'Old Felicians Club: Who to Contact'
Elizabeth Strowlger (Chairman) Tel: 01243 373122, mobile 07730 893027 estrowlger@o2.co.uk	Caroline MacMillan (Secretary) Tel: 020 8740 3010, mobile 07979 751772  southwold7@tiscali.co.uk
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OLD FELICIANS CLUB AGM AND LUNCH

Saturday 10th March 2012

The Old Felicians Club's Annual General Meeting will be held at 11.30 am on Saturday 10th March 2012 at The Magdala, 2a South Hill Park, Hampstead, London, NW3 2SB.   Nearest underground is Belsize Park (10 minutes walk) and overland rail Hampstead Heath (1 minutes walk).

The meeting will be in a private room and followed by drinks and lunch. The Magdala is on the edge Hampstead Heath and after lunch visits are planned to Kenwood House (free entry) and a walk on the Heath (weather permitting).   For more information contact Caroline MacMillan, southwold7@tiscali.co.uk 079797 51772

 

CHRISTMAS MEAL - HALESWORTH

The majority of the class of 1999 met together for a Christmas meal in Halesworth including Rosie de Belgeonne from Australia, Sarah Dare from Canada and Lara Pandya from The Netherlands (who did an amazing job of arranging it) along with the UK bunch, Charlotte Boucher, Helen Taylor (engaged on Christmas day - Congratulations), Nancy Paul, Hannah Walsh, Louise Vaughan, Claire TraversSmith, Francesca de Lacey and Kate Williams.

 

OLD FELICIANS REUNION

 Emsworth Sailing Club, Hampshire 28th October 2011

(L to R)
Back Row:  Tessa Bosworth (Fielder), Lauraine Bourne (Mead)
Middle Row:  Lizzie Strowlger (Roberts), Misty Walmsley (Melvill), Caroline MacMillan (Hayward), Liz Scott (Myers),   Catherine Jones (Holiday), Pat Bell (Johnson), Sally Insley (Cuscaden)
Seated:  Sybil Edwards   Carolyn Jory (Shepheard)

Thanks, and a very Merry Christmas to you.

 

 

DEBORAH'S  50th BIRTDAY PARTY!

Here is a picture of the OFs present at Deborah's 50th birthday party a couple of weeks ago in York.

L- R :  Fi Jones (Ferguson, Clough 1977-79), Mandy Perkins (Shardlow, Bronte 1974-1978), Mandy Wilkinson (Bronte 1974-1980), Laura Jarratt (Gough, Bronte 1972-1979), Deborah Digby (Wilkinson, Bronte 1973-1980), Anne Smith (Gardiner 1974-1980) and Charlotte Hare (Fawcett 1973-1980).

We may have a combined age of nearly 350 and 11 children aged between 8 and 25 but we still know how to party!

It was a Hollywood Party with optional fancy dress which is why Deborah is dressed as Marilyn Monroe and her sister is wearing leather trousers as a pirate - not our usual party wear!

 

September 2011

Old Felicians meet the new headmaster at Pembroke College Lunch, Cambridge

 

Somerville Reunion September 2011

There was a Somerville reunion held on the 20th September and here is a photograph hot off the camera press. 

 

Names are:

Left to right
Kate Simpson (nee Heigham) 1986-93, Emily Stewart (nee Bullough), Clare Powell (nee Sayer), Louise Tillotson (nee Parker), Alice Larter, Mary Lambert, Jo Seely, Frances Holley (nee Paul), Lizzie Ledger

 

SWISS AND FRENCH OLD FELICIANS REUNION

The first meeting of the Swiss Old Felicians ook place on Saturday July 2nd 2011 at the Chateau d'Ouchy in Lausanne beside Lac Leman. It was a great success and enjoyed by everyone.  

Those attending were (left to right in photograph): Jenny Haller (Ollington)1953-58 Clough, Corinne Hirter (Stinson)1963-1968 Clough,  Ann Hadfield 1945-1950 Fawcett, Jean McArthur (Clarke)1945-1950 Sommerville, Sarah Neville( Stinson)1963-1968 Clough. Another meeting has been arranged for Saturday October 1st 2011 at Jack's Brasserie in Berne.

 

 

10th June 2011

Old Felicians meet in Tunbridge Wells for a rather damp walk but very enjoyable lunch.

Present were:(From left to right)

Elspeth Howell (Kellock), Gardiner 1955-61. Ann Hone (Bell), Gardiner 1951-56.Jill Garner (Newey), Gardiner 1945-50. Patricia Miller (Higgins), Gardiner 1945-49. Christine Ridsdill-Smith (Ward), Clough 1953-61. Penelope Samuelson (Evans), Gardiner 1946-50. Christina Walmsley (Melvill), Fawcett 1955-62. Fiona Stevens (Reynolds), Gardiner 1953-59. Shirley Preston (Crane), Gardiner 1943-51

 

Felicians of the Future?

 

GARDINER REUNION: 65 YEARS ON

On June 30th 2011, a group of Gardiner OFs met to celebrate the fact that they were all achieving their 80th birthdays in 2011.

Alison Partridge (Lawrie), Jennifer Boden (Docking), Rosemary Brown (Waters), Angela Pocock (Tresidder), Ann Robson, Phoebe Pollock (Pemberton) and Anne Corfield (Bingham) got together on a lovely sunny day for a very jolly lunch at the Haven Bistro, Lymington with its stunning views over the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

Angela's husband (Eric) had said that he wished to meet the friends that she'd kept up with for over 65 years so he was included in the lunch party as were Mike (Anne Corfield's husband) and Ray (Alison Partridge's husband).

Three of the party had made it all the way from the USA. Unfortunately Elizabeth Hamilton (Spurling) and Pam Clarke (Chadwick) were unable to make it as planned. They were sadly missed.

 

Mrs Madeline Jan

Madeline Jan, who taught Modern Languages and History at Saint Felix from 1972 until 2003, died on 11th July 2011 following a stroke 2 days previously. Many OFs will remember Madeline for her uncompromisingly high academic standards and for her extensive knowledge (she was a contestant on Mastermind in the 1970s). During her time at the school she taught A Level European History, CSE and O Level French and was Head of German. She was also a very able Sixth Form tutor and was responsible for guiding many students through the UCAS and the old PCAS processes for admission to Higher Education. Many OFs have reason to be grateful for the wisdom of her advice and their current careers may be due in no small part to her ability to recommend appropriate courses and her support of their ambitions. After she retired, Madeline spent time in Brazil where her son, Karim, is still based. Many staff, past and present, will cherish memories of Madeline's contribution to the success of Saint Felix pupils, especially those under her tutelage in the Sixth Form. The funeral will take place at noon on August 8th at Gorleston Crematorium. Anyone requiring further information can contact Fran D'Alcorn via fdalcorn@stfelix.suffolk.sch.uk

 

 

OLD FELICIANS' GOLF EVENT

Following the great success of the Old Felicians' Golf Team in the annual Tassie golf competition when they came joint 3rd behind Sherborne and Queenswood with Vicky Wheeler and Anthea Franklin also winning a prize for the best round on the Blue Course, a further event has been planned at Royal Worlington on 3rd October 2011.

Interested golfers please contact Anthea Franklin: anthea.franklin@btinternet.com or on 02077271659.

 

 

Friday 11th March

On Friday 11th March there was a request on Classic FM's school  "for the Old Felicians returning to Saint Felix School, Southwold, for an action packed weekend".  To the sound of Felix Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No 3 in E Minor, the scene was set.

There were many informal gatherings at hostelries in Southwold, Walberswick and Aldeburgh on the Friday evening with one particular party raising the noise level considerably at the Blue Lighthouse.  Saturday morning tours of Adnams' brewery were fascinating and even non beer drinkers enjoyed sampling various brews afterwards at the tutored beer tasting.  Old Felicians (and husbands) then congregated at the Cellar and Kitchen shop for lunch and had a chance to taste wines from the New World.  Whilst OFs returned to school for the Annual General Meeting, husbands retreated to watch international
rugger matches on TV.  The headmaster, Fran D'Alcorn (deputy head) and two Felicians, Harry and Charlotte, joined in the lively discussions after the meeting and it was interesting to hear the pupils comments about life in a co-educational school.

Brian, the chef, always produces a good tea, this time it was yummy strawberry scones and there was then time to explore the school which brought back many memories.    Boys and girls from the Sixth Form mingled with guests at the evening reception and after a special grace written specially for the Old Felicians by Reverend (now Canon) Fitch, we sat down
to a most enjoyable dinner during which David Ward was presented with a pair of silver candlesticks as a parting gift from the Old Felicians.

The choir sang superbly at the Saint Felix Day service on Sunday morning and several OFs commented that they felt quite moved by the special atmosphere. After coffee those with long journeys bid their farewells whilst others who lived near by or were staying a further night in Southwold, enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Randolph.

The lasting memory of the weekend is of many happy faces, much laughter and non-stop chatter.  By special request another Southwold Weekend will be organised in 2013 and we hope even more OFs and their husbands will come to it and share memories of the years they spent at Saint Felix School and enjoy each other's company.

 

REUNION - 8th JANUARY 2011

"We had an impromptu reunion on 8 January 2011 at the Tate Modern of about half of the class of '69.  In some cases we had not actually met since '69!!  We spent the whole day at the Tate (most of it at lunch) and saw the Gauguin exhibition, which wasn't nearly as interesting (in my view) as meeting up with old friends.

clockwise round the table they are:

Sally Hicks (Watson) Clough, Hendrika Rickard (Franklin) Gardiner, Rosemarie Ghazaros Somerville, Sue Ryder-Richardson  Clough, Trish Dopping-Hepenstal  Somerville, Jessica Leach (Stansfeld)  Fawcett, Nancy Miller (Lupton)  Somerville, Monica Allen  Gardiner, Kay May (Foxwell)  Clough, Katharine Willows (Poppy Jackson) Bronte, Vicky Platt  Clough

It was absolutely brilliant and we had such a good time that we are going to meet up again in Suffolk in October."

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OLD FELICIAN PASSES AWAY

Dear OFs and friends of Mavis (Rennie - Gardiner House 1975-1980)
Mavis lost her struggle to Breast Cancer in the most beautiful and caring Hospice in Melbourne, Australia. Her sister, Sophie, was there and is ensuring her onward transfer to being scattered in a couple of her children's favourite places.
It was a fight which Mavis took on but lost - as so many have, just one month exactly short of her 47th Birthday.

 

SOUTH WEST OFs' LUNCH

On September 9^th eight of us met for our first get together of the south west OFs.  Five brave OFs knew no one, but there was soon a high buzz of chatter as the reminiscences started and out poured incredible stories which spread from 1937 to the 1970s.  People’s memories seemed to be jogged more and more as the afternoon progressed.

From Left –Right:    Rosemary Stevens (nee Barker), Nicki Bitschi (nee Moore), Anne White (neeBrainin), Hilary Price (nee Butters), Pam Spittle (neeWakelin), Elizabeth Henderson, Mary Gosling (nee Hudson), Gill Woodhouse (nee Champion)

I am sorry that many could not come but it was fascinating to have made contact with so many down here in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.  Do keep in contact if you feel you would like another gathering.  We could arrange a venue in another part of the region.  There are over 40 of us around!

 

SOUTHWOLD BEACH HUT REUNION

Sunday 22nd August 2010
Trish Gower and Sally Goodacre extended a warm welcome to OFs on August 22nd who visited them at their beach hut, ALL MINE at Gun Hill.

 

OLD FELICIANS' LUNCH and AGM

Saturday 6th March 2010

The Old Felician Club's Annual General Meeting was held at 11.00 am on Saturday 6th March 2010 at The Magdala, 2a South Hill Park, Hampstead, London, NW3 2SB.  

 

NOVEMBER MEETING OF DORSET OLD FELICIANS AT POUNDBURY

Thanks to Jean McArthur and Mary Gosling's organisation, nine Old Felicians met at the Poet Laureate pub at Poundbury on the 18th November.   It is an interesting venue, Poundbury being an extension of Dorchester and built on Duchy land with houses and buildings of traditional architecture inspired by the Prince of Wales.   The pub was named by the Prince in memory of Ted Hughes, a previous Poet Laureate.

After pre lunch drinks when the noise of the chatter bemused and possibly startled the local customers, an excellent meal was enjoyed and the OFs were the last to leave the hostelry.   They was a lot of "Do you remember?" and with all being at Saint Felix in the time of Miss Williamson, it was agreed she had charisma and authority combined with a strong sense of fairness. Mary Gosling remarked that her father said that his interview with M.T.W. was the most terrifying he had ever had!

Those present were:
Jane Brochner (Clough 1946-52), Anne Corfield (Bingham - Gardiner 1944-49), Mary Gosling (Hudson - Fawcett 1954-61), Elizabeth Hamilton (Spurling - Gardiner 1944-47), Jean McArthur (Clarke - Somerville 1945-50), Ann Robson (Gardiner 1944-48), Susan Wynn Williams (McMillan - Somerville 1950-56), Olive Robin (Blake - Gardiner 1943-45), Angela Pocock (Tressider - Gardiner 1944-49).

It is planned to hold another lunch in 2010 and any Old Felician from neighbouring counties who could travel to Poundbury is most welcome. Contact Jean McArthur JnMcArthur@aol.com

Telephone: 01202 640066.

 

 

OLD FELICIANS' ROUND THE WORLD REUNION WEEKEND

2nd and 3rd October 2010

 The Old Felicians'  Round the World  Reunion will be held over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd October 2010.  

The Old Felician's Round the World Reunion of 2009 took place at St James's Bar, The Old Star, 66 Broadway, London, SW1H OD.

This delightful pub, opposite St. James’s Park underground station was an ideal venue in central London.  
Those present were:
Judy Bailey (Horlington), Caroline Cannar (Hay), Helen Center (Sherwood), Deborah Digby (Wilkinson), Charlotte Hare, Stephanie Jacobs (Heeson), Sara Lawrie (Levine), Caroline MacMillan (Hayward), Sarah Robinson (Forsyth), Carol Smithers (Watts-Jones), Christina Walmsley (Melvill), Anne West (Cooper) and Carolyn Wooldrige.
 

  

The Old Felicians' Southwold Weekend

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th March 2009

Over 50 Old Felicians, together with husbands and partners, made their way to Southwold for another special weekend on the 7th and 8th March. The weekend officially started on the Saturday morning with a guided tour of Southwold to discover the houses rented by the school after their move from Aldeburgh in 1898 until the buildings on the school's present site were ready for occupation.  More OFs converged on the Lord Nelson for a pub lunch and then it was back to school for the AGM in the new Silcox Theatre (formerly the gym).  This was followed by a very interesting and informative question and answer session with the Head Master and the Head of School, the latter enlightened us with A Day in the Life of a Felician 2009.   After tea (and delicious cakes) OFs explored the school until time for Adnam's wine tasting in the library.   The day finished with a reception and excellent dinner in the school dining hall.

The school choir sang beautifully at the Chapel service on Sunday morning at which there was a collection for Saint Felix School, Koinambe, Papua New Guinea which had been founded by Olive Robin, an Old Felician.   The weekend finished with the Old Felicians and their guests having a private (and very jolly) lunch in the Theatre on Southwold Pier with its amazing views out to sea and along the coastline towards Lowestoft to the north and Aldeburgh to the south.

It was a very happy weekend and our thanks to David Ward and his staff who made us all so very welcome.   Another OF Southwold Weekend will be arranged in March 2011.