founded 1907 birds of a feather stick together contents issue 5 new... · a rendition of shirley...

Downe House girls today are incredibly lucky – not just because they have access to a wonderful education, superb facilities, exciting enrichment opportunities, sublime views across the Berkshire Downs and arguably the best pastoral care at a boarding school in the UK. They are actually most fortunate because of the truly supportive connections we have developed with their predecessors – you, our alumnae.

Over the past two years the Foundation Office has invested a great deal of time reconnecting

with former Downe House girls across the generations. The opportunities that these connections have uncovered have opened up a whole new world to our current girls and we hope, as well, provided social, professional and business links for our alumnae.

Through initiatives such as DH LINKS, the Business Directory, Foundation reunions and events, the enrichment programme, the website and our various publications, we have continued to expand on the support network to mutually benefit alumnae and current girls.

Not a day goes by when we are not celebrating news, making a careers link, providing a reference, sharing stories of times gone by or marvelling at an achievement.

For many years the boys’ schools have seemingly had ‘one up’ on us….but not anymore. We are catching up, if not overtaking them now in terms of providing all-encompassing support networks across the globe. The culture of giving back is alive and well within our Downe House community.

So, are Downe girls the luckiest of them all?

I don’t actually think it is ‘luck’ at all. I think a Downe House girl just knows how to make the most of every opportunity at whatever stage of her life and is not afraid to fly!

The connections are firmer and stronger than ever – thank you.

Michelle Scott Director of the Foundation

Birds of a feather 1Daughters of Downe 2Images from the past 3Alison Gwatkin 4-6DH Links connects 7Breaking through 8-9Wedding album 10-11Fired up 12-13Remembering our founder14-16DHSA News 17Feature - New Zealand 18-19DH around the world 2015th Gift Fair 21A room with a view 22Sophie Cranston 23Transforming lives 24Business Directory 25Dates for the diary 26

DOWNE HOUSEFounded 1907ISSUE 5 AUTUMN 2012

News from the heart of Downe House

ContentsBirds of a feather stick together

Alex Barlow joined Downe House in September 2012 in the role of Foundation

Office Assistant. Previously Alex worked in technical recruitment and prior to that, training and development within a charitable organisation. As a member of the Foundation team Alex is very much enjoying researching and collating alumnae news – including memorable stories from the days of our founder Olive Willis, to the updates from our more recent leavers who have embarked on the next stage of their lives. Alex has been very busy collating your information for the forthcoming DHSA magazine and updating the website with images of the many weddings that have taken place in recent months.

Meet the team

Cloisters News from the heart of Downe House 2

On Tuesday 6th November 2012 we were delighted to welcome back to Downe Mrs Audrey Harrison (Hird DH 1938) and her daughter Mrs Rosemary Biggs (Harrison DH 1984). They were both able to share many reminiscences of their respective years at Downe, and agreed that though much has changed in the intervening time, there is still much about the school and the site that remains the same. Audrey and Rosemary are pictured with Rosemary’s daughter Emily Biggs who has started in the Remove this year.

Three generations at Downe House

This year we have also welcomed into our community the following new girls with family connections to Downe House –

Eliza Joll Grandmother Thalia Gough (DH 1952)

Imogen Simpson-Orlebar Mother Julia Dopheide (DH 1985) Aunt Patricia Dopheide (DH 1987)

Rosie Blackburn Mother Serena Bailey (DH 1981) Grandmother Patricia Gordon (DH 1951)

Aunt Fiona Bailey (DH 1979)

Rose Galbraith Aunt Ghislaine Galbraith (DH 1975)

We look forward to bringing together generations of families who have been educated at Downe over the decades.

The tea will be held in the Main Dining Room, and guests will also have the opportunity to tour the School and visit any places that may hold a special memory.

Minna Conybeare-Cross, Camilla Robb (DH 1983), Kitty Peat and Sally-Ann Peat (DH 1970) at last year’s event.

Molly Adams, Elizabeth Farrer (DH 1947), Anna Renton-Green (Head of Alumnae Relations), Christine Johnson (DH 1954) and Lucinda Penney at last year’s Daughters of Downe event.


Images from the past

(below) This photograph was taken between 1981 - 1984 and it looks as though the girls in the photograph have participated in a House entertainment. Are you in

this photo? If, so, let us know.

(above) Taken in the 1930s this photograph shows two girls studying by a window somewhere at Downe House. Do you recognise the location? We would love to label this image, so please do get in touch if you can help.

Did you know?Here are some facts and figures about Downe House as it functions today:• We have more than 60 support staff on the estates, housekeeping and catering teams• More than 30,000 square metres is cleaned on a daily basis by our wonderful housekeepers • The estates team have more than 100 acres of grounds and woodlands to maintain• The maintenance department will receive more than 5000 work requests this year

• A ¼ million meals are served annually through our two dining rooms• There will be more than 400 catered events at Downe House this year


Long serving staff member Alison Gwatkin answers your questionsWhat year did you join the Downe House community and in what role?

I was appointed by Miss Suzanne Farr and joined Downe House in September 1985, as Housemistress of Tedworth and Senior Housemistress designate. I am eternally grateful to her for enabling me to develop my pastoral skills in Tedworth and to watch the house system flourish in the company of distinguished colleagues.

As the Housemistress of Tedworth for many years you must have looked after hundreds of old girls – are there any particular memories you would like to share with us?

During those happy Tedworth years I had the privilege of caring for thousands of girls. It was at an exciting time, when the reputation of the school was beginning to be established and, much to their surprise, offer a serious challenge to our competitors. The number of pupils seeking

entry at 11+ and 12+ in 1986 was the largest to date and the cause of much celebration - old girls, if you entered the school then, you became the start of the vintage years! We toasted your future success in champagne, at Common Entrance, and we were not wrong! You blazed a trail that we have almost come to take for granted. At one point, I had 99 boarders and three day girls in the house, plus the Sixth formers attached to the house.

I could never, nor would ever, single out an individual from the rest. There were, however, some hallmarks of life in Tedworth, I will never forget. Here are just a few of the thousands of golden moments. We had a black Labrador dog called Ebony, known to many as Boo – a trusted friend and confidante, who could resolve any homesickness with those huge brown eyes and an enthusiastic wag of her tail. In those days, before lavish house kitchens, the girls came to our flat for toast and chocolate,

year group by year group, in the evening. The Lower Sixth came last and were famous for coaxing Mr. Gwatkin into bacon or sausage sandwiches, whilst using our washing machine! We had a hallmark treat, from time to time, Pizza and Haagen Daz, or, on Music Weekend, when the house almost emptied for supper with parents, those left were allowed to choose a Takeaway Chinese and the latest Blockbuster Video fetched by

Mr Gwatkin from Thatcham to the wrath of those condemned to have a lengthy, luxury supper at the Royal Oak!

Tedworth was famous for its parties in the best Common Room of the eighties and nineties. We founded the Dinner Party and the pairing with a house at Eton, Radley and Winchester for socials. My, what fun we had! Does anyone remember going to Eton one Saturday evening, to Tim


Young’s house for a late supper before heading off to Slough Ice Rink, reserved especially for us, until way past midnight? It was magical, as was the return visit to Tedworth, for a Karaoke, organised by a parent, when after a riotous evening of fun, singing, Elvis impersonations and much laughter, Tim Young announced that he and I would finish the evening with a rendition of Shirley Bassey’s, ‘Big Spender’, complete with boas!

The most embarrassing moment of my time in Tedworth and, probably the funniest, was at the end of a Staff Pantomime – Cinderella, of course. It was the time when the TV show ‘Allo, ‘Allo was at the height of its popularity and the panto included a scene when Graham Salter was appointed French Chef to Cinderella’s household, complete with French maid – yours truly - with wig, mini skirt, over the top make up and fish net tights. To raise money for charity at the end of the show, the staff paraded around the houses in costume. Waiting at Tedworth front door was the father of a LIV Day Girl I had never met, as

he had been travelling. “Oh, Daddy, please come and meet my Housemistress”, cried the little girl excitedly. “Of course, darling, but she is not quite what I expected”, replied the father with a twinkle in his eye. “And, oh Daddy, you have to give her some money!” Suffice to say, this memory endured until the UVI. Every time we met, ‘Daddy’ would sidle up to me and say. “You know, I really like your alter ego, especially the outfit!!” He was one of Downe’s staunchest supporters and his daughter an absolute star!

Tedworth launched the first Mums’ Lunches in the autumn of 1989. By then, our two boys, Marcus and Tudor, now in their thirties, were at Sunningdale, where Rodney and I had been enveloped in that warm, comforting world of prep school life at its best. Rodney faithfully attended every match and was organised by the Sunningdale Mums to bring a quiche, the wine or the cheese for the cricket or whatever! Everyone knew everyone else, was introduced and supported each other like one big family. The aim of the first Mums’ Lunches was to replicate that

level of support by introducing the Mums to each other and then the Dads could join in other school events and matches more easily. It was, from the beginning, a runaway success, but was never adopted

by other houses for a very long time.

What three words do you think others might use to describe you?

In the past I have been described as passionate, enthusiastic, child friendly!

How long have you been Head at Downe House Veyrines?

I have been Head of Veyrines for over five years.


What do you enjoy most about running the school in France?

I enjoy leading and being part of a tight team of twenty two and, especially, working closely with my husband. I enjoy sharing this wonderful experience with the girls each term and always see it through fresh eyes. It is a chance to innovate, find new ways of learning and get to the heart of what education really is!

How would you sum up a ‘Downe House girl’?

A Downe House Girl cannot be summed up at all, in my experience, as they are all individuals in the making, no two are the same whilst at school and then, the sky is the limit for each to achieve whatever they wish, often beyond their wildest dreams.

If you had a magic wand – how/where would you wave it and why?

My magic wand would redress the imbalance in the world between rich and poor in terms of survival, opportunity, care and the right to happiness and fulfilment.

When the time comes to leave DH, what would you most like to be remembered for?

When I leave Downe I would like to be remembered for what I have said to every girl who has been in my care. Tedworthians of the vintage 1985 - 1996, you will recall this message at the end of every year! It has apparently been quoted at the odd wedding by the bride’s father!

“Make the difference for the good wherever you are and whenever you can. Always be the best that you can be and remember mediocrity makes me wild!” Late one evening, as I waited for the Head of Drama to bring the girls back to the house for a delayed bedtime, I wandered over to

Jubilee Hall now the PAC and, as I approached, I heard the Head of Drama call out to the cast: “We shall do that scene just once more and remember, Tedworth, always be the best that you can be, mediocrity makes me wild!” Needless to say, we won the House Drama that year by a mile…

Alison Gwatkin continued...


Can you help?We are seeking information on the following Old Seniors from the Year of 2003. If you can help, please contact the DHSA administrator Mrs Lucy O’Meara.T: 01635 204719 E: [email protected]

Volney K Friedrich Address Unknown

Sophie Rose Hue Williams Address unknown

Anna E Kerr Address Unknown

Charlotte Jane Knight Address Unknown

Daisy MacDonald Address Unknown

Victoria Elizabeth Monk Address Unknown

Victoria Read Address Unknown

Henrietta Lucy Walsh Address Unknown

Risa Yokota Address unknown

Sophia Alexandra Hargreaves Address Unknown

The DH LINKS group on LinkedIn has grown enormously since its launch last term and we now have more than 130 members.

There has been a lot of interest in the proposed creation of professional ‘cluster groups’ for Downe House alumnae who are within the same career/job area and therefore we are creating the following DH LINKS sub-groups on LinkedIn: Legal group, PR/Media/Marketing group, Property group, Journalism/editing group, Entrepreneurs group, Education group and Medical/healthcare group.

Please do join the DH LINKS group on LinkedIn and then also become a member of a relevant sub-group too. If your career/job is not featured in our sub-groups list, then please contact me on [email protected].

I look forward to the future expansion of our professional alumnae networks on LinkedIn!

Laura Ogilvie-Jones.

DH LINKS connects our alumnae

Ten year Reunion class of 2003 Thursday 9th May 2013 Lansdowne Club, Mayfair

Save the date


Charlotte Chivers (née Rees, 1992-99)In 2009 my sister-in-law, Ellen, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33. She was otherwise healthy, active and busy bringing up her two small children: Alice, then aged 3, and Thomas, who was not yet 1. Sadly she was not unique, being one of around 48,000 women in the UK who would have been diagnosed with

breast cancer that year. But breast cancer is uncommon in women under 40, so for Ellen to be diagnosed at the age of just 33 was a major surprise.

Having first noticed a problem it actually took months of testing before a diagnosis was made. Ellen had recently finished breast-feeding Thomas and was routinely checking her breasts for milk production. One day, however, she noticed a blood discharge rather than milk. A doctor friend advised her to see a GP sooner rather than later. After 3 months of testing (blood samples, mammograms and biopsies) she received a phone call from the consultant.

The diagnosis was DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, which are pre-cancerous cells) widespread in the right breast and as a result she was told her that she would need a mastectomy. Ellen had always thought she might need surgery but had thought it would be a lumpectomy, and had worried about how the void left by the removal of a lump would be filled. Now she was being told she would need to have the entire breast removed. That it was pre-cancerous cells causing the problem was the only silver lining.

But in August further analysis revealed there was invasive cancer among the DCIS. It was

incredibly hard for Ellen to hear; harder still for Nick, her husband, my brother, who happened to be thousands of miles away in Brazil with his work. It was also hard for the rest of the family. Ellen had been a part of my life since I was 11. She and Nick had met in their teens – she was like a sister to me.

Fortunately the cancer had not spread and the mastectomy was planned for the following month. On the day of the operation Ellen said she felt like she was going to be butchered. She and the plastic surgeon had agreed on a DIEP type reconstruction after the breast tissue removal. Her breast skin would be preserved, and by cutting out all the fat tissue across her stomach the skin could be re-filled with her own tissue, creating a breast which was living (as long as the blood vessels transplanted successfully).

Ellen was under a general anesthetic for 11 hours. When she came to she was folded up in a sitting position with her knees tucked up to prevent any pulling on her abdomen, which had been opened from one hip to the other. In the days that followed she could only sit upright, 24 hours a day, with her thighs at ninety degrees to her body. It was only after a couple of days that she began to be able to move her upper body and arms and begin

‘Breaking Through’ breast cancer – turning adversity into inspiration


feeding herself. And only after that could she begin to stand up (with the tubes and drains coming out of her body) in order to be able to shuffle to the bathroom.

Seven months after her trip to the GP she was given the all clear and returned home on the 29th September, the day before Thomas’s first birthday. Today Ellen is fit and well, albeit after a long physical recovery and a much longer mental one. I know, and in many cases you probably know, people who have been less fortunate.

Ellen says her family and friends were always there to keep her spirits up and put a smile on her face, not least Nick and the children. Having witnessed first-hand how destructive the disease is Ellen and Nick, and the whole family, has set out to raise awareness and funds to help combat the disease. In 2010 Nick completed the London Marathon for Breast Cancer Care. Now he has decided, much to his family’s initial horror, to row across the Atlantic (!) in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer (www.breakthrough.org.uk).

Breakthrough is the leading breast cancer research charity, supporting over 250 top scientists. The charity needs £10m each year to fund their research and help women (and men) around the world. I am very proud that my brother has set himself the challenge of raising £250,000 for such a worthy charity.

Along with his friend, Ed Curtis, Nick will row unsupported from the Canary Islands to Antigua – a grueling journey covering an average of 2,642 nautical miles and lasting

up to 90 days. As well as the physical and emotional fatigue they will experience blistering heat, isolation and waves up to 40 feet high. The money raised will go directly to developing effective treatments for more than 20 different types of breast cancer already known.

But, as well as the necessity of raising money to combat breast cancer, we have all learned how important raising awareness of the disease is too. For young women it is very important to be breast aware: knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, being on the look-out for any unusual changes and getting them checked out by your doctor. With your help and understanding perhaps fewer women in the future will have to go through an experience like Ellen’s.

Nick Rees and Ed Curtis

You can follow Nick’s journey at www.breakthroughatlantic.com/on- On Facebook http://www.facebook Breakthroughatlantic/ or on Twitter @Atlantic_row.

Wedding a lbum. . .1

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Francesca Major (née Martin DH 2000) celebrated her marriage to Ben Major on Sunday 26th August 2012. The wedding took place at Bradfield College where the bride is a teacher.

Laura Addis (née Palmer DH 2002) married Ferdie Addis on 22nd September 2012. There was a wonderful Downe House presence at the wedding including five current DH girls as waitresses.

Clare Ratnage (née Michell DH 2002) and Jonathan Ratnage celebrated their wedding on Saturday 6th October 2012. The ceremony took place in Edington, Somerset and the reception was held in the bride’s parents’ home.

Tory Brown (née Louth DH 2003) and Nick Brown recently celebrated their marriage at her parents’ home in West Woodhay, Berkshire.

Rosalie Wallis (née Evans DH 2002) and Edward Wallis celebrated their marriage on Saturday 29th September 2012 in Wiltshire.

Dr Julia Apps (née Flint DH 2002) celebrated her marriage to Dr John Apps on Saturday 14th July 2012 at her parents’ home in Shropshire.

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Wedding a lbum. . .


Fired up by a new business

Hattie MacAndrews (DH 2009) has always been a girl to meet a challenge head-on, and that is just what she is doing with her brand new business MadebyMaddox.

Hattie left Downe House in 2009 with the plan of becoming a fashion journalist. She secured a summer internship at Conde Nast working as an editorial intern, and this extended into a full year’s work with stints on a variety of publications including Vogue,

GQ, House & Garden and Brides Magazine. By night she studied evening classes in Fashion Journalism and Art Direction at Central St Martins. After her internships ended she gained a six-month placement with an online fashion magazine in New York, which was an “amazing” time, so very different from school life at Downe.

Whilst at Downe Hattie studied Art, Drama and History for her A-levels. By her own admission she was “terrible at Art and spent most Art lessons playing with the camera in the cupboard and talking” and suspects this may be the cause of her overall B in Art. Camera high-jinks notwithstanding it was evident that Hattie had huge natural talent and creativity, and would put this to work in her own, very unique way.

On her return from New York she started working for a fashion PR agency and was starting to feel that it wasn’t really for her when she had an encounter in a Notting Hill boutique that changed the direction of her working life. “I saw these small paper matchboxes with little gems stuck on them. They were messy and badly-made, but the lady said they were best-sellers”. Hattie saw an opportunity to make her own version – and make it far better quality than the ones she had seen. So to fund her idea she sold her car (named Maddox) to cover the start-up costs of commissioning some hand-made boxes.


Maddox Matches, named in honour of her beloved red VW beetle, was born!

All Hattie’s matchboxes are handmade by a local carpenter in Berkshire before she applies the unique designs and the striker, and then varnishing the finished product. It is a long process with each box taking several hours to make. Her designs are inspired by a range of different things including scrabble letters, her mother’s stamp collection and her own collection of printer’s type. The range also includes artwork by fellow Downe House alumna Romy Elliott (DH 2009).

Hattie has been selling her matchboxes largely through craft and gift fairs, and now has a permanent presence at both Portobello and Spittalfields markets – quite an achievement for such a young business. She also has a website for direct purchases and the ordering of personalised and photo matchboxes.

The run-up to Christmas has been hugely busy and has meant a rapid learning curve for Hattie: “I slightly thought starting my own business and working for myself meant that I could lie-in when I wanted and take lots of holidays – but now I realise I was very

deluded!” Keeping up with the Christmas orders whilst spending every day at fairs and markets means lots of sacrifices and living with very little sleep, but Hattie feels that rewards are worth it as she watches her business grow in leaps and bounds.

So what is next? Hattie plans to focus on Maddox Matches for the next year or so, looking to produce the boxes in a cost and time effective way so they can be sold to major retailers. Beyond Maddox Matches she has been working as a brand/marketing consultant, creating and managing all social media platforms, marketing campaigns and launching PR initiatives to ensure the brands are seen by the right people and that the word is spread quickly and cost effectively. She is also involved with a new charity that trains and employs homeless people to restore furniture. In the long-term, she plans to

undertake residential property development and interior design so as she says “I have lots to keep me busy for now!”

[email protected] for orders. https://twitter.com/MaddoxMatches

Remembering our founder - Miss Olive Willis (26 Oct 1877 - 11 March 1964)

An extract from the Chapel Service led by Head Girl, Serena Hughes-Onslow and Deputy Head Girl, Amy Craig on November 1st, 2012.

We know that this is a topic that has been discussed many a time, however, we are here this morning to hopefully give you a slightly different insight into our founder Olive Willis.

Miss Willis founded Downe House in 1907 with her friend Alice Carver; in order to do this, each had to raise £1,500. Olive Willis had a vision that Downe would be a school with

a homely atmosphere. When the school was first established there was only one pupil for the first year.

Miss Willis was also keen to create individuals. She didn’t want to run a conventional school. A prime example of this is when, during a hockey lesson at the old school site in Kent, an invitation was dropped from a low flying plane from the nearby aerodrome. Most Headmistresses would have been appalled at the idea, however, Miss Willis delighted in the idea of her girls meeting some of the pilots, and organised the trip for the following week.

She never had children of her own which is why she showed such a maternal nature towards the girls. Each night she used to personally supervise prolonged hair brushing sessions as well as tucking each and every one of them into bed, something that might seem a little far fetched now.

Other things which have changed since then, we hope for the best, is that back then they didn’t have a Head Girl. During Miss Willis’ time, the oldest senior was the person who spoke the views of the rest of the school. This was partly because Miss Willis didn’t like the rigid prefect system which most other schools at the time had adopted, instead she created “seniors” who were selected and voted for by the rest of the pupils. The role of the seniors back then is pretty much the same as today, we are not allowed to enforce discipline, we act as “spokeswomen” for the rest of the school and finally we try our best to lead by example.

Another aspect of Downe which has changed since her time is the previous absence of a healthy bout of rivalry. This is largely due to Olive’s dislike for competitiveness. There were no prizes awarded at all throughout her time here, and so she

probably wouldn’t approve of the copious awards now presented at our prize giving. Instead they had a system not dissimilar to our current stars and commendations. This involved students being awarded stars and stripes, which were monitored on a chart and reviewed weekly. One difference to ours is that if the number of stars accumulated per form outweighed the number of stripes awarded to girls in that form, a day’s holiday would be granted to the entire form. However, if the opposite was to happen with stripes outnumbering stars then the whole form were punished normally in the form of chores around the house and gardening at the weekend.

Some of Olive’s policies would no longer be approved by health and safety. When the school first moved to this site, in 1921, there was not enough sleeping space for everyone, (staff and students), to have a bed. For the first term at this



new campus, many had to sleep outside under the stars, which Miss Willis perceived as a good form of character building. However this policy of sleeping outdoors continued for a few years after, despite eventually having ample accommodation for all. If you brought your own camp bed to school you were allowed to camp in the cloisters as here it was deemed a safe and sensible place to camp, as the cloisters could provide shelter if it started to rain. Nevertheless, this activity tended to only be exploited in the summer months.

When girls were not sleeping outside, they initially shared dorms with girls of all ages. Each dorm was kept in order by a member of the Upper 6th year group who was deemed responsible enough to be appointed dorm captain. There were no individual houses at this time as Miss Willis wanted to encourage a homely and relaxed atmosphere in which girls of all ages could interact freely. This was reiterated at the lunch tables in which you were appointed a set table with a member of each year group

and a member of staff on it.

Meal times in general were very different to how they are conducted now. The idea of mixed tables was to encourage polite intelligent conversation. Silence was deemed rude and if you were thought not to be contributing to the conversation, you would be asked to take a wander. An exercise which meant you had to get up and leave your table, and walk around the dining room until someone else was asked to take a wander, this would mean you could then regain your replacement’s seat. We feel that breakfast would now not be a very fun time if this rule was still enforced, however, give us any other meal time and you would be hard pressed to see a single wanderer.

One part of Downe House a la Olive Willis which particularly appealed to me was the compulsory dance lesson every week. However, the other four mandatory gym lessons are far from appealing. In the first ever inspection of the school, the exercise regime was deemed a little excessive. However, at a

time when lessons and games were the staple diet of most schools she added pottery, weaving, rifle shooting, picnics, expeditions, poetry reading,

and encouraged music, drama, painting and dancing.


One of the few remnants of Downe’s time in Kent is this very chapel. Having originally built the chapel in Kent, when the school moved site Miss Willis had it deconstructed and moved here. As one might imagine this is not an easy or quick feat. Consequently, it took 4 years to rebuild the chapel in this position, with them still failing to realise that they had built it facing the wrong direction. During the intermittent years, chapel was conducted in the cloisters regardless of the weather, come rain or shine the service would continue, much to the annoyance of the local chaplain. And the girls, we

assume. However, once it was completed, the chapel was still pretty insufficient in that it hadn’t been fully equipped with a proper roof, meaning it was susceptible to bad weather and those inside getting thoroughly wet. So next time we are complaining about the cold in the chapel, perhaps we should count ourselves lucky that we are not soaking wet as well. Suffice to say that

we all owe a lot to Miss Olive Willis: without her vision and her courage and commitment to pursue it, Downe House would not be producing girls who are able to leave with the feeling there is nothing they cannot achieve.

Amy Craig and Serena Hughes - Onslow (DH 2013)

Let us pray….

O God, we thank you for the vision of Olive Willis in founding Downe House; for her belief in the value of the individual, and her determination that each should be nurtured within a caring community.

We thank you, too, for those who have carried forward that vision, for all who have devoted their time and talents in the service of others in this place.

Today, as we look back to our beginnings, we praise you for the many good gifts which you have bestowed upon the school, and we celebrate its past and present achievements.

And so we look to the future, with confidence and faith, entrusting the school to you, that those who follow after us may here learn to live lives that reflect the vision of our founder, and follow the example of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

A card handcrafted by one of the girls for Miss Willis in 1929


DHSA news

Reunion at the Hurlingham Club

In September a very enjoyable luncheon party for all DHSA members who left Downe before 1960 was held at the

Hurlingham Club. We were delighted that all decades were well represented and so many Old Seniors were able to attend. We were particularly pleased that some of our most senior Seniors, the eldest being 98

years old, were able to be with us.


New Zealand - free-falling over Queenstown

In Easter of this year I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to travel to New Zealand. I did both the North and South Islands and needless to say I was absolutely blown away by the amazing scenery

and the hospitality of the Kiwis. One of my favourite places and one of the most travelled to destinations is Queenstown, a small resort town tucked away in the South-West of New Zealand’s

South Island. Sitting on the shore of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown has a wealth of activities for the adventurous traveller and is truly set amongst some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.

With both the lake and the mountain range in such close proximity, one can go kayaking and then mountain biking, or waterskiing followed by paragliding all in the same day. There are seemingly endless activities waiting to be experienced, yet for the laid back, days can be spent

shopping in the boutiques or enjoying the excellent food and wine at one of the many bistros and wineries on the river or in the old historic mining town of Cromwell. However, I have never been one to let an opportunity for adventure slip away, so I prepared myself for as much fun as possible.

On my first day in Queenstown, I hopped on a beautiful brown horse named Baxter and went for a trot through one of the vineyards around Lake Wakatipu. The trail meandered along forest covered trails and through different areas of

Queenstown is the ultimate adventure destination in New Zealand. Tanya from Lightfoot Travel in Hong Kong tells us about some of her more memorable experiences - horseback riding through vineyards, trying her hand at driving a jet boat and first time paragliding over the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and of course, learning about the amazing Maori people.


the vineyard. At the end, we stopped off to do some wine tasting and to enjoy the sun setting over the lake

My second day required a bit more adrenaline, so we decided to hit the water and do some extreme jet boating. Coming from Hong Kong, I am quite used to being on the water, but nothing prepared me for the speed and power of this little yellow beast. I was actually given the opportunity to drive the boat by myself for a few minutes. I’m not sure who had the bigger adrenaline rush, me or the driver…

My absolute favourite and must-do in Queenstown was the tandem paragliding over the city. I’d never been paragliding, or jumping off any mountains for that matter, so it was the first experience of its kind and it was absolutely exhilarating. I now know what it’s like to see Queenstown from a bird’s eye view. You can have your flight as tame or as exciting you want. After the landing, I could still feel the adrenaline for about 4 hours. Definitely the ultimate way to conclude one of the best trips.

Get in touch with Tanya Roberts for your own amazing adventure experience in New Zealand.

lightfoottravel.comhttp://www.facebook.com/lightfoottravelEmail: [email protected]


Downe House in Hong Kong Alumnae Reunion Friday 3rd May 2013

DH around the world

New Zealand ReunionsTwo reunions will be held in New Zealand

in December 2012

• Christchurch - Monday 17th December 2012• Napier - Thursday 20th December 2012

Will you be in Singapore in April 2013?

Downe House Reunion 16th – 18th April 2013

For further details and information

[email protected]

T 01635 204719

FOUN

DATION OFFICE


15th fair raises funds for the forcesMore than £1,320,000 has now been gifted or pledged to the Armed Forces Fund, including all funds raised by the Radley Foundation, Downe House and St Mary’s Calne. Two girls will benefit from the first bursaries awarded and enquiries are now coming in from other military families

who are interested in applying for financial assistance through the AFF.

Our recent Gift Fair successfully raised more than £7,000 for the Fund. We were delighted to welcome back a number of alumnae to the Fair including Hattie MacAndrews and Samantha Jones who were selling gorgeous bespoke matchboxes for Maddox Matches, a new company founded by Hattie.

(see feature on pages 12-13)

Samantha Jones and Hattie MacAndrews (DH 2009)

(right) Tamara Lancaster (DH 2007)


A room with a view

Jennifer Gosse (Hon OS)The photograph on page 3 of the Summer issue of ‘Cloisters’ is of the Balcony, which ran along behind C and the Garden Room - the Seniors’ private territory. on the floor below were E, J and an inky sanctum where Miss Croft dealt with stationery - also a horrid little hole of a lavatory known as the Ink Pot. When I became a Senior in 1949, there was a dangerous tradition which required new Seniors to jump off the Balcony onto the flowerbed below, to the indignation of Elsie Bathe who

tended the Pepperpot rose garden. I expect I was not the only one who fetched up in South Way having treatment for a twisted ankle! The photograph looks to be an early one: the roof of K (to the right) and the building which had F and G on the ground floor are there but it looks as though room D - above and beyond F and G - was not yet built.

Victoria Bradley (née Slater DH 1971)The black and white photo was taken from the 6th form block, I seem to remember that balcony

was off my final classroom - in 1970-1971! It’s looking down the valley and I recognise the roof of the sewing room - of course the school has probably changed massively since then!

Our 6th form block had a name that I can’t remember and wonderful wooden chairs with arms, again they also had a name that slips my memory. We used to burn wood in the fireplaces and toast crumpets! I remember being given a wood detention in my first term by a senior (prefect) for talking in prep. One had to fill an extraordinary canvas sack with leather handles with wood from the pine woods as punishment so the sixth formers could light their fires!!

Sophie Saraby (née Fairbairn DH 1976)I’m fairly sure this is looking north to Long Lane, the B4009 from Newbury to Hermitage, looking outwards from the room above and to the right of the gym (at least where the gym was in my day, ‘72 to ‘76). I gazed often and fondly at that view, partly because I thought that home in

Winchester must be just over the hills (even though I was facing completely the wrong direction) and partly because it was a lovely sight, particularly on a summer evening.

Dr. Mary Midgley (née Scrutton DH 1937)Dear Foundation - I have just seen your photo of an unknown part of the school in your magazine Cloisters. What it shows is, of course, the view from the loggia that used to run alongside the Garden Room and classroom C. Your modernisers have, no doubt, abolished this loggia and taken its space into the classrooms. But it was one of the most attractive parts of that building, both from within and without. As sixth-formers we used to sit there a lot. In particular, when I had writing to do I used to get up very early and come there to work, enjoying that view and the unusual peace.

The photograph on page 3 of the Summer 2012 issue of ‘Cloisters’ prompted a wonderful response. Here are just a few of the comments received:

Thank you to all who responded


Alumnae in the spotlight - Sophie Cranston

Sophie Cranston (DH 1994) is a successful fashion designer who began her flourishing career at Alexander McQueen and Temperley before setting up her own label, Libélula, in 2003.

Sophie was a fashion design student at the University of Northumbria where she won the prestigious Designer of the Year Award at Graduate Fashion Week in 1999. The collection, saucily named The Morning After the Night Before, featured a male model wearing only a striped cashmere cushion. The Telegraph’s style editor Phong Luu suggests that it was perhaps that tongue-in-cheek spirit which caught the attention of fashion’s most provocative visionary, the late Alexander McQueen. Cranston joined the luxury house, but her next project was more ambitious: in 2000, she set up the successful Temperley label with Alice Temperley. It was here that she honed the feminine, bohemian cuts that would become Sophie’s signature.

She stayed for two years, before she founded her own label, Libélula (“dragonfly” in Spanish).

Employing the business nous and design skills she learnt at Temperley, Sophie opened a shop in Chelsea in 2003. Her romantic, vintage-inspired pieces rapidly gained a loyal clientele of famous names, including Emma Watson, Jerry Hall and Kate Middleton.

Libélula can now be found in many of the leading boutiques around the country, and also internationally. Sophie’s studio is based in Hampshire and she now juggles dresses with motherhood and family life.

http://www.libelula-studio.com/


Transforming lives

Now that single sex boarding schools are under pressure, perhaps the time has come for all of us connected with the school to help in attracting the multi-talented child, who would benefit so greatly from the breadth and excellence encouraged at Downe, by facilitating through gifts and legacies substantial fees help.

Miss Suzanne Farr - Headmistress (1978 - 1989)

In 2012-2013 Downe House has seventeen girls benefiting from full and partial means-tested bursaries through the Olive Willis Trust.

The School is highly committed to increasing our bursary provision so that we can offer girls, who would not otherwise have access to an education and boarding environment of the highest calibre and quality, the opportunity to benefit from the academic, cultural, sporting and social experiences that Downe House provides.

Even the smallest financial gift can make a difference.

If you would like to receive more information about our bursary programme, please click the link below to submit an enquiry form or contact us in the Foundation Office.

http://www.downehouse.net/foundation/development_request_info.asp

The Palmer Society... was established by the Downe House Trust 21st Century Appeal to recognise the benefaction and support of Elizabeth Palmer and other members of her family. Elizabeth Palmer had been closely associated with Downe House since 1920, when she joined the School as a pupil in Kent and was Miss Medley’s first Vice-Principal and a great

benefactor of the School. Through membership of the Palmer Society we acknowledge in an informal and discreet manner those who are looking to help the School in the years ahead.

There are many reasons why you may wish to help Downe House and leave something in your Will. It may be to express gratitude or loyalty; it may be to enhance the School’s facilities for future generations; it may be to help maintain our beautiful grounds and

buildings; it may be to perpetuate a beloved name; or help to provide opportunities for others to benefit from an education at Downe House.For more information on the Palmer Society please contact Anna Renton-GreenT 01635 204741 E [email protected]


New Business DirectoryThe new Foundation Business Directory provides links to over 40 businesses from across the world which are connected to, owned and/or operated by Downe House alumnae.

From luxury travel companies, conservation communications, film production, event planning, fashion design, organic produce, artists, photographic services and investment analysis to name just a few of the businesses listed.

There is no denying that our alumnae are wonderful entrepreneurs and business women.

Be impressed by visiting –

http://www.downehouse.net/foundation/business_directory

Dates for the diaryDowne House in New Zealand MONDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2012: The Lakes Restaurant, Peppers Clearwater Resort, Christchurch (tea reception 4pm).THURSDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2012: The Mission Winery, Napier (lunch reception 1pm).Daughters of Downe WEDNESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2013: A gala afternoon tea for past and present families who have had more than one generation educated at Downe House. (2.30pm – 4.30pm).Day of Discovery TUESDAY 26TH MARCH 2013: An enrichment extravaganza!Downe House in SingaporeTUESDAY 16TH - THURSDAY 18TH APRIL 2013: Connecting with our community in the Far East.Palmer Society Service and TeaWEDNESDAY 17TH APRIL 2013: A celebratory afternoon for our very special alumnae who have pledged a legacy to Downe House.Downe House in Hong Kong 1ST – 5TH MAY 2013: a series of receptions and small events to connect with the Downe House community (past and present) in Hong Kong.Year of 2003 – Ten Year Reunion THURSDAY 9TH MAY 2013: Ten Year Reunion for the Year of 2003, Lansdowne Club, Mayfair, London (6.30pm – 9.30pm).Foundation Golf Day FRIDAY 14TH JUNE 2013: Donnington Valley Country Club, Berkshire.Founder’s Weekend 2013 SATURDAY 29TH JUNE – SUNDAY 30TH JUNE: A cultural festival for current girls, parents, alumnae and members of the wider Downe House community.

For further details on any of these events please contact [email protected]

Have you visited our website?

www.downehouse.net/foundation


Connect with us:Join us on Facebook - ‘Downe House’ Alumnae

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E: [email protected] T:01635 204719www.downehouse.net/foundation.asp

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