Honouring Lady Gwen Lansell (1888–1952)

As we celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Old Girtonians' Association (OGA) in 2024, we remember the remarkable contributions of its first president, Lady Gwen Lansell (nee Frew). A significant figure in Girton's early days, she embodied the OGA's founding purpose of honouring the past while establishing a legacy for future generations of ‘Old Girls'.

The Frew name holds a significant place in the history of Girton. While many know that Frew House was named in honour of key patroness and benefactor Mrs Charlotte Frew, fewer may be aware of the substantial contributions of Charlotte's daughter, Lady Gwen. In fact, it is likely that Gwen's influence played an instrumental role in securing her mother's patronage, which was pivotal to Girton's growth and development.

Born Edith Florence Gwendoline Frew in 1888, Gwen was the only daughter of John and Charlotte Frew, who moved from Mount Gambier to Bendigo in search of educational opportunities. Gwen’s educational journey began at Girton College before continuing at Tintern Girls’ Grammar School. Gwen’s brother Reginald Lansell (Lance) Frew was a `Girton boy’ from 1899 to 1901 before moving to Melbourne Grammar.

Gwen’s marriage to Sir George Victor Lansell in January 1910 added another dimension to her legacy. A prominent figure in Bendigo’s history, George was a politician, businessman and the son of the legendary Bendigo mining magnate, George Lansell Sr. More than the merging of two influential families, the union of George and Gwen marked the beginning of a new era of community spirit and philanthropy in Bendigo. 

Gwen was known for her athletic prowess, excelling as a tennis player, golfer, horsewoman and champion skier, winning the Australian Women's Ski Championship in 1912.

In 1914, as war loomed, a gathering of 'Old Girls' convened in Bendigo to establish the Old Girtonians' Association, with Gwen elected the inaugural president, a position she held until 1917. The OGA was formed for the purpose of arranging a suitable memorial to perpetuate the memory of Mrs Millward and Mrs Aherne, the co-founders of Girton.  It was agreed that the memorial should take the form of a scholarship to be called the Aherne-Millward Scholarship. To this day, the school still honours our founders by awarding an OGA scholarship. 

In the years that followed, the OGA aimed to nurture the bond among alumnae, with Principal Miss Alice Cocks stating in 1916 that the association was proving of "great benefit to the school". 

"Reunions have been held regularly throughout the year and the attendance of members has been very good. The association is giving the school its strongest support in its newest venture, and it is proposed to invest the sum already raised towards the Aherne-Millward memorial fund in the debentures which the school authorities are issuing. On the invitation of the school council the association has appointed Miss Vahland to represent them on the council, and the old girls now have a voice in the management of the school.” 

Pictured above: "OLD GIRTONIANS. Former students of the school, who are now associated in the Old Girtonians' Society." – Bendigonian, Thu 3 Feb 1916

Gwen made significant contributions to Girton during her time as President of the OGA. It's hardly a coincidence that in 1916, her mother, Charlotte Frew, and mother-in-law, Edith Lansell, funded the purchase of Glendure House (now called Girton House), securing a new location for the school after the unanticipated sale of its former property. This initial investment set the stage for Charlotte Frew's subsequent financial contributions and land acquisitions, which would improve the school's facilities and resources and help ensure its ongoing success.

The new campus of Girton College was inaugurated on Saturday 20 May 1916 by Her Excellency Lady Stanley, the wife of the Governor of Victoria, in front of a sizeable audience, including Charlotte Frew, Edith Lansell and Gwen Lansell. Before formally dedicating the buildings and grounds of Girton, Lady Stanley expressed her gratitude to the generous donors whose support made their purchase and construction possible. 

Pictured above: Edith Lansell, Charlotte Frew, Gwen Lansell and Principal Miss Alice Cocks at the official opening of Girton College at MacKenzie Street on Saturday 20 May 1916.

However, Gwen's tenure as President ended with profound personal sorrow due to the tumult of World War I. In September 1917, her brother, Lieutenant Lance Frew, was tragically killed in action near Ypres, a loss that echoed the heavy toll of war on the school community, town and nation. 

Despite stepping down as president in 1917, Gwen remained a steadfast supporter of the OGA and its mission, and a prominent figure within the Bendigo community. Following her husband’s rise to political prominence and establishment of the Bendigo Advertiser Newspapers, Gwen dedicated herself to various charitable endeavours, ensuring their legacy would leave a lasting impact on the community, particularly in the realm of education. She frequently accompanied her husband to significant events, including Imperial Press Conferences in Canada and England, where she had the honour of being presented at Court on three occasions.

In terms of their family life, Gwen and George raised three daughters – Audrey (Mrs Hall-Warren), Marie (Mrs Wills) and Patricia (Mrs Livingstone) – each of whom relocated from Bendigo after getting married.  

Gwen passed away in 1952, yet her influence continues to resonate within the walls of Girton. As the OGA commemorates its rich history, we honour her transformative impact on our association and Girton. Her vision, dedication, compassion and leadership laid a foundation that has enabled generations of Old Girtonians to thrive, creating an enduring legacy of connection, support and achievement.

Over the years, numerous descendants of the Frew and Lansell families have been closely connected to the Girton community, continuing the legacy established during Gwen's era. A notable example is Ms Robin Kurrle, who served as the Head of Frew House from 1993 to 2018 and is connected to the Lansell/Frew family through her maternal lineage. Robin's mother, Lorna Wallis, held the position of Co-Head Prefect at Girton in 1944, further emphasising the family's enduring ties with the school.

In celebrating this anniversary, we acknowledge not just a significant number in our history but the vibrant, lived stories of our members – past and present – embodied in the legacy of figures like Lady Gwen Lansell. Here’s to her memory and to the continued strength of the Old Girtonians' Association.