SCHOOL TIE
ASA
THE
THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF ASHFORD SCHOOL
A VISIT FROM ZIMBABWE DOG SLEDDING IN THE ARCTIC ASA EVENTS DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES WELCOME TO NEW HEADMASTER, MICHAEL HALL
JUNE 2019
4 FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT ALUMNI EVENTS ASA CAREERS
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CONTENTS
ALUMNI NEWS
BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES
PEACE AT LAST
COSTA RICA & NICARAGUA
A VISIT FROM ZIMBABWE
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DOG SLEDDING THROUGH THE ARCTIC
NEW ALUMNI MANAGER APPOINTED
THREE MONTHS IN KENYA
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16-17 18-19
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16 FR O M TH E A R C H IV ES 3 7
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18 OBITUARIES 38-39
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SCHOOL N E W S 2 0 -3 6 D E S T IN AT IO N OF 2018 YEAR 13 L E AV E R S 3 4 -3 5 DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES 40
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ASA PRESIDENT'S LETTER COVERING YEAR 2018 AND FIRST HALF OF 2019
“THE KING IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE KING” From the above you may have gathered that the theme of my letter this year is continuity. After giving us all such sterling service, David Young, our Alumni Director, left Ashford School to work in a school much nearer his home. We thank him for all he did for us (one being re-instating the ASA Magazine dedicated to the ex-pupils and ex-staff, known for many years as the Old Girls' School Tie). We wish him all the best in his new post. We also said goodbye to the first Headmaster of Ashford School, Mike Buchanan, and again thank him very much for all he contributed to the School for many years and we wish him all the best too. I wish to express a warm welcome to their replacements; firstly, I would like to thank Sarah Kershaw who kindly stepped in when David left, and worked very hard for us all until Hannah Pinney was appointed our new permanent Alumni Officer. Hannah was in Squires House from 2004 to 2011 and has already made herself known to many of you. She has nobly offered to edit our ASA magazine too. I also welcome our new Headmaster, Michael Hall. I was lucky enough to sit next to him at the President's luncheon at the Royal Academy in November. We were all delighted to meet him, but I think Michael gleaned a huge amount of useful “information” from meeting us, a group of loyal “Old Girls” (no Old Boys came to the lunch this year, but we did have a husband with us, which was a first). I am sure Michael went away with a definite feeling that we are all very happy that the standard of education (and behaviour) which was instilled into each of us over the years and has stayed with us in our separate careers, will continue at Ashford School in his capable hands. We wish both Michael and Hannah every success. During 2018 we had the usual get-togethers including the AGM in February at School, a luncheon at School before the end of the summer term, and the President's luncheon at the Royal Academy in November, but we also had a new event, an “Alumni Cocktail Party” at the Carlton Club in St James'. This was well attended by boys and girls who were
fairly recent leavers and also by many older alumni. We are very lucky that Francis Jones (née Edwards) an ex-Ashford girl, is the Events Manager at the Carlton Club so this prestigious venue will now become a regular meeting place for us. (As it was my father's Club I am very happy to be back there again, he died in 1986!) A luncheon also took place there in the Spring when Valerie Arends (née Davies) launched her Lilian Brake Society in memory of Miss Lilian Brake, the legendary Headmistress. This is a fund to raise money for Bursaries as I am sure many of you know - and indeed may already be registered participants for which we thank you. These and other events are reported in this magazine. We are very sad to have to report the death of Sandra Noel, our indefatigable Archivist over very many years; details of her very eventful life will be found in the Obituaries section. She was in my form at School in the fifties and a very good friend and colleague (she became the Membership Secretary of the O.G.A. when I was Hon. Secretary and Editor of the School Tie so we met very often on School business as well, over many years). She will be missed by countless Ashfordians. Some may remember her father's fascinating lectures on Mount Everest, continued so professionally over many years by Sandra. She wrote a very good book about her father and his photography. I hope you will all enjoy reading this issue and I would like to thank Sarah and now Hannah for agreeing to take it on. We are happy that we can continue to give you a dedicated Magazine each year. Please keep us informed over the coming year so that the 2019 magazine will also be an interesting read for us all. Send your letters to alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk attention Hannah. This year, 2019, our AGM was postponed from cold February to warm June 29th (to be followed by the Summer Luncheon) and we hope this may set a precedent for the future, we'll keep you posted. With my best wishes, Carolyn Chamberlain (née Nelms, Nightingale) President ASA.
Carolyn Chamberlain
Carolyn Chamberlain (née Nelms, Nightingale)
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ASA
GREETINGS FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT Being Vice President of the ASA is the perfect role. You avoid the responsibilities of the President and Chair and the hard work of the Secretary and Treasurer. No one burdens you with a difficult job and you become a kind of aged symbol of the continuity of the school. The gravest danger is the unfortunate habit you acquire of recalling the past... I can only say the present committee is very patient and indulges me delightfully. The position of Vice President used to be a life-long honour but is now an elected post. I am there to support the Alumni in every way I can, to attend committee meetings and School and alumni events and be ever ready to step in should there be a crisis or a difference of opinion. I am glad to say this very rarely happens. I am always conscious of the example of my distinguished predecessors. Those of you who have a copy of the Centenary History will find a picture of my very much younger self with Miss Pat Earlam, both of us looking a little too ''merry'' for respectable school ma'ams , though we were of course holding coffee cups! As Senior Mistress and Vice President of the Old Girls' Association, Pat was an extremely hard act to follow extremely efficient, devoted to the students and an excellent historian.
I am always struck, however, by the confidence of all our students, by their capacity to lead interesting and fulfilling lives and their resilience in the face of setbacks. I arrived at Ashford School in 1974 as a member of the English Department and left in 1998 as Deputy Head and Head of English. How lucky I was to combine those roles and to have been Merchants' House Tutor; lucky,too, to have worked with such brilliant colleagues. No wonder, as I sit in committee meetings looking out through the window, I see you in my mind's eye laughing and talking on the Somerville lawn below and I am glad that I still have this link with the School and its past. Do keep in touch. The ASA needs you, your stories and your ideas. Norma Smyth (1974-1998)
I am sure that she would have agreed with me that one of the pleasantest aspects of our role is meeting people: former pupils of mine (two are on the committee!), former parents and now more recent members of the School and staff but it is often those who were at the School before I arrived on the scene that have provided the most entertaining stories of their relatively tough lives as boarders, enlivened by their ingenious misdeeds and inspiring friendships that have lasted a life time.
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I AM ALWAYS STRUCK, HOWEVER, BY THE CONFIDENCE OF ALL OUR STUDENTS, BY THEIR CAPACITY TO LEAD INTERESTING AND FULFILLING LIVES AND THEIR RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF SETBACKS. Norma Smyth
ALUMNI EVENTS
ASA AGM
A S A S P O R T S TO U R N AMENT FRID
FRIDAY 23 MARCH 2018
AY 23 MARCH 2018
The AGM was held at School on Friday 23 March 2018 and we were pleased that so many of the alumni competing in the ASA Sports Tournament afterwards were able to join us. During the meeting Toby Harris (Franklins 2013) was formally voted onto the Committee – we look forward to him bringing his enthusiasm to the role. Jane Druker & Henrietta Oxlade both stepped down from their roles as joint chairs, and we thank them for their year in office. Camilla Ketchen, who joined the ASA Committee in 2015, also resigned, and we thank her for all her support and contributions. The next ASA AGM is to be held on Saturday 29 June, before the annual Summer Lunch.
Once again, the Ashfordia n Sports Tournament in 201 8 was a great success, and we are delighted tha t it is now a permanent fixt ure within the ASA Calend Alumni competed against ar. School teams in Hockey & Ne tball matches, all followed by the chance to socialise and catch up with peers and former teachers! Thank you to our alumni Sports Reps, Suki Athwal (Franklins 201 3) & Lana-Emily Foyle (Pilgrims 2015) for recrui ting and captaining our alu mni teams. We’re looking forward to the next Tournament in 202 0. Are you interested in setting up an Alumni Sports Club, or helping to arrange fixtures against the curren t pupils & staff? Do get in tou ch with the Alumni Office as we’re always looking for more volunteers!
BACK TO UNIVERSITY BBQ FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2018 2018's Back to University BBQ was once again a great success with a good stream of attendees, composed of both alumni and current staff members. It was a chance for our most recent Year 13 Leavers to catch up with each other before heading off to University or on their gap years, as well as for past year groups to come back and share their advice for studies beyond Ashford! We are looking forward to this event growing from strength to strength each year, and we look forward to welcoming all the past attendees back in 2019, on Friday 6 September, from 18:30 onwards. This event is sponsored by the ASA and so is free for alumni to attend.
If you would like to attend any of these events, or want to find out more, please email: alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk
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ALUMNI EVENTS
EVENT REPORTS
ASA PRESIDENT’S LUNCH SATURDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2018, ROYAL ACADEMY
The ASA President’s Lunch is a regular occurrence in the ASA Calendar, and this year Alumni met at the Royal Academy for an afternoon of socialising and art! ASA President, Carolyn Chamberlain, tells us more: “First and foremost we were very happy to be able to meet and welcome to our annual President’s Lunch, the new Headmaster of Ashford School, Mr Michael Hall, and Michael did say at the end of the luncheon that he was delighted to have met us all. He realised from our lunchtime conversations what being a pupil of Ashford School had meant to us and to our future careers. We were very pleased to hear that he had every intention of maintaining, during his headship, what we all referred to as “Ashford School ethic”. I placed next to him Valerie Arends (née Davies) a 1954 leaver who founded the Brake Society whose members are keen to support Bursaries for current and future pupils. Now Brake is not just a name to Michael, he knows who Miss Lilian Brake was and what she meant to the School. May I thank you for coming to our luncheon Michael, it proved to be a mutually beneficial event! But Michael was not the only man to come to our luncheon this year, Simon Kirkpatrick accompanied his wife Frederica, (née Gedge), a 1975 leaver, so we were able to have a man at each end of the table! Afterwards, being a Friend of the Royal Academy, I was happy to take a friend round the Klimt exhibition.
EVENT ATTENDEES:
Thank you to all of you who came, and we look forward to seeing you and any friends you would care to bring with you next year, at the Royal Academy on Saturday 16th November 2019 (12:30 for a 13:00 start).
• Sue Davies (King, 1963)
Hannah has kindly provided a list of all those who attended the luncheon which I reproduce here. Enjoy your year, and perhaps I will see some of you at School at our newly scheduled AGM on 29th June followed by the Summer Luncheon.”
• Valerie Arends (Davies, 1955) • Pippa Jones (Amarantides, 1965)
• Jill Robbinson (Williams, 1962) • S usan Godding (Petitpierrem, 1963) • Alison Blakely (Stowers, 1962) • Rae Stollard (Sasson, 1963) • Tessa Bradnock (Hawkins, 1965)
FIRST AND FOREMOST WE WERE VERY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO MEET AND WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S LUNCH, THE NEW HEADMASTER OF ASHFORD SCHOOL, MR MICHAEL HALL, AND MICHAEL
• C arolyn Chamberlain (Nelms, 1960 ASA President)
D I D S A Y AT T H E E N D O F T H E L U N C H E O N T H AT H E W A S
• Sue Peckitt (Coldrey, 1959)
DELIGHTED TO HAVE MET US ALL.
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•N orma Smyth (Deputy Head 1974-1998)
THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI OF ASHFORD SCHOOL
• V inita Pradhan (Schwartz, 1986) • Rachel Hardy (Cecil, 1962) • Anne Shattock (Garrett, 1964) • F rederica Kirkpatrick (Gedge, 1975) • Simon Kirkpatrick • Judy Plant (Brown, 1975) •M ichael Hall (Ashford School Headmaster, 2018-) • S arah Kershaw (Director of Admissions, External Relations & Communications, 2018-)
ALUMNI EVENTS
EVENT REPORTS
LONDON CARLTON CLUB DRINKS THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2019 The annual ASA London Drinks party was once again held at the historical Carlton Club in St James' on Thursday 21 March. ASA Rep, Toby Harris (Franklins 2013) reports. In March the ASA hosted their second London Networking drinks event at the historic Carlton Club. It was a well-attended event in the heart of the West End and it was great to get a good mix of years coming back to catch up and make new friends. Ashford School’s new Headmaster, Michael Hall, attended and it was interesting to hear him speak about where he plans to take the school over the next few years. The event was held in the Morning Room which contains Disraeli’s magnificent Cabinet Table. This year students from a lot of different industries attended including, Technology, Finance, Teaching, Property, Academia and the Public Sector. The Carlton Club, first opened in 1892, is a very prestigious venue in which to celebrate the continuing relationship between the School and alumni. We are looking to grow this event over the next year, as we believe it is a great opportunity for all Alumni members to come together and Network in London. Don’t forget to save the date for next year’s drinks on Thursday 19 March 2020, at The Carlton Club.
Are there alumni events you’d like to see? Get in touch with us and let us know
K E Y D AT E S F O R 2019-2020 Fr
iday 6 Septem ber 2019, 18:3 0 onwards, Ashford School – Back to Uni BBQ Saturday 16 N ovember 2019 , 12:30, Royal Academy, Lond on – Presiden t's Luncheon Thursday 12 D ecember 2019 , 19:00, St Mar Church, Ashfor y’s d - Carols by Candlelight Thursday 19 M arch 2020, Th e Carlton Club – ASA London D rinks
your ideas!
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ASA CAREERS
CAREERS
‘IN SCHOOL’
We want to establish a strong careers network amongst Ashford School Alumni, which supports both current pupils and alumni. If you would be interested in getting involved, whether this be through speaking, offering a venue, or simply attending and helping us promote, get in touch with the Alumni Office.
The Alumni Office will be working closely with the School’s HE Adviser and Research Leader to establish a programme of events in which we want to encourage all alumni to get involved. The Opportunities Fair for Years 9 – 12 is hosted in Brake Hall, to which a mixture of universities, employers and training providers are invited. These fairs have proved to be a great success in exposing current pupils to the wide range of opportunities available beyond Ashford. If you would like to attend to represent your company, please let us know. The Speed Networking Careers Day is a new event to the School Calendar, which will be launched in Summer 2020! We want to invite alumni back to Ashford to take part in this Careers day style event. The day will see Year 10 students attend small group sessions, which cover a range of professions and industries. Alumni will be roomed according to profession, and sessions will be comprised of a short Q&A between the speaker and pupils. We want alumni at all different stages in their career journey, so whether you are on a graduate scheme, or running your own business, pursuing a career in Medicine or the Arts, we want you! This event will be invaluable for Year 10s, giving them insight into different career pathways, and helping them with their upcoming A Level course decision making.
NETWORKING EVENTS We also want to support alumni to alumni networking and are planning a new programme of London-based networking events. These sessions will explore various industry sectors including, but not limited to, Finance, Law, Property, Marketing & Medicine. If you would be interested in getting involved, whether that’s providing a venue, being a speaker, or simply attending and spreading the word – let us know!
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THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI OF ASHFORD SCHOOL
ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNI NEWS PEACE AT LAST
In February 2018, Professor Guy Cuthbertson of Liverpool Hope University contacted the School seeking permission to quote an edition of The School Tie in his forthcoming book about the end of the First World War. The book, Peace at Last: A Portrait of Armistice Day, 11 November 1918, has now been published by Yale University Press, and features Old Girl Beatrice Rayner’s reminiscences of a celebratory Armistice midnight feast sanctioned by the School’s future Headmistress Miss Brake: ‘All right, Chicks, you may eat as much as you like, and make yourselves as sick as you like!’ You can read the full account in the Summer 1955 edition of The School Tie, available online in the School’s Digital Archive. ashfordschool.co.uk/OnlineArchive It also transpires that Professor Cuthbertson’s wife, Caroline Crampton was a pupil at Ashford School from 1999 – 2006 and she too has a book coming out soon, The Way to the Sea. For more information: www.grantabooks.com/the-way-to-the-sea
BEKA SMITH
CONGRATULATIONS
(1993 MERCHANTS)
Many congratulations to Annie and Jason, who have been in contact with us to let us know that they are engaged. They left Ashford School in 2010 and now live in Manchester where Annie is working for an architectural firm and is preparing to take her chartered architectural exams and Jason is an engineer. We were delighted to welcome them back to Ashford for their engagement photoshoot before they get married this summer. They said of their time at Ashford:
Beka Smith is our most successful portrait artist, and is based in the prestigious Thames-Side Studios near Greenwich. Her subjects have included Heads of Institutions, esteemed teachers, and private commissions such as TV Celebrity Nick Hewer. Her work has been featured in ‘500 Portraits’ by Sandy Naime, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, and she has been a featured artist in Artists and illustrators Magazine. Closer to home Beka has completed several magnificent portraits for Ashford School, her latest being the outgoing Headmaster, Mike Buchanan. More information about Beka’s work and commissions are available on her website bekasmith.com, and she can be contacted directly on enquiries@bekasmith.com or 07941 628641.
“We both share such lovely memories of Ashford School and we wanted to return to where we first met. Ashford School is such a special place for both of us”. We’d like to wish them the very best of luck with their future together.
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ALUMNI NEWS
A VISIT FROM ZIMBABWE We were delighted to welcome Diana Wright (née Howard) back to Ashford School this April, her first time back since she left in the 1950s. After fifty years of teaching, with the last twenty-two spent in Harare, Zimbabwe, she realised that she owed much of what she’s achieved in life to her time and her teachers at Ashford. She said: “The school really did mould me into the person I am today, filling me with music through the years and giving me a sense of confidence and self-worth through the daily programme they followed. It sure has taken me a long time to realise that!” Diana is currently a music teacher at Chisipite Senior School in Harare, where, when sitting in assembly, the idea to come back and visit Ashford came to her. She runs many of the music ensembles, including the string orchestra, the madrigal and chapel choirs, and the flute choir. Diana credits much of her love and career in music to her time at Ashford, in particular to her music and choir teacher Miss Rowe. She reminisced about how she snuck into the School Orchestra to play violin! Despite not having lessons, the teaching staff only picked up that she wasn’t meant to be there because she stopped in the trickier scale-like sections of pieces and would then continue playing. Diana told us that she was not a model pupil whilst at school and earned many stripes. In her day stripes could be redeemed by reading ten books and writing a review on each one. She credits this to her being an avid and fast reader now! Diana was a boarder in Alfred House, coming to Ashford all the way from Egypt. She started
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in the winter term of 1947, the winter was particularly severe and a contrast to the Egyptian climate Diana was used to. She remembered getting terrible chilblains and putting her frozen feet on the cloakroom pipes after long walks! Alfred House was exactly as Diana remembered it to be, including the narrow little stairs and the window through which she used to climb to cross over the roof to get to another dorm. She recalled the dormitory names back then were Warren and Igloo, and between them was a loo in which she used to spend nights with the light on learning her Gallic Wars book 1 before Latin exams. The drawing of the Blue Lady now sits in Old Alfred, and upon seeing this Diana was reminded of the time she and her friend saw the infamous ghost at the top of the little staircase in Alfred House one night as they crept around up to no good! She spoke about their weekly Sunday trips to Church, and so was delighted that she was able to join the School at their commencement service for the Summer Term the day she visited. Walking up Ashford High Street was exactly as she remembered doing every Sunday of her school life, and sitting in St Mary’s Church, Diana said the only difference was the change of pews to seats! A visit to Ashford wouldn’t be complete without seeing what was, in Diana’s time, Miss Brake’s drawing room. She described: “Seeing the portrait of Miss Brake, “Cherub”, brought her back so vividly to me. She was
THE ASA SCHOOL TIE - THE ALUMNI OF ASHFORD SCHOOL
such a tour de force being our Headmistress, a Justice of the Peace and driving around in her turquoise open roof car. She often had us seniors to tea in her drawing room which is now Mr. Wilding’s study. She was fanatical about us girls getting plenty of fresh air and had us all out, all weathers, walking Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The Pilgrims Way was a favourite walk. She impressed the Christian way of life on all of us and this has remained with me always.” On her return home, Diana uncovered her old photograph album and autograph book containing black and white snaps from her school days. One of the girls with Miss Brake as they had decided to stay for half term in school to study for Higher, followed by one of the same group all lying in the grass among the daisies with a portable radio labelled “Swotting!”. Diana told us that once she and her friends finished Higher, they all set off on their bicycles for Stratford to see Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in “Macbeth” and “As You Like It”, staying in Youth Hostels all the way! Her autograph book also had a lovely fairy, drawn by Susan Chadburn in 1947 and a beautiful rose painting by Gillian Le Ray! It was lovely to meet Diana and hear her stories, and we hope to see her again next time she’s in the UK. Most importantly, we were pleased to hear that after all these years, she still has her stripey school blazer!
ALUMNI NEWS
ASHFORD CENTENNIALS I was very pleased to receive news from Valarie Stoneham (nee Jenkins), that her mother, Beryl Pearson, also an Ashfordian, turned 100 on 9th April, last year. Beryl’s parents were based in Egypt and sent her “Home” for her schooling. She attended Alfred House from about 1920, when she would have been 12. Her great Ashford friends, Mary Thomas (nee Dale) and Beryl Perkins (later Maunsell) were also based in Egypt, and they would make the UK bound journey by ship, returning for summer holidays to Alexandria. An interesting aside is that amongst the other school-children passengers, was Val’s future father! Beryl Perkins died some years ago, but Mary Thomas was 100 on 20th October 2018. She lives independently in her own flat in Shaftesbury. Val’s own mother, Beryl, was in the Dementia Unit in a very nice Nursing Home near Hambledon where they were able to have a small party for her to celebrate the big day. Beryl sadly passed away earlier this year.
AMANDA CURTIS-CHRISTIE (KNIGHTS, 1997) Congratulations to Amanda Curtis-Christie (Knights, 1995-1997), who had one of her beautiful photographs published in the April 2019 edition of Kent Life Magazine. The image depicts Deal pier, and was taken on a Sunday evening as she walked along the sea front. Amanda enjoys taking landscapes shots, in particular sunsets because of the colours they produce. She captured this image with her iphone, and for those interested in the technical details for this image: • Aperture 11/15 • ISO 25 • Shutter Speed 1/103 • Focal length 83/20 Amanda has won several awards through the Viewbug picture sharing community including the 2018 community choice award, 2017 peer choice award and the 2015 Staff winter selection award. More of Amanda’s photography can be seen on the following websites, & she also can be found on Instagram at @amandacc1978 www.viewbug.com/member/amandacurtischristie www.pinterest.co.uk/amandacc1978/photography/ For anyone interested in filmmaking as well as photography, Amanda also runs a group called Filmmakers Forum on facebook with nearly 50,000 members worldwide: facebook.com/groups/7972632819?ref=share
In her mail to me, Val added: “My mother, Mary Thomas and Beryl Perkins were at school with Cherub’s nieces, the Booths. My mother was great friends with twins Betty and Peggy Smith, and Betty’s daughters Valery and Alison were my contemporaries at Ashford. I am godmother to Val’s daughter, Frances, and Val was godmother to my daughter Pollyanna. Very sadly, Val, who’s married name was Jones, died last September. Wendy Cope was also a friend of mine at Ashford although I lost touch afterwards. I have heard from Anne Skilbeck, Jane Jupp and Merilyn Parker. Also Jenny Bonnallack and Sandy Pengelley. Sandy’s father and brother grew up with my parents and were life-long friends.” Apparently while Val’s mother was at School, Brooke Place was purchased. Beryl was asked if she wanted to be one of the first in-takes, but she preferred to stay in Alfred House. Many thanks, Val, for all this information. Over my years editing the OGA School Tie I requested any second or third generation Ashfordians to let me know about their mother or even grandmother, giving names at School and current name and any dates if possible; I would be happy to trawl through the old magazines to collect up such information and “publish” the findings. If any present readers are second generation pupils may I ask you to do the same, sending to pinneyh@ashfordschool.co.uk marked “Different generations at Ashford School”. I know Hannah would join me in saying a little bit of news of yourself as well as your mother would be great for next year’s ASA magazine. My daughter Alexandra was in the year that left in 1992, she lives in Rutland and has an adorable son, Jasper, who is 4, (so I think I should supply a more up to date photo for the President’s letter next year!). Looking forward to hearing from you, Carolyn Chamberlain (Nelms at School, a contemporary of Val’s). ASA President.
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ALUMNI NEWS
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS A group of Ashford Alumni, who left in 1955, met up to celebrate Sandy Johnson’s (Cranmer) birthday, at Shelley's in Lewes Sussex. Pictured are Sandy Johnson (in the centre) with Joey Waite (Alfred), Val Davies (Nightingale) and Lizzie Lee (Alfred), along with Sandy’s daughter, Emma.
HOCKEY FOR HEROES On Good Friday (2019), Mary Flint (Pilgrims, 2013) & Sophie Pinney (Squires, 2017) played for Kent Invictus against the Hockey for Heroes team. The Hockey for Heroes team work to raise funds for Help for Heroes, with their efforts encompassing a mixture of exceptional physical exertion combined with playing Hockey. The match took place at Folkestone Optimists, and was great to watch, with end to end play and lots of skill show on both sides. The final result was 2-1 to Kent Invictus! Both Mary & Sophie play regularly for Canterbury Ladies 1st team.
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NEW ALUMNI OFFICER APPOINTED: HANNAH PINNEY (SQUIRES, 2011) Ashford School is delighted to announce the appointment of alumni, Hannah Pinney (Squires 2004-2011), as the School's new Alumni Officer. Whilst at Ashford, in addition to enjoying her academic studies, Hannah was actively involved in many co-curricular activities. Playing flute and singing, Hannah participated in many of the music groups such as the Orchestra and Chamber Choir, and was on stage in the musicals each year, playing Tracey in 'Hairspray' in her final year. She also played as Goalie for the Hockey team. In her Upper 6th year, Hannah was Academic Prefect and Deputy School Captain. After Ashford, Hannah studied for a degree in History, completing her Masters in “Science, Technology & Medicine in History” at King’s College London in 2015. During her time at University, she sung with the University of London Chamber Choir, where she took an active role managing their social media channels and promoting concerts. Since leaving University, Hannah has stayed in the education sphere, focusing on event management, digital marketing and alumni relations. From 2016-2018, Hannah worked at Pearson College London, where she was responsible for the design, implementation and management of Business School events in line with key marketing and student recruitment business objectives and targets. In April 2018, she moved to the Development Team at The King’s School, Canterbury, where she was responsible for alumni communications & events, as well as producing content for the alumni association's digital channels. Hannah is looking forward to bringing this experience to Ashford, and to helping to promote a flourishing alumni network.
ALUMNI NEWS
MATT NICHOLLS (KNIGHTS, 2016) Matt Nicholls has recently been invited to conduct a series of recordings for BBC Radio. After directing the choir of St Martin in Roath in a series of recordings for BBC Radio Wales, Matt was invited to conduct the choir in a further BBC Radio recording project where 4 choirs in Britain have been selected to renew the BBC Radio Archives of choral music; broadcast at short notice for unexpected national occasions. Matt, who soon concludes his BA in Music at Cardiff University, is moving to Cambridge University where he has received an offer to study an MMus in Choral Conducting. Whilst at Cardiff, Matt has played the organ with choirs in St Paul’s Cathedral, BBC Hoddinott Hall, St David’s Hall as well as accompanying the Girls’ Choir of Llandaff Cathedral. He is principal keyboard player with the Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra and was appointed Conductor of the Cardiff University Brass Band in May 2018, with whom he has directed performances on ITV television, TED Broadcasts as well as competing in the National University Brass Band Championships of GB & NI. Matt was also appointed Musical Director of Cardiff University Camerata in 2018 and has had compositions played by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
THE CORNISH LADY Nicole Pryce (Nightingale 1975, née Snelson) has published her fourth novel titled “The Cornish Lady”. Inspired by Trelissick House in Cornwall, the book is set in 1796 during Britain’s war with France. At this time the country was experiencing great hardship with ruined harvests, shortages of grain, and food riots. Cornwall was seeing the effects of the War too, with French prisoners cramming into Pendennis Castle and naval ships awaiting their orders in Falmouth! The novel’s plot explores the challenges that must have faced a woman whose wealthy father had high hopes of an advantageous marriage but who was regarded as ‘trade’. Nicola shared with us her journey to becoming an author:
WENDY COPE OBE Alumni Wendy Cope OBE was featured on BBC Sounds Desert Island discs, sharing her 8 track choices with Lauren Laverne. Wendy is a poet and has published 4 volumes of poetry.
“I did English A Level at school and left telling everyone I would, one day, write a novel but my nursing career and three children rather took over. I did an Open University degree in Humanities when the children were young, and I only started to write in my late fifties after a school reunion when my friend, Sharon Nevill, asked me if I’d written my book! I had no idea my book would be published, expecting to slip it into my children’s Christmas stockings but another school friend, Clare Schoon (now Taylor) read it and persuaded me to find an agent. I was picked up almost immediately by Corvus Books (an imprint of Atlantic Books) and it has been a rollercoaster ever since. Those who remember me from school might be surprised because I was – and still am – the world’s worst speller. Thank heavens for spellchecking and a fabulous editing team. I would love Miss Baker to have seen my books.” Nicola’s adored aunt was Miss Dorothy Johnstone-Hogg, Head of History at Ashford, and her sister is Debbie Snelson. You can find out more about the history and inspiration behind Nicola’s characters on her website www.nicolapryce.co.uk .
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BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES
TOM WATTS TRAVEL AWARDS NEWS The Ashford School Association Tom Watts Travel Award is an annual grant that Year 13 leavers taking a gap year, or young alumni of University age can apply for. Examples of such journeys would include fundraising treks, volunteering in the developing world, and charitable work with children, the vulnerable or dispossessed. Mr Watts exemplified a strongly held belief that those who receive the benefit of an excellent education should work to help others less fortunate than themselves. Here in their own words are the experiences of three intrepid recipients of the grant.
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BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES
COSTA RICA AND NICARAGUA, BY HARRY LANCASTER (YEOMAN, 2017) After successfully raising over £3,500 for Raleigh International the time finally came to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to South America. Our first project was in a small village called Martín Centeno in Matagalpa. Out of 50 houses, only 20 had running water. Many people had to borrow from neighbouring houses just to wash and cook. This was one of our main goals – putting in bigger pipes from the local water tank to provide all houses in Martín Centeno with access to clean water. We took it in turns to help the locals with construction work, which in the heat and humidity of Nicaragua was no easy task! One of our other main focuses while we were in the community was teaching the locals the importance of hygiene, in what was called our WASH project (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene). We thought the best way of achieving this was to teach the children in the local primary school how to properly wash their hands and where to put their rubbish, as most of it was burnt in order to cook every night. We designed and built what we called a ‘tippy-tap’ which was essentially a large container full of water with a pedal. We decided to re-cycle plastic bottles and turn them into bins and place them in various places around the community. Working closely in partnership with charities like Agua Para La Vida (Water For Life) we successfully completed our aims of installing pipes for all houses and even managed to contact the local government about emptying the bins weekly. It was a memorable experience being welcomed by people who had so little. They made us feel at home from the first to the last minute. It was so rewarding to see the faces of everyone when they finally had flushing water 24/7. I still keep in touch via Facebook with everyone in Martín Centeno and hope to return one day to see how things are progressing
WE TOOK IT IN TURNS TO HELP THE LOCALS WITH CONSTRUCTION WORK, WHICH IN THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY OF NICARAGUA WAS NO EASY TASK!
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BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES With generous support and partial funding from the ASA Committee, I took part in a six day charity dog-sledding expedition across the Arctic Circle. Our purpose was to raise awareness for the National Autistic Society, and in this endeavour our group travelled a total of 200km in under 5 days, raising £3000 in the process.
DOG-SLEDDING BY BRANDON CHIA (FRANKLINS, 2015)
BY THE TIME WE REACHED OUR FIRST CAMP WE WERE EXHAUSTED AND EXHILARATED.
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BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES We initially travelled to Tromsø, Norway, where we were greeted by our guides Per-Thorne and Hege and a pack of 80 howling huskies who were as excited to meet us as we were to meet them. On the first day the only instructions we were given was to pull up the anchor of our sleds and hold on. The dogs took off at lightning speed, and carried us into the breath-taking mountains of the Arctic Circle, an almost dream-like experience that was enlivened by some of us falling off and having to chase our teams on foot. Added to this we had to help push uphill, and man-handle our sleds across trees and rocks. By the time we reached our first camp we were exhausted and exhilarated.
As soon as we fed the huskies and put their winter coats on, we learned how to set up our tents, build fires and boil water, all vital elements of survival in Arctic conditions. We were out of our element to say the least. It was a tough, character-building experience, but by the fifth day we were remarkably adjusted to our severe environment, including sledding up to six hours at a time without rest. Having now returned from the trip, aside from learning to dog-sled and camp in the Arctic, I also have a much greater appreciation for the little things we take for granted, such as running water, food and showers. Being an alumni, I’m proud to represent Ashford School’s spirit of adventurous learning and I look forward to the next trip I embark on.
IN THE ARCTIC
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BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES
THREE MONTHS IN
KENYA BY GEORGINA WILLIAMS (SQUIRES, 2017)
On 1st September 2017, I boarded a plane to Mombasa in southern Kenya to spend three months working with Camps International. It is something I had dreamed of doing ever since I heard my father’s stories of growing up in Zambia as a child. Three hours drive north-west of Mombasa is a small village called Tsavo, an incredibly remote settlement in the foothills of Rukinga. It is a community plagued by HIV, poverty, and disease carried by long-distance lorry drivers. Floods had destroyed existing toilet facilities at the local primary school and with schools being dependent on their 'student to hole' ratio to stay open, our work was crucial. We dug foundations, made bricks, mixed concrete and cut iron for six weeks in blistering heat. What we remember about Tsavo, however, is not the sweat or bruises or mosquito bites - it's the children: Five-year-old Grace and Gladdis eating Oji from pink cups under the shade of a Parasol tree. Ajanja, whose dance moves put Michael Jackson to shame, and Manga who quietly followed us home each day to wave goodbye. We left Tsavo with heavy hearts, but our work was done and it was time to move on.
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Through the turbulent streets of Mombasa where political demonstrations filled the streets, we arrived at Muhaka village. Our project was the construction of a traditional mud house for a family facing eviction. Heavy rain threatened to thwart us, but employing local skills, we got a roof up, and the walls took shape. We also worked with the Mjane women to replant and manage cleared mangrove swamps. This was to recreate vital flood protection, and provide rich fishing ponds. Our final project was something we were able to join purely by chance; a Healthcare Outreach programme organised by a group from Brighton. This involved clinics set up in different schools every day for seven days, all equipped with a pharmacy, dentist, midwifery, optician, and dietitian. It was an immense task – 5am starts, highly emotional situations, and challenging conditions, but with the help of thirty wonderful nurses and ten Kenyan doctors we saw and treated more than 3000 patients. I found the experience especially influential and have now chosen a degree to include human biology. Most vividly and fondly I will remember a young girl called Mwanasha, who became my closest companion. She was just fourteen but incredibly bright and wise beyond her years. She showed me everything, from the mill where she collected corn flour each week, to the stream where her and her sisters swam in the rainy season. We walked the village streets each evening and she told me about her dreams of becoming a wedding planner. She was in the midst of sitting her final exams two years early, and just two days before I left she learned that she had earned a scholarship to go to secondary School in Mombasa.
BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES
IN TSAVO I FELL IN LOVE WITH KENYA; THE VAST DRY PLANES, THE RED EARTH, THE ENDLESS HEAT AND CONSTANT NOISE. IN MUHAKA I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE KENYANS;THEIR COLOUR, THEIR SMILES AND THEIR HOPE.
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SCHOOL NEWS
2019
NICOLE RAYNER, HEAD OF ART (PILGRIMS/MERCHANTS,1998) I imagine it could feel strange going to back to work at a school where you once ran, sorry, walked the halls. The school has now changed so much, in terms of people and the fabric of the buildings it feels like an entirely different place, yet many things remain the same. Back in 1991, I remember being a nervous eleven-year-old as I queued for a locker key which was handed over with little ceremony by Miss Young at the bottom of the stairs by the Maths rooms. A grinning Miss Dalton then led the way to a huge locker room, with lockers taller than myself, where I could deposit my tennis racket, hockey stick and other miscellaneous heavy items. This maze of a locker room is where the Atrium, our school café and meeting space, now stands. We were duly informed of some important rules, such as “only walk on the left”, or it may have been right - I never did get that one! We had to walk in single file to church at the start of term, hands out of pockets, any loose hairs pinned up, with any laddered tights being replaced by Mrs Lingwood who would hand you a fresh packet (navy blue 10 denier). To me, the changes over the years have happened slowly, as I returned in 2003 as Artist-in-residence whilst teaching Adult Education classes around Kent and painting murals and commissions. I then became a part-time Art teacher at the school and the rest is history. Back then I most certainly was rather awkward sitting in the staff room at lunch time, surrounded by my former teachers, now colleagues, reminding me to call them by their Christian names. More than fifteen years have passed, and I still struggle when I say, “Morning Paul” to Mr Limmer. One of the major changes was watching the boys come up through the years from the Prep School. They have undoubtedly changed some of the dynamics of the school - but most certainly in a positive way. Musicals have become easier, as we do not have to rely on the local grammar school boys for dance partners. The artwork interests of the pupils have diversified, and their creativity knows no bounds, compacting year on year – indeed, it must be seen to be believed. Music has also changed in many ways and it is great to now hear male and female voices together in the school choir. With these changes,
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Ashford School has kept its family feel that it always had when I was a pupil. If anything, the pastoral care and nurturing environment has gone from strength to strength and is something I hear people comment on when they visit the School, even just for one day. All my teachers at Ashford were fantastic in so many ways and played a huge role in inspiring me both to teach and to go into the arts. I especially remember my A Level teachers were genuinely inspiring. I recall being amazed at the extra time my Biology teacher, Dr Goldwyn, spent with each pupil to ensure their practical experiments were a success, letting them test their ideas whilst being supervised after school. I was testing out different toothpaste brands on different bacteria (something to do with measuring the different amounts of fluoride and other active ingredients, all highly scientific I’m sure!) and had strange cultures growing in the airing cupboard at home which I would bring in to test. I should also thank my parents for their support at this point. It can’t have been pleasant when half asleep in the morning, one reaches into the airing cupboard to grab a warm fluffy towel and instead one’s fingers meet plastic petri dishes growing
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different (and very colourful I might add) bacterial cultures, flourishing a little too well on their agar jelly. Looking back, I clearly should have turned this into some sort of amazing art project! I also adored my classics lessons and was privileged to have been taught by Mr Cressey, Mrs Wilkes and Mrs Metherell. I have fantastic memories of our trip to Greece and getting to know my teachers properly. Their passion for the Greek myths and legends was clear in the classroom but truly came alive when we were amongst the Amphitheatres, Agoras and at the Acropolis – (see?! I even remember the names). It is on trips like these that you form lasting memories of places and
SCHOOL NEWS and networks but also by promoting their work and supporting them as they plan their next steps. Indeed, two of our artists caught the teaching bug and secured teaching roles after Ashford, and our current artist in residence, Ryan Miles, is applying for a Masters course. I always think teaching Art must be one of the most exciting jobs out there. We get to study the history of all cultures and times, looking at whichever part most interests the student whether it is architecture, illustration, film, fine art or fashion. One of the most rewarding parts is definitely watching the careers of past pupils take off and seeing them on their return to us, watching as they chat to our current pupils and in turn, inspire them.
people, and your friendships strengthen. Even more so today Ashford School is a special place that goes above and beyond in offering its pupils a huge array of opportunities, including hundreds of activities and so many varied trips and adventures. I am so lucky to be able to run trips to culturally rich and diverse places and watch as the students soak up the art and culture. It is a joy to watch the face of a pupil alight with awe as they stumble upon an artwork they have studied and scrutinise it at close quarters. I get to see friendships form, hear the coach songs sung, and see how art can transform a young mind, and even awaken emotions. In recent years our art department has run trips to Venice, Rome, Madrid, Edinburgh, and Berlin as well as shorter and regular trips to London, which are now so quick and convenient. My art teacher at Ashford School, Mr Reynolds, did not have it quite so easy! I remember when he took us, a large group of excited, bubbly teenage girls to London by train. It was a much longer journey back then and he had to endure a rendition of Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush - nothing to do with me ... honest. We piled into a taxi to the Royal Academy and as we got out, the driver said to Mr Reynolds “good luck mate!”. My Art teachers at school were fantastic, in particular, my A Level teacher, Gordon Reynolds. The wonderful memories of Art classes are far too many to mention here. Suffice to say that both he and his lovely wife Lois, who I am still close friends with today and who came on our Art tours to France, were both instrumental in encouraging me not into the arts necessarily, that was a given, but certainly into teaching. When I returned to Ashford as Artist-in-Residence I had mentors who encouraged me and built my confidence. This is something I am now passionate about emulating with our current programme: helping artists to realise their potential both in practical terms by providing them with a wealth of facilities, know-how
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FAREWELL TO STAFF
Adventurous Learning in the School, as a natural risk-taker he has always led from the front in exemplifying his belief that all staff must model the behaviours and attitudes we expect to see in our pupils. He is a devoted advocate of the Arts, loving creativity in all its guises. When he launched the instrumental scheme for staff, he deliberately chose to learn the euphonium (reportedly one of the most difficult brass instruments) and took singing lessons before playing alongside pupils in the orchestra and singing a baritone solo in an end of year summer concert.
MIKE BUCHANAN Mike started at Ashford School in September 2005. A quiet, shy and unpretentious Australian, he was attracted by the prospect of creating a “new school for Ashford”. He duly rolled up his sleeves and set to work, overseeing the merger of Friars School and the Junior School to form the Prep School at Great Chart, introducing boys to the Senior School – a whole new concept for some of the staff – and re-vamping the boarding provision. Gradually the new shoots of this dynamic, co-educational school in Ashford began to emerge, thanks in no small part to his constant reiteration of what an excellent educational provision looks like, to his tireless work ethic and – when needed – his sheer bloody-mindedness. Among the accolades he gained for the School are the TES award in 2011 for strategic initiative, and subsequently winning the Independent School of the Year award that same year, gaining HMC accreditation. In 2015 he was also a finalist for the Pearson Teaching Awards Headteacher of the Year. He has always had a fresh approach to everything and is a great fan of “thinking outside the box”. Having embedded
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Staff remember in particular his assemblies: Cycling down the middle of Lendrum Hall to give his first ever assembly at the Prep School in 2005, or swinging a pot of paint across the stage at the Senior School. Other favourites involved a rug, a beach ball and tennis ball to represent space phenomenon, and the unforgettable attempt to crowd-surf over the unfortunate Year 7s in the front row. He has always derived the greatest pleasure from seeing others flourish, in particular the young people who have passed through his care these last 13 years. He often described the main purpose of his role as removing any obstacle that was hindering the achievements of others, or their ability to thrive. Through his tenacity, vision and aspiration, his readiness to have challenging conversations and offer words of advice or wisdom – whether wanted or not – and his belief in the inherent abilities of every individual, Mike has indeed succeeded in establishing a “new school for Ashford”, a school which is thriving and well placed to embark on the next phase of its existence. He will be missed and leaves with our very best wishes for his future as he navigates new, uncharted territories as CEO of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), and we hope that he continues to give and to find great happiness in all that he does, both professionally and personally.
Tom Wilding, Head of Ashford School (Senior)
FAREWELL TO STAFF
NURSE JO FIELD
MARC BOYD Boydie joined the School as a boarding assistant and sports coach in 2007. He was well equipped to help deliver significant change, largely due to his previous roles in industry and education, plus a glittering rugby career. His enthusiasm and ambition quickly helped to develop a strong games programme for the ever-increasing number of boys at the School. Initially, Boydie’s greatest impact was in rugby, where he quickly established a comprehensive and competitive fixture list, as well as a whole host of enrichment opportunities such as sports tours and trips to watch International matches. His love for rugby was infectious, and this greatly boosted levels of participation and the performance levels of the boys. The same qualities that made Boydie such an inspirational figure on the sports field, also transferred to other areas of the school: Promoted to Head of Yeomen House in 2014, his inclusive, but still very competitive approach to house events saw Yeomen competing for top places on all fronts. For many of us, we don’t know an Ashford School without Boydie. At a personal level one of his greatest strengths was the support that he gave to me and others. As he sets off on a new adventure in Guernsey with wife Cath and daughter Millie, we wish him all the best for the future and look forward to receiving regular updates.
Tony Wilde, Senior School Deputy (Co-curricular and Community Partnerships)
“The Laughing Nurse” You could usually hear Lead Nurse Jo Field long before you saw her, with her unmistakable voice echoing through the School. Invariably she was laughing, and that is one of the things we miss most about her. That and her impressive expertise, being an experienced School Nurse before ever coming to Ashford, and a qualified midwife before that. Her medical knowledge was vast, and combined with a photographic memory made her a formidable font of local information, and oh how she did love a list! Jo was at the School for a decade, overseeing the health of pupils and staff with a sure touch, managing the medical centre with a rare enthusiasm, humour and diligence. Most of all, she had the good of the School at heart, and with customary energy threw herself into co-curricular activities, learning to sing, assisting with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, and pioneering the Heart Start programme. This came from a love of the school community, and she would regularly insert herself on school trips or join boarder weekend activities and sports, where once again that distinctive voice would ring out to cheer our teams on. She called the pupils her surrogate family, and it was a terrible loss to us all when her relentless sense of adventure took Jo off to fresh challenges. Wherever this remarkable woman goes will be the better for her energy, skill and dedication, they will be lucky to have her.
Sarah McCormack School Nurse
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FAREWELL TO STAFF
ALISON ROGERS Alison joined the school in 2003 as a Nursery assistant when the school was based at East Hill. She then trained with us and has been teaching in Reception ever since. She has particularly enjoyed teaching practical science - using hack saws with 4 year olds, and laughing with colleagues. Her funniest memory is in a Nativity when a child instead of closing the production with ‘Jesus the son of God is born, said…Jesus!!! The son of god is born’. She will be spending her time in France perfecting her house and garden, and exploring the UK. She says she will miss watching children blossom from year to year and their light bulb moments, as well as sharing good and bad times with colleagues.
CARO SPARKS Caro joined the school in 1998 teaching Year 1, and has since taken up many roles from Year 5 form teacher to Head of History, maths teacher, chief in charge of the previous prep sessions, and chief staff golf expert! Her favourite memory was when Mountbatten finally won something! She took great pleasure making some good friends and going on holiday together, although on their first excursion, Mr Yeates was extremely concerned that the combination of three Friars teachers, and three from Ashford might cause a diplomatic incident! In her retirement Mrs Sparks is looking forward to seeing more of her grandchildren, playing golf, lunching with friends, travelling, and even scouting for a new hobby.
MARY MORLEY Mary joined the school in 2004 as a part-time Head of HE/DT. During her time she has taught HE, DT, Textiles, RS, History and for the last 8 years, English. She has enjoyed being able to go ‘off-piste’ in her teaching and to offer what she knows works. She is going to miss the day-to-day life of the school, and her colleagues (some of whom have become dear friends). Mrs Morley won’t miss reports, meetings and parents' evenings! After a suitably relaxing break, she will be working as a volunteer for the Irish Chaplaincy Organisation visiting elderly and vulnerable people. She will also be able to visit her eldest son more frequently and enjoy long lunches with her younger son.
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F A R E W E L L T O S TA F F
PHIL NEWTON Phil joined the school in 2000 and has taken on many roles throughout his time here. In the early days, he remembers children regularly doing lines as punishment, as well as facing a blank wall outside the staff room for various infringements. He has particularly enjoyed all the challenges of school life, and will miss not having the responsibility of writing the school timetable or arranging cover. He will be spending his free time tinkering with the older cars he has, gardening, travelling, reading, cycling, watching Stoke City, and going to see another Rolling Stones concert when they next tour.
BARN VAFIDIS Barn joined the school in 2004 as Head of History. At that time he remembers having only one internet-enabled computer in the school which was situated in the library. His favourite memory is his first staff meeting in the music room with morning sun blazing through from the church, and illuminating the football pitches. He is looking forward to going to the theatre, concerts, cinema, making music, reading and taking holidays. We won’t be losing him entirely however, because he’ll be returning as a peripatetic music teacher and continuing to write songs for our combined productions (although he says he will now charge!). He has enjoyed working here amongst so many dedicated members of staff and talented students, and declares it was the best career move he ever made.
HANNAH JELFS Hannah joined us as an NQT in 2012, with an exceptional sporting background; Playing Cricket for Kent, National League Hockey for Holcombe and Skiing for English Schools, to name a few of her many strengths. During her time at Ashford School, Hannah gained her QTS, was a resident tutor in boarding and took on the responsibility for girls’ cricket. With the England team having just won the World Cup for the first time in 24 years, the launch of Girls Cricket at Ashford School took place at an exciting and pivotal time for the sport. Hannah was keen to jump on the back of this success and increase both participation levels and the standards of girls’ cricket. Trinity term in 2018 saw our last rounders matches played, to make way for cricket to be played at all age groups. Hannah is now the Head of Girls’ Cricket at Sutton Valence School, where she is also involved in the Kent selection and Hub training programme for girls in the U11 to U17 age groups. Hannah was well liked by staff and students alike here at Ashford and is remembered fondly. We wish her all the best for the future, although we will no doubt see her regularly on the PE circuit. Caroline Morris Head of Girls Games
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FAREWELL TO STAFF
DAVID YOUNG David joined us in the early summer of 2015 in a new role as the School’s Director of Development and of the Ashford School Foundation. He immediately rolled up his sleeves and started putting some sort of order to what was a sizeable task: that of raising funds and friends for the School so that more young people can benefit from the wonderful educational opportunities provided by Ashford School. He approached the various elements of his role with positive energy, a sharp eye for detail and great logicality, whether gathering and marshalling information on our alumni database, broadening the range and appeal of events for alumni or extending the reach of the Foundation. A keen sportsman and accomplished musician, he also threw himself into the life of the School to gain a full understanding of what Ashford School can offer. He regularly sang tenor in the school choirs and enjoyed playing saxophone in the orchestras and the school jazz band; he also managed a successful outing or two with bat and ball for the staff cricket team. Having been appointed to a Development role much nearer home, he leaves us with our very best wishes and, unquestionably, a large number of friends both within the School and our alumni body who will remember him with gratitude and fondness.
CAROL MEARLES-PAY Carol Mearles-Pay has been an integral part of Ashford School for many years and will be greatly missed by pupils and staff alike. Carol joined Ashford School in 1980 as a Sports teacher, specialising in gymnastics. From 1984 to 1990 she was Head of Nightingale Boarding House, then from 1990 to 1992 she was Head of Somerville Boarding House. She was also Head of Sport from 1992 to 1996, and Head of Yeomen House from 1993-1996. Carol then left Ashford in 1996 to have her son, Charlie, after which she spent 10 years in different primary and secondary schools in Kent and retrained as a specialist teacher for children and adults with learning difficulties, especially Dyslexia. Carol then returned to Ashford School in 2006 to take up the role of Head of Learning Support. As such, she was an incredible help to pupils and staff, always seeing the best in everyone and showing great patience, determination, dedication, professionalism and, most importantly, kindness. Carol was the best colleague anyone could wish for – a fantastic support, very wise, and brilliant fun. We wish her all the very best for her retirement.
FARAH DAWOOD Since bursting onto the scene in 2013, few have made such a significant impact on the life of Ashford School as Farah Dawood- our erstwhile Head of Philosophy, religion and ethics. Doing justice to Farah’s contribution to Ashford School in a short paragraph is a daunting task, and very few religious texts are given to succinctness; but here goes. The most consistent hallmark of Farah’s time here was undoubtedly her engaging, creative (and sometimes unorthodox) lessons. Firm favourites included weekly ethics debate, where students had to pick a stance, move to a corresponding part of the room and justify themselves against their peers. This discursive and inclusive approach was mirrored in the philosophy club, with queues out of the door and opinions running high twice a week. Another staple was the varied lecture programme; the pinnacle being a series from the peerless Peter Vardy, whose peerless philosophical acumen (and jumper collection) added real rigour the life of the department. Perhaps her greatest trademark was the introduction of ‘memes’ into academic life at the school- a frighteningly large library of captioned images flooded the upper brake corridor, as an aide-memoir to generations of VI form philosophers. Farah also played an instrumental role in overseeing the overhaul of PSHE in the school; leaving a fantastic and continuing legacy to all our lower and middle school students. After a fantastic 5 years, managing a continuous period of growth in the department and balancing her academic responsibilities with her role as humanities’ undisputed, self-styled ‘Queen of IT’, Farah has left us to begin her next challenge at Benenden School. Our loss in undoubtedly their gain, and we wish her the very best of luck in her next challenge.
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WELCOME
F A R E W E L L T O S TA F F
ELIZABETH LEONARD Elizabeth returned to Ashford School as a member of staff in May 2011 having previously been here as a student. Elizabeth’s role on her return was as the Marketing and Communications Manager overseeing Bridge Nursery, the Prep and Senior Schools.
….AND WELCOME TO: Emily Baker – Learn to Swim Manager Danielle Deacon – Head of Maths (Prep)
Over Elizabeth’s time working at the school she oversaw the launch of the new website, promotion of the newly developed website and the foundation of the School’s social media network.
Iain Dickson – Finance Assistant
Elizabeth has an immense interest in the world around her and is always open to new experiences or ideas. I had the great enjoyment of sharing an office with Elizabeth at East Hill where through her passion of following a healthy lifestyle I was introduced to “Deliciously Ella”, Sauerkraut, chocolate brownies, which did not seem to have much chocolate in them and numerous other foods I would not normally have tried. When I first meet Elizabeth she decided to take up running which slowly became a passion and she has now run several ultra-marathons and in the last one of the top 10 women. Elizabeth’s infectious enjoyment of life and people is missed amongst the office ladies, however we wish her the best success on the next step in her career.
Kathryn Hall – Lead Teacher of RS & Philosophy
Lisa Druggan-Cherry – Performing Arts Administrator
Michael Hall – Headmaster Corinna Harris-Prior – Head of Music (Prep) Michael Hollingsbee – Maintenance Operative Janet Kemp – Assistant Exams Officer Sarah Kershaw – Director of Admissions, External Relations & Communications Linden Lockhart – Head of Hockey Nicolas Myers – Senior Groundsman Sue Reid – Exams Officer Christopher Sargant – UQ Teacher of Games Keara Stirling – Teacher of PE & Games Jemma Taylor – KS Teacher Corinne Taylor - NQT (Prep) Sharon Thompson – Head of LS & SEND Jessica Wilson – Marketing & Communications Officer
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SCHOOL NEWS
MIKE HALL ANNOUNCED AS NEW HEADMASTER OF ASHFORD SCHOOL Ashford School are very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Michael Hall as Head of Ashford School, who took up his post in September 2018. Throughout the recruitment process, Mr Hall impressed Governors with his vision for the future of the School, in building on its excellent academic record and high standards of pastoral care and maintaining its reputation as a School of choice. As a highly experienced leader in the independent schools sector, Mr Hall will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. Previously, he spent almost eight years as Head of Bedford Modern School in what was a very successful period of growth. He then took up his current post as CEO and Principal of GEMS Wellington Academy in Dubai, an ‘Outstanding’ rated all-through, co-educational School. His career includes significant experience in co-educational, all-through education, as well as both day and boarding settings. He studied economics as an undergraduate at the University of Liverpool before training as a teacher and completing a Master’s degree in Educational Management. A keen adventurer, Mr Hall has undertaken treks in the Pyrenees and the Alps and also enjoys cycling, rugby, swimming and many different forms of music.
2019
THE STABLES NURSERY Ashford School is delighted to announce that The Stables Nursery is due to open in September 2019, following months of building and development. The Stables Nursery, soon to be opened on the site of the Prep School, will provide a nurturing and fun environment for children aged 3 months to 3 years. Under the guidance of experienced staff and with access to all of Ashford Prep School's facilities, The Stables will provide the opportunity for a seamless transition into the next stages of a child's education. Children will be encouraged to explore and develop their creativity through adventurous play, and will benefit from modern, purpose-built facilities and a large play area on the Prep School grounds. It is also perfectly situated for an easy morning drop off for families with children in both the Nursery and the Prep School.
WALKING WITH THE WOUNDED: JULY 2018
In July 2018, the entirety of Ashford Senior School took part in a sponsored walk in aid of Walking with the Wounded, a charity that is committed to helping and encouraging war veterans to make the best of the opportunities ahead of them. The School was accompanied by four war veterans from the charity. Each group walked for four hours and approximately 12 kilometers from the villages of Pluckley, Charing and Challock back to the School on East Hill in Ashford. In total, over £6500 was raised for the charity supporting veterans, with over £1000 coming from a single student herself!
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SCHOOL NEWS
2019
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD Ashford School is the first school in the South East of England to announce that they will be offering staff aged 23 ½ and under the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award at no cost to the participant. As part of the School’s adventurous learning ethos, the decision was announced with the aim to further embed the DofE Award into the life of the School and encourage staff to continue to drive their professional development. “We encourage our students to challenge themselves every day in School, so by doing the same with our teachers and staff, we will develop an even stronger culture of adventure and confidence. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is a fantastic way of doing exactly that.’’, explains Michael Hall, Headmaster of Ashford School. Ashford School has been an operating authority of the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award since 1965, and in 1995 the School became a Licensed Centre for the DofE Award. The programme, led by parents, teachers and staff volunteers, currently boasts 221 students who are completing or have recently received their award. It runs as part of the co-curricular programme, which currently boasts 80 activities offered to the students. The participants will travel to Snowdonia, Wales, to take part in their practice and qualifying expeditions in June. They will also complete 12 months volunteering and 18 months of Skills and Physical sections as part of the award. Lucy Hayward, a teacher of PE at Ashford School said of the opportunity: ‘’My passion for teaching PE is motivated by my love for being outdoors, so the opportunity to complete my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award really excites me. It is encouraging that Ashford School support my adventurous nature in their guidance and funding towards the award. I have always wanted to explore the peaks of Snowdonia and I am filled with excitement to receive the official qualification whilst doing so. I am excited to get underway and face the new challenges.’’
My passion for teaching PE is motivated by my love for being outdoors, so the opportunity to complete my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award really excites me. It is encouraging that Ashford School support my adventurous nature in their guidance and funding towards the award. I have always wanted to explore the peaks of Snowdonia and I am filled with excitement to receive the official qualification whilst doing so. I am excited to get underway and face the new challenges. Lucy Hayward, teacher of PE at Ashford School
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SCHOOL NEWS GLITZ AND GLAM AT THE PTA CASINO ROYALE BALL On Saturday 29 October 2018, Lympne Castle was transformed into a scene out of a James Bond film for the Annual PTA Ball, this year themed Casino Royale. Parents and staff were welcomed by a gorgeous sunset overlooking the Hythe coastline and the sweet tunes of the Ashford Youth Jazz Orchestra before they headed to the marquee to be seated for their three course fine dining meal. The group enjoyed the auctioning of a range of items, amongst these a mannequin of Daniel Craig, and many were treated to lovely raffle prizes, all of which were donated by members of the local community. Dancing ensued for the rest of the evening and a fantastic night was had by all. A huge thank you must be said for the Schools' PTA, who put such a fantastic night together, and those who donated towards the evening. All proceeds from the auction and raffle will go to the PTA, who generously put back into the School. This last year saw the construction of a playground in the Pre-Prep quad.
2019
ASHFORD SCHOOL’S LIZARD SANCTUARY: The ‘Lizard Sanctuary’ at Ashford School was populated in September with 180 common viviparous lizards, all relocated from various local housing development sites. The sanctuary, built by staff and children across the Senior and Prep Schools', was developed to create a learning resource for the School in the form of a real-life scientific product, and has since been visited by parents, staff and students who have contributed to setting the site up according to what reptile’s natural environments should be. Included in the site are brush piles, bare batches and a hibernaculum.
ASHFORD SCHOOL NAMED 5-STAR YOUNG WRITERS SCHOOL In September, Ashford School was named a 5-Star Young Writers School after over 50 students' poetry was selected to be published in an anthology as part of the Young Writers Poetry Games competition. The Poetry Games posed students from across the country with two options: Truth or Dare. Truth allowed students to write about themselves and shed light on a hidden aspect of their lives, whilst Dare was designed to allow students to write about something that they believe in. It served as an opportunity for students to voice their opinion and inspire their readers.
GUYS AND DOLLS MARCH 2018 In March, Ashford School drew the Brake Hall curtains back for the Opening Night of their annual musical production, Guys and Dolls. With 29 students performing and a 19 piece orchestra, over 200 guests enjoyed the toe-tapping performance, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. The show continued for another two nights and the students performed to an estimated 500 people.
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2019
PREP LEADERS SET OUT TO SAVE THE SEAS The head and deputy-head boy and girl of Ashford Prep School launched the Save the Sea Project in January this year, in which the team set out to fund raise for Just One Ocean, a charity who aims to promote research and raise awareness of some of the issues affecting our ocean and ultimately our own survival. The team of four set out to collect as many plastic bottles as they could in the hopes of raising awareness of the damage that plastic does to our oceans. They also took part in a sponsored swim – with a catch; swimming through the plastic bottles that they had collected! The morning of the swim saw the team adorned in heavy t-shirts, in which they swam a total of 280 lengths and raised £1091! The swim was to symbolise what marine life have to deal with every day in the current state of our oceans. Did you know that half of the existing turtle population is killed every year by plastic? The leaders were also joined by Paralympian Lauren Steadman, who appeared from behind the curtains during their Friday Morning Assembly and supported the children throughout the swim.
SCHOOL NEWS TES INDEPENDENT SCHOOL AWARDS We are extremely proud to report that Ashford School was recently recognised and shortlisted in the prestigious TES Independent School Awards for the 2019 Pre-Prep/ Prep School of the Year Award and the Best Use of Technology Award. These Awards are organised by the Times Educational Supplement and look to recognise the most outstanding individuals and institutions that the Independent School sector has to offer. TES editor Anne Mroz said: “Independent education in this country is truly world class. It’s one of our great success stories. And those shortlisted for the TES Independent School Awards are the crème de la crème. We received a record number of entries this year and the standard is the highest yet, so to be shortlisted is an extraordinary achievement for any school.” Headteacher of Ashford School, Michael Hall, is delighted that the School has been shortlisted for these two Awards and explains why: “In our submission for the Pre-Prep/Prep School Award, we highlighted the No Homework programme, together with our mental health and pastoral provision. To replace homework and encourage development, the School leads a very successful after-school enrichment programme, which includes over 100 activities such as life skills, nature club and dance. The well-being of each child is ensured by the thorough pastoral provision of a School Chaplain, an on-site counsellor and the opportunity to take part in activities such as yoga and mindfulness. In terms of Technology, over the last four years Ashford School has introduced a variety of tools to enhance education technology, including 1:1 iPad use from Year 3 through to Year 11, and a virtual learning environment known as Firefly. Through these tools, as well as other apps such as Seesaw, Showbie and OneNote Class Notebook, staff and students are able to access work online and communicate with each other, minimising the need for printing and creating an effective, seamless learning environment”. While Ashford School unfortunately didn’t win these categories, we were one in nine schools in the UK that were shortlisted for Pre-prep/Prep School of the Year and one in six schools shortlisted for the Best Use of Technology. A huge achievement that we are very proud of.
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SCHOOL NEWS
2019
TEACHER TO COACH GB TEAM
HOCKEY TEAMS PLACE AMONGST BEST IN THE COUNTRY
Ashford School's Head of Modern Pentathlon and Athletics, Mrs Mhairi Evans, has been chosen to attend the Junior World Championships in Poland this Summer as a coach for the Modern Pentathlon Junior Great Britain team. This comes as Mrs Evans' third coaching trip of the year, after coaching the GB team at two European cups in Switzerland and the Czech Republic. She was also involved in the World Championships, which took place in the Czech Republic in 2018. Mrs Evans turned to coaching after retiring from professional Modern Pentathlon in 2016. Highlights of her career include achieving 2012 Modern Pentathlon World Champion and competing in the London 2012 Olympics. Since joining Ashford School in 2016, she has developed the area of Modern Pentathlon into a thriving School sport and has coached many athletes to county and national success.
Ashford School’s U11 hockey teams made School history this year, after both the boys’ and girls’ U11A teams made it through to the IAPS Hockey National Finals. The tournament saw the girls’ team place fifth in the Country, after winning all of their morning games and narrowly losing in the quarter finals. The boys’ team performed equally as impressively, winning the IAPS regional qualifiers and placing 17th in the Country at the finals in March.
HOUSE DEBATING: The final week before October Half Term saw a flurry of activity at Ashford School, where the houses took to the stands to compete for the title of House Debating Champion. A variety of topics were argued, including: Should the use of all plastics be banned by 2030; should all companies be forced to have equal number of men and women in their boardrooms; should public schools be abolished and is eating meat wrong? The overall winning house was Yeomen, followed by Squires.
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SCHOOL NEWS
2019
ADVENTURE INTO ECUADOR The summer months saw an intrepid group of Ashford School students begin a four-week, life enhancing expedition to Ecuador, South America. The eleven pupils were part of a Camps International volunteer programme, which involved living and working in several communities in the highlands, the Amazonian rainforest, and the coast. As part of their trip, the student learnt to scuba dive, and they had the opportunity to trek through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world.
BOOK WEEK
Ashford Prep School turned into a Where’s Wally puzzle book during book week in October this year. Classes could be found making their own Where’s Wally pebbles and characters, singing along with story-telling musicians and even drawing Wally with the original cartoonist himself! The corridors were dotted with scenes out of Martin Handford’s many books and all students finished the week in a Where’s Wally outfit. With that many Wally’s, we couldn’t find him anywhere!
THE WATERMAN COLLECTION Ashford School is pleased and honoured to thank Mr Reginald Waterman, a local resident, for leaving his impressive book and DVD collection to the Learning Resource Centre in his will. This magnificent bequest was so vast, we could only absorb a fraction of it, but have since sold the rest on to where it might be most appreciated, and made the grand total of £1320 in the process. Some of this money has already been spent on splendid, glossy coffee table books that we would not normally have the luxury to purchase, and which we hope will be of interest to both students and staff. We are so very grateful to Reginald, and every book we purchase will be adorned with a ‘Waterman Collection’ bookplate, to honour his memory and his generous spirit.
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SCHOOL NEWS
U N I V E R S I T Y D E S T I N AT I O N S
DESTINATIONS OF 2018 YEAR 13 STUDENTS UNIVERSITY
SUBJECT
AA School
Architecture
Aberystwyth
Veterinary Biosciences
Bath
Mechanical with Automotive Engineering
Bath
Architecture (with placement)
Birmingham
Chemical Engineering
Birmingham
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Cambridge
Natural Sciences
Cardiff
Neuroscience
Cardiff
Mechanical Engineering
Cardiff
Neuroscience
City
Investment and Financial Risk Management
Durham
Physics
Edinburgh
Arabic and Spanish
Edinburgh
Architecture
Essex
Business Management
Essex
Business Management
Exeter
History and International Relations
Exeter
Geography
HKU
Planning and Real Estate
Kent
English and American Literature
Kent
Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics
King’s College
Mathematics with Management and Finance
Kingston
Art and Design (Foundation Diploma)
Leeds
Communication and Media
Liverpool
Biological Sciences with Foundation Year
Loughborough
Psychology
Loughborough
Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering
Loughborough
Civil Engineering with Foundation Year
LSE
Economics
LSE
Mathematics & Economics
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SCHOOL NEWS
2018
SUBJECT
UNIVERSITY
LSE
Economics
Manchester Metropolitan
Banking and Finance
Nottingham
Medicine
Nottingham Trent
Graphic Design
Oxford
Chemistry
Oxford Brookes
Marketing Management
Oxford Brookes
Sport, Coaching and Physical Education
Queen Mary
Mathematics with Finance and Accounting
Queen Mary
Mathematics with Management & Finance
Queen Mary, London
International Relations
Richmond
Business Management Entrepreneurship
Royal Holloway
Accounting and Finance
Southampton
Fine Art
St Andrews
Art History
Surrey
International Tourism Management
Surrey
Nutrition
UCA
Art Foundation
UCA, Canterbury
Art & Design Foundation
UCL
Statistics, Economics & Finance
UCL
Chemistry
UCL
Social Sciences
UCL
Mathematics
UCL
Biochemistry
UCL
Mathematics and Statistical Science
UCL
Chemistry
UCL
Statistics & Management for Business
UCL
Statistics, Economics & Finance
UCL
Economics & Statistics
UEA
Film and Television Studies
UEA
History
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SCHOOL NEWS
U N I V E R S I T Y D E S T I N AT I O N S
UNIVERSITY
SUBJECT
University of Bristol
Childhood Studies
University of Kent
Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry
University of Tokyo
Economics & Statistics
University of Victoria
History
UWE
Building Surveying with Foundation Year
Warwick
Economics & Industrial Organisation
Warwick
Law
Winchester
Drama and Performing Arts
York
Film and Television Production
York
History and Philosophy
York
Economics
> FACTS... 1 has a place at The Architectural Association School of Architecture 3 have gained a place on a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design 64 students have taken up a place at a UK university 3 have a place at an international university
OF THE STUDENTS WHO APPLIED TO UK UNIVERSITIES: 72% gained a place at their firm choice 50% gained a place at a Russell Group university 26% gained a place at a UK top 10 University 3% gained a place at a World top 10 University
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BACK TO UNI BBQ Recent leavers don’t forget to join us for the annual Back to Uni BBQ on Friday 6 September from 18:30 onwards. A chance to catch up with fellow alumni and your former teachers, as well as enjoy the end of the Summer Holidays. The event is free for alumni to attend, just let us know if you’re planning to come by emailing alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk
UNI REPS Are you interested in being a University Rep and organising a reunion for those ASA at your institution? Let us know by emailing alumni@ashfordschool.co.uk, and getting in touch with Hannah Pinney.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
A S H F O R D S C H O O L A N D T H E G R E AT WA R
ASHFORD SCHOOL AND
THE GREAT WAR
ROLE OF HONOUR Alfred Tabrett (Private), resident 10 East Hill, d. 09.02.1915, aged 20 Claude Reginald Tapsfield, (Private), resident 2 East Hill, d. 01.06.1915, aged 25 William Charles Shadwell (Ordinary Seaman), resident 18 Station Road, d. 17.03.1917, aged 32 Harry J. Tabrett (Lance Corporal), resident 10 East Hill, d. 04.05.1917, aged 28 George Edward Epps (Sapper), brother to the last private resident of Brooke Place (Brooke-Refuge Boarding House) and uncle to Ashford School pupils, d. 28.05.1917, aged 37 Charles Richard Randall (Private), resident 17 Station Road, d. 25.09.1918, aged 20 It is also an interesting footnote that Brooke-Refuge Boarding House, also known as Brooke Place, is named after Rupert Brooke, the war poet who died in the Gallipoli campaign in 1915, aged 27. His most famous poem is The Soldier, written before he experienced war.
To mark last year’s centenary of the end of WWI, the Ashford School Co-curricular Club History Around Us compiled a list of men and women linked to Ashford School, who were also involved in that terrible conflict. These include not only students, but local families and neighbours, and makes fascinating reading: Madeline Edwards (probably daughter of the Headmistress, Mrs Edwards) was Computator in the Aerodynamical Department of the Royal Air Craft Factory, Farnborough (thanks to 'accuracy and excellence in Mathematics'). Mary Cheng was School Captain in 1916, and went on to become Vice President of the Medical Students Christian Association, Edinburgh in 1918. In this mainly military infirmary, Mary dressed and stitched wounds, assisted with, X-ray and electrical treatment (possibly to treat shell-shock). She also assisted in small operations. K. Therry was a driver for the Army Service Corps. Constance Arkell, also an Ashford School pupil, was sister to Lieutenant A. J. Arkell MBE MC RAF, who won his MC in 1918 for 'conspicuous gallantry when during a hostile aeroplane raid' over London, he and his Observer brought down a German bomber while under fire themselves. Later he worked as an archaeologist and colonial administrator in Sudan and Egypt and 'was instrumental in ending the slave trade' in that region. He went on to be a lecturer and curator of the Petrie collection at UCL. Michael Knatchbull, 5th Baron Brabourne, grandfather and father of Ashford School pupils,
officially opened Coronation building in 1937. He participated in the Gallipoli campaign where he flew in artillery spotting missions. Wikipedia has an image of his plane damaged by antiaircraft fire. On 8 November was awarded the Military Cross for his "distinguished service in the Field during the operations at the Dardanelles." He retired from the RAF in 1920 on account of ill-health contracted on active service. He later became Ashford MP, and then Governor of Bombay and Bengal.
THE SOLDIER If I should die, think only this of me: That there’s some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust concealed; A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam; A body of England’s, breathing English air, Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home. And think, this heart, all evil shed away, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given; Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day; And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.
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OBITUARIES
SANDRA NOEL Sandra Noel had a long connection with Ashford School, arriving as a day girl in the Junior School under Miss Prior. Besides Sandra's presence in the Junior School, the Senior School were often treated to well-illustrated lectures by her father, Captain Noel, who had been the official photographer on the 1924 Everest expedition. Sandra was enormously proud of her father's achievements, and continued his work of publicising Everest through her own lectures. She has even lectured at The Royal Geographic Society, of which she was a member. A remarkable traveller in her own right, Sandra was an accomplished guide to many places in the world, perhaps particularly the Far East and latterly in England where she would be phoned, sometimes at the last minute, with requests to take adult tourists to London, Dover, Canterbury, Battle etc. She would be required to give a knowledgeable summary of each place and not always in English; nothing daunted her--she just did it! Her later travels were with Lakhan, her much respected partner, who joined Sandra every weekend in Wye. Sandra, as can be imagined, would be highly organised with a formidable list of jobs in the garden, whatever the weather for Lakhan! It is to Lakhan's credit that he continued be such a great part of Sandra's life - someone she knew was always there for her. Sandra was a stickler for having things done properly and her tremendous memory helped with this. She made sure she fully understood all matters discussed in committees and could be relied upon to state the many occasions when we strayed from the written words. Sandra, with Valerie Hayward (Mrs Snell), did an enormous amount for the Old Girls, transferring the information from the 'Persil Box' to a data base. This required a huge effort, especially as computers were relatively new to all of us, but the benefit to later members of the OG Committee must have been considerable. Sandra was always a great stand by. During our Hop Picker days, I always checked any arrangement with Sandra first, and indeed gave her information in case she had to take over for whatever reason. I do not know if she appreciated such responsibilities, but it was wonderful to know that such a capable and loyal person was there. We thank Sandra for all the work and support she has given to so many different areas, but particularly to Ashford School; she will be very much missed.
Jo-an (Anne Baxter 1957)
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BRIAN MEAD Brian Mead, who taught at Ashford School for 30 years until he retired in 2010 sadly passed away in March 2018. He was an enthusiastic Head of Geography, leading trips both in Kent and further afield and inspiring his students with his love of the world around him. He was a Stalwart of Pilgrims House and a long standing Head of Year 10/11. He will be remembered for some of the best ski trips the school had seen, and his dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, spending many summer weekends tracking Ashfordians on their expeditions.
BERYL PEARSON Beryl Pearson sadly passed away on April 9th 2019. She attended Ashford School from around 1920, and was in Alfred House.
VALERY JONES (NÉE FRENCH)
Valery was a pupil at Ashford School, leaving in 1962. She sadly passed away in September 2018. Valery had a younger sister, Alison French, who also attended Ashford.
VALERIE SNELL (NÉE HAYWARD)
ASA President Carolyn Chamberlain writes: “We wish to send our sympathies to Valerie Snell (née Hayward) whose husband Roy died after a long illness in October 2018. Valerie has been a very loyal supporter of the ASA. (and before that the O.G.A.) for half a century, she only missed a reunion if Roy was too ill to be left alone. We all appreciate her devotion in looking after Roy, and feel for her in her new life without him.
OBITUARIES
MARGARET YOUNG Margaret Young, who taught Maths from 1965 to 1992 and a Chaucer Knights House Tutor sadly passed away last year. Norma Smyth has kindly written the following few words: I first encountered her when I arrived at the school in 1974, an exile from my Northern roots. She was kindness itself, going out of her way to establish links with my home town. Her special interest was the First Form, as it was then called, in whose members she set about, very successfully, instilling good habits of study and good manners. Woe betide any member of staff who suggested abolishing their November exams. ‘It is good training,’ she declared-and she was right. Indeed, she set many girls on the road to success sometimes through her concern for their welfare. I can remember, for example, her patient coaxing of a ‘school refuser’ back into the fold. The same concern could be seen in her role as House Tutor of Chaucer Knights. Under her leadership Knights were formidable competitors in sport and music. She was a patient and skilful maths teacher. One parent told me how grateful she was to Margaret for her daughter’s success in GCE. Order ruled in Margaret’s school life. She was by nature a traditionalist who liked everything to be organised in the way it always had been – cloakroom keys were an instance! A church-goer, she told my husband that she sought out churches where the Cranmer Prayer Book was used for communion services and she had a rather ambivalent attitude to the English Department (English was my subject) whose choice of books and way of doing things were sometimes regarded as slightly ‘dubious’! Others will know more about Margaret’s family life. She was devoted to her father and her nieces, Clare and Rebecca, both of whom were students at the school and she shared a delightful, house and garden with Miss Eileen Harfield who taught music at Ashford. As a friend of mine, a contemporary of Margaret, said, ‘I loved Miss Young. She said what she really thought and you knew where you were with her.’ We have lost a good, honest, forthright colleague. She will be missed.
DIANA LEAVER (WIGGINS) Di sadly passed away on 19th March 2018, in William Harvey Hospital, after suffering from two heart attacks. Her death was a great shock to everyone, and she will be hugely missed.
ANN FINUCANE Ann Finucane was born on 13th March 1930 in Folkestone, Kent. Her mother, Jean MacDonald, was an Australian of Irish heritage married to Jean-Paul Valon. During the Second World War, her father sent the family to Australia by ship, via South Africa. This was a risky thing to do, having to pack a small bag each night in case they had to take to the life boats. In 1948, she was awarded a scholarship to read History at St Anne’s College, Oxford. This was a great achievement and she was the first member of her family to go to University. It was a male dominated world with lots of ex-soldiers coming back to finish their studies. She started a PhD but then won a national competition to work on ‘Vogue’ & ‘House and Garden’. She married Kevin Finucane, in 1959 and they had three children: Niall, Katherine, and Laura. She took up teaching at Ashford School teaching History and Religious Studies and later offering careers advice. She was proud to be head of Pilgrims House from 1976 for 16 years, taking an active part in all aspects. Latterly, she concentrated mainly upon her work as Careers Mistress, retiring in 1992. She made lifelong friendships with staff at the school. She was devoted to her pupils and kept in touch with many of them for years after they left Ashford. She was a brilliant historian, passionate about her subject with a desire to impart her enthusiasm and knowledge. She inspired many pupils, encouraging them to push boundaries and undoubtedly influenced and shaped many lives.
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DATES FOR YOUR
DIARIES SEPTEM
UN
19 BER 20
NOVEM
B A C K TO B Q B IVERSITY
PRESIDEN R O YA L A C T ’ S L U N C H E O N A D E M Y, LONDON S AT U R D A Y
BER 2019 M E T P E S F R I D AY 6 SCHOOL ASHFORD WARDS 18:30 ON DECEMBER
16 NOVE MBER 20 12:30 O 19 NWARDS MARC
2019
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGH T
ASA
INKS R D N O LOND
DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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T H U R S D AY 12 DECEMBE R 2019 ST MARY ’S CH URCH 19:00
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