The Holt School unveils new science lab in honour of Regina Wilkinson

IN THE summer of 2023 The Holt School was informed of the passing of former Holt girl from the 1940s, Regina Cecilia Wilkinson (née Dorgan).

It also learned that it had been bequeathed the generous sum of £70,000 in her Will.

Regina was a student at the Holt during World War Two, leaving in 1949 with numerous qualifications.

She had found her way to The Holt having first been rejected from another grammar school on the premises of being a girl.

Here is Regina, second row, second left.

This picture was found in the school archives by Steve Thomas, former teacher at The Holt and member of The Holt Association.

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Dr Russell Wilshaw, a relative, and the executor of the Will, recalled that Regina had said: “I learnt much about the fair treatment of pupils from this episode, and as it turned out, I was the only student admitted on a scholarship to The Holt.

“It was a satisfying conclusion.”

Dr Wilshaw said that Regina always tried her best through life and credited The Holt for “shaping her into the person she became.”

At The Holt, Regina got stuck into school life, and was an enthusiast of science and food technology (or home economics as was known then).

Regina was also part of the school hockey team, and vice chair of the school’s music association, as well as appearing in the 1949 production of The Tempest.

Following her education, Regina dedicated most of her career to teaching home economics, inspiring her students to pursue their interests in science and food themselves.

In recognition of Regina’s interest in the sciences and food technology, a new lab has been created and dedicated to her memory – formally recognised as The Regina Lab.

An opening ceremony for the lab was held at The Holt School on Thursday, October 2.

In attendance were Dr Russel Wilshaw and his wife Jane, Linda Carroll chair of the Holt Association and a former colleague, along with other former colleagues Steve Thomas, Phillipa Dunn, and Madeleine Bardell, from the science department.

The ceremony began with a tour of The Holt School, allowing guests to see the many changes to The Holt School over the last eight years.

“It was so nice to come to this school and see such a positive and encouraging learning environment for the girls” Dr Walshaw said, “so that they can all achieve.”

Following the tour, the guests visited the lab, where the co-headteachers spoke in memory of Regina, informing students about her life, her generosity in leaving a legacy to the school and how a new lab was a fitting way to remember her.

They concluded:“ From this day forward, it will be known as The Regina Lab, in which future generations will continue to explore and discover.”

Dr Russell Walshaw explained that Regina’s other interests were gardening and feng shui, and that she was a meticulous person.

Regina had always been an advocate for equality between genders, inspired by her first-hand experiences.

Dr Walshaw ended his short talk to pupils by saying: “You have great futures, and if you do science, the world is your oyster… you’ll remember this in years to come.”

A few days later members of The Holt Association gathered for a reunion lunch and also paid a visit to the new Regina lab.

“We were heartened to hear Regina’s story, which can still influence students today,” said current Holt students Constance, Chloe and Holly.

“Regina’s fight against prejudice and rejection, and her persistence in defending her right to education is truly admirable.

“Her kindness has greatly impacted on our learning environment, and has allowed us to learn more about the school’s history and the work to maintain it.

“We’re truly grateful for the generous contributions that she has made to improve the quality of school life for all of us.”

For information, visit: holtschool.co.uk

Report written by Constance Chan (Yr 10), Chloe Tam (Yr 10) and Holly Bragg (Yr9)