On Saturday 4th March our inspirational alumni community came together once again to celebrate the School’s 142nd birthday with a convivial drinks reception and lunch – the first Old Girls’ lunch hosted since before the pandemic!

The event began with the AGM, leading swiftly on to a drinks reception before heading to the School Hall for a rendition of ‘Marry the Man Today’ from Guys and Dolls, performed by Sixth Form pupils Tess Vogels and Palmer Newsome, our accomplished lead roles in the School’s recent production of the musical. An impressive two-course lunch followed, with many commenting on the much-improved quality of school lunches since their time at FHS!

From alumni who left as recently as 2018, to our ‘old girls’ who departed FHS in the 1960s, all welcomed seeing familiar faces, and enjoyed looking through archive materials, as well as embarking on a guided tour of the School’s impressive Sixth Form Centre, the Old School House. We were also delighted to welcome back many former staff members, who were keen to reconnect with the alumnae they taught.

Alumni Association Co-chair, Anne Cyron and Headmistress, Lucy Elphinstone thanked guests, with Lucy commenting upon the wonderful family atmosphere the School still enjoys, a key factor in its popularity.

Said alumna Sarah Maxwell, ‘What a lot of thought and effort went into giving us such a wonderful visit to celebrate the School Birthday! We were entertained so well, not only with tempting canapes and a delicious lunch, but also with the performance from Guys and Dolls and the tour to see the Old School House. The PowerPoint photos and the items on display from the Archive were fascinating and I think you must have chosen them specially for the era of the guests - the file of "Autobiographies" was particularly appreciated. ‘
A huge thank you to our alumni community of former pupils and staff who returned to Francis Holland School for the Old Girls’ Lunch and drinks reception.