From 1872 Victorian London to an Alumnae Reunion

Who would have thought that a trip around the world by a gambling Victorian gent in 1872 could be linked to one of our alumnae shindigs? What’s that saying again…seven degrees of separation, or is that a song…hmm?

I’m sure we have all given a curious glance to many establishments and shop fronts as we race about our day-to-day activities, especially as everything is so eye-catching, or as a former teacher of mine used to say, “swanky looking”. Today, of course, it’s more appropriate to reference the ‘Gram’ as everything is ‘totally instagramable’ these days. And that was exactly the case when we welcomed alumnae and some current staff at this year’s Drinks in…Covent Garden at Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour.

– Do you see the connection now? –

Whether you were welcomed by the tail coated mistress at the private side entrance of this establishment, previously the gin parlour of Phileas J. Fogg, Esq., a traveller and collector of the curious, scientific and herbaceous (to name only a few of his interests) or you weaved your way through the revellers in the Tavern below, to the hidden bookcase (that was in fact a door) to the stairs to the parlour above, it was another impressive venue to celebrate Channing’s alumnae community.

There were so many fun and interesting conversations flowing throughout the night: Channing girls planning their twenty year reunion since leaving in upper VI/Y13, Ms Newman’s first years at the school – I know, we can’t believe it’s been that long either – Duke of Edinburgh developments and updates upon updates further exemplifying Channing old girls ‘bossing it’ and winning at life!

Thank you to all those alumnae who were in attendance and we look forward to arranging more events for and with our alumnae community.

Ms Francis