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Issue 01 | Anniversary Edition | Autumn 2018
POWE R OF GIRLS Celebrating 130 years of St George’s School for Girls
A WORD OF WELCOME I’m delighted to welcome you to our new Foundation magazine, which coincides with the beginning of St George’s School’s 130th birthday celebrations. After much consideration, we have decided upon ‘The Dragon’ as the name for our magazine. This mythical creature is such an iconic part of St George’s School’s history and previous emblems, specifically from the tale of St George and the Dragon, wisdom and a guardian of treasure. We have purposefully kept the original St George’s motto - truth, freedom, honour and courtesy – in
a modernised logo, because these represent the essence of the School community and its alumnae. ‘The Dragon’ has been developed for alumnae, parents and the St George’s community. It features news and articles about alumnae and the OGA, whole school news and information about NETWORK St G’s – a new initiative from the Foundation Office offering professional networking for alumnae, parents and current pupils. As I look back over my first year at St George’s, I am happy to say that I have enjoyed my time here thus far. It has been full of exciting opportunities as we have worked hard to create our new Foundation Office. This is geared towards developing and nurturing
life-long relationships with the wider St George’s community, alumnae and parents. We want all members of this community to feel a great sense of belonging and connection to the School, from the wee ones in Nursery, all the way through to older generations of alumnae and great-grandparents. Mrs Lesley Abbott has recently joined the Foundation Office as Alumnae Relations and Database Assistant and we are delighted to have her on board! We are continuing to work very closely with the Old Girls’ Association (OGA) as we move forward. A very exciting part of this close relationship has been the OGA Committee agreement to fund a new database which will have an interactive website for alumnae. This will enable the School to
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SPARKS TO FLAMES
Celebrating success and sharing news within the St George’s Community
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LETTER FROM ALEX HEMS Alex Hems, Head, highlights the opportunities arising from an all-girls education
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POWER TO THE T-REX
Feature interview with alumna Professor Cordelia Fine, eminent psychologist and award-winning writer
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THIS IS MY DAY NETWORK St G’s asks alumna Lara Watt to share insights into her working day as a corporate lawyer
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OGA PRESIDENT’S REFLECTIONS AND OGA NEWS A welcome, news and thanks from the OGA
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FURLONG AFTER FURLONG communicate with all alumnae, pupils and parents much more efficiently and effectively, and will hopefully encourage those with whom we have lost touch to reconnect with St George’s. I see a very bright future for alumnae relations at St George’s and I really hope that many of you welcome and embrace this new function to drive the school forward in this new chapter of its history.
Profile interview with alumna Lucinda Russell OBE, prize-winning horse trainer
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LETTERS FROM THE ATTIC
Treasures from the school archives capturing a glimpse of school life in Hallrule House during World War Two
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WAR MEMORIES Alumna Betty Cosgrove shares her memories of St George’s school evacuation in 1939
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BACK TO THE FUTURE
Alumna and Former Deputy Headmistress Eileen Mackintosh looks back at her life as a pupil and member of staff from 1942 to 1991
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I always appreciate new ideas and suggestions, so please do contact me (loj@stge.org.uk) and keep in touch via social media too; we have over 1,000 members of the St George’s Alumnae Facebook Group now!
OUR PEOPLE
Best wishes
Ways to stay in touch with the St George’s community, including dates for your diary
Laura Ogilvie-Jones Head of Foundation Office
Births, marriages, deaths and tributes from the St George’s community
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THE THROWBACK A ‘then and now’ comparison, featuring pictures of the School Sports Pavilion over the years
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KEEP IN TOUCH
Editors Kate Forster and Laura Ogilvie-Jones
OGA Editorial Liaison Mary Comer
Design & Print The Dragonfly Agency
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SPARKS TO FLAMES The St George’s community spans the globe, as well as the decades, with a breadth and depth that can often be hard to capture from other school communications. With the advent of The Dragon we very much hope that we can provide a platform to share updates, news, achievements and experiences with as many of those in the community as possible. From small sparks come big flames – we want to hear how the fire is burning bright across our St George’s community. If you have news to share, please do get in touch with Laura Ogilvie-Jones at loj@stge.org.uk. Alumna Maggie Ritchie short-listed for writing prize Maggie Ritchie, née Mallon (Class of 1983), was short-listed for the prestigious Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2018. Her literary romantic thriller ‘Looking for Evelyn’ was one of six novels recognised in the short-list, which celebrated the best adventure writing. Maggie said: ‘I’m so pleased that Saraband agreed to publish ‘Looking for Evelyn’, so pleased people are buying it, and unbelievably thrilled to have been short-listed for an award sponsored by such a talented and successful author.’ Maggie grew up in Zambia, attended St George’s and then the University of Glasgow. She is an awardwinning author and journalist who has written for the Daily Mail, The Times, Herald and Daily Record.
HALF CENTURY OF SPORTS DEDICATION HONOURED BY THE QUEEN Huge congratulations to OGA Patricia (Pat) Reid, née Thomson (Class of 1964), on her recent award of an MBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours list. After approximately 50 years’ volunteering in sports administration in both Tennis and Lacrosse, Pat was recognised for her significant contribution to both sports. She suggests that some of her interest in these sports was fostered as a boarder at St G’s from 1955-1964, and this went on to influence both her daughters, Fiona and Alison, who are themselves excellent sportswomen and alumnae.
SPORT FOR ALL: Alison Reid (Class of 1990), Pamela Pattison née Thomson (Class of 1970), Patricia Reid née Thomson (Class of 1964), and Fiona Reid (Class of 1989)
Tassie golf champions The Tassie golf competition, took place at The Berkshire Golf Club, near Ascot, earlier this year in glorious sunshine and was won by the St George’s team! The team was made up of alumnae (pictured from l-r) Jane Somerset née Gordon (Class of 1991), Cali Brown née Irving (Class of 1989), Joanna Giddins née Neill (Class of 1982) and Jane Turton née Neill (Class of 1980). The St G’s winners beat a whole host of schools including St Leonard’s, Wycombe Abbey, Benenden, Millfield, Marlborough, Sherborne, Cheltenham, Roedean and James Allen’s. Well done to you all!
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from the head
LETTER FROM ALEX HEMS USING THE PAST TO CREATE THE FUTURE Alex Hems, Head, shares her thoughts about the opportunities afforded by an all-girls education, the importance of celebrating our founders and how this flows into the vision for the Foundation Office and NETWORK St G’s. “I am often asked about what makes an all-girls education so special, or indeed why girls’ schools still have a part to play in the modern world. In Scotland, St George’s is now something of a rarity as a girls’ school, and increasingly I meet families who are concerned that single-sex education for their daughter will not be a ‘normal’ experience. As I consider the university destinations of our leavers, glance down the list of events and activities in the calendar or hear the sounds of Lower School girls’ laughter as they play on the ‘trim trail’ in the grounds of Lansdowne, I have no doubt about what makes schools like St George’s feel special to those who know them. The range of opportunities on offer allows every girl to challenge herself, to learn and hopefully to find a passion that may be with her for life. We give girls the chance to leave gender stereotypes behind them in school – no-one need ever feel reticent about her choice of course or clubs, on the basis that she might be in a minority of girls opting say for Physics, the ever-popular Young Engineers club, or Combined Cadet Force. There are quite enough reasons to feel selfconscious as an adolescent and I believe that in a girls’ school we can at least take the gender element out of the classroom. This year, 25 per cent of our leavers have gone on to study courses under the STEAM umbrella – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics – and yet we know that across the UK, boys dominate examination entries in many of these areas.
our founders, who were not deterred by the obstacles in their way. Their vision and determination inspire me, and I feel a great sense of responsibility as their successor, to ensure that our students today understand their achievements, and inherit some of their verve and drive. Our founders worked tirelessly to give girls and women in Scotland access to higher education, and to ensure that our daughters today have choices that were not available to past generations. As women we have gained so much over the past 130 years, but undoubtedly there is still plenty to do. I am
delighted that ‘NETWORK St G’s’ is now established, which I hope will assist our alumnae as they move through their careers. The legacy of our founders and the other women like them, who established girls’ schools across the UK in the 19th century, has been to enable equal access to education for girls and women in the UK. Women at work today need to take the lead in supporting one another if we are to make equal opportunity in the workplace a given for the 21st century. I am sure that this is a challenge that the alumnae of St George’s will embrace to the full.”
As we celebrate our 130th birthday at St George’s we are enjoying the opportunity to reflect upon the pioneering spirit of those extraordinary women,
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POWER TO THE T-REX Looking back at 130 years of history is important for the School and its community. It helps us to see and celebrate what has gone on in the past and what we can take forward and evolve in the future. It highlights to us the power of opportunity, history, conviction and ambition that has helped to drive the school and its staff and pupils forward over those years. It seemed, therefore, very appropriate for our inaugural edition to invite one of our most highly-regarded alumnae – Professor Cordelia Fine (Class of 1992) – to share her thoughts and experiences, both as a pupil and as she has progressed in her life and career. As a psychologist and writer, history and evolution are at the heart of her work, particularly gender stereotyping.
In 2017, her latest book Testosterone Rex won the Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize, and she has authored several other academic books and publications. She also won the prestigious Edinburgh Medal earlier this year and is a 2018 Orwell Prize nominee. Cordelia attended St George’s from 1985 to 1992, followed by Edinburgh Academy. She studied at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and University College London. She now lives in Melbourne, Australia with her children and partner. We are very honoured that Cordelia accepted our invitation to be interviewed and to share her knowledge, experiences and memories with our readers.
LIFE AT ST GEORGE’S What subjects did you study at school? For GCSEs, in addition to the mandatory subjects, I took the three sciences and music. For A-levels, I studied Maths, Biology and Music (at the Edinburgh Academy). What were your strongest memories from school?
Interview with Professor Cordelia Fine
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There are so many! I’ll share just one that perhaps reflects a fledgling interest in the performance of persuasion. I was trying to win some kind of class election and, for reasons that now elude me, part of my campaign strategy involved standing on a desk wearing a pair of boxer shorts that said: ‘Vote for me’.
Was there anyone within the school who particularly helped or inspired you and set you on your current career path? While I was at St George’s, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do, but I was fiercely competitive with one of the other pupils, which probably helped me to get better marks than I might have otherwise. (I actually wrote about this, decades later, for the British Psychological Society as part of their ‘Sin Week’.)
feature Interview
What sort of influence did St George’s have on you as you look back now? My children are teenagers now, and the experience of being a parent has given me renewed appreciation of the importance of a school for a child’s developing sense of self, and the incredible commitment that teachers in a good school have to their students and the school community. As for myself, setting aside the obvious influence of the blessing of excellent teaching and high expectations in a supportive environment, I’m also struck, thinking back, by all the extra-curricular activities I did. Music groups of all sizes, musicals, debating, writing for the school magazine, and so on. It’s not hard to imagine that all the early practice and confidence building in performance and communication has stood me in good stead for my career.
Was your path into academic psychology a relatively clear one for you? Or did you consider other avenues? I never really seriously considered other avenues. I did take a Masters in Criminology after my degree in Experimental Psychology, but then went back to Psychology straight after for my PhD. I never considered Clinical Psychology either. You studied at Oxford, Cambridge and UCL. Was there a period during these studies that you would highlight as especially enjoyable or affirmative?
You have lived in Melbourne, Australia for sixteen years. What is it about the city that attracts you most?
I still have quite a vivid memory of the tutorial for which I’d written my first better-than-ok essay. The positive feedback was quite electrifying. I also remember, in my final year, looking back on some of my first year essays. They were indescribably awful, which made me realise how much I’d developed over the course of my degree. I still hold onto the recognition of that moment and feel excited about how much it’s possible to learn and develop in just a few years.
Apparently, Melbourne is ranked as the world’s most liveable city, and, while it’s good to have a strong scepticism about rankings when you work in education, it’s certainly a fantastic city to live in.
You are an academic and a writer. Do you consider both to be inextricably part of who you are, or do you feel more drawn towards one area?
YOUR LIFE AND CAREER
Professor Brian Cox with Cordelia as winner of the 2017 Royal Society Insight Investment Science Books Prize.
I don’t think either takes precedence, and fortunately I think the practices of both enhance each other.
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feature Interview
“BEING A PARENT HAS GIVEN ME RENEWED APPRECIATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A SCHOOL FOR A CHILD’S DEVELOPING SENSE OF SELF.”
You have lived and worked across three different continents. Have you experienced clear cultural and social differences that impact the way gender is perceived and stereotypes exist across these different geographies?
If you could pick another writer that you particularly admire, of any genre or period, who would it be?
Globally there is a greater emphasis on improving the numbers of those studying and working in STEM subjects. In your opinion what more needs to be done to generate greater interest in these subjects, particularly with female students and potential employees?
I have to admit that my favourite genre is fiction rather than science writing. There are so many who have given me so much pleasure over the years, it’s hard to single out one. I did absolutely love PG Wodehouse, though, in my teenage years and twenties. Congratulations on receiving the Edinburgh Award in April 2018 for your work on challenging gender perceptions in science and your contributions to society’s understanding of gender stereotypes. How important is this prestigious award in furthering our wider understanding of humanity and the people who are driving this agenda forward? I was, of course, thrilled and honoured to receive the Edinburgh Award. And I also see it as a wonderful recognition of the importance of the work of scientists – often women – that I write about in my books and draw on in my academic research, who have progressed science by challenging long-held assumptions about the sexes and asking different research questions. We live in an era where technology and communications increase the opportunities for discussion, awareness raising and information sharing amongst a much wider population. Do you believe that this can deliver more positive outcomes or potentially deepen stereotypes? I think this is one of those questions where the answer is: yes to both alternatives. Despite the potential, technologies aren’t necessarily as ‘disruptive’ of the status quo as we might like to think and can instead just entrench it in even more effective and powerful ways.
I have only worked in the UK and Australia and was quite young when we left the US, though my mother claims that sexism in early education was already being tackled there, and I was outraged at some of the gendered assumptions on my return to a British school. I haven’t come across stark differences, although I sometimes get the impression that the UK is ahead of Australia with regard to trying to deal with sexism and discrimination.
This is not really an area of expertise for me. But I certainly do think it’s important that women are represented in leading and shaping the technologies that increasingly affect every aspect of our lives. 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? Find time, somewhere along the way, to reflect about your purpose. By this, I mean things like, what would you like to achieve, and learn? What contributions would you like to make to a profession, industry or society? There are no right answers to these questions, but developing a sense of purpose will give you courage, passion, persistence and resilience in whatever path you take. I’d also say, if you’re worrying about making the ‘wrong’ decision, watch philosopher Ruth Chang’s TED talk on ‘Hard Choices’. To quote her: “hard choices are precious opportunities for us to celebrate what is special about the human condition, that the reasons that govern our choices as correct or incorrect sometimes run out, and it is here, in the space of hard choices, that we have the power to create reasons for ourselves to become the distinctive people that we are.”
“DEVELOPING A SENSE OF PURPOSE WILL GIVE YOU COURAGE, PASSION, PERSISTENCE AND RESILIENCE IN WHATEVER PATH YOU TAKE.” Cordelia Fine 8 | Autumn 2018
NETWORK St G’s is a networking group for alumnae and parents to o share or receive professional and careers-based knowledge, guidance e and information for current pupils, recent leavers or alumnae.
THIS IS MY DAY LARA WATT In the truest sense of community, we would like to encourage a network in which current and former pupils and parents can offer support, share experiences, and learn from each other. We will take a look at a wide range of careers, roles and choices that St George’s alumnae have made when entering the workplace after school. We want to offer the broadest perspective, and welcome ideas and suggestions or volunteers who would like to be part of this feature. We ask those taking part to give us a snapshot of a typical (or atypical) day in their lives to show what is on offer out there for current pupils, school leavers and beyond! In this first edition we talk to Lara Watt (Class of 2007) who is an associate for corporate law firm Dickson Minto in London. She tells us a bit about her typical day, what she loves and what she is less keen on! If you were asked to describe your job in less than 50 words what would you say? I work as a lawyer for a boutique corporate law firm advising clients on investments in private companies. It is fast paced, international, businessfocused, challenging and fulfilling.
Where is your office or working space? My office is within a tower block in the City of London. How and when do you start your day? Usually around 6.30am, going to a gym class before work. I like to feel I have achieved something before work starts about 8.30/9am. Is lunch at the desk or definitely not? Mostly at my desk but often I go for a wander at a nearby market with colleagues. What do you like to make sure you do before you finish for the day? I check with colleagues to see if there is anything I can do to help them. We are a team and it’s important to work together and share the load. What makes you smile at work? The projects I work on can take many months to complete. When they do successfully complete, our client is happy, and that makes the hard work worthwhile. What would you rather avoid doing? If I could, I would be happy to avoid doing much of the form filling my job requires! How did you pick your career, or did it pick you? When applying to university, I wanted a vocational degree and knew law would be useful whatever I chose to do in the future. Originally I thought I would train in dispute resolution and court work. However, during my degree, I undertook a summer internship at my
current firm and was offered a traineeship. I found the corporate work to be interesting and challenging and I haven’t been near a court (yet). Is there anything you would have done differently when setting out on a world of work? I would definitely have sought to work or study abroad. What was your favourite subject at school? History. I have just started a new history book which I am enjoying on my commute and I often watch history documentaries on Netflix! 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? My sixth form tutor, Ali Lawrence, was really encouraging in my final years at school. Are there any St George’s alumnae that you particularly admire or those that helped or inspired you as you moved into your career? I am close to several fellow St G’s classmates. I am inspired by all of them and the way they are approaching and taking control of their careers. It’s great to be able to trade experiences and advice with each other. How did St George’s prepare you for the world of work? I am often presenting ideas and speaking in front of many people. It is important to be able to speak confidently to assure the audience that you know what you are talking about. At St George’s we were often encouraged to present before our classmates or to a wider audience and this provides great experience. What advice would you give to your 14-year-old-self when thinking about a future job and career? Have greater confidence and belief in yourself. With confidence comes the ability to say ‘yes’ to a new experience or opportunity and lead to something really exciting and fulfilling. This is advice I would also give my almost 30-yearold self…!
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PRESIDENT’S REFLECTIONS Welcome to the inaugural edition of ‘The Dragon’, launched to coincide with St George’s 130th anniversary. It is an exciting time for me to become President of the OGA as we enter a new era for St George’s, with the creation of the Foundation Office and NETWORK St G’s. The committee and I would welcome your support in working closely with the School to further strengthen alumnae relations and encourage regular communication with our members and all alumnae. Through the donations made to the OGA and monies raised with annual subscriptions last year, we were able to support a well-attended programme of events and reunions for alumnae of all ages. Our Summer Lunch in June was one such event, with a large number of attendees (over 100), despite the torrential rain. We will be supporting five-year and ten-year reunions on an annual basis from now on, as well as the London Reunion (for all ages) on a biannual basis. This year our funds are also going towards a new database to improve communications with former, current and future pupils and parents; the provision of new Awards which will attract strong applicants to St George’s; and the sponsorship of small charitable activities through our OGA network. The committee will also be discussing, in more detail, the possibility of contributing towards bursaries in future, to ensure that many more girls and young women have the opportunity to share in the St George’s experience and education. It was only as we prepared for the summer lunch in June that I became aware of the fact that the OGA was established as long ago as 1893 but, on reflection, it wasn’t really a huge surprise that it had been in existence for so long. Those first pupils of St George’s were pioneers and their bond must have been incredibly strong, both to each other and to the School, which had enabled them to be among the first ever female university graduates. It was no surprise, then, that they wanted to stay in touch and support future pupils of the School. And it was also no surprise that they realised a network of like-minded women could be helpful in countering the advantages afforded to their male peers by those long-established old boys’ networks. It strikes me that not much has changed on that front, despite all our technological advances. All these years later, the OGA still exists for roughly those same reasons: • staying in touch with your friends and your year group; • helping the School and its current pupils; and • providing practical support to all alumnae which, thanks to the new Foundation Office, is going to be done with so much more sophistication in future. So, the OGA has existed for 125 years, all the while developing and adapting to support the School and its old girls as best it can. It’s a great honour for me to have been given the privilege of guiding it through the next three years of its evolution, following in the footsteps of such formidable predecessors. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible along the way. Best wishes Mary Comer née MacKenzie (Class of 1997) President
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OGA GRANTS Each year, the OGA makes grants of up to £500 available to pupils or alumnae who would like to undertake a project that can make a real difference to a community, either at home in the UK or internationally. In the past two years, these grants have been provided for international volunteering projects and we would like to share a snapshot of these below.
SCALING THE NEPALESE HEIGHTS By Lauren Andrews (current Lower 6 pupil) On 1 April 2017, I, along with 11 others aged 14 to 21 went on a trip to Kathmandu, Nepal where we hiked in the Himalayas, stayed in old villages and helped repair houses, schools and dams in the small village of Lapu Besi. We spent two weeks in Nepal, where we were walking up mountains for between 6 and 11 hours each day and living as locals might, on a diet largely of rice and beans. We had some amazing experiences and met wonderful people. The children whose school we helped to rejuvenate were lovely, amazingly athletic and agile, and so happy and enthusiastic to have us there. Even some of the local wildlife was pleased to see us – in one of our post-work activities we played football and were joined by over 35 baby goats who also wanted to play! Over the course of those two weeks we tried new food, walked through elped the Himalayas and met wonderful people who helped kful us through our journey as a whole. I am so thankful Do you ha to all the people who helped me procure funds ve a project for the trip, including those who gave money that you a re considerin at charity events, and the OGA who made a g that might be e donation to help boost me to my goal so that I ligible for an OGA g could join this amazing trip to Nepal. rant? Please do let us kno w by e-mailin g us at foundatio n@stge.org .uk
LITERATURE AT THE HEART OF LEARNING By Moira Small (Class of 1957) When I left St George’s in 1957, I went on to train as a teacher in London and returned to Aberdeen in Scotland to teach. My husband and I started a family and in 1967 went to work in the Westminster school in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. There we met a friend, Kemie, who taught in Middle School and was becoming more and more conscious that her students did not read books and instead watched a lot of TV! She decided to address this and set up a reading programme, which then became a registered charity called Children’s Literature for Children. It prides itself on giving the gift of literacy and bringing hope and the joy of reading to any child in need, regardless of social class, economic status, religion or region of the globe. Originally the programme worked in her school, then downtown Atlanta. It was also a success in Puerto Rico. Kemie was then approached by the head of Mount Kenya Academy in Africa to help get her students reading.
should be built in his memory at a place called Kingongo in Kenya. I asked the children at Craiglockhart Primary School and Greenbank Sunday School (both in Edinburgh) to give me a copy of their favourite book. As a result of their generosity, last year I sent 1,000 fictional books to the children of Kingongo. I am very thankful that the OGA donated £500 to this cause and a further £140 after the Summer Lunch, which will go towards the new library for Kingongo Primary School. Thank you on behalf of all the children who will benefit from your generosity.
When my husband died, Kemie and I decided that a library
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WORD OF THANKS FROM THE OGA COMMITTEE SHEILA PERERA PRESIDENT OGA 2014 – 2018 We would like to thank Sheila Perera (Class of 1967) for her time as both President and member of the OGA Committee. Sheila was President for three years, and a Committee Member for a year prior to that. Always a spirited and positive presence on the Committee, with a reputation for having an upbeat personality, Sheila was often known to bring along her own poetry to read at meetings to keep us all in good spirits. A keen golfer, she frequently sought opportunities to encourage OGA Golfing tournaments. Sheila has a knack for welcoming and understanding new ideas and would always ask lots of great questions. She has overseen a honing and clarifying of how we manage our OGA database, which has resulted in our support of the new system introduced by Laura Ogilvie-Jones. Sheila hands over a revitalised OGA to Mary Comer. Thank you from all of us for your hard work and positive influence.
JANE MACKIE TREASURER OGA 2008 – 2018 Jane Mackie (Class of 1974) joined the OGA in 2008 and held the role of Treasurer for five of the ten years for which she was a Committee Member. She joined at a time when there was less structure to the Committee and has been delighted to see the recent introduction of some younger Committee Members. Jane was also very pleased that her time on the OGA Committee overlapped with the arrival of Laura Ogilvie-Jones and the enhancement of Alumnae Relations for the school. In her time as Treasurer, Jane has managed to simplify and reduce the number of accounts held in the OGA name and, vitally, to get the numbers to balance. She really enjoyed the London events which she helped to organise and also particularly liked meeting other members of the OGA at the Summer Lunches and various events over the years, a tradition which she hopes will continue to improve and grow. Jane feels privileged to have been part of school life via the OGA and to hear about its progress and plans for the future. With her own two daughters having come through St G’s, Jane looks forward to staying in touch with the school for years to come. As a Committee, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Jane for all her hard work, book-balancing, infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support.
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FURLONG AFTER FURLONG ACHIEVING A DREAM Lucinda Russell, OBE, left St George’s in 1983, in Lower Six, having started in Primary One. She has gone on to become the premier National Hunt horse trainer in Scotland, establishing the most successful racing yard in the history of Scottish jump racing. Lucinda has trained over 600 winners, including nine graded winners and winners at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals. In 2017, she trained the winner of the Aintree Grand National – One for Arthur. She was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Honours list in early 2018 for her services to horseracing. She is based in Kinross, where she lives with her partner Peter Scudamore.
Lucinda with the 2017 Grand National winner One for Arthur – Photography by Dennis Penny
We were delighted that Lucinda agreed to be part of this first edition, in what is a special year of recognition for all that she has achieved so far in the sport, to share with us how school influenced her early years, and advice for others considering a sporting career.
LIFE AT ST GEORGE’S What subjects did you study? In my day you could leave on Highers and I chose the subjects that I liked and found easy: Biology, Geography, Chemistry, English, and Maths. What were your strongest memories from school? Discipline, routine, the shiny tiles on the walls, super teachers, although I was scared of most of them, and school lunches. We also had some terrible hard, shiny loo paper; it would not be allowed in this health and safety age. Who within the school helped or inspired you and set you on your career path?
What sort of influence did St George’s have on you as you look back now?
Mrs Hunter, the Biology teacher, had such a love of her subject and what we learned was so applicable. I still think of her lessons now. Actually, all of the teachers: we were so lucky to have ladies who loved their subjects and were really good at teaching us. I was certainly inspired, even in Latin, by the wonderful Mrs Mackay, who we seemed to laugh with, as well as learn Latin. And Miss Mackintosh whom I loved; it was a shame that I was not a natural historian.
At the time I did not enjoy my school days, as all I wanted to do was to go home and ride my pony, but, looking back, the rules and inspiration to keep learning have guided me through my life. I would do my prep in breaks so that I could ride as soon as I got home, so maybe it also taught me how to cram a lot into one day. I did enjoy learning and we were lucky to be taught so well.
Interview with Lucinda Russell OBE
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interview
Lucinda and team with One for Arthur – Photography by Dennis Penny
YOUR LIFE AND CAREER
What would you highlight as the biggest successes and thrills?
Can you share a bit of background about how you became a horse trainer?
One For Arthur winning the Grand National was my biggest achievement. His owners asked me to buy a Grand National horse and, once purchased, we planned his route to the race from three years previously; in good St George’s fashion I had made a lot of lists and my English teachers would have been proud as we had a beginning, middle and ending to his route to the race.
Having studied Psychology at St Andrews University, I managed to con my parents that I would take a year out to ride my eventers before finding a proper job. I was sent other people’s horses to event, hunt and eventually point-to-point and, having found training pointers easy, I took out my trainer’s licence to train under rules. I use many of the skills that I learned at school and later to train; it is not just about the horse but also about interaction with owners, marketing and dealing with human resource issues. What would you describe as the biggest challenges about running your own racehorse training business? My love is horses and, using my biology and chemistry knowledge, I have a special interest in the veterinary side. We develop each horse then take them to the edge of their physical capabilities and constantly walk the line between full fitness and preventing injury. It is all about balance and feel and working out each horse as an individual, then planning its routine. It is very rewarding when you get it right.
14 | Autumn 2018
What lessons have you learned along the way? Be true to yourself and do what you love. Always pause and look at the problem with a cool head when issues arise. Be ambitious and make a plan of how to get to your aim. People will let you down; I cannot believe how badly some people are brought up and their behaviour to others (obviously did not go to St G’s) – avoid such people. I think, when you leave St George’s, you need to realise how privileged we are to have been taught so well and given selfconfidence and belief, and it is important to build on that and make people proud of us.
interview
Horse racing is a very competitive field. Does this require a certain mindset or outlook on life? You need to have a positive outlook and be ready to prepare as well as you can. When I first started, I did not realise how resilient you have to be; things go wrong but you have to find the best solution and return to your plan. It is definitely a help that horses are my passion and I am lucky to have made them my world. Has the proliferation of technology in today’s modern world impacted on racehorse training? If so, how? From a marketing perspective it has helped as it is easier to reach a huge audience immediately. Owning a racehorse is expensive and I like to give my owners a lot of interaction, whether by text, phone call, video or email – it is so easy to keep in touch nowadays. The technicalities of entering races are very easy now, as is looking up form to decide which race is best for each horse. Veterinary advances have been rapid and our diagnostics for injuries are far more sophisticated, as is the treatment of problems. We have just invested in a water treadmill to help with building muscle, recuperation from injury and maintenance of fitness. I think that we are further forward in understanding the mechanics of the horses, but the nice thing is when, at the end of a long day, you can walk around the stables with your phone switched off and just be with the horses. Congratulations on receiving your recent OBE. Can you tell us a bit about what this award means to you? It was a bit of a surprise and came out of the blue. I was firstly delighted for my parents, who have supported me through school and through all the ups and downs of life afterwards. It was marvellous for Scottish Racing, as we were considered the underdogs of British horse racing but, with Arthur’s win and the success of our stable and others up here, we are showing that we are as good as the rest. I still find it unbelievable. It is a good thing that we were taught how to curtsy in PE.
as men, but I think that gender makes no difference. If you are good enough then you will succeed. I have always been very determined to be the best, a trait that St George’s encouraged. If I had to pick one lady? Then probably Miss Cunliffe, who managed to plan lunches for the whole school each day and created the wonderful pink pudding.
Lucinda showing One for Arthur his prize
If you were offering advice to other young women who are looking to get into a career in sport and professional horse racing, what would you say? Learn from the best, be resilient, make a plan and thrive on the hard work. Is there any female, from the world of horse racing, sport or completely different background, that you really admire? As a child growing up, I wanted to be Lucinda PriorPalmer who won Badminton but, actually, I would not say that there was one woman who I wanted to be like. There is a big push in horse racing at the moment to give female jockeys the same opportunity
‘’THE RACE IS WON OR LOST FAR AWAY FROM CROWDS; BEHIND THE LINES, ON THE GALLOPS, IN THE YARD, IN THE SUN, THE RAIN, THE SNOW, LONG BEFORE THE GLORY’’ Lucinda Russell OBE Autumn 2018 | 15
from the archives
Letters from the attic
Within this feature, we look to bring you a selection from our trove of archive material that will shed light on a particular era or theme that ties in with the narrative or features in each edition. We hope that you find this of interest and welcome feedback and comments.
Our wonderful student archivists, Chloe Elder and Kristen Mercier, have been working with us over the past 10 months to help catalogue and categorise many of the superb materials and artefacts that have been gathered over the school’s 130-year history. They have been based in an attic of sorts – near the former Dining Hall at the top of the main St George’s building, which now serves as a library. We have been delighted with the work that they have undertaken and are very grateful for many of the hidden
gems that they have managed to uncover. In this edition, we have chosen to look at the period of the Second World War, a pivotal time for the country and indeed the world. We have taken a look at how the school and its pupils responded and some of the wonderful artefacts that remain from this time. In 1939, a number of girls were evacuated to Hallrule House in the Scottish Borders. A collection of original paintings was
‘Hallrule House’
by Peggy Preece
produced by St George’s girls during this period, entitled ‘St George’s in Exile’, organised by Art Mistress, Violet H. Tucker, who taught at the school from 1906-1940. Below is a transcribed introduction to the paintings from Miss Tucker:
“My last session as Art Mistress at St George’s was spent in the Rule Valley, in Wartime. We had no studio at Hallrule, but each girl kept a pictorial record of our life there, with its varied tasks, and amusements; and of the beautiful scenery around us. I thought it would be interesting if St George’s had one or more drawings from each pupil, to keep as a permanent record of our time ‘in exile’. The girls gladly contributed and I am indebted to Elspeth Ogilvie for the printing of the titles and the artists’ names. Miss Jean E. Pagan is binding the drawings for me and I hope they may prove of lasting interest to many generations of St George’s girls. Perhaps they may also call to mind for some, one whose career has been a very happy one, especially in the beautiful studio at Windmill Brae.”
‘Helping in the kitchen’ by Elspeth Ogilvie
16 | Autumn 2018
Violet H. Tucker, Art Mistress 1906 – 1940
from the archives
‘THE DAILY ROUND’ – HALLRULE d Despite their self-proclaimed “exile”, this perio The from article an as bad, all dered was not consi ights: highl 1940 ary Janu in nicle Chro Editorial Dear Readers, ol Evacuation begins a new chapter in Scho more a to history and perhaps paves the way as extensive and varied education including, a and k ewor hous of ne routi it does, a new e more out-of-door life than we have ever befor has n uatio experienced. For this reason, evac “The become the main theme of this section of ral gene the for e spac no ng Chronicle,” leavi ver, contributions in prose and verse. These, howe . are being retained for a later issue is For ourselves, we can say that evacuation both , erned conc proving a great benefit to all we ment ally and physically. Never before have the e eciat appr to ty rtuni oppo good had such a ld Shou try. coun er Bord tish Scot our of ties beau r? Hitle to we propose a vote of thanks With best wishes, M. Young E. Ogilvie
The much-loved Art Mistress, Miss Tucker, who helped to gather the ‘St George’s in Exile’ paintings, retired in 1940. An article from The Chronicle in May 1941 shows how important she was to pupils and staff alike at such a difficult time in the national and school history.
It appears that despite the change of scene, certain aspects of the school’s routine didn’t change. Another excerpt from The Chronicle highlights the importance of ‘break time’ and shows the continued love of a school song! Excerpt: After eighty minutes of lessons, the climax of the day arrives – Break! For Break signifies not so much fifteen minutes of freedom, as a delicious anticipation of what the post may have in store for us. The little red van winds through the trees, cheered on by those at the front door, and the table in the hall is surrounded by a rapidly growing mass of squirming, pushing figures! For now our motto becomes – ‘survival of the fittest’ or ‘each for himself’ [...] In no time the pile of letters on the table vanishes, as well as the contents of the biscuit tin, while everyone has disappeared to pore over the mysteries of a parcel, or to read of life ‘in the land we left behind us.’ M.H.Y. (presumably Maisie H. Young, a School Editor of The Chronicle)
HALLRULE HOUSEWORK
Have you heard? We’re evacuees! And we peel potatoes and split the peas. Look at the house as neat as a pin, /RRN DW WKH SROLVKHG ÁRRU ZLWKLQ Ready are we to work with “vim” Under the beds if you want to slim. Life at Hallrule is sure to complete your Education in every feature. Constance and Isabella, S.C.V.I.
Miss Tucker It was with great regret that, at the end of last year, we said goodbye to Miss Tucker. We all miss her cheerfulness and happy disposition and her ready words of encouragement when, hopeless at our own lack of talent, we sought her aid. In more peaceful days, we never entered her domain at St George’s – the studio – without finding her decorating the already gay walls with some new artistic effort, or making preparations for the next class. It is impossible, too, to forget our evacuated life, when our summer art lessons were passed with her, sketching attractive corners of our beautiful borderland, which has now become so familiar to us. Besides these pleasant memories, Miss Tucker left with us some charming paintings of the countryside. We wish Miss Tucker the best of luck, and hope that one day she will visit us again in our war-time surroundings or, better still, once we are re-installed in our own building. By ‘The Artists’
‘Post’ by Jean Fraser
Autumn 2018 | 17
school memories
War memories from Betty Cosgrove We love to delve into the archives to gain a sense of the history that has gone before us; it helps to cement the understanding of the pride and passion that is so evident amongst the St George’s community. However, when we have the chance to hear directly from a former pupil who has experienced some of these events first hand, it further enhances the experience and understanding. When we thought about featuring the experiences of the war time evacuation, we were delighted that Betty Cosgrove née Davidson (Class of 1941), made contact. As a pupil at the school in 1938, Betty was one of the people who travelled to the Borders as part of the evacuation. Now, in her 95th year, she has magnificently captured her experiences for us, and allowed us to share them with you all.
EVACUATION AND THE HIGHERS I shall start my memories in 1938 when St G’s was 50 years old and holding Jubilee Celebrations. We were to be at a Thanksgiving Service, at which all were to wear the new summer uniform hats. There was also a sports day with a massed gym display, put on by Miss Gunn. Unfortunately, I developed mumps and missed the whole event. The Jubilee was also combined with raising money for some projects, one of which was repairing the bomb damage done in WW1. Where or what this damage was, I never knew. Despite these celebrations, St G’s was aware of the imminence of WW2, and arrangements had been made to move out of town to three fine houses in Bonchester near Hawick, should this awful event arise. All too soon, these plans had to be put into practice, and parents had to make decisions. It was my year to sit the “Highers”, and should I stay at home and go to another school, or join my classmates in Bonchester? Wisely, my parents chose that I join my class at a house called Hallrule.
I heard war declared over the radio, when on holiday at my father’s original home in Aberdeenshire. It was not long before we got the shattering news that the Athenia had been sunk with great loss of life. The very ship that had taken a St G’s party to Canada, and now would not be there to bring them home. Yes, I had applied to join that party, but was too FRIENDS: Betty Cosgrove (l) and Elspeth young to be considered. Ogilvie (r) in 1938
18 | Autumn 2018
Betty Cosgrove pictured during her 94th Birthday celebrations
I remember a train arriving late at night, packed with Glasgow evacuees, and next day our little village was packed with bewildered Glaswegians. I believe the first batch of St George’s was also setting out for Hawick. I followed for the start of term in October. Meantime, rationing was being put in place for food and, worse still, petrol. Retired horses were coming out of stables to help. People were being called to the Forces and buildings were being taken over. Fortunately, public transport was good in those days, so when term started we got a train direct to Hawick, and Bonchester had its own bus which met us, aided by a lorry, for our luggage and bikes. It is hard to describe what had taken place since we broke up for the summer holiday. Here we were, with staff uprooted from their homes and finding themselves in command of a house full of girls. There was a cook, but no domestic help, and it all ran with no washing machine, dishwasher, or vacuum cleaner. We had electric light, but no power as it was called in those days. In addition, education and exams had to proceed, all in a beautiful home that had been hastily vacated by its kind owners. You get the picture! To keep in touch with the war and news, a copy of The Scotsman appeared daily in our common room and every evening at 9pm we joined the staff to hear Big Ben followed
school memories
by the News. Quite early on, there was news that there had been an air raid on Edinburgh, or rather the Forth. There was an attack on naval ships and supposed aims for the one and only Forth Bridge. Graphic description followed in letters from home. I next remember a very hard winter and having to clear snow which seemed to stay for weeks. Then we sat the “Highers” and, with all the upset, schools had to set the papers, but they were sent away to be marked and an Inspector came with the results.
THE FALL OF FRANCE Summer term in the Borders was lovely for weather, and we performed “As You Like It” on the lawn. We had our own grass tennis court, which we had to roll. We grew our own strawberries. It was fun. However, just as the weather was at its best, came the unbelievable news that France had fallen, and soon we were told that the little ships had gone to bring our army home. The enormity and horror was, of course, played down by the BBC. I am having more difficulty finding the right words to describe the shock and disbelief of the Fall of France and getting our boys back off the beaches; young men who were only a little older than us. It was an incredible time, and hard to describe. But Miss Aitken, our Headmistress, addressed us with “The people with boats were promised nothing and THEY WENT”. I have never forgotten her words and her emphasis.
Outside Hallrule House in 1940: From left Betty Cosgrove with Mary Burden, Maisie Allison, Sheila Cameron, sitting Marjorie Watt and Gordon Sellar
That evening, Miss Deas told us when she said “Goodnight” that the soldiers who were in the village had gone to the coast to defend us. In the morning, we looked out on the field below our windows. It had silently been dotted with stout posts, the purpose of which was to prevent enemy aircraft landing. Invasion was a distinct possibility!
Hannay. I have a photo of a happy group, but that was before they had to make a terrible getaway ahead of Japanese invaders. Other parents had second thoughts when they considered the danger to ships at sea.
Then parents began to phone. Mine said “Come home”, and to my amazement I refused.
LEAVING SCHOOL
Overseas parents were more determined. I remember the Fraser sisters went to Malaya, where they joined the two Heddles and Mary
Before the end of the war, St G’s was back in Garscube Terrace but not in the school, as the army had the building. Miss Aitken’s
We kept calm and carried on, and we got our leaving exam results.
I then left school and returned to Edinburgh, to start on a science degree at the University.
house and some neighbouring houses functioned as classrooms, but we could use our field. I remember being in an OGA match against a school team there. I also remember helping Miss Aitken sort piles of textbooks in Melville House, which had been taken over by AFS, the auxiliary fire brigade. I think that tells my story. I have thoroughly enjoyed recalling this. Thank you.
Betty Cosgrove Autumn 2018 | 19
BACK< to the
future
<
Then versus now. What has changed? What has not? How can our nostalgia for the past influence our approach for the future? In this feature, we ask a current sixth form pupil to interview a member of the St George’s alumnae to hear about what school was like for them, the experiences, challenges and opportunities they faced, and what they remember most about school. Our aim is to share insights into the past and offer other perspectives and experiences with our pupils, newer alumnae and their parents and hopefully bring back a few memories for some. For this edition we were delighted to ask Miss Eileen Mackintosh (Class of 1948 and staff member 1976 to 1991), to be interviewed by Laura Cameron (a current Upper 6 pupil). When were you a pupil at St George’s? I came in 1942 aged 11, in the middle of the war. It was quite a shock! I’d been evacuated up north from Edinburgh, with a shared governess. We had lessons in the morning and played all afternoon. We were in three houses in Garscube Terrace as the army had the school building. Every day we marched to lunch round the edge of the playing fields – we weren’t allowed near the school building. My two sisters were at St George’s; and my mother was a pupil of Miss Walker’s – the very first Headmistress, so it’s a long connection. I left in 1948 and came back in 1976 to teach History, then retired in 1991. What are your strongest memories of St George’s? Mainly that it was very small – only about 300 pupils, with one class for each year group. The advantage was that you knew everybody. Can you describe the uniform when you were at school? There were wartime coupons so you had to be very careful. We had skirts (not kilts) for occasions and wore gym tunics every day, with a blue or white square-necked blouse and a blazer. We weren’t allowed out of the school without a hat – a navy hat with the St George’s cockade or red ribbon, or a beret with the
20 | Autumn 2018
MEMORIES: Miss Eileen Mackintosh talked to Laura Cameron about her time and her memories as a pupil and teacher at St George’s
school badge. But we took them off when we were out of sight!
complained. You couldn’t – there was nothing else. You had to get on with it.
What were your favourite meals?
What were your favourite classes?
Lunch was in what is now the Library. There were long tables, each with a Prefect or staff member who dished out the food.
History – because of a wonderful teacher and later Headmistress called Miss Kennedy. I realised how a subject is taught makes such a difference.
Food was rationed so the kitchen staff did very well. There was lots of stew and milk puddings. I don’t remember liking or disliking anything particularly, except tapioca. The food was plain but nobody
I wasn’t good at games but we had a wonderful games mistress called Miss Campbell. She was so tolerant and never scolded you if you couldn’t do something.
then and now
“THE MOTTO [HAS] REMAINED AT THE VERY CENTRE OF ST GEORGE’S, RIGHT THROUGH THE AGES, AND I’M SURE IT ALWAYS WILL.” I don’t remember any horrible teachers. As there was only one teacher per subject, you had the same one all the way through and got to know them really well. There were O Levels, which were supposed to be simpler, or Highers. They were grouped into five subjects, but there were no grades, just Pass or Fail. If you failed one, you had to do the lot again. Can you tell us what you observe as the biggest differences about St George’s today compared to when you were a pupil here? Mainly that it’s so much bigger. When I came back, it was the year of amalgamation with Lansdowne House. The number of pupils must have doubled, but it was necessitous. I think it was Mrs Lindsay who said “Expand or Bust” and she was absolutely right, otherwise, we’d have gone down like other small schools in Edinburgh. It was much more ambitious and achieved much higher standards than when I was at school. People were suddenly talking about As and Bs. I had much less pressure – I don’t think I’d survive school in the modern day! When I was teaching, you could take Spanish, Italian, Russian, Latin and Greek; now there’s Chinese from primary school – we never thought of teaching Chinese. I totally escaped technology and IT; it was just coming in when I retired. The secretary went on a computer course, and I think Mrs Scott, the Headmistress, but it was not in general use. It’s changed the whole world, and how we live, but in 1991 you were
regarded as very clever if you could do anything on a computer at all. There are so many clubs and activities, and the amazing professional events, like opera and Shakespeare. And lots of foreign trips – we didn’t get them, because of the war. I don’t think the Founders’ ethos and principle has changed – a good education to suit every pupil. Although the outward things change, the inward things don’t. Which teachers do you remember most and why? Was there anyone that particularly inspired you or left lasting memories? I’ve already mentioned my History teacher, Miss Kennedy, who was a huge inspiration. We had a most amusing French teacher, who we called Bunty. She used to do extraordinary things, like not give us back essays as she’d wrapped her fish in them! She cheered us up. Who do you still keep in contact with from your years at St George’s? I’m still in touch with Mrs Clanchy, Mrs Scott and Dr McClure – all the Headmistresses when I was a member of staff. I often see my contemporaries who are still in Edinburgh, and others further afield by telephone. I think that’s one of the great things – making friends, and the family links.
I always thought one of my greatest achievements was being part of the process of appointing Mr Shepley – the first male on the school staff. It was quite a thought for him but he fitted in right away and was marvellous. His book “Women of Independent Mind” is considered one of the best school histories in Britain. If you were asked to sum up your time at St George’s in just five words, what would you say? Probably the motto – Trouthe, Honour, Freedom and Courtesy. Every generation has tried as hard as it can to keep it going. It’s remained at the very centre of St George’s, right through the ages, and I’m sure it always will. Any final thoughts? Just what a risk these women, the original Founders, took to buy the site. They put their own money into it and it could have been a total flop. They were quite remarkable women, pioneers of the first order.
“ALTHOUGH THE OUTWARD THINGS CHANGE, THE INWARD THINGS DON’T.” Autumn 2018 | 21
OUR PEOPLE 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. The happy celebratory news such as weddings and births, and the reminder that life is precious and finite with the news of deaths. We are so grateful to all those who contribute and warmly encourage many others to share news of pupils and staff that we can include in further editions. BIRTHS GALLAGHER A son, Ronan Conleth born to Philippa Walton (Class of 1995) and Cathal on 28th April 2017.
BLACKLAW A son, Arthur Sebastian, born to Clare née Bargery (Class of 2002) and Steven on 24th October 2017. A little brother for Megan Summer and Lewis Alexander.
BARKER A son, Finlay, born to Emma née Fenwick (Class of 2002) and Sam in March 2017.
EDWARDS Twin daughters, Maisie and Lucy, born to Sarah Gray (Class of 2008) and Alastair on 20 December 2017.
LYDON A son, Rory Máirt Lydon, born to Linsey née Davidson (Class of 2000) and Rory on 8 February 2018. A little brother for Leo.
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our people
MARRIAGES
DEATHS Helen Mary Baker (née Macgregor) Class of 1953 Died 21 March 2017, aged 82 Gillian Birch (née Johnston) Class of 1950 Died 9 July 2018 Clare Brownrigg (née Rainnie) Class of 1956 Died 12 August 2018 Frederica Chishti (née Kohler) Class of 1956 Died 9 April 2018 Margot Cruft (née Dunstall) Class of 1954 Died 8 February 2018
BREWSTER AND MCLAUGHLIN Carly (Class of 2007) and Connor were married on 5 May 2018 at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral followed by a reception at Carlowrie Castle.
MCMASTER AND O’ROURKE Lucy (Class of 1990) and Dan were married in St Andrews on Friday 27th April 2018.
Cynthia Duncan (née Henderson) Class of 1947 Died 4 April 2018 (Leslie) Gay Eggington Class of 1962 Died 31 January 2018 Heather Gilchrist (née Love) Class of 1947 Died 15 March 2018, aged 88 Virginia Holt (née White) Class of 1955 Died 1 January 2018, aged 79 Fiona Hunter (née Lumsden) Class of 1960 Died 12 March 2018, aged 75 Gillian Johnstone Class of 1950 Died 1 July 2018, aged 85 Isobel Lutton (née Morris) Class of 1945 Died 13 April 2018, aged 91
HENDERSON-HOWAT AND DAVIES Susanna (Class of 2007) and Peter were married on 26th May 2018 at Newlands Church followed by a reception at Kailzie Gardens.
Jill Mackenzie (née Boyes) Class of 1984 Died 20 April 2016, aged 49 Sheana Monteith (née Simson) Class of 1947 Died 1 January 2018, aged 89
Autumn 2018 | 23
our people
DEATHS - cont.
TRIBUTES AGNES DREVER
Fenella Nicholson (née Johnstone) Class of 1956 Died 25 April 2018
8 January 1924 – 7 December 2016 Following the lovely tribute to Agnes Drever in Issue 14 of the OGA Magazine, we thought that OGs would appreciate this delightful photo of Agnes. It brings happy memories. Head of Classics for most of her career, Agnes’ outstanding scholarship and charming personality won her the deep respect and great affection of her pupils, colleagues and friends. It was a privilege to know her.
Margaret Peek (née Leechman) Class of 1956 Died 7 December 2017 Sheila E Robertson Class of 1945 Died 4 August 2018, aged 90 Margaret Somerville Class of 1953 Died 8 May 2018, aged 83
Griselda Fyfe and Eileen Mackintosh
CHRISTOPHER FERGUSON SMITH St George’s School Governor, 2015 – 2017
Margaret Steven (née Rose) Class of 1946 Died 3 July 2018, aged 91 Mary Thomas (née Simpson) Class of 1933 Died 12 April 2018, aged 103
STAFF MEMBERS Dorothy Greenhalgh Former Housemistress Died 16 December 2017 Dr Audrey Miller (née Nicolson) Former staff member (1961-1984) Died 1 March 2018 Christopher Smith Former School Governor Died 24 April 2018, aged 66 Elspeth Martin Former staff member (1965 -1966) Died 12 October 2017
CORRECTION In our last OGA magazine we featured an article about Dame Sarah Siddons Mair on page 12. We incorrectly referred to Dame Sarah as a suffragette when, in fact, she was a suffragist.
24 | Autumn 2018
13 October 1951 – 24 April 2018 Chris was a member of the school council from March 2015 until August 2017. He was honoured to have been invited to join and worked hard to bring his skills to bear on behalf of the council. Chris was passionate about St George’s and, from the moment our daughter joined in P1 to her leaving in 2016, Chris was a great supporter of the school. Attending school events and cheering enthusiastically from the side lines at weekly hockey matches became highlights of our busy family life. Readers of this article may, or may not, have known Chris. It is immensely difficult to describe all that Chris was across the many aspects of his life. As an example, in the realm of education, Chris was the epitome of
life-long learning and continuing development and experience. After a time in the Royal Naval Reserves, Chris studied Law at Glasgow University and practised in Glasgow and then Hong Kong. He joined the Upper Tribunal soon after his return to Edinburgh. In 2002 he graduated with M Phil in Law and Medical Ethics from Glasgow University, and this led to appointments as a Legal Assessor with most of the health-regulating bodies in the UK. Chris loved his family and was immensely proud of his children Katie and Rory. Although we must continue life’s journey without Chris, we will be sustained by his love for us and ours for him in the times ahead. Melanie Smith
our people
HELEN MARY MACGREGOR (née BAKER) 22 February 1935 – 21 March 2017 Helen had a happy childhood in the home of her veterinary surgeon father in Ayr. There, she was surrounded by family, Border Terriers, ponies, horses and a guinea pig. When it was time for her to go to St George’s, Helen embraced the opportunity gladly and her only regret was being parted from all the animals. She took to boarding school life well and enjoyed the company of her house mates, making friends easily. Winnifred Goodburn remained a very close friend for the rest of her life. St G’s directed her caring talents towards teaching. She trained at Jordanhill C College and was later appointed as an assistant at the mining village school of Drongan. Here, she nurtured a desire to become a teacher of deaf children and so entered Manchester University for training. In 1959, she was appointed to the Royal West of England School for the Deaf in Exeter. Once she had acclimatised to the different techniques required, and the very special needs of her pupils, she prospered. Her calm, patient and gentle approach was appreciated by the children and staff alike. She was happily married for 54 years and had two sons. She retired from teaching and directed all her talents towards raising her boys until they left home. She was committee member then President of the Exeter and District Caledonian Society. One of her great joys was the weekly Scottish Country Dance sessions the Society held every Friday evening. Helen loved the dancing and the company of her fellow Scots. She was also in demand at Society functions to recite the poems of Robert Burns. Helen lived her life according to her firm faith that was moulded by her loving home and her time at St G’s. She was a good, kindly, gentle lady and a true Scot, loved by all who knew her, especially her close family who miss her dreadfully. David Baker
ELSPETH MARTIN Staff member 1965 –1966 1943 – 2017 Elspeth Martin came to St George’s School in 1965 and was an outstanding colleague, in the first and only year, as assistant in the department of Physical Education. It was her strength in the gymnastics arena in particular that “sowed the seeds” in St George’s, when in one year she achieved more with her pupils than some teachers achieve in a lifetime. Consequently, Elspeth was seconded onto the staff of Dunfermline College of Physical Education (now the University of Edinburgh), and St George’s lost a born teacher. Elspeth, known (affectionately) as ‘Spuff’ to her students, was a highly respected and popular member of staff at the then Dunfermline College of Physical Education. If you had her for a practical class you would have been guaranteed a very informative lecture, delivered with enthusiasm and energy. Elspeth taught games and dance, but worked mainly
in the field of gymnastics. She was knowledgeable and efficient and gave her students an excellent grounding in whatever she taught. As a tutor or teaching supervisor she was extremely supportive, giving constructive help and encouragement to her charges. She was totally dedicated to her work at college; her mother, latterly as carer; and her dogs. We shall miss her bubbly, effervescent self, but what a legacy she has left behind! Elizabeth Bellamy, Jenny Pearson and Gillian McIntyre
MARGOT CRUFT (née DUNSTALL) 23 January 1936 – 8 February 2018 Margaret Joan Dunstall, always known as Margot, was born in Surrey, moving to Edinburgh with her parents and two older sisters at the age of two. She was educated at St George’s School for Girls and, on her beloved father’s insistence in case ‘the music thing’ didn’t work out, she spent a year at secretarial college before being allowed to follow her passion and study music at Edinburgh University, graduating with a B.Mus degree in 1958. Marriage happened before graduation and children appeared a perfectly-spaced two, four and six years later. Margot’s children (Martin, Julian, and Gail) were always her main priority when they were young, but very soon she was being asked to teach and to play, and the balance in her life gradually changed as the children grew up. Her teaching commitments included Mary Erskine’s, Stewart’s Melville College, George Watson’s College, Edinburgh Academy and Cargilfield School as well as tutoring on Scottish Schools Orchestra Trust courses. Hundreds of young oboists will have reason to be grateful for her help and support over the years. For many years Margot was principal oboe of Scottish Sinfonia, an Edinburgh-based orchestra which performs mainly large-scale symphonic repertoire; she also played a major part in running the orchestra. Margot had a wonderfully down-to-earth approach to life, with a warm, positive and encouraging attitude. Problems would be turned into opportunities; advice was always well-considered and wise and time wasn’t wasted on unnecessary chores. In 1998, Margot, then 62, decided to retire to Inverness. She had a strange notion of retirement. Shortly after settling in Inverness, she found herself teaching oboe at Gordonstoun School and cofounding two new ensembles – The Merlewood Ensemble and the Highland Chamber Orchestra. Margot died peacefully in the Highland Hospice, where she had spent most of her last month tended with the greatest kindness and care, having been diagnosed with cancer seventeen months earlier. Jean Murray
Autumn 2018 | 25
our past | our present
The
THROW
BACK
In each edition we will take a look back through the archives and feature important artefacts from school history, to see how the school, its fashions and foundations have fared throughout the years. In this edition, we have chosen to look at sporting prowess and that place of haven for all players, spectators and occasional ‘objectors’ – the Sports Pavilion. This was rebuilt and opened to great applause in May 2018. The Hockey Team circa 1916 – 18
The Gymnasium interior in the 1900s
26 | October 2018
our present | our past
ALL CHANGE: The Sports Pavilion in the early 1900s (left)
The Argyll Cricket Team in 1932
Present day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the hurdles
Below: Our brand new Everest Sports Pavilion was opened in May 2018
October 2018 | 27
Keep in touch
If any alumnae, current pupils, staff or parents have news updates, article ideas, tributes or pictures they would like to share then please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you! You can contact the Foundation Office by calling (+44) 131 311 8000; emailing foundation@stge. org.uk; or by post to Laura Ogilvie-Jones, St George’s School For Girls, Garscube Terrace, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, EH12 6BG. You can also find us on: St George’s Alumnae Group
All alumnae are welcome to attend the following School events Please email loj@stge.org.uk if you would like to attend.
30.10.18
17.01.19
Judith McClure’s Book Launch at St George’s
OGA Committee Meeting*
22.11.18
16.03.19
‘The Walker Series’ event (more details to follow)
St George’s Choral Concert Greyfriars Kirk
24.11.18 Class of 2008 Reunion
St George’s School Alumnae Networking Group
Week of 03.12.18 STEM Festival (more details to follow)
stgealumnae
19.12.18
For whole school news please visit www.stge.org.uk
Upper School Carol Service St Giles’ Cathedral
Event Calendar
We would love to hear from you
25.04.19 OGA Committee Meeting*
15.06.19 St George’s Alumnae Summer Lunch and OGA Committee AGM
27.06.19 Speech Day St Mary’s Cathedral
* for OGA committee members only
THE GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR) HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ST GEORGE’S ALUMNAE? As many of you know, on 25th May 2018, a new law governing the protection of personal data came into force. This new legislation is called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The purpose of this legislation is to offer each of us greater control in how our personal information may be stored, used and accessed.
Information Database when you left St George’s and automatically became an alumna of the School; this data was kept for the sole purpose of the School keeping in touch with you. Other data we hold about alumnae has come from previous Contact Detail update forms, OGA magazine communication, reunions or telephone correspondence.
At St George’s we take data protection seriously. We know the importance of personal information to each individual and are committed to protecting such information in our care and acting in your best interests. We also understand the need to make it clear what information we hold about you, how we obtained this information, what we will do with it, and why we believe we may do so.
We would like to keep in touch so that we can continue to invite you to events, send you The Dragon magazine and update you on current news and future developments at St George’s. We will keep your data indefinitely in support of your lifelong relationship with the School, unless you request otherwise. If you would no longer like to hear from us, you can remove your information or tailor your communication preferences by contacting us at the email address below, or write to us at the main school address.
St George’s has a range of data protection policies and procedures to ensure your data is held securely. We will only use this information to contact you in conjunction with School, OGA or St George’s Family activities. We have collated information relating to you from a variety of different sources, depending on how you have stayed in touch with the School. Some personal data we hold about alumnae was transferred from the School’s Management
Please do also contact us if you have any general questions. Email: foundation@stge.org.uk Tel: 0131 311 8000 (ask for Foundation Office) Contact: Laura Ogilvie-Jones (Head of Foundation) or Lesley Abbott (Alumnae Relations and Database Assistant)
ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Garscube Terrace, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, EH12 6BG www.stge.org.uk
28 | Autumn 2018
Registered Charity No SC012632