On Wednesday 3 November, Downe House hosted a drinks reception for parents of pupils in the Upper Fourth. Attended by parents and staff, the occasion provided an excellent opportunity to meet with other members of the community and share a superb evening.

“It was wonderful to welcome so many of our UIV parents to the Bluebird in Chelsea for the first in a series of Parent Drinks Receptions this term,” said Mrs Alexandra Barlow, Director of External Relations. “Over the past eighteen months, we have hugely missed having the opportunity to meet with our parents socially. In true Downe House style, the noise of the chatter in the gallery room was up by several decibels!”

The event was well-received by parents, who enjoyed meeting others and chatting to their daughter’s teachers and housemistress’. For many parents, it was the first opportunity to meet Mr Matthew Godfrey, our new Deputy Head, who was delighted to chat with as many parents as possible. Mrs McKendrick delivered a marvellous speech, emphasising that it was joyous to be able to gather again.

An Upper Fourth parent emailed after the event saying:
“We just wanted to say a very big thank you for a lovely evening at the Bluebird on Wednesday evening. We wondered whether there would be anyone there we knew, it is so strange emerging as it were from almost two years of isolation. It was lovely to meet parents we knew but had not seen for months and also to meet new ones, especially those whose daughters started this term.”

The community atmosphere has always been at the heart of Downe House, and it was special to be able to host these events once more. We look forward to the upcoming Parents Drinks Receptions over the rest of the term.

Thank you to the Bluebird in Chelsea for your fantastic hospitality, as always.