I was at Ashford School in the 40's and 50's, following my Mother
who was there in the 20's, and before my daughter in the 70's and 80's. My association with the OGA is long and varied. I took over as Secretary from Angie Clarke (nee Hammond) in the 70's. I then passed this onto Carolyn Chamberlain (Nelms) in 1989 when I became Chairman, since when I have been humbled by being asked to take over as President from Pat Earlam.
As President I wish the new website well and hope it will reach many more Old Ashfordians.

I was fortunate enough to start at Ashford School when Cherub (Miss Brake) was Headmistress.  She was very fair and her answer to many a parent’s request would be “I don’t see why not”.  Under Miss Nightingale as my next and last Headmistress and a host of dedicated spinster ladies I feel I was well educated and admire them for their perseverance.
I got to know Miss Nightingale well many years later when I became Hon. Secretary of the Old Girls’ Association, an honour which many of my contemporaries might think undeserved……I was one of the naughtiest girls at School and was on double-dusters for having accumulated 23 stripes one term!!  They couldn’t sell them all at the next Barnardo’s Day.
However, after A levels I attended the Sorbonne University, then spent a year in Naples learning Italian, which allowed me to spend the next four years at the Ecole D’Interprètes at Geneva University.  I have worked as a linguist ever since.  For many years I was an Industrial Market Research Consultant, interviewing industrialists and businessmen in French and Italian and writing the reports in English for multinational clients.  Concurrently I was an interpreter in Kent and London for the Police and the Courts, a most interesting and eye-opening experience.
I sent my daughter, Alexandra, to Ashford which shows confidence in the School’s continuing excellence and enjoy hearing news of her contemporaries now I edit the Association School Tie, a job which takes a huge amount of time but one which I thoroughly enjoy.
My father used to say that a parent has two major roles in life, to educate their children so that they can have an independent and good life, and not to be a burden to them in old age.  I feel I have continued in this vein and so far at least live a very independent and rewarding life in S.W.France, coming back to UK for hugely important events such as the A.G.M. in February and the O.G. Quaglino’s lunch which I organise in November each year.  I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at either of these events.  Of course I make the most of these “timed” visits to see my family and friends and live the old life for a week of two.

I attended Ashford School from 1974 to 1987, and I can honestly say my school days were very happy and content ones.  After gaining the RSA Diploma for PA’s, I joined P&O in 1988 and spent the next 18 years of my career working for the Group, the major part of which was spent as PA to the Chief Executive of P&O Ferries and Main Board Director of P&O Group.  I then took the bold step of setting up my own business as a Virtual Assistant, providing PA support to coaches, consultants and Non-Executive Directors.  Within 18 months it had become a highly successful venture, culminating in my winning the National VA of the Year Award.  This has resulted in various public speaking engagements which highly suit someone with a love of public speaking and a passion for her profession, the former being largely down to Felicity Amor’s tuition!  I have a daughter in the Prep School and a history of both paternal and maternal family at Ashford School.

I live in Bilsington, on the edge of the Romney Marsh.
I was a pupil under Miss Brake from 1945-57.
As a P.E. teacher from 1966 – 74 and Junior School teacher from 1974 – 79, I know many ‘Old Girls’.
I continue to give private tuition.
In my free time I act as Co-ordinator for events for 'the Association' and enjoy eating out.