Downe House Seniors Association (DHSA)

A link that lasts for life.

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Keeping Old Seniors in touch with activities and events at School and with each other

Whether through the publication of its biennial DHSA magazine, hosting of events and reunions, or offering financial grants towards further education, retraining or travelling with a purpose, the Association is another way for Downe House girls to stay in touch with each other and remain part of the Downe House Old Seniors community.

1980 – 1990 DHSA Reunion

Thursday 14 November is a date that won’t be forgotten for a very long time! The DHSA hosted a reunion for the members at Downe House between 1980 to 1990. It was a fantastic event with one hundred and twenty Old Seniors enjoying a memorable night at the Savile Club. If the success of a party is measured in decibels, this reunion was off the chart! The atmosphere fizzed with excitement, warmth and sheer joy in seeing old school friends once again.

Thank you to everyone who came and for the lovely emails.

“Thank you for hosting such a super party. It was fun to catch up with the girls we knew from the years above us. It was fascinating to hear what they have been doing.”

“Just to say thank you very much for a lovely evening last night. It was great to see so many people from my year and still recognisable faces from many other years. A true blast from the past!”

“What a great night – the volume said it all!  I have already received several emails from my year group saying how much they enjoyed it and asking when the next one is?! …it is wonderful to see so many familiar faces and surprisingly we all recognised each other!”

Alumnae reunion in Northern Ireland

The first in a series of regional reunions planned by the DHSA and the Foundation Office took place in the spectacular Grey Abbey House and Gardens on the beautiful Ards Penninsula in County Down. Read more about the reunion.

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A message from the DHSA Chairman

The Downe House Seniors’ Association (DHSA) was established in 1946 to build and maintain strong and lasting bonds between former pupils and the School. On leaving Downe House, a girl will become an ‘Old Senior’ and a member of the DHSA providing a link which lasts for life. The DHSA operates through regular printed and electronic communications, which help girls to stay in touch with each other, maintaining existing friendships and forging new ones, all the while keeping in contact with the School.

The DHSA aims to:

  • provide contact and regular news updates for members
  • empower members to maintain existing links and develop new contacts
  • support individuals and year groups through regular communication, reunion events and grant giving

We are very proud of the DHSA’s work, values and close links with members of all ages and the School.

DHSA Grants

The DHSA is also a grant giving body, providing support for its members who undertake “worthwhile projects” at any stage in life; traditionally this has been to support those doing medical electives, overseas placements or re-training in order to make a career change or retraining after a career break. The Committee awards Grants according to the merits of each application and a report is requested in return to inform future leavers of how the DHSA can support further educational initiative and activities. DHSA members can apply for grants at any stage in life e.g. retraining after career break etc. During the last 25 years over 100 grants have been awarded to members aged 18 – 90 years of age.

Read the DHSA Grant Application Criteria.

Complete the online Application Form for a DHSA grant.

Following receipt of a DHSA Grant, individuals are required to submit a report and supporting photographs illustrating the use of their monies. Please note that a member is only eligible to receive one grant award from the DSHA.

Applications are reviewed twice a year by the Committee. Applications will be considered individually and on their own merits if submitted by the following deadlines:

  • 31 January
  • 31 August

No grants are considered or awarded outside of these dates.

The new Mather Travel Award

This year we are delighted to be launching an additional opportunity for members, the Mather Travel Award, which is designed to help facilitate the opportunity for members to travel abroad in order to meet people of other nationalities and cultures. Individual initiative, venture and clear cut projects and competent planning will be viewed favourably as well as volunteering opportunities to help in communities (UK included). It is hoped that this Award will encourage and support members in their pursuit of a sense of adventure, keen independence and a readiness to serve.

The award is inspired by Jennifer Murray (nee Mather, DH 1957) who successfully circumnavigated the globe aboard a Robinson R44 helicopter, a distance of 36,000 miles in 97 days in 2000, earning her the Guinness World Record for the first helicopter circumnavigation by a woman.

Read the Mather Travel Award application criteria.

Complete the online Application Form for a Mather Travel Award.

For further information please contact dhsa@downehouse.net