14098 KHS Old girls newsletter issue 3 low - King's High

High Times
The newsletter for the Alumnae of King’s High Spring 2009
From the Development Office:
A new name for the newsletter!
In the previous issue of Old Girls’ News, we challenged our
readers to come up with a new name for this newsletter.
The response was amazing, with some really inspired and
creative ideas. Of course, there can only ever be one
winner, and we are delighted to announce that this is
Penny Clapp (1986-93), with her suggestion, High Times.
Penny said of her winning entry, “High Times was the
name of the student magazine I used to write for when
I was at King’s High. It existed during my Lower and Upper
6th years and was full of lots of witty observations,
musings, interviews and some fun recipe and puzzle features.”
The KHS judging panel felt that High Times captured the mood and
tone of the Alumnae newsletter perfectly, and was delighted with
its historical relevance to the school. Penny receives a prize of
£25 of M&S vouchers.
Feedback to the Autumn 2008 issue
Thank you to everyone who e mailed or wrote in with their
comments about the Autumn 2008 issue. Over 100 of you
took the trouble to contact us; Julia Wates (1974-81) e mailed
us from the USA to tell us “it is a pleasure to receive and read”,
Kate Everett (née Adams, 1992-99) advised us of her change of
address, adding “I love reading what’s going on and I don’t want to
miss any updates”, and Alice Brade (née Lucas, 1977-84) e mailed
from Somerset to say “it’s nice to hear news from the old school,
all the way down here in the South West!”.
We have also received a number of ideas for newsletter features,
and will aim to incorporate these into future issues. Finally, welcome
to several hundred new readers: Alumnae with whom we have
re-established contact since the last issue.
Chris Musselwhite
Development Manager
Penny Clapp, winner of our
newsletter naming competition.
Front cover of the 1991 issue
of King’s High student
magazine High Times
Come to our 1980s
Decade Day!
OGA Lunch. Leavers from the 80s and 90s, left to right,
Emily Lingard, Katie Jotischky (King) and Fiona Brown.
OGA Lunch. Former Headmistress Jackie Anderson,
former Deputy Headmistress Caroline Russell and
Headmistress Elizabeth Surber in the Headmistress’s Study.
Scrutinising old school photographs
at the OGA Lunch.
www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk

Events
The Annual OGA Lunch
The bells of St Mary’s rang out as King’s High opened its doors to welcome
back 75 Old Girls, former and current staff to the annual OGA Lunch on
Saturday 28 February 2009.
Seven decades were represented at the event, with Leavers and staff from the
1930s to the present day stepping through the blue door for welcome drinks in
Landor Hall. For some, this was the first time they had returned to school in
decades; for others the lunch has become a much loved annual event. Sixth
formers were on hand to provide tours of the school, with the first tour
emptying Landor Hall as soon as its departure was announced, and with extra
tours added due to popular demand. Many former pupils expressed amazement
at the wide range of facilities and activities available to today’s King’s High girls.
As soon as the door to the Headmistress’s Study opened, a steady stream of
former pupils took the opportunity to wander in, many feeling that they should
perhaps knock beforehand! Mrs Surber was delighted to welcome back her
predecessor, Mrs Jackie Anderson, and former Deputy Headmistress Mrs Caroline
Russell, and the three reminisced in her study as Old Girls came and went.
The OGA AGM took place at 12 noon, followed by a buffet lunch in the Main Hall.
Mrs Surber thanked attendees for their support, and went on to outline the
success of the various reunion events of the past year, including the 1970s
Decade Day last July. She challenged the 1980s Leavers to come in even greater
numbers this year, to the 80s Decade Day planned for June.
Head Girl, Charlotte Lavelle, gave a speech on her experiences at King’s High,
from a fledgling Year 7 “new girl” to her role as Head Girl in her final year. She
acknowledged the support of her teachers, recognising the privilege of the new
Sixth Form Centre and, above all, the uniqueness of her school.
Caroline Russell then took centre stage as Guest Speaker. Caroline began with the
revelation that she had spent one third of her adult life at King’s High, and
remembered her very first day, when fellow member of staff Edna Wells showed
her around the school and offered help, an act of kindness Caroline has never
forgotten. From here, she developed the themes of the importance of building
good relationships with staff and pupils, getting pupils really interested in learning,
and developing an atmosphere of fun – providing illustrated examples of this last
point! Her presentation went down so well that, afterwards, even a number of
Old Girls from the 50s and 60s thanked her, wishing that Caroline had been at
King’s during their time here.
Enjoying drinks in
Landor Hall, left to
right, Lucy Emsden,
Margaret Rayner
and Joanne de Groot
(Bray).
1950s Leavers,
left to right, Anne
Moore (Smith),
Linda Butcher
(Hambridge),
Susan Bridgewater
(Wheatley), Anna
Yelland (Warwick)
and Margaret
Strachan (Carter).
1960s Leavers,
left to right,
Rachael Curnow
(Hedges), Juliet
Cox (Neale), Janet
Carter (Burgess),
Robina Phillips
(Hammond) and
Sandra Harvey
(Clark).
1933 Leaver Mary
Bakewell, left, with
Mrs Surber, Head
Girl Charlotte Lavelle
and 1942 Leaver
Mary Forster
(Bowley), right.
The day ended with the raffle, a distribution of flowers, and more of that in
which, as Mrs Surber remarked, all King’s Girls excel – chat!
Calling all golfers…
A number of Alumnae have suggested
that we organise a Golf Day, perhaps
during the Autumn, at a course in
Warwickshire. If you are interested in
teeing off and enjoying a round, followed
by post-game drinks in the clubhouse,
please contact the school Development Office to
register your interest. We would also welcome ideas
for a preferred Warwickshire golfing venue.
Head of Modern Foreign
Languages Edward
MacFetridge met up with some
former pupils from the 1990s.
He was the sole male attendee
at the lunch, but took this in
his stride!
The team of 6th formers who provided invaluable assistance on the
day. Left to right, Prefects Ellie Houghton, Rebecca Kane, Laura Cairns,
Alicia Birch, Head Girl Charlotte Lavelle and Prefect Becky Morgan.

Events
Join us at our inaugural
London Group Reunion –
Thursday 23 April 2009
We are delighted to announce the
formation of a London Group for Old
Girls and former members of staff.
Our first meeting will be held on
Thursday 23rd April 2009, in the Library at the University
The University Women’s
Club, Mayfair.
Women’s Club, London, where complimentary drinks will be served
from 6.30pm until 8.30pm. The event will provide an opportunity
to network, make new friends and catch up with old acquaintances.
There will also be a chance to contribute ideas towards the future
development of the London Group.
Admission is free to Alumnae and former members of staff. We do
hope you will be able to join us and we look forward to your
company on the evening.
Varsity Double
King’s High School has won the warm-up hockey match in the run
up to this year’s Varsity challenge.
The school was honoured to be asked to play at the prestigious
event which this year took place at the Southgate Hockey Club in
London. Former King’s High girl, Charlotte Jackson (1999-2006)
captained the Oxford hockey side taking part in the main event.
It was a great day for King’s all round. In an all-Midlands warm up
schools contest King’s High won 3–1 against Bablake School.
Deputy Head Girl Alison Stockdale was named “Man of the Match.”
Charlotte Jackson also led her Oxford team to success against
Cambridge, scoring the winning goal to take the match 2-1.
Old Girl Harriet McGrath (1999-2006), Cambridge University
Varsity Netball Captain, also came to the event to support
King’s High.
Invitations have already been sent out to around 200 Alumnae
known to be living in London and the Home Counties, although the
event is open to everyone. Please contact the school Development
Office to book your place for this event.
Relive the 80s at our Decade Day –
Saturday 27 June 2009 – in association
with the OGA
Come back to
school and
celebrate the 80s
at our Decade
Day on Saturday
27 June 2009,
and catch up
with Old Girls
and former
members of
staff who were
at school during
the decade.
1st VI Tennis and 1st VII Netball Teams of 1984-85.
We hope to see some of you on Decade Day!
Varsity Captains: friends and former pupils Harriet McGrath, left,
and Charlotte Jackson at the recent Varsity hockey challenge.
Head of PE, Miss Gilbert, herself a former national hockey
player, commented “This is a great day for hockey at King’s High.
The girls played their best hockey ever and were rewarded on the
big stage – a great achievement.”
Last year’s 1970s Decade Day
was a huge success, with over
100 attendees, and great fun
for all who returned to school,
so don’t miss out on this year’s
nostalgic event.
Attendees at last year’s 1970s Decade
Day enjoy the archive displays.
Tickets cost £15 per person, to
include buffet lunch and drinks.
We do hope you will join us on
the day. If you have not yet received details and a booking form for
the event, please contact the school Development Office.
1st and 2nd XI Squad 2008 – 2009

Alumnae News
A chance in a million encounter in New York
Jo Berritt (nee Marcus, 1973-80), requested information about other King’s High Old Girls living in New York City. The Development
Office confirmed that Christine Mainwaring-Samwell (1953-58), is also based there, which led to the realisation that the two ladies
had actually met through their fundraising work in the US, but had no idea they were both King’s High girls. Jo went on to say: “out of
all the millions of people here in New York, I found my way to another King’s High girl!” Jo and Christine met again just before
Christmas, and were able to compare notes on their school days.
Alice Hamilton returns to school
Alice Hamilton (1998-2005) visited the school recently to speak
to two sixth form groups about her year abroad. Alice, a keen
language student during her time at King’s, worked in Mexico
where she taught children in deprived areas and also spent some
time abroad in France. Her enthusiasm and drive inspired the girls
in the knowledge that they too can put their language skills to
good use in the wider world.
Alice Matthews demonstrates design skills
Alice Matthews (1996-2003) returned to school during the
Autumn Term to talk about her work as a furniture designer. Alice
went on to gain a BA in Product and Furniture Design at Kingston
University before embarking on a career as a furniture designer. She
brought in some examples of her work that she designed and made.
Alice with the Year 13 Spanish group. Back row, left to
right, Martha Bates, Alicia Birch, Alice Hamilton. Front
row, left to right, Annalysa Oliynik, Samantha Preston.
Alice with two items of furniture that she
designed and created.
One year on: news from 2008 Leavers
We e mailed last year’s Leavers to find out what they have been up to
since leaving King’s. From the response we received, it is clear that, after
they leave us, King’s High girls continue to be an active, well travelled,
go-getting bunch, keen to pack as much as possible into life…
Annabel Kishor
Annabel ‘s gap year began with two months in Argentina, playing polo,
followed by travelling to India where she is now working in a
Government primary school for the children of Rajhastani road
workers in the foothills of the Himalayas. She plans to round off her
gap year backpacking around India with fellow Old Girl Emily White
(2001-2006).
Isabel Harrison-Hall and Charlotte Jeffcoate
Isabel and Charlotte left the UK in late January 2009 to spend four
months travelling to Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. They
will include a home stay in a Thai village in their itinerary, and hope to
learn about local culture and traditions as well as raise funds for the
community. They will return to the UK in June.
Alice Meaden
Alice is enjoying student life at The University of St Andrews. Alice
was formerly Head Chorister at St Mary’s, but has now taken up
sailing in place of singing. Already, she is in the sailing race team, is to
take part in the BUSA sailing championships, and is also to enter the
Scottish Three Peaks Race, involving sailing and cross-country.
Annabel Kishor in Argentina, Autumn 2008.
Alice Meaden takes up the sailing challenge.

Did you know?
Jean Field (née Box, 1949-56), suggested that we start a
“Did you know” section, featuring specific achievements of Old Girls.
Whilst researching material for her own books she was struck by the
number of Old Girls who were published writers, and this formed the
basis for the first proposed feature idea. Jean herself has had a
number of non-fiction history books published, including
“The Ilex and the Mulberry Tree”, a comprehensive history of
King’s High between 1879 and 1997.
Our first feature is about former King’s High pupils who went on to
become published fiction writers. This is by no means an exhaustive
list; we apologise for any omissions, and would welcome further
information about authors we have not included, as well as those
who are included but about whom we have little information.
Many of these authors’ books can be found on Amazon.co.uk
Harriet Castor (1986-88).
Harriet initially wrote children’s books, later including adult books in
her repertoire.
Eleanor Doorly, Headmistress, 1922-1944.
Miss Doorly wrote many books for children. Although not fiction per
se, they included biographies of famous people, and included “The
Radium Woman” (a biography of Marie Curie), “The Microbe Man”
(Louis Pasteur) and “The Insect Man” (Henri Fabre). “The Radium
Woman” won the British Library’s Carnegie Medal for the best
children’s book of 1939.
Maud Morin, 1880s.
Maud was an early pupil of the King’s High School for Girls during the
1880s, and her fiction work includes the girls’ school stories “To the
Fray, St Agatha’s!” (1935), “That Red-haired Girl in Thorn’s” (1936)
and “Sally of the Fourth” (1938). She undoubtedly based much of
her work on her own experiences as a pupil at High School, and, as it
is believed she became an English teacher, on events during her
subsequent teaching career. Maud also wrote many other children’s
books, plays for schools and fairy tales. Her reminiscences about
life at King’s High featured in the “King’s High School Book of the
Jubilee, 1929”.
Biographies by Miss Doorly (photograph courtesy of Polly Beidas).
Pauline Harris (1949-1956).
Pauline wrote a number of romantic novels for Mills and Boon.
Helen Wilkinson (née Porter, 1973-80).
Helen has had a number of works of children’s fiction published,
including “Chinks: One Boy’s Search for a Dog and a Dad” and
“The Missing Peace”, as well as some adult fiction.
Are you a fiction writer? Do you know of any other
King’s High Alumnae who are? If so, please let us know.
Our thanks go to Jean Field and Polly Beidas for their
help in compiling this feature.
“Chinks” by Helen Wilkinson.

Appeal for information
Former Deputy Head Girls: where are they now?
In conjunction with the OGA, we are keen to find out what has happened to a number of former Deputy Head Girls of 1940-1970, with
whom we have lost touch over the years. If you are one of the following individuals (perhaps your name has changed) or know what has
happened to someone on this list, please e mail or write to the Development Office or the OGA Secretary with information. Our appeal in
the Autumn 2008 newsletter generated an excellent response and allowed us to re-establish contact with a number of Old Girls.
Deputy Head Girls
Year Name
1940 P Dennis
1941 P Keay
1942 E Bullard
1943 S Lane
1944 B Moyse
1945 H Dent
1947 Pauline Curson, later Mrs Molner
1948 Lucy Izod
1949 Muriel Smith, B Powney
1950 B Coleman
1951 J Watts
1952 J Trown
1953 J Nettle
1955 D Andrew, M Tatlow
1956 Jean Addicott
1957 L Cross, A Taylor
1959 J Jones, Valerie Cutler
1962 Deborah Lewty
1963 L Wilson, Sheila Ryan
1964 Sarah White, Lynne Warden
1965 Francine Beesley
1966 Wendy Saunders
1967 Rosemary Austen
1968 Rachel Mee
1969 Anne Whitehead
1970 Rosalind Errey
1947 Prefects. Back row, left to right, Muriel Smith, Sheila Fane,
Pat Foster, Lucy Izod, Pamela Chester, Audrey Dent and
Margaret Rayner. Front row, left to right, Joy Bailey, Pauline
Curson, Jean Hanney, Frances Rogers and Angela Vaughan.
1951 Prefects with Miss Hare. The group includes
P Wilkes, J Watts, C Archer, B Bristow, M Cross,
E Dibbon, N Duke, J Gibbon, M North, J Robinson,
B Selman, N Sullivan, S Todd-Jones and J Trown.
The Ilex
Photographs courtesy
of Jean Field.
Please e mail any news that you would like to be included in this year’s Ilex to Polly Beidas,
OGA Secretary, at secoga@sky.com
Join the OGA or refer a friend
If you are not a member of the OGA, or know an Old Girl who would like to join, please contact
Polly Beidas on the above e mail, or write to her via King’s High.
Published by the King’s High Development Office.