A WORD OF WELCOME
“Trouthe and Honour, Fredom and Curteisye.” Each of these words from the school’s motto conveys a sense of self-belief, authenticity and respect, and this was the ambition for the girls being educated at the school from its very roots. Ambition is fundamental: – the founders had an ambition to create a new environment in which women could learn and develop beyond more traditional boundaries and have experiences that would evolve them as people into their future lives.
This ambition has stuck fast through the many generations of staff and pupils who have walked the halls of St George’s and it is encouraged and supported throughout the entire school community. It is what differentiates and inspires, and we witness this through the amazing alumnae who share their stories in The Dragon; who keep in touch; who come back to
the school; and those who have sustained friendships and connections with each other throughout their lives. While ambition can sometimes be perceived to have somewhat negative overtones, the ambition to make a positive difference and do your best professionally, personally and in society is something we believe should be welcomed.
Our interviewees and contributors reflect this ambition in many different and individual ways, and we are so pleased to have had the chance to hear and share their stories. So many of them reflecting their very earliest years as the place where their ambitions, passions and friendships began and we are proud to be connected to them all.
We hope you enjoy reading this edition of The Dragon and, as always, we welcome your feedback.
The Foundation Office
0131 311 8000
foundation@stge.org.uk
foundation.stge.org.uk/homepage
St George’s Alumnae Group
@stgealumnae
St George’s Edinburgh, alumnae networking group
Celebrating
By Nigel Shepley
HELLO FROM THE HEAD
Welcome from Carol Chandler-Thompson
We hope you will enjoy this edition of The Dragon. I am hugely appreciative to all involved in creating interviews and articlesvery engaging and inspiring to read. Particular thanks to Lizzie Bruce, our OGA Chair, who has been very supportive with editorial ideas, Margaret Imlah, Mairi MacNaughton and of course, Kate Forster. It truly is an Old Girls’ creation!
2023-4 has demonstrated our ambitions for the continued growth and good health of St George’s.
With 2024 as the ‘year of elections’, we also saw a flourishing of interest in politics and current affairs amongst the student body. The Model United Nations (MUN) Society has proved to be one of our most popular student-led groups, hosting an MUN conference, planning and leading debates and training younger students. International Relations, Politics and Public Policy have proved popular university choices this year as we send St George’s changemakers out, ready to make a positive difference in the world.
Computing is also growing in popularity, fuelled by innovative clubs like DressCode (coding) and the Amazon ‘GetIT’ competition to design an app for market. The school hosted a highly successful ‘Women in Computing’ event in January, attended by a myriad
of representatives from industry, universities and The National Robotarium, keen to inspire our girls to think more broadly about careers in technology.
We are always happy to hear from alumnae with connections or experience that might help to broaden the opportunities on offer to the students or inspire career pathways, especially in those areas where women are underrepresented.
On the theme of ambitions for the future, you may have received the recent communication from the Foundation Office about exciting new plans for the school campus. When we published the strategy for St George’s future in August 2023 (A Voice for the Future: St George’s Strategic Plan) the Council committed to a ten-year Estate Development Strategy.
In August we announced our plan to bring all of the school’s facilities and pupils together on our main Ravelston campus. This means that the Lansdowne site (currently for our Lower School pupils) will be sold and the Lower School facilities relocated to the main campus. As valued alumnae and former staff, many of you will have spent time in Lansdowne House and I want to reassure you that the building as a stand-alone school, and indeed as part of St George’s since 1976,
is a highly regarded part of local and school history. We are fully committed to keeping the fabric and legacy of Lansdowne House as part of the identity and history of St George’s. Finding a fitting home for the Archive is an important part of our plans.
However, we need to look to the future. We want to pioneer the best possible education, school experience and facilities designed for the needs of girls. This will allow improvements which enhance teaching, learning and pastoral care for the maximum number of children. Highly sustainable, the ambitious new development will provide exciting new teaching spaces for all the pupils and a brand-new Lower School pastoral base. I would encourage you to peruse the website for more detail www.stge.org.uk/future-plans/ estate-development-project. Also sign up to the Foundation Office to ensure you are kept up to date with plans www.foundation.stge.org.uk
This session, we have more reunions planned than ever and we are looking forward to hosting you all. You are always welcome at St George’s, and at this time when independent schools are facing unprecedented political and financial challenges, your support and warm wishes are really appreciated more than ever.
SPARKS TO FLAMES
Since the last edition we have been so pleased to receive more news from old girls within the St George’s community, highlighting how they are embracing new experiences, business ventures and hobbies or achieving personal recognition. We share a broad range of stories and updates from this powerful and widespread group.
From small sparks come big flames – we want to hear how the fir e is burning bright across our St George’s community. We would love to hear from you, whatever you are up to and whenever you left the school. Please do get in touch with The Foundation Office to sh are news or more general updates, or with any suggestions or comments about The Dragon.
Memory sculpted in stone which
inspired community
Sculptor and OG Margaret Somerville (Class of 1953) who was at St George’s from 1942-1952, lived on Barra for many years and created a number of artworks. One of her most well known creations was a statue of St Barr, after whom the island was named, which she gifted to the community and was erected on an islet in the Northbay area of Barra in the Western Isles in the 1970s.
Due to the ongoing exposure to the Hebridean weather the statue has deteriorated badly in recent years and is at risk of collapsing into the sea. Earlier this year, The Saint Barr Statue Fundraising Group was set up with the ambition to raise £100,000 to pay for a replica to be made from hard-wearing bronze and on a larger scale than the original. In Gaelic, Barra is Barraigh which translates as Barr’s Island. It takes its name from Saint Finbar of Cork who is believed to have been a follower of Saint Columba and introduced Christianity to the island.
The fundraising group’s Michael MacNeil said: “For almost 50 years, the statue has been a symbol of our island and its rich heritage.
“It would be a huge loss if St Barr was to crumble into the sea completely without any effort to preserve Margaret’s work and her gift to the community.”
Margaret Somerville died in 2018 and her niece Diana Mercer (Class of 1971) contacted The Dragon to let us know about her aunt’s work and preservation of her
memory with this campaign and its importance to the island community.
If you would like to make a donation please scan the QR code.
Margaret Somerville at work
Ladies strike it well
We would like to thank Liz Childs, a valued former staff member, for orchestrating an exceptional St George’s golf day at the Elie and Earlsferry Ladies’ Golf Club. Despite the inclement weather conditions during the initial nine holes, the indomitable St George’s spirit prevailed. The occasion showcased some serious golfing prowess, and sincere congratulations to Shona Thomson (née Simpson, Class of 1992), Suki Stobbs (née Patullo, Class of 1984) and Liz Childs, who emerged triumphant in the end.
Delighting and inspiring young minds
We were delighted to welcome St George’s alumna and debut children’s author, Kate Abernethy (Class of 1996), to our Junior School for the Pre-School to Primary 1 Transition Day on Thursday, 13 June. What a fun and creative day for our young readers!
Kate’s rhyming picture book, The Great Highland Games Chase, follows mischievous dog Wee Rascal as she causes chaos at the Highland Games. To bring the story to life, our pupils dressed up as characters from each event, eagerly shouting ‘Stop, ye Wee Rascal!’ in time with Kate’s reading.
Kate also shared insights into the life of a writer. She explained
that being a writer involves a lot of observation and rhyming. Our Big Owls and Primary 1 pupils practiced engaging their senses
books, and Kate left a lasting impression with her advice: ‘Reading is even better for you than vegetables’ and encouraged the children to ‘read as often as you brush your teeth!’ The final activity was a colouring booklet inspired by The Great Highland Games Chase featuring illustrations by the talented Laura Darling. Pupils added their own artistic flair to the scenes from the book.
Reflecting on her own first day at St George’s years ago, Kate connected with the students on a personal level, making this Transition Day even more special. We are grateful to Kate for sharing her creativity with us and look forward to seeing more of her wonderful stories in the future.
Find more from Kate: Instagram @kateabernethywriter
Wishing her well
Former St G’s pupil Caroline Sauverin (née Hunter Blair, Class of 1981) retired from her role as Associate Director of Academic Services at the University of East Anglia after 27 years. Previously she worked for Colman’s of Norwich as a food scientist. Caroline is now looking forward to catching up with old friends, trips to Edinburgh and beyond, and her younger son’s wedding later this year.
Caroline Sauverin at her retirement party.
Kate Abernethy addressing primary pupils
The St George’s golfers at Earlsferry Ladies’ Golf Club, Elie 2024
FROM PAGEANT TO PALACE
Interview with Anna Bennett, Head of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with Royal Collection Trust
Whether it can be called destiny, or a case of good casting, Anna Bennett (née Greig, Class of 1996) had her first brush with the Stuart monarchy when she played King James IV of Scotland in the centenary pageant at St George’s in 1988. Fast forward a few years and she is now working for the Royal Household as the Head of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Previously Deputy Chief Executive at the WS Society, and a private client lawyer before that, Anna’s career has reflected her passions and interests, developed early in her school life and continuing into her ambitions beyond. With a recognition of what really inspired her, Anna showed an ambition to step outside a traditional legal career path and was heavily involved in the transformation of the WS Society to a public-facing organisation with an emphasis on community and accessibility.
Your time at St George’s
Q)When did you attend St George’s?
I started in Primary 5 in 1987. I had Mrs Knox as my teacher and I was so happy to be in her class. I left the school at the end of Upper 6 in 1996. My sister Morven was also at St George’s from 1985 to 1994.
Q)What stood out for you most about the education experience at St George’s?
Her experience advising charitable organisations throughout her career, and a commitment to preserving, respecting and sharing the Signet Library and its unique collections with new audiences, offered valuable experience which she has taken into her new role, as has her experience of engaging and inspiring through the curation of educational and cultural events with celebrated speakers. Now leading a team showcasing the Royal Collection at Holyroodhouse, Anna’s career path reflects her own interests in art, heritage and storytelling.
Anna’s daughter Fleur now attends St George’s and is grabbing all the opportunities that the school offers to young girls and women.
It was an absolute pleasure talking to Anna and hearing more about her unique role in the Royal Household and of course the career path that took her there. Thank you to Anna for her time, openness and wonderful sharing of memories.
It was a hugely supportive school where you felt recognised as an individual and for your own strengths. I remember Jean Scott, the Head when I joined, talking about encouraging ‘quiet confidence’ in girls. That ethos is something that still resonates – there isn’t a need to be loud about what you are good at, you can still be confident in your own abilities. It was a theme that flowed through the school’s educational approach at the time, and I’ve carried it along with me since.
Q)What were your preferred subjects at school?
I was a bit of an all-rounder and did fairly well in most areas, but I also always felt supported to do what I wanted to and to feel I could achieve my best. St George’s seemed to offer opportunities you might not have been given elsewhere. For instance, when I was choosing subjects for my Highers, I was encouraged to take Economics in Lower 6. At other schools that might typically have been a subject that you chose as
an additional Higher in Upper 6. I then went on to take an A Level in Economics, which was a brilliant thing to do before going on to a law degree. I also loved languages, taking French and Spanish. I came back to Art in my last year, which I had always enjoyed.
Q)Was there a teacher, mentor or fellow pupil within the school who particularly helped or inspired you to recognise and/or follow your dreams and set out on your career path?
When I started St G’s in P5, I just adored Mrs. Knox. She was the most sophisticated and elegant person I had ever come across! She was international in her outlook, and I remember her getting us to warm up exercising our mouths before preparing to speak French in our lessons! She was also very aware that P5 was an intake year, and she took great care of us new starters and ensured we mixed well.
Later in the school, I was very fond of Alison King, the Art teacher. She was my form teacher throughout sixth form and we were a close group with her. Mrs King was always encouraging and talked about what you could do intellectually with an art background. I think in some ways she helped to shape my attitude to the work that I do today.
About you now – Professional and personal
Q)After a decade working in a law practice you joined The WS Society as a Director and then becoming Deputy Chief Executive. Can you tell us more about what encouraged your move to this role?
I took my undergraduate law degree at the University of Aberdeen and my professional legal exams at the University of Edinburgh. I trained and qualified at Morton Fraser (now Morton Fraser MacRoberts).
I was with the firm for 10 years, working in the private client team. I gained so much experience in those early years of my career, working with a varied portfolio of clients across the country. The partners in the private client department were excellent mentors. As time went on, I was becoming more specialist and interested in doing legal work for charities, and in the heritage sector, in particular. I’d been lucky to work with charities supporting the arts and culture and advise on some interesting transactions involving important works of art, and it was becoming clear that was where my passion lay.
At that point I talked to Robert Pirrie, who was Chief Executive of
the WS Society. It felt like a perfect transition to move to work in-house for the Society, as I was able to continue to practice law, but there were also many other activities to be involved with. The WS Society owns and operates the Signet Library, an outstanding neo-classical building in the heart of Edinburgh, filled with a unique collection of over 90,000 books and works of art. The WS Society’s institutional history dates backed over 500 years, to the first use of the King’s private seal in Scotland.
When I joined, activities centred on professional support services for lawyers and there was private institution approach to the custodianship of the Signet Library’s collections. In the 13 years I was there, the Society was driven by a strategic ambition to diversify its activities, open its doors and share its history, ultimately becoming a registered charity with public benefit at its heart, which resulted in very different audience base and a significantly widened focus.
This was an exciting transformation to be part of and gave me opportunities to develop commercial abilities through the opening of a five-star restaurant in the building, setting up a charity administration service to a portfolio of grant making trusts, as well developing an educational and cultural events programme.
Q)The Society is a charity with several purposes including the ownership and operation of the magnificent Signet Library. During your time there, what were you most proud of working to deliver or support?
I was very proud of the cultural programme that we introduced to increase accessibility to the Signet Library and the WS Society’s
James IV - Thistle and Rose - 1988
history. Previously events at the Signet Library were centered on professional legal education, but we moved into curating events to appeal to a much wider audience.
In 2022, when Signet Library
buzz around his diplomacy efforts was quite exciting in the lead up to the UN Conference of Parties that year. The First Minister for Scotland welcomed Secretary Kerry and we had lots of influential people from
celebrated its 200th anniversary, we produced a series of events under the theme of the ‘New Enlightenment’. There were two of events which I curated which stand out now as proud memories. The first one featured the incredible Professor Thuli Madonsela, a South African constitutional lawyer. Prof Thuli, as she is known, is a bit of a rock star in South Africa due to her work in Nelson Mandela’s government to draft the constitution of South Africa post-apartheid and then her role as the country’s first Public Protector. Prof Thuli was Time’s Woman of the Year recently. She was absolutely phenomenal and had such presence, and whilst softly spoken, her intellect and humanity shone. It was a very atmospheric and special event.
The other event which was a highlight was when former US Secretary of State John Kerry came to speak at the Signet Library. He had just been appointed in President Biden’s administration as the US Special Envoy for Climate. The
politics, business, the law, arts and academia attend, and a huge media interest. We also invited students and members of the local community to have as diverse an audience as possible.
Interview with Anna Bennett
it was built, it really felt like we had come full circle in what our predecessors would have been hoping for, having these great minds discussing matters of global significance in the building. It was an incredible achievement all round and I am very proud of all of that the team did together.
Q)Congratulations on your new role as The Head of the Palace of Holyroodhouse with Royal Collection Trust. Can you tell us about more about it?
The Royal Household has five departments, and Royal Collection Trust is one of those. It is the charity charged with looking after the Royal Collection, one of the most important art collections in the world, and the public opening of His Majesty The King’s official residences at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
My job is a little unusual in the Household, in that it straddles two departments, working for the Master of the Royal Household for the periods Their Majesties The King and Queen are in residence, alongside the day-to-day role with Royal Collection opening the Palace as a visitor destination. It is a fascinating and rewarding role, supported by an amazing team in both Edinburgh and London.
Q)In this unique job I am sure a typical day does not exist, but what are some of the areas you have to prioritise on a daily basis?
Conscious of the history of the Signet Library, its design and the philosophy around the Scottish Enlightenment at that time when
So far, it has definitely been about finding the balance between being a first-class visitor destination, sharing the incredibly rich history, heritage and stories of the figures who have occupied the Palace over the centuries with as many visitors as possible, with the fact it remains an active working palace and the
September 2023 - with Prof Thuli Madonsela
July 2023 - with John Kerry
Sovereign’s official residence in Scotland. But that balance is where the magic and fascination lie!
The Palace is used for state occasions, audiences and official entertaining. This culminates each year during ‘Royal Week’, when Their Majesties and other members of the Royal Family are in residence for a series of engagements in Scotland. The highlight of this is the Royal Garden Party when we welcome 8,000 guests from every walk of life, and from all over country, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Very luckily for my first Garden Party this year, the weather was kind and it was fantastic to celebrate the varied contributions the guests have made to life in Scotland, and for so many people to have a chance to meet The King and Queen, and The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
I’ve been really fortunate to join a very welcoming and capable team who been a huge support as I’ve started in the role.
Q) Through such a significant historic and cultural institution you are dealing with local, national and international audiences, as well as royalty of course. How do you ensure a balance in your focus and offering access to as
many visitors as possible?
We welcome close to half a million visitors during the year. When we’re in peak season this means there will be between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors each day. We need to make sure that the experience is exciting, memorable and accessible, in the broadest sense of the word. We have a dedicated learning team who produce a really engaging programme of events to cater to all ages and interests. The learning team also supports groups with additional needs, school groups and adult learners. Our visitor services team of Palace Wardens are highly knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the Palace. Then our retail and admissions team make sure everyone feels welcome and that there’s a chance to buy a memento of their visit in our two beautiful gift shops. There are international, British and local Edinburgh visitors. We need to make sure the offer is as diverse, fresh and interesting as possible.
We have the newly named King’s Gallery, which has been an extremely popular addition to the experience at the Palace since it opened 20 years ago. The Gallery displays a series of exhibitions, which will often start in The King’s
Gallery at Buckingham Palace and then move to Edinburgh. It is our chance to showcase some of the magnificent masterpieces in the Royal Collection in Scotland. We’ve had remarkable exhibitions from the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci and other renaissance artists to stunning Fabergé pieces in the Royal Collection. At the moment, we have a gorgeous show on fashion in the Georgian era, curated by the Surveyor of The King’s Pictures, Anna Reynolds, which features dresses, lace, jewellery and accessories alongside paintings by Gainsborough, Hogarth and Zoffany.
It’s our responsibility to celebrate and explore our shared history through the Palace and King’s Gallery, and how that history is reflected in the Collection that we care for here, as well as in the building and adaptations both in structure and decoration, that have been made by the series of Monarchs. It is wonderful to witness the interest it generates.
Q) How has your professional experience helped to develop you for this role?
Well in many ways, but I also joked when I started here that it was my destiny to take on this role. At one of the first meetings I had with the whole team here, I was introducing myself and showed a picture of 9-year-old me dressed as James IV for the school centenary pageant which we performed for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. James IV was the monarch who established the first Royal Apartments here, so it was a fun connection to make.
Q) Your daughter now attends St George’s. How do you see the school having evolved since you were there? And what similarities can you see?
Palace of Holyroodhouse - South Lawn
I think when you are selecting a school it is quite intuitive and while I did wonder if I was biased or sentimental about St George’s, it has proved to be absolutely the right school for Fleur. She has thrived and is now in Lower 4. She was so lucky in P1 and P2 because for her first two years she was taught by Mrs Shrija Kumari, who’s still a member of the Primary School staff, and a wonderfully kind and thoughtful lady, as well as a fabulous educator.
Fleur has been given lots of opportunities to do many different things and also to support her friends in what they are doing. St G’s is focused on encouraging tolerance and empathy for those around us, which is a great thing and there is a clear emphasis on kindness.
She’s had lots of fabulous teachers, but another that really stands out was Mr. Dunlop who she had in Primary 4. He was such a go-getter and really encouraged the girls to try new things, but with a good sense discipline and great communication. They really respected him.
Fleur has had the opportunity to try a bit of everything - sports, music, arts, drama and public speaking. She was house captain in Primary 5 and is Head Girl of Lower School this term.
Even with the things she is less good at she still gives them a go and the breadth of opportunity is just wonderful. I think that is why my parents chose St George’s for my sister and me, to give us as many different chances to try lots of different things – and develop an understanding ‘getting out what you put in’.
I can see lots of change that has happened, both in terms of the approach to education and the school evolving, as well as the demographic of the pupils, which is very different from when my sister and I were there. It’s definitely an election to send your child to a single sex school because there are fewer choices to do that now. However, the traditional values are clearly still there and that is great to see. Single sex education works well if your child is suited to that environment. It’s not for every child, but if it is somewhere your child can thrive and it works so well at St G’s.
Q)Can you share a little about your personal life?
My partner Samir and I have been together for three years. He is Bosnian and came over to the UK during the war in 1995. He is a filmmaker and director and was invited by Professor Richard Demarco CBE to present a youth theatre production at the Edinburgh Festival. Richard was working a lot with young artists from Eastern Europe at the time, to foster diplomatic connections between Eastern Europe and the UK in the 1990s. When Samir arrived in Edinburgh, he decided he didn’t want to go back to his war-torn home, and he started in the process of claiming asylum and becoming a British citizen. He has lived here ever since. Samir took a master’s degree in film at Edinburgh University and
has carved out his career making films and documentaries, for which he has won BAFTAs and an IDFA.
We have been to Bosnia together to visit his family; it is an astonishing country to visit. But it does also make me think of how St George’s brought over a group of Bosnian children in 1996 and they came to the school for some respite from the conflict at home. One of the girls from Sarajevo lived with my family while she was here. It was a very formative experience for me, and I have always felt a connection with the country. Maybe there is an element of fate in this part of my life too!
Q)Have you kept in touch with other class or school peers over the years?
Yes, I keep in touch with my group of friends from school, those who live in Edinburgh and some further afield, catching up when we can. Friendship was really important to me at school and that has continued throughout my life.
Q)Finally, we like to ask those we talk to about what they feel they have taken forward most from school into their professional and personal lives. Can you share with us what you would highlight?
It really is that notion of quiet confidence which I believe means that you can succeed if you work hard and apply yourself. St. George’s was very much about enabling that ethos. But it was also supportive and encouraged kindness. That feeds through into my professional life definitely. In a position of leadership, it is important to do it with your own style, but that should come with kindness and grace as well.
Interview with Anna Bennett
Anna and Fleur
SCHOOL NEWS
Expert per-fore-
mance
Congratulations to Stephen Gallacher Foundation Ambassador Evie McCallum (current St George’s pupil) on winning the Foundation’s Girl’s Trophy at the fantastic Blairgowrie Lansdowne course. Evie’s score of -3 (which included her first ever hole-in-one) gave her a winning margin of 10 shots over last year’s winner Sabrina Wong. Evie's success is even more impressive because she only started playing golf when she was fourteen.
Fearless women welcomed at St
George’s
This year, 2024, marks the 150th anniversary of the Girls' School Association (GSA). For 150 years the GSA has championed girls and their teachers to act as a catalyst
for positive societal change. In celebration of this significant anniversary, the independent girls' schools in Scotland launched a brand new webinar series featuring 'Fearless Women'. These webinars feature women who have excelled in their field and who want to encourage and empower future generations through their own experiences.
In March St George’s welcomed Professor Christine Middlemiss, the esteemed Chief Veterinary Officer of the United Kingdom. Professor Middlemiss, an alumna of an allgirls' school herself, shared her inspiring journey as a female leader in animal welfare with students.
It was fascinating to see how she didn't limit herself to one role but instead embraced new challenges along the way. Her resilience and ability to navigate tough situations like the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and the Covid-19 pandemic, showcased her problemsolving skills and leadership.
Moreover, insight was gained into how Christine's education in an all-girls school shaped her career path, highlighting the importance of diverse learning environments and the impact it had on her confidence. Overall, her journey displays her adaptability and her continuous learning. Christine Middlemiss is a role model in veterinary medicine, showing the impact one can make through dedication and innovation.
Christine's journey emphasises the importance of authenticity and staying true to personal values in
her professional work. Fearlessly embracing new opportunities, she recognised that stepping outside her comfort zone was essential for learning and progressing. Her example inspires us to embrace challenges with resilience, paving the way for personal and professional development.
Scan the QR code to watch the Fearless Women webinar.
Fun and fundraising
St George’s Social Committee was in full swing this year with a Ceilidh held in early February at school. Guests were treated to a delicious meal of haggis, neeps and tatties and Ceilidh music (and dancing instruction) was provided by the Edinburgh band Callanish. It was a fantastic evening for families of St George's to dance and mingle.
The Committee swung into action again with a Spring Ball held at Prestonfield House Hotel in May 2024. It was a stunning setting and a beautifully warm evening (one of only a few this year). The glamorous event saw guests enjoying Pimms on the beautiful Prestonfield lawn whilst being serenaded by very talented St George's musicians. The marquee was decorated with life-sized blossom trees on each table and guests enjoyed a
Evie McCallum credit Scottish Golf
delicious three course meal. This was followed by entertainment from The Eliot Murray Big Band and guests danced into the wee hours.
The Head Girl and a group of prefects were the perfect team to rally fundraising support during the evening. Their efforts enabled the raffle and silent auction to raise £14,000 for both school funds and Soul Food, a St George's designated charity. The Social Committee was delighted to give £10,000 to Soul Food; a significant sum for a small local Edinburgh charity.
ST GEORGE’S, EDINBURGH - OLD GIRLS’ COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2023/24
Honorary President
Mrs Carol Chandler-Thompson
Head
President
Mrs Lizzie Bruce
Honorary Vice President
Miss Eileen Mackintosh
Minutes and Correspondence Secretary
Mrs Desni McIntosh
Treasurer
Mrs Kath Young
St George’s Staff Representative
Miss Mel Aitken
St George’s School Council
Representative
Mrs Shona Thomson
School Alumnae Officer
Mrs Mairi MacNaughton
Editor of The Dragon Magazine
Mrs Kate Forster
Ordinary Committee Members
Miss Charlotte Miller
Ms Margaret Imlah
MISS EILEEN MACKINTOSH
A TRUE FRIEND OF ST GEORGE’S
Eileen Mackintosh (Class of 1948) is known to many OG’s as a peer, colleague, teacher, mentor, and friend. Attending St G’s from 1943 to 1948, she continued a family tradition at the school. Her impact extends well beyond her time as a student.
She returned as a history teacher after the 1976 merger with La ndsdowne House, teaching for 15 years and becoming Deputy Head. Her loyalty to the school has endured for decades since. A strong supporter of the school, OGA, and The Dragon, Eileen maintains friendships a cross generations and is an unparalleled source of knowledge.
Recently, she visited the school and met with Head Carol Chandler-Thompson. We were delighted when she agreed to an interview for The Dragon, sharing her connecti ons, memories, and what she values most about her history with St George’s.
We’re grateful to Eileen for her time and hospitality during this interview.
Q)Can you share stories about your time during the war period before you joined St George’s?
I was eight when the war broke out and I went to live up in Nairn in our holiday home with my nanny, my grandmother and my aunt, and my lovely dog. My father was an advocate and he and my mother had to stay in Edinburgh.
I had such a lovely time during that period, which may sound bad to say. I was right in the centre of everything and was really quite spoiled, and it was a happy time for the most part. A lovely local family had a private governess, Miss Sharpe or ‘Sharpie’ as we called her. I was allowed to join this family for lessons, so at 7am every morning Sharpie and I caught the bus together from Nairn. It was during the blackout, so with gas masks over our shoulders we drove 7-8 miles up the countryside. We
had lessons in the morning and then played on the estate in the afternoon before returning by bus to Nairn for homework, music lessons and supper.
When I was eleven I went to the local academy for a term and I was in a class of about thirty children, some of whom were military evacuees. I wasn’t unhappy but I was quite nervous and I don’t think I spoke unless I was spoken to. My two sisters joined us in Nairn for a time. They really liked the school and my cousins also attended for a time, very happily.
But after my first term I got a very bad mastoid in my ear and I was rushed back to Edinburgh in an ambulance.
There were no antibiotics in those days and no NHS, and I was off school for about a year. That must have been awful for my parents. We
were living in Northumberland Street at the time and I was very poorly, but being spoiled again.
Q)What are your strongest memories of St G’s as both a pupil and a teacher/Deputy Head?
In 1943 I joined St George’s in Lower Four. St George’s was a very different place at that point. We were based in Garscube Terrace as the army was stationed in the main building. Everybody was involved in the war effort and it didn’t run much like a regular school. My sisters Sheila and Caroline were evacuated to Bonchester Bridge and were boarders at Hallrule Hall and Wolflee, respectively, during the war. I think this was very difficult for the girls and the teachers as they said they didn’t get much privacy and it was remote. (School was evacuated to the Borders from Sept 1939 until Sept 1942).
Interview with Eileen Mackintosh
Those in the younger years stayed on at the school and with fewer people we had very small classes, but it did mean that we built up very close friendships. I made some of my best friends for life at that point.
Every lunch time I remember we had to walk round the school to have lunch at Melville House, on Ravelston Park (No 11). The Boarding House was named Melville House in memory of the origins of the school in Melville Street. We were forbidden from looking into the windows in the main school as the army was working in there. We were allowed to use the school grounds for sport – hockey, lacrosse, cricket and tennis were compulsory then. I didn’t much like cricket as I was hit in the head with a ball pretty early on. That was my fault though – I should have caught the ball!
Miss Frances Kennedy was my history teacher when I joined school and I remember that is where my love of the subject began. She was a wonderful teacher and just really opened my eyes to all history had to offer. It was through her that many more girls got the opportunity to go to Oxford and Cambridge or other English universities, as she was such an outstanding teacher and inspired the girls to work hard for their exams. Miss Kennedy later became Headmistress at St George’s, much to everyone’s delight.
of each table. Rationing was strict so lunch was a two-course meal – main course and pudding or soup and pudding (very unpopular!) You could ask for a ‘small’ but we had to eat everything on the plate whether we liked it or not.
The school was still relatively small as numbers had dwindled during the war. With only about 350 pupils it meant that we were all taught as one year group, and your friends went everywhere with you. I did also like that we didn’t have streams of ability, nor prizes for academia, or names being called out about who was top
be. I left Lansdowne House School some time before it amalgamated with St George’s in 1976 and undertook a social science diploma. I then taught at a private prep school –St Mungo’s before joining Harmeny House for challenged primary school children. I then took a break from teaching for two years to look after my elderly parents. I then joined St George’s staff in 1976 when St George’s and Lansdowne House School merged.
and bottom of the class. I never liked that in other schools as it was always the same people and it felt very unfair.
I was Head Girl in Upper Six, 19471948, and I loved that time as it gave me a chance to do something for the school in return for all it had given to me.
The integration between Lansdowne and St George’s was a difficult time. But under the headship of Mrs Joan Clanchy it was made as smooth as possible. Without her I think there would have been more challenges. She bent over backwards to try to make it as smooth as possible as many people were unhappy about the merger between the schools. One problem was that there was not enough employment to keep all of the staff and some of the St George’s classes were already full, so not enough space to accommodate all of the students. Some staff were left without jobs and some students had to go to other schools.
After the war we moved into the main building when the army left. There were no other outbuildings at that time but we could have lunch in the school and that was nice. Lunch was provided for everyone in the dining room (now the library). It was a sitdown meal with a prefect at the head
After St George’s I studied History at Oxford University and then my first teaching job was at Roedean School in Brighton. After three years I came back to Edinburgh and taught at Lansdowne House School from 1956 -65. In my whole teaching career that was definitely my favourite place to
Miss Irene Thomson was the Head of Lansdowne, or what became the Middle School and boarding house, and currently the Lower School. She was a great friend of mine. She played a major part in making the amalgamation a final success. Also Miss Pamela Scroggie, formerly Deputy Head of Lansdowne House became Vice Head of the Middle School and joined the Geography Department and also taught Maths and English.
Joining St George’s having been at Landsdowne House did feel different
Interview with Miss Eileen Mackintosh as there was a lot more pressure on teachers at St George’s. At Lansdowne we had only one teacher per subject but St George’s had higher academic aspirations and the pressure from the parents was also much more apparent.
Q)Who were the friends you remember most from your school days?
Margaret Peters, Jean Macintyre, Margaret Walker, Sheila McCallum and Nanette Graham-Marr were my closest friends and we did everything together in and out of school.
Margaret Peters was wonderfully clever and she wanted to be a doctor but in her first year of medicine she developed cancer and died. We were all looking forward to life and then we realised it can be taken away like that.
Sheila McCallum was a very clever scientist who came back to teach at St George’s. Sadly she died young. Her parents donated a laboratory to the school in her memory, to be known as the McCallum Laboratory
think the school made an excellent decision all those years ago to choose him.
And of course, with the expertise of Margaret Imlah, firstly Domestic Bursar and then Director of Facilities, and Mairi Proctor, Head Cook, catering took on a whole new dimension. Three choice buffet lunches and sumptuous evening parties were indeed a transformation. Appreciated by staff and pupils alike. We were never allowed ‘out’ at lunch time, as other schools were, but I never heard anyone complain as they knew they would have such a good school feed!
membership. I always went to the Summer Lunch if I could and many other functions. Always there was such a bond between Old Girls of whatever age or lifestyle. Old Girls Sheila Elder (née Donald, Class of 1947), Frances Scott (Class of 1949) and Mona Gardner (Class of 1952) are lovely friends of mine living in my vicinity. I am in touch by card and telephone with Jean Campbell (née Macintyre, Class of 1948) and I know that these sort of links continue in the next generation.
There was also a big family tradition at St George’s and I believe that still continues today, which is wonderful.
Q)How has the school evolved in your opinion?
During my time the introduction of male teachers was a big statement. Nigel Shepley was one of the first men to teach at St George’s and his referee described him as ‘a pearl beyond price’ and he was indeed that for the school. His love and knowledge of history is extraordinary and he inspired lots of girls to learn and go on and develop their passion in higher education. He was a huge help to me personally when he joined the History Department and later became its Head. He is a superb scholar, and a lovely kind man, who has a good sense of humour. I
Q)How important is connection with the OG community and why should it be encouraged?
I’ve been connected with St. Georges for about 80 years, I suppose. I’m 93 and I went to St George’s when I was 11. My sisters before me and my mother and her sister before them. It is a hugely long history and I feel I owe a great deal to the school – my schooling, my career, my love of history and most importantly my wonderful lifelong friendships.
I joined the OGA as soon as I left school and have greatly enjoyed and benefited from my life time
I loved coming back recently to the school and to see some of the wonderful work that has been undertaken by Margaret Imlah in the archives. She showed me a picture of my mother from school and it was just fabulous to see.
Q)What are you most proud of at your time at St George’s?
I think I have to say that friendship is the thing I am most proud of. The opportunity to find and sustain those friendships over all these years has been a thing of immense pride and what I treasure most.
Note from the editor:
This tribute to friendship is certainly proven with Eileen’s contribution to The Dragon. She has written a greater number of tributes and shared news of peers, colleagues and other alumnae more than any other contributor. The Dragon would not be what it is without her. She is a true testament to friendship for the school.
Eileen Mackintosh and former U6 pupil Laura Cameron (Class of 2019)
A PLACE IN HISTORY FOR FLORENCE HORSBRUGH
The connection between Lansdowne House School and St George’s is less known post-1976 merger pupils. We’re pleased to share Nigel Shepley’s work on Florence Horsbrugh, a former Lansdowne House School pupil. Shepley, once Head of History and later Head Librarian and School Archivist at St George’s, was responsible for developing the School Archive. A brief synopsis of his article follows.
Florence Horsbrugh (1889 – 1969)
Florence Horsbrugh was a pupil at Lansdowne House School. She became Conservative MP for Dundee in 1931 and for Manchester Moss Side in 1950. During the Second World War she was a Health Minister and helped to build the foundations for Aneurin Bevan’s post-war National Health Service. By 1945 she was the most prominent woman Member of Parliament in the Conservative Party.
When Churchill returned to power he made her his Minister of Education, later elevating her to the Cabinet. She was the first Conservative woman Cabinet minister. She left office in 1954, shortly before Churchill’s retirement. Her work at Education has generally been dismissed as ‘disappointing’, which is hardly fair as she was forced to implement spending cuts at a time when the school population was rising and there was a shortage of teachers and classrooms.
The second Conservative woman Cabinet minister was Margaret Thatcher, also at Education (1970 -1974). She too implemented spending cuts and her performance as a minister was considered disappointing by many in her party. Yet shortly afterwards she succeeded to the leadership of the party and became Britain’s first woman Prime Minister in 1979.
In the years when I was responsible for the school archives I noticed the dearth of information about Florence Horsbrugh. Very little has been written about her time in the Education Ministry.
In retirement I have spent many
happy hours researching her life and work. Recently I wrote my findings in article form and presented them to Margaret Imlah, the current keeper of the school’s historical records, so that future researchers will have a starting point if they wish to consider the life and work of this remarkable Lansdowne girl.
Fifty years of friendship
We were very pleased to welcome three friends from the class of 1964 -Fiona Towns (née Geddes) from Fife, Mary Davies (née Wilkie) from Australia and Carol Wands (née Ingram) from Edinburgh - who came back to the school earlier this year for a tour and to reminisce about their happy times at St George’s.
Celebrating centennials
It is an honour to celebrate milestones in The Dragon, but reaching 100 years of age, is one that really does require special mention. So we are delighted to share the news of two OG’s who have celebrated their 100th Birthdays this year.
Marjory Scott (née Simpson, Class of 1942), who was evacuated to Hallrule House in 1939-40, while she was at St George’s, celebrated her birthday on 3 March 2024.
Elizabeth (Betty) Cosgrove (née Davidson, Class of 1941) celebrated her 100th birthday 10 August 2024. We featured an article from Betty in a previous edition of The Dragon and delighted to say that she is still living in her own home in Canada, thanks to family and with the help of excellent carers.
Supporting the Archives And finally…
In the Archive at St George’s, Edinburgh we have a unique collection of documents relating the history of the school as well as materials by and about St George’s students and staff.
These records establish, maintain and develop the individual and collective history of the school, its staff and students and its place within the history of girls’ and women’s education.
The records are in very good condition but keeping them this way, does incur costs. Apart from accommodation costs, there are the practical costs of shelving, archive suitable acid free storage envelopes and boxes and other related items as well as the need for technological support, especially regarding records ‘born’ and stored digitally for which no paper copies exist.
School is very supportive but can only allocate a small budget to the maintenance and development of this important resource.
A programme to digitise existing paper records is under way and will be added to on an annual basis as budget allows. (This can be seen on the School website under the
heading ‘School Archives’ on the drop-down menu.)
If any Old Girls reading this article have suggestions or ideas about funding sources, please do contact the Foundation Office, foundation@stge.org.uk or me, Margie Imlah (Volunteer Archivist) margie.imlah@icloud.com
In addition, we would love to have donations of items from your school days. If you have documents, pieces of uniform, photographs or any other school memorabilia you would like to contribute to the archive, please be in touch on the email addresses given above.
If you have material you feel could be of value to the archive that you are not yet ready to part with, they can be scanned if not too large and the originals returned to you.
Please do keep checking the school website and the Foundation website for future information about the Archive and there is a Facebook Page “St George’s the Shortbread Years” which posts once a day a piece from the archive.
Marjory Scott Hallrule
Marjory Scott at 100 years old.
ANNE BOLAM CARING TO HER CORE
Anne Bolam (née Peterkin, Class of 1955) exemplifies our theme – her nursing ambition began while accompanying her doctor father on hospital visits. Her passion for caring for others drove her remarkable career.
Anne played a role in the world’s first successful kidney transplant, nursed in Yemen with the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service, and was among the first to nurse an AIDS patient in the UK. Beyond nursing, she finds joy in her family, music, and playing the organ at her local church. Anne has also published two books, “Don’t Drop it Nurse,” sharing tales from her nursing career.
We are delighted to feature this remarkable woman with a lifelong passion for care in The Dragon.
Before entering St George’s
Q)Can you tell us a little bit about your time before St George’s, where you lived, were born, family and what brought you to St George’s?
I was born in 1938 in Edinburgh, just as the war started. I had one sister Alison and before joining St George’s we went to Cranley School in Edinburgh. I also have one brother Bill who attended Merchiston Castle School. At the end of the war, when I was seven, my parents decided it was time Alison and I went to St George’s. My mother and her four sisters all had attended previously.
Your time at St G’s
Q)When did you attend St George’s?
From 1946 to 1954.
Q)What stood out for you most about the education experience at St George’s?
I had a passion for certain subjects – particularly French, Music and Sport. But my time at the school was punctuated with illness. I developed a double mastoid ear infection and spent a lot of time away from school. That certainly affected me and I did feel loneliness at times.
However, I developed some excellent friendships during the time I was there and remain in touch with four Old Girls: Jill Waterstone (née Tippler), Rosemary Nettles and Reggie Pearson (née Connel). They nicknamed me Petie because of my surname Peterkin, and they still call me this today.
Q)There was a family connection to St George’s. Were you happy about the family tradition of attending the school?
My mother and her sisters all attended St George’s. They were a very musical bunch, and loved the school. In fact they donated the Elder Cup to the school as a music prize when they left. I suppose it was inevitable that my sister and I would go too.
Q)Was there a teacher, mentor or fellow pupil within the school who particularly helped or inspired you to recognise and/or follow your dreams and set out on your career path?
There are a few I remember specifically as being great teachers –Miss Cole for piano; Miss Dees for French; Miss McLeod the choir mistress, and Miss Paterson for hockey (although I did have to temper my golf swing for the hockey pitch!) They did inspire me at school and encouraged the
Anne Peterkin as a baby in 1938
passion for those subjects. I was quite good at tennis and went on to play for the East of Scotland.
However, I would not say I was encouraged to go into nursing at school. Due to my long period of illness my ambition to be a nurse was almost discouraged. I think Miss Kennedy, the Headmistress, put it that I was “too delicate to nurse”. I remember meeting her one evening when I had come off night shift and she asked what I was doing and I said I was a nurse sister. She seemed surprised, but I did get there.
Q)What sort of influence did St George’s have on you as you look back now?
I would say it was an influence of two halves – there were those who hugely encouraged my passion for learning the subjects I liked and made them fun and engaging.
I did build tremendous friendships at school that have been long lasting to today. Some have sadly died, as is to be expected, but I do still keep in touch with the four ladies I mentioned earlier and we are all spread across the UK.
However, there were negative elements as I was so committed to nursing from a young age and this was not encouraged due to my ill health in early years.
About you now – Professional and personal
Q)When did you decide to study nursing?
I think I was about four when I first decided. My father was a doctor and he took me round the hospital to see patients and encouraged my interest in care and nursing. I remember there were many patients with gentian violet paint to treat
infections and it was quite a thing to see aged four as it made the skin look purple.
Despite being slightly underestimated at school I got the required three o-levels to study nursing and joined the Princess Margaret Rose staff aged 17. I was in the top 150 orthopaedic nursing staff in Great Britain.
Q)You played a role in the first kidney transplant in the world, carried out in Edinburgh in 1960. Can you tell us what that meant to you to be part of?
Yes, I was nursing a patient through kidney dialysis when the Sister asked me to go and collect something very important from Theatre One and take it Theatre Two. Her words to me were: “Don’t drop it Nurse.” These words have stuck with me throughout my life. I didn’t know what it was that I was collecting and the floors were very slippy. I was petrified but I got it there and the first successful kidney transplant was completed, with one twin giving the other a kidney. I didn’t realise the importance of it at the time, but I am very proud to have played a part in that as I reflect on my nursing career.
career again at this point as he told me to join the RAF as they had better medical services.
When I arrived in Aden it was quite a culture shock, not just the heat or the camel guards at the entrance but it was a challenge with a very busy workload, a lot more responsibility and a different view of men and women and their position in the world. Initially I was supporting the Arab Protectorate Levi (APL) and their families.
We had a sisters block (thankfully with air conditioning) and the officers mess for meal times and recreation. I became quite good at darts! We went to the beach and enjoyed swimming and ice cream on our days off, and a fair amount of attention from chaps chatting us up.
Q)You joined the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service in 1964. You were posted to Aden in Yemen. Can you tell us about this experience and what you learned about working out there and about yourself during this time?
My father had an influence in my
We looked after British and Arab soldiers and this was an interesting experience as there were some who objected to be nursed by women. But if there were very serious injuries we did have to help out.
I developed some very significant friendships with women who worked in the missionaries in Aden
Anne nursing in 1968
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 1960
–Gerda from Denmark and Una from Scotland. They were wonderful women, but had to return home
when their missions were destroyed. We remained in touch for years and I sadly just received news that Gerda died in Denmark.
It was in Aden that I met my true love David, who was a dentist with the RAF. It was a wonderful and magical time. He returned to the UK before me, but when I left Aden in 1967 he was there to meet me at the airport and we became engaged soon afterwards.
Q)You had your two daughters back in the UK, and continued to nurse in various different roles. This was clearly a passion for you. Can you tell us about what this experience brought you as a working mother during this period of your life?
I did want to continue working and the UK was very short of nurses at that time. I worked as a District Nurse in Reading in the 80s and I loved it. It was during this time that I nursed one of the first AIDS patients in the UK. It was an extremely harrowing experience for him and his partner, and both were lovely and caring. No one knew anything really about AIDS and that meant it created a huge amount
of fear and confusion. But for me I believe when you are a nurse caring is in your DNA and my family, especially my husband David, was very supportive.
Q)Throughout your working life there are so many stories you have gained, but what have you been most proud of or enjoyed most?
I loved my nursing career, but to be honest I am most proud of having my daughters and raising them and continuing to work. My daughters have gone on to have their own successful careers – one as an Occupational Therapist and the other as a French and German teacher.
Q)How did nursing change during your career?
As hospitals got bigger we had less interaction with patients, less time and more to do. I have to say caring for patients was always the thing that drove me so I disliked this change. It also was what contributed to the end of my career as I was left to lift a patient who was much too heavy for me to do alone and seriously injured my back. That brought an end to my nursing career, sadly.
Q)Why did you decide to write your books – Don’t drop it nurse (Books one and two)
My family suggested I wrote a book to tell my stories, as I loved sharing them and I did really enjoy
it. So much so that I wrote another one! However, when I was writing the first book my eyesight was starting to diminish so it was a bit of a race against time to be able to do it. I have since had two corneal transplants, so it easier to see again, which is wonderful.
Life in retirement
Q)Finally, we’d like to ask a bit about your personal life now. In your personal time what are you happiest doing?
I am happiest when with my family. My two daughters Rose and Frances and their husbands and my grandchildren. My granddaughter just got married and that was wonderful to be part of.
I still go to church, which thankfully is only five minutes from my house and I am hoping to start playing the organ again now that my eyesight has improved. I do still play the piano at home, which my mother taught me to do when I was very young. I continue to play in her memory.
Q)Can you tell us a bit about your personal motto and how you live by this?
I do have a motto that I outlined in the book: “Do the things you are able to do, and forget what you were able to do in the past.”
But I have to say that thinking about it, at this point in my life, my motto has evolved to: “Always try to have a sense of humour and a strong Christian faith.” Both of these things have certainly kept me moving forwards and positive about life.
Interview with Anne Bolam
Kate Crompton Nursing sister and patients outside the ward in Aden
OUR PEOPLE
It is wonderful to fill these pages with celebration from across our community. News of new beginnings with births, engagements and marriages, as well as important tributes to lives lived and love which continues on. This news is very important, and we are grateful to those who take the time to share it. We warmly encourage many others to share their news of pupils and staff and we will continue to share in upcoming editions.
BIRTHS
Baillie – a daughter, Isobel Mollie Harper, born to Victoria (née Miller, Class of 2009) and James on 3 January 2024.
MARRIAGES
Mackay and Codona Phoebe (Class of 2014) and Jamie were married on 23 September 2023 at St Salvators Chapel in St Andrews. Her bridesmaids were all fellow OG’s Sasha Johnson, Anna Whyte, Kirsten Atkinson and Ailsa Motion (all Class of 2014).
Jess – a daughter Serena Lorraine, born to Hayley (née Mitchell, Class of 2004) and Andrew on 21 February 2024
Sumption – a son, Oscar Thomas William Sumption born to Lily Oram (Class of 2008) and Henry Sumption on 12 December 2023.
Stobie and Barlow Nikki (Class of 2006) and Sophie were married on 8 July 2023 at John Muir Tipis in East Lothian. Several OG’s joined the celebrations.
Mitchell and Jess
Hayley (Class of 2004) and Andrew were married on 22 July 2023 in Northern Ireland. Her bridesmaids included two OG’s and a current pupil - Natasha Black (neé Milne, Class of 2004) Emma Bradbury (neé Mitchell, Class of 2003) and Odell-May Black (Current pupil).
ENGAGEMENTS
We are delighted to share the news of more OG engagements.
Donnelly and Boyle
Robyn (Class of 2006) and Christopher were married on 16 March 2024 at St Mary’s RC Church, Edinburgh with the reception afterwards at Newhall Estate.
Amy Robertson (Class of 2009) became engaged to Mat Lyons in New Orleans on 9 January 2024
Hannah Jackson (Class of 2009) became engaged to Dominic Leckie in Elie, Fife on January 23 2024
Charlotte Toms (Class of 2012) became engaged to Andrew Sage in Wraxall, Somerset on 24 December 2023
Sarah Ogilvie (Class of 2017) became engaged to Harris Cunningham in Skye at Fairy Glen on 4 January 2024
We wish all these couples lots of luck and wedding fun and look forward to sharing news and pictures in future editions.
DEATHS
OG’s
Brigit Forsyth (Mills, née Connell, Class of 1958). Died 1 December 2023. Aged 83.
Margaret Sturgeon (Class of 1947). Died 24 April 2024. Aged 94.
Elizabeth (Beth) Ann Williams (née Smith, Dunstall, Class of 1949). Died in Rotorua, New Zealand 12 January 2023. Aged 91.
Alison Young (née Hossack, Class of 1952). Died 8 June 2023.
STAFF
Pauline Farman (née Bowyer) (History teacher). Died on 1 January 2024. Aged 93.
Lorraine Dunn (Catering and Classroom Assistant 1996-2010). Died 23 July 2024.
Elisabeth Sally Ray (Primary Teacher – 1979 – 2000). Died 27 June 2024.
Trudi Robertson (Deputy Head of Lower School 1995-2021). Died 6 February 2024.
Brenda Graham (Housemistress in Houldsworth). Died 5 May 2024. Aged 99.
TRIBUTES
Trudi Robertson
Trudi Robertson left an indelible mark on St George's through her leadership roles starting in 1996, including coordinating the Confucius Classroom and Deputy Head of Lower School. Her professionalism, and wide-ranging pastoral and academic skills were truly admirable.
Trudi guided countless girls through transitions, adolescence, and instilled confidence, selfbelief, kindness and friendship. Her generosity, dedication and expertise empowered students to thrive.
For colleagues, Trudi was an invaluable support - an "in-house counsellor" who shared her wisdom freely. Her morning catch-ups with Mel Aitken, discussing life and school matters, were cherished moments.
She retired from St George’s in 2021 and moved to New Zealand with her husband Jim to be near her daughter and grandchildren but died in a motor vehicle accident on 6 February 2024.
Trudi positively impacted so many lives at St George's. Her drive, knowledge, work ethic and humour leave a lasting legacy. We are forever grateful for the light Trudi brought to our community.
Mel Aitken
Elisabeth Sally Ray
Sally was a “Ray of Sunshine” from birth and her Dad always called her this. She was named after her two rebel aunts- Elizabeth (Auntie Betty), and Sarah (Auntie Sally).
From Auntie Sally she inherited her love of fast, bright cars and the Prince family love of roses. From Auntie Betty and her father, Jimmy, she inherited the love of History and ability to remember and quote poetry; and from all her
Ray relatives the love of sport and laughter.
Sally grew up on Buckingham Terrace, the Boarding house of the then Melville College, where her father was Boarding House Master and a history teacher. She had great fun playing “Hide and Seek” up and down the endless stone flights of stairs between the four floors - in and out of the boot room and dormitories, down to the basement.
She grew up with countless “brothers” and latterly was a member of the Melville Trust Board of Governors providing precious memories for their archive.
Her mother’s family were rose growers in Oxfordshire - Princes Roses - and on trips to Rye for holidays they would visit Granny Prince, and Sally told stories of having her hair rinsed in rain water by her granny, so that it shone like gold.
Sally went to school at Cranley and then she trained at Moray House as a Primary school teacher. After spending a couple of years teaching at Granton Primary school she returned to Cranley School as a teacher in P4. When Cranley closed in 1979 she joined the staff at St George’s Primary school as a P4 & P5 teacher until her retirement in 2000. She loved teaching and was loved and is still remembered by many of the girls she taught. Her enthusiasm for her job was palpable.
Sally loved all young people, and was interested to hear all about their lives and interests. Whether it was the girls from St Georges’, or family and friends children she was supportive of them all. She was particularly a good “second mum” to Jeremy Rankin who was her good friend Kathy’s son.
Sally loved her sport, especially rugby and cricket. She told stories of accompanying the younger boys from the boarding house to Murrayfield to stand pitch side to watch international matches. The boys also taught her to bowl a cricket ball so she could help them with their batting practise!
Sally dedicated her life to teaching and so many pupils benefitted from her wisdom and teaching skills. She was kind and patient and remembered so well everyone she taught. She had a great sense of humour and will be sadly missed.
Vivien Pickup
Lorraine Dunn
breakfast club helper, dinner lady, playground assistant and school office administrator. She really enjoyed her time at St G’s and had many fond stories of her colleagues. What brought her most joy was working with the children and watching them progress. She took great pride in instilling good table manners in the primary school girls, and showing them how to use a knife and fork correctly (something my sister and I were very familiar with growing up).
Mum passed away peacefully on the 23rd July at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, with her two daughters by her side. She leaves behind her two grandchildren, who brought her so much joy and kept her busy in her retirement.
Ailsa Hindle (Lorraine’s daughter)
Brigit Forsyth
(Mills née Connell, Class of 1958)
TV shows, bringing laughter and delight to all audiences. At St George’s OG gatherings over the years, her stories captivated classmates, sparking nostalgia with her characteristic warmth and wit.
Nigel Shepley, author of Women of Independent Mind and history teacher of St George's said: "I heard her recently in a repeat of Radio 4’s ‘King Street Junior Revisited’ as the Headmistress and wondered if she based her character on Miss Kennedy, her St G’s Head. When you think of all the budding St G’s actresses, she’s the one who really made it!"
Though the spotlight shone brightly on Brigit during her decades in the limelight, she glowed just as radiantly when connecting with the school community. Her bond and camaraderie with St George’s classmates and teachers endured over time and distance. Brigit’s drama teacher Margaret Thomson used to accompany her to OGA lunches, where she was heard announcing that she'd like a gin and tonic. When sadly offered only a choice of wines or juice, Brigit recalled that she would sigh deeply and settle for a white wine.
An exceptionally gifted performer, Brigit’s talent was met with generosity and grace. We will miss her dearly but keep her fiery spirit and humour alive in our memories and every replay of her iconic scenes. Her star will never fade at St George’s, where she first discovered her talent.
Mum worked at St G’s for many years and did many roles including
Brigit Dorothea Connell was born in Yorkshire on 28 July 1940. Known by her stage name Brigit Forsyth, her acting career spanned renowned stages and beloved
She died on 1 December 2023, at the age of 83.
Margaret Imlah
REUNIONS – REMINISCING AND RECONNECTING
St George’s London Reunion - Caledonian Club – May 2024
Our annual London reunion at The Caledonian Club demonstrated the strength of the camaraderie within the St. George's community as the alumnae enthusiastically reminisced with one another, sharing fond memories from their time as students and catching up on their lives after leaving St. George's.
St George’s OGA AGM and Summer Lunch – June 2024
There was much laughter and warm conversation as Old Girls spanning seven decades reunited for our annual AGM and Summer Lunch. The archive table proved a focal point, with a fascinating display of vintage photographs, yearbooks, Chronicles and old uniforms. These artefacts sparked curiosity and many lively reminiscences.
A particular highlight of the day was the rousing address by former headmistress, Dr Judith McClure. Her inspiring words reminded us of the profound impact exceptional educators have in shaping young lives. We also had the privilege of honouring Muriel Hackland's 22 years of extraordinary service and loyalty with a well-deserved Gold Badge.
Sincere gratitude to the President of the OGA, Lizzie Bruce for her leadership, and to the talented catering team for the delicious lunch.
30th Reunion a smashing success – June 2024
On a beautiful Saturday in June, St. Georges had the honour of welcoming back a lively group of alumni from the class of 1994 for their 30th reunion celebration. The OG’s were joined by several of their former staff members for an afternoon filled with nostalgic memories and laughter. The reunion kicked off with refreshments in the St George's Centre and then a group of kind-hearted current students volunteered as tour guides to show the alumni around campus and all the transformations St. Georges has undergone over the past three decades. The OG’s marvelled at our modernised facilities while fondly reminiscing about how different
things looked when they roamed the halls. A few may have gotten misty-eyed seeing the renovated classrooms and common areas that held so many special memories. Drinks and a delicious lunch followed and here old friends reacquainted and swapped stories from their school days. You could feel the camaraderie as shared experiences of classes, events, pranks and shenanigans came flooding back.
Our esteemed former teachers got plenty of good-natured ribbing about their teaching styles and policies back in the 90s.
Despite the changes, the essence and spirit of St. Georges clearly
remains. You could see it in the spark in our alumni's eyes as they regaled each other with tales. The laughter and bonds of friendship forged here have clearly stood the test of time.
We were honoured to host this wonderful group back at school. They are shining examples of the lifelong connections and cherished community that define the St. Georges experience. We cannot wait to welcome them, and many more OG’s, back again soon.
Foundation Office Contact details: For whole school news please visit www.stge.org.uk
If any alumnae, current pupils, staff or parents have news or general updates, article ideas, tributes or pictures they would like to share, then please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you!
0131 311 8000 foundation@stge.org.uk foundation.stge.org.uk/homepage St George’s Alumnae Group @stgealumnae
St George’s Edinburgh, alumnae networking group