Development & Alumni Office

The Garden Party was a chance for staff, former staff, students, alumni, parents, governors, neighbours and friends of the College to meet and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of St. Clare's. Over 600 people gathered in the marquee and gardens behind 131-137 Banbury Road. Boyd Roberts made a short speech about the achievements of the College in the past fifty years. Miss Dreydel attended the event and enjoyed talking to the many alumni who remembered her. Barbara Knowland, Pamela Morris' daughter and her husband Tony Knowland (who both taught at St. Clare's) were also in great demand by the alumni.

Tea was served throughout the afternoon with a wonderful array of cakes, scones and sandwiches and of course, strawberries and cream. Entertainment was provided for both adults and children. Stripey Joe, wowed the audience not only with his balloon animals, but also by juggling with fire and knives over guests lying beneath him. The Magical Humorist mingled with the crowd and performed close up magic for small groups of people. Current St. Clare's students helped by welcoming guests and the artists did face painting. Staff also entertained the guests by forming a small choir, the 'Just for Fun Singers', to sing for the guests. The entertainment concluded with an enthusiastic performance of a Traditional Chinese Lion dance with lots of audience interaction.

Towards the end of the afternoon glasses of Bucks Fizz were served, and the Garden Party was felt by many to have been a great success, and a fitting tribute to the 50th Anniversary.

It was interesting to be able to walk through the houses and to see all the dramatic changes: it brought the years flooding back. You had all worked hard and the Party was so well organised: very helpful to have name cards for everyone; the gardens looked lovely and the tea was delicious - it was a typically English summer garden party and you had captured the atmosphere exactly.

Most importantly, it was super to meet Miss Dreydel again, on such splendid form, looking remarkably unchanged too and as interested, as ever, in what one was doing. I was glad to have the chance to congratulate her on her huge achievement in the creation of St Clare's, its continuing success and its 50th anniversary and to thank her for the two very happy years I spent there.

Jill (Harvey) Ross-Thomas 1963 - 1965