The Dragon - March 2019 issue

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Issue 02 | Anniversary Edition | Spring 2019

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FOR THE ST GEORGE’S COMMUNITY AND CUR

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E H T O T R E POW INDIVIDUAL Celebrating 130 years

of St George’s School for Girls

A WORD

OF WELCOME Welcome to the second edition of The Dragon, the St George’s Foundation magazine. We were delighted to receive so much positive Mel Benson feedback from the first edition, and would like to thank the many of you who took the time to write, email or call us to say how much you enjoyed it.

The theme for this edition is celebrating creativity, sense of self and female entrepreneurship. We feature alumnae of St George’s

who have found success by harnessing their talents and going on to fulfil their ambitions.

Anyone connected with St George’s is part of a “Network for Life”. The power of a strong network cannot be underestimated and, to support this, we are very excited to have launched the new St George’s Foundation online platform foundation.stge.org.uk in January of this year. This is a secure, interactive platform for news and networking with former classmates, friends, parents and staff.

We are delighted to have already welcomed nearly 300 new

members, and this continues to grow.

STAFFING CHANGES Many of you will be aware that Laura Ogilvie-Jones left St George’s at Christmas. We wish her well with her new venture and thank her for the energy and enthusiasm that she brought to the Foundation Office during her tenure. Mel Benson (Class of 2006) and Principal Teacher of Sport at St George’s has added the position of Acting Head of Foundation to her role. Mel is looking forward to developing the Foundation Office, supported by Lesley Abbott (Foundation Office Assistant), who is continuing the hard work she started off with Laura, and whom many of you will have met or spoken to already.

Get to know a bit more about Lesley in the little feature on page 3.

We always appreciate your feedback and suggestions – this is your magazine so please help us shape the content by contacting us with any suggestions for themes or articles.

Best wishes

The Dragon editorial team

BREATHING FIRE

READ about school and alumnae news, events and job opportunities UPDATE your profile, contact details and consent options FIND AND CONNECT with people socially and professionally

INTO THE DRAGON

We want to share a snapshot of the team that breathes life (or fire) into The Dragon Magazine.

In this edition we feature Lesley Abbott, our Foundation Office Assistant.

NAME: Lesley Abbott.

CONNECTION TO ST G’S:

RECEIVE invitations and sign up for our special events

I joined St George’s as Foundation Office Assistant in August 2018.

I previously worked at State Street Bank and Tennis Scotland, where I helped promote opportunities for females. Having attended an all-girls school, this has always been important to me.

JOIN NETWORK St G’s, our new careers and professional network

YOUR ROLE IN BRINGING THE DRAGON TO LIFE:

SHARE information about your career, a new venture or job opportunities FOUNDATION OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS St George’s Alumnae Group @stgealumnae St George’s School for Girls, Edinburgh, alumnae networking group Telephone: 0131 311 8000 Web: foundation.stge.org.uk

I am part of the editorial team. We start by deciding the theme for each edition, then identify and liaise with contributors.

Once in production, I assist with proof-reading and general editing. I also collate ‘people news’ throughout the year (keep it coming, folks!).

FAVOURITE SECTION OF THE MAGAZINE: I like ‘This is my day’* as I’m quite nosey but my favourite section is ‘Back to the Future’. I am fascinated

by St George’s alumnae’s reflections. The quote that: “the outward things change but the inward things don’t”, really struck a chord with me. *(Check out this issue’s on page 17.)

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contents

SPARKS

02

A WORD OF WELCOME From the Foundation Office

TO FLAMES

03

BREATHING FIRE INTO THE DRAGON Introduction to The Dragon team

05

SPARKS TO FLAMES Celebrating success and sharing news within the St George’s Community NEW CONTENTS TO COMEFROM ALEX HEMS LETTER

08

Alex Hems, Head, considers the importance of individuality within the St George’s community

09

OTHER WORLDLY Feature interview with alumna Nicky Wilson, Founder and Owner, Jupiter Artland

OGA PRESIDENT’S REFLECTIONS AND OGA NEWS

12

Celebrating 125 years of the OGA, we take a look back at some of the materials from the Archives to show the evolution of the OGA

14

YOU’VE GOT MAIL Profile interview with alumna Vicky Grant, Founder and CEO of The Dragonfly Agency

17

THIS IS MY DAY NETWORK St G’s asks alumna Imogen Roy to share her working day as a self-employed marketing consultant based in Paris

18

LETTERS FROM THE ATTIC Why Girls? Why Then? Archivist Elise Newcomer considers the reasons and background for the foundation of the School in 1888

MEMORIES ACROSS THE OCEAN Alumna Joy Moore shares her memories of St George’s School from 1947 to 1957 and her life in Canada

20 22

BACK TO THE FUTURE Alumna Sheila Donald looks back at her life as a pupil from 1937 to 1947 and subsequent acting career

OUR PEOPLE Births, marriages, deaths and tributes from the St George’s community

THE THROWBACK A “then and now” comparison, featuring pictures of the School’s uniforms over the years

KEEP IN TOUCH Ways to stay in touch with the St George’s community, including dates for your diary Editors Kate Forster and Lesley Abbott

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OGA Editorial Liaison Mary Comer

Design & Print The Dragonfly Agency

24 27 28

Following the first edition of The Dragon, we were delighted to have such a great response from old girls within the St George’s community. We have tried to include a number of stories and updates to reflect the achievements and experiences from this powerful and widespread group.

From small sparks come big flames – we want to hear how the fire is burning bright across our St George’s community. We would love to hear from you, wherever you are in the world and whenever you left the school, so do please get in touch with Mel or Lesley at The Foundation Office to share news or more general updates.

THE WALKER SERIES “ALWAYS HAVE I BEEN DEEPLY INTERESTED IN THE SUBJECT OF THE EDUCATION OF WOMEN – A SUBJECT WHICH HAS MY FULLEST SYMPATHY” – MISS MARY RUSSELL WALKER The Walker Series was introduced at St George’s in 2018. Its purpose was to invite a variety of women from different backgrounds and experiences to come and take part in a series of events hosted at the school. Those taking part were asked to share their insights and thoughts about how they have tackled challenges, moved through their careers or made a difference to a cause or mission. This series is geared towards creating connections and networking with other women and named after Miss Mary Russell Walker, who was Principal of St George’s Training College from 1886 – 1888 and then Headmistress of St George’s High School for Girls from its founding in 1888 until she retired in 1910.

Equality for women with Judy Murray and Judy Dalton As one of the first events in the Walker Series, we were delighted to have the chance to welcome Judy Murray and multi Grand Slam tennis champion Judy Dalton, (grandmother to three current pupils at St George’s) to hear more about the drive for equality for women and girls on and off the court.

Judy Dalton’s achievements on court are impressive, but it was equally inspiring to hear about the campaign that she has fought throughout her career to promote equality of pay for women and girls in sport, a battle which is certainly not won yet.

part in the 2017 film ‘Battle of the Sexes’. As the men’s game continued to grow, fewer and fewer women’s events were being held, leading to fewer opportunities for women to succeed as professional tennis players. The Virginia Slims Circuit became the Women’s Tennis Association in 1973, and the world of women’s sports changed forever.

Judy Murray discussed her passion for providing opportunities for women and girls to play tennis at all levels and, in particular, her ‘She Rallies’ programme, designed to build a female workforce and inspire the next generation.

Judy Dalton talked about her experience as one of the original ‘Virginia Slims 9’, the nine players (including Billie Jean King and Rosie Casals) who, in 1971, joined the breakaway Virginia Slims Tour. This story is told in some

There was a lively question and answer session from the floor, with a key theme emerging from the morning - if you want something done, don’t wait around for it to happen: take charge, enlist support and never give up!

In the spotlight with Gabby Logan Another Walker Series event brought television presenter Gabby Logan to St George’s to meet pupils and talk about her journey from international gymnast to one of today’s top presenters for the BBC and ITV. Mel Benson, Principal Teacher of Sport at St George’s said: “We were delighted and privileged to host ‘An Evening with Gabby Logan’. Gabby’s passion for overcoming barriers and creating her own opportunities reflect our ethos and values at St George’s.

The themes of adaptability and flexibility within the world of sport appealed to the wide-ranging audience in a packed hall from across all corners of Edinburgh. Gabby’s professionalism, generosity and success enabled us to raise £3,080.79 for the ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’.”

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sparks to flames

sparks to flames

Kate Forster, née Hayward, (Class of 1997) is one of the production team for The Dragon. Having worked in PR and Communications for over 13 years, Kate left agency life and set up her own communications consultancy business in 2016. She has been working with St George’s for the past 18 months to create and bring The Dragon to life.

ALUMNAE IN PRINT CHARLOTTE FAIRBAIRN Thank you to Charlotte Fairbairn (Class of 1986) who got in touch to share her news from the past few years. Having graduated from Oxford, Charlotte was married to conductor Ross Pople and worked for the London Festival Orchestra, The Oldie Magazine and Rory Stewart MP, among others. After this she ran a livery yard for 15 years and became a Group 3 dressage rider and judge. Charlotte is now a writer and has written three books: A Bear with an Egg in Her Paws (Citron Press); God Breathes His Dreams through Nathaniel Cadwallader (Headline); and With the Sound of the Sea (Headline). She won the Northern Writers’ Award in 2015 and was a winner in the Lakeland Book of the Year Awards in 2018.

Charlotte has two children, Jake and Clara Pople, both of whom are musicians.

She lives in Cumbria and writes regularly for a variety of magazines and publications. She has just published The Real Mackays – a guide to the clan – therealmackays.co.uk HARRIET TYCE Many congratulations to Harriet Tyce, née Nimmo Smith, (Class of 1990) on the publication of her debut novel, Blood Orange, a dark and twisty thriller. Harriet studied English at Corpus Christi, Oxford before completing a law conversion course at City University. After 10 years working as a criminal barrister in London, she undertook a Creative Writing – Crime Fiction Masters at the University of East Anglia, graduating with Distinction. In Blood Orange, a young lawyer’s outwardly perfect life spirals out of control as she takes on her first murder case. Harriet is embarking on a book tour in the UK and US to support the launch, and we wish her every success.

For more information, see harriettyceauthor.com

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COMMUNITY news in brief

Dragon taming

Success to write home about

STEPPING INTO AFRICA Emily Kerr (Class of 2013) was in touch recently to share news of her African adventure. Having completed a Bachelor of Science at St Andrew’s University, she is about to finish her medical degree at Dundee University. During this time she has been lucky enough to travel to Europe and the US as part of her studies.

This year, Emily’s next destination is Malawi, where she will be working in a rural hospital for two months on a medical elective to study other healthcare systems and patient demographics outside the UK. She has been looking at the impact of resource limitation on access to HIV medication and end of life care in Malawi. Emily will be based in a small 220-bed hospital in Nkhoma, which has a catchment area of

Kate married Tom in 2010 and together they have a daughter Lily and a son Freddie. Kate still keeps in touch with a number of St G’s friends and visits her little sister Emily (Class of 2002) in France as much as possible, where she lives with her husband Jonny.

LONDON LIVING

64,000 and also takes referrals from across Malawi and neighbouring countries.

We were really pleased to hear from alumna Sara VandoreMackay, née Vandore (Class of 1995). Sara is living in Barnes in London with her chef husband Luke and their three children Murdo, Sula and newborn Skye. (See Our People – p24).

Across the whole of Malawi, there is only one haematologist and traditional healing approaches are often sought by many before medical help. HIV infection is common, affecting 9.8% of the population.

Emily will be looking at many of these impacts and also considering how these affect care for HIV patients in Malawi and comparing this with the UK’s end of life care.

Sara is working as a media lawyer for Channel 4 and comes back to Edinburgh to see her mum frequently. She would love to hear from any old girls and meet up when she is next in town.

If you would like to follow Emily’s experience in Malawi you can find her blog at emilykerr95.wordpress.com; on YouTube at Emily Kerr and on Instagram at emilykerr95

Bidding for success

Musical honours award

Olivia Bailey (Class of 2014) was just seven when she learnt to play bridge and it has taken her round the world since then. Olivia played in the bridge club at St G’s from 2008 to 2014 and won the Scottish Schools Bridge Trophy in 2011. She was then picked to play for Scotland Under 20s in 2012.

Huge congratulations to Margaret Harvie, née Hastie (Class of 1956) who was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to music in Dumfries and Galloway in the 2017 New Year’s Honours List, receiving the award in June 2018.

We were delighted to hear of the award from Margaret’s sister Nan Kellar, née Hastie (Class of 1952), who shared some of Margaret’s musical achievements, such as regularly accompanying the Dumfries Male Voice Choir, Dumfries Choral Society, as organist for her church and many other local functions, alongside a full-time job as a learning support teacher. Margaret has also accompanied many well-known conductors at The Dumfries Arts Festival and received two local music awards.

Attending Bristol University, Olivia transferred to the England Junior Bridge Squad to access further training and international competition.

Olivia has played in European Junior Teams in Wroclaw, Poland, Tromso, Norway and travelled far and wide internationally. In 2016, she was selected to travel to Latvia to play in the European Under 26 mixed pairs where Olivia and her partner won the gold medal.

Commenting on her passion for bridge, Olivia said: “Bridge has allowed me to learn new skills, meet and make new friends and travel throughout the world. There are so many opportunities for young people in bridge to network, learn and travel and I want to encourage girls to think about learning this wonderful game.”

The Art and Science of flavour

Margaret celebrated her 80th Birthday in November

Congratulations to Jane Parker, (Class of 1985) who was awarded the British Society of Flavourists’ Bill Littlejohn Medal for contributions to the art and science of flavours.

Keep on running Well done to Cassie Black (Class of 2001) who completed the Great Scottish Run 10K last year, raising £632 for Cancer Research UK. Congratulations for also taking on another exciting challenge as Principal teacher in a primary school in Clackmannanshire.

Class of ‘64 get together

PROUD SISTERS: Nan Kellar and Margaret Harvie with her OBE

2018 and, on Remembrance weekend, she accompanied the Dumfries Choral Society in a special concert to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day in the Crichton Church, Dumfries.

Pat Reid, née Thomson let us know that, at the end of 2018, 16 old girls from the Class of 1964 were reunited for lunch in Edinburgh. The event, arranged by former Head Girl in 1964 Alison Wood (née Craw), was reportedly very enjoyable with lots of reminiscing, catching up and old photos going round the table.

Keep in touch Please keep your news coming - email us at foundation@stge.org.uk

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from the head

LETTER FROM ALEX HEMS

OTHER WORLDLY

THE STRENGTH WITHIN US

Alex Hems, Head, considers the importance of individuality which exists within each of us in the St George’s community and how this can drive us forward to make a difference, encourage change and enrich our lives.

‘O wonder!

How many goodly creatures are there here!

How beauteous mankind is!

O brave new world That has such people in’t!’

work by staff and children. They have also been celebrations of creativity. A passionate article in the recent Chronicle reminds us of the central place that the creative arts should play in education, nurturing collaboration, confidence and communication as they do, aside from the sheer pleasure that they can bring.

‘goodly’ and ‘beauteous’ in all of us. We will not all become leading scientists, writers, sportswomen, etc., but every one of us has it in us to make a difference somewhere.

What so often sets apart those who go on to be outstanding is the fact that they have seized opportunities and not been afraid of hard work.

These words, spoken by Miranda in The Tempest in the autumn term on the St George’s stage, seem to me to have special resonance in a school where, on a daily basis, we are reminded of the diverse talents and strengths of all the individuals within our community. Of course, we cannot ignore the irony of Miranda’s observation at that moment in the play, or indeed that of Huxley’s later use of the expression, but putting ourselves for a moment in Miranda’s shoes, there is so much in school life to make us wonder and feel proud, as indeed there is in the achievements of our former pupils as they move through their lives after school.

We have had the chance to hear from some notable people in recent months:

I tell the girls that they all have it in them to do something remarkable with their lives.

More often than not those deeds will not be headline making, Nobel prize-winning deeds, but they could still alter the lives of those around us for the better, or leave behind a lasting legacy of change or future security for others. We need courage and determination to do these things, but we also need creative thinking, the capacity to ask ‘What if…?’ and to carry on questioning. We need to know how to recognise abilities in others that we do not possess ourselves, and to collaborate, if we are to achieve our best.

Our all-female production of The Tempest and the joint Merchiston Castle/St George’s Beauty and the Beast were very different productions, but each showed just how much can be achieved when talent, commitment and effort come together, across year groups and indeed between schools. In November, we were privileged to hear the five finalists in the Young Musician of St George’s competition performing – each one of them performing to her best and all enchanting us with their music. The latest edition of Independent Women draws together work produced by the girls on Founders’ Day. The Lower 5 Youth and Philanthropy Initiative finalists impressed us all as they gave their presentations – each team member involved, and each one setting aside personal anxieties about public performance to do her best for a chosen charity. All our Carol Services and concerts are celebrations of hard

8 | Spring 2019

Dr Helen Czerski, physicist and oceanographer, who talked about her work in the Arctic during a week of exciting STEM activities; Dr Hambuchen spoke to girls about her ground-breaking work at NASA; Gabby Logan, whose life story so far is in itself an eloquent reminder of the message that Judy Dalton had for us at the start of the year – if you see something that needs to be done, or that you want to achieve – don’t sit around and wait for it to come to you, but get up and start working for it. Remarkable people, working hard in their own ways to move the world forward. But Shakespeare’s words remind us that there is something

For many of us, our time at St George’s was filled with lots of fun as well as work, and spending time discovering and learning new and (usually) interesting things about different subjects and the world. It is this element of discovery that underpins so much of what education is about, no matter what form it takes. This is vitally important for engendering creative thinking, promoting originality and individuality and giving permission for risk taking.

The power of discovery is at the very root of the ethos of Jupiter Artland – a beautiful, contemporary sculpture park and art gallery lovingly created in the grounds of Bonnington House, West Lothian, by alumna Nicky Wilson née Petrie (Class of 1985) and her husband Robert. A magical place, set over 100 acres of meadow, woodland and five indoor gallery spaces, Jupiter Artland is home to 35 permanent site-specific sculptures from artists including Phyllida Barlow, Charles Jencks, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Antony Gormley, as well as a seasonal programme of exhibitions and events.

We are delighted to feature Nicky and hear about her bold ambitions for Jupiter Artland, the passion she has for the creative industries and the positive impact this is bringing to people of all ages and backgrounds in Scotland and beyond.

I am sure that these are strengths which St George’s will continue to nurture in all its students in the future.

LIFE AT ST GEORGE’S When were you at St George’s?

I joined St George’s at the age of five and remained there until I was 18 (1972-1985).

What subjects did you study?

Art, Spanish, Biology, English, French Higher.

What were your strongest memories from school?

Hide-aways in the laurel trees, country dancing, blue gym pants, Mrs Craddock’s pudding Cobblers’ Dream – a strange peachy pie – and, of course, my friends.

Interview with Nicky Wilson, Founder and Owner, Jupiter Artland

Was there a teacher, mentor or fellow pupil within the School who particularly helped or inspired you and set you on your current career path?

Mrs Gillespie introduced me to the goings-on at Greenham Common and inspired a political streak, giving me pause to consider life more philosophically

Nicky Wilson, Founder and Owner, Jupiter Artland – Photography by Anna Kunst

- a hard thing to do at 16. Miss Riley, who put me up a set in French and I could have kissed her! (my only academic achievement really), and my real mentors - the art staff: Mrs Whiteford, Alison King and Susan Brotchie. These wonderful teachers allowed me to develop my art practice with the space and judicious support that can be rare in art departments that have to be exam-orientated. I ended up at art college, brimming with confidence. Later in life, I have realised that that confidence was such a precious asset, certainly not a given and so easily taken away. These three ladies gave generously.

What sort of influence did St George’s have on you as you look back now?

It made me independent of spirit and I understood the value of friendship. I was imbued with a strong sense of emancipation and the knowledge that determination would get you wherever you wanted to be…in the end.

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feature Interview

feature Interview

change, rethink and tweak all the time so a visitor who knows us well will always see development.

How is it distinctive for the artists who are involved?

The unique aspect of Jupiter for artists is that they produce site-specific commissions that are in response to the landscape and qualities of nature. We allow the artists free reign but we have a constant dialogue and we develop mutual respect that turns into a long and fruitful relationship.

How do you look to engage a wide audience to Jupiter Artland? Do you think there is enough being done to make cultural and arts venues and destinations accessible to a wide section of society?

Animitas by Christian Boltanski – Photography by Alan Pollok-Morris

YOUR LIFE AND CAREER

Forth Bridges. It’s 12 miles outside Edinburgh but it is a world apart.

How did you begin your working career?

I went to art college to do a BA in Fine Art, followed

by Chelsea for an MA in Sculpture and then a scholarship to the British School at Rome for a year.

Where did the seed of the idea for Jupiter Artland start?

If I am being entirely honest, it came at a moment in my life when I could not have been more tired and dejected. I needed urgent distraction from the endless cycle of four very young children – anything to keep my brain going. It was then that I thought, “if I can’t go to the art world, I shall bring it to me”.

How did you go about making this a reality?

It took sheer grit and coffee. Every project needs that one single action to begin and for me that was picking up the phone to Charles Jencks, who just happened to answer and visit the next day…

How important was the location and setting of Bonnington House?

Bonnington was (and still is) our home, surrounded by quite ordinary places but, as I walked and walked, I realised that the landscape was very, very beautiful - so close to Edinburgh but relatively unknown. There are amazing views of the Pentlands, Ochils and the

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Can you share some highlights and challenges that you faced as you created Jupiter Artland?

Audience development is a key activity in our office.

As a team, we understand that art can be a powerful life-changing catalyst. The beginnings of critical thinking and a development of self-esteem and finding one’s own voice are just a few of the huge benefits of being exposed to excellent contemporary art. Hard-to-reach groups are the main target of the learning foundation and through various programmes we run, such as our schools programme, or projects with NHS Lothian, or our ORBIT Youth Council, we reach over 30,000 young people in Scotland. We are lucky to live in such a creative nation. We are a powerhouse of new talent and artists that the world

turns to. The work sometimes feels uphill, but it is paying dividends and I don’t know a soul in the arts sector that doesn’t spend their time putting accessibility at the heart of all they do. Of course, more money would make a huge difference. It was ever thus.

What are your hopes and aspirations for Jupiter Artland in the next five to ten years?

I would like Jupiter to carry on developing its international reputation and achieve its goal of engaging with every child in Scotland.

Finally, what advice would you share with young women hoping to be involved in the creative industries in the future?

We need you! Bring your energy, your critical thinking and your strong identities to this fast-moving industry that is constantly reassessing itself. Work in a sector that responds to the real world and holds up a cultural mirror in which we understand ourselves better as a people.

My advice is to speak to as many people as you can, work at as many placements as you can, read The Art Newspaper, visit galleries and start to create your own voice and thoughts on what you see around you. You have nothing but your opinions and those need to be considered and researched and founded in original thought. All of this will be easy and natural to you, as anyone who wants to enter the creative industries is already on this path.

The Cells of Life by Charles Jencks – Photography by Allan Pollok-Morris

Building the Jencks - it took five years and I oversaw every square inch of it. But also, slowly building an international reputation has been immensely rewarding and has been studded by some incredibly talented artists, and kind people who have given generously of their knowledge and inspiration.

What do you believe makes the experience of Jupiter Artland special for both first and repeat visitors?

A visitor should enter our gates and say to themselves “this is magical.” It’s that pursuit of beauty that makes this place so successful. It’s not twee, it’s authentic and it is uncompromisingly good quality. We also

“WE ARE LUCKY TO LIVE IN SUCH A CREATIVE NATION. WE ARE A POWERHOUSE OF NEW TALENT AND ARTISTS THAT THE WORLD TURNS TO.” Nicky Wilson Spring 2019 | 11

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PRESIDENT’S REFLECTIONS Welcome to this new edition of ‘The Dragon’. We were delighted to receive such a positive response from so many of you to the launch edition last Autumn, and we hope that you will enjoy this edition just as much.

Throughout this academic year, we are continuing to celebrate St George’s 130th anniversary and, of course, the 125th anniversary of the OGA. We are very grateful for the help of our new student archivist, Elise Newcomer, who has hand-picked some fascinating photographs from the School’s early years to share with us. We will also be celebrating the success of some inspiring OGs who have demonstrated true St George’s spirit by forging successful careers for themselves as creative entrepreneurs.

Nothing stands still for long at St George’s and, accordingly, there have been some changes to the membership of the OGA Committee. After many years of service, Linda Ruxton has stepped down as our Council Representative, a role which Shona Thomson has now taken on. We would like to welcome Shona to the Committee and to thank Linda for all her assistance over the years. We also wanted to wish Laura Ogilvie-Jones all the best as she heads off to pastures new – Laura was instrumental in launching the Foundation Office, revamping our magazine and generally reinvigorating alumnae relations within the School.

She will be much missed but we are delighted to welcome Mel Benson as Acting Head of the Foundation Office – Mel will already be well known to many of you, both as an Old Girl and as Principal Teacher of Sport at the School, and we wish her every success in her new role.

Founders’ Day was celebrated in style on 3 October and it was a great honour to be invited along to see seven trees being planted in the School grounds, one for each of our surviving Headmistresses from through the years. It was lovely to see Griselda Fyfe at the School that day, and it was with great shock and sadness that we heard of her death only a few days later. A longstanding member of the OGA Committee, Griselda was a source of great support to the School and the OGA, the fount of all knowledge regarding our history (and that of various other Edinburgh schools too), and we will miss her very much.

Old Girls turn

125!

In 1893 the St George’s Old Girls’ Association was formed, five years after the school was initially founded. It has remained a continuous connection between alumnae and the school over the past 125 years. It still remains an integral part of the St George’s community and has provided much opportunity for celebration, reflection and connection for so many throughout the years.

We have selected a few pieces from the archives to showcase the OGA over the past 125 years from its foundations to modern day.

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, we have the London Reunion at the Caledonian Club on Thursday 6 June and our AGM and Summer Lunch at the School on Saturday 15 June. I look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible at these events.

Best wishes Mary Comer née MacKenzie (Class of 1997) President As ever, we ask that if any OGs have stories, memories, questions or comments to share please do get in touch (contact details on page 28). For 125 years it is this community that has kept the connections so strong between the school and alumnae and we want to continue that for generations to come.

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interview

What sort of influence did St George’s have on you as you look back now?

YOU’VE GOT MAIL

I loved the fact that it had such a wide curriculum and gave me the chance to try lots of different activities, sports and team-building opportunities. Everything from windsurfing on Lochgelly to managing the lighting for school productions; there was always something different to sign up to.

Vicky Grant, née Dixon, left St George’s at the end of Upper Six in 1997, having joined in Primary One in 1984. Vicky has just celebrated her eighth year of running her own business – The Dragonfly Agency, a print and direct marketing agency – in Edinburgh which has grown from just her to 10 people (and counting), with offices in Edinburgh and South Africa. This year will also see the business opening brand new premises on Stafford Street, in the Capital’s West End. She lives in Edinburgh and has two sons.

We were delighted that Vicky agreed to take part in this interview, as she is so often the last person to openly talk about her success. As her business grows from strength to strength, she is an excellent example of what selfbelief, some risk-taking and great relationship management can achieve.

I was not particularly set out on this career path but, after completing my university degree in Leeds, I was looking at job adverts and I thought that the area of print management and marketing was one in which I would be interested. I joined a company called Gecko and can still remember in my interview the importance placed on my school life, with all the activities and rounded education I had at St George’s, rather than my university degree, making the most impact. I got the job and, nine years later, that interviewer became my business partner.

I started in Primary One in 1984 and left at the end of Upper Six in 1997.

What were your favourite subjects?

Can you tell us a little bit about your business: when, where and why you founded it?

I liked quite a few different subjects, but my favourites were Art, French, English and Classics.

I had been working for Gecko, the company I joined in 2002, and had moved from Leeds back to Edinburgh in 2006. By 2011, I had a three-year old and was looking for a more flexible way to work, but also wanted an opportunity to build a business for myself with my own contacts.

What were your strongest memories from school?

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We were really lucky with the great food at St George’s but, for pudding it would have to be orange crispie cream – an ensemble of whipped cream, orange segments and cornflakes! Weird but truly delicious!

How did you start your career in direct marketing?

When were you at St George’s?

One school memory that really springs to mind was a PGL adventure holiday to France that we went on in Upper Four (so I was about 13 years old). It was action-packed, with white water rafting, camping and abseiling. I’ll never forget one of the instructors asking us to take our shoelaces out of our boots and tie them all together to form a low cable surrounding the camp, in order to keep the scorpions out – it turned out there were never any scorpions but untying 30 sets of shoelaces the following morning was definitely team building!

Really one of those holidays that sticks with you for life.

If you had to pick your favourite St G’s lunch what would it be?

YOUR LIFE AND CAREER

LIFE AT ST GEORGE’S

There are so many memories that it can be hard to pick out the best ones. We did have a lot of fun and being able to relive those memories and laugh (and cringe) with my friends from back then, who are still my friends today, is so lovely.

It has most definitely given me the confidence to be who I am and stand up for what I think. I have kept lots of friends and connections over the years and I am very proud to be a former St G’s girl.

Was there a teacher, mentor or fellow pupil within the School who particularly helped or inspired you and set you on your current career path?

I remember some of my teachers very fondly – the ones that really encouraged and supported me and made me believe in myself. Mrs Davis (Deputy Head), Miss Lancaster (English) and Mrs Gillon (French) were always so full of life and keen to listen, supporting and encouraging in their own gentle ways.

I don’t really believe I was thinking specifically about what my future career looked like, but those teachers helped me to gain confidence and self-belief and that is hugely important to take forward into the working world.

Interview with Vicky Grant, Founder and CEO of The Dragonfly Agency

“OUT OF THE UNFORESEEN CHANGES, REAL OPPORTUNITIES HAVE ARISEN, AND I THINK IT IS A GOOD LESSON TO REMIND MYSELF THAT RELATIONSHIPS ARE EVERYTHING.”

So in 2011 (in fact it was 1st April but no joke for me), I ventured out on my own and The Dragonfly Agency was born. It felt like a natural progression for me and it was exciting and scary in equal measure. There was pressure in the industry as print management and direct marketing were being consumed by digital, so it was quite a risk. However, I really believed from the beginning that there were opportunities and that print still had a very clear space in the marketing mix.

We have worked hard over the past eight years and have grown the team from me and a PA to 13 and are looking to expand further. In 2018, with the introduction of GDPR, we were really concerned that it could have seriously impacted our business.

However, this has not been the case and print really is still thriving. In fact, we have just had our most successful year to date!

What challenges have you faced in your career and what lessons have you learned?

I used to work with clients in South Africa and we faced a big challenge when one of our major clients dissolved their business. However, I kept in touch with a number of contacts from the dissolved business and maintained good and regular communications with those relationships. This is something that I am proud of, as it has really brought positive opportunity our way. We are now working with a number of new South African clients from these relationships and have just opened a small office in Cape Town. Out of the unforeseen changes, real opportunities have arisen, and I think it is a good lesson to remind myself that relationships are everything.

I love my regular visits to South Africa, which feels like a second home to me now.

You have a growing team and are moving office again soon to accommodate more people. How do you manage to maintain a sense of team culture and maintain good client relationships as your team expands?

From the very beginning, the culture of teamwork was so important. We try very hard to keep this going and invest in training and development, as well as undertaking specific industry qualifications and awards.

We also like to have fun and offer our hard-working team good incentives like ski-trips and away-days.

Building a team rapport with our clients is also imperative and has allowed us to maintain great relationships over a number of years. For each client, we have a dedicated team manager who has been with us for over two years, and that person is committed to offering the best service and working hard to manage their relationship.

Great people are key to the success of the business and I want to ensure that they are well looked after and look after each other.

Spring 2019 | 15

interview

How important is creativity in your industry? Is this more or less important today than it was in the past?

NETWORK St G’s is a networking group for alumnae and parents to share or receive professional and careers-based knowledge, guidance and information.

Creativity is massively important. We need to think outside the box for each campaign and piece of work as every client is different. We need to ensure that we are making each marketing message clear, tailored and engaging, whilst maximising budget.

THIS IS MY DAY

More now than ever before, it has got to stand out and capture people’s attention. Direct mail used to be much more of a blanket approach. Today, with advancements in data profiling and production technology, we are sending much more targeted mail packs, which encourage engagement and improve return on investment.

IMOGEN ROY

Our NETWORK St G’s community is strong and talented and we would like to develop the forum for current and former pupils to be able to offer support, share experiences and learn from each other.

Which brands or campaigns do you particularly admire?

The White Company, Boden, Made.com, Nkuku – I love brands that communicate with you through lifestyle brochures, essentially ‘coffee table’ pieces that we can browse comfortably in our own home, and then visit their stores or websites should we wish to purchase.

GOOD INCENTIVE: Some of the Dragonfly team on their ski-ing trip to St Martin de Belleville, France

Can you tell us about a campaign or initiative that you are involved in of which you are particularly proud?

You have just opened your first office in South Africa. Why did you pick that country and what opportunities does this present for your business?

I would say the introduction of ‘Dragonfly Mail’.

We are the only agency in the UK to have our own wholesale postal service. This allows us to mail nationally and internationally at the best rates through a bespoke partnership with Royal Mail. I am particularly proud because this was a complex process which took a lot of planning and hard work to establish. We are always looking to innovate our business and help our clients, and ‘Dragonfly Mail’ has been a really exciting opportunity for us. We’ve mailed over 117 million items since April 2011 and counting!

I had existing relationships in South Africa, having worked with clients there previously. There is an opportunity for our business there as they are lagging behind in print, having reduced investment in this area five – ten years ago. However, digital marketing isn’t working as well in South Africa and the interest in our direct mail approach has been very exciting to see.

How have you managed to stay ahead of the curve and innovate in your business?

It has been a challenge, but we have always done our best to innovate. This has almost seemed paradoxical but sticking to the more traditional route of print over becoming purely digital has stood us in good stead and allowed us to keep ahead of competitors who didn’t invest in print. Print and direct mail are having such a strong resurgence and proving their continued effectiveness that we have been able to take a lead in this area. Our print and postal innovations, such as ‘Dragonfly Mail’, have allowed us to offer speed and cost effectiveness to clients that our competitors can’t currently match. It has also allowed us to work internationally in a whole new way.

We have attracted clients across finance, banking, leisure and retail, and direct mail is bringing our clients opportunities to engage with their customers in a more targeted approach which, in turn, creates a better response rate and uptake in their offers, resulting in more money being injected into the economy.

If you were to offer advice to a 14-year-old girl starting to think about her future in work and the wider world, what would you say?

Build relationships with everyone you meet. You never know where the opportunity is or what paths will be open to you by the people you meet in life.

I would also encourage a 14-year old (or anyone) to always try hard to find a solution to a problem. Even if it is looking impossible, try and look at the situation differently, believe in your ideas and, more often than not, there will be a solution.

“BELIEVE IN YOUR IDEAS AND, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THERE WILL BE A SOLUTION.” Vicky Grant

16 | Spring 2019

This feature looks at different careers, work models, roles and choices that St George’s pupils have made when entering a workplace after school. We hope to offer the broadest perspective and welcome ideas and suggestions, or volunteers who would like to be part of this feature in future.

In this edition, we have asked Imogen Roy (Class of 2008) to share a snapshot of a day in her life in beautiful Paris. We have tried not to be too jealous but think that this might give one or two of our school leavers some ideas!

Can you describe your job in 50 words or less?

I’m a self-employed marketing consultant to small business owners. I help them make more money and experience less stress! From jewellery brands to gynaecologists, I teach my clients to clearly communicate the value they offer and build an effective marketing system so their business can grow.

Where is your office or working space?

At home in my Paris apartment.

How and when do you start your day?

Although I have the freedom of working for myself, I keep a strict routine. My day starts at 7.30am with 15 minutes of meditation and 15 minutes of stretching. After a leisurely breakfast, I’m at my desk in my home office by 9am. No commute needed!

Is lunch at the desk or definitely not?

Definitely not. I live in France, after all! My husband and I take it in turns to prepare lunch at home and I take at least an hour off.

How do you finish the day?

I have a set routine for the end of the day too. I find that rituals are really important for managing stress when one works for oneself. I tidy my desk and make an hour-by-hour plan for the next day’s tasks. This means that when I sit down every morning at nine, I don’t waste any time wondering what to do first or feeling overwhelmed. It’s a bit like being at school!

What makes you smile at work?

Seeing my clients light up when they get the results and visibility they deserve for their company. Small business owners work so hard and are often so unrewarded, especially in the early years. Knowing that I can use my skills to help them build confidence in marketing makes me really happy.

What would you rather avoid doing?

I have to be honest, there isn’t anything. My business is designed by me and for me around the things I love to do. Anything that I’m not very good at (like accounting) or don’t enjoy (like data analysis), I outsource to other experts or freelancers.

How did you pick your career, or did it pick you?

It picked me. When I left St George’s, I was set on becoming the Editor of Vogue and went to work in fashion in London. However, the industry had begun to change rapidly. I was wisely advised to start my own blog instead, and that led to all sorts of amazing career opportunities that didn’t require slaving away as someone’s badly-paid assistant for ten years. I certainly never imagined I’d start my own company at 27. I’ve no idea what I’ll be doing in five years and that excites me hugely.

Would you have done anything differently when moving into work?

I have no regrets about my journey, but I will share what I’m glad I did do - I started young and I tried a lot of things. I had weekend jobs from age 16, internships in London at 18, was being paid to write and take photos for fashion and news websites at 20 and had an Erasmus work placement at a luxury brand in Paris at 21. I did all kinds of odd jobs before I graduated, like taking professional

holiday photos for tourists, working at trade shows, event catering, etc. Those experiences enabled me to work out what kind of work I liked to do and what I didn’t, and what kind of people I wanted to work with.

What was your favourite subject at school?

English. I went on to study English Literature and French at university.

Was there a teacher who particularly inspired you to study a certain subject or pick a specific career path?

Miss Lancaster and Mrs Lawrence were my oracles in the English department. I’ll always be grateful to Mrs Lawrence for encouraging me when I was the editor of Independent Women.

Are there any St George’s alumnae that you particularly admire or inspired you?

I’ve always felt immensely proud to have gone to the same school as Marie Stopes. What a badass.

How did St George’s prepare you for the world of work?

I had the great privilege of being the editor of Independent Women from 2006-2008, which taught me how to commission, edit and actually design and publish something tangible by a deadline! Those skills later landed me really fabulous jobs in content creation and social media marketing for brands like Eurostar and KENZO. But I think the greatest contribution St George’s made for my career is my confidence. I probably didn’t appreciate it at the time, but being educated in an all-female environment has certainly made me more bold, more outspoken and more likely to take risks and do things my own way.

What advice would you give to your 14-year-old-self when thinking about a future job and career?

Follow your curiosity. Try as many things as you can and don’t be afraid to change your mind or to fail. And remember, you don’t have to have it all worked out to take the first step.

We are all works-in-progress.

Spring 2019 | 17

from the archives

c i t t a e h t m o r Letters f

WELCOMING OUR VERY OWN NEWCOMER TO THE ARCHIVES

We have been lucky enough to welcome a new student archivist Elise Newcomer to St George’s. She has been working with us over the past few months to continue the cataloguing and categorising of many of the superb materials and artefacts that have been gathered over the School’s 130-year history.

Elise continues to work in the Archives room - the attic of sorts – near the former dining hall at the top of the main St George’s building, which now serves as a library. She is wonderful to work with and is managing to find many more hidden gems and introducing formal systems in her approach to archiving.

Within this feature, we look to bring you archive material that will shed light on a particular time or theme that ties in closely to the narrative or features in each edition.

We hope that you find this of interest and welcome feedback and comments.

In this edition, we have chosen to look back to the beginnings of the School and consider why a women’s only education was introduced in 1888, what it was hoping to achieve and why many of these founding principles still remain relevant for parents and pupils choosing an education at St George’s today.

WHY ALL GIRLS? WHY THEN? In 2008, the campaign for “Why Girls, Why Now?” began on the cover of the St George’s prospectus. A copy still hangs in the library and I pass it each time I come to work in the Archives. This campaign focuses on the empowerment of girls to believe in themselves and the unique education St George’s offers. This remains a question for those considering which

18 | Spring 2019

school to send their daughter to, particularly in Edinburgh, where the choice of schools is so wide. But it has not always been wide, particularly for girls, and this question is equally relevant to the parents of students today as it was in 1888, when St George’s School for Girls opened. To discover how girls’ secondary education became popular in Scotland, it is necessary to understand the beginning of the Day School campaign in England.

In 1868, the Schools’ Inquiry Commission presented the Taunton Report to both Houses of Parliament, demonstrating mismanagement of endowments given towards girls’ education. It declared the state of girls’ primary and secondary education in England to be inadequate, and applauded the success of two schools: the North London Collegiate School – a girls’ day school – and Cheltenham – a girls’ boarding school. This started great public demand for better options for secondary schools for girls. By the 1870s, schools for girls modeled on these good examples were the popular option for any family wishing their daughters to marry well.

In Scotland, however, the egalitarian education system was a virtue extolled by many and few saw the need for a gendered competitor. The Argyll Commission of 1867 applauded further efforts to separate the sexes in schools, basing their argument on the barred access of women to universities as sufficient discouragement from secondary education for girls. Why bother to learn classics, when domestic science is all that is necessary?

Yet, in 1888, a committee of five women founded St George’s School for Girls..

The refusal of women to university was where the education equality campaign in

ABOUT ELISE: Elise Newcomer volunteers as the archivist for St George’s Archives, while completing a Masters in Information Management and Preservation at the University of Glasgow. Her BA in History is from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, the oldest women’s college in the United States. Any questions or requests for the archives are encouraged and emails can be sent to archives@stge.org.uk Scotland began. These issues and others were discussed by the Ladies’ Edinburgh Debating Society, founded and led by Sarah Siddons Mair in 1865. Members included all five of the founding committee of St George’s: Margaret Houldsworth, Isabella Robertson, Anne Dundas, Mary Jane Urquhart and Sarah Siddons Mair, among other notable women.

Mair envisaged an impending movement for women’s equality in education and, through the Debating Society, went on to lead campaigns related to suffrage and education equality. Over the next 20 years, the group courted the University of Edinburgh, diplomatically negotiating their agenda, and accepting gradual compromises. The Association held classes for women, taught by university lecturers who were sympathetic to the campaign. These classes were immensely popular, drawing 265 women in

from the archives

1868 to a course in literature. Acceptance to university was eventually permitted for women in 1877 through legislation, but few had the primary and secondary education to qualify. To teach basic subjects, a committee from the Association (comprised of the five St George’s Founders) started St George’s Hall classes, named after St George’s Church, who owned the classroom they used. This success spread to the start of St George’s Oral Courses and, in 1890, 193 women were attending the Edinburgh classes and 657 learning by correspondence. This rapid growth is the clearest evidence of the interest women possessed in their own education, but also in the ways that the Scottish system, so lauded for its egalitarianism, was failing Scottish girls.

The support of male university professors at St George’s Oral Courses and the Association’s classes gave the campaign the strength it required.

St George’s Training College opened in 1886, and was the first in Scotland to accredit professionally qualified female teachers. It was, by all accounts, a risky venture. The Committee was acting largely on its own, away from the Edinburgh Association, and the location at Randolph Place was shabby and small. With great effort during the first year, they caught the interest of Professor Simon Somerville Laurie, the leading Scottish educationalist. He advocated, from the beginning, to make St George’s the template for training secondary teachers.

Despite their success, the curriculum lacked opportunities for teaching practice. The founding of St George’s School soon after, in 1888, accomplished two things: qualified teachers no longer needed to leave Scotland for England to take suitable posts, and student teachers could support qualified teachers in the School, thus gaining the necessary experience. Beyond this, however, the Founders believed it was time for a secondary school for girls to fill the gap in the Scottish education system.

When we consider the timing of the School’s founding, it was proven that parents, women and girls were interested in better options for secondary education, firstly in England then in Scotland. The successful campaign for admission to university removed some existing barriers to education for women, and the possibilities for study then stretched beyond domestic science. The founding of St George’s School for Girls, which was dedicated to the improvement of education in Edinburgh and in Scotland, was the outcome of a 20-year long campaign and it secured a

new cycle of outstanding education for girls from childhood to adulthood.

Today, reflecting on the foundations of St George’s can help to project what the future of this unique, independent school will look like. Just as questioning “Why girls, Why then?” informs us about the past, it also asks about the future. Looking forward, the question remains, “Why girls? Why now?” but, 130 years on and with the continued success of St George’s, it is evident that these questions are based on a self-fulfilling rhetoric providing a clear answer in the positive, purposeful way the School moves forward. The inspiring stories of achievement from our contributors to this edition are part

of this continued demonstration of success, self-belief and determination which comes from an all-girls’ education. Really the question should be, “Why girls? Why not?”

Bibliography Shepley, Nigel, Women of Independent Mind: St George’s School Edinburgh and the Campaign for Women’s Education, 2nd Revised edition (Edinburgh: St George’s School Edinburgh, 2008) Avery, Gillian, The Best Type of Girl: A History of Girls’ Independent Schools, 1st edition edition (London: Andre Deutsch Ltd, 1991) Schools Inquiry Commission, ‘Taunton Report Vol. I (1868)’, Education England – educationengland.org. uk/documents/taunton1868/taunton1.html (accessed 16 February 2019)

Spring 2019 | 19

school memories

school memories

a subject that is dear to my heart and intellectual interest and a scholarly pursuit that I value.

Reconnecting with alumnae has been a wonderful result of The Dragon and we have been delighted and honoured to hear such enthusiastic and passionate stories from Old Girls from across the decades and continents.

In working for the Scottish Higher and Lower leaving certificate, it was necessary to specialise in certain subjects. I was placed in the Science stream, to study for Higher Chemistry and Zoology. It is thanks to the dedication of the Science teacher, Miss MacGregor, who devoted time in coaching and supporting her students, that I was able to pass Higher Science. Because of the rigours of preparation for the Higher Leaving Certificate, I was unable to continue with Art, a subject I loved, and the pleasure of losing oneself in artistic composition and the tranquility of the Art Room. Mrs Cribbes was the student-centred, pedagogically innovative art teacher and I have fond memories of her support and of escaping to the Art Room.

MEMORIES FROM

across the ocean We were so pleased to hear from Joy Brown Moore (née Brown) who has been living over 3,000 miles away in Montreal, Canada for the past 45 years. Joy has very kindly shared her reflections on life and education at St George’s from 1947 to 1957. A talented musician, dramatist and sportswoman, she also did well in her academic studies. Joy really was an all-rounder, but what is evident from this beautifully captured piece is the important role St George’s played in supporting and nurturing the individual and developing a sense of confidence and self-worth.

We are very grateful to Joy for taking the time to share her reflections so willingly.

EARLY YEARS I entered St George’s at age seven, a child born at the start of World War Two in India, due to my father’s army career and who spent the war years in India and South Africa, finally reuniting with my father in 1945, when we relocated to Edinburgh, my father’s home town. I entered St George’s as an insecure and somewhat vulnerable student and it is to the credit of the support I received from teachers, and the quality and creative range of education, that I was able to graduate at age 16 with a combination of Highers and Lowers.

Music was central to my life from the early years in South Africa, listening to my mother playing Chopin on the piano. The teacher who played an important role in the early formative years at St George’s was Miss McLeod, the choir and music teacher. I very much wanted to be in Miss McLeod’s choir, a prestigious enterprise that had annually won first prize in Scottish children’s choir competitions. I would sit in the front row of the class, paying close attention, and my behaviour was rewarded by receiving indirect praise from Miss McLeod - an important boost to my self-esteem at that time. I was required to audition and remember the nervousness I experienced being tested for ear and voice ability. I was accepted and this was a major and significant achievement at age eight, and certainly set the stage for a subsequent positive school experience.

Another significant influence was my English teacher, Miss Thomson, who inspired a love of Shakespeare, literature and theatre and remained a key person throughout my school years. Miss Thomson had to choose a student to read one of the lessons at the end of term school convocation. She auditioned several students in my class

20 | Spring 2019

MEMORIES: Joy today at home in Montreal, Canada

and I was chosen, aged nine at the time. A major honour and an important experience, and one of those memories that remains clearly rooted in one’s consciousness.

First, the shoes: I had to walk the length of the hall to the front raised dais of the School Hall – but one of my shoes had lost a button. I located and sewed on another button, but it did not match and I was selfconsciously aware that everyone would notice the mismatched buttons. Fortunately, my performance at reading the lesson went well and I did not stumble in the long walk to the platform. I subsequently received a word of praise from Miss Kennedy, the imposing, formidable Headmistress and, to Miss Thomson’s credit, there was never any mention of my appearance, clothing or the mismatched buttons - though I distinctly remember that she did notice my shoes, but nothing was said. This was an important turning point in fostering self-esteem, for which I thank and acknowledge Miss Thomson’s support.

The subject in which I excelled and which I enjoyed at school was History. Miss Pearson was the History teacher, a Cambridge graduate who inspired interest and passion in her subject. In my later years as a 40-year old adult, I embarked on an MA in history,

St George’s had an active sports programme and the one sport where I achieved some recognition was being the goalie for the Lacrosse Team. I remember kitting myself up with all the necessary protective pads and head gear and standing in the net in freezing cold weather to block shots to my head and body. Saturday games always conflicted with my music practices, which I did not appreciate, but Valerie Sinclair, the class athlete par excellence, persuaded me that my contribution was valuable.

I graduated at 16, with the all-important Highers and Lowers, exams that I studied for

The School choir – 1956-57

weeks in advance, staying up to 2am many nights. But I am so glad I made the effort.

ON LEAVING On leaving St George’s, I worked for a James Caird Music Scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music. That year, I was also fortunate to teach violin to groups of students at Trinity Academy: a new programme, providing four days of daily string tuition to eight and nine year olds. Following the award of a Caird Scholarship, I left for London and the Royal Academy of Music. However, after experiencing serious problems with tendonitis, I realised that a professional career

as a string player was not feasible and was fortunate to be accepted at the London School of Economics (LSE) for the Social Work Programme.

I am grateful to St George’s for the educational structure and support and the achievement of those all-important Highers that facilitated acceptance at university.

LSE was a transformative and intellectually stimulating experience which led to a career in front line social work in Islington, London, an MSW at McGill University, Montreal, specialising in Child Psychiatry, work at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and, finally, a most rewarding and interesting career as a social work teacher at a Community College in Montreal.

Whilst writing this piece, I am conscious of the importance that women teachers played: women who experienced the effects of both World Wars, who pursued academic careers and devoted their lives to teaching and nurturing a generation of post-WW2 students, at a time when there was economic hardship, rationing and the implementation of the welfare state.

There is no question that my education at St George’s played a significant part in my intellectual development and future educational opportunities. I owe a debt of gratitude for this experience and the teachers who made a difference to my school life.

St George’s provided me with the building blocks, education and support to succeed and enjoy a rewarding professional life.

1ST LACROSSE XI – 1956-57. Back Row (l-r): J.De Soldenhoff, H. Ferguson, C. Harvey, J. Brown, J. Elton, K. Johnston, M.A. Russell. Front Row (l-r): E. MacLaren, S. Bateman, V. Sinclair, E.Greive, A. Silmon

Joy Brown Moore Montreal December 2018

Spring 2019 | 21

then and now

BACK< to the

future

Davidson, who taught French. She was great fun. A group of us became friendly with Bunty after we left school. We were all at her 90th birthday party.

<

We live in a time of change and technological advancement which is changing education significantly.

However, as things evolve and progress, what must not be forgotten is how the past has helped to influence the future, and what we must try hard to preserve and carry forward. At St George’s, much of this is about attitude and opportunity for each and every pupil – an approach that has persisted since the School’s foundation.

When were you a pupil at St George’s?

I was there from 1937 to 1947.

We went to four different houses in the Borders. I was in Harwood House, which belonged to Sir Walter and Lady Elliott. They had a private room but often came down and we’d put on plays for them. Lady Elliott later spoke at an Old Girls’ dinner and invited the ‘Harwood Girls’ down for tea. It was wonderful to go back.

We came home for holidays. Once, planes had bombed Clydebank and, on the way back, dropped landmines. Part of one landed in our garden. Every window in our house was shattered. I was going back to the Borders, but the family had to move out

22 | Spring 2019

Also, during evacuation, we (the juniors) were invited to see the seniors’ production of ‘As You Like It’. I’d never seen a Shakespeare play and I found it absolutely magical.

I enjoyed lacrosse, tennis and cricket – I was in the 2nd XI for cricket. We often played St Leonard’s, as they had a team too.

Without doubt, the war. I was evacuated for the whole three years. I was very unhappy at first.

I was only ten and terribly homesick, but most of my friends were there and we helped each other. I soon loved it. It was a tremendous experience, and stands out most in my mind.

Tell us more about evacuation and the impact it had on you.

During evacuation, Miss Kennedy would cover a subject for a few weeks then get us to put on a five-minute play with the characters from the lessons. As well as facts, you had to think about how the characters thought and felt. I loved it.

Were you into any sports?

What are your strongest memories of St George’s?

The other strong memory was from my last year at school, when an inter-house drama competition was introduced. We had to put on a half-hour play with minimal help from the staff. My house (Douglas) won the first drama competition cup. It was judged

by Richard Matthews, a well-known actor (and a bit of a heart-throb!) at the time. He invited me to a rehearsal of his play ‘Jane Eyre’ at the Lyceum, which was a great thrill.

Off I went, just myself, sitting in the whole Lyceum Theatre. That really cemented my ambitions.

Was there a teacher or mentor at school that particularly helped or inspired you to think about studying a certain subject or making your career choices?

Did you enjoy school lunches?

Yes, generally. I wasn’t a fussy eater. I do remember this awful so-called ‘Winter Salad’ during evacuation with raisins in it. I was never too keen on steamed puddings but everything else was good.

Did you make lifelong friends? Who do you still keep in touch with from your years at St George’s?

In this feature, two sixth form pupils have interviewed a member of the St George’s alumnae to hear about what school was like for her, the experiences, challenges and opportunities she faced, and what she remembers most about school. We hope this chance to delve into the past will offer interesting perspectives and experiences for our pupils, newer alumnae and their parents and hopefully bring back a few memories for some too.

In this edition, alumna Sheila Elder (née Donald, Class of 1948) was interviewed by Upper Six pupils Amber Murray and Ellen Geddes.

for weeks. I was glad I was there; it would have been awful to have heard about the bomb when I was in the Borders.

The teachers were evacuated along with us. They used to send us to bed terribly early, but I think they’d probably had enough of us by then. We’d get up to all sorts of mischief while they were listening to the news! All in all, the experience of evacuation taught us a tremendous amount that we might not have learned otherwise.

Which were your favourite subjects and why?

I loved Biology, anything to do with animals and plants. I also enjoyed History, partly due to the way it was taught.

Which teachers do you remember most?

Miss Kennedy, who taught History, was marvellous. She had a wonderful turn of phrase.

The other teacher who stands out is Bunty

Was there anything you wanted to change about St George’s?

I honestly can’t think of anything!

If you were asked to sum up your St George’s education and experience in just five words what would you say?

I’d say it was broad, happy, supportive, forward looking. That’s five words!

Since leaving St George’s what career path did you follow?

I wanted to work in theatre and went to the Glover Turner Robertson School of Speech and Drama in Edinburgh for three years. It was very small, with great teachers. I took a teaching degree in dramatic art. I loved the mix of academic and acting, even though I didn’t want to teach.

Did you always know what you wanted to do?

It was always either drama or something with animals. At one time, I wanted to be a vet but I’m glad I chose the path I did! The School never tried to divert me towards anything else. After college, I went to the Byre Theatre in St Andrews – an actual byre then! It was a very small company, but I learned such a lot. You had to do a bit of everything. I met my future husband (also an actor) there. After that, I did weekly ‘rep’ (repertory theatre), which was hard work but great fun.

Once we started a family, I gave up theatre work but I auditioned with the BBC. Television was in its infancy and there was lots of radio work, especially schools broadcasting. More often than not, I was playing a small boy! I loved radio for the range of characters.

When our boys got older, I went back to acting. I did some tours and got a few parts in films and television. The one that got me the most attention was ‘The Steamie’ – a wonderful part. It’s about four women working in a wash house – this was 30 years ago and it has become a classic for its humour and humanity, showing what these women had to cope with. It is still often shown at Christmas.

I’ve also done commercial radio and television. For one TV commercial, I played Robbie Coltrane’s grandmother. It was supposed to be in Scotland but it was filmed in January, so we went to Tenerife for five days, which was lovely!

I’ve always been based in Scotland and still live in Edinburgh.

What an interesting career it sounds. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

You don’t retire in the theatre business. I’ve actually had the odd comedy part quite recently, in ‘Still Game’ and ‘Scot Squad’.

Times were hard occasionally, but I’ve no regrets. I’ve been terribly lucky.

Very much so – friends that I still have now.

We’ve lost some of them unfortunately. I don’t see them quite as much now, as we all have age-related problems, but I’m in touch with six or seven, which is not bad considering we’re pretty ancient!

Can you tell us what you took from your time at St George’s?

Top of the list is the value of friends. Also, it taught me to be tolerant of people; we’re all different and have different ways. Another thing was, if you got a ‘VG’ or a star for your work, it wasn’t for you but for your House.

We never got individual prizes, which taught teamwork. n theatre, teamwork is a top priority, because you are relying on everyone else in a production. You might be playing a main part, but if a prop or a light isn’t in the right place, it affects everything.

I think St George’s has a jolly good motto, it covers tremendous ground, it’s terribly important.

PREFECTS – 1946-1947. Back row, Lower 6th (l-r): Nanette Graham-Marr, Elizabeth Kirk, Jean Smillie, Jean Macintyre, Eileen Mackintosh. Front row, Upper 6th (l-r): Sheila Donald, Lisbeth Flint, Margaret Cramb (head girl), Marion Somerville, Jean Macdonald

Spring 2019 | 23

our people

OUR

MARRIAGES HAYWARD AND WILLETTS

PEOPLE

Emily (Class of 2002) and Jonny were married at The Cow Shed, Crail, Fife on 30 September 2017.

Hearing news of former peers, colleagues, new and old friends is, for many, what keeps us connected to, and reminded of, our days at St George’s. We appreciate the happy news such as weddings and births, and we are reminded that life is precious and finite with the news of deaths.

This news is important to our whole community and we are very 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 endeavour to include it all in further editions.

BIRTHS

FINDLAY AND WATTS Eliza (Class of 2010) and Hugo were married at Greywalls Hotel, East Lothian on 18 September 2018.

LAIDLAW A son, Angus Douglas , born to Lucy (née Hewitt, Class of 2002) and Alan on 02 October 2018. A little brother for Charlie.

MOLYNEAUX AND MAIDEN Pamela (Class of 1972) and Bob were married at Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church on 1 April 2018, during the Easter Sunday service.

MCCONNELL

LOVATT-HODGSON

A daughter, Iris Jane, born to Kirsten (née Gillespie, Class of 2010) and Murray on 9 February 2018. Iris will have a new little brother or sister in the summer too!

A son, Stephen Graeme, born to Kirsty (Lovatt, Class of 1994) and Andrew on 30 December 2018.

A little brother for Alexander and Fraser.

CRAIG

PEARSON

A daughter, Eva, born to Lorna (née Sinclair, Class of 1997) and Stuart on 12 February 2018.

A son, Lachlan George, born to Fiona (Sinclair, Class of 1995) and Craig on 27 December 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. A little brother for Isla.

VANDOREMACKAY A daughter, Skye, born to Sara (née Vandore, Class of 1995) and Luke on 13 November 2018.

A little sister for Murdo and Sula.

BLACK AND LIGHT Lucy (Class of 2003) and Andrew were married on 22 September 2018 in a ceremony at Aberlady Parish Church.

SINCLAIR AND CRAIG Lorna (Class of 1997) and Stuart were married on 29 September 2018 at Norton House Hotel, Edinburgh.

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Spring 2019 | 25

our past | our present

our people

GRISELDA HILDA MARGARET FYFE

ride on an Edinburgh tram was enough adventure for one of Miss Aitken’s boarders”.

Class of 1954 1936 – 2018

After leaving school, Griselda trained in domestic service and followed a successful career in catering, eventually becoming Head of Catering at Edinburgh College of Art. A superb cook, her generous hospitality was famous.

“Edinburgh will not be the same without Griselda” said Christine Gough (Class of 1955) on hearing of Griselda’s sudden death last October. And so say all of us. Griselda would have fitted well into that amazing group of St George’s Founders: independent, strong-minded, outspoken and dedicated to her chosen causes. In private, she was also modest and unassuming, devoted to her family, an utterly reliable and loyal friend. To quote Christine, she had “a heart of gold”, but always “brushed thanks aside” for the many great kindnesses she showed to other people.

Griselda was born, brought up and lived most of her life in Edinburgh. She followed her sister, Muriel, to St George’s where she spent nine very happy years. She told me that her favourite teacher was Miss Rachel Ross who taught her to read and knit. Miss Ross was entirely successful! All her life, Griselda haunted bookshops. She bought books, collected books, gave presents of books and even lent her precious books to a favoured few. She was a special authority on Historical Biography and Children’s Classics, including her favourite E.M. Brent-Dyer’s Chalet School series. Nigel Shepley (former staff, School Librarian and Archivist) records a St George’s connection when he found a “masterly article” by Griselda about a real princess who came to St George’s.

The chalet school princess “ran away and put her life in danger before being rescued – having a sedate

The

THROW

ARCHIVIST: Griselda reportedly hated having her photo taken but here she is modeling the old school beret

But perhaps Griselda’s true vocation was that of genealogist, archivist and local historian. Here she excelled indeed and, in her retirement, filled a unique (and I use the word advisedly) role in St George’s School and the Old Girls’ Association. She served on the OGA Committee for a number of years, including a period as Honorary Treasurer. Her “extraordinary memory” gave her the reputation of being St George’s “Encyclopaedia”.

paid tribute to Griselda for all that she did for the Edinburgh Academy: regular newspaper announcements sent to the Club Office; a major contribution to the publication of “Pro Patria Mori; initial investigation for a future book concerning Academicals and the Second World War”. In appreciation of the enormity of her work, the Academical Club elected Griselda an Honorary Life Member in 2016 and presented her with a beautiful pendant. I know that secretly she was very proud of this.

Libby Jeffrey (née Storrar, Class of 1967) said that when she was OGA President and also Editor of the Newsletter she “could not have managed without Griselda”, whose knowledge and support made all the difference. And she was “such fun to work with”.

Places, as well as people, fascinated Griselda.

Judith McClure (Head of St George’s 1994 - 2009) writes that, after her retirement, her friendship with Griselda continued and she and Roger were “thrilled to talk with her about her enormous research project on the inhabitants of Ravelston Park” where they live and where Griselda used to live. They hope that “her work will be available to our neighbours in time”.

“Griselda seemed to know everything about St George’s,” wrote Nigel Shepley. “Often I would trawl the School archives and my own inadequate notes and memory about an Old Girl. It felt like defeat to pick up the phone and ask Griselda, but she invariably had the answer and she would recount the OG’s dates at school, her academic and sporting career and go on to outline her life after school. She could usually name every other member of the girl’s form too”.

Such research was typical of Griselda.

Shunning the limelight and disliking fuss was also typical of her. Several times she refused the offer of a Gold Badge in recognition of her service to the School. Eventually, as Christine Gough remembers, it was presented without warning so there was no time to protest!

Research that was special to Griselda was the discovery of the site of the grave of Miss Walker, the first headmistress of St George’s.

School and OGA representatives visited the grave on 3rd October 2018, as part of the celebration of St George’s 130th birthday.

Sadly, this was the last time that some of us saw Griselda. Nigel Shepley’s words echo our thoughts: “Griselda said that it was exactly 75 years to the day since she had started at St George’s. She was full of news and interested in all that was happening in School as always.

75 years of devotion to the School is surely an unbeatable record”.

Edinburgh Academical Alan Fyfe has already

Eileen Mackintosh (Class of 1948)

BACK

In each edition, we take a look back through the archives and remember important artefacts from School history to see how the School, its fashions and foundations have fared throughout time.

Summer dress 1930s to 1960s

In this edition, we have chosen to look at the evolution of the School’s uniform – from the founding of the School right through to the 21st century. A uniform may be loved and loathed but, whatever your feelings for it, it has connected all alumnae through the ages. Maybe you can even spot trends reappearing as time goes on. Is there anything you would or wouldn’t like brought back? We would love to hear what you thought of your uniform.

Early days

Uniform circa 1970

Summer dress 1970s

Primary uniform 1980s onwards

DEATHS Christine Brydon (née Ferrier) Class of 1966 Died 13 September 2018, aged 70

Margaret McDiarmid (née Hamilton) Class of 1956 Died 27 October 2013, aged 75

Griselda Fyfe Class of 1954 Died 15 October 2018, aged 82

Isobel Anne Tait (née Ritchie) Class of 1953 Died 2 October 2018, aged 82

26 | Spring 2019

STAFF MEMBERS Pamela Grant-Wood (née Burgess) Former staff member (Head of English, 1972-1988) Died 20 November 2018, aged 90

Tie, Badges and School colours from the 1940s and 50s

(Above) Uniform 1990s to now.

(Right) Sixth Form uniform from 2010 to now

Spring 2019 | 27

x2

WE ARE EXCITED TO LAUNCH THE ST GEORGE’S FOUNDATION ONLINE PLATFORM FOR NEWS AND NETWORKING www.foundation.stge.org.uk is your secure, interactive platform to stay in touch with former classmates, friends, parents and staff.

R EAD

RECEIVE

about school and alumnae news, events and job opportunities

invitations and sign up for our special events

UPDATE

NETWORK St G’s, our new careers and professional network

FIND AND CONNECT

SHARE

your profile, contact details and consent options

with people socially and professionally

JOIN

information about your career, a new venture or job opportunities

PLEASE SAVE THE DATES FOR THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL EVENTS: Please email foundation@stge.org.uk if you would like to attend.

24.04.19

15.06.19

OGA Committee Meeting* 6.30 – 8pm St George’s School

18.05.19

10 year reunion Class of 2009 11.30am – 2.30 pm St George’s School

OGA AGM and Summer Lunch 11am – 3pm St George’s School

23.06.19

Jazz Farewell Concert 2.30 – 3.30pm Robertson Music Centre

6.06.19

27.06.19

London Reunion 6pm – 8pm Caledonian Club, London

Speech Day 2.30 – 3.45pm St Mary’s Cathedral

* for OGA committee members only

YOU CAN FIND US ON: St George’s Alumnae Group

@stgealumnae

St George’s School for Girls, Edinburgh, alumnae networking group For whole school news please visit www.stge.org.uk

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Garscube Terrace, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, EH12 6BG www.stge.org.uk

28 | Spring 2019

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