Giving Back

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Inside the LHS Archive with Ellie Leeson

(Class of 2018)

Ihad known all through my time at Loughborough High School that the archive room existed... but never really gave much thought as to what was in there. Rather, it was just a mysterious room across from Matron’s that was hardly ever used. It wasn’t until halfway through the third year of my history degree, having already completed a project in the Grammar School archives a few years previously, that I actually thought about the potential that the LHS Archive could hold.

Throughout my time at university, I have gradually realised the importance that archives have not only for historians, but also for the wider public. And with this increasing knowledge, the idea of what career I wanted to have started to form - the world of archives, museums and galleries became increasingly alluring. With this in mind, I got in contact with LHS to see if I would be able to volunteer in the High School archive room and asked if I would be allowed to organise and catalogue its collection. Luckily, they welcomed me with enthusiasm.

Initially, I didn’t quite realise the size of the archive that we had until I started to pull apart and organise its contents to see what was in the collection. As it stands, the archive consists of eight cupboards and a bureau, all full of objects and documents; some photographs on the wall as well as objects and photos around the school. Indeed, many items you see around the school are unwittingly part of the LHS Archive or will be in the future.

I started with the cupboards. Everything came out and was separated into diff erent categories, thinking about how the archive would best be used and how one might use it for research. This took some considerable time, and the room inevitably became completely unrecognisable from the tidy interview room that many know it as. Then I began to sort through each box and organise it as I felt appropriate. Each box was organised dependent on the type of material it contained, eg. alphabetised, organised by event or by date etc. Each item was recorded on a spreadsheet which eff ectively become an embryo of the catalogue of the archive and will be used in the future to find items as well as keep a log of its contents.

The collections have yielded so many interesting and enlightening treasures about both the history of the school as well as a broader history of the last 170 years of women and education. Some of my favourite finds include the letters from girls and their parents, whilst they were at school and aft erwards, to their respective Headmistress along with her replies. These reveal the life of pupils both during their time at school and aft erwards as they attempted to make their way in the world. Those from Miss Bristol’s era (she was Head in the ‘20s and ‘30s) reflect how much smaller the School was 100 years ago and the extraordinarily close relationship between the Headmistress and her girls.

I found letters belonging to my own great-great-aunt Doris Hill, who attended the school between 1917-1924, a lovely find as it was essentially a piece of my own history and a long-term personal connection to the School. Another exciting find was a collection of letters from the 1930s that were discovered under the library floorboards in 1996 when the old boarding dormitory was converted into what is now the Cope Library. You can just imagine letters scribbled aft er lights-out and deposited in a secret hiding place – and ultimately forgotten!

The sort enabled all our copies of The High School Magazine to be reunited. Finding the very earliest copies was a particular thrill. The School magazine was begun

in 1921 and ended its run in 2005. It was created and edited by girls and staff together and contained varying articles on the life of the school as well as creative work from the girls. We don’t quite have a full set – see below on how you might be able to contribute here.

Now a question you may have is ‘why on earth would anyone want to organise and catalogue the LHS Archive?’

This summer, I graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London with a history degree and a considerable interest in heritage, archives and museums. I am particularly interested in 19th century and Victorian social history and art and gender history. This year finds me studying at the University of York on a Masters in History of Art, aiming to widen my knowledge and specialism. I particularly aspire to work in the V&A, Historic Royal Palaces, Chatsworth and National Trust properties. Therefore my work in the archive is not completely altruistic. For one thing, I get permission to do something I am passionate about; for another, I benefit from the genuine experience of archiving and cataloguing, the creation and management of heritage projects and hopefully as a result, the research, organisation and carrying out of public talks. What it certainly allows me to do is to give back to the School I was privileged to attend and enjoy for seven years. I am delighted that I have skills and enthusiasm that have been welcomed by School and can be used to contribute to the continuation and preservation of its history.

So, what next for the archive? Hours, days and weeks may already have been invested in its organisation, but the work needed to fully realise its potential is still only in its infancy. But it is very nearly at a stage where we can invite in those alumni who have volunteered to help with specific sorts. A few stages on, we will then be able to use the archive eff ectively for research projects and I would like to be able to use the resources to deliver public talks. But perhaps most significantly, we would like the archive to become a valuable resource, loved and respected by staff and students alike. There is certainly scope for projects for girls to become involved in at various levels of the school and expertise, and use their achievements in the archive towards internal and external recognition of volunteering and service. Already a student has completed the required volunteering hours this summer helping out to count towards a Duke of Edinburgh’s award. The ultimate aspiration is, of course, digitisation – an online resource to match that of the LGS Archive.

Of course, anyone with an interest in an archive knows that what is happening now becomes tomorrow’s history. I hope to help the School not just to preserve what we already have but to continue the growth of the archive, adding appropriate contemporary items to the collection as part of a plan and routine. This responsibility falls not just on a singular archivist, of course, but on a commitment from the whole school community.

I believe strongly that the LHS Archive is something to be valued, respected and enjoyed by all members of the Burton bubble, both past, present and future. I would encourage all those who feel that they have something to contribute to get in touch with the Development Off ice (contact Olivia Smith at o.smith@ lsf.org) and also to join the dedicated group on Loughburians Live (www.loughburians.com).

LHS Archive – Ways You Can Help

Volunteer your time to help sort • Contribute items • Share your stories • Off er any archiving expertise

Can you off er any missing pieces of a jigsaw? We are looking for copies of The High School Magazine from 1922, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935 and 1936. Do you have a copy you would like to donate or could loan for copying?

Back on the School Roll LSF Governor

Sunny Shah (Class of 2000)

Sunny Shah attended Fairfield (1993) and Loughborough Grammar School (2000) and went on to pursue a successful career in investment banking with Citi Global Investment Bank and Goldman Sachs. Earlier this year he started his own venture and joined the Loughborough Schools Foundation Board of Governors to give back and help prepare the next generation for the future. Here Sunny shares what Loughborough means to him and his advice for current pupils and alumni looking to give back and get involved with the schools today.

I have good memories of Fairfield and LGS and owe a lot to the schools for shaping my career today. I’ll always remember my A Level maths teacher suggesting I should avoid pursuing A Level Further Maths, however my father encouraged me not to give up and to prove them wrong. This theme of grit and resilience stayed with me throughout.

Over the Summer I came back to the school for the first time in years and fell in love with the new Music Hall for children to express their artistic and cultural creativity. It was nostalgic remembering friends and games we used to play in the Quad and on the sports fields. Some of my closest friends today are boys from Fairfield and LGS and we remain in touch, attended each others’ weddings and our children all play together today. During school I played chess and was on the rugby, hockey and tennis teams. These days I play golf and squash.

Growing up in the Loughborough countryside, I was always keen to experience the City. Most people I knew were into Medicine, Dentistry, Law or Engineering. But I grew up around business and my heart was always in business. I went on to study Business, Maths and Statistics at the London School of Economics and found my love for a career in finance. Following graduation I joined Citi Global Investment Bank as a summer intern in 2003.

I joined when banking was at the start of the Chinese industrialisation and the broader growth in emerging markets. Then the Chinese industrialisation meant there was a huge boom in commodities, and metals and mining and I was involved in some of the world’s largest M&A transactions and capital raising transactions - a fantastic and surreal experience for someone so young. I went on to join Goldman Sachs where I spent 10 years, was promoted to Managing Director and was most recently Head of EMEA Metals and Mining Investment Banking team before I left in 2021. I am now working on some entrepreneurial projects focusing on the minerals supply chain that are critical for de-carbonisation technologies.

I chose to get involved as a Governor because of my four-year old son and our daughter who was born in May during lockdown. I benefited from my early education and I want to give something back to the next generation. For my kids, it’s a good thing to teach them altruistic values, giving back and inspiring other people. But also, as I spend time with my children, I can see education is going through an evolution right now. It was diff erent when I was at school. Now everyone has access to the internet and the answers to every question within two seconds. It means that education will no doubt have to adapt to the digital age. I want to pass on my resilience mentality and teach my children to try new things. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get it right the first or second time. If there’s anything I want to teach my kids it’s that, and of course to find their passion in whatever they choose to pursue. We’re at a period where technology and innovation are going to change so many industries. We can’t possibly predict what jobs children are going to be in in 20 years’ time. Everything could be digitalised and automated. To prepare them for the future they will need to think diff erently and collaboratively. I want to understand how schools in general, and my old schools, can think about preparing children for that future.

If I had to give one piece of advice to pupils today, I would say believe in yourself. Whatever you think you want to do, just keep trying. As my father always told me, if you follow what you want to do with diligence and passion you will get there.

If you are thinking about getting involved in the alumni community today my advice would be just do it. I understand everyone has diff erent schedules, especially with families and young kids, and it can be challenging, but in the end it’s the future generations that are going to drive us forward. It’s our children and the people they’re surrounded by who are going to make the world a better place.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: A MASTERCLASS WITH

Robert Saunt

(Class of 2018)

Established in the 1990s, the Masterclass programme provides promising local primary school children from across Loughborough and the surrounding areas with free Saturday morning sessions focussing on Science, Maths, Languages and English.

Around a hundred children gather excitedly, and nervously, on campus to explore new realms of a subject they love in an inspiring setting, taught, guided and nurtured by our expert teachers, who generously give their time to impart learning to all.

LGS alum Robert Saunt began volunteering at the Masterclasses while he was still at school – and simply hasn’t stopped. He is there to help muster children, reassure parents and assist staff , to dole out the much coveted (and now world famous) LSF cookies and to wipe tables, every single session. Robert has quite literally called in from a hospital bed to apologise for any sessions missed – the excuse evident from his location!

As part of the Masterclass team of staff , I am also there near on every session and have been struck by Robert’s unquestioning dedication to both the Masterclasses and School. Since joining the Development Off ice in January 2020, I have been able to see that his volunteering goes much further, however. Robert will respond to every ‘ask’ that the School makes of him, over recent weeks also attending the Careers Dinner and delivering an assembly about apprenticeships. With never enough time to properly chat when we are knee-deep in primary age scientists and mathematicians, I invited Robert into school for lunch to ask him that key question: Why do you give so freely and generously of your time for our Schools?

Robert said, “I attended the Masterclasses as a child from my primary school in Rothley and was immediately struck by the opportunities at LGS. Aft er experiencing the sessions, I knew that this was where I wanted to go to secondary school. But I also realised that this was a school where you needed to pay fees to attend, and there was simply not the financial capacity at home to make it possible.”

Undeterred, 10-year old Robert arrived home aft er a Masterclass session and scoured the internet for Bursary forms, printed them off and set about completing them as far as he could before presenting them to his mother with one request – can we see if it is possible for me to attend LGS? It turned out it was, and Robert obtained a full Bursary.

“Attending LGS changed the course of my life. I am incredibly thankful that someone provided the best part of £100,000 and gave me the opportunity to benefit from an incredible educational experience with LGS.”

The answer to my question then is obvious, he says. Robert wants to give back to the School in any way he can, but particularly to the Masterclasses which set him on his LGS path. And for how long will he continue to be part of the team? He says he will turn up indefinitely whilst they remain true to their original spirit, which impacted him so strongly when he first attended – outstanding teachers sharing their love for a subject for no other reason than their dedication to imparting learning to all.

Robert’s gratitude and altruistic approach hasn’t simply been evident as an alum - he quietly admitted to being awarded the John Storer Award for Service to the School at the end of Year 11. Walking Robert around school during a weekday lunchtime, encountering numerous staff , was an extraordinary experience – it took us quite some time to get anywhere because so many teachers wanted to say hello! And not just hello – everyone was absolutely delighted to see him; I have never witnessed anything quite like it. The warmth and aff ection staff showed towards Robert was incredible. Why? Many reasons I expect but as one member of staff explained, “Having Robert in school was like having an extra member of staff .” His commitment and contribution to the school then and now is recognised, appreciated and still celebrated.

Robert’s pathway through the school was not without challenges and his Sixth Form route was not typical, repeating Year 12 and then progressing on to an apprenticeship with Mattioli Woods, a wealth management and employee benefits provider. Robert relates being fully supported and guided in making his choices by the School. He doesn’t quite appreciate it, but his decision to follow an apprenticeship makes him something of a pioneer, being one of the first students to take this post-school route and paving the way for others to be brave enough to follow. It’s reassuring to know that he will always be there to off er them encouragement and advice if they need it.

Robert is nearing the end of his degree apprenticeship programme at the same time as working as a Business Analyst, looking at process and systems improvement, integrating acquisitions and operational eff iciency. He is a very modest young man, aware that his pathway post LGS is not a traditional one but not fully aware of the unique and highly desirable skill set he has acquired and the personal qualities he possesses. Robert is ready, as always, to consider and then apply himself 100% to any opportunities that present themselves and hopes to set up his own business in the near future; he has plenty of ideas about this already. I have complete faith that he will achieve all he puts his mind to but be able to flex and adapt to challenges that he will inevitably encounter in all aspects of life and business.

As Robert says, “Everyone is on their own journey – and I am truly thankful and appreciative that LGS formed part of mine.”

By Olivia Smith, Alumni Engagement Off icer

THANK YOU!

Our alumni give back to our Schools in a plethora of ways and this page is dedicated to highlighting your amazing contributions. Thank you for giving your time, talent and expertise to support today’s pupils and make a diff erence to our Schools. The generosity of our alumni never fails to astound us – Thank you!

Here are some examples of how alumni are contributing to the Schools today:

Cyril Engmann (Class of 1987) spoke at our 100th Burton Service. He made a huge impact on the staff and students as our guest speaker.

Lieutenant Colonel Adam

Foden DSO MBE (Class of 1996) returned to School in July to inspect the contingent as the Reviewing Off icer of the Combined Cadet Force’s 63rd Annual Review.

The Music Department valued the assistance of Ellie Slorach (Class of 2012) who ran a Symphony Orchestra Workshop and Ailsa Burns (Class of 2019) who made tutorial films for the Y2 strings scheme to allow lockdown learning.

Our Black Alumni Group are continuing to work closely with Dr Fiona Miles. Thank you to all who have contributed, including Kash Palmer (Class of 2013), Jualani Palmer (Class of 2017), Seun Matiluko (Class of 2015) and Chanju Mwanza (Class of 2012) who have led the way with a new initiative at LHS called ‘Proud to be…’

The Development Off ice are hugely indebted to the eff orts of Dave Barnett (Class of 1977) who coordinates the Loughburians Golf Society. You can read more about the Golf Society on page 54.

The Careers departments have run several events, both virtual and in person and our alumni community have been so generous with their time. Becky Simms (Class of 2013), Sarah Kelly (Class of 2005), Jualani Palmer (Class of 2017), Katie Morris (Class of 1999), Lydia Forster (Class of 2009), Tessa Boyd (Class of 2014) and Emily Daniell (Class of 2007) all delivered careers talks for LHS pupils over the lockdown learning period.

Firaz Waez (Class of 2001) got back in touch with the Schools on his return to the Loughborough area and gave a fascinating careers talks about the music industry.

Phillippa O’Neill (Class of 1991) off ered networking assistance to a fellow LHS graduate.

When LGS were organising their Careers Dinner, we put out a call to arms for assistance in multiple industry areas. Aaron Anstey (Class of 1995), Ed Wheatley (Class of 1991), Emma Wardle (Class of 1991), James Hutchinson (Class of 2014), James Taylor (Class of 1994), Peter Cannon (Class of 1980), Ricky Ruparelia (Class of 2009), Robert Saunt (Class of 2018), Sam Wilkinson (Class of 2006), Shameet Thakkar (Class of 2006), Tom Bird (Class of 1994), Tom Fanthorpe (Class of 1999) and Tom Owen (Class of 2007) all attended to represent their individual industry sectors. In addition, we had off ers of help from the following alumni who remain on the careers department radar for future years:

Arjan Giga (Class of 1997), Ethan Youel (Class of 2014), Stephen Bott (Class of 2005), Michael Smith (Class of 1987), Chris Ninan (Class of 2002), Mairi MacLean (Class of 1984), David Watson (Class of 1999), Rachel Healey (Class of 1999), Rajvinder Saundh (Class of 2002) and Louisa Sanfey (Class of 2000).

Sometimes alumni are asked if they would consider coming back to School to lead assemblies or other special events. Robert Saunt (Class of 2018) presented an assembly on apprenticeships as a post-18 option. Niraj Nain (Class of 2000) led a session with our computer science students about careers and internships in programming. Alex Eveson (Class of 2020), Gurbaksh Sandhu (Class of 2019), Ethan Stratford (Class of 2017) and Jake Walton (Class of 2018) contributed to the leaving assembly for outgoing Headmaster Duncan Byrne. Lauren Church (Class of 2016) was a fantastic contributor to the LHS Space Day inspiring all in attendance. During lockdown we hosted several Loughburians Go Live talks for alumni and are extremely grateful to Matt Bull (Class of 1998) and John Weitzel (LGS Staff 1978 – 2016) who entertained us on a variety of subjects. Jack Nunn (Class of 2004) and Ross Burns

(Class of 2015) have both volunteered their time to present future talks. Mansi Vithlani (Class of 2019) and Diya Kalyan (Class of 2019) both spoke at the Life after LHS day and Giles Kristian (Class of 1994) inspired Year 6 pupils with his experiences of being an author.

QuadFest was a huge success as a celebration of our recent leavers and their achievements. Caitlyn Byrne (Class of 2020), Alex Eveson (Class of 2020), Sarah-Jane Feeley (Class of 2020), Libby Mallon (Class of 2020), Elicia Pancholi-Moore (Class of 2020), Finley Parsons (Class of 2021) and Naomi Wilbram (Class of 2020) were all a huge help with recruiting guests or creating the decorations for the evening. Shailan Mehta (Class of 2007) and his band provided the entertainment and Emilia Foot (Class of 2020) wowed us with her amazing singing voice. Thank you all.

When the Classics department were looking for a way to inspire our current Classicists, the following alumni all contributed to a Where my Classics Degree took me… piece: Verity Simpson (Class of 2005), Kate Gray (Class of 2010), Fay Collinson (Class of 2006), Rachel Emmerson (Class of 1978), and Elizabeth Lewin (Class of 2001) all spoke so glowingly of the teaching they received in this area.

This year we launched the Completion Fund in response to the three-fold increase in families experiencing financial hardship who were unable to meet the cost of school fees due to pandemic. Collectively, to date, 122 alumni raised £44,908 enabling 25 pupils to continue their education and ensure that no pupil got left behind. We are delighted to celebrate all who gave on our Donor Roll of Honour:

• Edem Ankutse (LHS Class of 1997) • Ian Antill (LGS Class of 1971) • Michael Aris (LGS Class of 1952) • Ronald Atkin (LGS Class of 1963) • John Birch (LGS Class of 1959) • Don Bird (LGS Class of 1943) • Tom Bird (LGS Class of 1994) • David Brockhurst (LGS Class of 1950) • John Bryson (LGS Class of 1974) • CMS Cepcor • Romaine Darey (LHS Class of 1987) • Joan Davis - née Hancock (LHS Class of 1953) • Gary Deurance (LGS Class of 1976) • Tom Drife (LGS Class of 1994) • Stephen Drott (LGS Class of 1997) • Tony Eley (LGS Class of 1953) • Peter Frewer (LGS Class of 1966) • Janet Frost - née Smith (LHS Class of 1959) • John Futcher (LGS Class of 1965) • Laurence Gormley (LGS Class of 1972) • Elaine Hare (LHS Class of 1954) • Gillian Hayward - née Smith (LHS Class of 1959) • Michael Hendry (LGS Class of 1967) • Andrew Hill (LGS Class of 1964) • Helen Hood - née Lesser (LHS Class of 1957) • Ed Hopper (LGS Class of 1994) • John Hubert Lacey (LGS Class of 1963) • Carol Laidler - née Lloyd (LHS Class of 1975) • Steven Xiaochen Li (LGS Class of 2003) • Katherine Morris - née Sprake (LHS Class of 1987) • Joseph Murphy (LGS Class of 1997) • Michael Napier (LGS Class of 1964) • John Neal (LGS Class of 1966) • Gillian Neal - née Mee (LHS Class of 1974) • Tom Owen (LGS Class of 2007) • Vina Parekh - née Patel (LHS Class of 1986) • Mitul Patel (LGS Class of 2003) • Jacqueline Prescott - née Kirk (LHS Class of 1970) • Sandra Prince - née Ellis (LHS Class of 1972) • Ajay Ratan (LGS Class of 2009) • Lisa Ratcliffe (LHS Class of 1987) • Laura-Jane Ryves (Current Staff) • Tim Seager (LGS Class of 1982) • Peter and Chris Sergeant (Former Staff) • Elizabeth Sydenham (Former Parent) • Fiona Sydenham (LHS Class of 1992) • Lawrence Taylor (LGS Class of 2012) • Dr David Taylor (LGS Class of 1963) • Pauline Taylor (LHS Class of 1972) • Kate Thurman (LHS Class of 1973) • Steve Tilsley (LGS Class of 1967) • Harris Tisarhontou (LGS Class of 1997) • Philip Tranter (LGS Class of 1977) • Ian Walker (LGS Class of 1948) • Douglas Ian Watson-Walker (LGS Class of 1963) • James Webster (LGS Class of 1954) • Robert Wix (LGS Class of 1985) • Catherine Woodbine (LHS Class of 1977) • Jennifer Wyles - née Leach (LHS Class of 2005) • Jason Young (LGS Class of 1989)

Thank you to those 63 donors who chose to remain anonymous. If you would like to be recognised in the future, please do get in touch with us.

Many alumni choose to support the Schools in other ways. Some contribute to our Burton Bursaries Fund, helping to make a Loughborough Schools’ education accessible to young people. Together we raised £47,120 and helped enable 120 children to access a Loughborough Schools Foundation education. Other alumni have chosen to remember their former School in their Will as part of the Thomas Burton Society. If you would like to become a donor, please do get in touch – development@lsf.org or 01509 638920.