FRENSHAM CENTENARY EDITION SUMMER 2026
Beatrice Ensor & Isabel King
1925-1928
This beautiful Centenary Timeline records 100 years of Frensham Heights’ history, highlighting significant dates, developments, traditions and achievements, from 1925 to 2025.
Featuring original artwork by Old Frenshamian Tamara Bartsch (OF 1996-2000), it has been created as a keepsake and record of the School's first century.
We hope you enjoy discovering more about the School's story and revisiting some of your own memories along the way.
Beatrice Ensor (1885–1974) was an educationalist and member of the Theosophical Society whose progressive ideas helped shape the founding vision of Frensham Heights. In 1925, she established the school with Isabel King and served as joint Headmistress until 1928. Her influence extended internationally, and in 1937 she received an honorary doctorate from the University of Western Australia.
Isabel King was Headmistress of the Garden City Theosophical School in Letchworth (now St Christopher School), where she met Beatrice Ensor. Together they founded Frensham Heights in 1925 and served as joint Headmistresses until the appointment of Paul Roberts as Headmaster in 1928.
Edith Douglas-Hamilton (1871–1927) provided the financial backing that made Frensham Heights possible. A Christian Scientist, she funded the school from its foundation until her death in 1927.
It hardly seems possible that more than two years have passed since I took up my role at Frensham Heights. Those two years have brought all of the fun, joy, challenge (and occasional utter madness) that I would have expected and so much more besides.
Having the privilege of leading this unique institution through its Centenary year is one which will stay with me for the rest of my life. As part of the 100 year celebrations, it has been amazing to meet so many of our alumni from all eras of the School's history.
There is a unique warmth and openness in the culture of our current students and, when I meet our alumni,
I understand why: it has been passed on from generation to generation; always subtly changing but always maintaining the same values at its core.
To mark our Centenary year, there are two very important legacy projects. The first is the founding of our new action research hub: Frensham ARCH. Our first journal of in-house action research will be published at our founding conference this summer and the ARCH will be the gateway to developing a culture of thought leadership at Frensham Heights and the vehicle through which we continue to deliver a relevant, distinctive and innovative education for the century to come.
Our second legacy project is the establishment of the Frensham Foundation. With the independent schools sector ever more vulnerable to financial pressure and with many schools winding down bursary programmes which have often supported the most susceptible in society, the Frensham Foundation will play a crucial role in ensuring access to the School in the future for those who will benefit most but who can least afford it.
Thank you, as ever, for all that you do to continue to support this wonderful school.
Welcome to the Centenary Edition of Our Frensham, packed with highlights from an unforgettable year as we celebrated 100 years of Frensham through a host of events, activities and reunions.
One of the highlights of the Centenary year at school was undoubtedly 1925 Day, when the entire school community, staff included, gathered on the lawn on a crisp September morning to learn the Charleston from our fantastic dance teachers. It was one of many amazing moments from this extraordinary year, all of which you can read about in our dedicated centre Centenary pages.
We were delighted to bring together every generation of the OF community through our reunion series in autumn 2025. Turn to page 23 to read more about these successful events, including a particularly memorable moment for one couple at the 1970s reunion!
There have been many exciting projects happening at Alumni HQ (Main House!), including the launch of the Centenary Gift Shop, showcasing the creativity and skill of our OF community through bespoke handmade items and gifts especially made for Frensham. Discover the collection on page 22.
We were delighted to welcome OF Landé Belo and her sister, Simi, back to the school for their production of That Four Letter Word. Bringing the show to their former school was a full circle moment and we were thrilled to see the performance so warmly received. It was wonderful to celebrate their success and be part of such a special occasion. More about Landé's dual career on page 12.
Finally, a very special mention must go to OF Henry Reichhold for creating our Faces of Frensham picture - an extraordinary artwork that brings together decades of whole school photographs in one intricate montage of the Frensham community. Henry painstakingly scanned and assembled images featuring every OF and member of staff who has been part of the school, creating a piece that is both historically significant and visually beautiful. Read more about the project on page 28 and discover how to find yourself within the montage.
Here’s to the next one hundred years!
Polly Murray Alumni Manager
Old Frenshamians website: https://oldfrenshamians.org
We’re social! Please find us by searching for ‘Old Frenshamians’ on the following channels:
Every Frensham student, past and present, can picture Flottage Arch. It is a familiar landmark and a gateway to many of our classrooms, marking a point of entry into learning, discovery and possibility. It felt fitting, then, that our Action Research Collaboration Hub (ARCH) took that name. The title reflects not only a physical feature of the school so many remember, but also the idea of an arch itself: a structure that is both strong and elegant, rooted in careful design and able to carry weight because each part supports the whole. That image captures much of what we hope this initiative will become.
Frensham has always valued creativity, openness and kindness. Those qualities remain central to life at the School and are often what OFs remember most clearly. The ARCH is not a departure from those values, but a way of embedding them more deliberately in our teaching. It gives us the opportunity to look closely at what happens in classrooms, to ask thoughtful questions about learning, and to test ideas in ways that are purposeful and evidence-
informed, while still remaining true to the warmth that defines a Frensham education.
At its heart, the ARCH supports teachers in undertaking their own action research, exploring questions that arise from their classrooms, year groups and subjects. This matters because the most meaningful professional development is rarely generic; it is shaped by context and by the needs of the students in front of us. It also gives us a more deliberate way of thinking about the Frensham Skills and how they are developed over time, offering a shared language for growth, reflection and learning across the school. It feels especially fitting that the Billiard Room has become the home of this work: a space where ideas are tested, professional dialogue is nurtured and action research is given room to grow.
We have been fortunate to have the support of Bill Lucas, a leading thinker in creativity and educational innovation, whose children were educated at Frensham and who
continues to support the school’s development. Our work with Bill has sparked professional curiosity among staff, with ideas continuing beyond formal research into everyday conversations. In one recent Year 3 project, students learning to tie complex knots discovered that perseverance, peer support and independence mattered as much as the task itself. From this, ‘Hard Time Heroes’ was born, giving students a language for approaching challenge more positively. Our aim is that initiatives like this will continue to grow and ripple out across the school.
The ARCH is both practical and aspirational. It helps us better understand how our values-led approach influences learning and strengthens our teacher training. For Frensham, the ARCH is a gateway not only to learning, but to sharing more clearly what has always mattered here: curiosity, creativity and a deeply human approach to education.
Amanda McCallum, Director of Education
On Tuesday 11 November, we joined people across the country in observing a two-minute silence at 11am to honour those who have fallen in conflict. This year carries special significance, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
Students and staff gathered on the front lawn to form the word PEACE, each person raising an oversized poppy towards the sky as a drone photograph captured the moment.
After the Last Post played by a student on the trumpet, Clive Esterhuysen, Year 6 teacher, read Laurence Binyon’s For the Fallen, followed by a moving multilingual tribute from our international students, who repeated the verse in their native languages.
Students from France, Spain, Germany, Romania, Ukraine, China, Korea, and Russia spoke with clarity and emotion, offering a powerful reminder of the global impact of war and Frensham’s
long tradition of supporting those affected by conflict.
To conclude the ceremony, every student and member of staff placed their poppy in our Garden of Remembrance in the Walled Garden.
The poppies surrounded a metal sculpture created by a student in 2002, a piece intentionally designed to rust over time, symbolising the fading but never forgotten presence of those who laid down their lives far from home.
The archive group has gone from strength to strength over the past year and it has been lovely to see it grow into a regular team of six, making excellent progress in the run up to the Centenary celebrations. Together, we have worked through endless boxes with the aim of organising material by decade with clear sub-sections so that items are much easier to locate, particularly for reunions and events. It is a significant task, but we are learning so much about the School along the way.
Through this work, and with the knowledge of those who have been part of Frensham for many years, we were able to create the beautifully illustrated Centenary Timeline included in this special Centenary edition of Our Frensham, in the front pocket.
Each item, story or photograph brings its own history to our archiving sessions, sparking conversations, memories, tangents and the occasional laugh at fashions from years gone by, making it a pleasure to explore the collection.
The archive continues to grow thanks to generous donations. Each item is accessioned, recorded and catalogued, and a receipt is sent to the donor so
everything is properly documented and acknowledged and stored as safely as possible. We welcome any new donations.
A particular highlight is our run of Old Frenshamian and school magazines, which now totals 226 copies from various years. We also welcome duplicate copies so that they can be used with students or included in exhibitions without risking damage to the originals. Our earliest copy dates from 1927 and it is fascinating to see how the sizes and styles have evolved over the years. We would love to fill in some of the gaps and are currently looking for the following years, (if they were published):
1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950. Please get in touch if you have any of these: of@frensham.org
Finally, a big thank you to everyone who gives their time and interest to the Frensham archive: Gez Evans, Rosie Giraudet, Natasha Hill, Diana LobbanSmall, Carol Mallett and Sue Millerchip. We really appreciate all the hours you give for us.
It was a pleasure to welcome Anne Hadley to Frensham recently, as she kindly delivered a wonderful collection of archive materials connected to her family’s long history with the School.
Anne’s grandparents moved to the area during the 1930s and 40s so that their children could attend Frensham Heights. Her grandfather, Edgar Hadley, taught History here during the
Paul Roberts era, and her father, Roger Hadley and his sisters Nan and Joy were all pupils. Anne donated a box of treasures including Roger’s exercise books, historic school magazines and a framed photograph of the School, all of which add detail to our growing archive.
Although Anne herself did not attend Frensham, she has fond memories of learning to swim in the Frensham pool during summer visits to her grandparents, so we took a trip to the pool for Anne to relive those memories. We are hugely grateful to Anne, her husband and their friend for taking the time to visit in May 2026 and for her generosity in helping us preserve and celebrate Frensham’s history.
Anne said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Frensham Heights! It felt right to return my father’s school things to their source, the school where he was so happy. Roger was at Frensham Heights from age 4-18, but it was an experience that stayed with him all his life and informed his career as an academic in social administration. Roger was fascinated by what makes us happy, self-actualised people. He felt that much depended on living in a healthy society: one in which people like and trust each other; tend to be creative and co-operative and enjoy their lives - a ‘high synergy’ society, as anthropologist Ruth Benedict would have called it.”
‘Frensham Heights, in my view, in spite of all its imperfections, achieved on a small scale something of the character of a high synergy culture. Ever since I left the school fifty one years ago the experience of that small world has provided a benchmark for assessing other organisations and cultures and has given me the optimism to believe that the underlying vision of human potential on which it was based is something more than a dream.’
Writing about his time at Frensham, the late Roger Hadley reflected.
My father, Wilbert B C Park, worked as a teacher and housemaster at Frensham Heights between 1962 and 1974 during which he took a number of photographs and slides of the school and students (he was the unofficial photographer, built the dark room and created the photography club).
Although I was schooled nearby, I nevertheless benefitted from FH facilities (particularly during the holidays) through living with my sister and parents firstly at No 1 Cottage and then at Flottage.
I developed lasting friendships with half a dozen contemporaries at FH who still meet once or twice a year. I have fond memories of those years and it’s great that Frensham is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this year.
It must have been the spring of 1953. At that time, junior boys were housed in Flottage. One evening, two dormitories were deep into a lively pillow fight. It had gone on for quite a while when we suddenly heard creaking floorboards, a sure sign that “Korny” (our housemaster and Latin teacher) was on his way. We scrambled back to our beds, hoping to look innocent. But Korny was no fool. He flicked on the lights and told us all to get dressed and follow him. He did the same with the other dormitory.
It was dark outside, the streetlights casting long shadows. Korny was very short, very round, with a distinctive gait we used to imitate when he wasn’t looking. So, there we were, six boys in single file behind him, copying his walk. All that was missing was a soundtrack. When we reached the staff cottages, he made us run to Bracken Hill in pairs. Needless to say, we slept well that night.
Although Peter Kornfeld was strict, he was fair and respected.
Rolf
Kane (OF 1952-1958)
When I talk about my experience of Frensham Heights to friends who went to more conventional boarding schools in the 1960s, their reaction is often, “Really, goodness, my school wasn’t like that.” Now, aged 75, I realise that although I was luckier and happier than many of them, I was no more ready to be separated from my parents at the age of 11.
I was attracted to Frensham when I attended an interview with Mr Hogg, then headmaster, who was keen for me to join. However, I became anxious in the weeks before my first term in September 1961. My parents left me at Waterloo Station, where Miss McEvoy was responsible for the girls travelling on the school train. By the time we arrived at school, everyone seemed to know where to go except me. Miss McEvoy eventually took me to Top Landing, where the other first year boarders were settling in. I was allocated the bottom bunk and soon earned the nickname “Debunk” because I complained about it.
I quickly became happy in the Group One classroom, the former conservatory beyond the ballroom. I still remember the great cedar tree nearby and the pastel drawing I made of it, which was displayed in one of the dining rooms. Even so, the first three weeks felt very long until the first Parents Meeting.
Mr Hogg and Miss McEvoy made a strong impression on me. I remember Mr Hogg’s warmth, his stories and the way he brought the wider world into his lessons. I also loved Mr Counsell’s nature walks. Although weekends initially felt long, I enjoyed exploring the countryside with friends and was often invited home by local families, whose kindness meant a great deal to me throughout my five years at Frensham.
I was always sad to leave my family after holidays, but I could see that Frensham was my best option. The relaxed atmosphere suited me well. I gradually grew into boarding life, made good friends and worked happily at the subjects I loved: English, French, Latin, History, Art, German and Human Biology. Beyond lessons, the highlights were spending time in the art room and acting in plays.
Looking back, I am grateful that I never experienced the stricter regimes common in many boarding schools of the time. At Frensham we enjoyed remarkable freedom and responsibility. When a group of us once lost track of time on a walk, Mr Hogg simply collected us and gently reminded us to be more careful. We were not punished.
As Frensham celebrates its centenary, I reflect on what a precious survivor it is of the progressive school movement. It shaped my life in ways I did not fully appreciate at the time. Long may it thrive.
For the majority of the week, Landé (pictured above) leads the global employment legal function at Kantar. Her role is wide-ranging, from managing complex multi-jurisdictional projects to supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives across the business. It is a position that calls for clear thinking, sound judgement and an ability to navigate different cultures and ways of working. At its core, her work is about people.
Alongside this, she has built a second career in theatre as a director and producer. Here, her focus shifts from legal frameworks to storytelling,
creativity and connection. Her work has been recognised for its originality and focus on under represented voices and communities. The productions she brings to life are thoughtful, engaging and often challenging, in the best way.
Her work in theatre has also been formally recognised. In November 2024, Landé was awarded Best Producer at the Black British Theatre Awards. She was also nominated for Best Director, while Ain’t I a Woman? was shortlisted for Best Production – Play. These accolades reflect not only the quality of her work, but also the impact of the stories she brings to the stage.
In May 2026, Landé returned to Frensham Heights to premiere That Four Letter Word, a production she devised and produced. The evening featured three plays exploring memory, relationships and identity from different perspectives. In Safekeeping, a woman journeys through personal and collective histories, reflecting on the objects and memories that shape us. Heat follows a couple through a restless night as they confront the pressures of change and the limits of communication, while Pivot brings audiences into the high-stakes world of two women entrepreneurs debating the future of their dating app, alongside questions of love, friendship and self-worth.
Coming back to Frensham was a special moment for Landé and her sister Simi, who worked on the marketing for That Four Letter Word. They enjoyed revisiting the school and were particularly impressed by the professionalism of the Aldridge Theatre and wider team, noting that the production was run to a standard often exceeding that found within the industry itself. The post-show Q&A gave audiences an insight into the cast’s training, backgrounds and creative process.
Landé was also delighted to reconnect with former teacher John Atkinson (1972–2016), who was equally pleased
to see her after many years. She speaks warmly of her time at Frensham, recalling it as a place that encouraged her to explore different interests and think independently - qualities that have clearly shaped the career she has built.
That Four Letter Word is also running from 14-18 July 2026 at The Bread & Roses Theatre, Clapham, London.
We are delighted that Landé will return as Guest Speaker at the Centenary Founders’ Day 2026, where she will share her experience of building a career across two very different fields.
Landé Belo OF 1982–1988
Living a life split between two seemingly different worlds has shaped my identity in ways I could never have predicted. As both a barrister and a musical artist, I inhabit spaces often seen as opposites: one defined by structure, precedent and logic, the other by emotion, creativity and instinct. For me, however, these worlds are closely connected. At the heart of both lies a commitment to truth, expression and justice, a connection first nurtured during my formative years at Frensham Heights School.
Frensham Heights played a pivotal role in shaping my sense of fairness, independence of thought and creative confidence. It was an environment that encouraged curiosity, questioning and self-expression. This ethos laid the foundations for my legal career. As a barrister, my work demands clarity, integrity and a strong belief in justice, not as an abstract idea, but as a lived principle. That belief began in classrooms where ethical discussion and personal responsibility were taken seriously and where fairness was something to be practised, not simply discussed.
At the same time, Frensham was central in nurturing my creative voice. Music was never treated as secondary, but as a meaningful form of expression. Under the guidance of Edwin Rolles (Head of Music 1980-2011), I was encouraged to explore sound with curiosity and confidence. While I didn’t pursue music at A-Level, the piano became a constant throughout my time at school and beyond.
This balance between discipline and freedom has followed me into adulthood. The law requires structure and precision, yet there is also creativity in shaping arguments and preparing a case. In music, I allow vulnerability, imagination and emotion to lead. As ‘Lorna James’, my work explores themes of resilience, identity and emotional truth, ideas that mirror my commitment to justice and fairness as ‘Lorna Hackett’.
I have been a barrister for 23 years. Many of my colleagues are now moving to the bench or applying to become King’s Counsel. Following a series of bereavements last year, I made the decision to devote more time to my first love: music.
Looking back, it is clear that Frensham Heights offered more than an education. It gave me a framework for living a principled and creative life, one that continues to shape both the cases I argue and the music I create.
Lorna began releasing her own music in 2021. She was a finalist in the 2023 UK Songwriting Competition and a semi-finalist in the 2024 International Songwriting Competition. Her debut album, Stratosphere, was released in 2024, with a dance album due this spring. Her singles have received support from BBC Introducing and DJs worldwide. Her music is available on streaming platforms under Lorna James (house) and Lorna James Music (classical and ambient).
Lorna Hackett (Kjellin) OF 1992–1995
I’ve spent much of my working life in the circumpolar world, working with indigenous peoples and on conservation issues. After time at the Arctic Council and World Wildlife Fund, I joined a nongovernmental organisation called Polar Bears International (PBI). With PBI, I’ve worked closely with the community of Churchill on the shores of Canada’s Hudson Bay. Churchill calls itself the polar bear capital of the world, and for good reason. It is a gathering place for bears waiting for sea ice to return in winter. From summer into early winter, it’s not unknown for bears to stride down the main street!
To make things safer, we created a video for visitors and installed bear-proof bins so hungry bears do not associate the town with food. In other Hudson Bay communities, we have supplied bear traps, so problem animals can be safely relocated. We have also helped people use non-lethal deterrents such as electric fences, noise makers and flares to scare off bears that get too close.
Last summer, PBI asked me to facilitate discussions between residents of Svalbard in Norway’s high Arctic and people from the Canadian Arctic. The aim was to share experiences of living
alongside polar bears. Experts joined to explain bear behaviour and practical ways to reduce conflict. Much of this took place aboard an expedition boat, allowing people to relate discussions directly to the landscape and wildlife around them.
We travelled along the coast to Ny Ålesund, at 79 degrees north, the northernmost continuously inhabited place on earth. It centres on the Norwegian Polar Institute research station. The station head described the daily patrols carried out to prevent polar bears wandering in.
The question of coexistence has become more urgent in recent years. Polar bears are spending more time on land in the southern parts of their range. They would rather be out on sea ice hunting seals, but climate change is reducing that habitat. Forced onto shore, their search for food and natural curiosity can bring them into contact with people. This can lead to danger for communities and often ends with the bear being killed.
I feel privileged to contribute to Arctic conservation and to be energised by the landscapes and wildlife of Svalbard. Passing glaciers spilling down from the
mountains reminds me of a sixth form Geography trip to Cader Idris. I could never have imagined then that I would see glaciers like these in motion.
On this trip we saw only one polar bear, a distant figure on an ice floe, feeding on a seal. Part of my role is to help ensure that today’s Frensham students may one day witness a sight like that for themselves.
Clive Tesar was at Frensham for A-Levels from 1977 to 1979. After university, he returned to Canada and has spent most of his career working on Arctic issues.
A big inspiration for me, in taking a career path in architecture, was having the ability to design, create, draw and solve problems - whilst doing something professionally recognised. Long before Frensham, when I was about six, I was drawing constantly - cars mostly, and building with Lego, always adapting, reinventing and working at different scales. Later, at Frensham, my interest evolved into photography, street culture and anything vaguely ‘technical’. I took Maths, Physics and Art at A-Level - in many respects, the classical subjects for architecture.
I chose it over other career paths because I could not imagine not drawing or thinking about design. It offered the chance to make something physical, even sculptural, that enables people to explore, occupy and have an emotional response, which comes with the highest professional responsibilities, not only with legislation, planning law and building control, but also managing cost, time and quality.
As an Architect, you are often a ‘visual editor’ or ‘curator’ - developing a client’s brief, holding a vision of what something might become, translating that into drawn or modelled form, using skilled
technical knowledge and ultimately seeing it through to completion on site.
After studying at the University of Bath, an Erasmus at Helsinki University of Technology and post-grad at Edinburgh, I gained professional registration at UCL before joining Foster + Partners. There, I contributed to the Hearst Tower in Manhattan, focusing on the top executive floors. At Adjaye Associates, I secured planning consent for 5 Strand, a 158,000 sq.ft. mixed-use development near Trafalgar Square, and later led the International Illuminated River Competition for the Rothschild Foundation, collaborating with artists including Philippe Parreno, Chris Ofili and Mariko Mori. My work also includes renovating private residences within Grade II listed buildings in Mayfair, Kensington and Chelsea and designing interiors for a villa on Lake Geneva. At Ab Rogers Design, as Senior Associate and Project Architect, I worked on projects including the Maggie’s Centre at The Royal Marsden Hospital, designed to prioritise privacy, light and a sense of home.
In a different discipline of design, in 2010, I pitched ski designs for HEAD, resulting in a commission celebrating
their Olympic athletes, taking me to Austria, Switzerland and Treviso, Italy. That work in branding and point-of-sale opened a door to concept design for Richard James on Savile Row, and retail for Ralph Lauren, Dior and James Perse. I now work independently on high-end residential and retail commissions across London and internationally.
Architecture is a profession like no other. It works at different scales, speaks a universal language, crosses borders, builds communities and marries art, function and form - with the opportunity to create something that will likely outlast your lifetime. Frensham gave me direction and a foundation to believe in myself. I would especially like to thank Peter de Voil, Sue Millerchip and John Atkinson for supporting me in university entry and my subsequent career.
Our alumni community is an important part of school life and we always love hearing from former students and staff, whether you left recently or many moons ago. Wherever life has taken you since your time here, you will always remain part of the school.
It’s easy for contact details to change over time with moving house or changing email address. Before long we can lose touch, but we’d love to keep you posted about school news, reunion invitations, alumni updates and event information.
Every six months, we email everyone on our alumni database to check that postal and email details are still up to date. It’s always amazing how many changes come back.
If you didn’t hear about the recent reunions, Centenary Founders' Day sign up, or our Spring Drinks events, there’s a good chance our emails are going straight to your junk folder, or we don’t have your current email address.
If you think we may not have your latest contact information, or if you’re unsure, we’d love to hear from you.
You can update your information via our dedicated Old Frenshamians website: oldfrenshamians.org or email us of@frensham.org
We always enjoy showing OFs around their school, especially when they return after many years. One recent visitor commented: “How inspiring to see Frensham even more beautiful than ever, with that vast, spectacular view none of us will ever forget, and such a warm atmosphere too.”
If you are in the area or visiting from abroad, please do email ahead of your visit - we’d love to show you around.
Over the past year, our Centenary celebrations have brought together students, staff, parents, alumni and friends of the school to mark this important milestone.
This special Centenary section captures some of the memorable events, activities and achievements that have made 2025-2026 so special.
To launch our Centenary year, Frensham students and staff travelled back to 1925 for a day filled with celebration, community spirit and plenty of 1920s fun!
Learning the Charleston on the Lawn
The day began with the whole school gathering on the lawn to learn the Charleston, one of the most iconic dances of the roaring twenties. Laughter and music filled the air as students and teachers mastered the moves, setting the tone for the day.
After dancing, everyone took part in a run to the Aldridge Theatre, where nostalgia continued with a special Morning Talk exploring Frensham’s 100 year history. History teacher, Charlie Bennett, guided us through the school’s early decades and legendary John A brought the modern era to life.
Throughout the day, lessons took on a 1925 twist, with reduced or no technology to recreate what school life would have been like a century ago. Students enjoyed traditional playground games, creative activities and a delicious vegetarian lunch, just as it would have been in 1925.
The Junior School joined in the fun, too, with themed lessons, costumes and old fashioned games that made history come alive for them.
Our 1925 day was a wonderful way to begin our Centenary celebrations, a reminder of how far Frensham has come and how the values of creativity, community and curiosity to continue to shape the school today.
The Frensham Centenary Fireworks took place on Monday 3 November 2025, marking 100 years of the School's history.
Families, students, OFs and friends gathered across the grounds to enjoy the celebrations. Dodgems, food stalls and student performances created a lively atmosphere, with plenty to see, do and enjoy throughout the night.
Everyone enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display on the front lawn, opening with a sparkling "100" in recognition of the School's Centenary before the night sky was filled with colour and light, perfectly accompanied by music.
It was an evening to remember and the perfect way to start off the celebrations for the year ahead.
On 6 December 2025, we were thrilled to welcome Edwin Rolles, (Head of Music 1980-2011), back to the school to lead a group of keen singers, including OFs and former staff, in a rehearsal of familiar carols and songs, followed by a short concert for friends and family.
It was a lovely, festive occasion, with time for mince pies, mulled wine and some catching up between everyone who hadn’t seen each other since the previous concert. The singing was impeccable, with members of Edwin’s Cantamus choir taking the lead in several solo sections.
We thank Edwin and all our singers for returning for this tradition and hope it continues for years to come.
We have created our Centenary Gift Shop to celebrate the creative talent within our community, including Old Frenshamians, current parents and students.
We’ve been blown away by the beauty and quality of the bespoke items made for this milestone and beyond. We thoughtfully curated the shop to celebrate Frensham Heights' 100th birthday and this unique range offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Thank you to all our creators:
Hayley Poulter (OF 1999-2004)
– Fox & Furb
Ben and Davina Griffiths (current school parents)
– Make Me Something Special
Tamara Bartch (OF 1996-2000)
– Studio Tam
Hannah and Mike Van Buskirk (OF 1990-1994)
– Van Buskirk Jewellery
Mark Cass
(Father and uncle were OFs)
– Cass Art
By purchasing one of these gift items, you will be supporting the creators. A small percentage will go to the Frensham Foundation to support our Bursary Fund.
From September – December 2025, around 200 former pupils and staff returned for a series of reunions, many visiting for the first time since leaving.
What made these reunions so special was not only the number of people who attended, but the range of ages. From former pupils in their 90s whose Frensham days began in the 1940s, right up to our recent leavers.
In September 2025, we launched our reunion series to cover all age groups, starting with our earliest alumni generation. OFs enjoyed a relaxed lunch surrounded by photographs, memorabilia and school magazines from their era, sparking wonderful conversations and memories.
We gathered everyone at one end of the Ballroom for a group photograph, which was printed for each guest to take home with them.
We were thrilled to welcome Christopher Pye (OF 1945–1955), who set up Frensham’s original darkroom.
His photographs from school days, shown in a slideshow over lunch, was a real talking point.
Another highlight was meeting Nora McGimpsey, who captivated us with vivid memories from the early 1940s, including the pupils’ special relationship with Head, Paul Roberts and his wife, Enid.
These personal recollections brought Frensham’s history to life, testament that the school has always been a place of character and creativity. Thank you to Andrew Fisher (Head 2004-2018), who came back to join us for the reunion.
The reunions continued a month later with OFs from the 1970s and 1980s - a group full of energy. The day was brought to life by an inspiring art exhibition in the Drawing Room, featuring artwork created by attending OFs, some of whom have pursued art as a career throughout their lives.
Whole school tours proved particularly popular, with OFs remarking that while there have been changes over the years, Frensham still feels like Frensham, just with the addition of goats, chickens and ducks!
The event ended on an unforgettable note when, in a quiet moment in the Rose Garden, Jeremy Roychoudhury got down on one knee and proposed to former class friend and current partner, Sue Gulliford Featherston - perhaps the first ever proposal on the Frensham Heights grounds? The news, shared through happy tears, was an amazing end to the day. We wish Jeremy and Sue (pictured right) every happiness for the future.
The 1990s to 2000s reunion had a lively, upbeat atmosphere from the moment guests arrived in the Long Gallery. OFs and their former teachers, including Peter de Voil (Head 19932003) reconnected with laughter and reminiscing, greeting each other with instant recognition, despite the years that had passed. Tours of the school brought back a wave of stories, triggered by familiar corridors and classrooms and of course the trees and the view from the front lawn.
This reunion also marked the launch of our new Centenary Gift Shop. A colourful display of products created by Hayley Poulter (Lazell), including Frensham mosaic patterned cushions, aprons and towels, added an enjoyable extra dimension to the day. Many guests took the chance to browse and chat to Hayley about her unique Frensham products.
Music played an important part too. Attendees had been invited to send in songs from their school years, creating a playlist of classic tracks from the 1990s and early 2000s that set the tone throughout the event. As always, it was inspiring to hear what OFs are doing now in their careers – we caught up with an architect, a barrister and many others in between.
We wrapped up the calendar year with a reunion for our most recent leavers, set within the festive buzz of the school’s Christmas Fair. The ‘Cocktails & Canapés’ gathering took place in the Head’s office, lit by a huge Christmas tree and accompanied by festive drinks and nibbles.
The reunion brought together a wonderfully varied group of OFs, including a detective, lifestyle manager, journalist and game designer. Each reunion ticket included a free ride on the huge Ferris wheel in the Main House Quad, making it a memorable way to end the year and term of reunions.
We kept in mind those who were unable to join us in person for these reunions, whether due to living overseas, other commitments, or those who have since passed on. All were very much in our thoughts as part of this wider celebration.
On Tuesday 27 January 2026, Frensham Heights hosted a Careers Fair for students as part of its Centenary Year celebrations. We welcomed professionals from a wide range of industries, who exhibited and shared their knowledge with the next generation of Frensham Heights students and students from the local community.
It was wonderful to welcome back so many Old Frenshamians from a range of fields including Law, Nuclear
Engineering, Music, Psychology, Art, Acting and Upholstery.
“Thank you to all the exhibitors who helped create an environment where our students could ask questions and to picture themselves beyond the grounds of Frensham Heights. The theatre was alive with conversation and possibility and perhaps like many of our exhibitors, they may return to be future exhibitors themselves, passing the torch to the next”.
Grant Gallacher, Head of Careers
This year’s OF Spring Drinks took place at The Ministry in London, the sister venue to the legendary Ministry of Sound, and it proved to be a great setting for a relaxed evening catching up with Old Frenshamians.
It was lovely to welcome OFs from across London for drinks, delicious food and plenty of conversation about Frensham. Some OFs were reconnecting for the first time since leaving school and others were catching up with familiar faces from previous events.
If you didn’t hear about this year’s event but are based in London, please make sure we have your current email address so you can join us next time. Everyone we had an up to date email address for would have received an invitation.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the evening such a success. We were having so much fun, we failed to take any photos!
We hope to keep Spring Drinks as an annual event for OFs living and working in London, particularly for those who cannot easily make it back to school events in Surrey, although of course everyone is welcome.
We look forward to seeing you again next spring!
22THESAVEDATE April 2027 The Ministry
Since 2022, something special has been taking shape during Founders’ Days. Each year, a film crew has joined us, to speak with our Old Frenshamians. Through informal, candid conversations, alumni were invited to reflect on their time at the school by sharing memories, stories and moments that have stayed with them over the years.
What began as a simple idea is now a collection of voices, all sharing their experiences of Frensham.
Reviewing the footage was a memorable experience. It was rewarding to hear such a wide range of personal stories - some humorous, some reflective, and some
unexpected. Narrowing it down into a single film proved to be one of the most challenging parts of the process; there was far more we could have included!
Thank you to all our Old Frenshamians who generously shared their memories. Check the Old Frenshamian YouTube page to watch it: www.youtube.com/@OldFrenshamians
OR SCAN THE QR CODE.
Creativity, friendship, individuality, confidence, and freedom were themes that came up consistently across the generations.
“It’s almost unheard of that you won’t find your place here.”
“HAVE YOU FOUND IT YET?”
Our new video is a fast-moving, contemporary portrait of life at Frensham today, capturing our creative, informal and student-led ethos. It asks viewers the question, “Have you found it yet?”.
Rather than focusing on traditional school promotion, we chose to highlight everyday moments across the school, from classroom learning and creative arts to outdoor spaces, performances and student-led activity. The film reflects the energy, happiness, hard work and creativity that defines Frensham.
Bringing Have You Found It Yet? to life was a major undertaking, requiring careful planning to capture the full range of school life across Frensham Heights. From classrooms and rehearsals to outdoor spaces and performances, every element had to be coordinated to reflect the energy and breadth of our community on screen. It was a whole school effort, with students, staff and departments working together to make filming possible - including ensuring even the goats made their on-camera appearances at exactly the right moment! Despite the logistical challenge, the process ran smoothly, and the final film is something we are incredibly proud of.
The film has also been recognised externally, winning Best Use of Video and Best Use of Media Type at the EVCOM London Film Awards. Shared across our channels, LinkedIn network and on Sky, it has been described as a bold expression of Frensham’s progressive approach to education, with a focus on individuality, curiosity and community rather than conventional academic messaging.
It forms a key part of our Centenary year, offering a modern snapshot of Frensham Heights as we approach our second century.
SCAN TO WATCH
When we first began exploring ideas for a school shop built entirely from handcrafted items created by members of the Frensham community, we put out a call for creative Old Frenshamians to get involved. Among those who responded was montage artist Henry Reichhold (OF 1970-1972), whose enthusiasm and talent quickly led him into a very different project altogether.
Having seen examples of his striking work online, we were excited by the artistic possibilities, even though we hadn’t settled on a clear direction. A month after our initial video call, Henry was exhibiting his work at London Bridge Station, and it was there that the idea took shape. Looking at his remarkable London Marathon montage, we had a thought: why not create a single large scale artwork made up of every whole school photograph in Frensham’s history?
Henry spent a day at Frensham working in the photography studio, carefully photographing each whole school image from the archives. Many of the photographs were stored rolled up, so they needed to be flattened before they could be captured. Henry devised a system using specialised lighting to ensure every image could be reproduced
in high resolution without glare from the protective glass. During his visit to the school, he also photographed Main House, which provided the perfect backdrop for the piece.
Once Henry had gathered all the material he needed, the real work began back in his London studio.
As the montage developed, it became clear that the contrast between the black and white and colour photographs created a visual divide between generations. Henry painstakingly colour matched the older images to create a more consistent appearance across
the artwork. However, we wanted the finished piece to feel as vibrant and contemporary as it was historic, so Henry recoloured the clothing of every individual using Frensham’s 14 brand colours.
The final decision to make was to decide where the completed piece should be displayed. The Aldridge Theatre foyer was chosen as the ideal location, providing a central and accessible space where pupils, staff, parents and visitors can explore the artwork and discover its many details.
The completed montage brings together generations of Frensham pupils and staff in a single image. In theory, everyone who has ever attended Frensham is represented within it, making it a unique and fitting way to celebrate our Centenary.
Next time you are at Frensham, take a moment to visit the foyer, explore the montage, and see if you can find yourself. You might even spot a few additional four-legged members of the Frensham community hidden within the artwork!
Special thanks must go to Henry, whose dedication to this project has been extraordinary. Over the past year, he has worked tirelessly to transform an ambitious concept into a piece that captures a century of Frensham history.
We couldn’t be happier with the end result.
Earlier this year, we invited Old Frenshamians and former members of staff to nominate people they considered notable. We encouraged nominations that reflected the values and spirit of the school, recognising that being notable is not about fame, but about making a positive impact on others.
We were delighted to reach our goal of 100 nominations to start off the project, each offering a different perspective on life at Frensham. The nominations highlighted teachers who inspired future careers, classmates who provided encouragement and support, former staff members who left an impression and many others whose contribution to the community deserved recognition.
The next stage of the project is the launch of a dedicated interactive website. Inspired by Henry Reichhold's iconic Faces of Frensham montage, the site brings together all of the nominations in a single place. You will be able to explore the montage, find individual faces and read the stories behind each nomination.
The Frensham 100 Notables Project has been designed as an ongoing archive rather than a fixed list. New nominations can continue to be added, allowing the project to grow and reflect the many people who have contributed to Frensham Heights over the years.
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and helped bring this project to life. If there is someone you would still like to recognise, nominations remain open and we look forward to adding more stories in the future.
Link to nominate: https://frensham. typeform.com/frensham100
OUT SOONvia the Old Frenshamian website
For many Old Frenshamians, their time here remains a special part of their story. The friendships they made, the experiences they shared and the encouragement they received helped shape the people they became. Through the stories and memories you share with us, we see its impact reflected time and again.
We’re excited that as the school moves into its next century, there is an opportunity to open that experience to more young people.
The Frensham Foundation has been established to bring together those who care about the school and its future. Its aim is simple: to help ensure that a Frensham education remains accessible to talented young people who may not otherwise have the chance to benefit from it.
At the heart of the Foundation are bursaries, providing opportunities for young people with ability, imagination and promise to become part of the Frensham community. For many pupils, the chance to attend Frensham can open doors, build confidence and broaden horizons.
One bursary recipient reflected:
"It's a really special school that I'm grateful to be a part of. It's given me a lot of opportunities that I never would have had at other schools. I really feel like I'm a little piece of Frensham now and I can carry that with me."
Alongside bursary support, the Foundation will help sustain the spaces and opportunities that make a Frensham education distinctive, from the creative and performing arts to outdoor learning and innovative educational projects.
Frensham Foundation Ball
To celebrate the Foundation, we are inviting all Old Frenshamians and the wider community to a 1920s inspired Frensham Foundation Ball on Saturday 17 October in the Ballroom. The evening will include a drinks reception, dinner, live music, an auction and the chance for the community to come together. By supporting this event, members of the Frensham community can help ensure that future generations have the opportunity to discover all that a Frensham education can offer.
Tickets will be available soon via the Foundation section of the school website: www.frensham.org/ foundation
We look forward to seeing you then!
Thank you to all our donors who have already supported the School. Your generosity is helping to ensure that more young people can benefit from a Frensham education.
My refuge at Frensham was Richard Ince’s craft shop. I would be there most weekends. Working with wood, and particularly wood turning, has stayed with me as a constant throughout my life.
After a few unsatisfying jobs, I decided that I couldn’t work full time for someone again. I went to Chelsea to study painting on a full grant - yes, we were paid to go to art college back then - and came out committed to spending five years just painting before reviewing how it was working out. In short, it didn’t. I was unwilling to compromise, my paintings were large and didn’t sell and I was unable to get galleries interested. It was
a big step to let go of my ideals, but I’ve found fulfilment in many alternative creative expressions, often with wood.
I borrowed a tiny wood turning lathe from a friend after I moved to the Lake District, and then asked my father for one for my 35th birthday (fortunately for me he always supported my creative endeavours). I am now turning wood from Ash and Alder trees that I planted in 1998 when I moved to Whinfell, just outside Kendal.
Wood is the most amazingly versatile and varied natural product. Each species has its own qualities and characteristics that suit particular uses and make it unsuitable for others. Each has its own grain, texture and colours which gives the turner choices as to how to use them and in which orientation to get the visual effect they want.
There isn't anything difficult about wood turning. If you hold a sharp tool against a spinning piece of wood you will inevitably change its shape. But, like all crafts, the quality of what you produce depends on both your inspiration and your skill, which only comes with time and practice.
I’m currently working on a series of dry vases inspired by African shapes but I also get inspiration from architecture and ceramics. I think most makers have a theme or motif that they return to regularly and, for me, the circumpunct (or Bi, a neolithic artefact from China) is endlessly engaging. A simple shape but one of the oldest symbols known to humanity with widespread significance across alchemy, religion, mythology and mathematics. It presents particular challenges to turn with several different chucking methods needed for end grain finishing, so that the tree’s annual growth rings reinforce the shape and perhaps ask questions of a deeper truth.
Website: www.turnedwood.co.uk
Instagram: @turnedwood.co.uk
Among Frensham Heights’ creative alumni is milliner Victoria Grant, whose bold pieces are worn by some of the world’s biggest names. From her early education at Frensham (OF 1989-1994) to her flourishing Notting Hill atelier, Victoria’s story is a testament to the power of individuality, artistic freedom and fearless design.
Victoria Grant is internationally celebrated for her couture millineryhandcrafted hats and headpieces that blend British heritage with striking contemporary flair. Each piece is made by hand and often dyed to match the wearer’s outfit, resulting in bespoke creations that are as unique as the personalities who wear them.
After beginning her career as a stylist, Victoria discovered hat-making almost by accident, customising pieces for photoshoots when she couldn’t find anything that matched her vision. That creative spark quickly evolved into a signature style – eccentric, elegant and playful yet steeped in tradition. Her work draws inspiration from British culture, ceremonial dress and her lifelong fascination with form, texture and storytelling.
That distinctive aesthetic has earned her an extraordinary client list. Victoria’s designs have been worn by icons including Madonna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Nicole Kidman and Sienna Miller, as well as fashion legends such as Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. Madonna, in particular, has been a loyal supporter from the beginning, choosing Victoria’s creations for performances and public appearances.
Her work regularly appears in leading publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Tatler, strengthening her reputation as one of Britain’s most exciting contemporary milliners. Known for theatrical top hats, jewelled perchers and veiled berets, her creations sit at the
intersection of fashion and art, designed not just to complement an outfit, but to make a powerful statement.
It is easy to see how Frensham may have played a formative role in shaping this outlook. The school’s ethos, artistic exploration and a willingness to challenge convention, resonates strongly in Victoria’s work. Her designs reflect a freedom to experiment and a confidence in originality that aligns seamlessly with Frensham’s values.
As her brand continues to grow, celebrating over a decade at the forefront of British millinery, Victoria Grant stands as an inspiring example of where creativity and determination can lead. From Frensham’s classrooms to red carpets and global stages!
Website: www.victoriagrant.com
Instagram: @victoriagrant
I joined Frensham around 2002, shortly after moving from London to live with Ian, now my husband. At that time, I was at the beginning of my career as a potter, working from a studio at Farnham Pottery and looking for a part time role that would allow me to continue developing my own practice.
My first position at Frensham was as morning receptionist, sharing the role with Lulu Spurling, who took the afternoons. Peter de Voil was Headmaster, with Bryan Jones as Bursar, and Lindsey Boyce, Susie
Birdsall and Liz Bownass-Clark all part of the administrative team. Although I was only there for a short time, I enjoyed it and still remember many staff and students with great fondness.
I returned to Frensham in 2005, when Gez Evans, Head of Art, invited me to join as Art and Ceramics Technician. It was a very happy period, working in an environment that suited my skills and interests, with plenty of opportunity to engage with both students and colleagues in the Art Department.
In spring 2009, Brendan Horstead, then Head of Art, asked if I would take over the classes of a departing teacher for the remainder of the school year. I took on the role with some trepidation, as I had not taught before, but it quickly became a rewarding experience, especially
teaching students in Years 6 to 9.
The following academic year, I applied for the permanent position, which had expanded to include teaching Art as well as Ceramics, and was pleased to be appointed. It was a challenge, but one that gave me a great deal of satisfaction and confidence. I like to think the students enjoyed the lessons, and I still feel a sense of warmth when I come across familiar names on social media, former pupils now in their late twenties and early thirties.
I eventually left the school to refocus on my own creative work, which had become difficult to sustain alongside teaching. Around the same time, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which affected my health and continues to do so.
Looking back, my time at Frensham was an important period, allowing me to grow as an artist, a teacher, and as part of a creative community.
Website: www.lucyburley.co.uk Instagram @lucyburleypots/
I spent the summer in Hong Kong after high school and that was when I knew I wanted to travel. After college, I lived and worked in Hamburg, London, Dubai, Beirut and Hong Kong, where I got married, and from there to Bahrain, Seoul, South Korea and then to the United States. What was meant to be just a short stay turned into the place where I chose to plant my roots, and I now call Charlotte, North Carolina home.
During my time in the Middle East and Asia I worked for CEOs and Presidents and became very familiar with the corporate ethos. In the US, when my boss stepped down as CEO of a Fortune 100 company, I decided it was time to start a new chapter. I went back to college and became a professional Travel Advisor
CTA and was hired by a local travel agency. With my corporate experience, I knew the level of service required to satisfy even the most discerning client, and my organizational skills learned in the C-Suite played a big part in keeping me focused as I built my business.
I am a Virtuoso Travel Advisor with Direct Travel, and work from my home office in Charlotte, NC, where we moved
for my husband’s work. Virtuoso is the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, with more than 20,000 advisors. Virtuoso partners with over 2,200 of the world’s best companies such as hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and more.
As a Virtuoso advisor I am able to use personal connections and first-hand expertise to craft bespoke trips for clients, including unique experiences, special values, complimentary perks, VIP treatment and rare access opportunities.
My field is mainly luxury travel and I create personalized vacations for my clients whether it be a Honeymoon, an all-inclusive vacation for a young family, a milestone celebration, girls’ trip, or multi-generational travelers who want to spend time with their extended family. I offer white glove service including private guided tours, curated experiences, ocean and river cruises and more. I recently started a Travel Club in the Community where I live, and I’m looking forward to hosting tours and cruises worldwide with this new group of friends and neighbors.
Happy Travels!
Nicola Perkins (Duncan) (OF 1970-1976)
In 2025, I was promoted to Professor of English, Comparative Literary Studies and Law at Carleton University in Ottawa. This followed a two year period in which I held the Ruth and Mark Phillips Professorship in Cultural Mediations from 2023 to 2025, also at Carleton. It has been a busy and fun ten years since moving to Canada in 2016 from Nashville, Tennessee, where I spent the 2015 to 2016 academic year as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Vanderbilt University.
My scholarship has long explored the intersections of law, culture and history, especially in relation to the Caribbean and Latin America. Most recently, this work culminated in From Havana to Hollywood: Slave Resistance in the Cinematic Imaginary (SUNY Press, 2024; Spanish-language edition published by Ediciones ICAIC in 2025). In the book, I show how Cuban cinema has consistently challenged the downplaying of Black resistance to slavery.
In recent years, writing for a wider audience has become an important part of my work. In October 2024,
I published an opinion piece in the human rights magazine Lacuna, titled “They’re eating the pets”. In connecting scholarly insights with urgent real world conversations, my time at Frensham continues to matter. David Proudlock nurtured what was then my early sense that art was always political and sharpened my ability to relate culture to the wider social world. Stuart McFarlane fostered my lasting love of
literature and it is thanks to him that I still consider King Lear and Hamlet as Shakespeare’s two “greatest hits”. Gerry Holden taught me the importance of historicizing everything and how to organize a lever-arch folder of notes. I remain deeply grateful to them all.
After ten years, life in Canada remains an exciting adventure. In 2024, my
partner Tara, our two children Georgia and Oscar and I became Canadian citizens. Since 2016, Canada has shaped both our careers and our daily lives and we have embraced the outdoors. In Canada, we have found that the saying “an outdoor life is a life well lived” rings true.
FROM HAV AN A TO HOLLYW O O
SLAVE RESISTANCE IN THE CINEMATIC IMAGINARY PHILIP KAISARY
When Mark and I were choosing a school for our son, Lautaro, one fact stood out above all others: Pink Floyd drummer, Nick Mason had attended Frensham Heights as a student in the 1960s. We first visited the school at an Open Day in 2010 and quickly fell in love with its ethos and sense of community, but knowing that Nick was an OF was our deciding factor! Lautaro went on to spend 14 happy years at the school, from Nursery through to Year 11.
In June 2024, we had the pleasure of meeting Nick at the annual Middlewick House Open Garden, held at his Wiltshire home in aid of The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust. The photo captures our memorable meeting between two Old Frenshamians: Nick Mason and Lautaro Healey. Although separated by many decades, both share the experience of having been part of the Frensham Heights community.
Sol González-López, former parent
We had the pleasure of welcoming Simon Thomas (OF 1964-72) back to Frensham on 21 July 2025, visiting from New Zealand with his partner, Adi. Simon's aunt, Joanna Thompson also joined us - a much loved former Dance and Drama teacher, fondly remembered for directing Bugsy Malone and introducing GCSE and A-Level Dance to the School. Simon was especially thrilled to see Frensham’s darkroom and photography studio - and even more so to be joined on the tour by Frensham legend, John Atkinson.
We were thrilled to welcome Holly Bourdillon (OF 2007-2014) back to speak with the Year 13 students about her role as a film and TV editor.
It was inspiring to hear about the films Holly has worked on, including The Day Of The Jackal, One Day, and The Baby, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the cutting process.
The students were very lucky to have had a Morning Talk, as well as individual Maths and Music lessons, presented by Dr Tom Collins (OF 1996-2002).
Tom is an Associate Professor of Music Engineering Technology at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami, where he leads the Music Computing and Psychology Lab. His research focuses on applying machine learning to music, interactive media and podcasts, alongside developing computational models of music perception and production.
Pictured standing in front of a photo of him at Frensham and next to John Atkinson who couldn't resist coming back to cheer on his former student from the sidelines.
Archie Lewendon (2018-2020) came back to visit Frensham in the few days before moving to Sydney, Australia, and particularly enjoyed catching up with Brendan Horstead (pictured) and Barry Carr.
We had a lovely surprise visit from OF Matthew Fear (OF 1994-1995), his wife and their three children in July 2025, all the way from the other side of the world on a trip to the UK and Europe, from Australia.
Six OFs reunited in June 2025 to celebrate their joint 40th birthdays in the Drawing Room, joined by their immediate families. Jez Allan, Max Coutts, Phil Harris, Emily Summerhays, Steve Morris and Esme Lee.
It was such a pleasure to welcome Antonella Segre (OF 1980–1981) back to Frensham in June 2025, all the way from Australia. She shared some brilliant memories of her time here - including pointing out the exact spot where she once escaped from her bedroom by moonlight!
We were delighted to welcome Sophie Smallhorn (OF 1987–1989) back to Frensham in June 2025 - her first visit in 30 years! Now a London-based artist and consultant, Sophie exhibits internationally and is commissioned by both private and corporate clients. Her work explores the relationship between colour, volume and proportion, exhibiting at the Saatchi Gallery and sculpture parks across the UK. She’s also contributed to large-scale projects, including the London Olympics.
We welcomed back former Head, Andrew Fisher, for the re-opening of the refurbished Treehouse. It’s lovely to see the building take on a new lease of life and provide a space to learn and relax.
Pictured with current Head Ben McCarey (left).
I was the Dance and Drama teacher at Frensham Heights from 1982-1992 so I had many happy years as part of the Frensham community. I also lived on site for much of this time as Assistant House Mistress for the 4th and 5th Form girls, which was also fun but sometimes challenging!
Here are five of my favourite moments - not necessarily in merit order but hopefully interesting and evocative of an era.
MOMENT 1:
Getting married from Frensham Heights in December 1985 - we married at the church in Rowledge the day after term ended and Mike and I have just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary!
One of our bridesmaids was a very young Claire-Louise Bayston who went on to become my first A-Level dancer and took a Dance degree before having a career as a very successful teacher/ headteacher.
Many of my then colleagues attended and the photos were taken by Damien Hughes (who was one of my GCSE students and who also studied Photography with John A).
MOMENT 2:
I remember my GCSE students telling me later that they were worried that I might give birth while teaching and they had been busy finding out about how to support if needed. Luckily they did not have to put their information into practise!
MOMENT 3:
I taught Dance in the Ballroom (students may remember the enormous splinters that regularly had to be extracted due to the crumbling parquet flooring!) My dance studio was the Billiard Room - very cosy (especially for the boys who had to change in the cupboard!)
MOMENT 4:
Introducing GCSE and A-Level Dance and seeing the progress and success of my dancers - their creativity and character were unlimited. It was a joy to support them and to witness their development from tentative beginnings to very capable choreographers and performers.
MOMENT 5:
As I had accommodation in Main House I would often wake up to beautiful piano music being played by Head, Alan Pattinson, on the grand piano in the ballroom.
We asked all OFs to share their memories of their time at Frensham and these are just some of the responses. Thank you to everyone who took part.
▶ Being on a BBC programme reading my poetry
▶ Hanging outside Main House on the lawn in the heat when Hawaiian shirts and dungarees were all the rage!
▶ School trip to Morocco in 1973
▶ Playing in the orchestra in the streets of Prague
▶ Sitting in the out of bounds walled garden on my own on a beautiful summer evening and feeling a great sense of belonging
▶ Going to buy liver pâté in Farnham with Chris Zwalf
WHICH
▶ Maurice Bridgeland was an incredible person who brought out the best in people and remembered everyone decades after he left.
▶ Drama with Dick Jones and painting with John McKilroyI’ve since gone to art school and worked in performing arts.
▶ Tony Brown, the history teacher, who was the first ‘grown up’ to treat me like an adult.
▶ Clifford Gould – his delight in the rhythm and musicality of language was infectious.
▶ Dee was the absolute best teacher in Maths...and life!
▶ Mr Campbell – just quietly inspiring.
▶ Mr Bullivant, inspiring English teacher who introduced me to Chaucer.
▶ Richard Ince – woodwork. He was so encouraging.
▶ Richard Weeks was very supportive and a keen tennis player who would take groups of us up to Wimbledon for the day.
▶ In Morning Talk, Christopher Latham played the first of Messiaen’s Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus. I was completely spellbound, and it played a huge part in developing my interest in contemporary classical music, which led on to composers’ class and playing in the Smalley Ensemble at Dartington Summer School.
▶ Keith Ramsey’s choral speaking lessons.
▶ Billy Miles in Biology and Malcom Maltino in Chemistry. Both great characters and very good teachers. How else could I have fluked A-Levels in both subjects?
▶ Morning Talk and School Assembly where I learnt to debate. There was also the tradition of the staff holiday, a day in which Group 6 members did the teaching. And everyone else moved up with the responsibilities of the year group above them. It worked wonderfully well.
SUM UP FRENSHAM IN THREE WORDS:
▶ Forming of humans
▶ Subversive, stimulating, egalitarian
▶ Freedom, kindness, space
▶ Gratitude, freedom, Mr Hogg
▶ Free, relaxed, student-centered
▶ Quirky, fun, friendship
▶ Home, safe, inclusive
▶ A happy place
▶ A great experience
▶ Freedom, creativity, happiness
▶ Happy, happy, happy
▶ Make own decisions
Please see https://oldfrenshamians.org/obituaries for extended obituaries
David (OF 19651972) was initially a gardener at Frensham, and House Master at Hamilton House for the Junior Boys. He was also the Librarian at Frensham for some years. His nickname was known to many of the boys as "Riah" or "Ri" for short.
David was a stalwart supporter of the National Pony Society (NPS) and served many years as a judge on its mountain and moorland breed panel. A former council member, he had also previously been chief steward at the NPS summer championship show for a number of years - a role he thoroughly enjoyed and took great pride in.
In his later years, when his health allowed, David continued to enjoy visiting the show, poring over the catalogue with great interest, and enjoying tea and cake in the marquee. Always one to voice his opinion strongly, David was old school and took a nononsense approach to his judging, and was always kind and encouraging to younger members and competitors.
We are sorry to report the passing of Eddie Henderson on Christmas Day 2025 after a short battle with cancer. Eddie taught Maths and Computing, as it was known back then, at Frensham.
Former staff member Jonathan Hughes writes, "Not many folk know that Eddie and I were pioneers in the introduction of 'computing' at Frensham, which began when the Government insisted on paying for us to visit Manchester to undertake a course entitled the MEP (MicroElectronics Project) before (any) school was allowed to introduce
Computing to the curriculum. Eddie persevered as long as possible with 'Acorn' computers, a great British product that, alas, could not compete with the US giants...although, curiously, most of the world's 'smart' technology today is based on the ARM chip that was pioneered by Acorn in Cambridge. Apart from his contribution to making Maths accessible to the multitude, Eddie also acted for a while as visiting tutor to Brackenhill, for which I posthumously thank him. Next time I am in the Hare and Hounds I shall raise a glass to his memory."
We are sad to announce the passing of Gillian Moss-Blundell who died in 2024 and her brother who died in November 2025. Gillian left Frensham in 1954.
I’m sad to report my dear friend Francis Hunot (OF 19521962), a man of many pockets (my how he loved his correspondents jackets) died in April, aged 81. Latterly living in Clifton, Bristol, he was a frequent flâneur around that city. Diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, he was grateful to be treated with immunotherapy which made it possible to indulge his other passion: travel. He made many trips on his favourite liner, the QE2. Back and forth to New York several times, around the world and the UK and to the Mediterranean, researching and writing his travel blogs as he went and on his return.
Friends since the 1960s when we’d hang out with his mates in Pink Floyd, Kate Haste his Uni friend and her husband Melvyn Bragg. We shared a love of art fostered by his mother, Jean Hunot, who taught Art at Frensham, giggling our way irreverently around galleries in London.
In those pockets? A pen, a pencil, small moleskin notebook, the latest iPhone and inevitably a KitKat bar. He would like his legacy to be his travel blogs:
https//travelswithmyipad2.com
https//travelswithmyiphone.com
https//Cabin2020.com
Mary Horsley, friend
Jane (OF 1947-1956) led a remarkable life. At Frensham Heights, she formed strong friendships with Tom and Robby Legg and Robert Myers – friendships that lasted throughout their lives.
She studied for and passed her Bar exams, qualifying as a barrister while supporting herself through various parttime jobs. She then undertook a pupillage in the chambers of a barrister specialising in criminal law, where she met her future husband, Stephen. After they married, they had three children, Emma, Sarah and Nicholas. Jane initially stepped away from practice at the Bar to raise her family, although she continued to provide private tuition to law students.
Jane later became a law reporter for the Times Law Reports, covering cases in the House of Lords and the Privy Council. The timing of the courts’ sittings (10am–4pm) enabled her to see her children off to school and be back for them at the end of the day. She subsequently joined the British Council as a legal adviser before becoming a part-time Chair of Employment Tribunals in London.
Jane was the first woman to be appointed Chair of Regional Employment Tribunals, first at London
By the time she retired, the title of “Judge” had superseded that of “Chair” in the Employment Tribunal system, and she was therefore known as Judge Jane Mason. She presided over many important cases, including those arising from mass redundancies at the London docks, and she introduced a training programme for Employment Tribunal Chairs, where previously no formal training had existed.
Jane was a role model to her children, demonstrating how hard work, intelligence and integrity can enable someone to achieve great things while successfully balancing the demands of career and family life.
Her husband, Stephen Mason, died in 2012. Jane leaves her three children and five grandchildren.
I am very sorry to tell you that my brother, Johnnie Alexander, died suddenly on November 24th 2025. He was 81.
He was a pupil at Frensham Heights from 1957 to 1962. He became Boys’ Swimming Captain, Commodore of the Sailing Club, where he found his life-time passion for boats, and in his final year, Head Boy. Not bad for one lad.
Johnnie was a fantastic dancer and remained so all his life.
Jiving was his speciality. One of his closest friends at school was Nick (always called Nicky) Mason, later drummer of Pink Floyd, and the two of them became legendary for jiving. Johnnie taught me to jive when I was very young. I got flung around his head quite often. Brotherly affection? Not quite sure.
Kate (OF 1940 - 1953) died on 2 August 2025 in Denmark, Western Australia. The eldest child of Sam Counsell (Frensham staff 1932–1965), she attended Frensham alongside her sister and two brothers.
His final year and my first year overlapped. He seemed a reasonably good Head Boy to me, no airs and graces, lots of common sense and he left me alone.
He became a Chartered Surveyor, working in valuation for Chelsea and Westminster, and finally and nearer to home, in Harrow.
Johnnie married Cilla in 1971, whom he adored. It was a marriage that lasted 54 years, and they had three children and six grandchildren.
Kay Alexander, sister
A love of travel, first sparked by school ski trips and visits to Scandinavia, remained with Kate throughout her life. After training at Froebel College and teaching in Oxford, she spent three years teaching in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), travelling extensively throughout Asia during school holidays.
A round-the-world appointment as a governess brought Kate to Australia, where she met Stuart O’Brien. Together they settled near Walpole in Western Australia, building a life and family on their farm, “Billa Billa”. Despite many challenges, Kate and Stuart raised three children: Keith, David and Donna.
In 1972, Kate established a kindergarten in Walpole, which grew and flourished under her leadership for the next twenty years. She also played a prominent role in community life, championing conservation projects and serving as chair of the local Silverchain health organisation.
Despite later health challenges, including cancer and multiple sclerosis, Kate remained positive, independent and deeply involved in her community. She is remembered for her kindness, determination and sense of humour, and is survived by her three children and their families.
Geoff Counsell, brother
Sheila was an excellent Head of Department: trustworthy, fair and loyal. Well organised and committed to the Languages Department, she was passionate and determined to make a success of it - and she did. Although her first love was German, it was important to her that all the languages taught were given equal value and support.
I believe she introduced the popular European Café on Founders' Day, run by the Junior School and was delighted to be given the opportunity to teach German to the Year 6 pupils. She was always keen to bring languages to life through songs, games and cultural experiences.
Her own experience of Germany was unusual. During her university year abroad, not in West Germany or Austria, as most German students did, but behind the Wall in East Berlin, bringing fresh and fascinating perspectives to her teaching. She taught all the way through to A-Level and was loved and respected by students and colleagues alike. Her standards were high, but always fair.
Sheila also had a strong sense of community and a commitment that extended beyond our shores. She built and nurtured links through school visits to Farnham’s twin town of Andernach in Germany, encouraging international friendships and understanding. She was deeply disappointed to retire at the age of 60, as she still had so much to offer.
Angela Schock-Hurst, friend of Sheila’s
We are saddened to share that we have heard about the untimely passing of Simeon Barnes, who died on 9th July 2025 in a motorcycle accident.
Sim joined the University of Surrey Rugby Programme in 2023 as Forwards Coach, bringing with him experience from London Irish and Harlequins Women. He had a remarkable ability to spark creativity and innovation, constantly developing new ideas to push the game forward and challenge his players in meaningful, thoughtful ways.
Here are some comments taken from our Facebook post, from members of the OF Community:
Annie and I are so sorry to hear this news. Simeon was a real character and I enjoyed teaching him. He was always charming and happy.
Edwin Rolles
I'm so sorry to hear this news. Simeon was a very lively character at school. In later years he successfully put his energy and drive to good use. A sad loss.
Diana Lobban-Small
In 2024, his dedication and drive saw him step into the position of Performance Rugby Head Coach at Team Surrey, where he worked with ambition and vision to elevate the programme and create a high performance environment for student athletes.
This is very sad news. Simeon was an absolute legend. He was the one that gave me my nickname (which stuck throughout my years at FH) and I had fond memories of our times playing on the basketball team together.
Toby Holmes
The crazy charming boy that was Sim! He was a school fave back then! No matter how naughty, my Mum bloody loved the naughty folks, he will be forever missed and remembered.
Becky Rylatt-Price
After Frensham, Paul (OF 1958-1963) went to Cranbrook School and then on to Sheffield University, where he earned an honours degree in Electronics Engineering. Whilst at university, he was also a member of the Officer Training Corps in the Territorial Army. He later achieved a Master’s degree from Cranfield University.
Among his many accomplishments, his grandchildren took particular pride in knowing that, in his younger years, their Granddad had been a rocket scientist, a legacy that filled them with admiration and awe.
Paul’s distinguished career as a Procurement Executive at the Ministry of Defence saw him pioneering advancements in fibre optics, naval missile systems and submarine technology. His contributions, including his role in electronic warfare during the Falklands War, earned high recognition, including a visit from Prince Charles. His work spanned the globe, collaborating with teams in the USA and Europe and always pushing the boundaries of innovation. His dedication and achievements were further acknowledged when he received a special invitation to a Royal Garden Party – an honour reflecting his lasting impact on defence research and development.
Paul was immensely proud of his family – Suzie, his wife of 36 years; his children and stepchildren; and his nine grandchildren – and was an active and devoted father and grandfather. He also dedicated himself to Rotary, raising funds for education and cancer support, and served as President of his final Rotary club. In that role, he led impactful initiatives, including providing school books for African children and supporting facilities for girls in education.
He regularly attended Founders' Day to meet up with his contemporaries and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Toni Vert-Williams, friend
After leaving Frensham, Nina (OF 1973-1975) moved to the Isle of Wight with her family, where her stepfather was the resident music teacher at Bembridge School. She quickly became very much a part of the community and although she left to live in London in the 70s, the island clearly remained her true home. In London, she worked in the music industry and became very well known as a club DJ; indeed, she was the highest paid female DJ in England in the 90s. It was a hard and punishing lifestyle, and that, in combination with a long-term relationship ending and her mother's need for assistance, took her back to the island, where she remained. Nina was intelligent and intellectually extremely curious. She read widely and wrote the draft of a book about evolution. That draft and all her notes were damaged in a fire, but her friends are working to have it published. Nina herself wasn't able to get it into its final form: having thought she'd defeated cancer in the early 2000s, its more recent return was an appalling shock. She fought for a long time but passed away in March 2026 and is terribly missed by the wide and diverse circle of friends and family.
As we were going to print, we received the very sad news of the passing of Victoria Trzeciak (OF 1990–1992). We wanted to acknowledge this news in this edition of the magazine, however, a full obituary will appear in the next issue, as well as the Old Frenshamian website.
