On the evening of Friday 23rd June, over 200 hundred guests filled the school Hall and library to celebrate the retirement of two long-standing members of staff, Mrs Forde and Mrs Bailey. The guests comprised current staff, former staff and former pupils, all of whom had been taught by Mrs Forde when at Francis Holland.
The evening began with former staff joining current staff to celebrate Registrar Mrs BaileyĀs retirement after 20 years at FHS, including a speech by Mr Fillingham.
Following this, a large cohort of old girls arrived to celebrate Mrs FordeĀs retirement and her monumental contribution of 43 years to FHS. During these years, Mrs Forde taught in the PE, Geography and Learning Enhancement departments, rising up through the school to become Senior Mistress on the SLT. Guests were treated to a delicious assortment of drinks and canapĆ©s whilst perusing a range of archival displays. These included sports trophies named in their honour. Later, everyone enjoyed heartfelt presentations by Mr Fillingham, Mrs Forde and the Chair of Quondam, all highlighting the contributions which had been made to the school community. They also included many anecdotal memories of Mrs FordeĀs high points whilst at FHS.
A memory book for guests to write down their best wishes for Mrs Forde was greatly received, with the pages filled with well-wishes for a happy and exciting retirement.
Having worked at Francis Holland for a combined duration of 63 years, Mrs FordeĀs and Mrs BaileyĀs guests covered a wide range of decades. It was lovely to see recent leavers mingling with those that left school in the 1970s, with every decade in-between also well represented. For many, it was the first time in years they had reconnected with former school friends and also former teachers, again many of whom had not visited the school for years. We were of course delighted to have two former headmistresses, Mrs Vivienne Durham (2004-2015) and Mrs Pamela Parsonson (1988-1998), and the Chair of Governors in attendance as well.
The party was an exciting send-off for two members of staff who will be sorely missed within the school; we wish them all the best and look forward to seeing them return for future events. Mrs Forde will be joining the Quondam Committee and so we look forward to her remaining an active part of the FHS alumni community.
Memories of Mrs Forde will be featured in the forthcoming Quondam Magazine, Polished Corners, so please do let us know by emailing alumni@fhs-nw1.org.uk if you have any memories to contribute.
