Dinner in Chapel - classes of 1970-1989

It was an evening of fine food and fond memories on Friday 24 February as we hosted our inaugural dinner to celebrate the Chapel centenary. We were delighted to be joined by those who left St Helen's in the 1970s and 1980s, some of whom had not returned to St Helen’s for many years, and by several former members of staff.  

The evening began with drinks and canapes in Old School Hall, accompanied by delightful clarinet music from our own students. After an address by Headmistress Rebecca Dougall the guests were then welcomed into the atmospherically lit and beautifully dressed Chapel and enjoyed catching up with old friends over a delicious three-course meal.  

Sitting at the heart of our community, we are celebrating the Chapel’s 100-year anniversary with a programme of alumnae dinners in the Chapel itself, which forms a memorable backdrop for an evening of celebrating and reminiscing with fellow alumnae and former staff from across the years.  

Guests were delighted with their experience at our first dinner and shared their highlights of the evening with us:   

"The whole evening unlocked so many memories and your attention to detail for the event was much appreciated from the outstanding food and pupil waiters who we enjoyed meeting, to the per severa enamel badges at our place settings and the candlelit tables in the chapel that was at the heart of our school lives.”  

“It was a joy. The Chapel looked beautiful. The students were very friendly and confident, including your talented musicians…The staff made us so welcome and the catering team performed magnificently! I was truly awestruck!”  

“It was such a special occasion and we all enjoyed it immensely. The welcome was warm and genuine, music in the hall was fantastic, the atmosphere was great, service was impeccable and the food was amazing.”    

“Our group of 4 leavers from '76 all thought it was very special. The food was delicious and the lovely, confident, kind 6th formers were such a credit to the school.”  

“I just wanted to put on record what a wonderful evening my sister and I had. The Chapel looked beautiful, the food was delicious, the staff and girls gave us a very warm welcome and my sister was reunited with 3 friends that she hadn't seen for 49 years.” 

The centenary will also be celebrated with a permanent textiles installation designed by artist Michael Brennand-Wood; the project will incorporate students into the creative process by taking influence from the thoughts and feelings of this special space.  

If you would like to find out more about the history of our Chapel, please click here.