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Notre Dame School, Standishgate

74 Comments

Notre Dame School, Standishgate.
Notre Dame School, Standishgate.
Photo: Ron Hunt
Views: 27,199
Item #: 303
Notre Dame School, Standishgate.

Comment by: anne from Ince on 12th October 2007 at 15:24

This takes me back .I went to the Convent from 1969 to 1974 when it closed down.This photo looks like its from around that era with the mini skirts the girls are wearing.Thanks for the memories.

Comment by: Anne-Marie from Standish on 6th December 2007 at 20:34

How wonderful! I was there in 1974 when the school closed. We were the youngest girls and only completed 3 years. Does anyone have a photo of the Hollies where we spent the first year?

Comment by: julie dawson on 18th July 2008 at 16:54

hi anne from ince, what form were you in? i was in Jerningham and was there right to the end when the school closed. great memories!

Comment by: Vicki (butty) on 22nd September 2008 at 14:11

This takes me back. It seems a lifetime ago when I was in Alternative circa 19 62 -65. is there anyone out there that remembers our class??

Comment by: Carol Greenall (now Farmer) on 25th October 2008 at 10:01

Wow, memories! I was there 71 to 73(Hollies 70 to 71). By the look of the number of girls it was probably 73 at the latest. The girls on the far left look suspiciously like me and my mate Angela ( although probably not) - we had those baskets rather than satchels. Shortness of skirts achieved by rolling up the waistband :-)

Comment by: anne from ince on 10th March 2009 at 15:12

Hi Julie I was in Towneley and my surname then was Kenny,were you in the same form as Julie Millin and Ann Derbyshire who were also from Ince?

Comment by: Pat Morgan (nee Caine) on 10th March 2009 at 21:06

This is great! I've never seen a photo of the front of the school and have been trying to explain to folks I work with how it used to look. By a twist of fate - I work in what was the school Dining Hall - now known as Gateway 3 belonging to Wigan CYPS. I was there from 1966 to 1971 (approx!)

Comment by: Lois Best (Morris) on 27th March 2009 at 15:11

Excellent photo! I was in Tichbourne 5th form 1973!

Comment by: Lynn Kenny on 16th May 2009 at 10:40

What a nostalgic photograph!! Fantastic; as the building is no more. I was in Parallel and Titchbourne from 1965 to 1971. I remember turning my skirt over many times to shorten it in an act of rebellion!!! to achieve the length seen in the photo.

Comment by: Margaret Aspinall (nee Greenhalgh) on 22nd June 2009 at 17:25

I was at Notre Dame 1965 - 1971. Lynn Kenny was in my class (parallel), the photo brings back many good memories.

Comment by: VERA HOWARTH nee WHELAN on 9th July 2009 at 22:06

I was in Parallel and Townley and was there 1961-1966

Comment by: Sue Nolan ( nee Taylor) on 9th September 2009 at 19:31

I was also there at this time - I was in Tichbourne - Hollies from 1970

Comment by: christine Atherton on 20th December 2009 at 15:53

This brings back memories, most of them good but 1or2 bad regarding sister Isabell, who taught maths when I was there from 1959 to 1964. Does anyone have any photos from that period. Some of my contemporaries were; Margaret O'Brien, Kathleen Atherton, Elaine Wharton etc.

Comment by: Margaret Morris Nee Lowe on 3rd January 2010 at 19:03

Hi. I am Margaret Lowe, now Morris. I was in Tichbourne, Parallel, with Lynn, you were good at netbal and hockey, and Margaret, we were two of four Margarets in the class. What great memories(St. John's church was a good refuge from cold wet playtimes) How many candles did we light?
What great memories the photo brings back

Comment by: Sheila Brown (nee Haydock) on 7th February 2010 at 08:53

I was there from '58 to '63 pic certainly brings it all back, indoor shoes/blue veils/ Dwyer maths & Dwyer english .........

Comment by: Margaret Morton (nee Baxendale) on 6th March 2010 at 19:32

For Christine Atherton. Agree with your comment especially about Sister Isabel - was called a stupid girl on my first day! I hardly see anyone these days apart from 1 or 2 of the Chorley girls. Hope you are well.

Comment by: Margaret Kirkham ( was Mitchinson ) on 15th March 2010 at 23:23

Just going through my memory bank and put in Notre Dame on Google - and here it is, just as I remember it ! Anne Kenny, you and I were in Townley together between 69 and 74. Hello all you "convent girls " out there, especially those who I can remember from Townley - Margaret Meadows, Maria Bentley, Susan Riley, Joanne Finch, Theresa Glover, Marie Gwinnett, Bernadette Kearns, Debra Hilton, Helen Walker, Christine Atherton, Jean Riding, Julia Perkins, Bridget Murphy, Pauline Gregory, Delia Smith, Elaine Mitchinson - what a great experience it was attending this legendary school ! RIP Notre Dame - we will never forget you.

Comment by: Veronica Wilson (was Hermine Holland) on 28th March 2010 at 04:05

I attended Notre Dame 2 years 1965-1967. We then moved to Australia. Have been back once since then - Wigan sure had changed. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers those days.

Comment by: Rach on 17th April 2010 at 21:44

And some of them made a complete spectacle of themselves with pulled-up and rolled-up (too far) skirts as they walked up Standishgate and the slight incline from the town centre!

Comment by: Helen Sargeant, nee Barton on 2nd May 2010 at 21:06

Was in Parallel from 65-71. What happened to Chris Bennett and Pat Heaton? Time for a reunion! I well remember the Dwyers and Sr Margaret Paul as I was useless at maths and still am.

Comment by: Anne from Ince on 6th September 2010 at 14:50

Hi Margaret I remember you ,I was best friends with Pauline Rodgers ,do you remember her .Sister Pat was our form teacher in the 5th year she was o.k but Sister Margaret Paul was a whole other story .!!!Still we had a good few laughs .

Comment by: Janet Halton on 19th September 2010 at 19:54

This photo brings the memories flooding back. I was there until 1973 and then went onto St John Rigby.

Comment by: Ann Brown (nee Smalley) on 24th October 2010 at 17:33

Hi I was at Notre Dame from 1963 to 1970, if Marlene Gill reads this, please get in touch, others in my class were Susan Green, Judith, Carol, Beryl e-mail me please

Comment by: Julie Milligan née Bolton on 27th October 2010 at 20:57

Hi Vera Howarth née whelan. I was in parallel and Townley 1963- 67
Julie Bolton, any recollection ?

Comment by: Bernice Australia on 18th November 2010 at 07:29

I was there 54-60 and we would NEVER have got away with rolled up skirts - the nuns used to measure ours if they thought they were a bit short. Great school though!

Comment by: Ann Brown (nee Smalley) on 12th January 2011 at 19:03

Remember it well. Was at school between 1964 and 1970 and remember turning my skirt over to make a mini skirt and often having to kneel on the Salle floor while it was measured. It hadn't to be more than 6" from the floor to your skirt, which was only actuall about 4" above the knee. Happy days.

Comment by: Kathryn Miller nee Graham on 20th May 2011 at 16:12

Hi, Just found this site and had a good chuckle at the photos and comments. I attended in 1963 to 1969 and hated every minute!! In the first year (Miss Cottam) I cried along with several others, every day and wanted my Mum!!I know now it was a good school educationally but gosh those nuns!They wouldn't get away with it now. Sister Margaret Paul made me cry on my first day. I didn't have the correct uniform( Looking back my mum couldn't afford it)and Sr MP dragged me out in assembly.I do remember with fondness Miss Coombs and Miss Tyrer they instilled in me a love of English.Anyone remember Mr Rynn the french teacher fancy letting him loose in a convent! I travelled from Warrington and some days it was a hellish journey. we never had any money and seemed to walk miles with heavy bags etc. The kids today have never had it so good. Not once did my mum come to school to complain etc it was unheard of in those days . I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me . Thanks

Comment by: Pat Bennett on 31st August 2011 at 11:08

Re Sister Isabel, did you know confiscated sweets were passed on to her form? On the other hand, she taught us Latin. We earned those sweets. I just remember being truly terrified of one teacher - Miss Kelly.

Comment by: Krystyna Doyle nee Maciechowski on 4th October 2011 at 13:27

I was there from '62-69, in Parallel, with Ann Murphy and Philomena McNicholas, also Teresa Flannery,Christine o' Neill and Hilary ? were in Alt. I have great memories of school

Comment by: wigancitizen on 12th December 2011 at 16:25

why was this building knocked down?

Comment by: Patricia King (nee Farmer) on 13th December 2011 at 17:23

What a wonderful photograph. I was there from 1960 to 1965 in parallel and townley and boy did we have to toe the line! You dare not be seen outside of school without hat or gloves or you were given a demerit mark. I remember indoor and outdoor shoes and dancing with Mrs Drinkwater. My pals in class were Pauline Gaskell, Sue from Leigh and Eileen from Garswood (can't remember surnames). Perhaps someone else can remember.

Comment by: Janet Halton on 15th February 2012 at 14:30

I was in Stafford and left in 1973. I recently found a list of everyone in our form; Janet Barton, Kathy Blakeway, Janet Callaghan, Bernadette Cleary, Anne Collins, Carol Corner, Monica Eccles, Josephine Farrell, Janet Gaskell, Janet Halton, Deborah Jones, Helen Kiney, Judith Lloyd, Christine Lyons, Christine McKay, Margaret McNicholas, Jean Melling, Anne Pryle, Elaine Sankey, Katherine Tickle, Mary Tully, Ann Turner, Anne Waddington, Carol Walsh, Susan Whitby and Jean Wright.

Comment by: Dale Evans on 10th March 2012 at 02:59

I was in Stafford in 1973. Obviously not significant enough to be on the list Janet found. We were in the same form.All those names are familiar.

Comment by: joyce gray nee mulqueeney/brooksbank on 26th March 2012 at 21:51

what an amazin photo i was in stafford and was in the last year there before the school closed and we were let loose among the boys at st thomas more!!any of sister barbara,s questers gang out there?

Comment by: Julia Dowdeswell nee Foy on 8th April 2012 at 02:07

I was there from 1962 - 1968 in Stafford and Upper.
I loved it despite the old fashioned discipline and attempts to make us all into ladies ! It was a great education which I appreciated much later.
Friends were Pauline Brogan, Maureen Pilkington both from Horwich,Jean Riley, Teresa Flynn,Teresa Flannery,Margaret Roddy,Hilary Oakes,Christine O'Neill....would love to hear fom any of them.
I remember being old off by most teachers,particularly St. Margaret Paul and Mr. Caterall ....had the hots or Mr. Taylor ...didn't we all?
Happy Days!

Comment by: Anita Snape (now Slevin) on 13th April 2012 at 14:35

I was in Townley 1965-70. I was in upper and my first memories are of lessons in a hut near St Marys Church.Anyone remember locking Mr Savage the geography teacher out on the balcony and balancing his wifes chair on the platform so that she'd fall over? My best friend was Imelda O'Reilly. Does anyone know where she is?

Comment by: Helen Corteen (Finney) on 13th June 2012 at 22:15

Lovely to see all the comments and photos. I was in Jerningham and left at the end in 1974, remember lots of great people - Gill Taylor especially.

Comment by: Marian Newman (nee Bibby) on 23rd August 2012 at 10:16

what lovely memories I have of my time at NDHS, I was there from 1971-74 when it closed, remember Sister Margaret especially for maths, what a scary woman, but grew very fond of her. I think my French teacher was Miss Barlow, cried my eyes out when I left!!! went onto NDHS St Helens with Ann Wilson, Jackie Lowe and a couple of others.

Comment by: Marian Newman (nee Bibby) on 23rd August 2012 at 11:10

just to follow up on old memories, I was in the last year before the school closed down, and by that time they had linked up the houses, i.e. Tichbourne/Jerningham and Townley/Stafford. I was in class T/J. I remember the trip to Stratford where we had to get permission to go rowing on the Avon, and I was nearly denied that privelege because i was so noisy the night before in the hostel. also, we had a sort of 'pilgrimage' to France, Belgium and Luxembourg to see the birthplace of St Julie Billihart (is that how you spell it?) and it cost £35.00 for 6 days, I got told off for being noisy then too!!! also remember getting on to the roof of the school on one of our last days there...other names I remember: Catherine Halliwell, (whose name I shortened to Challiwell and then Charlie), Anne Marie McAllister, Christine Rose...........Sister Pat...ricia

Comment by: Carol Greenall on 10th September 2012 at 21:43

Hi, I was a year ahead of you and got sent to Tommy Moore.Spelling almost correct - it's Billiart. And not forgetting the school motto 'Ah! Qu'il est bon le Bon Dieu'. It was a brilliant school, I loved my time there, although it was only for 3 years.

Comment by: Celia nee Kavanagh on 17th May 2013 at 10:33

I was there 59-65 and enjoyed my time there. My first form mistress Sr Isabel, what a woman. She said I would grow up to be a communist agitator when I started a strike against the amount of Latin homework we were getting in 2 Alternative. Remember you Pat Bennett from when I was in 1 Upper. Anyone remember Ann Simm, Anne Sweeney, Elizabeth Harrison, Jean Davenport, Julie Tickle, Christine Baines, Hazel Grundy, Viv McKnight, Ruth Bowker, Julie Stanley, Vera Platt, Carole Pimblett, Maeve Kennedy, Norah Taberner, Janet Crews, Rosaline Conlon, Pat Miller, Miriam Moss, Monica Coleclough, Pat Walters, Susan Birchall, Julia Marshall, Margaret Heyburn, just a few from memory and forgive me Susan and Sandra whose second names are lost in my memory but I can remember you well and the others who I will notice I have missed the minute I close. Best wishes all of you and to Sr Margaret Paul and Sr Philomena who I was fond of, Miss Battersby who terrified me and yet out of school was a lovely lady, memories of Dacre Brown (Geog) Mr Savage (Hist) Miss Latham (French) Miss Agatha Brown (sport) and Miss Pauline Brown (Eng) and Sr Mary, Sr Joseph and of course Sr Marie. Happy days

Comment by: Celia nee Kavanagh on 17th May 2013 at 12:42

Knew it, the minute I signed out. Susan Atherton (Suavs), Susan Bleasdale (the best netball and tennis player in school), Barbara Hamilton, Sandra Hargreaves and Judith ? who was a mathematical genius, there will be more as there were 36 of us in our form but it was 50 years ago.
Of the teachers who could ever forget Dwyer Maths and Dwyer English, sisters but chalk and cheese. Maths was a holy terror. Miss Speight, Miss English, Miss Isherwood, Miss Dromgoole, Miss Holding, Miss Rice, Miss Moody, Miss Speakman, Miss Dunne, Miss Garrick, Mrs James and Potty Cotty who taught Spanish and the Ice Creamy Tribe version of History. She made a very boring subject fun, but what a wonderful lady Miss Cottam really was, she was in charge of the Legion of Mary volunteers and we used to visit old folks homes and visit lonely old people in their own homes and run errands for them, at their request. Not forgetting Miss Hawkins and Miss Brown who ran the Girl Guides and our visiting former matron of Wigan Infirmary, Mrs Warburton who taught us First Aid, Home Nursing and Mothercraft with the British Red Cross Society. We have to admit we got a good and varied education to prepare us for life.
Each of the societies walked separately following the school banner on Whit Monday and I was proud to carry the flag for the British Red Cross Society one year but that was harder work than it looks in a high wind.
OK girls, lets get down to real memories! We were there when the sisters went to live elsewhere and the very first men teachers were allowed into the convent, this was new and previously unheard of and their staff room was in the top gable at the right of the picture and our classroom in 4A was up in the roof by its side facing Powell St and the Coop but all we could see from the windows was chimney pots, so between classes our door was always open to see Mr Catterall, Mr Jones, Mr Savage, Mr Brown and then drool over Mr Taylor and wait for it ooooohh, who could forget Senor Rubledo, now he was a dish, with a fantastic accent, a genuine Spaniard, exotic! Mmmm memories! Come on we were 15ish and the nearest boys were locked away in the Boys Grammar and miles away they had finally got around to building a Catholic Boys Grammar school, John Rigby, the male teachers were all we had to look at and none of them Adonis.
Those of us still living will be pensioners now. It doesn't bear thinking how quickly the years have gone by.

Comment by: Sue Grills(Jones) on 7th June 2013 at 21:49

Just a small correcton,I was there 1957/1963 and themen had already started teaching before I left.(who could forget men teachers in a convent !!) pics have broueght back some great memories (who could forget Miss Kelly !!)

Comment by: Christine Frederick on 10th August 2013 at 13:54

So lovely to see this and to read the comments. You may be interested to know that I attended from about 60 to 66 along with many others. I actually worked alongside both Dwyer sisters in Skelmersdale at St Richards for a number of years. I was in the 5 Lower that left in 64 snd would dearly love to know where you all are now.

Comment by: margaret - nee Maloney on 16th August 2013 at 22:04

I loved to see this picture and read the comments, I was there from 1963-69 and remember with a smile lots of the names already mentioned, Celia were you the one with us doing a séance in upper 6 and sister Marie caught us and gave is one hell of a lecture? started at hollies with miss cottom who went on to be a nun came back as a nun then left again came back again as miss cottom, lovely history teacher miss Trickett and miss garnet head of our form in 5th year I was in parallel, remember well miss coombes, the dwyers, Mr Savage, I was told once to go to him ask for him as Mr Tiger! Mrs Ryan, Mr Hilton, Mr Oneil, loved the school very happy days, aware I have been lazy not used capitals, guilt comes in, all part of the school, wearing gloves, not eating in the street, standing up on buses for people, we were to be examples to all, convent school girls do or do not do this or that....remember and always wear your hat, brown felt or straw for summer with white gloves...I heard some girls from my year had died don't want to name in case wrong but was saddened to hear. I have worked for 3 years with someone and only when she was retiring did I realise she was at the convent with me in same year, she shared some lovely photos before she left.
I was friends with Joan Baxendale, I still am and we keep in regular contact, Christine Tarpey, Christine Thomson, Valerie Picton, Pauline Riley, still see occasionally Teresa flynn

Comment by: Carol Greenall on 8th September 2013 at 16:39

Christine Tarpey is my cousin. I started at the Hollies in 1970, wearing her old blazer in the summer of 71.
I have set up a group on Facebook for Notre Dame. If you want to join just send a request.

Comment by: sheila maule(fisher) on 29th September 2013 at 21:14

I was at Notre Dame 1962 -1968 with Angela Platt, Christine Mulleney,Jean Porter, Betty Nolan,Anne Fairhurst, Kathleen McCormick to name just a few. Happy days except for the time our form room was just along the corridor from Sister Marie's office, try telling 30odd 15 year old girls to be quiet!.

Comment by: Carol Greenall on 27th February 2014 at 11:46

For those of you on Facebook. www.facebook.com/groups/276315092501196/

Comment by: BETH HALL (NOW BETH BURKE) on 3rd March 2014 at 17:04

I WAS IN PARRALLEL, TICHBOURNE HOUSE, FROM 1964 TO 1971....I HAVE STARTED UP A FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ANYONE INTERESTED......The Convent,Notre Dame High School,
Wigan

Comment by: Carol on 4th March 2014 at 11:52

The facebook page I set up last March is Notre Dame High school, Wigan.

Comment by: Margaret Shields nee McBride. on 18th October 2014 at 21:17

Left in 1970. Was in Lower. Friends with Gillian Fleming Julie Benson Ann Johnston. Lived in Ashton in Makerfield. Happy memories. Went to the Hollies as well. Mysister Mary also went

Comment by: Sandra Fox nee Janes on 24th November 2014 at 23:25

I atended Notre Dame from 1966 to 1971 in Upper/Townley. I remember the Dwyers with dread especially Maths but adored Mr Brown (Geography), Miss Kelly (German) and Miss Gork-Rogers (Shorthand/Typing). My friends were Judith Fearnheard and Susan Fenney from Alt. I would love to hear from them.

Comment by: Judith Roby (nee Ashurst) on 5th March 2015 at 15:52

I was at the convent from 1964 to 1970. Ann Brown (nee Smalley) and Kathryn Miller (nee Graham) were in my class. I am still friends with Mary Selby (nee Staniforth). I sometimes see Eileen O'Neill in Wigan but do not see anyone else. Would love to get in touch with others from my year.

Comment by: Vivien Bampton née Longman on 25th September 2015 at 13:52

I just found this page and love it. I was at Notre Dame from 1960 to 1964. I now live in Australia. I would love to make contact with anyone from that time.

Comment by: Vivien Bampton née Longman on 26th December 2015 at 11:07

If Vera Whelan is from the Whelan family at Standish, it would be good to hear from you to see if you are one of the Whelan family my family knew.

Comment by: Elizabeth Adamson (nee Ashworth) on 25th March 2016 at 17:14

I was there from 1959/1964 I remember Chritine Frederich was in same class (did'nt you come from St. Helens in 2nd year) also Christine Atherton and Margaret Baxendale remember Elaine Wharton,Pat ClossicK Pat MUllaney, Anne Seddon, Beryl Seabrook , Jennifer Gee, Helen Scannell? , Sheila Porter Angela Bowers and Ann Wilson. The comments about Sister Isobelle ring true I remember in our first Latin class she peered over the top of her glasses and said I am Sister Isobelle and I am Scottish... Not scotch - that comes out of a bottle. Some good memories though and some good teachers.

Comment by: Angela Beard (nee Chisnall) on 22nd June 2016 at 22:31

How wonderful to see all these photographs and read the comments. I was there in approx 1953 -57 and was in Parallel and Townley House. Still keep in contact with quite a few friends from then. I left UK in 1968 to go to Zambia for five years and since then have lived in beautiful New Zealand.

Comment by: Karen Almond on 18th September 2016 at 00:33

I too attended Notre Dame until it closed. I sat next to Anne Marie Risley, now Harrington. Some other girls in my class were Anne Gallegher, Bernadette Tickle,Gillian Hollis,Ann Nethercott,Ann Harrison and lots more great girls. Lots of good memories great teachers except one of whom I was terrified. (Sr Pat)

Comment by: Pauline Critchley nee Brogan on 18th October 2017 at 11:33

I attended Notre Dame between 1963-69. I would love to contact Teresa Flynn and Jean Riley from my year.We were in Upper and along with Maureen Pilkington and Julie Foy we were all best friends.If anyone has any contact details for them I would love to get in touch.

Comment by: Carol on 21st October 2017 at 15:29

Pauline Critchley - I have sent you a facebook message about the Notre Dame group on fb.

Comment by: Pauline Critchley nee Brogan on 31st October 2017 at 12:56

I would like Margaret Maloney to get in touch, if she has any contact details for Teresa Flynn, as we are trying to organise a get together for our group of friends.

Comment by: Jean Crowther nee Porter on 14th February 2018 at 12:07

I was at Notre Dame, Wigan at the same time as Pauline Critchley, nee Brogan 63/68, I left after 5th year to work for Midland Bank now HSBC. While at school I was a keen netball player and played for the school team, my sister Sheila Porter also went there but 4 years before me, she went on to be the first ladies captain of England Ladies football team in the early 1970s. Happy memories

Comment by: Carmela Hinckley on 31st May 2018 at 20:31

Just discovered the wonderful photos of Notre Dame! Attended 1959 to 1968..remember so many of the names mentioned in the posts..Jean Davenport, Julie Tickle, Sheila Yates, Susan Turner, Ruth Bowker, Oonagh Talwrn Jones Margaret Wilson Maureen McLoughlin Susan Jolley (head girl when I arrived) Catherine Gaukroger my cousins Monica, Frances, Susan ..and so many others..Staff the wonderful Dwyer sisters, Sr Isabelle (terrifying) Miss Kelly (terrifying) but wonderful teachers Dacre Brown Miss Isherwood at school with my aunt Brenda Green, earlier generation)Miss Sullivan Miss Pauline Brown, Miss Fisher, Miss Rice, Miss Battersby, Miss Taylor Sr Vincent, Sr Mary, Sr Marie Miss Cottam Mr Taylor (everyone swooning) Senor Robledos..was Tichborne in Upper and then Alt. Happy and sometimes not, as with any school, but given wonderful tools to keep learning for the rest of life. So many memories..wearing gloves summer and winter, polished floors, silence on the corridor (if they were lucky!)...no going in (the then pretty new) coffee bars,buying uniform from Henry Barrett (I think?) and parent being told by sister that, if we didn't succeed academically, we would at least leave, turned out as ladies. Was terribly shy...but so lucky to have been there!

Comment by: Ann Kidd on 4th November 2018 at 18:48

I'm just having one more look for anyone out there who was in Upper from 1960 to 1966, to date I have only found three others. I'm hoping there are still others out there just waiting to be found. Thanks.

Comment by: Stanley Osweiler on 11th December 2020 at 21:53

My wife and I live in Indianapolis, Indiana USA. She was a student at Notre Dame Convent High School, graduating - I think - in 1962 or 1963? Her name at the time was Barbara Topping. I am hoping to find on the internet an assortment of ND school photos, facts, information, friends, etc. from that period...as a surprise for Christmas. If anyone is able to either supply such items - or direct me to where I might find them - I would be eternally grateful, as would she. Thank you in advance for whatever yu might be able to send my way. Stan Osweiler

Comment by: Christine O’Neill (now Nuttall) on 14th February 2021 at 12:19

Came across this by chance. Was at the convent 63-70. Wonderful to see old familiar names. Great friends with Hilary Oakes, Teresa Flannery, Bernadette Quinn, Veronica Fahey and so many others. Old pals from St Cuthberts Pemberton. Netball was everything. Remember the end of year game when 2nd yr sixth played the teachers? One year we dressed as cavemen? Loved Miss Coombes who lent me her West Side Story LP. The class bought her an awful ‘painting’ once. Who broke the g-plan table in the common room?? Hoping you are all doing well.

Comment by: Janet Ainscough was Rigby on 25th March 2021 at 17:12

I've just come across this page.
I was at the convent as we called it from 1966 to 1973 in upper.
I recognise so many teachers names. I remember the first text book we were given was a Bible. Wearing a blue veil for church services. The school army.
Spending days being put into height order to parade into speech day at queen's Hall. Tiny classrooms up in attics. Some very happy memories

Comment by: Karen Hunt -was Karen Webb on 16th June 2021 at 11:44

I attended Notre Dame from 66 -70. Travelling from Warrington every day. Sister Margaret Paul was very strict. I don't know of anyone who liked her. I remember when she caught us on the roof. Big trouble!!! I remember having to wear the veil to morning mass and not being allowed out of school without hat and gloves on. I know live in Australia and recently retired.

Comment by: Patricia King (nee Farmer) on 1st January 2022 at 15:41

Now the ripe old age of 73 I remember my first year with my pal Jean Mcguigan. We were stuck like glue in class until we were separated for talking. She taught me how to draw a person which I use to this day. Never drawn anything else. She went off to Singapore at the end of the first year. We kept in touch for a couple of years and the last time I heard from her was from Peterborough. If anyone knows where she is now I would love to write.

Comment by: Margaret Ross nee McAvoy on 19th January 2022 at 20:11

I was there in 1961 to 1966. I was in the top class 'Alternative'. I was very well educated there and left with 8 G.C.E.'s. I was from Warrington and still live there. Unfortunately I was suffering from a major depressive disorder which I have had to battle with my entire life. My first main job was at the Borough Treasurer's Office in Warrington. I was married in 1972 and we had two children. A girl and then 2 years and 3 months later a boy. They are now grown up and my son is married with 2 girls still at school. Unfortunately there father died of a type of blood cancer when they were both attending school. He died in 1994 a year after the Bridge Street Bombing in Bridge Street on Saturday, 20th March, 1993. The first bomb went off at 12:25pm and the second about one minute later. I was in a shop round the corner with my daughter and my son was with friends in Ryland Street Street. They ran to see where it was and they were blown off their feet but were otherwise unharmed. Only their father was not in the town centre at the time. When we arrived home the news was just breaking on the t.v. I was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 1917. Luckily before the Covid-Pandemic so had chemotherapy and radium. I am still here at 73 years old. I remember Eva Henstead, Joan Percival, Rowena Price, Barbara Browsoski, and many more.

Comment by: Ursula Davies (nee carroll) on 17th April 2022 at 17:17

I remember these days well.
I was there 1963-69 In Upper. Does anyone have any information on Andrea Weaver as she was. Remember lots of names as scrolling through lots if good memories

Comment by: Veronica Morris (now McNulty) on 6th November 2022 at 11:39

I was there from 1954 to 1960. In Jerningham and Parallel. I’d love to hear more from others in those years.

Comment by: Vivien Walker (nee Swann) on 14th January 2024 at 23:00

I was there from 1961 to 1968. I was on parallel and Townley. I remember Kathleen Philbin, Julie Bolton, Mary Brown, Angela Platt, Sheila Fisher, Anne Malee and Eileen Pye. I was terrified of Sister Margaret Paul at first, but she was very fair. Remember her a new concept. When she finished she said for anyone to come to her desk who didn't understand. Then told me to come up. Obviously knew I didn't have a clue. During a science lesson she once told me that if I had been clever I would have made a great scientist. Anyone remember the factory in Wigan where they used to make toffee rock. Used to there at lunchtime to buy some. Great Times. I loved it there

Comment by: Colin Traynor on 16th January 2024 at 09:29

Cracking view of this fine building, you can catch a glimpse of the old Co-op Department store on the corner of Powell Street

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