We had no need to be told who Nina was - she is exactly like her Mummy. Many of her former pupils keep in touch with Miss Stafford and she has written to the Convent several times this year. Another former member of the Staff who maintains an interest in all we do is Mrs. Walsh (Miss M. Walsh).

In September we were pleased to welcome as a member of our Staff one of our Past Pupils, P. Mackenzie, who is teaching English and History in the Senior School. D. Crick has been staying here since the summer, when she came to help with the French Holiday Pupils.

Two of our former Belgian pupils renewed their contacts with the Convent during the year, Mireille Mortier paid us a surprise visit some months ago, while Micheline Jacoby happened to be passing through Bournemouth the weekend of the School Dance and came to the Pavilion to see those whom she remembered. Gladys Ronco also came to Boscombe on her arrival in England to take a post in Cook's, and also before her return to Spain.

Laura Templer visits the Convent periodically when she comes to see her mother, who is still in Boscombe. She had just finished her course at the time of her last visit but had not decided what type of post she wished to take. Stephanie de Charmoy was home from Germany last Christmas and came in several times. She finds the standard of work required for the Cambridge Higher Diploma extremely high and complains that it is difficult to get the girls to work hard enough.

It is good to know that English girls are not the only ones who need goading on at times. How very small the world is! Some foreign pupils whom Stephanie was teaching in Germany were discussing their previous sojourn in England - and when questioned by her, explained that they had spent their time at the Convent of the Cross, East Cowes.

Monica Walsh manages to pay a visit to the Convent every summer. She seems quite happy at her work in the Bank and still corresponds with Mother Redman. Ann Wyatt comes occasionally to see jean. She is continuing her studies while working in her father's office and she spoke of Jill Collings, of whom we have not had news for some time.

Jill is teaching in Southampton. Other Past Pupils of whom we hear through their younger sisters are J. Higgs, with a responsible post in a hospital for Polio cases in Canada, Y. Cobb, whose interest never flags; G. Durant. J. Tryska (Pelosi). Pamela Butler's little niece is now in the Preparatory Form and so we know that Pamela is still enjoying her work as a chemist. Pamela in turn tells us when she has news of Betty Simpson (Mason).

Margaret Brewer sent a message before leaving for a World Tour as nurse on board ship.

Nancy (Mrs. Place) cannot come to Boscombe very frequently as her home is too far North. Their nieces, A. and P. Joliffe seem to have settled happily in Cyprus. J. and S. Panther wrote to their former friends from Canada but Jennifer's letters show that she misses Boscombe greatly. Diana Walker met a group of Staff and pupils at the Bournemouth Festival; she is studying Elocution and Dramatic Art.

We hear that Ronaleen Lee, after completing her course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, has returned to U.S.A. and has a contract at Hollywood.

Pupils who have left Boscombe before the end of their school career still like to keep in touch. Christine Tupman has written, while Anne Nolan paid two visits in the summer and on the second was able to meet many of her friends as school had re-opened. Anne is hoping to study far the Bar. Three younger Past Pupils paid us a real surprise visit - Pauline, Susan and Jane O'Donnell.

Everyone was happy to see them, but we could scarcely believe that they could have grown so tall in a comparatively short time.

Two parents of Past Pupils have been good enough to send news and photos. Mrs. (J. Riddle) lets us know that Peggy Cunningham and their two children are well. She sent a snap of Betty's little girl and boy. The baby was born after Mrs. Miller's return to England but she is hoping to see him before long.

Mrs. McCarthy sent a photo of Shelagh (Mrs. Quinn) with the two babies (pictured right). Shelagh is still living in U.S.A. quite close to Chestnut Hill, the College to which she went. Christopher David was born on April 20th, so he is exactly a year younger than Jennifer.

The School Dance is an occasion when many friendships are renewed, and although the large attendance does not permit Reverend Mother and the Nuns to speak to each Past Pupil present, you all know that they are delighted that you have come. A mere list of those present does not prove interesting reading, but it is gratifying to know that such a large number look forward to this annual event.

Even those who cannot attend write expressing their regret. Diana Gradwell and Betty Robinson were particularly disappointed, as Diana's holiday in Bournemouth ended just a few days before the Dance.

Diana is living in London, but has been on a European tour with her dancing partner. They were chosen to represent England and we congratulate Diana on this success. Betty had been obliged to return to Bournemouth an account of her father's illness, but she is now resuming her word on the stage, which she finds most enjoyable although tiring.

And what of the Past Pupils within the Convent? Mother Welstead can tell us so much of all that happened in her day, and yet is equally enthusiastic about all that is being done now. Mother Dunnett does not enjoy good health, but she follows with interest all the activities in the school and helps them by her prayers. Mother Briggs serves as a link between Past and Present Pupils. She has always kept in touch with Marguerite Dupon de Liege, and this year she has Leon's and Jerome's daughters Jose and Catherine as pupils, for they are spending a year in England.

Mother McLoughlin, as "Mistress of the Wardrobe", is closely associated with the work in the Hall. Mother Loftus, teaching the Preparatory Form, rarely sees any of her contemporaries, as they seem to be scattered over a wide area, so it was a great pleasure for her to meet Gillian Robotham at the last Reunion.

No mention has been made of those who left in July, for they scarcely seem "Past" Pupils yet. However, we wish them success in the careers they are beginning; several are training for Teaching, another for Law, another for Economics; several have secured positions in Banks, while others are hoping to enter the Civil Service. One has gone to the Royal College of Music, a second has begun the course for a Veterinary Surgeon, while a third is abroad studying languages.

Several have decided to take up various branches of Art, and one or two, prefer a Commercial Post. So you see, our school life has encouraged variety in the choce of a career. To these, one and all, we send a message of encouragement and trust that their Convent training will stand them in good stead in face of the difficulties which they must inveitably encounter at their first venture into the outside world.

It is hoped that a Reunion will be held on Sunday, January 9th, at 3.30 p.m. All Past Pupils are invited and we trust that many will be able to come. Our "Old Girls", as Mrs. Tucker, our President, likes to call them, have a standing invitation to all School functions and to visit the Convent at any time.

Reverend Mother and the Community are always very happy to see their former pupils returning and they wish each one to feel that she is still a part of the Convent of the Cross and has a share in the affection and prayers of the Community.

While thanking all those who send Christmas wishes and messages for the Feasts of the Cross, Reverend Mother and the Community wish all members of the Past Pupils' Association a Happy Christmas and God's blessing on the New Year. All our children will be remembered, especially at Midnight Mass. At the Crib, each one of us has her place, for are we not all children with Him Who for our sakes became a Child?