Over 160 parents were joined by a number of alumnae, current pupils, staff and parents of some of the newly appointed Lower Sixth School Officers. Over drinks and a delicious selection of canapes, parents, staff and girls had the opportunity to meet one another as well as enjoying the prestigious setting of the riverside terrace at the House of Lords.

DH Alumna and successful entrepreneur, Mary Bonsor gave an interesting talk about how her education at Downe House has supported her work, with particular regard to public speaking. Mary told the audience that at School, she hated public speaking and as Head Senior struggled to speak in her first assembly but with the gentle but firm support of Mrs McKendrick, she managed to overcome her fears. As co-founder of F-LEX, a lawtech startup based in London which provides on-demand paralegals, delivering presentations and making speeches is now second nature to her!  

As well as his own three daughters attending Downe House, the Lord Strathclyde and his wider family have a long association with the School, starting with The Honourable Heather Galbraith (DH Alumna 1947). Miss Galbraith and her cousins started a family tradition which was to last for generations and continues to the present day with her nieces and great nieces following in her footsteps. 

Headmistress, Mrs Emma McKendrick thanked host, the Lord Strathclyde and all the parents for supporting the event, and went on to speak about the importance of nurturing kindness and compassion to ensure that girls leave Downe House with the ability and skills they need to follow their chosen course in life.