About 100 Students from The Ursuline College and Convent Schools and friends gathered for a celebratory reunion to mark 120 years of Ursuline Education in Westgate on Sea.
The school in Westgate-on-Sea was established in 1904 when a group of Ursuline Sisters fled Boulogne with a number of their pupils. Although our school in Boulogne-sur-Mer had existed since 1624 (400 years ago) , laws passed in France had made it impossible for the Sisters to continue their work of Catholic education in France.
In 1995, following the sudden closure of the neighbouring St Augustine’s College the school became coeducational.
Today the Ursuline College is run by the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership Trust.
The reunion started with Mass led by Bishop Paul Hendricks and concelebrated by the Alumni Chaplain, Canon Brian Coyle and local parish priest Fr Joe Owusu – Ansah. Bishop Paul and Canon Brian both spoke of their association with the school.
The main speaker was Prof Dame Ann Dowling, former President of the Royal Academy of Engineers, She was at the School between 1963 and 1970. Professor Dame Anne Dowling has been the only woman ever to be President of the Royal Academy of Engineers. Colonel Paddy Williams who led the King’s Coronation Parade in London last year on behalf of the British Army was unable to attend as he is on duty abroad. He was represented by his Mother, Rosaleen Williams.
Also present was Sister Kathleen, Ursuline Provincial for England who spoke of the charism and values of Ursuline Education.
Three MPs were present. The new local Thanet East MP, Polly Billington, who went to school at the Ursuline High; Sir Roger Gale, who has been local MP for the area for the last 41 years; and Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP, who has been supporting the Ursuline High in her Constituency for the last 27 years.
Commenting on the event, Secretary of the Ursuline Alumni, Alice Odeke, said “This was a truly historic event – 400 years the school has existed – 120 of them in Westgate. It is a significant achievement that the Ursuline Charism and ethos of “Serviam” have survived the test of time – and hopefully will continue to serve for many years to come”.
The event was also supported too by former students of St Augustine’s College and Abbey School.
