Rhubarb December 2025

BEYOND TEDDIES

Flying on the world’s first transatlantic flight run on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel was one of the most memorable days of my life.

Holly with the Flight100 crew.

Holly (Oakthorpe) in 1999.

should take advantage of the ‘perks’ of being Head of School. Decisions such as: Should I grow a beard? Buy a goat to graze on the

Looking back, what moment stands out most from the Flight100 project? I was Virgin Atlantic’s roving reporter for the day! From dawn until we landed in NYC, I interviewed so many wonderful members of the team, passengers and industry partners. Ad-libbing on-camera doesn’t come naturally to me but by the end of the flight I was considering becoming a news reporter. That feeling was short lived (BBC News will be glad to hear!) but it does show that if you get out of your comfort zone you can have so much fun.

Quad? Or take up residence in the Gate House (meaning I would have to kick the Registrar out of her office!)? I decided against taking up any of these, but they still make me giggle to this day! I also loved the opportunities we were given to work and volunteer in the community. I spent the most amazing work experience as a ‘teaching assistant” in a school for pupils with autism. I learned so much and will genuinely never forget that experience and the sense of

Are there any new sustainability projects or innovations you’re currently involved with? We’d love to hear what’s next.

purpose and responsibility it gave me. And finally, meeting my husband, Freddie… Teddies was matchmaking heaven for us!

The teams at VAA are looking at delivering revolutionary, emissions-free air-taxis (electric helicopters!) for flights between airports in the coming years. As for the rest of our wonderful Virgin companies they continue to push boundaries and innovate every day in the most cutting-edge sustainable products and services – not only because it is good for business but critically crucial for the future of life on this beautiful planet.

Favourite Teddies memory?

I’m so lucky to have so many amazing memories. As the first female Joint Head of School in Teddies history, I had to decide whether I

Holly with husband Freddie (Field House, 1995-2000).

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