 |
This year's annual Pastonian Association Reunion Luncheon was more significant than most with three big events marked in one afternoon.
As well as the handover of the Chairmanship of the Association from Shirley Charters to Deryn Coe, more than 60 attendees celebrated the 100th birthday of our oldest Pastonian. They also were treated to a funny, touching and enlightening speech from Father Tony as he looks towards his last months at School.
After eight years of dedication to the role of Chairman of the Pastonians' Association committee, Shirley officially stepped down from the role during the AGM held on Sunday as part of the Reunion celebrations. She hands over the reigns to Deryn Coe, who is not only an Old Girl, but also mother to two current St Mary's pupils and has a third daughter who left the School last year.
Ivy Parsley (nee Markham) was our guest of honour at this year's Luncheon as she was celebrating her 100th birthday just a few days later. Ivy was presented with a cake made by Rebecca Whitehead, one of the School's catering team, as well as a teddy bear, St Mary's goody bag and a beautiful rose bush, from the Pastonians' Association.
Ivy said: “I'm so very thrilled to have been treated so nicely and given such lovely things. I have nothing but good memories from my time here, and I loved the School. Thank you so much to you all.”
Father Tony acted as the main speaker for the ever-popular event on Sunday 9 May, and spoke about “being a Father to 600 Girls”. Reflective and humorous, he described how he had ended up working as Chaplain for the School and his favourite bits of the job. He also, more seriously, explained why he feels school chaplaincy is an important part of the Catholic Church's work and provides vital links for young people to the Church.