Alumnae Newsletter Autumn | 2022

Beyond THE MANOR

Welcome to the Autumn 2022 edition of the Manor House School Alumnae newsletter.

Despite our Heritage Day Picnic and Garden Party not going ahead this term, pupils across the school have had plenty to enjoy, including the return of school trips and the usual calendar events in the lead up to Christmas.

We bring you news from a visit to the House of Commons as well as this year’s Prize Giving and Christmas Fayre.

Michaela Clarence, MHOG 2018, writes about her passion for art and costume and current parent Mr Jeff Schmidt shares a number of his beautiful hand drawn illustrations including one of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as his own personal story of courage and connection.

Looking towards the Summer Term, we will be hosting our inaugural Manor House “Wellfest”, a wellbeing festival for adults and families, with fitness classes, talks, product demonstrations, children’s activities, food, refreshments, a meditation tent and individual treatments, all to be enjoyed in the grounds of Manor House School. Tickets will go on sale in February 2023.

In the meantime, we wish everyone associated with Manor House School a joyful and restorative Christmas and New Year.

All news and contributions should be sent to Sophie Milton at smilton@manorhouseschool.org.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Media coverage included many personal stories from those who were fortunate to spend time with her. Many more of us followed her from afar and were equally struck by her quiet strength and her humanity. Jeff Schmidt, a Manor House School parent, shares his own reflection alongside his personal story. Jeff’s portrait of the Queen was created in September 2022.

AweInspiring

Awe is that feeling you get when confronted with something vast, something that transcends normality. It is so extraordinary that you struggle to fully understand it. In those moments the mind is stilled, losing its egocentric polarity, and replaced with a wholly humble heart. For a short while, everything pauses in perfect harmony, flawlessly balanced- your spirit, the world, time itself.

Queen Elizabeth undoubtedly inspired awe - in the pageantry and ceremony, in her opulent palaces and grand castles, and in her vast influence. But perhaps more poignantly was her ability to connect to us, regardless of stature or difference, through her humanity.

It was clear that she led a life of extraordinary influence and power. Yet, it was not welded with a corrosive fist of self-intoxicated grandeur but rather with the gentleness of a regal songbird. She would illuminate hope and goodness to those around her, even finding a way to infiltrate the hearts of her greatest critics. She was, most certainly, awe personified.

To ignore this extraordinary example of humanity, would be folly. Even more so when recovering from a health trauma, in my case, a heart attack. At the age of 46 I found myself staring eternity squarely in the face. I had returned home from work with my two girls. It had been a stressful day capped by a suitably heated, hard-hitting quarrel that left me trembling. I would not generally consider my life stressful, and yet I know that I run at a pretty highoctane pace. But that’s OK, because, despite warnings from others, I am, or believed I was, bulletproof. I wore my intensity like a shiny badge of honour.

On that evening, however, the engine said ‘no more’; you can’t drive even the most brilliantly engineered sports cars at 5000 RPM indefinitely. It took my mum, who spotted me bent over, clutching my chest, rubbing my arms on FaceTime and my daughter's subsequent fear-filled plea to get help for me to make the medical call. Reluctantly, in a haze of pain, I did make the call.

In minutes an ambulance was there. Pride masking the danger, I couldn’t help but feel that all this commotion was quite unnecessary. The seasoned paramedics quickly assessed my traumatised frame, blood pressure surging through my veins like a blocked firehose. They looked me straight in the eyes, piercing my vanity, and said, “We are taking you to hospital. Now.”

Being in hospital forced me to slow down and rest, my senses sharpened and my eyes opened to the subtleties of the world around me.

I began to see the world as a series of awe-inspiring miracles. My life had been so busy that I had previously missed them. Compelled by the fresh

Over the course of this Autumn Term, pupils and staff at Manor House School have the opportunity to reflect on Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary reign, including our special Assembly where Ms Fantham reflected on her contribution to British life during her 70 year reign.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II

insight, I began to document the journey. I was particularly aware of the sacrifices of those around me, to the delicacy of relationships and the depth to which connection transformed peoples’ worlds. I could see that when people had meaningful connections with another person, their lives were illuminated with the power of hope and goodness. It was awe inspiring; it was the very awe that Queen Elizabeth inspired. It is the same awe that we can inspire in others, if only we take the time to reach out and infiltrate the hearts around us.

Jeff Schmidt, 2022

Jeff Schmidt is a dad of two Manor House School girls and the Author/illustrator of bestselling book, HEART ATTACK- Finding hope, joy and inspiration through adversity. More information can be found at www.psliveinspired.com

MHOG Community Wall

Gabby James MHOG 2007

Our annual Prize Giving event took place on Thursday 13 October when Ms Fantham was thrilled to welcome back Gabriella James, former Manor House School pupil (2002-07), to award the prizes.

Gabby gave an inspiring speech sharing many of her memories and experiences at Manor House School and the influences that led her to a career as an ITN Producer. She is pictured below with Head Girl Olivia W and Deputy Head Girl Georgie A.

Clare van Dam, née Beckwith MHOG 1989

Thank you to Clare who spotted on a recent visit to Manor House School that the plaque which marked her father’s donation of the Beckwith Tennis courts in 1987 was now missing! The school was glad to commission a replacement which was installed over the summer break.

The courts remain in constant use with our weekly Tennis coaching as well as the odd Rugby throwing practice session and of course the annual staff vs Year 11 Netball match.

Peggy Shimwell, née Currie MHOG 1960

Peggy wrote to us following the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II: “I am very saddened by her death as she had been “my” Queen since I was 8.

I listened to her Coronation with my mum as we did not have TV in South Africa at that time. BUT I still have the radiogram that we tuned into the BBC on!! I only use it as a cabinet these day. God bless King Charles”.

Carole Koulikourdis, née Crawford MHOG 1961-69

Carole now lives in Greece and shared one of her beautiful poems with us and a few fond memories of the pool at Manor House School.

“

I remember racing, diving and taking all the proficiency and lifesaving badges. After leaving I did manage to save someone out at sea with cramp!”

MANOR HOUSE News

House of Commons Visit November 2022

In early November, members of the Manor House School choir visited the Houses of Parliament at the Rt. Hon Jeremy Hunt’s invitation, as a thank you for their performance at his mother’s funeral, the late Lady Meriel Hunt’s, last February. Meriel was a former pupil, governor and Tennis coach at Manor House School.

The Choir members enjoyed an extensive tour after which they met with Mr Hunt in a private room in the House of Commons. The girls had time to ask questions and each received a personal written note and a small gift, by way of thanks for their beautiful singing at the funeral.

Mr Hunt advised the girls to follow their passions, keep working hard in Maths and to put effort into the things they find hardest.

IT Suite Refurbishment with the help of the Friends of Manor House School

Over the summer holidays the IT Suite was refurbished with a new carpet and redecorated ready for the pupils to use at the start of this academic year.

The Friends of Manor House School were pleased to donate £14,500 towards twenty-two new PCs and £5,000 for five Mac Minis in the Music Room. A big thank you to them for their ongoing fundraising.

MANOR HOUSE News

Autumn Term 2022

SAVE THE DATE!

Manor House “Wellfest”

Saturday 1 July 2023

This Summer Term will see the launch of Manor House “Wellfest”, a wellbeing festival for adults and families.

The event will run from late morning to late afternoon and include

• fitness classes

• meditation tent

• food & refreshments

• cooking demos from local caterers

• children’s activities (for Prep and Senior school ages)

• entertainment

• treatments

• talks by wellbeing experts including nutrition and back health

• stalls

• running event

Tickets will go on sale from February2023.

Christmas Fayre 2022

The Manor House School Christmas Fayre welcomed back many of all the old favourites including mulled wine and raffle tickets in the entrance hall, the Mole Valley Silver Band in the conservatory and a mountain of Christmas hampers, expertly assembled this year by a team of Year 10 parents. Joyeux Noel!

MANOR HOUSE News

Autumn Term 2022

Show Jumping, National Championship Qualifiers, Felbridge

This September saw Manor House School compete for the first time in many years in the National Schools Equestrian Association thanks to Fleur S-M (Year 9) and Dave the horse (show name: Birtley Chesters Lad). Hopefully the first of many to follow.

London & South East Region Topper Autumn Series 2022

Congratulations to Leah M (Year 11) who won 1st Placed Girl for the London & South East Region Topper Autumn series 2022 and for London & South East Topper 2022 series.

This was a series of 13 open events with a total entry of over 150 competitors and 52 races.

Leah was 1st Girl in both and came 4th overall in both. (Boys and girls compete together in the Topper class).

Leah was also selected for the RYA London and South East training squad again this year, and has secured an offer of a place at Rockley College in Poole for 6th Form where she will also be able to continue her sailing instructor training.

A Busy Autumn Term of Music

The Music Department has continued with its series of regular smaller performances, where pupils can continue to build confidence in front of an audience.

The Term started with one of several recitals in All Saints Church, on 30 September, next door to School, all of which are open to Church visitors as well as parents. Early December saw no easing of the schedule with our Christingle Service with the Prep School children, the Nativity Play and the Carol service. All were enjoyed by the girls and their fans, including parent Jeff Schmidt who captured this scene at a Vocal Concert in EGH in November.

MHOG and the ARTS

Michaela Clarence MHOG 2018

Now a freelance Editor and Costume Director based in London. Michaela Clarence attended Manor House School between 2014 and 2018 followed by Godalming College for her A’ Levels. She is also currently studying for a BA in Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts.

Michaela’s Art practice is led by narrative, archival research and the power of nostalgia. She is currently Editor of her University College Magazine and Head of Costume at the Guildford Opera Company.

“

In preparation for my Honours Year at University in late Summer 2022, I wrote a number of letters to myself, about who I am and what I wanted to do. I often write these entries when I’m feeling lost, or preparing for a big decision. At school, it was how I decided the subjects I wanted to study and the type of person I wanted to be in my final years at college.

During this reflection, I could trace my current interests back to Manor House. One of my strongest memories was devouring the school archives during lunch breaks. I absolutely adored the aged photographs and the girls wearing my uniform, experiencing the same challenges of teenage girldom as I did. My love of the archive and research led me to the award of Library Prefect and Service to the School awards in my last year.

My appreciation for written narrative continues as I have been selected as Editor for my University Magazine, Sandbox, this academic year. Our College Writing Society has also recently been approached by Bloomsbury Publishing to contribute to an Illustrators Reader, set to be produced in late 2023. One of the best traditions at Manor House are the generational ties you receive in your final year, each passed down from one girl to the next. This year, I saw my little sister receive my old school tie with the same messy stitch marks I put in place five years previous. The ties are a comforting reminder of how many girls have gone before you and succeeded and that you will go on and do the same.

“

Our college Writing Society has also recently been approached by Bloomsbury Publishing to contribute to an Illustrators Reader, set to be produced in late 2023.

MHOG and the ARTS

Michaela Clarence MHOG 2018

As a visually led person, my favourite part of school was the uniform, that image of being a Manor House girl in your green and yellow stripes and the symbol of the Main House with its white facades and high windows. I was so committed to the vision I even wore a boater in my final year, standing six feet tall on the platform at Effingham train station gave me a sense of pride I have not forgotten.

My interest in clothes was founded on the lived understanding of the power of uniform and dressing up. I loved trips to Meadow Cottage on the school grounds, visiting the hordes of costumes - my 11 year old eyes saw the biggest dressing up cupboard in the world. With tulle petticoats and hats pilled up to the ceiling, I couldn’t believe someone could put so many beautiful things in one house! During my time at school I put on fashion shows, dressed my peers in a narrated succession of handmade garments and created installations on the front lawn, complete with cake, champagne and puppies. My friends and I still laugh about the eccentricity today!

Mrs. Williams continues to run the excellent Drama Department where the shows are always brilliant. I especially loved performing in ‘Billy Elliot’ with its wild choreography, designed by the brilliant Mr Edmeades, and where all the girls are able to excel in their own role, whether it be staging, lighting or performing. I was always eager to help when the Prep production came around and once set off the EGH fire alarm (with copious amounts of hairspray) mid performance!

“

I especially loved performing in ‘Billy Elliot’ with its wild choreography, designed by the brilliant Mr Edmeades, and where all the girls are able to excel in their own role...

MHOG and the ARTS

Michaela Clarence MHOG 2018

During the Summer of Year 9 I represented the UK as part of “International Theatretrain”, working with students from countries all around Europe, engaging in physical theatre and performance workshops in Poland and Germany. This direct experience greatly contributed to my recent unit at University on the expressive forms of art, analysing the work of Ana Mendieta and Marina Abramovic.

As part of my role as a Creative Arts Scholar in Years 10 and 11, I prepared workshops for the lower Key Stages, visiting the Prep school with boxes of fabric, ribbons and sparkly accoutrements.

Today, I enjoy coming into Manor House to assist with Theme Week, setting up displays and running workshops. Last year I helped the Year 10 girls complete their set design for “Annie”.

Many girls treasure their experience of House Arts, managing the House’s performances in Year 10, directing scenes, designing costumes, programmes and choreographing dances. Those experiences led me to my current post at the Guildford Opera Company as Head of Costume (for the past two years). I collaborate with a team of people to dress the performers for the biannual operas. Working with such a variety of talents all contributing to a bigger picture is an empowering feeling. Having younger students from local independent schools and colleges intern and experience the creative environment is also a wonderful experience and I am thrilled to help anyone who is interested in costume and design.

My art practice continued to develop throughout my time at Godalming College between 2018 and 2020 as I contributed to student exhibitions in Guildford, took on commissions and ran painting workshops. I am currently the Artist in residence at Ham Polo club this year where I am running a thematic program on Ways of Seeing, from the basics of drawing to understanding the conscious mind whilst painting.

I am now studying Illustration at the University of Arts London where I continue to explore my interest in narrative through drawing, costume or performance, all of which started with those Manor House school archives. I have also recently applied for a Master of Studies in Art and Design History at the Royal College of Art.

“

During the Summer of Year 9 I represented the UK as part of “International Theatretrain”, working with students from countries all around Europe, engaging in physical theatre and performance workshops in Poland and Germany.

From the Archives Manor House School Magazine 1998

A Trip to the Palace 25 March 1998

By Elizabeth Coleman, Natasha Obank and Polly Wilson

“

Due to the School’s association with the Queen Mary’s Clothing Guild, the Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl and Head Prefect are invited every year to attend the Annual General Meeting at St. James’s Palace. We are privileged to support the Queen Mary’s Clothing Guild which collects new items for the less fortunate. Accompanied by Mrs Coleman, we arrived at St. James’s Palace and the first thing that struck us was that the carpet and the walls were deep red. The attention to detail was amazing; gold leaf covered the ceiling, tapestries, swords and portraits covered the walls.

We went into a room where the meeting was to be held and took our seats. The Queen Mother arrived and everybody stood and curtseyed. She took her seat next to the speaker, Professor McVie, and the meeting began. Business matters were discussed before Professor Gordon McVie, Director General of Cancer Research Campaign, gave his thought-provoking speech. Then came the part of the afternoon to which we were most looking forward: TEA. As we entered the room we were greeted by the Queen Mother who shook hands with each of us. After meeting lots of interesting people we finally sat down to eat our sandwiches and the unbelievably delicious Royal chocolate cake. We decided that we could not leave without speaking to the Queen Mother. Therefore we devised a cunning plan. We went over to the corgies and stroked them. The Queen Mother saw us, told us their names and seemed rather concerned as to whether or not we had received some tea.

Soon after that, the Queen Mother decided to leave. We made a beeline for the exit so that she would get to speak to us again. We were the last people she spoke to and Professor McVie made a point of saying that one day he would come and speak at Manor House School.

We were left on our own in the room and had ham and mustard sandwiches, ice-cream and that chocolate cake thrust upon us!!

Feeling slightly ill, we hailed a taxi and returned to Manor House. An enjoyable day was had by all. “

Costumes from Queen Mary’s Charity Mufti