Incorporating the JCGA
JCG Foundation Magazine 2017 - 2018 ASPIRE • INQUIRE • EXCEL • BELONG
STEPHEN COHU
A large selection of decorative garden furnishings now on display at The Hidden Garden Company, St Lawrence
DEALERS IN FINE ANTIQUES, WORKS OF ART, JEWELLERY AND OBJECTS We are the Channel Islands’ leading purchaser of antiques, jewellery and effects. These, together with my extensive experience and knowledge enable us to offer the most comprehensive service in the Islands, whether buying or selling.
Contents Page Foreword and Thank You - Leanda Guy A message from our Patron
4-5 6
A message from our Principal
8-9
A message from our Editors
10
Foundation News and Successes
12 - 25
Our Corporate Partners
26
Interviews
28 - 44
Notifications
45 - 48
3
Foreword and Thank You Dear Ladies, Much has been achieved since we launched the Foundation incorporating the JCGA in 2012. Thank you to all of you for your continued support. It has been marvellous to have found such a great colleague in Barbara McGarva who I know many of you have now met at our various events. I have thoroughly enjoyed catching up with you all at the many official reunions and the more individual ones welcoming girls back for birthdays, anniversaries and hearing all your tales from your JCG days to what you have achieved in your lives. Using the Foundation network to introduce current students to the JCG alumni to help them as they fly the nest has been hugely beneficial. Many students are now seeking advice and guidance from former students that are now successful in various industries or by giving our students the opportunity to learn from those who have experienced both struggles and successes. I have enjoyed mentoring our fantastic Foundation Girls from the Class of 2012 to the Class of 2017 and it has been a joy to find them work experience and some even careers. In 6 years we have grown fund raising from historically £1,000 a year to £177,000 a year. We now have 6 bursaries including the Houses who are now fund raising to provide a 6th form place. We also manage a university bursary for a member of our alumni to be able to fulfil her dream to attend an International University. Having set up the Corporate Partner Programme I am thrilled we continue to encourage businesses to support not just JCG but education in Jersey. This programme goes from strength to strength with companies now contacting us to see how we can help them achieve their Corporate Social Responsibility objectives. We couldn’t have provided many of the programmes without our corporate partners. A huge thank you to Rathbones Investment Management International, Equiom, KPMG, Le Masurier, Lysaght, Minerva Corporate Services, Viberts, Calligo, Lyon and Turnbull, Bracken Rothwell, Praxis IFM and the Jersey Development Company. I would like to thank Mrs Howarth for her friendship and wonderful work with the 2nd hand uniform shop now bringing in over £1K a year to the Foundation. Also our wonderful Foundation Patron, Sally Le Brocq OBE, Chairman Philip Taylor and members Julian Box, Pippa Bastiman, Jane Delap, Alex Fearn, Bob Hassell, Cathy Keir, Alison Morgan, Laura Perez, Allison Soulsby and Sarah Turnbull. Thank you to Alison for helping me ensure we were in good shape for our AGM. A mention must also go to Pierre Louw, College Bursar, for all his support and Michelle Parkes who helps us with the accounts. Finally a heartfelt personal thank you to Mrs Victoria Corson who leaves us as Honorary Treasurer but has steered us through huge growth and provided us with the accounting tools to ensure the Foundation is future proof.
4
There have been some frustrations along the way as we had hoped to launch our Capital Project Campaign to fund-raise for the much needed Field of Dreams but unfortunately still await permission from the Planning Department. Working with the Jersey Development Company to organise the safe repatriation of our beautiful library was exciting. Bringing the heart of JCG home for students to learn in, a lovely venue for returning old girls to hold events in and having it here for the enjoyment of future students was another highlight for me. I have decided that 2018, as I approach my 50th year, is the year for me to fulfil my own dream of working for myself providing marketing and communications solutions both locally and further afield. I feel honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to launch and build the JCG Foundation with the incredible team here and wish my successor the best of luck taking on this unique role. I continue my role as Lady Chair for Jersey Lady Taverners http://www.ladytaverners.org with the raison d'etre to continue to Give Young People a Sporting Chance and will continue to be Official Boob Champ for http://www.coppafeel.org I encourage you all to think about the JCG Foundation and how you can support its endeavours. Mentoring students is hugely rewarding and if you are in a position, providing a bursary for a girl who would not otherwise have the chance to learn in this great College is something I’d like to aspire to as my business grows. I would like to thank the wonderful Margaret Stone and Dr Sue Taylor for all their help and guidance over my 6 years at JCG. Also Simone Goddard, Nicole Gueguen, Pat Williams, Collette Crill, Ruth Le Breton and so many JCG Old Girls that have become wonderful friends. I hope I have aspired, inquired, excelled and definitely belonged for a happy 6 years as part of the JCG Family. Finally, thank you once again to the local Jersey media for supporting our efforts to promote the many activities of the Foundation. Much love, Leanda
Leanda Guy - Foundation Director
www.lobstertail.co.uk
5
A message from our Patron Mrs Sally Le Brocq, OBE
Mrs Sally Le Brocq, OBE Another year has passed and Philip and I continue to marvel at the achievements of the JCG Foundation. We are so proud to support such a forward thinking organisation that understands the importance of this great College’s heritage. All great schools throughout the centuries have grown and flourished through the philanthropy of individuals who care about their future and the Foundation continues to foster this tradition to gain such support from local companies and others who have benefited from working at or attending JCG. Harnessing the support of the JCG Alumni is key to the success of the Foundation. With modern tools that were never around in our day, such as Facebook and Linked In it is fantastic that Old Girls are now easily able to learn what the Foundation is doing and how they can get involved. We were astounded when Leanda told us there are over 18,000 JCG Old Girls on Linked In and she has a plan in place to contact each and every one to let them know what JCG is doing and how they can support, be it by mentoring a student, suggesting their companies become corporate partners or just joining us at one of the many events planned for 2018. Philip and I hope to catch up with you all at one of the lovely events planned for this year.
6
DISCOVER JERSEYÂ’S WARMEST WELCOME AT GREENHILLS SINCE 1674 Dine on be beautifully autifullyy cr crafted afftted cuisine fr from om locall locallyy sour sourced ced ingredients, unwind offering ingr edients, unwin nd in lounge bars of ffering f w wines and beers from fr om around around the world w and celebrate celebrate with car carefully refully selected within charming cocktails, all set wi ithin authentic and charmin g 17th century rural rur al luxury. luxury. Choose fr from om our Ă la car carte rtte rrestaurant, estaurant, light bi bites ites in the lounge g and bar orr afternoon affternoon t te tea a in the g gar gardens. dens. Call C all us now on 01534 015 534 481042 or visit www.greenhillshotel.com www.greenhillshotel.com e information. for bookings or further further t information.
www.greenhillshotel.com www . eenhillshotel.com .gr
A message from our Principal Mr Carl Howarth Dear Alumni, Welcome to your 2017/18 Alumni magazine. I would like to take this opportunity of sharing the latest news from College. You will all be delighted to hear we began the last term of 2017 with news of some quite superb examination results. Once again, JCG was the top performing school in Jersey at GCSE. Furthermore, our students achieved the highest results in the history of the College. 68% of all grades were A* /A with 89% A* - B. The average set of grades was 8 A grades. This level of attainment places JCG just outside the top 100 independent schools in the UK and reflects the exceptional effort and positive mind-set our students possess and the high quality of teaching. At A level, our students achieved a 7% increase on A*/A grades achieving 40.5%, with 94% A* - C and 84% of students secured their first choice university. We were also delighted that every student who wished to progress into work did so and into excellent positions. What was even more rewarding was our independent measure of value added (how much progress a student made). This measure placed JCG within the top 25% of all UK schools. It is clear our students and staff are preparing well and meeting the rigours of the new GCSE and A level courses. Equally, while we are pleased with the progress made, we have introduced a new course for the sixth form to further enhance their mindset and preparation for Advanced level study. A levels are different to GCSE and what worked for students in Y11 needs to adapt and evolve for continued success at Y12 and beyond. We have also been very pleased with the student response to the new Elective courses in the sixth form. These courses are in addition to the three A levels studied and demonstrate our belief that learning does not equate to being examined. Indeed, the courses are designed to strengthening our students’ curiosity, their ability to make connections between subjects and enjoy learning for learning’s sake. In turn, this will make our students even better learners. During the past two years, the Governors, the JCG Foundation and I have been investigating the opportunity to recruit international students to the Island to study at JCG. It’s important to note that these students will fill available places we historically have in KS4 and KS5 and not reduce places for local students. During half term, I travelled to Hong Kong and Shanghai to meet potential agents, schools and to represent JCG at the GSA recruitment fair. With Jersey fudge at close hand, I repeatedly explained where Jersey was and what an ideal environment it is for a young person to be educated. Indeed, the more I explained about the benefits, the more I was reminded of how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful, safe, clean and stable environment.
8
Sometimes we do need reminding and not take for granted. I think many of our students realised this too when I showed them the promotion film we made in-house about JCG. It’s very early days in this line of development; we are starting from a zero profile in that part of the world. However, I firmly believe this initiative will benefit JCG students and the Jersey population by broadening island-wide awareness of the global community through; • Heightening the importance of positive international relationships • Providing opportunities for the students of Jersey to communicate and collaborate across borders • Recruiting highly motivated students with a global outlook to benefit JCG students • Enhancing the opportunities for all students to target global universities • Raising the profile of Jersey Whilst in Shanghai, I was very pleased to return to our partner school, Shanghai No.3 Girls school where I was given the warmest of welcomes. You may remember their visit to JCG in the summer. We are already planning our second exchange in 2019. We continue to be most encouraged at what the Foundation is achieving, whilst never forgetting its own foundations began as the JCGA. Thanks to your love of this great College we have been able to build on your endeavours and are delighted the Foundation is now providing such value to College life. This would not be possible without your support so a sincere thank you from myself and the Board of Governors. There is much to do and we hope you will continue to support us with exciting plans for the future. We trust you have a happy, healthy 2018 and hope you enjoy the latest Foundation news provided in this magazine. Yours sincerely Carl Howarth Principal
9
A message from our Editors Brooke Le Breton, Emily Bridson and Indigo Pike (Year 12)
We have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to act as Editors for this year’s JCG Foundation Magazine. What an enriching experience it has been for us all! Working as a team to create the content and collate all of the articles has been such an interesting challenge and we hope that you enjoy this edition. As Foundation Girls, we feel honoured to be able to contribute to the college in any we that we can and the sense of camaraderie makes it very special. As editors we have had the wonderful opportunity to meet with so many past JCG students. This leaves us feeling inspired by their experiences during their time at JCG and motivated by the lives that the alumni are now leading. We are so pleased to have the opportunity to share these interviews and good memories with you in this magazine and we hope to achieve the same level of accomplishments after JCG as the ladies we have interviewed. We now have a fuller understanding of the strength of these ladies and the support we can provide for each other. Our thanks go to Leanda for her support and guidance and for giving us this wonderful experience.
Brooke Le Breton, Emily Bridson and Indigo Pike
10
Clear investment investment. t. Pure energy.
WE ARE
WITH YOU
EVERY STEP Secure, affordable, sus sustainable stainable energy is vitall to our well-being ll b g and a d prosperity p so let’ l s let’s take one step at a time: k them h
Secure 10 TIMES MORE RE RELIABLE ELIABLE THAN THE UK Average eight minutes lost per Average pe er customer last year compared with 74 minutes in n UK.* European Three interconnectors to Euro pean grid over two 190MW different routes providing 190 0MW plus 169MW onI l d generation. Island ti
Affordable NO PRICE RISEE FOR FOUR YEARS
One of the cheapest supplies in Europe, 14% cheaper than UK benchmark, much ch heaper than comparative cheaper islands.
Sustainable VIR VIRTUALLY TUALLLY DE-CARBONISED DE--CARBONISED SUPPLY SUPPLLY
Around one third of Jersey’ e – that’ Jersey’ss electricity that’ss comes certified 200million units a year - com mes from cer tified renewable France, hydro-electric sources in Fran ce, helping us to reduce Island’ss overall greenhous greenhouse the Island’ se gas emissions by 40% since 1990.
Energy, Energy y, fit fi for islanders
www.jec.co.uk www .jec.co.uk *Ofgem RIIO ED1
JCG Foundation News and Successes Bursary News One of the key focus areas of the JCG Foundation is to increase funding available for much needed Bursaries and needs-based financial support for students to enable any student offered a place at JCG to be able to accept it, irrespective of financial background. We are delighted that thanks to generous benefactors the Foundation now supports 7 students. We are inspired that one of these bursaries is funded by the six JCG Houses, an idea brought to life by our students.
By enriching our classrooms with girls from a range of backgrounds and with different perspectives, we are fostering new approaches to problem solving and encouraging students to challenge and consider alternative views to their own. Our ability to offer these places is limited only by available funding, which is why we need your support. If you or perhaps the business you work for are interested in discussing how you can become involved in supporting a student from Year 7 or to join us for 6th form please contact Heidi Delves on 516208 to arrange a meeting with Mr Howarth in strictest confidence.
At College, our students are given every opportunity to strive beyond conventional thinking. We know from experience that a rich diversity of ideas stimulates greater creativity, innovation and new ways of thinking.
The JCG School Fee Raffle The inaugural JCG School Fee Raffle was drawn at the AGM on Friday 24th November. Thanks to parents support, this innovative fund raising initiative can be deemed a huge success with the Le Chevalier family winning a terms Fees of ÂŁ1735 and the Foundation Trunk Fund to help with running costs being boosted by over ÂŁ4K!
12
Prepare Revision Academy We were thrilled that Rathbones Investment Management will be supporting the Prepare GCSE and A Level Revision Academy again in 2018 taking place over the Easter Holidays. To register your interest for your children or grandchildren to attend this fantastic holiday learning opportunity please contact Miss Gomes at a.gomes@jcg.sch.je
The Equiom Great Debate & A Level Certificate Awards Corporate partner Equiom has been helping our 6th form get ready for interviews facilitating formal mock interviews at their offices which has benefited our students enormously. Equiom also sponsored the latest in the Foundation Debate Series in November seeing
joint teams from JCG and Victoria College debate whether Homework was a good idea or not! Facilitated by the BBC another great debate! Huge congratulations to JCG and Victoria College Year 8’s and Mrs De La Haye for mentoring these enthusiastic young minds. The next Equiom Debate will take place in June with joint teams from JCG, De La Salle and Highlands with all teams being mentored by Equiom staff. Thank you also to the Equiom team for sponsoring our A Level Certificate Day in January welcoming girls back from University to a lovely lunch in the library and offering invaluable interview and work experience opportunities.
13
JCG Foundation News and Successes JCG Foundation / JT Global Join Together Induction Day Once again JT kindly sponsored our Induction Day in July welcoming our new recruits to JCG for two days before they joined us in September. Join Together t-shirts and exciting goodie bags were given to all! We will also be partnering with JT to provide Parents and Alumni with education on parental control, wi-fi and mobile devices and how parents can turn off/time and track usage for monitoring usage on the go or at home.
Lysaght sponsor Bio Med Summer School for a second year We were delighted the team at Lysaght once again agreed to sponsor our Bio Med Summer School. Their funding provided four bursaries for this fantastic week of learning.
14
JCG Foundation News and Successes Christmas in the Library Our annual Alumni Christmas Coffee and mince pies event took place in the library on Friday 8th December providing an opportunity for our alumni to catch up prior to the festive season. We were thrilled to see Ruth Le Breton showing off her raffle prize from the Spring reunion, a fabulous phone courtesy of JT Global.
Dates for 2018 Saturday 17th March JCGA/Foundation Spring Reunion Luncheon - St Brelade’s Bay Hotel 12.30pm Friday 6th July JCGA/Foundation Library Sandwich Lunch - Midday - 2pm Friday 7th December JCGA/Foundation Xmas Coffee/Mince Pies Library Event 10 - Midday To attend any of these events please contact Barbara, b.mcgarva@jcg.sch.je or call JCGA/Foundation HQ on 516206
16
FULLY APPROVED PROVIDER States of Jersey
" ! #! ! ! "" ! ! ! ! "! # "" #
('&% $#"! !! &'% $ "" ! &% #"! # # ' % # # & ' ' ' ( && '& ' ' '
JCG Foundation News and Successes 2017/18 Alumni Magazine Thank you to all the ladies who agreed to be interviewed giving us a fascinating insight to life after JCG for this magazine. We have been sent so much content that a bonus online version is available via the jcg.je website so please do have a look and share the link with your JCG friends. As always a huge thank you to our Foundation Girls who are an inspiration, offering to help with all sorts of Foundation activity. In return we continue to find them exciting work experience opportunities and some even careers with our ever growing corporate partners. There is an online edition of this magazine with lots more interviews and JCG news.
Get Involved with the Foundation If you would like to be a Foundation Ambassador for your Year Group and help us connect or organise a reunion please just get in touch with Barbara b.mcgarva@jcg.sch.je who would be delighted to hear from you. If you own or work for a corporate that would like to engage with JCG to achieve your CSR objectives we have many fantastic programmes that we would love to talk to you about sponsoring! Please contact the Foundation. Please join our Facebook Group JCG Foundation Official Group, visit our website www.jcgfoundation.com and please follow us on Linked In!
18
Vimeo Links Thank you to our corporate partner, The Jersey Development Company for compiling these charming vimeos of some of our noted Alumni. To view them online simply follow the link. Jenny Hill > https://vimeo.com/220947636 Susie Grant > https://vimeo.com/220947543 Jane Delap > https://vimeo.com/220947428 Lorna Colquhoun > https://vimeo.com/220941645 Elsie Roberts > https://vimeo.com/220940715 Emily Allchurch > https://vimeo.com/219868030 Beckie Herbert > https://vimeo.com/219095407 Dr Lilian Grandin > https://vimeo.com/218605937 Marguerite Stocker > https://vimeo.com/218017782 Professor Vivien Mylne > https://vimeo.com/217674672 Dame Florence Baron QC > https://vimeo.com/216992994 Adelaide Casely-Hayford MBE > https://vimeo.com/215823834 Sandra Golding, Rachel Whale and Keshia Hannam were amongst just some of the incredible speakers we had the pleasure of listening to.
#DayOfTheGirl #GoodWomen The JCG Foundation Girls embraced their inner feminists on International Girls Day! We discussed and debated all the tough topics‌ What are the barriers that stop girls in the workplace?
The JCG Foundation girls are extremely grateful for the opportunity offered by Barclays Capital and we look forward to next year’s #DayOfTheGirl!
Do we feel our opportunities are restricted by our gender? How can we further achieve gender equality? An incredible live stream took place at the Jersey Library with Barclays Capital. Six keynote speakers discussed what it is to be a woman, and their experiences of gender inequality within their careers.
Storm Rothwell, Lucy Jackson, Brooke Le Breton, Sam Neale, Indigo Pike, Emily Bridson and Joanne Alford from Barclays Capital. 19
JCG Foundation News and Successes KPMG Cyber Champ Day KPMG Cyber Champ Day was held on Monday 22 January at JCP. Students from Beaulieu, De La Salle, Grainville, Grouville Primary, Haute Vallee, JCG, JCP, Le Rocquier, Le Quennevais, Victoria College attended KPMG Cyber Champ Day. The event was introduced by Lord Hastings, KPMG’s Global Head of Citizenship, who inspired all the students with his vision followed by the KPMG Cyber Champs sharing how to keep safe online. Jersey Wonders and fabulous goodie bags were given to all guests. A huge thank you to our new corporate partner, KPMG for making this event possible.
KPMG support JCG Maths students We are delighted to welcome KPMG as a corporate partner. KPMG are sponsoring JCG students to attend Maths in Action taking place in London in March. 20 Year 12 students will have the opportunity of visiting London and learning from prominent speakers, Simon Singh, author of Fermat’s Last Theorem, Miranda Mowbray, data scientist and Sara Jabbari, Mathematician specialising in antibiotic resistance.
20
3210/.-,+1*2.+10-)+(('20&-2&- -' / '-/ ( * -.1 2* - 1- 01- - 0 1& 0-+* 01. 0- +''- 2./ 0*-(1 0/.& -2*/'+ 2* - 12 +&-.1 0&- * - 2.2 * '-&01 2/0&-. -/ ('0.0 -(1 0/.- 1 -&. 1.-. - 2*2& - 0-/ *- '& -&+((' -/ ('0.0- 0 1 - * - . 1 -2*&. '' .2 *&-. '0 &0- 00'- 100-. - 2 0-+&- -12* - 1-/ ''-2*. -. 0-& 1 -. - 00.-. 0-.0 -. - 2&/+&&- +1-10 +210 0*.&
3210/.-,+1*2.+10-)+(('20&-% $#"$!- +11 1 -).100.-% ). - 0'201-% 01&0 - -% - ) 0' - $ -# $ -& 1 &2*.012 1& /
&2*.012 1& /
JCG - USA Trip Washington D.C. Emma Graham, Jasmine Box and Marianne Enget, Year 13
On Monday 10th July, armed with bug spray, blister plasters and our detailed-tothe-minute itinerary, 10 JCG girls and 3 brave teachers arrived at Jersey Airport to start our journey to the USA. With aims to expand our knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement in America for our A-level coursework and make the most of the 30°C heat, we were all packed and excited to start our adventure. However, before we could truly start our historical exploration of the African American struggle for equality, we spent our first night enjoying the comfort of Heathrow’s Premier Inn whilst explaining to Mr Bidmead the educational importance of watching Love Island, rather than reading our History books.
folding of the American flag. Afterwards, we became proper tourists as we visited the national mall and key monuments such as the Lincoln statue and the White House. Although very hot and tired, the walk was worth it as we saw some of the most famous buildings in Washington. During our time in Washington, we were also lucky enough to receive a talk on Civil Rights from Professor Maurice Jackson at George Washington University who had grown up during the Civil Rights Movement - his insights and personal anecdotes were incredibly thought provoking. Our first day had been incredible and set the preconditions for the rest of what would be a trip of a lifetime. The following day we visited The African American Civil War Museum and the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. Notably, in between these two visits we stopped off for lunch at the infamous Ben’s Chili Bowl!
Excitingly, we spent the first half of our trip in Washington D.C. After a long flight and plenty of films we arrived at the Fairfax hotel which was absolutely stunning with some of the biggest rooms we have ever seen! The first night was spent at a nearby restaurant with plenty of burgers and chips to go around and following dinner we returned to the hotel to get the necessary sleep for the trip ahead. Each morning in Washington began with a search for breakfast as there was such a huge variety to choose from, some girls tried a new place every day whilst others found a decisive favourite to return to. Our first day was arguably one of the best as we started the morning at the Smithsonian museum which was highly interactive and we got to watch a
22
Finally, we spent the evening shopping which was thoroughly enjoyed by the students although perhaps not so much by the teachers. On day 3 of our activities we visited the Capitol Building, the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. Whilst these were some amazing highlights, the most memorable part of the day was seemingly Mr Hepworth climbing into a bin outside of the Capitol building to retrieve some sun cream. Unfortunately, we had not been informed that the security at the Capitol building are very strict and very few things such as liquids and food were permitted! That evening we went to an Italian for dinner which was followed by a visit to the cinema to watch Despicable Me 3 (students’ choice). The cinema was fantastic because the chairs reclined all the way down for maximum comfort. Indeed, we all placed bets on how soon Mr Bidmead would fall asleep, however, it was Mr Hepworth that ultimately felt Despicable Me was inadequate! On our final day in Washington we visited the National Museum of Art as well as the Holocaust Museum during the day whilst spending the evening bowling. Our time in Washington had flown by but we were eager to continue this trip of a lifetime in Alabama...
23
JCG - USA Trip, Alabama Marianne Enget, Year 13
Having arrived at Atlanta airport, we took the coach up to Cheaha National Park Hotel in Alabama, where we would be based for the second part of our journey. What became increasingly apparent during the coach journey was the sheer size of the park, and when we reached the hotel we were all left in awe of the breath-taking views and dramatic sunset. We were lucky enough to be able to take in the sights of the park from the restaurant at evening dinners, and we had lots of time to do this too, as what we didn’t realise was that we would wait for the food for at least 90 minutes every evening after ordering! The next morning we embarked on our first full day in the Deep South, taking the coach to Montgomery. We were never at a loss for things to do on our coach journeys as Mr Hepworth had the foresight to bring a documentary series known as ‘Eyes on the Prize’, which gave us a deeper insight into the Civil Rights Movement and conveniently prepared us for what we could expect to hear about each day. First, we visited the Civil Rights Memorial Centre, which told us of some moving and personal stories of individuals who stood up for justice despite the risk of backlash or those who became victims of racism. We then visited the First White House of the Confederacy, the residence of President Jefferson Davis whilst Montgomery was Capitol of the Confederacy until it moved to Richmond in 1861 during the Civil War. After lunch we had a guided tour at the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, which put into perspective the determination and resilience of the African Americans in Montgomery who succeeded in making the Montgomery Bus Boycott last for an impressive 381 days until bus segregation was deemed unconstitutional by the
Federal Government. We topped the day off by viewing the exterior of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church along with the former home of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. before returning to Cheaha. The following morning we set off again to Birmingham (which we were reminded by the waitresses in the restaurant the previous evening, is pronounced BirmingHAM in America!). There we visited the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which covered a huge multitude of aspects focusing on the progress or setbacks towards achieving Civil Rights for African Americans, spanning from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, and beyond. We decided to split up into smaller groups for lunch and in fact all went to the same restaurant apart from Mr Hepworth who we left at the smokehouse… The whole group was amused when Mr Hepworth informed us that he had decided to get a haircut whilst we had been using the free Wi-Fi nearby. Next we went on a guided walking tour of the Kelly Ingram Park, the 16th Street Baptist Church, and the historic black
24
George Washington Carver Museum and ‘The Oaks’- the former residence of Booker T. Washington who founded Tuskegee Institute. For our last evening, even the two hour dinner wait made us feel very nostalgic, as we had bonded so much as a group. The next morning before getting the coach back to Atlanta airport we went for a scenic walk around some of the park including reaching Alabama’s highest point! We all wrote collective cards to the teachers and gave Mr Hepworth a rather interesting glow-inthe dark bigfoot T-shirt that we thought he would like which we had found at the hotel shop! Finally, we squeezed in a few more rounds of Dobble before leaving the hotel and saying goodbye to the friendly staff.
business district. Walking along the very streets that black protesters or the Klu Klux Klan had marched along was an odd sensation since we had read of some of the precise events that took place there in our books on Civil Rights and were told of many more fascinating details that contributed to making the tour all the more memorable. We even walked past the place where Mr Hepworth had stopped for a haircut at lunch, as there was some frantic waving and shouts of “Hi Al!” It had been an absolutely fascinating day, but nevertheless the group was delighted to see Charlene, our coach driver, as everyone was very happy to get some shade and air-con because of the hot Alabama weather! After some information intensive days, we were all looking forward to a more relaxed day, which we started off with some yoga led by Miss McCarthy. After breakfast, we trekked down to the lake in the park where we were planning on spending they day. We thoroughly enjoyed swimming in the lake, jumping off the pontoon, having a picnic lunch, and learning some new card games with the teachers, which got fairly competitive – particularly Dobble, which Mr Bidmead had introduced us to earlier in the week and had become a bit of a favourite! This was followed by a hike back up to the hotel, which now seemed very high up and far away to us! It was a day completely without Wi-Fi and we agreed that it had been beneficial to remove ourselves from technology as it made us appreciate the beautiful surroundings more.
As a whole, the trip was an invaluable experience for everyone involved as well as being a lot of fun. The opportunity to stand on the ground of incredibly significant individuals, which we were writing about in our own school work, was one none of us will ever forget. We must say a huge thank you to Mr Bidmead and Miss McCarthy for taking such good care of us, with particular thanks to Mr Hepworth who planned the trip with, mostly, perfectly executed precision (which we are sure must be down to the itinerary being considered ‘finalised’ multiple times before, and during the trip). Although Mr Hepworth has sadly left us now to pursue a new career teaching in the prison, we wish him the best of luck and are sure he will spread his inspiration there as much as he did here at JCG. Finally, we would wholeheartedly recommend to any student considering going on a school trip to take the jump and go for it! Anywhere you travel to you will have memories for life and new friends to share them with.
For our final full day we visited Tuskegee University, where we attended a lecture by Professor Godfrey Vincent and saw the huge collection of archives. Following lunch we had a subsequent tour of the campus, including the
25
Corporate Partners FRUSTRA Sponsors KPMG Rathbones Investment Management International Jersey Development Company (Percentage for Arts)
DOMINUS Sponsors Equiom • Le Masurier • Stonehage Fleming
NISI Sponsors Infrasoft • Viberts • Calligo • Braken Rothwell Minerva Trust and Corporate Services • Praxis Ifm • Lysaght
26
Looking to sell your home? Why go round the houses? For details about our bespoke property service please call 01534 728724 or 07700 728724 email: info@lobstertail.co.uk
REGISTER NOW w w w. l o b s t e r t a i l . c o . u k
Follow us:
@Lobstertail01
l o b s t e r. t a i l
L o b s t e r Ta i l
Interview
Marion Buchanan (neé Godel) Class of 1975. An alumni of encouragement, resilience and true JCG spirit.
Now coming up to her ‘Big Six-0’ she is heading up a small team part time and thoroughly enjoying her time as a grandmother.
Talking about her time at school Marion highlights the unique nature of JCG, giving her ‘an all-round education, both academically and socially’ as well as memories that last a lifetime; playing tennis on the front lawn, collectively singing hymns and joking round the Grand Piano in the Great Hall and teachers that have inspired love for their subject. Miss Robinson fed a passion for French that was later utilised at higher education and in the world of work. However, this world is notoriously known for throwing in obstacles and challenges, but coming from the ‘competitive’ bunch of ’75 and an environment of ‘help and encouragement’ Marion excelled.
Having spent 42 years apart from her class, Marion reconnected with her JCG roots, lunching on September 25th and together with future dates in mind. Marion Buchanan is an example of the impact JCG has on all the girls that pass through the doors, our girls are capable of anything!
After several years in the workforce ‘an opportunity presented itself to start up a recruitment agency’ with another past pupil, an opportunity they both jumped at! Through JCG’s instillment of ‘the need to achieve’ Marion has pushed herself to ‘move out of her comfort zone when situations have required it’. The recession of ’91 truly tested her character, but instead of being a set back Marion describes it as ‘another turning point in her career’, this determination and resilience saw her move quickly up the ranks of her new job and set up an internal team of her own. Through her success Marion was offered an early retirement, but being the interested and driven JCG lady she is, a laid back retirement was not challenging enough!
Marion Buchanan
28
Just the lift you need...
Passenger Lifts )) -5 # .-5R5 . #,5 # .-5R5Ä»,)/!"7 &)),5 # .-
Installations ) ,(#- .#)(-5 ( 5 /, #-"' (. ,0# 5B#( &/ #(!5hj7")/,5 &&7)/.C
CALL US for a FREE survey and quotation
www.technicare-jersey.com
Rue à la Dame, Five Oaks, St Saviour, Jersey, JE2 7NH
Interview
Simone Goddard Class of 1949 (joined JCG!)
Simone you have been organising Class of 49 (year you started not year your left!) reunions for 30 years! What started this amazing endeavour? It was coming up to my 50th birthday so I decided to contact school friends who would all be approaching the Big 50 too! I managed to contact 40 by phone or just bumping into each other in town! There was no Facebook 30 years ago so it was not as easy as it might be today! After much organisation 27 girls met up in Jersey some flying in from Australia, Canada and the UK! We had afternoon tea in what was the old 6th form block and in the evening all went to the Red Rose Restaurant and were interviewed by the JEP! We had a lovely drinks party the next day at Carol Garton’s home then everyone came to me for Farewell bubbles on the Sunday. On the Monday five of us, who were still in Jersey all went to Portelet for a picnic just like we used to do as girls, only this time we had Champagne and prawns rather than cheese sandwiches! We continued to meet up as a group for our 60th, 70th, 75th and with our 80th last year having a delightful prosecco and canapes in the Old Library which we are all so delighted the Foundation had successfully repatriated back from Rouge Bouillon the year prior. How lovely to spend time surrounded by the beautiful wood panelling that had been the location for many happy school days.
30
Go-Karting Club being given some desert which had been the old Pony Club from the Oil Company my husband worked for. We up-cycled the old stables in to our Club House. I have many happy memories as one of only 3 ladies who raced against the boys… pioneering equality back in the day!
Any special memories from your time at College? At school I enjoyed French lessons with Miss Holt who had to be my favourite teacher. The ‘famous four’ consisted of myself, Jane Blanchet (née Ward), Jacqueline Wilson (née Cox) now based in South Africa and Colleen Cronin (née Baxter) who now resides in Australia.
Back to Bexhill on Sea I worked as a lecturer at a Catering College for four years before settling back in Jersey in 1976. As a child I had told my Mother I wanted to be a Hotel Inspector. This dream came true and I was Jersey Tourism Hotel Inspector for 11 years before moving to Visitor Services with a team of girls working for me and mentoring summer students.
What did you do when you left School? On leaving school I attended the Hastings and St Leonard’s Hotel School taking a 2 year course in Hotel Management. The School later became a department of the Hastings College of Further Education where I returned to become a lecturer in the 70’s. Having been brought up in the hotel industry I took to it like a duck to water and enjoyed every minute. After College I was fortunate to get a job at The Old Tudor House in Bolney, Sussex which is situated on the London to Brighton Road. I earnt £5 a week! A family friend had let me borrow a 1935 Morris Convertible called Floey which I used to bomb around in carrying an empty cider bottle full of water for when the engine got too hot!
I remarried and retired and was fortunate to be able to look after my gorgeous grandchildren and continue to arrange our fun JCG reunions!
I eventually moved back to Jersey and spent a winter as Housekeeper to Sir Francis and Lady Cook spending the summer working at Greve de Lecq. We moved to Kuwait in 1958 where my husband and I brought up our two children. We had a lovely lifestyle and even set up a
31
Interview
Hilda Mary Hartley Speyer Class of 1940
Knowing they must flee, Doris took Jester, Rue’s dog to the vet. They left Jersey with the Islands under siege. At Guernsey, the refugees were crowded onto the pier. The German planes were shooting but it was also the tide that claimed lives that day. The crowds waited for the boat on the lower platform of the pier, only to be swept away by the rising water. Arriving in Southhampton the family found a hotel room. An air raid forced them into a bunker. Emerging the next day, Rue experienced the force of war. The city she had seen the night before had been reduced to rubble. The Speyers joined the queues in London, waiting for officials to decide their fate. They were sent to Canada, crossing the continent by train to Vancouver where Doris had old friends. Throughout these journeys Doris prepared and oversaw Rurer’s lessons. Walter was shattered; he retreated to a silent depression.
The story has been sent by Hilda’s daughter, Francesca M Beddie. Hilda attended the College in 1939 and 1940. Sadly, Hilda passed away last year, so Francesca only has sketchy information about her short time in Jersey, though she knows that Hilda enjoyed the school, however traumatic her departure at the time of the invasion. The story is based on a conversation Francesca had with her mother.
The Vancouver friend counselled Doris to go to Australia, where she still had assets. The family was bundled onto another ship.
Leaving Jersey On 28 June 1940, the Germans sent a squadron of bombers on a mission over the Channel Islands and bombed the harbours of Guernsey and Jersey.
After the war, Doris took Rue and her friend, Joan Fillingham, back to Jersey. The house bore the marks of occupation: German graffiti on the walls. But the soliders had not ventured into the basement. There, wrapped meticulously in cylinders reinforced by bamboo were Walter’s Chinese rugs, dispatched by his friend Stanley, safe and intact.
In St Peter Port, what the reconnaissance mistook for troop carriers were actually lines of lorries queued up to load tomatoes for export to England. Forty-four islanders were killed in the raids. Under these circumstances the Speyers had to leave another home. The day before, Doris and Rue had bought a print of an old woman at a Red Cross stall in St Helier.
Please get in touch with us if you remember Hilda as Francesca would be grateful for any information which may give her further insight into her mother’s time at the College. Email Barbara - b.mcgarva@jcg.sch.je
32
THE NEW MITSUBISHI
ECLIPSE CROSS PETROL SUV
When the journey ahead seems a little ordinary, seek out something different. With ultra-dynamic styling, the all new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is our new breed of SUV. It comes with state-of-the-art technology, including an innovative head-up display, touchpad controller and Mitsubishi’s clever Super All Wheel Control four-wheel drive system. Defy the ordinary with the all new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
FROM £199 PER MONTH Including 3 years servicing & 5 years warranty
MANSELL MITSUBISHI The Mansell Collection, La Route St Aubin, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3SD 01534 880606 www.mansell-mitsubishi.co.uk
Book a test drive
Eclipse Cross range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 34.4 – 35.3 (8.2 – 8.0), Extra Urban 45.6 – 49.6 (6.2 – 5.7), Combined 40.4 – 42.8 (7.0 – 6.6), CO2 emissions 159 - 151 g/km.
Interview
Jenny Hill Class of 1995
Jenny Hill is a well loved journalist and currently works as the Berlin correspondent at the BBC. Previously a JCG student in the class of 1995, Jenny recalled many happy memories from her time at College when I recently had the pleasure to catch up with her. With questions at the ready, I quizzed her on everything from her career to house competitions. When I asked Jenny about her fondest memory at JCG, it is no surprise that she found it impossible to pick one moment. One particular memory of her time at College was the beautiful old school building. She said, “The old school was such a wonderful building full of interesting nooks and crannies that excited the imagination and it felt like a second home. It was great fun to discover faded books of poetry in the lovely old library, play tennis on the grass courts by the Greek theatre or spend rainy lunchtimes ‘organising’ ( trying on the costumes ) in the props cupboard…” Jenny also recalls that one of her favourite events of the school year was the annual History and Archaeology club Christmas fancy dress party. “One year four of us turned ourselves into a giant dinosaur courtesy of some papier mache and dyed brown sheets. My friend Susie stood with another girl on her shoulders to form the head and front of the creature. I was the middle bit and another girl laid on a skateboard and held on to my ankles to form a moving tail. I suspect the general effect was tempered somewhat by our muffled giggles….”
34
From my conversations with Jenny, it became apparent very quickly that her love for journalism started early and has only grown during her career. She said, “While I was at university studying English I started working at BBC Radio Jersey in my holidays. After a post graduate year studying broadcast journalism, I got a job in commercial TV news before moving back to BBC TV in the Channel Islands. After moving to BBC regional TV news in the north of England, I reported for the BBC nationally before applying for the job as Berlin Correspondent.”
Choosing a favourite teacher was another impossible task for Jenny, but she will never forget how brilliant the English and History staff were; “The English and History staff were patient, inspiring and always seemed to have time for their students. There were some characters on the teaching staff! Take Mr Wankling, a maths teacher, whose thunderous rants (the board rubber would fly across the room!) and terrifying demeanour belied a real softie. He would hoard KitKat wrappers and dispense excellent advice including, one of my personal favourites, if you want to tell a lie, tell a big one!” A proud member of Cavell house, Jenny confesses that she was never brilliant at sport but loved the house swimming competition. She described how the whole school crammed on to the grass bank at the side of the open air swimming pool, cheering on their House swimmers, smiling and chanting while beaming with house pride! JCG prides itself on setting up students for a brilliant career and life outside of College. Jenny learnt to speak a little German at College which has become useful in her current role as Berlin correspondent. Jenny also learnt how to evaluate sources and find evidence during her time at school, courtesy of Miss Stone and Dr Taylor! These are also valuable skills to Jenny now that she works in the world of journalism.
“The old school was such a wonderful building full of interesting nooks and crannies that excited the imagination and it felt like a second home.”
35
Interview
Rachel Hayden Class of 2016
Rachel Hayden is a well loved memory of JCG students and staff alike, having been Head Girl for the school year of 2015/16. I was lucky enough to be able to catch up with Rachel, quick fire questions at the ready, and find out more about her time at College and where it has taken her to in life outside of Jersey.
and was honoured in recognition of all of the things that she contributed in her time. This sentiment still is, and will be, felt by future Student Leadership Team members for many years to come! The next question involved Rachel attempting to choose a favourite teacher, again proving a treacherous and difficult task as she felt so inspired and encouraged to take up every opportunity available by so many of the teachers at College. She honoured Mr Sykes of the Physics department for persuading her to enter the Channel Islands Engineering Competition, and Mr Jones from Design & Technology for encouraging her to apply for the Arkwright Scholarship; currently studying Civil Engineering at Bath University, she didn’t know if she’d have been able to make it to where she is today without their endless coercion and help! Rachel also spoke of Dr. Le Masurier, also in Physics, for giving her the ability to run a global female engineering competition and becoming one of 5 global ambassadors for the International Women’s Academy (IWA), and, finally, for the inspiration of Mrs. Le Feuvre and Mrs. Hanson in Music, for perpetuating her deep passion for music. This lead to her becoming a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, with whom she has performed at the Proms and the Royal Albert Hall - a feat certainly very few can ever claim to have achieved!
We started with Rachel’s best memory of JCG and, unsurprisingly, she was barely able to single out one moment above the rest. However, she finally settled on when our Headmaster, Mr Howarth, announced her name as Head Girl for that year. She vividly remembers walking down the aisle through the middle of the hall, girls cheering all around her as she accepted the famous gown and badge from previous Head Girl, Jenna Volpert. As can be imagined, Rachel was overwhelmed by the amount of support she had from the other students and couldn’t think of a better way to finish her time at JCG than leading it as its Head Girl; she moved up from JCG Prep
36
We then came to a prevalent, hotly contested and key aspect that holds JCG together: the House system. Rachel, a very proud member of Inglis house, took part in pretty well every event she could during her time at JCG! Being an incredible musician herself, she quickly settled that the most standout memory of House for her was her final House Music competition; she personally arranged the House Choir and Ensemble, the rehearsals and organised the soloists. Therefore, victory was only sweeter for Rachel when Inglis “wiped the floor” with all of the other houses, very impressively winning House Choir, Ensemble and placing top in senior vocals herself. However, perhaps meaning the most, Rachel taught the junior vocals winning year 7 student, Hannah Bird, to sing “The Lord is my Shepherd”, the same song that she sang and won the same award for - when she was just a year 7 herself!
University and in her recent summer work placement, coupled with the aid and encouragement from the teachers, she wasn’t sure that she’d be pursuing a career in Civil Engineering now. This makes me only more grateful for what we have at JCG as we will always need more women to empower and inspire us in such tough, demanding and unequal workplaces.
Moving on from life at JCG, we then spoke about how JCG has helped Rachel to prepare for her current life, studying in her second year at the University of Bath, and into her career. She reiterated just how important - and successful - all of the support that she received from JCG’s teaching staff was in inspiring her to make the most of the opportunities that arose for her, and giving her well needed confidence to believe that, with the hard work and dedication that she knew she was capable of, she could achieve anything that she set her mind to. Without the life skills taught to her by being Head Girl that have proved invaluable at
Finally, I queried how Rachel got to where she is today, and as to whether she had any advice for younger girls pursuing the same career. She left JCG to the University of Bath, having applied for, and following an interview, being awarded a Laing O’ Rourke’s ICE QUEST Scholarship. Not only does this help Rachel to finance her degree, but also helps her in providing invaluable work experience throughout the summer; this year, she embarked on a “thoroughly enjoyable” three-month placement as Site Engineer on the Hinkley Workers Campus project.
37
Interview continued...
Rachel Hayden Class of 2016
Though daunting at first, as would be expected as one of just a few females at a site dominated by hundreds of male operatives, Rachel quickly overcame her nerves and had a great experience, a fantastic time and learnt lots about both the industry and herself. Promisingly, this placement has helped her to confirm that this is the industry for her, and her learning there is already contributing to what she is studying in her second year! Rachel also recently won the prestigious Ford Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Undergraduate of the Year Award, recognising the incredible work she does to inspire the next generation of women to pursue a career in her area.
She told of how this was possible for her through her work with the STEM Ambassadors organisation and as one of the IWA’s 5 global ambassadors, and should surely be an inspiration and dream goal for any girls wishing to become leading experts in this field. Rachel’s advice for the next generation was short and simple: make the most of every opportunity that you can, no matter how big or small! She encouraged reading around the subject and getting as much work experience as possible, helping to confirm that Engineering really is what you want to do. Rachel is passionate about what an exciting, diverse sector Engineering is to work in; you never know you could find yourself designing the next iPhone or leading a team to build a Nuclear Power Station like Hinkley Point - providing power to millions of people, perhaps developing a cure for cancer or building the next best Formula 1 racing car!
38
Interview
Carol Edgerley Class of 1956
It was the true story of Marguerite; a headstrong French girl who evolved into an amazing woman. I wrote in longhand, computers being a new and recent advance at the time. To my dismay, I soon discovered that years of experience in teaching English does not make you a novelist!
The Rocky Road Towards Publication It was Miss Forster, a lovely history teacher at Jersey College for Girls, who ignited in ten year old me a life-long interest in history. She possessed the ability to bring past ages to life, inspiring me to become a history teacher myself.
I submitted my first manuscript to a professional editor for what I thought to be a final polish. I was told the storyline was excellent…but the writing was not so great. I couldn’t believe it, how humiliating! I was an English teacher for heaven’s sake! Advised that the manuscript should be typed on a computer, I went about reworking and typing. For two years I floundered, unsure of how to ‘fix’ my writing style. It was Barbara Rainess, an American lady in Texas, who pointed out the difference between an essay and creative writing. At long last, I felt I was on my way and so ‘The Merencourt Saga’ was born.
I have many happy memories of my years at JCG, still wishing now that I had been able to stay there to the end of my school life. However, my mother was determined that I should go to boarding school. My best friend at JCG was June Kermode, with Jenny Baudains and Helen Picot also part of fond memories I have from school. I did eventually become a teacher, despite my teenage self mentally kicking and screaming… I had set my teenage heart on studying art and living an exciting bohemian life in London! Now trained as a French and English teacher, I was still desperate to explore that bohemian lifestyle. I abandoned teaching as soon as I could to fly as a stewardess with Jersey Airlines. Years later, I resumed teaching in Hong Kong and started up a Tutorial in English and French. I continued to teach for 15 years with satisfying examination success. To my personal joy, several of my pupils still keep in contact with me.
For those who aspire to become writers, seek out a creative writing course, brace yourself for disappointment, dust yourself off and don’t lose heart! My very best wishes to you all, Carol Edgerley
We would like to thank Carol for the amazing opportunity to hear about her life after JCG; we are particularly grateful for the copies of her novels she donated to The College.
Upon my retirement to France, I began to write the novel I had long promised myself, a stunning tale of my great-grandmother’s life.
39
Interview
Lorna Colquhoun Class of 1984
labcoat, and return to the UK to join the Medical Research Council (MRC), a major funder of research in London. That fortuitous decision changed my path and I became the MRC’s Programme manager for International health, taking the lead on the portfolio management for research in HIV/ AIDS, malaria, TB and diseases of developing countries. It also gave me the opportunity to travel in (and develop a serious love for) sub-Saharan Africa, where the MRC had 2 research Units. While at MRC I worked also with the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) which led me to a job at Imperial College where I set up and led a team managing international research in infectious disease for 2 years. This included managing a multi million pound research programme on preventing HIV in women (funded by MRC/DFID). This spanned 6 sites in the UK, and 7 sites across Zambia, South Africa, Uganda, Cameroon and Zimbabwe. From there I moved into Imperial College Divisional management (and had a daughter) before moving to Bristol 10 years ago.
Leaving JCG in 1984 to study Pharmacology with A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, my ambition was to be a medical research scientist, and that is what I became for about 10 years. After my degree from Portsmouth, I studied for my PhD in neuroscience at Southampton, then took the opportunity to live and work as a scientist in the USA for the next 7 years. I worked as a post doctoral researcher in neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas for 4 years, then on to Boston where I worked at Tufts Medical School for almost another 3 years.
I joined Research and Enterprise Development at University of Bristol as Head of Research Development in 2007 to take a role developing strategic direction of research at the University of Bristol and facilitating its growth. I grew my team there to 22 Research Development
In 1999 I was considering my next career move and whether or not to stay in the US for good. A friend and mentor from Southampton made a suggestion I explore research management and that was the catalyst for me to hang up my
40
closest friends there, who are still important in my life – and who made the effort to come and celebrate my 50th birthday with me here in Bristol last year! At JCG I also I got the educational foundation that I could built on at University that gave me the grounding and the wherewithal to tackle many new challenges, and not pass up amazing opportunities. And it all started at JCG.
professionals, and we worked very successfully with senior academics in the university to bring in more money and bigger grants to enable them to do their research. I moved jobs early last year to become Director of Enterprise, also in University of Bristol. This has been a fantastic opportunity to work at the other end of the research life cycle, helping to take knowledge and create what we call impact. This can take many forms, from supporting creation of new small companies, creating social enterprises, working with policy makers like Government departments to encourage evidence based policy making. And recently, developing ways for our University to respond to the Governments new Industrial Strategy. I have also been lucky enough to work with the West of England’s Regional Mayor in recent months to align our work with theirs.
“My career (and life to some extent) has not been the path I expected to follow, but it’s been so rewarding and challenging in ways I couldn’t have imagined and has never been dull. Reflecting back on my time at JCG which seems such a long time ago, and yet almost no time ago too I made some of my closest friends there, who are still important in my life - and who made the effort to come and celebrate my 50th birthday with me here in Bristol last year!”
Now after a decade here, I am going (almost) full circle and will be moving back to University of Southampton in a few months to take up the role of Director of Research and Innovation Services. My career (and life to some extent) has not been the path I expected to follow, but it’s been so rewarding and challenging in ways I couldn’t have imagined and has never been dull. Reflecting back on my time at JCG – which seems such a long time ago, and yet almost no time ago too - I made some of my
41
Congratulations
Past Pupil celebrates 21 years in business Jane Blakely Class of 1981 JFA Architect RIBA, Jane Faulkner Architect
architects are like sculptors, but they go one stage further and apply legislation and design reviews so as to check how appropriate they are to the site and to the solution of the design challenges. There is a general consensus that contemporary design should reflect the spirit of the age; the trick is to translate this into a building design that suits the site with appropriate consideration of its context. Of course architects are often working on old buildings, so again this dictates a very specific approach when restoration of something old contrasts with the design of a 21st century extension.
In approaching our 21st Birthday year end, I’ve stopped to reflect on the work I have carried out. I have practised as an architect in Jersey since the mid 90’s in fact initially with a large local practice. Works of mine have included such projects as the feasibility for a bunker conversion into a house, a community housing scheme with corner shop facility and landscaped gardens, and farm regeneration studies. I was also privileged to work on the now reknowned Chumbe Island eco tourism development which in many ways started my consideration of how buildings impact on their environment and built environment. Chumbe was essentially a desert island off the main island of Zanzibar a part of Tanzania on the East African coast.
Our Island forefathers did this naturally, you didn't throw away in those days, you reused, and 'recycling of buildings' and building materials was the norm. Knitting building projects with the environment was generally how they designed, often with a community focus separate to individual dwellings, by example each Parish having a centre with a Parish Hall, church and community hall, forming a small hamlet and cluster of community buildings that blend with each other. It's interesting to consider the essence of what our forefathers intended, probably the result from their farming occupation and its direct connection with the land and hence the environment. This is a sympathetic approach, a 'preserve the environment' as opposed to a more commercial modern approach that considers the commercial value of 'I have a
I have been involved in the conversion of an historic landmark building into a new coffee shop brand working with the client in converting the interior. These projects also indicate my interest in regeneration and knitting building projects with their environment. By comparison,
42
right to impress my vision'. This I find intriguing.
Dip Arch (King) Cert. Urban Design (Oxf B) RIBA www.jfa-architect.com
The palette of 21st century design, including more open-plan and lighter buildings, natural daylight and larger areas of glass. This is afforded by advanced technology, also meeting CO₂ emission targets but with largre panes of glass. This is a big step forward from the small incy windows of our mediaeval forefathers' homes, a contentedness then with just a roof over their heads these days we have much higher more ephemeral expectations, fashions change. Of my own projects I employ this contemporary 'feel' where possible. With house projects, this is all too relevant for personal living spaces. The issues of comfort, view and ‘healthy house’ applies to shape the home more and more, away from our everyday in a demanding modern world, to then achieve ultimate personal design solutions. In fact life is so fast we almost forget it, caught up in the speed of the everyday. So more reason to find peace and tranquility in our personal spaces and homes. It’s great we are embracing this and forming a strong contrast to the previous generations and centuries of design. Of my own projects, I have employed this contemporary focus wherever possible. As I work principally as a house architect, this is all too relevant for personal living spaces. The issues of comfort, view and ‘healthy house’ - even feng shui - is included to achieve ultimate design solutions.
Barn conversion and extension, St.Mary’s
43
Interview
Jodie Le Marrec task and aspiring to goals that JCG instilled in her. She believes that this attitude is what has helped to achieve her goal of setting up her charity, EmbraceAbility, and what will keep her going during the highs and the lows of running her own charity. Hard work and perseverance is key to Jodie in how she got to where she is today. The children and families that she has met and works with constantly inspire her; the Khmer people have, as she put it, “been to hell and back” but it was their infectious smiles and unfailing optimism that encouraged her to instate EmbraceAbility. Asking Jodie if she had any advice for other girls and young women aspiring to pursue a similar career, she advised to research and know the sector well, understand the current priorities and requirements; after this, then you can begin to narrow down to where you’ll fit in and where your interests lie. She explained that it was a common myth that you need to study International Development to ‘do’ development post-education, where, in reality, you more likely need to specialise in a specific area.
Jodie Le Marrec, JCG old girl and founder of inspiring charity Embrace Ability. She works with families and children affected by disabilities, runs community support groups, and holds workshops on disability prevention and healthcare. I was delighted to be able to speak to Jodie about her time at JCG and find out how it has enabled her to go on to such exciting work. To really get a feel for her time at College, we started with a key question: what’s your best memory of JCG? Although a sad day, knowing she’d have to leave her favourite teacher, Miss Sass from Philosophy, Jodie decided that the leaving ceremony was her favourite memory from College as it was a special day that her year group shared. They could look back and reminisce over all of their achievements and laughs, and look forward to the excitement of university. We followed on into what Jodie’s most memorable house event was and what house she was a part of. Proudly claiming to be a member of Austen-Bartlett, “I really enjoyed participating in Top of the Pops”, she commented, as it was “great fun choreographing a dance routine with friends and everyone always looked forward to the event.”
We’re really grateful to Jodie for speaking with us and sharing her inspiring story; we look forward to keeping up with her as her charity progresses!
We then moved on to discussing how JCG has influenced Jodie’s life after education. She praised the ethos of hard work, staying on
44
Notifications Appreciation of Jenny Walton (née Cardale) Member of staff 1980 - 2006 Mrs. Jenny Walton died on 13th May 2017. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1946, Jenny was educated at Catholic schools in her home city and continued her studies there at Victoria University where she gained a BA degree, majoring in English. She then moved to Christchurch where she undertook teacher training at the same time as studying for a Masters degree. After teaching in New Zealand for two years she came to England and taught in London where she met and married Jerseyman Adrian Walton. The couple went back to New Zealand for a time before they moved to Jersey in May 1976. Jenny taught English at St Helier Girls School from September 1976 and then, after her daughter Catherine was born, she transferred to join the English Department at JCG in 1980 just in time to enjoy the College’s Centenary celebrations in September. Jenny was the teacher-in-charge of the College Library for several years in the late 1980s, held a pastoral post from the early 1990s onwards and was Housemistress of Cavell for many years. She retired in December 2006 and was able to undertake some of the worldwide travels she had planned for her retirement before illness struck first her husband and then herself. She continued to support JCG and its activities in her retirement. Both former pupils and colleagues remember her vitality, her positive outlook on life, her enthusiasm for Shakespearean drama, her infectious laughter and sense of humour and her enjoyment of trips off the island. Jenny took a deep interest in world affairs and was a supporter of international human rights. Having been made aware of the Commonwealth as a child growing up in New Zealand, she saw it as a worldwide family and valued making contact with people who were living a long way away and in very different circumstances. She was an active member of the Royal Commonwealth Society in Jersey and she encouraged several generations of JCG students to enter the annual RCS Commonwealth Essay Competition. Jenny is remembered with great affection by those who worked with her at JCG. She was a very supportive colleague and friend, being a very good listener and able to help others find solutions to tricky problems. She was strong-minded and showed indomitable spirit as illness made her life more restricted. It seems fitting to end this appreciation by repeating the advice that Jenny herself gave to JCG students when she retired in 2006: “Work hard, play hard, but above all keep a sense of humour and don`t let things get to you.” 45
Notifications Appreciation of Trenna Forrest (nĂŠe Stonebridge) Member of staff 1967 - 2001 Mrs. Trenna Forrest died on 20th August 2016. Trenna was born in Bedford in 1946 and attended Bedford High School for Girls. In 1963 she arrived at Royal Holloway College, London University, to study Modern Languages, French with subsidiary German. From the very first day she met up with three historians and the quartet remained friends for over half a century. In 1967, after her PCGE in Oxford, Trenna came as an assistant mistress in French to JCG. By pure chance, another of the four friends, Rosie Bleasby, accepted a post in Jersey in the same year and they were later to become colleagues at JCG. In 1972 Trenna married Alistair Forrest, whom she had met in Jersey, and in 1975, on the retirement of Miss Irene Robinson, Trenna became Head of the Modern Languages Department. Out of school Trenna and Alistair were most interested in sport and for many years were members of the Caesarean Tennis Club, playing tennis to a good club standard. In 1981 their daughter, Katie, was born and she too was to become a good sportswoman. During her time as Head of Department, Trenna organised many exchange trips for pupils with French schools in Year 8 and trips to a campsite in Dol de Breatgne for Year 7 students. Within school life she often took a starring role in the staff pantomime at Christmas, a memorable role being that of Violet Elizaeth Bott from Just William. Trenna left full-time teaching in 2001 after 34 years service at JCG. For a time she did supply teacing at Hautlieu and Victoria College - her expertise in languages always being in demand. Travel always played a large part in her life and some memorable trips followed in retirement. Unfortunately her last years were blighted with ill-health both for herself and Alistair. She spent her last few weeks in the loving care of the Jersey Hospice.
46
Notifications Appreciation of Beryl Plascott Member of staff 1969 - 1998 Beryl Plascott died on 29th May 2017. After graduating from Edinburgh University with a BSc degree, Beryl Plascott came to Jersey in 1969 having been appointed to teach Physics at JCG by Miss Farewell (Headmistress) and Mrs. Jerome (Head of the Science Department). Early in her JCG career Miss Plascott helped Miss Stone with the College Guide Company. Beryl was a keen photographer and several photos which she took in the 1970s form the only pictorial record in the College Archives of some events and productions. In her free time she greatly enjoyed Highland dancing. She was fascinated by many gadgets and some former students recall the vivid way Miss Plascott used devices such as “Slinky” to illustrate physics terms and concepts. In the 1980s she encouraged students to enter the annual Science Fair and in 1984 accompanied a first former (= Y7) on a two-day trip to London, the prize for an individual entry in the competition. Many of Miss Plascott’s pupils will remember her insistence on the correct spelling of her surname. Her distinctive accent attracted good-humoured mimicry and staff who were at JCG in the 1990s certainly still recall a “Plascotty rap” from a Y11 summer term revue. Others may remember her having a toy parrot which reacted to audible sounds at the back of her lab. In 1989 Miss Plascott succeeded Mrs Barnes as Head of the Science Department. She was a committed and caring teacher, but ill-health forced her to retire from teaching in July 1998. She then divided her time between Jersey and her native Scotland and, although still dogged by ill-health, she enjoyed both her homes and sets of friends. When in Jersey she kept in touch with a number of former colleagues and enjoyed catching up with news of ‘old girls’. In retirement Beryl continued to pursue various interests, including crafting. She entered several photographic competitions and was delighted when some of her photographs were printed in the St Helier Town Crier magazine.
47
Notifications Reunion Notice for Class of 88
Deaths
A reunion for 1988 leavers will be held at Rojos Roof Terrace on Saturday 9th June for a £20 buffet and welcome drinks.
Trenna Forrest (née Stonebridge) on 20.08.16 Jenny Walton on 13.05.17 Beryl Plascott on 29.05.17
Contact Claire Parslow by email: claireparslow@googlemail.com to arrange payment or please check the Facebook group JCG Class of '88 Thirty Year Reunion.
Sarah Yassin (née Turpin) on 25. 07. 17 Fiona Honey (née Cameron) on 28.07.17 Jean Arthur on 28.07.17
Claire looks forward to hearing from any old girls who left in 1988 and would like to meet up with friends from JCG.
Rosamund Rice (née Sowden) on 1.08.17 Sheila Le Couteur (née Orange) on 11.11.17 Nancy Harris, formerly a teacher at JCG Prep when it was at Mont Cantel on 25.11.17
Births
Ruth Lewis (née Mossop) on 2. 12. 17. Ruth painted the only picture we have of preparations to move out of the College when the German Forces took it over and which features on the Jersey College for Girls notecards.
Farrow - to Sarah (née Glynn) and Josh, a son, Frederick on 21.06. 17 Dauny - to Jo (née Le Feuvre) and Jonathan, a daughter, Mollie on 3.07.17 Ellis - to Jenny (née Gamlin) and Duncan, a son, Rudy on 1. 08. 17
Jane Sebire (née Pearce) on 3.12. 17
Job - to Claire (née Medder) and Tristan, a daughter, Ella on 2. 10. 17
News of Old Girls
Thomas – to Suzy (née Le Gresley) and Nick, a son, Edward on 17.11.17
Deborah (née Dee) Michoux has established a shop called The Curvy Gurl in the Central Market. Diana Mossop (née Moxon) has published a book entitled ‘Island Flower Essences: The Vibrational Power of Plants.’
48
Collision Repairs
Wheel Refurbishment
Vehicle Body
Machine Polishing
Re-Finishing
Paint Work Rectification
Paintless Dent Removal
Renovation Work
We do insurance repairs
TEL: (01534) 484348 info@vehicleworkshop.je vehicleworkshop.je
“No one has ever become poor from giving.” Anne Frank
Incorporating the JCGA
www.jcgprep.sch.je
www.jcg.jersey.sch.uk
www.jcg.foundation.com
ASPIRE • INQUIRE • EXCEL • BELONG