Lockdown letters

At the very start of lockdown when all individuals aged 70 years and over were advised to isolate, South Hampstead High School launched a Pen Pal scheme, inviting alumnae to join. 

Students were matched with alumnae who left the school from 1936 – 1956. Over 60 pairs of pen pals had weekly contact. Students were writing weekly to alumnae in lockdown all over the United Kingdom, and even to one alumnae who had emigrated to Australia.

Many alumnae, students and their families have since emailed to say how much they benefitted from corresponding with each other and sharing stories about their times at the school.

The school is hoping to invite all alumnae who participated and their pupil pen pal to their annual reunion lunch in 2021.

Year 13 student, Hannah, said:

“I signed up for the scheme at the beginning of lockdown as I thought it would be nice to be in touch with someone who would share their perspective of the current time we are living through. As Anne and I exchanged the first few letters, I learnt a lot about her character and her love for travelling and literature.

We often exchange recipes for our favourite snacks and foods as well as sharing our thoughts on how the world is changing so fast as everything becomes more digital. I admire Anne’s skills and talent as she has written two books with other people and has a great drive for adventure. I am thankful because this scheme has allowed me to build a wonderful friendship in which I learn so much and I will continue to write to Anne in the future.”

Pictured – Hannah and her pen pal Anne Woolf (née Weber) Class of 1948, who studied at South Hampstead High School during the Second World War.

A family member of an isolating alumna said:

“I just wanted to follow up with a massive thank you! My Auntie has benefitted from this hugely. She lives on her own in Cardiff and is in her 80s. She is so sociable so has really struggled not seeing her friends and family.

Her pen pal Nina has been brilliant. They email most days and share stories about living in Finchley and tales of their school days. We have a family zoom chat on Sundays and she talks about Nina as if she’s one of her friends. Your pen pal initiative is really making a difference. Thank you!”