We send our sympathy to NANCY PLACE (BREWER) and her family on the death of her husband Geoff, on 8th July after a long illness. Condolences were sent and we received thanks from Nancy and the family.

In September James Bold, father of ANGELA CAUNTER (BOLD), died suddenly. The funeral took place at the church of Our Lady Queen of Peace attended by many people.

Patrick Pidgeon, father of TRICIA, GERALDINE and ROBERT died on 27th September. The Thanksgiving service was held at St. Thomas More's Church, Iford.

On November 6th Louise Lavers, mother of MARILYN, died aged 95. The funeral was on 21st November at the church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Southbourne.

In April I received a `phone call from TESSA WELLSTEAD who told me of the death of her brother Michael. The funeral was at the church of Christ The King.

We send our sympathy to all those who are bereaved.

NEWS OF PAST PUPILS.
CONGRATULATIONS

We have reason to congratulate three of our committee members.

About the middle of August I received a `phone call from GERALDINE NICHOLLS (MAHY) telling me that BETTY SAVORY was to be awarded a Diocesan Medal for her work in the parish. It was to be presented at the 6.30 p.m. Mass on Sunday 17th August at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Southbourne, but she was not to know about it.

As her daughter Mary and family were moving to Scotland early in September the Mass was to thank Mary for her work as secretary of the parish. I duly alerted some local past pupils and a group of us attended the Mass. Betty had no idea what was to happen and was very surprised to see several `foreign' past pupils going up to Holy Communion and was beginning to wonder if someone had died!

Her granddaughter Rosie was in the choir and grandson Charlie was serving on the Altar, it was he who came forward with the medal on a cushion and a beaming smile on his face! There was a happy celebration after Mass in the hall. We are so pleased that your work and commitment have been recognised, Betty.

Our committee meeting was brought forward to 2nd October as CHRISTINE PLACE was marrying Richard Brocklehurst on 11th October. On your behalf we gave them a gift of a bowl, usable for fruit, pot pourri or whatever they wish. Christine has been an active Life Member of the Association virtually since leaving school.

Richard was formerly married to Christine's friend from school LIZ KELLY, who sadly died. Liz had an elder sister, LESLEY, also at the Convent. Liz and Richard's sons, Kelly 26 and George 23 went to St. Peter's School.

The wedding day was perfect, a clear blue sky and warm sunshine in the beautiful setting of Highcliffe Castle. We all wish them every happiness.

At that meeting we also gave a floral arrangement to PAM BLAKE (KENNARD) to celebrate her 70th birthday. Pam has served on the committee for about 40 years, we appreciate her hard work and loyalty.

Jean Walsh and I were so pleased to be invited to join in the celebration organised by Pam's daughter and sons. Apart from her brother we had known Pam longer than anyone else there. Many Happy Returns of the day!

News has reached us of the birth of a son to JUDITH BAILEY (RAINFORD) and husband Laurence. Max was born in Sydney, Australia. Proud grandfather, Wilf has been to meet his grandson. By an extraordinary coincidence Judith's address is exactly the same as her father's in Bellevue Road, Southbourne!

Another Aussie grandson, the 4th, has been born for John and. GAY DONLEVY (BROWNING). Bo Travis Donlevy arrived on November 6th.

I have received several e-mails from past pupils who have discovered the existence of our Association via the internet. When I put them on to our excellent, comprehensive section of the Diocesan website www.rc-churches.net they are so thrilled to discover the wealth of information, the photos, extracts from old school magazines, past pupils' news etc.

People overseas in particular find the link with their schooldays happily nostalgic. The man responsible for all this work is Glenn Edgeley-Long and we thank him most sincerely for his continuing interest. Within weeks photos of the 2003 reunion were on the website. If you haven't viewed them please do so.

If you do not have a computer perhaps you have grandchildren who will find it for you; if they also find exam results, pictures of you in plays or sports teams I am sure they will be delighted! Glenn is always so pleased when past pupils e-mail their thanks to him.

E-Mail < gel@rc-churches.net> He will put items on for you, requests for information about past pupils etc.