This week, we were delighted to welcome Michael and Susan Fox, who were visiting the Lake District from their home in Seaford, East Sussex. Taking advantage of a free day during their trip, they decided to pay a special visit to Windermere School and reconnect with an important part of Susan's family history.

Susan's mother, Patricia Malony, served as Matron at Elleray in the late 1930s. During her time at the school, Patricia developed a close friendship with Joyce Gibbs, who was Headmistress at the time. It is a connection that has remained an important part of the family's story and one that inspired Michael and Susan to visit the school during their time in the Lakes.

Unfortunately, due to the recent sale of the Elleray site, they were unable to visit the building where Patricia once lived and worked. However, we were delighted to welcome them to Browhead and offer a tour of the campus, giving them an opportunity to experience the atmosphere and character of the school community that meant so much to Patricia all those years ago.

Although the rain prevented us from exploring the grounds in full, the visit was nonetheless filled with fascinating conversations, shared memories and reflections on how the school has evolved over the decades whilst continuing to nurture a strong sense of community and belonging.

Visits such as these serve as a wonderful reminder that the Windermere School story extends far beyond current pupils and staff. The connections formed here often span generations, linking families across decades and across the country.

We would like to thank Michael and Susan for taking the time to visit us and for sharing their family's story. It was a pleasure to welcome them to Windermere School, and we look forward to seeing them again should they return to the Lakes in the future.

The door is always open to members of our extended Windermere family, and we are continually reminded that once you become part of our community, those connections remain for life.