Photos from the Reunion 1950s or Earlier
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Reunion at the School for those from the 1950s and earlier, June 21st 2008
Some of us confessed to a few butterflies in stomachs as we arrived at Channing on a damp Saturday morning in June. We needn’t have worried. A warm welcome from friendly, bright-eyed V1th formers and a charming Headmistress – new to many of us – meant we were immediately put at our ease and were almost spookily at home in such familiar surroundings within moments.
Gathered in the Dining Hall – about 60 in all – those of us who had been at Channing in the 1950s or earlier became reacquainted with the help of name badges with our maiden names. It has to be said that, Old Girls we might be, but the years had been kind and there were some who must have been entering their eighth decade whose colourful clothes and careful coiffure belied the years. It was difficult not to have one eye out for Miss Wontnor behind the counter, so little had changed.
After a welcome from the Head and Old Girls committee members, we were allowed free access to explore the school and discover the manifold improvements, particularly the Old Hall, recently renamed Founders’ Hall, where a fascinating slideshow from the archives was on continuous loop. No one could fail to be impressed by the new Sixth Form Centre created with architectural brilliance above the Old Hall and providing impressive study and relaxation space for the oldest girls. The Brunner building had transformed the Top Playground and the gardens looked more carefully manicured than in the 60s. Thank goodness the swings were still there… Sadly, the poor weather prevented the planned rounders game. We had come prepared.
A tasty lunch was provided with the added surprise of a superb celebratory chocolate cake followed by an impromptu rendering of Miss Jepson’s “Amen” and “Three Cheers for Channing”.
In the New Hall after lunch we were encouraged to go forth and spread the word about the 125th Anniversary of Channing which will take place during 2009/2010. Of particular interest to Old Girls is a Musical Soiree planned for Autumn 2009. Do contact Sue Martin Hall (Moloney) or Sandra Merry (McAdam) if you would like to take part as a singer, speaker or player. It should be a fabulous and unique event and another chance to meet up with friends.
We skipped out of the New Hall in time-honoured fashion warmed by friendships rekindled.
Thank you to all concerned, particularly Catherine Budgett-Meakin, Mrs. Elliott and Nicole Thorn, for a thoroughly enjoyable opportunity to relive the memory of happy times at Channing.
Yet again I felt privileged to be part of a school which succeeds so surely in preparing young people for the challenges and excitements of adult life by providing happy experiences in a stimulating environment. I am sure I am not alone in feeling that Channing gave us, and continues to give today, an indefinable and exclusive passport to an unpretentious way of living our lives to the full.
Kate Martin Hall (Daintith)
June 2008
