Introducing … Mary Sherratt
Meet a Member …
Each eNews, we would like to introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a Question & Answer type interview article.
Therefore, in the hotseat this edition, is Mary Sherratt: Woodford House Archivist and Database Administrator; Woodford House Old Girls’ Association President; WH Board of Proprietors member (WHOGA Representative)
Tell us a little bit about the Woodford House Old Girls’ Association
Although Woodford House first opened its doors in 1894 it took several attempts to muster an Old Girls’ Association that would survive – several times Old Girls were asked to consider what Wanganui Collegiate and Christ’s College Old Boys were contributing to their schools!
In 1933 Mrs Dorothy Campbell rallied 85 Old Girls to a meeting in the committee room of Hawke’s Bay Farmers and they unanimously agreed to form the Woodford House Old Girls’ Association. The Association has remained strong since then and we look forward to celebrating our 90th anniversary in September this year.
A trust was set up and funds raised have been distributed as scholarships to enable many daughters of Old Girls who might not otherwise be able to attend the school. Today the Scholarships are open to any girl with a financial need.
Originally there were seven branches of the Association throughout New Zealand and as time has gone on, and digital communication has increased, the branches have all folded and the National Executive Committee now manages the whole Old Girl Database. We have over 4300 members on our database, and we continue to promote and keep alive an active interest in the welfare of our old school. The establishment this year of an Alumnae Relations Office within the Communications Department at Woodford House has cemented the relationship between the School and the Old Girls, and we are delighted with the connection.
Length of time in Educational Advancement (& prior industry if applicable)
Throughout my life I have been involved in education and educational facilities. I was a primary school teacher, a Weight Watchers Leader, and Field Coach (training the leaders), a primary school receptionist (Director of First Impressions!). Since 2019 I have been the Archivist and Database Administrator at Woodford House. I joined the WH Old Girls’ Association in 2013 and became President in 2018. My role as President of the Woodford House Old Girls’ Association is a voluntary one, as is my position on the WH Board of Proprietors.
Achievement / Accomplishment most proud of
Although my roles as Archivist and Database Administrator are two separate jobs they often overlap. I feel really pleased when I find a connection with an Old Girl who has been missing from our database and by reconnecting with her, I receive items or photos for the Archives – often these are mementos from her mother! Sometimes the reconnection leads to discovering an interesting life story which we publish in our newsletters and the Tempus Magazine. It is an important job to be storing the memorabilia and photos in the Archives to preserve the history of the school for future generations. When I started in the Database role, I discovered that there were close to one thousand girls who were not registered in Potentiality (our Database software). I am proud to have loaded all those missing names in and am making it my mission to track them down and connect with them.
Three tips / words of advice for new members and/or those new to advancement
I was encouraged to attend the NZ Educate Plus Conference in 2022 both by the Old Girls’ Association and the School and it was the best thing I have done! Educate Plus opened up the alumni world to me and has given me so many connections and ideas. The ideas are shared at our Old Girl meetings and have guided us in some of our decision making. This year, our Alumnae Relations Officer and I have joined Educate Plus, and I have already attended our regional meeting in Palmerston North for great networking. I am looking forward to the Conference in Christchurch later this year.
Three things you enjoy doing in your spare time
When I am not at work I like to meditate on a daily basis – I learned Vedic Meditation five years ago and it has changed me and my outlook on life! I love reading, and I am researching my family tree. Becoming a grandmother has sparked a whole new passion in me and I love spending time with my granddaughter, Roxie, when I can. The past year has seen me learning about growing my own nutritional vegetables and preserving food. I regularly bring dehydrated feijoa to work which is well liked in our office!
Thank you Mary! It’s been wonderful to get to know you!
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