SPOTLIGHT – MARGARET FROST
The Warminster spotlight shines for one final time on the energetic and unstoppable Maggie Frost.
Maggie was brought up on a farm in Somerset, with an older brother and sister. Her siblings both went into farming, but Maggie's passion lay elsewhere as she wanted to continue playing sport for as long as possible. Maggie attended W.S.I.H.E, near Chichester for four years to train to become a teacher. Upon graduating she came straight to Warminster and has been with us ever since. She has worked at the School (both prep and senior) primarily as a teacher of PE and games, with mathematics as a second subject. In those years she has also been a boarding housemistress, Head of Arnold House for five years (the best House as far as she is concerned!), head of girls’ games and both a form and boarding house tutor. She has also coached a wide variety of sports at all levels across the School. In her younger years, she was an outstanding sportswoman, particularly at cricket, in which she won county and international recognition, as well as an active participant in a wide range of outdoor activities. She was also instrumental in starting the Warminster Ladies Hockey club. Maggie can often be found behind the Dining Hall servery, feeding her beloved pupils at mealtimes, particularly at Christmas wearing festive head-gear. Her dedication and service to Warminster was recently recognised when the Headmaster awarded her the honour of becoming an honorary Old Verlucian, something rarely awarded to staff.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
36 years.
What’s the best thing about your role?
Making a positive contribution to people's lives in their achievements as well as in their attitude towards their studies or other individuals. Seeing that light bulb moment when a concept suddenly clicks or becomes crystal clear. Seeing the enjoyment that a child gets in a sporting event whether it is in inter school sport or an inter house competition or simply being part of a successful group activity.
Describe a typical day?
Formally – photocopying, church, Maths lesson, coffee, lesson, marking, planning, snack, lesson, meeting prospective parents, coffee, meeting, lesson, checking emails. Or informally – chit chat, banter, laughter, reassurance, smiles, gossip, news catch up and happily deleting emails once they have been dealt with.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
The very happy, friendly and polite atmosphere. Helpfulness of my hardworking colleagues including the teachers, the house staff, the maintenance staff, grounds staff and caterers. They are all always quick to assist each other with new and imaginative ideas. The beautiful grounds and gardens and the superb quality of the food. I have also thoroughly enjoyed all the World Book Days and charity events particularly the cake, crème egg and chocolate bunny sales.
What would surprise us about you?
A few things perhaps – and a bit of a mix! I have enjoyed playing the piano in the past and plan to pick this up again in retirement. I also love knitting. I allowed a game of darts (only once) to be played in my classroom, which went horribly wrong. One dart smashed straight through the window … I was an avid Elton John fan and I love spending time on my allotment.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A PE teacher, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would ever teach Maths.
What did your school reports say about you?
Always tries hard. Good at PE, but fairly average at all other subjects.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Always accept every opportunity and work and play to the very best of your ability. Always look for the good in everyone. “Percy” vere (the children will understand this).
Most treasured possession?
My grandmother's gold, ebony and pearl ring and a grey donkey purse.
Biggest bugbear?
Bad language and dishonesty. Good manners cost nothing.
Favourite musician/group?
It was Elton John, but now Queen or The Beach Boys.
Guilty pleasure?
Maple and pecan slice.
If you were on Masterchef what would your signature dish be?
Prawn cocktail, roast pork, perry pears and new potatoes, followed by strawberry roulade.
Last book you read?
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
Last movie watched?
Florence Foster Jenkins
Favourite tipple?
Asti Spumante.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
I visited Akaroa in New Zealand whilst on a cricket tour in 1988 with my club side, Somerset Wanderers. Fantastic scenery, beautiful weather and wonderful company – great memories.
Twitter or Facebook?
Obviously Twitter so that I can follow all the antics in Ivy House. I will be watching for your tweets!
We thank Maggie for her tireless dedication and for the Compassion Rose that now lives outside the Macdonald Building (home to the Maths Department).