TRIBUTES

Joan Clanchy

Eileen Mackintosh (Class of 1948, former Deputy Head)

When Joan Clanchy became Headmistress of St George’s in 1976, she was undoubtedly the right person in the right place at the right time. At 36, she was young to be a Head in these days, so it was a bold choice by the Council. It was fully justified. Nigel Shepley (former staff and school historian) writes that “if asked

to draw an identikit picture of our early, pioneering headmistresses, it would surely closely resemble Joan Clanchy”. Joan, too, passionately believed in a ‘broad, liberal academic education for girls’, based on non-competitive examinations and care for the individual. Joan had the determination, the ability and ‘charismatic’ personality to put these ideas into practice. In the words of Anne Williams (former staff and parent) “Joan was inspirational and approachable, with great dignity and also a sense of fun”. A hundred years on, principles remained the same; methodology must change. By 1976, girls’ independent schools faced very serious challenges: financial viability, wider career choices for women and demands for co-education. Joan met all these problems head on and was never afraid to take initially unpopular decisions. Helen Mackie (former Head) writes that “Joan was a hugely modernising influence and brought the school up to date.” The decision to amalgamate with Lansdowne House School had already been taken but Joan faced a testing time in putting the plan into action. There was very real pain and anxiety for pupils, staff and parents. Joan passed through the crisis with ‘serenity, confidence and humour’ (Women of Independent Mind). Most pupils and some members of staff joined St George’s. A traumatic time for both schools as they gradually settled in, guided by Joan’s sensitivity and understanding. Susan Newton (Lansdowne House) remembers her apprehension when sitting in a St George’s classroom for the first time. Then “a tall, smiley lady came in and said reassuringly “I’m a new girl too”. Old girl Sally Williams (class of 1986) recalls

Apart from the fact that Mrs Clanchy was not a pupil of St George’s School, her educational pedigree is impeccable!

Alastair M Johnston (Lord Dunpark) - Chairman of Council in 1976 when Mrs Clanchy was appointed

“She worked tirelessly to provide the girls with an education that would suit them for the modern world.”

Anne Everest, Head from 2010-2016 Her remarkable skill at getting to know people; the daunting task of learning 800 names (not to mention those of staff and parents) seems to have left her quite undaunted.

Head Girl, Susan Pentland from the 1976 Chronicle

“She passionately believed in a broad, liberal, academic education for girls.”

Nigel Shepley, Staff – 1998 to 2016

that “Joan could look quite daunting, but she had a ready smile, twinkly eyes and, above all, she was kind and took trouble with people”. Thus was created the Middle School with its own classrooms, offices and boarding facilities. Since then it has flourished and developed, retaining its own identity to the benefit of the whole school. Joan was an organiser and enabler, giving full support to staff and girls so that together they could achieve their ambitions. Laboratories were refurbished, modern technology introduced to the classrooms, new courses started including

Home Economics, Typing and early Computing. The splendid Art Block was opened, offering an imaginative expansion of all creative arts. Drama productions were more lavish and exciting. From a small string group, a full orchestra was founded and also the popular Concert Band. Both enjoyed tours at home and abroad. Linda Emslie (former staff) remembers a special visit to Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, when Joan and Michael Clanchy flew out to the USA to support the Orchestra. Breaking tradition, in 1998 Joan chose two men to join her staff! Nigel Shepley (History) and John Hall (Chemistry). More distinguished appointments followed and soon this became the valued ‘norm’. Helen Mackie was the first member of staff to be granted maternity leave. She said this “caused some raised eyebrows” at the time, but soon became accepted practice. Liz Childs (former staff) was the first person to enjoy a teacher exchange with another school. This was soon popular and beneficial.

Joan was the opposite of remote. She taught some History, RE and Current Affairs. She took Assemblies in all parts of the school every week and had a special place and time for visits to the Boarding Houses. Michael and Joan joined the formal School Balls when St George’s played host and guest with several boys’ schools. Another first.

“She made leadership seem effortless.”

Nigel Shepley, Staff – 1998 to 2016

All who know her are confident that, in her hands, St George’s has a great future.

Alastair M Johnston (Lord Dunpark) - Chairman of Council in 1976 when Mrs Clanchy was appointed

“She was a hugely modernising influence.”

Anne Everest, Head from 20010-2016

Before leaving St George’s, Joan toured all the classrooms. Anne Williams remembers the amazed comments from her groups: “She knew all our names!”. Not just first names. Joan knew and valued every girl. In 1976, St George’s stood at a crossroads. Either it might diminish and be ‘swallowed up’, or it could revitalise and grow. That the latter path was followed is largely due to Joan Clanchy. St George’s owes her a real debt of gratitude.

Eileen Mackintosh, Class of 1948 Former Staff, Lansdowne House; Former Deputy Head, St George’s; Former Council Member, Lansdowne House and St George’s.

With thanks for contributions from: Liz Childs - former staff; Linda Emslie - former staff; Helen Mackie - former Head; Nigel Shepley - former staff; Susan Newton - class of 1980; Anne Williams - former staff & parent; Sally Whittle (née Williams) - class of 1986.

Tribute to Sarah

Hughes (Class of 1990)

Described by her TV editor at The Guardian as a ‘TV Bellwether’ and a ‘wonderful friend’, it was with an outpouring of love and grief that Sarah Hughes was remembered by her colleagues and huge fanbase when she died on Monday 5 April 2021, aged 48. She is survived by husband Kris and children Ruby and Oisín. Sarah had stage 4 cancer and had survived, it was reported, far longer than her original prognosis.

She wrote with passion, humour, warmth and zeal – she was indeed the bellwether for so many TV fans, offering wit, humour, explanation and sometimes a reality check. Her Game of Thrones and Line of Duty reviews are legendary, even to the point that Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin sought her out for his one and only interview for the TV finale, reported the Guardian.

Sarah attended St George’s along with her sister Emily from 1985 to 1988. She will be much missed and we send our thoughts and warm condolences to her husband, children, family, friends and colleagues.

Please follow these shortlinks below to see Sarah’s tributes in The Guardian

https://bit.ly/3uS0ZFp

https://bit.ly/3uWKBmS

Friends and family of Sarah Hughes have created a crowdfunding website hoping to raise £10,000 to set up a charitable trust in her memory. Those wishing to donate should visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ sarahhughestrust