THE QUADOld Roedeanians’ Association Newsletter

Issue 3 – Winter 2010

VI2 Leaver’s Dare 1989supplied by Alexandra Montgomery(McCartney, No.3, 1985-1992).

Editor’s Note

The third issue of The QUAD – ishere in full Technicolor! However,I’m sorry to report that we havelost our old Editor-at-Large, KatyaBorowski (No.4, 1982-1987).Katya has been appointed Head ofNew Business at the NSPCC andfelt that the demands of her newjob would not allow her sufficientspare time to continue. I amextremely grateful to Katya notonly for coming up with the namebut also for dutifully producing andcollating the first two issues andsetting the bar high for futureeditions. Our ORA MagazineEditors Zoë Willis (No.1, 1995-2000) magazine-editor@oldroedeanians.co.ukand Spirit de la Mare (No.1,1997-2002)editoratlarge@oldroedeanians.co.ukare taking over the helm so please

continue to email your contributions or send them by post to Lesley Morrill, ORALiaison, Roedean School, Brighton, Sussex, BN2 5RQ. We are always keen tohear your news and also to receive photos of reunions or of your time at school.

If you would like to help with either the Magazine or The QUAD please contact me.

Sasha Glynn (No.1, 1980-87) president@oldroedeanians.co.uk

There have been so many highlights since the last edition of The QUAD. Hencethe choice of cover photo for this edition! On Roedean/Reunion Day this year,roughly 125 ORs celebrated being part of the Roedean Community that theLawrence sisters conceived all those years ago and which Frances King (Head-mistress) and her team of today are encouraging with all their energy.

On asking one of my peers for feedback on the day, she explained that it was thereminder that her time at Roedean had taught her that “anything is possible”which struck her most. This lady works full time, has two young boys and haswritten a book. I put her in touch with a publisher friend of mine and they are inthe early stages of getting it off the ground to mutual benefit. I am sure all of youare aware how important that philosophy and the Roedean network has been andcould continue to be in all our lives.

I have just returned from the most splendid Open Day at Roedean. I was able tomeet with several potential Roedean girls and their parents. All the families weretaken on a tour of the school by one of the girls and we all met up in the Studios(Old No.1 and No.2 Dining Rooms in the Dining block) for coffee, tea anddelicious pastries and cakes. Frances King then treated us to an address aboutthe goings-on at school this term. You can learn more about this in theHeadmistress’ Report. Next we were introduced to three new girls who had juststarted in Upper 3. They seemed to be having such fun and were so happy andconfident for girls so young. The presentations were completed by the mostwonderful piano recital and a presentation by one of the VIth Formers explainingher Art project. The talent displayed was breath-taking.

Please can I ask you to remind yourself, your friends and family that the first portof call for education for girls should be Roedean. I am confident that anyone whotakes up that offer will not be disappointed. The Bursar has confirmed a 5%discount on fees for daughters of ORs, which goes to show the value that theschool places on its Old Girls.

We were invited to join the South Africa ORA at their London Reunion during thesummer and it was brilliant to meet so many of them and discover the similaritiesbetween the two schools. They are keen to be included in OR events so keep aneye out for them at the Networking event at the Royal Over-Seas League inLondon on Saturday, 20 November 2010.

We have recently been trying to re-engage the OR Year Reps and those of youwho were selected by your peers for this role will have received a letter callingyou to arms from Zoë Willis. If you are not a Year Rep but would like to be pleasecontact Zoë Willis (No.1, 1995-2000) magazine-editor@oldroedeanians.co.uk.

Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to the superb ORA Committee; theenergetic and enthusiastic team I work with at school; and all those ORs whom Ihave had the pleasure of meeting in person, by phone or electronically for theirnever-ending support, encouragement and friendship.Sasha Glynn (No.1, 1980-87) president@oldroedeanians.co.uk.

President’s message

SAORA Reunion Lunch London – Frances King, Mary Williams(Headmistress Roedean South Africa), Laura Pereira (UK SAORA Rep),Sasha Glynn and Brett Jury (SAORA President).

School Report by Frances King, HeadmistressThe new school year

The year has started with a full and cheerful school; girls happy to be returning tosee their friends or keen to start in a new community. Day one was spent findingclassrooms, meeting new teachers and beginning a fresh set of studies. It endedwith our Freshers’ Fair: stalls for everything from dance through to the schoolnewspaper, voluntary service and debating were vying for custom and there was areal buzz in the hall.

A significant development for this new year is a return to four houses, and to thefamiliarly named Houses 1, 2, 3 and 4. A more defined sense of housecommunity is clear already as the girls get to know each other. This will be raisedto fever pitch by half term when the house plays are presented to the school, ourfirst inter house competition of the year.

Each house is now responsible for organising the activities for the school on theirhouse weekend as we work to enhance our commitment to a full boardingexperience. Already these have attracted a good number of our day girls too. Thehighlight of our first weekend was camping overnight near Old Lawrence: thisincluded singsongs by a real fire and breakfast cooked for the girls by the sixth

Spot the Roedean Day Quiz Questions throughout the QUAD - answers on p.10

formers. Chessington Park featured next in the diary and after our first exeat girlswill be going mountain biking and climbing. You can see why the day girls arekeen to join in!

Another development this year is our appointment of Abra Reid (No.1, 1984-86)to the post of Head of Careers. Whilst this had been ably filled to date, Abra isable to focus solely on the careers provision here and to look for ways in whichwe can further improve our provision for students as they prepare for adult life.Abra is keen to be involved in the ORA’s mentor programme and would welcomeany offers from Old Girls to share insights from their careers with the students.You can contact her on abr@roedean.co.uk.

This year sees the school celebrate 125 years with a number of exciting projectsand activities planned. Old Girls are warmly welcomed to the Founders DayService on Friday, 11 March 2011, which will be followed by tea and a schoolconcert. We are looking forward to more music in May with the visit of theRoedean South Africa choir. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us towelcome our sister school and learn more about life in South Africa. More detailsabout our events over the coming year will be published on our website: I hope Iwill have an opportunity to meet you at one of these.

Roedean and Reunion Day 26th June 2010

The ORA Golden Mile Team – All ORs this year!

Thank you to the 125 or so ORs who attended the Reunion this year from all overthe world. It was the ORA’s pleasure to host an event with the full support of theschool and for so many ORs to be present on such a glorious day. It wasfantastic to be able to meet so many of you who registered and to learn aboutyour experiences at Roedean and about your lives since leaving. We reproduce an1900 - 1920 Who donated the pews in the Chapel?

1920 – 1940 When did Penelope, Millicent and Dorothy Lawrence die?

excerpt from one of the large number of most welcome thank you notes wereceived after the event. Pippa Alexander (Waide, No.2, 1974-80) wrote:

“We all thought the ORA Day was a true delight. It was very well thought through& executed. We all felt enormously welcome and at ease in our old school. WeLOVED all the activities that you very kindly arranged for us. It was wonderful tosee the current pupils in the Drama & Dance Show and then at Sports Day; thegirls all seem very talented, grounded & charming. The Art Exhibition was trulyexcellent; it quite surpassed anything we were capable of. The trip down thetunnel was not for all of us but those who braved the darkness thoroughlyenjoyed the experience. And lastly the lunch & tea were delicious & very tasty;quite unexpected after the years of school food. Personally I don’t think you couldhave improved the day at all. It certainly answered all my expectations & needs. THANK YOU & YOUR TEAM for all your hard work. We all returned home onquite a high ……….”

There were 7 correct entries and the winner of the Reunion Day quiz was pickedat random by Harriet Clifton-Sprigg (U3). Diana Buckley (No.2, 1981-88) wasvictorious and we plan to present her with a small prize at the next ORA eventshe attends. The ORA and Roedean are hoping to make this year’s event just asgood. We have taken on board all the very useful feedback we received so itshould be even better. We hope to see you on Saturday, 25 June 2011!

Elizabeth Keir, Catherine Reeves (Carswell, No.4, 1975-81), Fauzia Rahman-Greasley (Rahman, No.4, 1975-80), Pippa Alexander (Waide, No.2, 1974-80),Julia Chamberlain (Pollock, No.2, 1974-80), Penny Holt (Miller, No.2, 1978-80)& Katherine Keir.

1940 – 1960 Who donated the stained glass window which commemorates the visitof the Queen Mother in 1955?

Reunion Day drinks in the cloisters with Miss Marjorie Deley (Nurse - 1980-85) (centre) and friends.

A Millennium Leavers’ 10 years On CelebrationsOn a fine weekend at the end of the June 2010, the terrace at the Chapel Bar inIslington was taken over by about thirty-five girls from the class of 2000. A fewbrave significant others were in tow and some members of staff also joined in themerriment and nostalgia. Over a barbecue lunch and lashings of chilledsauvignon blanc and rosé (it was the hottest weekend of the year thus far) girlswho had not seen each other in a decade enjoyed the catch up, the memoriesand a bit later, the England vs Germany football World Cup quarter final. Wewon’t go into details about the utter shellacking that England underwent, butfortunately the atmosphere at the reunion was so buoyant the game waspromptly forgotten and the chattering and giggles quickly resumed.

It was fascinating to see how our lives had evolved in just ten years. Some girlswere now married with children, whilst others were pursuing careers in a range ofrealms, from the City to the army, the arts to fashion, teaching to medicine.What was apparent amongst us all was the drive, confidence and enthusiasmwith which we were travelling along our particular paths, a journey on which manyof our friends from Roedean were still such an important and cherished part.Long may this continue and I for one am already looking forward to the reunion in 2020!Zoë Willis (No.1, 1995-2000) magazine-editor@oldroedeanians.co.uk

1960 – 1980 Who opened the Dining Block in 1964?

Millennium Leavers: Helen Sandiford (No.2, 1993-2000), Rosemary Allt(No.2, 1993-2000), Emma Rundall (No.2, 1993-2000), Serena Dodd (No.2,1993-2000).

Millennium Leavers: Gabby Cust (No.4, 1994-2000), Jessica Walsh (Andrews,No.4, 1993-2000), Sarah Aliker (No.4, 1993-2000), Fiona Walker (ChemistryTeacher, 1995 to date), Margot Hill-Landolt (No.4, 1995-2000).

1980 - 2000 Which unique Roedean Head resigned in 1984?

Pygmalion with the OR Scholar - Jodie GoughTo celebrate her excellent GCSE results and her birthday, Sasha Glynn invitedJodie Gough and her mother to watch Honeysuckle Weeks (No.2, 1992-97)play Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Afterenjoying this magnificent production and Honeysuckle’s exemplary performancethey waited to meet her at the Stage Door. She was the last performer to leavethe theatre and so they managed to meet and chat with Stephanie Cole andRupert Everett who both signed their programmes with love! Honeysuckle gaveJodie some excellent advice in a very touching exchange between the two. Shetold her: “Never let anyone tell you can’t do it! Always keep faith in yourself andtell yourself you can do it!”.

Honeysuckle Weeks (No.2, 1992-97) and Jodie Gough ORA Scholar 2010-2012

ORs @ Ascot August 2010This year the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup was attended by a small group ofORs keen to study the form and take their chances on winning. We opted tobring our own picnic, which we enjoyed before and after the festivities. Not one ofus managed to come out on top on the day - it was tense at times - see photo onpenultimate page. But we all enjoyed the racing and the chance to re-live the 80’sat the two hour live concert featuring Boy George, Belinda Carlisle and JohnnyHates Jazz afterwards. The day was such fun that we have all resolved to meetagain next year and book the hospitality package this time. Please email Sasha(president@oldroedeanians.co.uk) if you and your family would like to comealong next year.

2000 - The Blyth Library relocated to its current location in 2005. Who is itnamed after and what was his association with the school?

ORA Mentor Scheme

Nicky Orlebar (Ford, No.2, 1961-68), Natalie Nzeymiana (T2, 2003-9), Mrs Steele(Head of Keswick House) and Margot Chaundler OBE (Wilkin, No. 4, 1962-67)

I loved Roedean. I loved the sea, the people and the space to take initiative. Of allthe things I missed most when I embarked on my gap year, I’d say the freedom tothink for myself topped the list. Roedean had instilled me with a sense of confidenceand I left feeling like I had a lot to offer the world. With a new academic yearbeginning, I found myself preparing for the “University of Life” whilst friends wereembracing everything about their Fresher’s experience. After a month working as awaitress in a busy Thai restaurant in central London, the world, which I had seenas my oyster, was slowly turning into a scallop. Six months of working in retail onOxford Street and I now found it turning into a cramped mussel.I vividly remember my fears on the train to Brighton on Speech Day. I was about toaccept a string of certificates and awards that were physical reminders of how wellI’d done at school and how much I was failing at life. Had I peaked too soon?Would I always be looking backwards? Was there any hope? Questions anddoubts plagued me, but as soon as I arrived at school on what was a surprisinglysunny day, they fell away. My old teachers and friends greeted me with thefamous Roedean hospitality and immediately I felt at home. The prodigal daughterhad returned.Speech Day provided an amazing opportunity to meet some of the wonderful ORswho had sponsored me through my studies there. This, combined with thecongratulations, pride and warmth I felt coming at me from all corners of Centenary

Hall put my mind at ease. In retrospect, it was a turning point. I met manyinspiring ORs who made me feel as though anything was possible. Of all theseinfluences, Sasha Glynn became one of the most important. Having taken meunder her wing, she became what could perhaps be best described as the world’smost proactive mentor. Several weeks of daily chats later, the mussel had turnedback into the oyster.By some miracle, namely Sasha’s powers of perception and persuasion, I foundEmily Pluthero (Campbell, No.3, 1979-88). All the hopes I had of being deliveredfrom what I desperately hoped was a short stint in retail were resting on theoutcome of this conversation. Thankfully, it went well and I met Emily the next day,which I remember as being sunny even if it wasn’t!Meeting Emily was refreshing. She is discerning and full of energy, and whenyou’re around her you can’t help but feel like you can make the impossiblehappen. And she does. On a day-to-day basis she defies commonly heldassumptions and finds solutions to complex problems. The best way of bringing allof her varied roles (mother, chair of a charity, property developer, interior designer,mentor, friend, wife, daughter, manager, boss, entertainer, entrepreneur,philanthropist - in no particular order!) into one it would be to describe her as aproblem solver. No. She’s more than that: Emily is a solution provider!At this point, to say that I was in an enviable position would be an understatement.I was fortunate enough to have had Sasha’s guidance which helped me get to aplace where I was able to put my best foot forward and learn from Emily. To behonest, at first I was intimidated. I still am. Here stand before me two amazingwomen who effortlessly juggle seemingly never-ending demands on their time anddo so with grace, humility and lashings of wit and humour.The OR Mentorship scheme opened my eyes to the varied roles andresponsibilities women have to juggle. It forced me to evaluate and redefine thequalities I think are necessary to lead a happy and fulfilling life, and it’s armedme with experiences which have given me the foresight to see problems asunidentified solutions waiting to be found.Natalie Nzeymiana (T2, 2003-9)

Quiz Answers1900 - 1920 Who donated the pews in the Chapel?

Mr C R W Wysock Wright1920 – 1940 When did Penelope, Millicent and Dorothy Lawrence die?

Penelope (1932) Millicent (1925) Dorothy (1933)1940 – 1960 Who donated the stained glass window which

commemorates the visit of the Queen Mother in 1955?Marilyn Farrar-Bell

1960 – 1980 Who opened the Dining Block in 1964?Princess Margaret

1980 - 2000 Which unique Roedean Head resigned in 1984?John Hunt

2000 - The Blyth Library relocated to its current location in 2005.Who is it named after and what was his association withthe school?Charles Frederick Tolme Blyth, married to Agatha Lawrence,Clerk and then and Vice President to the Council

ORs@Ascot: Kate Sylvester-Kilroy (No.4, 1982-87), Adela Hussain (No.2, 1997-1999), Ella, Sasha Glynn (No.1, 1980-87)

REUNION DAY – Saturday, 25 June 2011All ORs are welcome as usual for the event that wraps up the 125th Anniversarycelebrations. However Sarah Bayliss (Bowes, No.4, 1973-81) has the followingmessage:

“Calling all those who left VI2 in 1981!Next summer it will be 30 years since we left Roedean. We are planning areunion for all those who finished school that summer. We are organising a dinnerin London on Friday, 24 June 2011. The more intrepid amongst us plan to meetagain the following day at Roedean on OR Day, 25 June 2011. The ORA haskindly agreed to help with arrangements, which will include drinks before lunch,and lunch will be in a reserved area of the dining rooms. There will be tours of thehouses, and lots of other things going on at school, but most importantly, lots oftime to chat and catch up with one another at both gatherings.You should all receive a letter of invitation from the OR in your house and yearwho has offered to coordinate your house, but in the meantime, if you have anyquestions or comments, please do email me on the address below.Please put the date in your diary now; it would be wonderful if as many of ouryear as possible could make it.Sarah Bayliss née Bowes 30yearson@oldroedeanians.co.uk”If anyone would like help from the ORA co-ordinating a gathering of their peersplease contact Sasha Glynn. We are keen to encourage the 10, 20, 40, 50 and60 Years On.

GRAND 125th ANNIVERSARY BALL –Saturday, 2 April 2011This exciting and historic black tie event will take place on Saturday, 2 April 2011at the Hilton, Park Lane, London.A central London location has been chosen so that as many members of the RoedeanCommunity as possible can attend. We are keen to generate awareness of theevent, so please spread the word and invite friends, family, parents, teachers etc..Tickets will be in the region of £95 each and will include: a pre-dinner glass ofchampagne; 3 course dinner and half a bottle of wine not to mention the entertainment....The Ball Committee knows there are opportunities for collaboration out there so ifyou are interested in helping us in any capacity: wishing tree gifts; auctiondonations; sponsorship - please contact:ORAEvents@oldroedeanians.co.uk. with your ideas.Put the date in your diaries and book now to take advantage of the Early Birdoffer! You will not regret it! To book you can download a booking form fromwww.oldroedeanians.co.uk or contact ORAEvents@oldroedeanians.co.uk.

OR Networking Event & AGM –Saturday, 20 November 2010After the roaring success of last year’s wine tasting social in Brighton the ORAwill be hosting a repeat performance, this time at the Royal Over-Seas League(ROSL) in London. Old Roedeanians, ORA South Africa, St Mary’s Hall old girls,parents, staff and current pupils are all invited to join us for a drinks and finger buffetreception on Saturday, 20 November 18:30 - 23:00 at the Royal Over-SeasLeague, Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, London, SW1A 1LR.This will be a glorious opportunity to catch up with old friends and make somenew ones, thus strengthening the connections within our unique and livelycommunity. We look forward to seeing you there although we cannot guaranteegale force winds and driving rain in London that will be of a comparable standardto Brighton’s best. We shall try our best though! The AGM is free, includesrefreshments and starts at 5pm.Tickets for the neworking event that follows the AGM cost £40 and include afinger buffet, drinks and surprise entertainment. Ticket cans be purchased either:

1. Online at the website http://oradrinksreception.eventbrite.com/2. Via a cheque for £40 made payable to the ORA to the following address:

Captain Clodia N O’Neill (ORA)The Adjutant101 Engineer Regiment (EOD)Carver Barracks, Wimbish, Essex CB10 2YA

Tickets will be available until Monday, 15 November 2010.For further enquiries please contact the ORA Events Committee on:ORAEvents@oldroedeanians.co.uk

Please see the ORA Calendar and the ORA website (www.oldroedeanians.co.uk)for more details on all OR events.