Thanks to VB reader, Simon Steele, for this letter to the editor. In his own words. Ed
In these times of so much distress with countries fighting for democracies, the recent miners disaster etc, sad news seems to be all around us.
Whilst the news I learnt this week is not life or death, it still saddened me to learn that the Sisters of Mercy who are based at St Anthony’s Convent, Beatrice Avenue Shanklin are to be moving from the Island to a new life in Worthing.
Here since 1898
The sisters were originally asked to come to the Island in 1898 and my Grandfather offered them shelter until they found a base in Shanklin.
These original sisters established a school in the church hall of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shanklin, to which my Mum and many of her family attended.
The sisters went on to teach at St Wilfrid’s Ventnor, Archbishop King Carisbrooke and Sandown High School and even in Portsmouth on the mainland.
I remember with some trepidation some of the nuns that taught me, whom I am sure are looking down at me writing this letter with a wry smile, although the thought of a run-in with Mother Patrick or Sister Bernard still brings me out in a cold sweat!
Caring selfless Sisters
Writing about religion nowadays almost seems politically incorrect but there are many people without a religious bone in their body whose lives have been touched by these caring selfless Sisters.
They have helped me through the good times and the bad times life throws at you and with deep respect to all the Sisters who have served the Isle Of Wight in their ministry, a special place in my heart must go to Sister Martin who had the unfortunate task of being my first primary school teacher many, many years ago and survived the nervous trauma to be still alive and kicking today.
We’ll miss you
May God bless all the Sisters at the convent at this time and all the best for your new exciting future.
The Isle Of Wight will be a sadder place for your departure.
