This term we sadly learned of the passing of Mrs Elisabeth Lindsay. Elisabeth was Headmistress of Russell House from 1984-2005 and was instrumental in driving the greatest period of school development with the construction of the Pre-Prep block, the Lindsay Building, what is now the Hub and Science Centre, and the Russell Hall building. With this level of ambition, the school roll grew from 50 pupils to the numbers we enjoy today.

In my early days as Headmaster, back in 2012 when she was still able, Elisabeth would regularly come for tea in the study and bring with her photo albums, chock full of memories of her time as captain of the ship.

She would share amusing anecdotes and I could always see the sparkle in her eyes and the clear passion she still had for the place. Of course Elisabeth’s legacy remains strong and the recent Independent Schools Inspectorate Report is a fine testament to that. Of the Heads to follow Elisabeth, both Alison and I have shared in the joy of being associated with our school. The senior members of the Lindsay family too, of which the Board of Governors is entirely composed, still work hard to ensure that her original vision and what makes our community so special, are preserved here and into the future.