The story of the Guild began in 1910, nine years after the School was founded, and the first pupils had become ‘old girls’.
Many were anxious not to lose touch with each other and the School and as a result, the idea of the ‘Old Girls Guild’ developed, warmly welcomed by Miss Christie the first Headmistress.
She called a meeting of all former pupils on 20 July 1910 to consider the suggestion. This was attended by about 30 ‘old girls’ and several members of staff. A constitution was drawn up, with the aims of maintaining fellowship and union between old pupils and of continuing the School’s tradition of service to the community.
The Guild was duly inaugurated with Miss Christie as President (the current Headteacher is always President, with an ‘Old Girl’ as Vice-president).
Since that first business meeting the membership of the Guild has grown considerably with over 2000 members worldwide and growing. Over the years a variety of activities has been organised according to the wishes of the members. The initial emphasis was on service to the community with Guild members helping the Invalid Children’s Aid Association in High Wycombe. This work was encouraged by Lady Verney (yes, she was a real person) in an eloquent address to the Guild in May 1911. At the same time Reunions were established and other social events organised. There have been some particularly interesting and informative guest speakers.
The Guild has always taken a strong interest in the life of the School; for example, funding the Mary Christie Memorial Prizes and other memorial prizes, and making gifts such as the impressive platform table and chairs.
The Guild sponsors all school productions, concerts in addition to Movie Nights and lunchtime quizzes produced by the Development Ambassadors which helped to raise nearly £6,000 for the School Development Fund. Many members have contributed generously to the building of the Learning Centre and new Music Centre.
Two Guild members are currently Governors of the School, while others are helping with careers education and their links with individual subject departments are much valued.
If you’re interested in joining the Guild then you can signup online.
There is a clear commitment to the development of the whole child and the school provides outstanding opportunities for the students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. A significant strength of the the school is the high quality of pastoral care.
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