Anna (Upper Sixth/Year 13), shares some of the ways our Houses are spending their October evenings. 

As the autumn term settles in and the evenings grow darker, life inside the boarding Houses has never felt more vibrant. Each House has its own special way of making the evenings fun, relaxing and full of laughter. From creative clubs to global celebrations and tasty Friday treats, there’s always something going on that brings everyone together.

AGN House

In AGN, the girls have been enjoying a full calendar of activities that make every night feel like a mini celebration. Mondays are all about ice cream making, which has become a favourite way to unwind after a busy day while catching up with friends. Wednesdays bring the Board Games Club, a cosy and competitive evening in equal measure, while Thursdays are set aside for the UIV Reading Club in the Common Room, offering the perfect chance to relax and escape into a good book. Fridays finish the week on a high with Table Top Treats, where everyone gathers for snacks and conversation. Whether it’s a round of UNO, watching The Traitors, or joining a Just Dance session in the Common Room, AGN evenings are full of energy, friendship and laughter.

Tedworth House

Over in Tedworth, the evenings are just as lively. After lessons, the girls come back to a warm, welcoming atmosphere where there’s something for everyone. One of the most loved activities is Glitter Club, where girls create cards and decorations while chatting with friends and House staff. It’s a lovely space to unwind and get creative. Another favourite is Tedworth Global Night, which takes place every other week and celebrates cultures from around the world. From tasting Korean snacks and trying African dance moves to exploring Italian cooking, the girls have been embracing new experiences and learning from each other. The event has become a highlight of the term, celebrating the diversity that makes the House so special. House Family evenings also continue to be popular, with mixed year groups taking part in quizzes, games and themed nights that strengthen friendships across the House.

Aisholt House

Aisholt has also had a busy and cheerful month of evening fun. On Mondays, girls have the chance to cook dinner with Mrs Rodgers, either with their dormmates or as part of their House Family. Wednesdays are known as treat nights, featuring favourites like chicken nugget mountains and ice cream bars that always go down a storm. Thursdays offer space for discussion and connection, with girls coming together to share their thoughts on different topics. There are also special themed evenings like “Curly Fri-Day”, where the focus is simply on food, fun and friendship. This week, Aisholt celebrated World Mental Health Day with a relaxing spa night, a wonderful reminder of how important it is to pause, take care of ourselves and support one another.

Holcombe House

An evening in Holcombe is never short of laughter, friendship and plenty of activities that bring everyone together. The week is started off with Mystery Matron Mondays where the girls never quite know what to expect. Each week brings something different, but Miss Broom and Mrs McEwen are known for often featuring a delicious food treat. Favourites have included a waffle station and ham and cheese toasties, a brilliant way to kick off the week and unwind after a busy Monday. Every other Wednesday, everyone comes together in the Common Room for Holcombe Cocoa, a much loved tradition that brings the whole House together. Over hot chocolate, members of the House give short presentations on topics of their choice, offering insights into personal interests, experiences such as the global exchange programme or areas of celebration. These evenings provide a calm and thoughtful space for conversation and community. For most, Thursday night is the highlight of the week with the ever-popular Quiz night with Miss Broom. Teams compete in a friendly test of knowledge and competition, full of laughter and lively spirit. This much anticipated event fosters friendships across year groups and never fails to bring out the girls’ competitive spirit and enthusiasm. Beyond the activities, Holcombe is always alive with warmth and community. Whether the girls are making toast together, playing the piano in the Common Room or working collaboratively for a House competition, it is an environment in which friendship and fond memories are formed.