We were so pleased the sun was shining on Saturday and we were able to host a memorial for former pupil Denise Garvie. 

Denise attended St Joseph’s College until 1991 where she completed her GCSEs before heading off to study her A Levels.

Sadly, Denise passed away at the age of 46 after battling cancer for a couple of years during the Covid lockdown. She was married to Mike and had two beautiful young children. 

Since her passing, a number of her College friends have reconnected and arranged for a beautiful bench, carved with a tribute, to be donated to the College in her memory.

On Saturday, Denise's husband and children joined with College friends for the memorial, where tears and laughter were shared as they remembered their dear friend, mother and wife.

The Head, Mrs Stotesbury, said a few words, alongside Denise's friend Emma, before the group enjoyed a tour of the College.

Lots of laughter could be heard from the corridors as they made their way around the different (or not so different) classrooms. 

We were able to find old photos and the original handwritten admissions book in our archive to share with everyone while we enjoyed coffee and cake. 

It really was a pleasure to host this event and lovely to see former students back at the College, who all shared fond memories of their time at St Joseph’s.