Eve Harper paid us a "flying" or "ragging" visit as she was passing through Boscombe with a group of Southampton University students, selling the Magazine. Susan Ainger never forgets us when she returns home from the Phillippa Fawcett College. She is very interested in her work and finds the time goes very quickly.

Patricia Buck is working hard for her Accountancy examinations. She has a great deal to do but is still her cheerful self. She asked news of her contemporaries and was sorry that she missed seeing Genevieve Bond at the opening of the Hall.

The last time we saw Celia Gillings was at the Mass said in the Convent Chapel on May 10th for Reverend Mother Kelly. R.I.P. Celia has since had a serious operation, but we hope and pray that this may be the means of restoring her to health. Celia has kept in contact with Winifred Humble, who comes in regularly, and we see Evelyn too when she brings their young brother to school. Marigold Barker has called and written several times. She and her father were very impressed by the Hall on their last visit.

Marigold was then about to begin her training proper for Nursing. Eithnea Hancock also found time to come and see the Nuns and girls before beginning her training at University College Hospital. Another Past Pupil now a qualified Nurse is Sylvia Gardiner, who is never able to get home for the social events but who always visits the Convent when she is at Boscombe during her holidays.

Among more recent Past Pupils whom we have seen during the year are Angela Knott, now at Digby-Stuart Training College, with Celia Elgar, Lorna Logan and Benita Kent.

Although they left school only in July, Celia, Lorna and Benita could not resist a visit to Boscombe to give us their impressions, and all seem very happy. Bridget O'Connell also came over from Southampton University, and Ann Boys and Noreen Ventham from Southampton Training College.

Congratulations to Caroline Orton who, after one year's work at the Municipal College, following on her Ordinary Level work, passed in four Advanced Subjects and was awarded a Borough Scholarship.

Caroline was here a few days before she began her studies at the London School of Economics. Clare Murray is also there studying Law. Clare is staying at More House, a Catholic Hostel in Kensington. She and her room-mate are the Entertainments Committee for the Hostel, so there is plenty of scope for activity outside studies.

Everyone at Boscombe was delighted that Paula came to stay for a day here in order to see "The Pirates". Caroline Adams and Anita Woodeson often renew their contacts with their friends here.

Caroline is preparing to take the Entrance Examination to one of the Oxford Colleges, while Anita is aiming at getting Spanish at Advanced Level after her stay in Spain. Both are studying at Portsmouth Technical College, which Myrette Ash also attends now. As she is resident in Portsmouth during term, we miss Myrette at the Choir practices at which she was such a faithful representative last year.

Mary Ward has been to see the Nuns several times. We hear that she is now in Belgium until she begins her training as a Nurse. Anne Mallaley has taken up a post in the Civil Service in London and came to tell us the good news of her success. Sandra Millis and Barbara Kell have popped in once or twice during the term. Mary Brearley spent a holiday with Hazel Cherrett and they called to see everyone, accompanied by Moira McFadden.

Other "callers" have been Hazel Humphreys and Carol Driscoll, whom we had not met for some time. Diana Squire still keeps up her friendship with Zena Frowde and her other school companions and likes to attend any function she can. Olga Cristofoli and Maureen McCormick were also welcome visitors.

Ann Manning continues her Music lessons with Miss Gobell and Marianne Brown with Mother Gillard. Deirdre Crick is resident here and Valerie Isgar is often with her. Claire Hackett came in with Ines Lucantoni recently. Ines is to begin her course at the Royal College of Music in January. Jennifer Brewer is already there and doing well.

Mary MacCarty is helping with the games in the junior School, and she keeps us in touch with Susan Fisher, who has also written a very interesting account of her experiences with her small charges. It is possible that some names of those who visited the Convent may be omitted, but we beg your indulgence and ask you to be assured that every Past Pupil is always most welcome to the Convent at any time.

A big "Thank You" to Eileen and Margaret Collins, who send such beautiful flowers every year for the Feast of the Cross. We were very pleased to see Eileen at the Dance this time, and with her Christine White.

Congratulations are offered to Anne Wheatcroft, who is doing so well at her Dancing and Dramatic work, and indeed to all those who are keeping their own and Boscombe's flag flying in their various walks of life.

And what of the faithful letter writers who may have to wait so long for a reply? Their news is much appreciated and they will see that it is kept and valued. Molly Dedman (Orpin), sending greetings for the Feast of the Cross, tells of her marriage and her hope to get to Bournemouth with her husband before long. She adds: "A fortnight ago we spent the week-end with Anne White (Adams) and her husband. I am godmother to her second baby. Shortly after I met Angela Trew, who told me that she was leaving for Southern Rhodesia in a few days."

Sybil Gray from Hindhead sent good wishes for the New Year and mentioned that she had been in Portsmouth and had visited Reverend Mother McEvoy at Stakes. Diana Gradwell, replying to an invitation to the School Dance, said how disappointed she was that it was impossible for her to attend as the date coincided with the International Ballroom Dancing Championships at the Albert Hall. Diana had been abroad with her dancing partner to dance for Britain in two international competitions, both of which they won.

Diana asked news of her contemporaries particularly of Betty Robinson, but unfortunately we have not heard from Betty. Anne Walker, acknowledging the Magazine, gave a full account of her doings. Pat is in her second year at College doing Domestic Science and very anxious to try out all the latest ideas at home. Of herself, Anne said: "At Christmas I moved to a new school, just opening, the only one of its kind in Kent.

The outside is all Lagos teak, so I'm told. It's a lovely place. The walls are decorated in different pastel shades, modern curtains hang at the large windows, there is plenty of space everywhere, and each classroom has its own tap and sink. There is rather an influx of Inspectors who come out of curiosity. Still, I suppose that will prepare us for the General Inspection which is bound to come sooner or later."

Patricia Peters wrote from Tidworth, saying that in her "spare" time this year she thought of beginning to study privately with a view to taking Advanced English and French and Ordinary Level Spanish, and asked for details of the syllabus. Well done, Pat, and the best of success if you attempt the examination!

Patricia Minns and many others wrote after receiving the Magazine. We were very pleased to have a letter from Althea Durrant (Turner) early in the year, and hope that some time she will be able to visit Boscombe again.

These Notes close with a message of affectionate greeting from Reverend Mother and the Community to every one of our former pupils. Old or young, you retain a special place in our love and prayers, and we ask the Infant Jesus to bless you each and all at His Coming this Christmas.