The Class of 1969 Return to Rosebery

More than 55 years after leaving Rosebery, a group of nine former students returned to the school for a special afternoon of memories, friendship and reconnection.

The alumnae, who all left in 1969, were welcomed back to Rosebery and enjoyed a tour of the school led by Year 10 student Evelynn Doyle. As they explored the site, they shared stories of their school days, reflected on how the school has changed over the decades and reminisced about the friendships that have endured ever since.

The opportunity to return together was every bit as important as seeing the school itself. Their visit was a wonderful reminder of the lasting bonds formed at Rosebery and the sense of community that continues long after students leave.

The afternoon also provided an opportunity to celebrate the many different directions their lives have taken since their school days. Among the group were former teachers and educational specialists, healthcare professionals, publishing experts, business leaders and sportspeople.

Former Head Girl Sue Dewsnap (née Blamey) went on to enjoy a long career in education and spoke warmly of her time at Rosebery, particularly recalling the opening of the Sixth Form Centre. Julie Cline (née Barnes) and Anne Richardson (née Denman) also pursued careers in education, while Sandy Ball (née Sanderson) became a specialist in dyslexia support, training teachers and assessing students after an earlier career in publishing.

Sarah Chapman studied English and American Literature before enjoying a successful career in publishing, including editing GCSE and A-level textbooks. Brenda Kelley (née Dodgson) worked in radiography, specialising as a mammographer, while Wendy McQuillan established her own business in training and development, helping organisations manage change.

The group also included Sandi Procter (née Goldsmith), whose enthusiasm for sport at Rosebery helped inspire a distinguished sporting career. She went on to represent England at lacrosse and later served as President of the Lawn Tennis Association.

Anne Doyle (née Dobby) went on to found Women Walking, a business that has encouraged women to explore the outdoors. Her return to Rosebery was especially meaningful as the school tour was led by her granddaughter, Evelynn. Another fascinating family connection was shared by Anne Richardson, who brought photographs of her mother, a Rosebery student in the 1930s who later worked in the school office. The photographs offered a glimpse into the school's history and highlighted the enduring links between generations of Rosebery families.

Throughout the afternoon there was a shared sense of pride in being part of the Rosebery community. Although their careers and lives have taken them in many different directions, the friendships formed at school remain strong more than five decades later.

We were delighted to welcome back Julie Cline, Brenda Kelley, Sandi Procter, Wendy McQuillan, Anne Doyle, Anne Richardson, Sue Dewsnap, Sandy Ball and Sarah Chapman. Their visit was a wonderful celebration of friendship, achievement and the enduring connection that so many former students continue to feel with Rosebery.