Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

NEWS > Alumnae News > The Class of 1955 67 Years On

The Class of 1955 67 Years On

We were delighted to be joined by many familiar faces at the Alumnae Reunion, especially from the Class of 1955. The most senior, Madeline Macdonald, kindly shares her thoughts on the day.
L-R Trish White, Madeline Macdonald and Mary Sykes
L-R Trish White, Madeline Macdonald and Mary Sykes

"There were only three alumnae from my year at the Reunion on Saturday 1st October.  However, we made a little group of five with two non-LEH visitors:  Trish White’s husband Alan and my son Joshua.  Trish came with Alan since they were going on to the reunion at his school that same weekend. 

Joshua came out of filial duty, to drive me, and perhaps privately expected to have a tedious day being polite to my old classmates and showing interest in my fond memories of which rooms we had which lessons in.  I had not said much but of course I had been quietly hopeful of the impression the School would make on him.   Sure enough, as we left for home he was wholeheartedly full of enthusiasm and admiration. 

We enjoyed a good tasty lunch and shared the photos that had been left for us at each place setting – an excellent idea.  It was during this meal that Trish White’s keen brain was making calculations and she declared that I, Madeline Appleby, year of 55, two days off being 86, must be the oldest alumna present.  There had been a hope that Sheila Hallas, class of 1948, would attend, renowned for wing walking last year shortly before her 90th birthday (as featured in Holles Connect for Spring 2022) but in her absence the “oldest” title was mine.  An honour I had never achieved before!

We oldies spend much time looking back and remarking on how things have changed. I will use one area of the School to show how this applies: the art department.  I loved art and still call myself an artist.  My son too is an artist, though on a much grander scale.  So it was the magnificent modern suite of art rooms that I wanted him to see.  He had already marvelled at the work displayed around the building.

I could recall the one art room and one art teacher of our day.  Did we feel hard done by?  Of course not. For its time, soon after the war, LEH was well off and its facilities were fine. In that basic E shaped building we were given sound foundations for life.  And while the school continues to expand and to develop an ever-growing range of activities, I think the underlying spirit has not changed and this is what brings us alumnae back again. 

 If you are logged into your Holles Connect account, you will be able to see some more pictures of the Alumnae Reunion, taken on the day by Emma, one of our Sixth Form Creative Directors. 

PHOTOS gallery

To view this News Article

Similar stories

Executive Coach Fran O’Connor (nee Rich), Class of 2002, returned to LEH this week to help our Upper Sixth pupils discover their own voices in an inspiring talk about how to commun… More...

We’re delighted to unveil the reports from last year’s Be Bold Grant recipients who have put their alumnae support funds… More...

There’s an exciting LEH connection with Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator II, which opens in cinemas this week, as our very … More...

The beauty platform created by techpreneur Chanella Buck, Class of 2007, two years ago continues to go from strength to … More...

Rowena Cole, who is currently in her second year as Head Mistress of LEH, has unveiled a new strategy, which sets out he… More...

Most read

Natasha Wilson, Class of 1994, has celebrated an amazing 25 years at His Majesty's Prison Service, working her way up the ranks from prison officer to… More...

From snaps of pupils messing about, to a treasure trove of LEH memorabila, you've been sharing your memories to help celebrate our Virtual Alumane Reu… More...

We have a brand new LEH alumna European champion, as Maddy Nutt won a gold medal at the duathlon championships in Punta Umbría this weekend (March 8/9… More...

CONTACT US


Lady Eleanor Holles School
Hanworth Road
Hampton, TW13 3HF

0208 979 1601
alumnae@lehs.org.uk

LEGAL

This website is powered by
ToucanTech