DHSA Committee member, Antonia Kingsland (DH 1988), shares her thoughts on the The Honorary Seniors’ Lunch 2023
The School and the DHSA were delighted to welcome back 24 Honorary Seniors for a lunch at Downe on Saturday 4th March 2023.
Honorary Seniors are generally long-standing former members of staff who are recognised for their valued service to Downe.
Louise from the Foundation Office organised everything perfectly, the catering staff prepared a delicious lunch and some kind LVI Ambassadors volunteered to take the Honorary Seniors on tours of the School to show them some of the recent changes, for example the Murray Centre, the transformation of the old Staff Common Room and the new Library.
Many had not been back to School for 20 plus years and it was clear from the volume of noise over lunch that everyone enjoyed a chance to catch up and to reminisce on their time at Downe!
The School had also very kindly arranged a short service in the Chapel for Jack Bayliss who had died earlier in the week. A popular figure who had been a member of staff for over 22 years in such roles as Head of Holcombe, Head of York, and Director of Studies, he is fondly remembered and will be much missed.
The following thank you summed up beautifully the thoughts of everyone who was able to attend:
“It was such a special occasion. It’s so lovely to still feel part of the Downe House community and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces who love the school as much as I do. It was made all the more poignant by having the opportunity to attend the service for Jack and to be able to reflect and give thanks for his life.”
As we departed one of the questions asked by many was ‘can we do this again?’. And we very much hope this enjoyable event will be held every couple of years.
Many thanks again to everyone involved – it was a very special day for all.
