Saturday November 5th was a date to remember: not just for being Guy Fawkes night, but for being the first Quondam Lunch to be held in School since the pandemic, the first Lunch attended by Headmistress and President of Quondam, Katharine Woodcock, and also the first Quondam event attended by former Headmistress, Vivienne Durham.

Not to be defeated by the recent rail disruption, the Lunch remained a warm and convivial affair. The President gave the seating arrangement her personal attention with long tables set in the shape of a square, lending the atmosphere a cosy and inclusive feel. Despite the threatened train strike, resulting in a smaller gathering than predicted, the hall felt comfortably full.

As ever, a champagne and canape reception in the library followed the AGM. Excitingly, the lunch was preceded with a presentation by year 8 pupil Sarah Marques. Sarah spoke with eloquence and confidence of her journey to the graves of Canon Francis Holland and his family earlier this year. Former Director of Music, Robert Pattison, not only returned to join us at the lunch, Robert also played the piano as guests sang the school hymn. Some of the guests were reduced to schoolgirl giggles as memories came flooding back!

It was especially pleasing to see Vivienne Durham back at the School after so many years. Our guests of former staff delighted in joining Vivienne in many group photographs and happy reunions.

The lunch closed with a birthday cake and rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’. Not only did the school recently commemorate its 144th birthday, but Headmistress Katharine Woodcock celebrated hers on the day itself. Thank you to all who attended and made the day so special.