Uplifting Music and the Joy of Movement

We bid a very fond farewell to two of the Junior School’s longest serving teachers at the end of last term (July 2019) - Veronica Barnes, Head of Music, and Christine Lyne, Head of Sport.

LEH Alumna Sasha Crawshaw (2007-2018), who is currently studying English Literature at UCL, returned to school on work experience this summer and ventured back over the bridge to hear about some of their highlights before they left.

Sasha said: “As an alumna of both the Junior and Senior School, it was a delight to cross the field once again and wander over the idyllic wooden bridge to interview retirees Miss Veronica Barnes and Mrs Christine Lyne.

“I was immersed in the jubilance of the younger girls playing during their break time, only to be moved by my memories to having been one of them, too. I will confess, I experienced deep appreciation for the part of my childhood there: developing in such a kind, pleasant and invigorating place.

“It was, of course, quite the moment meeting my teachers again, yet it was also as if time had not quite passed, either. It was special to get to interview Miss Barnes and Mrs Lyne. I would like to thank them for their time, and wish them all the best for their retirement.

Veronica Barnes – Head of Music, Junior School - a teacher for 36 years, 19 of which were spent at LEH:
What would you most look forward to during your days at LEH?
When there was Assembly, I would look forward to the whole school singing a lovely hymn. It was very uplifting. You could see how a face, perhaps a bit glum to begin with, would turn into a cheerful one! Also, when Music Clubs were on, I would look forward to teaching Chorus and Choir daft, fun songs. Generally, I would hope to have helped make their day happier.

Which memories particularly stick in the mind?
Snow Days would always cause a stir! We loved letting them play outside for that bit longer in the mornings, then going straight into the first lesson or starting Assembly a bit later. There would usually be a phone call from the Senior School later in the day, asking for the girls to stay inside due to potential safety hazards, so that thrill of enjoying the snow in the morning was always special.

What has been your greatest impact on LEH and how do you think things have changed during your time here?
I hope I have had an impact on LEH by developing Junior Music. In January 2001, when I first joined, I heard the Choir sing, and I was so impressed I decided that they needed another outlet; the pupils needed to be heard by other people, too. I turned to a music tour company and from then onwards there have been music trips for the choir at the Junior School. I also noticed that the Senior School had a Soloists’ and Ensembles’ Concert, which we then echoed. Overall, I believe that everybody should have a platform in Music, and so I set up different concerts for different abilities.

What do you wish for your pupils in life?
The joy of music. Also, to have a respect for the world around us.  I have spent 19 years fondly watching the squirrels running along the fence and up the trees outside the music room windows! This reminds me every day that the environment, and where we live, is so important. We must look after it and give it respect.

Overall, which three words would you use to describe the spirit of LEH?
Caring, enthusiastic, and fun!

Christine Lyne – Head of Sport, Junior School - joined LEH in 1990 – 29 years ago:
What would you most look forward to during your days at LEH?
Honestly? Going out for Sport with the children. They are always bouncing and excited. I have always walked along the path to the lesson, thinking: “No, I don’t need to be paid for this!”
 
Which memories particularly stick in the mind?
It’s really the little things, actually. For example, there was a girl here who used to get picked up at 6pm each evening, and once, after a Swimming Gala, her brother came to pick her up. She was so very excited, and I just remember them leaving arm in arm, touchingly.
 
What has been your greatest impact on LEH and how do you think things have changed during your time here?
Well, after leaving the Senior School having worked there in my early 20s, I worked elsewhere and had a family. The Head of PE at LEH did everything she could to persuade me to come back, bringing in conditions to help me balance work and children. I never did take any of the spare time given to me and, instead, gave my all to developing Sport at the Junior School. I set up more fixtures and clubs, made Sports Day more varied and tried to grow Tennis for the little ones in what the LRC had previously been, a gym! That’s why I have stayed here so many years, because it is more motivating and rewarding seeing the phenomenal change that takes place in the pupils over the four years.
 
What do you wish for your pupils in life?
That they enjoy movement of some sort. We encourage all pupils to participate in as much as they can, and we ensure that all have the opportunity to play in a match. I hope that they know how good it is for their health to find something; it doesn’t have to be competitive.
 
Overall, which three words would you give to describe the spirit of LEH?
Fun and serious, simultaneously!