilst they were with us.”

Host an Intern We are very grateful to our parents and alumnae who ha ve provided global internships.

Could you help support our pupils by hosting a global internship?

If you can help us develop this hugely rewarding programme, please contact Ms Marya Akhtar (Director of Global Partnerships) via email: akhtarm@downehouse.net

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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Introducing

Hannah Litvack Downe’s new Development Director “I joined as Development Director in May this year and it is an absolute privilege to work for a school which has such a unique heritage and spirit. I have been struck by the warmth of the Downe House community, including the alumnae, parents, donors, staff and pupils. It is truly a special place.”

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he Development and External Relations Office keeps our community connected through an inclusive, diverse programme of events, sustaining your memories and friendships long beyond your time here at School. Our alumnae community is a vital part of connecting our girls to the world beyond Downe House and alumnae involvement in the DH LINKS programme and mentoring is an invaluable resource for our girls. We are so grateful to those alumnae and parents who share their experience and expertise, supporting our girls at University and in the workplace, helping to build the fabric of our community beyond Downe.

The Development Office works to raise valuable funds to support the School, its community, its legacy and its future. Whilst the School is able to fund some of the projects ahead, the additional philanthropic support of parents, past parents and alumnae, is vital in ensuring that Downe House remains able to provide an

unsurpassed education of breadth and depth for years to come.

As the School looks to the future, we know that we must look at things afresh and make the educational opportunity we provide increasingly relevant. The School is currently reviewing its long-term strategy, vision and aims for the future, to ensure we continue to be one of the very best schools here in the UK, and in the world. I look forward to sharing more about this with the Downe House community in the months and years ahead.

The Development and External Relations office is busier than ever, with more exciting plans in the pipeline. We do not accomplish this on our own but rely on on support from our alumnae and parent body, who volunteer to get involved. As we expand our activities, we welcome new ideas and feedback to make sure everyone in the Downe House community feels connected. I would like to thank all of you for the different ways you support the School’s endeavors and I very much look forward to meeting some of you over the coming year.

HANNAH LITVACK DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Supporting our Vision The culture of giving back and philanthropy are valued tenets of the Downe House community

Bursary Awards With the support of the Downe House community, we will continue to grow funding available to those who would otherwise be unable to come here.

We are committed to offering talented girls access to everything which a Downe House education provides, regardless of their means. We value pupils who will flourish in and contribute to School life, seizing every opportunity and enriching our community.

Centenary Day Bursaries To mark the School’s 100th anniversary of its arrival at the campus in Berkshire, in 2022 we launched the Centenary Day Bursaries scheme.

These bursaries cover up to 100% of the day fee for pupils in our local community. We are investing funds to enable us to offer up to two 100% bursaries in every year group and our first award holders arrived in 2023. We look forward to sharing the Centenary Day Bursary holders’ stories with you in the coming years. After only a few months here, I already know that a Downe House education is one of the greatest gifts you can receive.

How can you help?

We know our alumnae and parent communities are ambitious for the School and for our pupils.

We are entering a particularly exciting time of evolution and growth, there is a lot of ambition amongst our community.

Growing philanthropic support Your donations and legacy pledges help us keep the pupil-base diverse through our bursary programme, help provide hardship funds for families who suddenly hit difficult times, help with the capital costs of growing a school and also help with facilities which our pupils, and indeed many children across Berkshire, are able to enjoy through our community engagement programme.

Downe House takes its educational charity status very seriously and works hard to make you, our past pupils, and our current pupils and their families, proud.

If you would like to be part of this growing momentum that is helping us achieve so much for so many, or to learn more, regardless of the size of your donation, please email or call Hannah Litvack (litvackh@downehouse.net | 44(0)1635 917732), or visit our website at www.downehouse.net/support-us. ail or call, we are grateful for your time or expertise.

We are entering a particularly exciting time of evolution and growth, and there is a lot of ambition amongst our community for the School and for our pupils. Thank you for your support.

SC A N OR CLIC K TO PLEDGE YOU R SUPPORT

Our Bursary provision at a glance Over the past 3 years, £2.8m has been awarded to support 87 girls 40 pupils receiving means-tested support in 2023–34 Half of these are receiving >75%

The Palmer Society – our legacy supporters Legacy gifts have always played an important role in the history of our School. These are deeply personal donations and over the years have provided bursaries, restored historic buildings, and improved the school site: thereby enabling the next generation to thrive in our wonderful School. A gift to Downe House in your Will would play a significant role in enabling our ongoing success and to recognise your generosity, you’ll be invited to join the Palmer Society. Whether you have decided to leave a gift in your Will or would like more information about legacy giving, we would love to hear from you. Please do get in touch with Hannah Litvack by email or phone (litvackh@downehouse.net | +44(0)1635 917732).

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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R E M SUMLING GE CYC

MR This summer, Mrs Katharine Henson (Director of Curriculum Administration and Digital Learning) took on the challenge of cycling from Downe to Downe – Cold Ash to Sauveterre!

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atharine decided to take on this challenge to raise funds for our new Maths department building. She set off on Wednesday 5 July after the Leavers’ Service and reached Sauveterre on Saturday 15 July, cycling roughly 60 miles per day. After cycling to Portsmouth, she took the ferry to Caen. From there she followed the ‘velo francette’ cycle route, which runs from Normandy to the Atlantic coast.

Katharine turned south before reaching the coast and headed towards the Canal du Garonne which took her most of the way to Sauveterre.

SCAN O R CLICK TO DONATE

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You may remember the DH Global Connections Tour during the Covid pandemic lockdown, when the School community logged their exercise miles to complete a virtual trip around the world, visiting our global partners. As part of that event, Katharine cycled the virtual distance across Japan. Three years on, we can thankfully once more travel the world, so her 2023 summer challenge was a real journey linking two Downe House locations.

Maths is a core subject studied by all the girls from Remove to the Upper Fifth, and almost half of the Sixth Form.

Katharine joined Downe House in September 2000 as Head of Mathematics and was really excited to work in a building that had been opened by one of the most celebrated 20th Century British female scientists and Nobel Prize winner: Dorothy Hodgkin.

Originally the Science block, the current home to the Maths department has seen many changes over the years.

Maths was one of the first parts of the

School to use interactive whiteboards, the precursor to the digital screens we use today.

Katharine commented: “We are lucky to have a large department of nine excellent Maths teachers and we deliver a traditional and engaging curriculum that sees our girls get some of the best results in the country. However, with just four classrooms, lessons often take place in different parts of the school, and we are somewhat limited in delivering our ideas for even more innovative and engaging Maths teaching.”

On behalf of the whole Downe House community, we offer a huge congratulations to Mrs Henson for her efforts which totalled 1003km or 626 miles, climbing a total of 6538 metres!

Thanks to those who have already shown their support by donating, we have received just over £1000 in donations for our new Maths Department building.

We are still welcoming donations to this fantastic cause.

“Huge congratulations to Katharine Henson for her commitment and effort in completing her challenge to raise funds for the Maths department, raising over £1,000. It is wonderful to see so many donations coming in from across the whole Downe House community and there is still the opportunity to donate if you would like to.”

MS HANNAH LITVACK (DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT)

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CLOISTERS 2023

NEW DOWNE HOUSE MERCHANDISE We are launching an online shop selling a bespoke range of Downe House merchandise!

Working with the design team at Pampeano, we have designed a range of exquisite leather polo belts and a gorgeous dog collar too!

Other items include a stunning golf umbrella, a must have accessory for school matches, plus much more!

Our range of products have been inspired by the colours of our uniform and feature the eminent Downe House shade of green.

We predict our branded pyjama bottoms available in Blue or Pink and White Candy Stripes, will be a best seller for pupils and alumnae alike.

UK and international postage will be available, as well as the option to click and collect from School.

SOMETHING FOR ALL BUDGETS

KEEP AN EYE ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MORE INFORMATION

Background: ©ok_kate/Shutterstock.com

Photographers and Writers We’d love you to be part of our Cloisters editorial team!

We’d love to give photographers and writers in our community the opportunity to get their name into the pages of this magazine. It’s distributed to over 3,000 members of the School community – and is also publicly available online. Please contact the Editor, Mrs Alexandra Barlow (Director of External Relations) to find out how you can get involved – barlowa@downehouse.net

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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CESCA IS A

Cesca Major (Martin DH 2000) is a novelist and screenwriter.

She has written fourteen novels under different names and her books have been published in more than 12 countries.

STAR IN THE MAKING I

n March of this year, it was announced that Cesca’s novel Maybe Next Time is being brought to the screen

by Hello Sunshine and Apple Studios. Hello Sunshine is a media company co-founded by Reese Witherspoon, whose main focus is to put women at the centre of every story. They actively support women’s authorship and aim to bring original, distinctive, entertaining and important women-centred stories into the spotlight.

Reese Witherspoon is the founder of Reese’s Book Club and each month she chooses a book with a woman at the centre of the story.

Cesca’s latest book and Reese’s Book Club November pick of the month – MAYBE NEXT TIME – is part romance part mystery. A Groundhog Day love story about Emma, a stressed working mother and literary agent who finds herself trapped in a time loop as she attempts to save her family from calamity.

Have you picked up a copy of Maybe Next Time yet – a hardback copy is available now and a paperback copy is available by preorder for February 2024.

“It’s my movie news of dreams!”

Read more about Cesca on her website Cesca Major – Author

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A trip downe

memory lane We have very much enjoyed connecting with a wide range of our alumnae throughout the year and giving them a tour of the School campus.

If you would like to revisit Downe House and enjoy a tour of our beautiful woodland campus, please contact a member of the Foundation Office team in advance to book.

Telephone: 01635 204740 Email: foundation@downehouse.net

VERITY DIBBEN (PATERSON DH 1999)

“Thank you so much too for taking us on such a fabulous tour and for taking so much time out of your busy day to entertain us.

It’s been such a talking point of this trip home for us. I really was very touched that you were so flexible with your time and allowed us to have such a good roam around.

It was genuinely very special for me and has given me much to reflect on – both personally and as a parent in the process of considering what’s important for my children.

Hugely appreciated.”

VERITY DIBBEN (PATERSON DH 1999)

“Thank you so very much for giving me such a great trip down memory Lane – it really was so special to be able to just walk around with you – & how familiar it all felt – and yet how different too.”

CHARLOTTE BARKER (CONSETT DH 1966)

SACHA JAN (DH 1991)

CHARLOTTE BARKER (CONSETT DH 1966)

ANTONIA RECKHENRICH (DH 2013)

PATRICIA MACDONALD (TRYON DH 1958)

ALUMNA PROFILE

Louise Jackson (DH 1984) Founder of The Jacksons Boutique

Shop The Jacksons here The Jacksons Boutique

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The Jacksons boutique is a hidden gem in London’s Notting Hill. The boutique is full of bright clothes, jewellery, gifts and homewards.

As the shop has evolved over the years, it has grown to represent a spirit of uniqueness and sustainability that goes beyond fashion trends.

What were your passions when you were growing up?

I’d love to say that I always knew what I wanted to do so I had many passions but – I didn’t!

I was happy hanging out with friends.

I did always know that the world I lived in was small and that there was a much bigger world round the corner, so going travelling and seeing how big, how extreme, how beautiful the world actually was – was life-changing.

Whereabouts is The Jacksons located and does it have an online presence?

Our shop & studio are located on All Saints Road, just off Portobello Road.

We also have a website: www.thejacksons.co.uk The Jacksons is best known for your jute bags, but tell us about the range of other products you sell?

The Jacksons range is all about colours and creativity – anything that can creat a bit of a smile. The jute bags are the the bulk of our production but we’re so glad to see how our beads & placemats ranges have also grown in the past couple of years. Our latest addition to the range is our pop star decorations that have been taking over many Christmas trees – it’s sweet how they have got themselves their own fan club!

There’s a new homewares collection coming to further broaden our range.

We’ve also got our own shop in which we sell a range of dresses, jumpers, skirts and coats etc. We try to buy ‘sustainable’ brands – if there is such a thing.

What year did you first go out to Bangladesh and what do trips these involve now?

I first went out to Bangladesh in 2008.

I normally go with Vinnie, my great friend who I’ve been working with for about 20 years.

Our trips to Bangladesh always involve motor bikes to visit some of the jute centres – we work with around.

60 villages so we have quite a big outreach and some distances to cover –

I am never happier than on a motor bike so I love this part. Our wonderful producers often invite us into their homes – which is such an honour and we get to meet the extended family.

There’s a lot of laughing and sharing pictures of our families, taking selfies and chatting – all patiently translated by my manager, SonJoy. And always food, so I never come back any thinner from my trips.

Vinnie manages the production and I go to workshops where we are developing new products. We went in September and started at 8am, speaking with USA clients before they went to sleep and finished around 10 at night speaking with the UK office before it closed for the day.

It was exhausting and exhilarating – I can’t speak for a few days when I get home which drives my family mad.

How many women do you employ in Bangladesh?

1800 women for at least 11 months of the year but we work on a more casual basis with over 6,000 people.

What does secure employment mean to this community of artisan women and their families in rural Bangladesh?

Its life changing! It means a quaranteed

supply of food, clothing, etc. Basics that I have always taken for granted.

The women that we work with are paid directly – rather than their families or husbands – money in your hand is status. It is power – it means freedom to make your own choices, buy your own provisions and pay for your daughters’ education.

Every daughter of every women that we work with now stays at school till they are 18 – previously they would leave at 14. We even have a small number of young women that have gone on to university – unheard of even as recently as six years ago.

Talk us through the design process for your jute bags?

We make the initial design in London – a paper pattern which we draw onto, add measurments and any other details, then we email it over. After the first sample is made in Bangladesh then it’s a lot of Photoshop work and Whats App messaging early each morning.

Which brands do you stock and why?

Alex Monroe, Baum und Pferdgarten, Celia B, Chloe Stora, Dilli Grey, DL1961, Ecoalf, Hartford, Idano, Jaquote, JEFF, Jumper1234, Mishky, Ottod’Ame, POM Amsterdam, Stella Forest, Stripe & Stare, Volantis and Xiwij.

We stock them because they are different from what you find on the High Street and yet conscious towards our environment – we always try to buy ‘sustainable’ fashion and items that are heirlooms.

Where do you ship to around the world?

Luckily – everywhere.

What inspires you?

People and car boot sales.

“Louise has a passion for the environment, people, community and colour.”

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ALUMNA PROFILE

Sophie Goulding (Roberts DH 1996) Voice Actor

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Sophie is an award-winning voiceover artist, audiobook narrator and actress with nearly twenty years’ experience.

Tell us about your time at Downe House.

I think I was quite a ‘run of the mill’ student: not super academic, not super sporty but always into acting, and tried to do it at every opportunity.

In the 1990s, there was no Drama GCSE or A Level on offer – it wasn’t strictly part of the curriculum – but my extra-curricular activities were quite full-on in the acting department!

I was lucky to have had some excellent acting teachers: Mrs Leefe and Mrs Burns were great champions and very imaginative with the plays they chose; I remember we were given the opportunity to perform ‘The School for Scandal’ at Basildon Park, in beautiful costumes hired from the National Theatre – it certainly gave me a taste for what might come after school!

I also had a very inspiring History teacher, Mr Bayliss, and English teacher, Mrs de Vito, who brought history and literature to life in the most magical way.

While at Downe, I somehow produced and acted in a children’s show (‘Tickle’ by David Wood) and took it to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with some other girls in my year. I had ‘the bug’ big time! I made a handful of really good, life-long friends at School, and still see them as much as I can.

Can you briefly describe your professional journey since leaving Downe House?

My parents were (understandably) fairly concerned about my desire to go straight to Drama School after leaving Downe. They managed to persuade me to knuckle down and get a degree under my belt: ‘just in case’!

In hindsight, it was probably the best thing for me to have had three years at The University of York, where I read English Literature – still dabbled a lot in acting at university, but it was an important time to grow up and live in the world after being at boarding school for seven years. Post-university, I worked for a theatrical agent for a while and then applied and got into The Guildhall School of Music and Drama to study Acting for 3 years.

That was such a key time for me; it was really hard work and I grafted harder than I’ve ever done before (or since!)

In my final year at Guildhall, I applied for and won the BBC Carleton Hobbs Radio Award, which gave me six months on the Radio Rep Company at the BBC. It was a fabulous first job, where I learnt to throw myself in, take responsibility for decisions about tone and character, and to muck in and learn from all the other hugely talented actors I met and worked with.

Around this time, I contacted another DH alumna, Marylou Thistleton-Smith, who had recently started up her own Voiceover Agency, The Voiceover Gallery. I pretty much bullied her into taking me on as a client, and I’ve been represented by her now for nearly 17 years.

For the next 10ish years, I worked a lot in voiceover and radio drama, a bit of TV and theatre; everything from plays in tiny fringe theatres like The Arcola, to big budget West End shows; tours (with Shared Experience, Chichester and Theatre Royal Bath), culminating in being directed by Alan Ayckbourn in Scarborough, while 6 months pregnant with my first child!

After having children, I soon realised that the theatrical career I had enjoyed before wasn’t going to be possible in quite the same way, so I had to re-assess things. This was when I turned my focus back to audio and to the world of audiobook narration. Luckily for me it really paid off, and during the pandemic it became a pretty crucial avenue of work; most other options had, of course, been closed down.

I set up a sort of Blue Peter-style ‘duvet studio’ in the bedroom where I spent most of the pandemic recording books and voiceovers. It was our lifeline! When I was pretty sure the work wasn’t going to dry up, I invested in a professional recording studio.

My family and I now live just down the road from Downe, and we have a lovely shepherd’s hut studio in the garden: my ‘commute to work’ is great! I record around 12-15 books a year and close

to 50 voiceovers (everything from pharmaceutical explainers, B2B videos, glossy tv and cinema ads and crazy Greco Roman video games!) I feel very lucky to be kept busy with this work.

I’ve also combined audio work with some acting tutoring, which I love. I worked for a decade back at Guildhall on the audition panel, and I also mentored 3rd years students there. Now, I work at The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff for half of the year, where I tutor acting and radio technique. I really value this connection with students coming into the industry – it recalibrates my work and keeps it relevant and connected to the world. Plus, I learn a lot from the students too.

Describe a typical day for you.

One of the things I love about my life is that there is no such thing as a ‘typical day’! However, the great thing about working in audio is that I can generally be around for my children: dropping them at school and picking them up. Mornings tend to start with a dog walk – it’s so important to get your body moving if you’re going to be sedentary all day! – I might be prepping for an audiobook in my studio; working out the different character voices and checking tricky/ foreign pronunciations, sending off voiceover demos, recording a voiceover in a live session with another studio.

Sometimes I might be at The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, where I tutor. Other days, I might be in a recording studio in London – it’s good to ring the changes! I try to dedicate some time in the week to marketing: following up on contacts, networking and sharing new things on my website. It’s also so important to keep learning and honing your skills, so I try to attend online masterclasses and workshops throughout the month. If you’re self-employed, you are your own business; so you’re the talent, marketing manager, finance operations officer and general dog’s body all in one!

What are the most valuable skills for someone to be successful in your career field?

Be curious, be open, say ‘yes’ to learning new things, be prepared to throw yourself in. Develop a resilience and resourcefulness, make connections and nurture them. Keep a sense of who you are and what is important to you. It’s a school of hard

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“I had a very inspiring History teacher, Mr Bayliss, and English teacher, Mrs de Vito, who brought history and literature to life in the most magical way.” knocks and learning to ‘cancel and continue’ when a work opportunity doesn’t come your way is crucial, and something that one keeps learning to deal with throughout life! Create your own work: look at Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Michaela Coel: they wrote their own work and look at them now!

Above all, you’ve got to want to do it beyond anything; if you have any doubts, don’t do it. Seriously.

What has been the greatest accomplishment in your career?

When I was at Drama School, I remember we were warned that after 10 years, only a handful of us (of the 25) would be working as actors. The fact that I’m still here, keeping going, making a living in the industry after nearly 20 years is something I’m pretty proud of!

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in your career?

The pandemic was certainly a major challenge for us actors. My husband is an actor too and works mainly in tv and film: he had five jobs cancelled in 48 hours at the beginning of lockdown.

It really forced us to think outside the box and work out how we were going to pay the mortgage! Setting up our home studio turned out to be a godsend. I ended up doing pretty well out of the pandemic as a result, which was definitely an unexpected outcome.

I had to learn how to operate all the editing software and manage the tech side of the recording process, which was really good for me; I’m not sure I ever would have done that had I not been forced into a corner.

How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance and prioritise your wellbeing?

It’s always challenging to balance work and life when you have children and a career, but I’m fortunate that, to a certain extent, I can determine when

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I work, and plan it out so that during school holidays I can be around a bit more for my children, than if I were in a regular 9-5 job. Also, my husband and I can try to work around each other, so one of us is always there for the children: it’s a bit of a tag-team effort.

Shortly after moving out of London, we bought a puppy, and this has been an amazing way to ensure I get out and have a proper walk twice a day.

As I spend most of every day sitting down in my studio, it’s so important to ensure I move and stretch as often as possible…I also go to Pilates classes regularly and have the odd massage if I’m feeling flush!

What career advice would you give to our girls who are thinking about pursuing a career in your chosen field?

Find out as much as possible about the industry. Speak to people, ask for advice, have a look around the Drama schools, if that route interests you. See

Read more about Sophie’s business here: www.sophierobertsaudio.com

where the actors you admire trained.

Go to the theatre! I would also say, don’t rush into a training: some people are ready at 18 – one of my best pals went straight from school to Drama School – but she was far more mature than I was at 25 when I went. Taking some time to grow up and live in the world before training was, for me, the best possible decision. You only get one chance at Drama School, and you want to get as much out of it as you possibly can. Also, back yourself and believe in yourself.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

If I could keep working in this industry, that would be enough. But I would love to do more animation and video game work. I’d also love to be a ‘go-to voice’ for a brand like M & S or Classic FM! I’m open to saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that may at first seem disconnected to what I do. In the past, I would have said ‘I can’t imagine doing anything other than acting’, but I think I’m a bit more philosophical these days.

Finally, please indulge us with a random fact about yourself!

My husband is also an actor (Richard Goulding). He has spent quite a bit of his career playing Prince Harry in a silly Channel 4 comedy called ‘The Windsors’. Oddly enough, we were married in the same place as Harry and Meghan (though we got there ten years before them).

Foundation Dinner 12 May 2023

A wonderful and emotive evening for our departing Upper Sixth pupils, their parents and Housestaff marking the end of their formal education and shortly before they began their public examinations.

The evening was an opportunity to reflect on their time at School and begin to look ahead to their life beyond Downe House. Thank you to former Head and Deputy Seniors; Amy Craig (DH 2013) and Serena Hughes-Onslow (DH 2013) for returning to Downe after ten years and giving such an inspiring speech in the Main Dining Room. Wishing the Class of 2023 all the very best for the future.

Graduations We are delighted to share these images of our recent leavers who have all graduated from a range of different universities around the world in 2023. Follow @dh_links on Instagram to read more about these inspirational alumnae and their plans for the future.

Our congratulations to them and other graduates in the Downe House community!

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If you would like to share your graduation photo with us, please send it to foundation@downehouse.net

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Letters to the Editor A new feature for Cloisters, we very much hope our readers will embrace this new piece in the magazine. Please send your comments and thoughts to Mrs Alexandra Barlow (Editor of Cloisters) barlowa@downehouse.net We received some wonderful feedback following the publication of Cloisters 2022, which was a special Centenary edition of the magazine, including: Many thanks for sending me my copy of the Cloisters.

What a great edition and so full of wonderful photos and information. When I opened the envelope and took the magazine out and looked at the front cover – my first thought was ‘gosh the girl on the left of the photo looks just like my mother as a young girl’ My mother went to Downe around 1939/40 ish (she was born in 1928). I was wondering if you know the names of the girls in the photograph, please?

Sadly, mummy is no longer alive so I can’t ask her if the photo is her! Her name was Elizabeth Methuen. I do hope you might be able to throw some light on whether this could possibly be my dear Mum – I know on the inside cover is says ‘circa 1930’ but I thought I must ask!

MARY SEWELL (FRASER DH 1975)

100 YEARS IN COLD ASH

THE CENTENARY EDITION 52

Friendship & Memories I am emailing on behalf of my mother, Elisabeth Clifford (Parks DH 1947), who attended Downe from 1941-1947. She was excited to see the latest Cloisters magazine with the old school photographs and recognises herself and many friends plus teachers too in the 1940s photo, and would love to order a copy to insport more closely if possible. She has lots of lovely memories of her school days and talks fondly about Miss Willis and her white dogs, and how Miss Willis not only knew every pupil, but the names of their siblings too.

CATHERINE BROWN

Chapel Twice a Day Thank you so much for magazine, it is amazing. I am in the photo of the 1950s! I have the photo, I am in the front row.

Those were the days – cold, food awful and quite strict, but great friends and great memories. Oh, ants in the apricots among other things and never any cake. I didn’t see a mention of Miss Medley, our Head. I remember Miss Wills, she was great and preached/read in Chapel. Do you still have Chapel twice a day? Good luck for the next 100 years.

SUSAN WILLIAMS (TAYLOR DH 1959)

Formative Years Thank you for Centenary edition of Cloisters. Although I left Downe in 1957 in order to pursue A Level studies at St Paul’s Girls School in London, my time at Downe was very happy and I have some wonderful memories of a very impressionable stage of my life. I have an original of the 1950 school photo and brought a scanned version to the reunion lunch at the Hurlingham Club which intrigued a lot of my form mates and contemporaries who attended. I can still recite the alphabetical list engraved on one’s heart from assemblies, ‘Jaws’, the temps queue and other notices. Clearly, Downe House has come a very long way from those days but many of us owe a great deal to our education and experience in those formative years.

PENNY THOMAS (HOGG DH 1957)

“Thank you for the most impressive edition of Cloisters, celebrating 100 years in Cold Ash. What a transformation and what an incredible number of exciting subjects, dear Olive Willis (founder) would be so proud of you all.”

CLOISTERS 2023

Friends

Forever Mary June Pettyfer (Wilkinson DH 1951) 1933–2023

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

Illustration: ©momo sama/Shutterstock.com

B

orn in England in 1933, she and her parents moved to Hawaii and then to the Philippines where her father, Gerald Wilkinson, would run a subsidiary of her family’s trading firm, Theo. H. Davies & Co. Ltd. After the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1941, she was interned at age eight with her brother and mother at the Santo Tomas Japanese Internment Camp for three years. It was a time of immense hunger and deprivation. She was so hungry that by the end of the War, she could only walk up the stairs, one step at a time. She came close to death at least once when in the fighting, a sniper shot at her, with her remembering the bullet going narrowly overhead as she dove to the ground. She and approximately four thousand other internees were liberated by General MacArthur’s troops in 1945.

Her internment influenced many of her beliefs: her support for world federalism and the need for greater understanding between countries; international law, specifically the International Criminal Court; and the need for sharing with the less fortunate.

It underscored the importance of love and helping others and deepened her sense of appreciation. But it was only one influence amongst many in a very rich, diversified life.

After liberation, Mary June and her family reunited with her father who had joined the British Army as the liaison officer between British forces and General Douglas MacArthur. After a short period recuperating in New York, she returned to England to start school at Downe House, while her parents returned to the Far East to rebuild businesses destroyed by war.

In her twenties, Mary June trained as an opera singer, studied French at the Sorbonne University and was a secretary in London.

In 1962, she married Philip Pettyfer, an officer with the British Army Air Corps. In 1970, they emigrated to Victoria, Canada, with their three sons. Canada represented a wholesome change that she believed offered a more open-minded culture in which to raise a family.

She was a truly loving mother, devoted to raising her children through cooking to music to school and so much more on the small farm where they lived on the outskirts of Victoria.

As her children grew-up, she expanded her sense of motherhood to her community and world. By the mid-seventies, she was concerned with the great inequities, including those in the developing world. As the Cold War heated up, she became an active peace advocate.

She was an early environmentalist, foreseeing the inevitable problems, which would emerge. Her interests dovetailed into her contribution to the World Federalist Movement, which believes that while global problems are best solved globally, institutions of global decision-making (i.e. the United Nations) need to be improved. She ran and grew the Victoria chapter of the World Federalists for many years and was a member of the governing council of the national section of the organization. Her work for peace was a sensible approach from someone who knew that war must never be an option.

Our mother exemplified empathy, generosity, modesty and selflessness – she was far more interested in the greater good than herself. What tied her qualities together was her great faith in God. Her three children were together with her when she died. We sang the hymns that she sang with us as boys and enveloped her with our love.

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Cherry Palmer (Gibbs)

Illustration: ©momo sama/Shutterstock.com

1928–2023

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C

herry Anne Gibbs was evacuated to Downe House during World War Two with eighty of her fellow schoolmates and staff from Queen’s Gate School in Kensington, London. She did not select Downe House for her own daughters, but her daughter-in-law, Catherine Palmer (DH 1975 Jackson) and two of her granddaughters, Laura Addis (Palmer DH 2002) and Harriet Palmer (DH 2009) all attended Downe House.

It was whilst Harriet was in her first year that Cherry came to talk to the Remove about her time at Downe House during the War. She was a Londoner through and through, but was initially excited at the prospect of moving to a boarding school in the country, because her mother would then allow her to wear pyjamas rather than a nightie! She and her sister, Jenny, arrived with Pompey their dog who slept under her bed until he was expelled for biting a matron. However, the realities of rural wartime life soon set in and the cold winter brought on chilblains which made them both long for home. The Queen’s Gate girls thought the DH girls were country bumpkins and the DH girls thought the Queen’s Gate girls were too sophisticated for their liking. The two schools were taught separately and were fiercely competitive when it came to sport. Cherry remembered how proud she was that her school would always win the tennis matches – thanks to two excellent players in the year above. They could not really compete in other sports, however, and she was not impressed by lacrosse!

She remembered many events during the war, hearing aircraft flying overhead, the rumour that a parachutist had landed nearby and particularly the huge bonfire lit on VE day to celebrate the end of the War. She recalled Miss Willis handing out cigarettes to the girls! She also remembered Miss Nickel and her ability to do practically anything.

At the age of 21 she married Bill Palmer (of the Huntley and Palmers biscuit-making family) and they subsequently came to live near Downe House with their four children. She joined the Berkshire Red Cross and rose to President. During this time, she tirelessly helped the East African Asian refugees from Uganda who had been expelled by the dictator Idi Amin in 1972 and who were being housed at Greenham Common.

Bill’s cousin, Elizabeth (‘Bets’) Palmer, was always closely connected to the School, having been a pupil in Kent and later Miss Medley’s first Vice-Principal, after which she lived at Fencewood. It was through Bets (and her own granddaughters) that Cherry overcame her misgivings about her wartime experiences, and acquired a close interest in Downe in later life. She was pleased to be invited to the opening of the Palmer Centre and to be interviewed by her two granddaughters for a recent DHSA Magazine.

She died peacefully at home on 12th July 2023.

Jennifer Davies (DH 1938) 1921–2022

J

ennifer passed away peacefully at home on 7th November 2022. She was beloved aunt, great aunt and great-great aunt. She joined the Newbury Symphony Orchestra in 1966 as a violinist. She came from a musical family, one of five children who regularly played chamber music together at home with their father. She studied violin at Downe House and later taught the violin to young pupils. She also had a fine singing voice.

In her earlier life, she had an antiques shop in Walton Street, South Kensington and was in constant demand for her skills in porcelain restoration and china mending.

During the Second World War she was in the WRENS, posted to Portsmouth, Liverpool and London and she was awarded two medals for her contribution to the war effort. Her personal elegance reflected in aesthetic talent, including her eye for colour, her needlework skills, her gift for understanding pattern, her ability as a painter and the placement of objects d’art, rugs, flowers and paintings.

Jennifer had a wonderful sense of humour. She was a perfectionist in every aspect of her life, always striving ‘to do her utter’!

Jennifer was a popular and respected member of her local community.

Our thanks to her family for sharing this obituary with us.

Penelope Mason MBE (Touche DH 1948) 1930–2023

P

enelope was and inspirational person who worked hard throughout her life. She had a great spirit of adventure, put others before herself and was assiduously creative.

After leaving Downe House Penelope graduated with a First in Geology at Edinburgh University. Penelope’s post graduate job took her to Nottingham University where she met her future husband, PhD Geology student, Joe Mason.

As a Geologist’s wife in 1954, and onwards, a life of travel followed between Africa and the UK. While living in Rhodesia and Kenya Penelope took on teaching posts, did voluntary work for Kenya Red Cross, and fulfilled a dream of having her own horses. Penelope and Joe’s three children were born in 1955, 1956 and 1960. Donald, Barbara and Brian.

They settled back in the UK living in North Derbyshire where Penelope joined the WI, WRVS and Association of University Women. She became involved with the Conservative Party in the 1980s, holding several positions within the Constituency, Euro Constituency and European Union of Women. Penelope became Chairperson of the Peak Park Planning Board for several years. She was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1996 for political and public service.

In their retirement Penelope and Joe moved to the South East of England to be nearer to family. They enjoyed travelling and joined many local societies including Mole Valley Ramblers, History, Geological, Music and Arts Societies.

Penelope was actively involved in the WI and Embroiderer’s Guild.

Joe died in 2021 and in 2022 Penelope decided to move to a care home, Rosebery Manor, where she made new friends and completed embroidery projects for great grandchildren.

She was a confident public speaker and even in her 92nd year she gave a talk and slide show to her fellow care home residents on her time in Africa during the late 1950s.

As summarised in her final school report from Downe House, “she has made marked progress in every way … by hard work and skill in organising her time, she has given her best to her work and to the life of the School”, which 75 years later could read “she gave her best to her work, her family and the community”. A life well lived.

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DHSA News DHSA MAGAZINE

MATHER TRAVEL AWARDS

The next edition will be published in Spring 2024. It will be three years since the last edition and we look forward to receiving all your news.

Details for submitting will be sent to all members soon.

Mather Travel Awards may be applied for by Members from university age onwards (Travel Awards will not be granted for gap year activities).

Full application criteria details at www.downehouse.net/community/dhsa A Mather Award has been given to Charlotte Eden (DH 2014) for charity work in Lebanon.

Next deadline: 29th February 2024 – DON’T MISS IT

DHSA GRANTS – REMINDER All members of the DHSA are entitled to a grant to assist them in a worthwhile project e.g. towards an individual’s professional or educational development.

Submissions are considered at the next scheduled meeting of the Committee.

Application forms, available from the website, should be sent to the DHSA administrator at dhsa@downehouse.net Grants have been awarded to Charlotte Eden (DH 2014) for professional development – fees for MRCP exams.

Joanna Henley (DH 2010) for personal development – retraining in family mediation and co-ordination.

Next deadline for applications: 29th February 2024.

IN MEMORIAM 2017 Sarah Wise (Clay DH 1966) 2021 Judith Mack (Plunket DH 1958)

Short Story Competition 2023 SPONSORED BY THE DHSA

The results were: Overall Winner of the Clare Balding Prize for Excellent Writing: Lilias (Upper Sixth) Lower School: Alexia (Upper Fourth) Upper School: Amelia (Lower Fifth) VIth Form: Lilias (Upper Sixth)

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2022 Camilla Brown (Keef DH 1979) Rosemarie Cawson (Beer DH 1941) Ruth Chavasse (Gueterbock DH 1950) Jennifer Davies (DH 1938) 2023 Jack Bayliss (Former Staff) Diana Burlton, (Prickett DH 1952) Deirdre Cain (DH 1956) Carola Hudson (Browne DH 1949) Jane Long (DH 1990) Penelope Mason (Touche DH 1948) Kirsten Morag (DH 1960) Cherry Palmer (Gibbs (Queen’s Gate) 1945) Una Whitmore (Malleson DH 1947)

Reunions Reunion for leavers in 1990 to 1995 The DHSA welcomed 75 leavers from 1990-1995 to The Bluebird for what can only be described as a fantastic and well attended reunion. The atmosphere was electric from start to finish and the two hours seemed to fly by. So many happy, familiar faces and a lot of reminiscing. The fizz and rosé flowed throughout the evening and The Bluebird canapés did not disappoint. It shows Downe House girls really do know how to party regardless of their age!

“Huge thanks for a wonderful evening on Thursday night. It was such fun to see so many familiar faces and catch up with besties. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the venue was both special and terribly familiar!”

“Thank you for a wonderful evening last night. So much fun catching up with old friends and seeing so many recognisable faces (the overwhelming cry of “you haven’t changed a bit” echoing around the room) and then peering at name stickers to help the aged brain!”

“Thank you very much for a lovely DHSA gathering last night. So good to see everyone and all looking the same as ever (our daughters may not agree!). It was a wonderful evening and I’m so grateful you got us all together again.”

ADVANCE NOTICE:

Reunion for leavers in 1996 to 2000 This will be held in London in September 2024. Details will follow next year.

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IN TRIBUTE

Steve Brackley

It is hard to think about Steve without a smile coming to your face. Steve’s gentleness, his compassion and care for others, as well as his willingness to support whenever needed, meant that he was someone who simply brought joy to others in our community, but of course beyond too.

S

teve was a true athlete and sportsman, someone whose enthusiasm for squash and tennis simply shone through.

He both encouraged and challenged his pupils whilst also inspiring them to want to do well. Whether they were pupils with great talent or those who simply wanted to play for fun, he believed in them equally and made the lessons

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both enjoyable and meaningful. As one parent commented, our daughters love of squash comes down to Mr Brackley.

His colleagues very much appreciated the fact that he always had time to stop and chat; he was simply interested in other people; he was always willing to help out on a house trip, even if it was right at the last moment, and very much entered into the spirit of whatever the occasion was.

Steve was a fantastic colleague who was utterly reliable, professional and always willing to go the extra mile. It was typical of him that he made so little of his illness. He was so humble and loyal – a great friend to many, and we will feel his loss deeply. I know for all those who are fortunate enough to have known him or to have met him, he simply made the world a better place. His life was all too short, but his legacy will not be, it will live on in the pupils he’s taught, the gifts he’s given to them, the values he has embedded in them, in the friendship he shared that have given us all so many happy memories. We have been richly blessed to have had him in our lives and as a part of this school community.

He rests now in peace, deeply admired and loved and never forgotten.

WORDS EMMA MCKENDRICK, HEADMISTRESS

Background: ©Kristina Kuptsevich/Shutterstock.com

Tennis and Squash Coach

Jack Bayliss 1941–2023

Jack Bayliss came to Downe in 1979 as Head of History and Housemaster of Holcombe.

He became the first Housemaster of York in 1981 and Director of Studies in 1989, a post he held until he retired in 2001.

H

istory was his main love, and he founded the History and Philosophy Society, but he also guided many girls to university and beyond, particularly to Oxbridge of which he had an encyclopaedic knowledge and where he had many connections.

Jack was a true gentleman, very well liked, respected and above all kind.

He was a scholar, erudite, widely read and a brilliant and motivating teacher, described by several of his former pupils as a ‘legend’. Many staff, especially the young and inexperienced ones, learnt much from him, especially confidence. Outside the classroom he added much to staff pantomimes and the barbershop quartet.

To his colleagues he was an outstanding member of the Common Room, a constant friend, sensible but mischievous and at times quite subversive – excellent at playing devil’s advocate to stimulate debate. He received a wooden spoon as a leaving present from his previous school in recognition of his expertise as a stirrer. Anecdotes about the girls (and the staff) were often amusing but never unkind.

He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

WORDS JENNIFER KINGSLAND, CHAIR OF THE DOWNE HOUSE SENIORS ASSOCIATION (DHSA)

Memorial Service A special Memorial Service of prayers, music and thanksgiving for the life of Jack Bayliss took place in the Downe House Chapel on Saturday 4 March 2023. It was attended by a number of former members of staff and led by the School Chaplain.

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Farewell Staff Farewells

Melissa Stimson, Assistant Head (Sixth Form)

During her ten years at Downe House, there was never any doubt about Mel’s commitment to doing the very best for the girls in the Sixth Form. She took a personal interest in the development of each individual, tracked their performance, liaised with their teachers and was never content until everything that could be done to ensure everyone’s full potential would be reached. She encouraged aspiration, set high standards and would always go the extra mile.

However, her vision for the Sixth Form was not restricted to academic development, she was interested in supporting the development of the whole person and to that end she and the team developed an enviable World-Ready Programme which included the introduction of a Mini MBA, Leadership programmes, a varied and challenging lecture programme and a wonderful schedule of social activities too. She was a great supporter of the Caledonian Society, organised many events with Radley College and was a great advocate of getting the Sixth Form Bar up and running again after the pandemic.

As a teacher Mel’s knowledge of and commitment to teaching Politics (and History) were first class. She was a dynamic and highly skilled teacher as well as an outstanding Tutor. She delivered passionate and thought-provoking assemblies and was always looking for ways to develop what was offered in the Sixth Form. As a colleague, she was supportive of others and both her House teams and her Tutors knew that she would be there for them whatever the

time of day or night. Mel’s sense of humour and capacity for fun were also valued by her colleagues very much. For my part, it was a huge privilege to have such an outstanding professional on the Leadership team who ensured that the girls’ interests were always at the centre of any decisions made. She was a loyal, compassionate and highly able senior leader and, although I am very sorry that she left us to return to Bristol, we all wish her nothing but the best in her new role.

How lucky her school is to have her.

WORDS EMMA MCKENDRICK, HEADMISTRESS

Memories of Mel from members of the Downe House Community “You are simply fabulous and made a huge difference to how much our year absolutely adored life at Downe. Thanks for putting up with all our silliness.

Downe is going to miss you a lot. They/we were extremely lucky to have you! Good luck in your future ventures and maybe see you around Bristol town!”

TRINITY HILL (DH 2019)

“Thank you for all you have done for me and countless others at Downe. You always provided such fantastic advice and support as well as being heaps of fun and a shoulder to cry on. You really did make my Sixth Form experience what it was! Good luck in the next chapter.”

GEORGIA ALLISON (DH 2020)

“I wanted to thank you for lending me your textbook on R2P when I was writing my EPQ. That book inspired me to pursue International Relations beyond an undergraduate degree to studying an MA in Conflict Resolution and pursuing a career in that field.”

GRACE CORNISH (DH 2018)

“Thank you so much for being the best tutor to us all, you were brilliant and the next 3 Whitbread girls are unlucky to not get the best tutor in the Sixth Form!

Wishing you the best of luck in your new job!

OTTILIE (DH 2020), ROSE (DH 2021) AND VERENA (DH 2023) WHITBREAD

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Caryl ‘Chaps’ Chaplin, Matron (AGS) Mrs Chaplin, or “Chaps” as she is fondly known by all the AGS girls and staff, was a much loved and valued member of the AGS House team. We have been very fortunate to celebrate Chaps’ 50th year of being a Matron, which is a truly incredible feat. Chaps spent 22 of those years here at Downe House. Her wise words of advice have always been much appreciated by girls and staff alike.

Chaps was always very generous with her time and showed compassion, care and commitment to everyone in the boarding house. The relationships she developed with every single AGS girl was testament to the dedication she showed towards them and all the AGS girls, even having left AGS for Sixth Form or beyond Downe House, would seek Chaps out for her advice and support. It was wonderful to see so many ‘old’ AGS girls return for Founder’s Weekend 2023 to wish Chaps all the best for her retirement.

Chaps will be fondly remembered for the wonderful poems she wrote for the girls (even those with words of encouragement to tidy messy rooms!) and for being our ‘singing matron’. Chaps would always wake the girls up with a cheery tune and her enthusiasm at 7am every morning will always be much appreciated! She also never shied away from fancy dress and was always a willing participant in the girls’ dorm videos – usually singing and dancing!

However, above all this, Chaps will be remembered and very sadly missed for her good humour, kindness, dedication and warmth to the girls. I have absolutely no doubt that she made a significant positive impact on the lives of many AGS girls during her 22 years and I am very grateful for her contribution to life in AGS. I am delighted that Chaps will now be putting her feet up and enjoying her retirement with her husband, Mike, as well as her children and grandchildren, amongst her new hobbies of bowls and playing the piano. She will be dearly missed.

WORDS SOFIA MCCLYMONT, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

Memories of Chaps from members of the Downe House Community “Chaps! I hope that you are really well! 50 years is absolutely incredible. I remember our time in AGS like it was yesterday. Thank you for looking after us so well. Lots of love to you.”

MIRANDA CHALLEN (DH 2009)

“Thank you Chaps for being the most wonderful matron to Clem and Bella over the years.

You made AGS such a special place and it really won’t be the same without you. We wish you all the best in your retirement!! Xxx “ THE PEMBERTONS (FORMER PARENTS)

“Congratulations on your retirement Chaps, well deserved after 50 years. Thank you for being such a support to so many AGS girls. Wishing you all the best. X “ LIBBY BREWIN (DH 2008)

“Thank you so much for making our time in AGS so memorable. 50 years, and all four McNair Scott girls, we have all loved spending time with you, you have always been a big part of AGS. Lots of love Flo & Clemmie xx. “ FLO & CLEMMIE MCNAIR SCOTT (DH 2021)

Margaret Couser, Visiting Music Teacher (Piano) Margaret joined Downe House in 1981. After a staggering 42 years of service, Margaret retired at the end of Summer term 2023 having taught over 30,000 lessons! Margaret studied piano firstly, with Nina Walker and then at the Royal Manchester College of Music with Iso Elinson where she performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C minor at Manchester’s Houldsworth Hall.

During her long career, Margaret has broadcast a song recital for BBC Radio 3 and performed in several recitals at the Wigmore Hall and the Purcell Room on London’s South Bank. This was combined with her time as Assistant Music Director to Peter Gellhorn for the London Opera Players, playing for all their performances throughout the country.

We send our love and best wishes to Margaret in her retirement. The Music School will not be the same without her!

WORDS CHRISTOPHER LAMBERT, MUSIC SCHOOL MANAGER

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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LONGSTANDING STAFF DEPARTURES

Paula Machin, Head of Swimming During her 36 years at Downe House Paula has given so much to the School, it’s pupils and the Sports department.

As Head of Swimming, she has not only taught a key life skill to countless students, but she also has instilled a love of swimming, physical activity, and well-being that I know many of our alumnae have taken with them into everyday life.

She has been a key member of the PE department, always getting stuck in and meeting new challenges head on.

The swimming programme has grown immensely under her tenure with regular swimming lessons, galas, biathlon and triathlon events offered to all age groups. I want to wish Paula the very best for her well-deserved retirement and thank her for her many years of service to Downe House.

WORDS KATIE LAUDER, DIRECTOR OF SPORT

Memories of Paula from the Downe House community “Swimming has always been a huge part of my life, a love which started at Downe, so thank you.

Memories of that amazing pool are definitely happy ones. I have three girls and now spend hours at a pool watching one of them swim, she’s a lot better than I ever was! I’m also showing my girls I can still dive and teaching them a thing or two, it’s not quite as easy as it used to be!

NICOLA BERESFORD JONES (PLAISTOWE DH 1995)

“I can’t believe you’re actually leaving! We started at Downe together all those years ago when the swimsuits were double lined and you could literally blow them up. I love that you’ve also taught Flo which has meant we have been able to do a lot of reminiscing. You also still look exactly the same!

You were a hugely important part of my time at Downe and I will be forever grateful so thank you.”

LUCY SMITH (TURNER DH 1993)

“Wishing you a very happy retirement Mrs Machin!

Thank you for being such a wonderfully supportive swimming teacher all those years ago when I was at Downe. I always loved swimming competitively at School – very happy memories. I’m still loving swimming and am a regular cold water sea swimmer. Wishing you all the best.”

ANNABEL KEVILLE (LIVERSEDGE DH 1994)

“I arrived at Downe aged 12 in 1995 and remember diving into the amazing pool and never leaving.

It was the beginning of the very smart high neck team costumes and dark green swimming robes.

Mrs Machin was one of the best, always kind and encouraging, very supportive of her swimmers.

ALICE DICKIE (DH 2001)

“I am so lucky to have been able to be taught and coached by you, in and out the pool. You not only trained me to be a better swimming, but a better person. I am so thankful for the time we had together. You were such a staple part of my support system over the seven years that I was at Downe House.

GWYNETH CHOI (DH 2022)

“Thank you so much for everything you have done throughout my time at Downe, I have really loved swimming all these years. Your confidence in any swimmer no matter their ability makes swimming lessons so enjoyable for everyone, and your support and enthusiasm at every gala is something I’m sure will be missed in the future.”

AMY WRIGHT (DH 2023)

“In the water ladies – I’m sure you used to say that!

I’ve got such happy memories of that pool and you. I have continued to swim wherever I’ve lived all over the world, and now in the rather chilly North Sea whenever I can. All down to your gentle enthusiasm, kindness and love of the sport.”

KIRSTY CORNELL (NOEL-PATON DH 1992)

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Stay Connected Events beyond Downe House CAROL SERVICE

Join us on Friday 8 December for the Downe House Carol Service in South Kensington, London. An opportunity to hear Choral sing and enjoy some festive joy with our parents, pupils and staff. Tickets can be booked here.

UNIMEETS

Have you recently started University? Get in touch and invite the DH LINKS team to visit. We hope to visit Newcastle and Durham in 2024 but would welcome invitations from other areas of the UK. Email foundation@downehouse.net

REGIONAL REUNIONS

We have been delighted to connect with alumnae in Northern Ireland and Scotland thanks to the support of alumnae hosting us in those regions.

Would you consider hosting a regional reunion and helping to connect alumnae with each other? Areas that might be of interest include; Dorset, East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall.

YEAR GROUP REUNIONS

The Foundation Office organise 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 year Reunions. If you would like to organise a year group reunion outside of this standard format, do get in touch as we would love to help.

FOUNDER’S WEEKEND

A weekend for the whole Downe House community to come together. The next Founder’s Weekend will take place on Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 June 2024.

ALUMNAE AMBASSADORS

Become an Alumnae Ambassador now or in the future. Through this role you can support in lots of different ways: promote & attending school events and encouraging others to do the same, seeking involvement in school activity including fundraising, sharing news and acting as a sounding board for our future plans. If you interested in getting involved, please email: foundation@downehouse.net

ADMISSIONS

If you are considering Downe House for your daughter or granddaughter, we hold Open Mornings for prospective families on a regular basis throughout the year. Further information can be found on the school website or by contacting the Admissions team by email: registrar@downehouse.net

Please contact a member of the Foundation Office for further information about the wide range of events that are available, email foundation@downehouse.net or telephone 01635 204740.

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF DOWNE HOUSE

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HISTORY

Jean Rowntree OBE

Teacher, Aid Worker, Broadcaster 1905–2003

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granddaughter of the Quaker philanthropist Joseph Rowntree, daughter of John W Rowntree and Constance Naish, born at Scalby in Yorkshire.

After reading History at Somerville Jean Rowntree became an inspiring teacher at Downe House and also ran the School’s Historical Society, the Geographical Society and encouraged the girls in their charitable work.

In 1936, she and the School’s Historical Society did a great deal of research and created ‘The Powder Plot’. She wrote a number of plays which were performed by the staff including a thoughtful comedy ‘Revolution in Patagonia’ and a farce, ‘Education Limited’.

Mary Midgely, the moral philosopher who was a pupil here at Downe House wrote, “Our History teachers constantly brought together the many different aspects of life that history tells of, and they also connected the past with what was happening in our own day. One of them Jean Rowntree, used to give a fortnightly talk to the whole school about current events. She made it all live, yet she always made some sense of it.”

Jean Rowntree also helped to set up the first Citizens’ Advice Bureau in the Newbury. After the outbreak of WWII she worked with the many refugees who streamed into Newbury during the Blitz before taking time away from teaching to work at the Quaker Centre in Vienna and also, with her cousin Tessa Rowntree, to work in Prague helping refugees from the Sudetenland. Not only did she help with bring them supplies of

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food, warm clothing and blankets, she also worked hard to find countries that would accept the refugees.

After leaving teaching, she went on to join the BBC, arranging talks and then became involved with the educational side of broadcasting with the Corporation’s Education Unit. To a great degree, the output reflected her wide-ranging interests, with series on science, the arts, current affairs, the environment and education itself.

She is remembered by many for her sharp mind and seriousness of purpose, coupled with an enchanting smile and a hearty laugh. She was a sturdy, energetic person, scholarly in manner, but kind and encouraging.

Her ashes were scattered in the garden of the Friends’ Meeting House, Kirbymoorside.

Jean Wilhelma Rowntree, educational broadcaster, born November 8 1905; died January 16 2003.

The Story of the Oxford English graduate and her work at Bletchley Park

Marigold Freeman-Attwood (Philips DH 1941) 1923–2021

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e decided to focus on the incredible achievements of Marigold Freeman-Attwood who attended Downe House in the 1930s. During her amazing life, she attended Oxford University, worked at Bletchley Park, took part in cracking the Enigma Code, and became a published author, poet and a devoted mother. ​In February this year, Abigail and I went on a scholars’ trip to Bletchley Park. Bletchley was the wartime home of the Government Code and Cypher School, which is now called GCHQ and which was tasked with decrypting and decoding enemy messages to provide vital intelligence that aided the Allied war effort. ​Today Bletchley Park is a museum, which reveals the inspiring stories of Bletchley’s workforce and their impact on World War. When we set about thinking about inspirational Downe House alumnae, we really wanted to discover one of us who had actually been at the heart of cracking the Enigma Code and working on the Colossus machine.

Born Marigold Philips in 1923 into a well-to-do family in rural Derbyshire, Marigold received her education by default.

Her elder sister June had turned up at Downe House and immediately ran away, furious at missing the hunting season!

So, when it was agreed June was better occupied at home with

“She just loved English, and she learned lots of poems off by heart. In fact, she just loved school.

Her ability with words and her superb memory was vital to her work at Bletchley.”

PROFESSOR JONATHAN FREEMAN-ATTWOOD (SON)

Marigold was a member of the Wrens (Women’s Royal Naval Service).

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Photo: ©bletchleypark.org.uk

Background: ©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com

During the Michaelmas term, whole school assemblies have been focussing on the theme of Inspirational Alumnae. Abigail and Rosie (Lower Fifth pupils & academic scholars) chose to highlight the life and work of Marigold Freeman-Attwood, who died at home in Buckinghamshire in May 2021.

We are delighted to share an extract of their presentation in Cloisters.

HISTORY

Marigold pictured in the 1940’s

Marigold is pictured on the left. Next to her is her brother Robin Philips who tragically died in 1943, then her sister June Philips, her mother (Mrs Diana Hardy) and her stepfather Col Leonard Hardy.

the horses, there remained the question of what to do with the expensive uniform! So, Marigold, a dreamy misfit who hated hunting, was sent to Downe in her place.​ ​Downe House was chosen by her parents only because the Headmistress (Olive Willis) was a distant relative. However, for Marigold its progressive academic culture was perfect.

She flourished under Olive Willis’s astute eye and proved not only imaginative but utterly brilliant. At Downe House, she discovered a passion for literature and learnt hundreds of pages of English poetry by heart.

Few girls of Marigold’s background were encouraged to try for university, but in 1941 Marigold won a place at Somerville College, Oxford, to read English. For her family this was a shocking development (her mother, Diana, once scolded her after a disorganised shopping trip to Ashbourne: “What’s the point of having a degree if you can’t remember the fish?”). But Marigold took joyfully to life at Somerville and crammed the learning of a decade into her two wartime years.

After Oxford, in 1943 and in the midst of WWII, Marigold was recruited into the Wrens, and she was sent to Bletchley Park.

Her mother would boast that her daughter was in something high up at the Admiralty, but neither she nor anyone knew what Marigold was really doing. ​ ​Fifty years later, it was revealed she had worked on Colossus, the computer that finally broke into the German high command’s secret messaging. Many people at Bletchley were recruited with the use of Crosswords that were put in Newspapers. Each crossword had a contact number that was to be used by those who could solve the puzzle. When we asked Marigold’s son if this was how she was recruited, he said that when asked about it during her interview, Marigold replied saying she was, “Hopeless”. But evidently, she wasn’t, and her incredible intellect played a vital role in the war effort. ​ ​Marigold worked at Bletchley Park between August 1943 to May 1945. She began her training in Eastcote, London. This was reportedly the place where they had to be conditioned mentally for the kind of work and the burden of the responsibility they would have to undertake as a Wren. Marigold’s 8-hour shift consisted of translating rolls of punch tapes from Morse Code into text, which very rarely made sense. ​ ​Marigold said that when she worked at Bletchley the Wrens “had a lot of fun” however they were “very much segregated” as

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she did not remember going into the mansion or any other huts at any point she worked there. Due to all this secrecy, no one was able to truly trust each other which caused very few real friendships to be made. Furthermore, all workers were banned from telling their families about their work when they visited home.

When we asked Professor Freeman-Attwood about the possible suspicion surrounding his mother, he told us that even though “she wasn’t good at lying, she was legendary at changing a story to go down another route if she didn’t fancy it; her command of the English language was virtuosic in the right contexts allowing her to easily put people off the scent.”​ We also asked Professor Freeman-Attwood when he first knew of his mother’s work at Bletchley. He was the youngest of four children and said that he thinks that he was the last to know. At the end of the war, they had to swear not to tell anyone, and it was not before the year 2000 that they were able to share what they had done. ​Even after this Marigold was hesitant. Typical of her generation, she made light of her part in winning the war.​ ​Unfortunately, the war was also an immensely tragic event for Marigold, as it was a continuum of a sad period in which her father died of cancer, her brother was killed in a tank exercise in Dorset and then her close friend, Billy Astell, was the first to die in the Dambuster Raid. ​ There were doubtless many other acquaintances she knew would never return. However, like millions of others, Marigold had to persevere and she always demonstrated resilience. ​ In later life she spoke engagingly of her time as a Wren and gave many interviews, including one for the BBC’s Newsnight programme. ​ Doing such top secret work, however, left a heavy burden on Marigold and she said after the war, all she craved was ‘normality’.​ ​She summed this up as wanting to have: “In this order, a husband, a baby, a house and a car. I had no ambitions and I think that was very common.”

Though Marigold craved what she called “normality”, she nevertheless was extraordinarily talented. While at Bletchley, she had won the Navy’s poetry competition and she continued to write poetry, privately, until her last years. She also wrote A History Of Leap Castle. She taught briefly, but in 1946 she

WORDS ROSIE & ABI (LOWER FIFTH)

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ms

t ro n g

In Loving Memory of Marigold Freeman-Attwood 23 April 1923–23 May 2021

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abandoned professional life altogether for marriage to a regular soldier, David Wedderburn with whom she had three children. After David died in action in 1960, she married Warren Freeman-Attwood, also a soldier, and had Jonathan, to whom we are so grateful for helping us with our assembly.​ ​What struck us most about Marigold is her immense talent but her incredible modesty. Legendary among friends for her letters, her sparkling and compassionate conversation, and her witty occasional poems, Marigold could have been famous for her literary talent. She would regularly match any mood or moment with lines plucked from memory. ​ ​However, she didn’t seek fame or fortune or individual glory.

Rather, Marigold sought to make a difference to others and to use her incredible talents to help others, whether that was at Bletchley Park, or as a mother. ​ ​Today we remember Marigold as the most incredible woman who embodies so much of the Downe House DNA but in a quiet, modest way.

©K

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a

Remember Me Remember me now all is past That was so sweet but could not last, We must accept what has to be But, dearest love, remember me.

Remember me when Spring is here And blossom falls in rivers clear And if a garden you should see Where once we walked, remember me.

Marigold on her 90th-birthday family river trip, which took place in May 2013.

To each of us, from all generations, she was a different, unique Marigold, created through her sensitivity to every individual she loved or befriended. It didn’t matter who we were, she stood alongside us as we were, and not according to some fixed idea. We all have memories of her piercing insight, encouragement, her twinkly mischief and sage advice, perfectly attuned to us. Many have said, even and perhaps especially in her last years, that she changed the course of our lives.

Remember me if you should lie And watch a cloudless summer sky Fade into evening, silently, And when night falls, remember me.

Remember me when fields are bare And Autumn’s frosts are in the air, When first the leaves drift from the tree Like falling tears, remember me.

Remember me – ’tis Winter now, And snow is falling from the bough Where once the blossom danced above And canopied our Spring-time love.

SARAH WEDDERBURN (DAUGHTER) WRITTEN BY MARIGOLD IN 1942

Our sincere thanks to Sarah, Jonathan, Robin and all of Marigold’s family for sharing so much of her life with us.

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The Downe House Society brings together our parents, alumnae and supporters under one inclusive umbrella. Our programme of events and activities provide opportunities for you to socialise, network, learn and nurture life-long relationships with the School, and each other.

“Downe House is a school with a ‘heart’ at its centre. A thriving community that supports and nurtures its pupils and places importance on traditional values like compassion and kindness.”

CURRENT PARENT

Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 9JJ T: 01635 204740 E: foundation@downehouse.net www.downehouse.net

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