On Saturday 20th June, Dr Felicia Kirk was delighted to host a special lunch for former Headmistresses, Head Girls, Governors, Trustees and senior OGA and CGA members to celebrate the school's 150th Anniversary. Guests were given tours of school by LVI pupils followed by refreshments in the Lime Kiln Garden before a delicious lunch in Top Hall.

Tables were hosted by former Heads and Governors and guests were seated with their year groups and contemporaries and enjoyed catching up over a delicious two-course lunch prepared by St Mary’s Catering Team. Reverend Jonathan Beach, School Chaplain, addressed everyone with a heartfelt grace, while Dr Kirk and Cate Bell (Chair of CFT) both thanked guests for attending such a special event which had bought together so many important members of our school community, past and present.

Dr Kirk spoke of what a privilege it was to be Head of St Mary’s and part of the rich history of the school. Over the years, St Mary’s has been a place of learning, growth, and excellence for girls; a place where girls can be and become who they truly are. A great girls’ education, such as the one delivered by Calne, and what it does to encourage positive change in society is truly worth celebrating. Dr Kirk said she was incredibly proud of the achievements of the students and the dedication of the staff, past and present.

Cate Bell talked about the importance of the Chrysalis Campaign and its aim to enable more girls to benefit from an excellent St Mary’s education and hoped that guests would consider joining the 150 Society.

Many guests have since been in touch to thank Dr Kirk for such a special celebration, as these guests say:

'Thank you for including me among the guests for the special Head's Lunch on Saturday. It was indeed special with so many friends there from the past, and I was so pleased to see quite a few still there! The school is looking in very good shape with the lovely additions of the Library and the garden. They both make such a difference but look as if they have always been there...'

'What a special day. Thank you so much for your brilliant organisation. It was a real pleasure to see many people I hadn’t seen for nearly 27 years and to meet some new ones too. I was struck by how happy the girls I met are and, indeed, it reminded me of how happy I was when I was at Calne.'

Mrs Caroline Wrench
Alumnae Relations