The Old Girls Society were delighted to host their annual Old Girls Lecture on Thursday 1st November.
This year we welcomed Giles Chichester as our guest speaker to talk about his father, Sir Francis Chichester. With over 50 guests in attendance, including old girls, current parents and pupils, siblings from other schools and friends of the school interested in the topic, it was a brilliant evening for all.
Sir Francis became world-renowned for his record breaking voyage as the first person to circumnavigate the globe singlehandedly by yacht in an incredible story of triumph over adversity.
Giles Chichester gave a fascinating account of his fathers life leading up to his record-breaking journey and the highs and lows of the journey itself. He showed a full lecture theatre personal photographs detailing the daily activities of his father whilst at sea as well as the tumultuous weather conditions he had to cope with. Stories included when Sir Francis auto-direction equipment failed and when his yacht, Gypsy Moth IV, was rocked past vertical and almost capsized into the Pacific Ocean.
Following this account, there were many questions from the audience. They were keen to hear how Sir Francis adventures had shaped his sons life, what it was like whilst Sir Francis was away at sea and any of the high points that came with his voyages. Giles Chichester enthusiastically answered all questions to give added personal detail to the lecture.
Guests then enjoyed an opportunity to mingle and speak with Giles directly whilst enjoying a drinks reception.
We wish to thank Giles Chichester and his family for providing such an entertaining and informative lecture, and the Old Girls Society for hosting the evening.
