Once again we were blessed with fine weather. There were 78 people present, according to the names in the Visitors Book, sufficient to produce a good level of talk and laughter!

The committee members swung into action manning the aforementioned book, the Subscription area, the sale of the History books and of course the serving of tea and coffee. The committee members with some others provide the cakes etc. VANESSA BENNETT(LARCOMBE), although not on the committee, is always there to help us prepare the Hall, assist in the kitchen or wherever she sees a need.

Other members come forward to help, particularly in the kitchen, which gives everyone a chance to mingle and catch up with friends. FRANK BROOKS and TOMMY BROWNING arrive early to help with the tables and chairs. Frank is also responsible for the floral decorations, he nurtures the sweet peas in order to have them ready for the 1st Sunday in July.

Tommy, together with GLENN EDGELEY-LONG, keep busy all afternoon taking photographs, the results can be viewed on the website which Glenn has set up for us so expertly. I shall also have photos at the next reunion. Thank you all very much.

As SISTER RUTH was not able to attend this year SISTER MAY came over from the Isle of Wight, to represent The Sisters of Christ. It was a lovely surprise to see SISTER BERNARDINE, who came from London with SISTERS KATHLEEN GARROD and ROSA CRONIN. SISTERS NORAH BIRCH and CATHERINE REYNELL came from the Parkwood Road Convent.

FR PETER HACKETT S.J. came in from Corpus Christi during the afternoon. Several people have commented on the relaxed, pleasant atmosphere which prevailed. We had some new members and some who were able to return after a break; it is great to renew old friendships.

It was especially good to see several members of the Bond family present. HELEN and her husband NIKE WARRINGTON were over from Canada and GENEVIEVE BASTO brought her sister ANNE WORBY. It was the 1st reunion which Anne had been able to attend. There is usually a good contingent of BROWNINGS present but this year we excelled ourselves.

PAT BARR was over from Western Australia so the clan gathered. BARBARA TANNER came from Wimbledon, RITA WALKER from Sandbanks, with her daughter JILL MARTIN, who was down from Malvern. The local contingent were PAULINE BROWNING, ANNE KENEFICK, MARY BROOKS, TOMMY BROWNING and CHRISTINE THACKRAY.

The evening before the Reunion CHRISTINE PLACE organised a get together of those members of her year who were able to attend. She has a photo taken in the VI Form and wanted to replicate it in an updated version.

Our President, JEAN WALSH was brought from Devon with husband ROBIN by daughter ANGIE. They travelled and stayed in Angie's Motorhome. On your behalf I sent a birthday card to Jean on the occasion of her 87th birthday, in early November. Jean has sent her thanks to all for your support over the years. When the School closed in 1980 Jean was determined not to let the Past Pupils' Association die and it has been her inspiration which has kept us going.

At the moment she is still Treasurer/Secretary, despite failing eyesight. We thank Jean for enabling us to enjoy the thriving Association. which we have.

NEXT YEAR'S REUNION WILL BE ON THE 1ST SUNDAY IN JULY, WHICH WILL BE JULY 4TH. MAKE A NOTE OF THE DATE NOW!

Click Here 2003 Reunion Photos

On Thursday 4th September MARGARET SIMPSON (ATKINS) drove JANE O'BRIEN (THURGOOD), CHRISTINE THACKRAY(BROWNING) AND MYSELF, MARY BROOKS (BROWNING) to Lymington to catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight.

It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. On our arrival we drove around visiting the area where Margaret had lived and taught for several years of her married life. We gradually made our way across to East Cowes and the Convent, Springhill. We were delivering good wishes and floral tributes to SISTER MAY MAGENIS and SISTER MARGUERITE COWERD.

The former had been a member of staff at Boscombe and the latter is a Past Pupil. As they were celebrating their Golden Jubilee on 8th Margaret had made beautiful matching arrangements in shades of gold flowers. The Association also had Masses celebrated for their intentions, in the Convent Chapel. We were made very welcome and sat out on the Terrace overlooking The Solent to eat our packed lunches.

Sisters May and Marguerite joined us with tea and vie had a good chat before departing in search of Minghella's ice cream shop. They were making a special ice cream cake for the Jubilarians and we had to sample their wares! We returned to Yarmouth via Ryde.

It was still warm enough to sit up on deck as we crossed back to Lymington, feeling almost as though we had been abroad! On board we met CATHERINE LANE (LUCAS) who had taken her family on an outing before the new term began.

After more than 40 years at Springhill, during which time she had been Headteacher at the adjoining Primary School, SISTER MARGUERITE has moved to Sittingbourne in Kent. Several of our former members of staff spent their later years at that convent: Mother Johnson, Mother Wolfe, Mother Goldby, Mother Crawley, Mother Wallace and Mother Woolfrey.

Although Sister Marguerite will be sorely missed at Springhill, The Sisters of Christ at 11 London Road, Sittingbourne, Kent will certainly gain from her care. We wish her many happy, fruitful years. I am sure that past pupils living in Kent would be most welcome if they should pay a visit:

SISTER ITA CONLAN is now at Springhill, after 12 years as Sister General. SISTER JOYCE BONE has moved from the Bedhampton Convent to Paris.

SISTER MAY has kindly sent us an account of her family celebrations at the time of her Jubilee.

"First of all I would like to thank you all for corning over to see Sr. Marguerite & myself just before our Jubilee day bringing with you Mass cards and bouquets of Golden Flowers, which were just exquisite. They had a special place in the front of the Altar & also for the beautiful cards with your wishes from yourselves and past pupils. We were very touched by it all.