St Finians Cold Ash

A Memory of Cold Ash.

Although I lived in Cookham Berkshire when I was about 11 yrs old, my parents decided to send me to boarding school. Which was St Finians, Cold Ash. It was a very emotional time being an only child, and I will never forget my first few days after arrival. I had now left my home, my parents, my pets and friends. But as the days rolled into weeks I became more settled. I loved the nuns, they certainly were strict but also great fun at times. They were undoubtedly the best days. I now had many friends, as it was just girls. Our Mother Edward was the Mother Directress of the school. I adored her, even when I was in bad books. Not often, you soon learned how to behave. In fact I became school captain. What a surprise. After turning 15 yrs on one holiday, I asked my parents if I could embark on a career. They were not entirely happy, but all turned out to my favour. I used to return to the Convent occasionally and met up with old pals and the nuns. Particularly Mother Edward. Mother Edward eventually became unwell and was then moved to The Boltons in London. Where I visited her on a few occasions, and so enjoyed seeing and discussing all that was happening in my life.
I have corresponded briefly with one or two old school friends. But we are all into our own lives, I guess.
if anyone is around always love to hear. My memories of Cold Ash, will never die. Great Days.


Added 03 June 2014

#308778

Comments & Feedback

I was at this school from 1949 to 1960 and did not find the nuns kind! Yes, I remember the nun you mention but they are not good memories! In my opinion she had her favorites and a temper! It was not until the new staff of nuns arrived, I think in 1955ish that we were treated with any kindness. Punishments were severe and certainly would not be tolerated these days. I am glad you have good memories but I do not!
Hi Jo, well I never. I didn't expect to find any one on here from the ol days. But I do remember you. gee I still have a holy card in my missal from you. I guess you are near my age now, I am 75 yrs now. How time flys by. If you read this pop I and say hello. Judy P.S Did you have pigtails??? I got into trouble for cutting girls hair..
Hello Judith and Jo, Jo I remember you from school, I am sorry your memories are sad. I have such happy memories of school, of course I was a "day girl" so that may have made a difference. I do hope your life has been happy since then. Would love to be in touch with others from school. Dawn Clifford.
Today 1st September 2015. My memories were in a way quite sad. To see that the well known place of "The old school" has now changed beyond my memory. I note it is still there in effect, but I now am keen to find out where did all the "nuns" go. As it all seems to be, and am delighted to say, an animal retreat. Somewhere I would very much like on my doorstep, so I could pop in and tend the animals or let them give me so much in return in the affection area. As I am a complete animal lover, in fact go as far to say, they give us so much pleasure in life, and one can return that emotion to them, which is constantly returned by the said animal. The pictures I found of the farm animals with the children are very in a way rewarding, in as much no sign of the old ways and days of The School as was in the 50's. I often want to return to see the old place, but wonder would I be too emotional finding so much has changed. No, nothing is forever. Who knows I may yet pluck up the courage to hopefully one day visit where I spent a very few years of my latter school days.
Judith Handy (cap)
I and my sister Jane attended St Finians along with cousins Katherine and Elizabeth. Most miserable time, spiteful nuns, only nice nuns I remember were Sister Mary and Sister Frances Joseph, she was the PE teacher. Could write a book on that experience. I remember you Jo Drummond. Do you remember how the American children were treated different to all the rest. I remember Danuta Robel from Germany, she was very kind.
I got sick and was unable to plait Jane's hair in the mornings (she was 7 and I 12), I was in the sick bay so they put a pudding basin on her head and chopped it off. Today, that would land them in court. Incoming letters read and censored, outgoing letters read and censored. Stuff to be forgotten.
Noelle Reynolds (nee Brophy)
Hello everyone, my Mum attended St Finian's from 1949 from age 5 to 17 I think, her name was Ann Moore and her sister attended too Margeret Moore. If you have any information regarding how it may have been for them to be at St Finian's. Or have memories of my Mum I would be most grateful! With Many Thanks
i agree.i was their 1969.it was hell.a evil nun called sister matron all in white with her sunken eyes treated me terribly.comeing into the dorm at night pulling the bed clothes off and hitting us with brushes.i still remember that pain.i cant look at a nun even to this day.just evil
Hello Kathleen. You were there much later than I. To say I was amazed at your review, is an understatement. As it was some years after I left that you mention these happenings.
One would think in the very late 60's that it just wasn't possible. All I can say is I had and have many happy memories of ST.FINIANS. Yes I agree there was a certain amount of strictness, guess there had to be with so many girls. It is quite sad that you have these memories, and I only hope you can place it behind you, and enjoy your life to the full. Best Wishes Judith
Hello Jo, my Mum attended St Finian's from 1949 from age 5 to 17 I think, her name was Ann Moore and her sister attended too Margeret Moore. If you have any information regarding how it may have been for them to be at St Finian's. Or have memories of my Mum I would be most grateful! With Many Thanks
Hello, my Mum attended St Finian's from 1949 from age 5 to 17 I think, her name was Ann Moore and her sister attended too Margeret Moore. If you have any information regarding how it may have been for them to be at St Finian's. Or have memories of my Mum I would be most grateful! With Many Thanks
Hello Jaleh I do remember your Mother Ann Moore. Well the name certainly rings a bell. Sounds like she is not with us any more. If that is so it seems quite sad.
I am sure she was a happy bunny and had a sense of humour. I think she was younger than I. But I am not sure. To me all was good and although strict was possibly necessary for having respect to the nuns and stood us in good stead . for future. Just my opinion . Best Wishes Judith
I'm glad to come across these memories especially the negative ones. Only because my memories did not match most of what I had read before. I too remember the nuns as spiteful. Because of the treatment I got, to this day, I am overwhelming sensitive to unfairness, whether it's towards myself or others. I was never happy there and wasn't until I left earlier than is normally acceptable. Only then did I start to blossom or learn anything meaningful. I'm sure one nun in particular thought I was good for nothing. I sometimes wish she could have found out she was wrong. The names I recall are Sister Mary Agnellus, Sister Francis Joseph, Sister Dermot (she was OK but picked her nose a lot, hence the nickname Picky Nose. She was also the one that threatened to leave the class when we wouldn't quieten down 🙄), Sister Mary Joseph. Some names escape me, there was one who was a bit timid and gave choir practice, Cherry Ripe has always stuck in my mind.

I told an elderly uncle, a strict Catholic, in latter years what used to happen and he said 'Yes, they can be cruel at times'.
Obviously long before I was there. As none of the names you mention I can recall. Sorry it was so unkind to you but I am certain after all this time you have managed to put it behind you, Wish you well. Judith
Hi I boarded there in the early 60s. I remember fondly sister Anthony who taught French but we could easily side track her into talking about her time in India. I also adored sister Francis Joseph (PE) and sister mark Anthony (maths) was nice. But sister matron was horrible as was sister agnelles. Some other boarders were: Ruth Baldwin, Naomi gron, Margaret kinsella, Juanita Bradley (I think she was expelled), the Appleby sisters (Marion and ??), The prendergast sisters. Day girls: Alison pinnock, Diana Smith, Julia Smith.
I cannot believe this. It sounds so unreal. I am not disputing the author of this letter in any way. But surely it is very sad to read and I only hope the author can somehow in her heart and mind" forgive, as we forgive others. " There must have been SOME good Memories. Judith
Again unbelievable. Must have been a different order. There must be a reason somewhere.
Hi Jo. rereading the comments of St,Finians, I find it hard to believe these sad stories. I must have been on a cloud as I cannot recall these happenings. But we are all entitled to our opinions and i trust all is well with you. Keep Safe Judith
Hello Sue,
I'm not sure you remember me but you and I would play tennis and walk our rabbits on leads around the tennis courts , about 1970 - I even have a photo of you!
Sister Mary was one I remember , lovely to us boarders and very understanding.
I returned to St Finians in 1998 on a trip from Australia with my young daughter's We felt very welcomed and had afternoon tea and chat . I was able to show my young daughters around the old school , dorm and chapel which was lovely for them and myself.
I was friends with Mary Prendergast , Patrica and Maureen Fogarty , Michelle and Beverly Fairhurst and the Apperby sisters, who were boarders at the time . Kathleen Cattle, Fiona Cave and Ruth [someone ] were day girls. Have completely lost touch from the day I finished year 10.
Would love to reconnect with childhood friends, Margo Townsend. 1965-72
I have just come across this site. I attended St Finians as a boarder leaving in 1962. I hated the place the nuns were unkind. My name was Margaret Sweetman I was there for about 3 years. I’m do remember the very young American children who were boarders too albeit their parents were just down the road at Greenham Common and cleaning their shoes and leaving them outside their large dormitory. They were so young it was so sad
Hello - so fun to find this page. I'm doing research on my mom, Janis Brown. She was at St. Finias from around 1954 through 1962 when she graduated high school and moved to London. We went to the school together once but it had changed from when she was there. She talks about Father Garlick who married her and my dad. It would be incredible if anyone on this site knew my mom.

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