grew in size , Audrey provided the longer-term analysis of rooming and building needs . She has overseen the school office and academic administration , and quickly embraced new tools as they became available . Audrey ’ s skill with Excel and Firefly is legendary . Her kindness and support for her team of staff are perhaps less well-known .
AUDREY FRANKS
A scholar at St Hilda ’ s College , Oxford , Audrey joined Sevenoaks in 1983 . An excellent mathematician , Audrey enjoyed sharing her love of mathematics with students of all ages . She also loved logistical challenges and quickly became involved in timetabling with the late Brian Raynor , another mathematician . In those far-off days , the school was smaller and less complex – and timetabling consisted of moving coloured cards around on a vertical chart ! She went on to lead on timetabling for many years , before handing over to others . Audrey was an obvious choice for Director of Administration . Her ability to work through challenging problems and to plan strategically has been invaluable for the school . Each year she calculates teaching staff needs – no simple matter when staff contribute outside their department to the Core , TOK and PSHE , among others . As the school
Audrey loves amateur dramatics , where she met her husband , Ray . She is also a skilled seamstress and combined these interests to make costumes for many of the Drama department ’ s productions , as well as running a craft club . Audrey has continued to support local am-dram as a chaperone for young performers . Audrey and Ray have been pillars of the Sevenoaks Summer Festival , which originated in school , but became an established community event . Their shared love of jazz has seen Audrey taking saxophone lessons in school and performing with the wind band . Audrey was in boarding for eight years in Lambardes , Sennocke and Park Grange . For many years she was an officer in the RAF . In recent years , Audrey has taken up bowling , enjoying being an active member of the community .
Covid-19 stopped Audrey from celebrating her retirement and significant birthday in October 2020 as she had planned : a trip down the Mississippi to embrace her love of jazz . Instead , she continued to work until Michaelmas 2021 , helping us to navigate innumerable challenges presented by the pandemic . One of Audrey ’ s favourite words , ‘ logically ’, reflects her ability to look at issues in the round and find the best way forward calmly . Audrey has many strengths – perhaps most impressive is that she almost never makes mistakes or loses her temper – and is exceptionally patient when someone else does ! We have all benefited from her clear-eyed , deep understanding of the school ’ s complex workings for many years , but never more so than in her last year here . Committed and devoted to Sevenoaks , Audrey left a big hole to fill , but we wish her well for her retirement .
Theresa Homewood
152 VALETE