The School Tie 2023 - Alumni Magazine by AshfordSchool

SCHOOL TIE DECEMBER 2023

ASA

THE

THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

Be inspired

HEADMASTER’S HIGHLIGHTS

contents

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS

REMEMBERING MRS MACAIRE

MEMORIES THROUGH THE DECADES

THE MOUNTAIN NEVER LEAVES

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR A huge hello from me and welcome to this year’s School Tie Magazine! In case we haven’t been in touch before now, my name is Hannah Strassburg (née Bilcliffe, Franklins 2005) and I am thrilled to be back at Ashford School to take the reins from Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011) as Alumni & Development Manager. We are all excited to see where your next chapter takes you, Hannah, and no doubt you will make as great an impact as you made here at Ashford. Thank you again for all your guidance, support, and enthusiasm – you certainly are a tough act to follow, but I will do my best! It is wonderful to be back here. I left after A Levels in 2005 and there is still so much that is familiar; the same creaky stairs up in Somerville, the same ‘Sciencey’ smells in Jubilee, and the same queues at the Refectory (although now I get to jump it!). There is also plenty of exciting newness to explore here, with incredible state-of-the-art facilities,

YOUR GIFT TO THE FUTURE

supportive wellbeing services, and an ambitious vision. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to get to know the School again, and I am looking forward to doing my part in empowering our community to make a difference. Looking ahead and to continue our 125-year celebrations, we have plenty of exciting plans for you in the pipeline, including alumni workshops, networking events, career talks and reunions so watch this space. In the meantime, let’s connect! Please drop me a note to say hi at alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk, find us on socials @AshfordAlumni, or if you are ever in the area, pop in for a tour. I would love to meet you. With best wishes, Hannah Hannah Strassburg Alumni & Development Manager

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Carolyn Chamberlain Editor's Note: Since going to print and publication of this School Tie, we are deeply saddened to share the news of our President, Carolyn Chamberlain's passing. Her welcome letter here, filled with the kind of warmth and enthusiasm that only Carolyn could bring, now holds a bittersweet significance as we say goodbye to a truly remarkable and cherished member of our alumni family. For decades, Carolyn poured her heart and soul into building a strong sense of community and pride within the ASA. Her words here certainly reflect the deep passion and unwavering dedication she had for our School and its rich legacy. May our memories of Carolyn inspire us to carry forward the torch of enthusiasm, spirit and unwavering strength she always displayed.

ASA (ASHFORD SCHOOL ASSOCIATION) PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

HELLO EVERYBODY ON THIS SPECIAL YEAR FOR US ALL Hannah Pinney and several school-friends have been sending me messages and photos of the 125th Celebrations and I participated in the A.G.M. on Zoom so managed to feel part of it from afar. I especially enjoyed photos of the Ball thanks to Gina Davies, who looked magnificent, I must add, in a beautiful yellow dress. I am so glad that the celebrations organised have put the 125th Year firmly on the School map. Of course, my mind turned to how we celebrated the 100th Anniversary in 1998, but before that I have some important information for you all. Hannah Pinney has been our Alumni Director for many years, serving us all in countless ways and with great patience when needed and I would like to thank her on everybody's behalf for all she has done. She retired from this job earlier this year to take up a position working for the professional choral ensemble The Gesualdo Six, supporting their busy concert and touring schedule. She is enjoying this very much and travels quite a lot naturally. She is also undertaking various similar jobs on a freelance basis, including for an ex-Ashford alumna. We wish her happiness in all these pursuits. So now may I introduce Hannah Strassburg as our Alumni and Development Manager, with whom many of you have already been in touch. The two Hannahs worked together for a little while naturally and now we wish Hannah S all the absolute best for her role looking after us all. To continue with our Centenary celebrations: a Centenary Book was compiled by our then Archivists Pat Earlam and Liz Spittal entitled “Ashford School 1898 – 1998: A Centenary History”. We cannot thank them enough for this evocative book which sold very well at our special Founders' Day. There is quite a lot about the war years when the Headmistress, Miss Brake (Cherub), evacuated the School to Devon. Mary Reader and I organised a 50th anniversary trip back there in May 1995 to celebrate the ending of the War, when over 50 ladies from all over the world returned to spend an incredibly special reunion weekend in Countess Wear and Topsham.

Mrs Amanda Cotterell, a School Governor and Chairman of the Centenary Committee, launched an appeal to raise money for the building of a Sports Hall. Various other inventive appeals were launched by other people to whom we owe thanks. A Centenary Thanksgiving Service was held in Canterbury Cathedral in November 1998. At School, a special 60s evening was organised by the PTA in Brake Hall and a Celebration Dinner was held in the Refectory on a very hot Sunday evening in June. A Summer Ball was held at Wye College. Other things included the burying of a Time Capsule. I must thank Norma Smyth for all her assistance and our Archivists, Angela Burrill, and Jennifer Watson-Bore, who have supplied so much more information visible which will on our website. I hope you have all had a good year and my best wishes for the future. I am still enjoying my life in France, thank goodness, and make the most of the mobility I still have. I appreciate and really enjoy frequent visits from my family and occasionally from friends, and all the encouraging WhatsApp messages I receive. Keep them coming in please. With my very best wishes,

Carolyn Chamberlain (née Nelms, Nightingale, 1960)

Your ASA President

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ASA

ASA CHAIR'S WELCOME This was quickly followed by our ASA London drinks at The Lansdowne Club which bought together alumni who are working in the city and is always a great evening. We have finished this year off with a hugely well attended PFA (Parents and Friends' Association) Christmas Fayre, Christmas concert and as usual a stunning Christmas Carol concert! As part of our 125-year celebrations we held a Celebration Concert, which featured a Come & Sing Performance of Vivaldi's Gloria - with over 250 performers on stage including students from the Prep & Senior School, alumni, parents, staff, former parents, and grandparents! The PFA also organised a 125 Summer Ball, which raised money for the Ashford School Foundation through a charity auction, with prizes donated by alumni and local businesses with great success.

Welcome to the 2023 edition of the Ashford School Tie and a huge welcome to Hannah Strassburg who has taken on the role of our Alumni & Development Manager. We have had another busy year of events with particular focus placed on our 125-year anniversary celebrations. Our ASA Summer Lunch was the most successful one yet with over 140 alumni and staff both past and present, featuring speeches from two alumna Nicky Timms and Nicole Rayner, both now current teachers at Ashford. Yet again there was a vast array of year groups that organised tables and used it as a good opportunity to catch up - the 2024 tickets will soon be available so do start thinking about getting your tables together. If you were a leaver from the following year groups, it is a milestone year for you so do try and make a weekend of it! 1999 leavers - 25-year anniversary 2009 leavers - 15-year anniversary 2013 leavers - 10-year anniversary 2019 leavers - 5-year anniversary We had another successful year for exam results and celebrated in September with our Year 13 leavers' BBQ, which was very well attended, and we continue to encourage all our leavers to join our alumni community.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

But 2024 promises to build on the foundations that have been set, working hard to re-engage former pupils and reaching out to a broader range of the school community with several in-house workshops. These will include silversmithing, Christmas wreath making and paint pouring sessions amongst many more and we hope to reach out to local alumni who may want to get involved with other ideas and initiatives too. There will continue to be opportunities to get involved with concerts to help raise funds for the Ashford Friars Association and the Ashford School Foundation. I hope to work with the committee on improving our ‘one school’ approach. We are always keen to hear fresh ideas so if you are interested in joining us on the ASA committee please do get in touch - we would love to hear from you! We are always looking for stories of get togethers, fundraising events, births, weddings, and career celebrations so please do touch base with us to let us know what you are up to and send us pictures! My continued thanks goes to Ashford School and in particular to Hannah Strassburg who has taken the reins of the Alumni and Development Manager with gusto and is full of wonderful ideas for the future. The committee have continued to be dedicated and supportive and I look forward to continuing to work with them in what I hope is going to be a fantastic year ahead! I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2024! Alex Playford (Pilgrims, 2007) ASA Chairman

ASA

CHARTING A NEW COURSE:

REVITALISING OUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION'S VISION AND STRATEGY Do you know what the Ashford School Association (ASA) is? What do we stand for? What are we striving to achieve? If your answer to any of these questions is, “I don’t know,” then please read on. As a former student, you are the heart of our community. You are the ASA. Where you once walked the halls of our School (whether at Ashford School or Friars), you have no doubt gone on to shape your world in countless ways, carrying our shared values, experiences, and knowledge, as a living testament to the power of education.

Celebrating our successes For years, the ASA has been connecting former students across generations, bringing you together, to celebrate achievements and to offer our support and recognition. The ASA, in its current form, has achieved remarkable milestones over the years. We have organised popular reunions and Summer lunches that have rekindled friendships. We have hosted networking events in London and scheduled fascinating series of career talks that build professional connections between alumni, students, and staff. Our newsletters, School Tie magazine and social media presence have been valued platforms to share updates, stories, and opportunities. Along the way, we have nurtured a vibrant and diverse community of alumni around the world and, for that, we are immensely proud.

Time to evolve As we look beyond our past achievements, it becomes apparent that we are facing a changing landscape in which the needs and expectations of our alumni are evolving. The digital age has transformed the way we connect and engage, demanding new strategies for meaningful interaction. Today's alumni desire more than just reunions; they seek ongoing opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and contributions to their communities and our School. As we look ahead to the future, we have an opportunity to build on our strengths and successes to start a journey of revitalisation, innovation, and renewal. We should strive to better serve our ever-expanding community.

Our mission for a new vision Considering these challenges and opportunities, we propose a collaborative effort to create a new vision for our Alumni Association—one that promotes engagement and inclusivity.

Your voice, representing your own unique background, perspective, and life experience, will form the foundation of our vision. It is not simply a task for the Association's Committee; it is a collective endeavour in which every alumnus can play an essential role. Why do we need to do this? Because the world is changing, and our Alumni Association must evolve with it. We need a vision that not only celebrates our past but also propels us into a future where we remain a dynamic and influential force. By shaping this vision together, we can ensure that our Association becomes a place where alumni of all generations feel seen, heard, and valued. We all belong here.

JOIN US

r revitalisation? eve this mission fo How will we achi ff member, we invite , student, parent, or sta us mn alu an are u yo Whether tion, ensuring of our Alumni Associa ure fut the ing ap sh you to join us in pport for generations de, inspiration, and su pri of e urc so a s ain that it rem the collective ciation that harnesses so As i mn Alu an ion r to come. We envis tiatives that reflect ou members to create ini its of y erg en d an wisdom irations. shared values and asp the open , transparency, and ity siv clu in e om elc We w exchange of ideas. mni around the tives from our alu ec rsp pe d an t pu al platforms. We seek in us groups, and digit oc s,f ey rv su h ug world thro vance educational lture of giving to ad cu a e ag ur co en e W munity to continue , enabling our com all r fo s tie ni rtu po op ative impact. making a transform media channels, and across our social s ter let ws ne ail em In our upcoming journey, spotlighting cts of this revitalisation pe as us rio va re plo on we will ex eady joined our missi of alumni who have alr the stories and ideas for change.

e t continues to celebrat new course—one tha a art ch n ca we , er Togeth bilities of tomorrow. ing the exciting possi our past while embrac t not only honours Alumni Association tha an ild bu ll wi we r, Togethe powered future. ives us towards an em our history but also dr

Get involved Want to join the mission? Contact us at alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk to find out how you can get involved. We’d love to have you aboard.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ASA

HEADMASTER'S WELCOME The academic year 2022-23 was the first full year when there was little if any mention of the pandemic - the year felt like a return to normality. In some respects, the legacy of Covid haunted us: our Year 13 students felt the pressure – the A Level examinations were their first ever public exams. Both our GCSE and A Level students also experienced the return to pre-Covid grading – tough for them as they were inevitably affected by the lockdowns at a crucial time in their education. The public examination results were strong: a high proportion of our leavers gained a place at their preferred university and our GCSE grades were significantly stronger than pre-Covid years. One of our strongest performing subjects is Art and I was privileged to attend the TES Schools Awards 2023 Ceremony as our Head of Art (alumna Nicole Rayner) was shortlisted for Subject Leader of the Year for the whole of the UK. 2023 marks the 125th Anniversary of the Foundation of the School. It is over a hundred years since the School moved to the ‘gardens of Ashford’, our current location. A range of events have marked this important anniversary, but perhaps most notably the 125th Anniversary concert with the highlight being the performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria – 250 performers from students, alumni, staff, and parents. The restructure of the pastoral system (moving away from the house system to a year group structure) has had a significant impact, giving us so much more confidence in the quality and consistency of our support and guidance of the students. The Prep School is flying with significant developments in the curriculum, outdoor learning and performing arts. Our three Nursery settings are also thriving and full which provides such an important foundation for both the young children and the School. The co-curricular programme is thriving right across the School: we are experiencing increasing and more frequent levels of regional and national success in sport in both the Senior and Prep School. Not to be outdone, our Performing Arts continually raise the bar in the quality and scale of performances.

Michael Hall

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ASA HEADMASTER'S

HIGHLIGHTS 1. Coming 2nd… missing becoming National Indoor Cricket champions for a second consecutive year by just two runs!

2. Week-long Arts Festival in June – from The Lion King in Prep to Songs for a Summer Evening in Senior.

3. Attending Buckingham Palace to watch a record 13 students collect their Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award from His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh.

4. The Prep School became a fully accredited Pre-Senior Baccalaureate school, amongst the best Prep Schools in the country, offering a well-rounded 21st Century education.

3 4

5. The Prep School has been shortlisted for Prep School of the Year in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2023.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF ASHFO A somewhat inauspicious spot on the lower High Street, between the County Hotel and the NatWest bank, is today characterised by a row of equally undistinguished shops and restaurants. Set back from these however, is the three-story terrace in which, in the year 1898, Mrs Thimann opened the Modern High School for Girls. Seven even monarchs, a site move, two world wars, a change of ownership, a merger, coeducation and 125 years later, Ashford School finds itself celebrating its quasquicentennial. Under the stewardship of Miss Edwards, the school grew until it soon burst the banks of its original premises, subsequently assuming its current site at Alfred House on East Hill. From there, under the headship of the inimitable Lilian Brake the premises of the School expanded at breakneck

pace. Somerville, Coronation and Cranmer were all added to the original manor house, and there was even a sojourn at Countess Wear in the war years. The burgeoning School, increasingly an academic powerhouse housing an army of venetian striped blazers that Brake left behind by the mid-1950s, suddenly bore much closer resemblance to the modern school than the cramped townhouse of those distant early years.

Alas nothing lasts forever, and as Ashford entered the ‘90s, a decline in boarding, the end of the direct grant system and the tough economics of the time were all starting to take their toll on the roll, the fabric, and the buoyancy of the School. As such in 1998 the governors took the significant decision to transfer the ownership of the school to the Church Schools' Company, the forerunner of United Learning. In so doing they secured the future of the School and ushered in the winds of change.

Under Miss Nightingale came modernity and the School shot into the second half of the century with a raft of now familiar (and not so modern) buildings: Brake, Jubilee, the Refectory, New Alfred, and the Octagons. With this expansion came huge success. Ashford became a byword for academic success, forward thinking and high standards in girls’ education. Times were good and the institution was riding high.

Three miles away from East Hill, in the then rural village of Great Chart, the elegant Queen Anne rectory was purchased by a certain John Lendrum in 1949. The former Master of the Junior School at St Edmunds in Canterbury, Lendrum undertook to open a small proprietorial prep school, often for the brothers of Ashford girls. Friars School was born.

TIMELINE 1898-2023 YEAR

YEAR

YEAR YEAR

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

YEAR

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS

RD SCHOOL Under Lendrum the School grew into a successful prep, and with its stunning original 1st XI pitch on the site of the current car park, developed a name for cricket as well as an all-round education. Under the headship of John Stevens, the School grew, added a pre-prep department in the 1980s and began to admit girls. The Mountbatten Building, which still dominates the front of the school, was completed in the late 1980s. In 1994 the Ashleys took up the reins and led the School through a period of significant growth, with the Lendrum Hall, DT, HE and Music suites all completed during this period, as well as the new swimming pool. In 2005 the governors of Ashford Girls and Friars School took the decision to take the bold step of combining the two former schools under the banner

of United Learning (UL) to form a relaunched co-educational Ashford School. Changes were immediate. The Junior School on East Hill vacated and relocated to Great Chart. At Friars, education to Year 8 transferred to the Senior School and the days of Common Entrance ended. Interactive whiteboards appeared everywhere – with the palpable sense that the 21st Century, and indeed a new era had arrived! In the years since, the pace of change has been breakneck – the Friars site has been significantly redeveloped with the addition of the new Prep School building, the Harper Hall, the Stables nursery and the new pitches, AstroTurf, and pavilion. Over on East Hill, redevelopments have included the Atrium, the Somerville Library, the Sports Centre and refurbishment to the teaching accommodation. Academics have gone from strength to strength,

sport has expanded to place us among the most competitive schools and performing arts have developed into a significant point of pride and distinction. Ashford School is an exciting place to be in the 2020s. Ashford School in 2023 has the luxury of an illustrious past but has its eyes firmly on the future - one of UL's and the UK’s top schools. The next year is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the life of the School’s past, present and future, with a range of events, from balls to summer lunches, to an open Vivaldi gala concert. We would strongly welcome all members of the Ashford and Friars diaspora who wish to come back and see their old school and would very much like to ensure that as many of you as possible have the opportunity to be part of the journey to come. Tom Vafidis (Assistant Head & Alumnus of Friars Prep School)

YEAR

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI EVENTS ASA LONDON DRINKS 21 NOVEMBER 2022

We were delighted to see so many alumni, spanning from 1955 – 2022, join us for our annual ASA London Drinks event, which we held at The Lansdowne Club in Mayfair.

GUEST LIST:

55) • Val Arends (née Davies, Nightingale,19 ) 1972 le, tinga (Nigh • Tricia Hamilton ) • Nicola Waddington (Pilgrims, 1990 ) 2003 , hants Merc b, • Katie Floyd (née Web ) 2003 en, • Fleur Willson (Yeom Head • Tom Vafidis (Friars, 2006) - Assistant ) 2011 • Hannah Pinney (Squires, Head of Alumni & Development • Jess Barnick (Knights, 2011) • Alex Browne (Franklins, 2011) • Toby Harris (Franklins, 2013) ) • Dom Davia-Roscoe (Merchants, 2013

• SJ Stewart (Knights, 2013) • Henry Carlton (Franklins, 2014) • Susie Faulkner (Squires, 2014) • Will Austin (Merchants, 2015) • Sophie Buck (Franklins, 2015) • Ted Learmont (Knights, 2015) ) • Jennifer Robinson (Pilgrims, 2015 ) 2015 hts, (Knig Tsoi • Lokyi Kitty • Olivia Boutwood (Pilgrims, 2016) • Phil Lau (Yeomen, 2016)

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS We were delighted to welcome several alumni back to join our students and perform in the 2022 Christmas Concert, specifically for the Orchestra’s annual performance of ‘Sleigh Ride’! It’s inspiring for our current students to see former musicians returning and supporting them in their performances. Thank you to Will Thomas (Squires, 2022) & Ellie Audsley (Squires, 2022) ! We are hoping to see more students again next year. The week following, was the School’s much loved Nine Lessons & Carols Service, held in St Mary’s Church in Ashford. The Prep School choir, run by alumna and Prep School teacher Corinna Harris-Prior (née Harris) sang beautifully, and joined our Senior School musicians for a whole school performance. It was a magical evening and showcased the School’s talented musicians. Music was interspersed with the nine lessons, one of which was read by an alumnus of the School, this year our new ASA Chair, Alex Playford (Knights, 2007). Thank you to all those alumni who returned to support this event – we hope you enjoyed the music as much as we did.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

) • Charlee McLaughlin (Knights, 2016 ) • Jesse O’Shaughnessy (Franklins, 2016 • Ben Perkins (2016) rne, 2016) • Veronika Shashkova (Pilgrims/Brabou • Jonny Stewart (Knights, 2016) ) • Abdullah Cahlon (Merchants, 2017 ) 2017 , Alfred ires/ (Squ er • Scarlett Cart ) 2018 ims, (Pilgr od • Imogen Boutwo • Theo Faulkner (Squires, 2018) • James Wilton (Pilgrims, 2018) • Tom Xie (Yeomen/Alfred, 2018) ) • Matthew Clarke (Merchants, 2019 ) 2019 • William Moon (Pilgrims, • Lucas Kimber (Knights, 2020) ) • Mikel Sulaiman (Merchants, 2020 ) • Kevin Zong (Alfred/Pilgrims, 2020 ology, 2021) • Rosie Ball (Former Teacher of Psych 2022) • Helena Groom-Shorter (Knights, ) • Caitlin Law (Yeomen/Brabourne, 2022

• Sarah Greig – Bursar • Michael Hall – Headmaster & Learning) • Jo Russell – Deputy Head (Teaching

ALUMNI EVENTS

ROB TURNER’S VIRTUAL TALK: ‘THE BIOLOGY OF STORYTELLING'

On Tuesday 31 January 2023, Former Teacher of Biology, Rob Turner, gave a fascinating virtual talk; 'The Biology of Storytelling'. Rob has published 3 novels, and his talk delved into their various themes including climate change, and the future of human evolution and the world: “I’ve wanted to write since my teens. I like to describe most of my work as ‘speculative fiction’; my scientific training made me interested in exploring how present-day discoveries might affect real people in the future. My other main driver is a lifelong curiosity about how people construct their identities, the faces each of us chooses to present to the world. My first book, Perception, explores the long-term consequences of climate change. When Max is surprised by Trudie in the half-flooded ruins of Seattle, they are too preoccupied with the grim business of survival to realise what they will come to mean to each other, or the extent of the catastrophe that has engulfed their world. Their story touches on the direction human evolution might take in the future, and the possible abuse of genetic manipulation. Another less frequently discussed elephant in our room is overpopulation. The global human population has now passed 8 billion, and even if the curve begins to flatten the next billion will arrive around 2048. In Calling Me Home, set in 2037, I imagine the possible consequences of a limited nuclear exchange between the USA and Russia. What happens when a billion or so head for Europe, because they’ve no Plan B? I chose to tell it from the twin perspectives of a high-achieving female bomber pilot, and an idealistic seventeenyear-old growing up in rural Wales, because life will go on as usual, until one day it won’t.

125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION THURSDAY 23 MARCH 2023

Following months of intense rehearsals and planning, the Ashford School community came together to entertain over 200 guests at a sell-out Celebration Concert, which saw the School launch their 125th anniversary in style! Our Music Department has a particularly poignant role to play in honouring our rich and fascinating heritage. The concert looked forward to the bright future of music at Ashford School, whilst also taking pause to reflect upon the important traditions of years gone by. The grand finale and highlight of the evening was a performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria, featuring over 250 musicians including students, parents, grandparents, staff, former staff and members of our alumni. An event for the history books. Congratulations to all those who participated, and huge thanks to our Music Department staff, without whom this event would not have been possible.

Our consciousness, our awareness of the world, is the result of neural processing in our brains. Your brain’s knowledge of whatever is going on out there is only going to be as good as the information your sense organs send it. As a teenager, I wondered what would happen if you woke up to find yourself unable to believe that anything you experienced was real. Firebird is the story of the relationship between a psychiatrist and a strange, enigmatic girl who walks into his consulting room one day. Is she a patient, or a product of his own breakdown? I wrote it as a set of connected pieces of varying length to try to accentuate its dream like quality. I can’t imagine that’s made it any easier to read! I’m currently exploring a future world dominated and controlled by China, touching on gaming, brain implants, surveillance, feral children, and gender fluidity along the way. Watch this space!” For more information about Rob’s writing, visit: https://asgardindustries.wixsite.com/rob-turner-writer

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI EVENTS

ASA

SUMMER LUNCH The Ashford School Association (ASA) Summer Lunch held at the Senior School in Brake Hall was a resounding success this year, bringing together over 140 alumni and staff members for a delightful afternoon, reconnecting with old friends and forging new ones.

The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about the School's progress with an update from Headmaster Michael Hall, who provided valuable insights into the School's recent achievements and future initiatives. A bittersweet moment arrived as the alumni community bid farewell to the outgoing Head of Alumni and Development, Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011) who has been the driving force behind the success of this

Before the lunch commenced, the ASA Committee held its

event, as well as countless others over the past 4 years.

annual AGM meeting in the Atrium, providing a platform

We can only express our gratitude for her dedicated

for members to discuss important matters and plan for

service and wish her the very best in her

the upcoming year. Welcome drinks on the Rose Lawn set

future endeavours!

the scene, allowing members time and space to mingle, catch up and forge new connections.

It was a truly memorable event that brought together generations of alumni and staff, showcasing the enduring

This event also served as a reunion for numerous

spirit of the School and providing the perfect platform for

anniversary groups who enthusiastically gathered to mark

reflection, inspiration, and celebration, leaving everyone

their milestones and to celebrate their shared history and

eagerly looking forward to the next year’s event!

experiences. We all enjoyed a wonderful meal together that was enriched by a soundtrack from this year’s 125 Celebrations playing softly in the background, setting the perfect backdrop for a trip down memory lane. Highlights of the gathering included insightful speeches delivered by two of our alumni staff members, Nicky Timms (née Miles, Pilgrims 1995) and Nicole Rayner (née Ingham, Merchants 1997),, who shared their personal journeys into teaching and the profound impact the School has had on their lives.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

We all enjoyed a wonderful meal together that was enriched by a soundtrack from this year’s 125 Celebrations playing softly in the background

ALUMNI EVENTS

SAVE T

HE DAT Next y E! ear’s S umme will be r Lunc on June 20 Saturday 29 h space f 24 – watch th th or and to more inform is find ou ation t your ti how to get ckets. THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

BEYOND ASHFORD

CAREERS FAIR On Monday 13th March, we hosted a Careers Fair for our own students and parents as well as guests from Towers and Wye Schools. Many of the exhibitors were alumni from Ashford School, representing a wide range of careers and industries. It was fantastic to welcome back some of our recent leavers who have just started on their careers, including William Davies (Squires, 2019),, who now works for Guy Hollaway Architects, Nikeen Patel (Yeomen, 2017),, who works for IBM, and Jai Shah (Yeomen, 2017) from EY. Students were also able to talk to some of our alumni who have progressed further through their careers, including several who have started their own businesses such as Louise Morgan (née Wood, Franklins/ Knights, 1992) of LouLou Productions and Imogen Benson (née Bunyard, Friars, 2004) of Primp. The evening finished with an inspiring talk from Imogen titled ‘10 Things I Wish I Knew at Your Age’. Alumni Exhibitors: William Davies (Squires, 2019), Jai Shah (Yeomen, 2017), Nikeen Patel (Yeomen, 2017), Isabella Askey-Brown (Yeomen, 2017), Theodore Learmont (Knights, 2015), Rebecca Wise (Pilgrims, 2011), Laura Bevan (Pilgrims, 2009), Imogen Benson (née Bunyard, Friars, 2004), Hannah Dehnel (née Clapp, Knights, 2000), Eleanor Rogers (née Jennings, Knights, 1998), Louise Morgan (née Wood, Franklins/Knights, 1992), & Alison Howe (née Pring, Nightingale, 1991).

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

BEYOND ASHFORD

CAREERS TALKS Throughout the year, the Careers Department organises a range of events to help our students explore different career pathways. In March, we celebrated National Careers Week with workshops for our Lower and Middle School pupils. Year 7 started by thinking about how the jobs we do have changed over time, and why we no longer have praegustators or pinsetters. They then imagined how the job market might change in the future and learned that the best way to prepare for this is to focus on developing transferable skills such as teamwork, creativity and problem solving. Finally, they applied some of these skills in a hotly contested team challenge focusing on the food and drink industry and developing a new snack brand. Our Year 8’s workshop was based around careers in technology, and included a team challenge where they designed and marketed an ‘app for good’. Sarah Gilby (née Whitebread, Alfred, 1992) returned to school to help

NETWORKING EVENTS Get involved and make meaningful connections at our alumni networking events! Could you offer to host us? Recommend a venue? Be a speaker? Or share networking topics or areas that would be interesting and insightful to our community? We’re open to all ideas! Thank you to all our alumni who have helped inform and inspire our students this year; if you would be willing to visit the School and talk to students about your own career, or to get involved, please contact us at:

alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk

facilitate a session with our Head of Higher Education & Careers, Kirsten Dickers, on Green and Sustainable Careers for our current Year 9 students. It was fascinating to hear about Sarah's career to date in Environmental Social Governance and how it has evolved and changed over time. She also spoke about some of the different

companies she has worked with, and about the places her career has enabled her to

Make sure you are connected to Ashford School on LinkedIn

travel to (from Jordan to Iraq to Iceland!). Sustainability is a key component of strategy

by updating your education in your profile to Ashford School.

here at Ashford School and so it was fantastic to see our students engaging with, and

This will help you to connect with fellow Ashford alumni.

thinking about this issue, an ever pertinent question. We were also joined by Emily

Don’t forget to join our exclusive LinkedIn networking

from United Learning’s Carbon Neutral team, who showed us the School’s carbon

group too: www.linkedin.com/groups/8595031

footprint, and then looked at some of the measures the School is taking to reduce energy use and be more sustainable.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI THROUGH THE DECADES There's no better tribute to our 125-year legacy than sharing the narratives and experiences of our alumni through the decades. Watch their videos to discover how their stories and wisdom continue to inspire and shape our school and community.

1940S RICKY BEETS

(1944, MERCHANTS)

Thanks to a lift from my father, I managed to fulfil that

Reflecting on your time at Ashford School, is there a teacher, staff member, or class that ignited your passion for a particular subject or field? How did that inspiration unfold in your later pursuits?

that set me on the path to law.

condition, and that summer became a transformative period Fast forward to my career in France, and another teacher, Miss Churchill, has left an indelible mark. Her expertise in teaching English as a Foreign Language became

"During my time at Ashford School, there were

a cornerstone for me. I adopted her unique approach

indeed 2 influential figures who played pivotal roles

to teaching English grammar

in shaping my academic and professional journey.

and incorporated it into all

One teacher, Miss Perry, stands out for her

my lessons. Miss Churchill's

instrumental role in steering me towards my career

influence not only enhanced

in law. I had initially dropped Latin, but Miss Perry,

my language skills but also

recognising its importance in legal studies, offered to

significantly impacted the way

coach me during the Summer holidays. The catch was

I approach my professional

that I had to reach her in South Ashford.

responsibilities too."

1950S VAL ARENDS

(NÉE DAVIES, NIGHTINGALE,1955) S chool memories often hold a special place in our hearts. Could you narrate a memorable event or tradition from your time at our school that continues to bring a smile to your face? How has that sense of connection influenced your ongoing relationship with the alumni community? “Thinking of a funny episode that happened while I was at school, I suppose the ‘Sinking of the Punt’ was the famous one. Bettina, myself, and Lizzy Court climbed out of the dormitory at midnight on a summer’s evening and went down to Lower Nightingale to the old Punt that was there in the creek. We got in not realising how ancient it actually was and by the time we were in the middle of the stream, the water was really coming in very dangerously.

WATCH THE VIDEO

So, we absolutely panicked and paddled to the side and managed to climb out of the boat before it sank beneath us. Anyway, we hurried up back to the dormitory with our soaking wet pyjamas and for some unknown reason, no one ever found out and heaven only knows what happened to that Punt. However, it was a happy time at Ashford, a sort of Malory Towers of those days and I do hope that the pupils nowadays enjoy school as much as I did.”

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI THROUGH THE DECADES

1960S "

1970S

WATCH THE VIDEO

JACQUIE COLLINS

(NÉE SASSON, BROOKE, 1965) Our school has a rich history and legacy. What aspects of our school's history do you find most inspiring or significant, and how do you think we can continue to honour and carry forward that legacy as alumni? "Hello, my name is Jacquie, née Sasson, and I attended Ashford High School for Girls from 1958 to 1964. Together with my older sister Rae, we lived in Brooke Place. At this time, from my perspective, the school's good reputation had developed because of the care and nurturing they offered their bordering population. Many of the girls could go up to three years without seeing their families and the families relied on the school to take care of such things as passport renewals, flight arrangements, immunisations and contacting the universal aunts to guide the unaccompanied minors through the airport procedures and to their flights. Miss Harland, the bursar, was a treasure to those parents. The legacy of the school for me was not necessarily one of great academic achievement, but one of overall preparedness for future life. The regimentation of boarding school was such that following rules and regulations was an absolute must. We had weekly chores to perform, which included maintaining the dormitories, preparing the dining room for meals or clearing up after meals, as well as set times for bathroom use, hair washing, mending, letter writing. And most of us continued with the importance of maintaining these standards in all aspects of our future lives. Extracurricular activities such as drama, singing, sports, bus walks, community work, elocution and piano lessons,and domestic science classes have all been instrumental in leaving me with great assets in my working life. I've had a fulfilling job as an occupational therapist and a very successful supportive role in my husband's diplomatic career. I was impressed to hear of the school's achievement in 1985 when they won the ITN school's experiment in space competition. This accolade is testament to the progress in academic achievements that is setting the school apart from others. It is my hope that we can expect growth in the schools' desire to encourage children from financially limited backgrounds to reach their academic and social potentials by providing bursaries whenever possible. I would also like to see a continuation of the development of the child as a whole so that they become responsible, caring and contributing members of society."

WATCH THE VIDEO

GINA HALL

(SOMERVILLE, 1977) I n what ways did your involvement in extracurricular activities or clubs at our school contribute to the skills and qualities you have relied on in your career? “When I played sport at Ashford, I played in a defensive position. I ended up in goal in Hockey, wing defence in Netball for example, and this gave me the skills that have shaped a lot of my career: discipline, teamwork, good communication. I have been a civil servant in the British Library. I have worked for many years in a UK international hotel chain and most recently in financial services. For example, in marketing you are preparing the stuff that people need to be able to do their job well: promoting the company, bringing in revenue etc. I realised I'm a ‘backroom boy’ as such: I give people the support that they need to be able to concentrate on doing their job better and provide the tools and elements that they need to help them.”

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI THROUGH THE DECADES

1980S JANE DRUKAR

BEAUT Y

ED I T

WORDS JANE DRUKER

(BRIDGE/ALFRED, 1982)

S A I N S B U RYS M AG A Z I N E . CO . U K / H E A LT H

4 OF THE

BEST BUYS

“Building relationships has been a really significant part of my life after leaving Ashford School. I made one of my best friends in the whole wide world when I was at Alfred House. Her name is Henrietta Oxlade. We are still brilliant friends. Learning about friendship was one of the most important lessons of my life. I was

4. HAIRCARE This sulphate-free shampoo gives fine hair oomph well beyond its price point. Revolution Haircare Caffeine Energising Shampoo (£9, sainsburys.co.uk).

Best budget beaut y buys for summer

plurging on summer beauty buys that come with an astronomical price tag doesn’t always equate with getting your hands on the most effective products. As a beauty editor and travel writer I’m always trialling new and original products – and what have I learnt after all these years? That the right budget beauty buy will not only give you more bang for your buck, it’ll give you change from a tenner, too. Not every expensive product is worth the spend, but the same is true of affordable products. There’s no shortage of budgets buys out there, but I‘ve found that anything I get from three reliable brands delivers big results – especially in summer. In summer, I am a big fan of two-in-one products for simplicity and ease, and anything from The Ordinary always delivers. Its Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair 240ml (£7.90, deciem.com) is

Top tip

From SPF cream and foundation to nail polish, products tend to last longer when kept out of direct sunlight – I pop them in the fridge.

gently foaming and fragrance free, so is suitable for everyone, while its 100% Organic Cold-pressed Moroccan Argan Oil 30ml (£6.70) is a nourishing, multi-purpose oil that’s hydrates all skin types and adds wonderful softness and shine to hair. For make-up, there’s a lot to love about vegan brand e.l.f. – and every single product in their range is priced under £10. Nigella Lawson once said that its bargain Instant Lift Brow Pencil (£3, elfcosmetics.co. uk) was the one essential she couldn’t live without – and I feel the same. I often use it as a lip liner, too. For bodycare products that will quickly transform post-winter skin, Palmer’s is hard to beat, and for fake tan, St Moriz Professional Tanning Mousse 200ml (£5.35, sainsburys.co.uk) is better than many brands costing five times the price. It’s easy to apply and gives an even subtle golden glow that lasts around three days – perfect for weekends away.

SAINSBURYSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

a boarder, so the support I got from my girlfriends was absolutely essential and that kind of building on that support has really helped me in my career. I'm an editor of magazines and I work as an expert in beauty, wellness and health and that kind of knowledge of being supportive to one another, helping each other through difficulty and enjoying the good times and having a laugh together has really helped me be a good editor, bringing on my team. One of the proudest moments of my life was while I was at Top Santé as the editor.

WATCH THE VIDEO

We did a campaign which was called ‘Let's Talk’ and it was about supporting mental health in all age groups. I got an award for doing it and it was presented by Stephen Fry, which was the pinnacle of my career.“

1990S WENDY MATHEWS

so you had close relationships with the teachers. You felt you knew them really well. The teachers had a huge impact on how much we enjoyed our time at school and what we went on to do to do afterwards.

Reflecting on your time at Ashford School, is there a teacher or staff member who had a profound impact on what you decided to pursue after leaving the school and your onward career path?

Despite Mr Mead being a brilliant geography teacher, I ended up failing my Geography exams – I think I was just having too much fun! I remember having 2 exams on the same day and I was up the night before trying to decide what to focus on. I really panicked and completely froze. I think the B that Mr Mead had originally predicted was a U! It was a real shock for him and a shock for me, but it's testament to the school and their teachers that although it was a shock, it wasn’t the end of the world. With their support, I decided to retake the exams, go traveling and think about my next steps. In the end, I decided to do a completely different degree in Marketing, so failing my geography and having time out got me to where I wanted to go. So that’s why I always say to my kids and the kids that I teach that things happen for a reason."

(NÉE WHITE, MERCHANTS, 1990)

"In terms of a teacher, that would have been Mr Mead, who was the geography teacher. I did Geography GCSC and A Level and he also took us on weekend trips rock climbing in Tunbridge Wells and on ski holidays. He was the most fantastic teacher, and as it was a small school,

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

L I V I N G

3. SUN PROTECTION Sunscreen is vital at this time of year, but the cost stacks up when you wear it daily. This well-priced lotion works for all the family. Sainsbury’s Sun Protect Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+ (£4.50, sainsburys.co.uk).

W E L L

2. SKINCARE This vegan British range is an excellent starting point for quality budget skincare. Q+A Grapefruit Cleansing Balm (£9, sainsburys.co.uk).

PHOTOGRAPHS: ALAMY, GETTY IMAGES

Building meaningful connections is a crucial skill. Describe an instance where you collaborated with peers during your time at Ashford, and how those teamwork skills have translated into your professional or personal life.

1. MAKE-UP Try any one of e.l.f.’s eyeshadows, which come in brilliant stay-put formulas. Bite-size eyeshadow palette (£4, elfcosmetics.com)

WATCH THE VIDEO

ALUMNI THROUGH THE DECADES

2000S NORA LI

I remember taking classes and taking even online

(SQUIRES/BRABOURNE, 2009)

exams in that computer lab. And in my second year of

Technology and innovation have transformed various industries. What exposure did you have to technology and digital learning at the school and how did this prepare you for the evolving technological landscape in your further studies and career?

Enterprise, which is a group of students coming together

Sixth Form, I participated in this program called Young and forming their own business. And we even had HSBC coming to campus to help us set up a business account, which is really cool. We had no idea what we were doing, but that's also when we realised technology can

“I know technology has changed so much since 2007,

be such a powerful tool to help us achieve success.

which was when I was in school, but I never forgot

So we opened up the computer and started looking

how Ashford School helped me to set things on the

up immediately what is a business and how can we

right track since the very beginning. I remember back

operate a business and how to make it profitable.

then, technology, computers were not so commonly

So, what I really like about this is how the school is a

used in schools, but we already had a really established

very safe environment. The school inspired us to learn

computer lab and that is where I learned my basic

through very fun and challenging programmes and

computer skills.

projects and helped us to acquire skills that's really

WATCH THE VIDEO

useful for the rest of our lives.”

2010S

WATCH THE VIDEO

2020S

MICHAEL ETETE (SQUIRES, 2016)

EMILY BODY (OAK, 2023)

Can you share a specific moment during your time at Ashford School that had a lasting impact on your personal or professional journey? How did it shape your path?

Dreams and aspirations evolve over time. Can you share how your ambitions were formed and shaped at the School and how you think this will support your studies and future career?

"I think a specific moment that had a lasting impact on my personal/professional journey would be just the belief some of my teachers showed in me. Mrs Miller putting in a lot of effort, helping me in Biology and really inspiring me and making me believe that I could achieve a lot in that particular subject. To top it all off at the end of the year, winning the Biology prize was a great achievement for me. And I think that really gave me a lot of confidence leaving university that I could achieve whatever I put my mind to.

“Ever since I was about 8, I have wanted to be a vet and

Mr. Boyd, on the rugby side of things, introduced me to the game and I think really developed a passion for me and a love for the game. And obviously that is something I now pursue as a career. I think that definitely had a lasting impact on me with him helping me develop my enjoyment and commitment to the game."

Ashford School also gave me an environment to

my time in the Sixth Form enabled me to achieve my dreams. Ashford School also taught me to believe in myself and gave me the time and space to develop as an individual on all levels, not just academically, so that I was ready to take the next step into adult life with confidence. confidently be myself and allowed me to make mistakes without judgement, showing me that it was okay to do so,

WATCH THE VIDEO

and it didn't define me as a person, and gave me a good grounding for maintaining a work-life balance now that I am at university and in my future career. ”

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

TOM WATTS TRAVEL AWARD RECIPIENT

“THE MOUNTAIN NEVER LEAVES”:

A JOURNEY OF ADVENTURE, RESILIENCE, AND GIVING BACK

WILL HALL (YEOMEN, 2022) My time at Ashford was a period in which I grew

From our starting point at Machame gate (1800m),

the porters are just as positive and outgoing, many

significantly in an academic sense, but also in

to the summit, there are roughly 4 climatic zones.

of whom have aspirations of becoming a guide

terms of my personal confidence. With some

The first and last days of our 6-day climb covered

themselves one day. We spent the climb getting to

superb A Level teachers I was able to maximise my

tropical and temperate rainforest, whereas the

know the members of our team of 68 guides and

results, presenting me with a range of university

middle days were spent in what was dubbed

porters, learning their stories and trying to gain

offers – a wonderful problem to have. I ended up

‘moorland’, and alpine desert. Moorland zones

as much expertise about problems you can face

selecting the interestingly titled Global Sustainable

consisted of light but very arid vegetation, with

at altitude, for example.

Development at the University of Warwick.

alpine desert being dry and very cold. I found great

Combining my interests in social sciences, and

fascination in the changing vegetation and pointed

the more physical side of geography, the course

out just about every new type of tree, plant or

ticked all the boxes. In my first term at Warwick

shrub along the way, much to the annoyance

the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with

of my teammates!

Dig Deep presented itself, and after researching further and attending the briefings, it was clear that this experience would be one that combined all my interests into one. After applying for, and being extremely grateful to receive the Tom Watts Award, my trip was made possible.

Up to base camp at 4750m, success is very much down to your physical fitness and the coping methods used to combat altitude sickness, such as increasing your fluid intake dramatically, eating despite nausea and most importantly, breathing

Having never been to sub-Saharan Africa, the

techniques. However, on summit night, when you

experience of visiting a country like Tanzania

get up at 10:30pm, the focus of the climb becomes

was new, and extremely interesting. Moshi, the

centred around health and safety and being honest

town we stayed in during the nights either side

with yourself and the people around you. It was

of the climb, is a busy place with a lot of its focus

at this point that I realised it doesn’t matter how fit

on Kilimanjaro tourism. For me, as special as

you are, or how experienced you are with trekking

Touching on Kilimanjaro itself, or ‘Kili’ as it is

the mountain is, it is the people that work on it

and climbing – if you start suffering from severe

known to locals and climbers, it is the most

that are even more incredible. The passion and

altitude sickness symptoms then there is nothing

versatile and varied environment I have been to.

enthusiasm the guides have is unmatched, and

that can be done. Generally, it is quite normal to

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

have a headache and perhaps an upset stomach at altitude, or maybe even light dizziness. However, at 5000m, according to our medic as I do not have a clear memory of the night, I wasn’t capable of walking in a straight line, was extremely dizzy and, crucially, I was hallucinating, which is considered a very dangerous state to be in. Sadly, it was at this point that our head guide, Godwin, gave me a clear order to turn around as it would have been ‘life endangering’ to continue. This experience demonstrated the importance of listening to my body in this kind of situation, but even more so, the experts around me. I frequently hear of altitude sickness as a concept being brushed aside and laughed off or seen as common knowledge. I cannot emphasise the dangers of going to altitude enough, and I think this idea of risk carries over into other extreme sports or expeditions as well. As devastating as it was looking up at the summit, watching 15 friends that I had started the climb

with carry on without me, I was looked after extremely well and it was definitely the right call. When he turned me around, Godwin told me ‘Hakuna Matata, the mountain never leaves’, which is something that will stay with me for a long time. Every single guide on our team was extremely kind and told me to give them a call when I want to try again! In seriousness, this really demonstrated to me the positivity and freedom that I spoke of before, which is something that every single Tanzanian I interacted with carried with them.

As for the future, only days after leaving the Tanzania I decided that I will attempt to summit Kili again in the near future, as I did feel a lack of closure or a feeling of success when descending. Plus, it’s a great excuse to return to a wonderful country! The extent to which Dig Deep makes a profound physical difference in Kenya really hit me during the talks and presentations we were given whilst in Tanzania, so continuing with Dig Deep in some capacity is important to me, and I am already exploring ways to do so.

Of course, the most important element to the entire trip was the fundraising the group was able to achieve over the course of the last year. Raising over £81,000 for water, sanitation and hygiene projects in Bomet County, Kenya, was not only a highly rewarding experience, but something that will make a huge difference to the lives of so many people in the area. Seeing evidence of what past fundraisers have been able to achieve made it clear to me that this wasn’t just a process of raising money, but more a process of changing people’s lives.

Finally, I want to say an enormous thank you to the ASA Committee for considering and accepting my application for the Tom Watts award – the challenge of Kili and the trip itself couldn’t have come at a better time for me personally, and I am extremely grateful for the support the award gave me, allowing me to take on such a challenge. It has inspired me to take on many more challenges and commit to similar fundraising targets again.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI NEWS NEW ASA TREASURER APPOINTED We were delighted to appoint Rachel Wilcox (née Hopkins, Pilgrims 2006) at the last ASA AGM as our new ASA Treasurer. Rachel takes up the role from Nicky Brightling (née Clarke, Knights,1984). We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Nicky for all her support.

FRIARS OLD BOYS REUNITE

In March, some of our Friars alumni organised a meet up in Royston with Former Headmaster John Stevens, and his wife Jane. John and Jane are both well and in very good spirits. Pictured: John Abadom, Michael Anekwe, Gary McCartan, Toby Robson, John and Jane Stevens.

A BIRTHDAY SURPRISE Wishing Linda Margaret Lewis (née Stone, Alfred,1955) an incredibly Happy 80th Birthday! We were delighted to hear from your daughter, Susannah, and niece, Kirsty, to celebrate this milestone birthday with a trip down memory lane. Susannah writes “My mum, Linda, has enjoyed a career as a midwife, nurse and then headed up a healthcare assessment unit for BUPA. Now retired, she has not slowed down and has joined 2 ukelele groups, dabbled with the penny whistle, guitar and is now taking up the banjolele. She has never lost her joie de vivre and is happiest when socialising with her family and friends. She has a special bond with her 2 grandsons, my cousins, and their children. She has been married for 54 years to her husband, Mike, who she met in London hospital after he had had a motorbike accident and after being posted to RAF Scampton, Lincoln became their home for over 40 years. We hope we can make this birthday extra special by helping her reconnect with friends from her school days which she has such happy memories of.” Please do get in touch if you remember Linda to wish her a happy birthday!

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS ORGANIST’S PALACE PARTY INVITE Felicity Amor (Head of Speech & Drama, House Tutor for Cranmer/Somerville/Brooke Place, 1979-1995) received an invitation to Buckingham Palace as part of the Coronation celebrations. Felicity sings in the St. Wilfrid’s Church choir and was assistant organist for 70 years. She was honoured to be invited to a Coronation Garden Party on Wednesday 3 May. She said she ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ the event where King Charles III and Queen Camilla met guests who had contributed to their communities. Felicity, who grew up in Haywards Heath and now lives in Ditchling, started her musical work at St. Wilfrid’s Church when she was 15. Melvyn Walmsley, Communications Officer for the Parish of St. Wilfrid, Haywards Heath said, ‘This very special Royal recognition followed a surprise presentation to Felicity at St. Wilfrid’s Church in June 2018. That too was to thank Felicity for her 70 years as its assistant organist. She was ‘dumbfounded’ to be presented with a framed photo of herself at the church’s Tickell organ by Wayne Marshall, the celebrated organist, pianist and conductor. Felicity trained as a teacher of speech and drama at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and eventually became its Chief Examiner in drama until it amalgamated with Trinity. As Head of Drama, and a boarding house tutor at Ashford School for 25 years, she directed many plays and musicals and took away many treasured memories of both her roles. Felicity served as Chairman of the Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama for 2 three-year terms of office. (Extract taken from Mid-Sussex Times sussexworld.co.uk, Thursday 18 May 2023)

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS LIFE DOWN UNDER It was great to hear from Nicola Lane (née Sharland, Somerville 1989) who kindly shared an update all the way from Australia, and we look forward to welcoming her back to the School this December for a tour with her family! “I always wanted to become a teacher and became a primary school teacher. I emigrated to Australia in January 2000 and went to a job in Merredin, a country town east of Perth. While there, I joined St John Ambulance as a Volunteer Ambulance Officer and became the trainer for our volunteers. I was going to use my teaching to travel around Western Australia but met my husband, Craig, in Merredin and so stayed there. We were married in 2004 and have two children, Chloe, who is now in her last term of Year 12 and Josh, who is in Year 11. We moved to Perth at the end of 2018 for Chloe and Josh to attend High School. I continue to volunteer with St John, providing first aid at various community and school events. Although I am still teaching, I have swapped primary school children for adults and, for the last 2 years, have been a First Aid Trainer with St John, which is a role I thoroughly enjoy.”

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS

CHOIR ON TOUR Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011) toured to the US in February 2023 with her chamber choir - Vox Anima Chamber Choir. They sang in several concerts in Georgia and NYC and performed the US premiere of Dan Forrest's "LUX: The Dawn from on High", arranged for upper voices. Hannah was especially delighted to see several alumni supporting her in the audience at the NYC concert - including Nora Li (Squires, 2009), Matt Nicholls (Knights, 2016), Sophie Pinney (Squires, 2017) and Sunny Zhang (Squires, 2018)! Hannah was then part of the London Premiere performance of the same work, in June 2023, at Southwark Cathedral. VACC also performed the World Premiere of “Being Me” by Joanna Gill in July 2023 in the beautiful St Augustine’s Chapel at Tonbridge School alongside a choir from Rochester, New York. An exciting season for Hannah and the other musicians! If you’d like to find out more about the Chamber Choir and their upcoming concerts, you can visit www.vacc.org.uk

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS

NEWS FLASH Karen Lai (Franklins, 2012) made her international powerlifting debut, after being selected to represent England in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships. Karen competed in the Open Age category, in the Classic Full-Power competition. The championship was held in Auckland, New Zealand at the end of 2022. Karen came away with 2 bronze medals, one for her squat at 152.5 kg, and second for her bench press at 97.5 kg. Congratulations Karen on an awesome achievement – we can’t wait to hear more of your sporting successes.

Isabella Fish (Pilgrims, 2011) was awarded Highly Commended for Supply Chain Journalist of the Year 2022 at The Seahorse Journalist Awards for her reporting on freight rate hikes and other supply chain bottlenecks. The Seahorse Awards have been running annually for over 30 years and recognise and celebrate the best writing across the industry.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

Congratulations to Alex Playford (K nights, 2007) wh appointed as Head o has been of Design & Techno log y an d Ha nn (née Bilcliffe, Fr ah Strassburg anklins, 2005) as Alumni and Develop at Ashford School. ment Manager We’re delighted to ha ve m or e alu m team here! ni joining the staff

Dentist Dr Jaimini Vadgama (Yeomen, 2007) achieved recognition for her clinical work in the challenging category of a single anterior implant case amongst some of the most experienced and talented implant clinicians in the UK in the Dentistry Clinical Case Awards 2022. Jaimini’s place of work, Woodbury Clinic in Tenterden, also won Best Digital Practice at the International Digital Dentistry Academy Awards. Jaimini qualified from KCL Dental Institute in 2012, and works in Private Dentistry.

Naomi Rose (Yeomen, 2003) was selected for the Women in Film & TV mentoring scheme 2023. The scheme is designed for mid-career women across the UK working in film and TV looking to take the next big step in their career who will avail of mentoring from senior industry figures. Naomi works as Commissioning Executive for Channel 4 where she is responsible for series such as Queens that Changed the World, The Great British Home Restoration, Random Acts and Ancient Egypt by Train with Alice Roberts. We are excited to see and hear what’s next for Naomi!

ALUMNI NEWS Marie-Claire Barsley (née Guttery, Knights, 2001) is working as a Psychotherapist for young adults in London and St Albans. She married her husband in 2012, and has three children, daughter Amelia and twins Dominic and Sebastien.

s ée Brown, Squire Gemma Jones (n l, dd (née Brentnal 2000), Jenny Dafy a and Alexandr Franklins 2000) s, Squires Gale (née Steven their families 2000) met up with ekend of lovely this Summer for a we drink. walks, nice food and

Image too low res

Katie Cameron (née Bates, Nightingale 1990) and Lucy Swanson-Zajac (née Swanson, Nightingale 1990) met up last month for the first time in 18 years. Katie writes, “We started out as first years in September 1983 in Nightingale House (we had a great House Tutor in Carol Pay née Mearles) with a great bunch of girls and stayed all the way through until July 1990. Our year was also the guinea pig year for GCSEs. I was a bridesmaid at Lucy's wedding in 1996 and we are godmothers to each other’s eldest child. Despite the great length of time we hadn’t seen each other (she lives in Dubai and I was an army wife for many years, moving around a lot) the years rolled back and we had a fabulous catch up/reunion. We had a wonderful time at Ashford and are lifelong friends.”

Another recent reunion from a 1974-1981 bunch, with Sara Knox-Johnson (Alfred,1981), Pippa Tuke (Cranmer, 1981), Susan Sumners (née Dickinson, Somerville, 1981), Neeti Ghanekar (Alfred/Bridge, 1981), Emma Alsina-Olaizola (née Barton,1981), Fiona Coombe (Knights, 1981), Alison Wall (Alfred, 1981) and Sarah Large (née Paine, Merchants 1980).

Many happy returns to Rosie McFarlane (née Wall, Alfred, 1981) and her school friends , Fiona Coombe (Knights 198 1), Sarah Large (née Paine, Merchants 1980) and Sara-Knox-Johnston (Alfred, 1981). All previous members of the Hockey Team, here they are at the Victorius Fest ival 2021! They meet up several time s a year and keep in touch always. They will all be turning 60 this year too, so more to come!

We were delighted to hear that alumnus Max Nicholls (Pilgrims, 2014), who competed in the London Marathon in April 2023, came 26th overall, in a time of 2 hours 23 mins! A phenomenal achievement, especially given this was Max’s first time running this distance.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS

LOST AND WONDERING Hasumati Bhaga (née Solanki, 1980) is looking to reconnect with alumni from her cohort, including Jane Crawford, Niraja Nanjundan, and Elizabeth Bragg. Jane Seaman (Cranmer, 1969) is hoping to reconnect with alumni from her cohort and from Cranmer House. She would be particularly keen to connect with Sarah Woolley, Elizabeth Troupe, Naomi Robbins, & Elizabeth Holgate. Valerie Walker (Somerville, 1949) is hoping to reconnect with old friends: “I am still in touch with Jane Brown (née Castle, Somerville), Tulah Tuke (Somerville, 1949) and Ann Jordan (née Head, 1950). Are any old friends still around?” Rosie Reid (née Tattersfield, Pilgrims, 1981) is looking to contact Annabel Vaughan (Nightingale, 1981): “Dear Annabel. Sadly, we lost contact at school, but I've often wondered how you are and where life has taken you. I hope that this message might find you so we can reestablish contact. I still see Vanessa Kearns and Jane Coverdale and I know they would love to hear news of you too." Felicity Amor (Former Head of Speech & Drama / House Tutor) requests help solving her festive mystery! Is your name ‘Pippa’ and, while at Ashford, were you friends with the Sinker sisters? If so, did you send Felicity a Christmas card last year? She was most grateful for the card and would like to get in touch with you but has no contact details! Please get in touch with the Alumni Office and we will put you in touch with her. Linda Margaret Lewis (née Stone, Alfred, 1955) is celebrating her 80th year and to mark this milestone, she would love to reconnect with friends from her school days. She would especially like to connect with Margaret Charlton, Wendy Fletcher and Linda Kent, as well as ‘Alison from the Isle of Wight’. Please get in touch! Please could anyone with contact information on these individuals get in touch with the Alumni & Development Office.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

SCHOOL VISITS We were delighted to welcome the following alumni back to School over the last year: • David Cue (1945) • Kevin Lu (Franklins/Alfred, 2021) • Lara Jukes (Pilgrims, 1988) • Riley Hu (Franklins, 2017) • William Archer (Friars, Lions, 1987) • Andy Chen (Franklins/Alfred, 2020) • Jonathan Zhu (Franklins/Brooke, 2020) • Nejra Pasic (Merchants, 2012) • Tom Xie (Yeoman, 2017) • Samantha Butchart (née Lee, Pilgrims 1991) • Wendy Mathews (née White, Merchants 1991) • Ellie Rogers (née Jennings, Knights 1998)

ALUMNI NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS TO... Ochuwa Hareera Alegeh (Knights/Brabourne, 2017) has been appointed as Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Charlotte Walter (née Cobb, Franklins, 2011) and her husband Charlie on the birth of her daughter Florence Bethanie Walter on 29th April 2023, weighing 6 lb 2 oz, little sister to Hugo.

Caroline Welling (Knights, 2011) married Vito Torluccio on Thursday 28th July. Her sister Luisa Attoe (née Welling, Knights, 2010) was a bridesmaid, and fellow alumni Jessica Barnick (Knights, 2011),, Alex Browne (Franklins, 2011) & Hannah Thomson (née Pinney, Squires, 2011) attended the day.

Katie Floyd (née Webb, Merchants, 2003) and Ben Floyd welcomed their son Elliot Frederick Floyd on 11th July 2023, little brother to Theodore.

Sophie Darby Brown (née Montagne, Merchants, 2001) and her husband Rod, welcomed Phoebe Diana Darby Brown on 13th July. She is a sister to Madeleine (now 3 years old).

Catherine Kenny (née Cuddehay, Nightingale / Chaucer Merchants 1993) on her marriage to Nicholas Kenny on 22nd April 2023 with Emma Blake (née Garnett, Pilgrims, 1993) also in attendance.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

NINE OAKS VINEYARD

PUTTING DOWN ROOTS: A JOURNEY FROM ASHFORD SCHOOL HALLS TO VINEYARD ROWS

Read Helen Matheson-Pollock's (née Graham-Matheson, Pilgrims, 2005) remarkable story, exploring how her return to her roots near Ashford became the catalyst for an extraordinary venture into the world of winemaking—a journey that not only transformed her own life but also enriched the legacy of her family. When we broke ground at Nine Oaks Vineyard, my daughter was three and a half years old, just a few months younger than I was when I joined Ashford School, as a member of the first ever nursery class. The first vines were planted in May 2020; in February 2020 we had returned to England after four years living in Kenya accompanying my husband on a military posting. We came back to literally put down our roots. The vineyard in Hothfield is planted directly opposite the house in which I grew up and neighbours the church which has been the site of many significant family events.

noir vines, with more pinot noir, pinot meunier and bacchus following in 2021. We did extensive research and preparation prior to planting – into the best vines to grow, how to plant strategically to maximise our options for wines that we could make, and the suitability of the land for viticulture. We have been thrilled with how things have gone so far. Oddly, planting during the coronavirus pandemic turned out to be a positive thing. It meant that my husband, Martyn and I were at home and able to be out in the vineyard as much as we could. I thoroughly enjoyed the initial establishment phase starting with preparing the ground, ploughing the land and, most excitingly, planting the vines. Once the vines were in, we had to individually add a protective guard to each vine along with a steel rod to encourage the vines to grow straight. Once the trellising went in to create a framework to support the (eventual) fruit it looked like a proper vineyard! Then we just had to wait…

Nine Oaks Vineyard is a relatively small commercial vineyard. We have c. 15,000 vines across just under 3 ha. Initially we planted chardonnay and pinot

Planting a vineyard is a huge investment - of effort, money, and time. Establishing any kind of farm from the ground up is a vast undertaking, and it

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

takes approx. three seasons before you see any real yield. We took a tiny crop from our young vines in 2021 as a way to test the process, and we are eagerly awaiting the release of this, our first sparkling wine, in Summer 2024! In 2022 we harvested six tonnes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and we anticipate a beautiful Blanc du Blanc sparkling wine in 2025; the rest became our first two still wines, a Pinot Noir Rosé released in April and a lightly oaked Chardonnay which followed in June 2023. Running a vineyard is certainly an all-consuming enterprise as it seems like no sooner have you learned the art of growing grapes, you now have to make decisions about the wine making processes and the specific styles of wine you want to produce, then it is on to wine sales and marketing.

NINE OAKS VINEYARD It also requires a lot of resilience. Having come home to Kent with the intention of raising my family here I often reflect on the influences on my own childhood and what led me to my current situation. Having spent some 15 years at Ashford School (1990-2005) there is no doubt that my school experience played a huge part in shaping me from my earliest years to young adulthood, including all my ambitions and aspirations. Winemaking has traditionally been a male dominated industry, but there are increasing numbers of women in wine, and I know that my time at Ashford (then a girls' school) helped me develop my resilience as a woman in business and prepare me for many of the challenges I have faced. Connections made at school, too, are proving very important. I am in touch with several other alumni also in the food and drink or hospitality industries and I hope interesting things will come from conversations happening now. Last year we worked with Kent Wildlife Trust to ‘re-wild’ some five acres of land next to the vineyard, in part inspired by the nature reserve built at Ashford School during my time, and a key introduction for me to the beauty and value of our local wildlife and landscapes which is vital to our approach to viticulture at Nine Oaks. I am very keen to maintain my connection to the School and have been delighted to join in events such as the 125-year celebrations in the Spring and look forward now to my third Christmas Fair, albeit this will be my debut with Nine Oaks. This year has been huge for us, with the release of our first wines (available on our website and in a selection of local retailers and restaurants!), openair theatre events and a record-breaking growing season, with the bizarre patterns of rain and extreme heat eventually resulting in epic yields all around! We harvested an immense 21 tonnes from our vines, more than 1/3 more than we anticipated. In Spring/Summer 2024 will have a new vintage of our Pinot Noir Rosé and Chardonnay, as well as our first Bacchus. We will have two sparkling wines, another Blanc du Blanc and a Rosé du Noir - a skin

Establishing any kind of farm from the ground up is a vast undertaking, and it takes approx. three seasons before you see any real yield. contact sparkling rosé made from both Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier - which will be released sometime in the Summer of 2026.

I feel strongly also that the success of my time at school has been a huge contributing factor to my want to return to Ashford and raise my family here, giving them as close to the childhood experience that I had as I can. With the vines planted and the roots put down we look to the future and many, many more seasons to come. It certainly is an exciting time to be in English wine, and I look forward to raising a glass of Nine Oaks with members of the Ashford School community in the future. Cheers! Listen to Helen’s appearance on BBC Radio Kent, including an on-air taste testing! https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ggz9vk

(listen from 2hrs 8mins in)

Nine Oaks is still in the very early stages, and we are learning constantly about all aspects of the business. Every day is a school day as they say, and I have no doubt at all that what I learned during my time at Ashford School, both academically and socially has hugely impacted my approach and commitment to this project.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

YOUR GIFT TO THE FUTURE INTRODUCING OUR NEW ASHFORD SCHOOL FOUNDATION TRUSTEES Earlier this year, the Ashford School Foundation was delighted to appoint three new Trustees, each of whom will bring their unique expertise to support the development of the charity: Nicola Ratchford, Michelle Krawczyk & Lara Jukes. As well as being a current parent, Nicola is a governor of the School, and will thus act as a link between the Foundation and the Governing Body. She is an expert story-teller, and is currently Head of Corporate Affairs at Marex, a financial services platform, having previously run the marketing and communications function at a large insurer. insurer The Foundation had been looking to appoint a Trustee linked to the School’s PFA, and Michelle fits this role, as she is currently the Vice-Chair. Michelle served for 21 years in the US Army, and since her retirement in 2016 has dedicated her free time to supporting charities and organisations important to the Ashford community. She currently serves as Vice Chair of Governors for a local maintained school and the Chair of the Central Ashford Community Forum. She is also a Director at Step-Out Outdoor Learning, Training and Therapy, a Community Interest Company that delivers Forest School opportunities to the larger community, ensuring the outdoors and nature is accessible to all. all With nearly 30 years of experience, Lara is a senior leader in the not-forprofit sector, specialising in fundraising, philanthropy and marketing and is also an alumna of Ashford School. Today, she provides strategic advice, consultancy and interim leadership to charities, arts and heritage, and education clients. Previously, she was Director of Development for the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) where she led her teams to achieve a threefold increase in annual income between 2010 to 2022. Prior to the ICR, she was Development Director at the British Library and held a senior development role at the Royal Opera House. She is also a Trustee of Nurse Lifeline, a mental health charity, and was previously a member of Council for a national wildlife conservation charity. NICOLA RATCHFORD

MICHELLE KRAWCZYK

LARA JUKES

MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR –

REVITALISING THE ASF During my career as a leader in the not-for-profit sector, I’ve been reminded frequently of the value of my education at Ashford School. However, it was only during lockdown when I joined a Zoom-based event celebrating the story of the School’s “Experiment in Space” (of which I was a part) and featuring the wonderful Brian Stockwell, that I realised the true extent of the care and dedication put into my education by staff and by School. Following that heart-warming evening of reminiscence, I decided it was time to pay my first visit in 35 years… and I was impressed. So much of the School is as I remember it – and yet it feels so appropriately 21st century with a broader curriculum, much greater emphasis on technology, more sport and amazing creative and performing arts (and boys!). Within a short space of time, I found myself inspired by Head Mike Hall to join the Trustees of the Ashford School Foundation and this summer, I was appointed as Chair. Established in 2016, the Foundation is a charity dedicated to supporting the School’s ambitions. Our major area of focus is on the growth of funds for, and awards of bursaries - so that like you and me, more students from a broad range of backgrounds can benefit from the life-changing educational opportunities offered by Ashford. As a relatively new charity, the Foundation has already received some generous donations and legacies from alumni and parents and these have enabled us to fund a growing number of meanstested bursaries. We are currently reviewing and refreshing our fundraising strategy, with a view to persuading others who like me and my fellow trustees, are passionate about the power of education and are willing and able to lend their support. If you would like to find out more about the ASF or get involved in future activities, please contact development@ashfordschool.co.uk

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

YOUR GIFT TO THE FUTURE WHOLE SCHOOL CHARITY DAY We are delighted to share that our whole School charity day, masterminded by our Wider Community Prefect, Molly, has raised over £800 for the Ashford School Foundation. This money will go directly to the Foundation, and will support the School's bursary fund, making a transformational difference. Thank you to all our staff, students and parents for getting involved and supporting the Foundation.

LILIAN BRAKE LEGACY SOCIETY LUNCH 20 MARCH 2023

We had an absolutely wonderful lunch in March with members of our Lilian Brake Legacy Society. The lunch is the School’s opportunity to share recent news and developments, and to publicly thank our members for their ongoing support, and to talk to those interested in finding out more about leaving a legacy to the school. As well as a delicious lunch, tours were available of the School with our prefects, and we were treated to performances from current students Abigail, Emily, Ollie & Ishy. We were also joined by Head of Year Hilary Ndongong, who spoke to our members about the wellbeing and pastoral support here and how integral this is to the work we do at Ashford School, and often of particular importance to our bursary students. A huge thank you to the members of the Lilian Brake Legacy Society who have or are considering leaving a gift to the School. We are incredibly grateful for their support, which makes a transformational difference. As we celebrate the School's 125th Anniversary, we want to continue to grow the funds available through the Ashford School Foundation to enable more talented pupils, who otherwise wouldn't have the means, to receive an Ashford School education. If you would be interested in leaving a gift to Ashford School, or donating to the Ashford School Foundation, please get in touch with the Alumni & Development Office at: development@ashfordschool.co.uk.

Attendees: Head of Alumni & Development Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011), Michelle Krawczyk (Deputy Chair of PFA & ASF Trustee), Nicola Ratchford (Governor & ASF Trustee), Val Arends (née Davies, Nightingale, 1955), Joey Jackson (née Waite, Alfred, 1955), Liz West (née Lee, Alfred, 1955), John Hosking (ASF Patron & Former Governor), Becky Hogg (née 1955) Lloyd, Pilgrims, 1979), Fiona McNeeney (née Schwabe, Merchants, 1979), Headmaster Michael Hall, and Teacher of English and Head of Year 9 Hilary Ndongong.

AMAZON SMILE Did you know that you can support The Ashford School Foundation at no extra cost to you when you shop on Amazon, through Amazon Smile. You simply have to choose The Ashford School Foundation as your nominated charity when shopping. To register for Amazon Smile, please use this link: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1165474-0

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

OBITUARIES

Honor Mansell (Former Teacher of French & Latin, House Tutor of Cranmer, 1982) passed away on 26 February 2023 at the age of 97.

Lorna Cockayne (née Fitch, Somerville, 1942) sadly passed away in December 2022, aged 97 ½. She was a boarder at Ashford School and had fond memories of her time at the School and of then Headmistress Miss Brake.

Miss Mansell had a long association with Ashford School, first meeting Miss Brake when she was a young girl and the school was evacuated to Devon during WWII. She then joined the teaching staff in 1952, retiring in 1982. During her time at School, alongside teaching French and Latin, she also organised the public exams and Duke of Edinburgh activities.

On leaving school War broke out and Lorna joined the WRENS and was eventually stationed at the top-secret Bletchley Park, where she worked on Colossus, one of the machines instrumental in breaking the Nazi codes. Lorna’s job was to feed intercepted messages punched out on teleprinter tape into a machine and count the letters to find a pattern. It was not until years later that she learned she had been working on the world’s first computer to break the Lorenz code used by Hitler to communicate with his commanders.

Joan Duncan (née Salmon, Former History Teacher, and Housemistress, 1957) sadly passed in July 2023, aged 95. Joan was a history teacher and housemistress at Ashford School and enjoyed the modernity of the school’s approach, and the camaraderie of the staff room.

After the war she studied to be a teacher at Exeter University. She taught Home Economics but due to her wide education could teach almost any subject as a supply teacher or stand in. Little did the pupils know that they had a codebreaker in their midst! She eventually retired and moved from Harlow to Mudeford in Dorset. Lorna is mentioned in the Bletchley Park roll of honour as well as having a brick in the wall there. She was awarded France’s highest honour, Legion d’Honneur, in 2021.

Naomi Parker (Former Teacher of Biology, 1995) passed away on 31st July 2021 after a short illness.

Carolyn Alston (née Shaw, Alfred, 1953) sadly passed on the 13th June 2023, aged 86. Her funeral was in Earls Colne Parish Church where she moved several years ago to be closer to her daughter. Carolyn started at the school aged 4 years old when the school had evacuated to Countess Wear and was a swimmer and involved in drama. After leaving the school, Carolyn pursued a secretarial course in London and later moved to Malta. Her husband, Jack, was in the Navy, and they had three children.

Naomi studied biology at the University of London and completed 21 years of service at Ashford School as a teacher of Biology. She left in 1992 to take up a post at Stafford House in Canterbury. While she was teaching at Ashford School, she would often bring in euthanised rats in a box for later dissection in the science laboratory. Jenny Watson-Bore vividly remembers listening to a rat who had survived scratching away and trying to escape from its fate. Naomi was a cultured woman who had a degree in English Literature and she described herself as “a literate scientist”. She enthusiastically taught the dreaded General Studies to the Sixth Form and ran a Russian for Beginners course; she also took part in two educational visits to Moscow and Leningrad in the late 1980s and early 1990s. We convey our belated condolences to Naomi’s husband Ted and to her son Geoffrey.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

OBITUARIES

Jenny Gore (Former Teacher of Physics) sadly passed away late last year. Here is a tribute written by Margaret Williams (Former Deputy Head) and John Jones (Former Teacher of Science): “Jenny joined Ashford School to teach Physics in the early seventies. At that time all girls studied Biology O Level and Physics with Chemistry as the second Science. Physics and Chemistry as separate subjects were considered too demanding! Jenny arrived as a breath of fresh air; her down to earth approach really changed attitudes to Physics. She had little time for the idea that Physics was any more demanding than other subjects and she used everyday language and examples to explain concepts. She also embraced other aspects of school life and many girls benefitted from her general studies courses in home electrics, tiling, decorating and wallpapering. Jenny became House Tutor of Chaucer Knights, taking on pastoral responsibility for groups of girls across all ages. She was particularly keen that her girls should rise to the challenges of house competitions and she, herself, was very competitive for Knights House, particularly for technology competitions.

Jenny was always cheerful and hospitable. Few who joined the school in the years after her knew that her first husband died in a flying accident. She just got on with life in a matter-of-fact way. New young staff found Jenny supportive and helpful, as did her pupils. But Jenny had a forceful personality and stood her ground when challenged about country pursuits. Outside school she was a keen horsewoman and a member of the Ashford Valley Hunt. She brought this enthusiasm for riding to school and became involved with the school’s very successful showjumping teams. Jenny retired from Ashford School in 2003 and she died on 5th November 2022 after a short illness that she managed stoically. Her funeral was attended by many former members of the Ashford School staff who reminisced about Jenny’s humour, kindness and generosity.”

Tatiana Macaire (Former Headmistress) sadly passed away this Summer. Mrs Macaire was Headmistress at Ashford School from 1985 to 1992. Her loss is deeply felt by the entire school community. Mrs Macaire touched the lives of countless students, staff members, and parents. Her inspiring dedication, championing academic achievement for girls and welcoming advancements in education, ensured every student felt valued, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential. She will be remembered for her warmth, friendliness, and caring nature, and notably for one of her first changes implemented at the school - the abolition of the uniform school hat - "The time has come to put an end to hats..." Please read see our article on page 48 for a dedicated tribute to honour the impact Mrs Macaire had during her Ashford Years.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

SCHOOL NEWS

NEW GOVERNORS

In December 2022, Ashford School bid farewell to two of our long-standing governors, Elaine Rose & Stephen Taylor. Yetunde Areeson will replace Elaine as our designated Safeguarding Governor and will work closely with Nicky Timms and Chris Neesham. Yetunde brings a wealth of knowledge from her various safeguarding roles and responsibilities with local authorities and other independent organisations. Warwick Fletcher joins our Finance and Estates Sub Committee group headed up by Jon Rimmer. He is a Chartered Accountant with 20 years’ experience working within public practice, listed, and privately backed environments in finance and strategy roles.

A RENEWED QUIET ROOM We are delighted to share that our facilities team has recreated the Quiet Room for the 21st Century as a warm and welcoming space for the school community in Brooke Place. Students and staff may use this as a space to pray, and to take time out simply to enjoy peace and quiet, or practise mindfulness or read. The original Quiet Room was established in memory of Miss Lewin (Biology) & Miss Agnew (History) who sadly passed away in an avalanche in Austria in 1953. It was previously in the Crow's Nest and was dedicated by Dean White-Thompson on 10 July 1953.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM iform

School Un updates to the Ashford There have been a few ion. since the School’s incept roduced for our a new attire has been int From September 2023 is to maintain reason for this change Sixth Form students. The rest of the school), dress (in line with the the highest standards of iety that labels identity, remove the anx to give pupils a specific as a point of se and remove uniform and latest trends can cau pupils. tion between staff and unnecessary confronta as we start this in the coming months, Further details will follow will be available the Sixth Form. Uniform exciting new period for sely with them. we are working very clo from School Colours, and a gender-neutral nce the introduction of We are pleased to annou wn below and 2023. The blazer is as sho blazer from September e straight cut is ed and straight cuts (th is available in both fitt illustrated below). zers and comes in tes elements of both bla The new blazer incorpora y to all. Please rest a school to offer equalit response to the need as in) will continue to le blazers (striped and pla assured that the old-sty eseeable future. the uniform list for the for be sold and will remain on

SCHOOL NEWS

HEAD OF ART SHORTLISTED IN THE TES SCHOOL AWARDS 2023 FOR SUBJECT LEAD OF THE YEAR AWARD A huge congratulations to alumna and Head of Art, Nicole Rayner (née Ingham, Merchants/Pilgrims, 1998) who was shortlisted in a national award representing all secondary school across the UK - Subject Lead of the Year (Secondary) in the Tes Schools Awards 2023! Nicole was pitched alongside some intense competition, and although the award went to another nominee on this occasion, to be shortlisted down to the last 6 is a phenomenal achievement. Nicole Rayner is an inspiring role model to students across all year groups and is also an exceptional Subject Leader. With a strong vision for her subject, Nicole motivates pupils to be highly creative and exploratory artists. The School is very proud to display a wide range of extraordinary art pieces across its site; indeed, parents often comment about the diverse range of art on display, adding that projects are highly inventive and tailored to the individual child. Nicole consistently demonstrates resilience in how she leads, motivating pupils to reach their full potential. She is encouraging of local and international competitions, and she also initiated the Artist in Residence (AiR) programme 7 years ago. Through this, Nicole has supported activities for our Art Scholars to work

alongside the AiR in the community, culminating in public exhibitions in a disused shop, at St Mary's Church and at Coachworks in Ashford town. Her outreach work at Wye Free School enabled the two schools to share excellent practice. Using artist networking events, Nicole has also been instrumental in exhibiting work in London at 10 Grosvenor St and London’s La Galleria. Art examination results in A Level and GCSE are consistently high and pupils from all year groups show strong levels of engagement in lessons. Former students go on to study Art or come back freely to deliver talks to new exam groups. A triple marathon runner, Nicole sets goals and aims high. Art teachers describe Nicole as ‘absolutely outstanding’ and it is with pride that Nicole’s mentor role earned her an ‘Expert Practitioner’ nomination in the 2022 Canterbury Christ Church University awards. Overall, under her subject leadership, pupils succeed and artistic creativity flourishes. Nicole has made a significant contribution to making Art an outstanding department area and we are so proud of what she has achieved and the impact she has had on the School and our community. Congratulations, Nicole!

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

SCHOOL NEWS

SPORTS REVIEW 2023 Daniel Cusani, Director of Sport, Physical Education Department

It has been an incredibly successful year of competitive school sport at Ashford School with a number of significant individual and team achievements at County, Regional and National levels of competition. Please see a summary of these achievements below: • Football – our U11 Boys had the most successful football season in the history of Ashford School after reaching the Regional Final and following this being invited to the National Finals finishing second in the Bowl competition. We also had several students selected to represent England at the Gothia Cup in Sweden; Niamh and Isla were selected for the Prep School Lions and Noah B, Bryon H and Jesse O for the Prep School Pumas. • R ugby – after visiting both Twickenham and Ealing to watch the professionals in action, our students had another incredibly successful rugby season. The number of students involved in the Saracens DPP and PDG has further increased with Charlie B working hard towards achieving a professional contract with Saracens. Our U16’s also reached the final of the Eltham County Sevens Tournament.

•N etball – our netballers had a successful season with more challenging block fixtures arranged to bolster the fixture card. Key achievements included the 1st VII victory at the King's Rochester Tournament and U9 who won their District tournament at Kent College. May F has been incredibly successful and has trained with both the London Pulse U19 Squad and Telstars Netball Club. • Cricket – Following are recent success with cricket, we were yet again listed in the Top 100 Schools for Cricket in 2022. Our girls continued to show their dominance indoors by finishing at National Runners Up, losing out to the eventual winners by only 1 run! Our U15 girls were crowned Kent Indoor Champions and narrowly missed out on Nationals again this year. We have several students involved with Southern Spartans and Kent Cricket with Maddie R selected for the South East Stars Academy.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

• Hockey – our hockey programme and success continues to grow and develop. We were crowned County Champions for the U11 and U12 Boys. The U11 boys progressed and were crowned South East Regional Champions. For our girls, our U11 reached the Regional Finals, the U14 finished 3rd overall at Regionals and finally the U16 were Regional Finalists losing narrowly to Sevenoaks. We are incredibly proud of Aoife, Maddie, Jessie, Anna and Joseph who are all part of the Talent Academy at Holcombe with Maddie progressing to England U18 Trials. • Dance – he Prep School entered The Great Big Dance Off for the first time and qualified for Nationals which was a wonderful achievement.

SCHOOL NEWS

• Swimming – members of the Ashford School

• Badminton – our badminton team had yet

for 2022. Finally our Equestrian Team have had

Swimming Programme continue to improve and

another successful season under Mr Stew’s

further success with Evie winning the Kent County

have experienced a successful season with some key

guidance. The U16 team were crowned District

100cm Show Jumping event and our newly formed

achievements. The U15 Girls team reached the English

Champions whilst the U18 team were crowned

Prep School Equestrian Team winning their first

Schools National Relay Finals. A number of individuals

Granville County Champions, both for only the

event and qualifying for the Championships

including Leo P and Tilly P qualified for IAPS Nationals

second time in the School’s history. Kyle C is the

at Hickstead.

and finally Hani Y qualified for Summer Nationals.

stand out performer and plays regularly for and

• Athletics – Our U13 team performed admirably

is ranked 2nd in Kent for his age group.

at the Independent Prep Schools Championships

• P entathlon and Multi-Sports – we have

where 4 pupils qualified for the IAPS National Finals

had tremendous success with our Multi-Sports

at Birmingham. Other key individual achievements

Programme. Tilly P was crowned the National

include Jess W who is the U20 National Race Walking

Schools Biathlon Champion and our U13 Girls

10K Champion and Ava C who is the U13 National

won the National Schools Biathlon Team event for

Champion. Nadia SR represents Kent in both the Long

the first time in the Schools history. In additional,

Jump, Heptathlon and Pentathlon and Dylan L is also

both Zara and Ava competed for GB in a European

the ranked 3rd in the UK for High Jump and 2nd in

Biathle and Triathle event in Marathon, Greece

the UK for Long Jump for his U15 age range.

with Zara finishing as the U11 European Champion

• Other sporting individuals achievements are listed below: - Charlie C National Champion for his trampolining. - Abbie F selected for the Kent U16 waterpolo team. - Katie H was also invited for England Water Polo trials.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

SCHOOL NEWS

MATILDA THE MUSICAL In May, the Junior Drama Company performed Matilda the Musical, penned by Dennis Kelly with music by Tim Minchin. The show was hugely successful and saw 55 pupils across both years take on the colourful characters of this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved book. The entire production was pupil-led, with the AshTech Club taking on stage management and technical duties. The cast worked diligently over six months to bring the musical numbers, dance routines and absurd comedy to the delight of packed houses over three days. A special mention goes to our Matildas, skilfully played by Rose BP and Libby H; as well as further principal roles being played by Naomie P, Will R, Isaac S, Scarlett DS, Ishbel D, Henry N and Leila P. This was a truly ensemble driven show, with bags of energy and enthusiasm from the outset.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

SCHOOL NEWS

UNDER MILK WOOD In March, the Senior Drama Company performed Dylan Thomas’ lyrical masterpiece Under Milk Wood. Performed in thrust, Brake Hall was transformed into the abstract world of Llareggub, a fictitious Welsh village, where we see into the dreams and nightmares of the inhabitants, all told through the voice of the blind retired sea captain, Captain Cat. This was a tangential offering, away from the more traditional musicals and plays, but it was a hugely rewarding production for the Senior Company to develop in rehearsal. Young actors were able to strengthen their multiroling, choral and physical theatre skills, as well as accent work in an unorthodox performance space. The Senior Company found the piece challenging in rehearsals but overcame the creative obstacles and produced a wonderfully engaging night at the theatre. After all, Under Milk Wood was written for radio, so we had to adapt it for the stage.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

SCHOOL NEWS

INTRODUCING OUR 2023-24 PREFECT TEAM

Heads of School Will Whitehead and Julia Ellul

We are delighted to introduce our new Student Leadership team for 2023-24. They are a very talented, enthusiastic and determined group of young people, who want to unite the school community and make a difference to benefit all.

Lead Prefects Co-curricular School – Freya Johnson Alumni and Community Partnerships – Bruce Dai School Parliament – Mimi Russell

Deputies Tom Reed, Feena Marshall, Georgia Sutcliffe and Andrew Hyeon

Academic – Alan Naky Sustainability – Joseph Shaw Cotterill Boarding – Nana Vashadze Peer Mentor - Deven Parmar Year Group Lead Prefects Year 7 – Ellen Andrews Year 8 - Patrick Allen Year 9 - Sandra Vroeman Year 10 – Max Costick Year 11 – Monica Zhou and David Mark Team Leaders AJ Murphy Milena Dicu Dharshini Rajasekar Anita Liu Prefects Ayomide Adewolu Monty Charman Ryan Duke Evangeline Norwood James O’Mahoney Maggie Savage Connor Schneider-Smith Henry Ware Jessica Wilton

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

STAFF UPDATE

FAREWELL HANNAH! After 4 years working at Ashford School as our Head of Alumni & Development, Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011) is moving on to exciting pastures new. Here are just a few snaps from her time working here. It is miraculous the impact she has had. Thank you for contributing so much to our community, Hannah, you are much missed, and we wish you all the best! Hannah brought a dynamic, charismatic, and optimistic approach to the role: this approach was much needed given the job that needed to be done. The Ashford School Association (ASA) was in need of development and modernisation. Hannah set about improving the quality of our data held, the communications to alumni and the use of social media. She progressively set about developing the programme of events from networking to major summer lunches. The improved engagement of our alumni, along with the (now) excellent attendance at events is testimony to Hannah’s efforts and determination. For example, 5 years ago, we had 30 people attend the ASA Summer Lunch, this year we had over 140! This growth is testimony to the engagement levels of the alumni over the past 5 years, led by Hannah Pinney. Part of the legacy she leaves is an alumni community who are really starting to support the current school and its students – there are now many examples of mentoring and networking within our school family. I doubt Hannah will ever become a stranger – her passion and fondness for the School is deep-rooted. We all wish her every success in her new career which allows her to further develop her skills in managing a charity as well as pursuing her first love – singing. Michael Hall, Headmaster

Thank you again, Hannah, you are much missed and we wish you all the best!

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

STAFF UPDATE DOT HAMILTON PREP SCHOOL TEACHER Dorothy Hamilton joined Ashford School in 2006 and has given 17 years of service to Ashford Prep School. Joining as a French teacher, it soon became evident that her skills went far beyond teaching languages. Dot’s love of history and her outstanding general knowledge soon saw her teaching History. An inspiring and passionate teacher, Dot enlivened her lessons with personal tales and first-hand experiences. She taught her lessons with boundless enthusiasm and was at her happiest when taking part in a history workshop or activity day. With a well-chosen costume, hair and make-up, she would fully embrace the day and her creativity would flow. It was always hard to know who enjoyed themselves more – Dot or the children!

Dot’s talents stretched far and wide; she wrote many Christmas pantomimes for the staff to perform to the children. Dot has also written and published playscripts in French. Each year, a group of Year 6 pupils would join Dot’s French club and bring her plays to life, performing at the annual Love Languages competition at the City of London Freemen’s School. This year, in Dot’s final year at Ashford Prep School, they were awarded first place – a very fitting send off to such a dedicated, passionate teacher. Not a day has gone by without Dot putting a child's needs before her own. Her patience and energy

RACHAEL COX

SENIOR SCHOOL ADMISSIONS REGISTRAR The contribution that Rachael has made to Ashford School during her 18 years’ service working as the Senior School Admissions Registrar is immense. All 3 of her children studied here and went on to university, which is testament to the lasting connection Rachel and her family have with our school. Her dedication, genuine love for the school and hard work were inspirational. Both the school and Admissions department will be a different place without her. Rachael made such an impact during her time here, not just by implementing systems and processes for her team, but also her understanding of the school and families, her efficiency, sharp memory, knowledge, care, and attention to detail. Her support to colleagues across the school and kindness for everyone were limitless, along with her time and energy. Nothing was ever too much trouble. During her time here, Rachael learnt to play the cello and participated in the choir (attempting rather unsuccessfully to recruit her tone-deaf colleagues) and always had a funny tale to make her friends chuckle over the Christmas lunches. Rachael has left to undertake a typically caring role for her Church, and she will be greatly missed.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

to teach subjects she’s always loved has never waned, and her gentle character, fierce loyalty and determination to do right for the children and her colleagues have been endless. It has been a privilege to have worked with Dot and she will be greatly missed. She has been a fantastic teacher, inspiring our pupils since the day she arrived.

SILBURN DAURE

MINIBUS DRIVER & PORTER

This summer we said farewell to one of our longest serving members of support staff, Mr Silburn Daure. Silburn started at Ashford School in August 2006 as a minibus driver and gardener. However, it was soon evident where his talents lay and where they didn’t, when he was found digging up flowers saying they were weeds! He quickly then settled into many different roles around the school and has been a huge asset to the school over the last 17 years. Much respected and admired by pupils, parents and his colleagues alike, Silburn is well known for consistently going above and beyond to support people. Particularly the students, from our youngest nursery children to the Sixth Form, many have a special place in their hearts for him. Through his driving duties to his unmistakable chatter and good humour, to his baking skills, he will be sorely missed by all. We wish him all the very best for the future and particularly for his new marriage to Cath – we send congratulations and good fortune!

STAFF UPDATE ADRIAN BARNETT

HEAD OF DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

AARON APPLETON TEACHER OF GEOGRAPHY & DEPUTY HEAD OF BOARDING In May of 2023, after a decade of robust Ulster influence on the boarding and geographical communities, we said goodbye to the inimitable Aaron Appleton to take up a new role as Director of Boarding in Kenya. A true Ashford stalwart, having trained at the school over a decade ago, Aaron's fingerprints are to be found throughout Ashford School. A passionate Geographer, generations of Ashford students have been versed in the gospel according to Iain Stewart, and Aaron's depth of knowledge for the subject, as well as his ability to hold a class firmly in his grasp, played no small part in the success that so many students have seen over the years. Aaron's contribution is seen most in the boarding community. As Head of both Brooke and Alfred houses, as well as Deputy Head of Boarding, the firm running of an Appleton house, tempered by the individual knowledge and care he curated for each student, is a lasting legacy. We wish Aaron every success in his exciting new venture at Braeburn Garden Estate School in Nairobi.

We also said goodbye and good luck to: - Jason Brown – Facilities Team - Nick Egan – Grounds & Gardens Manager - Charles Ingman – Facilities Manager - Janet Endicott – Housekeeper - Dan Fox – Caretaker & Maintenance Team - Dan Pender – Caretaker & Maintenance Team - Iskra Peric-Crnko – Teacher of Chemistry - Simi Rai – Marketing Assistant - Mioara Thompson – Teacher of Maths and Brabourne Housemistress

Adrian joined the school in September of 2008 as Head of Design and Technology, and made the department a place of extensive innovation, energy, and creativity. Adrian led by example with a meticulous eye for detail. He worked tirelessly for the children to give them the very best opportunities. Everything he did was so that the students could gain excellent outcomes and leave with a passion for product design. Visiting the Cedars workshop and seeing the children engrossed in such imaginative work was always a pleasure, and it is with pride that the School continues to display highly creative D&T work in reception. The annual art and design exhibitions were also testament to Adrian’s dedication and inspirational influence, as well as the great team approach he built with Adam Stew and Nicole Rayner. Adrian became Head of Faculty in 2010 and he always exhibited a thoroughly committed

CEDARS

GETS A 21ST-CENTURY MAKEOVER The Design & Technology workshop, Cedars (originally built of cedar wood and named in memory of the Cedar Tree that was blown down in storms outside Old Alfred in the 1950s), has undergone a remarkable transformation. Constructed in 1957, the workshop recently received a much-needed renovation. The overhaul encompassed a complete refit, including the installation of a brand-new floor, the removal of outdated equipment, and the creation of a modern tech preparation area. The most exciting addition to this revamped workshop is the state-of-the-art CAD/CAM facilities, which will undoubtedly elevate students' design and technology experiences.

approach to his team, as well as a strong sense of professionalism and willingness to see the bigger picture. Adrian was also an invaluable member of the pastoral team. His Head of Year, Irene Martin, praised his unfailingly reliable and well organised approach. His tutees said they very much appreciated his calm and positive disposition, as well as his willingness to go above and beyond to support them. Overall, Adrian was a highly caring and supportive colleague. He was a man of integrity, and we were very sorry to see him leave, but were pleased that he had an exciting new chapter of his life. On behalf of the whole school community, we wish Adrian all the very best for his future.

This renovation not only modernises the space, but also ensures that Cedars continues to provide students with cutting-edge tools and resources for their creative and technological endeavours. We look forward to the grand opening in 2024!

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

OUR ALUMNI STAFF

OUR ALUMNI STAFF At this year’s ASA (Ashford School Association) Summer Lunch, we were lucky enough to hear from staff members who are also alumni of the School. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing their perspective on school life as an alumna, combined with their experiences of working here. Nicky Timms (Senior Deputy Head, née Miles, Pilgrims 1995) A few months ago, Nicole and I were asked to be guest speakers at this event – our first reaction was to laugh and then there was fear… why were we guest speakers? But then it became clear that, actually, we do have a lot to say and to share about our experiences as members of Ashford School through the years. If you would have asked me at the age of 17 what I wanted to be, just after I had made the (wrong) decision to leave Ashford School to do A-Levels elsewhere, I would have said, “I don’t know, but I definitely don’t want to be a Maths teacher.” At that point I was going through a slightly rebellious stage, so was doing all I could to push back against anyone I could! Fast forward quite a few years, and I am a Maths teacher and Senior Deputy Head and Safeguarding Lead here at the Senior School. I joined Ashford School as a Maths teacher back in September 2008 and spent 2 fantastic years working in the most supportive department with a great Head of Department and the person who is essentially the reason I am a maths teacher – my Mum, and not because she said I had to be, but because she was one of the most inspiring teachers I ever had (she taught me Maths for 6 years)!

But my Ashford School journey started a long time before all this, when I was 7 years old, and I can safely say I’ve loved every minute. Inspiring children to be the best possible version of themselves, to believe in themselves and to respect themselves and others is something that I strongly believe Ashford School aims to do and has done for many years. The feeling of being known, accepted, and understood resonates throughout the school, and I certainly felt that this was part of my experience. The friends I have made along the way are friends for life; the memories made, and the lessons learnt will stay with me forever; the positive reinforcement and encouragement really helped shape the person I have become. I mean, the person I have become spends a huge amount of time asking students to unroll their skirts and confiscating jewellery… because students are

My professional progress through Ashford School has included a number of roles, and at every stage I’ve been supported and encouraged to progress professionally, and I cannot thank the school enough for that – I truly believe this is a fantastic place to work.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

So, when asked the question… “What has Ashford School done for you?” my response is…. Pretty much shaped every part of my life! not allowed more than 1 single stud in each ear, and definitely no hoops. But the person I’ve become also spends many hours ensuring the pupils in the school are happy, that they feel listened to, that they can be individuals, and that they know we will do all we can to support their development both academically and personally. So, when asked the question… “What has Ashford School done for you?” my response is…. Pretty much shaped every part of my life! The School supported me in recognising the best possible version of myself. My peers make up the most wonderful and supportive group of friends anyone could hope for. The teachers inspired me to follow my career path. The School employed me! The staff body welcomed me in and supported me hugely. The management encouraged me to progress my career. And the wonderful staff and teachers in the nursery and at the Prep School are now offering Eva, my daughter, the same opportunities, and support. I think it’s safe to say she definitely won’t be a Maths teacher though – she is adamant that English is her favourite subject and that she hates Maths! I have a huge amount to be thankful to the School for, and I can only hope that I am able to offer the same to the current and future pupils of the School.

OUR ALUMNI STAFF For me, Ashford School is about the past and the present and the future. We teach cuttingedge contemporary art as well as old master painting techniques. Nicole Rayner (Head of Art, née Ingham, Merchants 1998) 125 years of Ashford School and 25 years since I left as a student. Where did the time go? I would like to share a little trip down memory lane, my small part in the long history of Ashford School and what I have been up to since I left - which wasn't for long! Here are some photos: Founder’s Day with that penny mile, a teddy bear competition, and some wonderful acrobatic displays. Here we are enjoying the Tour de France on East Hill. My first day. The Importance of Being Earnest. This was us at the babysitting club. And the choir. This is where my story started. Ashford School is responsible for the person I married. My Head of Art was Gordon Reynolds, and I'd just left school a couple of years before this, and he phoned up and said, “I'm taking a trip to the Henry Moore's Art Foundation, would you like to pop along?” So I went along, and Gordon said, “That young lad over there, Iain, he’s going to Winchester School of Art as well.” And I said, “Oh, is he? Very nice.” And the rest, as they say, is history. Iain and I went to Winchester School of Art together, and then Gordon phoned me up again and said, “Would you like to become artist in residence at Ashford School?” I said, “I can't, I'm moving off to Nottingham to start a wonderful life with my boyfriend.” And he said, “Well, I'd like to invite your boyfriend to be artist in residence too.” And I said, “Okay.”

So, we came back. I'm so proud of the artist in residence role and how it has transformed into a role where we can provide accommodation and facilities. We recently had Rainna Erbas here, a ceramicist. She was part of Channel 4's Pottery Throwdown. The artists get so much out of it, as do we as a school. Since then, Ian and I moved into boarding. We had our children, and they became a huge part of school life as well. Our children get to see everything that we get up to and grow up in a multicultural environment, which is so fantastic for them. We had a community outreach project, where our students designed and painted a mural at the Beacon Centre in Ashford town Centre. The Centre supports all sorts of vulnerable people, refugees and victims. It's a safe haven for them to go to. The mural has a ray of light coming out of the lighthouse, symbolising hope over a turbulent and stormy sea. For me, Ashford School is about the past and the present and the future. We teach cutting-edge contemporary art as well as old master painting techniques. During lockdown, I was so proud of how quickly we adapted from to face-to-face teaching, and it really pushed our digital art capabilities. We had to learn quickly, especially myself.

like shooting paint bombs to create abstract art. You name it, we do it here. For one of our artists in residence shows, we took over a disused shop in Ashford town centre, and the students helped turn the space into a usable gallery, displaying their own work alongside a professional artist. It was a very multi-sensory exhibition. There was a painting that had a QR code on, so when you scanned it, you could see the painting moving on your phone, integrating technology. We are extremely proud to be alumni of this special school and part of its past, present, and future. I am grateful for those who helped shape the person I am today. I am proud that alongside my fantastic department, I have a part in fostering a passion for art in young people. I am privileged to see where their learning takes them when they return to us to share their stories and successes. I look forward to continuing my journey at Ashford School; the school that ignited my lifelong passion for art and learning, where every day I teach something different and learn something new.

We still do old-fashioned chemical photography in a dark room. Few schools are doing that these days. Drawing with light, on devices, rendering and animation, and some unusual techniques,

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

FROM THE ARCHIVES

A TRIBUTE TO MRS TATIANA MACAIRE HEADMISTRESS OF ASHFORD SCHOOL 1984-1992

I wonder how many of us pause to envisage their Headteacher as an individual: one who had enjoyed a fascinatingly varied life and career before arriving at their school? Isn’t a Headteacher a rather remote figure who sits behind a solid and formidable oak desk, giving out reward and punishment as appropriate: the embodiment of serious academia but a rather unapproachable figure? Times may have changed this perception but for many they remain. Other contemporaries will have their own reminiscences, but the following is an attempt to conjure not only Mrs Macaire the Headmistress, but to pay tribute to her as a person with a strong, engaging personality. It is an amalgam of my own memories - at the time a junior English teacher appointed by her - and those of Mrs Norma Smyth,

who served as Deputy Head throughout her

persuading the then Bursar to finance new Art

headship and knew her in a more personal way.

Department studios, the Octagons, a Sixth Form

I have referred to her as ‘Headmistress’, rather

Centre, and perhaps most innovative of all,

than by the more modern term ‘Headteacher’,

a Technology Suite. She oversaw the introduction

because that is how she, a ferocious supporter of

of GCSEs and, though she saw it as being

girls’ education, viewed herself and was titled.

restrictive, The National Curriculum.

Expectations ran high when Mrs Tatiana

She was even able to convince the admirable, but

Macaire was appointed Headmistress in 1984.

overly cautious, Bursar to take a huge financial

Assuredly, she fulfilled those expectations: widely

gamble in the building of Brabourne House.

experienced, a dedicated educationalist, an Oxford

Mercifully, this paid off and boarding continued to

Classics scholar herself, she cultivated aspirations

flourish at a time when social changes had rendered

of the highest academic standards in her pupils.

it unfashionable. In her compassionate approach

During the early 90s, for example, Ashford was in

to boarding life, her personal and professional

The Times Top 100 Schools for public examination

experiences overlapped. Describing herself as having

results. Her staunch support of the then Head of

been ‘miserable in war-time boarding evacuation,’

Science, Mr Brian Stockwell, and his team, to enter

she softened the somewhat spartan life of boarders

and subsequently win a prestigious international

by introducing more relaxed modes of life in the

Space Experiment competition, put Ashford School

boarding houses, superior accommodation and

on the map. The School enjoyed widespread

a more homely atmosphere. As Deputy Head

media coverage. She was personally ambitious,

Mrs Norma Smyth remembers:

and equally so for the School. Ashford was her second successful headship and during her time here she became President of The Girls’ Schools Association from 1989-90. A career woman herself, she expected her girls to likewise go out into the world and achieve. She describes, in her memoir ‘My Ashford Years’, how arriving in rural Kent after running Channing School, ‘- ‘a go-ahead…truly multi-cultural mix’was a ‘shock’. She notes that it turned out to be a pleasant one because of the kind companionship of all connected with Ashford. She was the first ‘Outsider’ Head of the then very ‘traditional, wellrun school.’ All previous heads, she writes, had been either founding heads or internal appointees. She modernised and expanded the school,

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

‘One aspect of Mrs Macaire I really appreciated was her sense of humour. She was ever ready to join in practical jokes or satirical sketches that the whole school loved. I remember one of these after two girls had imitated the two of us on stage in Assembly.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Expectations ran high when Mrs Tatiana Macaire was appointed Headmistress in 1984. Assuredly, she fulfilled those expectations She devised a revenge whereby, out of huge earphones, we revealed our true thoughts about the girls before us and the events we were announcing. The girls loved it! Mrs Macaire had confidence in her own abilities and skills as both Head and Manager. Hence, such jokes never diminished her formidable authority. Similarly, Staff meetings were genuine debates, relaxed gatherings, where all members of staff from the most junior to the most senior were encouraged to voice their opinion on school matters.’

Occasionally, she would recount anecdotes of her

The woman behind the mask of Headmistress had travelled widely, experiencing diverse cultures and societies before she arrived at Ashford School. Nigeria, Ghana, Denmark, and Germany are some of the countries to which she travelled with her husband, James, and their two young sons, setting up temporary home and imbibing the spirit and customs of her surroundings. The latter cultivated empathy and an open-minded approach to people and ideas. The daughter of a Russian aristocrat who fled post-revolutionary Russia and a Scottish doctor, her own background was distinctive to say the least.

invite the staff to her home on East Hill and attended

parents’ flight to Norway in 1917 through the bitter Russian winter. Known irreverently as ‘Tatty Mac’ to Ashford girls, her actual name was an impressive Ann Tatiana Danilevitch Macaire (née Miller). It is likely that her peripatetic years fostered a liking for entertaining others in her home. She wrote a charming book, ‘My Entertaining Years’, in which she recorded visitors, occasions and even recipes she had acquired on her travels. As Headmistress, she would boarding parties and events in a casual, sociable way that made the staff feel supported. She had the gift of drawing others into school life. Her husband and sons, to whom she was devoted, became highly valued, active members of the wider school community. Staff and girls were sorry to see them go.

becoming a licensed preacher in the Anglican Church and reading theology at Sarum College. She retired with James to Lymington, where her active life continued: sailing; joining the RNLI; active in the local WI; always sociable in entertaining friends and former colleagues. I sometimes think that to a person with a Russian aristocrat for a mother and a Roedean/Oxford education, my Northern Manchester-educated self might have come as a shock. But she made good use of me and created a positive personal and working relationship that I value to this day. I shall miss those Christmas cards.’ By Angela Burrill (Archivist, Former Head of English & Drama Teacher) and Norma Smyth (Former Head of English, House Tutor Chaucer/Merchants, and Deputy Headmistress)

Mrs Smyth concludes: ‘After her retirement she did not forget us. I remember her attending an Old Girls' Lunch in London and I valued her annual Christmas card. She was clearly very active in retirement,

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

WELCOME TO STAFF

AND WELCOME TO... • Eleanor Crowe – Assistant Houseparent (Alfred) • Emily Morgan – Admissions and Marketing Coordinator (maternity cover) • Jen Ball – Grounds and Gardens Manager • Amy Biddle – Head of Marketing • Alexandra Playford – Head of Design and Technology • Richard Everett – Maintenance Manager (Prep) • Hannah Strassburg – Alumni & Development Manager • Charis Darby – Day Registrar (maternity cover) • Jade Roberts – Events and Facilities Coordinator (Prep) • Jason Bell – Graduate Sports Assistant • Rita Gyurik – Teaching Assistant (Prep)

CONGRATULATIONS, YEAR 13 S ! We are incredibly proud of our Year 13s and wish you all the best as you embark on the next exciting chapter of your journey. Based on those who applied through UCAS: • 73% met Firm choice • 91% met Firm or Insurance • 41% Russell Group • 18% UK top 10 • 2% world top 10

• Sarah Gutridge – Teaching Assistant (Prep) • Meesha Jarrams – Teacher of Drama (maternity cover) • Dr Neil Higginson – Teacher of Chemistry

01227 780001 • sales@micklecreative.com

• Denise Fahje – German Language Assistant • Julia Randel – French Language Assistant

PRIVATE GP HEALTHCARE

A Private General Practice located in Wye, Kent. Available to all, no geographical boundaries. 30-minute appointments, continuity of care and no long wait to be seen.

have gained places for Medicine

for

Veterinary Medicine

has a place at Oxford

No need to leave your NHS Surgery. Highly qualified GP’s headed up by Dr Allan Fox. As well as general practice we offer: · HGV/Firearms and Insurance medicals. · Women’s health/Menopause clinics.

There are 10 students who are not taking up a place at a UK university (including 5 who had UCAS offers): • 1 going to university in Italy

· Well person & Dementia screening.

• 2 doing a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at UAL

· Joint Injections.

• 1 applying for International Foundation programmes

· Mental capacity assessments.

• 5 taking a gap year • 1 seeking employment To book an appointment or to find out more please contact our admin team: Tel No: 01233 885257 Web: www.privategphealthcare.com Email: privategphealthcare@gmail.com

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

DESTINATION OF 2023 YEAR 13 LEAVERS UNIVERSITY

SUBJECT

UNIVERSITY

SUBJECT

Birmingham City University

Landscape Architecture

University College London

Mathematics and Physics

Cardiff University

History

University of East Anglia

Biological Sciences

Cardiff University

Optometry

University of Essex

Business Management

Cardiff University

Spanish and English Literature

University of Exeter

Business with Industrial Experience

Durham University

Psychology

University of Glasgow

Computer Science

Harper Adams University

Agriculture

University of Leeds

International Foundation Year

Harper and Keele Veterinary School

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

University of Manchester

History

Istituto Marangoni, London

Fashion Design

University of Manchester

Mathematics

Loughborough University

Politics, Philosophy and Economics

University of Manchester

Pharmacy

Manchester Metropolitan University

History

University of Nottingham

Engineering and Physical Sciences with a Foundation Year

Nottingham Trent University

Business Management and Marketing

University of Nottingham

English

Nottingham Trent University

Forensic Psychology

University of Nottingham

Science with a Foundation Year

Oxford Brookes University

Business and Marketing Management

University of Oxford (St Anne’s College)

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Oxford Brookes University

International Hospitality and Tourism Management

University of Reading

War, Peace and International Relations

Queen Mary, University of London

Biochemistry

University of Southampton

Physiotherapy

Ravensbourne University

Computer Science

University of Southampton

Psychology

University of the Arts London

Fashion Design and Development

University of Surrey

Psychology (2024 entry)

University of the Arts London

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

University of Surrey

Sociology

University of Bristol

English

University of Sussex

Medical Neuroscience

University of Bristol

Medicine and Surgery

University of the West of England

Business Management and Marketing (2024 entry)

University of Bristol

Sociology and Philosophy

University of the West of England

Economics

University of Buckingham

Medicine and Surgery

University of the West of England

Mechanical Engineering with a Foundation Year

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome

Medicine and Surgery

University of the West of England

Philosophy

University College London

Economics

University of the West of England

Real Estate

University of the West of England

Sociology

University of York

Politics, Philosophy and Economics (2024 entry)

Writtle University College

Animal Physiotherapy

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

A selection of artwork produced by our GCSE and A Level pupils this year

GET IN TOUCH Ashford School • East Hill • Ashford • Kent • TN24 8PB Tel: +44 (0)1233 625171

alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk

ashfordschool.co.uk

@ashfordalumni