There was a huge buzz around the school on Saturday 17 September 2016 when 80 Old Girls and former staff gathered to celebrate friendship and so much more! Special guests were Alex Danson, Charlotte Purdue and no less than three other International Sportswomen - Lyn Swayne (Rogers) - hockey, Sarah Parker (Escott) - rugby and Zoe Franklin - shooting. There were also several significant anniversaries to celebrate spanning 7 decades including the group pictured who left in 1966 and were celebrating 50 years. One lady flew back from Hong Kong to meet up with old friends after 40 years of leaving Farnborough Hill.
The highlight of the day was the hockey match on the Danson Pitch umpired by Old Girl, Former Head of PE and now Governor, Ann Berry, with the Old Girls victorious against the School - not surprisingly with an Olympic Gold Medallist who apologised for being out of practice as she had not played in four weeks!
New facilities (to many) were seen 'In Action' such as the Sports Hall, Theatre on the Hill, Science Labs, Music and Art Suites with a large number of current girls helping staff in these areas and also serving tea and singing in the choir.
The 'Tea Party' was a huge hit with a 120 place china tea set, homemade cakes and a great deal of chatter!
To finish the day, there was a Thanksgiving Service in the Chapel with golden flower arrangements by Sister Mannion. Precious memories were shared and a time capsule filled with items spanning 9 decades, such as a photograph of our Old Girl who celebrated her 100th birthday in June, Sister Rennie's 1941 identity card, a 1950s cookery textbook written by the domestic science teacher at the time, a green school beret, complete with pom-pom and green gym knickers from 1990, a hockey ball signed by Alex Danson, a pair of Year 11 decorated shoes from 2008 and a photograph of Sister Teresa Hawkins. To finish it off perfectly, three Year 13 girls had prepared and sang a motet written by Joseph Wardale (Director of Music in 1960s) which simply took everyone's breath away!
Mrs Alexandra Neil was heard at the end to say, 'The day was a triumph!'
Thank you to Mrs Gill Chapman and the FHOGA Committee for organising such a wonderful event and to the current students and staff for their invaluable help.
See more photos from the Reunion