Cornerpost issue 16

Issue 16 // 2014

In this issue:

Reuniting with old friends

Building for the future

Where are they now?

See page 4

See page 6

See page 13

Welcome to Cornerpost

Contents Welcome to Cornerstones

A Message from the Headmistress

A word from the Head Girl

Reunions

2 3 3 4

Cornerstones Reunion Turning 50

News

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Remembering Prestwood Lodge Staff Memories Inspirational Women

News from Pipers Corner

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Building for the future Founder’s Day Happy birthday Pre-Prep Aquila Magazine Parents’ Day Exam Results 2014

Announcements

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Closure of Boarding Plea from a former pupil Births In Memoriam New Appointments Staff Leavers 2013/14

Where are they now?

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It has been another busy and eventful year for Cornerstones with two reunions, visits from former pupils, taking part in our Sixth Form Lecture Series and a change in how we communicate and interact with you, the Pipers Corner alumnae.

The Cornerstones Reunion was once again held in the Autumn Term of 2013 when we welcomed a large number of former pupils back to Pipers Corner for an afternoon tea (more details on page 4) e also welcomed 20 former girls back to celebrate the year they all turn 50 with a tea and tours of the school (page 4). Guest speakers in our Sixth Form lecture series have included Lorna Drew (2002) and Leanne Shuttleworth (2003) who came back to Pipers to talk to the current girls about how they have gone on to do inspiring things since leaving Pipers (see page 5).

A big project which has been ongoing this year has been the development of a new Pipers Corner Alumnae Association website and database, “Cornerstones Online”.The new website will host many features and benefits for our members, making it easier for the community to keep in touch. Please visit www.cornerstonesonline.co.uk.

You will have been sent log in details via email or post which you can use to log in to the new members area. If you have not yet received log in details please email cornerstones@piperscorner.co.uk or call 01494 719850 and details will be given to you hen you first log in you will be asked to change your password, then take a look through the “Your details” section to make sure we have all the correct details for you. You can also add a photograph and an update on what you have been up to since

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Happy Birthday Pre-Prep (see page 6)

you left Pipers in the bio section of “Your updates”.

There will be lots of news and photos on this website as well as ways to get in touch with old friends and Pipers Corner. If there is anything else you would like to see on the site, please send your suggestions to cornerstones@piperscorner.co.uk.

Please keep sending through your news, photographs and reunion details so we can keep the website up-to-date.

Don’t forget you can follow all the news from Pipers Corner on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PipersCornerSchool) and on Twitter (@PipersCornerSch).

If you do not have access to the Internet or would prefer to continue with paper-based communications you are more than welcome to do so. In conjunction with the new website, letters and magazines will still be posted out to members who do not wish to receive communications electronically. If you want to contact the association at any time you can telephone on 01494 719850 or write to us at – Pipers Corner School, Pipers Lane, Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, HP15 6LP.

A message from the Headmistress The late Nelson Mandela once said that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, and undoubtedly this is true. What is also true, however, is that education itself, so that it can change the world, must evolve and develop in order to prepare students for the challenges ahead.

This is a concept that is at the heart of everything we do at Pipers. Even as we relish our ancient gowns and terraces, our traditions and our 84 year old history, we need to provide an education which will produce young people fit for the 21st Century. Young ladies who have the flexibility, resilience and determination which will be needed to thrive within it.

Undoubtedly the school will need to navigate successfully the ever changing and choppy waters of educational reform which lie ahead. New examination specifications and new grading systems will all give us the opportunity to re-evaluate our curriculum to see that it is fit for the world outside which it reflects. New technologies are allowing us to teach and assess in ever more inventive and valuable ways. New research into learning allows us ever more understanding of how children learn most effectively.

However whilst moving forward I am conscious that it is important that we do not lose sight of what has come before. In addition

to educational changes a number of physical changes will be taking place over the next few years and whilst we are happy to be developing and improving the school for the better we also recognise the huge importance of our alumnae and the immense benefits they bring.

Pipers is shaped not only by the people who work here but also by the girls that join and leave us each year. It is that strong sense of community and togetherness that makes Pipers the truly special place that it is.

life. Our new library will be a hub for intellectual curiosity and learning only if the teachers who work in and around it inspire the girls who learn here. Our Sixth Formers will only be leaders because they have teachers who believe that they can be and who set them the example.

Our new classrooms will only come to life when the lessons taught in them inspire and excite.

So my message to you is please help to inspire the Pipers alumnae of the future. Over the last academic year I have seen firsthand the impact that can be made by a former pupil coming back to talk to our current Sixth Formers about their post-Pipers experiences.

It is invaluable for our girls, who are teetering on the edge of adulthood, to appreciate that the world beyond Pipers is full of enriching, exciting and fulfilling experiences. In turn former Pipers girls have told us how much the opportunity to come back to school means to them and how gratifying it is to be able to offer advice and support to current Pipers girls.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world Nelson Mandela In this edition of Cornerpost you will read about our incredibly exciting building programme planned for the next two years. A new Prep Hall, along with a Cafe for our older girls have opened this September and next year work will start on a state-of-the-art theatre, along with the development of a Learning Resource Centre and new facilities for our Sixth Form students right at the heart of the school.

However whilst all these new developments are exciting I would like to maintain that people matter far more than buildings. Our new theatre will only be as good as the teachers and students who will bring its dark spaces to

So I would encourage you, if you are able, to become involved with the various alumnae initiatives that are available to you. With your help Pipers can continue to grow, develop and be successful.

Helen Ness-Gifford, Headmistress

A word from the Head Girl Unnerving. Unfathomable. Unforgettable.

Three words that best describe my experience at Pipers. Unfathomable mainly relates to my understanding of implicit differentiation in A Level Mathematics. Strange as it may be, I now have to talk about my experience here as being in the past, as the time has come for my fellow members of Upper Sixth and I to move on to new beginnings. It seems like only yesterday we were in Year 7, stumbling around the corridors with our monstrously large backpacks, running as fast as our legs would carry us on our way to lunch. To be perfectly honest, Upper Sixth still do run to lunch more than they care to admit.

It goes without saying that being appointed Head Girl has made my last year all the more exceptional. Leading a school like Pipers has been an amazing experience, and one I will treasure for years to come. I can just imagine myself walking into the lecture hall on my first

day of university, ringing a bell and proclaiming “Please Stand!” in front of everyone. I think I would get some quite concerning looks. Of course, I would not have enjoyed it nearly as much if I didn’t have my Head Girl and Prefect team. I must thank Martha McHugh, for supplying endless energy and enthusiasm to the team (even on a Monday at 0830 hours); Katie Steel for always being on hand whenever you need her and Hannah McLean for her incredible organisation and world class minutes after every meeting. I must also thank the rest of the team - Lily Anson, Lucy Ilsley, Sophie Andrews, Livvy Hall, Hannah Eggleton and Ellie Thompson - for putting up with my endless stream of emails and for being an incredible support to not only me, but to the whole Sixth Form.

blink of an eye, so enjoy every moment and seize every opportunity to push yourself into being the best you can be. Don’t be hesitant to give your own opinion and ideas, no matter what your role is next year. Trust me, it cannot be worse than my ingenious idea to get a Sixth Form micro-pig.

It is time for me to bid farewell to a school that has given me so much and that I hope I have given something in return.

One final word to describe my Pipers experience: Accomplished.

Grace Grimsey

Just as Head Girls have done before me, I must wish the best of luck to the Head Girl and Prefect Team for next year, and to the rest of the new Upper Sixth. The year goes past within the

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News Cornerstones Reunion 2013

In September Pipers saw a return to school for many of our former pupils. It was a lovely event and we were delighted to welcome not just former students but their families as well as they enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea.

Cornerstones reunions are a great way to get together with old friends, including those you may have lost touch with along the way. It is also a chance for Pipers Corner to encourage communication between school and the alumnae. Every member of the Pipers community has a lifelong membership and we would like to encourage you to share experiences and knowledge with everyone from Pre-Prep girls to former pupils.

Please get in touch if you would like help in organising a reunion at Pipers or at another venue.

We welcomed back girls from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and more recent leavers from the 2000s. Even a 2013 Sixth Form Leaver came to enjoy a day of reminiscing before she headed off to university.

If you hold your own reunions around the country or world already please email us and send us a photo!

Turning 50 Reunion

Email Rebecca Conroy on cornerstones@pipercorner.co.uk

In April, Pipers Corner saw 20 former pupils return to school to celebrate the year they turn 50. They enjoyed an afternoon of chatting with old friends as well as the opportunity to have a tour of the school – which has changed quite a bit since they were last here! This reunion was organised by Sally Barra née Brown (1982) with help from the Alumnae team at Pipers. Sally was able to track down many former pupils to help make the day a success. Girls came from far and wide including the USA, which made the day even more special e hope to see them in another 10 years to celebrate “Turning 60”!

I t was so lovely to see how our beloved school has grown, matured and blossomed into what it is today. I have many fond memories of teachers and fellow pupils and all the staff that supported the running of the school in my days at Pipers.

Thanks to them, I had a very happy childhood filled with good memories and strong friendships. I would also like to thank the delightful students who showed us around the school in such a mature way and with such courtesy and good humour. They are a credit to everything the school stands for.

We felt very well looked after.

Stephanie Griffiths née Denham (1982)

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Just to say a big “thank you” for everything the alumnae team, Mrs Ness-Gifford and the prefects who took us round the school did to make the event such a lovely afternoon e had a great time catching up and seeing the school after 32 years!

Sally Barra née Brown (1982) The “Turning 50” Reunion was incredible. Thank you so much for helping to make it such a wonderful occasion.

Some people mentioned that they were a little apprehensive about getting together after 32 years but it was as if we had never been apart.

Louise Tuvey née Elliott (1982)

Remembering Prestwood Lodge It’s been a while, of course, and the memory plays tricks, but such a different time is not easy to forget entirely.

My earliest memories are of hanging on to my mother on the back of her bicycle, moving slowly through Prestwood to the school with my brother wobbling behind on his bike, he was five, I was three. I remember our classroom was in the main house, which you entered through an imposing columned porch, it had I believe been a private estate commandeered by the war powers-that-were to be used as a school.

The only teacher I remember from that time was Tam Black, a wonderful artist who had been a firefighter in London until he was wounded and sent our way to teach us to appreciate the finer side of life. He held his

classes in the converted stable block on the east side of the property -- a veritable confusion of bicycles and hubbub when the parents came to pick us all up in its cobbled courtyard e did a lot of sleepovers in those days, and it was a logistical feat on everyone’s part to get the right children on the right bikes at the end of the day.

I don’t remember much about the move to Pipers Corner, except crying my eyes out on the last day at Prestwood Lodge. But in the years to come I cycled to school, when I didn’t take the bus, about a five mile trip each way.

Thanks for the opportunity to go back for just a moment.

Gil Shorr née Alexander (1957)

Staff memories I taught English in two short part-time spells in the 2000s, finishing in 2008, under the wonderful departmental leadership of Helen Hill and the firm but very human Headship of Valerie Stattersfield. I had previously taught for many years at RGS High Wycombe, then at QEGS Barnet, before working for over seven years as the first full-time Cricket Development Officer for Buckinghamshire.

My time at Pipers Corner was a happy time, both professionally and socially. It was my first experience of teaching in the independent sector and my first experience of teaching in a girls’ school. I can recommend both to any teacher.

The school is a beautiful place, the facilities are excellent, and the quality and friendliness of the staff were a pleasure for me to have known at what was the end of my teaching

and professional life. My wife and I retired from teaching in 2008 to go and live permanently in Normandy.

I have lots of warm memories of Pipers, school drama productions, Parents’ Day, the excellent library (under Judith Grieve’s and Sue Williams’s librarianship). I loved the place, Inter-House debating and spelling competitions and lovely lunches. I’ll no doubt think later: “Ah! I should have mentioned that too.”

In short, we are happily retired here in Normandy, and always enjoy developing our French e have no regrets. For those who remain at the school who knew me I send my best wishes, and I wish the school all the best for the future.

Stephen Goldthorpe, English Teacher (2008)

How can you help?

Many members of Cornerstones have expressed a desire to help girls in the school and those in higher education by giving careers advice, offering work experience and speaking at careers events.

Next year’s Lecture Series will be themed as “Celebrating Alumnae” and we would like to encourage any former pupils who would like to take part to get in touch. Pipers Corner will also be holding a careers evening in the Spring Term which will be for Sixth Form and Year 10 – 11

girls to find out more about the different careers out there.

If you feel you can offer support and guidance to current girls at Pipers Corner and to alumnae members please contact Rebecca Conroy by emailing cornerstones@piperscorner.co.uk or alternatively log on to www.cornerstonesonline.co.uk and fill in the “Your Details” section in the member’s area.

Inspirational Women Lorna Drew Former Pipers Corner pupil Lorna Drew (2002) came to speak to the Sixth Form in October as part of the Sixth Form “Inspirational Women” Lecture Series.

Lorna is now a hugely successful entrepreneur in maternity and pregnancy lingerie design and, despite her former educational challenges as a sufferer of dyslexia, her wise words reminded the girls to never give up whatever their interests or passions they should seize them and work hard to make the best out of every opportunity.

Lorna did not have a particular goal as she began her fashion degree at university; she simply knew she wanted to study for a subject she enjoyed whilst at university Lorna took the initiative and entered university competitions to gain experience and increase her portfolio until she was winning the interests of established names, such as Ann Summers with this she was able to successfully go straight into work after leaving university. One job led to another and eventually she came to discover a gap in the market, supportively adaptive yet bespoke maternity lingerie.

Zakiya G, Upper Sixth said “I am sure I can speak on behalf of the entire Sixth Form in saying that Lorna’s talk was a great source of inspiration. The whole of Pipers should be very proud of everything she has achieved since she left the school.”

Leanna Shuttleworth In June we were delighted to welcome former pupil, Leanna Shuttleworth (2003) to speak to the Lower Sixth and guests as part of the Sixth Form Lecture Series.

Leanna currently holds the British record for the youngest female to climb Mount Everest and the Seven Summits. She showed footage of key moments from the climb and explained the process and planning involved which made the attempt successful. Leanna is not only extraordinary in the mountaineering field, but is also currently studying for degree in Veterinary Science at St George’s University Grenada, alongside her pursuits.

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News

from Pipers

Building the future!

Planning approval was granted in May by Wycombe District Council for the School’s major project to build a new theatre.

The development of a theatre at Pipers Corner is a hugely significant and ambitious project. The result of a review exercise to identify and plan for the future needs of the school, this impressive new building, will greatly enhance the school’s facilities for performing arts.

Central to the building is an impressive theatre which will seat up to 280 people and be fully equipped with not only a large and flexible stage, including orchestra pit, but also state-of-the-art sound and lighting facilities.

In addition it will provide space for a purpose-built cafe which will be open all day and will provide a fresh and popular alternative venue to the school dining room.

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A model of the theatre

Additional developments The School’s building plans are strategically important, as they allow for the delivery of far more than simply a theatre.

The initial phase of re-development was completed this summer with changes to the Prep Department incorporating two brand new classrooms and a new hall specifically designed for the girls in Reception to Year 6.

As part of the building project the school will also be undertaking significant re-development of other existing facilities in order to create a new Sixth Form space (to be completed in 2015) and a new Learning Resource Centre, right at the heart of the school.

Learning Resource Centre The existing Senior Library was created in an era far removed from today’s technology driven world, and whilst the school is not intending to dispense with its collection of books, it is keen to ensure that all girls have the facilities they need to aid their learning in the 21st Century.

The new Learning Resource Centre will be a hub for intellectual curiosity and learning, providing girls at Pipers with all the tools and resources they need to reinforce, enrich and develop their knowledge and skills.

The facilities available will include: • Dedicated areas for group and individual study.

• Quiet study area with IT facilities.

• Resources to book out and borrow.

An artist’s impression of the new theatre

Sixth Form The School’s plans for the Sixth Form space will provide girls with a dynamic, inspirational area in which to study, collaborate and engage with each other at the very heart of the school.

The open plan space will incorporate designated study areas, along with sections of comfortable seating in which the girls can socialise and relax. There will also be a dedicated quiet room for private study.

An aerial view of the theatre

I am very excited that this project is coming to fruition; it has been a long time in the planning.

The new theatre will ensure that Pipers’ enviable reputation for performing arts will not only be maintained, but also enhanced even further, together with the ability to hold debates, lectures and many other functions. In addition the opportunity to create a new Sixth Form space and Learning Resource Centre will provide vibrant spaces for girls of all ages to improve their independent learning skills as they carry out research, exchange ideas and interact with their peers and teachers.

Mrs Ness-Gifford, Headmistress cornerpost 2014

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News

from Pipers

lt has bee n anot year at P her fantastic ipers. Her e is a selection of news fr om the 2013/2014 academic year.

Founder’s Day

The whole school came together to celebrate the annual celebration of Founder’s Day in September. The purpose was to celebrate the life and work of the school’s founder, Jessie Cross.

Each year a different decade is chosen for the celebrations and this year marked the 1950s.

From Pre-Prep to Upper Sixth girls and staff came to school in the fashion of the era and were given the opportunity to experience what lessons were like in the Fifties as well as the history of Pipers Corner and what Jessie Cross set out to do for the school.

The day began with a Founder’s Day Service where the hymns and readings reflected the period. The service culminated with the cutting of the cake by the most senior and junior members of the school.

During the day the teachers brought the 50s theme into their lessons to give the girls a flavour of what it would have been like to have been at school in the period.

To add to the celebrations, a charity hand jive took place in the Landau Hall to raise money for Oxjam, an initiative from Oxfam that aims to raise money to fight poverty and suffering around the world. The girls managed to raise over £100 for the charity.

Founder’s Day this year was a great success. The girls showed great enthusiasm for the various activities on offer and I am especially proud of all the girls who participated in the hand jive.

The day provided everyone with a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the school’s heritage and also have some fun!

Mrs Cresswell, Assistant Head

Happy birthday Pre-Prep!

Pipers Corner School celebrated a very special anniversary in June. It has been 20 years since the school’s Pre-Prep Department first opened its doors in the summer of 1994 - with one pupil, two classrooms and two members of staff. 20 years on and the Department is thriving with three classes (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) and a team of dedicated staff helping to guide girls through their early years of school.

For the celebrations the Department held a special tea party that brought together past and present parents, staff and girls with a wonderful cake, balloons and a children’s entertainer, everyone got into the party spirit and had a wonderful time. To commemorate the occasion all the current Pre-Prep girls were presented with an engraved silver bookmark as a keepsake to remind them of their time at school.

It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating a very important milestone in the history of Pipers Corner School. It has been a pleasure to see the Pre-Prep Department grow into what it is today and I look forward to seeing it continue to develop into the future.

Mrs Ness-Gifford, Headmistress

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Aquila – the School Magazine For a number of years the school has produced an annual school magazine which traditionally acted as a review of the many activities that take place at Pipers during the course of the academic year.

In 2009 the magazine was re-launched as “Aquila” with a Sixth Form editorial team taking over responsibility for the production of the publication. The handover to the girls came with the opportunity for them to make the publication their own and each year since then we have seen the structure and content of the magazine change and develop from what was

initially a review of the past year’s activities into something quite different.

The theme of this year’s Aquila is “controversy”, and the magazine is made up of opinion based articles covering a wide range of topics, from the question of “What is art?” to a consideration of the benefits of the NHS. From the issue of drugs in sport, to a discussion about whether the Royal family is still a fitting institution for modern society. The variety of the content reflects the breadth of interests the girls at Pipers have and provides an intriguing insight into the thoughts of our girls as they mature into confident, opinion formers of the future.

We would very much like to share the magazine with the wider Pipers community so if you would be interested to receive a copy please email Rebecca Conroy at cornerstones@piperscorner.co.uk.

Stop watching, start doing “Don’t measure yourself against others, be yourself” – the message from Air Vice Marshal Elaine West CBE RAF, as she presented awards to girls at the school’s annual prize giving ceremony on the afternoon of Saturday 5 July.

Despite the challenging weather the whole school, along with their families and guests, came together to celebrate the many academic, creative and sporting successes over the past year of all girls from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form.

During Air Vice Marshal West’s speech she talked about how the media attention on her being the most senior ranking female officer in the British Armed Forces was a bit strange, but to her it was “business as usual”. She went onto describe how success can be measured and that it comes in many different shapes and sizes but as long as you are yourself, act with dignity and personal pride you will be hugely successful in anything that you do. Hearing words like this from someone who has worked hard and achieved so much served as great inspiration to the girls as they look to the future and the next steps that they will be taking in their own lives.

She went on to give examples from her time at school demonstrating how she has learnt these important aspects and urged the other girls not to waste opportunities to participate and do something amazing – whatever that might be.

At the end of the ceremony, the new Senior Prefect team and the Head Girl and Deputies for the next academic year were announced.

Congratulations go to Harriet D (Head Girl), Sophie G and Megan H (Deputy Head Girls).

Headmistress, Mrs Helen Ness-Gifford, also addressed the audience with a snapshot of the amazing year Pipers has had. She also

Exam Results 2014 A Level 99% of all results were at grades A*- E 67% of all results were at grades A*- B 37% of results were at grades A* and A Pipers’ girls successfully gained places at some of the country’s most sought after universities including Imperial College London, Durham University, University of Warwick, University of York, University of Exeter, University of Birmingham and University of Surrey.

GCSE 96% of girls achieving 5 or more GCSEs at A*- C 78% of results were at A*- B In Geography, History, Art, Spanish, PE, Religious Studies, Dance, Design Technology and Textiles at least two thirds of all students entered for each subject achieved an A* or A grade. Almost half of all results in English and Science were at the top grades A* and A.

For all the latest School News please visit www.piperscorner.co.uk

looked ahead to the years to come and the exciting developments both in the physical changes to the school with planned building projects, including a new theatre, library and Sixth Form Centre, as well as the opportunities to develop and enhance teaching and learning.

Mrs Ness-Gifford finished by speaking about the girls about to embark on a World Challenge expedition to Uganda and wished them well in their adventures. She went on to say that she hoped that opportunities like this would serve to inspire and excite those around the school and in the wider community, making Pipers, and Pipers Girls, fantastic.

During the celebrations Head Girl, Grace G, gave a fantastic speech urging all year groups to “stop watching and start doing”. She listed the three most important things that she will take away from Pipers and into the next stage of her life – confidence, gratitude and the knowledge that it is ok to make mistakes.

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Announcements Closure of Boarding at Pipers Corner School It was with great regret that in January this year, Chairman of Governors, Mr Rodney Corner, announced that the decision had been taken to close the school’s boarding provision in July 2015. He writes: Pipers Corner has provided boarding facilities ever since the school was first established in Great Kingshill in 1945 and prior to that in Prestwood. However, over the years it has gradually become more and more untenable to maintain this provision as the popularity of boarding has declined and as the school’s reputation and demand as an outstanding girls’ day school has increased.

Whilst we are sad to have made this decision, we are pleased that it will be possible to achieve the closure of boarding without any disruption to girls in critical years of their education; this means that all current boarders

Plea from a former pupil I am hoping someone can help me trace Sue Cartwright who was a pupil at Pipers Corner School and left in 1965. She joined the WRAF. We are having a 50 year reunion of Black Squadron in 2015 and I have been assigned to find her. I would be extremely grateful if anyone can offer some information however slight, my email address is j.l.lloyd@hotmail.com.

will be able to complete their GCSE or A Level courses at Pipers Corner, avoiding any disruption that might be caused by moving to another school in the middle of these critical years. In view of the reduced number of boarders we are planning to accommodate all girls in a single boarding house from September 2014 to ensure that we maintain a strong sense of community in boarding.

Hi, my name is Catherine Bryan and I was at Pipers from 2009. I have been lucky enough to gain a place at Kings College London’s Institute of Psychiatry to do an MSc in Forensic Mental Health this year. However, I have had a real struggle trying to fund the year so I have started a crowdfunding project! I’m currently trying to share my project with as many people as possible in the hope that I can gain a large number of

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Over the next year we would like to gather together as many memories of boarding as possible so that we can include a special feature in the next edition of Cornerpost, celebrating the history of Boarding at Pipers as it comes to a close. If you have a memory that you would like to share please email Rebecca Conroy at cornerstones@piperscorner.co.uk

So the end of an era is on the horizon as the school moves forward into the future as a Day School.

Births

In Memoriam

Charlotte Hirst (2007) Harry Peter Edward | born Thursday 6 February at 0319 hours, 5lb 9oz.

Harry is also the nephew of Henrietta Hirst who left Pipers in 2011.

Since the last issue of Cornerpost we have been advised of the deaths of the following members of Cornerstones and former staff.

It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest sympathies to their families.

Ann Waller née Millard (1957) Died peacefully on Sunday 22 June 2014 in Ipswich aged 74.

Margaret Thompson (Assistant Bursar) Died peacefully in hospital on Tuesday 26 November 2013.

“She was the most amazing person, she had a kidney transplant quite early on which was still working right up to the end, and two hip replacements. She always had a smile for everyone and was the first person at Pipers to have a computer on which she did all the fees accounts.” Priscilla Francis.

In thankful anticipation and very best regards Joy Lloyd née Lenny

Can you help?

Were you a boarder at Pipers Corner?

small donations. I’ve been brainstorming how to do this and wondered if you, my fellow Pipers alumnae, may be able to help?

For a bit more of an explanation about what I will be doing please go to https://hubbub. net/p/cathatkings/ and take a look. It works on pledges via PayPal so I don’t get any money unless I reach my minimum target.

Thank you in advance for any support that you may be able to give me.

Catherine Bryan (2009)

Elizabeth Rolfe (Piano teacher) Passed away peacefully at St Bernard’s Court in Harlow Road, High Wycombe, on Sunday 1 September.

Staff leaving Pipers in 2013/2014 Heather Andrew

Tanja Clark

Candy Hadler

Head of Performing Arts Faculty, Head of Middle School

Head of Hospitality and Catering

Head of Dance

Heather is truly an inspiration to the people around her each and every day. Her passion, energy and desire to nurture a love of learning has not only motivated her students but those who have had the pleasure to work with her.

She has always believed tirelessly in every one of her pupils, supporting them through the challenges of a busy school life and yet always allowing them to become independent and resilient.

As a Head of Year she has been a guiding light to many young girls who need a bit of extra encouragement and leadership. As a Drama practitioner, Heather has never lost her joy of the theatre and what it can offer, not just for those with practical talent but for all children.

She understands the power of drama to motivate, inspire, build confidence and heal, and this belief empowers her students to find courage in their own abilities. Heather has particularly enjoyed the opportunity in LAMDA lessons to work more closely with students, watching them develop as performers and pushing them further than they ever thought they could achieve. Many girls have gone on to realise amazing dreams because of Heather’s role in their lives, some examples including professional acting roles, professional technical jobs and working within casting agencies.

The annual senior production is a shining example of all that she believes in, and over the years we have been privileged to be in the audience for dramas and musicals of the very highest and superlative standards.

As a colleague, Heather is an absolute role model for us all in the Department. Her endless energy and commitment to the girls inspires us all to give the very best we can each and every day of our professional career. She has been a driving force and a privilege to work with, and she will be missed whole-heartedly.

Mrs Coe, Teacher of Drama

I was delighted to be asked to write a few words for this publication as Tanja and I were colleagues at Pipers for a good 10 years and shared many interests as well as our subject area. After an uncharacteristically quiet start, Tanja went onto to involve herself fully in the life of the school. As a native of South Africa, it took us a while to tune in to some of her terminology and likewise there was always amusement over some of our ways that she found bizarre. Tanja enjoyed a great relationship with the girls and her subject became a hugely popular option as she, along with Mrs Crompton made a great team, producing vast quantities of delicious food for tea at the Art and Textiles Exhibition and managing such events as the Bonfire Night, with enormous efficiency and confidence. Of course there were many other events that benefited from the talent and dedication of her students to produce food and a sense of occasion, for example the senior resident’s events.

Candy started at Pipers in 2002 as a full-time member of staff teaching the Senior School, GCSE and A Level Dance. Her enthusiasm for her subject was instantly apparent and she built up a strong department which is a vital part of the Performing Arts Faculty at Pipers. Candy has many interests and her love of art and her own ability as an artist led her to teach Art in the Prep Department for a short time.

She was an active supporter of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, with several nights under canvas and I understand the skiing trips with Tanja were always eventful and undoubtedly great fun. Visits to the Good Food Show and Disneyland Paris were also important calendar events to enrich the girls’ learning in relevant and real situations.

Candy was for a short time been a Form Tutor for Year 10 and also Head of Hampden House; and in the last few years she has taken on the role of charity coordinator and visited St Mark’s School in Uganda in 2012. She will be visiting again this year with some of the girls from Pipers as part of World Challenge. Her Christian faith has always been at the forefront of her teaching and we have greatly valued the experiences she has given to many girls. She leaves us to spend more time on her art and continuing to live out her Christian faith in the wider community.

She was very involved with the design and set up of the new classroom in the Lady Buckinghamshire Studios where we were fortunate enough to put forward our ideas and plans for new teaching areas. Another area where Tanja put much of her energy, was in her role as House Co-ordinator. Here she inspired girls to have confidence in their own abilities to organise and encourage younger members of the House. She always set high standards both within the House and in her subject area. The enthusiasm, hard work and dedication that Tanja showed to support her students and colleagues was certainly much appreciated. The qualities of kindness, thoughtfulness, support for her friends and colleagues and commitment makes her certainly a Pipers person of distinction.

Mrs Tebb, Head of Textiles

Candy has always been keen to develop the extra-curricular Dance programme and give as many girls as possible the opportunity to participate in musical productions. She introduced the Senior Dance company five years ago and has choreographed performances for assemblies and the Carol Service where we have found the visual beauty of her dancers mesmerising to watch. Candy has choreographed for performances for Energise at the Wycombe Swan Theatre and national dance competitions.

Heather Andrew, Head of Performing Arts Faculty

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Staff leaving Pipers in 2013/2014 Caroline Moss

Penny Petherbridge

Director of Music

Head of Mathematics

Caroline Moss is what can only be described as a “Tour de Force”! I have been at Pipers Corner School as a visiting singing teacher for the past 15 years and I have seen the Music Department grow and develop into what it is today hen Caroline joined Pipers, she fitted into the existing Department seamlessly and made a great effort to get to know everyone and considering that we have so many visiting peripatetic teachers that is no mean feat.

Penny joined Pipers as an Assistant Teacher of Mathematics in 1999. She quickly made her presence felt as an excellent teacher and soon became the Head of Mathematics in 2001. Since that time Penny has built a strong teaching team who consistently produce good academic results at GCSE and particularly A Level. She is a strong believer in encouraging the gifted and talented mathematicians, often giving them her time and nurturing them to early entries at GCSE and A Level and entering girls into the Freestanding Additional Mathematics qualification in Year 11.

It wasn’t long before she became Head of Department and that’s when things really started to move. Caroline put in place the annual Music Tour for the girls, created a Community Choir for young and old alike to enjoy, raised the bar at the Christmas Carol Service and who can argue that “Jazz on the Terrace” has not been a storming success?

All of these accomplishments are very obvious to everyone but Caroline has secret skills that are magical in the classroom. For my own part, I think Caroline Moss is absolutely wonderful and I shall miss her.

Julie Gossage, Head of Vocal Studies

Penny was responsible for initiating our entry to the UK Mathematics Challenge and she also was a strong believer in entering girls for Statistics if they were able mathematicians resulting in GCSE Statistics becoming an after school option. Every other year Penny promoted a “Mathematics day”, encouraging all subjects to concentrate on Mathematics in lessons.

Penny was also a strong voice on the Senior Academic Team bringing her experienced, insightful and rational contribution to meetings, influencing not only her own Department but

also the girls’ wider experience of education at Pipers. Penny is one of the great problem solvers in life. She is also a team player. Penny was a stalwart on the DofE Team for ten years supporting groups and camping with them.

She was also fantastic in her front of house role for a huge number of Drama productions often in school at the weekends to help Miss Andrew. Reliable and diligent, Penny does her best to support girls both academically and pastorally, particularly as a Sixth Form Tutor and Deputy Head of Sixth Form.

Penny will be much missed by the whole of Pipers community. Her kindness will certainly be missed in the staff room and girls will miss her wise counsel and considerate support. Penny is wholeheartedly committed to the school and of course excellence in and although the decision to retire has been a difficult one, she is looking forward to spending more time with her husband and wider family circle, including several grandchildren e wish her the very best of luck for the future and a happy and healthy retirement.

Ms Walmsley, Deputy Head (Academic)

New appointments Neil Walker

Victoria Henshall Pippa Bell

Alison Robinson

Deputy Head

Director of Music

Director of Drama

Head of Mathematics

Mr Walker has joined us from Dunottar School where he was Assistant Head, having previously taught at Old Palace of John Whitgift School, Croydon High School, Croham Hurst School and King’s School. Mr Walker has a daughter studying A Levels and his wife is also a teacher. A former Head of Science and Head of Psychology, Mr Walker also has a Masters Degree in Education.

Mrs Henshall has a Masters Degree in Education from Cambridge along with her many music qualifications. She was previously Head of Music at Burlington Danes Academy and has also taught Music at Dr Challoner’s High School as well as other local schools.

Mrs Bell was Director of Drama and Arena Arts Coordinator at Ellesmere College having previously taught Drama at a number of schools, including The Leys School, Cambridge.

Mrs Robinson was Head of Year 9 Learning and KS3 Mathematics Coordinator at Beaconsfield High School, having previously been Head of Mathematics at Chesham Preparatory School and a Mathematics teacher at both Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School and Chesham High School.

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Where are they now?

1957

Gil Shorr (née Alexander)

Well, I finally retired in April and I am still adjusting to a “free” life. But the birth of our first grandson two weeks after I laid down the red pen is keeping me busy -- not as busy as the parents, but busy! The garden is getting more of my attention, and I may get the inviting pile of must-read books down a bit in the next weeks and months. So, a different life, but our whole family is right here in Los Angeles, so it’s going to be fine, once I figure out a new MO. It was lovely reading about Miss Cross and the school at Prestwood Lodge -- I was there for the first two years of my 13 years at Pipers Corner. (October 2013)

1960

Alison Rae

I trained at London College of Secretaries, travelled quite a bit, got married, had two sons and now have three granddaughters, two living in Holland. I am living in Marlow (now divorced) and keeping well occupied in various local activities. (February 2014)

1965

Tessa Arlen (née Turner)

I have lived in the US for many years now, on Bainbridge Island in Washington. I was at Pipers from 1959 – 1965 and I wanted to share some particularly good news. I recently signed a contract with Thomas Dunne/St. Martin’s Press to publish my first two novels! They are both historical murder mysteries set in England in the years before the Great War. The publishing industry moves very slowly and my projected release for the first book is January 2015. The title is “Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman”. My love of history, despite I am afraid to say a very spotty academic career as I was a habitual day-dreamer, was inspired and encouraged by History teacher Elfreda Neale.

Lady Neale was married to the Elizabethan historian Sir John Neale and she was very fond of telling us that history was simply “very

old gossip”. I would love to know if anyone else particularly remembers Lady Neale, she was possibly well into her late sixties when she taught as Pipers. I have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TessaArlen and my website is tessaarlen.com.

1977

Karen Oberti (née Carpenter)

1977 Pipers super secretarial course. 1977 London - Head Office Trusthouse Forte International Hotel group. 1977 met my future French husband. 1980 Paris - Booz Allen and Hamilton International Consultants. 1981 Monaco - Beach Plaza Hotel. 1982 Monaco Loew’s Hotel. 1983 Cannes - Martinez Hotel.

1983 I got married. 1985 construction of our villa in Cagnes sur Mer. 1985 birth of Edouard.

1986 birth of Antoine. 1987 birth of Laura.

2004 Cannes - John Taylor Luxury Real Estate.

2010 creation of my own company, a solution provider in construction, renovation, pools and real estate research. 2014 still happily married.

My children have all grown up and gone into their own careers (1 - trilingual engineer of his own company, 2 - bilingual baker and pastry chef, 3 - bilingual sales rep of her own company, Com and Pub on French Riviera.)

Looking forward to conquering the UK pool construction market and to spending more time in the UK. See you all soon! (February 2014)

1978

Sarah L’Heveder (née Mealing)

We always look forward to hearing the wonderful news from members of Cornerstones and would like to share a few of their stories with you. If you have a story, adventure, success, marriage, engagement, birth or reunion you would like to share with fellow Cornerstones, please contact Rebecca Conroy by emailing cornerstones@piperscorner.co.uk.

cook and entertain. I love being back in London and enjoy all the wonderful cultural events that this city has to offer, especially the ballet which I continue to practice to keep me in shape as well as swimming and walking in Hyde Park e are off to Cape Town soon for a wedding, looking forward to visiting South Africa for the first time. Cannot believe where all the years have gone, I am one of the oldies now! Still feel 25 though and still having fun! (February 2014)

1981

Tracy Chesney (née Abbott)

Currently living just outside of San Francisco in California, self-employed working as an Orthopaedic and Oncology Massage Therapist.

I am married, with two children, my son is 22 and my daughter is 21. I enjoy trail running and biking, as well as cooking in my spare time.

(November 2013)

1985

Abimbola Adekemi (née Adejuwon)

I have been into marketing of ideas and working as phonetics/diction instructor.

(September 2013)

1986

Funke Quadri

Went back to Nigeria for A Levels. I then went to college in New York, USA. Got married. I now own my own day spa - Peaches’n’Cream.

(February 2014)

After leaving Pipers in 1978, I worked as a PA in London and then trained to become a registered nurse. I got married and moved to Mexico in 1988 and had my son Rafael in 1989.

I lived in Mexico and the US until 2005 when I moved back to London to return to the nursing profession specialising in cosmetic and plastic surgery. I remarried in 2010, to Claude and live very happily in Earls Court. I work part time and travel a lot. I play a lot of bridge, and love to

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Where are they now?

1990

Natalie Somerville (née Cocks)

Studied for my degree in English and History in London, where I stayed living and working for several years. Took time out after my degree to live and work in Italy where I met my husband (who is English). We then moved to Brighton for the sea air and a few years later started a family. With various moves since then, we now live with our two children and our dog in Cambridgeshire. I have re-trained as a fitness instructor - which works well around a busy family life. (February 2014)

1991

Wendy Sadgrove (née Farrow)

Wow where do I start. Since leaving Pipers I studied Media at Oxford College, taught horse riding at a Girls’ Scout Camp in the USA. Then popped on a backpack and travelled the world for over a year. After moving to London and getting a steady job, I decided to move and work in New Zealand and Australia as a Tour Manager. I met a wonderful man who I ended up marrying. I moved to New Zealand in 2001, had three boys in 18 months (singleton then twins, wasn’t life’s plan.. wouldn’t be without them now). Sadly in 2012 my husband died of cancer. I turned 40 in January and this is going be a great decade. I’ve enjoyed keeping up with Pipers friends and staff on Facebook, and they have been very supportive through all my ups and downs. I have very fond memories of Pipers, and my best friend at school, is still my best friend. Wonderful memories and some happy years spent there (even though I did go to the Headmistresses office a fair bit... Oops!).

(July 2014)

1993

Joanna Little (née Green)

After leaving Pipers I went to Haileybury College to do my A Levels following in my brothers footsteps. After leaving Haileybury I

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spent four months in New York as an Au Pair, then three years at Bangor University. Six years in London followed as an Office Manager, and then I relocated to Southampton. Seven years later I am now living outside Petersfield with my husband who I married in February of this year and working as a PA. (July 2014)

1996

Claire Whittingham

I am a qualified administrator with nearly a decade of work behind me. Currently facing uphill battles with health but doing so with dignity! Would be lovely to hear from those in my year. (January 2014)

2001

Samantha Walton

I currently live in Bath and work as a Lecturer in English Literature. I took my PhD at the University of Edinburgh, where I held a Research Fellowship and taught modern literature for four years. Before going into academia, I worked in publishing and at an environmental think tank in London.

(February 2014)

Pippa Freeman (née Leers)

After I left Pipers I went to St Edwards, Oxford, I then went to Parsons Paris to study photography. I returned to London to work for Salem and Partners where I worked with Donna Tirrell another Pipers girl. Following that I worked at MySpace then Concierge London where I travelled to New York to open an office there. Since then, I returned to London and now work for a private family. I am married to a guy I met at St Edwards and we have two children Jack and Jasmine, three years old and six months. We also have a dog called Louis.

(October 2013)

1998

2003

Charlotte Mackey

After leaving Pipers, I graduated with a First from the University of Exeter. I live in Hampstead and work as a corporate analyst for a Japanese bank in the City. Despite having always thought of myself as a country girl, I am very much enjoying London life after seven years here. I hold many fond memories of my time at Pipers, in particular Mrs Hill’s English lessons and the many cake sales.

(October 2013)

2004

Laura Niven

I have been practicing beauty for almost five years, specialising in aromatherapy treatments and working in high quality spa and boutique environments. At the end of July I became self-employed, running a mobile beauty therapy business in the Buckinghamshire area.

(August 2013)

2006

Leanne Price

Since the last Cornerpost, my husband got his posting and we have moved from Buckinghamshire to Middlesex and he now works opposite 10 Downing Street e are all nice and settled into our new house and he has just been promoted which we’re both so happy about e recently found out we are expecting our first baby due 21st December (lovely Christmas baby!) and love having our scans to see what it’s up to, all doing well this time around and can’t wait to meet the little one!

(July 2014)

2007

Charlotte Hirst

In February 2014 my partner and I celebrated the birth of our first son, Harry. He’s 5 months old now and we’re loving this new chapter in our lives. (July 2014)

2008

Amy Gordon

After graduating with a 2:1 from my Sports Management and coaching course, I was voted in as my students union Vice President of student involvement. It was a great achievement to be the head of all the universities sports clubs, societies, volunteering programme and charity fundraiser.

I then went on to travel all of south east Asia and New Zealand before starting work at the Highcrest Academy as a learning support assistant and netball coach! My final goal is to become a fully qualified PE teacher and you never know, may one day end up back at Pipers. (September 2013)

2010

Amelia Dendy

When I left Pipers in 2010 after receiving a scholarship I went to University of Reading to study Philosophy. Since then I have graduated, been part of group which raised funds to go to Zambia to help in schools and worked in a primary and secondary school. In September I will be returning to university to do my PGCE in Religious Education and Philosophy at the University of Oxford. (July 2014)

2011

Imogen Hollingworth

Although I’ve only been an alumnae of Pipers for a few years, I’ve since been through A Levels and I am currently about to start my second year of university at Teeside University studying Performance for Live and recorded Media having achieved a 2:1 for my first year, something I’d have only ever dreamed of if it wasn’t for the Pipers Corner staff, especially the Boarding staff!

2012

Upper Sixth leavers destinations Sophie Andrews | Personal Training Internship Polly Annetts Burke | Apprenticeship in Retail Management Lily May Anson | Oxford Brooks University (Art Foundation) Annabel Baxter | Gap Year Melissa Durston | Gap Year Grace Edwards | University of Surrey (International Hospitality Management) Hannah Eggleton | University of York (Drama, Performance and Directing) Zakiya Genders | University of Nottingham (Theology) Grace Grimsey | Imperial College London (Biomedicine) Olivia Hall | Kingston University (Children’s Nursing) Lucy Ilsley | Bucks New University (Art Foundation) Rebekah John | Gap Year Poppy Jones | University of Brighton (Law and Criminology) Sammi Mak | University of Warwick (Economics) Martha McHugh | Loughborough University (Drama) Hannah McLean | University of Exeter (History) Lauren Mead | Birmingham School of Acting (Acting) Charlotte Meyrick | Gap Year Megan Moseley | Gap Year Bethany Parker | Coventry University (Music Performance) Kate Rayner | Oxford Brooks University (English Literature) Emma Scott | University of Liverpool (Maths and Finance) Maisie Simkin-Carr | Sheffield Hallam University (International Business with Languages) Ella Slais | Arts University Bournemouth (Fashion) Emma Smith | Canterbury Christchurch University (Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring) Katie Steel | University of Birmingham (French and Spanish) Pearly Sze | Oxford Brooks University (Sociology and Education) Eloise Thompson | University of Exeter (Philosophy) Emma Tordoff | Sheffield Hallam University (Forensic Science) Melissa Townsend | University of Sussex (Psychology) Megan Turner | Goldsmiths, University of London (Drama and Theatre Arts) Gemma Ullyatt | University of Exeter (Maths with Finance) India Whelpton | Durham University (Theology) Emma Wigglesworth | Oxford Brooks University (International Hospitality Management) Catharine Wright | Camberwell College of Arts (Art Foundation) Georgina Wright | University of Sussex (Business and Managements Studies)

Louise Granville

Currently finishing first year of Primary Teacher Education BA Hons at Oxford Brookes University.

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Open Day for Prospective Parents Saturday 4 October 2014, 1000-1300 hours

Pipers Corner School, Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP15 6LP telephone +44 (0) 1494 718 255 | email theschool@piperscorner.co.uk | visit www.piperscorner.co.uk @PipersCornerSch www.facebook.com/PipersCornerSchool

Grace Robin | Lower Sixth AS Level Art work

Dates for your diary