The Magazine of The Maynard School Alumnae Spring 2019
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The Magazine of The Maynard School Alumnae
Spring 2019
WELCOME
May we wish you all the warmest of welcomes to this Conserving big cats
edition of The Word, the magazine which seems to be and empowering
growing with each and every year that passes. This communities
is in part due to the sheer amount there is always to Amy Dickman P.8 Where are they now? P.11
report from our Maynard community, but also largely
due to the ever-increasing contact that we have with
our wonderful alumnae. We love to hear and share
your news so please do keep the updates coming in!
Something that struck us this year was just how many
of our Old Maynardians have made the bold decision
to up sticks and set off in search of a new life abroad
and we celebrate just a tiny fraction of these ladies in
A tribute to many years of
our feature on pages 30 – 37.
fabulous service 40 Years
Tricia Wilks P.17 of Head Girls P.22
Many of you will no doubt have fond memories of
our wonderful Tricia Wilks (see page 17) who has
been here at The Maynard for 27 years and will be so
sadly missed when she retires from teaching at the
end of the academic year. We wish her all the luck in
the world for an equally busy and fulfilling life ahead
as an author and as a doting grandmother to her
growing number of grandchildren.
Old Maynardians The Maynard Award
As ever, the pages here cover only the briefest Living Abroad P.30 Meet the first graduates P.43
synopsis of everything that is going on but do keep
an eye on our website (www.maynard.co.uk) or our The Story Behind The Cover...
social media platforms for a bigger picture of it all.
You may wonder at the connection between a majestic tiger, a Californian beach and The Maynard School...
In the meantime, may we wish you all a wonderful
Well, the answer lies with former pupil Belinda Jones. This is the cover for her bestseller The Californian Club
summer ahead and do please keep in touch!
and ties in with her new release - The Hotel Where We Met (out this summer) - as both feature the paradise
island of Coronado, set across the bay from San Diego. If you like books to spirit you away to another world,
Sarah Dunn (Headmistress)
these are ideal and the new one even features some romantic time travel to take you that extra mile! Belinda
Rachael Board (Editor)
is also the author of Bodie On The Road (The Dogged Pursuit of Happiness) which is out now in the UK
(Summersdale), Germany (Benevento) and USA (Skyhorse) www.bodieontheroad.com
Top of the A-level tables for the New Health & Fitness Suite a
News
expensive counterparts, as well as offering much the
fourth consecutive year welcome addition same array of extra-curricular options and sporting
prowess.”
Most importantly, and as testament to our enduring
Girls score excellently under new affordability and enormous value, this is the second
GCSE grading system time in three years that we have been included in
this listing!
The Sport Tour girls meeting Raynick, the young girl whose
Although launched in 2015, the Award was only education they help sponsor.
opened up last year to independent schools in the "Three little maids from school"
UK and, with our fantastic track record of high-level celebrate their 80th birthdays It started with a tour of the Cape Peninsular where
achievement in the STEM subjects, we are proud to the girls had the opportunity to get up close
The 2018 A-level cohort once again excelled across The new Health & Fitness Suite adjoining the be the first to step up to the plate in supporting the to seals, penguins and all the other wonderful
the board with a 100% pass rate and an incredible Performing Arts Centre/Gym building is proving an initiative. South African wildlife. Then there was Robben
81% achieving A*-B. Year on year, the school always almighty hit. Opened in November last year, all Sixth Island with a former prisoner giving them all a
far exceeds the national average of the top grades Formers are allowed to use the facilities during their Several girls in Years 10 and 11 are enrolled in the thought-provoking insight as to the appalling living
and this was no exception with 52% achieving A*-A free periods, it is home to regular fitness classes for programme which encourages participants to conditions of its inmates, a cable car trip up Table
In a year of uncertainty and change with the well- putting us as the highest ranking independent the Senior girls and it has also proven very popular log STEMM-related activities across four strands: Mountain, a surfing lesson on one of the many
publicised reforms to the GCSE system, our students school in Devon according to the Department for with many members of staff. Not only that, but it ‘Inspiring the next generation’, ‘Engaging the public’, gorgeous beaches, the Garden Route, tours of an
performed superbly to triple the national average of Education’s Schools Performance League Tables also doubles up as an invaluable welcome area for ‘Developing skills and knowledge’ and ‘Shaping impoverished township and meeting some of the
the top grades of 7, 8 and 9. based on A-level results from summer 2018. all the many shows and concerts that take place your future’. In a similarly shaped structure to that locals, the unforgettable Elephant Park and the
next door! of the much more established Duke of Edinburgh Old Maynardians Freda Jackson, Elizabeth chance to spot the Big Five on safari. All of these
There were some remarkable results across the Biz Whizz Careers Club: Thanks to Award, in this first instance, the Maynard students Brown (née Drake) and Rosemary Parsons (née were all only eclipsed by one thing – meeting the
academic departments; of the girls taking Physics, our alumnae speakers The Dining Centre also underwent several will be working towards their Bronze Award and will Ponsford) enjoyed a mini-reunion in March 2019 little girl whose entire education the sports tour girls
an enormous 90% achieved grades 7-9, the refurbishments last summer, most notably a be required to complete a minimum of 10 hours per at Elizabeth's home. If you also left The Maynard in have pledged to sponsor until she finishes school.
equivalent of an A or A* (and 43% gaining the top new Sixth Form Bistro in what used to be the old section whilst covering all five STEMM areas. A silver 1957, where are you now? We would love to hear
scoring grade 9). In fact, across all three separate A huge thank you to our many changing rooms. The lockers here have been and gold variation, working towards more advanced from you so please get in touch via Rachael Board Long before setting out to South Africa, the girls had
sciences 87% of the students gained grades 7-9 (A* wonderful Old Maynardians who relocated to a covered area alongside Bradley Hall skills, will ensue. (rachaelboard@maynard.co.uk or The Maynard decided that they would like to give something back
or A). 93% of those taking Drama scored 7-9 (35% have popped back over the past and girls can use the changing facilities inside the School, Denmark Road, Exeter EX1 1SJ). to the community out there and, in collaboration
with a grade 9) and History was also impressive with few months to take the weekly sports hall to prepare for matches, games and PE One of the top ten ‘best value with Somerset-based charity SOS Africa, it was
70% achieving 7-9 (24% with a grade 9). Senior School and Sixth Form lessons. private schools in the UK’ Stunning Sports Tour to South decided upon that they would organise some
careers talks. We have been truly fortunate to have Africa fundraising events to help raise the necessary
As a result of these outstanding results we were hosted such a fascinating array of professionals and Paving the way in the new Youth monies to cover a young girl’s education. At nine
rated within the Department for Education’s we really are indebted to you for so willingly giving STEMM Award We were delighted to be voted, once again, as one years old, Raynick’s family could not afford any of
Performance League Tables as the 5th= (out of 1311) of your time to share your experiences and wisdom of the top ten best value private schools in the UK Twenty one girls had the trip of a lifetime during the her schooling so several cake sales, tea parties, film
best performing independent school in England for with our girls. by The Daily Telegraph in September last year. The summer holidays when travelling to South Africa nights and the inaugural Maynard’s Got Talent later
the percentage of students who achieved grade 5 At a time when careers in Science, Technology, Maynard was also the only school in the South West for their hockey and netball sports tour. Aside from the necessary £600 was raised for the first year of
or above in the English and Maths GCSEs, as well We are keen to expand our careers network for Engineering, Maths and Medicine are crying out for (extending as far afield as Reading and Oxford) to playing superbly in all their training opportunities sponsorship. And with bags crammed with books,
as 15th nationally for the Attainment 8 score based future talks so please do contact women to join their ranks, we were delighted to feature in the ratings. These were based on the and matches against local sides from Cape Town pens and other necessary school items the girls
on how well students have performed in up to eight rachaelboard@maynard.co.uk if this is of interest become the first school in the South West to sign up Telegraph’s theory that “academically, most of and beyond, they also had plenty of time to soak up arrived at Grabouw High School to the warmest of
mainstream qualifications. to you. this year to the new Youth STEMM Award. these schools compete results-wise with their more the area’s many wonderful and eye-opening sights. welcomes from Raynick and her friends.
4 5
“It was truly from Pre-Prep through to the Sixth Form. In March, The full report is available to read on the homepage equip young adults and teenagers with the coping inventions and a number of these are still in use when the GCSE students were undertaking their
wonderful,” said Mrs we were treated to another of Mrs Bellamy’s of our website – www.maynard.co.uk mechanisms to manage the highs and the lows today. three hour examination assessments in February
Wood, one of the fantastic play productions, this time Brecht’s that life might throw at them. Despite the very sad there was nothing other than a great sense of calm
three members of ‘Caucasian Chalk Circle’ which received rave reviews ‘Life is not about waiting for the motivation behind these talks, Dick is a fantastically During the post-war era, Mr Simpson was the and purpose as they set about producing some
PE staff responsible during its three night run. storm to pass, it is about learning upbeat, humorous speaker and he left all of his biggest employer in the area, bringing hope and truly gorgeous three course meals. It must surely
for overseeing the audiences from The Maynard with an unforgettable an income to a vast number of households. Many only be a matter of time before we launch The
whole trip. “Meeting The sheer talent of so many of our students never
to dance in the rain.” message – whatever your circumstances, try never of the foundry’s workers came from the poor West Maynard Masterchef!
Raynick was a ceases to amaze; as an example, the recent Spring to lose sight of all the good things in your life. Quarter and could walk to work but when the
complete highlight Performing Arts Concert featured 88 girls from slums were cleared in the 1920s and 1930s the Several reunions planned for the
and only served to Year 6 to Upper Sixth, four choirs, two chamber Students unveil blue plaque population moved away to modern council housing coming months
spur the girls on with yet more fundraising events to ensembles, the chamber orchestra, soloists, to honour Tregear’s Stephen in Burnthouse Lane. What did Mr Simpson do to
come. Pledging £600 per year to see out Raynick’s recitations, drama, dance and the incredible Jazz help them to continue working at the factory? He
entire education is no mean feat but being able Band.
Simpson built the Trew Weir pedestrian suspension bridge
to meet her and see her school has instilled in us across the River Exe so they could carry on walking
renewed purpose and the girls have taken on this Then, of course there is the Junior School and We marked a huge historical moment earlier this to work. He was also a major benefactor for the
sponsorship wholeheartedly. Pre-Prep with all their budding performers coming year with the official unveiling of the Exeter Civic reconstruction of Exeter Cathedral during and after
together with a string of excellent showcases, Society’s blue plaque to honour the life and work the bombings of World War II. His good work and
We are already booking the next round of culminating in the Summer Showcase Spectacular. philanthropy was recognised at the time by the
fundraisers for this year and we will look forward to There’s no such thing as a dull moment at school! Royal Household who offered him a knighthood but
seeing Raynick again in 2020 when we head back he declined this on the grounds that, “I want to die
there for the next tour. I also have to say that it was ISI Regulatory Compliance Student and staff wellbeing continues to be a plain Stephen Simpson”. We are so incredibly proud
a complete pleasure to spend those two weeks Inspection 2019 huge focus and we have welcomed several fresh to honour his memory.
with our talented young sportswomen. We have all initiatives spearheaded by our new Assistant
brought home lifelong memories of a very happy Head, Mrs Caroline Leigh. The PSHE curriculum Food & Nutrition Room a hub of
and fun-filled trip.” Following the Regulatory Compliance Inspection has undergone a revamp with yoga (Pre-Prep and activity
in February 2019 by the Independent School Junior School included), pilates and fitness classes
Creative and Performing Arts Inspectorate (ISI – the Ofsted equivalent for being introduced across the spectrum as well as of Stephen Simpson who lived in Tregear (housing
continue on a high independent schools), we are delighted to have mindfulness classes led by Mrs Wilks. the Art and Music Departments) from 1899-1912. Like bees to a honey pot, the girls flock to the Food
met every single standard set by the Department for This was particularly significant as three of his great, & Nutrition room where they can let their creative
Education with no action points to follow up on and Additionally, the students have been party to great grandchildren attend the school and his great We are very much looking forward to hosting
no improvements necessary. numerous wellbeing talks, most notably in March granddaughter works here – all of whom were able several reunions this summer for the 10, 20, 25,
when Dick Moore returned to the school for a to join in with the celebrations. 30, 40 and 50 year leavers. It’s always great fun
This is not an easy outcome to achieve as the second time. welcoming back so many of our Old Maynardians
inspection covered all aspects of school compliance Mr Simpson was an incredibly philanthropic especially as, for some, this is often their first time
with over 500 guidance statements covering 39 Dick is a hugely experienced speaker, not just man although he is perhaps most celebrated returning since they left all those years ago! Last
legal requirements. These regulations look closely in terms of having spent the last seven years for inventing the ‘coin feed mechanism’ (or slot year’s reunion were enormously successful, made
at safeguarding and welfare, safer recruitment of delivering over 350 talks to schools and educational machine) for prepayment gas meters in 1893-1894. all the more glorious by the stunning weather,
staff, provision of education, health and safety (on establishments around the world, but because he is Subsequently, he moved down from Mansfield and we hope for more of the same in the coming
and off site), behaviour management, fire safety, a man who has gone through the horrors of his own to work for the Exeter-based firm, Willey & Co juices flow whilst knocking up some quite incredible months!
Our diary continues to be filled with numerous attendance and admissions monitoring and risk son committing suicide as a result of depression. Ltd, in producing these, becoming chairman for looking (and tasting!) dishes in the relaxed company
concerts, plays and showcases across the school assessments. Since that point, Dick has made it his life mission to many years. In total, the firm patented 200 of his of the lovely Mrs Fanous and Mrs Finnegan. Even
6 7
female role models all around, and the focus on What would you say is your greatest
achievement really made me work hard to chase achievement to date?
my dreams. There was a strong feeling that you
could achieve anything you wanted as long as you Really engaging the Barabaig tribe in conservation.
worked hard and committed to it, and I tell so many This is a sister tribe to the Maasai that is known
students the same thing today! to be very secretive and hostile, and we were told
they would never engage with conservationists.
Talk us through your typical working day. They were doing the majority of the lion killing in
our study area, so we did all we could to engage
There is almost no typical day. In the field, I can with them. It took over two years for us to get any
be out with the staff on one of our programmes, communication with them at all, and was extremely
meeting villagers, going into the Park to look for challenging. However, over the past eight years we
carnivores and talk to partners, or working with have built a really good relationship with them,
our managers to keep all the programmes running. and they have worked with us to prevent many lion
In Oxford, I help supervise students, write grant killings, so that has been wonderful.
applications and reports, and write academic
papers. When I travel outside Africa, I am meeting What are the highs and the lows with what you
funders and sharing the story of our work in the do?
field. All the days are long, but I love the many
different aspects of the job. There are many highs and many lows. I love it
Dr Amy Dickman
when we know we have made a real difference – for
Who employs you and how is your work instance by preventing a lion hunt, saving poisoned
funded? or snared animals, or enabling a poor child to go
to school and improve their future. Conversely, it
I am employed by Pembroke College, in the is very hard for the whole team when we have a
University of Oxford, and my position is held at the poisoning or spearing incident, especially if many
Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (www.wildcru. wild animals are killed. There are other lows as well
org), which is part of Oxford’s Zoology Department. – leaving my young children when I travel, dealing
What inspired you to become a wildlife watch them and learn about them. For a long time My salary is paid for through the Recanati-Kaplan with the risks of poisonous snakes and other
conservationist? I wondered about being a vet, but then decided I Foundation, and I raise all the funds for our dangerous animals in the bush, feeling isolated
Dr Amy Dickman, a leaver in 1994, really wanted to commit fully to wild animals, so did fieldwork and other costs. from ‘normal’ life, family and friends, so it can be
is now a National Geographic I have always loved animals, and was keen on a Zoology degree with the aim of working in big cat difficult.
saving them from a young age – I saved day- conservation. What are the major challenges you face now?
Explorer and a Senior Research old chicks, would buy live crabs in the market Most recently, through the Ruaha Carnivore
Fellow at Oxford University. to (probably ill-advisedly) release back into In what way did your time at The Maynard help Securing the funding for the project is the biggest Project you have branched out to help more
Here, she shares some insights the sea, and adopted lambs destined for the prepare you for the challenges of your career? challenge – the traditional conservation funding than just the wildlife community. Can you tell
into her work conserving big cats slaughterhouse. I remember going along Exmouth model is short-term and relatively small but, as us a little more about this?
and empowering communities seafront, and as my family collected cockles and The Maynard was very positive for me indeed – I the project grows, we need larger and more secure
in Tanzania’s remote Ruaha mussels, I trailed behind throwing them back into think being in an all-girls setting meant that an funding sources. We really want to scale our work Our approach has always been that for long-
the sea! I was particularly inspired by big cats, and interest in science was not seen as ‘non-girly’, and up, but the time and energy involved in securing the term conservation, local people need to see
landscape. loved going to Paignton Zoo whenever I could to was strongly encouraged. I also had such strong funds is a huge challenge. a real benefit from the presence of wildlife on
8 9
Where
What do you see happening to the big cat
now ?
populations throughout the world in the
future?
It will be very challenging as we move towards
an ever more crowded world, as big cats need a
lot of space. If we want them to exist long-term in
are they
any meaningful way, we will need to invest more
in protected areas, and also in solutions to help
people and big cats coexist more easily around and
outside existing Parks. I do think we can do this and
still maintain wild cats in the future, but it will need
more funding and resources than it has done so far.
Do you agree with animal conservation in zoos in a Namibian hospital for three days, which was Elizabeth Hamon My parents were bombed out of our home in there had been a pre-schooler in the house for at
around the world or is managing them in their more scary than being attacked! I have also been Eltham by a flying bomb (V1) in 1944 so when I left least 19 of those years. And in that time, for nearly
(née Beeny) – Leaver in 1945
natural habitat a better answer to increase the scared by interactions with people – for instance The Maynard in 1945 it was to West London that I 15 years we had at least one under three in the
dwindling populations? when we are trying to stop angry, armed warriors If there’s anyone out returned and took a secretarial course at the Regent house!
from killing lions - but overall, I usually feel safe as there who remembers Street Polytechnic. The next few years included
This is not one or another – while zoos can never we have a great team around us. me, I celebrated my 90th a year in France with a family, helping their older As our youngest has gone into Year 10, and we
their land. We asked the communities what their replace natural habitat and conservation in the birthday in September children with their English and a few months in knew she would need support through GCSEs, we
main priorities were, and education was their top wild, they can do a lot to support that. Zoos are one How do you juggle your job with life back at 2018. I now live in Switzerland in a children’s home. have decided to take a break for a couple of years
priority. Therefore, we developed the Kids 4 Cats of the biggest funders of wild conservation work, home in Devon? Sevenoaks and my family (although I still do day care and holiday cover).
programme, where international schools provide and have been vital to our project. This funding is gave me a lovely day When I married we had 4 children, followed by
books and equipment to village schools, and now critical, and they can also reach millions of people With a huge amount of support! I could never do all in a hotel in Tunbridge some illness, so secretarial work had to take a back Instead, I now volunteer for the local council on
provide Simba Scholarships to the best students and get them interested in conservation, and help this without the amazing support of my husband, Wells. We had a big tea seat. I am still in touch with one Maynardian who their Doula programme, working with vulnerable
through secondary school, and Carnivore College show those people how they can take direct action mother, mother-in-law and other family – they pick so that my three great lives in Norway. women. This involves giving weekly support to a
scholarships for higher education. to support wildlife conservation. up childcare while I travel, and are just wonderful grandchildren could join in (a fourth has since mum from week 34 of their pregnancy, attending
all round. It is still very tough, and I hate leaving the arrived!) and then the adults stayed on for dinner. appointments with them if they need support,
We also found that students were struggling at Have you ever feared for your life and, if so, children, but I hope that in the future they will see Ruth Fox being their birthing partner, and giving six weeks of
school as they had no food all day, so we have what happened? that it was worth it. With regard to The Maynard, I have mixed feelings post-natal support (it also means that I get my baby
(née Blake) – Leaver in 1982
worked with local women’s groups to provide a as it was wartime and I was very lonely having been fix without being up all hours - unless mum goes
nutritious porridge every day, which increases Yes, a couple of times. Once a huge male lion slept The very nature of your job and the extensive sent down alone by my parents to Exeter from our I have had a slight into labour at night!).
pupil attendance and attainment. These kinds on my tiny tent, which absolutely terrified me – he travel must be quite gruelling. Where do you home in Eltham, London. After two years as a day change of activity
of programmes – as well as our healthcare lay down on me, and the only weapons I had were see yourself in 20 years’ time? girl, staying with acquaintances, I was glad to join recently. We have So many women are isolated, or find themselves
and veterinary ones – seem far from big cat a small multi-tool knife and a can of deodorant the twenty four or so boarders at Rixlade, the house been fostering babies in difficult situations, and it is a real privilege to be
conservation, but actually they are crucial in spray! The full story can be seen on https://video. I still want the project to be running, and be on Stoke Hill. Apart from homework, there was for the last 11 years able to stand alongside them at such a personal
improving local attitudes towards the presence of nationalgeographic.com/video/00000144-0a29- stronger, and to have expanded similar models to little to do and I was glad to have my bike with me, and it’s fair to say we moment in their life.
these species. d3cb-a96c-7b2dd9d00000 I was also once attacked other locations. There is so much that needs to be enjoying weekend cycle rides with Ann Boyd and were quite tired. We
by a cheetah when I went into an enclosure (which done, so I don’t see stopping this pace any time Patience Gee. worked out that in
we did as standard) – that ended up with me being soon! 25 years of marriage
10 11
Ruth Binney So whether you’ve ever wondered why Heinz https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/ Patricia Roach and laughing some more and her most recent
has 57 varieties, why 999 is the UK’s emergency awards/athena-prize/ about, and at, ourselves publication is a co-
(née Chanter) – Leaver in 1961 (née Brown) – Leaver in 1961
phone number but 911 is used in America, why back then and now. edited book on the
I was a pupil at The Coco Chanel chose No. 5 for her iconic perfume, or We are working to try and rebalance the ratio of I moved to an old cottage in a small rural village in Cast Courts. She is
Maynard from 1951 to how the title Catch 22 was chosen, then this is the male to female experts quoted in the news (across North East Fife last August, and I have a lot of work What with families and currently preparing
1961, following which I book for you. Dip in anywhere and you’ll find that all mediums: print, radio and broadcast) which in ahead to modernise it! jobs and many miles a book on German
graduated from Girton numbers are not just for adding and measuring 2014 was a pretty shocking four male experts for between us, moments baroque sculpture,
College, Cambridge but can be hugely entertaining and informative every one female expert. More info here: Several years ago I joined the Dundee U3A, with like these are too few. But we have vowed to make and continues to
in Natural Sciences. whether you’re buying a diamond or choosing https://acmedsci.ac.uk/more/news/increasing- whom I now play the ukulele and sing in a folk them happen more as we race towards 50 and lecture at art history
I began my career as dinner from the menu. women-experts-in-the-media-academy-of-medical- choir. Our ukulele group is in great demand to beyond. Also to note that we didn’t sing Filiae conferences. She
an editor in illustrated sciences-wins-diversity-prize. play at care homes, Women’s Institutes and other Devoniensus nor There’s Something About The gave the keynote
non-fiction with Thames My publisher, Robert Ertle of Rydon Publishing is venues, and we won a Community Music award in Maynard at midnight on the banks of the Amstel lecture at a conference in Leuven in December
and Hudson and worked based in Exeter and I now live in Yeovil, Somerset. 2017. We have played at the Scottish Parliament but we could have done had we wanted to because 2018, and is speaking at a conference in Lisbon
for many prestigious My sister Lois, who has lived in Vancouver since Gillian Attwell Café twice now and have been invited back again we all still very much remember the words. in May 2019. She is also on the vetting committee
publishers including 1962 is also an Old Maynardian. later this year. It’s all great fun! for the art fair at Maastricht (TEFAF) in March. She
(née Brown) –
Mitchell Beazley (where I was an editor of the Joy of was Honorary Vice-President of the Society of
Leaver in 1964
Knowledge Encyclopedia), Marshall Cavendish and I also belong to a U3A Walking group and an Tessa Woodward Antiquaries (2018-19), and serves on numerous
Reader’s Digest. Melanie Etherton After returning Outings group - so far we have had holidays in
Leaver in 1967
other scholarly committees. She has two children,
from South Amsterdam, Iceland, Paris and Prague. This year we Thomas and Isabella, and now three grandchildren:
Leaver - 2011
Since ‘retiring’ back to the West Country in 2002 Africa where are trying a cruise, travelling from Dundee as far out Tessa, a prolific author in the field Cassius, Arthur and Cecily. She divides her time
I have written numerous books and my latest is I taught as The Faroes and down to Liverpool. of Teacher Education, has just had between West Sussex and Oxford.
the recently published 'The Number One Book of Physical another book published, ‘Teacher
Numbers' (Rydon Publishing £12.99): Education My sister Gill Attwell (Gill Brown) still lives near Development Over Time: Practical
for 20 years, Southampton and has now retired. She enjoys Activities for Language Teachers’ Abbey Southall
Gillian Attwell (left) and her
Why is 7 such a lucky number and 13 so unlucky? my husband sister Patricia Roach. walking and zumba and of course visiting her two co-authored with Kathleen Gaves and Donald
Leaver in 2008
Why does a jury traditionally have ‘12 good men and I came grandchildren. Freeman and published by Routledge.
and true’, and why are there 24 hours in the day to live in the New Forest and I embarked on an I trained to be a teacher
and 60 seconds in a minute? This fascinating MSc in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) With best wishes to you all for 2019! The book addresses teacher learning over the after studying Literature and
new book explores the world of numbers from at the University of Southampton. Whilst all my Photo - Gill’s the one on the left, with her lovely span of the careers of both novice and experienced Philosophy at university then
pin numbers to book titles, and from the sixfold contemporaries were contemplating retiring - the wavy, still blonde hair (sibling envy!!). teachers in English Language Teaching (ELT). taught in mainstream schools
shape of snowflakes to the way our roads, houses heady days when women could retire at 60 - I was in some very deprived areas
and telephone numbers are designated in fact lucky enough to gain a post at the University of of Sheffield and Leeds before
and fiction. Using the numbers themselves as Winchester as a dyslexia tutor. It was a wonderful Clare Sayce, Katherine Mellanby, Holly Trusted moving to London to work
its starting point it investigates everything from I thought you might like to hear about some cool 12 years and I met some fabulous young people. Georgina Selby, Michelle Holford Leaver in 1973
at Little Forest Folk. I want to train in psychology
the origins and meaning of counting in early stuff I’ve been working on. I don’t actually work in and then develop therapeutic techniques based on
science so much as around it, and my team and Leavers in 1996
civilizations to numbers in proverbs, myths and I retired last year and took up grandparent duties From January 2019, Holly (previously Marjorie) forest school ideals which could be used to support
nursery rhymes and the ancient ‘science’ of I have just won a biennial award from the Royal looking after my two grandsons for two days a Last October four of us of the Class of ‘96 spent Trusted became an Honorary Senior Research pupils who are at risk of exclusion or who are being
numerology. It also focuses on the quirks of odds Society for our work increasing the number of week. When I’ve recovered from that, I walk, go to a weekend in Amsterdam to celebrate turning Fellow at the Victoria and Albert Museum, having educated in pupil referral units. There are quite
and evens, primes, on numbers in popular sports – female scientists in the media: Zumba and swim. I’d love to know what my school 40. (Waah! We all still feel about 17 and a half, stepped down from her position as Senior Curator a few Old Maynardians in London and we meet
and much, much more. peers (1957-1964) are up to. especially when we’re together.) Many, many hours of Sculpture. She was Lead Curator of the V&A’s regularly, mostly to eat delicious food.
were spent talking and talking and then laughing Cast Courts, which re-opened in December 2018,
12 13
Heather Goddard three years took up a post in Bristol in a large associations which meant I travelled to a hotel on Finally, in late 2018, I came full circle and moved in consultancy with logistics companies, a one of the Directors in an
comprehensive school as the “Cookery teacher”! Woodbury quite frequently and I also visit Devon back to Exeter as a Senior Radiographer in CT & laboratory testing paintings for authenticity and Actor-Writer Gym.
(née Simons) - Leaver 1957
From there, I taught for a further 33 years in a County Council offices. MRI. It’s definitely a challenging job but can also be then becoming a founder member of The Art Due
I entered Maynard in 1953 and what a year that was Catholic secondary school situated in a very incredibly rewarding. My family still live near Exeter Diligence Group. She is currently working on
as I had not only gained a scholarship to Maynard, deprived area, ending up as Head of Faculty. The This year, to commemorate the 100 years of the and I have a small nephew and niece who I love two spring productions: as
but had a brand new bike for my birthday which children were great characters and enjoyed a great suffragette movement, my authority has been spending time with. Pandora then set up a training business, to train Director and Dramaturge
was in June and which was just a few days after the feeling of success when they did well despite their recognising the role of inspirational women in captains and crew on Superyachts about how to for a new play – The Four
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and I had a cake humble backgrounds. the community and I have the nomination for It hardly seems like 20 years but I’m looking forward care for fine art. A major part of this role is teaching Horsemen - to be performed in Manchester and as
which was beautifully decorated by a professional inspirational politician. to the anniversary celebrations later in the year and art appreciation to crew who often don’t know Assistant Director for The Amber Trap in London.
icing artist in red, white and blue! We did not I took early retirement in 1999 but then worked for hearing what everyone has been up to since our what is around them. “I love the mental stimulation
own a television but my auntie had bought one the City of Bristol further education college with This celebration is in March and we will be talking Maynard days. from the people I meet, the places I visit and There are a number of other projects in the
especially for the coronation - a 9 inch one with a students who were recovering from drug addiction to many young girls to inspire them to achieve working in a creative industry. I am so lucky to have pipeline, including plans for a TV documentary.
magnifying glass and adults suffering mental health problems; their dreams and I am looking forward to that PS. The baby in the picture is my newborn niece, been able to make a career out of being an art Anyone interested in finding out more can visit:
over the screen to this was probably the most rewarding teaching I opportunity very much. It will be a fitting end to a born last summer. historian. Art History is a fabulous subject to study, www.anastasiabrucejones.co.uk
make the black and ever did. I also had a Home Office appointment long career in politics and a good way to finish and but the options after leaving university can be hard
white picture bigger as a member of the Board of Visitors at a youth start retirement! to find. To work in the art world with like-minded
(no colour television offending prison which took young men up to Pandora Mather-Lees people is fulfilling and enriching. Moreover, it has Cathy Elliott
in those days!). 21 years of age. My special responsibility was the also been very stimulating to be able to combine
(née Cook) - Leaver in 1976 Leaver in 1994
Several families education section of the establishment which was Jacqui Martin my work in fine art with work in related areas such
crowded around in contrast the most disappointing experience as, Pandora Mather-Lees lived in the big red house as interior design and the marine environment. Having graduated from the
Leaver in 1999
this contraption in when they were short of staff, these young people’s on the corner opposite school and started in the University of Manchester, I
a small terraced education was stopped and they spent 23 hours To cut a long story short Kindergarten in 1964. After The Maynard, she These are areas where fine art, sculpture and began a career in the charity
house in Heavitree. per day locked in their cells! after I left school in 1999 went to St Godric’s College in London for a year’s design feature heavily, so it is a natural transition, sector in 1999 at the Hallé
I went to York University secretarial course and got her first job in PR with however it also demands that one learns about Orchestra. I became a charity
I enjoyed my time at Maynard especially as I was I have been married to my husband John for 55 to study History, which Biss Lancaster. From there, she joined what is now new markets, new players and a whole new set of Chief Executive in 2009 in the
a keen diver and was able to train before and after years and have one son, Stephen, who has his own I loved. Publicis Advertising as an assistant. Then she had a industry regulations and considerations.” community foundation movement which led to
school at Exeter Swimming baths. I won the South business training school in medical gases. stint for a few years in South Africa to explore a new many opportunities, including presenting to the
Western Counties Girls Diving Championship in two Along the way I entered the political arena and After graduating world. In the early 90s Pandora went to Manchester Home Affairs Select Committee on youth crime
consecutive years which took place on an open was first elected in 1979 when Margaret Thatcher in 2002 I did a few University as a Anastasia Bruce-Jones prevention, chairing a business leaders roundtable
air board off Plymouth Hoe. The sea left a lot to be was first elected (the district and national elections different jobs before mature student with the Governor of the Bank of England, and
Leaver in 2015
desired as ice cream tubs, and skins of bananas were held on the same day). I was a district considering my career options and concluding and obtained a completing an International Fellowship with the
and orange peel and crisp packets, all collected in councillor for 17 years and chaired several of the my best bet was to go back to university and try 1st Class Degree Anastasia gained a First Class degree from Gonville City University of New York. I now have a portfolio
the sea at that point. No luxury like the Life Centre main committees as well as being the first and only something else. That something else was a BSc in in the History of and Caius College, Cambridge, last year, after which of work which includes a Ministerial appointment
that Tom Daley had to progress his diving career! woman chair of the council in 1986/87. Diagnostic Radiography at Exeter University, quite Art. Following this she took her adaptation of The Tempest on a tour for an HS2 funding programme with the
I left school after two terms in the Sixth Form with 5 a turnaround for someone whose worst subject at she was accepted of the USA then returned to the UK for a week’s run Department for Transport, being a Non-Executive
GCEs and turned my General Science examination This council was disbanded in 1997 to form a new school was Physics! by Keble College of the production at Cambridge. She is now living in Director of a NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester,
into further O-levels in Biology, Chemistry and unitary authority. This year I will have completed Oxford to read London and successfully pursuing her ambition to and being a member of the Advisory Council for
Physics. another 16 years. I have held two Cabinet posts - After qualifying in 2008 I worked in York for over Ancient History. direct and write. Tate Liverpool. I live in south Manchester with my
that of Communities and Tourism and Leader of eight years, then moved back to the Westcountry in partner and five-year-old son.
I then entered teacher training college at Brighton all Strategic Partnerships, European issues and 2017 to work in Plymouth. Then followed 20 years with the Bridgeman Art She was Assistant Director for a production at the
and Seaford College of Housecraft and after represented the Council of many West of England Library and Arnet, followed by a ‘plural’ career Leicester Square Theatre, then was invited to be
14 15
Alice Carse love, maths, and trained as a secondary maths come to 21 Albemarle Street to see the beautiful
teacher. For ten years she worked in schools near building and the Faraday Museum: it is little known
Leaver in 2002
her home in Berkshire, enjoying sharing her love of but well worth visiting.
I have just become engaged maths (and earning the title of “Maths evangelist”!!).
to be married to Joseph In 2017 she was appointed Primary Mathematics
Dunn, formerly of Exeter Masterclass Coordinator by the Royal Institution Abby Cresswell
School. We met in the Sixth (Ri).
(née Hunt) - Leaver in 1994
Form and remained close
friends for 18 years. The Ri Masterclass programme began in 1978, After moving all over the UK for university and
flowing from the famous Ri Christmas Lectures, subsequent jobs, I have now
We finally started going with the thought that maths and science are not settled in Wales, living just
out in 2018 and got engaged in February. We just for Christmas! The Masterclasses allow some inside the Brecon Beacons
now live in Hampshire. Joe is a senior engineer time and space for school children to enjoy some National Park. This move was
in the aerospace and defence industry and I am a complex mathematical topics, meeting with peers cemented by my marriage
barrister practising in London. from a number of different schools, usually on six to James in August 2018.
or eight occasions; in this way there is a sustained We married in Llangorse
We will be married in Exeter on 30 July 2019. Our engagement with a variety of inspiring workshops. (where James has family
wedding celebrations will be attended by our These Masterclasses are led by enthusiastic experts connections going back centuries) and enjoyed a
friends from The Maynard and Exeter School. from a wide variety of backgrounds, including wonderful day - among the guests was fellow Old
academia and industry. Maynardian Debbie Khiytani (née Jones)! We share
a tribute to many
our home with our two cats and James’ son, Harry,
Alison Eves Alison is inspired by a phrase sometimes used is with us regularly.
by the mathematician Marcus du Sautoy; “The
(née Hughes) - Leaver in 1983
years of fabulous
Shakespeare of Mathematics”. His point is that we I have worked for a spatial data management
Alison has found her dream job! Since leaving the show young children the beauty of Shakespearian company for the last three years, specialising in
Maynard and completing language without expecting them to understand heritage data and mapping (having spent 10 years
service
a Maths degree at Royal every detail… we should do the same with maths, as an Archaeological Investigator with English
Holloway (University of allowing pupils to see how wonderful and how Heritage, amongst other jobs!). In my spare time, I
London) Alison has fulfilled beautiful (and how useful) mathematics can be. Her also help James run his geology tourism company
a number of roles, paid and main role is to work with the network of volunteers (GeoWorld Travel), doing admin and accounts,
unpaid. Initially training across the country to enable hundreds of 10 and and even doing a spot of archaeological guiding in
and working as a Chartered 11 year olds every year to access the exciting and various locations when required!
Accountant, Alison soon inspiring Primary Mathematics Masterclasses; she is
followed her heart into teaching. She began by always looking for new schools and organisations I have many happy memories of my time at The
tutoring graduates studying for their professional to work with to extend the network, as well as new Maynard and am pleased to still be in contact with
accountancy exams and, after a seven year career speakers. a number of my old classmates via Facebook. We
break to be at home with her three young children, arranged an unofficial reunion in 2015 at Double
Alison returned to teaching. If you might like to be involved in the programme in Locks, which was really well attended and great
any way please get in touch! fun! I’m now looking forward to our ‘official’
Beginning with teaching economics A-level for reunion at the school later this year, although I
eight years, she then returned to her first academic And if you find yourself at a loose end in London, can’t quite believe it’s 25 years since we left...!
16 17
How would you like to be remembered?
In July we will say a very fond farewell to
the wonderful Mrs Wilks after 27 years here I would like to be remembered as helping
at The Maynard. She HAS covered a number Maynardians to grow in confidence, discover the
of roles at school, most recently as Deputy joy of life and the importance of a positive mental
attitude, as well as for my collection of owls and
Headmistress and also Designated Lead Officer coloured pencils.
on Safeguarding.
– For those in the know, you have a reputation as
a bit of a culture ‘buff’. What do you enjoy most
She will be very sadly missed by colleagues, students and our Old Maynardian in your free time?
community but we will always be enormously grateful for her significant
contribution to the school and wish her the very happiest of retirements. I love Radio 4, detective stories, the novels of
Sebastian Faulks and visiting historic sites,
imagining the lives of people who have lived there,
How many years have you worked at The for the next stage in their lives - confident and especially Hampton Court. I also enjoy watching
Maynard and what roles have you covered in excited about what lies ahead. The reading from the
“
Inspector Montalbano and Beck on BBC4.
that time? works of Albert Schweitzer that I have done for a
number of years at the Leavers’ Assembly sums up
THE YEARS HAVE SPED BY
“
This is my 27th year and I really can’t believe it. this feeling.
AND IT HAS BEEN A JOY AND A You have taught history throughout your What are your retirement plans?
PRIVILEGE TO WORK IN SUCH A Maynard career. What is your favourite era or I HAD A COUPLE OF PHONE
The years have sped by and it has been a joy and
GREAT SCHOOL. moment in history and why? INTERVIEWS WITH THE POLICE I am hoping to write a novel based loosely on my
a privilege to work in such a great school. I joined What was your own school experience like and
FOLLOWED BY A VISIT FROM mother’s experiences at the end of World War
the Maynard as Head of History, then became Head do you think this in any way related to your Whist every period of History is fascinating (I have TWO MEMBERS OF THE ANTI- II, spend time with my children and four lovely
of Sixth Form and then Deputy Head. During my ethos whilst working at The Maynard? She called me Hacky Wacky (my maiden name was to say that) my main interest is in 20th century TERRORIST SQUAD. grandchildren and volunteer with the charity Shine
time I have also taught some Latin and Classical Hackforth). I was very proud to have been elected inter-war European History because it saw so many which helps people with spina bifida as one of my
Civilisation, Critical Thinking, General Studies I loved my school years. Between the ages of 10 and Senior Student (Head Girl) in my final year. I have huge changes in peoples’ lives which have had What will be the first thing on your list to grandsons has this condition.
and Careers. The one constant has been teaching 12 I attended a stage school, the Arts Educational, tried to make Maynardians’ experience of school as such lasting effects. I hope to learn more about the do once you have said your goodbyes to the
History which is my passion. which explains my love of musical theatre and tap positive as my own. history of Eastern Europe over the next few years. School? If you won the lottery, what would you do with
dancing in particular. From aged 12 onwards I was all the money?
What have been your best or most memorable lucky enough to attend Queen’s College in Harley There are so many success stories from The You were of ‘police interest’ in the Salisbury I will go down to Budleigh Salterton and sit looking
moments here? Street in the heart of London during the “Swinging Maynard but we never really hear about poisoning incident last March. Can you explain out at the sea thinking about the past, present If I won the lottery, I would build a theatre for the
Sixties” when everything seemed possible and the other things that go on! What are the how this came to be? and future. I then hope to go on a cruise of the Maynard, travel to Vietnam, Canada and South
Some of my most memorable moments have been members of the Beatles and Rolling Stones were naughtiest things that you have had to deal Norwegian fjords. America and support the charity Shine.
performing in five staff plays, finding my office often seen driving around. The school is well known with? On 4th March last year I met up with my family in
covered in drawing of owls on “muck up” day, being for the number of pioneering women who have Zizi’s restaurant in Salisbury for a pre Mother’s Day And finally, what do you think you will miss the
given a surprise birthday celebration by the Sixth been educated there over the years, including A few years ago one of the Upper 3’s poured a cup lunch. Unknown to me, the Skripals were sitting What has made you especially proud during most when you leave?
Form on my 50th birthday when I thought I was Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (one of the first women of water out of the window of room 12 and it landed a few tables away. As a result I had two phone your career at The Maynard?
going to teach General Studies, watching take offs doctors) and Octavia Hill, one of the founders of on the head of a visitor to the school. I managed to interviews with the police followed by a visit at my I will miss the joy of working with such great young
of myself in numerous Sixth Form entertainments, the National Trust. The school was relaxed and keep a straight face. home by two members of the anti-terrorist squad I have been thrilled to see a number of past pupils people and wonderful colleagues.
taking trips to Berlin and the First World War non-competitive and the Headmistress during my who had driven down from London. It was all very become History teachers and, in their turn, pass on
battlefields and seeing generations of leavers ready time was wonderfully tolerant and unconventional. unsettling. their passion for History.
18 19by Botany, Chemistry and Physics, so would have night, 6 people in the house were killed, including
News from the excluded anything as unpleasant as the workings of Fay Beauchamp who was in Upper One at the
the human body! time. She had been at school in Jersey until 1940:
Archive An archivist receives email enquiries as well as
artefacts, and these can lead to interesting lines of
investigation. A researcher for the Devon History
would that have been safer? Another Maynardian
was involved too. Ann Sant aged 9 is recorded as
moving away after the blitz, and it is also recorded
that Kathleen Sant aged 42 was killed in Leebourne.
School reports, a long-playing Society asked for information on alumna Hester It seems likely that this was Ann’s mother, and that
Frood, who was a well-known artist from Topsham she then moved to live with relatives elsewhere.
record, an autograph book, and one of a family involved in the suffrage A postscript to this story is that when excavations
photographs – what these have movement. I was also contacted about Clara were made to build Bradley Hall, the contractors
in common is that they were all Andrew, who was a leading light in the organisation found a ‘hole in the ground’, which was the bomb
donations to the school archive in which brought Belgian refugees to Devon from crater, about 12m diameter by 4.5m deep.
the past year. 1914 onwards. She lived in Southernhay West, Phyllis Dearmans’ sketch of her ambulance known as ‘Bill Henry’
where her brother established a legal practice. She Next door
was featured in the ‘Devon Voices’ exhibition in the to Barnfield Hill, was the home of Rev Edmund (but with a
I am always pleased RAMM at the end of 2018, as was Phyllis Dearman, Foweraker when he retired from his post as considerable
to receive items of Exeter’s first female ambulance driver. Headmaster of Exeter Cathedral School. It also area of garden
interest, as everything housed his wife Emma and son Albert, and a cook. between) was
helps to build up I also investigated the Veitch family who Albert married Annie and continued to live in the Traceyville. This
a picture of the ran horticultural nurseries in Exeter for family home (1901 census) while working as an was built for
school over the several generations. There are a number of artist, though they had set up their own home by Walter Hamlin, a
Traceyville in 1972
years. Memories are commemorative information boards around the 1911. After the First World War, Colonel Hibberd corn dealer, who
prompted by items city concerning them, and gardens in Southernhay bought the house. He had been in the Devonshire lived there with
such as the record of planted with examples of their discoveries. The Regiment Cyclist Battalion (no, I didn’t know there his wife Sarah ‘Our’ blue plaque, unveiled on March 7 projected, as in the original house. Transition (Y2) by the light of the fire I could see their paintings
‘Captain Noah and Record sleeve final member of the family to be involved was were cyclist battalions, either!) and his daughter and one servant. outside Tregear were also on the ground floor. stirring on the further wall. I was glad to get outside
his floating zoo’; some Mildred Veitch, whose name is on the oldest Mary was a pupil at Maynard until about 1932. They sold the again. Almost immediately we were allowed to go
readers will remember with fondness Mrs Barton, honours board in the school hall. She had spent By 1939, the house had changed hands again, house to The Maynard in 1926, and it became the Little of the old house now remains, though there into the cloak-room to salvage shoe-bags.’ After a
whose choir made this recording and another of a few years as a History teacher after gaining her and was the home of Colonel A E Morrall, whose Junior Department. Previous to that, the younger is evidence of the original doorway on the side major exercise in re-organisation, they managed to
‘Joseph and his amazing technicolour dreamcoat’. degree at St Hilda’s Oxford, but came back to Exeter First World War service had been with the South pupils had been in the Main School building, facing Bradley Hall. The rest had to be re-built have the Junior School in operation again within
to take charge of the company. She eventually sold Wales Borderers. That makes it seem likely that with the Kindergarten (Year 1) in what is now the after an arson attack caused a major fire in 1972. a week using rooms in other buildings, though the
The school reports from the 1930’s were a contrast it to St Bridget’s, where it is a happy coincidence to he was part of the Morrall family which owned a Headmistress’s office. An extension was built at the Fortunately this was at night, so no-one was hurt, rebuilding of Traceyville took a year.
to those that we use now; most teachers gave only find that more Maynard alumnae run the company. company making needles in Redditch. As an aside, back of the house, alongside the Tregear tennis and the more modern extension was saved. The
one or two words in comment on their subject, (I wonder if any reader lives in Veitch Close or Veitch they advertised using a crest entitled the “needle courts, which had two large classrooms on the first Headmistress at the time, Miss Bradley, later The third house to be built on Spicer Road at that
and the form mistress (assumed to be female!) had Gardens?) makers’ arms” which showed Adam and Eve floor and an assembly hall below. That is familiar wrote about that night in the school magazine: time was Tregear. I wrote about Stephen Simpson
to copy them all onto one piece of paper. Great with the needles they used to sew their fig leaves to many generations of Junior pupils; Lower One ‘The young policeman appeared at the top of the in last year’s magazine, so I will not repeat that
emphasis was given to the student’s position in the together! (Y3) had one of the classrooms and Form Two (Y5) fire escape and beckoned me up to have a look. here. However, the latest news is that we are very
Gracious Living in Spicer Road
form, though there was no indication of how many the other. Upper One (Y4) were in the older part of I joined him and we made our way along the grateful to the Simpson family who have made it
pupils she was competing with. The list of subjects At the same time as the Main School building was The story of the house called Leebourne comes the building on the first floor overlooking Spicer smoke-filled, blackened top corridor from which possible for a blue plaque to be erected outside
available for study included ‘Drill’, as well as French, being erected, three large houses were built on to an abrupt end on 4 May 1942. The German Road, with Kindergarten beneath them, in rooms of the flames had been beaten back in the nick of Tregear to commemorate his time there before it
German, Latin and Greek. Science was represented ‘our’ side of Spicer Road. Leebourne, the nearest bombing of Exeter destroyed the house. On that slightly unusual shape with three windows which time. Upper One’s door had been burnt away, and was sold to the school in 1912.
20 21You can also read
