SENIOR SCHOOL

130 visitors became guests at the Imperial Hotel on the afternoon of September 11^th 2010.

The Malvern Gazette is very supportive of Malvern St James's participation in the scheme and two articles in the preceding weeks attracted the attention of local residents. An excellent article about Mrs Trish Woodhouse the new headmistress was on the same page and visitors, especially those with connections to the School, were delighted to have the opportunity to meet her.

The distinguished local historian and former member of staff, Pamela Hurle, whose centenary History was extensively used in the presentations, spent the afternoon at Malvern St James and many visitors recognised her and enjoyed the chance to talk to her. One visitor, whose relative was Head Waiter at The Imperial Hotel brought in an old receipt, headed with a picture of The Imperial Hotel for the purchase of 5 pigs.

A recent acquisition for the display was a copy of the Illustrated London News from August 23^rd, 1862 which describes “the opening of the Imperial Hotel as a truly magnificent building, not unworthy of the unrivalled scenery amid which it stands”. Presentations using the School's archive material traced the history of the building and the developments that have taken place up until the present day, so that the original building, described at the time “conveniently arranged, resembling in general configuration the letter L” now surrounds a Quadrangle.

This year marks another very special anniversary – the centenary of the Girl Guide movement. Miss Alice Baird, who was the principal founder of St James's, was a close friend of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell and very involved in the development and spread of the Guides. Guiding started at St James in 1911 and by 1916 Miss Alice Baird was responsible for all guiding in schools and colleges. Malvern Girls' College and The Abbey both had guide groups. Heather and Betty Baden-Powell both attended St James's and to mark this close connection, a display was mounted of memorabilia from the archives. The Malvern Division Commissioner Mrs Trish Robinson was present through out the Heritage Open Day and many visitors enjoyed sharing their memories of their Guiding days with her.

A special presentation was mounted that celebrated the Enterprising Ladies who founded our schools and visitors and the current members of staff who attended the Heritage Open Day agreed they had learnt lots and were full of admiration for Miss Poulton,Miss Greenslade and Miss Baird, our Founders.

After the public had gone – and they had to be eased away such was the fantastic atmosphere, especially in Lawnside thanks to a delicious tea and the exquisite piano playing of members of the Music Department – the new Sixth Form were invited for a special viewing, when Elisabeth Rambridge showed them the presentations and took them to the Drawing Room, re-created as the Conservatory for the afternoon and to the Abbey Room where the Imperial Hotel table ware was laid out.