Guest of Honour at My Old School Victoria College Belfast

In September of this year I was invited back to my old school, some 20 plus years after I left. I was extremely honoured to be the guest speaker at senior prize day 2025.  It was really delightful to see all the lovely smiley faces approaching me on stage, each one full of personality. They had done so well for their achievements and they, and those who have supported them, should be really proud. I told the girls all about my journey, from school to becoming a designer and entrepreneur. I hope I inspired them a little and gave some food for thought. I was also given a tour around the school’s new art department and met the new teachers. I immediately clicked with the Head of Art and am going to back again in November to meet the girls for a more informal chat and take a look at their work, I hope they have some questions ready!

Before the event we had lunch in the old boarding department, which brought back lovely memories as I used to spend time there after school with one of my best friends. I wanted to bring some decorations as tokens for my hosts, and it made perfect sense to select Bees, Bells and Harps - elements of which make up the school crest. But alas I was completely out of stock as we were so busy over the summer (I’ll be better prepared next time). I opted for the salamander instead, a treasured Spanish Armada amulet who hangs out some 3 minutes down the road from the school in the nearby Ulster Museum . He dazzles more than the others listed so I think it was the better option after all.

It’s one of the nicest things I’ve done in a long time, I hope they liked having me as much as I enjoyed the visit.