On Wednesday 8th May the CGA hosted a fantastic drinks reception at the Sloane Club in London, to celebrate the 2019 Alumna of the Year Award. Launched in 2018 by Dr Kirk, the award was introduced to recognise and honour the achievements and triumphs of a CGA member, of any age, for any reason. Candidates are selected by fellow alumnae and this year a total of 12 Calne Girls were put forward. 
 

Of the 12, eight nominees attended the reception. They were:

Arabella Dorman: British war artist and portrait painter. www.arabelladorman.com

Celia Pool : Co-founder of DAME, who launched 'D' - the world's first reusable tampon applicator https://wearedame.co/

Dr Charlotte Manisty : Senior Lecturer at UCL and Consultant Cardiologist at The Heart Hospital and Barts Health NHS Trusts. www.londoncardiovascularclinic.co.uk/specialists/dr-charlotte-manisty

Professor Julia Buckingham CBE: Vice-Chancellor and President of Brunel University https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/people/Professor-Julia-Buckingham-CBE

Juliet Davenport OBE : Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Good Energy – a 100% renewable energy company. www.goodenergy.co.uk/about-us/our-story/juliet-davenport/

Matty McNeile: Fundraiser for child bereavement charity, Grief Encounter. www.justgiving.com/Matilda-McNeile

Sarah Byatt : Ambassador and Fundraiser for www.ace-africa.org

Susannah Gill: winner of the World Marathon Challenge after completing seven marathons across seven continents in seven days. www.justgiving.com/Susannah-Gill-777

The reception was attended by approximately 40 Calne Girls, comprising nominees, nominators, current girls from the Head Girl's team and members of the CGA committee. CGA Chairman Cate Bell, welcomed us all and introduced the contenders to rousing applause.  Headmistress, Dr Kirk, then spoke of the crucial importance of having female role models in our lives, before announcing the winner, Sarah Byatt. Sarah, a 1980 leaver who has battled MS for over 20 years, was nominated by four Calne girls, not only for the incredible impact she makes on the lives of everyone who knows her, but also for her massive commitment to ACE Africa as Ambassador and tireless fundraiser. She was evidently thrilled to receive the award.

It was a truly inspirational evening with a fabulous atmosphere and at the same time deeply humbling.