Alumni event unites MGS MHSG and WGS

Alumni from The Manchester Grammar School spanning every decade since the 1950s gathered for a memorable drinks reception with the High Master, Dr Boulton, in Piccadilly, London. For the first time in the School’s history, a formal event took place with alumnae from Withington Girls’ School (WGS) and Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) also present. Headmistresses Sarah Haslam from WGS and Helen Jeys from MHSG joined the 150-strong reception sponsored by MGS alumnus Sandip Jobanputra.

Simon Jones, MGS Director of Development who attended The Manchester Grammar School between 88-95, said: “Our friendships with the girls at WGS and MHSG was a huge part of the school experience and remains so to this day. From shared journeys on the school bus to joint charity events, meetings of Phil Soc and Thursday Singers and drama productions, the pupils of the three schools have always formed friendships and the occasional marriage! I hope this is the first of many joint alumni events - we are already planning the next one.”

Sarah Haslam, Headmistress at Withington Girls’ School, commented: “Withington was delighted to partner with The Manchester Grammar School and Manchester High School for Girls in holding this very special reunion. It was wonderful to welcome many different generations of Withington pupils and to see alumni from all three schools reconnecting, sharing memories, forging new friendships and creating such a warm and vibrant atmosphere. We are grateful for the support of Manchester Grammar alumnus, Sandip Jobanputra for his support of this event and we hope this this marks the first of many joint reunions for our alumni communities.”

Helen Jeys, Headmistress at Manchester High School for Girls, said: “On Thursday 7th March, we joined with WGS and MGS alumni in London for our very first joint London reunion. It was a really special event – seeing Manchester High School for Girls’ alumnae meeting friends from their own school as well as those from MGS and WGS was really wonderful.  What really stood out for me was seeing alumnae who were currently at university in London as well as those who had left decades ago, meeting and discussing their shared experiences. I am sure that those recently left alumnae will see the huge benefits of sharing experiences about Manchester and their school; the community just extends beyond its boundaries! We always say that the friendships made across the schools are so important. Whether they are made on the bus to and from school, in the joint choirs and drama productions, book clubs or proms, those shared experiences form a foundation of friendship that lasts a lifetime. Our first reunion was, therefore, a joyous event and one that I hope becomes a standard event in our joint calendars.  Many thanks to the generous MGS alumnus for sponsoring the event; it was a privilege to attend and so special for MHSG that this took place during our 150th Birthday celebrations!”