CONNECTFriends of NGHS Magazine

Issue 3 January 2013

Cover story:Bryony BalenSouth Pole Explorer

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Keeping in touchThere are many ways in which you can keep in touch with us.Email: development@not.gdst.netTel: 0115 941 7663See the website at www.nottinghamgirlshigh.gdst.net forour up to date news, full events calendar and much more.

Join our online groups on Facebook and Twitter:www.facebook.com/FriendsofNGHS https://twitter.com/NottmGirlsHigh

WelcomeWelcome to the third edition of Connect, our Friends of NGHS magazine.

I hope you will enjoy reading about our current and former pupils. It is always good to see the diverse range of talents and interests that they have.

We were delighted to welcome back so many alumnae to our reunion in October and the feedback has been wonderful. They enjoyed talking to fellow students and teachers and the archive exhibition was a great success. If ever you want to pop in for a quick tour or arrange a reunion we would love to hear from you.

We are very lucky that so many of our alumnae are in regular contact with us, helping at career events, as speakers, giving interview practice or providing work experience opportunities. This is invaluable to our girls and they enjoy talking to alumnae and finding out about their various career paths. With this in mind, please keep in touch with us and if you have friends who have not been in contact for a while please direct them to our Facebook page or email us.

Please keep sending in your stories.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Susan Gorham Head

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH ROUND UPThree of our Year 13 2011 leavers, Anna Wilson, Alice Bolton and Hannah James went to St James’ Palace to collect their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. They were lucky enough to be presented with their certificates by the Duke of Edinburgh himself. Their gold expedition was to Snowdonia and although the weather was awful they said it was the ‘best experience ever!’ Their voluntary service included helping at a Special School in Cotgrave and Riding for the Disabled, where they helped out each week for a year.

During the summer ten girls travelled to Iceland for their Gold D of E expedition where they completed the famous Landmannalauger to Porsmork route, and eighteen others completed their award in the Lake District.

Four girls were the first to complete their Silver D of E award on horseback in the Peak District. A total of 145 girls have taken part in the award scheme this year, with 172 signed up for next year.

School News

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SIR PAUL SMITHFollowing on from their success in the Young Enterprise competition, ‘Defined’ (a T-shirt business featuring their own dictionary-style word definitions) secured a meeting with Sir Paul Smith. It was a tremendous opportunity to seek advice from this renowned local entrepreneur on the further development of their company.

The meeting was a real success and Sir Paul was an inspiration for the girls, giving fantastic advice and support. He also offered to consider how he might help to take their company forward. He was so impressed with their confidence, ideas and creativity that he would like to stay in touch with the school.

2012 LONDON OLYMPICSRosie Rudin proudly carried the torch in Lichfield and her selection was well-deserved. She swims around 50,000m each week and has been the overall Regional Champion for the past three years. In July Rosie became the overall National Champion for her age group in the British Gas National Swimming championships; an outstanding achievement.

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONSAs part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visited Nottingham. Year 12 students Ellie Pearce and Katie Stevens, both members of the 34th Nottingham Scout Troop, were selected to play a part in the Royal Visit. Both students were thrilled to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and were extremely proud of the part they had to play; a truly amazing and unforgettable experience.

BNF AWARDMany congratulations to Lauren McAnallen who has won this year’s British Nutrition Drummond Foundation Award for GCSE Food Technology. The Foundation rewards excellent work in food and nutrition by students throughout the UK. Lauren was presented with the award at a ceremony in London by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who is the Patron for the BNF. Lauren collected a personal cheque for £50 and a £100 cheque for the school.

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ICE SKATINGCourtney Would and Kirsty Anderson have done brilliantly over recent months and enjoyed success after success with their skating. The girls took part in the Lee Valley Synchronised Skating Open Competition in October and not only did their team ‘The Icicles’ win the gold medal, but they smashed their personal best score by 20 points.

Most recently the girls competed in the British Synchronised Championships and have now qualified for the chance to skate at Junior Worlds to be held next year in Helsinki.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPSWe are delighted to announce that we have awarded three music scholarships to students from the Upper School and Sixth Form who have displayed outstanding musical ability.

This is the first time that these scholarships have been awarded and the successful candidates are Sophie Hinson, Year 10, Sophie Holmes, Year 11, and Electra Perivolaris from the Sixth Form.

The girls auditioned in front of a panel of judges and then underwent a short interview.

These girls are role models promoting all aspects of music in school and will help with the younger students, either mentoring or helping with more junior ensembles.

NHS COMPETITIONLaura Knowles and Georgia Mills from Year 9 are the joint national winners of the annual ‘Step into the NHS’ schools’ competition.

Students researched one of the 350 different career opportunities in the NHS. They produced a job advertisement with either a job description or a CV of the ideal candidate for their chosen role. Over 1,250 students from across England entered the competition.

MATHS CHALLENGEFollowing on from the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge, those who achieve the highest marks nationally go on to sit the demanding Olympiad Cayley paper. Four of our Year 9 girls did exceptionally well, putting them in the top 1,000 in the country. Olivia Dadge, Sophie Belton and Isobel Shipley were all awarded certificates of merit, whilst Yiyi Painter was a medal winner with a certificate of distinction, placing her in the top 100 Year 9 mathematicians in the country.

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YOUR SCHOOL NEEDS

We are conscious that there are many alumnae with whom we have lost touch. We are keen to re-engage, involve and communicate with as many alumnae as possible and would urge you to let your networks know about us. If you know of friends and contacts who do not hear from us, please encourage them to get in touch and leave us their details in order for us to update the database.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

We have lots of exciting plans for Connect and want it to be a vibrant magazine, reflecting all of the amazing things that our alumnae are involved in. But we cannot do this without you!

Please visit our Facebook page and get involved.

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In January 2012, Bryony became the youngest Briton to ski from the Hercules Inlet at the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole, in an expedition taking eight weeks and covering 1130 km.

First entertaining the idea of reaching the South Pole during her 2008 expedition to scale Mont Blanc, it was suggested afterwards that such an expedition would be ‘too hard’ for a girl like her. So, she seized the opportunity to not only set a new British record but to do so during the centenary celebration of Scott’s expedition.

With these aspirations, Bryony started planning and training in 2009. But, only after convincing her parents that letting their youngest daughter travel to the most inhospitable continent on the planet was a good idea! Bryony recalls how, first, she needed to find an expedition company willing to consider a then, 18 year old team member.

Bryony names the three main challenges before the expedition even began:- putting on over three stone in anticipation of losing weight - raising over £45,000 in expedition costs

- and getting fit enough to endure 10 hours of uphill skiing a day, in freezing temperatures whilst pulling her own body weight. Bryony recalls the enjoyable challenge involved in the preparation for the trip. Over 11 training sessions a week with the Newcastle University rowing team and eating four - six meals a day, whilst juggling a busy second year attempting to maintain a ‘normal’ student life.

But, she says, ‘none of these challenges quite prepared me for flying out alone to Antarctica’ to meet her team for the first time. Her team of six were an international contingent with two Swedes, two Americans and two Brits. Between them, they covered a 40 year age gap, with Bryony markedly the youngest. Determined not to let her relative inexperience deter her, Bryony fought hard to be an active and productive team member, finding, as she puts it, her “own strengths and weaknesses in the Antarctic environment”.

As the expedition progressed, fighting off superficial cold injuries, an unforgettable migraine and a very bad cold, Bryony relays that she was enjoying each day more and more.

South Pole ExpeditionWhen Bryony Balen was asked on the last day of Sixth Form in 2009 ‘Where will you be in 10 years’ time?’ she replied “On top of a mountain somewhere”. No doubt this will be the case, but even Bryony didn’t anticipate this would be via the South Pole first.

Bryony Balen (2009)

Even celebrating her 21st birthday during the expedition, in a tent with cake and decorations, and Christmas day at her halfway mark! Not to mention the 11m of duct tape used in three weeks.

Her team was whittled down from six to three, following illness. Yet, Bryony, her guide Lisa, and Bob, a 60 year old American engineer persevered to reach the South Pole after a gruelling final 15 and half hour ski in a white out.

After three years of planning and training, the expedition was over and Bryony was wondering ‘what adventure should come next’. She had completed her challenge, meeting ‘amazing people’ on the way and had ‘changed personally in ways I am still discovering’.

Bryony recalls ‘In November 2012 a member of the NGHS Junior School promised to beat my British record. So, the GDST legacy of fostering independence and confidence in their pupils adds another chapter to the adventure and I wonder which mountain I’ll be on in 2019’.

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The girls’ last day at school is always quite an occasion and marked in true and traditional NGHS style.

This year, Arboretum Street was in grave danger, awash with ghosties, ghoulies and long-legged beasties as NGHS became ‘Nottingham Ghouls’ High School’ for the day. If you happened to drive down the road you may well have found yourself squirted by a spectre, waved at by a witch or haunted by some other well-meaning horror.

Farewell to theClass of 2012

Younger girls looked on in amusement and some were even escorted across the road by our very own zombie lollipop lady - not a sight you see often, especially during the hours of daylight!

After a ghost train of skeletons and other masked and bandaged beings had raced down the street, the girls tucked into a well-deserved breakfast, then spent any remaining energy on a game of Benchball in the Sports Hall before the traditional group photo on the courts, and the final farewell assembly.

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Performing Arts CentreWe are delighted to announce that we have been granted planning permission for our new £6.5m Performing Arts Centre to be situated next to the Sixth Form Centre.

Award winning Nottingham architects Marsh Grochowski have designed a state-of-the-art facility which will provide us with dedicated performance and rehearsal spaces within a 345-seat theatre.

Our fundraising campaign started superbly with a wonderful evening at the Theatre Royal and a performance of ‘South Pacific’. Rosemary Squire, Chair of our fundraising committee, hosted the evening and we were delighted that she was joined by Dame Stella Rimington, our Patron, and Sue Hoyle, who is Director of the Clore Leadership programme and is another member of our fundraising committee. The performance was fantastic and we enjoyed meeting the cast afterwards. The event marked the beginning of our ‘Raise the Curtain’ appeal. We will be having more fundraising events and do hope that you will be able to come along and enjoy them.

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Jinja, Jungle and JjajjasMargaret Dunn (Pilkington, 1968)

The summer of 2012 found me once again in Uganda, marking my third visit to the country, this time for around seven weeks. I was accompanied by 17 year old students from two schools; LaSwap, a London based Sixth Form partnership of four schools, and Calder High School, from North Yorkshire. We had volunteered through the ‘Great Generation’ charity - a charity which helps with sustainable development projects, helping to invest in local infrastructure and microfinance ventures. Our project involved working in primary schools, with youth groups and some of the local grandmothers (JJajjas).

Educational facilities and materials are sparse. All posters are hand drawn by the staff and the children provide their own writing books. It is unbelievable that in 2013 there are primary schools without libraries. This was something we were able to help with. The headmaster had allocated a small room which our group brightly painted. A local carpenter made the bookshelves and with the 1500 or so books which the students had brought with them from England, the library was created. The deputy head happily reorganised the timetable so that all the pupils could reap the benefits of this new facility.

The work mainly centered around the Njeru Parents Primary School, which is five years old, and considered a very good school in the area. However, it is still unfinished with many classrooms without windows. There is electricity in some parts of the school; most classrooms have just one light bulb. There is no running water apart from one tap in the playground and the kitchen is a small corrugated iron shed with open fires, where the meals are prepared for around 500 children.

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We also helped with the creation of a vegetable garden. We undertook this project in 2011 and the pupils have been growing vegetables for use in the school kitchen. This time we doubled the size of the garden and our seeds germinated within three weeks.

One way in which we can help is the gift of a goat, which not only provides milk but also produces kids which can be sold. One of the English schools held a fund raising initiative amongst staff and were able to buy over 100 goats for the grannies. They were so excited and danced and sang for us. Income from some of the goats we bought was going towards university fees. £30 will buy a good goat in kid and this will keep a student at University for a term.

One of my favourite parts of the trip was working with the JJajjas (the Ugandan Source of the Nile Grandmothers’ group). This group, with its 300 members, are sole carers for over 3,000 orphaned grandchildren. As much as I love my own grandchildren I’m glad that I don’t have to feed, clothe, house and educate 10 or more of them!

Of course it wasn’t all work. This time my husband was able to join me and we went on safari which was incredible. We did catch a glimpse of a couple of lions but the highlights were seeing some large bull elephants and white rhinos. Fabulous!

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Alumnae NewsRosemary Squire OBE (1974)Congratulations to Rosemary, as she and her husband Howard Panter, (joint CEOs of the Ambassador Theatre Group) celebrate a fourth year at No.1 in The Stage 100. They have been described as the most influential people in British theatre with 39 West End and regional theatres. Rosemary and her husband have built the business from the ground up into an international power over a period of little more than 20 years.

With such a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the Arts, we are most fortunate indeed that Rosemary is heading up our Development Board as Chair, as we launch our campaign for our new Performing Arts Centre at NGHS.

Indhu Rubasingham (1988)Congratulations to Indhu on her new role as artistic director at the Tricycle Theatre, succeeding Nicholas Kent’s 28 year tenure. Her first play ‘Red Velvet’ received rave reviews and was nominated for two Evening Standard Awards. Her new production ‘The Arabian Nights’, is also enjoying very good reviews. There is no doubt that Indhu is a rising star!

Jo Densley (Gerry, 1989)Having worked in sales and marketing in small and large food companies for many years, Jo set up her own food marketing business last year with business partner Claire Hooper to support the growing number of small food businesses out there. They have not looked back since, as “Relish - an online food marketing club”, has recently won an ‘Internet Business Award for Marketing’. The judges praised the ‘simple completeness’ of both the concept and the online execution and said it is an invaluable resource for any business eager to succeed in selling food products. Relish was praised for a thorough exercise in creating a new force in food marketing.

“Our on-line marketing club concept is pretty unique, allowing smaller food and drink businesses to get the marketing expertise they need,” explains Claire.

“This IBA win really reaffirms for us just how much our concept stands out so we couldn’t be more delighted with this accolade,” adds Jo.

www.relish-marketing.co.uk

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Elizabeth Charlesworth HeaD girl 2007 - 2008

With a first class music degree and composing the show Tak3over for The Royal Concert Hall’s 30 year anniversary, composer and orchestrator Elizabeth Charlesworth is paving the way for a very successful career in music.

Music has been a natural choice for Elizabeth, who grew up watching 1940s musicals and taught herself the piano. Elizabeth joined NGHS in the Sixth Form in 2006 and rapidly immersed herself in the life of the school, becoming Head Girl in 2007. She describes her year as Head Girl as a life experience that was confidence building. Her musical talent was clear from the outset and she was awarded the school’s Gillespie prize for outstanding musical ability at the 2008 prizegiving. When asked in 2008 where she thought she would be now, she replied that she knew she’d be doing something creative, hoping it would be in composition.

After leaving NGHS Elizabeth went on to the University of Nottingham to study for a BA in Music. She says that the modern elements of the course, such as the presence of film music and jazz, attracted her to the degree. Majoring in composition whilst at University, she worked on many projects alongside her musical studies. She describes the degree as an enjoyable experience where you learn, produce and see your work realised in front of you. Elizabeth graduated in 2011 with first class honours.

After university Elizabeth worked as Orchestra Director for New Street Theatre’s production of ‘Into the Woods’, which had a run of performances at Lakeside Arts Centre. Having lived, studied and worked in Nottingham, Elizabeth is a fantastic showcase of Nottingham’s musical talent. Elizabeth says that Nottingham is a “vibrant place for performers”.

Elizabeth identifies musical theatre as her favourite genre, but says she enjoys all types of music. With her passion for musical theatre, Elizabeth would eventually like to live in London, but describes Nottingham as a great base. She has also just taken on the role of marketing officer at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, staying close to her musical roots.

Elizabeth has just completed the musical score for the production, Tak3over. It was commissioned specially to mark the 30th birthday of the Concert Hall and involved dancers aged 7 to 70. You can read more about the show in the Evening Post weekend paper from the 17th November. Elizabeth graced the front cover and received a double page spread. They described Tak3over as “an introduction from someone we’ll be hearing from again”. Elizabeth devised the entire musical score for the production and is celebrating its success.

In 2013, Elizabeth has a number of projects on the cards. One of these involves working in partnership with us for the NGHS performing arts centre initiative. Another project is with the National Theatre Connections Festival, a play called ‘Tomorrow I’ll be happy’. Elizabeth is also looking at a project she hopes will eventually be taken to the Edinburgh Fringe either in the next year or 2014. The following year is set to be a busy and creative year for Elizabeth. We wish her continued success!

Look up her website to stay up to date with Elizabeth’s events and work at: www.elizabethcharlesworth.co.uk

Party in a Party

During October, we welcomed back over 170 alumnae and former staff members to our ‘Party in a Party’. Leavers from the 1940s all the way up to the 2000s came along for lunch, including the Class of 1962 who were celebrating their 50th anniversary of leaving the school.

After lunch, guests were able to tread the NGHS corridors once more as they went on tours of the school, and had a look around our

extensive archive exhibition which featured photographs from the 1800s all the way up to present day.

An afternoon tea in the Hall followed, complete with finger sandwiches, delicious little cakes and pots of tea, all served using vintage china. The tea was accompanied by music recitals from our current students, including a pianist, a flute quartet and a string trio. A fantastic day was had by all, and it was a pleasure to see so many alumnae back at school!

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Some of our alumnae catching up with friends at our ‘Party in a Party’.

The archive exhibition was a great success and if you would be happy to part with any old school photographs or memorabilia that you might have, we would love to take them off your hands. Please contact Laura McAdam, Events Co-ordinator on 0115 941 7663 or email events@not.gdst.net

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Spring Lunch April 2012

On a blustery Saturday afternoon we welcomed back alumnae for our annual Spring lunch. Guests were treated to a wonderful musical performance from three of the school’s current pupils - Isobel Carlin, Ellie Pearce and Eliza Cox, who sang and played piano and guitar - before they enjoyed a delicious lunch.

After lunch those who wanted a trip down memory lane had a wander around the school visiting old haunts and seeing some of the changes developed since their school days.

Christmas drinks with our 2012 leavers

On the last day of the Autumn term it was lovely to welcome so many of our 2012 leavers back to school for a Christmas drink. The girls

enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with each other and compare notes about their first term at university.

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After listening to a talk from an alumna who works for Accenture, about the ‘Horizons’ internship scheme, I knew this could be perfect for me. I was planning to take a gap year anyway, and a chance to live in London and work with such a prestigious company, sounded like an opportunity not to be missed.

After a rigorous selection process I was delighted to be accepted onto the scheme. When I started in September I wasn’t sure what to expect, but soon realised that Accenture offers a relaxed environment and easy-going atmosphere. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming and I enjoyed the many social events, including BBQs, bowling and drinks parties. I was also able to join the Accenture Tennis Club which gave me the once in a lifetime chance to play at Wimbledon, in a competition for ‘Save the Children’ – pretty cool stuff!

I have been involved in two very different projects - one focussed on a small area of a wider project, and one was taking on a managerial role, overseeing the entire project. These different projects have taught me a huge number of skills which will set me in great stead for the future and will be key while I’m at university. During my first project I initially had very little contact with the client, which is normal for most interns, however I was given the opportunity to take on more responsibility and I used that to my advantage. By demonstrating confidence and proving I was hardworking I began to engage directly with the client, taking an active role in weekly meetings and presenting our work to them. This gave me a huge sense of achievement as I had exceeded the expectations of my team.

I would recommend the internship to anyone; it is such a fantastic opportunity to explore the business world and gives you the chance to develop yourself as a person.

Accenture InternshipBeatrix Perks (2012)

I am planning to travel around India and South East Asia once I complete my internship, possibly meeting up with some old school friends and new friends from London on the way! This internship has not only allowed me to gain some great work experience, but also the time to travel afterwards, which is perfect.

University wise, I am applying for natural sciences and biochemistry, which will combine my love of chemistry and biology but also enable me to undertake modules such as business or psychology, therefore keeping my options open for the future. Hopefully Accenture will sponsor me through university and give me the opportunity to do their six week summer vacation scheme and may, if I’m very lucky, offer me a job at the end of it all!! Only time will tell…

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In MemoriamWe extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those named below who have very sadly passed away.

Alexis Peadon (2004 - 2012)1991 - 2012Alexis joined the Senior School in September 2004 and from the outset was a happy, witty and popular member of our school community. In 2010, when she was in Year 13, she was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently underwent surgery and a series of chemotherapy treatments. From the very moment she was diagnosed, Alexis was determined to maintain as normal a life as possible and returned to the Sixth Form in 2011. She battled bravely with her illness, keeping the severity of her condition private at all times. Our current Sixth Form girls were keen to support her; they rallied round and included her in all activities. Despite all efforts her condition worsened and after putting up a heroic fight, she sadly died in January 2012.

Alexis was never heard to complain; she retained her sense of fun and her humour throughout the whole of this difficult time. The school has lost a wonderful and inspirational student who won the hearts and respect of all who knew her.

Our Sixth Form raised money through various activities and presented a cheque for £8,000 to their chosen charity, ‘Teenage Cancer Trust’, on 18 May in memory of Alexis.

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Anne Wilson (Garton, 1962) (forMer PuPil, Parent anD MeMBer of staff)

1944 - 2012Anne Wilson, a former pupil, parent and teacher of Nottingham Girls’ High School, passed away on 2 December 2012, aged 68. Her commitment to and passion for the school spanned 57 years, beginning in 1955 and continuing up to the end of her battle with motor neurone disease. Anne is remembered as a caring, enthusiastic and outgoing individual by both colleagues and friends.

Anne arrived at the school in 1955, aged 11, and later described her time as a pupil as a ‘wonderful eye opener’. She was the first member of her family to go to grammar school and soon proved to be a talented pupil. She credited her Biology teacher, Mrs Roberts, with sparking her fascination with Biology. Her newfound enthusiasm and aptitude took her to the University of Nottingham where she completed a BSc in Zoology and a PGCE.

Anne returned to the school in 1980 to become a member of the Biology department, with her retirement in 2002 marking 22 years as a teacher at the school. Colleagues speak of her expert knowledge, passion for her subject and intense loyalty to the school. This made her well placed for her additional responsibilities as school press officer, a role which gave her ample opportunity to use her capacity for hard work. Throughout this period, Anne was also a senior examiner in Human Biology for the OCR exam board, retiring from this role in 2008.

Anne was an active member of the former Old Girls Association of the school, working as chair from 1984 to 1990 and as a committee member for many years. While she was chair, Anne helped organise the centenary celebrations of the association. Her unwavering support for NGHS has been noted by all who knew her and it is almost certainly true to say that Anne’s loyalty to the school is unsurpassed.

Anne’s two daughters, Vicki and Melissa, followed her through an NGHS education. In an article entitled ‘Mothers and Daughters’ for our alumnae magazine, Anne wrote that she had told her daughters that “Between nine and four

they didn’t have a mum. It was ‘Mrs Wilson’!”

Anne’s commitment to the education and support of young people took her further afield, working as co-organiser of the Nottingham Council of Young Women from 2005 to 2012. The programme which NCYW offers provides outreach to young women on important national and international social issues, taking a role close to Anne’s heart.

We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Whilst the school’s loss cannot match theirs, we know we have lost one of our strongest allies, most passionate supporters and most highly respected ambassadors; we have the utmost gratitude for the long years of service she had given.

Anne was a genuinely caring individual who showed great strength of character throughout her life. Her friends recall her vivacity and sense of humour. Our thoughts are with her devoted husband John, and her family at this sad time.

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Jean Collett (Stanway) (forMer staff 1950 - 1984)

1926 - 2012As her colleague at NGHS for nearly 40 years, I offer this tribute to my friend Jean with whom I had a long and valued acquaintance.

Jean was a unique individual. She had a lively artistic temperament with a passionate devotion to her specialist subject of Art, in which she had an outstanding talent, and with which she inspired enthusiasm in her pupils.

I had the pleasure of accompanying her on two school party visits to Rome; one in the 50s to Rome and Naples, including Pompeii, and the second in 1962 to Rome and Florence - both unforgettable experiences of wonderful places and stimulating companionship. I learned much from Jean on how to appreciate art by not attempting to look at all the exhibits in a gallery, but to concentrate upon one masterpiece. This was further endorsed by a school visit to London to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks.

Jean also had a gift for friendship and enjoyed entertaining her friends, pupils and colleagues at her home. The culmination of this was a lunch party held at Patchings Art Centre to celebrate her 85th birthday two years ago - a happy occasion enjoyed by 25 friends on what turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day.

Jean also retained a deep affection for the places of her childhood and youth, such as the Cotswolds, Oxford and especially the village of Islip where her father had been the village schoolmaster. She paid visits to several of these in her later life, frequently leaving her own art works as mementoes of her affection, as she also did by bequeathing her painting which had been hung at the Royal Academy, to NGHS for which, after her teaching career of nearly 40 years, she retained a devoted affection.

We are thankful that she passed away peacefully in an environment of which she had become contentedly accepting.

We shall remember her with affection and unforgettable reminiscences.

Sheila Harris.

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The NGHS Bursary Fund has one goal: to finance free and assisted places at Nottingham Girls’ High School for bright, talented and promising girls whose financial and personal circumstances would not otherwise allow them to access the outstanding education that NGHS offers.

Nottingham Girls’ High School works hard to ensure that its community is diverse. The Bursary Fund provides fantastic opportunities and opens doors for girls from a wide range of backgrounds.

These bursaries will enable these girls to receive a well rounded education and to gain confidence and self assurance on their journey through school and their future career.

Every pound counts; whether you give a pound or want to talk to us about a larger gift, we would be delighted to hear from you.

“I was lucky enough to receive a means tested bursary. It allowed me to fulfil my potential. I was airlifted out of a potentially disastrous and difficult situation.”

Dr Anita Bloor, GP (1980)

“Without the means tested bursary I would never have been able to attend NGHS. Being at NGHS in the Sixth Form was the most wonderful experience for me, the best two years of my school career. It opened so many doors for me and gave me lots of confidence. I became Head Girl. Without the bursary I wouldn’t have had any of these opportunities and my path could have been quite different.“

Elizabeth Charlesworth (2008)

Bursary Fund‘Building Futures, Changing Lives’

NOTTINGHAM GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

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Events Calendar 2013NGHS EventsSpring LunchSaturday 27 April We hope you can join us for this year’s Spring Lunch. Why not bring a friend, or let us know if you wish to organise a table or mini reunion of your classmates and we will make sure it is an extra special day. We will be sending our invitations next month, but if you would like to reserve a space today please contact Laura McAdam at development@not.gdst.net.

Arts FestivalSaturday 6 July Following on from the success of our Creative Showcase in 2011 we are planning an exciting day to celebrate the Arts. The festival will be an occasion for all the family to enjoy. It will include an Art and Design exhibition, musical performances, dance, a literary area with readings from well-known authors, an arts and craft marquee plus an array of musical talent. We are particularly keen to hear from alumnae who would be interested in performing at the event.

If you would like to be involved, in any way, please contact Susie Bulling in the Development Team.

ReunionsIf your year group is looking to organise a reunion please contact us and we will be happy to discuss this with you.

GDST EventsFurther details on all GDST events are available on their website: www.gdst.net/2209/alumnae/alumnae-events

Livery Companies and Vintners’ TourFriday 19 April, 10.30am, £20.00 Starting at the spectacular Vintners Hall and seeing some of the other 38 Livery Halls, many dating back to medieval times.

Guided tour of Parham Park Gardens, with lunchThursday 9 May, 11.00am, £21.00 Enjoy a tour of the exquisite pleasure grounds and beautiful walled garden, which date from the 18th century, before stopping for lunch in the Tudor kitchen.

Guided tour of Chelsea Physic GardenFriday 21 June, 12.00noon, £8.00 Chelsea Physic Garden has a unique living collection of 5,000 edible, useful, medicinal and historical plants. It is London’s oldest botanic garden, which was founded in 1673 and became one of the most important centres of botany and plant exchange in the world.

Exclusive shopping evening at Hobbs, Covent GardenThursday 27 June, 6.30pm, £5.00 We will have our own private shopping area and personal stylist but also free rein to explore the entire store. There will be 20% discount off full-price items, a goodie-bag with purchases and the chance to win £100 Hobbs vouchers.

Guided tour of Newstead Abbey, with light lunchThursday 18 July, 11.30am, £15.00 Founded as a monastic house in the 12th century, but most famous as home to the poet Byron. We will have a private guided tour, followed by lunch in the Abbey’s café.

Do You Know Isobel Thompson?

One of our alumnae has lost her address book and is trying to reconnect with her old school friends.

Her name is Isobel Thompson (née Phoenix) and was at NGHS from 1975 - 1982. Her email address is: isobelthompson2@gmail.com

She would love you to get in touch with her.

Friends of NGHS brings together alumnae, parents and other friends of the school. Whether you join to make new contacts, build on existing relationships or reconnect with old friends, we hope that Friends of NGHS will help you to stay involved in the life of the school.

• Stay connected

• Maintain close ties with the school

• Participate in school activities and keep in touch

• Become well informed ambassadors for the school

• Enjoy business networking opportunities

• Socialise and have fun

Friends of NGHS...stay in touch, be involved

Nottingham Girls’ High School9 Arboretum Street, Nottingham NG1 4JB

Tel: 0115 941 7663 development@not.gdst.net

www.nottinghamgirlshigh.gdst.netPart of the GDST network of schoolswww.gdst.net