Bit of background, where you live, what you do for a living: 

My name is Emily Deeming (nee Meikle), I live near Rugby and I work in Communications for an international peacebuilding charity called Conciliation Resources. 

Age:

35 

When were you at the Crescent - years from and to?

1991-1998 

What was the school like in your day?

I visited the school a couple of years ago, and was really struck by how familiar everything felt. I had a very small class, at one point I remember there only being three other girls, so our class really did feel like a little family. And Crescent was a bit of a family affair for me, my three older sisters went there, as well as countless cousins, second cousins and then nieces and nephews. I remember when I left my Mum was given a special gift for over 20 years of Crescent School drop-offs and pick-ups! 

How did the Crescent affect the person you are today?

I learnt to love music and sport at Crescent, which I still love today. Crescent also gave me a deep appreciation for Mrs Skelsey (the cooks) extra crispy roast potatoes, and a deep hatred of an ice-cream scoop of ‘creamed potato’. 

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Don’t wear your Crescent school beret like a Chef’s hat. 

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?

Working for international development charities, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to, and occasionally live in, some amazing countries, a world away from my life in Warwickshire. It’s given me perspective, made me forever appreciate the small things that add up to a bigger happiness, and consider the world beyond my corner of England.    

What keeps you awake at night?

I have a toddler, so her mostly! 

What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?

I’m still revelling in the ten house points, and a special Crescent bookmark, I got for my Year 6 project on Roald Dahl! 

What’s your biggest indulgence?

Expensive butter.  

If you had to have one last meal, what would it be?

Mrs Skelsey’s roast potatoes and heaps of gravy.  

If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you?

My happy place is my mum’s beautiful garden on a summer’s day, the BBQ sizzling, all of my family chattering away and my little girl playing in the paddling pool with her cousins.  

Lasting memories of the Crescent:

Apart from the roast potatoes, our trip to Slapton holds many happy memories, as does our Year 6 leaving party complete with a swimming pool and helicopter rides! 

Are you in touch with any other Old Crescentians, if so whom?

Apart from my three sisters who I can’t seem to shake off, I’m still lucky to be great friends with the Barnes family who were at the school the same time as me.