Become a Member

Every former St Mary’s girl has the opportunity to join SOGA.

St Mary’s Shaftesbury saw nine decades of girls pass through the main school doors. It is clear from the friendships forged over the last 90 years that the Old Girls’ community is as strong as it ever has been. Aiming to keep the wider community together, SOGA aims to be a hub for Shaftesbury girls seeking to re-connect, or to give back to younger members. Through on and offline events, bi-annaul newsletters, networking and support groups, mentoring, regional meetups, and a business affiliate scheme, SOGA aims to keep the Shaftesbury spirit alive for those who so valued it during their years at the school.

Membership is currently free. It takes just a few minutes to sign up. Join today.

 
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Mentoring & Careers Support

Leavers from the 1940s right through to more recent years have gone on to have varied and exciting careers. All have learnt valuable lessons along the way. Through apprenticeships, art or med schools, universities, grad schemes and internships, the SOGA network can offer a wealth of knowledge.

 
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Professional Networking

With an impressive array of disciplines, SOGA membership provides access to other professionals working in a wide range of fields and with an impressive breadth of interests. Exchange ideas, foster opportunity and grow your network.

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Bi-annual Newsletter

Produced and edited by an experienced team of writers, SOGA News tells the stories of St Mary’s Old Girls, their lives and their careers.

 
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Partnerships & Discounts

Your membership will give you access to special discounts from businesses owned by ex-St Mary’s girls, and companies which have been carefully selected for your interest. Business owners can also get favourable advertising rates within the St Mary’s network.

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Primary Access to Events

Be the first to hear about SOGA events - from local and regional meet-ups, to focus groups, webinars, and larger, wider reunions.

 
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Access to the St Mary’s Archives

Curated by a specialist team at The Bar Convent, be the first to hear about the progress of The Shaftesbury Collection - a selection of items which bear witness to the School’s history.

Run by volunteers

 

SOGA is run entirely by volunteers. Plans for the Association are bold and we felt it was right to waive any sort of membership fee until the end of 2022. If you feel you’d like to donate even a small amount, it would help enormously in supporting future events and activities for Old Girls. Thank you.

Bank: Natwest

Account name: Shaftesbury Old Girls Association

Account number: 87746859

Sort code: 55 70 34

Please reference your donation with your name.

Looking back…

 
Memories of the summer term, Rhododendrons in full bloom along the drive and on the front lawn
April showers ☔️🌦
"Dear sisters and dear friends in the Lord. The war is unfortunately still going on in our country. In Transcarpathia, although we have peace, we have had several alarms and have had to be kept in the cellar. We are continuing the service we ca
"Dear sisters and friends, we are living the fourteenth day of war", wrote CJ Sisters Kristína, Marietta, Xénia Agnesa, Diana and Villana from Western Ukraine this morning. "We are doing our best to relieve the pain
On BBC Radio 4 woman’s hour today, Sister Jane Livesey ( Sister Campion) talks about Mary Ward.
May your days be merry and bright ✨ Warmest wishes for a happy Christmas from your friends and contemporaries at SOGA - we look forward to seeing you all in 2022.
This most charming of paintings, intimately captured by @elizabethshieldsartist (class of 2005), is just one example of the old girls offering their time and talent to the St Mary's community. If you have not yet signed up to be a member of SOGA on
St Nicholas night - naughty or nice, don’t forget to put out your slippers ladies!
In 1886, the late Mark Beaufoy, having settled near Shaftesbury, built himself a private mansion. He called it Coombe House as it overlooked two valleys. The green sandstone came from the estate and the house was lit with electricity powered from the
"We wore 70s inspired summer dresses made of transparent cotton in crossing lines of mustard, brown and yellow cinched in by our brown purse belts and made more modest with the wearing of our brown knickers. We drew our chosen wildflower... and
The 10 Year Reunion of the 2011 St Mary’s School leavers took place @fentimanarms in London recently. It was organised by #hennybaxter… & @eloiseturton sent us these great photos of what looked like a really fun & happy catch-up
In the last Head Girl's Speech that St Mary’s would ever see (delivered, for the first time, via Zoom), @cassia_thackray ended with the Dr Seuss line: "Do not cry because it's over, smile because it happened". Despite the sad fate tha