ASA 2021 School Tie by AshfordSchool

SCHOOL TIE

ASA

THE

THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

DECEMBER 2021

FROM THE HEADMASTER

conten

ALUMNI EVENTS

6 OPENING A HOSPITALITY BUSINESS IN 2021

NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS

MOUNTAIN RUNNING

40 FROM THE ARCHIVES: DUKE OF EDINBURGH

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR We are delighted to share our 2021 ASA School Tie with you! We hope you enjoy reading all the school and alumni news from the past year. Please do write to us at alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk to let us know what you enjoyed from this edition, as well as to share your news for our 2022 magazine. You will notice that this year's edition contains a few advertisements from alumni and parents’ businesses. As our alumni association grows and our magazine expands, we hope to include advertisements to support our alumni businesses and assist in the financing of the magazine. If you would like to book space in the next edition, please contact the Alumni & Development Office for our rate card. We offer a preferential rate for parents and alumni. Happy reading! Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011)

Alumni & Development Manager

ASA PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

DEAR MEMBERS OF THE A.S.A., It is a long time since we all met up and writing and telephoning has taken the place of meeting each other. I have been printing out and keeping in a file many emails which I think will be interesting to look back on for myself and anyone doing research into these strange times we are witnessing. In the olden days people expressed their feelings to each other in correspondence, and this has sort of resurged to my delight, we are no longer embarrassed to write about something close to the heart. We are nearly all too young, fortunately, to have witnessed the last war as an adult but I think I am right in saying we now understand much better all our parents and grandparents told us about the way people pulled together to help each other, both physically and mentally. I hope there will be a time when we can look back on the last few years as a past experience, but there is sadly no guarantee. This insecurity of our present, let alone the future, is beginning to get the best of us down. But we can always “put the kettle on and have a cup of tea”. I am not minimising the situation but trying to illustrate that it is in our nature to rise above a situation - and hopefully putting a smile on your face too! I know I have become depressed at times, something not familiar to me at all, and there again now have more sympathy for people who do suffer from depression. To finish this diatribe (my apologies) I have been saying to people the thing which really denotes this period is that we have all got to know ourselves so much better, manifested in our reactions to things, people, situations, and having the courage to express ourselves more honestly than we would have done before. To anyone who has lost a loved one for whatever reason, we wish to give you our sincere condolences, and to those of you who work in the health service, in its widest meaning, we express our admiration and gratitude. School has had to adapt too, and we congratulate everyone Mr Hall and all the terrific staff at Ashford School - who were nationally applauded for the way they continued to teach their pupils with the same dedication in lockdown, whilst adapting to a new remote learning environment. Well done everyone, teachers and pupils and parents. I reminded a Zoom meeting we had that many years ago Ashford was in the forefront of the use of whiteboards in the classroom, and people visited the School to see what they were all about. Let's hope the school timetable can go back to “normal” on a permanent basis.

One of the things close to the heart of the alumni is the assistance that can be given to future pupils via the bursary system. The Ashford School Foundation currently awards meanstested bursaries to support high-ability students to join the School, as well as emergency bursaries for current families who have fallen upon hard times. Did you receive a phone call this summer from a recent leaver as part of the Foundation’s summer telephone campaign? I had a call from an alumna who thanked me for my monthly contribution and asked if I would consider raising my donation slightly. Her approach was very professional, so congratulations to her, not always an easy thing to do. The bigger the bursary fund the more pupils we will be helping. Thank you to all those who kindly contribute regularly to the Bursary Fund. A small donation in one's will is another way alumni can contribute to the Foundation, so thank you to all those who have organised this. If you would like to do so too, please make yourself known to the Alumni & Development Office (development@ashfordschool.co.uk). We are immensely proud to share with you the news that alumna Emma Vaux (Pilgrims, 1982) was awarded an O.B.E. in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List; please see the full report on page 21. In addition, Rae Stollard (née Sasson, Brooke Place, 1963), who was awarded an M.B.E. last year (see report in the 2020 ASA School Tie), attended her investiture at Windsor Castle on Tuesday 9 November (photo on page 20). Many congratulations from us all to you both. When Hannah asked me for a photo for this year's letter, I found this one taken 2 winters ago in South Africa which I hope serves to cheer the spirit; we are wanting you all to feel better for receiving your latest magazine, so this photo seemed to fit the bill. We wish you all a very happy Christmas period to make up for the hardships we have all had to take for normal over the past months. And best wishes for a better New Year.

Carolyn Chamberlain (née Nelms, Nightingale,1960)

President of the A.S.A.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ASA

WELCOME FROM OUR ASA CHAIR JULIE PIPER (KNIGHTS,1979) On behalf of the ASA Committee, I would like to welcome you to the December 2021 edition of ‘The School Tie’. Sadly, our schedule of events for 2021 were affected by the pandemic but, with the help of modern technology, we were still able to hold talks and, of course, the AGM via Zoom. Come September however, we were able to hold our first ‘in person’ event with the ASA Leavers' BBQ which was well attended by over 70 people and, as I write this welcome, we are all very much looking forward to the London Drinks at The Carlton Club in November and then the ever-popular Carols by Candlelight Service in December. Moving forwards and looking ahead to 2022, the Alumni & Development Office are busy planning, and hoping, that our schedule of events will go ahead as advertised (see the back cover for full details) – the School musical ‘Annie’, a Sports Reunion in March, the re-arranged Presidents Lunch in the spring and, of course, the Summer Lunch and AGM in early July and I hope you will all be able to attend at some point. I hope you enjoy reading this year’s edition of the ASA School Tie. We try to make the articles varied and interesting to cover all interests and aspects of ‘school life’. Please take time to read an update on the Ashford School’s Archives – Jenny Watson-Bore and Angela Burrill have been working hard sorting through the myriad of articles and items that have accumulated.

REFLECTING ON 2021 HEADMASTER MR. MICHAEL HALL

The academic year 2020-21, indeed the six months which preceded it, will be remembered quite probably for all the adverse and challenging memories which this period has generated in all our lives. No-one can ignore the very sad loss of life, the profound economic impact, and the adverse effects on wellbeing. As Head of the School, I have repeatedly called on the school community to grasp this moment in history as an opportunity: an opportunity to reset, to realign and recalibrate many areas of life and the values which we espouse. When we decided to move to Microsoft Surface Devices and the Teams platform back in September 2019, we did not quite realise what a critical decision it would turn out to be. Between the introduction of Teams to the School and the 8 months before the first lockdown, we were able to train all our staff in the effective use of Teams: this resulted in the seamless transition to online learning. Our advanced positioning was something which we capitalised on last year, not missing a beat with our live online teaching and delivery of the full curriculum. Much has been made of the grade inflation which has happened at both GCSE and A Level: there is no doubting this has happened; however, I believe we maintained our fairness and integrity with grade inflation which was (in general terms) half of the national norms. Grades will be realigned to pre-pandemic levels over the next two years – our landing will be a smooth and gentle one. Over 90% of our leavers who applied to university secured their firm choice university – a wonderful testimony to

It would be remiss of me not to pass on my thanks to everyone at Ashford School for all their hard work over the last year; to the teaching staff and to the teams that support them such as the maintenance, administration and catering teams to name but a few, to Hannah Pinney for her continued support of the ASA and to Mike Hall and Sarah Kershaw. Their dedication to the ASA is much appreciated. Finally, I would like to end by thanking the ASA Committee for their time, support and dedication and I look forward to working with them in continuing to build and grow our alumni community.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy & Healthy 2022!

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

the dedication and commitment of our students and their teachers. This academic year has begun in the most dynamic, happy, purposeful and positive manner; moreover, I cannot recall in my 12 years of headship a term which has begun will more zeal and determination. The loss of face masks, the realisation that in-person interaction and education is most definitely the best way and (most gratifying of all) the recognition from students that School is “really not that bad at all”! The reinvigorated sense of school community, family and togetherness, coupled with a renewed desire to derive the best one can from School has been both refreshing and revitalising. I do not doubt that there will be challenges along the way and I worry that the longer-term impact of Covid on mental health is a legacy which will stay with us for many years. As Head, I could not have asked for a stronger bounce back.

ALUMNI EVENTS

VIRTUAL SPORTING FIXTURE

ASA AGM

6-7 FEBRUARY 2021

WEDNESDAY 7 JULY 2021

In February, during the UK’s third lockdown, our whole Ashford School community participated in a Virtual Fixture, competing against Sutton Valence and St Lawrence College. A record 391 participants took part by running, walking, or cycling and as a School community, we covered an impressive 2,933 miles and averaged 3.14 miles per 30 minutes. This was the largest turn out for a virtual fixture, with students from both the Prep and Senior School taking part alongside their families, as well as Alumni, Staff and Governors; all getting involved and contributing to our overall total.

For the second year running we held our ASA AGM virtually,

A special mention to those members of the Ashford School Alumni who contributed to our totals from around the world - as far afield as Bangkok, Portugal, Carthage and California!

First, to our outgoing School Captains

via Zoom, and we were delighted to see so many of our alumni and school community in attendance. Thank you to all our contributors including ASA President Carolyn Chamberlain (née Nelms, Nightingale 1960), ASA Chair Julie Piper (Knights, 1979), ASA Treasurer Nicky Brightling (née Clarke, Knights, 1986), ASA Secretary Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011), Director of External Relations Sarah Kershaw and Headmaster Michael Hall. Special thanks go to our guest speakers. Olivia Jefferson-Pillai (Merchants, 2021) and Sam Loader (Yeomen, 2021) who spoke about their experience here at Ashford School. Secondly to Dr Anjola Onifade (Yeomen, 2012) who is currently working as a Junior Doctor specialising in General Surgery at Charing Cross Hospital in London, who reflected on his experience working as a doctor during the pandemic.

You can watch a recording of the ASA AGM on Ashford School’s YouTube channel, and minutes from the AGM can be found on the School L to R: Mark, Penny, Nigel & Louise Baker (née Hill, 1986) on their cycle ride in Portugal contributing a combined total of 86 miles.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

website.

We are looking forward to our next ASA AGM on Saturday 2 July 2022.

A Beautifully Located Carp Fishing Lake Set In Tranquil Surroundings In The Heart Of The Kent Countryside

BOOKINGS ONLY

ALUMNI EVENTS

ASA LEAVERS’ BBQ THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2021 After having to postpone last year’s event, we were delighted to host our ASA Leavers’ BBQ in September. 2020 leaver Mikel Sulaiman (Merchants, 2020) reported for us on the evening: “The ASA Leavers’ BBQ was a wonderful event. Leavers from 2017 through to 2021 were able to reconnect with our fellow classmates and former teachers. We chatted about how different everyone looked, what we had been up to and our prospects for the future. Seeing so many familiar faces after having spent a year in London was a truly heart-warming experience and it was enjoyable to share our fond memories of our time spent at Ashford School. At the BBQ, the Headmaster Michael Hall and Director of Sixth Form Claire Miller presented the 2020 Leavers who were able to attend with their prizes and leaving gifts. The awards ceremony was a long time coming, as the event was postponed due to the pandemic. Receiving the Biology Prize was a testament to my work at school, and is a nice memento to keep and remember where it all started. Despite having left Ashford School in 2020 and being exposed to many new experiences, I have fond memories of my time spent here, and I am grateful for attending school again to remind myself how far I have come since. The BBQ was a great break from my busy life in London and before I move into my second year at UCL.”

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI EVENTS

We look forward to welcoming more of our recent leavers to the BBQ next year, on Thursday 8 September.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI EVENTS

ASA LONDON DRINKS

GUE ST LIST :

THURSDAY 11 NOVEMBER THE CARLTON CLUB

• Abdullah Cahlon (Merchants, 2017) • Caroline Liu (Merchants/Brabourne, 2017)

It was wonderful to see so many alumni at our ASA London Drinks on 11 November, held at The Carlton Club in central London.

• Chloe Anspack (Merchants, 2016)

It was the first time we had been able to hold this event in nearly two years, and it was heart-warming to see such a positive response and to be able to speak in person after so many months of screens. Aside from it being an occasion with which to reunite with friends and teachers, it was also a prime opportunity for our alumni to network and build mentoring opportunities. This type of event, face to face, will always remain a constant in our calendar! If you didn't make it this time, please watch out for our next Networking event.

STAFF MEMBERS: • Hannah Pinney (Squires, 2011) – Alumni & Development Manager

• Caroline Welling (Knights, 2011) • Charlee McLaughlin (Knights, 2016) • Chloe Dalton (Knights, 2007) • Claudia Wong (Squires, 2015) • Diana Qiyuan Yang (Yeomen/Brabourne, 2010) • Dominic Savia-Roscoe (Yeomen, 2013) • Ellie Semadeni (Pilgrims, 2015) • Harriet Rogers (Squires, 2016) • Helen Best-Shaw (Knights, 1991) • Holly Chow (Pilgrims, 2020) • Jai Shah (Yeomen, 2017) • Jess Newall (Knights, 2016) • John Abadom (Friars, 1987) • Joseph Tso (Squires, 2020) • Kelly Lau (Pilgrims/Brabourne, 2014) • Lola Okunowo (Squires, 2008) • Lulu Ogunnuga (Merchants, 2016)

• Michael Hall - Headmaster

• Maisie Peppitt (Squires, 2016)

• Nicola Timms (née Miles, Pilgrims, 1996) – Senior Deputy Head

• Malaika Kyando (Knights/Brabourne, 2009) • Mengran Wang (Knights/Brabourne, 2010)

• Sarah Kershaw – Director of External Relations • Tom Vafidis (Friars, 2006) – Director of Teaching and Learning • Tony Wilde – Deputy Head CoCurricular and Community Partnerships

• Rose Berry (Pilgrims, 2008) • Rosie Ball (Former Teacher of Psychology, 2021) • Sasha Smityukh (Merchants, 2017) • Sian Dolding (Franklins, 2009) • Sophie Buchanan (Merchants, 2013) • Toby Harris (Franklins, 2013) • Tom Xie (Yeomen, 2018) • Val Arends (née Davies, Nightingale, 1955) • Will Austin (Merchants, 2015) • Zurab Murvanidze (Squires, 2017)

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

OPENING A HOSPITALITY BUSINESS IN 2021

OPENING A HOSPITALITY BUSINESS IN 2021: WHAT WAS I THINKING!? JON SHEPHARD (BEARS, FRIARS,1995) OWNER – MATCHES SPORTS BAR, GRILL & SOCIAL As I sit here writing this article, my mind can’t help but wander back to a more carefree time as a student of Friars, switching on my first Bunsen Burner, learning to count to ten in Latin and spending every lunchtime playing football on ‘The Rink’. Ahh, those were the days! It has always been a dream of mine to one day open a Sports Bar, having spent a large proportion of my Lincoln University days and early working life in them (all in the name of research of course!) I thought the concept was brilliant, live sports, multiple TV screens, comfy sofas and ice-cold beers, what more could you ask for! I always suspected a gap in the market when I moved back home to Ashford. My days working as the Marketing Manager of Ashford Designer Outlet stood me in good stead in understanding the future growth potential of the town and the demographics and motivations of the people who live here, what best drives footfall to a retail destination, company branding and communications as well as what a first-class retail operation looks like. Four years ago, after attending a groundbreaking ceremony for the Elwick Place development, I took my work hat off briefly to ask a member of the team if they would ever consider a Sports Bar within the complex. After being told, “perhaps, send us a business plan,” it was game on! The next fortnight was spent putting together a plan which was initially accepted, but I was later to discover that this was just the first of many hoops I would have to jump through in order to make it a reality. The following two years were long and arduous. The council had unrealistic expectations on rent and rates, finance specialists advised me not to pursue a venture in such a competitive and uncertain market and friends and family voiced concerns over opening up a business in this ‘white elephant’ of a development. All of this, on top of the fact that I had never actually run a bar of any kind before and my only actual experience was one Summer working in the local Wetherspoons!

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

OPENING A HOSPITALITY BUSINESS IN 2021 I thank my stubbornness for persevering with my vision and I ploughed on regardless, believing a Sports Bar was exactly what Ashford needed. Whilst on holiday in Australia, I was ready to sign on the dotted line however something called ‘Coronavirius’ started to appear on local news channels and I (thankfully!) decided to put the pen down and wait to see what was going on when I got back home. Surely this was just a Southern hemisphere issue, right?

moment’. The Euros were apparently still happening in June so that would be

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Builders and architects were all lined up, financial support had finally been agreed and the name had appeared in several online news articles. But all of this had to be put on hold as we were pushed into lockdown. The dream of owning my own Sports Bar felt further away than ever. Perhaps everyone else was right and this wasn’t the best thing to do?

as planned, but two days before!

During lockdown I had constant bouts of self-doubt and a feeling of emptiness and uncertainty with regards to my future. This was not in the plan! Freedom day was a distant dream, sporting events around the world were being cancelled, the hospitality industry was being demonised across the media. The question being asked was, ‘are people ever going to want to socialise in the same way ever again?’. We were in the second lockdown around mid-February when the roadmap for lifting lockdown was announced. This was the pivotal ‘now or never

Matches is a Sports Bar & Grill located in Elwick Place, a 100,000 sq ft leisure, retail and restaurant development, right in the heart of Ashford. We’re not just about sports either, at Matches we’re ‘all about the social’, with plenty to keep you, your friends and family entertained including Shuffleboard, Pool, Interactive Darts, Self-Pour Booths, Karaoke, Private Function Rooms, Arcade Machines and more!

the target date, a fortnight before then to allow staff to get-up-to speed with operations. What followed was the most stressful, grueling and relentless three months of my entire life. Not only was I trying to open a Sports Bar in the midst of a pandemic, but I was still working at the Designer Outlet and I decided to throw a newborn baby into the mix too! Thankfully (and still to this day I don’t know how), we managed to open Matches. Not two weeks before the Euros

Matches has since grown from strength to strength. Putting a positive spin on the pandemic, it has almost been a blessing in disguise as it created a pent-up demand for social activities and connecting again with friends and loved ones again, plus it gave me time to understand the ‘new-normal’ and I was able to open Matches being mindful of people’s new needs and expectations. The feedback since we have opened has been really positive and it means the world to me to see guests visiting Matches for the first time and having a great time, then return at a later date. It has been a labour of love and a real-life lesson in believing in yourself and following your dreams. I have no doubt that this was encouraged in me at a young age through the fantastic schooling I received at Friars all those years ago and my love of sports cultured during all those lunchtimes on The Rink!

Matches Sports Bar will host our ASA drinks following the ASA Sports Reunion and Tournament on Saturday 26 March. To register your interest for one of the teams, please contact the Alumni & Development Office at alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk. All are welcome to play and/or spectate!

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI & CAREERS

INSPIRING OUR STUDENTS’ MINDS

If you would like to come back to deliver a career talk, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk

This past academic year, our alumni community has inspired our current students by delivering both virtual and in-person career talks. Thank you to the alumni below for coming back and sharing your career journeys and knowledge with our students.

ROSE BERRY (PILGRIMS, 2008)

MATT NICHOLLS (KNIGHTS, 2016)

• Fear Coach, Founder of My Friend Fear • Talk: How to Make Friends with Fear

• Music and Pastoral staff member, Wells Cathedral School. Freelance keyboard player, choral conductor, music educator - working in schools, prisons, and communities. • Talk: A Career as a Portfolio Musician

Career highlight: Delivering my workshops to Ashford School - truly, it was a dream come true to be able to share my story with the students and alumni. More experiences like these are manifesting and I am excited to see where they take me. Favourite Ashford School memory: I have so many wonderful memories from Ashford School and they all fit under one theme: the sense of community. When I was there, there were less than 200 pupils and I loved walking around, seeing familiar faces and saying hello to everyone. I felt very at home and myself when I was there. I'm grateful to all the teachers I had and couldn't pick a favourite but will always remember Mrs. Playford for welcoming me in when I was just 8 and very shy! My Religious Studies classes with Mr. Palmer were always highly insightful, and more importantly, included a lot of fun and laughter!

Career highlight: As a performer the big shiny gigs are fun performing for 1000 people at Tramshed in Cardiff, BBC Radio Broadcasts etc. I was a rehearsal pianist for the conductor Chloé van Soeterstède last week and that was incredible. Working where I do, I get to play a part in the musical development of some incredible young musicians. Seeing them compete for BBC Young Musician of the Year and International Competitions or even master some grade 2 theory - nothing has beaten that sense of achievement and pride yet. Favourite Ashford School lesson: Anything I was taught by Mr Clay and Mrs Powell (née Tesh) - I soaked up every word they said like a sponge and find myself quoting them in class lessons on an embarrassingly common basis.

MAISIE PEPPITT (SQUIRES, 2016) • Content Assistant at Yoto and Founder of the ‘Pep Talk with Peppitt’ podcast • Talk: A Q&A with an English Literature Graduate Career Highlight: Finding my name in a bookshop and working with a relatively small startup, Yoto, to partner with the infamous Disney Enterprises. Favourite Ashford School memory: I owe everything I have done so far to my English teacher, Mr. Wilson. He helped me secure my first internship in a publishing house and he introduced me to my now favourite author, Raymond Carver, in Year 9, who I ended up sculpting my dissertation on at university (which got a 1st!). He also taught me sarcasm, which has helped hugely!

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI & CAREERS

JO TIVERS (NÉE BRETT, FRANKLINS, 2002) • Head of Food and Quality at KFC UK & Ireland • Talk: A Future in Food Career highlight: Becoming Head of Food for KFC (adding Quality in September has been the cherry on top) because I have always been a massive fan of the brand and have a personal mission to change people’s perceptions about our food. One of my recent proudest moments was winning the Best KFC Global Innovation for our Gravy Burger up against some of the biggest KFC markets in the world. One of my favourite parts of my job is the opportunity to lead a team of talented and equally passionate individuals, whom I am excited to develop and grow into leaders. Favourite Ashford School memory: My favourite lesson was Home Economics with Mrs Lingwood. It gave me the first awareness that food is so much more than ‘cooking'; it is health, business, science, creativity, environment, culture, and it is rapidly evolving every day. I really believe that all children should have the opportunity to learn the basics of food preparation and nutrition to set them up for life. My lessons at Ashford School set me up both personally and professionally so I am incredibly grateful.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

FLEUR WILLSON (YEOMEN, 2003) • Consul-General Spain and Consular Regional Director (Europe South) at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office • Talk: Careers in Diplomacy Career highlight: My proudest moments at work revolve around the international crises I have had the privilege to work on, principally in support of British nationals overseas and national security. Highlights include deploying to Kabul recently to assist with the evacuation of over 15,000 British nationals, their dependents and Afghan refugees; working alongside military colleagues at RAF Brize Norton to arrange the repatriation of the 30 British victims of the terror attacks in Tunisia in 2015; and returning to Libya in 2019 - whilst our Embassy remained closed - in order to ensure the extradition of one of the perpetrators of the Manchester Arena bombing so he could face justice in the UK. The life of a diplomat doesn't revolve around Ferrero Rocher and glamorous parties (although I don't complain when I get to enjoy those, and I did get to watch the new James Bond film before it was released to the general public)! Favourite Ashford School memory: I have very fond memories of many teachers throughout my ten years at Ashford School, particularly those who taught me for A-Level (Mrs. Burrill and Miss Spittal for English Literature, Madame Hill and Madame Kemp for French, Mrs. Metherell and Mrs. Wilkes for Latin, and Mr. Palmer for Philosophy). I have always loved literature, linguistics, and creative writing, and I have Mrs. Watson to thank for honing my critical skills whilst also making GCSE English lessons fun. I also greatly enjoyed the many school trips I went on, which developed my love of travel and fascination for other countries and cultures. I am writing this whilst working in Athens, which I last visited on a Year 10 school trip (led by several of the aforementioned teachers), and the memories have come flooding back as I walk around the Acropolis and enjoy Greek food!

ALUMNI & CAREERS KATH GRAY (SQUIRES, 2010) • Senior Broadcast Engineer, NEP UK • Talk: From Wimbledon to Love Island, a career as a Broadcast Engineer Career highlight: My proudest moment, believe it or not, was the first time I was the lead engineer on a job – which was for the live coverage of Love Island S1 in 2015. That was the moment I knew that I was an engineer and believed it for the first time. Favourite Ashford School memory: All the concerts I played in and the musical productions I sound engineered. The collaborative and happy atmosphere that was fostered was a huge part of my time at Ashford School and has since influenced my career and life. Both Mrs. Powell and Mrs. Millbery actively encouraged my involvement in the technical side of productions, which ultimately led me to the career I am working in now.

SARAH-JANE STEWART (KNIGHTS, 2013) • Research Fellow, Centre for Behavioural Medicine, UCL • Talk: Becoming a psychologist and the role of Health Psychology in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic Career highlight: I think my highlight must be passing my PhD and my professional training to be a Health Psychologist. That felt like a long 3 years and I’ve never felt relief like it! Favourite Ashford School memory: Psychology lessons with Mrs. Ball were what really inspired me to take this career path. I also loved drama with Mrs. Milberry and all the productions I was involved with and playing Netball on Monday and Tuesday evenings with the 'Berry Pickers’ in the local league!

JACKIE BROCK-DOYLE (SOMERVILLE, 1982) • Executive Director, Communications at World Athletics • Talk: A Career in the Sporting Sector Career Highlight: I’m not good at choosing! When I look back at the last 5 years and the huge amount of work we have done to turn around World Athletics – I am really proud of this. However, I think the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is probably my career highlight. It had such an amazing draw, uniting the country in a way we haven’t seen since. It was a great moment to let Britain believe in itself again. Favourite Ashford School memory: My favourite memory will always be the lifelong friends I met at Ashford School! My two closest friends remain to this day Joanne Mercer and Anne-Louise Lord (née Squire), all in Somerville together.

LINKEDIN Make sure you are connected to Ashford School on LinkedIn by updating your education in your profile to Ashford School. This will help you to connect fellow Ashford alumni! Don’t forget to join our exclusive LinkedIn networking group: www.linkedin.com/groups/8595031

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI & CAREERS

SUPPORTING OUR MUSICIANS In our last edition of the ASA School Tie, we asked our alumni community to donate to us any instruments that might have been gathering dust at the backs of their wardrobes. We are delighted to report that we have had a fantastic response from our alumni community, and would like to thank those who have donated their instruments.

And finally, thank you to alumna Vicki Rowe (Pilgrims, 1972) and her Horn player and brass teacher husband Lance, who have generously donated 70 brass instruments to the Music Department.

Vicki said:

First, thank you to Jo Cottee (née Dean, Pilgrims, 1975) who donated a Rosetti Treble Recorder, a Tenor Recorder, and a Classical Guitar.

‘I am very happy to have been able to do something for my old school, which was where I discovered a love for music that has seen me through my whole life, not to mention my career. And Lance is happy that the instruments are going to be played, rather than languishing in the shed.'

Thank you also to Kay McGibney (Former Teacher of English, 1982-1986) who donated her ¾ sized cello to the department. Kay noted that she spent such happy years here at Ashford School and is still in touch with other former teachers including Hilda Scarth (Music) and Norma Smyth.

Whilst at Ashford School, Vicki sang in everything she could and played piano to hold the School orchestra together. After leaving in 1972, Vicki went on to study piano and singing at the Royal College of Music. She has then spent the past 30 years teaching piano, before moving into academia with an MA and a PhD in Music Education. If any more alumni would like to donate, loan, or sell their instrument to the Music Department, please contact the Alumni & Development Office at alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

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KAREN CALLANDER BA (Hons) DipPFS Adviser

HYTHE BAY FINANCIAL LTD Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

01303 237272 karen.callander@sjpp.co.uk www.sjpp.co.uk/hythebay The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

CLIMATE CHANGE

NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS THE ROAD TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE HANNAH WOOD (NÉE COWIN, ALFRED, 1992) Climate & Environment Director at UBS Optimus Foundation COVID-19, which like other such diseases came out of the world’s wild places, has starkly underlined how interconnected humanity is with the natural world, and how dependent on nature we are as a species. As we begin recovery from the current crisis and build back better (in the words of the

emissions and increase our resilience to unavoidable future shocks. Recent research has estimated that nature-based solutions could provide up to 37% of the carbon sequestration needed by 2030 to maintain global warming within 2°C, (the main goal of the Paris agreement). This could be done more cheaply than other, technological, single focus carbon removal options, and they deliver other valuable “ecosystem services”- things they do for us which often get overlooked.

politicians) we must keep this at the forefront of

A few examples:

our minds. Biodiversity and nature are crucial.

Wetlands can store carbon and protect communities from flooding, like the natural floodplains of the Insh Marshes in Strathspey, Scotland. This RSPB reserve, fed by the Spey and Feshie rivers, is one of the largest natural floodplains in Britain. The area regularly floods during spring and winter, storing water from heavy rain and from melting winter snows. This creates a natural flood defence, stopping extensive flooding to houses and farms downstream. Nearby towns like Aviemore have reduced flood risk at a far lower cost than any engineered infrastructure, which would also cause loss of natural ecosystems. The floodplain is a high conservation value area, a Special Protection Area and a National Nature Reserve. It is home to over 1000 pairs of breeding waders, and numerous other bird species, including over 50% of the UK goldeneye population. As well as its value for flood defence and for wildlife, Insh Marshes contributes significantly to the local economy. It attracts many visitors who contribute to tourism and supports visitor attractions such as the RSPB reserve and the Loch Insh Watersports centre as well as

Climate change is even more of an existential threat than COVID has been. And we must work on these fronts, together, to achieve a more sustainable future for ourselves and our children. Nature itself provides some excellent ways to addressing these twin crises. No one is claiming that investing in nature alone can solve the crises – for a wicked problem like climate change, a portfolio of solutions must be employed. But one of the best tools we have in our box is nature itself. Biodiversity protection can support efforts in mitigating climate change and adapting to those impacts already with us. Protected habitats, either conserved or restored, remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by storing it in trees, plants and other biomass. And protecting ecosystems like coastal mangrove or tropical forests can reduce the dangerous impacts of climate change, like sea level rise, flooding and storm surges. We call using nature in this way nature-based solutions, or natural climate solutions. Naturebased solutions are ways we can both reduce

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

recreational pursuits such as fishing, walking and cycling. Trees can store carbon and cool down cities, as demonstrated in Liverpool by the work of the Mersey Forest. The Mersey Forest is a partnership of local authorities, landowners and communities which is implementing a long-term tree planting program across Merseyside and North Cheshire. To date they have planted up to 9 million trees and are monitoring economic benefits, such as increased property values and job creation in land management and the tourism sector. The trees will sequester up to 6 tons of CO2 per year, and are estimated to reduce urban temperatures by between 2-4°C in summer. To demonstrate this cooling effect, in 2018 the city hosted a pop up forest, in which 15 large canopied trees in containers were placed in Williamson Square for a day. A thermal imaging camera was used to visually demonstrate the cooling effect provided by the tree canopy, and people could compare the temperature measured under the tree canopy with the one of unshaded square. Mangroves can store carbon and protect against sea water incursion and flooding, such as in the Saloum Delta in Senegal, where a large mangrove regeneration project has replanted 10,000 hectares with 79 million mangrove trees. The new mangrove plants will store 600,000 tonnes of carbon over the 20 year duration of the project, contributing to climate mitigation and providing a vital source of additional income for the local communities from the sale of carbon offset credits .The mangroves offer protection against flooding from the sea, and associated saltwater intrusion into the fields. Communities are rehabilitating abandoned rice

CLIMATE CHANGE fields, which strengthens local livelihoods and provides food security. Rice paddies previously affected by saline intrusion saw their yields increase by 10%, and local people are reporting catching up to 4,200 more tonnes of fish, shrimp and oysters every year. Humanity has an unprecedented opportunity to reset our relationship with the natural world following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. The global recovery must incorporate strong governmental action, supporting people and communities with necessary training and reskilling in green jobs while putting in place policies which prioritise conservation, restoration and protection of our wild places. The World Economic Forum has estimated that investing in nature could provide an estimated 395 million jobs by 2030. This means that combining adaptation and mitigation measures with a nature based approach will help develop a net-zero, naturepositive economy. This in turn will reduce the likelihood of future pandemics while also future-proofing against further systemic shocks.

AS WE BEGIN RECOVERY FROM THE CURRENT CRISIS AND BUILD BACK BETTER (IN THE WORDS OF THE POLITICIANS) WE MUST KEEP THIS AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR MINDS. BIODIVERSITY AND NATURE ARE CRUCIAL.

Global understanding of the threats from biodiversity loss and climate change has never been higher, and over the lockdowns throughout the pandemic, people have connected with and appreciated nature far more than before. We must push for solutions which strengthen the natural world, rather than stripping it.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNA AWARDED FRENCH LEGION D’HONNEUR HONOUR FOR SECRET WARTIME WORK Lorna Cockayne (née Fitch, Somerville, 1942) has been awarded France’s highest honour, the Legion d’Honneur, in recognition of her secret wartime work. In 1944, while serving as a Royal Navy Wren, Lorna was posted to the top-secret Bletchley Park base to operate one of the most important machines of all time – the Colossus Codebreaker. The Colossus machine was instrumental in breaking the Nazis’ most secret codes. Lorna’s job was to feed intercepted PA Media / BBC Ne messages punched out on teleprinter ws 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. Lorna was sent to board at Ashford School age 11 after the death of her mother, and left at the age of 17 in 1942 just as the School was being evacuated to Countess Wear. In a previous edition of the ASA School Tie, Lorna recalled her time at Ashford School: ‘Miss Brake (the Headmistress) came round every other night and gave everyone a hug and a kiss on the cheek with a ‘goodnight my chick’ … Ashford [School] was in the flight-path of the German bombers and so we had the sirens going quite often. When the siren went at night we had to get up, put on our outdoor coats, take a blanket and pillow and go downstairs and sleep under the dining room tables.’ The Legion d’Honneur, or Legion of Honour, is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil, and was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. Lorna was given the Legion d’Honneur medal at a ceremony on Friday 8 October 2021.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNA RECEIVES MBE

On Tuesday 9 November, Rae Stollard (née Sasson, Brooke Place, 1963) had her investiture by The Duke of Cambridge at Windsor Castle. Rae was honoured with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours in October 2020. Rae said of meeting Prince William and the event itself : ‘He congratulated me on my award for services to the community of Bournemouth and told me that he had jumped out of a Hercules into Poole Bay 10 years ago, so I beamed and said I probably saw him as I watched these parachute jumps from my window! It was a magical day!’

ALUMNI NEWS

AWARDED AN OBE IN THE QUEEN’S 2021 HONOURS EMMA VAUX (CHAUCER PILGRIMS, 1982)

Congratulations to alumna and Consultant Nephrologist and General Physician Dr Emma Vaux (Chaucer Pilgrims, 1982) who has been awarded an OBE in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to medical education. After leaving Ashford School at the end of her O-levels, Emma went on to study Medicine at Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School (University of London). She has been a consultant in nephrology and general medicine for 18 years, and still works in the thick of frontline medicine at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. She is Clinical Lead of the Berkshire Kidney Unit, Clinical Director of Integrated Medicine, and Medical Associate Director for Patient Safety at her trust.

THINKING BACK ON MY 10 YEARS AT ASHFORD, WHAT SPRANG TO MIND FIRST WAS THE DAILY TRAIN JOURNEYS FROM BEARSTED FROM THE AGE OF 6, WITH MY OLDER SISTER DEBORAH AGED 8. ON THE RETURN JOURNEY WE WERE ALWAYS ARMED WITH 4 FRUIT SALADS FOR 1P FROM THE STATION SHOP

Alongside this, Emma has developed her portfolio career in medical education, patient safety, service improvement and clinical management. She is immediate past Senior Censor and Vice President for education & training at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). She is also RCP Chief Examiner and part of RCP Education clinical faculty. She is co-Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Joint Academy Training Forum. Emma is a Generation Q Fellow with The Health Foundation and a founding Q member. She is a member of the HEE Sustainability in Quality Improvement Education Advisory Group. We spoke to Emma about her memories of her time at Ashford School: “Thinking back on my 10 years at Ashford, what sprang to mind first was the daily train journeys from Bearsted from the age of 6, with my older sister Deborah aged 8. On the return journey we were always armed with 4 fruit salads for 1p from the station shop, and a Mars Bar for 3p if we were feeling flush. Deborah and I went on the Harry Potter train in Universal in 2016 and we both sat there in what was an identical train carriage. A real sense of déja vu. Although the boys from Swadelands School liked to tease and turned my sister’s velour hat green by pouring Coca Cola over it! Spotted dick and chocolate semolina along with milk and buns for break were the highlights of the day – yes, I was the one that actually liked all that stuff. My turn at a musical as one of the brothers in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was a vivid, and mortifying memory, of holding a garden fork with corks at the end of each prong because of an assessed health and safety risk to the orchestra. I even made it to a 1980 School Tie Pilgrims recount of sporting achievements, beaten by Pippa Harrison if I recall. Looking at classroom lists and the immediate recall of faces to names is rather evocative of friendship groups. The names of teachers that inspired over the years have come tumbling into my memory, and those I would highlight are Mr Stockwell, Mrs Bird, Miss Barlow, Mrs Finucane, Miss Hoad, Miss Hollist and never forgetting the terror of Miss Bratby and the resounding call of ‘Vaux – come here’ from down the corridor!" Emma continued on to say, 'Ashford gave me the foundation to grow and learn, have the confidence to pursue a challenging but absorbing career and help develop my values of integrity, authenticity and thoughtfulness. I love what I do!"

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS

FRIARS' ALUMNUS RUNS ULTRAMARATHON FOR PILGRIMS HOSPICE

BELIEVE UK & MUSIC MINDS MATTER PRESENTS: EVERYDAY RACISM PODCAST

On 31 May 2021, Friars alumnus Rob Playford (Tigers, Friars, 1992), ran a massive 50km solo (an ultra-marathon) to raise money for Pilgrims Hospice, a charity close to his family’s hearts. Rob’s running route took him from the Ashford Pilgrims Hospice to Canterbury Pilgrims Hospice and back again, following the pilgrims' route through Wye, Brook and surrounding villages. He successfully completed the run in 4.5 hours, and so far, he has raised over £5000 for Pilgrims Hospice.

Each episode gives the listener access to perspectives derived from the

Congratulations to Rob on both this amazing sporting achievement, and on raising money for this fantastic local charity!

J oe Cowan (Franklins, 2015), 2015) Founder of Rooted Sounds & Sync & Licensing Coordinator

at Believe, is leading on a new podcast called Everyday Racism, as part of Believe UK’s Anti-Racism committee, in collaboration with UK charity Help Musicians’ dedicated mental health service, Music Minds Matter. It addresses issues of racism within the music industry and creates a space for people to voice their personal experiences and discuss how issues can be tackled in the future. lived experiences of others in the music industry, addressing a particular facet of the Black, Asian or ethnic minority background experience in the music industry. They hope that the podcast will in turn contribute to/generate a wider industry discussion, resulting in action points that can be addressed, contributing to Believe UK’s drive to improve the inclusivity of the music industry. You can listen on multiple platforms here: https://ffm.bio/ antiracismpodcast

GET YOUR PLAY ON Alumna Coralie Sleap (Yeomen, 2003) has published her first book, ‘Get Your Play On’. Coralie is passionate about encouraging creativity and playfulness to benefit mental wellbeing and solidify social bonds, and her new book aims to help you harness your imaginative instincts and live a life that’s a little less serious! Playful people have more fun. Play can help us to forget our worries for a while. And adopting a more playful attitude means we’re better able to cope with life’s ups and downs. So why don’t we dedicate more time to playtime? Each chapter in ‘Get Your Play On’ focuses on one of the key aspects of play: Create, Connect, Imagine, Think and Move. It is filled with over 100 unique activities and ideas, top tips from experts and fascinating explorations of the science behind it all! This book will inspire you to forget the rat race for a while and re-learn how to have fun. You can buy it now at: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/coraliesleap

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS

A HAT IS FOR LIFE Tricia Hamilton (née Nightingale, 1972) wrote to tell us about her latest business venture, The Hat Channel (https://www.thehatchannel.com/). “From a classroom at Ashford School to a career that spanned the globe, I found myself, half a century on, back at my desk!

ASHFORD SCHOOL IN PARIS While visiting Paris in September for an Admissions Fair, our Director of External Relations, Sarah Kershaw, caught up with Mo Onafowokan (Yeomen, 2016) and Olivia McArthur (Squires, 2012).

Taking a lifelong passion to the next level, creating ‘The Hat Channel’ as lockdown began. All things hats are covered. From the history of hats when a bowler was thrown to the ground to an array of repurposing projects that give an ‘old hat’ that new lease of life, to a designer of creations that form around the head. With in-depth interviews artist and fashionistas share their ideas to offer an insight in their creative processes. The magazine has developed into a ‘must have’ read.

Olivia is working as a Norland Nanny and having spent 7 months nannying in Bali, she moved with her family to Paris where she continues to look after three children, plays Netball regularly and has become just about the best tourist guide you can imagine. After graduating from Warwick University, Mo decided to follow her dreams of living in Paris and is now studying International Communications at the American University of Paris. She works for the University arranging events, heads up the French division of Youth in Diaspora, and she’s developing her brand as a Creative Consultant and Mental Health Advocate.

Furthermore, my own personal hat journey has led me to patent my very own unique O Hat.

Even though their time at Ashford School didn’t cross, they had a great time reminiscing about the teachers they loved and who inspired them greatly.

From school boater to hard hat, a trendy trilby or a branded baseball cap they all have a past. Hat history can be intriguing or just a holiday purchase. There is no end to the possibilities.

Mo said of the evening:

No one ever throws a hat away. It is worth taking time to choose your next hat. A hat is with you for life!"

IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL! Katy Ward (née Farrer, Cranmer, 1985) lives in Sydney, Australia and shared with us the most heart-warming story. Katy learnt that her friend’s mother, Brenda Taylor (née Vokins, Somerville, 1954) was also an alumna of Ashford Girls School. Brenda studied under Miss Brake, along with her older sister, and after School went on to study Nutrition. Through Katy’s work in aged care, she has ended up caring for Brenda, and for an outing, Katy dug out her old School Blazer for Brenda to wear! Amazing to think of these two alumna meeting purely by chance all the way across the other side of the world and also to hear of an alumna caring for a prior generation of alumnae!

“What a beautiful way to reflect on my journey so far! It was on an Economics school trip with Ashford School in 2015 that I first visited Paris for a "Future in Europe" conference. Here I am, about 6 years later, with my fellow Ashfordians in Paris reminiscing on what really has been an adventurous journey and enjoying the beautiful memories Paris has to offer. It was at dinner near the Louvre when we came up with the phrase "Don’t measure by grades but by memories made". This would have been an alarming sentence to the 16-year-old School Captain who strived so much for the perfect grades and the perfect university but I am grateful that she has grown and now understands that what she has to offer to this world is much more than an A* on a transcript paper. Might I say that it was that conference that planted the seed of what is now my life in Paris? Thank you, Ashford School, for the wonderful memories made and for giving me various platforms to recognise my leadership potential.” Thank you to Mo & Olivia for sharing their time with Sarah. We cannot wait to hear how your careers continue to develop, and until we can have another reunion in Paris, stay in touch! We have also now set up a Paris WhatsApp group, so if any alumni would like to join, please let us know.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS

NEWS FLASH Wendy T he first critical book on the poetry of alumna poets, Cope OBE, one of Britain’s most widely read ders her has been written by Rory Waterman. He consi her and five ‘adult’ collections, her works for children and careful uncollected poems, with many close readings, and her xts consideration of her cultural and literary conte poetic development.

A lumna and Former Teacher of English, Rosalind Field (née May, Alfred, 1967), shared her memories of music at Ashford School with us, and wrote in to encourage our community to get singing again after a year spent in lockdown. The Ashford Choral Society meets at Ashford School on Tuesdays at 19:30 during term time, and you can find out more here: http://www.ashfordchoral.org.uk.

Frances Holliday (née Steed, Nightingale,1969) wrote to us to say she was enjoying retirement, spending time with her grandchildren, pottery and music!

icola Pryce’s (née Snelson, N Nightingale, 1975) next book, ‘The Cornish Captive’ will published on 6 January 2022. Set in Cornwall 1800, it follows the story of Madeleine Pelligrew, a former mistress of Pendenninng Hall imprisoned on false pretences. Keep an eye out for its release.

rs McCarthy (Head of Religious Studies and Housemistress of Chaucer M Squires, 1989) left Ashford School in 1989 to take up the Headship of Cobham Hall. While there she became the National Chairman of the Boarding Schools’ Association and a Government Adviser on partnerships between State and Independent Schools. Since her retirement in 2003 she has served as a Governor of several schools and was appointed Chairman of Commissioners at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School in Dover. She has also been commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent. Since the pandemic ‘lockdowns’, she has been enjoying the peace and quiet of the sea front cottage she recently renovated in Sandgate but is looking forward to meeting up with family and friends again.

Rebecca Ireland (née Walker, Nightingale, 1989) has been listed in the Legal 500, the world’s leading legal directory, again this year for Employment in the Thames Valley.

Samantha Lee (Pilgrims, 1991) is living with her husband and 3 children up on the Wirral in the Northwest and teaches French at Neston High School. She often reminisces with her students about her fabulous teachers Madame Aude-Borwell and Madame Kemp and how they gave her so many verbs to learn the conjugations of for homework! Sam sends very best wishes to all of the Ashford School community. E ilidh Beaton (Franklins, 1996) has been nominated in the RNA Industry for Best Narrator. Eilidh is a fully trained actor, specialising in voice.

Watch Sabrina Bartl ett (Ashford Prep School, 2003) in Se ries 1 of Bridgerton on Netflix, where she pla ys Sienna Rosso, and as Mariett Larkin in ITV ’s The Darling Buds of May adaptation, Th e Larkins.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

) won (Pilgrims, 2009 E rin Abraham Award in Diversity Change the Rising Star in Law UK ence & Power in The Women, Influ in’s current rlier this year. Er ea 21 20 ds ar Aw sel at Uber. role is Legal Coun T osin Timitimi (Merchants, 2012) has passed her qualifying exams for Chartered Secretary and Administrator of Nigeria, conferred with this prestigious Chartership by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators ICSAN.

F ormer Biology Teacher Rob Turner’s third novel, ‘Firebird’, has been published. It explores the hazy boundary between what we consider illusion, and what we accept as real. You can buy a copy via Rob’s website: https://asgardindustries.wixsite.com/rob-turner-writer Headmaster Michael Hall met with Pablo Andalaft (Knights/Brooke Refuge, 2013) whilst visiting Munich in November. Pablo has moved to Munich for work after completing a Masters in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol.

ALUMNI NEWS S ophie Howland (Franklins, 2015) & Charlotte Roberts (Squires, 2015) took on the 3 Peaks Challenge to raise money for 2 charities close to their hearts, Child Bereavement UK, and St George’s Hospital Charity. They raised nearly £4,000, and you can still sponsor them at: https://gofund.me/f7d60f7c Matt Nicholls (Knights, 2016) has been successful in his practical and written examinations to become an Associate of the Royal College of Organists.

T ini Gabashvili (Franklins/ Brabourne, 2017) was included in the St Andrew’s University Dean’s List for academic excellence for the 2020/2021 academic season. Tini is studying for a Masters in Psychology.

Nikeen Patel (Yeomen, 2017) won the male category at Top Model 2021, which took place at Royal Horseguards Hotel in London. Top Model is the leading model search awards and fashion event with a proven track record of discovering new model talent. Nikeen had the chance to have runway coaching, meet big designers, and network with people in the industry from all around the world. The event also raises money for The Top Model Foundation, which raises money for sick children and children in need by raising much needed funds and awareness. This year’s event has raised over £23,000 for the Foundation. J ustina Li (Squires/Brabourne, 2018) has finished her undergraduate degree in Economics and Industrial Organisation this year, and will be studying for a Masters degree in Economics at the University of Warwick. After graduation, she would like to work in the banking industry, focusing on the SME development.

Congratulations to Piers Gray (Pilgrims, 2020) who successfully completed the London Marathon.

Layomi Oladimeji (Pilgrims, 2021) has been awarded the African Champions Scholarship by Aston University, where he started in September studying a BSc in Neuroscience.

Former Head of Cricket, Richard Black (2018) has been appointed as the High-Performance Director and National Team Coach for the Serbian National Cricket Team.

Anja Brkic (Frank lins, 2020) has become Nationa l Junior Champion for Shoo ting in Serbia.

PHD SUCCESS! SJ Stewart (Knights, 2013) successfully passed her PhD viva in July 2021, earning her a PhD in Health Psychology from the University of Surrey. We wish SJ every success in her future career. Nikita Kamraj (Knights, 2012) has graduated from Caltech with a PhD in Astrophysics and is currently working as a postdoc in the NuSTAR research group. Her PhD thesis focused on the study of accreting supermassive black holes (Active Galactic Nuclei).

SCHOOL VISITS RESTRICTIONS ALLOWING, WE WERE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME THE FOLLOWING ALUMNI BACK TO VISIT ASHFORD SCHOOL: A group of 2020 Leavers including Angela Yang (Squires/Brabourne), Holly Chow (Pilgrims/Brabourne), Joseph Tso (Squires/Alfred), Jamaal Yusuf (Yeomen/ Alfred), and Mikel Sulaiman (Merchants)

Former Teacher of Physics Brian Stockwell

Gina Huxstep (Merchants, 2003) and Lara Williams (née Huxstep, Merchants, 1993)

Emily Reynolds (Yeomen/ Brabourne, 2020)

Mrs Keeler, daughter of Former School Gardener Mr Bill Atkins, and her husband Mr Keeler.

rtur Tsoy (Squires/Alfred, A 2018) & Insar Bektemis (Merchants/Alfred, 2018)

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

MOUNTAIN RUNNING

COMPETING IN MOUNTAIN RUNNING FOR TEAM GB MAX NICHOLLS (PILGRIMS, 2014)

I was pleasantly surprised with how well

teachers, particularly the enthusiasm of Mrs.

the races went and was absolutely thrilled to

Orr and her lunchtime running club. Max

come away as British Champion. It was quite

first discovered Mountain Running by chance

Dentist, UCL Foundation Hospitals Trust & Mountain Runner

an emotional weekend as it was my first

through an advert in a running magazine that

time competing in Mountain Running since

was encouraging under 18s to take part in a

tragically losing a fellow athlete, Chris Smith,

trial race to represent England in the World

Alumnus Max Nicholls (Pilgrims, 2014) has

who was an important mentor and good

qualified to represent Team GB in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships after his success at the British Mountain

friend. I felt inspired to be running in his memory.”

Running Championships. On Friday 17 September, Max participated in the 'Uphill Only' trial race for the World

Youth Cup. He travelled up to the Shropshire Hills to take part, and despite being, in his words, alarmingly unprepared he managed to crawl across the line in a high enough position to make the team. From then on, he

I WENT INTO THE WEEKEND

was hooked, and Mountain Running has since been his focus during the summer months.

Mountain Running Championships which was

A LITTLE APPREHENSIVE AS

The added challenge of tackling difficult

held on Skiddaw in the Lake District, where he

I HADN’T COMPETED SINCE

of racing.

placed 4th. Then, on Sunday 19 September he headed to Sedbergh in Yorkshire to compete in the ‘Up and Down’ race which he won.

He said of the races:

MARCH 2020 AND DIDN’T

terrain as adding to the thrill and satisfaction

Through his running, Max has had

REALLY KNOW WHAT KIND

opportunity to travel all around the world,

OF FORM I WAS IN.

Bulgaria and Poland. His favourite race was

competing in countries like Macedonia,

“I went into the weekend a little apprehensive

running through the famous Carrara marble

as I hadn’t competed since March 2020 and

quarries in Italy, a very surreal experience.

didn’t really know what kind of form I was in. The race on the Friday was up a relentlessly steep climb, my heart and lungs felt like they were at the absolute limit in the final stages as the ascent went beyond a 40% gradient and I was pretty much scrambling up on my hands and knees. The up and down race was more challenging on the descents because the conditions were wet and slippery underfoot. Some of my competitors fell on the first descent and another twisted his ankle badly. The wet conditions and cautious descending also

Max will compete for the GB team in both the Uphill and Up and Down races at the World Mountain Running Championships in Thailand in February. Max joined Ashford School in Year 5 and left after his A Levels in 2014. He then spent five years studying Dentistry at King’s College London, followed by a year working in a Dental Practice in South London, and is now working at University College London Hospital in the Restorative Dentistry department.

Max has competed for Team GB before, and said of the experience: ‘It has definitely been the pinnacle of my sporting career. The excitement of the kit being delivered is like being a child on Christmas Day and the whole experience of travelling as part of a big team with the support of doctors and physios is very novel. I would definitely say that having all of this buzz around the race and the privilege of wearing the singlet has a beneficial effect on performance!’

gave me big blisters on the soles of my feet,

He first got the running bug at a young

which thankfully only started to bother me

age, going to watch his older sister, Grace

We wish Max the best of luck in February

towards the end of the race and were almost a

Nicholls (Pilgrims, 2010), at her athletics

at the World Mountain and Trail Running

distraction from the pain in my muscles!

club, and from the encouragement of his

Championships!

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

MOUNTAIN RUNNING

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWS CONGRATULATIONS TO •V icky Lees (Merchants, 2008) who married Chris Lane. She was joined by her family, Lizzie Lees (Merchants, 2001), Mary Lees (Merchants, 2003) and Bay Lees (Former Teacher of Art, 2016), and more Ashford School alumni including Pat Simmonds (Former Teacher of English, 2014) and Camille de Caestecker (Franklins, 2008).

•M artin Hau (Merchants/Brooke Refuge, 2011) who married Sharon Ng on 18 September 2021 at Tsim Sha Tsui Swatow Christian Church in Hong Kong. Fellow Ashford School friends who joined the celebrations were Brian Li (Squires/ Alfred, 2011), Kevin Chiu (Franklins/Alfred, 2011), Wilson Tam (Yeomen/Alfred, 2011), and CY Yeung (Squires/Alfred 2011).

• L ucas Chan (Squires/Brooke, 2009) who married Chelsea Lai on 1 May 2021 in their home city of Saskatoon in Canada. • Z oe Ovenden (Pilgrims, 2010) who married Stephen Foster on 31 July 2021. • S ophie-Anna Brough (Squires, 2011) who married Phil Bubb on 19 July 2021 at Eastwell Manor. Fellow alumna Alex Blincow (Squires, 2011) was one of Sophie’s bridesmaids. •G race Winham (Knights, 2011) who married Charlie Ladbury in Smarden on 28 August 2021. Fellow alumni Katherine Bramall (Merchants, 2013) & Holly Charman (Franklins, 2011) also attended. • C hristopher Rabjohns (Franklins, 2012) and his partner Claire on the birth of their daughter Rosie Robin on 27 January 2021 t 00.47am, and on their marriage on 15 August 2021, in Woodchurch Church.

• J ackie Brock-Doyle (Somerville, 1982) who married Michael O’Mahony in April 2021 in Monaco, Covidstyle with 8 people present.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

• Ed and Grace Ogle (née Holdstock, Squires, 2010) on the birth of their daughter, Abigail Melody, born on 24 June 2021 in Taunton, weighing in at a very tiny 5lbs 10 oz. Abi is doing well, still small but perfectly formed.

•A lexandra Playford (Knights, 2007) and her partner Pete Rogers, on the birth of their daughter Bonnie Rogers, born at 10:29am on 10 September 2021, weighing 6lb 15.5oz!

• L uisa Attoe (née Welling, Knights, 2010) and her husband Ed Attoe on the birth of their daughter Riley Josephine Attoe on 13 January 2021.

ALUMNI NEWS

CELEBRATING DEGREE RESULTS! Congratulations to the following alumni who shared their fantastic degree results with us:

BA Graphic Design

Nottingham Trent University

2:1

BS Statistics and Management for Business

UCL

2:1

Emily finished with the top results of her year group, and in recognition of this amazing achievement has received the Programme Medal Award.

BArch Architecture

Architectural Association

Pass

Jai Shah (Yeomen, 2017)

BEng Chemical Engineering

The University of Edinburgh

First

BSc Accounting and Finance

Royal Holloway University

First

Lucy Piper (Pilgrims, 2017)

BA (Hons) Primary Education 5-11

Canterbury Christ Church University

2:1

We wish Faisal all the best as he goes on to study Venture Capital and Private Equity with Financial Technology at UCL.

Rebecca Smelt (Yeomen, 2017)

BA Geography

Canterbury Christ Church University

2:1

Heidi Rood (Pilgrims, 2018)

Yuhong Jin (Franklins/Brabourne, 2017)

MRes Biomedical Research

Imperial College London

Distinction

Zuka Murvanidze (Squires/Alfred, 2017)

BSc Computer Science

UCL

First

MPhys Physics

University of Manchester

2:1

History and Spanish MA

St Andrews University

First

Daisy Keet (Knights, 2018) Daniel Wang (Squires/Alfred, 2018) Eddie Tse (Merchants/Alfred, 2018) Faisal Jomah (Squires/Alfred, 2018)

BSc Neuroscience

Cardiff Univeristy

2:1

We wish Heidi good luck as she returns to Cardiff to study for a Masters in Psychology. Katie Crawford (Franklins, 2018)

BA Communications and Media Studies

University of Leeds

2:1

Molly Bishop (Franklins, 2018)

BSc Film and Television Production

University of York

2:1

Nichole Chu (Merchants/ Brabourne, 2018)

BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management

University of Surrey

2:1

BSc Economics

LSE

First

BSc Business Administration and Management

University of Essex

2:1

Sheryl Dong (Squires/Brabourne, 2018) Tom Xie (Yeomen/Alfred, 2018)

Emily Brightling (Knights, 2017)

Zhiyuan Zhang (Knights/Brabourne, 2017) Tom Porter (Yeomen, 2016)

BSc Sports Coaching

Cardiff Metropolitan University

First

We wish Tom good luck as he continues his studies at Cambridge University.

BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management

Yixiao Li (Squires/Brabourne, 2018)

BSc Economics and Industrial Organisation

University of Warwick

Zoe Groom-Shorter (Merchants, 2018)

BA History and International Relations

University of Exeter

Cass Business School

BA Fashion Design

University of Westminster

First

Tianjia Li (Yeomen/Brabourne, 2016)

BSc Geophysics

Imperial College London

2:1

Part II Architecture

University of Westminster

Distinction

Rebecca Gardner (Merchants, 2015)

Good luck to Tom as he goes on to study an MSc in Real Estate and Planning at the University of Reading. Yiyang Tang (Knights/Brabourne, 2018)

Jesse O'Shaughnessy (Franklins, 2016)

2:1

2:1 First

Rebecca was also awarded the Shoaib Rawat Memorial Prize for MArch (1st Place), the Burrell Foley Fischer Illustration Prize the nomination for AJ Student Prize and Dezeen feature. Sophie Ovenden (Pilgrims, 2014) Dan Faehndrich (Squires/Alfred, 2013)

Legal Practice Course

BPP University

Distinction

Medicine

Imperial College London

2:1

We wish Zoe good luck as she returns to Exeter to study for an MSc in Global Governance. Anna Walker (Franklins, 2017)

BSc Human Geography

University of Reading

2:1 RED Award

Caroline Liu (Merchants/ Brabourne, 2017)

BSc Social Sciences with Quantitative Methods

UCL

2:1

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ASHFORD SCHOOL FOUNDATION

THANK YOU We wish to publicly thank all those who have donated to the Ashford School Foundation over the past year. We are incredibly grateful for your support, and know it will inspire future generations of our community to give.

ASF Patrons: Mrs Jane Loudon, Dr Amanda Cottrell, Mr Peregrine Massey, & Mr John Hosking ASF Trustees: The Ven Stephen Taylor (Chairman), Mr Michael Hall (Headmaster), Mrs Nicky Brightling, Mr Rory Montgomerie, Mrs Katie Floyd, and Mrs Sarah Kershaw (Director of External Relations)

OUR BURSARY FUND & THE SUMMER TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN As a School we are committed to making the opportunities at Ashford School available to as many able and talented pupils as possible – regardless of financial background. The past two years have been particularly difficult for so many families and consequently, the Foundation’s need to offer financial support through the Foundation's bursary programme is greater than ever. For this academic year, the Ashford School Foundation increased the total amount of funds they awarded by 83%. As Ashford School does not have an endowment fund, we are reliant on support from our whole School community. If every ASA member were to donate £20 per month for the next five years, with gift aid, this would generate almost £5.2 million for the Ashford School Foundation! That would go a long way to supporting talented pupils through the School. Consequently, at the beginning of August, we held the Foundation’s second ever telephone campaign to further enhance communication and develop relationships between Ashford School and its

alumni community, and to fundraise on behalf of the Ashford School Foundation for the Bursary Fund. We hired 6 fantastic former students, each of whom was passionate about their experience here at Ashford School, raising funds to support bursary students, and wanting to develop their skillset. Thank you to our group of callers (left to right): Fred Austin (Knights, 2021), Adam Cox (Franklins, 2020), Mikel Sulaiman (Merchants, 2020), Rebecca Smith (Franklins, 2021), Charlotte Gardener (Yeomen, 2021) and Anya Parmar (Franklins, 2021). Thank you to all our new and continuing donors for your outstanding support as we build for our future. Your generosity will ensure future generations of children can benefit from a transformative education here at Ashford School.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

If you would like to join our donors in supporting the Ashford School Foundation, whether that be a regular or a one-off gift, you can do so by visiting www.ashfordschool. co.uk/supportus or by sending a cheque, made out to The Ashford School Foundation, to Alumni & Development Office, Ashford School, East Hill, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8PB. You can help us to ensure that more talented students are given the opportunities that an Ashford School education affords.

ASHFORD SCHOOL FOUNDATION

REMEMBERING JUDITH WEBB: THE JUDITH WEBB BUILDING & MUSIC STAND Six years have now passed since we lost Judith and I am aware that newer members of the School may already be less familiar with the name Judith Webb. So to have this building named after her not only fills her sons, family and I with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude, but also keeps her name very much alive. For those of you who may be wondering who Judith was and why she is fortunate enough to be remembered in this way, I will give a short resume. In 1995 Judith and I as parents first walked into what was then Friars Prep School in Great Chart to be shown around the school with a view to sending our son Tom (Yeomen, 2013) there. I had attended school there some 25 years earlier when it was a very different regime and so it took some persuasion on Judith’s part to even get me through the door. From that day forward we never looked back. Our two boys were educated at Great Chart right through to the Senior School here when Harry (Yeomen, 2018) finally left in 2018. The Headmaster of Friars Prep School, Mike Ashley, asked Judith to become a parent governor. In this role being hands on was key, keeping her finger on the pulse and reporting back firsthand knowledge to the governing body. In the beginning she said she felt like a spy, but parents soon learned that she was an asset and a voice for the governing body to listen to. She was undoubtedly the coolest person for the job, remaining calm when issues arose and no bigger test for her was than during the merger of Ashford School (which at the time was a single sex girls' school) with Friars Prep School. The governing body had the vision to see this proposal as being in the interest of both schools and she saw it as part of her job to help deliver. There was plenty of opposition, but with a combination of intelligent reasoning and persuasion peppered with charm, she usually got the message across even if not everyone could agree. The result was a success. A new dynamic team of teachers and governors heralded the changes and Adventurous Learning was firmly on the map. A modern school with direction from United Learning was born but with tradition remaining firmly intact.

Judith’s other job, apart from being a mother, was with Schott Musik. Schott are an established music business based in Mainz, but Judith was the MD of Schott London with offices in Ashford. It was she who was responsible for sourcing the Steinway pianos which remain in situ in the music building. I would like to say that she donated them, but generosity only extends so far when there are school fees to pay! However, to mark this occasion and the honour of having this Ashford School building named after her, the Webb and Albury families would like to present this music stand to the School. Languages were Judith’s forte, and she was fluent in French by the time she had completed working two years teaching in northern France. She also studied German and Latin. The fact that this fine building will in time house international boarding students therefore seems wholly appropriate. She would indeed have been deeply moved by the honour that the school has bestowed on her, so on her behalf, we wish Floreat Judith Webb House! Floreat Ashford School! Let it flourish! Graham Webb (Friars)

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

ASHFORD SCHOOL FOUNDATION

NEW TRUSTEE APPOINTED The Ashford School Foundation are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Trustee, Mrs Katie Floyd. Katie Floyd (née Webb, Merchants, 2003) is a former Ashford School pupil who joined the School at the age of five and continued through to Sixth Form. She went on to study English Literature at UEA and completed an MA at Canterbury Christ Church University. Katie’s career began with the British Heart Foundation in the Communications department, focusing on fundraising and research. She then moved into the higher education sector at Imperial College Business School, where she promoted public events

THE LILIAN BRAKE LEGACY SOCIETY This year, we had the pleasure of hosting a virtual meeting for members of our Lilian Brake Legacy Society. This annual event is an opportunity for our Headmaster, Mr. Michael Hall, to share recent news and developments, and to thank our members for their ongoing support. The next Legacy Society Lunch will take place on Thursday 17 March 2022.

Katie now lives in Smeeth with her husband and young son, and in her spare time, she enjoys arts & crafts and trips in the family’s 1972 VW camper van. The Ashford School Foundation is excited for Katie to join the team, and benefit from her experience in fundraising. If you would like to get more involved with our fundraising activity, please get in touch with the Alumni & Development Office at: development@ashfordschool.co.uk

Event Attendees: • Val Arends (née Davies, Nightingale, 1955) • Jacquie Collins (née Sasson, Brooke Place) • Michael Hall (Headmaster of Ashford School) • John Hosking (Patron of the Ashford School Foundation and Former Chair of Governors) • Sarah Kershaw (Director of External Relations) •H annah Pinney (Alumni & Development Manager, Squires, 2011) • Norma Smyth (Former Deputy Head, 1974-1998) • Rae Stollard (née Sasson, Brooke Place, 1963) We want to continue to grow the Lilian Brake Legacy Society, so that future generations will be able to benefit from a transformative Ashford School education.

programmes in London and internationally. Katie is now the Development Manager at Benenden School, where she fundraises for capital projects and bursaries. Katie also assists in the School Library, supporting students with their studies.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

If you would be interested in leaving a legacy to Ashford School, or finding out more, please get in touch with Hannah in the Alumni & Development Office development@ashfordschool.co.uk

OBITUARIES

BRIDGET LENDRUM (NÉE HORTON, FORMER MEMBER OF

STAFF & DIRECTOR OF FRIARS PREP SCHOOL) 21 July 1926 - 17 March 2021 (by her daughter, Katherine Ellison (Friars, Bears, 1973)) Bridget Horton has died aged 94. After she graduated from Bedford College in around 1947, my mother taught Games at Ashford Girls' School for several years, where my godmother, Honor Mansell (now 96) also taught and my brother’s godmother, Anne Weston (now 85) was a pupil, both of whom have contributed to this obituary; I am sure many of you will remember them. Bridget’s nickname at Ashford was ‘Horty’. She commanded great respect from the girls and staff and was popular with both. When she arrived at Ashford, discipline in games lessons left a lot to be desired, so she set about changing that and soon had the girls in line and more enthusiastic about their games and dance. Somewhat myopically-challenged, she preferred not to be seen in spectacles if she could possibly help it. She later admitted that this meant she could not always identify the girls at the back of the class which must have made her teaching life rather tricky but for the girls who wished to escape her scrutiny, a godsend! The Summer 1955 edition of The School Tie records a memorable day to celebrate Miss Brake’s birthday when she was flown in a helicopter as a birthday present. Bridget hatched a plan for the girls to lie on Lower Nightingale forming the words ‘A Happy Birthday’; she then joined the girls lying on the ground too. The esteem in which my mother always held ‘Cherub’ is reflected in her contribution to the Lilian Brake Foundation. Bridget travelled the world during the school holidays and in 1952, I believe, she took a year’s sabbatical. Her passport is crammed full of visas and stamps recording her visits to many countries between 1947 and 1956, including Canada and the United States of America. While she was there Bridget got caught in a rip current

on Lake Michigan. Fortunately, my mother was an excellent swimmer, she didn’t panic and managed to ‘go with the flow’ until she could extricate herself. On one of her many trips she visited Cyprus to stay with Anne Weston and her family. This turned out to be a life-changing holiday as that summer she met my father, Squadron Leader Peter Ellison, although sadly it meant she left Ashford when they married in 1956. After 11 very happy years as a wife and mother to three sons and a daughter, my father was killed in February 1967. My 9-year-old brother, Nicholas Ellison, had been boarding at Friars Preparatory School where John Lendrum, the founder and Headmaster, had lost his first wife Ann to cancer the same week that my father died. Bridget and John married in August 1968 and my mother became a huge support to my stepfather in the smooth running of Friars and remained a Director of the school for most of her life, leaving a generous bequest to the Ashford School Foundation. Bridget took great pleasure in all her children’s successes and was immensely proud of my brother Richard Ellison, who played cricket for Kent and England - she also enjoyed watching both Richard and Charles playing for Tonbridge School in the Cricketer Cup matches, alongside the Cowdrey boys. After my stepfather died in 2000, my mother moved to live near Richard in Somerset so that she could continue to enjoy spending time with all her grandchildren. We used to have a large family cricket match and summer party to celebrate her birthday each year which she loved. When she married John Lendrum, Bridget inherited 3 adult stepchildren in addition to her own 4 children and along with her new role as a headmaster’s wife, she was always extremely busy. She continued to play lots of sport and still played tennis into her 70’s. She was an excellent bridge player, as well as being an

energetic and very talented gardener. Once she had slowed down a bit, only giving up driving in her 90’s, she loved cooking for family and friends, sewing, knitting and tapestry, as well as doing crosswords and Sudoku to keep her mind active. She was a marvellous hostess with a great sense of humour and fun, always entertaining a full house for Christmas, joining in with party games and quizzes. She spent many happy times as a devoted Granny to her 10 grandchildren and 6 stepgrandchildren, taking an interest in everything they did, particularly when it involved exercise! Shortly before she died, having spent a few days in hospital and delighted to be home with all her children, Bridget reiterated that she had had ‘the most wonderful life’. Her last words were ‘keep gardening, don’t quarrel and love each other’. Sound advice. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We are incredibly grateful to Mrs. Lendrum for leaving a legacy for Ashford School, and we wish to publicly thank her, and her family, for their ongoing support. Mrs. Lendrum’s legacy will support the Ashford School Foundation’s bursary programme and will help us to ensure that talented children can receive a transformational Ashford School education irrespective of their financial circumstances.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

OBITUARIES

Veronica Beechey passed away, at the age of 75. She was a pioneering feminist sociologist and an influential patients’ rights advocate. Whilst at University, she was advised to do less politicking and more studying, but she went on campaigning and still achieved a first in her degree.

Mrs Doreen Davis (née Evans, Alfred, 1937) passed away on 10 August 2020, aged 101 years after suffering from a stroke. She is greatly missed by all the family. She and her sister Peggy Evans attended Ashford School and often talked of all the happy times they had there.

Alison Hough (née Furneaux) died peacefully on 25 Feb 2021 aged 86.

Ann Hutchinson (née Porter, 1952) passed away on 12 June 2021. She was born on 23 November 1934 and attended Ashford School between 1946 -1952, and leaving to attend Teacher Training college. She always spoke with much affection for the school.

Mrs Margaret Lewis (née Ames, 1957)

Angela Martin (née Gibson, Nightingale, 1953) sadly passed away in July 2021. She was Head Girl for the Autumn Term of 1952.

Dr Gillian Mary Roberts (née Barnett, Cranmer, 1948), sadly passed away on 28 January 2021. She was born in 1930 and attended Ashford School during the war years when it was based in Exeter. Gillian loved her time at Ashford School and kept up with several school friends all her life. She particularly liked the Headmistress at the time, Miss Brake, who she fondly referred to as Cherub. Gill married Tony Roberts in 1952 and soon afterwards they decided to embark on an adventure and set off to Canada together. While in Canada, Gill gave birth to 4 children in less than 5 years. The family returned to England in 1959 and lived in a village in Hampshire from then onwards. After the children left home, Gill returned to her work as a research scientist and completed her PhD at Southampton University, at the age of 55, on non-toxic methods of mosquito control to eradicate malaria. Her research took her to many countries for field work including Nigeria, the Sudan, Israel, India and Sri Lanka. She was happy to hear recently that Sri Lanka is now completely free of malaria. In her last few years, she became increasingly frail, and life must have been very difficult for her at times, but her positivity shone through and she was always more interested in others than herself. She lived in a care home in Salisbury for the last 2 years and was delighted to meet a lady there called Dora who taught at Ashford School in the 1950s-60s!

Andro Wellard (née Dodd, Somerville, 1964) sadly passed away at home on 21 April 2020 following a four-year illness. She was born in East Kent and lived there for most of her life, attending Ashford School from 195864. After school she trained to be a teacher at the Roehampton Institute and subsequently taught at a primary school. She married Tony and had three boys to whom she gave a great sense of fun and adventure, taking them to places ranging from Zimbabwe to the Greek Islands. Andro was active in her community, becoming involved with a local refugee charity and the Samaritans. She loved nature and her garden and was a truly ‘hands-on’ grandmother. She’ll be much missed by her extensive family and many friends.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

2021

ASHFORD SCHOOL WINS THREE NATIONAL AWARDS! Each year the United Learning Best in Everyone awards celebrate the impressive achievements of students, staff and teams in schools across United Learning. They recognise a wide range of successes, including exemplary academic performance, dedication to leadership and service, as well as lifetime achievement. The winners at Ashford School were:

TYBALT PANG (PILGRIMS/JUDITH WEBB, 2021) - SCIENCE AWARD (YEARS 10-13) Alongside mastering materials in his A Level studies, Tybalt spent six weeks volunteering in local hospitals where he showed compassion and empathy beyond his years. He also completed an online course at the University of Leeds to better understand the developments of medicine in cancer treatments.

FRANCESCA RUSSELL - SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR AWARD. Francesca Russell, Head of Bridge Nursery, won for the inspiring leadership she has shown over the course of 25 years and the significant role she has played in developing Bridge Nursery into a renowned and highly respected setting.

HEATHER LOUGHLIN - INSPIRATIONAL TEACHER AWARD. Head of German Heather Loughlin received the Inspirational Teacher Award for her strong teaching ability and her excellent pastoral skills. Since joining the school four years ago, Heather has helped to inspire a real love for the German language and culture amongst students, with the subject now the most

SCHOOL NEWS

ASHFORD SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATE EXCELLENT RESULTS This year, students at Ashford School celebrated a round of excellent results in their GCSE & A Level examinations. 26 subjects were taken at A Level, as well as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and BTEC Sport. Some of our top A Level students from Ashford School include: Petar who achieved 4 A*s; Natalie who achieved 4 A*s and an A for her EPQ; and Alfred and Hallam who both achieved 3 A*s and an A* for their EPQs. The Year 11 students who received their GSCE results performed just as well as the Year 13 cohort.

ENGLISH TEACHER SECURES REPRESENTATION FOR HER NOVEL English Teacher Hannah MacKinnon has secured representation with Emily MacDonald at 42mp. During the first lockdown, Hannah applied for a creative writing selective course with Curtis Brown Creative and was successful in applying. Through this programme, she wrote and redrafted her contemporary literary fiction novel aimed at female millennial readers. The novel explores the complexities of friendships, relationships and grief whilst navigating through your twenties. With representation secured, Hannah’s book will be pitched to publishers in the coming months.

popular language choice at GCSE.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

SCHOOL NEWS

ASHFORD SCHOOL STUDENT WINS IN UNITED LEARNING’S INTERNATIONAL ART COMPETITION Anthony (Yeomen), a Year 13 Art student at Ashford School, was selected as the runner-up in the United Learning annual Art Competition. His winning artwork was displayed at the National Art Centre in Tokyo, Japan, representing the United Kingdom in the celebrated International High School Arts Festival. Anthony shared his inspiration for his artwork:

“My piece is titled ‘Software’ and it represents how technology is at the forefront of modern-day thinking. This is obviously shown in science, with technological advancements being made each day, simply due to the human thirst for more technology. It is shown by the younger generation as technology plays a massive part in their life. A lot of their thinking is based on what to post on social media, what website to shop on, or searching for help with homework online. Hence why I called the piece ‘Software’ and put the phones around the head as it demonstrates how technology is essentially the mainframe in the thinking of the younger generation.”

ASHFORD PREP SCHOOL ANNOUNCES MEMBERSHIP OF THE PRE-SENIOR BACCALAUREATE Ashford Prep School is proud to announce that it is now a member of the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB). This prestigious charity represents several world-class, forward-thinking Schools, and provides a framework that celebrates the development of values, skills, attitudes and behaviours required for children to succeed and flourish. Head of Ashford Prep, Mr Tiley-Nunn believes that education is about more than just passing exams. “True academic rigour lies in ensuring learning has both depth and breadth at its heart,” he said. Ashford Prep has a strong commitment to adventurous learning and is in a strong position to embrace the PSB framework. “The ability to award the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate at the end of pupil’s time at the School will help celebrate and recognise the pursuit of becoming a true all-rounder,” he commented. One of the most exciting elements of joining PSB is that it will allow Ashford Prep teachers and pupils to significantly benefit from the wider network of schools within the group. They can access resources, guidance, training and opportunities that are shared with fellow PSB member schools. Ashford Prep School is excited to begin the process over the next academic year of making the PSB work in a bespoke manner that suits the School. The framework allows for adaptation to ensure that whilst PSB schools may share certain principles, each is unique in the way that it delivers the PSB. PSB strives to develop lifelong learners and believes that children who develop a love of learning will benefit as they progress into our ever-changing world.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

2021

ASHFORD SCHOOL’S GOVERNING BODY After 20 years of service on the Governing Body, with 5 as Chair of Governors, Will Peppitt has now stepped down from Ashford School’s LGB. Will has provided exceptionally loyal and passionate support for the School, often fighting the School’s corner behind the scenes. He is succeeded by Deborah Geering (née Farrant, Squires, 2003), a current serving governor. She is actively involved as a governor supporting health and safety, finance and boarding in particular. Professionally, she is a practising lawyer and partner at Kent law firm Furley Page LLP. As an alumna herself, Debs is a strong supporter of the School, and has two sons at the Prep School. In addition, two new governors who have joined the LGB are Stephanie Morris & Nicola Ratchford, both of whom have children at Ashford Prep School. Stephanie has enjoyed a lengthy career as a family lawyer at Mishcon de Reya in London, specialising in all aspects of family law, and is now starting work in the Private Client/Investment Management world. Nicola is Head of Marketing and Communications for AIG and is an experienced marketer and strategic communications consultant. We look forward to them bringing their expertise to our Governing Body. Our other Governors are: Paul Freemont, Alex Richards, Jon Rimmer, Elaine Rose, and Stephen Taylor.

SCHOOL NEWS

SUPPORTING OUR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY Ashford School prides itself on being forward thinking and inclusive. To emphasise this, a new initiative was launched last academic year, and promoted across our whole school, with full support of the Senior Leadership Team.

ASHFORD SCHOOL CHAMPIONS NETBALL WITH LONDON PULSE Ashford School has officially partnered with the London Pulse Netball franchise, making us one of only a few schools who have joined forces with this prestigious organisation. Working with London Pulse offers us an exciting opportunity for girls’ sport at Ashford School, and will provide more netball opportunities for our girls, as well as other netball players in the area. Our players will have the opportunity to train and play with high calibre athletes and this provides fantastic opportunities to progress in the Sport. Importantly, the School’s players will receive exposure on the London Pulse digital and social media platforms, enabling them to increase their profile with talent scouts and other organisations. Lastly, this partnership offers focused training for our staff, with access to CPD. London Pulse are the rising stars of the Vitality Netball Super League Championship. Their aim is to connect with the communities in London (and now Kent) to play, watch and enjoy netball. They are passionate about finding and developing super-talented athletes. They compete in the country’s premier domestic competitions but offer much more than just the super league. They are based at the iconic Copper Box Arena: this multi-sport venue has a capacity of 7,481 and was first used for the 2021 Summer Olympics. It is in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in the heart of London.

All members of staff were invited to wear a Progress Pride flag on a daily basis to visually promote inclusivity and diversity which are so vital in promoting positive wellbeing, and are essential elements of any community, now more than ever, in our postpandemic recovery. Our staff and pupils are gaining a greater education of #LGBT+, rainbow families and the many umbrellas of identity and orientation as we move toward inclusive equality. We are focusing on our students' emotional quotient through use of language and conduct to reeducate them on the things we do or say without thinking, which often are not considered and simply spoken out of habit. The Progress Pride pin is worn as a symbol of understanding, inclusivity and diversity. We want all our students to feel safe, listened to and supported, enabling them to be the best possible version of themselves, within our school community of united learners.

THE SOMERVILLE LIBRARY Following its refurbishment over the summer, Ashford School’s Learning Resource Centre has been renamed the Somerville Library to celebrate the building’s heritage as a former boarding house named after the pioneering mathematician and scientist Mary Somerville. The Library’s exciting new look includes informative signage directing pupils and staff around the collection of over 13,000 books, as well infographics showcasing the School’s Learning Habits. With private study areas for Sixth Form students and a welcoming space for visiting classes, the Somerville Library is at the heart of Ashford School. Our two Librarians are always on hand to support pupils with all their learning needs and are committed to continuing to develop the collection to support the curriculum and inspire intellectual curiosity.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

FROM OUR PREFECTS

INTRODUCING OUR ASA PREFECT We are delighted to announce that we have created an exciting new prefect role, which is dedicated to supporting the Alumni & Development Office at Ashford School, and our first Year 13 to take on the role is Charlotte. Charlotte is also Yeomen House Captain and is currently studying Drama, History and English Literature at A-Level. She also participates in lots of extra-curricular activities, including sports teams and the school musical. She is really looking forward to connecting with the alumni community, and to sharing more of what's going on here at Ashford School with you. Charlotte is keen to work with the ASA community to further benefit current students, specifically looking to our alumni network for advice on careers and university. She is also hoping to organise a charity day to raise further money for the Ashford School Foundation’s bursary fund. We can't wait to share her initiatives with you all as the academic year progresses.

FROM OUR HEAD BOY OLI JACOBS (SQUIRES) & HEAD GIRL HELENA GROOM-SHORTER (KNIGHTS) There is no doubt that the upcoming academic year 20212022 is a great opportunity for change. Last year we were

learning both in-person and online which hindered some of the best things about Ashford School, from the closeknit community to the co-curricular activities offered. We believe by working as a unit we can make our school better than before; therefore, we are focusing on 3 key areas: School Parliament, student mentoring, and boarder and day pupil integration. By using our combined skillset, covering subjects from Art to Maths, and activities from sport to CCF, we want to demonstrate to the younger pupils the benefit of embracing all the opportunities that Ashford School offers. We want to encourage a safe space for academic and co-curricular curiosity where students utilise all Ashford’s range of resources.

FROM THE BOARDING DEVELOPMENT PREFECT My name is Sebastian, and I am responsible for boarder integration. I live in Australia and have been a boarder at Ashford School for 3 years. I study Biology, Chemistry, and Maths at A Level and would like to pursue a career in Medicine. I now play for the 1st teams in both Rugby and Hockey. My aims as Boarding Development Prefect are to utilise the rich cultural diversity at Ashford school by connecting and integrating our boarding and day communities.

FROM THE NEW HOUSE CAPTAINS: MERCHANTS: Freddie I have been at Ashford School for 15 years and am Merchants House Captain. Ever since joining Merchants in Year 7, I have loved how everyone in the House comes together at the different House events and tries their hardest, whatever their ability, and no matter how well we do. Whilst I am House Captain, I would like to develop the togetherness in the House and encourage and inspire all our members to strive to achieve their best. PILGRIMS: Toby I am Toby Coleman-Nye and House Captain for Pilgrims. I have been a member of Pilgrims House since joining Ashford School in Year 7 and was captivated by the House spirit and the inclusivity of all our members. With Covid, I feel that some of our House spirit and inclusive nature has been lost and now we are moving

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

towards “normality”, it is the perfect opportunity to rethink the House, encourage year groups to integrate, and reinvigorate everyone’s passion for Pilgrims House allowing us to come together as a team and thrive once again. FRANKLINS: Patrick I am Patrick Crossley-Roberts and House Captain for Franklins. I have been in Franklins since Year 7. For me, Franklins as a House has always been about trying your best for the House and enjoying what you are doing regardless of the result. As House Captain I want to unite the year groups within the House after the 2 difficult years we have all experienced where we have been divided by Covid. SQUIRES: Robyn My name is Robyn Grieve, and I have been a part of Squires for 7 years. All Squires believe in doing the best you can and not worrying about what anyone thinks and where we come in competitions. Last year we managed to win Cock House, which was well deserved and due to the positive attitude every member of Squires holds. Our positive attitude meant that we showed everyone what potential we have every single time. I have frequently heard people saying that Squires has lots of people. This is because, despite whether Squires has the skills to win every competition, we always turn up as a community to support each other. I hope that Squires will continue to be successful and that our team spirit will remain. KNIGHTS: Amelia My name is Amelia Wright, and I am Knights House Captain. I am currently studying BTEC Sport and Psychology A level. I have been at Ashford School since Nursery and, since I joined the Senior School in Year 7, my experience in Knights has been nothing but positive, fun, competitive, friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Knights is a friendly group and I have always been encouraged to become involved and have thoroughly enjoyed participating in many of the House events. I would like to continue leading Knights and encouraging all our members to get involved in as many House events and activities as possible. I will also endeavour to be there to help and support our members, especially the Year 7s, wherever possible.

STUDENT WORK We are delighted to be able to showcase just a small selection of work by our students at the Senior School. More artwork is featured on the back page of the ASA School Tie.

F R I D AY

Peter Gan (Franklins/Alfred, 2021)

That Friday u were born The Friday yo your first step t up and took sa u yo ay ol id The Fr primary scho going to your e er w u yo ay The Frid detention u got your first school The Friday yo at secondary u moved to th yo ay id Fr e Th ersity u went to univ The Friday yo u got a job The Friday yo u got fired uldn’t help The Friday yo the hospital co n he w h as cr u were in a The Friday yo ened erything happ That Friday ev ants) ear 7, Merch By Emily (Y

DUSK AND DAWN AT HOME Finding peace among the fallen leaves, My home sits in the moonlight, under the trees. It is harmless, and a place of tranquil, And for it, I couldn’t be more thankful. What surrounds it, is no more than green. Twilight, is what makes it a better scene. The stars shine bright, like pearls in the night sky. I sit there, with teardrops, in my eye. When the moon is full, upon the horizon, The sky gets darker, which makes the image brighten. Like the sun, painted, into the night, I watch up into space; the sky is black and white. I feel inspired, by what the sky can bring, Orange, purple and red, like a butterfly’s wing. However clever, the sky is, to create something as magical, As dusk and dawn at home; it couldn’t be more original. By Oli (Year 9, Squires) Charlotte Gardener (Yeomen, 2021) THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

FROM THE ARCHIVES

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH SCHEME AT ASHFORD SCHOOL After the passing of Prince Philip earlier this year, we asked our alumni community to share their memories of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, of which Prince Philip was the Patron and Founder. Ashford School’s involvement in the scheme is something of which we are all extremely proud. Since it was first offered in 1962, hundreds of pupils have gained Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards and the scheme has become an integral part of life at Ashford School. Expeditions have taken place in a whole variety of locations including the Lake District, the Brecon Beacons, the North Downs, Ashdown Forest, Mont Blanc, and Holland. We currently have 124 students undertaking their Bronze award, 69 completing their Silver, and 13 on Gold. Since the start of the academic year (September 2021) we have presented 67 Awards and 113 in the last 12 months. Thank you to all staff and helpers, past and present, who have made the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme both possible, and fun! A Duke of Edinburgh Timeline: • 1962/1963 – 15 upper 4th and lower 5th students achieved their Bronze Awards. • 1995 - Ashford Girls’ School became a Directly Licensed Centre. • 2 019 - Ashford School becomes one of the first in the country to successfully see a team of staff through the challenging Gold DofE Award.

But how did the Duke of Edinburgh scheme start at Ashford School? Alumna Mary Harman (Nightingale, 1966) was in part responsible

for Ashford School participating in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme in 1962, and she wrote in to tell us more: “In a small way I was responsible for the school starting on the scheme when it did, in 1962. Having read some sort of report in a newspaper I wrote to Buckingham Palace to ask about ‘the Duke of Edinburgh’s competition’ and received a kind reply from one his staff (the Duke being away in South America) suggesting that I meant the Award Scheme and giving me the address to write to. I took this to Miss Nightingale after morning prayers: Miss Rowe happened to be playing the piano that morning, and she was very supportive. Wheels turned quickly; the school decided to participate; in August 1962 I received my Scheme ‘Record Book’ and together with others in the Upper IV started on the various sections for the Bronze Award in the Autumn Term. We each pursued various interests and ‘Service’ options: with some others I attended Civil Defence talks – I remember alarming maps of areas of fallout from 10 megaton atomic bombs, with range of total destruction and mortality … we didn’t have much faith in whitewashing windows and shelters under the stairs. But – we did draw rations from the kitchen one Sunday afternoon and went to the Civil Defence HQ and built a field cooker of mud, bricks and corrugated iron in the garden, then had a fry-up on the result. Together, for ‘Design for Living’, we had talks on ‘What to Wear and When to Wear it’ with a Saturday visit to Ricemans in Canterbury, looking at the Fashion Department and a Fashion Parade organised for us, before giving our own in the school with clothes lent by M&S. We undertook the ‘Adventure’ section in

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

Small groups: with several others I had a day out to see Chilham church, using bus, train and walking seven miles, using our map reading skills. Miss Willsdon organised and oversaw our activities; she must have approached a wide range of people and organisations to help with talks, demonstrations, and assessment of our efforts. Looking back, I am impressed by the people who helped, giving their time and skills. I’m afraid I probably wasn’t sufficiently appreciative at the time. I received my Bronze Award in November 1963, and the Silver in October 1965 (the certificate signed by Prince Philip himself). I did complete some sections of the Gold Award, but after leaving school in 1966 other interests took over and I never finished it. The scheme took us out of school and led to some memorable meetings and experiences. I still use some of the things I learned, but hope it’s never necessary to build a field cooker!”

FROM THE ARCHIVES AND MORE OF OUR ALUMNI WROTE IN TO SHARE THEIR MEMORIES OF THE SCHEME: "I was lucky enough to gain my Gold Award the year I left school (1969). I wouldn't have had any of those great experiences without the initiative and support of the staff involved. They went the extra mile to enable us to do our activities and expeditions. Terrific memories!” - Joanna Godfree (née Robertson, Alfred, 1969) burgh “I was thrilled to be part of The Duke of Edin ct was Award Scheme. For me, the standout subje mother Fashion. I remember vividly going with my we to the upmarket store Aidan Coates, where es lived in Tenterden. I had bought two dress Cliff the of stars identical to those worn by the t from Richard film Summer Holiday. I got a leafle ings stock of e shad Aristoc which detailed which Jones would best match which colours.” - Pippa (Nightingale, 1965)

“It was Mary Harman (Nightingale,1966) who was instrumental in Ashford starting DofE so early. She had read about the scheme and asked if we could participate. In those days, the girls and boys had separate schemes and the head of the girls' scheme came and spoke to us. I dug out my record book and started DofE on September 23, 1964. It was a wonderful thing to do.” - Tessa Bradnock (née Hawkins, Nightingale, 1965) “I was part of the first cohort to take part in the DofE scheme. The scheme was still very different for girls in those days. I recall something called Design for Living and taking part in a fashion show modelling outfits from M&S. I have a vague memory of the bronze expedition (no overnight camp back then) to visit Dungeness power station which was still under construction. We camped somewhere near Capel for Silver and were woken in the early hours by cows licking the dew off the outside of the tent - we thought we were scared witless!" - Jane Hall (Brooke Place, 1965)

“I remember regularly visiting an old lady locally; helping out at Sunday school at St Mary's school (playing piano); learning CPR and taking life-saving medal.” - Roz Field (Alfred, 1967) “I have lots of lovely memories of helping with Bronze training and expeditions in Kent and Silver expeditions in the Cotswolds. On one occasion I was searching for a lost Bronze group on Romney Marsh, when I came across a car upside down in a ditch. The drunken driver was suspended upside down above the water. Fortunately having the school's mobile phone (the size of a brick) I called 999. Having explained the situation, they asked me for my location. I offered a grid reference, but the operator knew nothing of this. It must have been a quiet Sunday as soon I had police, ambulance, and air ambulance. I left them to it and went in search of my group who were quickly found safe and well.” - Colin Howard (Former Head of Biology, 2002)

“I remember the great teamwork built up amongst our group and the fantastic support me, given to us by the staff involved in the sche Mr and most memorably Dr Tur and his wife ing Mead. If it had not been for all of them popp s word and up on a hillside with a cheery smile , of support in torrential rain, winds and sleet quite been the entire experience would have different! I also recall in 1987, during the n hurricane, climbing over fallen trees and blow down fences to reach our old ladies in their okay homes to sit with them and check they were me and not too shaken up. Most memorable for s' Jame St at d is when I collected my Gold Awar what Palace. HRH the Duke of Edinburgh asked hI whic to on, I had done for my volunteer secti called replied, "we went granny bashing" (as we to off went it in those days!), he laughed and another group telling them that that girl over It there had been "beating up elderly women"!! DofE definitely tickled his humour! I still have my ct proje my and book, expedition notes, photos my on flora and fauna. I have shared them with ps. grou ts' scou children and their schools and al this My 14-year-old has started his Bronze med ) 1989 , gale year!” - Alison Stern (Nightin

“I remember mostly the expedition and visiting an old lady in Ashford. I also remember working in a children’s home for my residential which I found tough. Going to Buckingham Palace with my mother to collect the award was a big day, especially as the Duke spoke to me. I still have the (very embarrassing) newspaper clippings about this which I found after my mother passed away.” - Sue Newton (née Hooker, Nightingale, 1972)

“The part that had most impact for me was working in a children’s ward at William Harvey Hospital. I often think about my experience there.” - Jacqui Bowman (Brooke Place, 1981)

“I particularly enjoyed the expeditions. [For] my Gold expedition in 198 7 [we travelled] to the Lake District.” - Am anda Collins (née Brock-Doyle, So merville, 1987)

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

NEWS FROM THE ARCHIVES

NEW VOLUNTEER ARCHIVISTS APPOINTED We are delighted to share that we have appointed a new team of volunteer archivists: Jenny Watson-Bore (Former Teacher of English & Head Librarian), Angela Burrill (Former Teacher of English and Drama), and Sandy Wootton (Former Assistant Librarian). We are looking forward to them bringing their wealth of knowledge to the archives, and to carrying on the work that was done by our past archivists. They will be assisted by parent volunteer, Mairi Goodman. They can be contacted via email at: archives@ashfordschool.co.uk

HISTORY ON DISPLAY The ASA Committee and the Alumni & Development Office have been working together to commission a series of Blue Plaques to commemorate the history of Ashford School. These are situated all

ALUMNI MEMORIES FROM DIANNE WEEKS (NÉE GEARY, CHAUCER PILGRIMS, 1969)

around the Senior site, and recognise the

They say your school days are the best days of your life and my memories of being a pupil in Ashford School would certainly concur with that idea. Here follows the evidence.

and the Peace Tree.

My mother cheerily waved me off one sunny September morning as I left the house to go by train to my new school. Dressed in my gingham dress covered by a loudly striped blazer, wearing uncomfortable new shiny shoes, grey socks held up by homemade elastic garters and a head- covering that was fondly known as a tea cosy, I skipped confidently to the local station for the half hour journey to Ashford.

in the Alumni & Development Office at

Ashford School will always be a huge part of my memories of happy, carefree days, spent learning skills for life and making incredible friendships. I owe a great deal to the school for the way in which they nurtured my strengths and strengthened my weaknesses. My own teaching career was based, by no small amount, on those teachers who had inspired me the most. I hope the gentle fun I may have poked at some of the teachers is seen in no disrespectful way as no malice was intended. I remember when I left one of the schools in which I had been a head for a number of years, the pupils put on a play about the school and did the most marvellous impressions of all the staff, especially of myself. They had us all to a “T’, warts and all, and no offence could possibly be taken, as, amongst the satire and cheekiness, was obvious fondness for their school and staff. If J. K. Rowling had not have thought of it first, I could easily have written Harry Potter books based on the teachers of Ashford School, with much poetic licence, of course.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

following locations: Old Alfred, Somerville, Nightingale, Cranmer, Brake, the open-air swimming pool, the Quiet Room, the Sixth Form Common Room, the Edwards Room, the Edwards Lawn, the Headley Garden

If you would be interested in sponsoring a plaque, please get in touch with Hannah alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk for more information.

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STAFF PROFILES in me to represent them and I feel very honoured to have undertaken this. The position has stood me in good stead in terms of future public speaking roles that I have been required to do and hopefully will have given me an early understanding in how to achieve the best from people, something I hope to bring to my position as chair of governors.

INTERVIEWING OUR NEW CHAIR OF GOVERNORS, DEBORAH GEERING (NÉE FARRANT, SQUIRES 2003) What is your favourite memory from your time at School? I have so many fond memories from school it is hard to pick a favourite. I had fun from the first day I arrived in Year 5, to the day I left in Year 13. Although we were there to learn, it never felt a chore, as lessons were inspiring, the sport was fantastic, and I took part in every theatrical production available - all of which I loved. I always remember feeling part of a team and even when we were thrashed by other much larger schools at sport, I feel proud of the fact that we never gave up and supported each other to keep going. In this regard I suppose my favourite memory is the friendships that I created whilst there and which I still have today. Who was your favourite teacher at Ashford School? Mr. Palmer, our Philosophy Teacher. He taught me a love of ethics and reasoning and inspired my passion for debate. This was undoubtedly the biggest influence on my choice to become a lawyer.

If you hadn’t gone to Ashford School, do you think your life might have turned out differently? The overriding feeling that was instilled in students of Ashford School was that you could achieve whatever you wanted and go on to have careers in anything you desired. I look at my immediate friendship group from school and this is never more apparent; from successful business owners, an architect, dentist, etc. we have all achieved and this is true across my entire year group and the school as a whole. Ashford undoubtedly instilled in us the confidence we needed to achieve our chosen careers, hopes and dreams, and I am incredibly thankful for this. What are you most looking forward to about your new role? The chance to give something back to a school that has provided both me and thousands of others like me with such a fantastic start in life is incredibly humbling. It is a joy to see how the school has progressed since my time there, due to its careful and strategic leadership and the passion of its staff. I look forward to helping the school to continue its successful progression and will do my very best to safeguard its legacy.

Tell us about your proudest achievement whilst at School? One of my proudest achievements was being elected as Head Girl. To this day it is still a surprise to me that my peers had the confidence

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

INTERVIEWING OUR SENIOR DEPUTY HEAD, NICKY TIMMS (NÉE MILES, PILGRIMS,1996) Who was your favourite teacher? My Maths teacher - she inspired my love of Maths. She was so enthusiastic, lovely, caring and fair. She is the reason I am a Maths teacher today... she was also my mother, Mrs Miles! What is your favourite memory of Ashford School? Founders' Day! The church service, prize giving, and then a fete on Somerville lawn. It was always such a happy day filled with smiles, picnics, and fun! Tell us about your proudest achievement whilst at School? The friendships made during my time here - there is a group of 5 of us who have stayed very close friends over the years. We meet up regularly, and I couldn't be without them! This is closely followed by 7As and 3Bs in my GCSEs! If you hadn’t gone to Ashford School, do you think your life might have turned out differently? Very much so! I do not think I would have been a Maths teacher as no other Maths teacher has inspired me like the teachers at Ashford. I moved School for the Sixth Form and my academic success plummeted! What are you most looking forward to about your new role? I am looking forward to being even more involved in the strategic planning for Ashford School, and to working closely with Michael Hall (Headmaster) and Nick Tiley-Nunn (Head of the Prep School) to ensure Ashford School is the absolute best it can be, in every way!

STAFF PROFILES INTERVIEWING LUCY PIPER (PILGRIMS, 2017), A NEW TEACHER AT ASHFORD PREP SCHOOL

AN INTERVIEW WITH TOM VAFIDIS (FRIARS, 2006), DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

During your time at Ashford School, was there a particular moment or person that inspired you and helped you be the person you are today? Who/ what and how?

Who were your favourite teachers at Friars?

Many of the staff at Ashford have helped me to become the person I am today but there are two staff members that I have very fond memories of. Mrs Sparks, at the Prep School, inspired me to become a teacher. Mrs Miller, then Head of Pilgrims, supported me a lot whilst at the Senior School. She was always there to help and guide me, and her support has helped me to be the person that I am today.

What was your proudest moment?

Tell us about your favourite memory from your time at School? I have many wonderful memories from my time at both the Prep and Senior School, but above all my favourite memories are of all the sports we played. We were provided with so many opportunities to try something new and no matter your sporting ability you were always in a team and had the choice to represent the school. What was your proudest achievement whilst at School? My proudest achievement whilst being at school is achieving my A Level grades, and being able to study Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University. This is a very proud achievement and one I would not have achieved if I hadn't attended Ashford, and been supported by the amazing staff. What are you most looking forward to about your new role at Ashford Prep School? I am really excited to be starting my first teaching job at Ashford Prep School. Teaching at Ashford Prep School has been a dream of mine ever since being there as a pupil. I loved every part of the Prep School and I am so excited to be able to give pupils at the school the same experience I had.

Mrs. Ashley, who could intimidate anyone into a love of English, Mr. Smedley's science soliloquys, and I suppose I should also give an honourable mention to Mr. Vaf Snr.

Being Head Boy has certainly had the most longevity, as I still walk past my name whenever I visit the Prep! Starring as Fagin and Paris of Troy (!) were also big ones for me. It may surprise my colleagues and current students to learn that I did rather enjoy the limelight. Tell us about your favourite memory from your time at School? It is a long list; some fantastic trips, especially the music tour to Barcelona, the plays, evensong at Hurstpierpoint; the grounds and going out in hideous royal blue boiler suits in all weathers; the two-hour and three-course French lunches; the variety; and the expertise of the staff. Above all Friars was a place where the teachers really knew the students, the bonds of the institution were rock-solid, and the family feel was genuine and universally valued. I shan't mention my brushes with writing lines.... If you hadn’t gone to Ashford School, do you think your life might have turned out differently? Absolutely - I arrived aged 9 rather all over the place and having not enjoyed school. I have always firmly credited Friars not only with teaching me how to work, but also how to genuinely enjoy learning. I absolutely loved the place and will always firmly feel that had I not gone there, life would have been very different. What are you most looking forward to about your new role? With the benefit of a 20-year perspective of the school's recent history, I genuinely believe that Ashford is at a hugely exciting juncture. I am really looking forward to moving the school into the sunlit uplands of a post-pandemic world, ensuring it remains the institution of choice in this part of Kent, and most importantly, continuing to ensure that all our students benefit from the quality, care and rigour that had such an impact on me at Friars.

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

FAREWELL TO STAFF

MHAIRI EVANS

ZOE JEFFERSON

PE TEACHER (2016-2021)

HEAD OF NURSING (2012-2021)

Mhairi joined the school in September 2016, having supported at a number of Pentathlon training camps for the school and local community during the holidays.

Zoe has been an integral part of Ashford School since 2005 when both Zak and Liv joined the School, subsequently followed by Freddie in 2007 and Ruby in 2010. However, it wasn’t until September 2012 that she was offered the role of Prep School Nurse, becoming the Lead Nurse, which extends over the Prep and Senior sites, in February 2018.

She was appointed as Head of Modern Pentathlon and Athletics, a role in which she excelled. As an Olympian, she was an excellent role model for the School’s pupils, working hard to grow the School’s Pentathlon and Athletics programmes. Her passion, knowledge and approachable attitude meant she was respected and liked by pupils and staff alike. Her coaching knowledge and great organisational skills meant that she established a Pentathlon programme that supported athletes onto the National TASS programme and Regional Pentathlon pathways, producing National Biathlon Champions and athletes that attended European Championships. As her role grew within the school she supported with Games lessons, took on the organisation of the Girls PE office, lead online PE lessons during Covid and became a tutor for Years 7 & 8, where she was always willing to go the ‘extra mile’ to ensure a pupil was helped and supported. Mhairi left the school in September to take on the role of full time Mum. She will be missed by all at Ashford School and we wish her the very best in the next chapter of her life. -Denise Walsh (Director of Swimming & Multi Sports)

One of the first things Zoe did was completely change the direction and focus of the Medical Centre… the Health Centre with its Rainbow Room was created and gone were the nurses’ uniforms and clinical environment. Zoe then encouraged me to open up the safeguarding conversations related to mental health to include the Health Centre, and in doing so we saw an immediate benefit to the children. It was shortly after this that both Chris Neesham and I realised that Zoe would make the perfect Deputy DSL. The expertise Zoe has offered in this area is second to none, always so calm in her approach to the most significant of concerns – exactly what we all need in some quite upsetting situations. Then came the dreaded Covid, and without Zoe, neither the Prep School nor the Senior School would have got through the pandemic quite as unscathed as we did. Tests, test centres, isolation rooms, quarantine areas, outbreaks, super-spreaders, travel restrictions and last, but by no means least, vaccinations. In amongst Covid and the change in personnel, the Wellbeing Team was created an extension of the Health Centre and their ethos of supporting the whole person – which has since gone from strength to strength. She has had a massive positive impact on so many areas of School life, and she will be massively missed. We wish Zoe all the best as she refocuses her efforts on her family, home and hobbies, and wish her the best for this next step in her life. -Nicky Timms (Senior Deputy Head)

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FAREWELL TO STAFF

ROSIE BALL TEACHER OF PSYCHOLOGY (2008-2021)

Rosie has taught Psychology at Ashford School for the past 13 years, generating a strong loyalty from her grateful students, a great many of whom have gone on to read Psychology at University. She has been an inspirational teacher who has gone above and beyond to help her students progress, giving up countless lunch hours and frees for booster lessons for anyone who might need extra support, despite having the heaviest timetable of virtually any staff member. She tapped into a wide network of contacts within the field to organise frequent trips, some to university departments so that students could get a taste of psychological research in action, some to exhibitions and some to Psychology conferences to hear keynote speakers, all of which gave students a real sense of the discipline and the motivation to take it further. When they left school and forged their university and career paths, Rosie has always continued to show a real interest in their lives, maintaining contact and often inviting students back to inspire and motivate the current cohorts. In addition to Psychology, Rosie has run Amnesty International at the school for many years, raising awareness of injustice and breaches of human rights around the world, and encouraging students to get actively involved in Amnesty campaigns and fundraising events. We have all in our different ways been inspired by her and we will miss her enormously, but at the same time acknowledge that she has more than earned a chance to renew her focus on other things, and we all wish her a long, happy, fun and action-packed, restorative and fulfilling retirement. -Eleanor Quinton (Head of Humanities)

NATALIE MARTINHERBIG TEACHER OF GERMAN, AND ASSISTANT HOUSEPARENT BRABOURNE (2016-2021) While at Ashford School, Natalie taught German and Spanish with great passion and dedication to the linguistic progress of her pupils. However, it was as part of the boarding team that her greatest contribution occurred. In January 2019, after four terms as a Boarding Tutor in what is now Judith Webb House (formerly ASIC and Bridge), Natalie became Assistant Houseparent of Alfred, the largest and oldest of the Ashford School boarding houses. The impeccable way in which she conducted the essential day-today work of this job (including among many other duties being the adult who ensured all the students residing in Alfred started their school day as expected, the person who, after lessons, warmly welcomed the boarders back into their tidy and well stocked home away from home, and the person who meticulously briefed every House Tutor before they started their evening duties) would be more than enough to justify the equal appreciation of the students and of her colleagues. She listened and talked to every boarder with empathy, patience, and determination to be as helpful as possible and to instil a sense of responsibility towards their own wellbeing, that of the community and of the world, the latter two as illustrated by encouraging the use of unwanted clothing to raise funds for charity and on some occasions by discussing the impact of buying bottled water extracted in the Fiji Islands! Many of the visual and practical improvements pleasantly obvious today in places like the Reception, the Sky Room and the Games Room are owed to a great extent to Natalie’s creativity and efforts. Her deliberate aim was to create such an environment which would contribute to the boarders becoming happier and kinder people. The heartfelt words of gratitude and farewell collected on a supersized card at the end of the year were an unmistakable testament of how successful she had been. Upon your departure to teach in an international school in your hometown of Kasel, we wish you ‘Viel Glück, Frau Martin!’ -Nicu Munteanu (EAL Teacher)

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

FAREWELL TO STAFF

ALAN MASTERS BUSINESS & ECONOMICS TEACHER (2006-2021) During his 15 years at Ashford Alan has worn many hats. As well as being a very successful Head of the Economics and Business department for much of his time with us he was also Head of Merchants House for six years and has supported Sixth Form students with their UCAS applications and career plans. Alan is a natural teacher. He has a deep interest in his subject which he enjoys communicating to students of all abilities, and his depth of theoretical knowledge and mathematical acumen have been valuable assets for the Economics and Business department. Alan always reflected on economic theory, interrogated it to test its validity, and added a little input of his own to improve it! He has been very generous with his own time, and his one-toone sessions with boarding students in particular has made many of them feel valued, and undoubtedly boosted their grades. We thank Alan for all he has done for the Economics and Business department, school and students over many years of service, and now wish him a long and happy retirement. -Jason Kendall (Teacher of Business & Economics)

PAOLA SAGASTUY HEAD OF BRABOURNE & EAL (20152021) Above all else, Paola is a linguist. She has a love of and a curiosity for language in all its forms, which numerous students, both local and international, benefitted from during Paola’s eventful and packed 6 years at Ashford School. Some of Paola’s exploits included the CCF, crochet, knitting, teaching touch typing as a co-curricular activity, learning to sing, being a member of the choir, pottery painting, book club, quiz team member … the list goes on. As the warm and caring person Paola is, she decided that as boarding houseparent for the girls' house, she would make time in the evening to sit in the common room knitting, so that the girls felt she was more approachable if they needed to talk. Paola loves a spreadsheet, the order and neatness of it and so enjoyed teaching Maths at Ashford School. Paola also, of course, taught languages; English A level, Spanish and EAL and was hugely popular with the students. She once joked that she was going to work her way around teaching in all the faculties of school! Her colleagues remember the sounds of all the little ones playing ‘I spy’ in Spanish floating in through her windows and all the songs and games Paola did with them – it always sounded as if they were having great fun! Paola put so much enthusiasm into everything and definitely inspired a love of languages. Paola has made an everlasting impact on staff and students alike and we will miss her enormously. We wish her, Natalie, and their dog Maya the best of happiness and success in their new life in Germany. -Nic Creasey (Senior Boarding Registrar), Rachael Cox (Admissions Registrar), & Jo Dores (Head of EAL)

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FAREWELL TO STAFF

MARY WILLETTS

NURSERY ADMINISTRATOR (1995-2021) It is not often that organisations have the privilege of paying tribute to such a longstanding, loyal servant such as Mary but it is with bittersweet gratitude that we say farewell after over 25 years of service. Mary has had an exceptional impact on the long-term success of the Ashford School Nursery. In so many ways, some tangible and others not, she has played an enormous part in developing a truly wonderful provision for the children in our care and she will continue to run through the tapestry of the nursery long after she has left. Many families have benefited from Mary's strong cultural set of skills and she has brought these unselfishly to the environment in which the children have learnt so much under her care. Mary played the piano at all the assemblies, concerts and productions throughout the years with consummate skill and attention to detail. It was obvious for all to see that Mary’s music and movement sessions brought real joy and value to the children's experience at the nursery. The way she prepared the children for the sports days to make sure each child had a genuine sense of achievement was quite extraordinary. To watch those busy events with so many children involved was a marvel to behold and Mary played a huge part in organising them smoothly and efficiently. Mary has always been the driver of quality and rigour in the nursery and her attention to detail and desire to do everything to the very best of her ability made a real impact on those around her and the very high standards that are set throughout the nursery. Her remarkable background in classical ballet clearly led her to have a real understanding of what can be achieved in performance and she brought to life the value of such skills and experiences to each child’s education. Added to these cultural skills she brought a wealth of horticultural knowledge, which ensured that every opportunity was seized for the children to experience growing and looking after plants and their environment, something which has untold value to the lives of the children passing through. Part of what made Mary so enormously valuable was that she ensured that all the things she brought to the nursery were sustainable and became part of the culture that each member of staff continued whether she was there or not. Mary was a colleague to many but more than that she was a dear friend, a confidant who provided wise counsel and a shoulder for many to cry on. She was generous with her time and energy and she created a family feel to our special nursery. So, she has had an enormous impact on the lives of many who have passed through the school and her legacy will live on. Sadly, the wind has now changed and our own Mary Poppins flies off into a future that will deservedly bring her precious time with her family, experiences and adventures with her grandchildren and much deserved time to relax and enjoy life with her many friends. We take this opportunity to say a truly heart felt thank you for all you have done and all the fun that you have brought to the lives of both children and adults alike. A one-off, you will be terribly missed. -Sue Yeates (Head of Early Years)

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

FAREWELL TO STAFF WELCOME TO... • Adam Barton – United Teaching Trainee

WE SAY FAREWELL AND GOOD LUCK TO: • Angie Shires – Wrap Around Care

• Aishling Baker – United Teaching Trainee

• Clare Bullock

• Andrew Lambert-Knott – Teacher of Maths

• Ellie Stevens – Learning Support Assistant

ecca Williams (née Burrill, Brabourne, •B 1992) – Teaching Assistant

• Georgina Power (Brooke Place, 1987) – EAL Teacher

• Catriona Dunton – Teaching Assistant • Charlotte Delarbre – Trainee Teacher of English • Charles Ingman – Facilities Manager • Chloe Marsh – Early Years Practitioner • Claire Morris – Year 2 Teacher • Dee Byatt – Registrar and Marketing Assistant ominique Harmse – Marketing & •D Communications Manager • Gemma Foley – Learning Support Assistant • I an Deverill – Teacher of Mathematics & Computer Science • James Ashby – Teacher of DT (Cover) • James Crookston – Sports Assistant

• Hattie Yeates (Merchants, 2006) Year 3 Form Teacher • Hamish Roberts (Knights, 2017) – Resident Sports Coach • Indigo Germain-Shaw – Learning Support Assistant • Jemma Taylor – Year 6 Form Teacher • Juliet Dymond – Teacher of Maths • Kate Williams – Teacher of Maths • Katherine Millar – Finance Assistant • Lauren Kennedy (Merchants, 2015) – Exams Officer • Leanne Dinsdale – Head of Drama • Neelam Parmar – Director for Educational Technology, Digital Learning & Innovation

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING STAFF ON THEIR NEW ROLES: • Aaron Appleton – Deputy Head of Boarding • Ashley Cook – Head of Boys’ Games • Claire Holdstock – EA to the Bursar & HR Officer • C lare Furnival-Brown (née Furnival, Yeomen, 1996) – Assistant Head of Ashford Prep School, Enrichment • Copter Brunt – Trainee Teacher • Corinna Harris-Prior (née Harris, Pilgrims, 1992) - Head of Upper Prep •D an Cusani – Director of Sport across the whole School • Emma Ghaemian – Enrichment Assistant • Fran Russell – Manager of Bridge Nursery and The Stables Nursery • George Casey – Sports Assistant (Senior/Prep) • Hannah Hyams – Head of Girls Games • Hannah Luckett – 2 I/c English • Hannah Pinney – Alumni & Development Manager • Hilary Ndongong – Head of English (maternity cover)

• Kirsty Coles - Learning Support Assistant

• Nicky Warmington – Admissions and Marketing Assistant

• Jack Tomlin – Teaching Assistant

• Lucy Piper (Pilgrims, 2017) - Year 4 Teacher

• Nima Sherpa – Finance Assistant

• Jess Saville – Head of Merchants

• Michael Hornsey – Head of Drama

• Rainna Erbas – Artist in Residence

• Mikaela Board – Early Years Practitioner

• Richard Spencer – Teacher of Spanish & French

• Nicholas Downes – Music Peri Teacher • Rachel Tiley-Nunn – First Steps Co-ordinator • Salomon Ifrah – Head of Faculty MFL • Sarah Greig – Bursar • S ophie Bedingham-Smith – Artist-in-Residence

• Scott Wiseman - Year 5 Form Teacher & Head of Year • Sue Williams – Bursar • Tina Hill – Cleaner

• Thomas Bowdry – IT Apprentice • Trevor Sadler – Head of Examinations • Suzanne Heppeler – Year 5 Teacher

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

• Joana Dores – Head of EAL • L ucinda Hill (Merchants, 2002) – United Teaching Trainee • Maria Diamond – Head of Pilgrims • Mioara Thompson – Head of Brabourne House • Nick Egan - Grounds and Gardens Manager •N icola Timms (née Miles, Pilgrims, 1996) – Senior Deputy Head • Paula Leyden - Head of Lower Prep • T om Vafidis (Friars, 2006) – Director of Teaching and Learning

DESTINATION OF 2021 YEAR 13 LEAVERS UNIVERSITY

SUBJECT

UNIVERSITY

SUBJECT

Architectural Institute in Prague, Czechia

Architecture

University of Birmingham

Archaeology and Ancient History

Aston University

Neuroscience

University of Bristol

Veterinary Science

Bath Spa University

Business and Management (Marketing)

University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

History

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Brand and Marketing Management

University College London (UCL)

Environmental Geoscience

Cardiff University

Mechanical Engineering

University College London (UCL)

Urban Planning, Design and Management

Falmouth University

Game Art

University for the Creative Arts (UCA)

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Keele University

Psychology

University of Exeter

Engineering

King’s College London (KCL)

Medicine

University of Exeter

Financial Services Degree Apprenticeship with JP Morgan

Lancaster University

Engineering

University of Greenwich

Computer Science (Games)

Loughborough University

Financial Mathematics

University of Hong Kong

Management

Loughborough University

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

University of Kent

Economics

Loughborough University

History

University of Leeds

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Loughborough University

Product Design Engineering

University of Manchester

Accounting and Finance

Manchester Metropolitan University

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

University of Manchester

Economics

McGill University, Montréal, Canada

Biomedical Science

University of Manchester

Economics and Finance

Middlesex University

Sport and Exercise Science

University of Manchester

Materials Science and Engineering

Newcastle University

Mechanical Engineering with Biomedical Engineering

University of Nottingham

Psychology

Oxford Brookes University

Law with Business

University of Oxford

Ancient and Modern History

Queen Mary, University of London

Biology

University of Sheffield

Business Management

Queen Mary, University of London

Economics, Finance and Management

University of Sheffield

Law (European and International)

University of Sheffield

Mathematics

Queen Mary, University of London

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

University of Southampton

Biomedical Sciences

Queen Mary, University of London

Psychology

University of Southampton

Music

Rose Bruford College

Creative Lighting Control

University of Surrey

Business Management (2 students)

Royal Holloway, University of London

Business and Management

University of Sussex

Art History

Royal Holloway, University of London

Law with Philosophy

University of Sussex

Business and Management Studies

Royal Holloway, University of London

Liberal Arts

University of Sussex

Media and Communications

Royal Holloway, University of London

Psychology

University of Sussex

Politics and International Relations

School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

Politics, Philosophy and Economics

University of Warwick

Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics

St Mary’s University, Twickenham

Sport and Exercise Science

University of Warwick

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

University of the Arts London (Central St Martin’s College)

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

University of the West of England

Computer Science with Foundation Year

University of Bath

Economics

University of Winchester

Psychology

University of Bath

Sport Management and Coaching

University of York

Economics

52%

GOING TO A RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITY

18% OF OUR STUDENTS GOING TO A UK TOP 10 UNIVERSITY (THE 2021 RANKINGS)

GAINED A PLACE AT A WORLD TOP 10 UNIVERSITY (THE 2021 RANKINGS)

students are taking a gap year

57% A/A* grades

THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL

Sarah Jameel (Merchants, 2021)

Freddie Russell (Knights, 2021)

Ashley Hyde-Harrison (Yeomen, 2021)

Marija Kolomijica (Yeomen, 2021)

Edward Boutwood (Pilgrims, 2021)

Daisy Windibank (Franklins, 2021)

Jennifer Wang (Pilgrims/Brabourne, 2021)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES Thursday 3 March 2022 ASA Musicals Reunion at Annie! The Musical Brake Hall

Saturday 26 March 2022 ASA Sports Reunion & Tournament Ashford Prep School

Saturday 2 July 2022 ASA Summer Lunch Ashford Senior School

Thursday 17 March 2022 Lilian Brake Legacy Society Lunch Ashford Senior School

Saturday 2 July 2022 ASA AGM Ashford Senior School

Thursday 8 September 2022 ASA 2022 Leavers’ BBQ The Edwards Lawn

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

alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk

ashfordschool.co.uk

@ashfordalumni

ASA Presidents' Lunch, networking events in Kent & London, ASA 2022 London Drinks, and Nine Lessons & Carols. TBC at time of print, please visit our website for dates.