Life in Grange by Rosie Wadsworth
It is hard to define exactly what life in Grange is like as everyday is completely different, yet memorable and enjoyable at the same time! However, “fun, kind, exciting, unique, homely and supportive” are some of the words that come to mind when I think about life in Grange.
Being away from Grange for such a long time during lockdown has been very strange, but while Coronavirus may have physically separated us, the Grange community is one based on the unique and fabulous people who give unfailing support rather than just the building.
In Grange we are all encouraged to embrace a “just give it a go” attitude. This positive outlook on life allows us to grow as individuals, making all of the fun events and time spent together that much more amazing and special. In-House nights consist of good conversations, many laughs - often from one of Mr Blair’s hilarious and creative games, yummy food, such as: nachos, cookies, brownies, or homemade dishes from many of the girls’ home countries. Of course there are lots of other events that are equally as entertaining too, for example: The Grange British Bake Off, where in teams the girls compete by baking their way through different challenges. This either results in fabulous creations or a huge mess of cake mixture and flour on the carpet of Miss Dickens’ flat! Another is the Slip-and-Slide and cream tea afternoon on the first weekend where all the girls can get to know each other better while racing down on the huge tarpaulin on Longmead. And who could forget about House Music? Another great opportunity to get to know each other and work together as a team. Singing ABBA’s ‘Does Your Mother Know’ together in the Forum at last year’s event was a truly memorable occasion: seeing three weeks of hard work pay off together (while wearing funky metallic outfits!) was a moment that I’m sure none of us will forget!
As well as being fun and putting ourselves out of our comfort zone, Grange is a supportive house where we uplift others. The weekly “Star of the Week” section in House Prayers allows us to reflect on the little and big, seen and unseen acts of kindness shown around the House. This also reminds us all of the community that we are all serving in together. On the other hand, the “Mug of the Week” section encourages us to grow in another quality that the Grange environment embodies: the ability to laugh at ourselves without caring too much!
The warm, kind and generous environment in Grange means that you can get to know and make friends with girls in every year. By having such a strong community of trustworthy and reliable girls supporting and cheering you on, you are able to make the most of the variety of opportunities that Monkton has to offer. While I have been at home, I have missed lots of the little and everyday aspects of life in Grange. For example: being able to knock on anyone’s door and have a chat about anything, or coming in after games and sharing a chocolate spread toastie with someone or seeing all of the friendly messages around the house which brightens up everyone’s day. Another thing that I have missed is the excited buzz when you enter the common room for sign in after a leave weekend or at the beginning of term, where all the girls are catching up and excitedly chatting again.
Continuing what I said that the beginning, yes the building- set in the beautiful Monkton valley- is very comfortable and nice, and while there are loads of fun events throughout the year to look forward to, life in Grange would not be complete without the girls and the unfailing support of the Blairs and the house tutors (who are all legends!). Everyone in the community brings something new and positive to the atmosphere creating that “home away from home” which is what Grange very much is.
