Holles Connect Spring 2024

Sustainability and Holles Connect

Holles Connect magazine is only mailed to alumnae who’ve requested it, or if we don’t have an email address for you. It is available to read in digital format, so if you would prefer an electronic version in the future, please email alumnae@lehs.org.uk and let us know your email.

This year we have moved to a new printer called Lavenham Press to increase sustainability. They hold ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Certification and are an FSC® accredited printer. Holles Connect is now printed on FSC® certified and carbon balanced paper, and the traditional paper envelope has been replaced with a compostable potato starch wrap which contains no harmful micro plastics. Printing and mailing are done from one site to reduce transportation waste and emissions.

Alumnae Advisory Group members

CHAIR Lisa Day (Director of Development and Communications)

SECRETARY Susanna Frayn (Alumnae Communications Officer)

MEMBERS Sue Barber (LEH 1973-1980)

Emily Formby (LEH 1975-1985)

Vivienne Hay (LEH 2003-2010)

Joanna Hubbard (LEH 1977-1987)

Gillian Keller (LEH 1963-1970)

Lizzi Michael (LEH 1997-2007)

Jane Ross (LEH 1957-1964)

Charlotte Surguy (LEH 1982-1986)

Trish White (LEH 1947-1955)

AAG meetings are held twice a year on Zoom. If you’d be interested in joining, please email alumnae@lehs.org.uk

WITH SPECIAL THANKS FROM HOLLES CONNECT EDITOR SUSANNA FRAYN

Putting together a magazine, is always a team effort. I’m very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this edition, especially our amazing alumnae Sarah Cragg, Elizabeth Day, Clea Fawcett and Sophie Platt. They have all generously shared their stories here. A huge thank you to our fantastic designer Jen Browne and to my MAD team colleagues for their kind proof-reading and general good cheer.

And finally, many thanks to alumna and Team GB gravel cyclist Maddy Nutt for agreeing to be on our cover. Photo credit: Ribble cycles/Jade Sellick.

CONTENTS PAGE

2 HEAD MISTRESS’ WELCOME

New Head Mistress Rowena Cole explains why kindness counts at LEH and beyond.

BEING KIND IN SCHOOL

4 OUR NUMBER ONE VALUE

Kindness reverberates around the corridors of LEH, says Deputy Head, Pastoral, Amanda Poyner.

6

BEING KIND WILL TAKE YOU FAR

One of the most valuable things we can do is help pupils unlock kindness says Head of the Junior School Paula Mortimer.

BEING KIND IN LIFE

10 KINDNESS IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Treating patients with compassion improves outcomes says junior doctor Clea Fawcett.

KINDNESS COUNTS ISSUE SPRING 2024

12 TAKE ACTION NOW

We need to unleash urgent optimism to solve the climate crisis says Sarah Cragg.

ALUMNAE NEWS

22 ALL SCREENS GREAT & SMALL

From big film blockbusters to viral videos, our alumnae are now in charge of some of the UK’s key content providers.

SCHOOL NEWS

25 DOOR TO YOUR FUTURE

The Careers Room has been promoted to a new location.

27 SIXTH FORM CENTRE UPGRADE

The new-look Common Room has been unveiled, reports L6 pupil Hattie.

TEACHER NEWS

28 A FOND FAREWELL

Mrs Angliss and Mrs Richards retire after 70 years at LEH between them.

FUNDRAISING NEWS

30 BALL IS BEE’S KNEES

The Great Big Bursary Ball was a roaring success.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

33 SCHOOL AND ALUMNAE EVENTS

Book your tickets now!

HOLLES HIGHLIGHTS

34 YESTERDAY ONCE MORE

BE BOLD GRANT

40 BEING BOLD TO BENEFIT OTHERS

Beneficiaries of our new Be Bold Grant announced.

OBITUARIES

42 The distinguished alumnae we have lost this year include broadcasting legend Annie Nightingale and beloved former director of sport Nicky Budd.

LAST WORD

46 BE YOURSELF

Dame Sara Cockerill, Class of 1986, gave a rousing speech at LEH’s Celebration of the Year.

Follow us on social media:

LEH Alumnae

@HollesConnect

Former pupils and teachers walked the LEH corridors once again at the Alumnae Reunion.

38 LEH AS IT WAS School plaque in Barbican appears in Harry Styles video.

Lady Eleanor Holles School

alumnae@lehs.org.uk

Cover image: Team GB gravel

cyclist Maddy Nutt. Photo credit: Ribble cycles/Jade Sellick.

Head Mistress’ Welcome

In her first introduction to Holles Connect magazine, LEH’s new Head Mistress Rowena Cole explains why the motto ‘If you can be anything in life, be kind’ has a special resonance for her.

“Kindness is probably my number one attribute in a human being – I’ll put it before courage, bravery, generosity, or anything else. Kindness is such a simple word but ‘to be kind’, in my mind, covers everything. If you’re kind, that’s it.

It has been suggested that humans’ ability to be compassionate and empathetic are two of the qualities that set us apart from other animals. In his book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Yuval Harari argues that it is our ability to imagine that allowed humans to become dominant animals in the world.

Our capacity for imagination has given us an ability to stand in the shoes of another human being, to understand that we all struggle and to know what

that feels like. And it is this which enables us to act in ways that support others, as it encourages us to be kind.

Think back to a time when someone was unkind to you – sometimes it is deliberate, sometimes not, but I want you to remember how it made you feel. I can clearly recall a few occasions and the impact it had on me: I felt down, I couldn’t concentrate, I didn’t want to go into a place where the person was, I didn’t feel especially safe.

Experiencing persistent unkindness can impact the brain. Individuals who report experiencing verbal abuse from their peers during middle school years can exhibit underdeveloped connections between the left and right sides of their brain, through the massive bundle of connecting fibres

called the corpus callosum. And aside from the neural impact, those feelings are not feelings anyone should have. It makes it difficult to learn, it impacts on overall happiness and reduces self-confidence.

These are all good reasons why we shouldn’t be unkind but should, instead, be kind – we’re not all going to be friends, but we can be considerate. Much as being unkind to someone can have a lasting impact, so can being kind. A fascinating feature of kindness is that it appears to be self-replicating, inspiring kindness in others.

Simply put, when we ourselves perform an act of kindness, this is likely to encourage others to act in a similar way. Being treated with kindness can have a lasting impact so let’s not

overlook the simplest of words. Let’s value this most important human trait and try to act with kindness towards one another.

I am therefore much heartened to discover our L6 Creative Directors’ thoughts on kindness and their experience of it at LEH. It’s no wonder that pupils voted it our number one value in school.

This emphasis on the importance of graciousness, compassion, and consideration at LEH, is wonderfully illustrated by our Head of Junior School, Paula Mortimer and her thoughts on kindness in younger years, and by Deputy Head, Amanda Poyner’s reflections on how we encourage pupils to be kind to themselves, as well as to each other.

Since joining LEH in September I’ve been really enjoying getting to know some of our alumnae. Our pupils are only with us for seven years or so, longer for those who start in the Junior School of course, but our alumnae are with us for the rest of their lives, and we must never underestimate the vital part past pupils continue to play in shaping the school we have today.

Their legacy is all around us in school. Just as we have helped shape them in some of their most formative years, so their presence, achievements and aspirations continue to influence and shape us all. Learning about their accomplishments inspires current students and uplifts teachers.

Having seen our alumnae celebrated across the school, peering out at me from the Alumnae Wall in the Gateway and gazing down from departmental noticeboards along corridors, I really enjoyed my first real-life encounters with some of them at the LEH Alumnae Reunion in October and the Carol Service in December.

And I am similarly up-lifted and energised to read here about four of our amazing alumnae, who have all displayed true LEH spirit, showing immense kindness, dedicating their lives to helping others, not because they expect anything in return, but because of who they are and the values they hold dear. We are made kind by being kind.”

To find out a bit more about Mrs Cole, please see the report about her interview with the Head Girl Team on page 24.

14 COMPASSIONATE CARE

Treating pets and their owners with kindness is crucial to Sophie Platt.

8

PUPILS CHERISH KINDNESS

L6 students explain why being kind is the number one value at LEH.

16 YOUR MIND MATTERS

Liz Day says talking openly can help make sense of the senseless.

Deputy Head, Pastoral, Amanda Poyner is the driving force behind LEH’s culture of kindness, allowing the benefits to not only be felt in the classroom but well beyond.

“Do you have a particular teacher you remember fondly from your time at LEH? Did they spark an interest in you which was previously undiscovered? Maybe they really brought their subject to life for you, or perhaps they set you on the journey you’re still following today. Whatever the reason, I hope that you also remember this teacher because you found their approach to be one of kindness.

Research has caught up with what all of us probably knew instinctively at school: kindness matters in teaching.

Kindness Reverberates Around Our Corridors

And by kindness I don’t mean the teacher who lets you chat through a double period of their subject, or the teacher who regularly forgets to give homework! Teachers can be experts in their field and be inspiring and enthusiastic in the classroom, but unless they are kind, consistent and fair, we know our pupils will not flourish in the way we wish them to.

Kindness is our Number One Value

Recently our Head Girl team decided to rewrite the LEH values that shape our community and help guide our decision making. Through consultation with pupils and staff they settled on 10 values that the pupil body felt encapsulated the ethos we want to embed at LEH. Interestingly, the first value they list is kindness, highlighting our pupils’ desire to be kind and inclusive to all our community, both

within LEH and in the wider society. Such a value encourages us all to engage in small acts of kindness, to consider the ripple effect kindness can have, how it can be contagious, and encourage others to join in on generous deeds. Holding doors open for others, waiting for a friend to go to lunch, and helping pack up at the end of a lesson are all small acts, but ones that can boost our sense of belonging, happiness, and optimism.

Kindness Beyond the Classroom

Having a culture of kindness in school helps embed a set of values and beliefs that stay with you for life. Many of our pupils show kindness in the activities they choose to get involved in beyond the classroom, and demand for these activities has never been stronger. Pupils show huge enthusiasm and creativity when raising money for charity, volunteering in the local community or taking part in our Service Volunteer programme.

For example, the tea parties we hold for residents of local care homes are increasingly popular with pupils. Children of all ages are keen to volunteer their time to entertain, talk to and listen to our local senior citizens. The warm atmosphere, joy and smiles at the two most recent events were a clear demonstration that kindness aids wellbeing, as well as highlighting the benefits of inter-generational relationships.

Kindness Starts with You

Encouraging our pupils to show kindness to themselves can be a challenge, after all we do tend to be our own harshest critics, particularly when we’re teenagers. Discovering the activities and strategies that contribute to our own wellbeing and help us to be kind to ourselves, is something

that we want all our pupils to develop throughout their time with us.

We use form times, assemblies, Life Advice, and mindfulness training to constantly reinforce this message. Our annual Wellbeing Day offers many opportunities to find the activity that works for you. Most recently, the addition of a Wellbeing Room has given pupils the opportunity to find a few moments of peace and quiet during their busy, jam-packed days; it really is an oasis of calm.

as it ever was. For my part, I have a maths teacher from my school days who I remember for the kindness and encouragement she showed me, which set me on a varied career path leading eventually to maths teaching and LEH, for which I am truly grateful.”

KINDNESS AND CRUELTY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Unless teachers are kind, consistent and fair, we know our pupils will not flourish in the way we wish them to.

The advent of social media has undoubtedly changed the way we communicate and has become an important part of our pupils’ daily lives. In some ways it’s made the ability to show a random act of kindness easier; think about how many likes you can post in just a few minutes, and how it feels when one of your posts receives multiple likes.

But as adults we know this feeling is fleeting and can be obsessive, affecting mood, confidence, and our sense of self. Moreover, we know that online abuse can have a severe impact on pupil mental health.

I hope that you’ll be pleased to read that kindness reverberates around the corridors of LEH and that both pupils and staff feel it is as important now

At LEH, our Life Advice programme is designed to address these issues and aims to help our pupils foster a positive culture of kindness through their use of social media. Our Sixth Form Cyber Leaders and digital representatives work hard to educate their peers, harnessing the benefits of social media while highlighting its downsides.

A recent digital wellbeing student survey carried out for the Head Masters’ and Head Mistresses’ Conference, which included responses from our own pupils, showed that 54% of students agreed that: “I wouldn’t mind if social media had never been invented”. This compares to 48% in 2022. So it’s evident that supporting our pupils remains crucial, and this is before the recent advances in AI are factored in.

Service Volunteer Christmas party.

Be Kind to Others and Be Kind to Yourself

Paula Mortimer, Head of LEH Junior School, explains why kindness has been chosen as one of the school values that aim to inspire and guide our pupils.

“I believe that kindness is one of the most important things a child can be. Academic results, sporting success and creative ability are all valuable and worthwhile, but being a kind person will take you a long way in life.

Kindness can be defined as empathy, compassion and being friendly. If you are kind, it helps develop generosity and leads to greater understanding and tolerance of those around us. It increases our collaboration skills, helps us form deeper connections and promotes mental wellbeing.

Being Considerate

One of its strengths is that kindness is universal and exists inside all of us. As a school, it’s our job to help pupils to unlock it. If our girls can develop a sense of empathy, and an understanding of when and how to help others, it will stand them in good stead at the Senior School and beyond.

Kindness is one of our school values and really does run throughout life here. We strive to provide a nurturing environment where teachers model being kind to others. I’m so proud that our most recent ISI inspection noted: “An ethos of kindness and social awareness percolates throughout the school.”

OUR SCHOOL VALUES

If a teacher spots a pupil being kind in class, they give them a kindness sticker which they love to wear with great pride. It’s good to recognise it in the moment, for teachers to say: “I noticed that you were really kind when you did that”. It helps raise a child’s sense of self-esteem. They think: “It makes me feel good about myself and tomorrow I will look for other opportunities to do something similar”.

Small Acts of Kindness

We always say that kindness is about more than being nice; it’s about doing something extra that makes someone feel better or their job easier. It’s something that needs to be practised. Kindness isn’t necessarily in grand gestures, but in those day-in, day-out interactions.

in our brain which gives us a feeling of elevation and lifts our mood – it’s sometimes referred to as ‘Helper’s High’. Acts of kindness are often accompanied by a feeling of emotional warmth which in turn produces the hormone oxytocin in your body.

Kindness is contagious – the more random acts we see, the more it filters into our mindset.

Kindness is contagious – the more random acts we see, the more it filters into our mindset. Our girls are really engaged in all the charity fundraising we do – whether that’s foodbank harvest collections, sponsored swims, or baking cakes for a sale – they love to give back.

It often inspires them to do something outside school too. They bring in photos of them visiting elderly neighbours or selling their toys to raise money. It spills out into the wider community, and we want them to have the confidence to do that.

Practising SelfCompassion

pupils reflect on their behaviour and give them strategies to be kinder to themselves.

We want all our pupils to understand the powerful effect kindness can have on themselves, on others and on the world. It’s so important for each of us to choose kindness at every opportunity.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Studies have shown the powerful ripple effect of kindness and have calculated that when you are kind to one person, that one act of kindness will positively affect up to 125 people!

It can be as small as noticing someone standing alone in the playground and going over to invite them to join in, or lending a pencil to a friend in class. We encourage students to realise that the little choices they make every day have the power to change other people’s lives, plus they can improve their own physical and mental health at the same time.

Research has shown that kindness improves our physical and mental health – whether we’re giving it, receiving it or even just witnessing it. When we experience kindness, a hormone called dopamine is released

Girls can be hard on themselves at times, whether it’s feeling disappointed about a piece of academic work, or maybe not winning a competition. To help them build resilience we remind them that they’ve got to be kind to themselves. We give them the skills to think: “I didn’t do as well this time, but that doesn’t mean I’m not good, maybe I just need more practise.”

If something goes wrong in a friendship we talk about it, there might be lots of reasons and we explore emotions. It’s OK to make a mistake and be sorry, it’s only human. We try to help

Kindness can boost your energy levels. Studies showed participants felt stronger and more energetic after helping others.

Kindness can also reduce stress, according to a report which found that perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) in their body.

Kindness is like weight training for the brain, people who practise it regularly can build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to the suffering of others with more care and a greater desire to help.

Being Kind, Polite, Helpful and Considerate

Last year, pupils rewrote our school values to set out the ethos they want to live by at LEH. They put kindness at the very top of the list. Our L6 Creative Directors explain what it means to them, and why it ranks so highly.

HATTIE

LARA

In school, where academic validation often takes the spotlight, we must remember that our community is shaped by compassionate interactions. Another girl once told me I had a beautiful laugh, and I often think about that moment of kindness. It was almost a throw away comment, yet it made me feel kinder to both others and myself. In my year group, and throughout school, there are people who give compliments freely and without limit. I think of them as everyday angels who spread smiles and happiness, and we would be lost without them!

Simply witnessing an act of kindness can trigger the production of the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin. It helps us to form social bonds and trust other people, making us friendlier and more generous. Random acts of kindness have also been linked to the release of dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for feelings of euphoria and serotonin, a neurotransmitter that fosters emotional wellbeing. This cocktail of brain chemicals elevates mood, and being in a good mood increases kindness. This positive feedback loop creates a cycle of wellbeing. So, cultivating a habit of kindness really is the gift that just keeps giving!

LILY-MAE

The impact of compassion and care goes well beyond a simple smile of thanks: it can be a big and grand gesture of gratitude or even a simple compliment to a stranger - it truly can make someone’s day, week, or life! As a society, we have a tendency to be consumed and confined by our rigid routines and unfulfilling expectations, not taking time to appreciate those around us. But it’s important to treasure and nurture one another, as we never know what challenges someone may be battling. Kindness shines a beacon of hope on the compassion, community, and comfort that society needs.

JAYA

‘Confidence is key’ is a phrase which is often said to students my age, and the students at LEH certainly seem to have that in spades. But confidence can only flourish with kindness. LEH champions kindness throughout the school community with a buddy system, volunteering programmes, peer mentoring schemes and more, and this kindness extends beyond these initiatives and into the atmosphere of the school itself. The strong sense of community that this creates is something that helps us through moments of adversity, allowing students to excel in an environment which is, at its core, welcoming, positive, and kind.

LIYANA

In the hallways of LEH, I strive to embody kindness through simple yet impactful gestures. Whether it’s offering a friendly smile to a classmate, lending a helping hand during group projects, or actively listening to the concerns of others, kindness becomes a tangible expression of empathy and solidarity. In addition to encouraging academic excellence, LEH also stresses the importance of fostering a positive self-image by practising selfcompassion. By acknowledging our own needs and embracing self-kindness, we cultivate the resilience necessary to navigate life’s complexities.

SONYA

Kindness to me is truly caring about those around us and trying to do the right thing. This may not always be easy to do, but it’s important to be kind to yourself and others to foster a positive environment with a happy and healthy atmosphere. You never know who could be going through a difficult time and just a small act of kindness, such as a compliment or a simple action, could mean a lot.

MADDIE

Kindness is a value that should be held at the very core of our words and actions. Most of us will approach life with kindness, participating in small and large acts of kindness day to day. From holding the door open to complimenting someone’s hair, it’s these small acts that provide a positive impact on someone. But sometimes we forget to be kind to the person who matters the most; ourselves. Personally, I think it is hard to be kind to yourself. We expect so much, do so much and are so influenced by the success of others that sometimes it’s hard to remember what you’re doing is enough. Be kind to yourself.

Tackling Life’s Challenges Head On

From the Covid frontline to the junior doctor picket line,

it’s

been a rollercoaster few years since Clea Fawcett, Class of 2013, qualified as a doctor just before the pandemic hit.

“It’s been quite full on at times, I’m not going to lie!” laughs the upbeat and warm-hearted Clea, who works in Emergency Medicine at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon. “Medical school only prepares you so much for life working as a doctor, there is plenty more learning on the job, and it’s been a real challenge, albeit a very rewarding one. The pandemic came and threw an absolute curveball – no one would have thought that just a few months into our first job we would be facing a worldwide crisis.”

Clea is thoughtful and buoyant in her answers, despite a spate of working nights, which she describes as “feeling like you have jet lag”. She recharges her batteries by playing second row for Bath Rugby Ladies where she is currently Captain of the squad. The team is having a strong season in the Women’s Championships. “It takes up all my spare time,” she says, “but it’s a good outlet after a stressful day at work, and the support of team mates and coaches is second to none.”

Finding Her Vocation

After leaving LEH 10 years ago, Clea took a gap year to work the ski season and then studied medicine at Bristol University. Her first job was in Yeovil District Hospital doing her initial three-year training as a junior doctor. She moved to Great Western Hospital last summer and hopes to become a consultant in Emergency Medicine in due course.

“I really enjoyed Emergency Medicine, even from the first rotation,” says Clea. “I really loved that every day is different, each patient comes with a different medical or surgical presentation, and you never know what’s going to come through the door next. You need to start at the

beginning and try to work out what’s going on.”

She had only been working for eight months before Covid hit and, like all medical professionals, was thrown in at the deep end: “It wasn’t until the second winter that it really took its toll.” Clea picks her words carefully: “It was quite difficult – I was still such a junior doctor and there was so much to navigate and learn. Usually, you turn to a senior member of the team for advice, but this was a new situation for them too. We were all learning on the job. It was hard to keep the morale up at times. The good times were really good – when we managed to get people through who had been really sick – that was very rewarding, but it did feel at times that there were things we couldn’t do, and that was really tough.”

The best thing you can do when a patient has been waiting for 10-12 hours, is to be as kind as you possibly can be.

Clap for Carers helped keep spirts up. “The first time it happened I was in tears! You could hear it echoing down the high street and people were out on their balconies, it was amazing, and it meant so much.”

Interesting Times at the NHS

But since the pandemic, the pressures have continued to mount, leading to what Clea in her typically positive fashion describes as “interesting times at the NHS”! The cost-ofliving crisis, combined with burnout, increasing workloads and a well below inflation pay offer, led to months of industrial action.

“I could talk about the industrial action for ages!” says Clea. “I fully support it. I love my job so much and I’d never do anything else, but it has been a really challenging time. I have colleagues who’ve been here longer and who don’t feel valued, despite the contribution we’ve made to society.”

Kindness informs the way that Clea approaches her work: “I treat every patient with the same respect, and the best thing you can do when a patient has been waiting for 10-12 hours to see you, is to be as kind as you possibly

The pandemic came and threw an absolute curveball.

can be. Sometimes they’re worried about wasting your time, but we’d so much rather that they come and see us than ignore a problem. I make sure everyone feels respected. That’s my style. Even in the middle of a night shift and its busy and I’m shattered, I know that your attitude to your patient can make such a difference to the course of a disease and how they feel when they leave.”

What Does the Future Hold?

Clea admits the future can sometimes seem daunting: “What I’ve signed myself up for is years and years of lates, nights and weekends. I hope I

will be able to do that, but that’s why it’s so important that I pick the right speciality. If I don’t enjoy it, I won’t feel the passion to carry me through. But I’m absolutely committed to A&E. There’s a certain type of personality that is attracted to working here. They’re a good group of people and everyone is very much a team player, so there’s a great sense of camaraderie.

“I really like the pressure of someone being unwell and having to act quickly to help them. They arrive in an ambulance usually in a pretty bad way, you do your ABC assessment, go through the medical procedures, and then you treat what you find at the time and it’s fun.

“It is a really rewarding career; when things go badly, that’s scary, but when they go right it’s so amazing and fulfilling. Patients are always so grateful and you can’t beat that feeling, you really can’t.”

URGENCY + OPTIMISM = ACTION

“Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s ‘Moonshot’ challenge in 1962 to land a man on the moon within a decade, the Earthshot Prize was launched by Prince William in 2020. With a similarly challenging task, we aim to search for and scale the most innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. We want to unleash the urgent optimism required to encourage action to accelerate and scale the environmental innovations that will repair and regenerate our planet.

If you saw our third annual Earthshot Awards in Singapore last November, you will know that these Awards

Sarah Cragg, Class of 2002, who is Head of Asia Pacific for The Earthshot Prize, has always been motivated by a desire to have a positive impact on the world. She believes we can all play our part in saving the planet, if we act now.

are our ‘World Cup’ moment, when we use our star power to celebrate and spotlight the incredible eco-innovations that have the best chance of helping the world achieve our Earthshots.

Our Mission

The five Earthshots are simple but ambitious goals for 2030, developed in collaboration with leading environmental experts. They focus on five areas: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix our Climate.

Focus on the one thing you can do to have the biggest impact.

The five Winners are awarded £1 million each to scale their solutions, with all 15 finalists receiving support from our partners, whether this is connecting them to capital, networks or advice.

My job, as Head of Asia Pacific, is leading the work in this vital region, which is key as we tackle the environmental crisis. Firstly, the impacts of climate change are already being felt in Asia Pacific, with many communities vulnerable to extreme weather, rising sea levels, and other climate challenges, putting the livelihoods, health, and wellbeing of millions of people at risk.

Secondly, Asia is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for around half of the world’s total emissions. With some of the fastestgrowing economies and populations, taking climate action in Asia is fundamental, not just to the people in Asia, but across the world.

How I Got Here

I took an interesting journey to reach this role. I studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics, then converted to law and qualified as an anti-trust lawyer at one of the world’s top law firms. After a few years I left the law and made the move into the sustainability world working in global corporates, such as Ben & Jerry’s and Lifebuoy soap, and NGOs, such as Virgin Unite and Conservation International. While these roles and organisations vary

greatly, there has been a key theme and that is to have a positive impact on the world around me.

We Need to Act Now

I understand why many people are facing high levels of climate anxiety.

How I have been able to do that has changed over time, but there is no current better use of my skills and time today than doing my part to fight the environmental crisis. I’ve had to take some big leaps, particularly when it came to leaving a successful and lucrative legal career, but I believe that LEH helped me to have confidence in my own convictions and abilities and to know that, with continued perseverance and hard work, I could create a successful career in an area where I can also have the biggest impact.

Change is not yet happening fast enough or at the scale we need, and I understand why many people, young and old, are facing high levels of climate anxiety. I’m sure you all as individuals, families and a school community are thinking about how you reduce your environmental impact and go beyond this to have a positive impact. With the scale of the problem and the mass of information about what we all should and shouldn’t be doing, it can be overwhelming.

However, be kind to yourself and each other, and focus on the one thing you can do to have the biggest impact. Perhaps that is walking to school or work, upcycling your clothes rather than buying new, focussing on a career in sustainability, or creating a new solution and being a future Earthshot Prize Winner. Whatever it may be, just make sure you are taking action.

Despite all the challenges, I am an optimist and with everyone taking action and supporting our incredible finalists we can move towards an era of regeneration and a healthy planet.”

You can watch the Earthshot Prize Awards, as well as inspiring content about the finalists on The Earthshot Prize YouTube Channel @EarthshotPrize

We Are Made Kind by Being Kind

Since becoming a vet Sophie Platt (Cotton), Class of 2002, has discovered it’s not what you do, but the way you do it that really matters – and she has a stack of grateful ‘thank you’ cards to prove it.

“I spent half my childhood on the back of a horse and the other half fantasising about it, but I parked the dream of being a vet at just that – a dream. A lack of confidence when making my A level subject choices meant that an application to vet school didn’t seem possible, so after finishing LEH with excellent grades and overwhelmed with options and indecision, I bought myself some thinking time by taking a gap year. And then another.

Looking back, these gap years were pivotal for me – I saw the world, I worked hard, I played hard, and my confidence grew hugely. I met people who have become friends for life (including my now husband!) and had time to consider what I really wanted in life. I really did want to be a vet. With newfound determination, I started a BSc in Animal Science at Nottingham University, and from there applied to Vet School. By now aged 23, I remember strangely enjoying the interviews, whereas five years previously I would have been consumed with fear in the same situation. I accepted a place at Bristol University and qualified as a vet in 2012 - one of the proudest moments of my life.

Finding My Vocation

At Vet School I was convinced that equine practice was my calling. My first job was in mixed practice (seeing a mixture of small animals, equine and farm animals) but the reality of equine work was sadly disappointing. A moment of clarity washed over me while standing in a muddy field at 3am, fingers numb with cold, trying to inject a colicking horse who was intent on kicking me. Hats off to equine and farm vets – it’s a tough gig. Needless to say, small animal practice was the way forward for me and I have spent the last 11 years tucked up in the warmth of a vet clinic, cuddling puppies and drinking tea. Well, almost.

The variety of the job is one of its biggest plus points; from the pleasure of seeing a beaming family with their new kitten for its first vaccination, to the adrenaline rush of performing an emergency caesarean and everything in between, no two days are the same. However, there are difficult times too – chaotic days, tough decisions, financial restrictions on treatment options, and ethical dilemmas. These situations all need honed ‘soft’ skills to deal with well; professionalism, time-management, resilience, communication, and kindness. Arguably more important than anything fancy you can do with a scalpel.

is never hard, usually free, and always appreciated.

Giving Back

My career has evolved over the years as I have learnt my enjoyment doesn’t just come from the clinical work. I love building relationships and communicating with people. I now act as an advisor to newly graduated vets, supporting them through those tough first years, and have volunteered for the charity StreetVet, who provide veterinary care for pets in the homeless community. More recently, I have started to dabble in some medical writing too.

Being kind is never hard, usually free, and always appreciated.

It’s no secret that feeling valued and appreciated in life gives you satisfaction and the motivation to keep doing something. To stay mindful of this, I made a point from my first day in practice to keep every ‘thank-you’ card a client has ever given me. Writing this article has been a great reflective process, as I’ve gone back through all those cards.

In a profession where we are often dealing with high emotions and stressful situations, it’s worth remembering how a small act of kindness (a gentle hand during a euthanasia, or just five minutes extra to explain something better) can make a real difference to someone’s experience of a situation. Being kind

Rarely have I had cards for big heroic surgeries. What I actually did doesn’t seem to be the point, it’s the way it was done that matters. Sometimes it’s helping people navigate a tricky diagnosis, or maybe putting their beloved pet to sleep. Regardless, the cards often read ‘thank you for the kindness you showed when…’. It’s the kindness people are most thankful for, not the action.“

An Expert by Experience

Psychotherapist Dr Liz Day (Sykes), Class of 1968, has dedicated her career to helping others fulfil their potential, drawing on her own experiences to encourage insight and understanding.

“After leaving LEH I applied to Chelsea Art School to do painting. It was very competitive, and it was mostly men who got in, so being successful in my application was a bit of a surprise. It was the Sixties, punk rock was just beginning and Seditionaries, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren’s famous shop, was down the King’s Road at World’s End. I once bumped into John Lennon and Yoko Ono in a boutique – he was incredibly rude to the sales assistant.

I’m not sure that Chelsea was a very kind place. People were wrapped up in their art and “crits” didn’t yet exist. Students were very much left on their own. A lot of famous artists taught at Chelsea but often spent most of their time in the wine bar across the road. I once famously saw John Hoyland RA leaning against the wall by the lift and slowly collapsing onto the floor. I think we just thought that’s what artists did. I remember being shown kindness by

Norman Blamey RA, Patrick Caulfield RA and Ken Kiff RA. They spoke to students and showed an interest in our work.

Helping Others

After a short stint teaching Art at Queen’s College, my career branched into a variety of jobs, all of which have been about working with, and helping people. Working in a children’s home; running a women’s bail hostel; working in a children’s social work team; developing HIV services; running groups for people with HIV; training various groups (social workers, care staff, managers, paramedics) in HIV and infection control; running therapeutic groups for children affected by HIV; managing a hospital social work team; managing a community team; working as a family therapist in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services); running an international zoom support

group for lesbians whose partners have died, teaching family therapy; and teaching family therapists to become supervisors.

Talking openly about what is happening can help make sense of what feels senseless.

I now supervise nine doctoral students. I have my own private therapy practice and run a family therapy clinic on Sundays. I am director of a publishing tent which specialises in books on

systemic therapy and publishes an open-access academic journal (www. murmurations.cloud) of which I am one of the founding editors. I did the artwork for the journal. I have a particular interest in neurodiversity and have just done the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) training.

What am I Most Proud of?

Firstly, I am one of the co-authors of the Non-violent Resistance Therapeutic Groupwork programme for parents whose children are violent, out of control, or self-destructive. The programme is about reducing escalation and violence, restoring kindness through reconciliation gestures and rebuilding relationships.

Secondly, I am involved in the ACCESSCare Project based at King’s College London as an Expert by Experience. The project undertakes research to improve care for LGBT+ people facing serious or advanced

illness or bereavement and we have been short-listed for a King’s Engagement in Research Award.

Thirdly, I am an expert by experience for several reasons. My work in HIV was often about grief and bereavement. I wrote guidelines for schools on managing bereavement and provided training for teachers to help them understand loss and grief. We identified a need for support for African children affected by HIV and Roya Dooman (Drama Therapist) and I developed a group work programme which we called the Circle of Life. HIV was a tremendous stigma among the communities we worked with, so we had to devise an intervention, which helped the children speak about and process their experiences without mentioning HIV. Many of the children had lost both parents and many relatives. This context of multiple bereavement was significant for the gay men I worked with too. One week I went to three funerals.

Then this became a personal issue. I am a lesbian. My wife of 35 years died of cancer in 2020 in the middle of the first lockdown. Gaby was diagnosed in 2013. Two years later she had a recurrence and then we knew she was going to die but had no idea when that might happen. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. Gaby and I wrote a paper together called Living with Dying and Bereavement because we believed that it was important to help people talk about death and cancer as a part of life. We wanted to show that talking openly about what is happening can help make sense of what feels senseless and enable people to find a way of going on. This paper is intended to be a gift to those who might be struggling to find words.

I remain an artist and make books about grief. This enables me to externalise my experiences and communicate them in a visual and textual way.”

We’re Wheelie Proud

Great Britain has another cycling superstar in the making, and it’s our very own Maddy Nutt, Class of 2016, who competed for Team GB in the elite Gravel World Championships last year.

It was a podium packed 2023 season for Maddy, who is featured on our cover. She finished third in the Elite women’s event for the Gravel Earth series of international races, which took her from the lava fields of Iceland to the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. Her sponsors, UK bike manufacturer Ribble, even customised a new bike for her to take part in the world championship race.

The image of her enjoying a post-race ice cream in Treviso went viral. “All I was dreaming about to get me over that finish line, was an authentic pistachio gelato,” says Maddy. “It really was my drive to the line. So, at that moment I was just reflecting on my season and its culmination. I was pretty broken both mentally and physically.”

Maddy is rapidly building a name for herself in gravel riding, which is an increasingly popular form of cycling, combining road and mountain biking and is mostly distance riding over unpaved roads. She found that the consistent prolonged efforts of gravel racing better suited her racing style.

She left her job at Goldman Sachs at the end of 2021, to turn professional

and step up training a notch. She was featured on the front cover of Bike magazine last summer and is attracting a growing following on her socials and YouTube channel.

“I can’t wait for another year of racing and adventure,” says Maddy, who has signed with Ribble Cycles for another 12 months. “2024 is set to be like 2023 but a little more crazy (if that’s even possible). More continents to add to the collection as well as my first ever ultra race maybe fatigue will hit me then!” Maddy’s first event of the year was Down Under, where she had a close encounter with a kangaroo while preparing for her event in Adelaide, where she placed 15th!

Photo credits: @ribble_cycles / @jade.sellick

Leading the Way on Skin Diversity

Fourth-year medical student Natasha Syed, Class of 2019, hit the headlines in October with her pioneering work on dermatology in skin of colour.

Julia Armfield wins Polari Prize 2023

Best-selling author Julia Armfield, Class of 2008, was named winner of the prestigious Polari Prize 2023, for her “poetic and thrilling” debut novel Our Wives Under the Sea.

The Polari Prize celebrates LGBTQ+ stories that entertain, enrich, and inspire, and is the only dedicated LGBTQ+ book prize in the UK.

Our Wives Under the Sea is a genre-bending exploration of the depths of love and grief at the heart

Natasha is the Project Lead for Melanin Matters, which aims to create new educational resources to raise awareness that skin conditions can look different according to skin tone, which is something often missing in medical textbooks.

The Exeter-based student told BBC News Spotlight: “We’re

currently developing a website which strives to improve awareness and understanding of healthcare inequalities experienced by minority ethnic groups.”

of a marriage. The judges described it as “a heart turner as much as a page turner.”

Her second novel, Private Rites follows three sisters navigating queer love and faith at the end of the world and will be published by Fourth Estate in June.

LEH BFFs* 4EVER!

They appear to have nothing in common, yet Sophie Ellis and Melissa Layton, Class of 2009, have been best mates since LEH days. Their hilarious new podcast is called Why the Hell Are We Friends?

Melissa (aka Muj) is a spiritual guru who loves nothing more than running healing workshops and staring at the stars. Whereas Sophie is a staunch non-believer and can be found regularly staring at Muj blankly when she talks about crystals and spirits.

The pair say: “LEH will always have a special place in our hearts for being the place our friendship was born. Over the years, life has taken us in very different directions, but our friendship

has always remained strong, and it has been amazing being able to share our different worlds with each other on the podcast.”

The podcast is available on your usual platform, or here www.podfollow.com/

why-the-hell-are-we-friends. You can also follow them on Instagram: @whythehellarewefriends.

* BFF = Best Friends Forever

Melanie Ivarsson Collects OBE

Dr Melanie Ivarsson, Class of 1990, received her OBE last year from King Charles, at one of his first investiture ceremonies since becoming King.

Melanie, who is Chief Development Officer at Moderna, was named in the New Year Honours List 2022 for services to public health during COVID-19, after her team pioneered one of the very first COVID vaccines.

She said: “We now have a global health programme committed to tackling the 15 biggest health threats by 2025. That involves developing vaccines against diseases such as malaria and Ebola.”

LEH Really is for Life

Nonagenarian Stella Stephens, Class of 1949, who has kept in touch with her LEH friends for over 70 years, has issued a challenge to other former pupils:

She says: “Have any of our fellow alumnae been friends for longer than us?” We’d love to hear from you and see your pictures.”

Stella adds: “There’s such a strong bond between us as we’ve been there for each other through all the major life events, supporting one another through illness or difficult times. And we still reminisce about our school days – all the sad and funny things we’ve shared. Once you’re an LEH girl, you’re always an LEH girl!”

If you can beat their lifelong friendship, please get in touch: alumnae@lehs.org.uk .

Please keep us updated on all your career moves and news. Why not tag us on your LinkedIn Posts? We love hearing how you’re getting on: alumnae@lehs.org.uk

Lydia Beaton Appointed COO at Race Against Dementia

Last year Lydia Beaton, Class of 2004, joined Race Against Dementia as Chief Operating Officer, following her role as Global Head of the James Dyson Foundation.

The charity raises and allocates funds for ground-breaking global research into new treatments and innovative preventions that will beat dementia.

Lydia says: “It is absolutely critical more is done to tackle this horrible disease. I hope I can apply the innovative mindset and engineering knowledge I have gained at Dyson to help dementia researchers find a breakthrough quicker.”

Annette Golding (Scovell) Class of 1950, is the fourth on the right.

L to R: Janet Lawrence (Gill-Hooton) Class of 1954, Stella Stephens (Buttress) Class of 1949, Rosemary Burdett (Abbott) Class of 1950, Ann Reynolds (Shipley) Class of 1949, Eileen Phelps (Struckman) Class of 1955 and Janet Cody (Squire) Class of 1949.

Jay Hunt Heads up BFI

The Secretary of State has appointed Jay Hunt, Class of 1985, as Chair of the British Film Institute for a four-year tenure, starting in February 2024.

Jay Hunt OBE is the Creative Director for Apple TV+ in Europe and is the only person to have run three terrestrial broadcast channels. Before joining Apple, she was Chief Creative Officer at Channel 4, and has also been Controller of BBC One and Director of Programmes at Channel 5. Her commissions include global hits Bad Sisters, Luther, Sherlock, Derry Girls and Gogglebox.

Jay Hunt said: “I’m passionate about the quality and range of film and TV we produce in the UK and look forward to championing it on the world stage.”

Mary Geraghty Launches Legal Practice

Mary Geraghty, Class of 1991, has set up her own thriving legal practice after stepping down as General Counsel at Starbucks, UK.

She has spent the last 20 years in-house working as a General Counsel with brands including Top Shop, Harrods, Kurt Geiger and Fulham FC.

Mary says: “My strengths lie in building long-term relationships with consumer-facing businesses. I enjoy working alongside a CEO, leadership team, or a General Counsel in need of an extra pair of experienced hands, on a one-off project or ongoing basis.”

Alison Lomax Heads Up YouTube UK

Alison Lomax, Class of 1991, is now Managing Director of video platform YouTube across the UK and Ireland.

In addition to liaising with Government and Policy makers to ensure YouTube continues to improve its online safety efforts, she is responsible for forging and maintaining partnerships with world leading creators, producers, partners and broadcasters.

Alison says: “This role is the culmination of all my passion points across creativity, diversity, and politics and 25 plus years of experience in media. And one which has now given me an inkling of credibility from my teenagers!”

Meet the New Head Mistress

Rowena Cole became the 28th Head Mistress in the 300-year history of LEH School when she took up her new role in September.

Just before joining, Rowena boldly put herself in the hot seat by agreeing to be interviewed on camera by the Head Girl team for a video shared with the whole school community before her arrival.

In it she reveals what she was like as a pupil herself, what her advice is to new pupils joining LEH, and what her superpower would be (teleportation!). Mrs Cole also divulged which books are currently on her bedside table and what she likes to sing along to in the car.

The Biology teacher, who currently has two dogs (a black Labrador and a Siberian Husky) and three cats (called Thor, Midnight and Earl Grey), picked a former LEH parent as her wish-list dinner party guest. “It would have to be David Attenborough, not only is

he such an advocate for the natural world, but he’s still as passionate as ever. Despite being 97, he’s still working, still living life to the full. And that’s an important lesson for us all.”

She went on to say: “I’m really looking forward to getting to know all the pupils here, as well as the staff, parents, and alumnae. I want to get under the skin of the school, join some of the classes, listen to the music, watch the sports and discover what makes LEH such a brilliant place to come to school.”

Rowena adds: “I always love meeting the pupils, bursting with energy and ideas. I’m so often in awe of all that they achieve, and I really enjoy their optimism and hearing their hopes for the future. Being Head Mistress is the best job in the world.”

Pupil Publishes her Debut Novel

During lockdown, while many of us were learning how to bake banana bread, Isabel started writing a novel.

L5 Pupil Isabel set pen to paper in 2020, aged just 12. Three years on, she has self-published the book called They Walk Among Us, and has been instrumental in driving the process through from page to publication.

Head of English Mrs Gwynne described the novel as “a fascinating tale about outsiders, secrets and the importance of friendship. I am sure other pupils will be inspired by Isabel’s example of creativity, ambition, and tenacity to realise such a fantastic achievement.”

Isabel says: “I didn’t know that I wanted to publish it when I started, but once I had poured much of my heart into it, I shared it with my family, who also thought it was worth it, and they are pretty harsh critics, so here we are.

“Writing a book is not easy, but more than anything, you just need to give it a go. I, for one, never thought that I would publish a book, but with the time and the patience, it can be done. Who knows, you might be the next J.K. Rowling!”

The LEH Careers Room Gets a Promotion!

The Careers Room has moved to a bright and breezy new office just off the Sixth Form corridor and has been updated with a witty, bespoke mural and colourful soft furnishings.

The department, which is now situated next door to the Sixth Form Library, was officially opened by David King, chair of the Governors and former Head Mistress, Mrs Hanbury in March 2023.

Nicky Hampstead, Head of Higher Education and Careers, was determined to put the buzzing new office firmly on the LEH map. She said: “The Careers Room is no longer down the far end of a dark corridor waiting to be found. Now it’s right at the heart of the school and has its own identity. I hope it will encourage more pupils thinking about their next steps to come and visit us, to ask questions, use our resources and really make the most of our lunchtime drop-in sessions.”

Mrs Hanbury Named Head Teacher of the Year

Former Head Mistress, Heather Hanbury, was crowned Head Teacher of the Year (Independent) at the highly-regarded TES School Awards last July.

The awards are known within the industry as the ‘Oscars of Education’ and celebrate the extraordinary commitment, quality and innovation shown by teachers and support staff across the UK.

Mrs Hanbury said at the time: “I am overwhelmed with delight at this award – it means such a lot. I am so proud of the work of everyone at LEH school, including our brilliant and inspiring students. My nine years at LEH have been the best of my career.”

Judge Julie Robinson, General Secretary of the Independent Schools Council, said: “Heather has been a tireless champion of girls’ education for many years. She’s also led the way in establishing quality independent and state partnership activity and her work in this area is rightly being honoured here.”

LEH Student Wins Prestigious STEM Award

Sixth Former Catherine James won the coveted ‘One to Watch’ prize at the FDM Everywoman in Technology Awards in 2023, for her contribution to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths.

The Awards celebrate the tech industry’s most exceptional talent, with the ‘One to Watch’ prize being given to a girl aged 11-18 who is making waves in the tech space.

Catherine, a STEM, academic and music scholar at LEH, is currently studying Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology A Levels. In addition, she is the editor and content creator of the Catalyst Journal and has had her research into dementia and healthcare transformation, among other topics,

published in various respected journals, as well as winning several other awards previously.

Catherine says: “Technology is a vital part of our lives and has the capacity to solve so many of the world’s greatest issues. It was an honour to attend the Awards and meet the inspirational women who are driving powerful change in the industry, through their innovation, creativity, and passion.”

LEH Physics teacher and STEM co-ordinator, Andy Brittain, said: “As STEM Scholar, Catherine has applied extraordinary passion, commitment, drive and energy to all of her projects and is a tremendously worthy winner of this award.”

Makeover for the Sixth Form Centre

Current L6 pupil Hattie, reports: “After much anticipation, the double doors to the newly refurbished Sixth Form Common Room were finally opened at the beginning of December. We were absolutely delighted to be greeted with a delicious, celebratory Christmas buffet provided by the Catering team.

The room buzzed with excitement as we took in our new surroundings and scrambled to find the best spot on the huge green sofas!

But it was the inclusive nature of the new common room that quickly became very apparent, as the cafe filled noisily with both Upper and Lower Sixth Formers exploring our brilliant new home. This was made possible as the old dividing wall between the two common rooms has been knocked down, enabling yet more interaction and flow between the two year groups.

We were amazed by the huge glass panels overlooking the sports grounds, giving the common room a gorgeous sense of light and air; such a calm environment to both work and play. The new sound-proof, glass-panelled meeting rooms (one inside each common room) caused much excitement and will provide us with a fantastic space to hold meetings and work collaboratively.

Personally, my favourite feature is the newly renovated cafe, with its seated breakfast bar, cafe seating and brand new coffee machine, although it’s probably not the best for my bank account!

As a Sixth Form, we can really look forward to the summer term, when the outside covered area is fully furnished. Here, we can play table tennis in the sun, or sit outside between revision sessions and enjoy a coffee or smoothie while watching the younger years playing cricket!”

Mrs Angliss and Mrs Richardson Retire

Last year we bid a fond farewell to Head of Textiles, Mrs Angliss, and English teacher, Mrs Richardson, who retired after spending 70 years between them teaching at LEH.

Their joint retirement tea party felt like a joyful LEH teacher reunion, with many former teachers returning to school to see them again. It was also attended by their daughters, both former pupils. Alice Angliss, Class of 2011, is now a West End percussionist, while Imogen Richardson, Class of 2012, works in the charity sector.

Anne Marie Angliss taught at LEH for almost 36 years, having joined the

school in January 1988 as a Home Economics teacher. “LEH is such a wonderful school to work in and I’ve loved it here, but the time has finally come to roll up my tape measure.”

Caroline Richardson was at LEH for 34 years and joked that one of the main reasons she hadn’t left before was to avoid having to make a leaving speech. “You are all so intimidating en masse,” she laughed. “Thank you for being such wonderful colleagues and friends. I will miss you all tremendously.”

Hanging Up Her Tape Measure

We were ‘sew’ sad to say farewell to Head of Textiles, Anne Marie Angliss, who retired in the autumn after 36 happy years teaching at LEH.

“During my time here at the wonderful Lady Eleanor Holles School, I’ve had three head mistresses; and although the whole school photo is only produced every five years, I’ve

Much-loved English teacher Caroline

Richardson,

who left after 34 years,

has got her retirement plans licked…

“Much as I have loved my years at LEH, and loved knowing so many of you, staff and pupils, I was adamant that I was not going to write anything like this when I finally decided to close my mark-book for the final time. However, I cannot just walk away without responding in a small way to all the lovely messages I have received.

Having read and greatly appreciated all the many kind comments after my retirement was announced, I feel

appeared in it seven times which might be a record.

Over the years, I’ve held a variety of teaching roles, combining Home Economics, Food & Nutrition, and Textiles for the first 10 years, and then teaching solely Textiles for the remaining 25. Alongside that, 10 years as Wardrobe Mistress in the 90s making costumes for a range of plays.

I also spent another five years as internal examinations officer and really enjoyed the exactness and accuracy

required for timetabling and seating arrangements. Finally, I spent 20 years as Head of PSHE. I thoroughly enjoyed developing and updating the PSHE curriculum annually to keep it current and in line with societal changes. When I stepped down from this role, Mrs Hanbury remarked that one gets less for life than that!

But as treasured memories go, the top of the list just has to be the seven years I shared at the school with my wonderful daughter Alice, Class of 2011, when she was a pupil at LEH. Her time here was very special indeed and it gave me a much greater appreciation of the School and what it does for the students; the support the students give to one another; and the lasting friendships that are formed. Alice still has her besties from here and I know that is true of so many other alumnae too.

A massive thank you to all my wonderful colleagues and friends: everyone is so supportive, friendly, approachable, and kind. I’ve had a long and happy career, with so many opportunities to develop along the way.”

You can read the full version of this article on Holles Connect.

I should now pursue a career in stand-up comedy. I had no idea I was so funny, but I am glad that I amused you. My hope is that I also encouraged a love of literature in at least some of you.

So, what next? Well, I have gone from one pack of unruly individuals to another as I spend most of the week volunteering at Hersham Hounds, a charity that strives to home retired greyhounds. I feel no shame in giving the organisation a plug and I urge you to consider homing one of our gentle souls if you are thinking of getting a dog.

To all my former pupils I should like to say thank you, you enriched my life. I

hope your careers will be as long and fulfilling as mine has been.”

You can read the full version of this article on Holles Connect.

Mrs Richardson’s Tail of Life at LEH

Speakeasy Bursary Ball was Roaring Success

The hallowed turf of Twickenham has never seen a more stylish array of guests, as the home of rugby was transformed into a glittering speakeasy club for LEH’s Great Big Bursary Ball in July.

The glad-rags were out in force, as dapper gents and flapper gals enjoyed a pitch-side glass of giggle water, while they were serenaded by the Holles Singers with their pitch-perfect selection of jazzy musical medleys.

Then it was through the Speakeasy styled foyer, piled high with crates of illicit moonshine, and decorated with posters featuring LEH’s Most Wanted. Generous ransoms were on offer for the capture of the hardened gangsters and their molls, including Miranda ‘The Maestro’ Ashe and Mark ‘Mad Dog’ Tompsett.

This led on to the decidedly more glamorous surroundings of the main Gatsby styled night club, with its plumes of ostrich feathers, shimmering gold curtains and vintage posters encouraging guests to: “Kick your heels up!” and “Save water, drink champagne!”.

The Mystery Moonshine tombola was a complete sell-out, and the bidding was fast and furious on all the auction lots, which alone raised £15,000. The most popular items on the night were the private screening at the Olympic Studios, a Cordon Bleu dinner chez the Hanbury’s and the chance to be LEH Junior School Head for the Day.

It was up to Elizabeth Candy scholar and L6 pupil, Chloe Chen, to remind everyone why there were all there, as she gave an impassioned speech about the importance of bursaries which left some listeners in tears. She has given permission for us to share an excerpt here.

Former Head Mistress Heather Hanbury said: “The whole evening really was the bee’s knees and the cat’s pyjamas, all rolled into one! I’d like to thank everyone who came for digging deep and giving so generously to a cause close to my heart. I loved every moment of it, and it was clear to see that our guests did too!”

This year LEH is proud to be supporting 76 bursary pupils. Last

year we had 100 applications and unfortunately could only fund a very small number of them, so we are determined to increase the number of bursary places available and have set ourselves the ambitious target of providing 100 places by 2025.

To find out more about the Bursary Fund and how you can transform a young person’s life, visit www.lehs.org. uk/support-us/bursary-fund

Excerpt from Chloe Chen’s speech

“The first time I heard mention of Elizabeth Candy in school, was when an alumna came in to give us a talk in Life Advice. It seems that she was very forward-thinking for her time, a real trailblazer, who understood the transformative power of girls’ education. She stood for inclusivity and empowerment; traits that have been passed on through countless generations at LEH. I am incredibly honoured to carry a scholarship in her name.

My family’s financial situation deteriorated quite suddenly, just before my 11 plus exams. I think it was a bit of a shock to my parents, and a horrible stroke of bad luck that could have happened to anyone. It meant it was suddenly really important for me to get a scholarship and assistance to afford my education, since there was no way that my parents would to be able to send me to a school like LEH otherwise.

It was immensely fortunate that we were offered the bursary, and that I was able to attend LEH, something that I have become increasingly grateful for over the years. Throughout my time at LEH, I have realised that there are certain aspects of the school, with its outstanding teaching and holistic approach to learning, that make it such a unique, wonderful place to grow up.

In October, I will be applying for Dentistry, and I am currently taking

Chemistry, Biology and Art A levels. I think LEH had a major impact on this career choice; I can’t tell you how awful I used to be at socialising and talking to people I didn’t know! My younger self would never believe that I could have the courage to be here today, addressing all of you now. I think a large part of that is how many opportunities we are offered here, as well as the dedication and support of the teachers at LEH.

I feel as though they truly care about their students on a personal level, and provide empathy and understanding, going above and beyond, to motivate and inspire us. Music and art have been an integral part of my life at LEH, and the countless opportunities provided by these departments has been invaluable in terms of advancing my education.

Personally, I’ve never felt as though being on a bursary set me out in any way from the other students. I feel very fortunate to be at a school with such an accepting, judgement-free outlook, where background and circumstance do not segregate or pose any barrier to receiving the best possible education.

In my opinion, our bursaries

offer more than financial assistance; they symbolise determination, faith in every student, regardless of financial circumstance, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to excel.

I know how incredibly lucky and privileged I am to be at this school and I’m so grateful to everyone who has ever donated to the Bursary Fund. You have made my dream, and the dreams of so many other students who have also received financial aid, come true. On behalf of all of us, thank you.”

Chloe Chen is the recipient of the Elizabeth Candy Scholarship 2017 and receives a full bursary.

BURSARYFUND GROWINGTHE

TOGETHER

Transforming Lives Through the Gift of Education

84% of people are more likely to give to charity if their donations are being matched.

At LEH we are passionate about learning and believe strongly that access to first class education should be available to all and not restricted to those who can afford it. It is our belief that bursaries play a vital role in promoting educational equity, fostering academic achievement, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Donors give an average of 2.5 times more to charity when match funded. Match funding can double or even triple the amount raised from a fundraising event.

This is what drives our work in support of the LEH Bursary Fund and we really value the kindness and generosity of our wonderful alumnae group in supporting our bursary programme. Together with our wider LEH community we can provide the gift of an LEH education to children who would thrive here, regardless of financial circumstances, creating a truly diverse environment which benefits every pupil. There are many ways to give including Match Funding –the tax efficient way to maximise your donations at no extra cost.

What is Match Funding?

Many financial institutions and large corporations offer match funding, whereby they ‘match’ charity fundraising undertaken for registered charities such as LEH’s Bursary Fund, either by their employees or those connected to them. These schemes are not exclusive to the major corporate giants, many independent companies have Match Funding policies, or may be interested in charitable giving through matched giving too.

Donations are subject to tax relief and, research shows that these policies hugely promote employee satisfaction and retention.

Yours could be one of those employers! Alternatively, if you own a business you may wish to consider introducing a match funding policy.

Minimal Effort — Huge Rewards

Match funding could significantly increase the level of donation or support you wish to give, for example, employers may match the collected sponsorship of your child. This could be something organised by the school or a family sponsorship which you may wish to take part in, which raises money for the LEH Bursary Fund.

If your company does offer match funding, you have any questions, or you would like help in approaching your organisation, please email development@lehs.org.uk to discuss.

BURSARY

FUNDING BURSARY FUND 32 KINDNESS ISSUE

Dates for the Diary 2024

CLASS OF 2023 REUNION

THURSDAY 27 JUNE, LEH 5PM – 7PM

ALUMNAE REUNION 2024

SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER, LEH 11AM – 4PM

ALUMNAE REUNION 2024

THURSDAY 13 AND FRIDAY 14 JUNE

ALUMNAE CAROL SERVICE

MONDAY 9 DECEMBER

ST MARY’S CHURCH, HAMPTON 6.30PM – 7.30PM

NEWSFLASH!

The Alumnae Carol Service 2024 will be held at a new local venue. Following last year’s poll of alumnae preferences, we’ve decided to alternate the location, so this year – for the first time – we are going local. Therefore the Alumnae Carol Service 2024 will be held in the beautiful St Mary’s Church, Hampton, which is close to the river, but it will return to St Giles’ in 2025.

HOLLES PRIDE CLUB

SATURDAY 8 JUNE, BFI SOUTHBANK 4PM - 6PM

Yesterday Once More at the Alumnae Reunion

The years simply fell away, and the memories flooded back, as lifelong LEH friends met up once again for a sunshine filled Alumnae Reunion 2023 in October.

With its playing fields looking immaculate under the blue skies and its endless parquet lined corridors polished to a mirror finish, LEH threw open its doors to welcome back some of our much-treasured former teachers and past pupils.

It was a special day filled with conversation and laughter, but also some tears as sport-loving alumnae took part in the Nicky Budd Memorial Lacrosse Match in honour of our former Director of Sport, who sadly died in June 2023. (see Obituaries).

Head Mistress Rowena Cole said: “At the first assembly of the year, just a few weeks ago, I reminded students that they stand on the shoulders of the thousands of pupils who have gone before them. You are such a vital, valued part of the LEH community, and you have blazed a trail for them to follow. We are very grateful that you continue to take an interest and be actively involved in the life of LEH.”

The guests ranged in age from 22 to 93, with every decade in between being represented. The biggest reunion groups were the Class of 1993, celebrating 30 years since they left school, and the Class of 2003, who graduated 20 years ago. Between them, the past pupils represented an impressive range of careers and professions – from medics to film producers, and from journalists to strategy advisors and so much more.

There were delighted cries of recognition, as alumnae spotted former teachers they hadn’t seen in years and a wonderful buzz as people reconnected and discovered that it all felt like yesterday.

The school is so impressive, in many ways just the same and then suddenly disorientating in how different it is. A wonderful trip to the past and comforting for it to feel so much a part of my fabric.

I had such a great day. It was lovely to see some of the current pupils –they are truly impressive.

Please pencil the date of next year’s event in your diary now: Saturday 5th October 2024.

These are the special graduation anniversaries that we will be celebrating then:

Class of 1954 – 70 years

Class of 1959 – 65 years

Class of 1964 – 60 years

Class of 1969 – 55 years

Class of 1974 – 50 years

Class of 1979 – 45 years

Class of 1984 – 40 years

Class of 1989 – 35 years

Class of 1994 – 30 years

Class of 1999 – 25 years

Class of 2004 – 20 years

Class of 2009 – 15 years

Class of 2014 – 10 years

Class of 2019 – 5 years

We are very much looking forward to seeing you there!

Stella Stephens (nee Buttress), Class of 1949, who is also a former Biology teacher.

Actor Jo Kirkland, Class of 1998

ALUMNAE REUNION

2024

Nicky Budd Memorial Bench

Before the special lacrosse match in her memory, former pupils and colleagues gathered on the playing fields to see a commemorative bench unveiled, overlooking Geard’s Acre, and bearing Mrs Budd’s motto: “Play for Each Second”.

The unveiling was attended by Nicky’s husband, George, who is a former LEH Geography teacher, as well as Heather Hanbury, who retired as LEH Head Mistress last year. They were joined by current Head Mistress, Mrs Cole, and Assistant Director of Sport, Katelyn Leaney, (who previously worked with Nicky).

Then followed a lively lacrosse match in the beautiful autumn sunshine. Mrs Leaney said: “It was so nice to see our alumnae back out on the pitch. The atmosphere was amazing and everyone who took part really enjoyed it. It was a bittersweet afternoon, of course, but it was good to share stories about Nicky with others. And she would have just loved it.

“Historically many LEH pupils go on to play for England, Wales or Scotland, and we had a fair few of them at the match, so the standard of play was really impressive. I think it’s a testament to the hard work that Nicky put in over the years and the love of the game that she instilled. We hope to make it a regular fixture.”

A Very Traditional LEH Christmas

The perfect start to the Christmas season: heartlifting music, moving words telling the story of the Nativity, mince pies and mulled wine shared with friends, the Alumnae Carol Service had it all.

To celebrate the heritage of the school, we were back where it all started; in the beautiful St Giles’s Church, Cripplegate, near the spot where the first Lady Eleanor Holles School stood in Redcross Street in the heart of the City of London in 1710.

Current students, Governors, teachers, parents, and past pupils all came together for a much-loved highlight of the alumnae calendar. As ever, the standard of music and the quality of the singing was quite simply outstanding, under the expert guidance of LEH Director of Music, Mrs Ashe.

Alumnae readers ranged in age from one of our most recent leavers, Blake Baillache, Class of 2023, to former Deputy Head and Alumna, Trish White, Class of 1955, who left school nearly 70 years ago. Plus, Jemima Benstead, Class of 2010, who is now an Investor Relations Manager, Horticulturalist Lucy Gilham, Class of 2009, and Fiona Wimblett, former Head of Maths.

The evening was beautifully rounded off by a chance to share Christmas greetings and catch up with old friends over delicious mince pies and mulled wine. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part.

Please see Dates for the Diary on page 33 to find out how to reserve your place at the Alumnae Carol Service 2024.

The LEH Harry Styles Connection

Eagle-eyed finance manager, Sally Mead, Class of 1980, took her nephew, Matthew, to see the LEH plaque in the Barbican, en route to the Alumnae Carol Service, after spotting it in a Harry Styles video.

If you look very closely, to the right of Harry in his bright LEH-red coat, as he weaves through a group of passers-by on their daily commute, you can just about spot the distinctive upper edge

of the plaque on one of the dark pillars (circled in red).

The plaque, located on an elevated walkway underneath Gilbert House within the Barbican Estate, is near LEH’s first purpose-built premises in Redcross Street in 1832, and commemorates the foundation of the school in 1710.

Sally says: “I know it looks non-descript, but over the years, I’ve visited it several times and tried to imagine the scene 300 years ago! I first learnt about the plaque as a pupil. It’s astonishing how much the area has changed, but the plaque provides a special link into the past.”

The multi-million best-selling megastar Harry Styles shot

It’s Powerful to be Seen

There was a tangible sense of support

and togetherness

when our newest alumnae club, the Holles Pride Club, got together for the first time in November.

LGBTQ+ alumni and allies ranging in age from 18 to 73 met up in King’s Cross to look round Queer Britain, the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum, and then headed to a nearby café to swap experiences, talk about their time at LEH, and get to know each other better.

The Club is run in conjunction with LEH Head of Upper School, Flora Ellison, who also oversees the LEH Pride Club in school. Flora says: “Running Pride Club at LEH has made me realise the power of community and peer support. It’s very empowering for our students and younger alumni to

the video for his global hit single As It Was (2022) across several different locations in London, featuring the Brutalist brilliance of the Barbican Centre as his backdrop, as well as the Penguin Pool at London Zoo and the Royal Horticultural Halls.

see other people like them in society, living their lives as openly gay people. It encourages them to feel represented, inspired, and motivated. “Having positive role models can help them find the confidence to be true to themselves, especially when those role models are people with a shared experience, like attending the same school. It helps them believe that they can be themselves and succeed too.”

If you are interested in attending future events or joining the Holles Pride Club: www.hollesconnect.org.uk/clubs

Make New Alumnae Connections

We’re delighted to announce a new way to make the most of your precious LEH network on LinkedIn. The official school page has been reconfigured to allow alumnae to find each other more easily.

There is now an ‘Alumni’ tab on the LEH School LinkedIn page to which all former pupils will be added. But to take advantage of this new

feature, you must edit the Education section of your LinkedIn profile, select the official school page and add the dates you attended. We are unable to make this change on your behalf.

The new section makes it so much simpler to search for fellow alumnae by year groups, or by job title or even company, creating valuable networking opportunities. You can also filter profiles based on subjects studied, where they live and what skills they have listed.

It’s a wonderful way to get your foot in the door if, for example, you have

Holles Connect - Join the Conversation

The LEH Alumnae community is a strong, supportive network of Remarkable Women, all here to cheer each other on. There are many ways to stay in touch.

a job interview coming up and want some LEH alumnae support. There’s a very helpful article about how to really make the most of the Alumni tool here: The LinkedIn Alumni Tool: How To Use It And Make New Connections (cultivatedculture.com). The more of us that add the LEH School page, the better the results will be.

Follow us on social media:

LEH Alumnae

@HollesConnect

Lady Eleanor Holles School

alumnae@lehs.org.uk

www.hollesconnect.org.uk

Join our Holles Connect Clubs Today

We have plans to increase activities and events for our other alumnae clubs – which include the Holles Boat Club, industry clubs such as Medical, Law and Economics and a range of University clubs.

Do let us know if you have any suggestions for future meet ups or events. To sign up, or find out more, please visit the website or click the link: www.hollesconnect.org.uk/clubs

THE HOLLES GRANT 2023

The new-look grant was introduced last year to replace the Emerging Talent Award, with a remit to encourage activities that give back to the community or have a positive social impact.

Supporting our Courageous Alumnae

Six gutsy alumnae have been selected by the Alumnae Advisory Group (AAG) to receive our first-ever Be Bold Grants selected from a strong field of applications.

Dr Ann Braine, Class of 1964, and Tanya Harvey, Class of 1984, made a successful joint application after a strange twist of fate brought them together half-a-world away, in an NPO in the outskirts of Durban, South Africa. They will use the grant to help the disadvantaged local community overcome hurdles to education.

We are uplifted to receive this affirmation from our old school.

Tanya says; “We are uplifted to receive this affirmation from our old school, especially in view of the serendipitous connection which brought together two LEH old girls in a remote suburb on the southern tip of the African continent.”

Celia Birchall, Class of 2018, has just launched her own ethical fashion brand and is passionate about handmade, local craft. She says: “As a small fashion brand, where every garment is designed, cut and sewn by me, the funding will allow me to massively upgrade my studio and production set up.”

Sisters Amelia Miller, Class of 2015, and Lydia Miller, Class of 2016, were inspired by their own mother’s experience to build a software platform – ivy – which aims to help women return to work after a career break. Lydia and Amelia say: “The grant will be used to obtain ‘Seed

Enterprise Investment Scheme’ (SEIS) approval, which is a taxation initiative that is vital to begin our pre-seed fundraising efforts.”

I know this grant will be transformational in helping LGBTQIA+ people.

Seanna Fallon, Class of 2005, is a certified breathwork facilitator and plans to use her grant to offer a safe, inclusive online forum for the LGBTQIA+ community to come together to breathe and release. Seanna says: “I know this grant will be transformational in helping LGBTQIA+ people connect and recharge in a safe community space where they can be held and celebrated, exactly as they are.”

A Way with Wool Knitting teacher and knitwear designer Jacki Badger, Class of 2003, put her ETA 2022 grant to good use, upgrading her website – brilliantly named The Woolly Badger – and commissioning professional photos to showcase her designs.

Bringing Women’s Stories to the Big Screen

Alexandra Crawshaw, Class of 2018, used her ETA 2022 to help complete post-production of a powerful short film called Over Her Shoulder, which has already garnered praise on the film festival circuit.

Alexandra, who currently works for the BBC’s international charity BBC Media Action, led the team which made the drama. Over Her Shoulder also co-stars two other LEH alumnae from her year, Anastasia Martin and Florence Guy.

Alexandra describes her sense of “joy and relief” when she heard she’d received the funding from the AAG. “Almost a year’s worth of personal work and investment, and teamwork, was going to be brought to life.”

You can see a trailer of the film on Vimeo here: Over Her Shoulder – Trailer. And you can also show your support by following the film on Instagram: @overhershoulder_

APPLY FOR A 2024 BE BOLD GRANT!

She was given the grant after impressing the AAG by setting up her knitting business while on maternity leave and donating 10% of all sales to Bristol-based perinatal mental health charity Bluebell Care, a cause close to her heart.

Jacki says: “Knitting and mental health are good bedfellows. I’ve long believed in the soothing power of knitting. I’m very grateful to LEH for the award and for believing in my small business!”

You can find out more about Jacki’s knitting patterns and shop here.

Website: www.thewoollybadger.com

Instagram: @thewoollybadger

To see Jacki’s full ETA report, please visit the Holles Connect website.

To read Alexandra’s full report about the film and the success it has enjoyed since its premiere in May 2023, please visit the Holles Connect website.

If you would like the support of your fellow alumnae for a project which will benefit the planet, your local community, or generally improve the lives of others, please do apply for one of our grants.

Applications are made online, via the Holles Connect website: www.hollesconnect.org.uk/pages/Be-Bold-Grant. Submissions will be welcome from the end of the summer term.

Annie Nightingale 1940 - 2024

Legendary Radio One DJ Annie Nightingale, Class of 1958, passed away, aged 83, in January. The news was covered extensively on air, in print and online.

As one of our most high-profile alumnae she is celebrated on our Alumnae Wall of photos in the Gateway. Over the years, she remained interested and engaged with LEH news and we made sure to keep in touch.

Annie became Radio One’s first female presenter, joining the station in 1970, and going on to become its longestserving host. Already an MBE, she was awarded a CBE for Services to Radio Broadcasting in 2020.

She was known for her passion for a wide range of music, championing everything from prog rock and punk to acid house and grime. She remained

on air until late last year with Annie Nightingale Presents and was also known for co-hosting BBC Two music show The Old Grey Whistle Test

Tributes flooded in when the news of her death broke on 11th January. Fellow DJ Annie Mac led the way, saying Annie was “a trailblazer, spirited, adventurous, fearless, hilarious, smart, and so good at her job”.

A statement from her family said: “Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many. Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally.

“Never underestimate the role model she became. Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave

Daphne Taylor 1930 - 2022

Daphne Taylor, Class of 1946, was a proud member of the Holles Club and sadly passed away last year, aged 92. Her sister, Beryl, has kindly shared this tribute with us.

Daphne joined LEH in 1941 during the wartime and on her three-mile cycle ride to school every day she was under strict instructions from her mum to abandon her bike, lie on the ground

and take cover should she see any aircraft overhead, regardless whose side she thought they were on. Some of the lessons at school during air raids would be held in the corridors, as they afforded better protection.

As was common, Daphne left school aged 16 and went to work in Barclays Bank in Station Road, Sunbury. She left there in the early 1950s to work in her

encouragement to generations of young women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard.”

You can see Annie Nightingale’s autobiographical film – Bird On The Wireless – recorded in 2011, on BBC iPlayer. It’s available throughout 2024.

Barbara Megson 1930 - 2023

LEH benefactor and passionate historian Barbara Megson, Class of 1948, passed away in December, aged 93.

Barbara was one of the founder pupils of LEH at Hampton and was one of the few remaining pupils who had been present at the official opening, attended by the Duchess of Gloucester in 1937.

As well as making the most of her academic opportunities at LEH, Barbara played in the first teams for lacrosse, tennis, and badminton, gaining her colours in all three sports. She was probably best known for her flair for playing the piano.

During the Sixth Form she researched and wrote a painstaking account of the history of LEH, which up until the publication of Grace and Integrity,

parents’ shop in Lampton, Hounslow, until they sold it in 1960.

Daphne then started what was to be her final job and remained there for the next 40 years. She was recruited by a company selling frozen food. Not very exceptional, you might say, apart from the fact that many did not even have a refrigerator at the time, let alone one with a minuscule frozen food compartment. Some parts of the country were not even connected to the grid. Frozen food was a new

was the only chronicle of the School’s foundation and subsequent years.

Barbara set her sights on attending Cambridge University and, against considerable competition, won a place at Girton College to read History. She would not have been able to take up her place without the help of a loan from LEH’s Nora Nickalls Trust Fund.

“It made all the difference,” she said later. It left her with an enduring sense of gratitude towards the School, and the determination to do what she could to give back.

After graduating, she worked as a teacher and went on to become one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools for more than 20 years, until her retirement in 1990.

She enjoyed a full and active retirement in Cambridge, chairing

concept and Daphne went out and sold, not only food, but the idea of frozen food to the world. She really was an innovator. The original company changed hands many times over the years but every time it did, they took Daphne with them, such was the esteem in which she must have been held.

Daphne never married and had a very full life, travelling widely, being a keen bridge player and enjoying several foreign holidays a year. She enjoyed

the local National Trust committee, and maintaining her deep interest in history by publishing six meticulously researched books.

Barbara always maintained her interest in LEH, playing a key role in the 75th anniversary of the opening of LEH in Hackney; donating a vast collection of memorabilia to the School archives, including the immaculate white gloves she was wearing at the official opening; and becoming a generous donor to the LEH Bursary Fund.

Last year we named one of the meeting rooms in the new Quadrant Building in her honour – the Megson Room. And she kindly gifted us a prestigious oil painting of herself, by Royal portrait artist Andrew Festing, MBE, to put in it. His other notable commissions include portraits of the Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Anne.

sport immensely, playing tennis, badminton and also golf, which she played well into her eighties.

Daphne will be greatly missed and was a much-loved member of her extensive family of a brother and two sisters, nephews and nieces plus her many friends, witnessed by the fact she always seemed to have more Christmas cards than any of the rest of us!

Nicky Budd, 1974 - 2023

Former Director of Sport, Nicky Budd, passed away last year at the Royal Hospital for Neurodisability in Putney.

Mrs Budd, who was a former England U19 and GB Lacrosse Head Coach, taught at LEH from 2004-2019. She suffered a serious stroke back in April 2021, and had been cared for in hospital since then. Under her guidance, LEH won many school tournaments and competitions including the Lacrosse Nationals Championship in 2018.

Former Head Mistress, Heather Hanbury, said: “The news somehow felt unexpected, despite Nicky’s

Peggy Benson (Ridge)

1928 - 2023

Peggy Benson, Class of 1946, passed away in March, aged 95. She was a pupil at LEH during the war with vivid memories of rationing, gas masks, air raids and even being bombed.

Her favourite subject at LEH was sport and she particularly enjoyed lacrosse, badminton, and tennis. She formed close friendships and kept in touch with many of fellow classmates throughout her life.

After leaving school Peggy got a job at the National Physical Laboratory

illness. For someone who led such a physically active life, and who was so young, the stroke was a particularly cruel blow. Nicky had a huge impact on many girls during her successful sports career, both in and beyond school, and we have many fond memories of her.”

Her husband George, who also taught at LEH, said: “Nicky always believed people could achieve the highest goals and that things could be fairer, kinder and better – and people tended to live up to those expectations when she was around! She always found a way through the hard times and how she approached her illness was no different.”

Alumnae Vicky Sayer and Clare Jansen, Class of 2016, who were Lacrosse Captains in 2016, also paid tribute to a much-loved teacher. They said: “Mrs Budd was an incredibly dedicated and passionate lacrosse coach, and someone who left a lasting impression on us both. Over our seven years at LEH, she taught us about determination, resilience and competitiveness, but also the importance of being part of a team and working together.”

where her father also worked. She married Roy and they moved to Edinburgh and had three sons. It was there that she helped set up and run a successful Kindergarten before landing a role with the Scottish Development Agency.

Peggy was a devoted grandmother and great grandmother with a passion for yoga, bowling, musical theatre and her pet cocker spaniels. Her family describe her as always young at heart,

Former LEH Head of PE and Head of Middle School, Mags Waters, said: “What a tragic loss – how do you sum up all those years of devoted service to LEH? Nicky demonstrated determination in everything she approached and pursued every activity to the fullest of her capabilities.

“I have immense admiration for the way she coped following her stroke and her determination to be able to communicate with the outside world. Nicky was an inspiration to others, and I am sure many LEH alumnae will remember her with both affection and gratitude.”

Friend and former LEH nurse, Sister Sharon Brew, said: “That smile! Nicky had the most amazing smile and a great sense of humour. Underneath that tough PE teacher outer she was a kind, generous, thoughtful, and sensitive soul. She was vibrant and so full of energy. Her zest for life was infectious. As with everyone who passes away before their time, we learn important lessons; to live life to the full. I know Nicky would certainly agree.”

sociable, fashionable and fun, with a cheery disposition.

Peggy wrote a vibrant and lively account of her wartime experiences in Hampton for her granddaughter. These are some of her recollections of a wartime LEH:

“We continued to go to school as normal, but you had to have your gas mask with you at all times. If the siren went off as you cycled to school, you had to get off your bike and lie on the road.”

“The corridors were our bomb shelter and there were a lot of sandbags to protect us. The teachers tried to keep us calm by getting us to sing. The school had a large sports field, but they ploughed the ground up and put large holes in it so that enemy planes couldn’t land there.“

Andrea Oliver (née Songi), 1963 - 2023

Andrea Oliver, Class of 1981, was an inspirational woman with a wide sphere of influence. The impact of her fun-loving personality, attention to detail and kindness extended beyond her wide circle of local friends and colleagues to reach a national audience. She is greatly missed, says Hilary Richmond (née White), also from the Class of 1981.

Andrea arrived in the Sixth Form to study French, German and Geography A levels. In her own words she “found it refreshing to be welcomed into an environment where it was acceptable to want to learn”. She also embraced a full programme of arts-based extra-curricular activities, from choir to crochet, and from Scottish dance to drama, before going to Sheffield University to read French and German.

Following graduation, Andrea embarked on an accountancy-led career, initially within the music recording industry encountering the likes of Sinéad O’Connor, Morrissey, Bob Geldof and working on the Brits, before moving into school finance to help achieve a better home life balance. Outside of work Andrea became an inspirational leader of the Sixth Teddington Guides.

In 2016, shortly after being appointed Business Manager at Clarendon School for children with learning disabilities and autism, she was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. Despite the aggressive treatment, she successfully guided the school’s relocation to another site in Twickenham, as well as integration into the Auriga Trust. And all while retaining her trademark cheerful,

fun and calm manner, while treating each pupil as an individual.

During her six-year treatment at The Royal Marsden, Andrea devoted her time and energy to supporting Target Ovarian Cancer. To help raise awareness of symptoms, she was interviewed in the national news and lobbied MPs at The House of Commons.

During Covid Andrea discovered ‘a new diversion’ for her creativity by taking up photography and produced an impressive portfolio of photos as a legacy.

Sadly, Andrea lost her battle with this devastating disease shortly after her 60th birthday in March 2023, but will be forever remembered for her smile, her kindness and the support that she gave to others, but above all her sense of fun. Andrea is greatly missed by all who knew her but especially by her devoted husband, Martin, and daughters Katie and Izzy, of whom she was so very proud.

To continue Andrea’s legacy of communicating symptom awareness, please visit: www.targetovariancancer. org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/ symptoms and spread the word to family and friends.

Nicola Pyne 1948 - 2023

Nicola Pyne, Class of 1965, died in October, aged 75, after a long battle with ill health following a bad fall the year before.

After leaving LEH, Nicola undertook a BSc in Physics at Birmingham University, followed by a teaching qualification. She became a pioneer in the relatively new world of IT, working as an analyst for several years before joining IBM in technical training, product and customer support until 1994.

She had a lifelong love of studying and, while working, completed a degree in Biology at Birkbeck in 1999, achieving a First and completing a ground-breaking project on the molecular structure of gorse at Kew.

The second part of the career saw her pulling together her training and technical skills and working on contracts, project managing training programmes in the IT world.

Her third phase of work saw her going back to her roots and becoming a tutor to pupils across a broad range of ages for English, Maths and all Sciences up to A level. She set high standards and pushed her pupils to excel through hard work, expecting that no-one would want to give less than their best. It is testament to her skill that many pupils stayed in touch and became friends.

Outside work, Nicola was an avid collector of Oriental rugs, a keen supporter of the arts, and committed to her local community in many voluntary roles. She travelled extensively and her house was full of artefacts brought back from all parts of the globe. Golf and tennis were both important parts of her life and she was a member of the Roehampton Club for 50 years. She is much-missed by all who knew her.

You Are More Than You Think You Are

Dame Sara Cockerill, DBE, Class of 1986, who is now a High Court Judge, returned to LEH as the guest speaker at last summer’s Celebration of the Year.

In addition to hearing cases in the Commercial Court, she is also an author, specialising in medieval history. This is a precis of the uplifting and inspiring speech Dame Sara gave to the assembled pupils, parents, and teachers, telling them all: “Prize winners or not, you are all more than you think you are today.”

She went on to say: “Before I left school I had an interview with our Head Mistress – Miss Candy of immortal memory – who stalked the corridors in a leather greatcoat, with a ravening Doberman Pinscher by her side. Miss Candy asked me what I was going to do with my law degree. I replied with certainty that I would be a solicitor. “Why not a barrister?”,

she said. “Wouldn’t that be more fun? You might become a judge.” I replied quite firmly that I knew my limitations. I could not become a barrister because there was no way I could stand up in front of a bunch of people, or a judge and give a speech. I was way too scared.

“But yet, here I am. What changed?

of the Celebration2023

Well, I surprised myself. I found something I really wanted to do; I did want to be a barrister because there was more law and because I would be self-employed and could control my narrative. Two big upsides on one side; versus a massive terror on the other.

And I found that I had to try. And when I tried, I found that not only could I

deal with the thing I feared, but I could also learn to enjoy it.”

Dame Sara went on to explore the relationship between success and happiness. “When you look to the future, I think it is important that you think about what you can revel in doing, what you will enjoy getting better at. It won’t guarantee material

success, but it will help you find the more important forms of success. It won’t stop work being hard, but as Tim Cook once said: ‘if you do what you love, the tools will feel light in your hands’.”

She said: “I think it is such a great idea that this is now a Celebration of the Year, rather than Prize Giving, as it was in my day. When I look back, of course I can remember each prize; but with one exception the things I achieved to earn them have not been nearly as significant as some of the other things I learned at LEH. Like loving to learn things. Like assurance that what one has to say is worth listening to. Like not waiting for a man to ask the obvious question or suggest the obvious answer. Like advocating for my own learning in my own way.

“It was the LEH mindset which meant that when I fell in love with a piece of historical research, I had the passion and the confidence to follow it. That has given me a side career as a medieval historian which has brought

If you are seeking to be perfect you will be focussed on your desires and your faults; you will not see the simple thing you could do which would change someone else’s life for the better.

importance of getting the fear of imperfection under control. “I cannot in all conscience tell you that I have beaten it yet. But I can tell you that way more problems in my life have been caused by that fear than by the moments when I have managed to leave it behind. Please believe me on this: perfection is impossible.”

“If you are seeking to be perfect you will be focussed on your desires and your faults; you will not see the simple thing you could do which would change someone else’s life for the better – something worth so much more than being the extra 1% closer to perfection.”

me much fulfilment – and a glow of pride that my work is on the syllabus for the Medieval Queenship module at Cambridge.”

Dame Sara said that one of her most valuable life lessons was acquired after leaving LEH: “And that is the

She finished by exhorting pupils: “So please: resist definition. Resist assuming that success is a good in itself. Resist the arid quest for perfection. Allow yourselves to be more, to be you, to be unique. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: ‘To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment’.”

LEH Between Lessons

Often, it’s not the classrooms themselves, or the expansive playing fields or wood-panelled Assembly Hall that are the most evocative places in School. What really brings back the memories of your LEH days, are the corridors you walked and the stairs you climbed between lessons.

Do you recognise your old familiar haunts? Come back and tour the School once again at the 2024 Alumnae Reunion on Saturday 5th October. Book your tickets at www.hollesconnect.org.uk .

Our alumnae website was relaunched nearly five years ago

have you signed up yet? www.hollesconnect.org.uk

•

and connect with former classmates around the world

•

•

our alumnae careers network,

our mentoring programme and jobs board

•

•