AHS first opened its doors in September 1959 and was officially opened by Princess Alexandra in May 1960. We held the Garden Party on 8 May 2010 (closest date possible to the original opening) and are looking forward to the Grand Ball on 19 June 2010. But what else have we been doing to celebrate?

Firstly, we had a theme week each term involving students & staff from every area in the school. First term it was the 50s and 60s. From Monday 23 November there were references to “the olden days” around the school. As part of the week we had a themed mufti day too, on Tuesday 24 November. All the staff and pupils were encouraged to let their imaginations run, curtail any inhibitions and embrace the “new wave” that was the 60s. See here for the local newspaper report on the day!

Other dates were:
1970s - week commencing Monday 8 February 2010; mufti day Thursday 11 (should have seen those punks!)
1980s - week commencing Monday 15 March 2010; mufti day Friday 19 (Adam Ants and Boy Georges as far as the eye could see!)
1990s - week commencing Monday 19 April 2010; no mufti day

Three Sixth formers have also published three magazines to accompany the theme weeks. You can upload the magazines here. These publications are also available from Reception free of charge, if you would like copies.

One of the highlights at the Garden Party was definitely the Community Choir. The brainchild of 6th former Katrina Faranda Bellofiglio, some 100 women from the community and the school came together and after only 3 rehearsals performed at the Garden Party. The hall was packed. Accompanied by Emily Quinn on the piano, the choir were wonderful and performed magnificently. They performed Living Doll by Cliff Richard from 1959 and Rule the World by Take That from 2009. Katrina created the new arrangements and conducted the choir. (I saw more than one tear at the performance!).

Katrina's father shot this video of the performance, hope you enjoy it!

 

Another talented 6th former, Sophie Guy, had the idea of creating a cookbook with recipes from former and current staff and pupils. This was expanded to include some of our link schools, too. All the recipes were tested by willing volunteers and photographs taken. The result? A really lovely cookbook with workable recipes which is a wonderful memento of the 50 years of AHS. The cookbook can be bought either from Reception in the school if you are local, or by post from Fran Newman, AHS, Walton Road, Aylesbury, HP21 7SX, enclosing a cheque for £5.50 (to cover P&P).

Talent old girls Jude Christian and Helen Bryer put the call out to other old girls and current (and former) staff. They had this idea: using memories and anecdotes a few volunteers would get together in the morning of the Garden Party and write, rehearse and then later perform a brand new piece! The result was an hilarious performance by some very talented performances. And for those of us old enough to remember schooldays past - very evocative.