Published Southland Times Thursday January 9, 1973

Belda School Expanding

The Southland based Belda School of Deportment and Modelling is spreading its wings with the purchase this month of the Nola Kelleher School and Model Agency in Christchurch in September 1984.

Belda principal Fran Muntz of Riverton, says the acquisition of the Christchurch school will mean wider opportunities for both students and staff as the schools will be run on similar lines and teaching in both will embody the same ideas.

Well known Christchurch Model Carol Pritchard will run the modelling classes in Christchurch and the overall control of the school will be in the hands of Mrs Mary Neill.

Mrs Mary Neill was originally a Belda student, a primary school teacher in Invercargill.  She has been a tutor at Belda in Invercargill for the past 3 years. This month she moves to Christchurch to manage the business at that end.

Another Southlander, Mrs Joy Burnett, who won the national Make and Model dressmaking contest while living in Fairfax, is now settled in Christchurch and will have an association with the school.

Belda School started operations in an upstairs complex in Cashel Street, Christchurch but will now move to new premises in Madras Street, Christchurch.

Belda Tutors – Christchurch:  Carol Pritchard,  Suzie Walker, Jan Walker, Shirl Frankland, Lancell Moore, Isobel Pinson, Judy Sigley, Pat McCord.   Secretary Sue Quinlian