Welcome to this edition of the QAH Summer term newsletter. I hope everyone enjoyed a fabulous Easter break and you have all returned rested and ready for what will no doubt be a busy term ahead.
HAVE YOUR SAY …
If you have any feedback for us regarding what you think is going well, or what you would like to see changed, please don’t hesitate to let us know. You can use the Suggestion
Box, or talk to any senior member of staff or to me. You are also welcome to call into the House Committee
Meeting in the Drawing Room at 10.30am on Thursday, 20
May 2015 where the Chair of the Committee will be available for half an hour before the main meeting starts.
WHAT’S HAPPENING OVER THE SUMMER ...
There will be further refurbishment taking place over the summer so you will notice some differences when you next return after the break. We will also be redecorating a further 10 rooms as well as carrying out essential maintenance. Your support in choosing to stay with us means we are able to continue to make improvements that can be enjoyed today and well into the future.
A STORY FROM THE HOUSE
Hello everyone!
I hope you have all had a wonderful Easter holiday. We have had such an exciting start to the term with the house hosting a concert for its patron, HRH Princess
Alexandra. The night was enjoyed by all who were present and for those that could not attend, I hope you will enjoy my account of the evening’s events.
The music concert took place in the Drawing Room, where we all gathered in anticipation to await the arrival of the
Princess. Arguably the grandest room in the house, it was outshone by the most splendid outfits worn by the staff and residents for the special occasion. The Princess herself arrived wearing a fashionable mint green jacquard jacket and a three stranded pearl and diamond choker.
Once we were all seated, the concert began. The music, performed by the talented residents of the house, featured many composers that spanned from the 1600’s to the 20 th century. Just as diverse was the subject matter evoked by each piece. The music took us from fairy tale lands to Spanish palaces and from a spider cunningly hunting its prey to the celebration of a composer’s engagement. This was followed by a wave of applause and
thanks given to all who performed, with special thanks for
Laura who organised the concert.
Afterwards we were treated to a spread of scrumptious canapés and drinks. At this point in the evening the
Princess graciously made her way around the room and conversed with the assembled company, putting everyone at their ease. She proved to be very pleasant and engaging, and was able to discuss with extraordinary ease, a wide range of subjects from music to scientific research. Like an experienced socialite, the Princess was eager to spend time with everyone in the room. Every special moment shared between the Princess and friends was expertly captured by resident Heeseon and her camera.
The evening’s proceedings concluded with the Princess signing the Queen Alexandra’s House visitor’s book, which has been recording such memorable visitations since 1906.
A first attempt, hampered by a pen dried of ink, incited the Princess and then everyone else in the room, to laugh.
A second pen was then swiftly delivered and the historic book signed. As for all wonderful evenings however the night drew to an end and after the presentation of a beautiful bouquet of flowers, it was time for the Princess to take her leave.
Occasions such as this are a rarity in life and present opportunities for everyone at QAH to take part in a piece of history. It is my hope that the memories of HRH
Princess Alexandra’s concert will be treasured by all residents and be remembered fondly for many years to come, as I know it will be for myself.
Best wishes,
Aime
‘HI’ FROM ‘ROBBIE’ IN THE QAH GARDEN!
Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is ‘Robbie’ and I am one of a pair of Red Robins who live in the QAH corner garden. I love it here fluttering about amongst the beautiful wisteria vine, rose bushes and flowers. I have a beautiful singing voice, even if I do say so myself! If you listen carefully as you’re passing by, you might just hear my morning and evening song. All the best for a happy and successful summer term from me and everyone at Queen Alexandra’s House.
Cheerio, luv Robbie the Red Robin
Take care … regards, Anet and the QAH Team