Like many things in life, the invitation to become the next President of the Landor Association came out of the blue: a charming letter from the Head Master, Dr Burley, asking whether, given my long association with King’s High, I would consider it.  Well, would I?  And why?  And what is the Association for?

With the benefit of possibly too many decades of experience behind me, the thing that I have come to treasure the most is something I sometimes feel in my darker moments is in danger of being dissipated in our exciting and challenging and fast changing world.  It is a sense of community.

The King’s High Community is wide and disparate.  As well as  the current generation of girls, staff and support staff, who we trust are thriving and being inspired within the walls of the exciting new building, there is the legacy of generations of old girls, retired staff, former governors and those from the local community who for one reason or another have been touched by the  philosophy, vitality and energy encompassed by an exceptional and torch bearing institution dedicated to excellence in girls’ education.

So, what better than to form an Association that keeps the links going between all of us, whatever our connection to King’s High or Warwick Preparatory School.  The Landor Association is not there just for Old Girls, or retired staff, or the former governors who have given so generously of their time and expertise to ensure the best for the school, or former parents, or for the members of the local community who have played their own part, it weaves all of these threads together.  It presents us with a range of events each year which allows us to keep in touch with the school and to enjoy watching it evolve.  It is an exciting journey to witness.  It offers dates in the diary to reconnect with old friends and colleagues and the chance to make new. 

A couple of years ago I joined Canticum, the Warwick Foundation’s community Choir.  Having not belonged to a choral society since I was at Durham University in the 1970s, it was a huge challenge but also a joy.  Having spent the last two decades of my professional life producing book readings for BBC Radio 4, I have never belonged to a book group, too much of a busman’s holiday I suppose.  Perhaps now it’s no longer part of the day job, I should give it a go, and what better than joining a group with links to King’s High?*

So, I encourage you, when the next crop of invitations drops into your inbox, to choose at least one of the events that appeals to you, whether it be sharing your expertise with the current students at one of the careers events, enjoying a concert, or a lunch with old friends before the Benefactors’ Service, or reviving happy memories by attending the always magical[jm1]  Landor  Carol Service.  There really is something for everyone and I look forward to meeting you there.

Jane Marshall

President of the Landor Association

Former Parent and Chair of Governors of King’s High

• For information about the Landor Book Groups that meet for an hour on Zoom every month, please email p.beidas@warwickschools.co.uk