MUSIC PUPILS, MID 1950s

Rosalita Bambrick, a staunch St Patrick's Girl who now lives in Ontario, has sent some beautiful pictures.  They are all so nice that I am left in a quandary as to which to post first.  I suppose the easiest solution is to post the oldest first.  

This picture is from the mid 1950s and Rosalita tells me that it is a group of music pupils.  Rosalita has been able to give us the names of some of the girls and I am sure that someone out there will be able to help fill in the blanks.

Music Pupils, mid 1950s

Left to Right

STANDING, Polly Kelly,

SITTING, Margaret O'Reilly, ??, Mary Fagan, Rosalita Bambrick, Betty Baird, ??, 

BACK, ??, ??, Sheila Stead, Florence Gorman, Maureen ?, Mary Hurley, ??, Regina Galway, Madonna Healey

Thank you Rosalita for the great pictures.  They will, I am certain, evoke some precious memories.  You have done a good job or remembering so many names.  Are you able to tell us who the music teacher was?

As they say (whoever "they" may be) "watch this space" because I will be posting more of Rosalita's memory jogging photos. 

FRIENDS TOGETHER AGAIN

Maureen O'Brien Roach, Kay Johnson Parsons, Carmel Hayes, Diane Mulcahy Jackman, Mary Johnson Godsland, Phyllis Reardon, Brenda Murphy and Janet McGrath Crane, a group of St Patrick's girls who, though not all in the same class, went around together while growing up in St John's. Their bond of friendship proved strong and they have done their best  to meet up every year.  Sadly, Brenda passed away in 2009 and she is much missed by her friends.  Diane now lives in Calgary but recently spent some time at home.  Of course,  that meant a happy little reunion for those of the group who could make it.  Mary Johnson Godsland sent this photo of the ladies.

Friends together again

L-R: 

Maureen O'Brien Roach, Carmel Hayes, Diane Mulcahy Jackman, Kay Johnson Parsons, Mary Johnson Godsland

It is always inspiring to see how friendship flourishes and survives despite the  years and the miles.  Thanks for sharing, Mary.  Please keep us up to date with any and all of your get-togethers.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2019

We have waved goodbye to 2018.  For some it was a year of happiness while for others I know it was a year of great sadness.  For most, it was a year of mixed ups and downs.  Whatever the year 2018 brought to you, my wish is that this new year of 2019 will bring you  good health, happiness, and peace in your heart and home.

ROMAN SOLDIER AT ISCA

Not far from where I live there is the wonderful little town of Caerleon.  Caerleon, the Roman Fortress of Isca,(link here) is just chock full of history.  Everywhere you turn the pretty little town's Roman roots speak to you in no uncertain terms.  We visit Caerleon often and its Roman museum is always  a treat.  As you can imagine, the museum holds many, many artifacts  that have been unearthed in and around the town.  You might think my favourite is a rather simple thing when I tell you what it is.  I will tell you anyway and I will even show you a picture of it.

FOOTPRINT IN TIME

Ah, "What is it?" you ask.  Well it is the actual, real and ancient footprint, embedded on a tile, of a Roman Soldier. The print of the studs in the sole of his sandal are plainly visible and I run my hand over this tile every time we visit there.  I know, I know!  Weird or what? But I just find it totally amazing that I can actually, right here and now, in 2019, touch the footprint of a man who lived in this town centuries ago.  I wonder did he accidentally walk on the tile? Or did he, as some young people today like to make footprints in  the wet cement of a new sidewalk, do it intentionally?  We will never know and nor do I know what year this fine Roman Soldier left his footprint for us to ponder on.  Whatever year it was, I hope it was a happy one for our friend as he toiled in a foreign land far from his home.  I wish all of you a happy year too.  May this new year of 2019 bring you all you desire.