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HOME |
 Olton
Court Convent
Use this page to contact old friends from Olton Court Convent in Solihull |
|
1970's |
I was at Olton Court
Convent and at Our Lady of Compassion when it changed it's name. I
remember Sister Hilda, Sister Claire, Sister Veronica, Sister Benezia,
Mrs Appleby, Ms. Cowan. Charlotte Jones, Fiona Short, Paul De Jung,
Margaret Monahan (sp?), John and Joanne Lynch, Paul Reynolds, Helen
Winnett, Antonio De Mambro, Eamon Coleman, and I'll look through
my photos tonight to see who else I remember.
Sushila Mitra
Hi, I did a reunion at
school a few years ago. I would have been there 71-77, I still have
quite a few addresses anybody interested in another? Mary Parker nee
Tully
Mary Parker nee Tully
I would love to hear from anyone who left the junior school in
1974 and I wonder what happened to Miss or Mrs Appleby who used to teach games. I am
looking for a girl called Linda Walker who got a older sister called Jenny they moved from
Kineton Green Road to Bewdley in 72 or 73.
I wonder where Sister Hilda is? I would love to have an reunion at some
stage. for anyone who left 1974 and before. let me know what you all think.
I would love to hear who left the junior school in 1974. some names I can
remember Gabby hart Joanne Renolds Kate griffin are only a few names i can
remember. Does anyone know the where Linda walker is last know address was
in Bewdley somewhere.
Toni Taylor
Olton Court Convent
In china learning Irish!!!
Barry Colman
Olton Court Convent
I attended Olton Court Convent from 71-75. I remember Joanna White
who used to catch the bus with me from Knowle. Fiona Carless, Barbara Jacobi, Nicky
Small. If there is anyone out there who remembers me, drop me a line.
Clare Phillips (nee Clarke)
Our Lady of Compassion
Is there anyone reading this an ex pupil of Our Lady of Compassion formerly known
as Olton court convent, in the years 1972-1975, In particular I am looking for Paul de
Young, John and Joanne Lynch, Fiona Short and Maxine Holley.
Do you remember Sister Hilda and Sister Benizia? I bet we all have children of our own
now!
Helen Jones (née Winnett) |
|
1960's |
I was at Olton convent
from 1960 to 1967 and would love to hear from anyone. Hello Amanda
Morgan give my love to you mother. She came to my second wedding two and
a half years ago. I was friendly with and would love to be in contact
again with Pat Barrett, Donney Wareing (Have sent her a message on face
book) Veronica Gertner, Helene Raisin (am in touch) Moira Laing ( she
made my first wedding dress and on the morning of the wedding burnt a
hole in the back when ironing it and her mother came round with a shawl.
It should have been an omen. I got divorced 20 years and three lovely
daughters later. Moira then made my second wedding dress two and a half
years ago. What happened to Terry DeJong, Helen MacDonagh, and Noreen
Smith who I cycled to school with and would love to be in contact with
again. Remember Molly and having to help clear those discusting warm and
half empty milk bottles at break time and the fun we all had at the lido
in Solihull from May onwards. Veronica Heart and the parties in her
lovely attic room, Veronica Gertner whose sleeve I accidentally cut off
during a needlework lesson! I haven't changed I still do stupid things.
I am in contact and very friendly with Pauline Wrestall from the year
below me. Would love to hear from anyone in that year. Vanessa Mackenzie
the first person to befriend me at school I named my first daughter
Vanessa!!!
Macrina Enock (nee Waters)
Does anyone know what
happened to Miss Conroy our English teacher, 1960's. It would be great
to be in touch with her. Many thanks.
Rosemary
Morle
Hi, I was at Olton from
1960 to 67 and certainly recognise some of you, like Patsy Humphreys and
Eileen Moran who travelled to Acocks Green on the No 11 bus with me.
Cathy Shoebridge, your sister, Mary, was in my class. I still keep in
touch with Vivienne Morrissey, my best friend but no relation, Noreen
Smith and Rosalind Vaughan. Have also recently met up with Frances
Gallagher. Some of my best memories are of staggering with laughter
down St Bernard's Road with Ros, Viv and Deborah Hind while Susan
Holdsworth strutted after some Solihull Boys' School army cadets,
singing Onward Christian Soldiers.
After Olton I went to Manchester University and there met other Old
Oltonians, Nancy Smythe, Elizabeth Mole, Mary Quinn and Clare? later
Crowther. I've recently written a book which does have some echoes of
Olton in it, one chapter in particular being based on something that
happened there. If anyone is interested, I could e-mail you the chapter
(then you might like to get the whole book.)
I'm married, have two grown-up daughters and five grandchildren. Would
like to hear from anyone who shares Olton memories. By the way there is
a lovely photograph of the Convent on Hunters website.
Nuala Morrissy (now Bielby)
What a blast from the
past. Pat Barratt - remember playing Adam Cartwright to my Hoss and
Helen McDonagh's Joe. We are in touch with Helen (annually) and
Veronica Gertner (regularly). Macreena is a good friend of my sister
Nicole. Should love to hear from you. Also Jane Clemence, Gay Hutton,
etc in that year. Too many to mention.
Helene Ripley (nee Rayson)
To Irena Arent. Hi Irena
I remember you in the first year u were very good at art i think- was
that u? Were u pals with Jane Ashby? I was friends with Eileen Kelly and
apparently was a bit mad!!!! Haven't kept in touch with anyone & visited
this site 29/4/09 for first time & your name caught my attention. Take
care
Clare Parkin
I started as a preppie in
1961 and left when the 6th form moved en bloc to the new College. I see
no mention of St Frances house (brown). I remember many of the names
bove, also (mostly 2 Northern, 1968)... Jayne Allso, Catherine Burns,
Stefanie Liegois, Catherine Glendon, Kate Mansell, Daniele Hunt,
Patricia Walsh (with whom I organised a reunion in 1994) and Anne Walsh,
Louise Price, Elaine Yeomans, Elaine Oakes, Annette ? Patrricia and
Philippa Waring (families on St Bernards Rd), Sharon Holder, Mary
Flanagan, Mary Peyton, Geraldine Casey, Rosemary Knight, Jane
Whitworth-King (Junior), also Alison Hormel, Judith Rix (older), Mrs
Dodman, Mrs Summerfield, Mrs Fallerwell, Mrs Burke, Mrs Blackwell,
(Junior staff), Miss Couser (sport), Elizabeth Suthers (History), Mary
Flynn??? who had been at the convent and came back to teach Biology, Mr
Clarkson (Physics), Mr Frater (Science), Sister Francine, Mr Rutherford
(Chemistry) Miss Ash (French) and Miss Smith, Mrs Burke (Geography,
Sister Etranta (Spanish), Miss Heron (Art). My older sister Mary
preceded me by 7 years
Cathy
Shoebridge
I
attended the Convent between 1965 - 1968 and would love to contact any
students who may remember me from those days... especially Irena Sulma...
does anyone know where she may be? If anyone has any photos from those
days, could they please e-mail me? In 1968 I was whisked away by my
family to London, Canada and wasn't able to keep in touch with anyone.
Lots of fond memories, though. Remember rolling up those pleated skirts
to make them into mini-skirts? Since then my adventures have taken me
to Canada, Alaska and I'm now living in sunny Florida. Love to hear
from any of you!
Irena Arent
I studied at the convent from 1960 - 65 and remember
some of the names from above - started in 2 Chad and ended in 5 Newman.
Lots of happy memories, Mother Mary of the Incarnation as Head. Now 52
and still in touch with some old school friends.
I would Love to hear from more via this site.
Patsy Humphreys (sister Sally Anne 3 years younger) Reply via this page
This is a message for Patsy Humphreys
Hi Patsy, I am working with someone who worked with Sally we were
reminiscing...... We were interested to see if Sally had any entries
against her name on the internet and came across your name with hers on
this site. I have often thought about you and your mum. I did keep in
touch with your mum for a while. I then lost an address book with many
valuable numbers.
A fair few years ago I tried popping in to see your Mum when I was on a
visit to stay with my brother, in Cornwall, but I wasn't quite sure if
she still lived in Taunton, but had just wanted to say 'Hi'. There was
no response, and thought she had probably gone to live with you, so just
carried on with my travels.
I had just wanted to say to both of you that I still think much about
her (especially when I'm in reflective mood). She was a great friend of
mine. There isnt a week where I have not thought something to do with
her. She is partly responsible for my son.... as it was with her that I
shared the excitement of a new relationship .... she and I went through
her whole wardrobe assessing what I should wear on this first date. We
had good times and I miss her dearly, she had been a touchstone in my
life of 20s/30s growing up. If you should ever be in London and would
like to meet for a coffee ....that would be lovely. I hope you wont
mind being contacted but if you do I am sorry for intruding. Hope you
and your family are well. Debbie
Debbie Pragnell
Love to hear from anyone who started in 2 Newman in 1961
i.e. Helen
McDonnagh, Helen Rayson, Macrina Walters, Andrea Moran and Vanessa McKenzie. I have been
living on the Wirral for the past 16 years - 4 children 3 grandchildren now 51yrs old a
going grey.
Pat Barrett (now Jones) no email address supplied - reply via this page
To Pat Barrett
I attended the Convent between 1965 - 1973. My Mother is still in touch
with Macrina and her family; she has not changed a bit. Send me a
contact address so I can send you hers.
Amanda Morgan |
|
1950's |
1940's and 1950's old girls: do any of you recall an Irish woman teacher
called Miss Hyland? She would have been tall, and in her 50s and 60s in
these decades. I am searching for the school where my great aunt taught
and Olton Court Convent sounds like it may have been the place. Does
that spark any memories? Thank you.
Frances Bird
I was at the Convent between 1958 and 1965. Would like to hear how the
others in my class got on in life.
Eileen Evason (Moran)
This webpage certainly brings back memories. I was at the Convent in the
50's and remember all the nuns as well as Misses Grey (Englis), Hopkins
(History), Matthews (Domestic Science) and an Irish teacher who taught
geography and RI/scripture and of course Mrs Tippetts. In my class was
Anne Hemming, Ann Squire, Diana Saunders, Althea Scott and Margaret
Gaynor plus quite a few others. I lived in Switzerland for 30 years
working for an American computer company and travelling quite a lot. I
met Judith Webb in Geneva (where I lived) who married a Swiss. I came
back to England 10 years ago, am still single, still working (with an
art gallery owner) which I love. Unfortunately, I cannot leave my email
address as I am using the gallery as my email address needs to be
resurrected.
Ann Dearnaley
Like Pat McGrath I too was at the Convent in the 50's. I started in
Montissori with Miss Copson, and left from Lower Sixth and remember well
Ma Mere the Mother Superior, (to whom we had to curtsey) 'Inky'( Mother
Mary of the Incarnation (Headmistress) Mothers: St. Claire, Joseph,
Cecile, Veronica, Thomas, St. John. I have many happy memories of the
Convent including two trips to St. Denise. Does anyone remember the
school song 'School of Compassion from a far land on the other side of
the sea..' and the house songs 'Saints of our houses staunch and true
...' which we had to sing for each house and change places in the
'chorus'? I was in St. Michael's (red). I also remember 'Ribbon
Giving' and was very seldom the recipient of one! Games was more my
thing. As well as deportment, elocution we had many lessons of
embroidery culminating with 'The Exhibition' at the end of the year. Ah
happy days!! I now live in Southwold, Suffolk, married for 44 years,
three married children and one grandchild. I would love to hear from
anyone of a similar era.
Judith Hay Davison (nee Fox)
I was at the Convent I think between 1955 - 1962 approx and I was in St
Christophers. I remember everything as described in your comments !!
I can remember Pat Chambers sitting in class with Gill Clarke, Alison
Tunnicliffe, Veronica Aslin etc etc. Pat used to pretend to eat HOT
fish and chips behind her desk lid and had us in stitches!! I lived in
Dorridge and used to travel on the train with Diane Gibbs, Helen
Thacker, Gill Clarke, Pauline Summerfield, etc. etc. I feel sorry for
people who now say that they "hated" their School. What a tremendous
time we had at the Convent -didn't seem to learn much but had loads of
laughs - apart from lunchtimes when Mother St John forced us to eat
liver and boiled potatoes and rice pudding to follow. I am still in
touch with a few of the "old" friends ie Hilary Wood, Jane Pettman etc.
Would love to hear from others via this site?
Jennifer Hill
I attended the Convent from 1955-1965. I remember so well 'Inky', Mother
St Clare, Mother St Veronica, Mother St Joseph, Mother St Cecile. Also,
Miss Conroy (English) Miss Burden (art) and many more. The girls that I
particularly recall were: Dinah Hatton, Jane Saywell, Jane Edwards, the
twins Janet and Susan Gaynor, Jane E Foster, Jane Foster, Adele Simpson,
Alison Emsley, Linda Cambell-Brown. I would love to here from anyone
that remembers me. Celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year, I
have four children and six grandchildren.
Dinah Stevens nee Roe
So sad nobody remembers me. I was always so naughty. Still see Pam Caddy
and Liz Garratt. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me
Mary Edwards nee Venville
I attended Olton Court Convent from 1952 until 1957. My husband recently
found your web site, which brought back many memories. I remember "Inky"
Headmistress (title, Mother Mary of the Incarnation). I was in St.
Michael's house (red) I remember mother St. Claire, mother St. John
"Ma-Mare" was the superior from a convent in France. We had to curtsy on
meeting her! I also remember Miss Grey, Miss Meeken, Miss Higins
(Latin), Mrs. Tippit (biology), Morwenna Bowen was connected to my
ballet teacher in Solihull, and was indeed elegant. I have many of my
school pictures still. We lived in Danford Lane in Solihull during my
school years. I remember Elizabeth Edwards, Estelle Hill and Mary
Deathridge. After nurse training in Southampton, I moved around England
in nursing and then to the U.S.A. in 1964. My American husband and I
were married April 30, 1966 at Nyack, NY. We have lived in upstate NY
since 1971, raised 3 sons and have 4 grandchildren. Would enjoy hearing
from any girls that were there in the 1950's.
Juliana Byrnes (Jakeman)
I spend in 1951/1952 a school year at Olton Court Convent as an aupair
girl learning English and helping with the cleaning of classrooms,
dormitories, and looking after small children in Montessori. I had a
great time during that year as I met wonderful girls as Mary DEAKIN
(from WESTON SUPERMARE) Elizabeth WILKES(who invited me in her family
for a week-end), Sally HEARD (prefect of Saint Christopher's house - I
belonged to -), Jane CARVER and Ann PRICE (always together to laugh,
always telling jokes, giving surnames, etc.) Ann used to curl my hair
every week (her cubicle was next to mine in the dormitry) and she was
"in love" with Mario LANZA and knew all his songs by heart. I remember
also Joe who was found of Danny Kaye and made me love his songs. There
was another French girl called Jacqueline LECORGNE.
The nuns, at that time, were Mère Marie de la Miséricorde (I knew from
Pontoise boarding school), Mère Sainte Anne, Mother Of Sacred Heart. I
knew most of the nuns in Olton as I was at Our Lady of Compassion
schools since I was 8 years old in Saint-Denis, Pontoise and, at the
end, in Olton. It has been a great time for me as I was only 16,
it was my first journey abroad (they go abroad earlier nowadays) on my
own and It was a very long journey from Paris, boat at Dieppe, train to
London, change of railway station in London and, at last, train to
Birmingham where two nuns were waiting for me at midnight... When
the boarding school closed down I went to Bournemouth at Chandos Guest
House where I have learnt how to look after guests during the summer
(making beds, washing up, cleaning, etc..) These experiences
enriched me, helped me and still help me through my to-days life.
I also practised vaulting, lawn tennis, tried to play grass hockey
(sports which i would never had been able to practise if I had not been
in England. Contact me if you remember the old school ties. I leave in
Beauvais (Oise department)
Elisabeth CHRETIEN (married to Francis MEURGEY, ex airport manager at
Beauvais airport)
MEURGET elisabeth (maiden name : CHRETIEN
1950s - for Pat Mc Grath (nee Chambers)
Hello Pat - well I'm that Pam "Rutter" who maddeningly always got 10/10
for spelling in Junior 2. In fact my name was Rutty !!! I guess
spelling wasn't your thing!!! Thanks for remembering that - and those red
ribbons too. I have lots of happy memories of the convent , those names
you mentioned: Rosemary Meeks (red curly hair); Pam Caddy (ethereal?)
and yes, Gill Clarke - horses! I also remember someone called Sarah
Pemberton Bartlett who was brilliant at hockey and Sheila Millward and a
little girl called Eileen with big blue eyes. I think the head girl was
called Mary Deathridge - or she was certainly a prefect - I remember
being fairly in awe of her! Do you remember our houses: St Christophers
(mine), St Michaels, St Bernards and St Peters? I loved Mother St
Claire - she gave me her crucifix and I still have it.. Like you I
remember the chapel, and can conjure it up it even now. Yes I recall
Mother St John, "Inky" and there was an even more exalted presence
called "Ma Mere" wasn't there - now who was she? My absolutely favourite
teacher was Miss Grey who taught English, closely followed by a lovely
lady in the art room, whose name I have forgotten, began with a B I
think. Do your remember our deportment classes?!! I still fall
about laughing when I think of them - a beautifully elegant lady called
Morwenna Bowen (I think) shouting at us "Be charming girls - be
charming!" Did she succeed I wonder - where are all those charming
convent girls now?
Pam Hickson (nee Rutty)
Come on girls .... I know I was not the
only one to attend the convent in the 50's. My name then was Pat
Chambers, I was at the convent all through the 1950's, leaving in 1959.
I remember "Inky" Head Mistress, also Mrs Dodman (the only maths teacher
to make any sense) Mother St. Clair, Mother St. John and many more. I
remember a girl called Gill Clarke, she lived in Dorridge and had
horses, I also recall Rosmary Meek and Pam Caddy, there were many more
who's faces I recall but cannot put names to, maybe someone out there in
cybor space can help. Does any one remember "prize giving"...... I
always wanted a red ribbon .....but only ever managed a purple, there
was a girl called Pam Rutter who always had the red, and in Junior 2
always achieved 10/10 for spelling. Apart from hockey I loved sport,
net-ball, tennis and rounders. In the playing fields I can remember two
sea-saws plus a couple of swings. When it rained we went on the tennis
courts at play time. I also remember some of the plays we put on the
last on being "Dearly Departed" Christmas 1958, the girl who had the
main part was Tess Andrews, she was very good. We had the most beautiful
chapel, I always found it so quiet and peaceful. We could not be seen
out side of school without our hats, winter or summer and our summer
uniform would never have made the pages of vogue. I often think of those
days and wonder how life turned out for many of my school friends, if
there is any one from the 50's still around and may be has similar
memories it would be great to hear from them via this site.
Pat McGrath nee Chambers |
|
1940's |
Hi, My mother Allene Violet S. Singer was in a Convent Boarding School
in the 1940's. I'm not sure exactly which one but if anyone recognizes
her name, I'd love to hear from you.
Wendy
Black
Hi, Surprised to hear from a mere male on this site!! This goes back a
while, so it may stimulate a few memories. My first school was at the junior school, Solihull, but my parents soon
moved me out as I came home using nasty language. As a 4 year old at a
'Solihull' school, I can't think what! I was moved to Olton convent (as
I knew it then) in the very early 1940s. My parents lived in Heaton Rd,
Solihull for a while during the war. Dad was away a lot, sorting out
the production difficulties encountered by industry when manufacturing
sea mines for the war effort, frequently visiting Rubery Owen if my
memory serves me correct. At that time he had an office in Gret Charles
St, Brum, besides at his home base at HMS Vernon, Portsmouth. Many
times on a Friday (after School or in holidays, I suppose) Mum would
take me & my younger brother into Brum to meet Dad after work. I was
told I used to stand in the back of Dads car (with unlimited petrol -
essential for his contribution to the war efort) as a 4/5 year old and
direct him home through Brum's notorious one way street system - even
then. Its funny as when I returned in 1955 to Birmingham Uni, I seemed
to instinctively know my way round Brum!
I still have my school metal cap badge, and I heard I was one of the
last boys taught at Olton Convent. Maybe I was the instigator! I doubt
it. When was the last boy student?
Regards
Bryan
Betts
ps. Are there any other mere males out there?
I started at Acocks Green in 1947,and moved up with the Convent to
Olton. I was in Miss Copson's class.at first. I then remember well Mere
St Claire, Mere St Veronica and Cecil and of course "Inky". My best
friends Carol Clarke, Judy McKay, Christine Bannister. I remember lots
more faces and names. My family moved to Wales in 1953. I would love
to hear from anyone who may remember me, and would especially love to
hear from Carol with whom I lost touch when she married and I lost her
address. It would be nice to see what paths the lives of other friends
have taken.
Julia Andrewes
I was at Acocks Green Convent between 1945 and 1947, then went on to
Olton Convent when they combined. I remember Mere St Cecil and Mere St
Claire very well, they were kind loving people as well as good teachers.
My best friend was Jennifer Carter at Olton and Pamela Davies at Acocks
green. Pam who is still one of my best friends now, she and her husband
still live in Solihull. My husband and I live near Chichester, West
Sussex. I have three super grown-up children, and two grand-children. I
had a good start in life, being taught etiquette and good manners as
well as academic studies, all due to the Convent's high standards of
education. I left early to go to a Commercial College, and later in
life gained a BA Honours degree in Fine Art. I am now a confident artist
using different medias and subjects. A pleasure to last the rest of my
days.
Irene Cantrell (nee Lewis)
Response to Pam Hickson - I remember Ma Mere (Mere St. Edward) our
Mother Superior, who also taught my Aunt at Acocks Green in 1930s - I
asked my Aunt who remembers she taught History. Morwenna Bowen taught
ballet at Mrs. Kempster's ballet school in Solihull - I recall they both
taught at Olton - Jayne Kempster was in my class. Miss Gray was great,
gave us such a good basis for enjoying literature and writing. Then
there was Miss Fawkes and Miss Hopkins who taught us history. Reading
others' memories set me thinking - I was in England last week and
visited my Aunt who attended Acocks Green prior to WWII - we enjoyed
remembering our times at the convents and the nuns we both knew, as well
as Mere St. Edward, we loved Mere St Cecil who taught both of us.
Christine Dowdeswell (Mackie)
1940s
to 1950s - Interesting to read comments - I was at Acocks Green for
Kindergarten, then moved to Olton when the schools combined. I remember
so clearly Mother St.Rosaire at Acocks Green - then at Olton Mother
St.Claire, who I visited when in England in the ,70s - Mother St. Thomas,
Mother St. Edward and Mother St. Cecil who also taught my Aunt - Mother
St. Veronica - so many who influenced and guided me during those years.
Our teachers, Miss Meakin, Miss Gray, and others - my education,
academic and values gave me a great foundation for life - I would be
interested to hear from anyone who remembers me - thank you - Christine
Christine Dowdeswell
I was
at Acocks green convent until i left in 1948. I remember St Clare, I
wrote to her for
many years. Is there a reunion for girls from the convent? Would love to
catch up with any of my former school friends.
Diana Mentor (Harris)
I was a boarder at Olton during
WW11 and would love to hear from anyone who was there at that time. My
best friend was Philippa Russon Bayliss. It is a long time ago, but
vivid in memory.
Posted Friday, December 5, 2003
Sean Fordice has contacted me by e-mail and I have also been in contact
with his sister Sheelagh. Their mother Philippa died in 1986 I am sad
about that. We both became social workers and both emigrated to Canada.
Our lives were influenced by our education at Olton and followed very
similar paths.
Clare Hayden
In Reply
My mother was Philippa Russon Bayliss. She attended your school in the
1940s and spoke very highly of the school and some people from there,
especially Clare Hayden. Clare Hayden wrote in to the reunion page and
spoke about my mother. I am wondering if you could let me know when her
post was. This will give me an idea if her e-mail address is current.
I would like to contact her. I have sent an e-mail. I don't have any
other way of contacting her and don't know if the e-mail got through.
Sean Fordyce
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