VADHA (Victoria/Dow Hill Association)

20 Merton Hall Gardens,

Wimbledon, London SW20 8SN

New Tel. Code: 0208 715 6549

January 2000

Dear Members, Friends and Anyone out there,

A wonderful New Millennium to all! Our family had a great 1999, celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and Dereyck's 70th birthday. For the latter, 11 of us went to sunny Minorca for a week. My mother was among the 11 and she is thriving in the Home. The food is 5* quality so she is now on a "diet" to lose weight. 

Our wider family of Vadha PLUS, is also thriving. What binds us are our memories and values gained in our school days. What we have passed on to our offspring never fails to surprise me. My own daughters read the newsletters and ask me about those they remember from Reunions attended as children. Les Daring's son, William, went to Australia where he met up with Janet Meade (Simpson) and her two daughters. He had not seen them since he was 10, and now has teenage boys of his own. Alice Wrigley's (Hardaker) son, Julian, attends the reunions in Sydney and she wrote "Bella Kelly's girls are just like sisters to me, and now that Doreen Scott is unable to attend, Melanie joins us". I know Denise Coelho's (Fink) grandchildren grew up on Hill Top stories. Stanley Prins's son, Simon, "was very glad to learn so much about the grandfather he never knew from so many people who knew him well". Thus, even if we "originals" are an aging breed, VADHA lives on in younger originals and our offspring. 

Stanley's letter was most interesting, and I quote it almost in its entirety. "I had tea with Len Hatton and his brothers. Len was Head Prefect before I started at Victoria, but as we lived on the campus, of course, I knew him and always felt a sense of awe and wonder at one who held such high office, and, one assumed, wielded tremendous power. It was good to see he was a really quite normal! On my last visit I met Jundhi Moulding when he showed me a letter from my father which he had kept from 1942 written to him when he was in the army. It was very moving to see a letter written in my father's own hand and I was so very glad to see him again. And I was glad to meet Cyril (or was it Cecil) Raymond’s sister. I hope she will get in touch. She says she comes to Hexham from time to time. Mrs. Murray-Smith seems to be coping well. The death of her husband, not much older than me, and one of the younger members of the VS staff just about closes an era. 

The discovery of Mallory's body has raised quite a lot of interest.  After the tragic events of the 1924 Everest expedition it seems that the school asked his mother for some memento on the grounds that the school houses were being named Mallory, Irving and Kellas. I don't remember ever seeing a scarf but my father was given charge of his compass which she sent on with a request that it should be used. It had written round the side of the leather case in ink "G.L.MALLORY" It was WELL used on numerous scout expeditions and also with the cadet corps. As far as I know the compass was left with the school when my father took up another appointment near to Chittagong. I wonder whether anybody at school after 1946 would remember anything about it. Perhaps a search could be instituted through your newsletter! A few years ago I attended a lecture given in Hexham by Brian Blessed when he was promoting his book on his go at Everest and spoke also about the great historic attempts. He mingled with the audience afterwards, signing copies and I told him about the compass. He was enormously interested and said I must write to him, which I did, but I don't suppose it got beyond his publishers. I never heard from him. One last thing I always feel humbled when people I meet at the reunion quote lengthy chunks of Latin texts to me, given by my father, to learn by heart because 'they have moral worth' and 'improve the mind'. If, through your newsletter you can discover anybody who has recollection of these texts (they seem to be numerous) I should be very happy to hear from them - with the texts and translations."  

At least Stanley was known as his father's son. Did you know that David Evennett was "related" to Mr. Price? David wrote: "Puttoo Price was our form master when I was 12. Also the Latin master. He arrived at V.S. after me - probably in about '44. After he arrived we discovered that Mr. Price was an uncle of my cousin from Lahore! I was even invited to tea at his house, which I remember was near the end of the corridor where the Senior Cambridge class was! 

A long letter from Nirmal SARKAR , also had memories of Mallory and Mr. Clive Murray Smith. "The recent news about finding the body of Mallory just below the summit of Mt. Everest awoke a lot of memories. You know Victoria had a prismatic compass used by Mallory in his mountaineering trips. His mother had presented it to the school when she heard that the school had honoured her son by naming one of its Houses after him. I wonder whether that souvenir is still available in the school. Mrs. Grace Clarke, the wife of our Head Master and also our Arts Teacher, used to give realistic demonstrations about how a mountaineer climbs peaks at those great heights. Memories of the good old school days flood the mind. The late Mr. Murray Smith was our Science teacher. We loved him, especially me because he used to allow me to use his enlarger since I as very fond of photography and I used to do my own developing and printing. Other students will remember how he used the meter ruler on their hands if they misbehaved! He was a fine athlete and took a lot of interest in sports and games. 

The "Anyone out there" opening to my letter, is for those who idly surf the internet and find us! Two such are Peter Harding and Irwin Shepherd. The former is old VS and wrote of his days in VS after he trekked out of Burma during the war. Irwin went to Sherwood after he trekked from Burma. Not only was I able to put Irwin in touch with Sherwood Old mates, but I referred him to Peter and they now correspond. Irwin found he knew 67 from Sherwood’s list of names he received from Paul Dickson - a reply he received in less than twelve hours! 

I keep in touch with Paul re the Hill School's Reunion on March 15th 2000. All the tickets are sold, but a "waiting list" is open, in case of cancellations. To get on this, please send cash in full £27.50 to Peter Scott, at 112 Melbourne Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT12 7N. All unsuccessful applicants will have their money refunded in full. Unlike ordinary school reunions I do not feel that those without tickets will be admitted at the door, as it is a pre ordered sit down meal. 

Our own London reunion!! Only 2 were awake! I forgot the leap year aspect of 2000! Hence the Reunion will not be on a Sunday but as usual, on SATURDAY JUNE 10th at the usual venue and time. Details will be sent out after the lunch in March. Anyone abroad wishing to receive these details please let me know. 

Just five minutes ago the post brought a brief card from Alison Blunt. She wrote: "I had a wonderful time in Australia - although now it seems hard to believe I was there only two weeks ago! It was lovely to meet so many Dow Hill girl's - everyone was so friendly, hospitable and kind and it was such a pleasure to meet them (Mrs.Noney, Elaine Halpin and Doreen Grezoux, Alice Wrigley in Sydney; and Betty Brown, Molly Gauntlett, Norma Curnow and Janet Mead in Perth). Since coming back, I've been busy moving into my new flat". May I add my very BIG THANKS to all Vadhan's who responded so warmly and generously to my introduction of Alison. She and her parents are lovely people, and her mum is one terrific cook. A way to my heart is definitely via the taste buds - and obviously stays around my middle! 

Another idle surfer is Darrel Hayden Perris! He was in "Dow Hill" in 1985 and at Victoria 1955 and 56. He is to attend the Hill Schools Reunion lunch and is looking forward to meeting all from the Hill Top. So if anyone does remember Darrel, do get in touch. 

Merna Wakefield sent me some photocopies of snaps taken when she was in school. She names those of Dorothea Myers and Sylvia Darnell, but not the others. So, I shall get her to fill in the others before the next reunion. She, and then her sister Joan informed me of Bill’s stroke in September. An operation to remove a blood clot from his brain left him in a coma for 2-3 weeks. He is making slow but steady progress but is now in a Care Home where he receives the help he needs. Give him our love and news. 

My last missive in June ended with the news of Les Daring's and Doreen Wells' (Young) demises. Not only do I suffer at the time but also I suffer again in writing it all down. I suppose I have to have this if I equally doubly share the joys.  

Cynthia asked me to speak at Les's funeral. I was very warmed at the response I got from those who knew him so well for far longer than I had. Apparently, I hit the "nail on the head". As a result the memories of Les made for quite a hilarious "wake". To reiterate - I said that Les - his very name brings a smile and a chuckle of happiness. His fun and exuberance and laugh were so infectious that when one was in his company, one knew all was right with the world - even if he did always get lost when driving (e.g. to the Reunion, yearly, and to our house). I later learnt he was known as "Left hand Les" as he hated turning right! Many recalled his jokes in his own unique style. One friend said St.  Peter would have a hard time from Les at the Pearly Gates, and once in so would the saints, never mind anyone else - all said with a hearty laugh. It was one of the happiest funerals we attended, but the poignancy of his and Cynthia's own song "Again", pulled at the heart strings. Cynthia and I chat on the phone, and always come back to his jokes and fun. 

The shock of Doreen Wells' (Young) death led me to give the news very baldly. Since then, I have been in touch with her best friend, Daphne Brown (Harding). Those of us who have best friends from our early years can empathize with all she says. I have not edited her letter at all. "In early July, I received a call from her husband Richard, to tell me that my dear friend, Doreen (Young) Wells had died after a short illness. As I write this, I am very, very sad to have lost her - but I am also enormously grateful that I had her for a friend for some 53 years - yes, there were gaps in our friendship, but, in the last several years, we had become as close as we had been when we were younger - and my last memories of her are very, very happy ones. We first met when she was 7 and I was 8, in Dow Hill - we bonded the night she heard me crying and crept into my bed to comfort me and she remained a compassionate, caring, lovable, funny, loyal friend. Doreen was a very intelligent woman - which was not always evident, because she did a good job of hiding her talents, she had the extraordinary ability to be totally at home wherever she was - be it talking to the "Char Lady" at the office - or attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace! Her range of interests was vast - a year or so ago, she went to China and wrote us about the trip - after he had read it, my husband who was a Naval Officer said, "We should send this off to the Government - she has given us a better insight into how China works today, than anyone else I've read recently". Friendship, particularly for women, is an absolute necessity as a coping mechanism - it is an advantage we have over men who, more often than not, find it difficult to confide. To who does one turn in times of anger, frustration, stress, happiness, to share a laugh or an experience with, to moan to when things aren't going quite as one would wish......one turns to a girlfriend. The security of friendship from one who knows the good and the bad about you, and loves you in spite of it all, is inexplicable to people who don't have and cherish their friends. I am not good at a whole lot of things, but I am good at friendship and I take great pride in my ability to nurture friendships and hang on to my friends, even though an ocean separates us. Doreen and I went through all the normal ups and down one has with close friends; we shared our secrets - both good and bad; agonized and laughed over boyfriends, parental controls, and all the other stages of our lives. One of my most engaging memories of Doreen is how she walked on tiptoe when she was barefoot - she did this as a young girl and she was still doing it when I saw her last - we laughed about it - I always felt it was why she had such good calves! We attended the 1998 Reunion together. While driving me to the airport the next day (I was returning home to the US) she asked me then, if I would try to come back in September, when she and Richard would be celebrating their 25th anniversary. Fortunately for me, I have a very understanding, caring husband, who is not in the least bit jealous of my close friendships - he encouraged me to make the effort and I was able to get back in September to help the Wells celebrate. It was a magical weekend; I stayed with them - and was treated like royalty. On the morning of the 25th dinner celebration Richard went off to do whatever he had to do, and Doreen and I sat on her bed in our nighties, like teenagers, and talked and laughed and carried on - you would have thought we'd never been parted - (if only geographically) - since 1969 when I first emigrated to the U.S. During this visit, she gave me a beautiful ring, saying "Should anything happen to me, no one will know I want you to have this, so please take it now" Did she have a premonition? I am not sure, but this I do know, we had something special. I miss her sorely. I know, too that she is in a better place and is probably giggling at what I have written. I would like to add that Doreen was a loving daughter - to her own parents and to her in-laws. She was a loving sister and aunt to her brother and his family, and, in her own words, a "soulmate" to her husband, Richard. Her shoes are going to be hard to fill for all of us. And we are fortunate to have been part of her life." My own memories are that whenever one says Doreen Young one says Daphne Harding - and vice versa. It will be hard not to continue this habit. 

Another old friendship is that of Joyce Dobra (Stayner) and Elaine Andrews (Brown). They alternate in sending me their annual subs, and I do correspond with Joyce. I thought you would like to share the story of their friendship. "In 1932 we returned to India and as mum was expecting she stayed at Dhanbad with Dad's parents. My two brothers and I went to the local railway school. Dad returned to Victoria as Maths teacher. Iris was born 15th December. Elaine was a more senior girl at the school and for the school play 'The wedding of the Painted Doll' she was in charge of me (I was 6) to see me dressed as the bride doll and guide me on and off the stage. Later in 1933 I was at Dow Hill (left due to the 1940 war for Loretta Convent Darjeeling as a day pupil and later as a boarder). Elaine was now at the teacher's training college I think or at least a senior pupil but we did not meet until I visited my aunty at Romford and Elaine (her best friend) and I took to meeting once a fortnight for scrabble. My aunt has since died and I used to visit Elaine at Hornchurch. Then for 2 years I've been unfit to drive over but I did make the effort in either May or June this year. " 

Miss B.P.Sharp has informed me of the death of Ina Cameron. She wrote "Ina was 81 years young (at heart) and attended Dow Hill in the 1920's and early 30's along with her four older sisters and her two older brothers. Ina always spoke with great fondness and affection of her days there. She was always a keen and regular participator at the reunions until ill health prevented her attendance. She was always so interested to receive the newsletter and praised your efforts in assembling all the information." Ina may have been "before my time" in school, but many others and I will remember her from the reunions.  I heard that, sadly, Audrey O'Rourke died on November 17th, Sally Stewart (MacDonald) informed me she had heard from Warren, Audrey's cousin. Joan Green (Ashe) was very shocked as she had been on the 'phone with Audrey when the latter called her for Joan's birthday on the 14th and seemed okay and cheerful saying that there was now no danger that she would have to lose her foot (diabetes). Audrey had suffered a few 'small' heart attacks in the paSt.  This year, her daughter Jackie, a nurse, made the annual pilgrimage to the family property in India and had just returned. She left her mother sitting in her favourite chair when she went out that evening and next morning, she was still there having died from cardiac arrest - it is surmised Warren says she died peacefully". Thank you Sally for the news. 

I must hang my head in shame at missing Alice Wrigley's (Hardaker) mention of the passing of Gracie Hyrapiet (Jacob) in November 98. Her daughter Mary was also a DH girl, and would like news of Edwin Eccleston (I remember Eddie too). By the way, has anyone any news of the Francis brothers? Derek and Mervyn were 2 of the 3. 

Tom Newbould has just phoned to say he received the news in a Christmas card of the passing of Edgar Gasper in September. I'm sure there will be many who remember Edgar. 

Sheila Smith (Raymond) is in touch and is now in contact with loads of her classmates! She was amazed that Alice Wrigley (Hardaker) even remembered she was in Hastings. Sheila writes poetry and one entitled "Evocations " is delightful, written on her visit to Rajasthan. I have commissioned one on the Hill Top, but I don't think Sheila has time to stand still, never mind sit down!! If this letter does not get too thick, I'll add it at the end. 

Shirley D'Silva (Sheldon) has been in touch with Cynthia Ahearne (Kiernander). Cynthia was the first bunny girl in this country - see how famous we are! 

Jill Butcher (Adams) wrote, "Had a phone call from Australia from Janet Powell who lived in Kumandhti and left India when she was about 12 and I was about 10. Her brother in America got her to contact me as he had information of the newsletter from Gillian Featherstone. Janet has phoned me twice both times for over an hour. 

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend a "little" get together in October while I was in Minorca but Peggy Littlewood kept her promise to let me know about it. She wrote: "Olga Barker (D'Sena), Arlene Rice (D'Sena) and I met, as planned, Daphne Schirripa (Meade), her daughter Fran and cousin Gillian with whom they were staying with in Harrow on Saturday 23rd October at Victoria and spent four very happy hours over lunch at Garfunkels. The restaurant was very tolerant of our long time presence, all the chit chat and excitement and loud giggling like schoolgirls which went on! We were very happy reminiscing and also catching up on all the news. It was a lovely afternoon and we each one enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Daphne had not been very well at all but bore up magnificently and enjoyed herself so much; I have heard from her since her return home and she was very grateful to have been able to make the trip. Hopefully we shall see some snaps. 

Another "reunion" I missed was seeing Aubrey Ballantine, when he visited Crystal David (Cowen). I was away and could not change my plans, nor was he able to alter his. Although, we had met in Toronto at Benita (Dunne) Rozario's house in 98, I was so looking forward to seeing him. Perhaps he and Clare will come again soon, It was good to chat on the phone. Special thanks for all you do Aubrey for Vadha on the Net. Also thanks to John Feltham who keeps us informed by his web page too. 

Rita Graham (Pinto) wrote of her life in France. Everytime she writes I really want to go there - I have the travel bug as Tom Newbould can empathize with - but where does time go in retirement? I knew I did not have time to work! Rita's description is idyllic. "Here in France, life is great. We seem to have the best of the West, shaded with the best of the East.  By this I mean that we have all the facilities of the material West with the openness and leisurely pace of life experienced in the East.  The hospitality and friendship that the French have offered us is in marked contrast with the stress and anxiety shown in the UK. This part of France has the lowest crime rate in Europe, which is a huge bonus. The Gite business is going very well and we have had way above average bookings this year and already one for May next year! John and I are forgetting how old we are (older than most of our friends), and regard age as merely a number! Sometimes, old "brother ass", as St. Francis referred to the body, disagrees with us but we do not let that mar our outlook! 

To return to Peter Harding. His brother Alan was a great mate of Peter Swan Brown. "They were as thick as thieves and virtually inseparable". Are the thieves still in touch? Peter wants to know what happened to a particular friend of his "Inky Evennett. Also Thomas Tusendale. Well "Inky" - you can reply. He also wrote: "Padre Solomon took over after Padre Elliot left to become Canon of St. Pauls in Calcutta. We kept in touch with Padre Elliot in the UK until he passed away at Dormans, near Lingfield, where he was in a home for retired clergy in or about the year 1967. The Principal of the school while I was there was "Toady" Nugent and some of the other masters were Carl Bloud, Ferris, Vernie Prins, Mrs.Clarke, Doyle, Oliver, Tawheed and a Mr. Campbell who joined the Army and was shortly afterwards killed during the battle of Imphal. Mrs. Doyle was my music teacher. Jock Hill was the games and PT master. There was a Daphne Harding at Dow Hill whom we used to watch running during annual sports carnivals at their school. I don't know that we are related, since I have the details of all my cousins. Maybe we are connected through an earlier generation". He is writing his memoirs and sent me a chapter entitled "The School in the Clouds and other Stories". Hopefully, this can be reproduced at the end. As Peter stated, it is a story. 

I hear that Sam Parry's book "Capers - Tales from an Himalayan Boarding school' has been published in America. Those who recall my mention of this book in its original form will be pleased to learn that Sam, true to his word, changed the names to fictitious ones. 

As always, Alice Wrigley's (Hardaker) letters are so interesting. She seems to spend her time meeting Vadhans. "This year I was fortunate to have met three Dow Hill girls. Betty Brown (Copley) on a short visit to Sydney from Perth by the Indian Pacific. We met at Circular Quay which was in an awful mess due to alterations for the Olympics and ended up on a ferry to Taronga Park Zoo and wondered why everyone was getting off the ferry? We made a return trip to get another ferry to Watson's Bay to have lunch at the famous Peter Doyles restaurant. It's always lovely to see Betty as we were classmates and sports mates and both in Wellesley house. Charlotte Dunne was my next encounter on a visit from Darjeeling and once again we met at Circular Quay! As Julian had met Charlotte in Darj, he took the morning off from school and we had coffees at the old Customs House. Elaine Halpin (Halifax) joined us as well and caught the "right" ferry to Manly where we enjoyed a lunch of fish and chips and strolled along the promenade. Manly is a great place to take visitors to. Charlotte and Julian came up by train and we showed her part of our lovely Blue mountains. Clarlotte is a live wire and never a dull moment. When Mary (Hyrapiet) rang to say she'd like to meet me and was travelling from Bowral (2 hours train journey) to visit her mother's grave at Rookwood cemetery I suggested we meet at the station, have coffee and then taxi to the cemetery. It was wet and miserable and as we agreed to wear red we had no trouble recognizing each other. The Kelly girls - Maureen and Noelene joined us as well. I visited my grandparents, parents and aunt at the crematorium and then we went to the RC cemetery to call on Bella and Ossie. DH girls certainly meet in unusual places! On the 11th Sept. we had our VS and DHS Reunion at Elaine Halpin's (Halifax) house. There were more VS boys than DH girls and they were in high spirits. Alan Browne had traveled from Bunderbung (Queensland). There was a sumptuous array of curries, falouries, pappadams, biriyani, yellow rice, trifle, pavlova and cakes. Elaine had very nicely arranged the rumpus room to have the luncheon in. The VS boys were Ray and Alan Twiddy, Mick Blake, Bull Bull Carapiet, Pat Doyle, Farlane Macfarlane. The DH girls were Elaine Halpin (Halifax), Doreen Grezoux (Colah) and Alice Wrigley (Hardaker) also Natalie Noney (Lawrence). We sang our school song and the boys theirs (sounded like one they had made up!) Bull Bull in his melodious voice sang "Because of you" and "I'll always remember you". This is the 12th reunion we have had - some without the VS lads. Alison Blunt got in touch with me and arranged a "get together" at Natalie's. She is a lovely person and she taped our discussion on what it was like living in India and the Aussie's comparison. Our school days and that being away from our families for 9 months made us bond more to each other which is why we can take up from seeing each other even after 40 years or more. We plan on seeing Alison again and hope to show her the Blue mountains. As my husband, David, is a Narrow Gauge Railway enthusiast he has become a fan of the DHR society in Australia. The society met in Delhi and got the government to agree to have them fix up the DHR so that it becomes a tourist attraction and will give work to the locals. In April we went to Brisbane and stayed with Cynthia Brennan (Marsden). David went to his 3 days convention for the NGRS. He now has a DHR video starting from Jalpaiguri-Darjeeling. I got in touch with Sheila Raymond who was in my class. She sent me photos of the "gang", the clothes list and a photo taken at the Reunion. Dorothea Myers never looks any older - how does she do it?" 

Sally Stewart (MacDonald) gave news of Joan Green (Ashe). "Joan still plays the organ at her local Church of England as well as old time favourites one afternoon a week at an old people's home near to her. It's funny how 'real' the memories of 'those' times are. In 1943 Joan was in her senior year and I can still see her hammering at the gym piano while we poor unfortunate nine year olds dancing class detainees tossed our arms and legs about, crossing our toes, rocking on our ankles and twirling for our lives while Flo Smith beat us about the calves with a green Hastings House baton all the time crying "get them up - get them up". We were in the throes of a pseudo Highland fling and Joan was grimly relieved that all she had to do was play the piano. But for the arthritis, I could still do the darned thing. (I'm not half a MacDonald - for nothing)!." 

Mickey Blake carried out his threat and at last wrote! Lovely to hear from him BUT: His son's partner was visiting the UK on business and Mick asked him to pass on £10 for subs to me. (Very thoughtful Mick). What did I get? A 20 dollar bill!! Fortunately a friend of mine was going to Oz, so gave me the correct amount - no commission which is the crippling factor. I loved his reasons for joining the Air Force!! "The first year in V.S. was 1933. I still remember the first aircraft I had ever seen. They were 3 biplanes of the RAF. They were on their way to be the first aircraft to fly over Everest.  They must have taken off from Bagdogra (Siliguri) and flew past Kurseong on their way to Everest.  Little did I know that 10 years later I would join the Royal Indian Air Force! The war started in 1939, the final year of my stay at VS. There were only 8 of us in the Senior Cambridge. Everyone, bar me, intended joining one of the services. I was rather skinny those days and I was not impressed with wearing army boots, hats and puttees! Also hiking a gun that was almost the same weight that I was! It was only when the Japs invaded Burma and I had no knowledge of what had happened to my parents (we were from Burma like the Smarts and Hiltons) that I decided to join up - but no walking for me! That is why I joined the Air Force! The RAF. was not recruiting local boys for flying duties, that is why I joined the R.I.A.F. as it was then known. There is so much I could tell you about my Airforce career but it would take up too much space. Apart from taking part in the Burma and Khasiun operations where I was awarded the VirChakra for the latter in the first list of awards in 1950 when India became a republic. I was in the first flypast on 15 Aug 47 when Pandit Nehru raised the Indian flag over New Delhi's Red Fort. Whilst commanding No.7 Squadron I led the jet flypast down Kingsway on Republic Day in 1954 and 1956. By the way I am forwarding the news letter to my daughter Jennifer Les Veaux in Pittsford, New York. She is an old Dow Hill girl - my two sons were in Victoria also". 

Mavis Cole (Hilton) wrote of her change of address. "My husband Felix passed away last October and as I did not want to live alone, I sold the house and booked into a retirement village, where the atmosphere is so friendly - of course it does make a difference when you know a lot of the people. I am now 84 years old - I often think of my happy school days and all the fun and games we had - so many lovely memories. It is our summer now and we are having such beautiful days - my little garden is blooming so well, keeps me busy, although we have gardeners to do the needful". Yes, life in a Home can be better very often, than living with family. My mum has activities daily that I couldn't supply, and she is so involved in the Home that I do have to say "Mum, you are not the Matron - yet! 

Warren O'Rourke wrote of the Vadha Reunion in Toronto on October 9th. " There were 22 in all: Aubrey and Clare Ballantine, Jean (Watkins) and Don Lockyer, Noreen O'Malley (Lockyer), Madhusree Das Gupta (Sen) Joyce Elkin (she brought a friend Pam), Olive (McNeil) and David Ross, Freda (Brewster) and Wall Gross, Colleen Meinen (Lee), June D'Cruz (ex DH, attending for the first time but who, we hope will come again), Malcolm and Elsie Mercado, Benita (Dunne) and Eric Rosario and Flora Brown (Dunne - and Benita's mother) and of course Rose and I. Does that add up right? We remembered you and Dereyck were with us last year with your friends from Port Hope. We make a small and cohesive reunion, thus it was appreciated when Aubrey remembered "those not with us" in his little talk: Dougie Dubois, Lawrie Newbould, and Theo (Pop) Canham. Dolly, Pop's wife, over 90, is still going strong in the retirement home she was with Pop, a smile for everyone but almost no recognition, even for her own. There must be a special mention and a public thank you to Benita and Eric, who made us welcome in their home once again. Benita again attended to the food that was delivered - the same tasty food, in the same quantities that we had last year - and Eric took care of the entertainment. Unfortunately Eric was not at his best, being troubled by sciatica, but he played the piano as well as ever. Flora is 90. Frank Littlewood came down with a severe cold and cough a few days before the Reunion and did not make it. Barbara Greenwood (Meade) wrote a message (and sent $10 US) and Daphne Schirippa (Meade), George Watson and Don Watson wrote and phoned. The Mathurs had planned to come but did not because the Reunion clashed with a family occasion. That is what happened to Daphne Gonsalves (D'Rozario) also. I was remiss when choosing a date in not having foreseen October 9 was part of the Thanksgiving weekend. Hugh and Margaret Rassaby cancelled their trip to Canada in order for Hugh to get some needed medical attention. We had looked forward to seeing them and we hope Hugh is better." I pictured them so vividly this year, and must say that the clock you all gave me has not yet needed its battery changed. 

Anita Blackman (Mordecai) visits the UK fairly regularly, but with her and my busy schedules, we often manage merely a phone call. This time, however, we met - at her sister Cheryl's of course. Crystal David (Cowen) and I (plus hubbies), went together and met Maureen Larkins (with hubby Gordon). It was a lovely evening - Anita wrote: "Although I've had the pleasure of seeing you from time to time over the years, it was just delightful not only to see you and Dereyck again, but also Crystal, Don and Maureen and Gordon (as you may know, Maureen, Ann Lumsden and I were a very close threesome in school) and I hadn't seen her or Crystal in umpteen years! It never fails to surprise me, how the years fall away when we meet again, and how nice it is to feel so comfortable in the company of old friends. I hope it won't be quite so long before we can do this again!." We all took hilarious snaps, and I did ask Anita to send Aubrey Ballantine one for the Net, but in case she hasn't, will send Aubrey one myself with this letter. 

Don Waleski's daughters enjoy the newsletter and Angela sent photos of their children. She wrote: "Thank you for all your efforts to keep the VADHA spirit going - it means a lot to me and my family who devour every word....especially the visits to the old schools made by Alumni from my Dad's era! How exciting! I would just love to meet Miss Pradhan! We had a lovely summer holiday with mom in Victoria in August for 3 weeks. The children are of the age (6 and 4 years) where they need only a bucket and shovel on the beach to keep them happy for hours! Of course Dad was in our thoughts every minute and it seemed very unreal that he was not with us. But time is helping us to move on and we cherish the many beautiful memories". 

Warren O'Rourke's letters are always great to read. I loved this bit - "Sally Stewart's account of runaways from VS in the last newsletter, including the episode in which Puttoo Price played a central role was interesting. I e-mailed Sally about it. I never tried to "escape" nor did I try to kiss a DH girl, both of which were done by braver souls than mine. I should mention one incident that is reminiscent of Proust's famous madelines. A few years ago I received a letter from Edna Howard (Bennett). In a flash I was propped up in my bed in "D" dormitory in VS opening a letter, my first, from Edna, early delivery by the "Dow Hill Mail", and immediately the scent of the letter came to me. ESP or a stimulated response?" AHA! 

Kay Morrison wrote - she does mention her unpredictable eye sight, but I wish you could see her handwriting - It is beautiful. She has a booklet of Esther Maelzer's ((Mordecai)) father's colour photographs that has been enjoyed by so many of her friends there, " looking at them recreates so many wonderful memories of beautiful Dow Hill and its environs". She sends regards to all who remember her - many of us. 

I get lovely letters and enclosures from Charan Mathur. In a world full of horror and negative newspaper articles, those he sends me are always optimistic and dwell on the positive, beautiful side of living. Just one paragraph of his letter epitomizes this. "During my forty years of career in teaching and educational administration in India, UK, Canada, Nigeria and Jamaica, W.I. my stay at Victoria School, during 1959-65 proved to be most memorable and rewarding. In addition to job satisfaction I vividly and fondly recollect the panoramic views of sunrise and sunset during fall season, turning the Dow Hill nothing short of paradise - vision of an artist and substance of a poet's dream!". 

So I am going to tell you some pleasant items about some of our members. Sally Stewart (MacDonald) wrote about Nigel Sweeney who is Mrs.Papi's (Phyllis Gow) brother (remember?). "We had the pleasure of meeting Nigel Sweeney and his attractive wife Judith when they visited their daughter in Perth recently. Nigel (aka McSwain?) is an accomplished pianist and although he regrets never having had the distinction of pounding the organ at the Vic/Dow Chapel, he continues to tickle the keys by popular demand, at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London where he used to be a 'regular'. Derrick Gow (Papi) when at Victoria) who has a large collection of jazz records and is something of a buff, looks back with pleasure to the days when he used to frequent Scott's during the 'magic' sixties. As Derrick tells it, the two ex Victoria ‘boys’ passed a lovely liquid afternoon in one another's company culminating in prolonged farewells (they were due to meet again that night!) as Derrick obliged Nigel with a friendly assist to mount a cab...with an amusing sequel. The taxi driver in the rank behind had been watching the tamasha with detached interest but, when Derrick drifted over, he was eyeballed and felt compelled to offer explanations in defence of his sobriety, his discomfiture not helped by the fact that the skeptical cabbie just happened to be a fellow member from his golf/tennis club! All's well that ends well... Derrick got his lift and we - Derrick, Leila (his wife), John Webster and self, spent a pleasant evening in company with the Sweeneys. P.S. The three Victorians; were contemporaries in the 50's - I am MUCH older having finished at the end of the 40's." 

Amar Ghosh chatted to Nigel and Derrick on the phone and wished he could have joined them at the pub! Apparently, there is a photograph on the internet of the staff of 1952. Amar was able to identify and write a bit about each. So if, anyone has a copy and wants details, he and I have them. I must however, quote what he wrote about Padre Solomon - feelings we may all hold, but far too seldom express. "Padre Solomon - though I am not a Christian with a big 'C' - I owe a lot to this versatile "human being" for imbibing Christian values to so many of us whether in the classroom or in the flats (playing fields)". 

Daphne Gonsalves (D'Rozario) is now President of the Anglo-Indian Association of Canada. I belong to that Association and as her subs for VADHA are the same as mine for her, we pay for each other and cut out the commission! 

Olga Barker (D'Sena) is still teaching. She wrote: "I was awarded Best Teacher for this Term by my Agency. So how about that my love? I was so surprised when my Head Teacher announced this after our Nativity Play last Thursday and several parents were present as well - I was in tears!"! Silly me". Why were you surprised Olga? True, "Silly Me", but it is good to hear when some do get their just desserts!" 

Nirmal SARKAR gave a list of some Victorians who have done very well. "There are some Victorians known to me who have not become members of the Association. Garul Shamsher Rana had become the C-in-C of the Royal Nepal Army and is in Kathmandu. Also in Kathmandu are Tarani Prasaad Pradhan, C.P.,Malla, Maj Gen. R.K. Pandey Chettri and Dr.Tej Singh Malla. Dr.Malla's address Lal Durbar, P.O.Box 9182, Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal and his Phone. No. is 418864. Similarly, there is Manish Gupta who is the senior most Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer in West Bengal and is now the Chief Secretary of the Govt. of West Bengal". 

The last one is about Amit Bose's son Toshy. On Nov.30th 99 at 7.p.m. in the Great Hall of Lancaster University a fundraising event for the victims of Orissa from the cyclone took place. We all read about the cyclone and saw the tragic pictures on TV. I have the official programme and Amit's account of it. "Yes, Toshy has been up and about. Firstly, his nomination to represent England at Cambridge University for UNO discussions was very commendable. Then he conceived the idea of helping the cyclone victims in Orissa, discussed with me and rounded up 30 - 40 liked-minded students, and formed a committee and strategy; you can see the programme they formulated in two and a half hours time and got over 80 participants for the dance, fashion show, etc. sponsorships, etc. They got the Great Hall in the University. It was a fantastic show and the Vice Chancellor's wife said that was the best show students have put up in this university with 300+ guests. Toshy was applauded by all and at the end he was picked up on the student’s shoulders and taken round the stage. He was termed the "creative genius of the university". He did a good job of getting this together. It was his idea, development, creation and all. They have raised over £4000 - quite an achievement - to be given to Reclaim (UK) and then Red Cross India (Orissa wing). " Well done Toshy. 

Haven't we lovely children? And we gave them our ideals. Yes, we will take some of the credit. They must see that the beautiful world we lived in up at the Hill Top, spreads, not diminishes. 

Through rose coloured specs, with love Grace 

ADDRESS LIST (Additions and Amendments)

Our local codes are to change shortly but the old ones will be recognized for a while.

Marina Albers (Williamson)

George Bishop

Joy Jones

Darrel Perris email darrell@talk21.com

Peggy Littlewood - email - peggya.littlewood@tesco.net

Norma Curnow (Somers)

Clive Antram

Anita Blackman (Mordecai)

June D'Cruz

Freda Cross (Brewster

Malcolm Mercado

Colleen Meinen (Lee)

Olive Ross

Bill Murray

Delete:

Ina Cameron,

Doreen Wells,

Althea Feller (letter returned)

THE SCHOOL IN THE CLOUDS AND OTHER STORIES

My brother and I attended a boarding school in the Indian hills for nine months of the year. The school was located near a small town where Europeans spent their summer holidays, a retreat from the heat and humidity of the Indian plains. It was in sight of Mount Everest, a view that we did not often enjoy because of the mists which nearly always shrouded the school. In fact, these mists were really clouds which we could not distinguish since we were amongst them. It was a gloomy and forbidding setting, and our parents, when they did visit, were not overly impressed by the atmosphere and were obviously happy to leave.

The school had over two hundred students from families who were in business, or serving in the administration of India and Burma. It was a non-denominational establishment, and there was an elderly resident chaplain who had served there for many years. This kindly soul was very attached to the school, and being single, locked on it as his home. Apart from the juniors, who were accommodated some distance away, about two hundred of us slept in four dormitories, divided by age and scholastic advancement.

The chaplain would visit my dormitory one night a week, and read us to sleep. We looked forward to this entertainment. It was a relief from the rather Spartan life that the school offered, which consisted of classes, sports and athletics. One night he told us a story that I. have remembered ever since. It certainly kept me awake for a long time and was the subject of much discussion between us for weeks after. This is what he related that night:

"Some years ago, there was a student here who was notorious for his ill temper and churlish behaviour. He was tolerated because of his cleverness and sporting prowess. Some of the boys then, as you do now, would occasionally maraud through the school servants' vegetable gardens, more as a prank than in real need of food. They always knew when to stop, having asserted their budding manhood by this nocturnal adventure. However, the boy in this story, aggressive as always, completely destroyed a garden one night.

"Hearing the noise, the servant who owned this particular garden awoke and caught him. Although the student struggled, he was no match for the elderly but stalwart retainer, who marched him to the Headmaster's residence without further ado. The Head was not very pleased about being disturbed at that hour of the night, and seems to have given more credence to the boy's excuse that he had been attacked by the servant than the facts which the servant explained. The upshot of this was that the following day, the servant got the sack.

"Before he left the school, this servant sought out the vandal between classes and before he could object, thrust a piece of paper into his hand. The boy locked at this small strip of blue paper closely, gave a cry of fright and ran off, but just then, a strong wind whirled through the corridor and blew the little spill of paper from his hand. The lad was visibly upset over the following days, refusing to be questioned and keeping to himself.

''Some nights later the occupants of the dormitory where this fellow slept were awakened by ferocious growls, and when the lights were turned on, found to their horror and dismay that a large bear had somehow found its way into their lodge. The bear seemed to have a purpose and lurched up the aisle between rows of beds towards the hooligan's cot. Absolute panic reigned as the bear lunged at him. In his frenzy and haste to escape, the lad jumped up onto a windowsill, and when the bear continued to menace him, with an eerie wail, he leaped out.

"The dormitory prefect and housemaster had been roused by this confusion, and they arrived on the scene armed with hockey sticks and cricket bats, and in no time at all, the bear had been driven away and out of the building. Other masters were awakened, and with torches and various weapons, they went looking for the boy who had jumped out of the window. The rest of the lads were ordered back to bed, and in due course, excitement subsided and soon all were asleep. The searchers found the leaper, who had fallen from the dormitory window to his death on the rocks below.

"All hoped that this disturbing incident would soon be forgotten and that normality would return, but this was not to be. A few weeks later, on one of the rarely sunny days, there was a school cricket match being played, in which the Head's son happened to be taking part. Things went well until it came to his turn to bat. Suddenly the sky darkened and lightning flashed. Before the umpire could call the game off, a gust of wind blew something towards the batting crease, and the youngster snatched at it. He had barely time to look at what he had caught when there was a stroke of lightning, accompanied by a thunderous roar. When the dazed players regained their senses, they were shocked to see the young batsman lying huddled on the ground. His clothes were scorched, and when they rushed to his side, they found that he had been electrocuted.

"His body was taken to the small school hospital. There, found clenched in the dead boy's fist was a wisp of paper ash. Now I am not going to tell you that these two deaths were in any way connected, or related to the incident of the servant's dismissal, but you can draw your own conclusions."

And with that, he wished us goodnight and left us to think about this chilling tale.

Evocation

Decline of youth brings memories

honeyed or bittersweet

pain that can direct our lives

or it can be controlled.

My failing vision looking through

glasses passes into an illusionary world;

what magic sights I see!

The Taj Mahal a wondrous tomb.

cup cakes iced with jewels.

Sunrise glitters upon the Jumna

as dawn is breaking,and recall

the mirrored mosaic walls

of the Amber Palace, offering

marigolds and jasmine

sweetly scented petals of orange, white

and lemon floating on the water.

Join the votive candles

on their journey down the rivers

the sunshine lights

tears in my eyes

and silently I weep

for the busy burning ghats

the tiny childrens corpses.

Mourners bearing wood in bundles

to light the funeral pyres.

pungent wood smoke acrid

smells mix with crumpled blossoms.

Devotees are bathing

immersed in Mother Ganges:

will you wash my sins away ?

Does it really matter

whose God it is

Mine or their prayers

rise up to heaven.

ascend like birds

pass the clouds

to the very blue sky

then plummet down

burnt to ashes

by the hot rays of the sun.

All into nothing, drifting earthwards

to seek oblivion again.

Sheila Smith – 1999