On Saturday 4 October, Crackley Hall School was delighted to welcome back former pupils and staff for a special Open House, marking 80 years since the school moved to its current site in Kenilworth. The event celebrated the school’s rich heritage and the enduring bonds within its community.

Originally founded in 1862 by the Sisters of Mercy, as St Joseph’s Convent School on Walsgrave Road, Coventry, the school relocated to Crackley Hall in 1945 following the purchase of the property and surrounding 40 acres by Mother Magdalen. Since then, generations of pupils have passed through its doors, contributing to a legacy of learning, service, and friendship.

The morning began with refreshments and a musical presentation by the Crackley Hall Chamber Choir and Choral Group, setting a warm and celebratory tone. The choir was ably led by Susan Olden (née Dadley), a former St Joseph's pupil herself, who continues to teach Music at Crackley Hall today. Headmaster, Rob Duigan, offered a formal welcome, expressing the school's deep gratitude for those present saying: "We are who we are because of who went before us". He made special mention of Sister Philomena, whose continued connection with the school since her tenure as Headmistress has been one of the highlights of his time at Crackley over the past 15 years.

Sister Philomena then joined Rob on stage, along with other much-loved former members of staff - Rachel Taylor, Anna Bond and Susanne Jackson-Mayne, for an informal conversation to share anecdotes and insights from years past.

The focus then shifted to the perspectives of three former pupils, who took to the stage to share their own memories of their time at the school. Sara Higginbotham (1989-2001), Mandy Beasley (1965-1979) and Mary Taylor (1964-1973) spanned almost 40 years of the school's history between them, and there was much laughter, nods of recognition and the occasional watery eye as their stories triggered memories throughout the room.

We are so thankful to these former pupils and staff for speaking with such generosity, openness and poise. Their contributions gave the morning a real sense of occasion and added depth and meaning to the morning’s proceedings.

To close the formal portion of the morning, guests heard from Foundation Principal, Ed Hester. He spoke of the historic relationship between the Sisters of Mercy and Princethorpe College and acknowledged their shared vision and values, commenting: "The values that were taught by the Sisters of Mercy, not least to have a sense of humour and to enjoy life, are the same values that Crackley Hall and the wider Foundation espouses today; we want to educate people because we want good people in our world." Ed also acknowledged Foundation Archivist, Jo Wong, and Foundation PR and Press Officer, Helen Stephenson, for their work in producing a commemorative history of Crackley Hall and St Joseph's - a book which is now available through our online shop and provides a wonderful overview of the journey and achievements of the school over the years.

You can view the recordings of Rob and Ed's messages, along with Rob's conversation with former staff and the memories of the three former pupils, via the following links:

Rob Duigan's Welcome and Conversation with Former Staff

Former Pupils' Memories

Ed Hester's Address

A quick group photo in the Hall captured the spirit of the occasion before guests dispersed to enjoy catching up with each other over a delicious brunch buffet and the opportunity to explore the school at their leisure. Many took time to visit the specially curated archive display which featured photographs, documents and memorabilia spanning decades of school history.

The morning drew to a close with guests feeling a sense of renewed connection to, and appreciation for, their shared history; many of whom continued the celebrations with their own reunions taking place elsewhere in the afternoon.

Thank you to the organisers, catering staff, estates team and all the guests, for helping to make the day so memorable.

Thank you messages from those who attended the morning have included:

"What an amazing day Saturday was...loved it! Thank you for making it so special and a real celebration."

"It was the first time I had been back to visit since 1969 and I admit to feeling a little overwhelmed as I walked up the drive, but I settled in as I reached the school and began to enjoy a wonderful day. I have very happy memories of my five years at St Joseph's, and many of them came flooding back to me."

"The Convent celebrations were very enjoyable, and so well attended. I found the reminiscences of the three ‘old girls’ particularly entertaining. A great day out, thank you."

"It was a fantastic morning and it certainly exhibited the level of organisation and preparation that went into the occasion. Many thanks to all involved."

"What an incredible experience - emotionally draining and life affirming! Thank you for the warm welcome. My friends from the same era who were there have had memories flooding into their heads and we can’t stop thinking about it! Our Facebook group is full of excited messages, photos and, simply, positivity. What joy! Please pass on my thanks to the team, and to Rob Duigan, with my best wishes for the continued nurturing of our precious ones, who carry our traditions forward. It was good to know we may not be forgotten."