Dawn Baxter-Phillips
1. When you were at Brighton & Hove High School, and what is your fondest memory of school?
I was at the High 1955 to 1957 in the Sixth Form to do my A Levels and try to obtain a University place to read Law, I succeeded in both. I was offered places at Bristol and UCL and opted for the latter and was also fortunate enough to obtain a County Major Scholarship.
Fondest memory? I have two, one was being in the School Choir which was taken by Miss Dalmain, and the other was organising an Upper Sixth Cricket Team to play Brighton and Hove Grammar School for a post A Level match which, fortunately or unfortunately, was rained off!
2. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
My favourite teacher was Miss Sparks. She taught History and she brought it alive whatever the period being studied. She was also extremely glamorous which showed us that you could have both beauty and brains!
3. What were the benefits of being in an all-girls school?
The main benefits of being at an all girls school were that there were no distractions from boys, so no rivalry and tantrums. There was friendly competition amongst us of course. The Staff also were on the whole very dedicated.
4. What did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
I wanted to be an actress when I grew up, I had always had lead roles and probably thought I could stroll it. My parents didn’t stop me, but pointed out that they were not prepared to support me financially! Fortunately I had seen Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury and I thought that is it, I will be a Barrister. My Grandmother, who was the Headmistress of Wistons Girls School in the Dyke Road, encouraged me and pointed out Helena Normantion KC as a role model and, she was local. Miss Ashcroft, who was Headmistress at the time, was hesitant about my choice, but I stuck with it, having found out much more about what it entailed. I believe as I said that I was one of the first girls at the High to read for the Bar. After I was called to the Bar, I was invited back to give the girls a talk on the Bar as a good career for women. I had made it!
5. What do you do now, and what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
I am now retired from a successful career at the Bar, both in private and public practice. Whilst in practice, I also qualified at London University as an Archaeologist. Currently, I am a Volunteer for English Heritage at Richborough Roman Fort where I am a Horticultural Adviser (translation = making sure the walls are weed free and making sure the other volunteers are using the correct tools and methods). I also advise, when the need arises, on how to keep the local churchyards in good order without damaging the archaeology. As I do not practice Law anymore and am not insured, I can no longer be asked for my opinion or advice!
6. What are you most proud of so far?
I am most proud of being called to the Bar at a time when there were very few women practitioners. I should say that I never had problems being a woman in a very male dominated profession, in fact the men were always polite and treated me with the utmost respect. I did not expect to be treated as anything but an equal, which I was.
7. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
I can’t remember if I was ever given what I would call a best piece of advice!
8. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
Moderation in all things,study well, but not obsessively, keep music in your life, respect your elders, and, throughout your life, always keep in touch with at least two of your closest school friends.
9. What book, film or piece of music would you recommend to your younger self and to your fellow alumnae?
The film Les Sorcieres de Salem (French version of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible), starring Simone Signoret and Yves Montand. It has many themes, ranging through teenage hysteria, irrational fear of witches, strict religious pressure, America in the 17th century, plus the 20th Century parallel of the McCarthy Witch Hunts in the United States. It is an exceedingly good film/play and raises many issues which are still relevant today. From the artistic point of view, it is extremely well constructed.
10. How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered with fondness and a nod to my slightly ahead of my time career.
