Wednesday 22 February 2023 Twenty five Leeds Girls’ High School OGs met up in Leeds in September 2022 for their 30 year reunion, with guests keen to reignite friendships forged in the 80s and 90s. For organiser Penny Allen (OG92), it was the latest in a long line of well-attended anniversaries, which started back in 2002. “Back then, there was still a little bit of awkwardness and the focus was all on how successful you were. Now the chat’s all about HRT and fast-approaching 50th birthdays!” she laughs. This latest reunion was held at Malmaison in Leeds – “It’s so convenient, people can come at any time, order food, drinks, stay or go, whatever,” says Penny. Former teachers Mr Brindley and Mrs Kerr also attended, and there was plenty of reminiscing about the school’s first visit to Malawi organised by Mr Brindley. “He even brought along some mementoes from the trip to share,” says Penny. So why do so many OGs from this particular year group attend reunions? The answers are varied and genuine. “I just love to see how everyone’s getting on. It feels like coming home in lots of ways,” says one. “It’s great how everyone just rocks up and gets stuck in,” says another. “It’s a supportive group in troubled times and we celebrate the highs, too,” says another. The group also has a very active Facebook group. “Even if we haven’t seen each other in ages, we feel like we’re still in touch and know about each other’s families through there,” says Penny. For Penny personally, now a practising dentist, the event stirred up memories of her time as Head Girl. “I suppose I wasn’t conventional Head Girl material – they were usually Oxbridge candidates, whereas I was more chatty and sporty,” she says. “I actually ended up resitting my A levels to get my grades for dentistry.” But Penny recalls the book she was given where previous Head Girls had written down their advice. “It was all along the lines of ‘success breeds success’ and ‘you’ve been chosen for this because you can do it,’” she says.”It gave me the confidence to believe I could. I think I’ve always felt incredibly grateful for that and, in return, I try to do my best by my cohort.” Roll on 2027 and 35 years – meet you in Malmaison? Pictured: OGs at their 30th reunion Pictured: LGHS school photo from 1992 Alumni
