ONLine 2014

ONLine

the old North Londoners’ association magazine Issue 19 | 2014

ONL Features Esther Rantzen on Charitable Organisations

Michelle Clayman on Philanthropy Fiona Halton on Management Coaching for Charities Susan Bennett on the National Garden Scheme

You can download ONLine at www.nlcs.org.uk

Welcome TO ONLine 2014 from The Headmistress Dear Old North Londoners,

Editor’s Welcome

I

n this edition, we have explored the wide range of philanthropic activities that ONLs are involved in and I hope you will agree after reading that it is no coincidence that so many Old North Londoners have pursued paths and careers in this area! The desire to promote the welfare of others through active involvement in the community is a philosophy that is felt keenly at NLCS, and one that clearly remains with you beyond school.

This edition features some of our regular pieces such as the Arts Corner, Book News and the Archive sections as well as an article marking the anniversary of the start of the First World War. Of particular interest may be our larger than normal section on local groups which we are particularly proud of fostering a growing community of ONLs across the world!

We are always eager to hear from ONLs, from sharing your news to getting your feedback on this edition, so please get in touch.

Our theme for the 2015 edition is ‘Passions’ so if you have any ideas or would like to contribute, please let us know.

As I prepare for Founder’s Day each year, I very much enjoy researching in the School’s archives. This year’s theme was the impact of the First World War at Canons and I was particularly moved by the many stories in the archives of great sacrifice and struggle. Just as the centenary of that war gives the nation an opportunity to reflect on the determination and contributions of ordinary people, we reflect on how NLCS girls and staff responded to the war effort.

The importance that the NLCS community places on service and helping those in less fortunate circumstances has continued and grown. This issue of ONLine is full of inspirational stories, each demonstrating the myriad ways in which ONLs help others, staying true to Frances Mary Buss’s wish that the girls achieved personal happiness through ‘an active interest in the wellbeing of others’.

At NLCS, the diversity of community service events and fundraising projects continues to increase, usually due to students’ innovative ideas, and this enthusiasm for helping others remains a very special aspect of the School. Our charity committees have supported a variety of extremely worthwhile causes this year, including organisations which are attempting to break the cycle of poverty in over 40 countries, help abused children, and provide craniofacial surgery in developing countries. There are various programmes within the School which encourage regular commitment to volunteering, from visits to the Flying Angels School in Zambia to visiting local Livability homes, from helping out in local schools to attending the Mencap ‘Funday’.

I hope you enjoy this issue of ONLine. It is wonderful to see so many ONLs involved in the life of the School, whether it be taking time to contribute articles to ONLine, supporting the Bursary Fund, or visiting us at Canons. The girls here love to meet ONLs and hear tales of North London in both the distant and not so distant past.

I hope to see you at Canons soon,

Holly O’Connell (2003) ONLA Editor

With warmest wishes,

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

Editorial Team Producer Emma Maltz, NLCS Alumnae Officer Arts Columnist Chloé Nelkin (2006) Archives Columnists Joelaine Fitch (2006) Poorvi Smith (1991) Magazine design by Johnny Marks, Printin 2000 Cover photo: FMB House in the 1940s

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Bernice McCabe Headmistress

ONLA Travel Award UPDATES Travel Award Report Mili Malde

(2012)

D

uring my gap year, I worked on conservation and community projects in and around Siem Reap, Cambodia for 6 weeks. I lived in a house in Siem Reap with a team of

volunteers aged 18-23 years old.

As soon as we arrived, we began work on the construction of two pumping wells in a village in the Siem Reap Province.

We also helped the village men construct

chance to play with them during break

a martial arts arena and school for a

times and read them books for an hour

Lbokator Martial Arts event to take place in

each day. Moreover, the sewing school

celebration of the Khmer New Year. This will

gives young, poor, disadvantaged

have long-term significance because the

one classroom and piles of dirt and rubble.

women the chance to improve their future

art of Khmer ‘boxing’ is in danger of dying

Many of the children who did not know the

prospects through participation in a

out and by building this school we have

English alphabet or phonetics are now able

10-month sewing course. We taught the girls

helped its preservation. We also helped the

to read, write and make conversation.

at the sewing centre English, focussing on

women in the village with basket weaving,

useful conversation for their trade.

which is their only means of income during

I also volunteered at the Life and Hope

the monsoon season. In the afternoons,

Association, run by monks, which involved

I hope that our hard work has improved

we volunteered at the CDO Orphanage,

teaching young orphans at the Children’s

the quality of life for these people and

where we built two classrooms and taught

Development Village outside Siem Reap and

that the new classrooms and our teaching

the students English. Construction involved

teaching young women at a sewing school.

have significantly empowered and made

moving piles of dirt, sawing and hammering

The children at the orphanage were kind

a difference to the children and young

bamboo wood, laying the concrete and

and sweet, some of them very clever, but

women in Siem Reap for a better future.

even transporting the desks from another

almost all of them were illiterate, even in

I enjoyed my experience so much that

school near Tonle Sap Lake (throwing the

Khmer. Teaching them English was definitely

I volunteered for a week building a new

tables out of the window and catching them

a challenge but we persevered and managed

Dreamhouse Orphanage for the ‘Mon’

from below!) Before we built these two

to teach them the alphabet, phonetics,

children in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand during

classrooms, the orphanage consisted of

reading and spelling. We even had the

my travels afterwards!

Travel Award Report Deborah Owen

(2012)

D

very tiring, but extremely rewarding.

volunteering with Quest Overseas in Villa

Overall, I feel that the project was a

Maria, a shanty town on the outskirts

great success. It was recognised for the

of Lima. Our team visited different

first time by the municipality following a

communities daily and organised children’s

successful meeting with the Mayor. This

cardboard box, but I have gained a sense

activities during the summer holidays, to

resulted in extra funding. We visited a wide

of perspective. Most Villa Maria residents

steer them away from violence, crime and

range of communities, extending our reach

are unlikely ever to gain even a simple

substance abuse.

to areas without paved roads, running

education, while I have been so lucky

uring 2013 I spent four months in South America, including four weeks

water or street lighting. These were often

with mine. However, despite their minimal

The sessions at first proved difficult, with

the most worthwhile sessions, for us and

prospects and poor living conditions, there

children arriving and leaving at different

the children. For me, the volunteering on

is a distinctive community atmosphere and

times and incomplete equipment sets. An

this project greatly improved my Spanish

strong family ties which are sometimes

additional challenge was explaining games

and the experience confirmed my wish to

missing in Western countries. I am

in Spanish to toddlers and teenagers alike.

work in the developing world.

extremely grateful for this opportunity

We took them daily to the local swimming

and thank the ONLA Award Committee for

pool, where ten children would clamber on

I did not ‘find myself’ on my gap year, nor

helping me to raise the funds; it was great

you asking to learn how to swim. It was

shall I sell my possessions and live in a

fun and I’d recommend it!

ONLine magazine |

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ONLA Travel Award UPDATES Travel Award Report Emily Au

(2013)

M

y five week Arctic Expedition consisted of survival training in extreme weather,

team building and leadership tasks, and completing various scientific research

projects investigating the effect of a glacier on the hydrology of an Arctic catchment.

My research team was made up of 12

and gneiss rock from which the mountains

young explorers, an academic supervisor

were formed. Our observations will now

crampons, harnesses and ropes, which

and a mountaineering leader. Our main

be used by Norwegian mapping company

were all part of our daily equipment.

hydrological fieldwork was based at a

Nordeca to develop better local maps.

glaciated valley, carved out by the fragile

Contributing to a project with tangible

The results of our research will be sent

and volatile Oksfjordjoklen Glacier, in

effects for all those visiting the area

to and used by larger organisations

Finnmark, the northernmost county of

in the future was an absolutely

and charities, including the Norwegian

Norway. We created profiles of the rivers

incredible experience.

University of Life Sciences, the Wildfowl

and glacial streams surrounding us,

and Wetlands Trust and the Scott Polar

which were fuelled by melt water from the

Our final research project focussed on

Research Institute, to enable these

glaciers, by measuring the channel width

sampling the Barents Sea water, by taking

organisations to further explore the

and depth.

a small fishing boat out into the fjords,

changing ecosystem. We are also in the

and collecting seawater from different

process of compiling a final scientific and

depths and locations. We then took initial

mountaineering report, to be published

measurements of the pH of the samples,

by the Royal Geographical Society in

to establish general conclusions about

January 2014.

changes in the composition of the water.

Our samples are expected to prove that

The incredible memories that I was

the pH of the seawater in this region has

fortunate enough to make on the

acidified, changing from 8.3pH to 8.2pH.

expedition will last a lifetime; from swimming in the Arctic Ocean to standing

The expedition allowed me to gain

on an ice cap, staring out at the vast

expertise in an extensive range of

expanse of ice which blankets the land.

Whilst exploring the previously uncharted

fieldwork techniques and their relative

terrain, we made geological maps of the

suitability to the experiments at hand.

I am extremely grateful for the generous

area, identifying different types of schist

I became adept in the use of ice axes,

contribution of the ONLA Committee.

Travel Award Report Martha Marcuson

(2008)

I

spent six weeks in Geneva working with the Communications team in the External

project helped to develop my research skills,

Relations Unit of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in the World Health

and taught me more about the history of

Organisation (WHO).

smallpox eradication and polio eradication, it was especially rewarding because it put a

My main task was to carry out a review

Director General for Polio, Emergencies and

of the GPEI website, and update it in

Country Collaboration to be published in

line with the new policy framework of the

the Eastern Mediterranean Region Health

I was included in the weekly epidemiological

2013-2018 Strategic Plan. This involved

Journal. Moreover, after the sudden death of

update meetings and country support

researching and digesting a large amount of

a leading Somali polio eradicator, who had

meetings, as well as conference calls

historical and technical material, and liaising

also been the last victim of smallpox in the

with representatives from national and

across different levels of the organisation,

world, I was asked to produce a memorial

regional offices and from other partner

from headquarters to field offices. I was

booklet in his honour. I had the privilege of

organisations. Sitting in on these meetings

also given other ad hoc tasks, such as

collecting tributes from those who worked

gave me a real sense of the technical and

helping to edit the 2012 Annual Report

with him, and reading about his extraordinary

logistical challenges of coordinating a

and drafting an article for WHO Assistant

life, to produce a biography. While this

global partnership.

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human face to both eradication efforts.

ONLA Academic Awards Academic Award Report Dominique Tan

I

(2011)

am currently spending this academic year on an International Academic Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA). Whilst this exchange is

academically setting me up well for the final year of my Computer Science MEng studies at the University of Bristol, I am also taking advantage of the American liberal arts system by taking some specialist Communication Arts courses.

Academic Award Report Tejal Doshi (2009)

I

was immensely privileged to have the opportunity to undertake my elective at

the Dental Faculty of the University of SĂŁo Paulo (USP). The institution is renowned internationally for its Dental research and

I am also taking a service learning

clinical advancements so unsurprisingly

class, Introducing Computer Science

I was looking forward to seeing what

to K-12 Students, which involves

they had to offer. My principle objective

leading an afterschool club for 9/10

was to carry out research focused on

year olds at Thoreau Elementary

Orthodontic materials in relation to fixed

School: aiming to introduce key CS

appliances (train track braces): comparing

and programming concepts in a fun

the orthodontic department at The Royal

environment before they have formed

London Dental Hospital (RLH) and that

any negative perceptions of the

at USP. I found USP were routinely using

discipline - it is often a struggle to

lingual fixed appliances in certain clinics;

get them to shut down the computers

a bracket system which is currently only

at home time! I hope that I will be

available privately in the UK. One of the

able to lead something similar again

areas where I noted the most difference

in the future.

was in the retention appliances and regimes post fixed treatment.

On the weekends, I have been doing some travelling to nearby cities such as Chicago as well as exploring the state of Wisconsin. As part of the cultural experience, I have joined the alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority Inc. Overall, studying abroad is an incredibly enriching experience academically, culturally and personally: and I am grateful for the ONLA award which has helped make this year possible.

As well as getting to know the work of the

broaden my knowledge of the area of

GPEI specifically, I also learnt about the

global health and see the sometimes

I was overwhelmed with the warm

WHO more broadly. I had the opportunity

divergent approaches of different leading

welcome I received from all the staff

to attend meetings with the Director

actors in the field.

and students and thankfully their level of

General of the WHO, Dr Margaret Chan, on

English was far better than my Portuguese!

two different occasions. I also attended

Overall, my internship in Geneva was a

I also had the opportunity to observe other

several of the Experts for Interns lectures

great learning experience which gave me

disciplines such as Implants, Special Care

at the WHO, with topics ranging from

a real insight into the day-to-day reality of

Dentistry, Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Lasers,

hearing health to violence against women.

working in a supranational organisation

Radiology and Geriatrics. I thoroughly

In addition, as part of the Cambridge

and helped clarify the next steps in my

enjoyed the experience at USP and would

internship scheme, we were lucky enough

career path.

recommend their elective programme to

to have extra weekly lectures with senior

anyone considering doing their dental

professionals in a range of global health

Thank you so much to the ONLA for

elective in South America. A huge thank you

organisations and companies. Both

providing financial support - the internship

to the ONLA for their generous contribution

of these lecture series allowed me to

wouldn’t have been possible without it.

towards this endeavour.

ONLine magazine |

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ONLA Academic Awards Academic Award Report Laura Parker (2006) The International Summer

contacts and friendships forged over

School in Forced Migration

20 intensive summer days. Sadly two

at Oxford University’s

participants, both UN employees from

Refugee Studies Centre is

Syria and working on the regional response

designed to bring together

to this unconscionable crisis, were denied

about sixty UN, NGO and

entry to the UK to attend the course,

government staff, as well

reminding us how even the ivory towers

T

as academics, to consider some of these dilemmas. My three weeks there were

‘controls’ in place across ‘fortress Europe’

well-founded fear of being persecuted

enriching and productive, so I thank the

and much of the world today.

for reasons of race, religion, nationality,

grants committee for their assistance. Now

membership of a particular social group or

in its 25th year, the course seeks to foster

I am currently in Quito, Ecuador (if any

political opinion, is outside the country of

a culture of the ‘reflective practitioner’

ONLs are around, do get in touch!) working

his nationality and is unable or, owing to

by allowing those working with displaced

for Asylum Access, a fairly gutsy refugee

such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of

people to take time out from their busy

rights organisation offering free legal

the protection of that country.’

jobs and consider forced migration from

assistance and taking on the state in a

anthropological, legal, psychosocial and

legal challenge to recent laws severely

political angles.

limiting the rights of refugees in the

he 1951 Refugee Convention defines a

are not unaffected by the unjust migration

refugee as someone who ‘owing to a

This definition was formulated in light of the Second World War, however contemporary

country. About 1,000 Colombian refugees

forced migration issues are far more

The lectures, debates, simulations and

arrive here per month, alongside Cubans,

complex. Are only those who have crossed

workshops covered topics ranging from

increasing numbers of Syrians, and asylum

an international border deserving of

human trafficking and smuggling (big

seekers from as far afield as Nigeria and

protection and assistance? What about

difference!), to the international legal

Cameroon. The summer school continues

the internally displaced or war-affected

regime governing Palestinian refugees.

to affect the way I approach certain

populations left behind? If someone has to

Highlights included debating the feasibility

challenges in my every-day work, and has

flee for their survival, due to flood or famine,

of an open borders society; examining the

reinforced my passion for all things forced

rather than targeted persecution, does the

legality of food and service cuts in refugee

migration. It reminded me that however

international community have a duty to

camps by international agencies, in order

much I feel I have learnt about the world of

assist? Should persecution on the grounds

to stimulate their closure and pressurise

refugees and displaced people, I am only

of gender-based violence be recognised?

people to leave; and the many professional

ever just scratching the surface.

Academic Award Report Sarah Cunliffe

(2011)

ast summer I spent seven weeks

L

huge success and was covered by news

working in the New York office of ‘A

teams from all across the globe.

works closely with the United Nations on

The best part of the experience was

their ‘Education First’ initiative. The focus

that, due to the surprisingly small size

of my work was preparing and organising

of our team, I was given many significant

York with a wealth of future contacts

the first ever UN Youth Assembly, ‘Malala

responsibilities and a chance to show

and a whole new skillset. I felt as though

Day’, held on 12th July 2013. On this day,

off my NLCS girl ‘can do’ attitude. Every

I had really done something worthwhile

over 500 youth delegates from over 90

day we were thrown new challenges, from

with my time and had contributed to

countries met at the UN Headquarters

working out how Malala could use the

the start of something great, and I am

in New York to stand beside Malala

same microphone as the UN Secretary

therefore very grateful to NLCS and

Yousafsai and support her demand that

General, to devising a safe and secure

the ONL academic award scheme for

world leaders need to make universal

registration process for the 700 plus

granting me the financial means to

education a priority and a reality. It was a

guests that would be arriving. I left New

pursue this opportunity.

World at School’ - an organisation that

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ONL Births, Marriages & Engagements

ENGAGEMENTS Hannah Brown (2003) became engaged to Tom Monaghan on 7 March 2014.

Juliette Gerstein (2003) became engaged to Nicholas Wareham in January 2014 in Copenhagen.

Holly O’Connell (2003) became engaged to James Levy on 10 August 2013 in London.

Danielle Phillips (2005) announced her engagement to Jonathan Padley in May 2013.

MARRIAGES Enna Azami (1992) married Olivier

Joanna Kurzer (2006) married Tali Nevies

Shaw-Latimer on 5th October 2013 in

on 13th January 2013 at the Heathrow

West London.

Park Hotel.

Laura Crowley (1994) married Michael d'Arcy on 16th March 2013 in Holborn, London.

Eleanor Galloway (2009) married Ben Horrigan on 20th July 2013 in Didsbury, Manchester.

Aliyyah Giga (2001) married Noorez Nasser on 28th April 2013 in Richmond.

d Tali Joanna an

Emma Pollard (2003) married Andy Bord on 9th March 2014 in London.

Olivia Godfrey (2003) married Zeb Wayne (ONL Jemma Wayne's brother!) on the 25th

Dharmi Shah (2000) married Nirav Morjaria

August 2013 in Hampshire.

on 23 August 2013 in London.

BIRTHS Michelle Allen (nee O’Brien, 1993) had a baby girl called Rowan Amelia Allen on the 24th May 2012.

Enna Azami (1992) had baby girl Amelie Shaw-Latimer on 23rd July 2013.

Mum, dad and brother Christian are delighted with the new addition.

Jemma Wayne Kattan (nee Wayne, 1998) had a baby girl called Alice Jerry Kattan on 3rd October 2013. Alice joins her sister Audrey and is doing great.

Katie Schenk (1994) had a son Gabriel Benjamin Grossman on 19th ???

July 2013 in Washington DC, a brother for Sophia and Jonas.

ONLine magazine |

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Archive Dame Elizabeth Mary Cadbury 8

Joelaine Fitch (2006) looks at Dame Cadbury’s (1876) legacy and finds herself walking in the footsteps of a phenomenal woman ‘What are you doing here?’ asked Miss Buss, sailing into the classroom. ‘No, no. I don’t mean Euclid. What are you doing here? You are learning to be of some use to the world’.

It was a question that left its mark

with the women of

upon young Elsie Taylor (later Dame

the London slums.

Cadbury) and there is no doubt that the

In 1888, Elsie

former pupil of Frances Mary Buss has

married George

indeed been ‘of some use to the world’.

Cadbury, who, with his brother Richard,

Elizabeth Cadbury (neé Taylor)

was the founder of

attended NLCS from 1874 to 1876,

the Bournville works.

where she found her headmistress, Miss Buss, an inspiring and

In 1893 George

stimulating teacher. Elsie (as she

Cadbury purchased

was affectionately known) greatly

120 acres of land

enjoyed her last years of school life:

near the Cadbury

the reports of rebellion and untidiness

works in Birmingham,

gained at her school in Germany

and he and Elizabeth

(she once gained the highest number

worked together to

of bad marks given to any girl in a

establish the Bournville

quarter) gave way to consistently

Village. They aimed

satisfactory reports, and she was

to provide spacious, affordable

Rowntree Foundation suggested that

among the highest scorers in French

housing with good sanitation for their

residents of Bournville were happier

and German. She successfully passed

employees which would ‘alleviate

than those of other areas, with the

ember to 4th Dec June 1858 th 24 , ry bu abeth Cad Dame Eliz

1951

the Senior Cambridge Examination in

the evils of modern, more cramped

general feeling that ‘Bournville is the

ten subjects and so received one of

living conditions.' Gardens for each

nicest place to live in Britain’.

the first Diplomas granted to women,

house were ‘not less than one-sixth

the Cambridge Local Examination

of an acre’ with at least six fruit

having been opened to women only

trees, as the Cadburys hoped that

Elizabeth Cadbury was concerned

twelve years before.

the residents would grow their own

with education, youth work and the

As well as Bournville Village,

fruit and vegetables. The focus of this

welfare of women. Dame Cadbury’s

Upon leaving school, Elsie threw

‘model village’ was a healthy living

focus on the young extended to

herself into her lifelong passion of

environment: as well as ensuring

those who were sick and disabled:

philanthropy and social work. At the

space to breathe, sports facilities

she opened the Woodland Hospital

age of twenty-six, she had already

such as football pitches, bowling

in Birmingham (later the Royal

founded a boys' club in the London

greens and a lido were created. In

Orthopaedic Hospital) in 1909,

docks, where she also worked among

accordance with the Cadburys’ Quaker

and later built The Beeches in

seamen. Whilst in Paris in her late

faith, no public house was built, and

order to provide holidays for poor

twenties, she worked for the relief of

Bournville remains pub-free to this

children from the Birmingham

victims in the Franco-Prussian war, and

day. Bournville Village still exists, and

slums. She opened the adult

on her return to England she worked

research in 2003 by the Joseph

classes in Bournville to women, and

| ONLine magazine

established an infant school there

politics: she was a Birmingham city

Elizabeth Cadbury was made OBE in

in 1910. The Cadburys were always

councillor for five years, co-opted to

1918 for her services to the public

convinced of the importance of

the Birmingham education committee

and DBE in 1934. In 1918 the Belgian

good health: Dame Elizabeth chaired

and also served as a magistrate. All

government recognised her work with

the Birmingham school medical

this besides being mother to eleven

refugees by making her an Officer of

service committee and worked

children, grandmother to thirty-seven,

the Belgian Order de la Couronne.

to provide medical inspections in

and great-grandmother to forty-nine!

schools. She was also president of

She also held Serbian, Yugoslavian and Greek orders. Dame Cadbury died

the United Hospital in Birmingham

aged ninety-four

for seven years.

in 1951, a pupil of whom her former

Dame Cadbury’s education under

headmistress would

the pioneering Miss Buss remained

have been proud.

with her throughout her life, and Dame Cadbury constantly worked to

By Joelaine Fitch

empower women. She founded the

(2006)

Archive Dame Elizabeth Mary Cadbury

Bournville Rest House in the Village was built to celebrate the Silver Wedding Anniversary of George and Elizabeth Cadbury, and was paid for by the employees of Cadbury Brothers Ltd.

Birmingham Union of Girls’ Clubs, was active in the YWCA and the National Council for Women. At the age of seventy-eight, Elizabeth Cadbury led the UK delegation to the World Congress of the International Council of Women in Calcutta. She worked with leading advocates of women’s rights (such as Millicent Fawcett and Lady Aberdeen) and was an earnest non-militant suffragist.

Dame Elizabeth was also involved in

George Cadbury, one of the two Cadbury brothers who moved their cocoa factory out of central Birmingham and into a leafy area south of the city.

They renamed the area ‘Bournville’ and built the model village.

ONLine magazine |

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Spokeswoman for those in Need

Esther Rantzen (1958) looks back at her time at NLCS and how it shaped her future work with charitable organisations I was never the perfect North Londoner. I had friends who were: they were conscientious, hard-working, good at games. I knew they would always find their way to the top of any organisation they joined. And they did. When we meet again (far too rarely, although we all are extremely fond of each other still) I am as much in awe of them as I ever was.

should give, get or get off. That’s a bit harsh. But you do need a Board with the right set of skills. The fact that they sympathise with the work you do is not enough. And these days, it really helps to get your charity independently evaluated. It’s worth it, because it

I could never attain their high

fruit cake, (not alas at Mary Berry’s

points out your strengths and even

standards. To begin with, I was terrible

standard) as obtain a place at Oxford.

more importantly your weaknesses. I

at games. I’ve never been known to

can only learn by my mistakes - if you

hit a tennis ball back over the net, and

So here I am, at the age of 73, in

get everything right first time you never

my lack of coordination was cruelly

my way a typical Old North Londoner

quite know how, or why.

exposed on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

at last, even though my tennis has

I used way too much of my energy

never improved. I have used the

Now I spend ninety per cent of my

writing for the school magazine, or

encouragement I gained from ten

time working as a volunteer and

starting a theatre-going club, or writing

years’ experience in my school

spokesperson for various causes

a pantomime when I should have been

community to continue to chase

- Hearing Dogs for Deaf People for

studying to get better A-levels. As

the ideas I believe in, launching the

instance, NAPAC for adult survivors

a result I drove some of my sterner

children’s helpline ChildLine in 1986,

of abuse, Contact the Elderly for

teachers to despair, but others (our

and now The Silver Line Helpline

isolated older people, and of course

Headmistress Dame Kitty Anderson

for older people who are looking for

I spend time every day working for

was one of them, to my relief) forgave

information, friendship or advice.

ChildLine and The Silver Line. From

me my sins and applauded my daft

all these organisations I have learned

ideas. So although the school was

In this, and in my TV career, I have

the huge value of volunteering, both

a huge community, imbued with a

never been too concerned about the

to the organisation itself and to the

feeling - which I’m sure persists to

possibility of failure. I suppose that

individual volunteer. Watching a young

this day - that we need to look after

anxiety is sometimes a problem, or

man, a blacksmith by day who donates

each other, it was never so narrow or

was in my time, for women. Every

his evening as a ChildLine volunteer,

straight-laced that there was no room

challenge brings with it the possibility

gently and intuitively encouraging an

for creativity. Or laughter.

of failure, and some of my generation

abused youngster for the first time to

There was also clear proof that no

chose not to risk it, so they stayed

describe what had been happening to

matter how big the crowd, or the

well within their own comfort zones.

her was deeply moving. That was last

community is, one person can make

And many of them have had happy,

week, today I have been talking to a

a real difference. Dame Kitty

productive lives as a result, so I don’t

gentleman in his nineties who had rung

impressed that fact upon us

knock it. It’s just that my temperament

The Silver Line because now he lives

when she taught us Current

always sent me down the road less

entirely alone, but has had a fantastic

Affairs. We must, for instance,

travelled, and North London allowed

career in aeronautics. I’m a lucky

use our votes, she declared,

and encouraged that.

woman; all these experiences enrich

which had been so hard won

voice s children a Esther give

10

Esther at The Silver Line

my life.

for us by the women who

I have helped to launch a number of

went before. For Dame Kitty,

different charities in my time, and

But still I think, if I could go back to

individualism mattered, and

learned a few lessons along the way.

those sunlit days in Canons, I would try

she wanted us to excel,

For instance, you need to pick the right

harder to perfect my tennis.

in anything we chose. She was as

CEO, and strong, committed Trustees.

proud of the fact that I could bake a

The Americans say a trustee of a charity

| ONLine magazine

By Esther Rantzen (1958)

Nikita Mehta (2009) strives to leave the world a better place through her family trust

Nikita in Indi a

There is no greater joy than giving back. From a young age, philanthropy has been my passion. From my experiences in rural India, to the opportunities provided by NLCS - such as my role as Secretary of the Canonaid Society, raising awareness of HIV/AIDS at assemblies and working with my friends on the Wings of Hope charity initiative - giving back is incredibly fulfilling.

important to me, as it is empowering

In 2012, I set up the BC Mehta Trust,

Innovation is key to the success of

and systematic. We are also active

our family trust. I find it to be the most

21st century philanthropy. Problems

donors with Cancer Research UK and

rewarding way to spend my time. As a

cannot be solved in the situation in

part of amfAR. Our work is not about

UK registered charity, our mission is

which they were created, and learning

recognition, but is rooted in the idea

to create a world beyond poverty by

and innovation go hand in hand. It is

and desire to leave this world a better

investing in healthcare, education

important, however, that change is

place than we found it.

and innovation.

community driven. Allowing people to become part of the change is most

and leads to positive results.

In the past two years we have built mobile eye clinics, animal shelters and provided sanitation to 1,500 slums in India. We are committed to creating solutions that are scalable, sustainable

By Nikita Mehta (2009)

Nikki Barnett (2003) campaigns to encourage people to ‘Give More’ work at Give More, which is an independent

I

my daily activities and I

campaign encouraging everyone to make a public

am sure there is more

pledge to give more of their time, money or energy

than a little bit of Mrs

to a cause or charity they care about, when our

Nistri about me when I

communities are struggling. The campaign is funded

am pushing for

by the Pears Foundation and is chaired by Trevor Pears

a better contract with a

CMG. My role consists of managing all logistics for

venue or supplier, of course coupled

our events where we gather these pledges, and I am

with the diplomacy taught by Mr Morrow

delighted that we have achieved over 36,000 to date.

acting as my guide!

t Nikki Barnet

Nikki Barnett Give More Team

As many of my peers will remember,

sure the many lunch breaks spent in

The campaign ended in December

during my years at NLCS, as well as

Canons Park helped.

2013 and I am incredibly proud to

being something of a teenage Goth,

have been part of something which not

I was always to be found in the art

My interest in the arts continued at

only changes people’s perceptions on

block focused on my never ending

the University of Nottingham, where

giving and philanthropy, but that has

coursework. I found out from Mr Hardy

I studied History and History of Art

continually inspired me, most recently

whilst visiting this summer to see the

and shaped my early career with

into volunteering at my local community

A and AS Level Art Exhibition that this

roles at the Serpentine Gallery and

centre, the JW3, on the Finchley Road.

is now referred to as the ‘Drawing

other contemporary art institutions in

School.’ I imagine this is an attempt

London. The Serpentine remains free

At Give More, our aim is to promote

to remain on a par with the Performing

to all visitors, thanks hugely to the

awareness and we have created

Arts Centre. I started fundraising whilst

support of their patrons and it was this

a quiz where people can test

at school, running the Fantasy Fashion

dedication that inspired me to look for

their knowledge about their local

Show and I am now an almost keen

roles outside the sector, which led to

community. To find out more, and to

jogger, recently raising funds for Cancer

Give More. I have been able to apply

take part, please go to

Research and Chai Cancer Care. I am

many life lessons learned at NLCS to

www.givemorechallenge.org/quiz ONLine magazine |

11

Service to Others

Michelle Clayman (1971) recalls how NLCS instilled in her the importance of service to others One of the things NLCS taught me was the importance of service to others. I was always struck by the stories we heard in Hall at Assembly about Old Girls doing marvellous things around the world - being Flying Doctors in Australia or nurses in Africa. When I got into the Sixth Form I signed up to do voluntary social work with a classmate teaching English in a primary school in West Hampstead to children for whom English was their second language. We did it by teaching crafts (such as puppet making) and then engaging the children in conversation as they worked on their projects. When we turned up at the classroom lots of kids clamoured to be in our group. It was a wonderful experience.

Michelle Claym an

Fellowship in Accounting at the Business School. I have endowed a Junior Research Fellowship in Politics at St. Anne’s, Oxford, and a student bursary at the College. I believe in the importance in opportunity and social mobility and was enormously grateful for the free place I had at NLCS. I believe it’s important to provide those opportunities for others.

Bellevue Hospital where Michelle is on the Board of Directors for the ‘Children of Bellevue’

After NLCS I read PPE at Oxford and

speak 27 different language groups

then got a job in banking in the City

and are some of the city’s poorest

for two years. From there I went to

residents.

Stanford Business School in California

12

where I got my MBA and landed a job

I have focused my philanthropy on

on Wall Street in New York. When I

children’s and women’s issues, as well

got to New York I was leading a very

as higher education. I fund research,

‘yuppie’ lifestyle and felt dissociated

as well as hands-on agencies, since

from normal people and so jumped

my career has been in investment

I was struck at my 20th NLCS reunion

at the chance to assist a friend of

research and research often has

how many of my classmates had gone

a friend as a Girl Scout Leader with

a hard time getting funded as it is

into lives of service: as teachers,

a socio-economically and ethnically

seen as too abstract. But I believe

doctors, therapists, social workers,

diverse troop in Manhattan. I stayed

that, without solid research, we will

Brownie and Girl Scout Leaders and

as a Troop leader for 17 years, seeing

forever be putting plasters on social

Governors. Clearly the school’s ethos

three ‘generations’ of girls through

problems rather than coming up with

had a lasting impact on us. My career

scouting. Shortly after starting my own

systemic solutions to societal issues.

has taken a different path but I hope

asset management company in 1986,

My largest endeavour has been at

some of the success I’ve been lucky to

I also joined the Board of Children of

Stanford where I have endowed

enjoy has helped and will continue to

Bellevue, which serves both in-patient

what is now the Michelle R. Clayman

help many others.

and out-patient children at New York’s

Institute for Gender Research within

largest public hospital. The children

the University as well as a Faculty

| ONLine magazine

The Michelle R. Clayman Institute for Gender Research creates knowledge and seeks to implement change that promotes gender equality at Stanford, nationally, and internationally.

By Michelle Clayman (1971)

I have a vivid memory of walking past the little red brick building where we had classes in sixth form and thinking about what career I would pursue. Something to do with words, something that made a difference, certainly not anything to do with Maths. English was a great love.

Maths wasn’t. That was my world then.

Fiona Halton

which became Comic Relief. I was one of the first directors and helped to organise everything from all of the phones for the first Red Nose Day, to the events round Red Nose Day itself.

I left Comic Relief to have children

I really had no idea what was out

the ranks in one industry. It started

but still kept consulting part time to

there, nor even did I have much of an

straightforwardly enough.

non-profits and campaigns. Then, ten

idea after my years at university.

years on, I bumped into my old Charity I left university to go into publishing

Projects partner who asked me to

Thirty-five years on, I have just come

because that seemed the obvious

join her full-time for the founding and

back from the Far East talking about

next step after an English degree. I

launch of TimeBank, a campaign for

Pilotlight, a charity I set up a decade

did management training and ended

mass giving of time.

ago to help charities and social

up doing everything from editing to

enterprises grow.

production to selling. I even did some

TimeBank got me thinking about how

door-to-door selling which was the most

to get senior people to give their time

incredibly hard and valuable skill of all.

strategically, rather than painting walls

Often charities are set up by practitioners who have spotted a problem and think they know how to

Igniting Pilotlight

Fiona Freedman (nee Halton, 1975) reflects on the power of her NLCS dreams

- often rather badly. So I founded and Then I left publishing for the film

ran the Pilotlight model.

solve it. With success at solving that

industry because of geography. They

problem, those same practitioners

wanted me in Australia and the love of

My road from walking past that red

suddenly find themselves running

my life was here.

brick building at NLCS and pondering

businesses, yet they have never run

what to do to next was certainly not a

a business before. To grow they need

I ran The Association for Producers,

question of plotting a straight route.

business skills.

having answered a glamorous

I have hopped from stone to stone

advertisement on my return to the

learning more and more. All guided by

At Pilotlight, we put together teams of

UK. The Association was certainly

the vague idea I had in the beginning

senior business people to help coach

fascinating but could barely afford

of being good at words and making a

visionary charity leaders in business

to pay me. I learned much about

difference. Over the years this idea has

skills. I think of the Pilotlight teams

fundraising to get the Association

been refined from making a difference

as fantasy business teams, a bit like

healthy and solvent - another vital skill.

to helping lots of people around me

fantasy football teams. After working

make a difference. I am writing and

with us for a year, a typical charity will

Working at the Association I thought

speaking all the time so the words are

have doubled the number of people

cinemas should turn outward to their

there. And I now definitely embrace

to whom it can provide services. They

audiences and market more. I raised

Maths through the management

also will have a base of 50% greater

a million from the government and the

accounts and spreadsheets I enjoy.

income. The real selling point for the

film industry to run British Film Year.

business people we recruit is that they

It was hugely enjoyable and hugely

Most of all, I was dreaming when I

get more out than they put in, gaining

stressful: from handprints in Leicester

walked past the sixth form building.

valuable skills that they can take back

Square to a roadshow of stars and

I was a bit of a dreamer and NLCS

to their own offices.

stunts held in major cities to Film

gave me the confidence (we are an

Education. I learnt logistics and

outspoken lot) to believe that I could

From those first vague thoughts at

mass events. I took that knowledge

turn the dream into a reality.

NLCS, my road to Pilotlight turned out

and joined Charity Projects, a small

to be the reverse of rising through

charity fundraising for other charities

By Fiona Freedman (1975)

ONLine magazine |

13

National Gardens Scheme

Susan Bennett (nee Rose, 1961 and Staff 1983-2000) recalls how NLCS taught her to ‘harness wayward energy for good’ Claire Rayner, writer, agony aunt, champion of nurses, called her autobiography How Did I Get from There to Here? I ask myself the same question.

Sue & Earl we re recognition of invited to Buckingham Pa lace in their contribut ion to the NG S.

Here I am at 71, Assistant County

Alzheimer's Society received £150,000

Hill. While still running a busy studio,

Organiser, NW London for the National

from the £2.6 million donated overall.

teaching, and caring for a flatulent

Gardens Scheme, a charity founded

Parkinson's UK will be the next charity

Weimaraner, in 1996 we agreed, and

by the Queen's Nursing Institute in

to benefit.

have opened at least 3 times a year

1927 to raise funds to support District

ever since.

Nurses by opening private gardens to

From its early days as a simple guide to

the public.

the NGS, the Yellow Book has gone

Some years later, Penny Snell, now

online, with a brilliant website, apps

Chairman of the NGS asked me to take

The Royal Family, Churchill

and tweets, and 3,800 gardens to

on my present role. I had no idea what

and Vita Sackville-West took part,

peruse in England and Wales.

it involved.

Despite the onset of war, more were

How did I, an erstwhile rebel, beatnik,

‘Finding NEW gardens’ she said.

encouraged to participate as part

CND marcher become involved?

‘HOW?’

and by 1930, 900 gardens opened.

of the ‘War Effort’ as a means of

‘Look over fences’

raising spirits and demonstrating how

Dame Kitty had a way of harnessing

‘But I am only 5' 2" and shrinking.

best to grow vegetables and disguise

wayward energy for good, even if we

What else?'

the roofs of air raid shelters with

were unaware of it. When Jane Williams

‘Distributing posters, and stationery to

camouflage plantings.

and I took up folk singing, we were

your garden owners’

invited to perform at a "Festival de

‘Does that involve forms?’

With the introduction of the National

Jeunesse" in Normandy. Dame Kitty

‘Yes’

Health Service in 1948, local

persuaded the Governors to allow us to

‘Then NO, I'm hopeless at forms!’

authorities were responsible for

leave before the end of Summer term.

providing District Nurses,

We shared the bill with Jaques Brel. An

Penny dealt with the forms, and here I

but funds continued to

experience of a lifetime at 17, and good

am ACO, with about 40 gardens under

be raised to help them

training in character building, confidence

my aegis, having put N10 and N8

in illness and need. In

boosting and facing challenges.

firmly on the map, and even recruited a

1980, the QNI created the NGS Charitable

I later faced the challenge of supporting

network, listen to people talking

Trust, supporting caring

myself for 40 years as a potter with

about their gardens in shops, at the

and nursing charities

no formal training. I reluctantly agreed

swimming pool, at dog training, and

including Macmillan,

to ‘HELP OUT’ for a few weeks in the

pounce or cajole.

Marie Curie, Help the

NLCS Art Department in 1982, leading

Hospices, Crossroads,

to a seventeen year learning curve as a

Dame Kitty said I was a ‘People

The Gardener's Royal

teacher - again with no formal training.

Person’. Perceptive. I love people.

Benevolent Society, and

After Maureen Lipman chose ours as

Even when rejecting a would be garden

various bursaries. Since

her ’Favourite Garden‘ for a celebrity

opener I never dampen their passion,

2010, a "Guest Charity" has been

fundraiser, we were approached by the

but suggest other ways for them to

nominated each year. Last year the

NGS to open our garden in Muswell

share it. My mission as a teacher was

Susan Bennett (left) and Caroline Broome (new ACO) preparing for distribution of posters and signs to their gardens, with technical support from Pheobe the Weimaraner (the flatulent dog)

14

new ACO to help. I do lots of publicity,

| ONLine magazine

to help students develop self-worth. I left NLCS highly veneered - polished walnut

ARTS CORNER

on top of chip board. I did not OWN my knowledge. It has taken many years to ‘Grow into Myself’.

A garden is a teacher too. I am still learning. With my husband Earl's support, much of my time and energy is spent working on our own garden, fulfilling my

Ceramics have played a key role in contemporary arts, just think of Picasso, Grayson Perry and Ai Weiwei.

The medium is being highlighted this year as the Royal College of Art hosts its first selling fair for contemporary studio ceramics.

voluntary role with the NGS, inspecting gardens, giving talks, and hosting groups

But, for a true ceramic wizard we don’t

from around the world.

need to look beyond our alumnae. I first met Susan Bennett when I was 10 and

I would not describe what we do as

she taught me pottery at NLCS, inspiring

philanthropy. That is a private matter,

me to sculpt a Victorian lady with her

but, we are proud to be associated with

dog. It was the start of a friendship I

a charity supporting caring causes,

treasure. Susan is an ONL herself and

through life-enhancing means. We are

has fond memories of her own pottery

In the ’70s Susan met her future husband

ALL beneficiaries. Gardening is good for

teacher, Mrs Harris, who used to regale

at pottery classes. She calls Earl an

one's inner and physical wellbeing. Giving

the girls with Edgar Alan Poe stories.

honorary ONL; when she used to return

is as satisfying as receiving, borne out

Susan’s parents refused to let her go to

home with skips full of pottery shards

by our enthusiastic team of helpers, and

art school and, for a while, she ‘earned a

from kiln breakages he upcycled them

stalwart visitors who turn up, even in

crust’ as a folk singer until a finger injury

into masterpieces, many of which found a

torrential rain to eat cake, buy plants,

prevented her from playing the guitar.

home in their garden in Muswell Hill.

admire the garden, and leave knowing

She went to adult education classes in

they have made a positive contribution to

weaving, silversmithing and pottery and,

That garden is a living artwork, filled

the wellbeing of others, and maybe, one

as soon as she began to work in clay

with ceramic delights that emerge from

day to their own.

again, Susan knew she had ignited a

every corner. Every time I visit there

long-term passion.

is something new. This expression of

Hidden art treasures

Our garden will be

mutual creativity shows the burgeoning

featured in May

imaginations and skills of two artists

2014 edition of

perfectly in tune with each other.

‘House Beautiful’ Chloé Nelkin (2006)

magazine.

open their garden

Sir David Attenborough inaugurated the Wildlife Ceramic mural, created 1990-1994 by NLCS pupils Rosalind Bliss, Sue Varley and Susan Bennett.

at: 5 St Regis

Susan had stayed in touch with the NLCS

Close, Alexandra Park Road N10 2DE

art department and when they invited her

Susan and Earl

A portrait of Su e ‘The Hampste ad Ar tist’

by Dorothy Bo hm

to be part of an exhibition of work by Old Sundays 2-6.30pm:

North Londoners, she showed some of

May 4th, June 22nd, July 27th

her pots. Shortly after this, they offered

July 20th (in aid of KSDP, founded by

her a teaching post but, as she was

Stephanie Lee ONL, died 2001)

running a busy studio, she had no time to teach. Years later she agreed to give

Delicious home-made teas. Plant sale.

them some help in the summer, help that

Open studio. Private groups welcome:

turned into a 17-year long teaching post.

suebearlh@yahoo.co.uk Details: www.ngs.org.uk/www.ksdp.org.uk

Susan shared her enthusiasm with her students and it is partly thanks to her

By Susan Bennett (nee Rose, 1961)

that I have such a love for art.

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 adventures and clients, check out www.chloenelkinconsulting.com

ONLine magazine |

15

Archive The Frances Mary Buss House

Joelaine Fitch (2006) looks at the origins of Canonaid and the far reaching heritage of charitable works at NLCS What does ‘Campbell’s Model Dairy Farm’ have to do with NLCS? In 1927, this former cowshed was purchased by NLCS, the Old North Londoners, the Parents Guild and other donors, and became known as the Frances Mary Buss House.

The purpose of the building is set forth in the constitution of the Society of Frances Mary Buss (the charity formed to run the House, the Frances Mary Buss Trust) as follows: ‘A youth club used for the purpose of helping and educating boys and girls through their leisure time activities so to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society and that their conditions of life may be improved’. For over forty years this house at 13 Whitethorn Street in Bromley-by-Bow was the focus of NLCS’ and ONLA’s charitable activities. As well as charitable donations, the club was supported by a weekly collection of contributions from girls at NLCS: the job of the ‘Bromley monitor’ was to collect 1d from each girl every Monday morning towards the running of the House. This was the origin of the weekly Canonaid collection.

A former member of the club fondly

and First Aid to country dancing and

Browne, who ran the House, wrote:

recalled the opening of the House

boxing. Camps were also run for club

‘People came into the shelter at

and its work in the neighbourhood:

members and NLCS girls; from the

8.30 and we tried to keep them

‘When this house was bought for a

1930s these ‘Whitsun Camps’ were

happy with sing song and improvised

clubhouse, we were naturally very

held at Canons.

entertainment till it was time to settle

thrilled, as we knew this house as

down for the night. The nights were

the local dairy called the ‘60 Cows’

Originally the club house focussed on

bad as the guns were up and down

and we used to see the cows being

the young girls of the neighbourhood,

Tidey and Whitethorn Streets [the

driven through the streets here each

but pity was soon taken on the

House was on the latter] and every

evening, to be milked. When the house

‘boys peering through the window

night some houses fell. The church

was ready to be used for our club,

each night’ and a boys’ section was

came down with a horrible crash.’ Also

we all very enthusiastically borrowed

formed. Later, classes were held

during WWII, the House was home to

our mothers’ buckets and scrubbing

for the older men and women of the

the Hospital Saving Association, and

brushes and set to work cleaning the

neighbourhood, especially during the

it also became a ‘shadow’ feeding

rooms. [Once the club was opened] we

Second World War, as Miss Drummond

centre storing emergency food,

had many enjoyable evenings: there

felt during this time that ‘the needs

while the club members ran a war

were many classes to attend and we

of the neighbourhood are more urgent

supply depot.

joined them all. There was leatherwork,

than ever. The darkened streets

raffia work, needlework, P.T., netball,

inevitably offer temptations to young

In the 1960s, changing attitudes

dancing, and the class which I think

boys and girls and young married men

to social work (it was felt by the

we enjoyed most of all was the singing

deprived of home life’.

inhabitants of the neighbourhood that

class.’ At its height, the House was

16

n’ ‘Whitsu Canons k about se children o o b to ce ou Frontpie ered to FMB H off Camps

they were being patronised by the

home to two to four clubs every day

During the War, the House was used

North Londoners’) and the change

of the week, with classes on a variety

every night as a Public Air Raid Shelter

in the character of the area, caused

of activities ranging from shorthand

for about eighty people. Miss

Miss McLauchlan to feel that the

| ONLine magazine

Archive The Frances Mary Buss House

FMB House boys enjoyin g running

FMB House Junior Drama Group 1951

House was ‘no longer a place where schoolgirls could do any useful work’ and it was decided to close the club.

In 1968, the premises were let to the Federation of Boys’ Youth Clubs, and in 1992 the Frances Mary Buss Trust let it on a forty-year lease to the Tower Hamlets branch of the mental health charity MIND (the charity still occupies the building today).

Although the Frances Mary Buss House may no longer operate, charity and community service still remain core to NLCS values, and, as former deputy headmistress Ann Thomas wrote: ‘the spirit of service and commitment that made the House at

FMB House in the 1940s

Bromley-by-Bow possible still flourishes at the school Miss Buss founded’.

By Joelaine Fitch (2006)

ONLine magazine |

17

Modern Philanthropy

Jo and her team at the Trump Foundation

Jo Cohen

Jo Cohen (nee Mandel, 2000) explains how strategic philanthropy seeks to maximise social impact

For many people, the word 'philanthropy' conjures up images of wizened administrators doling out family fortunes to needy causes and charitable organisations. What many people don't realize is that most philanthropic endeavours have significantly transformed over the past twenty years. Today, strategic philanthropy ‘seeks to achieve a greater social impact’ (Bill Gates), making the biggest possible difference with the available resources. Strategic philanthropic foundations seek to be catalysts for change, and their employees are charged with the privilege and responsibility of constructing clearly defined goals which address problems in the foundation's field of interest; forming strategies for achieving those goals; and employing feedback to keep the strategy on course.

had the unique opportunity to help

Charity work, making a difference,

a difference. After immigrating to Israel,

stakeholders, teachers, and partners

and volunteering were all values I

I began to work for different non-profit

across the field of mathematics and

grew up with, yet I never imagined

organisations in the areas of education

science education in Israel and the

that my future career lay in strategic

and society, and in 2011, I joined the

wider philanthropic community.

philanthropy. Both the ethos at NLCS

newly-established Trump Foundation.

and the youth movement I belonged

continue to enjoy the challenge of a steep learning curve, lots of team work, and an extremely varied role in grants administration and communications.

My responsibilities include overseeing the administration of the foundation’s grants from their conception to their end - including writing and translating; engaging in strategic thinking; creating organisational processes and policies; and helping to manage our relationship with the public, our grantees,

The more I delve into the world of

to as a teenager, instilled deep within

The Trump Foundation is a spend-

philanthropy and education, the more

me the concept that we are capable of

down foundation whose resources

I appreciate just how privileged my

and responsible for improving the world

are dedicated to the improvement

own education was at North London.

around us. At school we frequently

of educational achievement in

When Israel celebrated a National

raised money for charitable causes,

Mathematics and the Sciences in Israel.

Teachers' Day for the first time this past

and encountered inspiring Old North

We have adopted three strategies in

November, I joined thousands of other

Londoners volunteering in various aid

order to advance high-quality teaching

people who reached out to show their

projects around the world. I remember

of these subjects in secondary schools:

appreciation to their former teachers.

being deeply moved by the tragic death

attracting talent into teaching, nurturing

I wrote to thank Mr. Brian Acreman,

of ONL Stephanie Lee in 2001, who,

the clinical expertise of teachers and

who was my form teacher in Years 12

since leaving NLCS, had dedicated

demonstrating support networks for

and 13, and Mrs. Maureen Kendler,

herself to fundraising and working with

quality teaching at scale. Through

who taught me religious studies and

the Karenni people in South East Asia.

our strategic grant-making, we strive

A-Level Jewish biblical texts. Not only

to reverse the troubling course of

did their excellent teaching and personal

Following a BA in Broadcasting at the

performance in these subjects, such

guidance have a great effect on me

University of Leeds, I worked for a short

as: the decline in the number of high

back then, it has helped direct me to

period at a London television production

schools which offer physics studies;

where I am today, and to what I hope

company. I soon knew that it wasn't for

the deteriorating number of students

will be a meaningful and significant

me, despite years of working towards a

taking advanced tracks in mathematics;

career in strategic philanthropy.

career in television. It took me a while

and the sidelining of science studies in

to identify what was missing, but I

middle school.

eventually understood that I wanted to

18

build an organisation from scratch. I

For more information about the Trump Foundation please visit our website

be more directly engaged in affecting

Being a part of the foundation from

www.trump.org.il/en

the world around me - I wanted to make

the outset has meant that I have

By Jo Cohen (nee Mandel, 2000)

| ONLine magazine

I clearly remember the day the notice went up on the board.

“Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award. Sign below and meet in the gym Thursday lunch break.” I have no idea why I signed up when none of my close circle of friends were interested or why it was even on my radar. Frankly there wasn’t usually much on the Games Notice Board that applied to me! I don’t think I even knew anybody who had taken part in the scheme. Perhaps there was an inspirational speech that I have filed too deep in my memory to access. Anyway, shall we just call it fate?

In those early days taking part in the Award meant spending two evenings a week in a local community centre; Sandra, Ruth and I learning how to navigate and map read with other young people from across our borough. Each Wednesday afternoon saw me helping at the local Oxfam shop, working alongside a vibrant group of quite elderly ladies who lived just streets away from me, but who,

Thirty-four busy years later and the

Award were turning their lives around

without the service aspect of the

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is still an

with opportunities never dreamed

award, I would never have met.

important part of my life and the more

of. It was incredible. One fifteen

I do with the Organisation the wider

year old was running a school on a

I feel so passionately about the ‘big

my field of vision expands. Growing

railway platform. The pupils came off

picture” benefits of the DofE award

up in the privileged environment of

the streets, washed in the effluent

that I have almost omitted completely

North London Collegiate, it is very

water from the train carriages and

to convey the fun and asphyxiatingly

easy to stay on a narrow trajectory:

put on a simple brown uniform before

hilarious moments that are my abiding

further education, career, family,

sitting cross legged on the concrete

memories of my own Award journey.

friends STOP! Being a part of the

to study. Their “teacher” hoped, with

Pitching tents in darkness over an EU

DofE scheme suddenly made me

the support of the Award scheme,

mountain of sheep-droppings on the

part of a wider community - a

to formally educate himself and go

Yorkshire Moors. Hiding cup-a-soup

community without social, intellectual,

on to have a career in teaching. The

packets from Expedition Assessors

geographical or financial boundaries.

influence he had on his community was

in our knickers. And of course the

huge. One fifteen year old, who had

fateful finding of a red phone box

When, ten years later, my job took

run away and lived on the streets from

in the middle of Exmoor so that

me into the public domain I was

the age of 11, was lent a camera by

we could call home for our O’Level

approached by many charities to help

the Award Scheme and its partners.

results. We got lost and made the

publicise their cause. Of course you

His perception and artistic ability now

newspapers. We got tired and missed

give time and energy without question

sees him travelling the world, exhibiting

some teenage parties. But we loved it

for sick children or struggling families,

his amazing photographs that reflect

and will never leave it behind. Sandra

but working with the DofE charity has

his community. He will never go back

Boot (nee Hamlin) one of my partners

enabled me to give time positively to

to selling discarded plastic bottles for

in crime has three children doing the

promote something that I genuinely

a living.

Award, she is commendably active in

believe will shape the life of every

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

Sandra Boot (nee Hamlin, 1983), Ruth Booker (nee Gainsborough, 1983) and Alice Beer (1983) on their D of E walk

Alice Beer (1983) looks back at her long and happy involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

keeping the award going in her area.

young person that joins in. I have

Back in the UK, I have learned about

And hey! I am going to the Palace

witnessed first-hand the life changing

prison communities changing so many

again next week to present some

effects of taking part in the Bronze,

attitudes and futures. Young people in

more Gold Award Holders. It’s a perk,

Silver or Gold level challenge.

custody taking part in the Award have

but boy did I do the leg work to

shown how they improve their chances

get there!

Three years ago, I travelled to India

for a brighter future and increase their

to make a film for the BBC on how

resilience and resistance towards

young people taking the International

re-offending.

By Alice Beer (1983)

ONLine magazine |

19

Everyone Matters

Margaret Archibald (1967) has taken Dame Kitty’s guiding principle to heart ‘Music for a while shall all your cares beguile’” When I arrived at NLCS aged 11 and

running an orchestral outreach

announced that the Adagio about

asked to learn the oboe, I was told

programme delivering workshops and

to be played in the lounge was his

that I could learn the clarinet if I

informal concerts nationwide.

favourite piece. When our professional

didn’t want to wait. Always impatient, I decided to embrace clarinet lessons,

timpanist guided the hands of young Ever since my first awkward

people with profound and multiple

and 53 years later I’m still puffing

performances at Edgware General

learning difficulties, each child in

away, more often these days in nursing

Hospital while still at school I have

turn experienced the thrill of wielding

homes, day centres and schools for

been deeply conscious of my good

the stick that would make the kettle

children with special needs than in

fortune in being able to do the thing

drum ‘boom’. A group of withdrawn

concert halls. Dame Kitty’s guiding

that I love most, make music, and

older people diagnosed with dementia

principle that ‘everyone matters’ was

that ‘much is expected of those to

became animated as they chose which

the inspiration when in late 2010 I

whom much is given’. No matter

percussion instrument they wanted so

was casting around seeking a name

where people gather to share music,

that they could take part in a samba,

for a new company that would offer

each one listens as an individual

and when young and professional

live music-making to schools, special

human being, and it is the job of

brass, wind and percussion players

schools and the wider community.

the professional musician to bring

performed together for a group of

Less than a year later, having

the composer’s intentions to life in

wheelchair users, starting with James

completed its inaugural project for

sound. Mozart’s Requiem came to life

Bond and finishing with a Mambo

children with special needs in outer

for the Tokyo businessman silently

complete with percussion instruments

London, Everyone Matters became a

shaping every word with his lips as he

all round, the comment was ‘Well,

registered charity. This landmark news,

immersed himself in the Amsterdam

you’ve literally blown us away!

communicated to me by text just as I

Baroque Orchestra’s performance on

was about to buy some mushrooms,

tour, and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto

left me euphoric that I could now

came to life for the resident of

continue to build on my two decades

the Chislehurst nursing home who

By Margaret Archibald (1967)

Margaret forsakes her clarinet for a tambourine in a workshop with percussionist Scott Bywater at the Children’s Trust, Tadworth.

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miraculous escape (or so we were told) when a wheel came off our Land Rover at 60mph.

We have been back twice in 2012 and 2013, and have two trips planned for 2014. There are now three of us, as we have a Ugandan rehabilitation assistant working in the villages in our absence.

Experience has modified our approach,

Katy and Penny in Uganda in 2011

and we now aim to do clinics for

My sister Barby (Barbara Holliday, 1974) trained as a nurse, but from the beginning her heart was for children and young people with profound physical and mental disabilities.

She cared for and supported hundreds of children and their families through her work at the Rose Road Centre in Southampton.

the assessment of young people and

After her untimely death from

often extreme poverty, means that

have become our friends over

breast cancer, aged just 50, I

there are a lot of young people with

the years.

started to explore the possibility

disabilities who never achieve their

of using my medical skills abroad,

potential in that country.

and I was approached by Penny, a

we raise money in the UK for suitable equipment to help mobility. We try to

The Barbara Project

Dr Katy Barnes (nee Holliday, 1971) offers a helping hand in Uganda

teach health centre workers about disability, its causes and treatment, and to build relationships with Ugandans, many of whom

We have called it the Barbara Project, not simply in Barby's memory but

physiotherapist friend, to help start

In July 2011, Penny and I set off into

because we know that she would have

a project in Uganda, building on a

the unknown with three suitcases of

put her heart and soul into the care

longstanding link between our local

physiotherapy equipment and a lot of

of the precious children we see on

church and the Busoga region in

naivety (which was just as well as we

our travels.

south-east Uganda. We learned that

never would have ventured out without

to have a disability in Uganda often

it). We spent four weeks driving miles

In memory of my wonderful sister,

means being considered at best

on terrible roads to do vast clinics

Barbara Holliday (17.6.1956 -

useless to society - at worst cursed

in far-flung rural areas. The learning

29.7.2006, NLCS 1963-74)

and hidden away. This, coupled with

curve was enormous, and our cultural

a very patchy health care system and

blunders often hilarious. We had a

By Dr Katy Barnes (nee Holliday, 1971)

ONL Career Networking

N

LCS is a community for life and the School’s relationship with its pupils extends far beyond their time at Canons. ONLs are a unique and dynamic group of people with

careers and life experiences spanning an incredible array of sectors. Young or old, there is an instant bond between them and an amazing willingness to support each other.

Our objective is to be the first port of call for any ONL who is looking for career assistance.

By working with other ONLs, parents and any contacts we may have, we can offer work placements and specific career advice to any ONL, regardless of what stage of life they are at.

Contact Poorvi Smith, Alumnae and

ONLs are welcome to contact us for any advice.

Development Officer by email: psmith@nlcs.org.uk or by telephone

Hongwork Kong experience View We are also looking for ONLs who are able to offer or placements,

on 020 8951 6377.

or are able to act as career mentors.

ONLine magazine |

21

Art for the People

James Russell looks at Peggy Angus’ (1922) love of art as communal, joyful and temporary Artist and designer Peggy Angus (1904-93) attended North London Collegiate School after the Great War, and was remembered by fellow pupil Mary Manson as ‘a very musical, very gifted creature’. Peggy’s closest friend at school was Ishbel MacDonald, daughter of Ramsey MacDonald, the first Labour Prime Minister, and the pair shared a youthful devotion to socialism. Peggy’s politics were practical. She loved to get involved and, in the summer of 1927, joined other volunteers from NLCS in taking a group of girls from Bromley-by-Bow to Camber Sands in East Sussex. Peggy wrote and illustrated a book to commemorate the trip - an account abounding in jolly teas, energetic swims, fiercely contested rounders matches and displays of amateur dramatics.

Peggy Angus, by Louis Ullmann

By now she had graduated from the Royal College of Art and was already Head of Art at a school in the Midlands. Holidays were spent travelling to Europe with Ishbel, attending political meetings and proselytizing energetically; she also painted numerous murals, including the lunette at Canons. In the summer of 1932 she visited Leningrad and Moscow and saw how artists and designers were employed by the Soviet state, which used art for education and enlightenment (or propaganda) as the Church had once done. As a result she became fascinated in the relationship between artist and patron.

In 1936 Peggy married architectural writer Jim Richards, and they had two children before the upsets of wartime led to their divorce. She continued to teach and, in 1947, was hired by Dr Anderson as Head of Art at NLCS, a position she held until 1970. Margaret Glover (nee McKechnie) remembered vividly the riotous colours of the art department in contrast to the general drabness of London’s post-war streets: ‘the abundant bright powder paint piled up in baking tins for six or eight

hool Stairs NLCS Drawing Sc

buns: lemon yellow, yellow ochre, two blues and two reds, from which we made all the other colours…’

‘The Art room was almost a separate domain,’ she added, ‘situated on the top floor of the new building at the farthest end of the corridor, which was decorated with constantly changing and exciting

We work in hope, NLCS Old House

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works produced by the pupils.’

to teach in her

A local journalist picked up on the fact

inimitable way,

that one of the artists was Joshua

most significantly

Reynolds, ‘not the great portrait

with a group of

painter but an old age pensioner…’

older people in

Peggy told the newspaper, ‘I want to

Camden whom she

encourage people to make their own

commissioned to

gifts, from cards to full-scale standing

create artworks for

screens.’ The writer added, ‘So far

a series of themed

eight pensioners have come up with

exhibitions at local

contributions, ranging from a humble

arts centres; one

tea cosy to a large screen in appliqué

Given her way, Peggy would have

artist even had a painting accepted by

depicting birds and animals typical of

decorated the whole school, as

the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

each season.’ Of course the exhibition

she believed that the best way for

In 1978 she organised a Valentine’s

involved a party, with all and sundry

her charges to learn was through

Day exhibition at the Camden Town

invited ‘to bring along something home-

involvement in communal projects.

Neighbourhood Centre.

made to eat and if possible a musical

Particularly memorable were the

instrument. They will probably be called

‘stained glass windows’ made of

upon to sing a love song.’

Art for the People

'Log of Bromley Camp, 1927', a handmade book recording the first NLCS camp for girls from Bromley by Bow, NLCS Archives

coloured tissue and black paper that

By James Russell

she and her team put up in the dining room each Christmas. This was her ideal form of artistic expression communal, joyful and temporary. This tradition continues in the ‘stained glass windows’ made for the large window behind the stage of the Hall.

Art, Peggy felt, should be seen as a living force which enhanced everyone’s experience of everyday life. After her official retirement she continued

Poster to promote an exhibition to celebrate Peggy Angus’ 80th birthday

Bursaries at NLCS

A

James Russell writes and lectures about art, illustration and design. James is currently working on a project with the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne which will host the first major exhibition devoted to the life and work of Peggy Angus since her death in 1993. The exhibition at Towner opens on 12 July 2014 and runs through the summer. To coincide with the exhibition, James is writing a book about Peggy’s career, bringing together Peggy’s paintings, tile designs and wallpapers.

The book will be published by the Antique Collectors Club.

Providing an ambitious, academic education to bright girls, regardless of their parent’s ability to pay.

s the oldest academic girls’ school

we have 68 pupils on some level of bursary

bursary assistance far exceeds available

in the country, the School’s main

assistance, about 10% of students in the

funds. Fifteen girls were not able to take up

Senior School (Years 7-13).

their places in Year 7 in September 2013

aim has been to provide an ambitious academic education for young women,

because the School was unable to support

regardless of their parent’s ability to

In 1976, the School set up a bursary

their places. We were therefore delighted to

pay. As early as 1910, local and national

fund, the income from which is used to

have been awarded £528,400 in November

government grants enabled the School to

award bursaries to girls whose parents

2013 by the John Lyon’s Charity to pay for

take non-fee-paying students. The Direct

cannot afford the fees. Donations to the

four additional seven year bursaries - two

Grant and, latterly, the Assisted Places

fund are a mixture of regular gifts and

beginning in September 2014 and two

Schemes enabled the School to continue

legacies, often through the Frances Mary

beginning in September 2015.

this policy.

Buss Fellowship scheme. The School also supports bursaries from general funds;

If you are interested in finding out more

Though the Direct Grant Scheme ended

additionally, royalties from the School’s

about the bursary fund, ways to donate or

in 1976, and the Assisted Places Scheme

franchise in Jeju, South Korea pay for

joining the Frances Mary Buss Fellowship,

in 1998, the School remains committed

bursaries in London.

please do not hesitate to contact Joseph

to providing opportunity based on ability, regardless of financial means. Currently,

Voelker, Marketing & Development Director Despite these efforts, the demand for

on 020 8951 6376 or jvoelker@nlcs.org.uk.

ONLine magazine |

23

Remembering NLCS in World War I

Poorvi Smith (1991) explores some of the earliest NLCS charitable societies ‘I believe in happiness,’ said Frances Mary Buss; but it was the happiness that came from duty and self-discipline, not from selfishness and indulgence. ‘We want an active interest in the wellbeing of others.’

It was this characteristic that Miss

Girls also knitted cuffs for the Robin

Buss strove to instil in her pupils. In

Society, a society which existed ‘for

her Prize Day reports in 1850, she

the provision of woollen comforts’.

said that in addition to the established routine of Education, pupils should

An entry in the School magazine for 1916 stated, ‘I think that many of us

‘Every girl who could not knit is

feel that we can eat our own plentiful

contribute articles of ‘wearing

learning to knit now,’ wrote Miss

meals with a lighter heart because

apparel’, made by themselves, to

Bryant in her 1914 report highlighting

we know that we have helped…to

some of the charitable societies in the

the war work undertaken by girls at

feed and cheer the men who are

neighbourhood of the School. So began

the School. It is no surprise to learn

suffering so much for their services to

the Dorcas Society which supplied

that the girls responded ‘promptly and

their country.’

between five and six hundred items of

willingly’ to the many appeals that

clothing a year for the poor in London.

were received at the School on behalf

As they sewed, the young ladies had

of the armed forces.

their minds improved by the reading aloud of suitable books. As late as the

Their efforts were met with gratitude

1920s, though the reading material

as shown by this letter received from

had changed somewhat, Dorcas was

William Latham, Chairman of the

still part of the school curriculum.

Governing Body of the Frances Mary Buss Schools.

A new chapter of social activities began in 1904 with the formation of

Flora Murray, an Officer in Charge of

the ‘Sunshine League’. Its original

the military hospital in Endell Street

aim was to lessen the ‘suffering and

wrote to Miss Buss:

poverty of our poorer citizens’ but over time this developed into a wider understanding of the possibilities of contact between people of different environments and upbringing. For many years the activities of the Sunshine League continued along the lines of the social work done in the School from the beginning. Christmas parties developed into the one of the most memorable features of the School year. In the years between the two World Wars, a specially chartered tram brought one hundred guests from Aldenham Street School up Camden Road on dark foggy afternoons to a brilliantly lit and decorated School.

24

NLCS pupi ls in 1916

| ONLine magazine

…it is a great pleasure to us to feel that the Girls’ Public schools are interested in the needs of wounded soldiers and in the work done by medical women, and are giving unsolicited help of this kind.

At the onset of the war, girls helped mainly by sewing and knitting but in 1916 this was followed with letters and postcards to adopted prisoners of war.

Times have changed. Causes have

My Dea r Gir ls,

Acc ept wa rme st tha nk s, and the tha nk s als o of Lad y Con sta nce Com be, and my wif e, f or you r sple ndi d con trib uti on of cu f f s. I was su re of the good will of my gir ls in suc h an ent erp rise.

Eve ry one of you will know tha t a sold ier of the Kin g owe s wa rm wri sts to the han diwork of one of the gra tef ul youn g mai den s of Eng lan d.

become more global and diverse, and the ways in which the girls show their support have evolved. The girls may no longer knit for their country, yet they continue to show the same spirit and willingness to provide support to those less fortunate. Regardless of their own age and backgrounds, NLCS girls continue to strive to improve the lives of others with an incredible sense of compassion and pride. To me, as an ONL, learning about these efforts, both past and present, will always be both humbling and inspirational.

Poorvi Smith (ONL 1991)

ONL BOOK CLUB Jemma Wayne’s (1998) debut novel ‘After

Jane Corry (nee

Before’ will be published in June 2014 by

Thomas) 1974

Legend Press. It is a novel about betrayal

Jane releases

and forgiveness. Spanning cultures and

two books

ages, touching on the terror of war and

in 2014.

the tedium of normalcy, it explores the

‘Guilty’ will be

universality of guilt, regret and grief. And of

published by

the tremendous courage needed to move

Accent Press

beyond these debilitating ties to the past.

in March 2014 under Jane’s journalist name,

Virginia Gilbert (1998)

Jane Bidder.

Virginia released her debut novel ‘Travelling

This was inspired by her experiences as a

Companion’ in September 2013. Virginia is a

writer in residence of a high security male

BAFTA-nominated, award-winning writer and

prison. It tells the story of a solicitor who

director in film, television, radio and fiction.

is sent to prison for a drink driving offence

Her screenwriting work has been placed on

and also takes in the viewpoint of his wife

the BritList and she was named as a 'Star of

and the surrealistic voice of the woman

Tomorrow' by Screen International. Her debut

who was killed in the crash.

feature film as writer-director, 'A Long Way From Home', starring Brenda Fricker and James Fox,

‘After the Honeymoon’ will be published

premiered in competition at the International

by Random House in 2014 under her pen

Edinburgh Film Festival 2013 and opened in

name Janey Fraser. It tells the story of

selected cinemas across the UK in December

three mature couples on honeymoon who

2013. Her short fiction has been published

discover shared history.

internationally, broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and RTE Radio 1, and her debut collection of stories was shortlisted for the Scott Prize

Jessica Duchen

2011. Her powerful drama ‘Helen’ was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in

(1983)

December 2013. Virginia is currently preparing a new TV series for Irish television, to

Jessica Duchen

broadcast in 2014. Travelling Companion is her first novel.

writes about music for The Independent and has written

Madhulika Sikka (1981)

four novels, two

In February 2014, Madhulika Sikka published her

biographies and,

first book ‘A Breast Cancer Alphabet’. When she

more recently,

was diagnosed with breast cancer, the prominent

several stage works.

news executive and NPR producer, found herself inundated with information from doctors, the

In 2013 she presented and took part in

Internet, friends, and family. Yet, nothing truly

‘Alicia’s Gift: The Concert of the Novel’,

prepared her for the physically and emotionally

‘Hungarian Dances: The Concert of the

grueling months ahead. Concise and conversational,

Novel’ and ‘A Walk Through the End of Time’,

'A Breast Cancer Alphabet' is a one-of-a-kind

a play about Messiaen’s ‘Quartet for the End

resource from a woman who’s been there. 'A Breast

of Time’ at venues throughout the country.

Cancer Alphabet' offers a new way to live with and plan past the hardest diagnosis that most women

Her first full length play, ‘Sins of the Fathers’

will ever receive: a personal, practical, and deeply

was presented at the Orange Tree Theatre,

informative look at the road from diagnosis to

Richmond in 2013. Her classical music blog

treatment and beyond.

can be found at: jessicamusic.blogspot.com.

ONLine magazine |

25

REUNITED

Throughout 2013 ONLs attended events to swap news, visit familiar haunts and view the latest changes at Canons

SUMMER REUNION 2013 ONL Picnic

Calling all ONLs - come and join the fun at our next annual ONL Picnic on Sunday 22nd June 2014.

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

Rounders and tennis are on offer, as well as games for children.

50 YEAR REUNION Class of 1963

Calling the Class of 1964 for your 50 year reunion on Wednesday 17th September 2014 - please save the date!

26

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REUNITED

40 YEAR REUNION Class of 1973

Calling the Class of 1974 for your 40 year reunion on Friday 19th September 2014 - please save the date!

10, 20 and 30 YEAR ReunionS Classes of 2003, 1993 and 1983

Calling the Classes of 2004, 1994 and 1984 for your reunions on Saturday 10th May 2014.

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

ONLine magazine |

27

REUNITED

3 YEAR Reunion Class of 2010

Calling the Class of 2011 for your three year reunion on Wednesday 2nd July 2014, 5.30-7.30 - please save the date!

1 YEAR Reunion Class of 2012

Calling the Class of 2013 for your one year reunion on Wednesday 10th September 2014, 4.30-6.30 - please save the date!

UNIVERSITY DRINKS London, Bristol, Cambridge & Oxford

We will be ‘on tour’ again and look forward to seeing undergraduates on the following dates in 2014: Oxford: Tuesday 11th March / London: Wednesday 26th March Bristol: Tuesday 29th April / Cambridge: Tuesday 6th May

28

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ONLNEWS Alison Montague (nee Brown) 1961

I

n 2013 I cycled with my daughter and two of her friends from Whithaven in Cumbria to Sunderland in County Durham. My

husband drove the 'support car', transporting our luggage from one overnight accommodation to the next.

By the time we reached Keswick The route was set up by The National Cycle Network and crosses

the rain had stopped and our kindly host managed to dry

the Lake District and the Pennines, some 140 miles from start to

our sodden trainers and clothing on his boiler overnight.

finish.

The next day the sun was shining and we cycled to Lazonby near We drove up north with my bike on the rack at the back and met

Penrith. Stoked with a full English breakfast we embarked on the

the others just outside Carlisle at a rather lovely B&B called

hardest day over the Pennines.

Warwick Hall.

We said goodbye to the lakes and soon encountered the That night it rained very heavily and was still raining as we set off

moorland bedecked with heather. Very remote but equally

from Whitehaven. After dipping our back wheels in the Irish Sea

beautiful. We had four hills to negotiate but we made it and

we left Whitehaven and set off along the well signposted route.

enjoyed our two mile downhill stretch into Rockhope where we

Andrew, our tour leader, told us to look out for broken glass as

were spending the night.

the youth of Whitehaven thought it funny to scatter broken glass along the way. Guess what? I got a puncture within five miles.

Our final day dawned and we set off up a steep flinty track out

We all had spare inner tubes with us and were very glad we had

of Rockhope. I am glad to say that this was our last major hill

Andrew with us, our nominated puncture fixer.

and then we enjoyed the 40 mile downhill ride to Sunderland.

We passed through deprived areas that had suffered greatly

After a further two miles I had another puncture and we

from the demise of the steel works and mines. The Angel of the

discovered that the piece of glass from the first puncture was still

North came into view, over the East Coast Main Line and past

in the tyre!

The Stadium of Light on the banks of the River Wear and we had reached Sunderland. Our final task was to dip our tyres into the

We reached the glorious scenery of the Lake District with water

North Sea before tucking into a well earned curry.

pouring off the hillsides, flooding the roads. We had to cycle through many flooded roads with water knee high. At Loweswater

It was an unforgettable experience and I wouldn't have missed it

we came upon a cottage flooded by a torrent of water.

for the world.

Recent Twitter News from @NLCS1850 Congratulations to our former pupil, Dame Victoria Sharp, who has been sworn in as a Lady Justice of the Court of Appeal 11:18 AM - 10 Oct 2013

For regular updates on ONL news, please follow us @NLCS1850

ONL@GinnyGilbert's debut feature film as writer-director 'A Long Way From Home' opens in cinemas from December http://tinyurl.com/nnszc2a 10:21 AM - 26 Nov 2013

Congrats to our alumna @lucytobin - now Senior News Feature Writer@ EveningStandard, doing news, feats on business & City life & interviews

Old North Londoner @psychoanalysis (Susie Orbach) speaking about body image on @BBCWomansHour now

8:54 AM - 7 Nov 2013

10:04 AM - 13 Jan 2014

Huge congratulations to ONL@ hospicedoctor, Dr Ros Taylor, on being awarded an MBE for services to Hospice Care http://www.stfrancis.org.uk/i-wantto-help/media_centre/news-stories/ Ros_MBE …

1:40 PM - 13 Jan 2014

Jane Corry (nee Thomas) 1974

Jaime Rose (2003) and Samantha Hikmet (nee Goldman, 2003)

Jane was recently appointed a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at

Jaime and Samantha launched their hotel website early in 2013

Exeter University where her role is to help students sharpen their

www.theescapelist.com. The site offers the ‘definitive list of

writing skills. It is a subject close to her heart, thanks to Miss

luxury UK hotels for under £150 per night’. They have had great

Shillito, Miss Scrimgeour and Miss Diamond (who then became

reviews in the Sunday Times Style section, amongst others.

Mrs Brogan).

In late 2013 they were winners at the Best Startup awards at London's World Travel Market.

ONLine magazine |

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Staff News

Staff Baby News We are delighted to share with you that the following staff members have had babies in the last year: Susie Stuteley, a little boy, Ethan, in January 2013 Lizi Gunzi, a son, Xavier, in January 2013 Laura Needoff, a little girl, Gracie, in March 2013 Erica Breffit, a little boy, Adam, in March 2013 Paul McKeating, a son, Austin, in June 2013 Nadia Porter, a daughter, Tallulah, in June 2013 Dean Clements, a daughter Thea Poppy, in September 2013 Alan Phipps, a little girl, Amelia, in December 2013 Sam Wettreich, a son, Cobi Saul, in November 2013 Mrs Amy Ansell (nee Newsome), a daughter Mila, in January 2014

Staff Marriages Ben Kerr Shaw, in October 2012 Catriona Elliot became Catriona Buffham in March 2013 Elliot Maunder, in March 2013

Staff Valete

Lucy Hopkins became Lucy Cooper in November 2013

Jacqui Zugg (Head of Mathematics and Director of

Sarah Evans (Part Time Teacher of RS and Philosophy)

Extra-Curricular Activities) joined us in September 1996 and

joined NLCS in September 2004 and left to take up a

has left to take up a promotion to Academic Deputy Head at

full-time post of Teacher of Religious Studies and Philosophy

Francis Holland School.

at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls.

Kate Fleming (Teacher of Biology) has taught permanently

Clare Wagner (Head of Middle School and Teacher of History)

at NLCS since September 2005 and took a promotion as

came to us in September 2004 and has taken a promotion

Director of Sixth Form at The Red Maids’ School, Bristol.

to the post of Deputy Head, Pastoral at South Hampstead High School.

Victoria Moss (Teacher of English) came to us in September 2009 and left to take a promotion to the post of Head of

Pauline Chapman (Teacher of Mathematics) came to us

English at Notting Hill and Ealing High School.

in September 2007 and left to pursue her many and varied interests.

Jigs Mehta (KS2 Subject Teacher) joined us in September 2005 and has left to develop her involvement in the religious

Mark English (Head of Modern & Foreign Languages) joined

schools she runs.

us in September 2006 and left to take up the post of Deputy Head (Academic) at University College School in London.

Sarah Elliot (Teacher of Classics) has been with us since September 2006 and left to take up the post of Head of

Anna Mayadeen (Teacher of Physics, Assistant Head of

Classics at Channing School.

Sixth Form and Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator) joined us in September 2009 and left to take up the position of Head of

Marie Ragot (French Language Assistant) has left to undertake a teacher training certificate in France.

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Physics at Merchant Taylors’ School.

Eileen Alexander, OBE (1929) died on 20th January 2014 aged 102.

Nearly 200 people came to St Paul’s

This year we said goodbye to five members of staff who retired. Between them they have given 70 years of service to the School.

Bedford to give thanks for the life of Eileen Alexander. Eileen was an only child whose mother died when Eileen was a girl. Her father sent her

Celine Bourne (Physics Technician)

She turned her hands to creative art

to NLCS after a chance conversation

Celine was an essential part of the

projects which brought the classroom

on a train with another NLCS parent.

Physics department for 18 years

displays to life. We will continue

Eileen loved hockey and all sports.

working as a Physics technician. She

to cherish the fairy tale patchwork

After NLCS, she trained at Dartford

guided and helped Physics teachers

that she made which hangs in the

and taught in two schools before she

and was regarded as a step-by-step

First School. We wish her and her

was appointed Lecturer at Homerton

guide to the Physics life at NLCS by

husband every happiness in the new

College Cambridge. She was seconded

her colleagues. We wish Celine a long

stage of their lives and thank her for

into the ATS in 1941 for War Service

and wonderful retirement and that she

everything she has done to make the

in Anti-Aircraft Command. After the

enjoys her new adventure as

First School such a nurturing and

war, she returned to Homerton as

a grandmother.

supportive environment.

Vice Principal. In 1946 she became

remembrance

Staff Valete

HM Inspector of Schools. In 1951 she Lucy Gould (Senior Science Technician)

Lesley Turner (General Manager

was appointed Principal of Bedford

Lucy’s calm, unflappable and supremely

of Catering)

College of Physical Education, and

organised approach ensured she

Lesley worked at NLCS for 12 years,

was instrumental in the growth and

became the heartbeat of the Science

as part of Chartwells, bringing her

modernisation of this institution.

department during her 14 years working

special blend of creativity and healthy

Eileen was awarded the OBE and,

at NLCS as Senior Science Technician.

food to grateful girls. We wish her

among other honours, an Honorary

Her meticulous, hand-written notes

much happiness in her retirement -

Doctorate of Education by De Montfort

informed girls of upcoming practical

with plans for trips to see family in

University. In her retirement, she

lessons, taster days, book orders or

Australia and a greater dedication to

enjoyed travelling and held various

health and safety inspections. She

her beloved allotment.

offices in Soroptimist International.

a single email in her whole time at the

Janina Warman (Swimming Instructor)

Other appointments include:

School! Lucy was a tremendous source

Janina first joined Canons Sports

1959-61 President of the Physical

of support, advice and counsel for staff

Centre in 1996 as a Swimming

Education Association of Great

and students and she is sorely missed.

Instructor. Janina taught every single

Britain and Northern Ireland; 1977-

girl here to swim at some stage.

1985 Member of the Sports Council;

Lynda Palliser (Teaching Assistant,

She had a lovely rapport with the

1953-1991 Member of the CCPR

Junior School)

girls, especially the non-swimmers

Executive Committee and Chair of the

Lynda joined the First School 8 years

who received extra support from her.

Movement and Dance Division; UK

ago, supporting and encouraging girls

We wish her well in her retirement

Representative on the Council of the

with her endless patience, energy

and her trips to Australia where her

International Association of PE and

and a wonderful sense of humour.

daughter lives.

Sport for Girls and Women from

achieved her goal of never sending out

Staff Obituaries

1965-1977; 1997 PEAUK Ling Award

Former Staff

Frances Connor died on 22 July 2012. She had lung cancer, and had been ill for 6 years - an incredibly long time to survive with that disease. She enjoyed spending time with family, travelling, playing bridge and going to her literacy group. She is sadly missed by her family and friends.

Sue Gilbert, who retired from NLCS in 2012, having taught for many years in the English Department, died on the 11th June 2013 following a short illness. She is greatly missed by her family, colleagues, pupils and friends.

for Services to the Association and the profession.

Eileen was a great supporter of NLCS. The Alexander Hall in the Sports Centre is named for her. She was a member of the Francis Mary Buss Fellowship.

Cont'd overleaf

➥

ONLine magazine |

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remembrance Jackie Arnot (1971) died December 2013

She is greatly missed by her husband Fred,

School in the UK. By the 1990s 1,500

whilst living in South Africa. She will be

and three children - Susanna, Bryan and

students a year came to enjoy classes at

missed by ONL friends across the globe.

Philip - grandchildren, and her siblings.

Missenden Abbey, igniting passions and,

Caroline Chambers (nee Lewis, 1982) died

Lesley Evans (nee Wills, 1961) died on 28th

sometimes, careers. in July 2013 after a long battle with cancer.

January 2014, after battling with Myeloma for two years. Lesley lived in Somerset from

Diana Choyce (nee Graham, 1938) died on

1983 and was in touch with our local ONLA

27th April 2013 aged 92. She married her

Group. She qualified at UCH in 1969, and in

husband Dr Peter Choyce in 1949, and his

1982 was appointed Consultant Geriatrician

work as an eye surgeon meant that they

at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, the

travelled the world together, making friends

first female Consultant Physician there. She

across the globe, particularly in America.

was very aware of the real poverty of older

She was an active member of ONLA,

people as she visited them at home and

April touched many hearts with her

attending every event that she could until

became much more left wing in her politics.

generosity of spirit. She will be dearly

2011. She is greatly missed by her three

She married Andy in 1999 and they enjoyed

missed by family and friends - in fact, by

sons and four grandchildren.

walking the West Country moors and played

all who knew her.

an active role in the life of local churches.

Desiraie (Dee) Clifford (nee Howells,

Lesley asked me to let fellow ONLs know

Molly Lefebure (1937) died aged 93

1945) died peacefully on 20th November

of her death and a little of her life and

on the 27th February 2013. She was a

2013 in Tewkesbury, aged 86. Widow

work; I found it very moving to spend

prolific writer, novelist, children’s author,

of Paul; mother of Liz, Giles and Pip;

some time with her during her illness and

biographer, and a scholar of the Romantic

grandmother of Archie, Jack, Sam, Lydia,

to witness the fortitude with which she

poets William Wordsworth and Samuel

Leila and Patrick. Dee attended NLCS in

faced the future. By Audrey Derrick (nee

Taylor Coleridge. She was elected a Fellow

the 1940's and then followed a long career

Dickinson, 1952)

of the Royal Society of Literature in 2010.

in medicine in Devon. Dee was particularly

She may have been best known as ‘Molly

pleased when her great-niece, Fiona

Agatha Gewirtz (nee Hajnal-Konyi, 1949)

of the Morgue’ from when she worked

Howells (2013) went to NLCS.

died in October 2012.

with Professor Keith Simpson, the Home Office forensic pathologist at the centre of

Betty Curtayne (1933) died in August

April Halton (nee Rogerson, 1949) died

several celebrated murder cases on the

2013 in Bury St Edmunds, aged 98. She

after long illness, including Parkinsonism,

wartime Home Front. The name Lefebure

worked as a librarian at London Transport’s

in August 2013.

was a struggle for some so she became

Head Office, and continued as librarian

April had a love

‘Molly of the Morgue’ to detectives at

after her retirement at the Quaker Meeting

of life that she

Scotland Yard; to Prof. Simpson she was

House, where she had many friends.

always sought to

invariably just “Miss L”.

She was proud to have attended NLCS

share with others.

and kept in close contact with her friend

At NLCS she was

She attended NLCS, and then studied

Diana. Betty kindly left a bequest for funds

much loved both

journalism at King’s College, London. She

towards the NLCS library.

as head girl and

became a junior reporter, working 14-hour

fellow student.

days, seven days a week, covering events

Joyce Eldring (nee Parry, 1949) died

She was also a

from Boy Scout meetings to the Blitz for a

peacefully at home in Grantham, New

talented actress,

weekly newspaper group in east London.

Hampshire on 7th January 2013, after

playing leading roles in plays from ‘School

a long battle with lung cancer, aged 82.

for Scandal’ to ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

After Oxford University, she had a career

Her encounter with Dr Keith Simpson, Home Office pathologist and head of the

as an economist, including positions at

In later years she is remembered for

Department of Forensic Medicine at Guy’s

The Economist Magazine, Courtaulds, and

her vision and enterprise in turning what

Hospital, came in 1941. When he first

US Federal Reserve Bank in Boston. Joyce

started as evening classes at a school in

offered her a job, she shrank from the

loved books, music, politics and hiking.

Great Missenden into the leading Summer

“horror of secretarial work”, but quickly

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Pamela Shirley (nee Cawdron, 1958) died in

changed her mind, becoming the first

recalled class visits to swim in the big

woman employed at Southwark mortuary.

lake and picnic at Canons before the

September 2013 having moved to Somerset

current school was built. She later taught

in 2003 to be near her family. She met

Molly Lefebure left her job with Simpson

Geography at Frances Holland School

her husband Charles whilst working at IBM

in November 1945 to marry John Gerrish,

and elsewhere. Daphne leaves son Bill,

and they had four daughters and eight

whom she had met at King’s College

a retired Librarian, daughter Deborah, a

grandchildren. After she was widowed she

before the war.

GP in Melbourne, stepdaughter Erica (the

showed enormous strength taking on the

latter both ONLs). She also leaves a step

running of their family publishing company.

The 2013 ITV drama, ‘Murder on the

grandson, two granddaughters and two

She was a great cook, an avid reader and

Home Front’, was based on her recently

great grandchildren (Jack and James).

loved tapestry and gardening. She is greatly

republished 1954 memoir ‘Evidence for the Crown’. Molly’s two sons survive her.

missed by her family and friends.

Joan Rhind (1933) died on 15th December 2012, aged 96, making her one of our

Sheila Rae Thomas (nee Setchell, 1949)

oldest alumnae.

died on 24th January 2014.

historical writer, writing historical novels

Phyllis Rosenthal (nee Weiner, 1941) died

Valerie Valentine (nee Fine,

Brenda Lewis (nee Abulafia, 1950) died in June 2013. Brenda was a journalist and and articles for radio and TV. She valued

at age 90 on 10th March 2013. She was

1944) died suddenly on

her education highly and often talked

at NLCS from approximately 1933 to 1939,

2nd August 2013 at the

about her time at (and the long walk to!)

and remembered attending school at both

age of 87 in California.

NLCS. She is sadly missed by her husband

Camden Road and Canons. She leaves a

Facebook users will

Harry and her family.

son and four grandchildren, two of whom

remember the beautiful

are the children of her late daughter Helen,

photo Valerie posted for Founder’s Day

Alison Long (nee Peeling, 1951) Alison

who also attended NLCS from 1961-1967.

2013 of herself with a daffodil. Her niece,

died peacefully in her sleep on 16 January

Phyllis' younger sister Joan, who also

Joyce, remembers Valerie’s salmon mousse

2013, aged 77. She was the youngest of

attended NLCS, is still alive.

as the best she has ever tasted, her

4 sisters and was brought up in Finchley.

wonderful sense of humour and the brilliant

Alison married Arthur Long in 1979

Harriet Rowlands (nee Isaacs, 1971) died

conversations they shared ranging from the

and they settled in the village of Little

on 7th January 2014 at home. After NLCS

serious to the silly. She is greatly missed.

Comberton, Worcestershire where Alison

she studied English and Music at York

became immersed in village life. Her

University and dance at the Laban Studio

Prudence Mary West (nee Timmins, 1939)

many interests included natural history,

before qualifying as a secondary school

died 2013 in Lower Shiplake, Oxfordshire.

needlework, and gardening. She was a

teacher at the Institute of Education,

Prue attended NLCS along with her

very selfless and sociable person who is

London. She taught at Beaumont School

sister Cecilia. She was an Occupational

sadly missed.

until her retirement in 2013, and she was

Therapist and pioneered many advances in

head of drama at Loreto College in St

treatment. Prue ran the “OT” department

Mary Anne Beatrice Macer (née Marleyn,

Albans and Kings Langley School. Since

at Hillingdon Hospital.

1958). After diagnosis of a 'lump' in

her retirement, she had worked as a

March 2013 as being a cancerous growth

volunteer steward at the Globe Theatre and

She married Clive, a Lloyds underwriter

in the liver, the subsequent decline was

had also begun to help at a local primary

and had a son Colin, and a granddaughter

steady until she died on 31st July 2013.

school. She leaves her husband Anthony,

Emily. She did much voluntary and

Mary’s daughter and husband were with

a Lib Dem district councillor for 25 years,

charitable work, and became a highly

her, and the care they received from the

and two grown-up children, Alice and Sam.

accomplished painter of landscapes, still

NHS was more than they could ever have hoped for.

life and models. Prue had a long enjoyable Joan Sack (nee West, 1935) passed away

life and contributed enormously to society,

peacefully at home, in her sleep, on 11th

never seeing age as a barrier.

Daphne Dorothy Rees (nee Davis, 1933)

February 2014, aged 96. She will

died on the 17th March 2013. Daphne

be greatly missed by her family and

Glenys Williams (1948) died in 2013,

was a pupil at NLCS Sandall Road and

friends. She often spoke fondly of her

aged 83. She worked as a teacher after

was taught by Caroline Senator. She

time at NLCS.

leaving NLCS.

ONLine magazine |

33

ONLAGROUPS O

NLs often tell us that they feel that they are part of a community for life. No matter

South West ONLA Group There are two meetings planned in 2014 for the South West ONL group:

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

1. Spring Meeting:

of their respective times at Canons. They inevitably discover a shared ethos, work ethic

Saturday 12th April 2014 at midday

and lively spirit which has shaped each of their paths through life.

at Pam Lea's (nee Toyne) home in Kingston Deverill, Wilts.

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 career, putting

2. Autumn meeting:

old friends back in contact with one another or helping with organising events for ONLs.

Saturday 18th October at Audrey

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

Derrick's (nee Dickinson) home near Taunton, Somerset.

One of the best demonstrations of the desire to stay connected is the ever expanding network of regional ONLA groups. Regional groups are run by ONLs to meet and develop

Please contact

friendships with other local ONLs. Some groups meet up regularly and others on an ad

Audrey Derrick 01823 421323,

hoc basis, often at each other’s homes or a local pub or restaurant. We recently reached

email priorscombe@tiscali.co.uk

out to ONLs living in Canada and several were delighted to discover ONLs living in the

for further details. New members are

same city. Two ONLs are hosting a drinks party in New York City for ONLs on the east

always welcome.

coast of the US. If you would like to get in touch with the ONL group in your area, they would be delighted to hear from you. The current list is printed here and for the full, up to date list of groups, please visit: www.nlcs.org.uk

East Anglia ONLA Group The East Anglia group are meeting at the Cambridge Botanic Gardens on

Additionally, 2014 marks the launch of two new ’industry’ groups - the Media and the

Saturday 26th April. Margaret Angus

Law groups. The first two events will be hosted in the summer term. Please contact the

(Hon ONL and Former Staff) and Jenny

Alumnae Office if you are interested in joining the events. In time, we hope to offer other

Whines (Hon ONL, Former Staff, Former

special interest groups.

Parent) will be there from 11am-3pm and hope you will enjoy the gardens, the

If you would like to set up a new regional or special interest group, please contact Emma

café and lunch with one another. You are

Maltz, Alumnae Officer on emaltz@nlcs.org.uk or on 020 8951 6475.

welcome to bring family or friends.

Please contact Margaret Angus for

By Emma Maltz (Alumnae Officer)

ONLA Australia Group We were delighted to welcome a new Old North Londoner to our group.

Maggie Moss (nee Clough, 1969) bumped into Gillian Robinson (nee Berdinner, 1959) one evening after church; they got chatting and realised they had the school in common.

Eve Moggs, a stalwart member of our group, was unable to come as she was recuperating from an operation; despite having turned 90 recently, Eve has come to most of our lunches.

Left to right the people are: Sue Labordus (nee Selbey, 1961), Jenny Harkness (nee Doolittle, 1967), Elizabeth Oswald (nee Hammond, 1962), Maggie Moss (nee Clough, 1962), Liz Burrows (1973), Jane Howat (nee Bridges, 1976), Tina Brain (1979) and Val Whatham (nee Payne, 1957), Kay Moyes (nee Hannah, 1965) and Gillian Robinson (nee Berdinner, 1959).

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further details on maa@angi.me.uk

ONLAGROUPS ONL Regional Groups Directory

T

he regional groups each have their own closed Facebook group which is managed by the Alumnae Office. To become part of the group please

simply befriend ‘Frances Mary Buss’ (look for the daffodils!) and ask to be added to the relevant group.

CORNWALL/DEVON

SOUTH WEST

Jill Hall (nee Hankins)

Audrey Derrick (nee Dickinson)

jhall22@btinternet.com

Tel: (01823) 421323

Alison Nelson (nee Strachan)

priorscombe@tiscali.co.uk

an276@uwclub.net

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs Cornwall

South West England

& Devon

EAST ANGLIA

OVERSEAS

We have two Facebook groups set up for our inaugural Industry Groups:

Margaret Angus (nee Claydon) maa@angi.me.uk

AUSTRALIA

Law Society

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs East Anglia

Kay Moyes (nee Hannah)

Facebook Group:

Tel: Australia 02 9975 6150

NLCS - ONLs Law Society

SUSSEX

moyes_kay@hotmail.com

Marguerite Wright (nee Steinhardt)

Mobile: 0416 002 701

Media Society

Tel: (01273) 330387

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs Australia

Facebook Group:

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs Sussex

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

NLCS - ONLs Media Society

NEW ZEALAND Pauline Miller

Dorothy Farley (nee Coode)

Tel: Auckland (09) 577 3319

Tel: (01452) 713883

prmiller@xtra.co.nz

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs New

Gloucestershire

Zealand

HAMPSHIRE

USA

Marilyn Ayres (nee Swallow)

Sarah Feldman (nee Shaps)

marilyn.ayres@mac.com

Tel: USA 845 625 8084

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs Hampshire

sfeldman005@gmail.com Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs USA

LINCOLNSHIRE Caroline Kenyon (nee Brandenburger)

ISRAEL

Tel: (01673) 828302

Debra Benstein (nee Kestel)

caroline@kenyon-communications.com

dbenstein@gmail.com

East Coast USA Drinks

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs Lincolnshire

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs Israel

Michelle Clayman (1971) and Myriam Ahmed (2006) are hosting a drinks

MIDLANDS

party in New York City on Wednesday

Kate Jones (nee Levinson)

23rd April 2014 for ONLs on the east

Tel: (01676) 535249

coast of the United States. Please

Kate.Levinson@talk21.com

contact the Alumnae Office for further

Facebook Group: NLCS - ONLs Midlands

information: onla@nlcs.org.uk

ONLine magazine |

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ONLA Information FORTHCOMING MEET YOUR ALUMNAE OFFICERS EVENTS 2014 Poorvi Smith (ONL 1991)

Poorvi is an ONL and mother to a six-year old daughter. She has worked in the Alumnae Office for two years, and previously worked in the advertising and marketing industry. She returned to NLCS for her 20 year reunion and very quickly fell back in love with the grounds, the buildings and the general ethos of the School - so much so that she began working there the following year. She still finds it difficult to go into the staffroom and has to remind herself that at the age of 41, she is legitimately allowed to go there without getting into trouble!

Please visit the ONLA section of www.nlcs.org.uk for the most up to date list of events and reunions.

May 10th ONLA AGM 10, 20 and 30 Year Reunions - Classes of 1984, 1994, 2004

June 17th Frances Mary Buss Fellowship Lunch 22nd ONL Summer Picnic

Whilst Poorvi secretly still harbours a dream to become Prime Minister, her role in the Alumnae Office keeps her busy. She particularly enjoys running the career networking service and never ceases to be amazed at the incredible careers that NLCS girls go on to do.

Emma Maltz (Current NLCS Parent) Emma has been Alumnae Officer at NLCS for two years and previously worked in the advertising industry. She has a daughter in the Junior School, and two young sons. Sadly, despite repeated offers to dress them in brown tunics, her sons have not been offered places in the Junior School.

July 2nd Class of 2011 Summer Pimm’s Party

September 10th Class of 2013 Reunion 17th Class of 1964 50 Year Reunion 19th Class of 1974 40 Year Reunion

On one of her earliest visits to NLCS with her daughter, she noticed ONLs visiting for a 50 year reunion and loved the idea that her daughter would continue to visit NLCS with her friends, well into her dotage! When the opportunity to work in the Alumnae Department came up, Emma was delighted to take the position and enjoys helping ONLs to reconnect with one another, to share memories at reunions and to keep the connection with the School fresh.

Annual General Meeting Saturday 10th May 2014 Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting 2014 of the Old North Londoners’ Association will be held at North London Collegiate School, Canons, Canons Drive, Edgware, HA8 7RJ on Saturday 10th May 2014 at 10.30am.

AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the last AGM 2013 3. Matters arising 4. Secretary’s Report 5. Presentation of ONLA accounts 6. Election/re-election of Committee Members and Vice Presidents 7. Any Other Business Coffee and pastries will be served at 11am.

All ONLs are entitled to attend and we would welcome as many of you as possible. The Association is run for the benefit of ONLs and we need your input.

If you would like to attend, please contact Emma Maltz, Alumnae Officer by Monday 28th April 2014 by email: onla@nlcs.org. uk or by telephone: 020 8951 6475.

If you would like to nominate another member for election or re-election to the Committee at the AGM please visit www.nlcs.org.uk for guidance on how to nominate and the forms. Alternatively, contact the Alumnae Office.

Buzz Square Frances Mary Buss has almost 1,000 ONL friends on Facebook! To become part of the ONLA Facebook community, please befriend Frances Mary Buss and we will add you to the correct year group.

We also have groups set up for different regional groups, and the newly formed ONL Law and ONL Media Societies.

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

Community for Life 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 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 are available at www.nlcs.org.uk under the Forthcoming Events section. Alternatively, we would be happy to post you a copy.

Founder’s Day remains a popular date in the diary and places for 2015 can be booked from January 2015 through the Alumnae Office onla@nlcs.org.uk or 020 8951 6475. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and we will let you know if we are able to offer you a seat approximately two weeks beforehand.