JUNE

The Railway Strike did not prevent Reverend Mother from keeping her appointment with Messrs. Drury, of Brighton, from whom the costumes for the forthcoming performance of "The Pirates of Penzance" were to be hired. If ever a production has been enjoyed by the performers, it was this one, and rehearsals were soon in full swing.

In fact, such was the enthusiasm that strict rules had to be made. "Strictly forbidden to sing or hum any of the tunes outside rehearsals".

On June 8th, present pupils and friends came to an entertainment in the Assembly Hall given by the Past Pupils. The two plays, "Mr. Hunter" and "Hullaballoo", were produced by Miss S. McFadden, who is on the staff of the junior School. Most of us enjoyed watching instead of performing and the audience was appreciative and enthusiastic. The two plays were produced in true Boscombe style and we look forward to many more.

Since half-term, Benita Kent, Captain of the Stanislausians, and other members of the House, seemed to be about very special "hush-hush" business. At last the secret was revealed. They had prepared a private Garden Fete and all were invited. Sideshows included Hoop-la and Skittles and were as usual a great attraction - and no need to mention the popularity of the Refreshment Stall where homemade cakes (by Stanislausian cooks!), biscuits and sweets were on sale.

We suspect that Mother Wallace had been co-opted a member of the House, to give advice on the sweets, as her toffee, fudge, fondants and other delicacies have an established reputation.

Raffles on this occasion were original and lively - including rabbits, a kitten and a pair of pigeons. The livestock demanded a great deal of attention and the lucky winners were much envied as they went home delighted with their newly acquired pets. Perhaps the most amusing feature of the afternoon was the Fortune-telling.

Madame Hoodu (Joan Luxton - but breathe it not!) sustained the part admirably - but when members of the staff decided to join the queue her courage failed her and her prophecy too! ! Benita and her helpers are to be congratulated on their zealous effort, which raised a very useful contribution to the Building Fund.

JULY

Examinations! ! And how long they seemed to last, especially when we were eager to concentrate on the final rehearsals for the "Pirates." Mrs. Trice, producer for the Bournemouth Company for "Gilbert and Sullivan" opera, kindly offered to come to a rehearsal and to give her criticism and advice. We were very grateful for her interest.

Mother Potter and Miss Gobell had spared no pains to ensure the success of the production and they received ready support from all, but especially from the principals, who, from the day they were taken to London by Miss Gobell, at Reverend Mother's request, to see a D'Oyly Carte production, were determined to make ours an outstanding success.

On July 20th, the day chosen for the Children's Performance, a large party of staff and pupils from our Convent at Stakes, accompanied by Reverend Mother McEvoy and the majority of, the Community, came to Boscombe for the occasion. We were pleased to see some of the Springhill Community on this day and also some of them with Reverend Mother d'Alanion on the Saturday.

The following day the juniors held their Open Day, but as seniors were not present we shall leave the juniors to give their own account of this event.

On July 23rd and 24th the public performances of the "Pirates of Penzance" were given. The costumes were most attractive and the actresses seemed to be quite at home on the stage. Miss Gobell is to be congratulated on the tone and clarity of the singing and Mother Potter on the excellence of the acting. The singing was accompanied by Miss Gobell at the piano and a small string orchestra. Saturday evening's performance was the crowning achievement.

On this occasion the whole cast appeared to be perfectly at ease and seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the audience. Major-General Stanley (C. Elgar) never missed the slightest humour in the situation, and she was remarkably successful in her movements and her ability to hold the actresses together. In the difficult part of Frederick, Claire Anderson made good use of her vocal and acting powers. Ines Lucantoni made a charming Mabel, while the Pirate King (B. O'Connell) and Ruth (C. Murray) were perfectly cast and conveyed well the humour of their situation. The Police worked as a team and deserved their "Encores," as they lamented their lot under the direction of the Sergeant (A. Spicer).

All the actresses were sad when the curtain fell for the last time, but what happy memories will remain, particularly of those who had taken leading parts in so many school productions and for whom this was to be their last performance as schoolgirls.

The following afternoon, Reverend Mother invited staff and actresses to a party in Kerryton garden. Miss Gobell was the guest of honour and an attractive tea was served by the Nuns. After tea, we all reverted to childhood's days, playing such old favourites as "Nuts in May." Then followed forfeit games, extempore speeches and all kinds of fun.

We enjoyed ourselves to the full and apparently the neighbourhood was conscious of this, as Father Baron made' an allusion to the gaiety, a few days later, at the Prize Giving. We should like to thank Reverend Mother for the surprise party, which brought to a close a series of very happy days.

May we thank also all those whose work behind the scenes helped to make the "Pirates" such a success - the Make-up Committee, Mother Briggs, Mrs. Weston-Burt, Mademoiselle Monclin and Miss Mackenzie, and Miss Powers (Diana's sister), and those in charge of the costumes and dressing - Mothers Welstead, Wallace and Pannell and Mrs. R. Walsh.

No, we were not exhausted by the play, but Monday morning found us ready for entertainment of a different type. Sports Day. The events were well organised, thanks to the efficient planning of Susan Fisher, assisted by the other House Captains. While on the subject of Sport, we must mention two "star" features of the Rounders season, the Final Form match between Forms VI and Upper V, and the Boarders v. Day Girls Match.

Form VI as a whole did not excel at athletics, so they staged their appearance as old contemptibles? - perhaps to elicit some sympathy. All were dressed in ancient garb, with appropriate bearing, as they clustered round the Head Girl (C. Elgar), who had taken refuge in a wheel-chair. Their supporters, with the words of the "Pirates" in mind, urged them on with an appropriate chorus

The old ladies, once they had donned gym tunics, became suddenly endowed with renewed youth and lost to Form V by the narrow margin of 1 - 0.

For the Boarders and Day Girls' Match, the Boarders arrived ready for Home. The familiar trunk trolley was, laden with cases, a trunk was carried aloft with a young head peeping out, while the rest of the team, representing various stages of "packing," carried the banner "Horneward Bound."