The Winifred West Legacy Lunch
On the first Sunday in May, amidst a misty rain and a chilly breeze, the Frensham School community gathered at the picturesque Centennial Vineyards for its annual Winifred West Legacy Lunch. This cherished event serves as a moment to express gratitude, as well as acknowledge and honour our Custodians who are the generous bequestors of The WInifred West Legacy.
As guests arrived, they were welcomed by a roaring fire and the elegant setting of the vineyard. Following a welcome by the Chair of Foundation, Scott STaniforth, the ambiance was further elevated by the extraordinary voices of our Madrigals choir, captivating everyone with their mesmerising harmonies.
This year, the event introduced two new initiatives aimed at fostering connections across generations. Firstly, each table was graced by the presence of a Year 12 girl, offering her insights into life at Frensham today as well as her hopes and dreams fo the future. Throughout the afternoon, our Year 12 girls exuded confidence and articulated themselves with a poise that left a lasting impression on all of the guests.
Additionally, a panel interview features two young Old Girls, Mim Hopkins and Brodie van Egmond, from the Class of 2020. Both young women were supported by Foundation’s Bursary Fund in their Frensham journey. Their stories provided a poignant narrative of the transformative power of a Frensham education.
Jackie Dalton, Director of Philanthropy, facilitated the interview, emphasising the enduring impact of support provided to students like Mim and Brodie. Their stories resonated deeply, highlighting the profound effect of Foundation’s support in their journeys.
Guests were then treated to the unveiling of our new Custodians book. This exquisite volume, bound in leather and adorned with gold embossing, symbolises excellent, just as The Winifred West Legacy goes. Through meticulous calligraphy, the names of every single one of our Custodians are now proudly displayed, underscoring their vital role in helping to sustain the future of our school. Over time, this book will serve as a timeless piece of heritage.
Head of School, Geoff Marsh, concluded the formal proceedings with insights into the present-day Frensham experience, reinforcing the enduring values and traditions that define our Frensham Schools community.