September brought not only a fresh batch of 20 IVths, 1 new LVth and 4 new LVIth but the dawning of a new age for South House. The arrival of DEB and her chocolate fridge cake was greatly anticipated following glowing reports from the North Boys, many of whom had shed a tear on the departure of their beloved matron. Coping admirably with the switch from a House of adoring boys to a gaggle of girls, DEB has proved to be a match for all eventualities.
We were all thrown into the Michaelmas term, with hasty preparation for House Performances beginning within the first few days. Under the wing of the talented Sarah Hudson-Phillips, who choreographed the amazing and, in the words of the adjudicator, ‘stylish’ East dance, and Hannah Tait and Hattie Swale, who put together the fun, colourful Cubitt dance, the IVth Form blossomed into rhythmic divas and the part-song performers weren’t bad either!
More light entertainment was provided by ‘Bedroom Farce’, in which the female roles were solely filled by South; the acting was superb and they played to very appreciative audiences each night. The disparate characters were played by Hannah Smoker, Liv Shepley, Lucy Knight and Fi Brookes with Hattie Swale as co-director.
The Pink Party, organised by the LVth as part of their fund-raising activities, was a huge success and not only united the two youngest years in a colourful and noisy way, but raised a staggering three-figure sum which was donated to the charity for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Sarah Hudson-Phillips continued to deliver outstanding results with the annual Dance Show, a spectacular event which surpassed even previous standards. The diversity of the acts left the audience awe-struck and hungry for more. Despite this excitement, the term ended on a low note for some members of the House as our main source of entertainment returned to her homeland, Sydney, Australia. Racheal Marinan, a.k.a. Mazz, never failed to put a smile on our faces and often had the House in fits of laughter.
The Lent term began on a serious note with exams for the VIth Form. A jovial atmosphere returned to the House, however, as the thespians continued working towards the School Play and began preparations for the South House Plays. There were outstanding performances from Sophie Merrett, Eliane Pigott, Grace Cole-Hawkins, Vicky Jones and Anna Ward in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
The South House Plays were two very different plays, though written by people with very similar names. ‘Just’ by Ali Smith was a light-hearted comedy with a sinister undertone: this was a very visual play and the South members who starred were Ros Clarence Smith and Lucy Gilligan-Court, with Georgia Lubbock and Pip Mansergh as jury members and Oli Bateman, Hattie Swale Izzy Croker, Carelle Mowatt and Annie Mansergh as the ‘very odd’ townspeople. Fi Brookes was part of the direction team and Hannah Smoker, Doc Millar and Mrs Bloomfield had cameo roles as the unsuspecting next victims. The whole production was enjoyed by audience and cast alike. ‘All just perfect, just lovely, just right.’
‘The Astronauts’ Wives’ Club’ by Al Smith had some great one-liners in it but was a more thought-provoking play about those who were left behind while their men were exploring space. The standard of acting was outstanding and had the audience entranced and close to tears at times. The stars were Vicky Llewellyn, Alex Reynolds, Anna Pearson-Freeland, Hannah Coleridge, Holly Simpson, Gayle Telford and Polly Methley. Hannah Smoker did a great job of directing and APM was in the programme as being i/c ‘dramaturgy’. It was a tremendous double bill of theatre.
The House cross-country was as popular as ever, with hordes of volunteers jumping at the chance to compete (!). Fighting through the undergrowth of the cross-country route, South runners of all abilities gave it their best, and Georgia Methley and Eliane Piggott managed to secure third place in their respective categories. Unfortunately West won the said event, but little did they know that we were merely biding our time until the House swimming, when we would unleash our hidden aquatic talents.
Needless to say we did succeed in winning the House swimming, with especially strong performances from the South swimming captain Eliane Pigott and the mighty Anna Batchelor, who not only won all her races, but broke several School records in the process. The athletics competition was entered into with equal amounts of enthusiasm, and, with the sunny weather raising morale all round, those who participated performed their best, regardless of ability.
Our talents this term were not simply restricted to sporting events: Annie Mansergh’s charity concert showcased a variety of talents, from seemingly unprepared comedy skits to fabulous singing and others in between. This filled the recital hall to the seams, was thoroughly enjoyed by all present and raised over £200.00 for the charity Hope HIV.
DEB was not the only addition to the South team this year: ELH arrived at the start of the academic year and her youthful exuberance has proved hugely popular amongst all the girls – so much so that she will be taking up the role of resident Warden next year, enabling SLG to move out of South and get her long-awaited dog! Fortunately SLG is not going far, so she will still be around – with her great sense of humour- just as much. LEP has also joined the House recently, having defected from West on return from maternity leave.
On a more personal note, we were delighted to hear good news from members of the tutor team: congratulations to LCG-P on the birth of her daughter, Megan, and also to APM and RJS on their recent engagement.
We are sad to say farewell to our ‘temporary’ Tutor Mrs Andrea Young who stepped into the team as if to the manner born, learning names and characters of girls with alarming speed. We are very grateful for her input and hope that she will keep in close touch.
As ever, our very special Matrons, Claire and Matey, have done a superb job of keeping the House together in so many ways, not the least of which are the special ‘treats’ that they provide on regular basis. Their devotion to the girls in the House is second to none; they are always prepared to go the extra mile (or five!) to ensure that we are looked after and happy, for which we are very grateful.
All in all it has been a good year for South House. ‘Spickety lick and tickety boo.’ ….. so to speak.
Gemma Greenwood and Lucy Knight