LEH Revisited

Ranging in age from 24 to 94, there was an excellent turn out with especially big reunion get-togethers for the Class of 1994, celebrating 30 years of graduating from LEH, as well as the Classes of 1989 and 1999 too.

The eldest alumna to attend was the ever-indomitable Stella Stephens, from the Class of 1949, who also taught Biology at LEH in the 1960s and 70s, when she was known as Mrs Wright and then Mrs Tomlins.

The most effervescent of guests, she rose to her feet to make an impromptu address to the assembled masses (recounting an anecdote about a recalcitrant orangutan who she invited to visit the school), before working the room, talking to many and even at one point nimbly leaping onto a chair to take photos of the reunion tables as they enjoyed their lunch. Some of her fantastic photos are included in the photo gallery below.

In addition to Stella, it was wonderful to be joined by some of our other cherished former teachers, including Trish White, Class of 1955, and former Chemistry teacher and Deputy Head; Mary Beardwood, former PE teacher and Assistant Head; Lesley Hazel, former Classics teacher and Deputy Head; Joanna Crooks, former Head of English; and Dr Margaret Hustler, former Chemistry Teacher.

Five of our current Music Scholars, from Upper Four and Lower Five, performed to an exceptional standard, displaying the customary LEH love of range and diversity: from an impressive bassoon solo to a moving rendition of Hopelessly Devoted To You from the musical Grease.

“The concert was extraordinary – you appear to have been infiltrated by a group of international soloists!” said Victoria Bentata Azaz, Class of 1984. “Phenomenally impressive musicians.”   

While Alison McWhinnie, Class of 1978, said: "I loved the music performances (and wish we had had a music teacher like your current Director of Music - so much fun) and the standard of the music was phenomenal. Back in the day, we had......recorders! Sometimes, a glockenspiel was added for good measure but mostly it was recorders.”

Then it was the turn of Head Mistress Rowena Cole, who talked about her first year in post and the new school strategy which is just being rolled out and is known as Facing the Future Undaunted.

She talked about what a vital role our alumnae play within the school community and her mission to increase their visibility to help motivate the pupils of today. It was, she said, important that pupils have real-world role models, and there is nothing more powerful than hearing about the achievements of those who had gone before them to take their places in their chosen sphere, in the room, at the table and in the world.

As part of this emphasis on the importance of women helping each other, she urged alumnae to sign up to the LEH Elevate mentoring programme on Holles Connect.  It has just been extended to include current Sixth Form pupils, allowing them to benefit directly from the career experience and business know-how of former LEH pupils.

If you are interested in finding out more about the scheme, please take a look at our LEH Elevate mentoring page HERE.

Following a lovely lunch, which many agreed was much nicer than the school dinners when they attended, it was time for the much-anticipated tour of the building, kindly led by Sixth Form volunteers.

“It was a wonderful trip down memory lane.” Said Gemma Sherlock, Class of 1999. “It was uplifting listening to such an incredible calibre of music as an introduction, and so impressive to see how the School has evolved and grown and yet still maintains the same ethos and character at its core.”

Liza Viner-Brady, Class of 1964, added: “It was such a lovely day and although I had barely seen anyone for 60 years it seemed just like yesterday! The music, students, lunch, updates to the school and delightful tour guides were outstanding. It's great to see the School thriving so well.” 

Thank you to everyone who came and made the day so enjoyable. We hope you will be able to join us next year to relive your LEH days.

If you are logged into your Holles Connect account, you will be able to see the gallery of photos taken at the Alumnae Reunion below.