ONLine 2015

ONLine the old North Londoners’ association magazine

Issue 20 | 2015

ONL Features Laura Parker on helping asylum seekers Anjali Martin on her love of the music industry Kate Hofman on the future of urban farming Beryl Lee on the forgotten people of Burma You can download ONLine at www.nlcs.org.uk

Welcome to ONLine 2015 Editor’s Welcome

I

hope that you will agree with me that the articles in this issue of ONLine show Old North Londoners share certain attributes: we are tenacious, strong-minded, and thoughtful, demonstrating passion in the varied choices we have made. Thank you to all of you who have contributed your thoughts to this edition: your experiences and interests show how you have made a contribution to the world, defined your own terms and walked your own path.

ONLs show ‘passion’ in many ways: through careers, intellectual pursuits, charitable enterprises, leisure activities and personal interests, and it has been a pleasure to read these testimonies.

The Alumnae Office is always keen to hear about your passions and news; please do keep in touch. If you know of an ONL who isn’t currently in contact with the School, do pass on their details (see below). We are keen to ensure everyone is included.

Our theme for 2016 is Inspirational Women so please let us know if you would like to contribute. Everyone is welcome!

from The Headmistress Dear Old North Londoners, Since 1850, generations of talented and determined women have built on the foundations of their North London education and pursued their own talents and enthusiasms – each running her own race. At Alumnae events, it is inspiring to hear about the choices ONLs have made, the careers they have built, the interests they have followed with such commitment, the way that they have balanced these professional interests with their personal lives – and the impact that the School has had on their enduring values and friendships.

North London has a long tradition of teaching that aims to inspire passion for subjects. This is aptly illustrated in the piece about an ONL and former teacher, Peggy Angus, in this issue - and I’m sure many ONLs will remember fondly teachers who inspired them during their time here.

The School continues to prepare girls to be the leaders of the future in an atmosphere in which scholarship and a genuine love of subject thrive.

I often hear from ONLs about how much they valued the social and cultural diversity they experienced at their School. The ability to offer places to girls from a range of backgrounds is partly due to the generous support of the many friends of the School who give towards bursaries. And of course, we are now also able to use the income from our franchise school in Jeju, South Korea to support our Bursary Fund.

There has always been more to life at School than what takes place in the classroom, and the range of extra-curricular activities in which our students take part seems to expand each year. I’m always impressed by the dynamic and creative spirit of girls who run our 40 clubs and societies, take part in around 30 foreign trips and 40 concerts and productions each year,

Holly O’Connell (2003) ONLA Editor Please contact us

as well as a wealth of sports events! As we see in this edition of ONLine, ONLs have a rich diversity of interests, from producing music albums to founding a charity, from providing legal aid to refugees to launching a sustainable business. Such stories are inspiring to our students today, and we hope, in turn, they will be equally inspired to follow their own passions.

Email: onla@nlcs.org.uk Post: ONLine, Canons, Canons Drive, Edgware HA8 7RJ Tel: 020 8951 6475

Thank you for your continuing support of the School community, whether it be through attending reunions and networking events, financial gifts to the School or supporting students and other ONLs in the early stages of their careers.

I hope to see you at Canons soon.

With best wishes,

Editorial Team Producer Emma Maltz, NLCS Alumnae Officer Arts Columnist Chloé Nelkin (2006) Archives Columnist Joelaine Fitch (2006)

Magazine design by Johnny Marks, Splash Printing

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| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

Bernice McCabe Headmistress

ONLA Travel Award UPDATES Travel Award Report Sonali Shah

L

(2010)

India

ast December, I volunteered at the Manav Kalyan Trust School for Hearing and Speech Impaired Children. One of the main reasons I chose this particular school is because

the institution really focuses on protecting and educating children with disabilities. Having a disability is not a well-understood concept in India and is often seen as a taboo due to cultural ideas. Therefore, by providing children with disabilities with primary and secondary level education, it gives them access to opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t receive.

Travel Award Report Corall Friedman (2013) Peru

D

uring my gap year I spent some time volunteering at ‘Pronoei Vista Alegre’, a

volunteer-run kindergarten in the Bellavista region of Cusco, Peru. This project was set up by mothers who had been forced to leave their young children home alone while they went to work. This had led to many infant deaths due to accidents in the home and on the streets.

Furthermore, the majority of the children

they are learning and trigger eagerness

accepted into the school come from tribal

to learn.

areas all across India. This is particularly interesting since, by supporting the

This school also encourages the students to

rehabilitation of these children into society

participate in extra-curricular activities such

with new life skills, the school prepares them

as karate, volleyball and chess but of course

to find work and eventually provide for the

due to tight budgets, sometimes the school

rest of their family.

cannot provide the children with the correct equipment to foster these skills. With this in

Given that the students cannot hear, the

mind, I am eager to return to the school next

Led by Mayke Marisal, many small

biggest challenge that I encountered whilst

year and work with the staff to engage with

kindergartens have been set up around Cusco

teaching was being able to communicate and

corporations that will be able to sponsor

to make sure that these children get a warm

teach different concepts effectively through

and make regular donations to support the

meal each day as well as social interaction

just sign language. This difficulty was felt not

running of these extra-curricular activities.

with other children and basic skills that will

only by me but also the teachers and, as a

help them be able to enter into primary

result, one of the prevalent teaching methods

Overall, volunteering at the Manav Kalyan

adopted by the school was to simply make

Trust was one of the most rewarding

Daniel, a volunteer from Australia, and I

the students copy blocks of text from the

experiences of my life. It definitely made

spent four weeks with a group of 25 three to

blackboard or textbooks into their exercise

me think about how we often take things

five-year-olds, teaching them songs in English,

books. This however meant that sometimes

for granted and put less important things

playing games in the nearby football pitches,

the students did not truly understand the

ahead of what really means the most to

helping out on vaccination day by entertaining

reasoning or logic behind certain topics.

us. Experiencing first-hand how well the

them and taking part in a parade for ‘Día de

Hence, during my stay I initiated the use

school is managed and seeing how much

la Educación Inicial’, Pre-School Education

of technology to educate. For example, I

this school means to both the children and

Day, to raise awareness and celebrate

encouraged the use of educational software

their families, makes me inclined to continue

the importance of pre-school education.

that would introduce different techniques

supporting the school in any way possible

Personally it was an eye-opening,

for teaching and make the students’ learning

and in the future donating as much as I can

incredibly rewarding experience, and I hope

more interactive. This encourages the

to this organisation.

to continue supporting this programme

students to think more deeply about what

www.manavkalyantrust.org

through donations.

school, and keep them out of harm’s way.

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

3

ONLA Travel Award UPDATES Travel Award Report Eleanor Glynn

T

(2013)

Ghana

his summer I travelled to Ghana with a team of ten students from Exeter

University to represent the charity ‘KickStart Ghana’. We ran a six week summer school for 60 students about to take their entry exams to senior school in St Cecilia’s School in Ho,

the capital of the Volta region. The aim of our programme was to give the students an opportunity to develop key skills that are not included in the curriculum, such as teamwork, emotional, fine-motor and cognitive skills, in preparation for senior school.

The first weeks of teaching were steep learning curves, though every lesson was enjoyable due to the attitude of the students

who were still learning to

who were lovely and very keen to learn. Our

read. After an hour every

lessons were full of exciting activities such as

day, the improvements were

making papier mâché solar systems, labelling

noticeable and their reading

life-size drawings of ourselves to learn parts

was so much smoother.

of the body, and blindfolded obstacle courses

We had lots of fun learning

to improve communication. We had so much

new words, some which

fun with them, and it was clear their skills

I could only define by

developed well, preparing them for their

actions such as ‘Swagger’!

Mount Afadjato. I had such a fantastic summer

entry exams in September.

in Ghana and I would highly recommend On the weekends we travelled as a team

overseas volunteering to anyone interested!

After school we ran a reading club for the

around the Volta region visiting some

younger children to improve literacy skills. I

incredible places such as Wli Falls Waterfall,

www.trackellie.wordpress.com

had the pleasure of teaching seven children

Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, and climbing

ellieeglynn@gmail.com

Travel Award Report Harriet Keown

(2010)

India

around CES's research on communal violence,

is truly a country of contradictions - with

examining interviews CES has conducted with

booming economic growth and successful

people affected by the 2002 anti-Muslim riots

Mars missions on the one hand, and high

in Gujarat. I have been writing up cohesive

rates of poverty and discrimination on the

conflict narratives using these interviews,

other. I'm looking forward to deepening

to form part of an upcoming book on mass

my understanding of the complexities of

violence in India.

this country throughout the rest of my internship here.

Working on this project has been immensely

E

arlier this year I travelled to Delhi to begin an internship at the Centre for Equity

interesting, due to the continued issue of

I'm incredibly grateful for NLCS's support

communal violence within India. Even this

in helping me fund this venture. The

October, around Diwali time, there was

experience I have gained from working in

Studies (CES), an NGO which researches

an episode of communal violence between

the third sector will be invaluable when I

social and economic justice issues in India.

Muslim and Hindu neighbours in Trilokpuri,

return to the UK, and continue to pursue

Since then, most of my work has centred

Delhi - very near to where I currently live. It

a career in international development.

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| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

ONLA Travel Award UPDATES Travel Award Report Claudia Raperport Zanzibar

(2010)

and often lazy. Those nurses with the worst

There were some scary moments when I

attitude problems were my biggest fear

was very aware of my lack of resources and

when I started work, as I knew that if they

trained staff, especially when operating on

perceived my comments as criticism, they

very difficult cases and realizing the only

would never cooperate with me.

more experienced surgeon on the island was an hour away. My appreciation of the NHS

After coping with emergency situations

has grown enormously as I discovered the

ince starting work in 2008 I’ve packed in

including life-threatening haemorrhages,

cost of various medications and equipment,

as many exotic trips as my annual leave

eclamptic seizures, neonates needing

and the volume of manpower and support we

will stretch to. I am a registrar in Obstetrics

resuscitation and babies in distress needing

take for granted in the UK.

and Gynaecology in London and had decided

interventional deliveries, the nurses began to

many years ago I wanted to work in the

understand that I was there to help, and could

developing world. I waited until I could

teach them how to cope with problems they’d

happily run a busy labour ward, operate

previously run away from out of fear.

S

independently and be confident in my medical and surgical skills before escaping the

Some of my work was basic - only one of my

NHS temporarily.

nurses could tell the time so I spent many hours teaching the others. Labour can be

Health Improvement Project Zanzibar

dangerous, and knowing how long it’s been

(HIPZ) is a British charity run by a surgeon

going on or how quickly or slowly progress is

in Taunton. He has developed a relationship

being made can make the difference between

with the Ministry of Health in Zanzibar and

an alive or dead baby.

agreed to spend ten years working alongside

I kept a blog whilst I was away, and re-reading

local government staff in the second and third

The antenatal clinic in Kivunge is run by

my early entries makes me laugh, as some

biggest hospitals on the island, improving

a cleaning lady who conscientiously sees

of the most difficult staff members are now

the clinical care, resources, management and

all the patients, prescribing deworming

great friends. On one of my last days the

education, with the aim of leaving behind

tablets and tetanus injections according

labour ward was unusually quiet and so

self-supporting, sustainable services at both

to WHO guidelines. She doesn’t however

we took the chance to deep-clean - a day

hospitals. Unguja is the largest island in the

fully understand the need for vital checks

I’ll never forget as we all worked together

such as blood pressure monitoring. This is

scrubbing the walls, floor and beds and got

hardly her fault as she’s never been trained,

drenched and filthy but laughed throughout.

Zanzibar Archipelago.

It has a population of 1.3 million people, a

but with teaching and the development of a

birth rate of 50,000 per year and there are

simple checklist, I trained her to identify any

Now that I’m home, I’m helping design a new

two obstetricians on the island. In fact, now

patients with risk factors for complications,

maternity unit to meet the growing number

I’m back in London, there is only one.

and set up my own weekly clinic to see these

of patients keen to deliver in Kivunge.

patients. By the time I left, 100% of these On arrival in Zanzibar, I took over the running

women had delivered in Kivunge (the home

My time in Zanzibar had to end as my job

of the maternity unit in Kivunge Hospital,

birth rate on the island is around 50%) and

was only held here for a year and I have

the third biggest maternity unit on the island.

they were all safe and well.

to continue up the career ladder (and my

I say ‘took over’, but there had never been

fiancé was getting fed up with our Skype

any management previously so I had my

HIPZ had built an operating theatre which we

relationship!) but the whole experience was

work cut out for me. It took several months

put into use as I started a Caesarean section

incredible, and I’m grateful to NLCS for their

to really integrate myself with the local

service and empowered the local staff to

generous travel award which helped me out

staff, learn enough Swahili to communicate

identify women in need, go through all the

whilst I volunteered. I can’t recommend highly

effectively with both staff and patients and

safety checks needed before transferring

enough the value of working abroad and will

to really observe what the biggest problems

them to theatre, perform the operation

certainly be heading out again whenever I can

in the unit are. Staff are horribly underpaid,

under my supervision, and then provide safe

persuade my NHS bosses to let me go!

overworked and are therefore demotivated

postnatal care.

www.drclaudia.co.uk

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

5

Five Inspirational ONLs

Alex Wilson, Deputy Head and ONL (1990), explains the NLCS House Activities Programme

T

he House Activities Programme was introduced as a way

Lime Avenue or ‘Budge’ for Budge Square. We also discussed

to promote links between the different year groups, so

historical figures associated with Canons such as the Duke of

girls from different ages could interact socially and in a fun way

Chandos and Handel, amongst many others. After consultation

together. We plan to have termly events, some of which will

with the girls, staff, ONLs, and lots of different members of the

be competitive, others in support of creative ideas and charity

School community, the overwhelming suggestion was that the

work: these will all encourage a sense of team spirit amongst the

Houses should be named after inspirational women. And where

girls and staff, building and nurturing strong friendships.

better to find inspirational women than amongst our ONLs? The five ONLs chosen were pioneering women, who were

In choosing the names of the Houses we considered many

firsts in their particular areas which include science, the arts

ideas, for example, features of the School, such as ‘Lime’ for

and literature.

Joelaine Fitch (2006) uncovers the stories behind the ONLs who have given their names to the new House System at NLCS Edith Aitken

Edith overcame a number of obstacles

Stella, a ‘bully, he had other women.

In 1902, Edith Aitken, ONL and former

to successfully establish the School in

He threw a knife at my mother once

member of staff at NLCS, became

post-Boer war-ravaged Africa; a mere

and smashed a window. It was so hard

the founder and first headmistress of

two years after opening, the School

to get into a peaceful atmosphere’. Her

Pretoria High School for Girls in

received glowing reports from school

family life influenced Cold Comfort Farm:

South Africa.

inspectors. PHSG continues to prosper:

Stella wished to write a book about

Gauteng Department of Education has

‘one sensible person amid a lot of very

Edith wrote that she

ranked PHSG as one of the Top Schools

dramatic, over-sensational people [as]

wanted her school

in Gauteng, and Edith’s ideals of integrity,

that’s the kind of family [she] grew up

to be ‘conducted

inclusivity and excellence continue to

in, people who were in the most awful

with the earnest

be upheld.

mess with family trouble and rows’; Stella

hope that here

identified with the extremely sensible

girls of different

Stella Gibbons

protagonist, Flora Poste, who was

races and different

Stella Gibbons was a celebrated novelist

‘[Stella], of course, among the very

denominations

and poet; her most famous novel was the

over-heated ones’.

might meet in the

brilliant satire Cold Comfort Farm, which

commonwealth

won the French literary prize the Prix

Stella joined NLCS in 1915; a fellow

of letters which

Femina Vie Heureuse (foreigner category)

NLCS girl, Winifred Chatfield, recalls

gave Erasmus and

in 1933. The novel continues to be a

Stella’s literary talents blossoming at a

Shakespeare to

bestseller decades after it was written.

young age: ‘Stella Gibbons wrote really

the World; to Edith Ait ken

6

acquire there,

Stella’s childhood was

in accordance

not an easy one: her

with the ideals

father, who was a

of Christian Duty, the healthy physique,

doctor to the poor of

the trained mind and the disciplined

North London, was

character which should fit each to live

alcoholic, adulterous

worthily in that state of life unto which

and tempestuous;

it should please God to call her.’ Edith

Stella described him

modelled PHSG on NLCS: the two

as a ‘bad man, but

schools even share the motto, ‘We

a good doctor’. He

work in hope’.

was, according to

| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

Stella Gibbons

of her portraits are in the National

Stella’s creativity and skill with words was

Portrait Gallery.

evident even when she was a school girl: Stella was Vice President of the Senior

Peggy’s legacy continues to be felt

Dramatic Club and Honorary Secretary

today, and the creativity and enthusiasm

of the Debating Society.

with which she infused the NLCS Art Department continues to live on.

Upon leaving North London, Stella took a journalism course at University College

Clara Collet

London. She later worked for the Evening

Clara Collet was the first NLCS pupil to gain a BA; she also played a vital role in

Standard and The Lady, whilst continuing to write in her spare time. It was there

Peggy Angus at Furlongs

improving the working conditions and pay for working women.

that she found inspiration to satirise the ‘agricultural school of novels’, the writers

school: a Sketch Club report from 1920

of which ‘always wrote about Sussex and

notes that the prize for the best sketch

Clara joined NLCS in 1873: her first

the Powys brothers who were great on

was won by Peggy; she was elected onto

memory of the School is of Miss Buss

cows and cow dung and dear old sex’.

the Club Committee the following year.

calling her out of the School entrance

Peggy was involved in a range of school

exam to give her encouraging words.

Stella met her husband Alan Bourne

activities: she was in one of the School’s

Whilst at school, Clara founded the

Webb whilst working at The Lady; she

hockey teams; participated in the

NLCS Debating Society with Sara Burstall

was ‘very happy with him for 26 years’.

School production of Prunella where she

(second headmistress of Manchester High

Stella’s happiness found its way into

‘afforded comic relief as a droll Scaramal’;

School for Girls) in 1876; it is a society

her work, for she ‘really liked writing

and also assisted in the charitable work

that continues to this day.

about ordinary people having ordinary

of the Frances Mary Buss House. When

feelings and not blowing them up’,

she was only 17, Peggy won a scholarship

Upon leaving school, Clara worked as

something that is seen in her later novels.

to the Royal College of Art.

a school mistress at Wyggeston Girl's

throughout her life, writing over

Peggy returned to NLCS as Head of

she chose to continue her education

twenty novels and many short stories

Art in 1947, where she remained until

at University College London, which

and poems.

1970. A former pupil of Peggy’s, Corinne

only began offering degrees to women

Five Inspirational ONLs

long, readable novels and poems at 13-14’.

School in Leicester. Like Stella Gibbons

Stella continued to be a prolific writer

Julius, remembers Peggy as a fighter:

in 1878. In 1880, the NLCS magazine

Many years after leaving school, Stella

‘Peggy fought battles… She fought for

proudly heralded Clara as having gained

spoke of how she believed the tradition

the building, for the curriculum; for

the School's ‘first B.A. degree’.

of North London ‘has always been sound

materials, and she employed really good

Christian ideals and conscientiousness –

people… She was a warrior.’ Peggy

for a North Londoner always does more

assisted in the development of the Art

than her best’; it is a tradition that Stella

Department, and also the beautiful Art

herself maintained.

Block that continues to be enjoyed by North London girls. Peggy ‘believed that

Peggy Angus

art was an important part of a person's

The wallpaper designed by Margaret

development’: former pupils recall her as

‘Peggy’ Angus still hangs in Red Square

someone who gave the gift of a lifelong

in the Old House of NLCS, testament

love of art.

to the vibrant and creative woman who inspired and mentored so many pupils.

Even whilst teaching, Peggy continued

Peggy’s birth was as unconventional as

to practise as an artist, and her unusual

herself: she was born in a railway station

hand-printed tiled wallpaper and designs

in exotic Chile. Her family moved to

were hung around the country. Her

London when she was very young, and,

interior designs gained her commissions

thanks to the salary of an elder sister,

with a celebrated architect, and her tile

Peggy was able to attend NLCS. Her

designs were produced commercially.

artistic talent blossomed when she was at

She also continued to paint, and two

Clara Collet

Cont'd overleaf

➥

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

7

Five Inspirational ONLs

Clara was awarded an MA in Political

distinguished old pupils’, something

Economy in 1885 from UCL - she was

which is still true nearly 120

the first English woman to gain this; she

years later.

also became the first female Fellow of UCL.

Lilian Lindsay (née Murray)

After completing her Masters, Clara

Lilian was the first qualified female

became involved in philanthropy, and

dentist in the UK. In 1886, she

began to work closely with Charles

overcame the obstacles posed by

Booth, a philanthropist and researcher.

her circumstances (she was one

Clara was a key contributor to Booth’s

of eleven children, and her father

great piece of research: Life and Labour

died when she was fourteen)

of the People in London. She inspected the

and won the Frances Mary Buss

working conditions of working women

Scholarship to NLCS. Lilian

in London and smaller towns, and

recalls her headmistress, Miss

investigated a range of industries such

Buss, as ‘little of stature’ with

as ‘straw-plaiting in Luton; clothing, and

an ‘aura of greatness’. However,

cocoa manufacture in Bristol; and the

Lilian’s independent spirit

Staffordshire potteries’.

resisted even the advice of the

Lilian Lindsay

great Miss Buss, who believed Following her work with Booth, Clara

that Lilian was ‘destined to be a teacher

was appointed to a permanent post in

for the deaf and dumb’. Such advice did

the idea of a female dentist, but her

the Labour Department of the Board of

not have the desired effect on Lilian, who

fellow students were ‘from the first, the

Trade. When the Labour Department

found that this ‘aroused [her] rebellion’.

kindest imaginable’. Lilian enjoyed her

became the Ministry of Labour, Clara

As a result Lilian announced that she

‘two years [of school] to the full’ and

‘was there when [Prime Minister David]

was going to be a dentist, although she

later described the time as ‘some of the

Lloyd George created it’. Clara was one

‘knew nothing of dentistry’. However,

most joyous and carefree days’ of her life.

of the first women to achieve a high

‘having stated boldly that [she] would be

position in the civil service, and she

a dentist, there was nothing else to be

Lilian frequently encountered opposition

remained there until she retired

done’ except to be one.

from men, who told her that by choosing

in 1920.

her career she was ‘depriving some In 1889, after leaving school, Lilian began

man of his livelihood’. Indeed, Sir Henry

Clara researched and wrote many papers

a three-year dental apprenticeship. After

Littlejohn (Scottish surgeon and public

for the Royal Statistical Society and

this, before registering for further dental

health pioneer) one said to her ‘Madam,

Economic Journal (among others); a fellow

studies, she faced preliminary exams;

you are taking the bread out of some

member of the Royal Statistical Society

these were ‘hard, but [she] had started

poor fellow’s mouth’. Lilian ignored

wrote that ‘no one who consults [Clara’s]

on the road to dentistry and must

the naysayers, and upon completing

reports will have any doubt of Miss

not turn back’. Lilian was then advised

her studies and gaining a First Class

Collet’s capacity for hard work, thorough

to seek entry at the National Dental

Certificate, she returned home to

investigation, clear thinking, and concise,

Hospital School in London; unfortunately,

London in 1895, where she opened her

lucid expression’. Clara’s research and

the Dean of the School would not let

own practice. Lilian’s career flourished:

reports contributed to the Trade Boards

her set foot into the building, as he was

she became sub-editor of the British

Act of 1909, and she assisted in the

against females enrolling as students.

Dental Journal, the first female president

introduction of reforms such as pensions

Therefore Lilian applied to the Edinburgh

of the British Dental Association, and

for the elderly and labour exchanges.

Dental Hospital, where ‘women [were]

was made a Commander of the British

received on the same footing as men’.

Empire. Lilian spoke of Miss Buss as

Her lifelong friend George Gissing (a

8

one who ‘realised in the task before her

celebrated Victorian novelist) described

Lilian commenced her dental studies in

that she would never turn back’: it is a

Clara as a ‘very clever and independent

Edinburgh in 1892, and was pleased to

description that can be aptly applied to

woman, a remarkable person; full

discover that the classes there ‘made

Lilian herself.

of energy’; the NLCS magazine of

no distinction as to sex’. The instructing

1898 called Clara ‘one of our most

dental surgeon ‘was highly amused’ by

| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

By Joelaine Fitch (2006)

race for life Canons Sparklers warmly invite ONLs to Race for Life with them this July to raise £10,000. We hear from seven Sparklers, friends from the class of '71, about their passion for RFL. 2007

ls, l to r: Spark ling away, delighted with our meda ood, Sue Hills, Lindsey Sharpe, Katy Barnes, Susi Kirkw ond, 2008.

Sue Rhodes and Lynn Aylward. Richm

2014

Sue Hills (née Davis) explains. "Back in 2005, I lost my mother to cancer and my dear friend Sue Rhodes (née Gover) challenged me to run the 5km to raise funds for Cancer Research.

Seeking sponsorship and fellow runners we contacted our entire year group and were

Our most recent Ra ce for Life . Proudl y showing off our me are , l to r: Judi Ho dals oper, Sue Hills, Lin dsey Sharpe , Joy Ba Lynn Aylward and rrett, Susi Kirkwood. Ric hmond , 2014

cheque . l to r: Presenting our 20 07 dsey Sharpe , Anne Guinamard, Lin ls and Katy Barnes.

Jill from RFL , Sue Hil Canons, 20 08

Canons Sparklers

2008

delighted with the response. Some had already taken part before joining us, some ran or

cancer in some way, is both humbling and

Sue and the team would love

walked with us for their first time and others

awe inspiring. Doing it in the company of

you, as an individual or as

formed the core of our wonderful team of

friends made at school over 40 years ago

year groups, to join them on

sponsors alongside friends and families. We

makes it joyous and life-affirming. I intend to

Saturday 4th July for the RFL on

have them to thank for the £32,326 we have

keep running the RFL as long as I have the

Hampstead Heath – whether

raised to date".

strength and health - and as long as cancer is

you are a walker or a runner!

still there to be beaten."

Contact: suehills@hotmail.co.uk

Holliday) too. "My sister (ONL) Barby had

The Sparklers create a celebratory

Meanwhile Katy has the

just died at the age of 40 from breast cancer

atmosphere and friendships are rekindled over

last word: "The atmosphere and

when I received the e-mail from the two Sues.

a bring-and-share picnic afterwards. Lynn

togetherness during the Race is

Taking part in RFL helps me to do something

Aylward (née Rhodes) says "We have great

truly amazing - I recommend it."

positive to help fight this disease and reassures

fun on the day sharing stories of school days,

me that I am not alone in this".

family catch-ups and tales of our individual

Family bonds motivated Katy Barnes (née

2007

experiences of training for the event. The Lindsay Sharpe (née Marshall): "I also

poignancy of our losses is always bonding,

started running with Canons Sparklers

and our years of friendship mean sharing such

because I wanted to be in solidarity with Katy.

personal confidences is as natural as anything".

My own Mum died, aged 60, of cancer and after my own big birthday, I consider every day

Susi Kirkwood is drawn by the strong

I live to be a bonus! So RFL is a combination

feeling of companionship and says "I wouldn’t

of 'carpe diem' and supporting the fight against

have done RFL on my own, but taking part with

this ghastly disease".

other ONLs is very motivating".

Judi Hooper (née Pratt-Johnson) tells us:

Joy Barratt-Wilson

"I ran my first RFL in June 1999 - two months

(née Barratt) is a newcomer. "I

before I was diagnosed with breast cancer!

only started last year - and was

So the opportunity to contribute to raising

encouraged to do so by others

funds to fight and one day eradicate cancer is

saying what fun they were having

one that, as a cancer survivor, I am passionate

running together for this cause.

about. To do it in the company of thousands

So 'once bitten' one cannot

of women who have been touched by

be shy!"

Our record year. l to r: Lynn Aylward (née Rhodes), Lindsey Sharpe (née Marshall), the dear, late Hattie Rowlands (née Isaacs), Theresa Clunie (friend), Susi Kirkwood, Sue Rhodes (née Gover), Katy Barnes (née Holliday), Judi Hooper (née Pratt-Johnson), Anne Guinamard (friend) and Sue Hills (née Davis). Richmond, 2008

2005

the The first Race for Life Hills two Sues tackled. Sue s on Rhode is on the left , Sue y, 20 05 the right. Herne Ba

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

9

Passion - a Mother’s Story

Passion: “ardent love ... a strong affection or enthusiasm for a person, concept, etc ... any strongly felt emotion .... the object of an intense desire or enthusiasm ... an outburst expressing intense emotion” Collins English Dictionary

M

y initial reaction when invited to write an article about ‘passion’ was

Hospital, she saw an advertisement for

to the depths of despair and the passion

the Sue Harris Bone Marrow Trust,

to find some meaning to the enormous

“help!” Having recently retired it is many,

contacted them and agreed to front a

void in our lives. Karen is our ruling

many years since I have written an

major campaign which saw thousands join

passion and the Karen Morris Memorial

in-depth essay. I am sure that if Karen

the bone marrow register and significant

Trust our ruling passion to conquer the

(ONL, 1993) had been asked to write

funds being raised.

reason for her untimely death.

about passion, she would have written an eloquent, well-thought-out article. But

“Passion is energy” Oprah Winfrey.

thinking about it in the context of Collins’ definition I realised Karen’s life was full of

I hope my words have inspired you to

passion - passion for her family, passion

understand why the legacy of Karen’s

for her friendships, passion for her studies,

passion drives all of us involved with the

passion for her Judaism, passion for her

KMMT to continue our work to ease the

work with young people and, in the last

emotional, and thereby the physical, pain

year, a passion to live. As she wrote:

of leukaemia patients and their families and to find some meaning to our immense loss. We currently fund four Karen’s

“When I was first diagnosed I philosophised

Homes from Home for leukaemia patients

about death but I never truly believed I was going to die. I remember saying at the time

Passion brings the deepest of emotions

and their families - at Hammersmith

that if I was to die (which I wasn’t but if I

- from the heights of happiness to the

Hospital in London, the Churchill Hospital

was) I know I will have led a full and active

depths of despair. Passion is an essential

in Oxford, Addenbrooke’s Hospital

life and on the whole a very happy one,

emotion which drives humans to get

in Cambridge and, most recently, the

short though it may be. In the last 22 years

things done. Life without passion is a life

Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

I have managed to live in three countries,

devoid of emotion and love. Passion is

We have also funded complementary

met dozens of fascinating people, been

contagious; we see this in the wonderful

staff and patients’ rooms in leading

able to do the type of work that I believe in

feedback we receive from users of our

haematology departments in the UK. We

(although lucrative - it wasn’t!), built up a

facilities. To quote from just one letter:

currently fund four Karen’s Homes from Home for leukaemia patients and their

beautiful set of friends and have very close, “Many many thanks for providing a lovely

families - in London, Oxford, Cambridge

home for us during my husband’s bone

and Birmingham. We regularly receive

The Karen Morris Memorial Trust

marrow transplant. I was able to cook

applications to fund facilities which would

(KMMT) means that now we, her

all his meals which enabled his early

not otherwise be available but which are

family, friends and a growing network

recovery. Such a pleasant experience not

proven to alleviate the emotional, and

of supporters, who have been inspired

to have to worry about accommodation at

thereby the physical, pain of leukaemia

by her story when staying in a Karen’s

a stressful time. Heartfelt thank you”.

sufferers. With YOUR support we can do

loving relationships with my family.”

Home from Home or benefitting from

Jill, Bristol

one of the several complementary

our passion!

services we support for leukaemia

“The ruling passion, be it what it

patients and their families, are driven by

will; The ruling passion conquers

her legacy of passion. Karen’s Home from

reason still.”

Home offers well appointed, comfortable

By Sylvia Morris, Karen’s mother and Chair of the Karen Morris Memorial Trust

Alexander Pope

accommodation for leukaemia patients'

10

even more. Please help us with

www.kmmt.org.uk info@kmmt.org.uk

families and for the patients themselves

Our passion, the passion of all who are

if they are able to leave the "cabin fever"

involved with the KMMT, includes the

Karen Morris was a student at NLCS

of the ward even for a few hours. We

extremes of passion - from the

from 1986-1993. She was diagnosed with

continue the fundraising she started

heights of happiness in our wonderful

chronic myeloid leukaemia in September

when, on her first visit to Hammersmith

memories of my beautiful, clever daughter

1997 and died in September 1998.

| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

G

rassroots Tanzania (GT) is a young

The local community is already seeing

charity, set up in 2013 by Martin

benefits. The nearest village to the

and Charlotte Hopley, a husband and wife

100-acre site, Itumba Hill Singida,

team who live there. The idea behind the

recently raised £2,500 (most people live

charity is very simple. They have 80 acres

on one dollar a day) towards the building

in rural Tanzania, which has seen terrible

of a new primary school. Having started

deforestation, largely due to ‘slash and

the build and run out of funds, the village

burn’ nomadic farming, but also due to

approached GT for help to fund the roof.

honey farming practices, whereby large

Unfortunately on inspection, GT found

holes are cut into trees for bees to nest,

that the structure was not stable enough

which ultimately kills the trees. The area

to support a roof. It will now use the

is particularly good for honey bees and

funds raised for the roof to start work

produces a high quality honey which

on a more stable structure.

Grassroots Tanzania

Jennifer Holden (1993) explains her passion for the charity ‘Grassroots Tanzania’ and the difference it makes to local communities

commands a premium price at market.

I strongly believe that helping GT has developed a very simple business

communities to become independent,

model: by providing hives for honey

rather than aid-dependent, benefits

production, a sustainable source of

everyone, and I hope that I’ve inspired

income can be derived, which is then

you to find out more about how

used to re-forest the area and to provide

this sort of self-funding, sustainable

for the local community. Initially this is

model, has far reaching benefits.

through support for primary education,

By Jennifer Holden (1993)

programmes on environment and

www.grassrootstz.org

conservation, and basic health for women.

In the two years since Grassroots Tanzania was established, it has set up a base camp, started a tree nursery, provided some initial hives and sent their first honey produce to market. All of this whilst working in a rural area, where everything has to be brought in by dirt roads that are often impassable during the wet season. Local villagers have asked for their help to conserve a further 1,800 acres of deforested savannah.

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

11

ONL BOOK CLUB Tanya Byron (née Sichel, 1985)

Lucy Tobin (2004)

Tanya Byron’s best selling ‘The Skeleton Cupboard’ is

Lucy Tobin has published a new planning

released in paperback this month. Imagine it is the first

guide for brides-to-be, called ‘From Yes to I

day of your new job and your first meeting in the diary

Do’ (Quercus). Inspired by her own big day

is with a psychopath. As Tanya Byron begins her years

in 2012, the book covers clever and fun ideas

of training as a new clinical psychologist we begin a

that help make weddings stand out from the

powerful journey which takes her, and her patients,

crowd - plus behind-the-scenes secrets to

from chaos to clarity through the maelstrom of what

help readers

life throws at us. With each fascinating and moving

barter the

story Tanya reveals how she inched her way past the

best prices

labels of diagnosis, and the often frightening face of the illness, to the real

from their

human being. Some of these stories are incredibly sad; others darkly funny - all of them take us

wedding day

closer to a place of compassion and understanding which will change the way we think about

suppliers. This

mental health.

is for those "who want a wedding with

Jane Corry (née Thomas, 1974)

a personal

Jane has written a practical book of tips for aspiring romantic

touch, not off

novelists entitled ‘How To Write Romantic Fiction’ (under her pen

the peg." ‘From

name Sophie King).

Yes to I Do’ is Lucy’s fifth book, with others including money-saving tome ‘Ausperity’ and ‘The Witness’ (under the pen name Jane

‘A Guide to Uni Life’. Her sixth book, careers

Bidder) is published by Accent Press.

bible ‘A Book of Jobs’, is to be published

When Alice, a respectable middle-aged

this summer.

mother, sees a couple behaving illegally in the park, she is asked to give witness in

Jemma Wayne (1998)

court. If she refuses, a drug dealer could go

Jemma’s debut novel ‘After Before’ was published

free. But if she agrees, her carefully-hidden

in June 2014. It is a powerful, contemporary

past will be revealed - and her life will come

story of three women: a Rwandan refugee, a

tumbling down.

cancer sufferer, and a newly engaged Londoner trying to escape her wild youth. Linked by

Writing as Jane Corry, ‘The Emerald Earrings’

deep betrayals in their pasts, they are each

is about a pair of Victorian cousins who both fall in love with the

consumed by this, stuck. Until as their lives

same man. Their fate can only be resolved when a missing earring

intersect, amidst an exploration of identity

is found - over a hundred years later. Published by Newton

and in particular modern womanhood, the

Compton in Italy (to be published in the UK in 2016).

relationships between them inspire the courage to at last look ahead.

‘After Before’

Amanda Hilton (née Smith, 1977)

is now also

Amanda writes children’s books under the pen name Amanda

available as

Swift. The sixth book in the popular ‘Guinea Pigs Online’ series

an audio book

was published in 2014, with ‘Puppies Online: Treasure Hunt’ to

(WFHowes,

follow this year.

November 2014), voiced by

Amanda has written for several well-established children's TV

Jemma’s actor sister, Anna-Marie Wayne.

series, including ‘My Parents are Aliens’. She has also written three other children’s novels: ‘The Boys' Club’, ‘Big Bones’ and

Longlisted for the 2015 Baileys Women's

‘Anna/Bella’.

Prize for Fiction.

12

| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

K

a dream in Moe Bu’s mind seven years earlier. There is no government funded health care in Karenni State, and since most people are very poor subsistence farmers, few can afford to pay for

arenni Student Development

and we support many projects to achieve

hospital treatment in faraway towns.

Programme (KSDP) is a unique UK

this aim.

Many Karenni die at a young age and the

registered charity which was founded

aim of ‘Caring Stars Clinic’ is to offer

by our daughter, Stephanie Lee (ONL,

treatment, medical advice and health

1998) in February 1999. Stephanie took a

education in the hope that everyone can

gap year after school and after teaching

enjoy a healthier, longer life.

English in Vietnam, she travelled and came across a Karenni/Burmese refugee

Democracy is slowly coming to the

camp on the Thai/Burma border. She was

ethnic minorities of Burma, who have

very moved by the plight of the refugees

been living under a policy of ethnic

who, having suffered many years of

cleansing for over 60 years. Stephanie’s

oppression inside Burma under a military

charity remains an important force in

dictatorship, had fled across the border

In 2007, KSDP was able to sponsor Moe

this area and KSDP provides the support

to the safety of a refugee camp. With this

Bu, a Karenni refugee, for a temporary

which is vital if the refugees living in

passion inside her, Stephanie returned to

visa to the UK to work with KSDP. She

the camps and those who remained

the UK to set up the KSDP charity. She

was ultimately granted asylum in the

inside Karenni are to have any future

also changed her educational focus and

UK and she told us of her ‘two dreams’.

opportunities.

went to SOAS to read Burmese, Thai and

One was to become a qualified nurse

S.E. Asian politics and every university

and the other was to build a clinic in her

If anyone would like to hear more about

vacation she returned to the refugee

village. In June 2012, Moe Bu graduated

our work, or ‘sponsor’ a young Karenni

camp to teach English. She worked hard

with a nursing degree and then worked

by regular monthly contributions of as

to raise funds and worked part-time

in NHS hospitals in London. On gaining

little as £5, do please contact me. As a

during her studies to fund her trips back

her UK passport, in December 2013, she

very small, family-run charity, we operate

to the refugee camp, so that every penny

returned to her country to work with the

with minimal administrative costs so that

raised went to the Karenni refugees.

Karenni Mobile Health Committee and

every penny that is raised goes directly

to oversee the building of KSDP’s newest

to the Karenni people and even small

Tragically, in November 2001, Stephanie

project, The Caring Stars Clinic, in her

amounts can do so much out in Burma.

was killed in a motorbike accident close

village. It means so much to KSDP to

to the refugee camp and we immediately

have been able to help Moe Bu who has

By Beryl Lee Chairman KSDP

flew out to Thailand to attend her funeral

become our ‘adopted daughter’, realize

www.ksdp.org.uk

in the camp. Stephanie was just 21 when

both her dreams. It was made even more

beryl@ksdp.org.uk

her life abruptly ended, but she had

special for us because after many years of

achieved so much and had made such a

being unable to travel to Burma, in June

You might also like to join us at our next

marked impression upon the displaced

2014, we were granted visas and we were

major fundraising event in London when ONL

Karenni people. At her funeral, I made a

able to visit Moe Bu’s village and perform

(and ex-NLCS art teacher) Susan Bennett

pledge to the Karenni that the work of

a Grand Opening of the Clinic.

kindly hosts an annual KSDP Garden Party

KSDP would continue in a similar vein

The Forgotten People of Burma

Beryl Lee (Mother of ONL Stephanie Lee, 1998) writes about continuing her daughter’s legacy helping the Karenni The Forgotten People of Burma

in her beautiful garden (which was featured

and I’m proud and honoured to have

With ceasefire talks taking place, Karenni

on ITV’s “Best Back Gardens” in January).

taken on Steph’s passion and helped

has peace of sorts for the first time in

This year the event will be held on Sunday

KSDP to grow and develop to meet

sixty years and it has only just become

July 26th 2pm to 6pm at 5 St. Regis Close,

the changing needs of both the Karenni

possible for foreign nationals to visit a

Muswell Hill, N10 2DE. Plants for sale,

refugees and those Karenni remaining

few townships within that ethnic state.

wonderful home-made teas and cakes plus

inside Burma. KSDP’s motto is “To help

It was so wonderful to be able to see in

KSDP stall selling beautiful, unique

the Karenni people to help themselves”

real life this project that had started as

hand-crafted refugee and hill-tribe gifts.

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

13

Music and Maths

Anjali Martin (née Dutt, 1978) reflects on coupling passion for music with an engineering degree to forge an exciting career in producing music

I

had always adored music; it was my passion. Those who knew me probably remember my head stuck in the NME, penning Dylan-esque streams of consciousness into stilted

English essays and endless showing off on the piano with Scott Joplin rags. I only ever wanted to, in some shape or form, be part of the making of a seminal piece of music that could become a folk standard, sung everywhere from weddings to funerals, songs

see if I would be interested in mixing

that would touch people’s lives as mine had been. Sadly my literary ambitions were

an up and coming band called Oasis

groundless; I actually had a particularly fine head for Mathematics and Physics so I was

to see if their recordings could be

encouraged to leave my dreams on hold and go to university; a shame to waste these

salvaged. We re-recorded the album

rare talents, particularly in a girl.

in a beautiful studio literally ‘up a tidal creek’ in Cornwall, to engineer the album

Electronic Engineering sounded like

tape with a bit of equalising, gives out

‘Definitely Maybe’. I was an unorthodox

Recording Engineering, though obviously

some useful advice about how the sounds

choice for them - ‘a nice middle class girl

they were poles apart, but hey ho,

are merging and the composition is

from north London with a pedigree in

those were the days of grants and cheap

progressing and finally mixes the tracks

arty indie-rock’, and they, ‘the working

accommodation. Once the degree was

on tape with some special effects to get

class northern lads mad for fame’. The

done though, I knocked on every studio

that final polished sound; it really is a

album went on to sell 8 million copies

door till one let me in, impressed that a

great job. However you just never went

and, for a time, Oasis became the single

girl with such a prestigious degree would

home, days merged into nights, you ate

most unifying phenomenon Britain had

want to be a mere runner just for a chance

takeaway food and jumped in and out of

known since the Beatles.

to work their way into the world of

cabs, all your friendships were in-house

‘Recording Studios’. I made tea for many,

and your only leisure was playing pool

The lifestyle eventually became quite

from Marianne Faithful to Elvis Costello,

and space invaders with all sorts of pop

wearing and I started to yearn to settle

from Lulu to Adam Ant, and after a short

stars and their entourage – in reality

down and start a family. By 1998 I had

while I was even allowed to put the reels of

quite limited.

married and had two children

tape onto and off the tape machines - not

and thoughts of being away

bad for someone with a top Engineering

from home were less enticing.

degree. Finally I made it to behind the

Ladies note that I did use that

mixing desk and, because in the early

rashly considered degree; I

eighties the studio complexes were rich

re-trained as a teacher and

with variety, I worked with everyone from

am now Head of Mathematics

film scores with full orchestras to punk

at Francis Holland School

bands, from Top of the Pops recordings

CG so there is a moral in

to huge big budget rock albums. One

there somewhere. But for

memorable trip was to record legendary jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela at the edge

sis just maybe, Oa Definitely, not

of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, a river

a long time I had a passion that I fought to achieve and, fortunately, I still came through as a happy

crossing from what was then ‘apartheid

Within the niche of ‘80’s indie boom’

fulfilled human being. One of my sons

South Africa’. I also wrote and produced

I had an agent negotiating deals which

plays in a band and thinks that I am cool;

my own music and one was picked up for

led to a long residency on the epic My

the other one loves Maths and never

the theme tune to Rosemary Connelly’s

Bloody Valentine album ‘Loveless’ and then

listens to music; so the genes have divided

Hip & Thigh Diet. Variety – definitely!

a hit album with The Boo Radley’s ‘Giant

and passed on.

Steps’. Reputation established, the calls

14

A recording engineer sets up the

came from far and wide - even so I was

By Anjali Martin (née Dutt, 1978)

microphones, records the signal onto

surprised when I was called to

Recording Engineer/Producer

| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

ONLNEWS Jenny Bishop (1967) Life in old dogs yet

Cathy O'Connor (née Giagnoni, 1978)

I left North London in 1967 and went to

I found the last ONLine magazine featuring

Nottingham to read Architecture. I did my

working around the world really interesting,

master’s degree in 1971-74 and have been

and one article particularly caught my eye. It

practising Architecture ever since. I did

was about the work of Dr Katy Barnes and

an MBA in the late 80's (although did not

a physiotherapy colleague, Penny, pioneering

complete the dissertation) and had a successful

medical and rehabilitation work in Uganda.

and thoroughly enjoyable career in the

I work as a physiotherapist in the NHS in

international world of design and construction.

Winchester, Hampshire, and our hospital has a link with Yei Civil Hospital in South Sudan.

rehabilitation worker. The second week I did

In my 50's I wanted a new challenge, and a

Last October I joined the team of doctors,

three days of training for 15 staff (nurses and

return to my 60's hippie roots! I returned to

nurses and midwives who go out to Yei as

rehabilitation workers) for a charity called

University again, ever a glutton for punishment,

the first physiotherapist to accompany them.

Handicap International. The training needed

and received a distinction for a Masters in

I had been planning to do it for about a year,

to be fairly basic, as many of the staff have

Architecture, Advanced Environmental and

and Katy’s article prompted me to contact

had limited education, and recent civil war

the Hospital alongside a Sudanese

Energy Studies, moved to the country (a

her. Katy invited me over for a really useful

has resulted in some spending time in refugee

serious undertaking for a Londoner) and set up

and encouraging evening where she and Penny

camps. The area is extremely poor with very

my shingle as an Architect.

shared their nuggets of wisdom with me, their

limited resources. It was a privilege to be

amazing story, and even bits of equipment and

able to share knowledge and skills with these

useful books.

people who are hungry for knowledge, and to

I now have a small practice, which I love, specialising in energy conservation and

learn from them about some of the challenges

sustainability, working locally in East Anglia,

We went out to Sudan for a very busy and

they live with. Thank you for publishing the

as well as repairing a 14C money pit, breeding

intense two weeks. The first week I spent

inspiring stories of Old North Londoners - it

golden retrievers and playing bridge with my

some time assessing and advising patients at

came at just the right time for me.

husband (who happens to have been a Bridge World Champion).

Definitely life in old dogs.

Tamsin Lewis (1987) After leaving North London, I read Classics

Recent Twitter News from @NLCS1850 For regular updates on ONL news, please follow us @NLCS1850 ONL @hospicedoctor in thought-provoking piece about changing face of hospice care on @BBCr4today 3:24 am - 10 Feb 2015

and Italian at Oxford, but ended up working in music and heritage. I direct the early music ensemble Passamezzo, specialising in English Renaissance music, and with them have worked on a variety of projects. Last year's work included: combining early music and Sufi chant in Morocco, reconstructing the Carolingian masque 'Love's Welcome' for a collaboration between English Heritage and Brunel University, and recording a CD of all the music associated with the 17th Century poet and playwright James Shirley. I also work as a researcher and historical consultant and have published a number of books with Rondo publishing.

I'm still in touch with friends that I made at North London, and with Miss Weaver.

Lovely piece by Old North Londoner Dame @ERantzen in @tes about her favourite teachers during her time here 3:42 am - 6 Feb 2015 Gemma Godfrey: One day we'll both be broadcasting about physics" - 17yr old @RomaTheEngineer & me @NLCS1850 9:11 AM - 4 Feb 2015 BBC Woman’s Hour: From childhood, Roma Agrawal dreamt of building sky scrapers. Tmw she tells Jenni how she ended up designing the top of the London Shard. 8:00 PM - 3 Feb 2015 Hear Fenella - 1967 castaway - on @BBCRadio4 #DesertIslandDiscs Great selections and lovely off the cuff comments too 6:47 PM - 3 Feb 2015 OUP Children’s Books: Coming soon to a bookshop near you: SHADOW CAT by @gilliancross, winner of the Carnegie Medal (Jun 2015) 4:00 PM - 2 Feb 2015 The Poetry Archive: Our featured poem this week is Ruth Padel's 'Pilot Light'. http://www.poetryarchive.org/poem/pilot-light … @ruthpadel 12:27 PM - 2 Feb 2015 NLCS: Our alumna Anna Wintour from @voguemagazine will receive Outstanding Achievement Award at #BritishFashionAwards 2014 4:28 PM - 11 Nov 2014

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

15

Creative Design

Dan Maier (1983) discloses her passion for good design and building her business on creativity

M

y A-levels were selected by default… Art was a definite but Impressionist Boot inspired by pointillism and Renoir's Le s Parapluies

then what else could I do? Teachers politely told me that Biology, Maths and English weren’t really my subjects so I landed on French and German which were the only things left that no-one had shooed me away from! This unintentional selection paid off later in life as I love to travel and having languages makes it much more enjoyable.

When I left School in the 80’s after doing a lot of lino cutting and mono printing in the Art Block, I thought I wanted to be a wrapping paper designer. Little did I know I would have

Dan's innovative lighting design

Dan Maier

a career designing lighting and selling my lightshades through Harvey Nichols,

sins can be hidden inside. I exploited the

result was a pretty sad, saggy and

Liberty, Heal’s, John Lewis and around

stretch quality of knit in this effectively

seam-full affair.

the world. An even bigger surprise was

soft sculpted shape. To achieve this

to discover at an ONL reunion that,

elegant 3D form required not just a

My passion is good design and likewise

whilst not being very academic at School,

knowledge of knitting techniques but

my (more than) pet hate is bad design.

I was one of only a few girls in my year

quite a bit of maths - glad I paid attention

Products that look wonderful but don’t

who went on to set up and run their

in geometry lessons! And I’m pleased to

function properly make me want to

own business.

say the result didn’t just please me, but

scream! Good design is born of passion,

delighted thousands of others, earning

obsession, determination, creativity, and

me a living.

flair resulting in a thing that looks good,

I did a degree in Textiles at Central St Martins and ended up making knitted

feels good and that we want to have;

sculptures with no clue of how I would

The Knitted Chandelier became a much-

must have even. Think of an iPhone. So

ever make a living. However a window

loved classic with a timeless quality that

often we endure badly designed and

display commission for Wallis led me to

has lasted over 20 years. Such is the

poorly made products which erode our

designing what became known as Knitted

affection for this product that a divorcé

quality of life.

Chandeliers and the rest, as they say,

contacted me as his wife got custody of

is history…

the lampshade! He was determined to

Creating great products is one thing,

buy another for himself.

earning a living from them is another - a

Despite many more designs following, the

16

huge challenge and I love problem solving

Knitted Chandelier is still my favourite

As soon as an idea is out and becomes

design. Creating a curved cone was a

popular, it is very often copied. My

challenge but with calculated tailoring it

design was ripped-off and while this was

But when I left college 25 years ago

was perfectly realised using an invisible

upsetting and frustrating, the pretender

there was scarcely any business training

joining technique. The transparency of

was in fact, no real threat - the forger

available so I had to learn the hard way.

the lightshade meant that seams were

had missed the point. The knock-off was

My one regret is that I didn’t do more

not an option. There was no place

poorly constructed - they had used cheap

work experience which would have had

to hide a join or any mistakes, unlike

fabric and sewn panels together (quicker)

countless benefits. My experience selling

knitwear (clothing) where a multitude of

creating ugly and very visible seams. The

products around the world has led me

| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

- it’s like doing a puzzle.

ARTS CORNER

JAN MARSH T

hese days exhibitions often introduce us to new areas in art history, new

works of art and new artists. The Guildhall Art Gallery has just reopened its doors having undergone a transformational rehang for the first time in 15 years and among its collection are Pre-Raphaelite gems. Many of

the works have never been on show before.

The Pre-Raphaelites have long been in vogue and, in recent years, major galleries including Tate and the V&A have hosted blockbuster exhibitions. But it is still an nz ot inspired by Fra Expressionist Bo y on rm Ha Marc's Animal

area full of new findings.

ONL Jan Marsh (1961) has long been

Love's Messenger by Marie Spartali Stillman (1885)

fascinated by this group of artists and is to mentor and coach designers getting

currently researching Marie Spartali Stillman

Ironically, while at NLCS as a

their products to market, giving them the

- one of the ‘overlooked’ names in

radically-minded teenager she didn’t

benefit of insider knowledge.

Pre-Raphaelite art.

really take to Frances Mary Buss, finding her far too straitlaced. Now she has a Jan studied at

better understanding of the Victorians,

Cambridge before

she appreciates Frances Mary Buss’s own

completing her

radicalism in insisting on education for girls

doctorate which led

and her sisterly concern for her failed-artist

to her first book, a

brother, who was employed to teach

critical biography

at NLCS.

of the poet Edward

Spartali by Rossett i

Romantics Shoe inspired by Gainsborough's Mr and Mrs Andrews

Thomas. Her

As well as working on the Late Victorian

interests soon

online catalogue of the National Portrait

moved to art

Gallery, Jan is co-curating The Poetry in

history, beginning

Beauty: the Pre-Raphaelite Art of Marie Spartali

with the

Stillman, which opens at the Delaware Art

Pre-Raphaelite Sisterhood, looking at the

Museum, Wilmington in November and

lives of models, wives and mistresses which

travels to the Watts Gallery, Guildford in

turned out to be such a fascinating topic

spring 2016. This will be the first ever solo

that her next book virtually wrote itself.

show of Marie Spartali’s works. As a woman

A career in the arts is one of the toughest to crack so I strongly recommend if

she refused the publicity and self-promotion Like most ONLs, Jan has fond memories of

essential to artistic reputations, so this will

you’re headed that way that you approach

the Art Department where she was taught

be the first opportunity to see and appraise

companies or organisations that interest

by the famous Peggy Angus. She says that

her wonderful work.

you NOW and get as much experience

it was a short step from Pre-Raphaelite

as you can, as soon as you can. This goes

models to Pre-Raphaelite women artists

You can read more about Jan at

for a career in any industry really. The

and she devised small shows devoted

www.janmarsh.blogspot.co.uk

contacts you make and nurture now will

to Lizzie Siddal and Janey Morris, wrote

and do contact her if you know of any

pay dividends and shape your career.

biographies of Christina and Dante Gabriel

paintings by Marie Spartali.

Rossetti and curated a large, pioneering

By Dan Maier (1983)

exhibition, Black Victorians.

By Chloé Nelkin (2006)

www.danmaier.co.uk www.extraordinarydesign.com

If you have any involvement in the arts, in any capacity, please do get in touch at info@chloenelkinconsulting.com To keep up-to-date with my art news and clients, check out www.chloenelkinconsulting.com

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

17

Asylum Access

Laura Parker

Laura Parker (2006) sheds light on the disturbing reality for refugees and how her work with Asylum Access helps desperate men, women and children to fight for their legal rights

W

hen I left NLCS, I certainly didn’t imagine I’d end up pursuing a career in

year of Human Rights Law I joined

refugee legal aid. I had hoped to indulge my passion for communicating with

Asylum Access, a non-profit organisation

people from different cultures in different languages, perhaps even migrating elsewhere

dedicated to upholding refugees’ rights,

myself. The world of forced migration wasn’t at all on my radar.

with legal aid offices in Ecuador, Tanzania, Thailand, Malaysia and soon Panama too. We give free legal advice to over 10,000 people annually fleeing war or persecution, so that they can regularise their migration status and consequently be protected from deportation to places where their lives are at risk. Navigating legal processes without a lawyer can be daunting at the best of times. It can become nigh on impossible upon arrival in a foreign country if you don’t speak the language and are dealing with the trauma that triggered your escape from your home country, or are struggling to meet your family’s immediate survival needs.

Our (often volunteer) legal advocates

Refugee legal assistance at work

also help forced migrants exercise, for

© Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter

example, their right to employment, or to education: many institutions or

A degree in languages led to a year

neighbouring countries. This eye-opener

employers are unaware that they can hire

abroad at the Colombian Campaign to

was followed by a stint as an intern in

refugees, or that refugees can enrol their

Ban Landmines where I learnt about

the excitingly-titled Conference Services

children in school. Markedly different

the difficulties of conflict-induced

Department (translation, interpreting)

from a humanitarian hand-out approach

displacement. Landmine survivors are

of the UN in Nairobi, Kenya, which

costing millions year on year, securing

generally displaced from their homes

confirmed that my passion did not lie

people’s access to employment enables

as they seek rehabilitation or redress

in languages alone. Biting one’s lip when

them to become productive members of

in the clinics and courts of larger cities.

transmitting a disagreeable viewpoint,

society and rebuild their own lives.

Beautiful, friendly Colombia had the

without voicing one’s own questions,

dubious distinction of being the country

does not come naturally to an ONL,

However, sometimes legal aid by itself

with the second highest number of

particularly when topics at hand included

cannot achieve this. Sometimes the laws

landmine victims, after Afghanistan.

gender issues, women’s land rights, and

we work with are unjust, and require

Over five million Colombians are forcibly

sexual abuse claims against peacekeepers.

changing. We’re all familiar

displaced within their own country, and

18

with the ‘teach a man to fish’ maxim. In

many are obliged to seek refuge from

To progress in the field of social justice,

this story though, let’s imagine there is

armed groups across the border in

further studies were in order. After a

in fact a highly skilled fisherman. He’s

| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

Asylum Access © Sandra ten Zijthoff

just not allowed to fish: the law prohibits

Asylum Access also aims to put the law

purposes usually cited as justification

refugee fisherman from working.

firmly back into the hands of uprooted

for establishing camps during mass

individuals and ensure that they are

influxes. 17 years is a long time for lives

Policy advocacy with governments is

equipped and empowered to use those

to be put on hold, in isolated locations,

one strategy that we employ to push for

tools created for their protection. Our

and with enforced dependency on aid

better laws in refugee-hosting states.

Know Your Rights training and Write

hand-outs. As Asylum Access’ tried and

In Tanzania we’re providing input into

Your Own Appeal sessions regularly have

tested model becomes more and more

urban refugee policy drafts, which would

standing room only. I find it exhilarating

successful, the challenges we face, along

allow refugees to seek out opportunities

that some of society’s most dispossessed

with the small global refugee legal aid

away from the isolated camp. In other

are then able to invoke their newly-

community, become bigger. Changing a

contexts, if advocacy doesn’t get the job

acquired legal knowledge to defend their

system does not happen overnight, but

done, we seek change more assertively:

human rights. This could mean fighting to

sustained support from a network of

by taking the government to court.

recover stolen land, recuperate withheld

dedicated human rights activists across

A recent legal victory in Ecuador’s

wages, or halt an eviction: discrimination

continents makes the first steps less

Constitutional Court saw restrictive

is common in many refugee-hosting

daunting. I for one am truly passionate

provisions of the country’s refugee law

states and many of our clients regularly

about this work, and would love to

struck down, extending protection for

run into such issues.

continue the conversation with any

many who were forced to flee their homes and seek safety in Ecuador.

curious readers.

Producing a shift in the way refugee assistance is provided is long overdue:

Find out more about our clients’ stories,

the average

our work, and how to get involved

length of time

at www.asylumaccess.org. We are

spent in a refugee

frequently recruiting volunteer legal

camp is now 17

advocates for our busy offices in Africa,

years. That’s

Asia and Latin America and welcome any

longer than all my

interest from the ONL community.

years at NLCS, and stretches

By Laura Parker (2006)

well beyond

www.asylumaccess.org

any initial ‘last resort’ population management

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

19

Urban Farming

Kate Hofman (2003) writes about starting a sustainable business: GrowUp Urban Farms

Kate Hofman

that we can use to grow food at a much

2. Keep your focus: With a concept

larger scale. It houses a fish tank in the

as exciting and cutting-edge as urban

container and vertical growing columns

farming, there are always interesting

hold over 400 salad and herb plants

opportunities and collaborations popping

’ve always believed that the purpose of

in the greenhouse to maximise the

up around us. As a start-up we have to

good business is to improve the world

amount of produce we can grow in a

constantly remind ourselves that we

- so I’ve never doubted that businesses

limited space. After six months we were

won’t be able to have a positive impact

and the people who run them can solve

harvesting enough salad to start selling

if we can’t stay around long enough to

the major environmental and social

weekly into local restaurants.

succeed. So it’s really important for us

st x up at Roof Ea The GrowUp Bo it © Mand y Zamm

I

problems facing us today. When I first

to focus on the business model we’ve

found out about aquaponics (combining

Once we started selling our produce, we

worked so hard to establish

aquaculture and hydroponics (the process

quickly found that demand was outpacing

(commercial-scale aquaponic farming

of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid,

our supply - helping us prove that London

in urban areas) - and not to let the

with added nutrients but without soil)

has a strong market for locally grown,

potentially exciting (but also potentially

in a sustainable food growing system),

environmentally sustainable salad. Now

destructive distractions) get in the way of

and taking unused urban

we’re working on building London’s first

achieving our aims.

spaces to grow fresh

commercial aquaponic farm - watch

3. Know your values: We agreed

vegetables and fish for

this space!

on our business values at an early stage

people living in cities, I was completely taken

It’s been an incredible journey so far -

entrepreneurs, things rarely go according

(hook, line and sinker!)

but I imagine most people say that about

to plan, and sometimes we’re not sure

with the idea. I wanted

starting a business. In our case, setting

which opportunity to focus on. With our

to build commercial

out with the intention of creating a

values in place we know we’re making

urban farms that were

business with a set of environmental and

the right decision for the business if it

not only environmentally

social values at the core of a commercial

helps us act in a way that reflects

sustainable, but were

enterprise has given us an additional

those values.

also a viable use of high-

set of challenges - but it’s also provided

4. Share your passion: Starting

value real estate in cities.

a strong framework which has helped

something from nothing is a labour of

Urban populations will continue to grow

direct our development. I’ve learnt a few

love, but you’ll burn out if you try and

and cities are coming under increasing

key lessons so far:

do everything on your own. Finding the

pressure to manage their resources. We

1. This makes “business as usual”

right team to work with is fundamental

need to start thinking seriously about

look easy: for lots of start-ups, getting

for a sustainable business. Firstly because

how our cities can adapt to face the

that bottom line right is the key focus

you’ll need a diverse mix of skills to

challenges of the future, and commercial

to make a business viable. When you’re

pioneer a business in an emerging

urban farming has to be on the agenda.

starting a sustainable business, and

industry and secondly because people

measuring your success against a

buy from people - and if you’re going to

In 2013 my business partner and I

triple-bottom line, your social and

engage with the stakeholders who are

founded GrowUp Urban Farms - with

environmental aims have to be as

key to your business succeeding then

the aim of bringing aquaponic urban

achievable as the economic ones. Balancing

you’ll need them to feel and share the

farming to London and making it

these is a challenge - but I think it’s the

vision of what you’re trying to achieve.

scalable. We designed the GrowUp

only long-term way to have a positive

Box, a demonstration farm built from

impact and sustain a successful business.

By Kate Hofman (2003)

an upcycled shipping container with a

We want to create jobs in inner city areas

GrowUp Urban Farms was founded by

greenhouse on top. The Box has allowed

- but we can only pay those salaries if we

Kate Hofman and Tom Webster.

us to showcase the aquaponic technology

can grow enough salad to cover our costs.

www.growup.org.uk

Up in the greenhouse © Mandy Zammit

20

- and this has been really important. As

| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

I

Social Action

Vicky Clayton (2010) on the founding of United - an organisation which seeks to create a global community of students uniting for effective social action.

Vicky Clayton

left NLCS in 2010 and worked for a variety of small charities for a year and started my degree in Human Sciences at Oxford. I spent every holiday exploring the nooks

and crannies of the social change sector - which led me to take time out of my degree to start up an organisation with two friends and dedicate long hours over the past two years to ‘United’.

In April 2013, I was part of a University

change my behaviour and push for change

of Oxford delegation invited by Aung

at a higher level.

San Suu Kyi to Myanmar to enhance student interactions between the UK

My understanding of the power of

and Myanmar. We met some fantastic

personal relationships in social change

and inspiring people (some of whom had

was first brought home to me during

been in prison longer than I’d been alive)

those conversations on the long boat

but very few students. The Myanmar

journeys across Myanmar. Changes

Africa, with activities being trialled in

Government had cancelled undergraduate

happen because people who care act.

the USA and Mexico. Although I didn’t

education at some institutions following

What if we could create such a friendship

intend it to be, such an enterprise is

the 1988 student uprising. I kept in

network? What if people could learn

all-consuming, my daily and nightly

touch with the few students we met, and

from one another, support each other

companion, sparking one thought to

through long Facebook conversations

and act together on issues that they care

the next. My interest in other people’s

came to understand a lot more about

about? Creating such a network is what

passions has led to something that most

the country, its incredible offerings and

I’ve dedicated my time to for the past

people would call passion. It sneaks up

its terrible experiences. Ultimately, our

two years.

on you!

people whom we met but my ongoing

At United we create global networks of

Visit www.unitedpartnerships.com

friendships with the Myanmar students

young people who are passionate about

to find out more about us.

made me much more informed and able to

social change. Young leaders learn from

As we are a young and fast growing

act. What was more, I cared about what

each other, improving their current

organisation, I would be very grateful for

happened to these people, my friends.

projects whilst creating deep, long-lasting

the support of fellow ONLs:

friendships. Such friendships provide a

we are looking for founding families

I was part of the delegation because of

latent network that can be engaged to

to invest in supporting our work at

work I had previously done, pairing up

project voices and mobilise resources.

universities across the world, enabling us

university students in the UK and Uganda

United broadens understanding of global

to support more students to do more

to learn from each other. When the anti-

issues through personal connections. In

good. This would be the start of a

homosexuality bill was passed in 2014 in

a world of globalised consumption and

long-term relationship with United and

Uganda, I understood the effect it had on

production, global civic society has some

getting to know our students.

friends there and the political motivations

catching up to do. We focus on university

behind passing such a bill. When the 43

students as the decision-makers of

ONLs on a gap year are encouraged to

students disappeared in Mexico last year,

tomorrow - creating leaders who are

get in touch to help us.

friends in Mexico City kept me informed

aware of and care about the global

about how I could help. I have countless

consequences of their actions, within a

other examples of how friendships have

collaborative global community.

The first discussion group of The Gender Project, empowering female students to discuss gender issues on campus at Makerere University, Uganda

delegation had very little to offer the

enabled me to understand issues in a

By Vicky Clayton (2010) www.unitedpartnerships.com

deeper way, identify with social injustices

United’s community has over 3,000

on a personal level and be motivated to

students, mostly across the UK and East

vicky@unitedpartnerships.com

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

21

Spokeswoman forI those BelieveininNeed You 22

‘I Believe In You’: ONL Smruti Sriram (2004) on the importance of believing in young people

“Hello, my name is Smruti and I’m calling from the Christine Kehoe Campaign. I’m just checking to see if you will be voting for Senator Kehoe?”

“Hey there, I will indeed be voting for Christine, let me know if you need any help down there in Mission Bay. You sound real polite … are you British?”

N

ovember 2004, the final push

nature and nurture and therefore need

Where do you get a list of schools from?

for the much anticipated US

to take responsibility in fostering an

Who at the school would I need to

presidential election campaign, and there

environment which “takes a chance” on

speak to?

I was, a fresh-faced gap year student in

young people. More than likely, we will

a little office in downtown San Diego

gain from the experience. In the words

Fast-forward ten years, and the Wings

feeling on top of the world. My name on

of the writer Robert A Heinlein, “When

of Hope Achievement Award has been

top of the leaderboard of interns. My

one teaches, two learn.”

adopted by over 400 schools across the

notes used to help prepare scripts for TV

country, and over 25,000 students have

debates. Me on the main campaign trail

My parents took a chance on me. In

participated in the programme. Student

around the Pacific Coast. Who was I?

2003 they set up an education charity,

winners have been flown to India to

The Wings of Hope - I am an only child,

teach at a Wings of Hope School to see

No honestly, who was I? I hadn’t

and with my North London schooling

the impact of the funds they have raised,

studied Politics at School, nor History,

about to end, my parents wanted to give

and have won work experience at Saatchi

and certainly knew very little about

children less fortunate than me access

& Saatchi, the BBC and Edelman. They

American politics. Yet, out of sheer

to a great education. Fundraising can

have presented to panels of judges at the

luck, a kind Democratic Senator decided

be a real chore. Charity ball tickets are

House of Lords and attended events such

to accept my application to intern for

not easy to sell. Why your charity over

as Speed Mentoring which have caught

her campaign. She took a chance (and

others? How many 10Ks can you run

the attention of national media. This

probably spotted a few ONL traits: hard

in a year? My parents and I were sitting

award was designed by students,

work, tenacity and a “can-do” attitude).

on the floor coiled up against a radiator

for students. But the ignition was sparked

That was the spark. She gave me the

(our old sofa was being replaced), my

by adults.

confidence to think that life outside the

head in my mother’s lap, and then

world of school, although big and wide,

suddenly my father said, “You kids are so

Call for action: say yes to that student

was still filled with teachers and mentors.

damn creative, why not set a challenge

who has plucked up the courage to ask

She believed in me (and my accent).

where young people can raise funds and

you for work experience; nominate

awareness in fun ways? That way you

someone for an award; send an email to

My grandfather used to reference a line

can learn about selling, communication,

younger colleagues saying you can mentor

from William Wordsworth: “the child

teamwork, leadership, dealing with

them. In the words of Kylie Minogue, sing

is father of the man.” These words are

rejection: important skills that theory

it out: “I Believe in You”.

powerful. Without acknowledging that the

cannot teach you.” That was it. I was

next generation needs to be skilled-up,

unleashed to come up with a social

empowered and believed-in, society will

enterprise award programme designed

not be able to progress in a positive

for students across the UK. What a task!

manner. We are indeed all a product of

A name? A slogan? A format? A prize?

| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

By Smruti Sriram (2004) Follow @Smruti_Sriram

Clown Slut

I

t’s a Monday morning. My peers, looking all grown-up in their suits, head for another week at the office. I, however, am scuttling off to an audition, perfecting my Irish

accent, dressed as a nun. One week I’m getting my teeth stuck into a gritty, new, political play, the next, I’m flying to the other side of the world to shoot an advert for cheaper car insurance (“Oh the glamour!” I hear you cry). And so is the bizarre

existence of an actor, unpredictable and ridiculous - one never-ending adventure.

Joanna Griffin in the NLCS Production of Little Shop of Horrors

I loved theatre at School; the

weeks. The aroma of melted mozzarella

another. These qualities ring true of

opportunities were boundless. Ours

lured the audiences in as they watched a

the NLCS ethos that made such an

was the first school year that Theatre

play wrestling with ideas about feminism,

impression on me growing up. Plays have

Studies could be studied at A-level and

objectification culture, sexism and class.

the potential to challenge stereotypes

it was testament to NLCS, with such a

and to share the stories that go unheard.

reputation for academia, to declare that

I do not believe I could have done

Theatre shouldn’t be for the elite. It is

this was a subject worthy of study, not

this without my days at NLCS. The

time for new plays that will attract new,

just a hobby.

experience made me appreciate how

diverse audiences. I have had the fortune

lucky, how incredibly privileged my

of working at the Donmar Warehouse

After studying at Bristol University, then

education had been. I have endless

over the last two years and Artistic

LAMDA, life as an unemployed actress

fond memories of Mrs Podd and Mr

Director Josie Rourke has been a huge

beckoned. The industry is tough, very

Lewis taking us to see some of the best

inspiration. It’s been so exciting to be

tough indeed. As a woman, I would argue

theatre the UK has to offer. As part of

led by one of the first female artistic

it’s even tougher. Recent statistics show

the Drama course, we watched, studied

directors of a major London theatre and

that on average, only 38% of parts in

and were inspired by innovative theatre

her programming strives to represent a

England’s top ten subsidised theatres are

companies making work in which they

range of class, race and gender onstage.

given to women, while less than 35% of

had absolute belief. NLCS instilled in me

new work commissioned is by female

that confidence, that self-belief, that drive

playwrights. If theatre is meant to hold

for excellence in one’s work. Not only

up a mirror to society and this is how

had School given me the courage and skill

we are being represented on stage, then

to create my own material, but it had

what does this suggest about the real

given me a choice over my career path.

world beyond the artifice of plays?

While 80% of the lowest paid jobs in

Forum toIgniting InstigatePilotlight Change

Joanna Griffin (2005) reveals her passion for women in theatre and argues that theatre can be a vital forum to instigate change in society

Britain today are being filled by women Upon graduation, I was dismayed by

- cleaning, caring, catering - I have the

the roles (or lack thereof) on offer to

luxury of choice. This is something I am

women, so I wrote my first solo show -

grateful for every day. Feminism was

Clown Slut. What started as a personal

a significant part of my education at

experience, very quickly turned into

School and, as current discourse shows,

something fiercely political. Edinburgh

we still have a long way to go.

Festival was the perfect platform to

Joanna Griffin (Terri) wit h Daniel Mays (An in The Same Deep drew Eagleman) Water As Me at the © Photo by Joh an Donmar Warehous Per sso e. n

So from the West End to the back of a Scottish pizza shop, such is the life of

share this piece of stand-up theatre so

I believe theatre is a vital forum to

a creative. “There are no ceilings, only

last summer, I performed at the back

instigate change. Through stories we

floors” - NLCS, I wholeheartedly agree.

of an Italian restaurant, every day, for a

question the world, we learn, we

month. It was a surreal and brilliant four

empathise and we connect with one

By Joanna Griffin (2005)

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

|

23

Bursaries at NLCS Passionate about providing an ambitious education to bright girls, regardless of their parents’ ability to pay

of financial means. Currently, we have 69

girls were not able to take up their places in

pupils on some level of bursary assistance

Year 7 in September 2014 because the School

(about 9% of students) in the Senior School

was unable to support their places.

(Years 7-13). The majority of our current bursary girls live in the Boroughs of Barnet,

‘I want girls educated to match their brothers’ Frances Mary Buss, 1850

If you are interested in finding out more

Harrow, Brent, Camden and Ealing; the ability

about the bursary fund or the Frances Mary

to offer bursaries enables the School to

Buss Fellowship, please do not hesitate

maintain its social mix and academic strength.

to contact Deborah Sobel, Director of

Donations to the fund are a mixture of

Development, on 020 8951 6376 or at

s the oldest of the large academic girls’ day

regular gifts and legacies. Those who let us

dsobel@nlcs.org.uk

schools in the country, North London’s

know that they have left us a legacy gift in

A

enduring aim has been to provide an ambitious

their will are invited to join the Frances Mary

academic education for young women,

Buss Fellowship, which meets each year at

regardless of their parents’ ability to pay.

the School for a special event. Alongside gifts

As early as 1910, local and national

also supports bursaries from general funds;

from the School’s supporters, the School government grants enabled North London

royalties from the School’s franchise in Jeju,

Collegiate to take non-fee-paying students.

South Korea pay for a number of bursaries

The Direct Grant and, latterly, the Assisted

in London. There are currently more than

Places Schemes enabled the School to

16 girls in the Senior School who would not

continue this policy. When the Direct Grant

have been able to accept their offer of a place

Scheme ended in 1976, the School set up a

without the income from NLCS Jeju.

bursary fund, the income from which is used

Despite these efforts, the demand for bursary

to provide places based on ability, regardless

assistance far exceeds available funds. Seven

‘I can now put myself forward in front of top academics, and people who have been really successful in their fields, and present to them my ideas with confidence: receiving a bursary was really life-changing for me’ Bursary ONL ‘I think it’s great for the bursary girls to get that opportunity at what is undoubtedly a great school and I also think it’s great for the other girls at North London who are getting what life’s actually about, the whole environment. It works both ways. North London does an exceptionally good job… the money is really hitting the target’ Bursary supporter

Fundraising Telephone Campaign ‘Good evening, am I speaking with Mrs Thompson? My name is Hennita and I’m phoning from North London Collegiate School.’

A

t the end of last summer, some of you may have received a phone call from a recent ONL, asking you to consider

supporting the School’s Bursary Fund. If so, you were one of the 750 ONLs and parents with whom we spoke, during North London’s first campaign of this kind.

We were thrilled with the generosity of so many ONLs. You may be

edi Caller Hennita Triv

Caller Nirali Shah

pleased to hear that 55% of those ONLs contacted pledged a gift, and ONLs contributed a total of £65,000.

have let us know that our callers came across as friendly, enthusiastic and determined!

We are so grateful to all of you who have supported the phone campaign - thank you. We plan to conduct a similar campaign every

We weren’t able to phone as many ONLs as we would have

few years.

liked due to time constraints; if you didn’t receive a call but would like to contribute to the campaign, please do contact

The nine ONL callers were fantastically dedicated and hard-working

Deborah Sobel, Director of Development, on 020 8951 6376 or

during the days of the campaign; ONLs who were contacted

at dsobel@nlcs.org.uk

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| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

Meet your Alumnae & Development Team T

he Alumnae & Development Team supports North London’s

We currently have contact details for over 5,000 ONLs across the

growing alumnae network, and fundraises for much-needed

world, but some of these may no longer be accurate. If you know

bursaries and developments at the School. We hold many events

anyone that isn’t in touch with the School, please ask them to email

for the ONL community from year group reunions and an annual

us at onla@nlcs.org.uk

ONL Picnic, to networking events and careers seminars. We always enjoy meeting you and receiving updates and news – by email, phone

And finally – if you want to share with us any ideas or suggestions

or Facebook. We’re here to support your ‘Community for Life’ so

for how we can better support or bring together ONLs, we’d love

please do keep in touch!

you to let us know. This is your alumnae network.

Deborah Sobel Director of Development

Poorvi Smith (ONL 1991) Alumnae Officer

Deborah joined NLCS as Director of

Poorvi is an ONL and mother to a

Development in January. Though not

seven-year-old daughter. She has worked

an ONL herself, she counts herself as

in the Alumnae Office for three years,

an ‘indirect ONL’, with two cousins and

and previously worked in the advertising

several friends who spent many years

and marketing industry. She returned to

at the School. She previously worked

NLCS for her 20 year reunion and very

in Development in the arts – the Royal

quickly fell back in love with the grounds,

Opera House, the Donmar Warehouse

the buildings and the general ethos of

and the National Theatre – and started

the School - so much so that she began

her career at Mars, where she did indeed

working there the following year. She still finds it difficult to go into

receive free chocolate. In the short

the staffroom and has to remind herself that at the age of 41, she is

time that she has been at the School, she has enjoyed hearing from

legitimately allowed to go there without getting into trouble!

ONLs about their experiences and highlights at North London, and is frequently impressed (but not surprised!) at their achievements

Whilst Poorvi secretly still harbours a dream to become Prime Minister,

and successes. With responsibility for fundraising as well as alumnae

her role in the Alumnae Office keeps her busy. She particularly enjoys

relations, she looks forward to many happy months and years at

running the Career Networking service and never ceases to be amazed

NLCS. Deborah has a two-year-old son, who is going to love the

at the incredible careers that NLCS girls go on to do.

Summer Picnic in June, and will most likely work his way round every picnic hamper trying to scavenge food.

Emma Maltz (Current Parent) Alumnae Officer

Jeremy Wilson Associate Development Director

Emma has been Alumnae Officer at NLCS for three years and previously worked

Jeremy has been Associate Development

in the advertising industry. She has a

Director at NLCS for two years, in

daughter in the Junior School, and two

addition to teaching Philosophy and

young sons. Sadly, despite repeated offers

Religious Studies in the Senior School.

to dress them in brown tunics, her sons

He has two young daughters with whom

have not been offered places in the

he regularly has philosophical debates

Junior School.

about chocolate and animals. He is passionate about the School’s Bursary

On one of her earliest visits to NLCS with her daughter, she

Fund and helping to raise funds for girls

noticed ONLs visiting for a 50 year reunion and loved the idea that

who require assistance with access to

her daughter would continue to visit NLCS with her friends, well

NLCS. Weekends are spent watching his

into her dotage! When the opportunity to work in the Alumnae

daughters play football, hockey and netball and any other sport at

Department came up, Emma was delighted to take the position

which they decide to dominate at U10 level.

and enjoys helping ONLs to reconnect with one another, share memories at reunions and to keep the connection with the School fresh.

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

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25

REUNITED

Throughout 2014 ONLs attended events to swap news, visit familiar haunts and view the latest changes at Canons

SUMMER REUNION 2014 ONL Picnic

Calling all ONLs - come and join the fun at our next annual ONL Picnic on Sunday 21st June 2015 between 12-4pm.

Each year, the picnic becomes more popular. It is a fun day for ONLs of all ages and their families and friends.

Activities such as rounders and tennis are on offer, as well as games for children.

40 YEAR REUNION Class of 1974

Calling the Class of 1975 for your 40 Year Reunion on Saturday 9th May 2015. Invitations have been posted out please contact the Alumnae Office for more information.

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| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

REUNITED

50 YEAR REUNION Class of 1964

Calling the Class of 1965 for your 50 Year Reunion on Monday 21st September 2015 - please save the date!

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

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27

REUNITED

10, 20 and 30 YEAR ReunionS Classes of 2004, 1994 and 1984

Calling the Classes of 2005, 1995 and 1985 for your reunions on Saturday 9th May 2015.

Invitations have been posted out – please contact the Alumnae Office for more information.

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| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

REUNITED

3 YEAR Reunion Class of 2011

Calling the Class of 2012 for your Three Year Reunion on Wednesday 1st July 2015, 5-7pm - please save the date!

1 YEAR Reunion Class of 2013

Calling the Class of 2014 for your One Year Reunion on Wednesday 9th September 2015, 5-7pm - please save the date!

UNIVERSITY DRINKS London, Bristol, Cambridge & Oxford in 2014

We have been ‘on tour’ again in 2015 and look forward to seeing ONL undergraduates from any university at the London drinks on Thursday 23rd April 2015.

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

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29

ONLA GROUPS O

NLs often tell us that they feel that they are part of a community for life. No matter where they go in the world,

paths cross. Despite there often being many school years between them, ONLs never have any trouble chatting and sparking happy memories of their respective times at Canons. They inevitably discover

a shared ethos, work ethic and lively spirit which has shaped each of their paths through life.

In the Alumnae Office, we are often overwhelmed by the generosity of ONLs to one another – either through offering advice to ONLs wishing to enter a similar

ONLA Law Society

career, putting old friends back in contact with one another or helping with organising events

The next meeting is on Tuesday 26th

for ONLs. It is a network with emotional, rather than physical, ties.

April 2015 Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs

Do reach out to the Alumnae Office for careers advice, if you’d like to mentor, about joining a

Law Society

local group or a society or simply finding an old friend you’ve lost touch with.

Contact us at: onla@nlcs.org.uk or 020 8951 6377

ONLA STEM Society

By Emma and Poorvi

The next meeting will be in Autumn 2015 Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs

ONLA Societies

STEM Society

On behalf of ONLA, NLCS coordinates a number of career networking societies. ONLs are invited to come together to meet with peers in their fields for informal drinks and the

ONLA Media Society

opportunity to forge new connections. We currently offer three ONLA Societies, details of

The next meeting is on Wednesday 3rd

which are to the right. If you would like to find out more, please contact onla@nlcs.org.uk

June 2015

career networking Through the willing help of our extensive ONL network, the School is keen to offer careers support to ONLs at all stages of their working life. Each week, we receive at least five requests from ONLs for careers advice, and we are grateful to the many ONLs who have volunteered to offer guidance or connections. If you would like us to either put you in touch with another North Londoner in your field, or if you would like to put yourself forward as a career mentor or contact, we would be delighted to hear from you at psmith@nlcs.org.uk

Careers Symposia In response to a suggestion from parents, the School hosts an annual careers symposium to support the career choices and connections of current students and ONLs. Last year we hosted a well-attended and fascinating evening about careers in Finance where we welcomed 150 guests to hear from speakers including Angelie Moledina (1993) and Sajanthi Nathan (2007), who shared their knowledge of some of the incredible opportunities for women in the financial sector.

This year’s event explored careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and we were thrilled to welcome many eminent ONLs back to School to allow guests to explore career options in these diverse fields. Panellists included Roma Agrawal (2001) and Vicky Pope (1979).

Thank you to all of you who have attended or supported these symposia and we look forward to sharing future events with the ONL community.

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| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs Media Society

ONL Regional Groups T

he regional groups each have their own closed Facebook group

If you are going on a gap year or simply abroad on a holiday do

which is managed by the Alumnae Office. To become part of

consider contacting the regional groups as they would love to help

a group please simply befriend ‘Frances Mary Buss’ (look for the

you plan your time away.

daffodils!) and ask to be added to the relevant group.

CORNWALL/DEVON

LINCOLNSHIRE

Jill Hall (née Hankins) jill22hall@gmail.com

Caroline Kenyon (née Brandenburger)

Alison Nelson (née Strachan) an276@uwclub.net

Tel: (01673) 828302

Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs Cornwall & Devon

caroline@kenyon-communications.com Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs Lincolnshire

EAST ANGLIA Margaret Angus (née Claydon) maa@angi.me.uk

MIDLANDS

Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs East Anglia

Kate Jones (née Levinson) Tel: (01676) 535249 Kate.Levinson@talk21.com

SUSSEX

Summer Meeting: Saturday 27th June 2015

Marguerite Wright (née Steinhardt)

Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs Midlands

Tel: (01273) 330387 Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs Sussex

SOUTH WEST Audrey Derrick (née Dickinson)

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Tel: (01823) 421323

Dorothy Farley (née Coode)

priorscombe@tiscali.co.uk

Tel: (01452) 713883

Spring Meeting: Saturday 18th April 2015 at midday in

Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs Gloucestershire

Frome, Somerset Autumn Meeting: Saturday 10th October 2015 in Stoke St Mary, near Taunton

HAMPSHIRE

Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs South West England

Mandy Grover (née Collins) ALCollins@doctors.org.uk Spring Meeting: Saturday 18th April 2015 in Hill Head, Hampshire Autumn Meeting: Saturday 17th October Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs Hampshire

OVERSEAS

USA

AUSTRALIA

Sarah Feldman (née Shaps)

Kay Moyes (née Hannah)

Tel: USA 845 625 8084

Tel: Australia 02 9975 6150

sfeldman005@gmail.com

moyes_kay@hotmail.com

Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs USA

Mobile: 0416 002 701 Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs Australia

ISRAEL Debra Benstein (née Kestel)

NEW ZEALAND

dbenstein@gmail.com

Helen Chipper (née Marr, 1967)

Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs Israel

j.h.chipper@xtra.co.nz or 0064 9 4164946 Facebook Group: NLCS – ONLs New Zealand

ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

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31

ONL Engagements, Marriages and Births

ENGAGEMENTS

Golda Benjamin (née Blinder, 1940) died on 5th March 2014. Goldie was born in

Lucy Blunden (2004) became engaged to

London, the daughter of Ukrainian Jewish

Tom Thackeray in August 2014

immigrants. She won a scholarship to North London in 1937, but when the shadow of

Lizzy Leigh (2003) became engaged to

Hitler’s Germany fell across Europe she

Adam Lubczanski on 16th August 2014

was evacuated and like so many other girls, left the school never to return. Though she

Smruti Sriram (2004) became engaged to

relocated back to London in 1941, her formal

Joseph Blunt on 22nd August 2014 in London

education had ended and she later trained as an accountant secretary. Married for 40

Lucy Zilberkweit (2005) became engaged to

years to the actuary Sidney Benjamin, she is

Matt Jenkins in July 2014

survived by her son Ivor.

Joan Cowley (née Day, 1941) died on 25th May 2014 after a short illness aged 90

MARRIAGES

and just a month after celebrating her 65th Wedding Anniversary. She is survived by her husband and two sons. She was one of

Sara Kaltz (2003) married Heinz Meyer

the few remaining ONLs who, under the

on 28th September 2014 at Hyde Barn,

leadership of Miss Drummond, experienced

near Stow-on-the-Wold

the traumatic war-time transition from Camden to Canons, via evacuation to

Belinda Magnus (2002) married

Luton in 1939. Joan became a prefect and

James Edelman on 8th June 2014 at the

then gained entry to Homerton College,

Luton Hoo Hotel, Bedfordshire

Cambridge for teacher training in 1941.

Sarita Vamadeva (1997) married Adrian Smith

Betty Davies (née Williams, 1938) died

on 6th December 2014

12th July 2014. She often remembered her days at NLCS and it cultivated her love of English and History. She is missed by family and friends.

BIRTHS

Lucy Diamond (1990) died on 17th February 2015. She had been suffering

Samantha Fogelman (née Rose, 2007)

from cancer. Lucy was a dressage and event

had her second son, Jordan Bailey Fogelman,

rider, married to champion farrier Billy

in June 2014, a little brother for

Crothers and mother of Emily and Olivia.

Joshua Harley

She was determined to keep up competing alongside her cancer treatment and

Stephanie Holding-Shah

she went on to a Top 10 place at the

(née Holding, 2002) had a baby boy, Dillon

national championships at Stoneleigh in

Raoul Shah, born on 29th September 2014 in Hong Kong, weighing 6lb 13oz. A baby

September 2014.

Enzo and D illon

brother for Enzo

Dorothy Gill (née Bull, 1952) died on 12th October 2014 in Te Omanga Hospice,

Abigail Swerdlow (née Martyn, 2005) had a baby

Wellington after a brief illness. She is greatly

boy, Jack David Swerdlow, on 25th September 2014

missed by friends and family.

Tamsin Thomas (née Lewis, 1987) had a baby

Sylvia Goldwyn (née Bloom, 1941) died

boy, Rowan, on 13th May 2014

on 19th July 2014. NLCS meant a great deal to her, and inspired her to become one of

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| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

remembrance the first female dental surgeons. Her link

bridge player. She was a vivacious, loveable

Wye in 1984. She lost her eyesight some

with fellow ONLs remained important to

and outgoing person, with a real zest for

15 years ago, and suffered from a second

her, especially in the last 30 years.

life. A wonderful friend to all, she is greatly

mastectomy in 2009. Leela was loved by all

missed by those who knew and loved her.

her patients and is greatly missed; a new road

diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and

Harriet Rowlands (née Isaacs, 1971)

her honour.

Catherine Ladd (née Ogden, 1972) was

in Edmonton was named Menon Drive in

died in August 2014. She read Theology

passed away in 2014. Harriet became an

at Durham, where she met her husband,

inspiring drama teacher with a reputation

Jeff. Catherine was a Careers Adviser in

of being able to reach unreachable pupils.

Huddersfield for the last 15 years after

Harriet was very cheerful and was able

working as a primary school teacher and

to spread happiness in the staff room, the

then raising her three sons. She enjoyed bell-

classroom and beyond. She was a gifted

ringing, running, and holidays in their flat in

amateur actor and a key figure at the

France and she adored her grandchildren:

Abbey theatre, St Albans. She is survived by

Joshua, Edith and Aaron.

Anthony and their two children, Alice (ONL)

Jean Wilks

and Sam. Caroline Merriam (née Wallace, 1950) died

Jean Wilks, CBE (1936) died, aged 97,

on 20th March 2014. Caroline was Head Girl in

Vivian Seif-Said (née Jones, 1947) died

on the 15th June 2014. Jean Wilks was a

the centenary year of the school and was a keen

on the 19th April 2014. She was a G.P.,

distinguished headmistress who promoted

sportswoman for which she received Colours.

practising family medicine in Coventry,

greater independence for girls and broke

She had six children and is greatly missed.

London and Torquay. She died in Torquay,

down old hierarchies at her school,

aged 84, after a short illness.

King Edward VI High School for Girls in

Freda Patton (née Leben, 1940) died very

Birmingham. She was one of the great

peacefully in July 2014 in Cambridge, aged

Evelyn Sirey (1935) died on 13th January

educators of her generation. Although self-

93. Freda had an extra year in the 6th Form

2015 after a short illness. Evelyn was both a

contained, scholarly and seemingly austere,

when she was quarantined with scarlet fever,

former student and former member of staff,

Jean was approachable, enlightened and

and she was evacuated to Luton, returning

having taught at the School from 1938-1943.

personally generous. She believed the best

to London and briefly enjoying the privileged

She was in her 97th year and had been an

of people and was perceptive enough to

delights of Canons before the rest of the

active supporter of NLCS. She is missed by

recognise talent and intelligence among

school moved out from Sandall Road. She

her friends.

her more lively and rebellious pupils as

was awarded a scholarship and her parents

well as among the more diligent. Jean was

were immensely proud of her achievements.

Judy Smither (née Simpson, 1968) died on

a governor and adviser to the Schools’

She went on to the University of London

the 8th January 2015. Judy excelled at sport,

Council in the 1970s and served on the

(to one of the colleges which eventually

especially swimming and netball. Her love

education committee of the Royal College

merged with King’s College), and gained a

of life and remarkable selflessness made her

of Nursing. She also served as president of

degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, qualified

a very popular Games Captain. Maths was

the Association of Headmistresses (1972-74)

as a Dietician and spent all her working life

her subject, but she studied social sciences

and as Pro-Vice Chancellor of Birmingham

working in community health. Freda always

before working in IT. She met David Smither

University. On her retirement in 1977 she

loved music and art and the natural world,

aged 18, and their loving marriage produced

was appointed CBE. The next year she

and took a great interest in all the people she

three children. Tragedy marked her last four

was elected a Fellow of the College of

ever met, right up to the end of her life, and

years, when she courageously bore the loss

Preceptors, the only honour specifically

despite her severe decline.

of her husband, then younger son, and her

awarded for teaching. Miss Wilks, who never

own final illness.

married, spent her last years in Oxford,

Betty Philips (née Chester, 1945) died

cared for by friend Joyce Stevens, former

15th February 2015 in Somerset. She had

Leela Wallace (née Menon, 1940) died

many happy memories of her time at NLCS.

on the 21st May 2014. Leela attended the

head of PE at Kings Edward’s.

Royal Free Medical School during the Second

Margaret Winkley (née Hawley, 1940)

Jane Rosaman (née Mancus, 1950) died in

World War. She married a GP in 1971,

died in March 2014. Margaret left NLCS as a result of evacuation in 1940.

in April 2014, aged 83. After leaving NLCS in

survived a mastectomy and together they

1949, she joined the teaching profession and

travelled a great deal, attending conferences

went on to become a Headmistress. She was

and making many friends. She was very

Vera Woolf (née Norris, 1947) passed

an avid sportswoman, traveller and a superb

active in the BMA and retired to Ross on

away on 5th February 2014 in Sussex.

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33

Staff News

Staff Baby News We are delighted to share with you that the following staff members have had babies in the last year:

Sarah Shaw, Director of Studies in the Junior School, gave birth to a baby boy called Casper in October 2014

Charlie Pearson, Head of Politics, became a father to Sebastian in February 2014

Fred Hitchcock, Director of Extra Curricular Activities, became a father to Phoebe in October 2014

Niranjali Manek, Teacher of Maths, gave birth to a baby girl called Ridhi in July 2014

Becky Brown, Head of History, gave birth to a baby girl called Darcey in November 2014

Will Van Reyk, Teacher of History, became a father to Lewis in September 2014

Ben Kerr-Shaw, Teacher of RS & Philosophy, became a father to Joshua in November 2014

Staff Engagements and Marriages Kate Machemer, Junior School Director of Sport, became engaged to Mr Karl Kiernan Dr Ruth Ling, English Teacher, became Dr Ruth McLoughlin in Summer 2014 Miss Hannah Wiedermann, French Teacher, became

Staff Valete

Mrs Hannah Wiedermann in Summer 2014

Teaching Staff

Daniel Coughlan (Teacher of Religious

Nicola Feggetter (Librarian) left to

Eva Strauss (Teacher of Economics)

Studies) left to join Hill’s Road Sixth Form

join Southbank International School.

left to lecture at the London School of

College, Cambridge.

Economics.

Sam Gare (PA to the Deputy Head) left Bernard Connolly (Teacher of

to take up a teaching training post in the

Matthew Russell (Head of German)

Mathematics) left to join University

English Department at Watford Grammar

left to join the British School of Chicago

College School.

School for Girls.

Non-Teaching Staff

Mr Alan Hardcastle (Art Technician)

George Maude (Teacher of Classics)

Mrs Caron Aspis (Teaching Assistant

left to pursue other interests.

left to become a Subject Leader of

in the Junior School) left to pursue

Classics at Portsmouth High School.

other interests.

as a Teacher of French and German.

Mrs Nadia Porter (PA to the Deputy Heads) left to pursue other interests.

Lucy Atkinson (Teacher of Drama) left

Miss Miriam Breckner (Teaching

to take up the post of Director of Drama

Assistant in the Junior School) left to

Anne Williamson (Assistant to

at Colfe’s School.

pursue other interests.

the Headmistress) left to pursue other interests.

Staff Obituaries Former Staff

girls as she was discussing the intricacies of prose translation

joined the staff in 1955 as an assistant

with the Sixth Form. Her love of French literature, the

teacher of French and Latin and was Head

sheer clarity of her language teaching and her insistence on

of the Modern Languages Department

high standards of accuracy will have been remembered by

from 1971 to 1988. In 33 years of

her pupils and have inspired many a girl to pursue languages

distinguished service at North London Olive’s enthusiasm remained undiminished. She was first and foremost a gifted

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| ON L i n e m a g a z i n e

teacher, as much at home teaching French songs to younger

Olive Mellor died in January 2015. She

at university.

Staff Valete This year we said goodbye to five members of staff who retired.

Between them they have given over 150 years of service to the School.

Geraldine Hurl

assemblies, debating, dressing up as the

of the team; his calm nature and patience

Head of Economics

Queen or teaching 24 girls to follow a recipe

were always a vital counter balance to the

For 28 years Geraldine was a hugely

for mock apricot tart as it was made during

somewhat manic art studios! A specialist

valued teacher, colleague, and friend. She

the war. We wish Barbara great happiness in

potter and accomplished painter, Allan’s

joined in 1986 to establish Economics as

her retirement and lots of time to pursue

experience proved essential time after time.

part of the Sixth Form curriculum. Her

her many interests including her new

We wish Allan all the best as he leaves

enormous success as a teacher was due to

grandson Daniel.

NLCS to pursue his expanding painting and

a combination of her deep knowledge and

decorating business.

understanding of the subject and her ability

Helen Turner

to make those in her care feel valued and

Head of Sixth Form (ONL 1976)

Margaret Olechno

secure. Geraldine always said that ‘when

Helen joined the staff at NLCS in September

Purchase Ledger Administrator

she grows up she wants to become a vet’

1982 as a member of the English Department,

Margaret initially joined NLCS in the

so is planning to volunteer at the local vet’s

having left as a pupil only six years earlier.

Housekeeping Department in 1979, becoming

surgery in her retirement, as well as spend

Helen became an inspiring Head of English

Administrative Assistant/Secretary in the

more time on her art, to become involved

in 1995 who was able to guide and persuade

Bursary in 1986, joining a team of just three

in wildlife conservation and the village

a diverse group of characters by sheer

staff. She was a loyal and supportive member

community shop.

intelligence, charm and warmth. Her lessons

of the bursary staff and gave most of her

always were legendary; no ICT or

working life to the School. She was one of

Eric Nicol

inter-active white boards to get in the way

the longest serving members of staff having

Head of Chemistry

of the text – just the book and, of course,

served 35 years. She contributed significantly

Eric joined the Chemistry Department at

Helen’s extraordinary depth and breadth of

to the school and she always gave 100%. We

NLCS in 2003 and was a very highly regarded

knowledge and her unique talent for drawing

will miss her.

teacher, tutor and head of department. As

out the best in her students. Her patience

a form tutor and classroom teacher Eric

and kindness are legendary: nothing was too

Lynne Roberts

was popular thanks to his gentle humour,

much trouble for her. Helen will be greatly

Secretary to the Bursar

capacious knowledge and utter devotion to

missed as she continues to nurture young

Lynne joined NLCS in July 1995 as Secretary

his subject. Girls throughout the school knew

people as a foster carer.

to the Bursar, providing secretarial support

honifbrockle. Year 11 students are devoted to

Geraldine Webb

Her range of skills, vast knowledge of the

his book, the Essence of Chemistry. He left

Year 2 Form Teacher

school and vibrant personality meant you

many friends at NLCS, excited about seeking

Gerry joined the staff first as part of a job

could always rely on Lynne when

out new challenges and opportunities.

share in Year 5, taking a permanent position

the job needed to get done. She will be

in 2005 and has lovingly taught Year 2. Gerry

greatly missed.

of Boris the Pixie, and the unpronounceable

and working closely with the Governing Body.

Barbara Ruben

was a wizard in the classroom, her lessons

Year 6 Form Teacher

pure magic – turning her Year 2 girls into

Suni Vadgama

Barbara joined the Junior School in

mathematicians, young writers and

Science Technician

September 2003. Barbara has had many

award-winning artists. We wish Gerry well

Suni joined the Chemistry Department

connections with School dating back to being

for her exotic travels and many exciting

23 years ago from her role at Brighton

a parent when her daughter Naomi began in

new ventures.

University, and brought her considerable

the Junior School in 1987, with her daughter Ellie starting in the first ever Reception class.

expertise and effortlessly calm and organised

NON-TEACHING STAFF

Barbara was the most wonderful teacher -

approach to NLCS. Suni plans to use her retirement to do voluntary tutoring in a

generations of girls have benefited from her

Allan Hardcastle

range of Science subjects, needlecraft and

care, encyclopaedic knowledge and numerous

Art Technician

property development.

talents. She was always prepared to turn her

Allan joined the Art department at NLCS

hand to anything from thought provoking

in 1994 and soon became an integral part

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35

ONLA Information Annual General Meeting Saturday 9th May 2015 Notice is hereby given that the Annual

Coffee and pastries will be served

General Meeting 2015 of the Old North

at 11am.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS 2015 Please visit the ONLA section of www.nlcs.org.uk for the most up to date

Londoners’ Association will be held at North

list of events and reunions.

London Collegiate School, Canons, Canons

All ONLs are more than welcome to attend.

Drive, Edgware, HA8 7RJ on Saturday 9th

The Association is run for the benefit of

May 2015 at 10.30am.

ONLs and we would be delighted to receive

APRIL

your input. If you would like to attend, please

28th ONLA Law Society Drinks

AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence

contact the Alumnae Office by Monday 27th April 2015.

2. Minutes of the last AGM 2014

May ONLA AGM

3. Matters arising

If you would like to nominate another ONL

9th

4. Secretary’s Report

for election or re-election to the Committee

5. Presentation of ONLA accounts

at the AGM please contact us for guidance on

10, 20, 30 and 40 Year Reunions – Classes of 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005

6. Election/re-election of Committee

how to nominate and the forms.

Members and Vice Presidents 7. Any Other Business

Email: onla@nlcs.org.uk Telephone: 020 8951 6475

ONLA Bursaries North London is keen to maintain a relationship with our students beyond their time at

June 3rd ONLA Media Society Drinks 16th Frances Mary Buss Fellowship Lunch 21st ONL Summer Picnic

School, supporting ONLs in their endeavours and ambitions whenever possible.

All ONLs are eligible to apply for Travel and Academic Bursaries. Please contact the Alumnae Office for more details.

July 1st Class of 2012 Summer Pimm’s Party

VISITING CANONS ONLs are warmly welcomed back to the School at any time. Please don’t wait for a reunion – if you are going to be in the area, please contact the Alumnae Office and we would be delighted to organise a visit for you, with a tour of the school led by current girls. Please contact onla@nlcs.org.uk or 020 8951 6475.

ONLs have an open invitation to attend any of the School shows, performances and sports

September 9th Class of 2014 Reunion 21st Class of 1965 50 Year Reunion 21st 55+ Reunion (ONLs who left prior to 1960)

matches. For example, this year the School will host 39 events from music to drama to art in the Performing Arts Centre. Information about these events is available at www.nlcs.org.uk under the About Us, NLCS Downloads section: ‘Performing Arts Brochure 2014-2015’.

Founder’s Day remains a popular date in the School calendar and space for ONLs to attend is limited by the attendance of Year 13 parents. If you wish to be placed on the waiting list,

BUZZ SQUARE

please contact the Alumnae Office onla@nlcs.org.uk or 020 8951 6475 from January 2016.

Frances Mary Buss has almost 1,500 ONL

Names on the waiting list are added on a first-come, first-served basis and we will not be

Friends on Facebook! To become part of

able to confirm your seat until approximately a week beforehand.

the ONLA Facebook community, please befriend Frances Mary Buss and ask to be added to the correct group for your year.

We also have different regional groups set up, as well as ONLA Law, Media and STEM Societies.

You can keep up with the latest news about ONLs and current girls by following @nlcs1850 on Twitter.