Girls from Clarendon House’s “Class of ‘93” will be getting together to mark nearly 40 years since they first met, and they need some help!
When “Old Girl” Michelle celebrated her 50th birthday last year, she was inspired to try to bring together her schoolmates who similarly reached their half-centuries.
A Facebook group was set up, and an organisation committee quickly established, including ex-prefect Lizzie Adkins. The date was set, the venue chosen and a guest list drawn up with the names of all the girls that were in their year. But even in this age of the internet, some classmates are proving elusive.
The phrase “school reunion” can fill some people with dread. Not everyone loved their school days, and not everyone is able to look fondly on the past. Also, some fear the competitive conversations that could arise, comparing current situations.
“This is absolutely not our intention,” says Lizzie. “We understand that everyone had a different experience and has lived different lives. Our goal is to create a safe space for memories and reflections and to keep it as positive as possible; to celebrate our friendships and our shared past.”
The ticketed event is taking place in the school hall on November 22nd. Many will remember the days when 500 girls were packed into that space for morning assembly. Though the number of people allowed into the hall is restricted, there are still some spaces available.
Organisers are hoping this will be the first of several such celebratory events.
They are issuing a plea for anyone who started at Clarendon in 1986 and left in 1991 or 1993 to get in touch. This includes those who joined that year group for sixth form only.
Michelle and the team would also like to reach out to as many of their former teachers as possible.
Lizzie said: “Given the multiple decades that have passed, and the age of some of the staff when we started, we’re dealing with the news that many are sadly no longer with us, but there are plenty who are still around and we would love them to get in touch too. It doesn’t matter where in the world they are now, we’d be delighted to hear from them.”
The girls are particularly hoping to regain contact with: Mr K Evans (music), Mr J Scarlett (science), Mr T Wood (science), Mrs V Girkin (science), Mrs S Powe (languages), Mrs M Sutton (science), Mrs C Court (Latin), Mrs C Ives (art), Mrs G Youle (art) and Mrs R Coldwell (head of Sixth Form).
Were you at Clarendon between 1968 and 1993? Did you teach at Clarendon House in those years? Are you in contact with anyone who did?
Please email Lizzie at [email protected]
