FORMER pupils of mid Somerset Saviour Convent school will be celebrating 50 years of school in a May.

The reunion has been an annual event since 1976, and the school is remembered with great fondness and appreciation by former pupils.

Pupils were fortunate to be taken to professional concerts and theatres, and on visits to Switzerland, Paris, Florence, Rome and Milan.

The kindness and care of the sisters is remembered by all, Sister Marie Agnes, Sister Ann Joseph, Sister Helena, Sister St Foy and Sister Jacqueline, to name but a few.

The Saviour Convent School was a thriving boarding and day school existed in Shepton Mallet for more than 60 years.

On St George’s Day in 1908 Rev Mother Patrick led her group of sisters from France to Shepton Mallet and set about the task of establishing a convent school at Langhorne House in Paul Street.

By 1930 the number of pupils had risen to 50, sadly in 1932, just as the school was flourishing, Rev Mother Patrick passed away and Rev Mother Patricia was appointed to succeed her.

One of the schools first pupils, her father, a local builder, built the new junior school in 1934. In 1947 the school expanded, acquiring a house at 57 High Street with a new assembly hall added in 1962 and a new wing in 1967.

In the last ever school magazine in 1969 the headmistress Sister Marie Agnes wrote: “It has been our privilege to help and guide over 2000 pupils over the last 60 years. We however can look back with happiness on the loyalty and affection of our many pupil past and present”.

The school Motto “Non Sibi Sed Omnibus” (not for yourself but for others) is remembered by all.

The reunion will take place at the Crossways Inn, North Wootton on Thursday May 21 starting at midday.