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HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED!

For most of us it is many years since we were at school - and like most things - there will have been changes - here are a few:

The Senior School: As the school expanded it became necessary to-house the Senior and Junior Schools separately. A purpose-built Senior school was begun in 1964. The builders built the ground and first floor and the shell of the second floor. Many of us will remember Mr Webb, Sr Mary Patrick^'s father, doing jobs around the school. He did all the interior works to the new building, built the staff room, offices and cloakrooms on the ^'bridge^' between the hall and the new building. He also built the cloakrooms, changing and shower rooms to the north of the hall.

The Senior School was ready for use in September 1966.

Chapel: - Mr Webb was also responsible for building almost single handedly the Chapel to the side of the manor house. This was completed in 1975 and the chapel blessed by the then Bishop of Portsmouth Derek Warlock (later Archbishop of Liverpool).

Science Block: In the 1970s a new block to the rear of the Senior School was built housing 3 science laboratories and preparation rooms, together with a sixth form common room, study room and toilets.

The Jean Margaret Welsford Hall: A friend of Mother Madeleine, Mr Welsford taught at Eggars School. His daughter,Jean Margaret was unwell and stayed at the convent at weekends - she unfortunately died at 40. In gratitude her father left the Convent £80,000 and this funded the new school hall, named in honour of his daughter.

Building of the new school hall, together with music room and reception area began in 1991. The hall was sited on a netball court directly behind the old assembly hall (now called the Marian Hall) and in this position it links in well with the Junior School and Senior changing rooms, showers etc.

The new hall has been used in a variety of ways; for many social functions such as discos for the upper year, dances and indoor events (race nights and cheese & wine evenings). Music lessons take place in the music rooms and there is also a gym. The hall is marked out for badminton, five-a-side football, volleyball and hockey and can also be used for netball and short tennis. The Hall and facilities were opened by the Duke of Norfolk and blessed by the Bishop of Portsmouth in July1991.

Sr Helen and Sr Mary Patrick oversee construction!

New 6th Form: The New 6th Form is housed in attractive wooden buildings behind the Senior School on the former ^'potato fields^'.

Current Plans: The School is planning a new Arts Centre (for art, music and drama) behind the Senior School. The Rev Mother Madeleine Memorial Garden will be incorporated into this area - a fitting tribute.

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