Elizabeth Lamb
Seen here with Head, Rosie McColl (right), Elizabeth kindly dropped in a copy of her daughter’s book SIFT earlier in the year.
1. When you were at Brighton & Hove High School, and what is your fondest memory of school?
I was a student at BHHS between 1961 and 1972 . My fondest memory is translating the lyrics of “Lilly the Pink” during Latin lesson with Miss Bromley when in UIV, and of course singing it too.
2. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
In the Junior school Miss Bayliss- my first teacher, all memories are of her being fun and smiling. In the senior school, Mrs Pedley- amazing chemistry teacher with lovely down to earth attitude and very practical advice.
3. What were the benefits of being in an all-girls school?
Ability to focus on academic work and having staff that did not perceive that as individuals we had limits due to being female- a very patriarchal society in my time.
4. What did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
I was attracted to medicine in early junior school years after tales of ground breaking missionary doctors. Subsequently I had doubts after leaving school but later returned to medicine, which was definitely a great career for me.
5. What do you do now, and what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
I am retired! Leaving work was very difficult after, as a GP, I had had involvement with so many families and their stories for over 30 years. However, I love seeing my children and grandchildren regularly, watching them thrive and having time to play more music. There are also fantastic adult education opportunities with no threat of exams/needing to get results. Learning for fun again!
6. What are you most proud of so far?
I am proud of my career but am most proud of our daughters.
7. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
To go on the Brighton Youth Orchestra tour of Canada which took up most of the Easter holidays before my ‘A’ levels! (Thank you Mrs Pedley.)
8. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
Accept that you will make mistakes, but develop resilience, and find ways of making the situation better whether in your personal or professional life. Take responsibility for yourself.
9. What book, film or piece of music would you recommend to your younger self and to your fellow alumnae?
Very difficult to choose! I think South, The Endurance Expedition by Ernest Shackleton.
10. How would you like to be remembered?
In both my personal and professional life, as someone that could always be trusted and relied on and would do my best to help and be supportive in all situations.
Brighton Girls is very much a family affair, and as part of our Family Alumnae of the Month we have Nicola and Pippa following on from this. Links are here!