www.alumni.fhs-sw1.org.uk
10
Alumni Events 2023
Lucy Elphinstone and Julia Banks'
Alumni Leaving Party
On a warm June evening, we held a very special leaving party
for former Headmistress, Lucy Elphinstone, and former Joint
Head of Sixth Form, Julia Banks, who both left Francis Holland
at the end of the Summer Term after an incredible 11 and 21
years’ respectively.
The event packed the Old School House Common Room with
an impressive guest list of 90 former pupils and staff, including
former Headmistress, Stephanie Pattenden, alumna and
Governor, Julia Woodham-Smith and very many recent leavers,
plus current staff, keen to offer their thanks and good wishes.
Alumni Association Co-chairs, Audrey Mitchell and Anne Cyron,
spoke of Mrs Elphinstone’s dramatic impact on the School
during her tenure, noting its progression and change more
than at any other time in its history.
After a moving introduction from former Joint Head of Sixth
Form (now Director of Futures and Innovation), Caroline
Wilkes, Julia Banks spoke with visible emotion and warmth of
her time at Francis Holland, as her husband and son looked on.
We welcome Mrs Banks to the alumni community and Mrs
Elphinstone as an Honorary Member of the Old Girls’ Society
now they are officially Francis Holland alumnae!
Below left, Lucy Elphinstone, and right, Julia Banks
Alumni enjoy 'Rebecca' at the
Charing Cross Theatre
20 former pupils and staff, photographed above, braved
September's stormy conditions to watch the musical
production of ‘Rebecca’ at the Charing Cross Theatre. Based
on the novel by Daphe du Maurier, the production, featuring
22 original songs, opened on 4th September. The thriller tells
the story of Rebecca, newly married to the wealthy Maxim
de Winter, who brings his wife home to his estate Manderley,
where Rebecca is confronted by the malevolent Mrs Danvers…
'Rebecca' marks the third theatre production that alumni
have attended as part of the Alumni Association’s ongoing
programme of exclusive events for the School’s community of
former pupils and former staff.
We greatly appreciated the support of everyone who came
to watch 'Rebecca' - the show was met with enthusiasm from
alumni of all ages.
Above, (L-R) Eileen and Marina Gallagher, Anne Margetson,
Audrey Mitchell (née Wiggin), Jane Orr (née Dorman),
Christine Elliot, Katherine Howard-Cairns (née Josselyn) and
Felicity Josselyn.
Above: Julia Banks, right, and Audrey Mitchell