Ivy Link Summer Lunch

The Annual Ivy Link Lunch took place at Croydon High School on Saturday 22 June and as always, it was a very happy occasion with 100 guests. We welcomed groups from the classes of 1999, 1979, 1969, 1959 and 1949 celebrating notable anniversaries including 25 ladies who were attending an Ivy Link event for the first time plus 13 former staff together with former Headmistress (1990-1998) Pauline Davies. Friends came from all over the world including France, Greece, the USA, New Zealand and Australia. Our visitors were greeted with a Pimms reception and small exhibition from the school’s archives. After a delicious lunch,  Yutong (Lower Sixth)  and Stella (Year 10) entertained us beautifully by playing a very challenging  piano duet – Laidranette; Imperatrice des Pagodes. After Mrs Pattison’s speech, in which she talked about how much we value the relationship with our alumnae, some of our current sixth form girls introduced themselves and shared their goals and ambitions for the years ahead.  Their confidence and natural charm was remarked upon by many in the audience and we greatly appreciate the girls who gave up their time and represented the school so impressively. Then there was time for tours and so many memories flooding back as alumnae walked through the corridors and classrooms.

We have received so many letters of thanks including the following:

Congratulations on the success of today’s splendid lunch. I know only too well how much effort and planning goes into such events. It certainly paid off though from the tables so beautifully decorated and organised to the exhibition material, and not forgetting the delicious lunch.

I really enjoyed catching up with the ‘girls’ from the 1999 year group and former staff too. Your current students did you proud – they were an impressive group and their voice was very authentic. It was lovely to feel the special spirit of Croydon High School alive and thriving.

Thanks to Emma Pattison for making me feel so welcome and congratulations to you and everyone who helped you make today such a success.

Kind regards

Pauline Davies

It was a tremendous turnout and it was heartwarming to see generations integrate as one, reminiscing on the glorious time they had spent at Croydon High. The Ivy Link is a wonderful part of Croydon High because it encourages community as well as the legacy of the GDST, to be transferred between generations. Furthermore, it shows that Croydon High is a family of girls originating from various walks of life, fulfilling a diverse range of ambitions. This alone signifies, how powerful Croydon High’s eternal bond between the girls are!

Esther, Alumnae and Careers Prefect

We already have interest in next year’s lunch which will take place on Saturday 27 June 2020.

Mrs Karen Roe