Ms Vic Hurley and Mrs Gill Vidler are retiring at the end of this term following a combined service of 40 years at RHB. Before saying a fond farewell to them both on Friday 5 July, we caught up with them to find out more about their plans for retirement and their experiences at RHB.  

When did you join our school?  

Ms Hurley (VHU): April 2004 

Mrs Vidler (GVI): September 2004 
 

What are your plans for after you leave?   

Ms Hurley
New hobbies – cold water swimming and ballet. Travels and holidays in the term time. More time for existing hobbies and walks. 

Mrs Vidler
I am going to lie in the hammock under the tree in my garden for two months and then plan out the next chapter of my life!

What first attracted you to teaching or becoming a housemistress?  

Ms Hurley
I originally trained as a Norland nanny and really enjoyed teaching children to cook and seeing the pride and enjoyment they got from creating their own food. 

Mrs Vidler
My niece went to this school so I knew it already, and I wanted to send my son to Monkton School. When I became a housemistress all my children had left home, and I really missed that side of my life, so I was more than happy to become a boarding housemistress and continue to nurture children. 

What do you think makes Royal High School Bath special?  

Ms Hurley 
The spirited and lovely students, the friendly and supportive staff and of course the beautiful buildings and surrounding environment. 

Mrs Vidler
The staff and everything about it, the catering team, the groundsmen, the whole package – it is such a supportive community where there is always someone to chat to and be your friend. 

What was your proudest moment as a teacher or housemistress here?  

Ms Hurley
There have been many but one of them was when a student of mine won first prize in the whole GDST bake off competition. 

Mrs Vidler
I remember looking after Beatrice Baskett (RHB 2017) as a 6-month-old baby in a nursery in Malmesbury, then she came to RHB as a 6-year-old, and I knew her all the way through until she left in Year 13. Bea has done so well and is now enjoying her life as a barrister. For me it is just so rewarding to so see girls like Bea flourish on their journey to adulthood through such important early years of their lives. They have taught me so much about life. 

Do you have any memories that really stand out?  

Ms Hurley
Taking part in two staff pantomimes for the students. Firstly, as a policewoman and secondly, as the wicked stepmother of Cinderella.  

Mrs Vidler
When the girls leave and their families come to collect them, they always seem to cry more when they leave than when they arrive! Parties around the pool used be so much fun with Mr Graham-Brown jumping in with his white linen suit on. Too many mishaps in the boarding house to mention and a good few before the advent of mobile phones which have changed our lives so much. I used to bake for the boarders on a Tuesday, and loved the sound of little legs running up the stairs to come and get their rocky road or millionaire’s shortbread. I will always remember somebody standing on duty to stop any double-dipping of pastry piggy ears in the melted chocolate. Such happy days! 

Tell us something we might not know about you?  

Ms Hurley
I worked in the food halls in Harrods one Christmas and had lots of fun, as well as learning a lot about luxury ingredients. 

Mrs Vidler
I worked on a prawn boat off the coast of Australia, and before settling down I travelled extensively for about 7 years. 

In one word, how would your students describe you?  

Ms Hurley
Key stage 3 – strict 
Key stage 4/5 – mad 

Mrs Vidler
I will never know because if I ever hear my name mentioned, I move on quickly! 

Do you have any parting words of wisdom or ‘words to live by’ for our current students and alumnae?   

Ms Hurley
Work hard, play hard. 

Mrs Vidler
Put your phone down and take to the hills! 

Thanks to their unwavering commitment, the school has benefited greatly from all that Ms Hurley and Mrs Vidler have contributed to our community. We are so grateful for their many years of dedicated service and wish them all the very best in their retirement and new adventures.