OUR CHURCH- DON'T GIVE UP HOPE!

Once upon a time, a school stood here.  This was St Patrick's Convent School, erected in 1921 as a Memorial to the men and boys of the parish who lost their lives in WWI.  Now it is gone.

Site of St Patrick's Convent School, Deanery Avenue

This is our church, erected by the free labour, hard work and pennies of our ancestors. Through generations this church has been maintained by the free labour, hard work and pennies of their children and of their children's children.  We must not lose this beautiful, historic church.

Our beautiful St Patrick's Church

This plaque was at the back of our church.  It encourages us to look to the future with hope.  Let's do what we can to save our church, trust in God, and never lose hope.

Plaque at the back of St Patrick's Church

ST PATRICK, PRAY FOR US.

REGIMENTAL NUMBER 364

St Patrick's Convent School, Deanery Avenue, was built as a memorial to the men and boys of St Patrick's Parish who died in the carnage of WWI.  Sadly, that building no longer exists.  There is just an empty space where once generations of girls and boys rushed past the memorial plaque by the front entrance. Thanks to Fr Wayne Dohey, the plaque has been erected in St Patrick's Church. 

St Patrick's Convent School, Deanery Avenue

The Plaque which was at the main entrance 

of the school

The Woodfords were one of the many families from our parish who lost loved ones.

One of the First 500, Frank Woodford was a single man living with his parents, John and Jane Woodford, at 7 Convent Square.  Frank was a machinist making wire nails and earning $7.80 a week. He had blue eyes and light hair and on the day of his enlistment, 5th September 1914, he had a cut right hand! 

While training in Scotland, Frank had met a girl, Miss Bethia Morton. It must have been serious because Frank left instructions that she should be notified in the event of his death.

Frank's written instructions

Miss Morton heard that Frank had been wounded and she was still seeking news in August when she wrote this poignant letter.  

Betty Morton's poignant letter

Regimental Number 364, Pte Frank Woodford, was killed in action at Beaumont Hamel on 1st July 1916.  He was 23 years old.

Regimental Number 364, Pte Frank Woodford

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM