The Convent Of The Sacred Heart, Barnes

A Memory of Barnes.

I too attended the Convent of The Sacred Heart in Barnes. My name is David Gayton. I am presuming that it was little known that boys also attended the school. ( I was always led to believe that there had been several other boys in days before, including one who became Prime Minister, who knows! ), My Grandparents lived in Bracken Gardens, which is where my father, was brought up. Barnes had always been the family home hence us all spending so much time there. Father was a chorister at St Marys, my Grandfather a sidesman. as indeed had been his father, I attended St Marys each Sunday too for many of my young years. Fathers abiding memories of Barnes were throughout WW2 when he was a young teenager during that infamous time "The Blitz"

He married after WW2, served in the forces and was posted oversees with my mother, and subsequently I was brought up by my Grandparents in Barnes until 1961/2. During the 2 short years that I lived "full time" in Barnes, I was taught at the Convent. My abiding memory of that time is of Sister Bernadette. From around 1959-60, which is as near as I can remember, she became my teacher, tutor and looking back, my inspiration. How else can I explain how much love and support she showed me. She once helped me decorate a set of figures for the school nativity concert. I made a hopeless hash of the whole thing and she subsequently provided/purchased a rather excuisite set of figures which my family has to this day.

Such a surprise to know that others still remember that special place.

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