Queenswood Chronicle 2024

I am delighted to be the Editor of the 2024 Chronicle. After joining the Foundation Office at Queenswood over a year ago, one of my main priorities was to ensure that the Chronicle returned.

The collation of the ‘40 Words’ submissions was no small undertaking, however, by centralising the process, it has eased the burden on Section Secretaries and ensured that everyone who wanted to submit an entry was given the opportunity to. You will find the fascinating collection of ‘40 Words’ at the back of the Chronicle.

I hope that you take pleasure in reading about what life is like at Queenswood today and the feature articles on our inspirational OQs. An enormous thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition, especially to all of you that submitted ‘40 Words’ entries - it really is what makes our Chronicle so unique.

If you would like to feature in a future Chronicle, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Foundation Office - qfoundation@queenswood.org.

I really hope you enjoy this edition of

as much as I have enjoyed putting it together!

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As I reflect on last year, I am delighted to be writing to you with Queenswood thriving after the global pandemic. There is no doubt that the last few years have presented challenges both in our personal lives, and here at Queenswood that none of us could ever have predicted. I am incredibly proud of how our community has adapted to those challenges and now as I think back to our annual Carol Service at St Albans Cathedral in December, I am reminded that 2023 was a year with no disruptions to the girls’ education and experience here at Q. It has been wonderful to see.

As ever, whilst our ethos and aims remain the same as they did all those years ago when the School was founded, we continue to adapt, making large investments to the site to ensure that today’s girls have the very best environment to learn in. Further on you will be able to read about the refurbishments to the Bellman Centre, our new Sixth Form Flat, the Science Labs, the ABC and our new wellbeing centre not forgetting the new solar panels installed on Q Hall.

One of the elements the School focused on last year is how best to support you as OQs, and I hope that with more resource in the Foundation Office, you have seen the benefit of this commitment in the communications and events that have happened this year through the support we are offering to the Old Queenswoodians’ Association. We were delighted to host many OQs back in May for our annual reunion day with many of you expressing how wonderful it was to be back at Q. We hope to see many more of you over the coming months and years.

We have naturally seen some staff changes over the last three years, one I wanted to highlight was the departure of Reverend Vindra Maraj Ogden

who has moved on to be minister at Surbiton Hill Methodist Church. Reverend Kate Douglas joined us in September and we were joined by Rev Dr David Chapman, Queenswood Governor and Methodist District Chair and Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, Bishop of Bedford for her licensing a few weeks later. They shared this statement with us: “The appointment of an Anglican priest as chaplain to a Methodist foundation school demonstrates the developing covenant partnership between the Methodist Church and the Church of England.”

I’m sure you will enjoy reading about what our girls and you as OQs have been up to over the course of the last year throughout this publication, however, I wanted to share with you some of my personal highlights of what the girls have achieved; the girls performance of ‘We Will Rock You’ was another sold out success in November, our Tennis Team have become national champions in several different age categories, as well as winning the Aberdare Cup again! We have seen the return of overseas co-curricular trips which are covered later on, and whilst it is difficult to only mention a few highlights, I feel that I cannot finish without mentioning the fantastic exam results that the girls achieved in the summer, our year 11 girls achieved 71.1% 9-6 grades (equivalent to A* to B in the previous grading system) and a third of our A Level grades were A*-A, with a fifth of students achieving at least three A*-A grades. This shows enormous dedication by our staff and a fantastic effort from the girls who have succeeded despite the disruption they have faced over the last few years.

Looking ahead to next year and beyond, we currently have our highest pupil roll ever, and hope to hit 500 girls this coming September. We continue to invest in the site, with our science refurbishment and ABC projects continuing and I hope that our community continues to thrive, grow and succeed.

Wishing you all a safe and healthy year ahead, and I hope to welcome many of you back to Q over the coming months.

LOOKING BACK OVER 2023

JANUARYMR KELLEY FEATURES OQS IN CAREERS BOOKLET

Mr Kelley, Head of PR and Publicity at Queenswood got in touch with several OQs and created a feature booklet focusing on the broad and diverse range of careers that our OQs are working in.

FEBRUARY - OQ MAEVE GOLDMAN, COMPLETES EPIC VOYAGE AS PART OF HER Dof E!

Maeve took part in the Rona Sailing project, living on a boat with other teenagers, learning how to sail large yachts as a team. During the five day course the team were required to take turns steering and looking for obstacles which would affect their sail. Most days they sailed overnight, using the stars to guide their way, drinking hot chocolate and singing folk songs whilst trying hard not to get seasick!

MARCH - OQS TRIUMPH IN ANNUAL OQ HOCKEY MATCH!

OQ Catherine Sluter, Director of Tennis at Q, organises an annual hockey match between OQs and the Queenswood first team. On this occasion, after a tightly fought match the OQs came through with a 2-1 victory!

APRIL - JANE VAN DER MAAT RETIRES AFTER 19 YEARS SERVICE TO Q!

Jane van der Maat who worked at Q for over 19 years retired in April. Many of you will know her for her years of dedicated service to the Foundation Office. Life is not quite the same without Jane, but we are all extremely grateful for her tireless work for the OQs. Enjoy your retirement, Jane!

MAY - KING’S CORONATION CELEBRATED AT Q!

Queenswood marked this historic occasion with the unveiling of a new bench on Trew Lawn in the King’s honour and a celebratory afternoon tea in true British fashion.

JUNE - OQ CATHERINE SLUTER, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS AT Q, LEADS THE TEAM TO ABERDARE CUP VICTORY AGAIN!

Queenswood’s Tennis team became triple champions after winning the U13, U15 National Championships and the Aberdare Cup.

JULY - OQ JODIE WILLIAMS RETURNS AS GUEST SPEAKER AT SPEECH DAY!

Jodie Williams returned to Q as our guest speaker on Speech Day. Following a stellar athletic career, and now putting her name to vital charity work in Uganda, Jodie was so inspiring for the next generation of Q girls.

AUGUST - OQ WEDDINGS IN THE CHAPEL

We were delighted to welcome back Claudia Leighton, Class of 2010, and Anna Abrahams, Class of 2013 to get married in the Chapel. We send our best wishes to both couples for their futures.

SEPTEMBER - RECORD PUPIL NUMBERS AT QUEENSWOOD

The Queenswood Admissions Team have been working hard to increase the numbers, and the school was delighted to hit a record pupil roll of 481 for this academic year. We hope to reach 500 in the coming years!

OCTOBER - OQA HIGHLIGHTED AT ‘INTO THE SIXTH FORM’

‘Into the Sixth Form’ was introduced a few years ago as a recruitment event for our current year 10 and year 11 students and those who wish to join us for Sixth Form. The OQA stand this year was manned by OQ Kate Belshaw, Class of 2006, and Amy Cronin, Alumnae and Fundraising Manager.

NOVEMBER - Q REMEMBERS, A CHAPEL SERVICE TO REMEMBER

The Community came together on Sunday 12 November for a deeply moving Remembrance day service. Students from across the years read poems, prayers and passages of scripture. The Quire also gave a hauntingly memorable performance of ‘Benedictus’ from Karl Jenkins’ ‘The Armed Man’.

DECEMBER - QUEENSWOOD CAROL SERVICE

December saw the return of our Carol Service at St Albans Cathedral, for the first time since 2019. We were delighted to welcome OQs for refreshments at Abbot’s Kitchen before joining the rest of the Queenswood Community for a wonderful service.

FROM THE CHAIR

Dear OQs,

What momentous times we have seen since the last Chronicle came out in 2021.

To use one of the many clichés, it has been a rollercoaster of events and emotions. For OQs, as everyone else in society, Covid and the economic times since then were, and continue to be, difficult for many. However, I know that many people benefitted from their OQ friendships and the OQ community in those very challenging and isolating times. I very much hope that we can continue to support each other and maintain that Old Queenswoodian spirit in the future…… “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be”, as the School Song says!

As you will see in this edition of the Chronicle, the School came out of Covid well, despite the massive challenges the pandemic created. So much is going on at Queenswood today that it is hard to keep up, but I very much hope that you keep an eye on the latest events and achievements by looking at the Q website, or checking out the OQA’s social media updates, or our newsletters and bulletins.

A full list of the current Executive Committee members is included in this Chronicle and I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them, together with their predecessors, for their commitment, enthusiasm, ideas and support to all OQs and to me in my role as Chair, as well of course to Queenswood. Whether via Zoom or thankfully once again via face-to-face meetings at Q, we have continued to manage the operations of the Old Queenswoodians’ Association and to support OQs. May I also thank any OQ who has organised or attended an event recently. There is really no substitute for getting together in the same room, with all the attendant laughter and story-swapping!

My thanks of course also go to all those at the School who support the OQA in so many ways, whether giving their time, keeping us up to date on Q news, supporting the activities of the OQA both practically and financially or hosting and feeding us at our events! Thank you, in particular, to Principal, Jo Cameron, her PA, Ann Rhodes, Donna Cresswell, Director of External Relations, the catering team and of course to Amy Cronin, Q’s Alumnae and Fundraising Manager. Amy took over from Jane van der Maat early in 2023. What a hard act to follow, and our enormous thanks go out to Jane for all of her friendship, support and dedication over many years. We wish her well in her retirement.

Since joining, Amy has done a fabulous job building OQ relationships, answering random OQ queries, getting the OQ database into better shape, boosting our social media presence and running more events for OQs. One key change is that Amy has taken over responsibility for the production and content development of the Chronicle. As most OQs are aware, it is always a big task to pull together news from as many OQs as we can, as well as sourcing other interesting content to keep us all abreast of what individuals and the school have been achieving. We have been so grateful for the input of Section Secretaries in the past to coordinate news collection from their year groups and we will continue to ask them to support us in the future to prompt their year group contacts to submit their news, but centralising the overall news collection is definitely the way forward. I hope that you will be pleased to hear that we intend to produce a Chronicle every year from now on, which is a return to what used to happen some years ago!

I am pleased to report that the OQA and individual Old Queenswoodians continue to support pupils and staff at the school by participating in careers advice sessions and lectures. We are looking to extend the scope of our careers support, so please contact the Foundation Office if you are willing to get involved and share your experiences and

knowledge with Q students. Related to this, it is still our target to develop more networking opportunities for OQs as well as pupils. This has been an ambition for a while, one which was not helped by Covid, but we are very much hoping that we will have made progress towards organising a London event, by the time you are reading this Chronicle.

Networking events are just one way the Old Queenswoodians’ Association supports OQs, along with running reunions and events, sharing OQ and Q news and offering financial support via mechanisms such as charitable donations, a new “Individual Endeavours’’ award and of course the long standing Old Queenswoodians Bursary & Scholarship Trust (OQBST), set up in 1982 after a fundraising campaign by OQs. This has supported various students over the years, but I am particularly

pleased to report that for the first time in many years, our bursary is supporting a pupil who has a Queenswood connection, in that her great aunt was at Q. As some of you will know, this was the original intention of the Fund, so it is really pleasing to once again support a pupil who already has Queenswood history.

I do hope that you will enjoy this new re-designed edition of the Chronicle. As a former Chronicle Editor myself, I have said more than once that this publication is unique in seeking news from as many members of the Association as possible, rather than just highlighting the achievements of certain individuals. It truly is, in its own way, a chronicle of our times and I very much hope it stays that way! And on that note, I have one small request – if you have enjoyed reading it, please spread the word to other OQs and encourage them to send in their news in future, if they have not done so this year. We love to hear the snapshots of OQ lives, from all ages, all regions and with a vast range of life experiences. The more the merrier.

Thank you to all of you who have contributed.

Very best wishes

OQA GOVERNOR REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

In my last report for the Chronicle, I wrote about how the School had responded so admirably to the challenges of a global pandemic. It is easy to think of Covid as a distant memory, but for Queenswood, this year truly marks a return to normal. In 2022/23, the School had to close early for Christmas and the Carol Services were cancelled, due to a spike in the number of cases, school trips were subject to even lengthier risk assessments, pupils were taking lateral flow tests and isolating where needed, and the government announced additional support for GCSE exams. Throughout all of this, Queenswood continued to provide a fantastic pedagogical experience for its pupils and support for all members of its community.

Understandably, some of the School’s strategic aims have had to be put on hold over the last few years, but Queenswood has certainly not rested on its laurels and has overhauled the Sixth Form offering. Bellman, which has been a Sixth Form Centre for a number of years, has had a complete refurbishment with both individual and group working rooms for the pupils, their own coffee bar (which was supported financially by the OQA), and a space for meetings and talks. Belling has been refurbished and now has a Sixth Form Flat in order to prepare pupils for university life. Taking turns throughout the academic year, groups move into the Flat and are responsible for cooking, cleaning and shopping (with an allowance provided by the School). These changes have been so well received by pupils, parents and staff and have had such a positive impact on the experience of the Sixth Formers.

The strategic vision for Queenswood is focused on the provision of girl-centred education. Jo Cameron and the Senior Leadership Team have done huge amounts of research into how our pupils learn

best – from the paint colours and furniture layout in classrooms, to the technology that supports the delivery of teaching. Over the last few months, work has begun on refurbishing the laboratories in the Science Block and the classrooms in the ABC and this wealth of knowledge is being utilised in every aspect of these refurbishments and their planning. Other than Jean Horton’s Laboratory, the Science Block hasn’t been touched in decades and still looks (and smells!) exactly the same; and the only changes to the ABC have been the introduction of smart boards, so these renovations are very much overdue!

The relationship between Queenswood and the OQA remains as strong as ever. Two OQs sit on the Governing Board, demonstrating the School’s commitment to involving former pupils in the strategic direction of Queenswood. Moreover, Jo Cameron attends the termly OQA Executive Committee meetings, not just to update members on the School, but to also maintain our close relationship. Additionally, I am one of Queenswood’s Chapel Trustees, and thus there is an OQ voice in conversations about the Christian foundation of Queenswood, the weekly worship, and the chaplaincy support provided to all members of the community.

Kate Belshaw

OQ and Queenswood Governor

THE OLD QUEENSWOODIANS’ ASSOCIATION

Chair

Tricia Wrinch 07929 369333

triciawrinchoq@outlook.com

President

Jo Cameron

Principal, Queenswood School 01707 602500

Honorary Vice Presidents:

Pauline Edgar

Clarissa Farr

Audrey Butler

Dorothy Upwood

Vice Chair and Staff Representative

Liz Needham needhamzil@icloud.com

Officers of the Association

Hon Secretary

Anna Rayson oqahonsec@gmail.com

Hon Treasurer

Nicole Sexton nicole.sexton@evelyn.com

Committee Members

Kate Harvey (Mrs Belshaw)Governor Representative

Lucy Harvey - Elected Member

Emma Poppleton - Elected Member

OQA Enquiries

Foundation Office

Queenswood School qfoundation@queenswood.org 01707 602500

THROUGH THE GENERATIONS…

In the autumn of 2022 MairiAnna S joined Queenswood, some 60 plus years after her paternal Great Aunt, Sue Thompson (nee Stevens) had attended.

We sat down with them both to compare and contrast their experiences.

Sue, let’s start with you, do you remember your first experiences here at Q?

Sue: I remember coming for my interview, I was told that there was already a Susan Stephens, so in the first year I had to be known as Jane Stevens, once the original Susan left, I reverted back but had a job convincing the teachers that my name was actually Susan!

On going to purchase my uniform, I distinctly remember having to kneel down, and my skirt measured to be no more than 4” above the knee.

Mairi-Anna, what were your first impressions?

When I arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the grounds and buildings, and by how spacious the school

Unbelievably, when Mairi-Anna’s maternal grandfather sent his cousin, Iona a photo of Mairi-Anna in her school uniform, it transpired that Iona’s brother, Donald MacCuish had taught here at Q from 19781994 so Mairi-Anna has Queenswood connections on both sides of her family!

campus was. I knew instantly that I wanted to go to senior school here. I will always remember the taster day I had with my Dad, where we had a history lesson from Mr Daughton, who taught us the difference between Norman, Early English and Gothic church architecture; a drama lesson where he had to improvise a scene based on “archetypes”; and a cookery lesson, where we made pizza! How many schools can offer all three things?

Sue: During my 1st term there were 12 of us in a dorm. A prefect and Sixth former in the same room as the 11 and 12 year olds, I had started boarding when I was seven, so arriving at Q wasn’t a shock. The adjustment was getting used to such a big site. The noise from the radiators in our dormitory was incredible! My room was on the top floor of Trew House, to the left, I remember coming down the stairs, but we were never allowed to use the front door! (Much like today! The front door is for Sixth Formers and Staff)

Mairi-Anna, what is your favourite bit of the site?

My favourite bit is the gardens and woods, I can still hardly believe that my school has its own woodland! I also like being in Stamp because it’s cosy and fun, and it has been decorated with fairy lights.

Sue, what are your recollections of the site?

Like Mairi-Anna, I loved playing in the woods, the wonderful Rhododendrons. In the summer we were allowed to play on Trew Lawn with Emma’s (Miss Essame) dog, a huge St Bernard called Tessa.

Mairi-Anna, what are your favourite subjects?

I love languages, so my favourites are French and Spanish. I also really enjoy Classics.

Sue: Miss Hooper, our French teacher, used to test us by asking us questions in French to see if we could understand, one day she said “Etes-vous debout sur votre toit?” (Do you stand on your roof?) which I understood perfectly and said yes! She tore me to shreds “You stupid girl!”, little did she know that I could as it was a flat roof!

Mairi-Anna, what is your favourite thing about coming to Queenswood?

My favourite thing about coming to Queenswood is socialising with my friends because there is such a happy, fun, atmosphere. I also enjoy the lessons. My confidence has really grown since coming to Queenswood. I enjoy music and drama, and I have been so lucky to be in the school

productions “Made in Dagenham”, Q Revue and “We Will Rock You”. We are so fortunate to have such a brilliant theatre. My parents have been blown away by the fabulous school productions.

Sue: I also made amazing friends, many of whom I am still in touch with. Sadly I lost my best friend in 2020.

I remember in the Autumn and Spring terms, when we woke up in the morning we would have to do a pre breakfast run, laps of the site. Senior Girls were dotted along the run to make sure no one ducked out!

We had a wonderful headmistress, Emma Essame. Emma introduced Judo to us, a man would come up from the East End to teach us, which at the time was very forward thinking. We also had driving lessons on site. One of my peers managed to run away during the first year, I was so impressed! Another claimed to have a pet monkey at home!

Our English teacher, Miss Baird was a quiet, shy lady, but it transpired one day that her father had invented the television.

Mairi-Anna, you’re in the Choir?

I auditioned for Queenswood Singers and I’m really enjoying it! We sang in the school Christmas Carol Service in St Albans Cathedral, which was really exciting.

Sue: I had piano lessons and also sang in the choir at a time when Ernest Read was at the school, one of the

many joys of this time was joining Ernest Read at the Royal Festival Hall for concerts.

Do you have any other stand out memories Sue?

Every summer, the audit had to be done and a firm of accountants would come to do the school books. One year a very good looking man appeared. Apparently, the man got apprehended by a group of Sixth Formers in the cloisters! Miss Essame had to tell the accountants not to send young men again!

What did you do when you left Queenswood?

I went to Cambridge Art School, the big difference was from not being allowed out of the school grounds to going down the pub with our teachers! Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd was also at Art School and I remember fondly being in a play with Syd! My love of acting came from my days at Q.

We will Rock you

Sue, when did you find out that Mairi-Anna would be coming to Q?

I knew that Mairi-Anna’s parents were looking at different schools, I didn’t think of Queenswood, as it is a little way from their house, but then they mentioned the amazing transport service that now exists for day girls, I was absolutely delighted to hear that Mairi-Anna would be going to Q and it is fascinating to compare stories.

Mairi-Anna: We have compared our experiences, the differences and similarities. The uniform is different now, I think she wore a purple tunic, but a lot of the building names are the same, Stamp, Trew, Centre and Waller for example. I have seen some old copies of the school magazine and the Queenswood Chronicle, it has been fascinating to take a peek into Queenswood’s past!

FOUNDATION OFFICE REPORT

2023 saw an increase in provision for the Foundation Office and we hope that you have seen the uptick in communications and support.

We have focused primarily on regular communications and social media updates. Alongside this there has been a considerable amount of data work, pulling together this Chronicle, linking up OQs with our careers programme, running the reunion day and supporting the schools fundraising function.

The office is working hard to ensure that the communications and events programme are here to support our whole community and help you to connect with each other. With the OQ body ranging from 18 to over 100, we understand the need to make sure that our communications and events are engaging for all of you and we hope that many of you will return to Q in the coming months.

As ever, our primary focus is you. If there is anything we can do to support you, or you just fancy a chat, please get in touch, we love hearing from you!

qfoundation@queenswood.org

01707 602500

Q REUNIONS

Q REUNION DAY 2023

On Saturday 20th May we were absolutely delighted to have a full reunion day back here at Q. The classes of 1993, 2003 and 2013 were greeted with prosecco in the Terrace Room and had the opportunity to catch up with peers and former staff before heading off on tours around the site.

There was much excitement to see the newly transformed Bellman Library which now houses our Sixth Form girls and the old swimming pool which has been filled in to create a stunning new library, with a new swimming pool built next to the Art Block.

The highlight, as ever, was the Chapel, with a number of OQs commenting on strong memories of walking through the cloisters to chapel, which pew they sat on and what they sang!

This was followed by lunch in the Dining Hall, just as they had done all those years ago, albeit with the addition of sparkling water and wine which hadn’t featured in their school days.

A wonderful day in the sunshine, with the rhododendrons at their very best to add to the nostalgia.

OLD QUEENSWOODIANS’ GOLF SOCIETY

Eleven ladies met up at Letchworth Golf Club on Monday 23rd October 2023 for our annual autumn meeting and catch up.

We were very well looked after by Letchworth who provided bacon rolls and coffee before play and an excellent two course lunch afterwards.

The winner of the trophy was Kate Eckett (nee Young) with an excellent 35pts. The day is always relaxed and very enjoyable. If there are any ladies who play and would like to join us, we would love to hear from you. All standards welcome!

Rosemary Lockwood, OQGS Organiser

REUNION ROUND-UP!

TORONTO GROUP

The Toronto Group meets twice a year either via Zoom or over a meal. Last November they had a lovely time at a museum in Downtown Toronto. If you are ever in Toronto, they would love to see you! The Foundation Office can put you in touch with Margaret Wallis who coordinates the reunions. L-R Caroline Daynard, Jane Robson, Bridget Hodges, Jacquie Brown, Hilary Macmillian, Margaret Wallis, Jeanette Mclachlin and Chris Ader.

THE PURPLE POSSE

The group was formed during Covid - reconnecting 13 OQs, who mostly left in 1972, via zoom and occasionally in real life. In the last 3 years since they reconnected some of them have become widows and sadly lost grandchildren.

We have also had lots of fun reminiscing by singing the School Song and celebrated our own successes and those of our children.

We laugh and celebrate life but also support those facing hard times and the grief of bereavement.

1999 LEAVERS, OCTOBER 2023

A group from the class of 1999 had a lovely afternoon at Hertford House Hotel reminiscing about their days here at Q!

L -R Anna Styles (Halliday), Becky Bradley (Bishop), Caroline Rowe, Hannah Young (Drew), Lisa Bryant (Neve).

1971/1972 LEAVERS, AUGUST 2023

A few OQs met down in Salcombe to spend time together and catch up.

L-R Lou Furbank, Gillian Brogdon (Wallwork), Hazel Garside (Broadbent), Mel Hughes (Westcott), Penny Kayton (Jenne)

1990 LEAVERS, SEPTEMBER 2023

Sarah Hencher, Kate Ross, Polly Gold, Caroline Adams & Mandy Leach got together in the sunshine in September.

60TH BIRTHDAY REUNION, SEPTEMBER 2023

15 OQs met for dinner in London to celebrate their 60th Birthday year!

70TH BIRTHDAY REUNION, SEPTEMBER 2023

Over 20 OQs met in London in September to celebrate their 70th birthday year!

ALYSIA WILDMAN: A GRADUATE CASE STUDY, FILM & TV

After leaving Q in 2010, Alysia studied English Literature and Film at the University of Southampton, but has since gone on to work on several well known TV shows and Films including Black Mirror, Bodies and Doctor Who, not to mention being part of the Oscar and Bafta winning VFX team for Disney’s The Jungle Book in 2016.

We recently caught up with Alysia to find out all about how she came to work in Visual Effects, and what she is planning next…

Did you always know you wanted to work in visual effects?

No not at all, even when I had honed down and specifically decided I wanted to work in the film & TV Industry, I was actively interested in becoming a Music Supervisor. I wanted to be involved in curating soundtracks for TV and film, responsible for music syncs of commercial music. I was really engaged with the music supervision work on shows like The OC, Gossip Girl and Skins. But no, visual effects - I fell into it.

How did you get your first break in the TV and Film industry?

I studied English Literature & Film as a combined BA Hons at the University of Southampton and I used the Easter and Summer breaks to carry out different internships and work experience placements, which included working at a location scouting company, a script coverage/ reading agency and then finally, a small boutique production company.

This final internship was 6-weeks in length prior to going into my final year of the degree, this company LoveLove Films kept me on and offered me paid work and a parttime role whilst I completed the degree and then immediate full-time employment upon graduating. It was my experience at this company that proved invaluable when securing my first VFX role at Technicolour’s Moving Picture Company (MPC) on Disney’s The Jungle Book released in 2016.

What does the role involve?

Is there such a thing as a normal day?

The role of the VFX Producer involves reading scripts or watching rough cut assemblies and creating bid documents, detailing the costs of all potential VFX work on a project, alongside your VFX Supervisor. Working with your production team to manage and oversee the VFX artists shots’ on any given project to deliver the work required. Review sessions both inhouse dailies and client reviews, where we receive feedback and approval on our work presented. Understanding and navigating all problems faced on

each project, supporting your team both artist and production.

Have you ever been star struck whilst working?

No I don’t think so, I’ve definitely enjoyed and appreciated meeting some individuals more than others! But perhaps I should keep that to myself.

What has been your favourite project to date?

I had loved Andy Weir’s novel The Martian, so finding out I got a role on that was pretty exciting and I remember feeling overwhelmed

when I first got to see the film at a Cast & Crew screening. Similarly, I had been an avid fan of Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror series, so getting the opportunity to work on that was quite a career bucket list and managing to work on both the Bond and Jurassic Park franchises has also always been a good blockbuster moment. Also, being part of the Oscar & Bafta winning VFX team for Disney’s The Jungle Book (2016) was a really celebrated moment.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Navigating some very male dominated environments as it is a sector of the film/TV industry with quite an imbalanced gender split and finding a way to carve out a more healthy sustainable work/life balance, something I personally think I have only managed to achieve as a result of the pandemic facilitating an industry wide change in accepting remote working. In my current role, I am full-time remote for a VFX Company based in Dublin, where I voluntarily make 2/3 trips per year to visit them physically but am not required to.

How did your time at Q prepare you for your career?

I think the days at Queenswood being significant in length and structure, from 8am through to 7pm - gave me a more rigorous sense of what could be achieved in a singular day. What I was offered at University in terms of contact hours in a given week, was probably more in line with the contact hours at Queenswood in a singular day.

What are your plans for the future? Any exciting upcoming projects?

Just taking it as it comes, I find being less focused on success and goals/timelines makes it much easier to roll with the punches. As for upcoming projects, I am excited to be working on the Doctor Who Christmas Special launching the new Doctor Ncuti Gatwa and continue to work on episodes in his upcoming season as well as a returning Apple TV series. But our most recent releases have included Netflix’s series Bodies (2023) and Amazon Prime’s Good Omens S2 (2023).

Top tips for anyone else wanting to follow a career in visual effects?

Watch VFX Breakdown Reels and get your hands on old issues of the VFX magazine Cinefex. Watch a lot of films and TV series and actively engage with and investigate how various scenes are realised.

You can find out more about Alysia’s career here: https://www. imdb.com/name/nm7565127/

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Excerpt from ‘In Hortis Reginae’ A History of Queenswood School.

At Queenswood, the great fire occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 20 February 1936, a cold bright night with a freshening wind.

This is the account of one of the girls sleeping in Head’s House on that night…

“I woke up in the early morning of February the twentieth, and became conscious of a smell of burning, and a popping noise, in the ceiling. Suddenly one of the bedroom said “Are we all awake?”, the answer was “yes”. She continued “Don’t you think we ought to go for Miss Thompson (the Housemistress) - I am sure our light must have fused.” We discussed the matter for about two minutes, when we decided that two friends should knock on Miss Thompson’s door and ask her to come and look at our light. This was done, and Miss Thompson entered, smelling as she looked round the room; after looking at the light which suddenly went out, she went for Miss Jones. Miss Jones went through Miss Thompson’s proceedings, and then Miss Thomspon sent us to her room.

All five of us stood there, waiting for the time when we might return to our snug and warm beds, when quite unexpectedly we heard cries of “Children, Come out! Come out!!”

It was Miss Fawcett shouting to an empty bedroom. We called to her and reassured her that we were all out of number twenty two. She told us to go downstairs, this we did, but in doing so we passed quite near the door of our bedroom, which was open. To our amazement, we saw orange and yellow ‘somethings’.

Bedroom No 15 which was down the corridor on the same landing as No 22 was awakened by the trumpet (fire alarm) being blown into the ear of an inmate. The bedroom arose with haste and pummelled another girl until she awoke with a groan of disgust “Oh blow the fire!”

The whole house marched down the front hall stairs. Miss Essame called our names out in turn, and we were all present. In Miss Trew’s morning room, number one started a charade, which was interrupted in the middle by the whole house moving into our common room. After we were settled for the rest of the night, the patient maids who had been carrying fire extinguishers to where the fire burned, gave us biscuits. Just as we were going to bite them, we all moved across the quadrangle a la sanatorium (sic). The main part of the building was one mass of flames twenty feet high. In the san we attempted to sleep four in a bed, and so passed the night.”

The immaculate fire drills that had been practised at regular intervals ensured that a perfect evacuation took place (although one small girl wanted to retrieve her recently excised appendix kept in a glass

bottle). Miss Trew’s pet dogs, Bruce and Robin, brought up the tail of the line of evacuating girls. There was not a single casualty. Shortly after the evacuation was achieved, a water tank containing 3,000 gallons of water crashed from the roof down through the first floor, accompanied by tons of debris.

As a result of the fire, Miss Trew lost all her books, all her Clapham notes, all the gifts received from old girls, all her antique furniture, and virtually all the school records from its foundation. She wrote that “the fire has left an indelible mark on my life.”

Many witnesses retain vivid memories of the fire that gutted Head’s House in the early hours of that winter morning. It is the sight rather than the sounds of a fire which people often remember, but for Miss Essame it was the noise of the flames that remained most memorable.

The noise too made an impression on Brenda Bellman, who watched the fire from the sanatorium. The flames roared and crackled, intermittently interrupted by the thump of falling timber and masonry. Audrey Smith awoke in Clapham House to the sound of crashing glass, before her house filed down to their common room. Shirley Milner, sleeping in Hartley House, across the way from Head’s House, was woken by the fire. Her abiding memory is of Miss Trew wearing a fur coat over her nightdress. Betty Martin was listening to her crystal radio-set when there was a knock on her bedroom door

and someone told her that there was a small fire in Head’s House, there was nothing to worry about, would she put on her dressing gown and come over to the gym. Betty looked up and saw that her wall was ‘entirely bright orange’ with the glow from the brilliant blaze. While the fire was a most exciting adventure for many girls, there was an equal number who found it terrifying. One girl in Waller House woke up to see flames leaping out of the windows of her sister’s dormitory and began screaming uncontrollably. The fire was attended by the brigades from Potters Bar, Hatfield, St Albans, and Barnet. Water from school swimming-pools was used in addition to the hydrants to fight the flames.

All those girls that could go were sent home until the following Tuesday. By then it was possible for the whole school to reassemble once more, with temporary hutting erected upon the hard courts and tarpaulins screening the remains of the house.

98 YEAR OLD OQ WENDY THOMAS (NEE ENOCK) VISITS Q FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE WORLD WAR II

Wendy’s son got in touch with the Foundation Office back in May 2023 to ask if he could bring his mum back to Queenswood. Paul explained that he was organising ‘Your life in a day’ for Wendy, visiting significant places to Wendy, starting with the house Wendy was born in, and we were delighted that Queenswood featured on the list!

Wendy attended Queenswood during the war and had strong memories of sheltering in the downstairs corridors of Waller House, sleeping on camp beds top to toe with another girl. We were unsure of how able Wendy would be to tour the site, and wanted to prioritise visiting the Chapel, however Wendy was surprisingly sprightly and managed to tour the whole site! Wendy enjoyed seeing the old gym, the rhododendrons on Trew Lawn and the Chapel.

A particular highlight of the visit was meeting Tricia Wrinch, OQA Chair. Tricia happened to be on site as Wendy arrived, and it quickly became apparent that Wendy had attended Q with Tricia’s mother OQ Joan Reavell. It made for an emotional meeting with Wendy being able to regale stories of Tricia’s late mother to her.

OQS BACK AT Q SUPPORTING CAREERS

We love having OQs back here at Q, whether that is for a visit, reunion or to support our careers programme. Thank you very much to Zoe, Lizzie and Becky who generously gave up their time last year to come and speak to our current students.

Lizzie Cardozo-Richards, 2013 Leaver

With a request to support our Art Scholars, Lizzie kindly stepped up and came in to join our Art Scholars after school. Our scholars were fortunate to hear from Lizzie about her journey from being a Q Dance Scholar to working as an artist and exhibiting at the Saatchi Gallery.

Lizzie spoke about being authentic and ensuring that you follow your interests, and how - for her - dance, textiles and art all intertwine.

Following her A Levels here at Q, Lizzie went on to train at the London Studio Centre, followed by a Fine Art degree at the University of Hertfordshire and then a MA in Fine Art at the Chelsea College of Arts.

Lizzie now works and exhibits in London as well as running a pop up gallery space called SHOP FRONT championing emerging artists. www.lizziecardozo.com

Becky Walter, 2021 Leaver

After a call to action, asking for med society support, Becky was keen to come and share her journey to vet school.

Becky is a 3rd year vet med student and spoke to our potential medics and vets from Year 10 to Year 13 about her experiences as a vet med student.

Becky gave some detailed information and advice about preparing for a veterinary or medical application, emphasising the importance of work experience and additional reading. Becky shared her experiences of the multiple mini interviews (MMIs) that many universities use for selection to vet school, and also some stories from her amazing clinical placements, one of which brought her to Whipsnade Zoo to grasp the teeth of a Rhino!

Zoe Andrea- Lykourgou, 2015 Leaver

We had the pleasure of hosting Zoe, a distinguished alumna of Queenswood, who returned to share her insights on the entire university experience to our current students. Zoe departed Q in 2015 to embark on her academic journey, culminating in the attainment of a first-class degree in Japanese from SOAS and a masters in Japanese Studies from the University of Oxford. This experience rendered Zoe well qualified to discuss the university application process, life during university, and offer valuable advice she wished she had received prior to commencing her university journey. Our current students found the information immensely valuable and current Head Girl Willow shared this with us:

“On Wednesday 18th October, OQ Zoe Andrea-Lykourgou came back to Queenswood to speak to the Upper Sixth. Zoe gave a really insightful talk on what she’d wished she’d known in Year 13, having now been through university and working in tech engineering.

Zoe talked us through both the UCAS application process and university life, including some really interesting methods for revision and surviving exams! I particularly enjoyed her perspective on a growth mindset and how it has helped her own academic journey navigating different careers and job applications.

Listening to an OQ was interesting, as it gave us more ideas for what we could do once we have left Queenswood ourselves, whether we choose gap years or postgraduate qualifications in foreign countries. The external speakers programme at Q is so helpful and engaging, and provides Sixth Formers opportunities to listen to a wide array of people and topics.”

JAYNE LEE Q& A

Jayne Lee celebrated 25 years at Queenswood in November 2023, and whilst for her it has gone by in the blink of an eye, there has definitely been some changes over the years and we can’t even calculate the number of girls who she has influenced, so we sat down with Jayne to ask her about her time at Q.

How did you come to be at Queenswood?

After leaving Eton College in 1994 to take on a new exciting role as a private chef for a family in a stately home it quickly became very apparent that I had made a big mistake. My husband and I looked through The Caterer and The Lady magazine job section and luckily spotted two vacancies at Queenswood, one for a full time chef and the other for a part time chef. We both agreed we should take these jobs, even if they were offered as a temporary measure, just to get us out of an unpleasant situation - 25 years later, I’m still here!

What were your first impressions/ memories of Q?

I can only remember the beautiful drive up what is now called ‘Jubilee Walk’ and how beautiful the Chapel

looked. Our interviews were short and sweet in the Catering department and we didn’t actually see much of Queenswood.

You started as Chef and now work in the Cookery Room?

Whilst working in the kitchen as Chef, I started cake decorating with the girls, we used the long dining tables that still exist today and I have fond memories of spending that time with the girls.

The Head of Home Economics retired and the old room in Stamp was left empty for a few years. When the school decided to build the current Cookery Room, I was asked if I wanted to teach, and despite having never taught before I thought why not? And here I am years later, I love sharing my passion for food with the students. What has changed over the last 25 years?

Wow, probably quite a lot. The first big change to mention is the wonderful cookery room which I have the pleasure of working in. It certainly is an improvement on the old Home Economics room which was situated in Stamp House, but then Stamp House itself has drastically changed and now houses our Year 7 and 8 boarders.

I remember the very old, cold swimming pool which is now the Library.

The dining room has mostly stayed the same but the servery has been refurbished twice that I remember and the food has definitely improved and continues to do so.

I remember the corridor the current cookery room is located used to be carolls where study used to take place for most of the School but now houses Cookery, the Ballet and Dance studio, Business & Economics along with Speech and Drama.

The Clarissa Farr Theatre was a huge change for the better as I’m sure Mrs Kelley would agree!

25 years ago talks about Queenswood Hall being rebuilt ‘soon’ happened often and it seems crazy to think that we now have a spectacular multipurpose sports facility.

The main car park has been upgraded with lovely green landscaping surrounding Q Hall, a nice welcome for visitors to Queenswood.

Lastly, I have to mention probably one of my favourite changes which are the beautiful grounds themselves, the entrance to main school driving through the electric gates with the manicured lawns on either side of Jubilee Walk is just lovely. Surely visitors can’t fail to be impressed.

What was it like meeting Gary Rhodes?

I was excited to meet Gary Rhodes at the official opening of the cookery room. He was one of the first ‘TV celebrity chefs’ and the chef everyone admired at that time. My personal collection of Gary Rhodes books were signed with ‘From one chef to another’ Love Gary! So that made my day. It was a very busy but enjoyable day. One of my daughters celebrated her 13th birthday on the same day so I remember having to rush home afterwards to celebrate her special day too.

Any stand out memories of students?

Over the years I have many memories of the girls I have taught, the cheeky ones especially!

Rarely a term goes by without a funny quote from someone, here is a selection:

“Miss, are these herbs vegetarian?”

“What kind of meat is pork?”

“Do I have to bake these cakes in the oven?”

What is your favourite thing to cook?

I’m a huge fan of Yotam Ottolenghi and couldn’t pick out just one favourite! I’m almost vegetarian, love food from the Middle East and recipes which include pomegranate molasses.

Portobello mushrooms with pearl barley and preserved lemons, cauliflower and cumin fritters with lime yogurt, and chickpeas and spinach with honeyed sweet potato are just a few of my favourite dishes.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Grace Cornell, 2017 Leaver Forensic Scientist

Grace was not 100% sure what her path was at 16 and took a broad set of A Levels to ensure she had options. During the course of her A Levels she knew that her path was going to be science related. Fast forward 6 years and Grace has finished her masters in Forensic Science and has just started working as a Forensic Scientist at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratories. Day to day Grace is working on the forensics behind fingermarks and DNA and supporting police forces across the UK.

Ferelith Moltke, 1996 Leaver Beabond, handcrafted lifestyle pieces

After Queenswood, Ferelith studied History of Art and Architecture. Ferelith and her husband Nicholas co-founded Beabond in 2016, each timeless piece they create is inspired by living in Botswana.

In 2023 Beabond collaborated with Arizona Muse to design a brand new jewellery collection highlighting soil regeneration. The collection is raising valuable funds for projects in Zimbabwe - 30% from the sales of the lockets will be donated to Kufunda, a learning centre and eco-village.

Kate Hughes, 1998 Leaver Operations Director, Lepogo Lodges

Kate, now living in South Africa was delighted to receive the Gold Sustainability Award, Gold Luxury Award and feature in the Elite Traveler World’s Finest top 100 suites for 2023 for Lepogo Lodges’ Noka Camp. The nonprofit based venture is a conservation legacy offering a new level of safari luxury in unique and stunning villas. With a specific focus on sustainability and conservation the lodge is completely off grid with all electricity being self generated. Not only does the lodge do incredible work environmentally, it also offers spectacular luxury.

Hannah initially worked in theatre, and then design and branding following Queenswood. The late nights and coffee took its toll and Hannah knew that she wanted a change, her understanding of the importance of nutrition and the role it plays in health and happiness was gaining momentum. Hannah is now a qualified Nutritionist specialising in women’s health running her own practice in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Hannah has also founded ‘The Positive Method Club’ a supportive and nurturing community to help women feel encouraged and empowered.

Alice Baker, 2018 Leaver Studying Medicine at Oxford

After studying Biomedical Sciences at UCL, Alice knew that she wanted to understand more about clinical practice and is now studying Medicine at the University of Oxford. Alice remembers how every teacher went above and beyond at Queenswood to make the learning environment fun, which has led to her confidence in pursuing a path in medicine.

Neville, 2012 Leaver Conserving Warhol Paintings

Amanda Bringans OBE, 1978 Leaver RSPCA Trustee

Amanda was recognised with an OBE in the January 2022 Honours list given by the late Queen Elizabeth II for her services to charity.

Amanda was formerly Chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and has served as executive director for several well known charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Voluntary Services Overseas, Battersea and British Heart Foundation. She is currently a Trustee of the RSPCA as well as running her own coaching and consultancy practice.

Joanna is now living in NYC, working at Modern Art Conservation as a painting conservator, with a specialism in modern and contemporary art work. Recently Joanna has been working on Andy Warhol and Theodore Gericault. Whilst the Art Block at ‘Q’ feels a million miles away now, Joanna often looks back on her days at Queenswood with much fondness.

Lynelle Kisuule, 2020 Leaver Social Media

Camilla

De Coverley, 2008 Leaver Policy Director at The Coalition for a Digital Economy (COADEC)

After Queenswood, Camilla made her way to York where she studied for a BA and MA in Philosophy. Her role as Policy Director plays to the skills she learnt at ‘Q’, relationship building and strategy as well as strength, compassion and fun!

Lynelle studied English Literature, Classical Civilisation and Drama & Theatre Studies at A Level. Despite the challenges of studying for A Levels, Lynelle enjoyed her time in Sixth Form and remembers teachers, Miss Enright, Miss King and Miss Pearson with much fondness.

Following a degree in Sociology and International Development at Sussex, Lynelle now works in Social Media and Marketing at VAMP.

Eleanor

Grant, 2018 Leaver Musician

Eleanor spent seven years at Queenswood as a Music and Drama Scholar and is an accomplished singer, double bassist and bass guitarist. Eleanor has performed as a soloist around the world, including with the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra. She was delighted to be asked to be a soloist for Disney’s 100 year celebrations in 2023.

THE BELLMAN SIXTH FORM CENTRE

Following on from the incredible conversion of the old swimming pool to a library several years ago, Bellman became a Sixth Form Centre. In 2022, we were able to refurbish Bellman again, turning it into an even more impressive multi-purpose Sixth Form space.” The students have benefited enormously from the sophisticated, versatile and purposeful working environment. There is bleacher seating for assemblies and presentations, the self-contained work stations are in constant use, as are the conference tables and study booths on the mezzanine level. The break-out office rooms have proved extremely popular for group discussions and collaborations. Meanwhile, the coffee shop is open for business every weekday, with an extensive range of snacks, treats, hot and cold drinks on offer.

A huge thank you to the many generous benefactors who made this project possible, including the Old Queenswoodians’ Association Committee.

SOLAR PANELS

In September 2023, Queenswood Hall became the first building to be adorned with solar panels.

Solar electricity panels, also known as photovoltaics, capture the sun’s energy and convert it to electricity. Each panel consists of many cells made from layers of semiconducting material, most commonly silicon. When light shines on this material, a flow of electricity is created. The cells don’t need direct sunlight to work and can even work on cloudy days. However, the stronger the sunshine the more electricity is generated!

We are very excited to have made this forward into a more sustainable model and estimate that the panels will create

enough renewable energy to provide around 9% of the electricity we currently need at Queenswood.

SIXTH FORM FLAT

In addition to the renovated Sixth Form Centre, this year we launched our unique self-contained, self-catered student flat on campus. Each week a group of students spends four nights in the flat, learning to cater, clean and budget for themselves - the ideal preparation for life at university and beyond. Sofia Martin, last year’s Head Girl commented “The flat experience was really enjoyable. We got an experience of what it would be like living on our own, as we would at university - cooking, coming home, using our own time in the evenings, trying to prioritise socialising and working!”

ABC/SCIENCE REFURBISHMENT

As part of the school's five year strategy, extensive work took place in the ABC and Science labs last summer, and will continue this summer.

ABC

The first stage of the renovation of the Audrey Butler Centre (our main teaching block, commonly known as the ABC) also took place last summer. This is a radically transformative project, and the work will need to be completed in phases.

So far, the classrooms on the ground floor and first floors have been completely reimagined, with flexible seating arrangements and soft furnishings.

SCIENCE

In the Science Department, two laboratories have been entirely reconfigured, creating versatile, collaborative working spaces for practical scientific experimentation, featuring drop-down pods for gas and electricity.

This marks the beginning of a programme of extensive refurbishment, which will see every laboratory in the department upgraded in due course.

Mrs Cameron, current Principal, remarked “At Queenswood there is no doubt that we are experts in teaching girls. We are incredibly proud of this fact and we know that there are many elements that contribute towards our success. One of these elements is providing our students with the most appropriate environments and facilities for them. By considering how girls learn best we should also consider the environment they work in. This is why we are excited to be able to refurbish and modernise two of our most significant work spaces.

Both of these areas have been designed to create modern and digitally enabled spaces that encourage collaborative learning as well as breakout areas for individual study.

QUEENSWOOD TRAVELS AROUND THE GLOBE!

This is a selection of the trips that the girls have been lucky enough to experience in 2023!

JUNIOR CLASSICS TRIP TO SORRENTO

Students had the opportunity to experience walking in the footsteps of Ancient Romans on the streets of Pompeii and Herculaneum, admired the beautiful frescos of Villa Oplontis and were amazed at the scale of the Greek Temples at Paestum.

This was an incredibly enriching experience for the students and the year 10s in particular said that they felt so much more engaged with the content studied at GCSE now they had seen the sites in real life. The girls also had lots of fun shopping in Sorrento, learning how to make pizza and can’t wait for next year's trip to Greece.

YEAR 7 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TRIP TO DEVON!

Not long after joining Q, Year 7 students made the long journey down to Devon where they enjoyed an action packed week of bonding activities including high ropes, kayaking, racing scooters, shooting arrows, tackling the Wipeout course and getting very, very, wet!

FIESTAS, FLAMENCO AND FINE ART IN NORTHERN SPAIN

Our year 8 girls took a trip to Northern Spain as part of summer enrichment week. They embarked on a cultural exploration of Cantabria, with activities ranging from a flamenco workshop, to museum trips and even seeing elephants and giraffes!

YEAR 12 INVESTIGATES YORKSHIRE…

Year 12 geographers had a fun and educational few days in Yorkshire learning the skills needed to design and complete their independent investigations. Their studies took them along the rapidly eroding Holderness Coast to survey the impacts of natural processes and coastal management. In their down time they were able to enjoy ice creams and going bat spotting!

MOROCCAN TENNIS

Tennis enthusiasts across the year groups enjoyed a very special visit to Morocco in the Spring term. As well as honing their skills in the searing heat, they had the opportunity to explore the culture of Marrakesh and take part in a wide array of fun activities including swimming and yoga.

Some of our Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 Computer Science and Business Studies students were fortunate enough to attend the Computing and Business Live Conference - which just happened to be in Disneyland Paris!

The conference included speakers discussing preventing food waste, race and gender in business, cyber security, conservation and supporting women in technology. The girls were of course given entry to the park, but were tasked with thinking about the mechanics of the rides, websites and wifi access whilst enjoying themselves!

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

Sixth Form students studying Art and English were invited to visit New York in a thrilling cross-curricular trip. The visit included visiting the Plaza Hotel, the Metropolitan Museum, the MOMA Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, the Friends apartment, walking through Central Park and the highlight of the visit, going to see Hamilton on Broadway!

ROME WASN’T TOURED IN A DAY

Students of Latin and Classical Civilisation enjoyed four days of sightseeing and exploration in Rome back in February. In just four days they managed to enjoy a walking tour of the city, sunset behind St Peter’s Basilica, marvelled at the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona lit up.They also went to see the Spanish Steps, explored the Vatican (including the gruelling 551 steps up to the Dome of the Basilica and managed to sample over 20 different flavours of ice cream!

ICE ICE BABY

Geographers from years 10-13 enjoyed four unforgettable days in Iceland, exploring the unique topography and immersing themselves in the culture.

During their visit they went to the Bridge between Continents, The Lava Centre, Skogafoss, Black Beach to look at the basalt columns.

They took on a glacier walk to learn about the impacts of climate change on the glacier and lagoon, as well as memorable visits to Geysir and the secret lagoon.

MILLIE NORTON TELLS US HOW ANYONE CAN LEARN TO CODE

OQ Millie Norton who left in 2015 is now working at Dyson in the cyber defence team, here she tells us all about it...

Back in 2013 when I was choosing my A Levels, I never thought I would end up working in cyber security, let alone at Dyson, a company famous for it’s vacuum cleaners. While I was studying at Q, the only IT we really did was learning how to send a mass email out and some nifty tricks on Microsoft Excel. I can still remember the ridiculous weight of the laptops we got in year 8. Now Queenswood is offering Computer Science to all years and at A Level, the students are learning what I did in my second year of university.

Post Q, I headed across the border to the University of Glasgow to study Computer Science. A subject I had learnt about through Steve Jobs’ biography and open days at various universities. While studying in Glasgow I truly learnt about the science behind computing from studying a variety of programming languages and creating apps to understanding encryption and cyber networks. During my time at Glasgow, I was able to do a vast variety of modules within Computer Science and this was where I found my passion for cyber, so much so that I took all the cyber courses available and graduated with a computer science degree specialising in security.

I joined Dyson in September of 2021 after spending months applying to various graduate schemes, as so many people my age do. I was the first cyber security graduate they had which meant I had a lot to prove but also needed to be willing to be a guinea pig. The graduate scheme is 2 years long and split up into four 6-month rotations. I spent my 2

years within the following teams: Cyber Defence, Product Security, Insider Risk and Risk & Compliance, before rolling off as a permanent member of the cyber defence team.

By being part of multiple teams across my first 2 years, it meant that I had the opportunity to grasp an understanding of how the company works and expereince multiple areas of cyber security. My time in product security was highly focused on reviewing products in their early stages of development to ensure that the correct security practices were in place. The role of the insider risk team is to ensure that Dyson’s secrets stay secret. While in insider risk the main focuses were on investigation and analytics. I worked on cases investigating and interviewing individuals as well spending time understanding our analytical tools. My time in risk and compliance was heavily focused on creating cyber security training for the whole company and

ensuring that policies and standards are followed across the board. Taking part in a graduate scheme with this type of layout helps you find your footing within the professional world. One thing I struggled with in Cyber, was how vast it is. There are so many areas to go in to and trying out just 4 different options helped me find the one I currently love the most, cyber defence.

My role as an analyst in the cyber defence team largely revolves around protecting Dyson, which includes monitoring everything from our websites and on-line retail platforms to our networks, endpoints and all our intellectual property. We are a globally spread team in order to provide a 24 x 7 watch capability. The team and I utilise tools to investigate and triage alerts, monitor for phishing attacks, take appropriate remediation measures and perform investigations into suspicious endpoint activity. It is key that the team is ready to respond quickly and effectively to stop attacks in their tracks. Our work is ad-hoc in nature and each day really does differ from the next. Although I am able to use a lot of the knowledge I’ve gained from my degrees, coming into my professional cyber career has meant learning a lot as I go and being able to problem solve on my feet.

Whilst being at Dyson I’ve also had the chance to participate in multiple events and forums to encourage students to get into STEM degrees. This is something I’ve been passionate about since school and being able to show that there are women succeeding in these male dominated industries is key to encouraging more women to study and find professional careers in STEM subjects.

It’s never too late to start learning to code. I believe in both current times and in the future, it will be invaluable to have on your CV. One of my closest friends from Q has just started learning Python, and with the ability to code and her knowledge in pharmaceuticals (her profession) she’ll have made herself even more desirable for even more jobs. There are so many free tools and courses online that make it simple and accessible to learn, and quite literally anyone can learn to code. I highly recommend looking into it.

If I had to give a piece of advice to aspiring women in STEM it would be the following: embrace your passion, be inquisitive and be confident. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from pursuing the career you dream of and be resilient in the face of challenges. Ask questions and be curious, there’s no harm in asking the extra question or trying to discover for yourself. Making mistakes is healthy and how some of the most famous inventions came to fruition. Your unique perspective is valuable, so contribute confidently and don’t be deterred by your age or gender, even your future boss doesn’t know everything, but maybe they can learn from you.

IN MEMORIAM

Those of us who have known Jean Horton for decades, will no doubt recall her as multi-talented, focused on her outstanding career, numerous interests and unfailing support of Queenswood - what she lacked in height, she certainly made up for it by her intellect, vitality and boundless enthusiasm!

Apparently her determination to study medicine and follow in the footsteps of her eminent father (a brilliant doctor and surgeon), became evident at the early age of 5. The story goes, too, that as an 8 year old, having been reprimanded for poor handwriting she casually dismissed the criticism by saying that it didn’t matter, as she was going to be a doctor!

Her successful career at Q (between 1934-1943), was immediately followed by medical training at University College, London and the West London Hospital, after which she qualified in 1948, becoming an anaesthetist, specialising in anaesthesia for neurosurgery and plastic surgery. Possibly, the younger generation in 2021 will take this as being ‘normal’ after a medical training, but way back in 1948, for a female to achieve such immediate success in that particular field of medicine was phenomenal.

Thus began a distinguished career during which, over a period of 35 years, Jean worked for the NHS in London (Great Ormond Street, the Royal London), Leicester, East Grinstead (where no doubt her expertise was invaluable whilst working with patients needing plastic surgery), Edinburgh and Cambridge.

Jean subsequently enjoyed 18 months’ work in Lagos, Nigeria, as she had always wanted the experience of working abroad before she retired. However, in 1983 an even more exciting opportunity was offered by an old friend, who became the Foundation Professor of Anaesthesia in the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where a new Medical School was to be established at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Shatin in the New Territories - an invitation to be his colleague was certainly an opportunity not to be missed!

Whilst there, a new challenge lay ahead, as Jean, with her indomitable spirit, endeavoured to learn enough Cantonese in order to communicate with patients (in spite of the Professor of Surgery’s comments that “all that an anaesthetist needed to say was ‘Go to sleep’ or ‘Wake up and breathe!’) Although Jean certainly didn’t lack the enthusiasm to succeed, unfortunately she lacked the time to learn the Chinese characters so, undaunted, she learnt them, using a Romanised text of each word.

As a Senior Lecturer there, Jean was responsible for undergraduates, post- graduates, nurses and operating department assistants. Thankfully, though, in spite of a heavy daily work schedule, Jean found time, amongst other recreations, to socialise with friends and sing with the Hong Kong Bach Choir.

During that period of time, she also helped to organise the sixth Australasian Congress of Anaesthesiologists and the fifth World Congress of Accident and Emergency Medicine and helped to found the Hong Kong College of Anaesthesiologists. Holiday trips to mainland China, Japan, Burma, Singapore, Australia and Sabah undoubtedly widened Jean’s experience of life. To say that she certainly made the most of every opportunity which came her way during her fascinating career, is an understatement!

Once Jean retired, I well recall how delighted Emma (Miss Essame) was when she announced that “a very distinguished OQ” had agreed to become the first non - Headmistress (now Principal) to become Chairman of the OQA. That position meant a great deal to Jean (who promptly commandeered the crested Q badge number 1 and had it soldered into a silver Q), particularly as it was during her term of office that Q celebrated its centenarythat year was packed with celebrations, culminating with an overnight stay in the school for a record number of attendees. I well recall that Jean was in her element………! Thereafter , whenever possible, Jean conscientiously appeared at every Q event - Speech Days, the opening of new buildings or facilities, Carol Services, preparations for our OQA centenary edition of ‘Glimpses of Old Queenswoodians’, Branch and Committee meetings - the list is endless! With her love of music and memories of Ernest Read’s inspirational leadership and influence on decades of Q girls, it was through Jean’s generosity that a most impressive Steinway grand piano was donated to the Ernest Read Hall. The refurbishment of the Biology lab followed - she could always be depended upon to support all the school’s appeals.

Throughout her life, although she never mentioned diaries, Jean consciously kept full details of her family’s history and all her activities through the decades. During her retirement she wrote avidly, the most important volume being her 258 page, detailed publication, ‘Heads for Medicine’ which was finally published in 2011. I wonder how many other 88 year olds would be capable of producing such an impressive autobiography?

Jean was possibly Queenswood’s most distinguished old girl and many OQs will have personal memories of Jean’s numerous and varied activities as well as her contributions to the OQA and to Queenswood. Personally, I first met her in 1989 and since then we’ve shared numerous committee meetings and many experiences connected with Q. The decades have sped past and although Jean’s familiar and welcome presence will no longer appear at Q, the school will be the poorer, for it owes her a great debt of gratitude. Regrettably, at the great age of almost 98, her long and distinguished life has come to a peaceful end. Thankfully, however, happy memories of her will never fade………

Hilary Skaar, 1971 Leaver, 1953 - 2022

OQA Committee Member

Hilary first came onto the OQA Executive Committee in the mid 1980s….. and amazingly continued this involvement right through until her passing this year – a tremendous commitment.

She fulfilled a number of elected and ex-officio roles on the Committee and as part of the OQA - Treasurer, Membership Secretary (managing our database and records), Branch Secretary of the Home Counties West branch, Trustee of the Old Queenswoodians Bursary & Scholarship Trust and also Section Secretary for her year group. All of these roles, in their different ways, required commitment and organisation and effort.

Hilary followed in the footsteps of her mother Audrey, who was of course a loyal Old Queenswoodian and supporter of the school - including having held several OQ roles herself and also been a Queenswood Governor.

As one of our fellow OQs said to me “Hilary was a very solid and determined advocate of Queenswood. Q ran through her like a seam of rock, with her mother Audrey having been so involved with the school - she followed in her mother’s footsteps”

Another former Chair of the OQA said, “I’ve such happy memories of her support of her mother & the OQA. She was certainly a most enthusiastic member of our committee - rarely, if ever, missing a meeting. I particularly recall her assisting her mother, Audrey, when she opened the lift which the OQA gave to Queenswood during our Centenary Year”.

And I too have memories of Hilary and Audrey attending numerous Queenswood and OQA events, showing their support for the school and for its pupils.

Hilary also supported Queenswood throughout the years in a number of fundraising initiatives, including bursaries.

Hilary and I had only communicated the day before she passed, as the OQA Committee had just sent her some flowers to brighten her day, which she had thanked me for by email.

It was a shock when I heard the news, but very quickly what came to mind was what a supremely pragmatic, levelheaded, wise person she was.

As Chair of the OQA, I knew that if I ever needed a sounding board, some common-sense advice (or if I couldn’t recall something we had discussed at a meeting!), I could rely on Hilary to give some wise words.

She had been part of the OQA for so many years, in all of those central roles, that she had that critical “collective memory”, so vital for any organisation.

And – along with her mother – she has been part of the fabric of our history.

A dedicated, loyal and committed Old Queenswoodian, who will be greatly missed, by all of us.

We have been given permission from Hilary’s partner David to share the following poem he wrote for her.

For Hilary

I have lived my life and you must live your own. All things must change, for I have other paths to roam. We watch the stars and see them bright with life, but we are as stardust and slowly fade. And be the sunset at the end of the day.

We gaze at the moon and see it wax and wane. Knowing, nothing ever stays the same. For we are like the nova of the sun and live that briefest moment of fiercest light. Our hopes and dreams filled with delight.

So when that final curtain draws to a close.

All we were and all we know. I ask no favour or parole, for what I leave behind is as immortal as my soul.

I am a little piece of you, as you are a little piece of me. And will reside in your soul for eternity. There will always be the memories of the good times we shared, and the love and knowing that we always cared.

So now I must bid you farewell and adieu. My love I will leave with you. My adventure is starting yet again. Because we never truly end.

Please never forget to tell, to all that knew me and knew me well, be happy and be not sad, for now, I Hilary am with my Mum and Dad.

IN MEMORIAM

Helen McCrory, 1986 Leaver, 1968 - 2021 Theatre Patron

The Queenswood Community was immensely shocked and saddened at the news of Helen McCrory’s passing in April 2021.

Helen, who was awarded an OBE for her services to drama in 2017, discovered her passion for acting as a pupil here at Queenswood in the 1980s.

After studying at Drama Centre London, she went on to enjoy a phenomenal career as a stage and screen actor. She was feted for her award winning performances in Medea, Trelawney of the Wells and The Deep Blue Sea in the West End, and for numerous film and TV roles, including Cherie Blair in The Queen, Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders.

Ellen ‘Nell’ Marshall (nee Sargent), 1955 Leaver, 1936 - 2023 Head Girl

As patron of Queenswood’s theatre - our studio theatre is named in her honour - she was generous and compassionate, assisting several aspiring performers with auditions for scholarships at Q and drama schools. She was the guest of honour at our 120th anniversary celebrations at the Barbican in 2014.

In addition to her prodigious talent as an actress, Helen was also a remarkable philanthropist. In April 2020, at the height of the pandemic, she founded the charity FeedNHS along with her husband Damien Lewis, raising millions of pounds to provide hot meals for NHS workers.

from the opening address by helen mccrory, actress and oq

other schools, massacred Mozart’s Requiem. Although not a great singer, no one can dispute that I am a loud singer. But when I sang that night I couldn’t hear my voice. I was drowned out by the sound of many voices, transported by the genius of Mozart. And it was on that school trip that I realised what I wanted to do. Particularly after I’d heard my first applause.

My Drama teachers, Audrey Butler and Thane Bettany, encouraged me tirelessly, taking me to Shakespeare, to Brecht, to Pinter, helping me to choose my Drama school, helping me even to prepare the speeches to get in. Now, although it’s fitting that we should celebrate our school tonight in drama and song – our crest contains a lyre – we are not a stage school but a school that values a holistic approach to teaching. A school that recognises that it is not only academic results that are important, but that a teacher must be a midwife to talent: different talents in different girls. Someone said, ‘School days are the happiest days of our lives.’ Well I don’t agree. School days are just the start. But they are such an important start. In Q I made friends, now scattered across the globe – lawyers, academics, mothers, sportswomen. Strong women. Strong Queenswoodians.

After being born in India, Nell was sent to Mymwood (Queenswood’s Prep School at the time, based just across Shepherds Way), where she would proceed up the school crossing the road to join Queenswood, before becoming prefect and eventually head girl. During her time at Queenswood, there was a period of 3 years where she had no more than the odd letter from her parents whilst they remained in India.

Nell was a lively, much loved character who once went to calm down a group of noisy girls, only to find, to her embarrassment, that in their midst was Mademoiselle Gerst, who was one of the French teachers at the time. Mademoiselle Gerst was not a big person, and somewhat less assertive than Nell was!

Nell played the butler, Lane, in the fifth form production of The Importance of Being Earnest and made a dignified and imposing butler with her good friend Lucy Norman as the producer. They didn’t win, but were pleased to get an honourable mention.

Nell attended Queenswood during the period when the Queen Mother came to visit, all the girls were dressed in white and lined the drive, curtseying as the car drove past in a kind of curtsey wave, which had been much practised. One story she told that laughed at her own expense, she was delighted that as Head Girl, the Headmistress promised her that she could keep whichever of the two pens the Queen Mother used to sign the Visitors Book. Alas, Her Majesty chose the cheaper of the two options, leaving Nell somewhat put out.

After Queenswood Nell took a place at university, but her head had been turned by a young man, Geoff who she met gliding and they would go on to marry just two years later in 1957. After a period of time in India and 4 children later, they settled in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, initially living with Geoff’s family. Nell went on to care for several family members in their declining years, including her husband, Geoff. This made her very interested in the Alzheimer's Society and she was a very active member of the local group. Nell also found time to write a book, compiling family letters from the First World War called ‘Letters to Henrietta’ as well as playing a fundamental role in the set up of The Coffeepot Memory Cafe of St Neots.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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We are seeking an OQ who is currently working in investment banking who can help a current student who is keen to obtain work experience in the industry.

You haven’t submitted your ‘40 Words’ yet?

The deadline is a week today!!

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We would love to see as many Queenswood OQs as possible contribute to the next Chronicle, it takes less than 2 minutes to do, don’t be the one to miss out!

LEAVERS DESTINATIONS

University of Liverpool (1)

University of Chester (1)

University of Birmingham (3)

University of Reading (3)

Swansea University (1)

Cardiff University (3)

University of Bath (2)

University of Exeter (2)

Falmouth University (1)

Pupils, parents and teachers celebrated a richly deserved set of results last summer. Year 13 students were rightfully rewarded for their dedication and hard work.

They are now studying a wide variety of undergraduate courses at some of the leading institutions in the UK and the USA. These include: Geography at Cambridge; Computer Science at St Andrews; Medical Bioscience at Imperial College London; Veterinary Science at Aberystwyth; Classics at King’s College London; Music

USA (4)

Gap Year (4)

University of St Andrews,Scotland (1)

Goldsmiths, London (1)

Imperial College, London (1) Kings College, London (2) Met Film School, London (1)

Production at Berklee (Boston, Massachusetts); Criminology at Liverpool; Spanish and Management at University College London; Journalism at Leicester; Fine Art at Goldsmiths; and Illustration at the School of Visual Arts, New York.

Almost a third of grades were A*-A, with a fifth of students achieving at least three A*-A grades. 100% of grades achieved in Dance, Design and Technology, Geography, Media Studies and Spanish were A*-B.

University of York (2)

Leeds Beckett University (2)

University of Cambridge (1)

University of Essex (1)

Canterbury Christchurch University (1)

University of Sussex (1)

Roehampton, London (1)

Royal Holloway, London (1)

UCL, London (1)

University of the Arts, London (1)

University of Westminster (1)

Commenting on the results, Principal, Jo Cameron remarked: ‘Our students and staff have worked extremely hard to achieve these results, which are all the more impressive given the significant disruption they faced during the first year of A-Level study. I would like to wish the class of 2023 every success as they embark on the next exciting stage of their careers.’

40 WORDS

STAFF, SECTION 000

Richard & Hilary Beskeen 1982-2000

We were houseparents of the Upper Sixth 1983 - 1988. We have many fond memories of being part of a happy community of staff and pupils. 33 years later, and after setting up our own school, we enjoy a wonderful retirement in the Lake District.

Cheryl Boughton 2001-2005

My life centres on being the Head of St. John’s-Kilmarnock School in Canada, spending time with my husband David, and embracing our life in Kitchener, Ontario. I think of my Q girls often, especially my Clapham North crew. I am so proud of you all.

KT Bruce 1993-1997

I am now a professional photographer and love my job which is different everyday, my website is kt.bruce.co.uk.

Geoffrey Field 1984-1989

After Q I taught at St Mary's (Calne), then St Catherine's (Bramley) as Director of Music. Since 2016 I have been enjoying life as a freelance organist, conductor and teacher in Cumbria, where I am always glad to welcome old pupils!

Viviane Garland 1992-2002

Continuing to age, hopefully gracefully! Busy with the garden, three dogs, five grandchildren and husband, Roger. Still playing chamber music with former colleagues and teaching a grandson to play the violin. Altogether, not a bad life!! All best wishes to anyone at Q who may remember me.

Marjorie Hammond 1951-1991

The painting of Queenswood on my wall reminds me of my 40 happy years working in the offices.

As well as a lot of typing, I remember sorting the many bags of post and arranging rail tickets for school holidays.

Sharon Hardie 1990-2013

Since retiring in 2013 I have been busy with volunteering, family and dogs. Sadly lost the beautiful Maisie earlier this year and now have a bonkers 5 month old Cocker Spaniel called Willow. Have taken up Tennis!

Eileen Janacek 1990-1998

I have become a granny for the third time! I am very lucky as my family lives close by so I get lots of cuddles. I am still letting properties, although the current market does not make it as profitable.

Malcolm Lock 1990-2003

On leaving Q, I worked at Heathfield School, Ascot for a year, then joined the Engineering Education Scheme as a Coordinator. On retirement in 2009, Gloria and I did some travelling and now volunteer at activities in the Windsor area.

Sian Mitchell 2003-2010

Living in Digswell with husband Sean, daughters Cerys and Niamh and rescue cats, Calico and Nemesis. Still orienteering but main passion now is ultra running doing races of up to 100 km. Doing some tutoring and am a Tropic Skincare Ambassador!

Liz Needham 1985-2015

Still loving retirement. Golf and travel adventures, next trips Costa Rica and US Tennis, New York.

I enjoy being involved with Q, OQA and events. Annual golf day was great. I keep in contact with many staff and several students.

Helen Ness-Gifford 1994-2007

We still live in leafy Buckinghamshire where Mrs N-G is Headmistress at Pipers Corner School (616 girls aged 4-18) and Mr G is Head of English. Our daughter, Grace, is now a trainee lawyer in the city.

Dr Anne Punter 1974-1989

My 2023 high spots are being clothed as Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, being a guest at the Mansion House for dinner with HRHs Charles and Camilla, and most importantly, celebrating Alan and my 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Margaret Ritchie 1971-1981

Head of Queenswood for 10 years, Head of a large Independent girls school for 17 years. Was an Independent Schools Inspector, a magistrate and in retirement a volunteer with Lancashire Archives. Good wishes to the association and all who remember me.

Dyann Rowe 1989-2010

Steve and I are still in Enfield, near Caroline, so it is easy to fulfil our grandparent role. I am lucky to go with Holly (6) to Q for swimming lessons so I can absorb Q vibes! No tennis sadly, but lots of swimming and pilates at the Gym. Still enjoy being a TV/Film extra and seeing the drama unfold. Steve (when not at golf) and I continue to do walking trips. Love keeping in touch with OQs.

Janet Smith 1999-2011

Keeping busier than ever at our local church, helping Iranian asylum seekers to settle in and acclimatise to their new life in the UK. Meanwhile, Gary (husband) is now in his 21st year of working in the gardens at Q.

Dr Astrid Seele 2008-2012

After 25 years abroad (Italy, UK, Australia) back in my beautiful hometown Heidelberg in Germany, teaching IB at Heidelberg International School. With students from 30 different nations, it is almost like being back in boarding!

1942 LEAVERS, SECTION 10

Wendy Enock (Mrs Thomas)

I have wonderful memories of Q. I now have 6 children, 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. I have been a bacteriologist and a dance teacher. My first husband, an air-sea rescue pilot, was killed when our child was 6 months old. I now happily live in London with the son from my second marriage to a GP who died when he was 36.

Jacqueline Gathercole (Mrs Bowker)

Wartime at Q was not a happy experience. Studying for my Bsc Economics was interrupted by a call up for war work doing admin in a London factory. A long and varied life with much travel and experience. 2 very successful daughters, now both approaching 60. Second marriage to David, an ex RAF pilot and Olympic medallist sailor, childhood friend, 30 years sailing and travel until Covid. Age 97 does nothing for my writing!

1945 LEAVERS, SECTION 13

Janet Brawn (Mrs Deane)

I'm 90 now and strive to remain independent. Failing sight's a daily challenge. Lovely to see OQs in May. Finally, Moorhouse came to stay. Be delighted to hear from anyone who remembers wartime Queenswood. Best wishes to all.

Margaret Holmes (Mrs Pulsford)

Due to the pandemic, my activities gradually became limited, as we had to "stay at home", but they are picking up now. I still drive, and look after myself in my own home.

Thelma Smith (Mrs Judges)

Now aged 95, I live with my black spaniel, Penny. Fortunately I am able to do most things myself. Grandchildren visit me weekly and bring me shopping. I enjoy gardening and love

to see the birds. Recall friends and many happy days at Q.

1947 LEAVERS, SECTION 15/15A

Majorie Bailey (Mrs Macqueen)

My mother's aunt was at Q in Clapham. My sisters, Isobel, Joan and Julia all attended Q. I have just moved into a care home and I am the only family member left. Found 1944 diary with dates of bombs etc. when doing GCSEs!

Brenda Chiesman (Mrs Balls)

Like many others of my generation over 90, I am still able to do everything - I have no car now. Have 6 grandchildren (15-24), all doing things. My Michael is in his own flat near me, I see him all the time and he is getting on well.

Heather Macnaughton (Mrs Ferguson)

I have great support from my children and I’m still in touch with Janet Blundell (Mrs Strickland) - now living in Canada. Remember Q days with Miss Trew and Miss Essame (“Emma”).

Kathleen Richardson (Mrs Dalal)

98 and now in a care home, but have lovely memories of Q and looking forward to the Chronicle!

Jane Towers (Mrs Morgan)

Given up driving now, but using the local buses, lucky to have plenty of support from daughters. Still in contact with Marjorie “Midge” Gregor (Mrs Whittock) and attended the funeral of Dawn Pinnock (Mrs Colvin).

1948 LEAVERS, SECTION 16

Mary Beare (Mrs Romanes)

Now 93, living a quiet life in Henley on Thames. Lovely group of local friends and sons are very supportive. Still exchanging Christmas cards with Anne Parkinson. Looking forward to reading the entire Chronicle!

Jennifer Leyland (Mrs Eliot)

Very lucky to have a large family, including 3 great grandchildren who keep me busy!

Brenda Spratt (Mrs Brown)

Due to age and infirmity my activities are somewhat curtailed, but I still attend church, a book group, the WI, a discussion group and keep in touch with several OQs, Val Wellings, Angela Segar, Shirley Drysdale and Carolyn Ezekiel. I also enjoy time with my family.

Rosemary Taunton (Mrs Mackenzie)

Now 93 and forgetful but have lovely carers to support.

1949 LEAVERS, SECTION 17

Elizabeth Crooks (Mrs Waddington)

93 and going strong! Still driving, my son lives with me at present, and my daughter lives in Majorca. Still in touch with Val Campion (Mrs Wellings).

Mary Holt (Mrs Booth)

Living near Fakenham with husband, daughter nearby. Still driving locally but my brain is definitely getting a bit slower! Remained close to Margaret Beare who sadly passed away.

Janet Rand (Mrs Coram)

Sadly my sister Joan died in October 2022. I have 4 grandchildren ranging in age from 32 to 2 years, and 2 great grandchildren. I no longer drive and now only use public transport for local journeys so I am very much a stay at home person.

Angela Segar

I moved into a care home in 2022, I would love to hear from any contemporaries who have email. Best wishes to all OQs over 90!

Elizabeth Ward (Mrs Rodger)

We had a wonderful long conversation with Elizabeth who is still driving at 91 and feeling lucky to have her health and a supportive family. She reminisced about being told off by Queen Mary at a performance of Hiawatha, her memories of Miss Trew and her Second World War bomb experiences!

1950 LEAVERS, SECTION 18

Rose Green (Mrs Spence)

I watched the tour of the School, seeing the new facilities. Very impressive. I was Branch Secretary for the south for some years enjoying our reunions and I hope someone will organise another in the near future.

Jennifer (Justin) Morgan (Mrs Longstaff)

Geoff died in 2021 so I have now moved back to Kent, near Tenterden, to be with family. Still have one dog so keeping active and plenty of bridge for the brain.

Joy Stockings (Mrs Sandell)

Soldiering on! Not able to get out and about anymore, but lots of visits from friends and family. Still in touch with Jill Barker, unfortunately lost my sister Jennifer recently.

Margaret Willis (Mrs Barraclough)

I celebrated my 90th last year with John, our 4 daughters, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren - a wonderful day. John has Parkinsons and I lack mobility but we soldier on. Another grandson married this year!

1951 LEAVERS, SECTION 19

Jayne Eastern (Mrs Cadbury)

Garden keeps me busy and I see a lot of my family (12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren!), which is wonderful! Thoroughly enjoy being involved in a horse racing syndicate and still in touch with Dawn Tremaine.

1952 LEAVERS, SECTION 20

Sally Burton (Mrs Heathcote)

4 children and 6 grandchildren in good health whilst Michael and I are feeling the ageing process. We are taking life very gently in the old market town of Beverley where we started married life 62 years ago.

Jill Copley (Mrs Robertson)

Still living at home, eighty six years old, bedridden but luckily not in great pain. Very sadly now a widow but well looked after by family, two full time carers and friends. Speak weekly with my cousin Kim Connell nee Copley.

Judith Creasey (Mrs Hardy)

I am still living in Smarsden - a quiet life! Sadly John died in 2021; fortunately I have regular contact with our children and grandchildren. I am looking forward to meeting Letitia Berry nee Fry after a four year gap!

Letitia Fry (Mrs Berry)

I have been living in Colchester since 2020 after 63 years in Epping which was a big change. Sadly, Roger died soon after we came here, but I am very close to Sara and Rod and their son Tom and his family, which is lovely.

1953 LEAVERS, SECTION 21

Diana Heseldin (Mrs Rahme)

Enjoying expedition travel, recently returning from trips through the Northwest Passage and Japan. Off to Antarctica with my daughter and then to Svalbard with my granddaughter. Met up with Gill Fyfe and Anne Brock.

Juliet Leather (Mrs Fast)

Plodding along!

Margaret Legge

Have had to slow down these last few years, so world wide travel is over! I am still busy as a volunteer reader for local blind folk and recently supported a dementia group. For relaxation I'm lucky to enjoy plenty of creative arts in Warwickshire.

Patricia Trew (Mrs Burton)

After Queenswood, I studied Domestic Science (3 yrs), then worked as an assistant in a children's house (boys) for 18 months. I became an SRN afterwards. Got married in 1961, had 2 boys, worked at the local school for 16 years. My husband died in 2010, I live a quiet life.

1954 LEAVERS, SECTION 22

Angela March (Mrs Haggas)

Given up playing Tennis but keep gardening and fundraising, I should set up a business knitting bobble hats!! Family well, one grandson married, others all busy. In touch with Gill Spain (Looker), Lyn Matthews and Celia Ercolani. Sadly Ann Hancock (Buxton) died in 2022.

Angela Phillips (Mrs Andrew)

I am now registered severely partially sighted and dependent on Alexa.

Paula Starkey

Having reached my late 80's I don't have very much news these days. But I am so pleased to hear that the Chronicle is coming back and would like to send best wishes to one and all!

1955 LEAVERS, SECTION 23

Anne Chadwick Smith (Mrs Dearle)

I’m delighted to say I now have a great-grandson! Thankfully, although I’ve lost my central vision, monthly injections, impressive gadgets and my buggy allow me to keep ticking over happily. Within the next few months I will be moving into the centre of Sherbourne, so I have a great deal for which to be thankful.

Diana Margaret Courtenay-Smith

Sadly last year my sister, Madeleine Juniper died. I have lived happily in Devon for 36 years, volunteering at the Heritage Centre. Last year I had a TAVI, but I still drive and play bridge, and have a small dog called Pippin.

Elizabeth Dowley

In July 2021 I moved into this ground floor flat, my three friends from Rosehill (carers) keep an eye on me which I appreciate and we have just returned from Cornwall, lovely accommodation and weather.

Celia Ercolani

A busy year - cataract operations on both eyes, various events in London, a luncheon party celebrating my 85th then updating the kitchen after installing a new boiler which involved all the pipework being moved to the garage.

Adrienne Nye (Mrs Winter)

My husband, Michael, died this time last year after a struggle with Alzheimers and I am learning to live on my own with company from neighbours and Church friends (a great help!) 2 of my three children live in Oxford, so it is lovely to see one of them most weeks.

Anita (Netty) Rushton (Mrs Wright)

Good wishes to all my contemporaries.

Jospehine Trentam (Mrs Ruckman)

After living in Worcestershire for over 46 years we moved to Cheshire in April 2022. In June 2023 my husband who suffers from mixed dementia was taken into full time care. I visit when I can.

Judy (Pamela) Wilson (Mrs Ferrie)

We are still enjoying living in Bath, especially as my brother Charles and his wife have recently moved into the same block of flats as us. Charles was born during my first year at Q. We now have two great grandchildren.

Lucy Wyatt (Mrs Norman)

I enjoy weekend rambling on the South Downs, easily accessible from Hove, where I now live. On weekdays I collect my two grandchildren from primary school, and enjoy chatting to other grandparents while the children play in the nearby park.

1956 LEAVERS, SECTION 24

Susan Allton (Mrs Pendlebury)

I'm sad that the East Midlands group seems to have folded. I'm lucky that my family lives close by so see quite a lot of them. The garden keeps me busy, and I still enjoy walking, swimming, yoga and pilates.

Wendy Hoyle (Mrs Robinson)

Am pottering on! Playing bridge, a little friendly 'snooker' at the RLGC (Hoylake) and plenty of bridge. We had The Open here again this year and it was even bigger and busier than before! Trying to paint watercolours.

Rosemary Hutchinson (Mrs Dodd)

I have had a busy year, enjoying my 6 grown up grandchildren. One is here at Newcastle University and keeps us young. Still promoting trees and woodlands. June was party month as Peter was 90! I have tried to keep in touch with Widdy, Sebbie, Hilary, Noni and Jane. Lifelong friendships nurtured at Q!

Suzanne (Saj) Jarman (Mrs Stewart)

Sadly my husband Bob passed away in 2022. I keep busy playing bridge with friends. My new cat, Honey, is a good companion. Thankfully my family are all well. I keep in touch with Sue Forsyth (Gibbs).

Eileen Marshall (Mrs Chester)

A very difficult year. Son Paul suffered a severe stroke (age 48) in February. Since then the family have been very involved with his care. Ellie and Grace have also had GCSE and A Levels to cope with. Suzy in Scotland comes to visit when she can. Megan and Cate are at University.

Elizabeth (Widdy) Padfield (Mrs Cameron)

How wonderful to still enjoy several friendships from school after almost 3/4 of a century. Emma, Ernest Read and a King's death amongst fond memories. Now fragile but buoyant granny to 12! Amazing family and village community. Widdy, 3a!

Susan Prevost (Mrs O’Mahony)

Covid, along with a diagnosis of neuropathy, coupled with Raynauds, both of which make my feet very painful, have taken a toll. However, I still enjoy bridge two afternoons a week, and am involved with the music at the Church.

Susan (Sebby) Webb (Mrs Thompson)

I remarried over 30 years ago, living a busy life in Northampton, with Fiona and Ben close by. Daisy and Archie, grandchildren - working hard in London. I lost my very dear friend Mary Gibby 7 years ago, wonderful to have Elizabeth Stedman, my sister, Chaddy, Hutch, Joh, Jane Hilton and others still in touch.

1957 LEAVERS, SECTION 25

Audrey (Amo) Amabilino (Mrs Hill)

Wonderful life with second husband, until his passing, 2022. We sailed our Trimaran from east to west Caribbean, travelled extensively overland also for 12 years. Now on my own, busy with 13 grandchildren but keeping active with cycling, pickleball etc.

Caroline Cheavin (Mrs Daynard)

We are now settled in our Adult Lifestyle community east of Toronto. Ron celebrated his 90th birthday in September! We are both pretty healthy! We are looking forward to a Q reunion in November.

Jane Clarkson (Mrs Rowse)

Now in our eighties we still much enjoy life in Somerset. Daughter Nicola lives nearby, son Jonathan and family visit from Sydney. Recently had a happy London lunch with Holly (Gubbins), Joanna (Attwooll) and Jane (Moore).

Alison Fife (Lady Clay)

Sad last few years, Richard died from cancer after 57 years together and then Virginia, our eldest died 10 months later from AML aged 57.

Our last holiday was the Panama Canal and Pearl Harbour. Kitty cycled to Paris for a children's hospital in Bristol.

Margaret Lowe (Mrs Wilson)

Meet Jane Hilton (Lambert) often and Pat Richards (Laithwaite) occasionally. My sister Lisa (Backhouse) and I were both presented with our first great grandchild in WA and Tasmania in 2023. Too old for doing the real thing so now enjoying chair yoga.

Sally Moxham (Mrs Cook)

Still enjoying Torquay, had the eldest granddaughter to stay in August with the 3 great grandchildren - what fun we had! Have had trips to Australia to see my middle son. Tenerife, Lanzarote and Spain. My sister Jane and her husband joined us for New Year which made a change.

Rosemary Sankey (Mrs Cahill)

40+ years, 3 houses in the same village. Reader Emeritus, Sec GP Patient Group. Tennis, Pilates nearby. Missing sister Gillie who died last year. Grandson James married Jess in April. Baby due Feb '24. Claire is retiring here in the next few years.

Joy Smith (Mrs Biddle)

Am still married to Peter after 54 happy years. I have seen Mary Thurston and Lolly Goldsmith - both came to our wedding. Playing bridge and yoga helps with creaky joints.

Pattie Upton (Mrs Bell)

A busy year - Robin celebrated his 90th birthday with a family dinner - piped in by Peter, toasted by the oldest (94) and youngest (12) and a speech by Patrick. Sadly Johnny couldn't come from Tokyo. In April we celebrated our Diamond Wedding by escaping to Ardnamurchan. Somehow Charles and Camilla found out and sent their congratulations!

Elizabeth Warner (Mrs Froggatt)

After 40 years practising as a Solicitor I cared for my terminally ill husband before returning to Oxford and family, grandchildren and voluntary work. It is good to be able to use my experience.

1958 LEAVERS, SECTION 26/26A

Jancie Lewis (Mrs Brown)

I was glad to meet up with Jane (Watkin-Edwards), Fiona (Moorhouse) and Betty (Prior), along with 'Tricia & latest Q news. My dog keeps me walking and we are growing older together! Family is all fine - my son is now 60!

Anna Payne (Mrs Whittle)

Artists never retire! Painting, also a book about my father and our lives in India. Made four Odesseys across India since 2012. Deeply miss sisters Wendy and Jean. Enjoying my grandchildren Alice and Tom. Met Jen (Langdale) and Elisabeth (Morrison).

Margaret Pratt (Mrs Wallis)

Nothing has changed in the last 3 years, I am still playing Badminton and Pickleball and the handbells. I have had a cataract removed and three toes straightened.

Jane Robson

Visited my sister and brother in the UK in July. Rest of the summer at my Tobermory cottage (the place of my heart!) with visits from kids and grandkids. Enjoyed our recent Toronto reunion.

Adrienne (Nicky) Royce (Mrs Hawley)

I have retired from being an administrator at Nottingham Trent University in 2006 and now take part in various charitable activities. I have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.

Elisabeth Anne Vaughan (Mrs Oxley)

Still getting out and about to bridge, Arts Society and the local camera club, although not taking many photos now. Gardening is no longer DIY so I am thinking of downsizing soon. Cousin Sally (Moxham) is still going strong in Torquay.

Jane Watkin Edwards (Mrs Steven)

I continue to enjoy a busy life in Gifford, involved in many village activities - still playing golf, painting, playing bridge, gardening and socialising. Angus and Sally changed careers after covid and live in Moray. Jamie and family are back in Edinburgh.

Judith Wilkins (Mrs Motion)

We are still enjoying our life/retirement in Northern France (since 2004). We no longer do Chambre d’Hote, but still welcome family and friends from the UK. We enjoy a good social life with our Expat circle of friends. Healthcare here is good.

1960 LEAVERS, SECTION 28

Joanna Apthorpe (Mrs Lane)

Trying to grow old disgracefully, enjoying retirement hobbies of ballroom dancing, rambling, gardening, cruising and painting. Thanks to Aunt Pil nurturing our artistic endeavours at Q, painting has been a lifelong passion.

Diana Barlow (Mrs Taylor)

After the covid epidemic we continued walking and climbing, here, in Norway, and in Jordan where we helped to create the Wadi Rum Trail. Then I cracked my left humerus so I have recently been at home working on and enjoying our garden.

Jean Gliddon (Mrs White)

Memories of tennis and hockey matches, singing in the choir in the Chapel. I see my sister, Rosemary who lives in North Devon. We are both reasonably well. Hope to attend the next South West Reunion.

Fiona Neil (Mrs Russell Gardner)

Lucky to have lived in the best place at each stage of our lives - Liverpool and Leicester involved with theatres sailing and horses. Retiring to Isle of Wight, John died in 2021 but I'm still hugely busy with Arts Hub promoting painters, musicians etc.

Pam Smith (Mrs Sly)

Having reached eighty and still working, training and breeding racehorses with some success and main interest in the family farming business with my son and two grandchildren in their twenties. So long may it last!

Patricia (Ann) Trentham (Mrs van Batenburg-Stafford)

This has been a very difficult year for our family in the Cayman Islands where we have lived for 50 years. Three grandchildren live here, two in England, two in the United States. All part of our journey through life.

1961 LEAVERS, SECTION 29

Ann Bartlett (Mrs Atkins)

Just celebrated my 80th Birthday with a hog roast in my daughter's garden. I keep fit with line dancing, yoga, Aqua Zumba and daily dog walking. I enjoy watching my daughter and granddaughter competing successfully in affiliated dressage.

Geraldine Gibbs (Mrs Bailey)

It is ten years this year since my husband died, but I am continuing to travel as much as possible, including returning to South Africa each year. I am still a member of the Arts Society and enjoy attending lectures.

Deborah King (Mrs Shergold)

Enjoying retirement with Alan in a lovely bungalow with friendly neighbours. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are a constant joy. Visit Marjie in Devon and attend SW Reunions when possible. Keep in contact with Carole White (nee Tincker).

Jane Nurden (Mrs Sutton)

Barry and I are in Norfolk whilst Kitty is in London continuing her charity support work. Temporarily feeling on hold whilst awaiting a shoulder replacement op. Our golden wedding in August - great seeing Mike and Sue Thompson for a celebration lunch.

Sue Stevens (Mrs Thompson)

Mike and I are still in Greece, but trying to sell our house here. We'll be able to spend more time with family, especially our six year old granddaughter. Delighted my great niece is loving her time at Q!

Carole Tincker (Mrs White)

Still playing tennis. Sister Sally is still in the Lakes. Sadly, other sister, Angela is in care in Edinburgh. 2 sons: 1 in Jersey with 2 daughters and 1 here in Dorking with 2 sons. Still in regular contact with Debby King and a few OQs at Xmas.

1962 LEAVERS, SECTION 30/30A

Susan (Bambi) Bamford (Mrs Hampson)

We have just had a wonderful holiday with Smarty, first in Portland then Vancouver Island. Children and Grandchildren are fine, Ella is now playing lacrosse - happy memories! I'm still playing golf. The big 80 next year - help!!

Eryll Dickinson (Mrs Fabian)

Having stepped down as Chairman of TWu3a in June, the house is on the market, ready to downsize. Surveys, Structural Engineers, Drains Survey ... the saga continues. And now awaiting the date for major operation! Not the easiest year.

Rosemary Fisher (Mrs Neale)

We still live in the highlands, happy not to be city dwellers, I play piano for fun, draw and paint experimentally. Alan plays bowls and enjoys life. Our daughter is a self employed calligrapher living in Glasgow with her husband and stepson.

Dorothy (Dot) Haggar (Mrs Everhart)

My son is back in Yorkshire after 8 years in Italy and I enjoyed a visit to celebrate his 25th Wedding Anniversary. I am still doing a small amount of music teaching, Scottish dancing and trying to become fluent in Italian. Will be 80 next year!

Margaret Kilgour (Mrs Barrett)

Happily living in Bridport and in close touch with my 3 daughters, grandchildren and stepchildren. Visited an orphanage I support in Kenya this summer. Sadly my sister Gill suffered a serious stroke in May but is making a slow recovery.

Janet Law (Mrs West)

My year has been full of joy being involved with grandchildren that are now entering the adult world as well rounded and kind people. Health wise my body is a little grumpy but life is still full of special people and events.

Alison Leach (Mrs Smith)

A relatively quiet year apart from a short trip to Bruges. Two little granddaughters, one in Paris and one in Ilkley, are both nearly 2 now and are a joy. A lovely reunion at Feather Gordon's in May.

Mary Martin (Mrs Taylor)

I'm now living in Portland, Oregon, near Philippa and the family. Bambi and Ian have just visited me and we had a lovely few days on Vancouver Island. Hoping to have another Canadian holiday with Di and Bambi next Spring.

Margaret Pain (Mrs Stevens)

Married 56 years, 3 children , 11 grandkids (incl 3 fostered; 3 now married). Photographing all invertebrates in our small Loughborough garden - 450 species in 2 years! Going to Uganda, my 2nd home, for a final visit to say goodbye to all my dear friends.

Amanda (Mandy) Pepper

Long Covid and loss of hearing, smell and taste make life interesting, the advantages are losing two and half stone and pretending it is Covids fault rather than old age! Wonderful friends and neighbours. Lily, the cat, and my ancient house and garden make up for everything.

Nicola Race (Mrs Down)

Still in North Yorkshire, I retired long ago from a career in television production. I now spend my time running play reading sessions and going to groups and workshops for arts and crafts. Always busy with something creative.

Jill Skinner (Mrs Norris)

The only real change is covid stopped our globe trotting and after 20 years we got a rescue dog. We age gracefully? and our children and granddaughter get older as well.

Virginia (Ginger) Taylor (Mrs Haryott)

I really enjoy the company of our 8 grandchildren who keep me on my toes. I'm still playing the organ at church and love going to the opera. Sadly Richard, my husband, died very suddenly in May and is missed so much.

Morigue Tilston (Mrs Cornwell)

I retired from the Tribunal Service just before COVID. Richard and I developed daily walks throughout the lockdowns. I have a couple of voluntary roles and we are fortunately remaining relatively healthy enjoying activities with family and friends.

Barbara Walls

Happy to be fit enough to be as busy as ever with church 'stuff', foodbank, singing and trying to improve clarinet playing!

Julia Wheeler (Rev Prof Davies)

In 2020 I received Maundy Money from the late Queen. I still examine ordinands and officiate at my church. I have 4 grandchildren, my husband remains well and I am in touch with Eryll Dickinson and Jennie Davidson.

1963 LEAVERS, SECTION 31

Rosalind Annand (Mrs Bevan)

I have continued teaching and playing the cello until Whitsun this year when I acquired a heart problem, so now I'm slowing down. 3 children and 4 grandchildren all thriving. Was riding in Brazil 22 and in Iceland 23 - wonderful!

Christine Barnard (Mrs Philip)

We have just celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary. Still living in Shoreham and very involved in running ‘The League of Friends Tea Room’ at our local Sevenoaks Community Hospital. All our family and grandchildren live nearby so see lots of them.

Julia Cory (Mrs Tjeknavorian)

Returned to London 8 years ago after 40 years in the USA/Australia/Armenia writing for newspapers, journals and TV. My memoir "Never in a fishbowl" by Julia Harley-Green is available on Amazon and in bookshops. Queen Camilla is reading it - fingers crossed for a good review!

Bobbie Ford-Jones (Mrs Mudge)

My year as an exchange student over half a century ago changed my life. I made wonderful friends, and became aware of a new way of seeing life and the world. Our home is always open to Q girls in the US.

Elizabeth Horton (Mrs Temple)

Elizabeth has retired from her practice as a child psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in London and lives in Suffolk with her husband Nick. Her health is sadly not good due to a form of dementia. Her daughter recently had a baby boy who delights her.

Barbara Hugon (Mrs Edge)

Three years cottage in wonderfully friendly village, Bat survey, extension, redecoration.

Sadly my mother died soon after celebrating her 100th birthday. Covid only stopped us visiting the French house once. John and I have both had hip replacements! 3/4 grandchildren at university.

Maureen (Mo) Meisl (Mrs Read)

I keep in touch with Margaret Schumacher and would love to hear from other OQs of my era. After an emotional rollercoaster I was given Austrian citizenship last year but continue to live in Cornwall.

Youngest grandchild has left school.

Beatrice Poon

Queued 11 hours to say goodbye to “The Queen” last September. Once in a lifetime experience. Visited Wendy Bide and sang Jean Read’s fourfold amen together. Still singing with Vancouver Bach Choir. Writing childhood memoirs.

Jill Shirley-Smith (Mrs Spears)

Sadly my dear husband died in 2022 followed by a lung cancer diagnosis for me. Thankfully, all clear now! Enjoy doing trips and holidays with the family. Still in touch with Phoebe Johnston, Ruth Thompson, Fiona Leach and Jeanette Thalmassinger.

Jane Uff MBE

Juffy has not walked since a fall in 2022. Now in a wheelchair and cared for by her partner, Elaine. A new concrete slope allows continued enjoyment of the garden and lease of a mobility car allows short trips out from home.

1964 LEAVERS, SECTION 32

Ann Cannon (Mrs Tolhurst)

Health ok , Kate's daughter Abbie first of 5 grandchildren to get engaged, fiancé Josh is lovely . Our exciting advanced horse with Piggy March is followed by a young homebred so there are still many horses at Langham Hall.

Anne Carmichael (Mrs Todd)

Celebrated 50 years living in Old Hatfield. Eleven grandchildren keep me busy. Visit daughter in Spain with lovely add on holidays to Tinny's Spanish holiday home. 65 + years of wonderful Q friendships. Was a guest at an excellent, innovative Q Speech Day this year!

Daphne Davidson (Mrs Tudor)

Unfortunately my husband, Ray, was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2015 and sadly entered a care home in Haywards Heath late last year. I still hear from Margaret Allen (Whitehead) and regularly see my sister Jennifer Beck (Davidson) who lives nearby.

Ann Hawtin (Mrs Fowler)

Enjoying village life and family, especially taxiing grandchildren. Slowed down as I have a stress fracture and consequently in a ski boot. Highlights over 18 months include visits to Zimbabwe, Barbados, Dubai, Spain with Micky. Excellent video of Q, changed since the 60s!

Vernonne Lawrence (Mrs Allen)

Mixed feelings on ceasing news collection from section 32, relieved but nostalgic after all these years! Delighted to have Jenny Rose (Mrs King) as a new neighbour - we're both rehearsing for Panto in Welwyn. Rob and I had a wonderful Golden Wedding party on the wettest day in July!

Pat Merlin (Mrs Peirce)

Sadly Peter’s health problems have dominated recent months since a stroke in April indicated other serious issues. I still make sure I play tennis regularly ( and matches still!) and we enjoy fun with the children and 6 grandchildren ( ages 2–23).

Jane Seaman (Mrs Bell)

2023 finds George and me still at our much smaller farm after five complicated years owing to Covid and George having a bad accident. We managed 2 amazing visits to Kenya, the second celebrating seventy five with our son and daughter in law. Noella Smith

No longer directing films or travelling to far flung places but very happy splitting time between home in North Kensington and our ‘shack’ by the sea in Lyme Regis. Singing in a choir is still a joy. Our son Matthew (36) is doing fine - still single.

Fiona White (Mrs Rix)

Still living near Oxford and lucky to be well and active. One daughter and family living in Haarlem Netherlands, another daughter and family living in Galway Eire and another living in Oxford. Keep in touch with Jenni Harvie and Sue Webb.

Elizabeth (Jane/Ginny) Wood (Mrs Talbot)

Finally settling into a post-covid way of life – going well. Had a lovely day when Vernonne and Rob celebrated their Golden Wedding. Saw cousin Sarah (Wright) in the summer and have also been in touch with Judy Harley.

1965 LEAVERS, SECTION 33/33A

Jennifer Burns

Difficult year with the death of my sister and little dog and spinal arthritis. Light at the end of tunnel – I have commenced the search for a new dog. Busy crocheting for charity baby basics.

Rosemary Hugon (Mrs Harrison)

Mother aged 100 died in May, last remaining Hugon in the UK! Month in Australia visiting Edward, Rhine cruise and shared Dorset holiday with Roey Francis. Had hip replacement.

Decided to stay on in our big house not downsize! All is well.

40 WORDS

Ruth Johnson (Mrs Donnelly)

Loving our eco house overlooking the Isle of Wight. Still golfing, playing tennis and my weekly volunteering with preschool deaf children - I feel very lucky when many friends are not so. In touch with Gilly Hellyar, Vikki Lloyd and Tinny Hawtin.

Lynne Lytton

Chipping Norton; country walks; proliferation of local farm shop cafes; gin distilleries and garden centres to meet friends. Hip replacement is not hindering any of that. Less theatrefavourite actors getting older, but still a lovely hobby.

Hilary More (Mrs Terry)

Moved from London to Oxford, promptly had a stroke, ending my journalist career – got an allotment. Children: Jessica a lawyer in London with two children Max 8 and Izzie 6; Blake in computers, living locally; Fleur married an American heavy rock musician, lives in Los Angeles – I just dig!

Karin North (Mrs Thompson)

Second knee replacement completed. Family all well, still involved with Pony Club and the Rural Fire Service. Visited England in October 2023 to see family as all getting older. Phoned five OQs to catch up.

Elizabeth (Robbi) Robson

Alan and I are now well settled in East Horsley, Surrey with our dogs. My sister Jane (also an OQ) visited from Canada - having not seen each other for ages because of COVID. I look forward to visiting her next year.

Jean Symmons (Mrs Barnes)

Loving my granddaughter aged 8, having had 3 sons! Youngest, Thomas is marrying Alanna next May. Hilary Watson (Dawson) came to our Golf Day, which we won! Saw Zoe Smith & Jean Nicholson in London - good fun. All the family are keeping well thankfully.

Margaret Whitehead (Mrs Allen)

Coordinated volunteers at One World Shop in the Methodist Church in Garstang, the world's first fairtrade town. John and I enjoy classical music as valued patrons of Halle orchestra and RNCM in Manchester. I enjoy the piano and bridge. In touch with Daphne Davidson.

1966 LEAVERS, SECTION 34/34A

Sue Campbell (Mrs Thomas)

7 years post retirement now, doggedly trying to master the cello! Now in a Cotswold U3A orchestra and various cello groups. We are dividing our time between Leamington and Thurlestone, S Devon. Still playing lots of tennis. Two granddaughters!

Janet Canfor (Mrs Bailey)

Moved house in 2021. Now live in the South Downs area having lived in Surrey for over 40 years. Still play tennis, go walking, kayaking and sing with Arun Choral Society! Have one son, one daughter and 2 grandsons! Hello Tish, Jackie and Jean!

Jenny Clarke (Mrs Taylor)

Life in Farnham involves looking after my husband, Alan and various activities: aqua aerobics, pilates, walking and house & garden. Still running Farnham Swimability, offering an exclusive hour in our Leisure Centre pool for people with a disability.

Hilary Dawson (Mrs Watson)

Life is good! 6 Grandsons now! Family all well. Husband on crutches (again). 2nd false ankle fused but still skiing! Playing golf, yoga, bridge ,swimming, biking & the odd run. Just back from Isles of Scilly (loved it), Goodwood Revival & off to Sicily.

Angie Hemingway (Mrs Robb)

Steve and I are remarkably well. No more skiing:creaky knees. He is retiring as a judge in February. Girls are happy. Grandchildren full of beans. Love and best wishes to Mary, Sue, Nicky, Dinah, Peta and Lucy. Carpe Diem Ladies!

Julia Leach

We are largely healthy & doing our usual things in Norfolk and France, not grandparents yet. Ben married Laura, a big party in France afterwards. Corkie and Tom are travelling in S America, reassessing their NHS commitment. Both step daughters well.

Nadina Lincoln

I retired from my post at the University of Nottingham in 2018 and have thoroughly enjoyed my retirement, which involves bridge, bowls, gardening and cycling. Son Tom lives in Bath and daughter Penny in Cowes, so plenty of trips south.

Jean Nicholson (Mrs Renshaw)

Enjoy family involvement, tennis, gardening, London visits, guided walks, Arts Society (son, James, is an accredited lecturer). Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel, the highlight of a recent visit to Italy. Great seeing Jean Barnes and Zoe Smith last July.

Alison Pallot (Mrs Kenny)

Tim and I keep fit - walking the dog 3-4 miles a day helps, as does my new hobby of bellringingphysically demanding and definitely mentally challenging! I write and I am a photographer for our village magazine. All that and the garden keeps me busy!

Vicki Read (Mrs Graham)

Having negotiated chemo and Covid I am happy to still be here and able to moan! Nicky (Gurrey) and Bob visited in May. Daughter Jo and family joined us for a lovely holiday in Lanzarote in July and for our Golden Wedding anniversary in August.

Morna Van Essen (Mrs Murgatroyd)

On May 19th, 1973 Tony and I married at Queenswood. 2023 marked our 50th Golden Wedding anniversary; celebrating with family and 5 grandchildren. Tony is a retired geriatrician and I am a retired GP; now a Church Warden at Morecambe St Barnabas and support Lancaster Medical students with practical exams.

Mary Walker (Mrs Grunwell)

Still married to Richard, for 54 years now and obviously busy with 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren and volunteering in various roles. Excellent northern reunion at Bishop Monkton even though I didn't know many of the OQs present.

1967 LEAVERS, SECTION 35/35A

Jill Cooper (Mrs Llewellyn)

Back to school. Having sold up in France finally, Evan and I have just bought a flat in the beautifully converted Douai Abbey school buildings set in the fabulous and extensive grounds of West Berkshire. Break run beckons again!

Angela Cox (Mrs de Saram)

Hugh and I are well, still actively supporting local charities in Marlborough and continuing our choral singing. Busy with family, grandchild No9 due in February. Good visits to Boston, Connecticut and Washington in 2022 and to northern Spain this autumn.

Sandra Cross (Mrs Stafford)

We have been living in York for 13 years now, and love it. It is a busy retirement mostly with family obligations but for my pleasure I am a guide at York Minster, which has brought me into contact with Gill Odell! Such a small world.

Susan Elmes (Mrs Ellis)

Grandchildren, 14, 9, 5 and 2, all delightful. Trevor’s hospital admissions in 2023 meant that our Northern Spain trip was cancelled, but we had fun in Cornwall. U3A French & Play Reading, daily Duolingo Spanish and Wordle, keep the brain ticking over, hopefully!

Jenny Hilton (Mrs Wood-Hill)

Still dividing time between homes in Warwickshire and W.Sussex: It’s a compromise that works - for now!

Oliver was born to Eve and Thomas in Cape Town in March, so our third flight out this year is coming up. Trips to Egypt, Jordan and the Rockies.

Vivian Kies

How fortunate am I? My sisters, their children and grandchildren are very dear to me. Geoffrey hit 80 this year, in good health; so we have partied and travelled. Have seen Anthea and Gabrielle too, so here's to friendship!

Susan Leckie (Mrs Angelis)

Up in windy Rogart, Cat is demanding a walk. Prince Charles opened our local market Aug.'22. Back down A9 for Halloween with Penelope going to school back in Ratho. Other 5 grandkids growing fast-taxing. Feel old and doddering.Must write memoirs.

Judith Macfarlane (Mrs Swain)

March 2020: New Zealand trip. Returned to Oz. COVID started. Lockdowns, also inter-State and international travel banned. Finally, in 2022 able to visit Sydney and UK families. Grands now 18 and 16 (UK), 12 and 10 (Australia). Well and happy!

Jennifer Magson (Mrs King)

Having already been together for 30 years Dave Mendham and I finally tied the knot in 2017. I didn't change my surname. Alan has two daughters and continues teaching, John is an actor. I'm still living in Faringdon, Oxfordshire.

Anne (Venetia) Saunders (Mrs Allen)

Still very active, l coach at RDA twice a week, in 2022 HRH the Princess Royal came to my yard to see our therapy sessions with Shetland ponies. I do the school run for grandchildren 3 days a week and 3 dogs also keep me busy.

Val Stewart (Mrs Smith)

All good. Still playing tennis and active with local u3a. Am in regular contact with Julie Ormerod, Penny Potter and Liz Randall - all fit and well. Family too including grandchildren . Doing the usual things - travel, holidays etc.

Rachel Summers (Mrs Bryans)

I have had a quiet year as my husband, Jeremy, is not able to get about as easily as he used to. However it hasn't stopped me from continuing with three choirs, including one spending a weekend in Ripon, leading the Cathedral Services.

Hilary Thompson (Mrs Papo)

Geneva has been home to us since 1977. Jak and I are grateful to be still enjoying good health and having all our children and grandchildren living nearby. My main interests are yoga and singing. In 2023 I even sang twice at the RAH. Greetings!

Elizabeth Wright (Mrs Rowley)

I still teach languages locally for charity and coach some of our 5 grandchildren, Bob is fighting Parkinsons impressively so our labrador gets well walked. We cruised the north Atlantic in December with storms! Provence in sunny Maymuch better!

1968 LEAVERS, SECTION 36/36A

Alexandra Derrick-Jehu (Mrs Patrick)

Both our sons are married and we have 3 grandchildren ranging from 7 years to 1 month at time of writing. Life in rural East Kent is less quietly enjoyable. Would love to hear from anyone who was at Q during my time!

Anne English (Mrs Irwin-Brown)

Marcus and I have spent the last 18 months moving and building a new house. Exciting times but this is the last time we move! We have a busy life in Itchenor, West Sussex. Jake and two grandsons are in London and Felix in the Royal Marines.

Pam Entwisle (Mrs Woodhead)

Pippa married in Singapore last Christmas. Lara now has her Australian residency. Holly and Justin gave us a grandson in May, Teddy. Absolutely adorable. Richard fit and well. I am fine but EDS troublesome. Lots of travelling.

Jane Fielding (Mrs Krell)

I've been living in Los Angeles, CA for 50 years now, married to Steve for the same! We have 2 married daughters & between them, 4 beautiful grandchildren ages 10 years to 18 months.

Rachel Johns (Mrs Marshall Roberts)

Still living in Corby Glen, Lincs with husband Jeremy. Married for 50 years in 2024. Both retired. Enjoyed family holiday in Cornwall. Bentley Drivers’ car weekends. Cancelled pilgrimage to Holy Land in Nov 23.

Heather Mories (Mrs Boustead)

Life in Kenya continues really well. Retirement allows safaris, summers back in our 15th Cottage in the UK and lots of grandchildren very close by. OQ's Maggie Cranwell and Penny Potter came to visit and had a great OQ reunion in 2022 of 12 of us.

Judy Munson (Mrs Kingham)

I am still living in the beautiful Cotswolds in a small, friendly hamlet - just wish the family was closer. I continue to enjoy clay pigeon shooting every week and went wingwalking earlier this year which was great fun.

Joan Verel (Mrs Scruton)

The family are all well currently, past 2 years catching up with cancelled holidays.

Amazing trip to the Galapagos last year, two visits to the UK this summer. Celebrated 50 years since we graduated from Medicine with 42 others in Sheffield.

Jane Wale (Mrs Burrett)

In January we moved to Crondall, a charming village in Hampshire. September boating holiday along the Nivernais Canal in Burgundy with friends. Steve’s ‘going to the dark side’ - having sold his sailing yacht, he’s looking for a motor boat instead!

1969 LEAVERS, SECTION 37

Mary Ballard (Mrs Trott)

We are busy enjoying life. Both girls are settled, happy and working hard. We are absolutely loving being grandparents and are lucky enough to look after our granddaughter Milly, two days a week. I still keep dancing, singing, walking and holidaying.

Anne Biron (Mrs Howlett)

I’ve finally retired from poultry farming, however, leisure still eludes me as I have the huge task of clearing my parent’s farm and getting it on the market. My 6th grandchild arrived 4 days before Christmas 2022 –wonderful present!

40 WORDS

Michele Clement

Enjoying living in Hampshire but will be glad when the house upgrading works have finished. Our beloved dog, Henry, died last year but we now have a naughty spaniel. The four grandchildren keep us busy. I ring bells and write poetry.

Jill Odell (Mrs Shepherd)

Still enjoying York. Volunteering at Minster and 2 musical charities. Playing flute and bassoon in chamber music, orchestra, singing in a chamber choir and directing another. Sons, grandchildren and sister Helen in Cheshire, Wiltshire and Cambridge.

Jeryl Cridlan (Mrs Wheeldon)

I celebrated/commiserated turning 70 with 2 special holidays with husband Trevor and Andrew (33) and Emily (31): Marco Island, Florida in January and Forte dei Marmi and Tuscany, Italy in September. Sorry to miss the class reunion!

Clare Lincoln

Working as a psychologist. No plans to retire! 3 adult children and a granddaughter, Seren now 22 months …love being a grandma! Sailing on a tall ship to Antarctica in Jan 2024. Look forward to more adventures! Come visit me in Melbourne. Welcome.

Kristian Swengley (Mrs Perry)

I'm still involved with the Marlow National Trust and enjoy their outings, talks and holidays. Keep up with Sue Blackmore, Gillie Leonard (Mrs Guest), Mary Ballard (Mrs Trott). My sister, Nicole, often comes to stay and helps with the garden.

Diana Tubbs (Mrs Wade-Smith)

David & I enjoy living by the sea, south of Chichester. Still sailing & playing tennis. The 4 grandchildren love the beach and sailing with us. I still do 3 days OT consultancy a month for an insurance company.

1970 LEAVERS, SECTION 38/38A

Sarah Blandy

I retired in 2020 from Sheffield University but maintain academic links as a law professor emerita. I'm still caring for my mother, now 103! This year's highlights: skiing with sons and friends, and walking Glyndwr's Way with my partner and our dog.

Sally Bloomfield (Mrs Cassard)

Became granny to Elio. Travelled Plasir (home) to Mexico (daughter and family). To Pennsylvania (other home) to Die (son David, Rhone Alpes), to London, to two family weddings... daughter Julie and Miguel (Mexico), nephew (Montreal). Cooking, painting, gardening, exhibitions, museums.

Tricia Brazier (Mrs Hayne)

Returning to Ethiopia and visiting a charity in Kenya (www.wereachcbo. org) book-ended lockdown, both proving inspirational. At home, 10 grandchildren keep us busy by the sea, as does walking around England, and the odd bit of travel writing.

Jane Carr (Mrs Bellinger)

Life is still busy, cooking for all sorts of interesting people, having wonderful holidays, Galapagos, Costa Rica, Spain, and the Silk Route. Our reunion was wonderful, so enjoyed seeing everyone. Otherwise walking and playing bridge. Love to all.

Sarah Colville (Mrs Fisher)

Kept busy with the expanding family - now proud grandparent to six and enjoy the role hugely. Still living in Salisbury, husband continues working but have managed various holidays in the year - last weekend was in Venice!

Gillian Coney (Mrs Brown)

So, here we are septuagenarians all, and plus two for me! My two children have given me three grandchildren whom I see as much as possible. I continue to have an active role in family businesses, property and farming.

Mary Davies

Still in Madrid. Have lived here 42 years now. Really enjoyed seeing everyone at the '70th' reunion in London in July. The last was 10 years ago but, as we all get younger, it was felt the next should be in 5 years.

Zoe Haydon (Mrs Fleming)

Still enjoying life on the edge of the stormy Atlantic on the Isle of Luing Oban. Very immersed with the island community, cultural heritage and Geology. Just had three weeks away touring to South Devon, Bristol, Reading visiting families and friends.

Kathy Knight (Mrs Messinger)

Still living in Sturminster Newton but now retired, so pottering in the garden and Upholstery classes keeps me busy! All 7 grandchildren live within a 10 min radius. That, plus a Cocker Spaniel puppy makes sure Nick and I remain active!

Jane Neil (Mrs Havergal)

Happily semi-retired commercial property lawyer living in London with husband John after 40 years in the City, balancing legal consultancy with work for our local church choir and really enjoying meeting up with old friends.

Jose Nicholson (Mrs Jones)

Currently my 20th year in France - so thanks, Mademoiselle Geste! Zoe is now living in Cyprus and Luke in Norfolk. We spent a month in Portugal in February before returning for Dave’s second ankle op and to be stuck in bed for two months!

Sally Peck (Mrs Myburgh)

Still living in Spain, it will be 23 years in December 2023 and our 27th Wedding anniversary at the end of January. My husband Phil, who is South African and I have a small farm in the mountains at Gaucín, Malaga with 7 horses, 28 cats and a dog!

Marion Soutar (Mrs Michael)

Still living in Switzerland and busy gardening as well as enjoying grandchildren time. Did a wonderful safari trip to Africa with the family this year to celebrate turning 70. Also really enjoyed our London Old Q reunion.

Verity Swain (Mrs Tiff)

Now based in Coventry I work part time as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for the Heart of England region. I would love to show Old Queenswoodians around our fascinating region if they are thinking of visiting.

Carolyn (Kaye/Carry) Wrinch (Mrs Dawe)

Much has happened recently, my beloved Mum, Joan Elise, has died. We have moved from our rural idyll to a more practical home on the outskirts of Ipswich and I'm a grandmother to Elise, now 16 months old and an absolute joy.

1971 LEAVERS, SECTION 39

Mary Louise (Sweezie) Atherton (Mrs Vignal)

Had not seen our boys since the pandemic, epic reunion in Cozumel meeting our newest grandson. Washington & Sydney on our travel list! Belgium/Canary Isles will have to wait a bit! Hugs to all!

Anne Ballard (Mrs Brown)

We had a really fun Q reunion in London for our 70th Birthdays! Enjoying more freedom since stem cell transplant for leukaemia 2020. I am a Nordic walking leader , here in beautiful Dorset. Family all well and four grandchildren bring us great joy.

Carole Bland (Mrs Tickner)

Life is hectic with five grandchildren and six step grandchildren. Loving retirement, still playing tennis and golf and now cycling on my e-bike. Robin and I have had some amazing holidays, recently enjoying a fabulous river cruise in Germany.

Anne Burrell (Mrs Davies)

Finished a UN evaluation and started a gap year - becoming an evaluation activist, cycling and hiking. Enjoyed a 70 year reunion in London with OQ cohorts. Daughter Claudia (44) and grandson Aedan (13) still love work and school in Colombia.

Louise Furbank

I am still very happy living in the English Riviera, Dartmouth, Devon and had an enjoyable visit from Hazel, ‘Nutty’ Broadbent this September. Playing a lot of tennis and trying to keep reasonably fit by walking the challenging Coastal Path .

Margot Gordon

Hello, I live in Crete and I practice a type of muscle release and deep relaxation therapy for mental, physical and emotional release. I work with people who are on holiday between May and mid November. I lived previously in Australia for 17 years.

Victoria Graham (Mrs Neale)

Same husband, house, children plus four lovely grandboys! Andrew's MS progresses but we still manage most things, holidays etc. In process of future proofing by converting our garage to enable downstairs living. Enjoyed fantastic London reunion.

Karen Hearn

Still busy teaching, curating, lecturing, researching and writing. Still an Hon. Prof. at UCL. Am curating a small exhibition in The Netherlands for 2026. Paul has recovered well from his heart attack, and Ma is now in an excellent local nursing-home.

Janette Hine (Mrs Redshaw)

Thoroughly enjoyed the year reunion in July catching up with so many , I finally fully retired in May & am now kept busy with 3 grandchildren, golf sailing tennis & swimming & local voluntary groups.

Angie Loveday (Mrs Pyman)

Mark and I moved to Aix-en-Provence in 2020, to a life of kayaking, art, mountains, sunny terrasses and French bureaucracy. I thank Mlle Gerst every day. Chris is now a Major in the Army and Holly is an ME/ CFS Counsellor.

Julia Roughton (Mrs Butterfield)

Still farming in Nottinghamshire, balancing agriculture with conservation. Involved in fundraising and conservation in the Tuli area of Botswana. Have 4 grandchildren all nearby so constant babysitting and 2 more due! Really enjoyed our 70th reunion.

Louise Whitfield (Mrs Bullen)

Although unable to attend the main 70 reunion in July the year has brought lovely renewals of friendships with Marilyn (Green) and Mandy (Fowler). We've enjoyed holidays in the Balkans and Vienna with Costa Rica for our Silver Wedding in Feb '24.

1972 LEAVERS, SECTION 40

Hazel (Nutty) Broadbent (Mrs Garside)

It was great to have a meet up in Salcombe in September with some reprobates from U5B 1970-71! Retirement is suiting me well with many hobbies reinstated, and holidays. Still happily married, living near Uttoxeter and son William is in Stevenage.

Patricia Carter (Mrs Gibbons)

I am working as a volunteer for Age Uk and helping where I can with my 7 grandchildren! Walking my cocker spaniel and living happily in Chatteris.

Note from the Editor - Sadly, Patricia died in Feb 2024, but her family asked that this was still included.

Frankie Dormon (Mrs Pride)

Finally retired but still going to teach in Uganda. (PAL) more time for trips to Antarctica, France and Africa. No grandchildren yet, Mike a chiro in Norway and Charlie a techie on film sets. Still skiing, (Jamie heliskiing with Caroline Blackmore)

Nicky Lerrigo (Mrs Gabb)

A busy year with my first knee replacement in February and the second one planned for early November. Had a great family reunion in Italy… It was wonderful to all be together again! Still farming which keeps us busy!

Rosemary Mortimer

I retired to Poole in 2019 and am enjoying living near the sea. I volunteer with the National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust on Brownsea Island and in the Purbecks.

Hilary Richards

We have had a very good year. Matt (34) and Liz gave us our first grandchild, Una at the end of February. Then, Alex (36) married Missy in a barn in North Devon at the end of May. We couldn’t be more delighted!

Nicole Swengley

I still contribute to magazines occasionally but now focus on writing fiction. The Breakthrough Book Collective's latest anthology features one of my short stories. An Old Q lunch hosted by Jill Marshall was a highlight this year.

1973 LEAVERS, SECTION 41/41A

Bethan Chapman (Mrs Smith)

Days go quickly looking after granddaughters, volunteering in their school, walking our dogs and our son’s two (surrogate children!). February half-term spent skiing with all the family in Switzerland and summer holidays in France in our motorhome. A good life!

Susie Dickson (Mrs Williams)

Nick and I fit, well, recently retired and still living in the Peak District. All three sisters are nearby. Our children Sally and Harry live quite close with partners and Rory in the army based in Colchester. 6 grandchildren inc triplets. Hectic moments!

Prudence Grantham (Mrs Sharp)

We’ve now retired and live in Woodcote, Oxfordshire. We’re loving the relaxed rural life. I’m still playing my saxophone in various bands. Simon now has some health issues but we enjoyed a lovely holiday in Italy - I’ve been learning Italian!

Alison Lowe

Now significantly retired, but still doing some private work, and always far too busy! Splitting our time between London and Truro - works well for us.

Hilary Scriven (Mrs Lyle)

We moved in 2019 but a few yards round the corner to a garden flat to remain close to family, friends and the tennis club. Andrew has retired and I work part-time at a private school when not being entertained by our four grandchildren.

Kathryn (Kate) Whatmough (Mrs Chapman)

We recently moved from our family home to a large apartment nearby in Cheshire so still see our long standing friends and have now made new ones. Enjoy seeing our 3 grown up children and 3 grandchildren - all babies/toddlers; hard work but fun!

1974 LEAVERS, SECTION 42

Jacqueline Care

Live in the San Francisco Bay area, 5+ years post Q starving artist, 20+yrs computer design/fashion business living in HK and USA, 20+ years as a realtor. Retiring soon, garden and ??! English husband, two sons, starving artist and engineer.

Jane Chapman (Mrs Payton)

Bought the field next door to our cottage to build a house for our daughter Alice and her husband who had our first grandchild Martha 18 months ago. Our son Thomas gets married next August. Spread the word about our 50 year reunion at Q on 26.06.24

Judith Dickinson (Mrs Lockwood)

Highs and lows this year. Concentrating on highs - James married Emma in April (a Lincs & Portugal celebration), time spent with 6 lovely grandchildren and at our beautiful house in Portugal. Still leading a busy life with good health.

Patricia Howlett (Mrs Weist)

Still doing court interpreting and enjoying it. Music and jewellery making are my main hobbies. I play the guitar, bass, Native American flute, sing and write songs. I am the worship leader for a grass-roots "wellbriety" program for Native Americans.

Mary Wrinch (Mrs Spencer)

I ride Carrie most days, hacking, schooling & jumping. She is my ‘3rd child’, keeping me physically and mentally fit! Tony has finished building his Vanns RV7 aeroplane, flying when conditions allow. I’ve been up in it once! Tori, Andy and two grandsons still live in Western Australia, whilst Will is right next door.

1975 LEAVERS, SECTION 43

Karen Arnold (Mrs Ellam)

Tollef & Charlie graduated & before settling into careers are tennis coaching in the UK & abroad! I still enjoy golf & represented Q at Silver Tassie at The Berkshire as well as the Autumn fun day. Come & join us! All Handicaps welcome!

Sue Austin (Mrs Proctor)

A memorable holiday to India and the Maldives then Bordeaux and Majorca. The year went downhill when my brother-law died suddenly, followed a few months later by my mother. However, my niece had a lovely wedding and we all went to Spain for a break.

Margaret Boughton (Mrs Roseboom)

Life full of drama productions, arranging community events and antiques business. House badly flooded on 20th Oct. In a rented place for approx. 8 months. Major works required. Daughter Henrietta is busy producing music. Roger (91) in good form!

Kate Buckley (Mrs Weber)

Bill and I are still living in Westport CT, although we are building a new house. Matthew, 31, lives in Denver, about to get engaged, apparently! Julia, 29, is living in London (!) and working for a VC fund called Pelican Ag.

Mellie Buse (Mrs Franks)

A year when we were invited on ridiculously indulgent holidays - to Kenya, Greece and The Galapagos. Our latest TV show won an award, which was nice. But the highlight of the year has to have been the arrival of our second Granddaughter. Busy.

Kate Draycott (Mrs Wareham)

Still volunteering in the PO at the community shop, also volunteering on Dartmoor. Walking on the moor most weeks, completed the Dartmoor Perambulation in May. Still diving. Making regular visits to Sheffield to see 18 mth old granddaughter Freya. Ali Jordan (Mrs Sykes)

Enjoying early retirement, family time, including 3 grandchildren and a fourth arriving 2024! Visited friends in Skiathos over the summer and enjoyed a break in the Lakes. I continue to perform in Amateur Dramatics, lots of gardening and sewing!

Jane Menon (Mrs Cope)

Happily retired in October 2020 after 45 years of paediatric nursing now keep myself busy by helping dog rescues walking my own dogs swimming and supporting our 2 children find their way! Still living in Cardiff.

Catherine Micklem (Mrs Creighton)

I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in November 21. Did two European road trips in 2022 in our campervan while I was still mobile. Now confined to a wheelchair with a feeding tube and no speech, but trying to stay positive.

Kathryn Mudford (Mrs Sobczyk)

Golf, Bridge and 3 grandchildren keep me busy. Always thinking of downsizing although the kids still visit a lot. My dog (black lab) makes me smile every day! Keeping in touch with Karen and Micky. Definitely agree with Jane, seize the day!

Carolyn Pearson (Mrs Hill)

Retirement continues to be busy but not sure what I have achieved! We now have four grandchildren and enjoy spending time with them in their homes in Ireland and London as well here in Yorkshire. Try to fit in as many holidays as possible!

Rosie Savage (Mrs Mason)

I became a grandma to Madeleine this year. Good timing as I retired as a GP after 33 years. Now learning golf and amusing my friends with ballet classes. Plenty of time still hanging out and laughing with Sarah Wege, Mellie Buse and Jane Dickinson.

Isobel Smith (Mrs Thompson)

Continue to enjoy life in Somerset. I finally retired just before lockdown and now keep busy by helping out in our village community shop. We became grandparents 2 years ago and are kept on our toes when he comes to visit.

Cary Staniforth (Mrs Heppenstall)

Our grandson Alvin brings a wonderful new dimension to our lives. Stuart and Cheryl are settled in Bicester. Lovely seeing Kate Wareham whilst holidaying in Devon. Still busy with my walking, singing and netball. Enjoyed memorable trip to Iceland.

Jane Turner (Mrs Johnson)

I retired in April '22 and we hosted a Ukrainian family for 10 months from May. Now singing in 4 choirs. Pippa is in Cardiff and getting married next year. Kim and I spent a long afternoon at the V&A but never made it out of the coffee shop!

Sarah Wege

Still ticking over, if a bit more slowly than before! Still working part-time and keeping an eye on elderly parents. Finished my horticulture course. Lovely to have seen Mel, Jane, Rosie and Micky during the year.

1976 LEAVERS, SECTION 44

Philippa Bland

I am now retired and enjoying being a lady of leisure after 30 years in the high pressure pharmaceutical industry. I spend my free time playing lots of tennis. I keep in touch with Heather Grant, Mary Anne Hodgson and Ali Maile.

Susan Boissier

I have taken a year out of work to organise a renovation and move into a new flat in Putney with time for a trip to the Vermeer exhibition in Amsterdam; holiday in Mallorca and two weeks in Calgary with Fiona Mackintosh (nee Hare).

Annabel Gould (Mrs Groom)

We are now settled in Lincolnshire, enjoying the countryside walks with our dogs. Kept busy by family including local grandchildren and another in York. Still making textile art and enjoying printing on paper and fabric, exhibiting locally.

Heather Grant (Mrs Barron)

Still living in Richmond with David now working part time. James gets married to Minnie in Seoul in October, he's teaching at the British Council. Tom is an environmental analyst and Ella has qualified as a chartered surveyor living in North London.

Linda Harman (Mrs Berwick)

Enjoying life, now working part time with premature babies but looking forward to retiring fully from the NHS in 2024. Still living in Chertsey and have been helping my husband in his hospitality business which managed to survive the lockdowns.

Nicola Hayman (Mrs Carslaw)

No longer in paid employment but not retired. Researching the extraordinary lives of three inspiring women.

Husband Mike and I in Scotland love seeing our own three amazing daughters in London and travel far and wide too, as often as we can.

Maggie Hill (Mrs Whitelock)

Des and I are still watching both live football and cricket. We've not yet resumed our cricket overseas travelling but hope to go to Australia for the Ashes one last time next year. In the meantime we are off on a 24 night cruise to Canada.

Alison Hislop (Mrs Ambrose)

Six months until officially classified as an OAP but thankfully don't feel old! Still living in Cheshire, married to Mark, son Simon is working in Barcelona. Play tennis regularly, walk, travel and play bridge. House renovation project next year?!

Sandra Lizioli

Continuing to enjoy life in Brussels, now as a British Belge, the fruits of Le Brexit! 2023 is my year of transition towards my Third Act! Travel is on the agenda, with a return ‘home’ to Bombay for NY & lots more Italian viaggi! A bientôt!

Verity Lysaght (Mrs Clarke)

Happily living in Tasmania. I am still working (part time) as a vet. We had a lovely holiday to Ireland and the UK recently. Caught up with Penny Rudd, Kim Bryceson, Audrey Cruikshank and Lindsay McKeon which was lovely.

Lindsay McKeon (Mrs Freeney)

Living on the Pigs back!! Well the Goats path on the Sheep’s Head in Ireland. Very lovely meeting up with Helen Ryan and Verity Lysaght this year .

Alison Norman (Mrs Shadbolt)

Sam wed Ingrid this summer and then William had Sophia five days later. Peter and I have had trips to Lanzarote, Rhoscolyn, Isles of Scilly and Suffolk this year with Digby. I still volunteer in school weekly.

Nicky Rumsey

After nearly 45 years of working I retired early 2023, and I am loving it. Keeping very active with croquet, yoga and gym. I'm soon to meet Julia in the Rockies then we cruise from Vancouver to LA, then cruise with Jo from LA back to Auckland.

Melissa Scott

Master, Worshipful Company of Turners (the 2nd in 400 years!) was a privilege - fantastic connection with the craft & City. Gave a lute/ voice recital (thanks to the Old Qs who came!) at St Brides, Fleet Street recently.

Deborah Withinshaw (Mrs Morrissey)

No more births or marriages sadly but no deaths either thankfully. Still swimming in the Irish Sea all year. Lovely supper with Caroline and Meli. I'm not sure the neighbours will forget our rendition of the school song!

1977 LEAVERS, SECTION 45

Suzanne Allewell (Prof Hinchcliffe)

Sister Jacqueline, husband and three grandchildren are all well and living between London and Wiltshire. Travel and property development in Cheshire is a great hobby alongside our two grandchildren and boys who are also in property development and law.

Fiona Almond (Mrs Taylor)

I am enjoying retirement in London and Sussex. I now have 5 grandchildren and a new puppy so I am kept busy. Sadly my mother died last year.

Dominique Bates (Mrs Skinner)

Greatest job to date being a Grandmère of two and regularly looking after Teddy (in London). Holidays with the family to Portugal and South Africa and sailing with friends in Croatia..... in between still running the family property companies!

Penny Bryceson (Mrs Rudd)

Still working in Senior Animal Management at Chester Zoo after 42+ years, and have a zoo of our own at home too! Enjoying grandkids, friends, hols, food, wine and OQs still special in our lives are Verity L, Audrey W, Mel El, Binks B & sis Kim.

Mary Jane Lee (Mrs Ives)

Still working at Cambs Police Fingerprint Enhancement Lab. I enjoy playing Table Tennis, Line dancing, running, walking and cycling in my free time. Liz came over from Denmark in May. Oliver and Alex are both doing well.

Sally Morris (Mrs Collins)

We are still living on the South Coast and enjoy walking with friends, travelling and seeing our grandson. I retired from teaching two years ago, but help out with exams and volunteer at our local citizens' advice.

Christina Nicholson (Mrs Adams)

I have at last found much contentment in my life with my two dogs. I spend winters in the UK and summers at my beautiful home in France in the Dordogne. I have 3 sons and two grandsons.

Victoria Purves (Mrs Brandon)

Enjoying being a hands-on Granny to a delightful grandson, and found ourselves unexpectedly building a house in Goring On Thames. It will be lovely when it’s finishedeveryone says….

Tessa Robinson (Mrs Wannell)

Living with husband Bob in the middle of Dartmoor, surrounded by moorland and sheep. Working from home as a freelance editor, currently updating ’The Complete Peerage’. Our daughter, Ellie, is pregnant, so I am hoping for my first grandchild in December.

Anneke Waple (Mrs Berrill)

One 5 year old grandson and another due tomorrow! Dividing our time between London and Suffolk and enjoying the differences between the two. Lots of family weddings to enjoy.

Sophia Willy (Mrs Maddison)

A difficult year with the loss of my sister Cathy Dixon (Section 47) and daughter moved to Africa. Mother Margaret Willy nee Taylor (Section 16) keeps well despite her Alzheimer’s. No time for narrowboating as Uganda and the grandchildren beckon!

1978 LEAVERS, SECTION 46/46A

Tania Barr (Mrs Scutt)

Still in Seattle, thoroughly enjoying my latest career. After an intense year of studying HR in 2019, I joined an employee-owned construction management firm. Never a dull moment - love the constant learning. Daughters in Portland and Barcelona.

Sarah Dearle (Mrs Porter)

A lot seems to have been happening. Jonathan married Claire in 2018 and they now have a little boy, Matthew. Alice married Chris last year and Robert is engaged to Suzie. Martin and I are now happily retired, spending a fair amount of time in France. Had a super get together about a year ago with Louise Hallam and Sally Jee. Would welcome any old Qs who happen to be in the area and would love to know everyone's news.

Louise Dresher (Mrs Flanagan)

Children grown up. Me time at last! Lots of travel, moving to a new house just outside Oxford with everything to do. Still taking photos. Keeping up with Corinne de Aranda (Bates) and Karen Roe.

Jo Foreman (Mrs Kelly)

My darling Dad died in 2021, it was a mammoth task clearing his house and the flat. Sam and Ellen get married in 2024, they and puppy, Hamish, live in Walthamstow. Harry and Penny are still in Rugby with greyhound Rieko.

Sally Jee

Last 2ish years had big birthdays, lost Dad, help Mum with Parkinson’s, so now not working, my golf has been my best ever! Enjoy golf with Rosemary (Icke), OQ golf meetings, last year met with Louise (Hallam), Sarah (Dearle), fab.

Amanda Latham (Mrs Bringans)

Stunned to receive OBE in 2022 for services to charity, including Macmillan, British Heart and Battersea. Now Exec/Life Coaching on resilience, values and purpose at amandabringans.com. Love living by the Thames in Strawberry Hill and happy with partner Michael.

Allyson Mee

A busy year with family and friends. Recently returned to work as an HR Advisor - what a shock to the system! Very nice to have spent time with Julie Stanley (Austin) and shared a meal with Bar Langley-Poole (Pringle).

Ali Mills

I was a full time carer for my mum until April '20 when she sadly passed away aged 93. I have been adjusting to life since with my rescue greyhound. I volunteer to cook for about 40 OAPs in the village every month and have many hobbies.

Sarah Poole (Mrs Beech-Poole)

Fab career in IT involving WW travel! Married Paul Phillips in 1986, widowed in 2021 due to cancer, remarried in 2023 to Mike. 2 lovely step-children and step-grandchildren. Busy with 2 dogs and 2 cats living in South Wales.

Suki Riblat

Living by the sea. Taken up lawn bowls & short mat…love both. Just about In touch with Emma G, Polls, Gillie, Puny Mac. On a couple of Boards…yuk, but good for the soul (?!?). Walk most days with Winnie, what’s that? …..my dog.

Judith Wood (Mrs Orpen)

A lovely, busy year starting volunteering at Smart Works in Reading, helping husband celebrate his 60th birthday and planning Sarah's wedding next May. Still busy with singing and now the Benefice Organist in West Berkshire!

1979 LEAVERS, SECTION 47

Julie Austin (Mrs Stanley)

Following the sudden and tragic death of Geoff, my lovely husband of 40 years, we celebrated Becca's wedding to Ash in July, a wonderful day of heightened emotions, and then celebrated Phil's engagement to Rosie whilst on holiday in Spain with Bar.

Karen Calver (Mrs Bridgwater)

I am a retired, empty nester, so I am enjoying lots of travel with Howard (my husband), Bhutan, Rajasthan, Costa Rica and California in the last year. Otherwise with plenty of time available, I have taken to making marmalade and jam and enjoying cooking with the produce of our vegetable garden.

Elizabeth Lee (Mrs Brinch)

Enjoying life in Denmark, busy in the garden, walking the neighbours dog every day for 5-7km. Going on trips, the last was a mini cruise to Oslo. I get back to the UK twice a year, working at the airport still, nothing new!

Julie Leverington

Working full time and trying to get my act together to fix all the broken things… and to submit some news at 23:58 before the midnight deadline for this! Wish I could say I am older and wiser now but sadly still rubbish at time management!

Lydia Lim

Greg retired during the pandemic and we are busy with social engagements and travels once again. Enjoyed meeting up with many OQs in London and meeting some I never knew! Ben now graduated, working and living at home.

Tina Mason (Mrs Hobbs)

Retirement travel with Mike - Devon, Jersey; NZ; Lakes; Andalucia. In between - reading to school children and conservation volunteering on the South Downs. Stood down as parish treasurer. New wildlife pond in the garden. Daughters working in Manchester and London. I've seen Dido Arthur, Nicky Rigg, Jo Foreman, Mandy Haddon, Caro Kidd this year.

Barbara Pringle (Mrs Langley-Poole)

All is well with the Langley-Poole household. I retired last year and haven't looked back. Still caring for my 91 year old mother in the afternoons. I have two granddogs and a grandchild due in December. Can't wait!

Vanessa Robinson

Simon and I are still living in West London. I've been Company Secretary for a Property Developer for the past eight years. Switched to part-time just before hitting 60 and happily adjusting to being a lady of leisureish. Life is good.

Kerry Shadbolt (Mrs Thibert)

Fantastic 60th with Tracy, Vanessa, Vicky in Iceland gazing at the Northern Lights, hiking on a glacier and bathing in a geothermal spa. Brilliant to catch up with Woo, Streete and see OQs at Karin's, first time in over 40 years - hilarious!

Tracy Walker (Mrs Hodgkin)

Married to Andrew for 31 yrs, living close to Sevenoaks. My daughter got married this year at our self-build home. Magical. My son lives close by. Dogs, horses and children keep me busy. Still going away with my Q mates whom I love. Tx

1980 LEAVERS, SECTION 48/48A

Tracey Benzecry (Mrs Hanna)

Still living in Lingfield although thinking of moving locally. Boys 28, 26, 23 all living and working in London. I’m working in the Foodbank and in an Estate Agents one day a week. Have taken up golf!

Caroline Bird (Mrs Clay)

As I write, I am preparing for my middle daughter’s wedding in two weeks’ time at home in Kent. Now a Granny to Freddie, 20 months, travelling to New York for husband’s work a lot and keeping in touch with Katie Benzecry, Amanda Cole.

Jackie House (Mrs Finch)

Completely retired now and wondering how I managed to fit in even part time work. Nicola in her second year of London teaching, much more accessible than Exeter. Andrew is a final year music student in Guildford then perhaps a job?!

Amanda Martin (Mrs Dunbar)

We moved to Bramhall, Stockport as our nest emptied. Both sons live nearby. Acquired another Cocker Spaniel, Reggie - new home, new baby! Continuing in private practice as a Counsellor in Wilmslow. Enjoy tennis, walking, and yoga.

Victoria Mitchell

Happily married to Richard – for 40+ years now! I have had a long, fun career, from Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Aids campaign, launching London’s first video-on-demand service, setting up Switch Sticks (sold to a Healthcare company). Now growing an agroforest in South Africa and helping with a UK Vineyard.

Rosalyn Rahme (Mrs Ferbrache)

Married, living in Guernsey and accompanying my mother on her expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctic, circumnavigating far away lands! Mum loves ice flows and zodiacs in her 80’s! Children working. Boating with husband when his work allows.

Tricia Wrinch

Life continues to be full and good. One sad note was Mum's passing at nearly 99 - a wonderful life. Busy with holidays, golf, charities and a little local choir, as well as Queenswood & OQA. Next project - building a house in Suffolk!

1981 LEAVERS, SECTION 49/49A

Nancy Beasley (Mrs Charley)

I'm still working as the Archivist at the Royal Asiatic Society, currently involved in preparing an exhibition for the Society's bicentenary. Also, I continue to write poetry and other forms, with a new collection, Grace Notes, published this year.

Penny Bland (Mrs Lumley)

This year we sold our family home of over 30 years (that was hard!) and moved into a new build. Travelled a lot supporting John in his Real Tennis World Championship challenge in the USA. Touring around Western Australia in a campervan in Jan 24.

Angela Hassall (Mrs Knock)

Still living in Sheffield. Boys all flown the nest. Work as Theatre Sister in Leeds. Not sure when I will retire!!! Can't believe we are celebrating our 60ths! Often wonder how fellow OQs from LT are doing now.

Rosemary Icke (Mrs Lockwood)

I play a lot of golf and have just become Lady Captain at Wollaton Park in Nottinghamshire. I also organise the OQ golfing society, we meet once a year at a golf club near the school. If you play and would like to join us please get in touch.

Martine Kay-Butler (Mrs KayJenkins)

A busy year of weddings which involved travelling around the world, William got engaged in Jersey so back to Australia for that. Hamish lives not far from me in Kent. Enjoying life here with dogs, horses and in Jersey.

Lucinda Lee (Mrs Case)

Still happily living in Oxfordshire and working in London as MD of the Thomson Reuters European Legal business. Had a wonderful reunion in Hammersmith with many from our year to celebrate turning 60. Huge fun and the past 42 years just melted away!

Vicky Meier (Mrs Martin)

7 years ago we moved to Greece and after a couple of years, we started a School for Scuba Diving in the village of Epidavros in the Peleponese. Last year we were on Channel 4 on A New Life in the Sun! Old Q's come say hello if you are in our area!

Clare Norman (Mrs Venner)

Married to Richard Venner and living in rural Shropshire, close to Ludlow. Children -Hannah (23) just started her first job in London (graduate chartered surveyor), Johnnie (20) studying Geography at Durham. I am a talking therapist in private practice (clarevennercounselling.co.uk). Still in touch with Sarah Bingley, Hilary Cottam and Catherine Burke, we try to meet up once a year.

Sarah Streete (Sarah Cray MBE TD)

Still busy working in Londonsupported COVID, all the ceremonial events and Industrial Action. Enjoyed two cricket tours - Nepal (MCC) and Barbados (Army) and orienteering at the European Masters in Finland. Family holidays in Cornwall, Sardinia…

1982 LEAVERS, SECTION 50

Bridget Boenisch (Mrs Bradford)

We are still living in West Sussex. Eldest son (28) living in Leicestershire, married this year and youngest son (26) with 3 children living close by so lots of grandparent duties. 30th Wedding Anniversary next year!

Laura Buchanan (Mrs Mayes)

I live in Wiltshire with husband James and have two grown up sons. After a career in advertising, I was elected as a Wiltshire Councillor, and am now Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services.

Christina Cham (Mrs Quan)

Enjoying life in Sydney, Australia since leaving Q 40 years ago! My lovely daughter Alysandra (27) went to a girls' school 'Queenwood' in Mosman, Sydney. We plan to visit Hatfield soon, so I can show her Queenswood! I have such fond memories of the grounds.

Phillipa McWatters (Phillippa Ford MBE)

Retired from working for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in 2019, just before covid. Loving it! Still involved with the CSP - chair of the retirement association and retired member on CSP Welsh Board. Swimming, Gardening, Walking and sailing keep me busy.

Caroline Payne (Mrs Cadman)

Still really enjoying golf, slowly getting my handicap down! Katie married Harry on a lovely sunny day in April. Spending a lot of time with mum who has sadly been diagnosed with Dementia.

Gabrielle (Gaby) Proctor (Mrs Jeffs)

We are about to move into our house in Lincolnshire, lovely to finally have space to grow! Lexi graduated with a first in graphic design and Bette is studying painting at Camberwell. Still running Magneto Films, our video production company.

Kate Walker (Mrs Riley)

Currently living near Bakewell. Boys are 29 and 26 and flown the nest. Have annual get together with Claudia Lambert, Helen Turner and Ginnie Scarles. Talk and laugh for a solid 24 hour sleepover!!

1983 LEAVERS, SECTION 51

Charlotte (Charlie) Ansell (Mrs Reynolds)

Still working in Interior Design & running, mainly 10ks now but managed the London Marathon for the first time aged 56. Both boys now working in London, Kit an artist so living in the proverbial garret. Andrew is still working and we're still in Bucks!

Jo Buckle (Mrs Thomson)

I have now been living in Canada (Vancouver) for 23 years, have been married for 23 years, my husband Ian is Canadian as are our two daughters Mary age 21 and Charlotte, age 20. I try to visit the UK at least once a year to see family and friends.

Francesca Eady

Left London last year after 37 years & now fully retired(ish!). Embracing & enjoying country life in Suffolk. Patron of the Theatre Royal BSE.

Helen Edmondson

Still busy working in finance, living in Hackney (East London) and returning to travelling. Sister Clare works in a law firm and her two children are growing up fast.

Diana Gordon (Mrs Harman)

I've had a lovely summer not working as the design agency I've been with for years shut down (new job starting soon). Jim finished his degree this year (Film Making) and Maddy has been working as an illustrator. They are both back home with Pete and me!

Lucy Graham (Mrs Walsh Waring)

Senior Advisor in governance for RSAcademics Limited, a Warden of The Mercers' Company, and a governor at Peter Symonds College. Still living in Wiltshire and married to George. Meet with OQs Penny Gibson, Caroline Feast and Jane Webb twice a year.

Lucy Gumpert (Mrs Fawkner)

We are greatly enjoying being close to the coast and boating on the Norfolk Broads. All four children have now finished uni and are happily ensconced in their chosen professions. I am still teaching but probably not for much longer.

Emma Hocking (Mrs Gosling)

Still enjoying living in West Sussex. Tom is still working on his Mauritius projects, Harry is down on Dartmoor working for Savills and George is in London working as a bloodstock insurance broker. Can't believe it is 40 years since we left Q!

Kitty Oakshott

Really busy running my interiors company, Upstairs Downstairs in Sherborne, Dorset. Recently got back from a lovely holiday seeing daughter Daisy in L.A - Fred and Tom thankfully live in the UK! My mum, also an OQ, is now living in Sherborne.

Caroline Olley (Mrs Feast)

Life is always busy but rewarding on many levels. I have lived in Ashwell for nearly 19 years and am involved in many aspects of the village including being responsible for the running of the church flowers. I also have a parttime nannying job.

Penny McConnell (Mrs Gibson)

Duncan and I have just celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary, we still live on the Kent/Surrey border and still have a flock of Rare Breed Portland sheep. Our 3 children are all working doing different things but we see them regularly.

Mary Reid (Mrs Corden)

Living happily in Wiltshire with my Partner, Justin and 2 cats. Working as a Practice Manager at a GP Surgery. Very proud Mum of Jamie (23trainee accountant) and India (22 - environmental science graduate) Escape to go Scuba Diving whenever we can.

Katie Shepherdson (Mrs Holtby)

We moved house in 2019 after 24 years. My Dad died just before the pandemic in March 2020 aged 90 but my mum is doing really well. I am working as an exam invigilator part time. Alice is 30 and is teaching in Leeds and William 27 works in London.

1984 LEAVERS, SECTION 52

Sally Dawbarn (Mrs Chambers)

After 17 years in the Sunshine Coast, North of Brisbane, I have returned to my roots in Beckenham. Living near to my parents and working locally. My three children, Dan (29), Josh (27) and Emma (25) are on their various journeys. Life is good.

Juliette Dow (Mrs Chisholm)

23 years of UN Expat life, and after a Nordic adventure in Copenhagen 2017-2022, we are now settled back in Geneva. Bron (17) in his final IB year, Wilf (19) 2nd year at Glasgow Uni.

Julia Fairey (Mrs Thomas-Everard)

Still farming on Exmoor with Guy. Children both at Uni, Eve (20) at Falmouth and Luke (19) at Manchester. I see Lucy Cattanach and Hannah Smith when possible and have seen Camilla Dyson and Emma Stamp ages ago!

Alyson Hall (Mrs Scott)

In November 2021 I got married to Julian Scott, a close friend from my 20s. In May 2023 I celebrated running my New Forest cattery and kennels for 20 years. And yes I still have too many horses!

Katie Haswell (Mrs Venn)

Still live in Normandie (9 years now!) and teach business English. No plans to return to England, despite 2 of my 3 children choosing pursuits in the UK. So I now have more time to follow my own interests - when I’m not battling my wild garden!

Philippa Kay-Butler (Mrs Kay-ButlerHughes)

I am Granny to Belle Elizabeth, 3 and Sunday Pauline, 6 months. We swapped houses with our daughter, Mary. Samuel lives in the same village so we see each other all the time. Spend time in Jersey at our inherited home there.

Bridget McWatters

I am doing database work for three local charities in Surrey. It was nice to see the Stamp family, Philippa and Charlotte at Trevor Stamp's funeral, November 2022. Enjoyed holidays in Cornwall during a heatwave 2022 and Wales in 2023.

Felicity Morgan (Mrs Parry)

Currently living in Wiveliscombe, Somerset. Working alongside my husband Martyn who is a Minister of a local Church we support the local community with various activities. Four children and eight grandchildren between us. Holidays when we can!

1985 LEAVERS, SECTION 53

Gillian (Tiki) Bray (Mrs Mayer)

We’re still in the same house in Metchosin BC that Caroline Grindey visited back in 2002! Effie turned 24 this year and Fergus 20. Craig’s looking forward to retiring soon, so hopefully that will mean walking holidays around the UK…!

Ann Gibson

After 35 years' service in the Royal Air Force, I retired in 2023. I am now making the most of retirement, having just got home from a wonderful oncein-a-lifetime tour of Canada and Alaska. Further adventures await!

Jennifer Page

I’ve been living in York for 17 years now. Time is taken up volunteering with my church and Foodbank, working part time for a catering company and looking after my garden. I also love regularly performing in amateur musical theatre.

Rachel Pendlebury (Mrs Hughes)

Still living in the Vale of Belvoir renovating our house. Started digging the foundations by hand during lockdown! Now on the home stretch. Had a lovely catch up with Katie Wright (Belling) whilst visiting Cornwall.

1986 LEAVERS, SECTION 54

Nicola Dutton (Mrs Douglas)

Living in Felsted, Essex, both children have flown the nest. Hockey, sailing, cycling, skiing, dog walking, managing ocean rowing expeditions keep me busy. Looking forward to travelling more in a campervan when we retire.

Trinka Graham (Mrs Smith)

Bakery is still going strong but hoping to retire in a couple of years & travel some more and then relocate to the Stamford area. Children are all now gainfully employed but still use the bank of mum & dad. Life’s great!

Christine Harvey (Mrs Goodacre)

Still working as business manager at a Trade Association Management company and enjoying world travel to run meetings and events. Living in Hertfordshire not far from Q.

Kate Hill (Mrs Menhinick)

Stopped working as a courtroom lawyer to do independent investigations for the NHS. Married to a Cornish farmer. All about my dogs! Still in contact with my best pal Suzi Denton.

Emma Reid (Mrs Stubbs)

Retired from General Practice and as Specialist Hospital Dr in Obesity in 2000. Narcolepsy & Cataplexy finally took their toll. Ben has also retired , we’re enjoying more sailing time in Galicia where we keep our boat .

Tanya Schafhietle (Mrs Melville)

After living in Switzerland for a few years, returned to this country to work as a family law solicitor.

Happily married with a daughter and son, who are both at university. Increasingly split my time between the UK and Switzerland.

1987 LEAVERS, SECTION 55

Zoe Doig (Mrs Batten)

Still in Pauanui, New Zealand. Missed my annual UK trip and catch up with Arielle Jelliff (Savona). Regular catchups with Jo Harvey (Wall) as our sons flat together at Uni. Qualified as a Firefighter and First Responder and now further pilot study!

Carolyn Eastwood (Mrs Hall)

I'm working as a Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist in Berkshire and looking forward to partially retiring in 2024. My daughter is in her final year at Uni, I really don't know where the time has gone.

Sophy Higgins

Single again after my second divorce. (Oops.) Still working as a school librarian, years 9-11. Kids grown up, so it's just me and my miniature wirehaired dachshund, Lexie.

Julie Ireland (Mrs Jones)

Still living near Shrewsbury with regular visits to Lincolnshire to visit Dad. Work has taken Will to Taunton and Sam to Leamington Spa. Chris and I had an amazing trip to Jordan earlier this year and plan to visit Japan next year.

Barbara Kopley (Mrs Mallace)

We’re living near Banbury & I’m working for a Dutch company. Son Alex (23) works offshore, daughter Trudie (21) is at uni in London so Duncan & I are often travelling to catch up with them. Would love to hear from Old Q’s!

Melodie Laite (Mrs Grose-Laite)

Lovely to be home after 22 years in Dubai . Settled in Bath now and working as a Maternity Nurse and Steiner homeschool teacher. Millie in final year at Exeter. www. moorwildpathways.com

Tania Liddell (Mrs Bridge)

Still playing hockey - regional Masters and club with the youth. Furney has released his first single, Gus has been to SE Asia and is now at uni, Morgan on USA footy scholarship next year and Hugh still improving the Underground after his trip to Himalayas.

Temitayo Okunoren (Mrs OkunorenMakindipe)

Doing very well and thank God for good health and peace. After 4 years of part-time Seminary Training, I’m now a volunteer Minister in the Methodist Church. All our children are in university so we’re in a new, interesting-refreshing phase of our lives.

Deborah Sellars

Still in Cheshire with my two Jack Russells, daily dog walking, plus plenty of game shooting.

Playing as much social tennis all year round, coincidently with an OQ, a few years my senior! Essentially trying to live and love life to its fullest.

Mandy Sowter (Mrs Minchello)

We’re now officially empty nesters! Kids both moved out and working in London. I’m still loving Wickes (kitchen side) doing all the TV, PR and social media. Find time for tennis and golf. Would like to see more old Qs!

1988 LEAVERS, SECTION 56

Sue Atkinson (Mrs Ellwood)

Still living happily in Warwickshire and embracing the empty nesters life! Still WFH (glad everyone has figured out how good it can be!) as a consultant in the energy industry, now trying to support the transition away from natural gas.

Catriona (Trini) Bell (Mrs Farrugia)

Living in London. Married with 3 grown-up children. Working at Sussex House School.

Sarah Clark (Mrs Barron)

After 8 years in Europe we are now back in the UK and Charlie has turned 18 & in U6! So new adventures for Jason and me on the horizon. Still working but hoping to make changes there too.

Lucy Fulton (Mrs Minford)

Enjoying life, living just outside Oxford, with the family, pony, dog and cats. We have 3 girls, Sophie (at uni), Charlotte, (gap year) & Millie (L6). Keep in touch with Mills Legerton, Liz Strange & Katherine Ramply.

Karen Hay (Mrs Lang)

Living in Chiswick (Still!) Stuart is busy working and cycling. Tim (18) now on a gap year to Oz and Emma (15) playing lots of Hockey and Ballet. Recently taken up hockey GK and walking the new addition to the family - Pringle (black Lab).

Charlotte Latimer (Mrs Ten Holter)

Still living happily in Oxfordshirealways busy with work, friends and ever longer car journeys! The 'kids' are growing up fast - Ben, 21, at Exeter Uni, & Keira, 18, doing A Levels. In touch with Hells, Katie & Lucy as well as others on Facebook!

Camilla Legerton (Mrs Butterworth)

Living near Saffron Walden, Essex. Jules at Nasdaq & I work in PR & admin. Lucy (21) & Will (19) at Newcastle, & Phoebe (17) at Uppingham. See Lucy Fulton, Katherine Ramply & Liz Strange and other OQs in East Anglia.

40 WORDS

Jenny Russell (Mrs Thomson)

Hello! I hope everyone is well! I've recently swapped from working in the NHS to a medical communications agency specialising in gene therapy. Still living near Harrogate/Leeds but now getting my head round an empty nest!

Catherine Trodd (Mrs Pickles)

Leading Restitute a CIC that supports parents and carers of people who have survived sexual abuse or violence. Older, fatter, wiser but still no grey hair. Constantly losing things but marriage still intact.

Vanessa Welsby

I’ve been 30 years now in Prague with Amelia (4) – yes I gave birth at 50 and Antonia, now 26 and studying in London. Business is ticking along and generally life is good. If in Prague get in touch.

1989 LEAVERS, SECTION 57

Claudine Apthorp (Mrs Goldingham)

Well after 21 years it finally happened, both kids in uni and we are empty nesters. Hoping to do some travelling.

I Love living in London, vice president of Hampstead Woman’s Club - which keeps me busy. Patrick plays a lot of golf, and the kids are happy.

Claire Bailey (Mrs Neame)

Live on the Suffolk coast with my husband Christopher and children, Phoebe (20), Xander (18) and Harry (15). See lots of OQs, volunteer for homestart, play tennis and golf and love a chilly swim in the sea!

Julia (Dood) Biddle (Mrs Lloyd-Hughes)

Split my time between Marlborough & Jersey. Both our boys are now at Uni and my stepchildren are all grown which leaves me more time to paint. Enjoy my monthly lunches with Tans, Philly and Arabella and seeing other OQ’s regularly.

Justine Brooks

Psychotherapist working in Leeds, Harrogate and online.

Suzie Eastwood (Mrs Mathew)

Living in Wendover Bucks. Playing lots of tennis. See Lisa Shepherd regularly. Will is 24 and James 22. Life has been challenging as Will was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2016 and then had a transplant in 2019 with me as his donor. All is well now.

Jane Hammond (Mrs Thorpe)

Still in Bermuda, married to Mark and teaching drama. Now an emptynester – Jack, Masters in Physics at Southampton, Charlie, BA Finance in Canada and Addy, just started 6th form at Q! Long-term Motorhome travel in the not too distant future!

Alexa Helps (Mrs Conder)

All well with the family including a new addition - we couldn’t resist keeping one of the puppies Twiglet recently had. Keep in touch with several OQs and enjoy cherished lifelong friendships. Challenging new job with the MOD and have kick started singing again.

Mandy Leach (Mrs Croucher)

We finally relocated back to the UK after 25 years of living in Honduras and the Cayman Islands. Now living in Surrey and the boys (all teenagers) are settling in and loving the cold British weather! It’s great to be back with old Q friends!

Sam Pearl (Mrs Tolhurst)

Married to Julian for 25 years - SO old!! Three (nearly) grown up childrenHarriet 22 now working as a surveyor having graduated in Real Estate, Charlie 18, off to Newcastle Uni next year and Amelia 17 in her final year at Hurtwood! Apatchy.co.uk

Emma Ramply (Mrs Sanderson)

Living in North Yorkshire with our twins, Molly and Jack and my farmer husband Rob. Working as a freelance Event & Project Manager with a variety of jobs in film, sport and music festivals. Caught up with Dom and Jo in Norfolk last summer.

Helen Rowlands (Mrs Strike)

Living in Dubai with husband Phil and two sons aged 13 and 11. Working at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital. Arielle Savona (Mrs Jelliff)

Living in Hove, loving being by the sea and turned into a cold water swimming bore. Recently completed a 5km swim and want to do a Channel relay. Commuting to London for work and seeing a few old faces.

We are still living in London as now the teenagers don’t want to leave! Alfie 19 on a year off, Max 17 and Poppy 15 both doing big exams. Working hard, playing hard, lots of dog walking and fun.

Alison (Lally) Usher-Smith (Mrs Knight)

Celebrated 30 years married to Charlie, Ophelia 26 is a property surveyor, Stasi 24 an investment banker and Henry 16 in Radley 6th form. Jobwise still harvesting wind, solar and crops in Wales and running our property company. Playing lots of golf.

Frances Wong

Still working at UBS in HK. My twin girls are already in their final year at their boarding school in Kent. Started picking up the saxophone during the pandemic and am also having online piano lessons with my organ teacher from Q - Geoffrey Field!

1990 LEAVERS, SECTION 58

Caroline Adams (Mrs Hughes)

Had a fun lunch with Sarah Hencher, Polly Gold, Mandy Leach & Kate Ross in September. None of us have changed! Had a laugh trying to squeeze into my old uniform for a 80's fancy dress party recently, only managed to fit into the sports sweatshirt!

Alex Belling (Mrs Horlock)

Embraced being 50. Celebrated 25 years of marriage to the wonderful Tim. Stunned that I am a mother of four 17-22 year olds. Rejoiced that school is a thing of the past for them and me. Delighted to still be partying, skiing, loving 18 Q friends.

Rachel Caldwell (Mrs Wakefield)

Having left a life of media and communications in the traditional sense, I'm now communicating rather differently as a village vicar in Hertfordshire. I’m on General Synod and navigating life with one child at Uni and one in sixth form.

Rebecca Clayton (Mrs Myles)

Freddie and Jemima have both finished university and are working full time in London. Edward is in his final year at school. We are living in Wengen Switzerland. Will works occasionally in the Middle East, and we run an alpine AirBnB.

Clare Fisher

Now officially a Kiwi! A trip to Q with my daughter who loved it was a highlight (she got bored of seeing my name on boards). Tween/early teen years are busy but fun. If you’re not having fun find out why and fix it.

Fiona Garnett

Mum of three beautiful girls under 10 and still working for TSB living near Brent Cross, London. Frequent trips to Beer, East Devon while looking after mum. Now a scout leader and school governor. All that keeps me pretty busy!

Chung Lynn Mac

Officially an empty nester with 3 kids at Uni. Met Katrina Z dropping our kids to Manchester. Caught up with Nicola N, Mitra, Clare W, Rebecca C, Julia L & Amanda Hudson last year. Chat to Sophia lots! Still doing Nando’s but more yoga now.

Clare Mercer (Mrs Chambers)

Living in Bedfordshire, and celebrating 20 years happily married to Paul. Working in IT as a Chief Digital Officer jointly for a Police Force and a Fire Service. Loving life!

Madeleine Nicholls

Moved back to Vancouver 2 yrs ago after many years in Toronto. Loving west coast explorations & being closer to family. Enjoying life with Leigh who was able to move his business out here, and our puppy Blaze. Exciting year with job changes.

Polly Noah (Mrs Gold)

Loving being a carer for Julia Stewart’s dog, Vesper. Valuing many of my OQ friendships and grateful they have lasted so long. Enjoying a quiet London life whilst I seek my next career move. It’s simple but great. Ceramics are still a passion.

Andrea Peacock (Mrs Wareham)

I left my role as Chief People Officer at Pret A Manger after 23 fantastic years. Now enjoying Non Executive and Advisory roles, travel and ‘down time’. Evie (18) at uni and Thomas (15) at Charterhouse school. Sending big hello to all xx

Zilpha Scull (Mrs Tinayre-Blom)

Loving life in the south of France with daughter Margot. Sending love to all old Qs.

Katie Streten (Mrs McLaughlin)

After 4 years in Detroit and 2.5 years working for VMLYR in Dubai from the UK I’ve been leading strategy at WRG in London for 1.5 years. Two daughters (13 and 8) plus husband and schnauzer pup keep me busy!

Helen Thompson (Mrs Barbour)

Loving life in vibrant Bristol after 2 years in Bangkok and 2 in Dubai, teaching in international schools. Kids now doing A levels and preparing for Uni. Deputy head for my sins. In daily contact with Q friends. Lucky me!

1991 LEAVERS, SECTION 59

Tiffany Choong

I am currently based in Malaysia and I am an Artist/Illustrator for the last decade or so.

Rona Davies (Mrs Postle)

Still living near Brighton, just about still a GP, can’t believe we’re in our 6th decade but it’s been a great excuse catching up and celebrating with so many from school. When’s the next reunion? Sending love to all.

Melodie Evans (Mrs Smyth)

Hello! I live with my husband David and two boys Nick (20) and Alex (16), not forgetting Bentley, our cocker spaniel, in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. I love my tennis and play for the ladies Stansted team while also making bespoke celebration cakes.

Claire Ewart-James (Mrs Pemrick)

Reached the empty nest stage, and looking at new horizons in my 50s! Enjoyed reconnecting with my OG/BFF (Harriet). Started acting and started doing my doctorate! Great to be back at uni! Next a campervan and travels and maybe a tattoo?

Selina Halsey (Mrs Overy)

Still working in Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and have embarked on an MSc in Pelvic Health. Big family paella party in the summer to celebrate becoming 50! Lovely to have seen Annabel, Ethel, Rona and Suzie this last year as well

Victoria House (Mrs Hallam)

Still living and working in Hertford with my two teenage girls, 3 cats & a chicken. Seeing the lovely Tiffany a lot. Earlier this year met up with Angeli, Ethel, Janice, Chandima, Malini, Tiffany & Soma for lunch. No one has changed - just lovely.

Evonne Inn

We made a big move with my husband Chris and 2 kids, Lucas (6) and Maddie (3) to New York City from Hong Kong after living there for over 27 years (for me) this August 2023. Please ping me if you are coming this way!

Angeli Mulchand (Mrs Hemnani)

Happy to be back in the City doing fixed income research! Life is super busy though with the kids (now 16 and 14!!) and Ravi still commuting from Lagos! Still love seeing the Q girls in London - let’s all reconnect soon!

Ethel Nsubuga (Mrs Nsubuga-Alaka)

The past year and a half has found me continuing to work and live in London. My work as a property management surveyor is based at Savills. Happily, there have been a number of mini Q reunions both last year and this year as many of my year turn 50!

Lucy Sample (Mrs Alton)

Had my second hip replacement in January '23 so I am now a bionic woman and can walk again. I’m enjoying a new lease of life. My youngest child started year 7 this September and the eldest is in year 8.

Pippa Scott (Mrs Rymer)

My trio of boys are all thriving with the eldest at ArtsEd drama school. Others in year 13 & 10. Still working at Sophie Allport & husband is based in Oman at the moment so a few trips out there to see him. Great to bump into Jokey at Latitude!

Amanda Smalley (Mrs Servan)

Living in Devon and following open heart surgery 2 yrs ago and losing Dad 3yrs ago, getting fit again and doing my bucket list with my kids! Sports massage & PT still and Devon Concierge Club too now so busy but happy.

Ginny Usher-Smith

In the final year of a Masters Degree training to be a Psychodynamic Counsellor, 4 clients a week in private practice as a trainee, very rewarding, loving the change of focus. Living near Bishops Stortford with Neil, Freddie (9) Hugo (7). Great 30yr reunion!

Annabel Weston (Mrs Glasspool)

Celebrated my 50th with a lovely sunny day in the garden with family and friends including Suzie, Selina, Ethel and Rona. Alex is now at uni and is coxing for the boat club. Oliver in last school year, enjoying playing rugby.

Joyce Winning (Mrs Duffin)

So I'm still in lovely Cornwall after 23 years. We had the double-whammy year of A levels and GCSEs. My son, Kale is studying Chemistry in Bath and Amelie is starting A levels.

I'm working as Service manager at food banks in Camborne & Redruth.

Harriet Young

I have been happily living in Bristol for the last 8 years with my husband Steve and 13 year old daughter, Daisy. I qualified as a counsellor earlier this year and have just started up a private practice - really enjoying it.

1992 LEAVERS, SECTION 60

Zoe Allison (Mrs Leaver)

Enjoying life in the UK despite a tough 4 months for us as a family having lost my mother in law in March and my mother in June. Spending precious time with my father as often as possible. Love to see any old Qs near RG27.

Nicola Atkinson (Mrs Evered)

Living in Twickenham with husband Alex, Lottie (17 - regional level rower), Bella (15 - National level swimmer) & Bertie, a gorgeous cocker spaniel! Working as Sixth Form Manager at Waldegrave School.

Inga Battye (Mrs Gregory)

18 years living in Reading. 2 years working in an Independent School (feels a bit like coming full circle). Loving being Head of HR. Teens 14 and 17 - every phase is enjoyable, but definitely still learning the art of parenting!

Anna Davies (Mrs Chapman)

Still happily living in south east London with my husband and two boys (11 and 13) and back working in marketing full time. Was glad to make the 30-year reunion - can't believe the big birthdays that we're all hitting this year!

Julia Davis

I live in Cornwall with my 2 teenage (!) kids and work in the Emergency Department down here. Am getting far too used to treating patients in queuing ambulances... Keeping sane with sea swims (dips really) and hanging out with lovely local friends.

Katie England (Mrs Fowkes)

Hattie has followed in my footsteps: Durham Uni reading history! Week 1 she bumped into Pippa's son William; small world...Oliver started GCSEs and is busy with performing. Chris and I are still in Wimbledon; I'm still at MOJ. 50 this month - blimey!

Emily Howard (Mrs Rowbotham)

Living in Buckinghamshire with Dom, Grace (18) and Fred (16) - summer is going to be a busy one as double hit of exams loom! Working at St Edward's, Oxford organising events and comms for parents and alumni.

Chioma Okereke

My new novel WATER BABY is outApril 2024. Set in Makoko, the floating informal settlement in Lagos, Nigeria aka the 'Venice of Africa', I'm also fundraising for this incredible community. Visit www.makokopearls. org to learn more about the project.

Juliet Simmonds (Mrs George)

James & I are still living in Sydney, raising our 3 little Aussies (Tess, Alex & Lara). I'm enjoying an unexpected career change providing music as therapy in aged care and community services. I was very sorry to miss the reunion last year!

Nikki Sitwell (Mrs Slowey)

We've moved back down to Hampshire and I'm a Bursar in a busy boarding prep school. My boys are now 10 and 8, so I spend most of my free time driving them to various sports and drama activities!

Sophie Usher-Smith (Mrs Kay)

Living in Kent - enjoying being a mum of 2 and working full time as a clinical lead Occupational Therapist.

Catherine Wale (Mrs Grinham)

It was really wonderful to catch up with everyone that could make it to the 30 year reunion in London last summer. A really fun & special night. Enjoying life in Sydney with our 4 children.

Bethia Woolf

Still living in Columbus, Ohio and running Columbus Food Adventures (a food tour company) with my husband Andy. Zoe is in 4th grade and has started the clarinet (much more musical than I ever was!). I enjoy swimming, cooking and reading.

1993 LEAVERS, SECTION 61

Clare Bower

Enjoying the changing seasons and living life on the edge - of London. Despite a hankering for the countryside, I adore cycling from a to b with numerous temptations for refuelling and beautiful parks en route. Family governs life. Miss OQ buddies.

Lucie Bragg (Mrs Thomson)

Our daughter Isabelle has nearly completed her first year at boarding school and couldn't be happier. It is very quiet at home for mum and dad, but time is filled with working full time and swimming and biking competitions (New Zealand)

Sophie Burden (Mrs Ferguson)

We moved house in February, still in Suffolk - a project! Still working at a secondary school in term-time which works well juggling home/work life. It was great to see so many faces at the 30 year reunion in May.

Mariske Davis (Mrs Hindley)

After a lovely summer, the last of my three boys have left the nest for boarding school. A very quiet house but lots of projects on the go. House renovation here and in France to keep me busy & looking to get a new puppy to keep Ripley entertained.

Fiona Gilmour (Mrs Morison)

Living in rural Stirlingshire with 2 kids, Charlotte (4) and Hector (1), hens and beehives. A qualified business coach and work as an HRBP for a Scottish charity called ‘Right There’ supporting the homeless. Canoe and wild swim when I can.

Suzy Hart

I’m living in South London with my husband and 11 year old daughter who has just started secondary school. I work for Marsh, organising events. Sorry to miss the recent 30 year reunion but have recently caught up with Vicky Scott and Joss Ho.

Lily Howard-Houston

Mother to 20 year old twins boy and girl. Both at Uni and thriving. Teaching English at a mixed comprehensive school in my beloved Jersey. Loving life and living it to the fullest!

Joanne Koh (Mrs Koh-Pereira)

Living in Singapore with hubby and two teenagers. Still working in corporate communications. Thrilled that the pandemic is behind us and eagerly anticipating my year-end UK trip where I’ll be visiting Queenswood and catching Liverpool FC in action!

Holly Maguire

Had a wonderful time at our 30 year reunion and saw the new sports centre, the incredible sixth form centre (beats the Palaestra and Pizza Hut!). Still CEO, still living in Hertford (showed Suz and Soph the sights!), Ivy now 6.

Sarah Marshall (Mrs Marshall-Ellison)

We’ve been living in north Cumbria for four years and I’m working part time as a Bishop’s PA. Doing lots of singing, ballet and recorder playing too which I’m enjoying. It was great to be at the Q Reunion in the summer!

Jo Neale (Mrs Clare)

I’m Deputy Director/COO at Restore Hope, a Christian charity supporting 200 families with tough life circumstances - rewarding and busy! Living in Amersham, family life bustles along with boys taking A Levels and in Year 5. Sorry to miss the reunion.

Anna Nsubuga

Enjoying being back in Paris. A bumper World Heritage Committee in Riyadh kept me busy at the start of my posting, but I’m pleased I now have time to catch up with friends and to rediscover my ‘bons adresses’.

Clary Nicholson (Mrs Greenhalgh)

Nearly an empty nester! Liv is about to start Uni, she got a place to read English Literature at Cambridge (Downing College) so one down one to go! 30 year reunion was amazing, loved seeing you all x

Jayne Pooley (Mrs Hurrell)

Enjoying country life in Norfolk with husband Richard and our four cats. Wild swimming addict. Still working in pharma but the retirement countdown is officially on for 2025! Fantastic trips to Japan and South Africa this year.

1994 LEAVERS, SECTION 62

Lily Axford (Mrs Bailey)

Made the decision to break from my long standing job. Am now a year into an interim role (still in the food industry) and loving it. Family is flourishing and life is good!

Charlotte Baines (Mrs Holden)

I live in Sunningdale with husband Ray and boys Miles and Theo. Have been working for Rays' architectural practice for many years, am a qualified hypnotherapist and next year will also complete my counselling qualification.

Lydia Chua (Mrs Chen)

I am coming up to my 14th year living and working in Melbourne, Australia after migrating from Malaysia. Best decision we made, hubby is doing well and my son is going off to university next year! My small speech pathology business is ongoing.

Stephanie Davies

Jazz musician. Living in Surrey with husband, son and eccentric French bulldog.

Alison Gilmour (Mrs Lee)

Life and work go well in Edinburgh. Alex and I celebrated 20 years in May, and Hermione now a teenager and inspired by tennis, singing and army cadets; a whirlwind of fun. Enjoyed summer travels in Malaysia and Singapore.

Kirsty McDonald (Mrs Walker)

Still in London. 3 girls growing up fast, oldest loving Q, year 12 & head of Clapham North. I'm enjoying travelling around the country chairing independent panels where parents appeal their child's permanent exclusion from school, really interesting.

Jaime Norris (Mrs Kenyon)

In September of this year, I finally repatriated to Canada, bringing with me my husband and 3 furbabies. We have settled in the Northern Ontario area and are so far loving our new life here!

Rachel Orme (Mrs Halsey)

Tim and I are enjoying village life in the Peak District, still a physio. Signs of ageing are being the smallest in my family as Katie (13) overtakes me, Emily finishing school, Ben driving and Gardening club is a monthly highlight!

Cherry Roberts

Still working as a civil servant in central London - managed to squeeze in trips to Dorset and Sicily (two very different places!) as well as persuading some Q girls to come and enjoy Bath.

Harriet Sayer (Mrs Johnson)

Having moved back to Hertfordshire 3 years ago, we are settled into countryside life, local schools, making new friends and revisiting old ones. Have met more old Qs since moving which has been lovely. The great OQ network!

Annie Thompson (Mrs Wells)

Life is good. Living in Suffolk with husband, George, and 3 teenage children. Working part time for a law firm, which is a great new challenge. Had an amazing weekend with 10 Queenswood girls this October for our annual get together.

Sarah Waldron (Mrs Fisher)

I live in Edinburgh with my husband & children, aged 12 & 16. After many years of running restaurants, I took the plunge in lockdown to change my career to something more family friendly & now work with preschool children and I absolutely love it!

1995 LEAVERS, SECTION 63/63A

Katie Collins (Mrs Worrall)

I am farming on the Herts / Essex borders and enjoying life with Mark and the kids. Millie 13 - loves riding and Jake 10 - loves football. Doing the crazy work / kids juggle. Would love to see more of Q friends x

Angela Davis (Mrs Spaid)

After over a decade of running humanitarian aid programmes in Africa, I’ve settled with my husband & two boys in Oregon, US. I’m loving the outdoor lifestyle here and the slower pace of part-time work with a local children’s charity.

Sarah Dudgeon

Big hi to everyone! I’m enjoying running, cycling and SUP with my husband Max, when not battling some injuries. The rest of the time I’m running ArtOfYourSuccess.com where I create fun & useful products for runners & cyclists.

Tanwa Edu (Mrs Boggan)

Family are well and grateful to have celebrated mum’s 80th. More celebrations to come we pray in 2024. Work has shifted from fashion/beauty to tech. Thrilled to still be in touch with OQs.

Sarah Heygate (Mrs Kreckler)

Very happy and settled in Cambridge for 8 years now. Kids getting older, not long until we will have two teenagers in the house along with the inevitable lockdown puppy - wish us luck!

Jules Ho (Mrs Ho O’Murchu)

Still in LA near the beach with Liam, Séamus (9), Liam (8) and Aisling (5). Working in talent & leadership development and philanthropy advisory. Joined the board of a nonprofit called AllItTakes.org. Hoping to see more of ‘95ers soon.

Laura Hutchings (Mrs Stockwell)

Recently stretched the old Q brain cells studying Business Sustainability Management at Cambridge. Running a Strategic Communications agency. Katinka (9) and Sebastian (6) keeping us busy. Enjoying Q reunions especially the ones sunbathing in Dubai!

Catherine Jolliffe

Happily living in Bristol with Jamie and children, Ziggy (17), Eloise (15) and Violet (13). I changed careers in 2021 and I am now a detective working in CID. Also pursuing an accidental career in modelling which is a welcome break from solving crime!

Jasmine Kwan (Mrs Calvert-Ansari)

Finally left Putney after 23 years for country life. Our polo pony stud farm is in its seventh year, 100 horses and counting. Enoki is 13, Koji is 7, both love horses and running, a real mix of me and Lex!

40 WORDS

Alison Lai

After 17 years of being a stay-homemum and trailing spouse, I went back to school and got myself a Masters in Counselling. Now I'm into the third year of my new career as a counsellor in an International school.

Sally McCormack (Mrs Porter)

Still in Surrey with husband, two (secondary school!) boys, 2 dogs and the cat. Time whizzing by and just been reminded it’s nearly 30 years since we left-what!?! Love to all xx

Jenny Moy (Mrs Turpin)

Living in Rutland with two kids (Wilf 10 and Tilly 8). Hubby in the Military but glad to have settled recently into our own home to give the kids some stability. Juggling various bits of freelance work to fit around the many demands of being a Mum!

Briony Painter (Mrs Kyle)

Enjoying life & friends in the Surrey Hills. Freya, Oliver and Daisy are growing up, I would love to press pause! A frazzled Mum, but loving the madness and joys of parenthood. Have returned to singing, my happy place!

Suzie Ramply (Mrs Finch)

Still living in Norfolk! Amalie (16) and Perdie (14) are keeping us busy with their sporting and social lives, which is great fun! Will is working hard at N&N hospital so I’m keeping the show on the road at home in between some volunteering jobs!

Frances Ryan (Mrs Verney)

Still living in Belgium. Kids are now 14, 12 and 8. Contemplating a career change so have been doing various landscape design and permaculture courses as well as volunteer work in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Rebecca Stonehill (Mrs Narracott)

I am living in Norwich with my husband and three teenage kids. I am teaching creative writing to young people and my agent is looking for a publisher for my fifth book whilst I work on my next work of fiction.

Emma Tuckley

Nothing much has changed in 4 years and that’s how I like it! Teddy is 8 and the best human ever (followed closely by Eric!). Falmouth, Cornwall is still a wonderful place to live! Holiday lets are keeping us busy (discount for OQs!).

Emily Tuke

Having sold our house in Bath last year we went travelling as a family of 5 in January for 6 months; Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Dubai and Italy! The best 6 months of our lives! Now back in Bath in the normal humdrum of life!

Caroline van den Bergh (Mrs Mitchell Innes)

Still vdb at heart but more recently known as a mum of two beautiful little girls, married to Ed living in West Norwood, SE London. I co-founded a business helping startups find product market fit which I love. Loved recent OQ meet up.

1996 LEAVERS, SECTION 64

Lindsay Allen (Mrs Smith)

I’m still a school office manager, and started playing hockey again. Abigail started secondary school and is enjoying hockey, netball and judo. Emma is in 6th form, and loves hockey and working at Waitrose. Sean is still in the sports car world!

Nikki Bugden (Mrs Einarsson)

Still living and working in London. Family up to 5 now - Magnus + 3 kids (13, 11 and 8). Always on the go but love hearing what others are up to. Hope everyone is well.

Suzie Eastaway (Mrs Stanier)

Having spent the last 5 years in Europe and the Middle East, we have briefly returned to the U.K. before our next overseas stint. I set up as an Online Business Manager helping business owners introduce systems and organisation into their businesses.

Caroline Holdron

Living in suburban Auckland. Working as a Vet Nurse. Sole-parenting a teenager is an adventure everyday. Have been dealing with health challenges for two years. Visited Queensland to see family this year. Enjoyed having my Dad to stay over the summer.

Ferelith Levers (Mrs Moltke)

Living in Antwerp, Belgium with my husband Nicholas and two children. Working on Beabond redefining luxury to support communities, climate and wildlife. This year we were nominated for most sustainable jewellery brand of the year!

Annie Luckin (Mrs Bryce)

I’m loving life in Brisbane. Day to day, I’m the CEO of an early childhood education and care business. In family life, we spend a lot of time on the Sunshine Coast - sailing, hiking, cycling and enjoying the outdoors. Happy memories of Q!

Emily Pearl (Mrs Bray)

Second book ‘As They Like It’ was published this year under my pen name Emma Perle. My son Hugo in ‘junior year’ at New York University and daughter Flora loving U5 at Uppingham. Really enjoy my tennis once a week with Antonia Bullivant (Deakin).

Corinne Sparkes (Mrs Gaye)

Busy, as ever! Both kids are super musical, so life is spent ferrying them to various groups/choirs/orchestras. Still a speech therapist in an NHS hospital, but about to become a university lecturer! Terrifying, but exciting in equal measure.

Jules Summers (Mrs Orford)

Still living in Brookmans Park, with 2 kids and a dog. Work busier than ever after taking on a side hustle during Covid. Travel business has really picked up and ‘23 has seen some amazing work trips. Can’t wait to see where ‘24 takes me.

Polina Volkova

Recently separated from my husband of 10 years and braving the single mother world after being a stay at home mum with 2 boys, which is a shock to the system to put it mildly. If there are any survivors do get in touch and tell me how it’s done.

Sophie Wilson (Mrs Matthews)

Happy and healthy and juggling / muddling family, friends and work! Living in Ealing, running my own West End focused commercial property advisory / asset management business. Husband, 4 kids (15,13,11&6), Pasta (cat) and Ragu (dog) are all good!

1997 LEAVERS, SECTION 65

Ayo Akinrinade (Mrs Uloroh)

A year spent between London and Cairo where my partner currently works. Luckily I’ve been working remotely with an asset management company for 2 years so I have great flexibility. Juggling act continues with the kids who are 13, 10, 7 and 7 years!

Davinia Ankerson (Mrs Swanston)

Living my wild, tea-infused, middleaged life in the Midlands with my 2 boys (Noah 9 & Leo 7). Marketing in the third sector = not making my millions anytime soon but I have a smile on my face! Still throw myself around a netball court once a week.

Alexis (Alex) Bell (Mrs Ingall)

Working as a managing safety consultant for film & TV, specialising in stunts, SFX & weaponry. My husband James & I are relocating from Twickenham to Bromley for his new role as a senior consultant. No kids, just us, but lots of fabulous godchildren!

Rosie Bruno (Mrs Povey)

Currently into Gibraltar’s Netball scene!!! Coaching, playing, umpiring and preparing for the world youth cup 2025! My son is 12 and will hopefully be joining me as an umpire early next year! My dogs are wonderful too!

Penny Frost

Now happily married with 2 children, a little boy and a girl. Living in Essex back on the family farm. Keeping busy managing the farm, volunteering at children’s school and a bit of upcycling on the side.

Claire Hodder

In short, juggling! Living and having lots of fun in Cambridgeshire countryside with my two amazing children George & Lily, my wonderful fiancé Al and our gorgeous puppy Maple. Still a full time Chartered Surveyor, working at Heineken x

Natalie Hostombe

Enjoying the flexibility of working freelance which allowed me to start songwriting again & working for Artists, sync & now releasing songs on Spotify etc. Almost finished refurbishing house in Wandsworth with Jon & expecting our first child in April.

Lyonna Lam (Mrs Furtado)

Having been living in Silicon Valley for a decade, definitely miss seeing people who put some effort into dressing well like in the UK.

Emma McCarthy (Mrs Paterson)

Back in the UK, we celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary this year with our three beautiful children (Aurelia, Hunter and Indi). Still in advertising and currently leading the Apple account as head of strategy for EMEA. Loving life x

Morag Morrison (Mrs Broom)

Currently living in Oxfordshire with husband Mike and three kidsSophie (12) and James and Kirsty (10). Studying PT course (or trying to) whilst generally being a taxi driver between school and sports clubs.

Caroline Pinney

I’ve been teaching in Auckland, New Zealand for 15 years. Graduated with a masters in educational leadership and started at a new school with sea views! Hockey and long walks with our dog, Bella, keep us busy most weekends.

Helena Smith (Mrs Gibbons)

Happily settled in Weybridge with my husband Stuart and our two children, Daniel (5) and Charlotte (3). Full time work, the children and volunteering as a British Rowing Umpire keep me out of trouble.

Louisa Stonehill

Hello! I emigrated to the USA with my husband and two sons in 2016. I am Founder, Artistic & Program Director of International Chamber Music nonprofit Ashuelot Concerts. org. Performing many concerts and bringing live music to audiences of all ages!

1998 LEAVERS, SECTION 66

Kara Baines (Mrs Landsell)

Living in Queensland with hubby Dave, Ruby (13) and Max (6). Our son Reece (21) is in the Australian Army. When I’m not taxi for the kids, I’m busy designing stadiums for Brisbane 2032. Managed to find Ruby, a school here where the uniform is purple ;)

Isabel Battye

Living in Southeast London with my two boys working as a Clinical Psychologist. Left the NHS and started my private practice last year to be around more at home. Immensely grateful for my wonderful Q friends and family.

Katie Bishop (Mrs Bishop-Prior)

Into my 5th year working at Q as Resident School Counsellor. Recently married to a lovely kiwi, Morgan, sharing the day with lovely Q friends past & present. Enjoying the fun of a nearly 2 yr old, Hugo. Pop and see us!

Sofie Bragg (Mrs Walder)

Still juggling the load as I’m sure many of you are too. Wife, Mummy, Daughter… lots going on! Happy in Haslemere, regularly pitch or poolside or at my desk as School Secretary at Highfield & Brookham. Looking forward to our Q&H get together March ‘24!

Tina Brown

Quarter of a century since leaving Queenswood! I now have a busy family life with 2 active boys - both involved in lots of sports! I left the hospitality industry after covid and now an operations manager for an IT recruitment company.

Annabel Bucher (Mrs Burt)

House renovation near Finchingfield, Essex complete, still an NHS GP and have 3 children under 10. Still see lots from our year and saw even more OQ’s at Katie Prior’s wonderful wedding this summer incl Mrs Bartholomew!

Philippa (Pip) Collins

Working as a professional singer, I founded the prestigious London Show Choir and am also a director of Enigma Music Services. I have two sons and live in Herts with my partner Matt and our black working labrador Benji.

Claire Corbitt (Mrs Arkwright)

We’ve now been in Vancouver for 5 years. Still a paramedic & loving it as much as the day I started. Kids are growing up fast. Chloe is 16 and learning to drive and Joshua is now 14. If anyone is visiting this side of the world - come and say Hi.

Fizzy Edwards (Mrs Egan)

Enjoying life living in at Framlingham College Prep School where John is Headmaster. Tabitha, Crawford and Digby loving school, the 2 cats & dog also thoroughly enjoy being part of boarding school life. Completed my 23rd London Marathon in April.

Sophie Goldhill

Finally finished our eco new build house by the sea, trying to be on my road bike as much as possible. Kids, husband, and dog are all well, and work is very busy. Would love to get an EU passport!

Anna Mawson

Moved back to my home town with my partner and our two girls. Now a communications officer for the local authority. After surviving a few tricky years we're working towards a simpler life. Still weird, and now I've got minions.

Sarah Morgan (Mrs Coombes)

Children at the same school now Izzy has joined secondary and she recently played Q at hockey! Working 3 days a week , in the city office for 1. Had fun making summer memories in Ibiza this year with my sister Lucy (OQ).

Hannah Prior (Mrs Bruggen)

After 2 years in Sydney, it was delightful to return to Bangkok in 2021. I’m reluctantly back to very full-time work, which pays some bills while rapidly ageing me. New puppy and 2 x tweens don’t help with this either!

Joanna Spilman

Living in Gidea Park with Nathan and 2 dogs: Matilda the Schnoodle and Stanley the Tibetan Terrier puppy! Had a lovely holiday in Valencia for very belated 40th B'Day celebrations with Amy, Izzy and Sarah. Love to all.

Juliet Usher-Smith

The highlight for me this year was getting married to Ari at a beautiful ceremony in Cambridge. I have also re-joined Emmanuel College as a Fellow so seeing student life there from the other side while also continuing to work as an academic GP.

Emma Waterfall

Living and working in London. It has been 13 years since I started my company, Cascade. Still in touch with lots of OQs including 3 who are godmothers to my two girls, Eva and Lily.

Tiffany Wright (Mrs Norris)

Currently living in the beautiful Cotswolds with my husband and 4 little ones (Rupert, 6, Ophelia 4, Tabitha 2 and Humphrey 8 months). Still get to head into London regularly while working as a “Mummy Concierge” which I adore.

1999 LEAVERS, SECTION 67

Harriet Buckley (Mrs Nelson)

Happily in my 3rd year living out in the sticks in Hampshire with Carlton and Thandi the setter. Our 2 girls loving their school, our lives have totally been taken over by ponies.

Victoria Clipper (Mrs Cunningham)

Still in Bermuda, reinsurance underwriter, lots of travel (business and personal)! I’ve decided to step into the Political arena and am a candidate for the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) – so I will be standing for Government at the next general election!

Sarah Jamal (Mrs Beck)

2 yrs since arrival in Christchurch New Zealand. Working as (NZ 1st) Immunopathology Clinical Scientist; spending much time in the ocean. Kids, both double digits now, thriving. Missing family and friends, get in touch if you’re heading Down-Under!

Sophie McCarthy

Living in Hackney, East London with my partner and two amazing daughters. Working hard as a Design Director at Atomik Architecture, Tectonics tutor at the London School of Architecture and mentor to Women in Architecture. Life is never dull.

MaryAnn Naboya (Mrs Ferreux)

We are back from Australia and living in France/UK. Our boys (aged 14, 12, 4) have all settled in well and are enjoying having grandparents nearby. I'm working as a Medical Director and NED for the NHS in Kent and completing a Doctorate in Public Health.

Lisa Neve (Mrs Bryant)

Living my best life in my 40’s! Still living in Bristol, working in marketing & often London. 16 yrs married to Jon, kids are fun ages (Jessica 9, Joshua 7). Loved a recent mini OQ reunion in Hertford (RIP Zero’s)

Caroline Rowe (Mrs Ashley)

Sol and I got married last yearthe highlight being 4 days away afterwards without the kids (thanks mum!). Still in Enfield, playing hockey and working but desperately wanting a career change (or a lottery win!). If anyone has any ideas let me know!

Carolyn Walker (Mrs Hammond)

Nine years living in Hong Kong, now with three beautiful-but-boisterous boys – Charlie (6), Wilf (4) and Rafe (1.5). Life is a noisy, non-stop juggle to squeeze in family time and work (Talent Development & Communications), not much time for me!

Georgina Warner Smith (Mrs Berry)

In Harpenden & balancing school runs with teacher training/consultancy. Annabel loves school, Sam enjoys forest nursery & I’ve enjoyed designing cocktails & playing Jerusalem on church bells in Ireland. Hope everyone’s keeping really well x

Hannah White

In 2019 as the pandemic hit, I was made redundant after almost 16 years in Retail Buying. I started my own business, 46 Stitch, launching a small range of accessories in Jan 2020, handmade in India from fabric remnants. It’s diversified into other products now & keeping me very busy!!

2000 LEAVERS, SECTION 68

Lucy Adams (Mrs Klimowicz)

Keeping busy with the kids, dog, house and husband in Hertfordshire. Both kids are now at school (where do the years go!) so probably need to find a job soon! Love catching up with my Q girls when I can!

Lucinda Hostombe (Mrs Hostombe Shooter)

Living in Lincolnshire, married to Oliver and have three children Wilfred (13) Tabitha (11) Hugo (7). Enjoying country life, juggling the family and running my company Hostie Hats and recent position as millinery designer for John Charles Ladies-wear.

Clare Lambden (Mrs Price)

Living in Bath with my husband Joe, our 2 boys, Henry (4) and Edward (1) and our rescue dogs Phoebe and EK. Working as a GP and love it, despite the state of the NHS! Life is busy but good. Wishing everyone well.

Gemma Lawrence (Mrs McRae)

Mid-life craziness in full-flow! Working and playing hard! Marina now 14 and Jake 12 - both at school here - no boarding school for them. Kenya keeps us on our toes but all good! Please touch base if ever in Kenya! Love to all X

Clare McConnell (Mrs Ryder)

Enjoying life with Chris & kids (age 10 & 7). Been getting more into cycling in the beautiful South Oxfordshire Chilterns. Working at Reading Uni's Meteorology Dept. Been looking at secondary schools recently, bringing back many memories of Q!

Hannah Rowton (Mrs Fairbairn)

We moved back to the UK in 2023 after 5 years in Hong Kong. Now living in Harpenden, working in London, loving being closer to family and OQ friends and had an especially lovely weekend away with Lucy, Helen and Susie in September! Love to all Xx

Lucy Turner (Mrs Turner-Yeates)

Where do the years go?! Living happily in North Somerset with my husband and three sons, Arthur (10), Hamish (8) and Malcolm (2)! They certainly keep me busy! Not playing tennis myself but enjoy watching my boys play! Love to you all x

Zizi Udezue (Mrs Orunta)

Left the UK in 2015 to move to sunny Dubai. Mum of two energetic boys. Working in Finance for UBS Bank as a senior manager. I have the fondest memories of my time at Q including some of my nearest and dearest friends

Hannah Viner (Mrs Drew)

Moved to Bath mid Covid, left P&G after 15 years and joined Kingswood School as their Director of Admissions and Marketing. Loving being part of my boys’ school, and hearing Shine Jesus Shine being belted out from chapel.

Gabby Wong

I am an actor for stage & screen, most well-known as series regular Yuk Je in Netflix’s mystery thriller 1899, as well as fighter pilot Wona Goban in Rogue One. I have just finished Macbeth at The Globe. I live in London with my husband and son.

2001 LEAVERS, SECTION 69

Amanda Jones (Mrs Hefferman)

Apart from poor health and being shocked that I am 40, I am enjoying family life in Dorset with my husband, two children and the dog. Working and still actively playing tennis. Love and good health to all x

Charlotte (Charlie) Palmer

Living in a farmers cottage nr Ashwell, Herts, with my little pocket rocket, Emily, who's just turned 6. Love to travel, and currently work from home designing Corporate & NHS Physio & Mental Health Services (this feels like a dating profile btw!)

Jenny Seymour

Never sure where time goes when recapping the last year(s!). Still Commercial Director for ParalympicsGB, playing hockey / doing challenges. Climbed Kilimanjaro this year for a memorable 40th. No desire to climb more mountains. Hope everyone is well.

Catherine (Slutes) Sluter

Celebrated 15 years at Q by winning the triple (all 3 age groups) at Nationals! Turned 40 in style with old friends dancing the night away! Caught up with old Q’s at the annual hockey game in March and spent a month travelling in Oz over the summer!

Sally Teggin (Mrs Beazley)

From LA to Potters Bar - we are settled here now and regularly see many of my gorgeous Q gals and their families. I have just started my own pottery business from my studio in the garden - Sixth Street Ceramics - I'm on Insta! Hope everyone is well!

2002 LEAVERS, SECTION 70

Jenanne Khalek (Mrs Foster)

Living in St Albans with my husband and two daughters. Still acting and spent summer in the West End performing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. I’m also learning BSL in my spare time. Any extra free time after that is spent on an unhealthy sewing habit!

Rebecca Lane

Welcomed baby Joe last Christmas and look forward to spending his first birthday in Australia with Brett’s family. Excited about the upcoming season of OQ 40th celebrations and hope I get round to doing something for mine! X

Victoria Lee (Mrs Landeryou)

My mother, Debbie, died very suddenly and unexpectedly in March 2023, we are devastated. We decided to move from London to Buckinghamshire so that Cressida can enjoy growing up in the countryside in my late parents' house. A very challenging year.

Lisa Millar

Life and work is busy, still living in Sydney but had a house renovation last year after we were flooded! Was great to be back with some old Q friends last year after Covid. Looking forward to the 40th celebrations soon!

Joanna Neal (Mrs Taylor)

I live in Wandsworth with my husband, James, and our two kids, Lottie (6) and Jack (4). Contact me if you need a proofreader or copy editor or just for a natter!

Suzie Newman (Mrs Wakefield)

Life’s crazy living in Bedfordshire with 1 husband, 3 sons (Finley 12, Oscar 10 & Dexter 7) 3 cats (Torikatsu, Donburi & Sashimi) and a Great Dane called Mochi all whilst managing our own Extended (Mixed) Reality Design Studio…perfectly imperfect!

Samantha Robinson (Mrs Kennell)

Left London a few years ago for a quieter life in Surrey. Very blessed that I still get to count so many of my Queenswood girls as my closest friends. Thankfully, I don’t think that will ever change.

Anna Tickle

Still living the wonderful Devon life with my partner Jo, beautiful boxer dog Zola and VW camper van Gertie. Spending wonderful weekends in Cornwall, visiting family in Norfolk and cheering on Arsenal with Slutes! Love to all xx

2003 LEAVERS, SECTION 71

Nicki Alexander (Mrs Dodds)

Have been back in Hertfordshire 5 years now with Chris and boys Jack (8) and William (6). Returned to teaching once William started school; now doing school admin for a better worklife balance. Trying to make exercise part of my routine before 40!

Emily Davies

A good year! Got married back in August in Spain to Pablo, great honeymoon in Japan and plenty of fun in the run up. Still working in sustainability and ESG at Amey, going well. Do drop in if you're visiting Oxford, dog friendly!

Lauren Gunner

I was teaching in London running a behaviour centre, but I’m having a year travelling- Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and West Africa. Not sure what I’ll do once I return! I still have my Battersea house, and would love to see Q girls more often.

Maz Hedley-Lewis

20 years since Q…how did that happen?! Enjoying life working in sport still, keeping professional cyclists in check. Travelling and adventuring and making the most of having fun and seeing cool places. No husband, kids or guinea pigs to report.

Fleur Horner

Living in Queens Park with my husband and 2 year old son Gus. Still enjoying London but juggling a full house renovation and the running of a brand strategy agency called The Value Engineers is about to finish me off!

Fleur McCarthy (Mrs Riley)

We moved to Saffron Walden nearly 3 years ago with our two boys Dexter (6) and Reggie (2) and we’ve all settled into life outside London. Love meeting up with the Q girls when we can, can’t believe it’s been 20 years!

2004 LEAVERS, SECTION 72/72A

Priyanka Chadha

I am currently living in New York with my husband and puppy. We bought our first home together in Manhattan two years ago. Look me up if any of you decide to come visit! I am currently a VP of Market Research and I work for a brand under WPP.

Lisa Malhotra

Just embarked on a new adventure, having moved state-side to New York earlier this year for work with my husband, Toby and dog, Jackson! Currently navigating a new city, culture and job but enjoying the challenge!

Amelia McGregor (Mrs Crosse)

In 2022 Robin and I welcomed Elara Louise into the world, so this last year has been one of giggles, mess, no sleep, and more mess! Maisie the cat is dealing with her increasing mobility very well. I am still working in Oxford, and life is good.

Sophie Riley

Living a chaotic, but exciting life with my husband and two children in Bangkok. I’m an EYFS teacher and am enjoying post COVID times; lots of travels and appreciating the option to pop back to the UK whenever I want.

Jane Sail

Can't remember my last OQ update?!

Left Myanmar in Feb 2020, moved to Sudan, Covid warped all time, went through a couple of military coups, got married in London, was evacuated from Sudan this April. Moving to Uganda next year.

Gabriella Shorto (Mrs Rees)

Living in Bermuda with Rob and our puppy, Rosie. I’m working in early intervention, supporting families and young children in an amazing government service. Hoping to see everyone next year - 20 years already?!

2005 LEAVER, SECTION 73

Natasha Furness

After an awesome sabbatical in 2017/18 I’m back in NZ but Wellington with my partner Juergen and new puppy Otto. Trail running, cycling & hiking ideally with friends, and good chat over a beer or wine keep me happy. Visitors Welcome!

Rachel Partington (Mrs Godsave)

On maternity leave with Jennifer (4) and Skye (8 months). Working at World Rugby and currently have massive FOMO watching the Rugby World Cup! Still trying to fit in some tennis around children’s activities!

Rebecca Shellim

Living in London with my boyfriend, and enjoying a busy life as a freelance EA and events producer. Still singing regularly in a choir (Q habits never change!) and spending time with lots of fellow OQs!

Zoe Sless

Still living in Balham and enjoying London life. Working as a Chartered Surveyor but have now moved companies to JLL. Enjoy seeing Pip Cowan and Becky Shellim regularly, whilst keeping up with the demands of London life.

2006 LEAVERS, SECTION 74

Holly Bostock

After 10 years together Anthony and I got married in Mallorca, and we also moved from living in Vietnam to St. Lucia in the Caribbean where I’m now the Managing Director for Heineken. Enjoying island life with our pets!

Kate Harvey (Mrs Belshaw)

Toby and I are now in Winchmore Hill, with two feline housemates. Head up education administration and student support at UCL. Discovered a love for open water swimming, determined to keep going all winter! Mini Harv is getting married in December!

Suet Yet Kwan

Currently living in Massachusetts with my husband and daughter (3) and working in a biotech company as a scientist. Between working and childcare, we also like to spend our free time exploring nature in New England.

Kate Lester

Living in Letty Green with my boyfriend James and my not so little son Freddie (11). Managing a residential care home in Elstree and we have two Old Qs living as residents there. Collectively we have so many memories!!

Philippa Tollit

Thrilled to announce the safe arrival of my beautiful baby boy, Jasper, born on 23.10.23. Getting married to my fiancé Lewis in Mauritius in May 2024 - life is busy but good!

Charlie (Lottie) Watson (Mrs Farranf)

Welcomed our baby Bertie via surrogate in Charleston last October - he is a cheeky chap already. Had a lovely time catching up with Anna Zieger in Berlin a couple of times. Still working as a dietitian at the JR and running (somewhat) regularly!

Anna Zieger (Mrs du Cauze de Nazelle )

Aïla became a big sister this year with our son Calixte making us a family of 4. I have taken a break as a MD and am holding retreats, workshops and consultations, supporting women through fertility, pregnancy and postpartum via Ahila Health.

2007 LEAVERS, SECTION 75

Laura Almond (Mrs Archer)

Digital Business Director for VML, part of the WPP Group. Married Lawrence in 2018 who I met through tennis at Sheffield University (thanks Queenswood for all that coaching). Mother to two wonderful children; Sebastian, 3 and Darcy, 6 months.

Jay Graham-Kee

Since leaving Q I've figured myself out and started my transition as a result. I'm now happily married and living my best life with my partner Jordan and stepdaughter in Worcestershire. I'm running my own business and studying psychology at the OU.

Christina Rothnie (Mrs Banham-Godfrey)

We’ve started setting down roots in Essex for the foreseeable and our wonderful daughter Georgia joined us in April 2023, thankfully with her granny is just a few doors down to help out!

2008 LEAVERS, SECTION 76

Melanie Hau

Just emerging from 1 year of mat leave. Still a management consultant at Deloitte. Living in Buckhurst Hill with husband Azim, baby Kaden (14 months) and Yoda the cat. Spend free time playing hockey and piano –nothing much has changed!

Nicole Sexton

I was promoted to Director at Evelyn Partners during the year which was a very proud achievement for me. Still living a stone's throw away from school and no intention of ever moving very far! Looking forward to Lucy Harvs wedding in December! <3

2009 LEAVERS, SECTION 77

Sarah Larkin (Mrs Casey)

Married (over two years now) to my best friend Donnchadh, who I met on my first night in Freshers week back in 2009! Live in London, work in the City for an insurance company… started on the grad scheme and still there 10 years later!

Marina Lavarello

It’s been a busy year with a move to Kensal Rise, continued adventures with Otto (our dog) and a baby boy due in December. Life on the tennis court continues and fortunately work is extremely busy at Brondesbury. Excited for all to come in 2024!

Hannah Layton

I married lovely Oli in October 2023. We had an amazing day with four Q girls as my bridesmaids. We also moved into our first house together in London, where I work in PR. 2023 was a big exciting year!

Alexandra Love

Had a career change, and now work in flowers for a company producing event floristry. Currently very busy decorating lots of Christmas trees! Bought a house in Hertfordshire, so my free time is being spent on this. Sending lots of love x

Hannah Neocleous (Mrs Cooke)

Back in our house in Oxted after a 2 year reno and living with the in-laws (fun!). Clara is 3, Jude is 1. I’m working with a new tech startup. Life is a nice chaos. I’m tired. Love to all x

Harriet O’Halloran (Mrs McCosh)

Living in East Surrey with my husband, Spaniel and Labrador. Working in Political Tech, travelling the world meeting parties and leaders. Got married in Rock, Cornwall, in Sept 2022 with many old Q friends in attendance.

Helena Savva

I’m a construction lawyer living in London with my husband and baby boy Xander (who is currently only a few weeks old!). It seems like a lifetime ago since I left Q, but the friends I made are still my closest and were bridesmaids at my wedding.

Libby Sherriff (Mrs Shiel)

Living in Amersham with my Husband (Tom), Labrador (Samson) & twin girls (Eva & Katie) who are 15 months old. Still working at Unilever in marketing but will soon be on mat leave as we have a little boy on the way! 3 under 2 - wish me luck!

Victoria Treadgold (Mrs Ford)

Had an amazing year marrying my husband Matt back in June. Living in South Wales with him and our Labrador Thor. Currently a detective in Gwent Police, working mad and busy hours on a specialist team but definitely rewarding work!

2010 LEAVERS, SECTION 78

Anjola Adedayo

Living in London and still back and forth from Lagos. Working in Law and as a writer and poet which is a dream. The novel is still cooking so watch this space. Still enjoy meeting up with OQs and I have many fond memories of my Queenswood days.

Claudia Leighton (Mrs Hargreaves)

Living and working in London with my husband Jamie. A happy year for us as we got married in August back at the Q Chapel with our reception on Trew Lawn! Working for the last four years at CBRE IM in property and loving it. Love to all the Q girls!

Victoria Mills (Mrs Mills-Kelly)

Enjoying work as a canine hydrotherapist in Dorset. Got married in September and went on an amazing Safari honeymoon to Tanzania and Zanzibar. Love living in Bournemouth with our 2 dogs, 2 rabbits and 2 guinea pigs.

Motunrayo (Moe) Sasegbon (Mrs Coker)

Sitting here writing this while holding my 10 week old daughter. I have the best memories of Q, freezing in the old palaestra, red face paint on sports day..GO HARTLEY! Now I’m a mother, I hope my daughter gets to experience great school memories too.

2011 LEAVERS, SECTION 79

Laura Freedman (Mrs Berg)

I am currently on maternity leave with our second son, Oliver who is 6 months. My eldest Hugo is 2.5 years and is full of energy! Together they keep my husband Rob and I on our toes. I look forward to returning to the world of HR in January 2024!

Vivian Ng (Mrs Tam)

Living in Hong Kong and working as an obstetrician! We are expecting our first son in January 2024 (strange feeling to deliver my baby at my workplace)! Sending love to you all and let us know if you are visiting HK!

2012 LEAVERS, SECTION 80

Pia Amrita Singh

Ever since leaving Queenswood I have been pulled towards Sweden. I currently reside in Sundsvall and run my own Cat Hotel business.

2013 LEAVERS, SECTION 81

Holly Humphrey (Mrs Humphrey-Coleman)

Since we last spoke I got married in October of 2022. I am now a director/ founder of an HR Operations company that specialises in the education and wellbeing sectors. I enjoyed the 10 year reunion at Q recently.

Jessica Radley

I recently completed my PhD at the University of Oxford investigating the needs of parents with psychosis. I've now moved back to London and have started training in the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology.

Amy Wakeley

I am working for Amazon in London, helping public sector organisations digitise procurement, whilst completing my MBA at Imperial College London. I live in Hampstead Garden Suburb with my boyfriend Alex and our 3-year-old Cavapoo, Minnie.

2014 LEAVERS, SECTION 82

Georgia Baird

I completed my Masters in 3D Animation and I am now working on the children’s animated TV series, Bing. Alongside work I have been taking part in various sporting competitions, including a Spartan race in the French Alps.

2015 LEAVERS, SECTION 83

Zoe Andrea- Lykourgou

Been at Netcraft for about two years and now part of the Solutions Engineering team. Did some solo travel to Germany, Austria, Poland, and Hungary earlier this year — continuing my adventures in the Czech Republic (and then Slovakia) as I write this!

Millie Norton

After spending a year and a half travelling around Asia and Australasia, I relocated to Bristol to start work at Dyson. I’ve been there for over 2 years now, starting with their cyber graduate scheme and now working as a cyber defence analyst.

2016 LEAVERS, SECTION 84

Emma Poppleton

Keeping busy working in Bristol as an Engineer which remains interesting and engaging. I have also joined the Avon Fire Service band, volunteer with a few community initiatives, and am enjoying all that Bristol has to offer!

Coco Shi

Currently pursuing a PhD degree in Museology at UCL and enjoying living in Greenwich. Will be travelling a lot for fieldwork in the coming years: ) I teach part-time on the Museum Education MA at IOE and volunteer at the Young V&A and China Exchange.

2017 LEAVERS, SECTION 85

Shania Bedi

After Q, I graduated uni with a Sports Journalism degree... in a pandemic. No jobs meant I took a one month internship in fashion and loved the industry, so have now worked there for 3 years. Still very close with my Q year, we can’t keep away xx

Izzy Beynon

6 years post-Q! 3 spent studying in Durham, 3 working in London as a management consultant. Now living in Battersea, enjoying my 20s and catching up with Q friends. A few years in Australia is tempting, but not just yet.

Grace Cornell

Since leaving Q I have graduated with a Masters in Forensic Science and got a new job working for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratories as a Forensic Scientist. After 13 years at Q my last sister has left this year.

Maddy Davies

Since leaving Q, my most exciting year was spent working in Paris in alcohol marketing. Somehow I now work in the totally unrelated world of Trading but love it nonetheless and most importantly am still besties with my school year.

Olivia Garwood

After graduating from Loughborough in 2022 I went travelling around Vietnam and Bali. I’ve now been working for Disney for over a year. I work in the Digital Marketing department and am lovin Miss you all x

Joanna Jacovides

I absolutely loved Queenswood, and am so grateful that I have stayed best mates with my year group to this day. Since leaving, I have done a ski season, backpacked across Southeast Asia, and now work in travel marketing, promoting Western Australia.

Alex Lawrie

Since leaving Q and uni, I've been working in the civil service where I get to travel and represent the UK. I still meet up with my Q year group, and every time it’s as if no time has passed!

Aoife Morgan-Jones

I graduated from The Lir in 2022 and have been living and working as an actor in Dublin ever since. Always considering moving back to Herts/ London but the thought of English Guinness nips that idea in the bud every time.

Charlotte (Lottie) Williams

Moved up to Leicestershire to take a job as a graduate surveyor after uni 2 years ago. Hoping to sit my APC and see what opportunities will arise in Hertfordshire once RICS accredited. Speak regularly with the girls from Q. Time flies, love to all!

Victoria Wynn

Since leaving university, I worked in Parliament for an MP for a year and a half and I now work as a public affairs consultant. I still see all my Queenswood besties on a regular basis!

2018 LEAVERS, SECTION 86

Eleanor Grant

In my first year of graduating from Royal Academy of Music, I spent the year touring Europe as a musician playing double bass and singing. It’s been amazing seeing more of our world! Looking forward to more adventures next year.

Lucy Wakeley

Last year I graduated from Bristol and had the privilege of being elected as a Councillor. After 5 years of working for MPs I am now moving into the world of public affairs.

2019 LEAVERS, SECTION 87

Anna Rayson

Since the last Chronicle I’ve graduated university, visited another continent (now on 5 of 7), worked in Switzerland, moved out, started a new job in the City and begun studying to be a chartered accountant. All extremely exciting!

2020 LEAVERS, SECTION 88

Lily Harwood

I'm a violinist studying at the Royal College of Music in London. Since leaving Q, I have performed at the Royal Albert Hall and The Konzerthaus Berlin for the Young Euro Classic Festival.

Kaya Smith

3 years since I finished at Q very suddenly due to covid! I graduated from Durham with a degree in politics in July and last week I started my new job at HM Treasury. I am loving it so far!

2021 LEAVERS, SECTION 89

Shin Ki (Natalie) Chiu

Life's journey isn't always smooth, frustration is natural. The key is to find calm within, giving your best in every situation. Embrace failure as a chance to reflect and learn.

2023 LEAVERS, SECTION 91

Elizabeth Peach

After leaving Q, I made the decision to pursue my passion for dance and turn it into a career. I am currently at a college for performing arts and have plans to go to university to study musical theatre.

Lily (Noa) Walker-Borthwick

Since leaving Queenswood I attended DLD College London where I studied Art, Classical Civilisations and Drama. From there I started University at Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida where I study Illustration. I feel extremely lucky to get to go here!

If you would like to get in touch with another OQ, please contact the Foundation Office on qfoundation@ queenswood.org or 01707 602500 and don’t forget to keep us up to date with any changes in your contact details!

LEGACIES - A WAY OF GIVING BACK TO QUEENSWOOD

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED LEAVING A LEGACY FOR QUEENSWOOD IN YOUR WILL?

Queenswood has launched the Trew Legacy information pack. The Trew Legacy commemorates the 50 years of service that former Headmistress, Ethel Mary Trew gave to Queenswood from 1897 to 1948. The pack guides you through the simple steps you can take should you wish to leave a legacy, and in so doing, help to continue to provide Queenswood’s superb learning environment and surroundings for generations to come”.

You can find more information on our website: www.queenswood.org/explore/ support-us/how-you-can-help or by scanning the QR code to the right.

If you would like to discuss your plans and become a member of the Trew Legacy Club, please contact the Queenswood Foundation Office today on 01707 652000 or qfoundation@queenswood.org

Thank you - on behalf of tomorrow’s OQs.

Queenswood School, Shepherd’s Way

Brookmans Park, Hatfield

Hertfordshire, AL9 6NS

United Kingdom