Chris Flies In

Tall dark handsome stranger in our front hall turned out to be our very own Chris Wilson. Chris joined our foundation students in sixth form, and did us proud, achieving A levels in business, geography and technology and winning an RAF flying scholarship. The last I had heard of him he phoned to say he was just down from his first solo flight. Chris went on to join the Military Police, and is now chief engineer in charge of two large premises in London where he now lives. If I did a double take when I saw him, Eileen Tate could be heard screaming in the next street when she recognised him. Eamonn Burns also called in. Later that afternoon, after Chris and his girlfriend had gone, Pat Lenny told me he had seen someone in the distance, leaving the school with a very gorgeous companion, and he couldn't quite see who it was. Make sure you give her the compliment Chris. And keep in touch.

Charlotte, Stephen and Chris

This is always a great time of year for seeing OldScholars with longer holidays than we have, just before they head off again for university. Stephen and Charlotte both love Lincoln, Stephen studying architecture and Charlotte art, and Chris Byrne loves his Product Design degree at Queens. Really good to see you all, and its great for our current students to hear recommendations and details of places and course they might not have thought of.

Anna with Subtitles

Anna Hunter was among the scruffs at the Tobin/Cardin annual scruffy party. Anna looks very relaxed and happy working on subtitles at the BBC. Brother Freddie is working away in an ICT post in London, financing his passion for photography, which will be his real career direction.

The Big Night

It was brilliant to see so many of you back for Presentation Evening. You are a wonderful resource for the students coming up behind you. Would you recommend your course? Would you recommend your university? Would you recommend going to university at all? We would love to have you visit before you go back in January, and to talk to the current year 13 who will be going to the UCAS fair later in the Spring term and starting to make up their minds.

Tanya Rescued Me

Rescued me from myself that is. I was Christmas shopping locally as suggested in Shimna's newsletter, and wandered into Painted Earth in my annual attempt to buy something suitable for a relative who is less aesthetically challenged than I am. Tanya Ireland was working there, found me an entirely suitable present and wrapped it beautifully. She has taken the very brave step of holding fire on her perfectly successful career to head back to college to study art. She is loving the foundation course, and hopes to combine work and study through to an art degree. Fortunately, she is still in demand from pervious employers, which should help dovetail a communications and art career. Deirdre has completed her degree in psychology and a PGCE and is teaching in England. Tanya also mentioned seeing Leanne Spiers very striking degree show last year. Networking, networking!

Ciara and Alan

Alan Ayckbourne that is, with our Ciara McClelland in a picture from the Newry Reporter, sent to us from Shimna founding parent, Stephen. Ciara went from Shimna to graduate in Theatre and Performance, and is now studying for a Masters Degree in Drama Therapy. She has been appearing in Scarborough in a new play by Stephen Ayckbourne, son of Alan. Her aim is to set up a touring company and travel the world bringing joy and fun with drama projects into communities and schools. Make sure you include Shimna in the tour!

Stuart's Taking Photos

Stuart Graham called in to collect some of his artwork, and his mother presented the school with a painting by Stuart's grandmother. It was great to see both of them looking well and happy. Stuart is studying photography now, and loving it.