Tamsen Harward
1. When you were at Brighton & Hove High School, and what is your fondest memory of school?
I joined “Upper two” in 1980 and left having finished my A levels in 1990. I loved learning new things but some of my fondest memories are of hanging out with friends during break, Duke of Edinburgh trips and school trips to Boughrood.
2. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
I had some great teachers who really inspired me. But my favourite has to be Miss Garlick. History lessons were always fun and I owe my love of history (and introduction to Oxford University) to her. We still keep in touch.
3. What were the benefits of being in an all-girls school?
It instilled in me the belief that I could do anything if I put my mind to it.
4. What did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
When I was in junior school I wanted to be a librarian – later I wanted to work in publishing. I wanted to work with words and books. My first job was in a bookshop and then I worked for BBC Worldwide publishing for several years. I then worked for the literary estate of Agatha Christie so I guess I got to do what I wanted!
5. What do you do now, and what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
Having emigrated to Ireland with my family in 2019, I joined the Civil Service. I’m now a senior civil servant working for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Alongside my colleagues I’m responsible for the development of the commercial horticulture sector – I get to work with some great growers and am always learning something new. Working in government can be challenging for obvious reasons but I really feel like I am contributing to making Ireland a better country to live in and that makes it all worthwhile.
6. What are you most proud of so far?
I usually say “building a boat” in answer to this question! I loved my time at Oxford University and getting “blades” in Summer Eights was a highlight of my time there. I’d never been sporty at school and I was delighted to find a sport I could excel at. In all seriousness I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve had such a varied career and changed fields and roles several times reinventing myself each time – I’ve worked for myself, for the charity sector, the BBC , the Irish government and in retail and in publishing/licensing intellectual property.
7. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
Take a gap year and apply for Oxford University. I became an au pair in the south of France. I learnt to sail, ski and to speak fluent French. I made some good friends and was much more ready for University.
8. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
Fail forward. Have fun, try everything and don’t worry about making a fool of yourself – no one else is watching!
9. What book, film or piece of music would you recommend to your younger self and to your fellow alumnae?
That’s a hard one. My tastes have changed over the years but you can’t beat a good Agatha Christie … Working with the literary estate of Agatha Christie was a dream come true for me as I have loved her books since a teenager.
10. How would you like to be remembered?
As a good wife, mum, friend and colleague.
