Back in 2008 Kevin was granted leave from his Canberra school to take up what was supposed to be a six-month job at Frensham Heights School near Farnham, Surrey. Thus began a love affair for us both with this very special part of Surrey.
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| Entrance to The Secret Garden |
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| Sculpture at Frensham Heights School |
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| The Treehouse screening room |
We spent the better part of two years living on-site, in a tiny flat attached to Roberts House, the co-ed boarding house for the Sixth Form (17-19 year olds). Life at Frensham had its moments; teenagers will be teenagers. But most days I woke not quite believing my luck in being able to live in such a beautiful place.
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| The rear of Main House, facing onto the lawn |
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| Headmaster Andrew Fisher welcoming staff and students, past and present, to Frensham |
The weather gods looked kindly upon Frensham and we enjoyed a beautiful autumn day. The formalities commenced with a welcome speech from Headmaster Andrew Fisher. His words echoed the thoughts and feelings of everyone there - that Frensham truly is a unique educational institution. The fact that over a thousand people RSVP'd to attend the 90th celebrations is proof that this place leaves its mark.
No school bells - students simply keep an eye on the time and move to their next class in blissful quiet. No school uniforms - Frensham welcomes individuality, and invites students to express themselves freely. No 'Sir' or 'Miss' - students are on a first-name basis with everybody, including the Headmaster. No academic prizes - at Frensham you're encouraged to be the best person you can be, and academic achievement, whilst applauded, is not placed above other qualities and successes.
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| Frensham Heights - uniformly free |
The day's program included a number of talks by students and staff past and present, including by former student and now highly successful writer, director, producer and actor Hugo Blick. I was quite excited about this as I have seen a number of his TV productions and I remember being incredibly impressed by them. Hugo's talk ended with his heartfelt statement that the single most important thing from his time at Frensham was the realisation that he was not told what to think, he was encouraged to think for himself.
Sadly, though even back in the 1970s that philosophy was probably not widespread, it's certainly a rarity now. Happily Frensham is still true to its principles.
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| Kevin with our hamper |
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| Plenty of paella for everyone! |
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| Memorial to our friend Lynne Elgy who sadly passed away suddenly last year |
Picnic hampers added to the relaxed atmosphere of the day, but there were other options available to those who had elected not to pre-order a hamper.
It was great catching up with friends and wandering around the grounds of this place that holds a very special place in our hearts.
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| Sophie Ryder's wire sculpture that has graced the school entrance for many years |
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| One of the staff cottages |
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| Kevin outside the entrance to Main House |
After the Frensham festivities we popped over to the gorgeous cottage of friends Wendy and Tim in the nearby village of Dockenfield, for a cup of coffee and a long chat. Then it was back to Frensham for dinner with other friends.
What a great day.
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| Yours truly on the main lawn |
Until next time,
- Maree xo
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