Celebrating the Lives of Emma and Lettie Pattison – Sunday 25 June 2023

On Sunday 25 June, our whole school community came together in a tremendous representation of love and support for one another and for the family of Emma and Lettie Pattison.

Our Memorial Concert was all we hoped it would be, in parts joyful, poignant, celebratory and of course, deeply moving. Against the backdrop of our beautiful trees lining the athletics bowl, over 1500 people listened to some wonderful performances from Junior, Senior and Sixth Form pupils, and a large number of alumnae who had joined us especially for the day. These were interspersed with memories of both Mrs Pattison and Lettie shared by members of staff. Throughout the course of the afternoon, the younger children enjoyed craft activities on the tennis courts, including painting pebbles with messages and memories which will be placed in our grounds.

Amongst many highlights, one that stood out was when alumna Shermya (Class of 2021) performed her powerful poem Loves of my Life, written and performed originally by Shermya as an ode to her year group, on their last day in the Upper Sixth. It was poignant then, but on Sunday it seemed to have a special significance that was incredibly moving.  So many people have requested a copy of the poem that we have included it here.

Mrs Pattison’s family, with Ms Davies, Sir Anthony Seldon (Head of Epsom College) and Canon Andrew Haviland, the Senior Chaplain at Epsom, came together to dedicate the two Tulip trees we have planted in memory of ‘Emma and Lettie’. Everyone there on the day was invited to plant a bulb around the base of the trees and we hope that these will bloom every spring in their memory.

The final part of the Concert will perhaps be the most memorable for those who were there, as Mrs Pattison’s father, Howard and her sister Deborah, took to the stage. Like Mrs Pattison herself, both are accomplished musicians and the response from the crowd to their wonderful performances of some newly composed and  ‘family favourite’ songs was overwhelming. The final number saw everyone on their feet and joining in with a song we knew to have been one of Mrs Pattison’s particular favourites and certainly one which holds special memories for us all at Croydon High. Led by Mr Ting on guitar, the whole community joined together singing Sweet Home Alabama.

Our thanks to everyone who played their part in making it a moment and a day we will never forget. We know Mrs Pattison and Lettie’s family were hugely comforted by the love and support they felt around them on Sunday, which as they put it, ‘brought some light in to a very dark place.’

And finally, if you would like to make a donation in memory of Mrs Pattison and Lettie, their family ask that you consider the charity, Winston’s Wish, who do such wonderful work supporting grieving children. You can donate here.

Mrs Fran Cook
Director of External Relations and Philanthropy