The Community in Southbourne finally moved into the new premises just after Easter. They are finding it difficult to settle in, as the actual layout of the house is not as convenient as the one in Southbourne Road. That house sold very quickly. However the new convent at 6 Parkwood Road is ideal for its proximity to Corpus Christi.

Sister Catherine Reynell left Boscombe on 25th of September, her destination is unknown at this time. Although Sister Catherine did not teach at The Boscombe Convent she is a dear friend to us and we will miss her very much. Wherever she goes their gain will be our loss. We wish her every blessing and happiness in her new abode and we thank her most sincerely for her friendship and warm interest.

Sister Bernardine is due to return from Rome in June, and then she will be Superior at the Regent's Park Convent in London, where Sisters Kathleen Garrod and Rosa Cronin are. Maybe Sister Bernardine will be able to come down to the Reunion.

We welcome Sister Frances Lotina as the new Superior of the Community at 6 Parkwood Road, Boscombe and hope that she enjoys her time here. Sister Frances was at the Convent in the 70s for a while, when she worked as sacristan at the church.

Sister Catherine Reynell retired as Superior in September as mentioned above. We were pleased to contribute to the Parish gift to her, which helped Sister Catherine to travel to Canada to visit relations. We are very happy that she is to remain here as Bursar and `taxi driver'.

Sister Catherine has asked me to thank you for her gift and the sentiments expressed by us. Sister Bernardine is now Superior at the Convent in Regent's Park, London, where Sister Kathleen Garrod and Sister Rosa Cronin are. We ask for your prayers for Sister Irene, sacristan at Corpus Christi Church, who is ill.

Sister Mary Agnes (Loftus) and Sister Catherine Morton are continuing their wonderful work in the Cameroon.

As I have mentioned in the Chairman's letter Sisters Ruth Mary and Nell (Brigid) celebrated their Golden Jubilee on 22nd August. The Community celebrated on 14th September, The Feast of the Cross. We were able to offer our own congratulations to Sister Ruth at the reunion on 7th July. We also sent to Sister Nell, who lives in London, in August.

Sister Ruth is the only former teacher at the school to be a Member of the Board of Governors of Oaklands School in Portsmouth, where she also is a counsellor.

Sister Marguerite Cowerd and Sister May Magenis are at the Springhill Convent on the Isle of Wight. Sister May has been over twice recently, once to Bournemouth and once to Sidmouth, Devon.

The Sisters of Christ celebrated their Silver Jubilee with a special Mass, in the Parish at Bedhampton, in October. We send our congratulations. Sister Ruth Mary Brown's Golden Jubilee was celebrated at the same time, she was presented with a Diocesan Medal by the Parish; Congratulations.

There had also been festivities for Sister Ruth on 14th September. Just when Sister Ruth thought that all Jubilee festivities were over, she attended a Board of Governors' meeting, at Oaklands School on 14th November and was presented with a beautiful Bohemian Crystal clock.

It was a lovely surprise when Sister Mary Agnes (Norah Loftus) arrived at the Reunion, we had not known that she was over from the mission in Cameroon. Sister Mary Agnes was so pleased to have a conducted tour of St. Thomas Garnet's School with Paul Gillings.

It must have brought back so many memories of her years teaching there; she was very impressed by all the improvements and facilities. Sister Mary Agnes keeps in touch with Gabrielle Cartlidge (Bond), who lives in Canada and she was able to tell us of the death of Gabrielle's husband, earlier in the year. May he rest in peace.

Sister Catherine Morton is in Bamenda in Cameroon, which has become a separate religious region; Sister Catherine now has four communities under her care.

Sister Hildergarde is now 92 and is living at Springhill on The Isle of Wight; in March it will be her 70 year Jubilee as a religious. Sister Marguerite Cowerd and Sister May, who are at the Springhill Convent; both celebrate their Golden Jubilees on 8th September 2003.

The Sisters of Christ are selling the House in Doughty Street, London and are negotiating to buy a smaller one in a conservation area in Merton, near Wimbledon