The Guild Biennial - May 2012
A bumper number of Guild members celebrated the last Biennial meeting in the old Bedford High School building. Please find a selection of photographs taken on the day. If you would like to order copies of any of these photographs, please contact the Development Office and we will arrange to send you one.
1980 - 1989 Reunion - Saturday 2 April 2011
A reunion was held at the school for those girls who left Bedford High School between 1980 and 1989 on Saturday 2 April 2011.
There was plenty of time to catch up with old friends, wander around the buildings and take photos! Please find a selection of photographs taken on the day below. If you would like to order copies of any of these photographs, please contact the Development Office and we will arrange to send you one.
The following girls attended:
Victoria Applewood, Penny Angell, Nicky Lavallin, Mary-Ann Hichens, Emma Banks, Danielle Synnott, Catherine Monk, Jacquetta Dring, Sara Jubb, Sarah Farr, Sarah Pearson, Fiona Reid, Sarah Goff, Alison Blake, Christina Beecroft, Helen Jones, Jenine Hemmings, Kate Nickels, Kate Lanz, Claire Healey, Sophy Smith, Amanda Ward, Irene Meehan, Jane McKendrick, Nicole Ibbott, Suzanne Rinaldo, Carrie Ferrari, Catherine Causer, Jane Cony, Susan Allison, Alison Boston, Lyndsay Rodwell, Debbie Cottrell, Philippa Smith, Kate Davies, Susan Brace, Helen Appleyard, Louise Guilliano, Liz Farr, Emma Gordon, Nicola Grimes, Ellie Dyer, Jackie Spencer, Caroline Crilley, Nicky Dickins, Linda Stephens, Sally Anderson, Debra Lenton, Elisabeth Jubb, Mrs Audrey Jubb, Diana Thistlethwaite, Andrea Dixon, Debbie Dorman, Annemarie Smart, Sarah Gibbs, Nicky Easby, Lauren Atkins, Amanda Jackson, Sarah Hakewill, Justine Williams, Helen Bunkall, Mr Martyn Hallett, Dawn Issitt, Lesley Gill, Sharon Egeland, Vicky Stannard, Alison Green, Sue Edwards, Samantha Ludlow, Eleanor Freeman, Tracey Smith, Joanne Thomas, Jill Heaton, Lynn Bullivant, Angela Hawes, Susie Easby, Anna Crane, Julie Brown, Joanna Smith, Michelle Norris, Frances Pearson, Anna Burt, Caroline Dixon, Sarah Sallows, Emma Ross, Viki Wadd, Elaine Brown, Sara Ward, Nicola Halstead, Catharine Berry, Danielle Abraham, Sarah Cheaney, Anna Rhodes, Amanda Wright, Catalina Borneo, Domini James, Jill Ablett, Alex Brown, Sophie Dent, Trixie Farmer, Judith Sharp, Rachel Andrews, Harriet Mann, Karen Webster, Emma Lavis, Susannah Turner, Katy Barnes, Sharon Harrold, Fran Reynolds, Liz Ogilvie, Kate Wescombe, Stella Habgood, Nicky Ablett, Rebecca Nickels, Georgina Henry, Susie Waddingham, Joanna Brown, Louisa Kelly, Rachel Mason, Marianne Thompson, Genny Findlay, Lucy Findlay, Emma Clark, Caroline Holmes, Jenny Chapman, Sue Chapman, Jaclyn Castledine, Sarah Freeman, Teresa Dean, Jeni Dodwell, Sarah Fuller, Tracy Harbinson, Alison Hamilton, Helen Morris, Mona Choo, Caroline Eeles, Sarah Metianu, Donna Glanvill, Sarah Eversden, Dawn Tamayo-Bullivant, Christine Evans, Rachel Hamilton, Alison Gilbert, Helen Odell, Jo Hakewill, Vanessa Dean, Gaynor Rodwell, Nicola Sturgess, Cerynne Henley, Julia Pitts, Sarah Pinborough
Up to 1949 Reunion - Saturday 11 June 2011
We welcomed back our alumini who left Bedford High School up to 1949 to return for a Farewell Bedford High School Reunion on Saturay June 11th.
The event commenced at 11.00am with a welcome from Dorothy Chandler, Chair of The Guild. The speech was then followed by refreshments in the Main Hall and time for our visitors to chat and exchange details. Tours were then provided from Sixth form girls around the BHSG campus.
A wonderful buffet lunch was served in Trinity Dining Hall providing further opportunities for people to catch up and reminisce.
The following girls attended the reunion:
Joan Smith, Jennifer (Meg) Cooper, Sylvia Sexton, Pamela Johnson, Gill Mowse, Marion French, Margaret Crowe, Jean Hendry, Judith Ramsden, Faith Mastin, Susan Graham-Smith, Mary Clayson, Tamsin Christie, Patricia Topham, Margaret Sturton, Angela Holmes, Gwen Fairey, Pamela Halsey, Carol Messinger, Jill Thompson, Jocelyn MacCulloch, Paddy Gent, Katharine Colthurst, Elizabeth Wagg, Barbara Thomas, Margaret Roberts, Judith Colthurst, Jacqueline Finch, Margaret Bladon, Mary Fuller, Ruby Baker, Lyn Richards, Dilys Lloyd, Jean Robinson, Barbara Lilley, Barbara Elphick, Daphne Chivers, Jill Whiting, Elizabeth Skinner, Mary Leith, Ann Ireson, Sonia Belikoff, Heather Berry, Catherine Daughtry, Patsy Jones, Dorothy Copeland, Elisabeth Bellwood, Elizabeth Arnold, Nancy Lockett, Vida Abbiss, Cynthia Cranmer, Oonagh Barker, Daphne Bonnett, Margaret Strange, Elaine Southon, Ann Hall, Barbara Colthurst, Rosemary Bryant
1950 - 1959 Reunion - Saturday 25 June 2011
The reunion was an opportunity for all those who left Bedford High School between 1950 and 1959 to return for a Farewell Bedford High School Reunion.
The event took place at the school on Saturday 25 June 2011.
Refreshments were available in the Main Hall from 11.00am, with a buffet lunch in Trinity Dining Hall. Group photographs from were then taken for those that wish to be photographed with friends.
If anybody would like a copy of any of these photos, please contact development@bedfordhigh.co.uk
The following girls attended:
Jane Knott, Jennifer Fenton, Judith Campion, Patricia Robertson, Heather Baxter, June Hall, Eileen Bates, Audrey Frossell, Jennifer Bayes, Margaret Craig, Sue Holland, Valerie Alsop, Kyra Image, Sheila Minns, Vicky Stubbs, Candida Parrish, Sheila Porter, Tessa Lamb, Sandy White, Lyn Wardale, Susan Claydon, Jill Meiklejohn, Mary Robinson, Mary Webb, Pamela Denton, Ann Singlehurst, Sue Aitken, Janet Vyne, Valerie Palmer, Sue Christmas, Anne Ainscough, Barbara Tinn, Jane Western, Rosemary Gale, Mary McVittie, Ann Harper, Gillian Bridgman, Sara Tate, Sally Bunker, Gilly Newton, Janet Bates, Liz Cook, Helen Grant, Jennifer Davies, Margaret Poole, Gillian Pratt, Margaret Inkson, June Clark, Sally Hall, Jennifer Laborde, Felicity Houghton, Fay Thomas, Dorothy Shreeves, Jennifer Grant, Anne Chamberlain, Janet Purcell, Elizabeth Hodge, Jocelyn Whitmore, Ray Linzell, Brenda Keir, Valerie Tillyard, Pauline Ruston, Jo Rowling, Francia Seago
1981 - 1986 Reunion
24 April 2010
It was a bright sunny morning on 24th April as I arrived looking forward to meeting many old friends and hoping that I would recognise most of them, as I had not seen many of them for several years! As soon as the hall began to fill I was happy to see that faces remain the same - a few extra lines here and there but easily recognisable - within minutes old friendships were re-established and the noise level was gradually increasing!
I want to thank everyone for coming and making it such an enjoyable event. It is encouraging that one of the key topics of discussion was not that of the merger but of catching up with each other's news and a positive feeling that many would be coming back for the decade reunion in 2011. For those who could not make it this time, do please book the 30th April 2011 in your diaries for this decade reunion - it will be good to have a last chance to see the school as it stands now and tour the building, recalling old escapades from the classrooms and cloakrooms, as we did a couple of weeks ago. Hope to see you all next year!
Class of 1998 Reunion
6th April 2009
On Saturday 25th April 2009, over 30 members of the Class of 1998 came back to school to reminisce and catch up on what had been happening over the last ten years. There were a few nervous entrances and thoughts of "will I recognise everyone" and one by one as everyone started to arrive, along with a variety of teachers, it was like ten years hadn't passed! The day included a tour of the new sports and drama facilities to much amazement and envy and we also spent time walking around our old classrooms telling a lot of stories of "Remember when.....". We then ended with a lovely buffet lunch and more time for a good old gossip - the day absolutely flew by! A big thank you to those who came on the day, and here's to the next ten years!
Class of 1984 Reunion
14th March 2009
On Saturday 14th March I arrived at BHSG at 9 am to get ready for our Reunion. I must admit to being rather nervous! Would everyone turn up? Would it be awkward and conversation stilted? I need not have worried. Old Girls began arriving and the conversation flowed. Soon the Atrium was bursting with women and the volume was deafening as we all caught up with 25 years worth of news!
There were 47 of us to be gathered up and ushered into our places in the Hall for our group photo, a wonderful turnout! All of us had been apprehensive but none of us could believe how little we had all changed and how easy it was to roll back the years. A tour of the new SPA development lead to even more memories stirring as we tried to place the new within the old, this was followed by a lovely lunch in the Bay (I am sure it was bigger when we were at school!). Then we were let loose to explore the school, all the while remembering and catching up with old friends. A great time was had by all, many carrying on the reunion into the night with Chinese and Karaoke (well done Lyndsey for organising this). I have had so many thank you's from Old Girls who had a great day. Many thanks to Alyson Courtenay, BHSG Development Director for co-ordinating the event and encouraging me along the way and to Cora Oldfield (Miss Walker) for the great photos and Paul Fricker for coming to meet so many familiar faces. I am sure it will not be 25 years before we get together again! If anyone was not able to attend but wants to contact old friends please get in touch with me and I will pass on your details.
Attendees: Allison Coote, Maria Colburn, Alison Gilbert, Catherine Harlow, Debbie Cottrell, Lucy Allen, Judith Sharp, Sara Jubb, Katja Kyte, Nicky Easby, Jane Leaver, Nicola Sturgess, Lyndsay Rodwell, Sally Zwetsloot, Lucy Brodie, Amanda Parnis, Sarah Osborne, Suzanne Hill, Jill Kyle, Louisa Kelly, Sarah Keeling, Philippa Dix, Sarah Fuller, Linda Harris, Claire Kempson, Liz Barker, Helen Burt, Julie Williams, Karen Evans, Julia Manninng, Sara Pears, Sara O'Dell, Philippa Gotham, Jacquelyn Whitlock, Vanessa Manyweathers, Jennie Holmes, Debbie Simpson, Elisabeth Walker, Amanda Hall, Julie Brace, Jo Parrish, Louise Ensor, Jill BrittonSarah McLeod (nee Farr) Contact me: sarahmcleod66@googlemail.com
1988 Year Group Reunion
19th November 2008
A very big thank you to everyone who came along to the 1988 20 year reunion and to all those who couldn't make it on the day it was good making contact again after all these years.
We had a fantastic turn out of 47 girls not quite beating the 50 year reunion record! After the initial excitement of seeing each other again we had our group photo taken in the Main Hall and then had the opportunity to look round the school ably assisted by Charley, Maxine's daughter and Lily, Sarah niece who are two present pupils. Much time was spent in the science labs, art rooms, library and Sports and Performing Arts building. Over the buffet lunch we had time to look at school photos some from the school archives and some the girls had brought in.
The day took a lot of work making contact and chivvying girls to come along but it was all worth it in the end and lots of us are talking about meeting up again in a few years. Many thanks to all those at the school for enabling us to visit, we very much appreciated all the work that went into it.
Hilbre Grange Reunion
18th November 2008
Jane Simmons (Knott) who is based in Australia did a fantastic job of organising a 60th Anniversary Reunion for girls who were at Hilbre Grange. Girls came from the Philippines, Dubai, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Spain, Holland and Australia, as well as all around the UK to be there.
The day began with an opportunity to have a tour around the school which brought back some wonderful memories. The event then moved on to The Swan Hotel on the Embankment for drinks together before proceeding to lunch where people broke up into groups. The noise was deafening and others diners at The Swan must have wondered what was going on!
Congratulations and many thanks to Jane for all her hard work. This was a reunion that will be talked about for many years to come.
1987 Year Group Reunion
20 February 2008
Wow what a day!.....it's all really quite a blur (although that may have more to do with the amount of alcohol consumed that evening!)
I think everyone was very nervous and a little intimidated at being back at our old school and meeting up with school friends. However, we were all in the same boat and once inside, with a cuppa in our hands, we were able to relax and the conversations flowed.
Many of us brought photo albums and old school photos to peruse and gasp over at our youthful good looks in the good old days! After a few words by Alyson and myself in the Lecture Theatre, we all headed to the Hall for the group photograph taken by Mrs Oldfield. Julia von Winterfeldt arrived just in time, having flown in from New York that morning and made it into the line up. After the cameras stopped clicking we headed off for a tour of the school with Mrs Bullerwell and Mrs Oldfield.
We then had a delicious lunch in the Bay and spent the rest of the time chatting and exploring the school in small groups. Lessons, teachers and various exploits were remembered as we trod through the familiar corridors and classrooms. I admit to dragging Lucy Owen back into the Hall to sing a few hymns. I have always reminisced about school assemblies with Mr Williams belting out "At the name of Jesus" on the organ. It felt good to be back just to see how much was the same and also to gaze in awe at the new extensions and facilities the current generation enjoy.
The whole day was a wonderful experience and went far too quickly but it definitely brought back some great memories and friends into our lives. I think everyone who came shares the same feelings as I do. Thanks again to Alyson, Sue and Cora for all their hard work and for making it happen.
Regards Lauren x
1977 Year Group Reunion
10 November 2007
It was wonderful to meet up with friends whom we had not seen for 30 years!
After many "shrieks" and "hugs" as familiar faces appeared around the corner for the welcome coffee in the Atrium, the day continued. Initially with a look around the traditional areas of the school, with various alterations noted and discussed including now being able to see the lovely woodwork in the Main Hall. A delicious buffet lunch was enjoyed in the Sports and Performing Arts Complex plus a tour of the marvellous facilities available in this new building.
The afternoon passed all too quickly with us reminiscing about our time at school and catching up on family news and events. It was a most enjoyable day we have agreed not to leave ir for another 30! We intend to keep in contact and to arrange another reunion event in the near future.
25 and 50 Year Anniversary Reunions
11 May 2007
Former girls welcomed to Anniversary Reunions
The Bay and the Atrium were all of a buzz on Friday the 11th May as 85 former girls from 25 and 50 years ago returned for their reunions as part of the school's 125th Anniversary celebrations. Some hadn't stepped inside the school since they left and although much has changed there were still parts of the school they recognised. There was lots of talking and catching up to be done in between group photos, looking round at old haunts and the buffet in the Theatre. Some went on to see Mortimer's Miscellany and others continued to chat until later in the evening. All in all a jolly good time was had by all and the time just flew by. They are now all hoping to keep in touch and meet up a little more often!
125th Anniversary Reunion
09 May 2007
120 members of the Guild attended the Service of Thanksgiving in the Main Hall. Our speaker Clare Ward left the High School to study Theology at University before going into Religious Broadcasting. For one of her programmes ‘Faith behind Bars', which was given a national award, Clare spent a month in a women's prison in West Yorkshire. She is now working for the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales but has maintained her broadcasting connections liaising with the BBC over programmes such as ‘The Monastery', ‘The Convent' and the ‘Miracles of Jesus'.
Guild members enjoyed the beautiful singing of the Chapel Choir. The anthem had been written by Dr Weston especially for the occasion. Mr Bond was the organist playing pieces by Bach and Mendelssohn. We are grateful not only to those who contributed to the music but also who led prayers and read the lessons. It was a wonderful occasion.
Refreshments followed in the Atrium where of school life memories brought laughter and plenty of conversation.
Trinity Dining Hall was the venue for the lunch and had been laid out beautifully to set the scene for celebrating the 125 years of Bedford High. Everyone enjoyed the excellent lunch which included strawberries and cream followed by 125th Birthday Celebration Cake.
1990 Year Group Reunion
12 November 2005
On Saturday the 12 November the corridors of Bedford High School were a live with the sounds of the 1990 year group reunion for what was to be wonderful day. Bex Russell (nee Wyborn) and Debbie Webster had done a wonderful job in tracking down so many of them. The day featured lots of time to catch up, tours of the School and a buffet lunch in the Bay. Below is a photo of the group taken in the Main Hall. Lots of girls brought things in for a raffle to raise charity funds in memory of former pupil Sareh Perry who had recently died. The draw seemed to go on forever, but we did get there in the end, some lucky people went away with arms full of goodies! The result was a wonderful £320 donation towards the Eating Disorders Association.