My years at Homefield were filled with joy, and I treasure many wonderful memories from my formative years spent there. The school conveyed a sense of 'home' for me, a sentiment encapsulated in the school’s very name. My mother, Margaret Applegate (Morgan), was a piano teacher, while my father spent a lot of time abroad in engineering, and as a result, I was enrolled and entwined with life at Homefield from an early age.

Homefield fostered my love of horse riding, and during my time there, I had great ambitions to become a professional show jumper. I have fond memories of being collected from school by our riding instructor, Betty Tozer, in her worn-out Rover. About eight of us would squeeze into the tiny car, doors secured by twine, and we could see through to the road beneath our feet as we drove along to our riding lessons! Betty was a wonderful teacher, and she laid the groundwork for my equestrian pursuits, leading me to clinch the Homefield Cup for riding every year!

Music had a profound influence on me at Homefield, most likely because of my mother’s teaching role and her friendship with my talented music teacher, Sheila Hammond. The choir was a pivotal part of my school life, and we started each day with hymns during assembly. Exceptional musical moments were also enjoyed at Christmas Carol Services at St. Mark's Church, with the boys from Bilton Grange. Hearing those hymns immediately takes me back. A particular favourite was ‘Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light.’ I also have great memories of taking centre stage with a solo singing performance in ‘Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat’ at Rainsbrook Hall.

At school, we would have separate classes from the boys except for in science, where we utilized the labs at Bilton Grange. Shared sports facilities and lessons further forged a connection between the two schools. A lasting memory is the joint performance of ‘Helen of Troy’ that took place in the Wild Gardens. Art Master Lester Thomas constructed a colossal horse, concealing many of the schoolboys inside, who emerged during the spectacle. Faye Lejeune gave a wonderful performance as Helen of Troy and was the only girl cast in the show.

Many friendships formed during my years at Homefield have endured. Anna Meynell and I shared a fondness for horses and would spend many hours riding together both in and out of school. Helen Nicholson (McKinnon) and I were also very close friends, and our relationship remains strong, having worked together for many years at Bilton Grange.

As with all schools, it’s the teachers who made the greatest impression on me during those years. A standout figure was Monica Summerson, who taught Geography and Latin. She became a firm friend after school, and I remained in contact with her until her passing. Her daughter, Dee, is still on the Committee, and I’m in touch with her.

Headteachers during my tenure were Miss Nancy Machin and her brother Rex Machin, succeeded by Patricia Clough. Patricia Clough was a brilliant and formidable teacher. She would stand for no nonsense! Her needlecraft lessons were particularly enjoyable. Tim Fisher then took over, and he compiled a book of prayers which I know resonated with many students. Tim’s father was the Archbishop of Canterbury, who crowned the Queen in her Coronation in 1952. My continued contact with Tim's wife, Claire, attests to enduring connections made through the school.

These are just a few of the profoundly cherished memories that then propelled me into working with the 'Den' after-school club for many years at Bilton Grange and as Matron in the boarding houses too. My current position on the committee is also a testament to the wonderful foundation that my time at Homefield gave me. The Homefield reunion on March 23 is set to be a wonderful opportunity to reunite with many of the figures that shaped my time there, and I look forward to seeing many familiar faces on the day.

Memories from a conversation with Jocey on 17 January 2024

Picture shows: Eleanor Hyde Thompson, Judith Salt, Jocelyn Applegate, Carolyn Rushton, Nina Ansari, Sally Walter, Anna Meynell, Betsy Freemantle, Caroline Rose Conant, Fay Lejeune, Caroline White, Anne Castel, Clare Norton (?)

Join us on 23 March 2024 for the Homefield Reunion. Register here.