A Very Traditional LEH Christmas

To celebrate the heritage of the school, we were back where it all started; in the beautiful St Giles’s Church, Cripplegate, near the spot where the first Lady Eleanor Holles School stood in Redcross Street in the heart of the City of London in 1710.

Current students, Governors, teachers, parents, and past pupils all came together for a much-loved highlight of the alumnae calendar.  As ever, the standard of music and the quality of the singing was quite simply outstanding, under the expert guidance of LEH Director of Music, Mrs Ashe.

The solo to Once in Royal David’s City by Emilia Gahan, which was accompanied by a candle lit procession of Holles Singers, sent shivers down the spine of the congregation, while many were moved to tears by the beauty of the perennial LEH favourite, Star in the Sky. Traditional festive arrangements were also given by the Chamber Choir and Cantata, with a carol mash-up from the Brass Quintet.

Once an LEH girl, always an LEH girl, and the standard of readings was as high as ever.  Readers ranged in age from one of our most recent leavers, Blake Baillache, from the Class of 2023, to Trish White, from the Class of 1955, who left school nearly 70 years ago.  One of the absolute stalwarts of the LEH community, Mrs White returned to LEH in 1967 as a Chemistry teacher, before becoming Senior Mistress and then Deputy Head for many years.

Readings were also given by Jemima Benstead, Class of 2010, who is now an Investor Relations Manager, Horticulturalist Lucy Gilham, Class of 2009, and Fiona Wimblett, former Head of Maths.

Other members of the LEH community also read poems and Bible readings, including: Head Mistress, Rowena Cole, Deputy Head, Dr David James, Chair of the Governors, David King and two of the Deputy Head Girls, Megan Clarke and Isabella Baulk.

The service was led by The Reverend Canon Jack Noble, who remembered the LEH alumnae who have passed away this year in the prayers, and the congregational carols were accompanied by Anne Marsden Thomas MBE.

The evening was beautifully rounded off by a chance to share Christmas greetings and catch up with old friends over delicious mince pies and mulled wine, served as ever, with the warm smiles and good cheer of the LEH catering team. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part. We wish you a Merry Christmas one and all.

If you are logged into your Holles Connect account, you will be able to see a selection of photos taken at the Alumnae Carol Service 2023 below.