lovedale - Old Lawrencians Association

LOVEDALE
UK OLD LAWRENCIANS’ (LOVEDALE) ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER NO. 44
JANUARY 2014
GOODBYE TO 2013!
As the months pass more quickly and our pace gets slower the older we get,
we still manage to be surprised by the ability of nature to command the
seasons and elements and then restore a sense of normality, seemingly at any
time and in any part of the planet. Given the variations during the winter
months in the Northern Hemisphere to the winds and rains storming over the
seas and continents, sometimes out of season, it invariably comes as a relief
to find that there is an inbuilt ability to put the hardships behind us and move
on with our lives within a matter of months, while continuing to sympathise
with the permanent loss suffered by others. The early monsoon in Northern
India and the havoc caused there to the forest fires in the U S A and New
South Wales; more recently, the disasters experienced in parts of the
Philippines and other lands in the Far East; the recent storms and tidal surges
over Europe have added to the perennial sad reports of floods, droughts and
starvation in many areas.
Being concerned over warnings about the effects of the South-West
Monsoon on South India, an ad hoc “Friends of Lawrence” party
nevertheless decided to take a chance during August because of some
members having difficulties over education and leave. Good fortune was
with the group as not only did the weather stay on side, but the visit to
Lovedale and the Nilgiri Hills proved to be a great experience and a happy
event. Much interest had been displayed after reports about events and
progress being made at the school, with many memories still tinged with
concerns about the “roller-coaster” experiences reported over the past three
or so decades. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate to apologise
for the space given in this Newsletter to the present state of affairs at
Lovedale and the delightful ambience which we had the privilege to enjoy.
THE SELFDISINTERESTEDNESS OF HENRY LAWRENCE. In some
published obituaries following the news of Sir Henry’s death this rather
awkward definition of his character appeared. It was somewhat of a surprise
to find an explanation of its meaning, even in an ordinary dictionary. This
extract is taken from the Edwardes / Merivale’s Life of Sir Henry Lawrence
: - “I subjoin the letter which Mr Marshman has kindly written me in
explanation : - The memorandum is one that I sent him. He was one of the
largest-hearted men it has been my happiness to know. When he was
appointed Resident at Khatmandoo, he immediately wrote to me to say that
he was in receipt of a larger income than he had ever enjoyed (I almost think
his previous allowances in the military service had never exceeded 800
rupees a month) and that he considered it his first duty to do as much good
with it as possible: and he asked me to become his almoner to the various
Christian and benevolent societies in and around Calcutta. At the same time
he promised to send me 1,000 rupees every quarter to be distributed among
them; and he continued the remittance without interruption until he
accompanied Lord Hardinge to England. The memorandum is a portion of
my periodical report to him of the various institutions which had benefited
by his liberality.
(e.g)
1844
Received from Lieut.-Colonel Lawrence …...
…… ….. ..… 2000 Rupees
Rupees (each)
Dr McGowan’s Hospital; The Free Church, Calcutta
2 x 300
The Serampore Native Hospital
200
The Sailors’ Home; The District Charitable Society
2 x 150
The European Female Orphan Asylum; Mrs. Voigt, for the Poor;
The Calcutta Auxiliary Baptist Missionary Society;
The Bengal Auxiliary London Missionary Society;
The Christian Tract and Book Society;
The Calcutta Auxiliary Bible Society; The Bible Association;
The Fever Hospital; The Church Missionary Society
9 x 100
To these must, of course, be added his unrecorded donations of all kinds;
and, first and foremost, his lavish contributions towards the creature of his
zeal and forethought – “the Asylum”. And, when it is remembered that he
was entirely without private fortune; that all he could give was saved out of
a handsome allowance, doubtless, but which had to meet his claims of
personal expense and providing for a growing family, I think it will be found
that similar examples of quiet self-denial and well-doing are rare enough in
his station, or in any other. At the same time, the whole of the lesson should
be given. It was a matter of great regret to Lawrence in his later days, as we
shall find from the record of his after life, that he had not used the time by
taking ampler forethought for the future demands of his children”.
A very rare man of his time – and of ours, too! Some of today’s wealthy
would find it impossible to believe that such a personality existed at a time
when their ancestors were busily intent on amassing fortunes to create
family financial empires!
NEWSROUND
Mike Bayliss continues to make a good recovery from his whole knee
replacement and wishes to thank all his friends in the U.K., Australia, the
USA and Canada, who were kind enough to send messages of goodwill and
the hope that he would soon get well.
On 23rd July, 2013, Oswald Walter Fletcher sent a donation towards our
Newsletter expenses with a short note saying that advancing age and
problems travelling long distances (he can only drive his car for two miles
per shop) meant that regretfully he had not been in a position to think about
attending our Annual Reunions. “Ossie”, who celebrated his 90th. birthday in
December, 2013, and his brother, Eric, started at Lovedale on 6th March,
1935.
Ainslie Smith, Lovedale 1950 – 1955, by e-mail dated 15th October, 2013,
asked for a copy of the full version of our School Song, “Never Give In”, as
he had often been grateful for its inspiration over the years. This is a
sentiment that has been expressed on several occasions by Old Boys and
Girls. Ainslie’s mother lives in Croydon, U.K., and receives a Newsletter
on behalf of her children who were at Lovedale and she passes on items of
interest to them. The Smith family left India for the U.K. in the 1950s.
Ainslie moved to Rhodesia, where he remained until 1968 before moving on
to South Africa, where he now lives.
South Australia
Bob Glenday wrote on 6th November, 2013, to report : “ The Adelaide
Branch of Old Lawrencians met for lunch on 20th September. It was nice to
see Rita Cabral (Gorham), Colleen Natall (Brown), Bill Pembshaw, Gordon
Firth, Maurice Natall and his wife, Diana, Keith Everett and wife Doris and
Bob Glenday and wife Joy. There were apologies from Ian Firth and wife
Marlene and also from Phillip Alderton and his wife, Mavis. Phillip has
recently undergone surgery which had him hospitalized for about 10 days. I
am happy to report that he is now at home recuperating and progressing very
well. Phillip tells me that his older brother, Albert Lancelot Alderton, is not
faring so well in Perth, Western Australia. Just received a call from Colleen
Natall (Brown) to say that Philomena Slade (Symonds), Perth, Western
Australia, had a stroke on 5th October, affecting her left side. She spent 20
days in hospital, but is now recovering slowly at home. Bill Pembshaw is
also in hospital in Adelaide recovering from a small stroke. It is likely that
he will need Nursing Home Care when he leaves hospital. We wish all our
friends a complete and speedy recovery.
To Old Lawrencians all over the world we send greetings from Adelaide,
South Australia. If you are ever in our part of the world, please get in touch
so that we can extend to you a great Aussie Welcome!
Ian Firth, by e-mail dated 22nd November, conveyed his happiness about his
son, Andrew, being inducted into the South Australian Jazz Archive Society.
Andrew is a Bachelor of Music and has a Diploma of Education. Ian
mentions that Andrew is a fine musician, educator, performer and
composer/arranger – a proud Dad, indeed!
Walter Fletcher wrote on 20th November, to say that he and his wife Sally
had visited Peter Forkgen in Florida during their annual visit to the States in
September, 2013. They stayed with Peter for three days and found that he
keeps himself busy volunteering to do odd jobs for free. “He delivers meals
on wheels and Sally and I accompanied him on one of the deliveries. He
also helps out at a charity shop handing out food and clothes to the needy
and poor. Take care. Never Give In. Walter”.
Walter, who started at Lovedale on 13th February, 1935, on the same day as
Peter, forwarded three photos : “of Peter and me – and a curry leaf plant;
Peter collecting meals for delivery; a mango tree in his garden: and a custard
apple tree.
The Forkgen and Fletcher extended families are among the “long families”
at Lovedale, with the first two Forkgens, Thomas and George, registered as
starting their schooling on 25th October, 1862. The names of other
members of the family circle appear at regular intervals, right down to the
1940s with our Matron, Mrs Forkgen, and Peter, a Prefect in 1946. Sadly,
three members are still at Lovedale, lying at rest in the cemetery : Charles
Richard Forkgen, who died on 18th February, 1890, aged 9 years and 7
months; Helen Ethel Forkgen, who died on 10th August, 1903, aged 17 years
and 2 months; and Hilda Gladys Forkgen, who died on 17th May, 1906, aged
15 years and 10 months.
Walter’s mother, Esther Jane Leeden, was one of a large intake at Lovedale
on the 1st October, 1904, which is notable for the number of multiple
members of the same family starting at the same time. Some time ago,
Walter told of Esther’s experience travelling from Coonoor Station to
Lovedale by bullock cart – the railway line from Mettupalayam then ending
its journey at Coonoor.
After leaving school, Ethel was first married to George Brooks and they had
three children, Cecil Alfred and Esther Ada Elizabeth, who were registered
at Lovedale on 20th June, 1920, and Harry Norman, who started on 4th
March, 1921. George Brooks was killed at the Battle for the Somme during
World War I and Esther later married Walter’s father.
Of her second family, Walter entered Lovedale on 13th February, 1935, and
was followed by Oswald and Eric on the 6th March, 1935. Their young
sister, Norma Emily, joined them on the 4th March, 1942, but stayed for only
one year at the school. The wider family circle was further extended when
George Henry Johnson, the son of Esther Ada Brooks (Walter’s half-sister)
entered Lovedale on 4th March, 1942.
Harry Brooks is well remembered as a regular attendee at our London
Annual Reunions and entered into the spirit when being teased as a
competitor with “our Flo” for the honour of being the oldest member at
these meetings. Harry took all this in good fun and, sadly, this was a “race”
that he was destined to lose..
TOUR OF TAMIL NADU AND KERALA – 4th to 21st August, 2013.
The incentive for this tour was the promise made many years ago to show
two grandsons around parts of South India with the Nilgiri Hills and
Lovedale as the central focus – following in the footsteps of their elder sister
who had had this experience in 1988, the year of her birth! There followed
requests from remnants of recent “Friends of India” tours and a family with
connections dating back to childhood in India to join the party. A group of
16 finally set out on the 3rd August for Chennai, four very keen would-be
participants having to withdraw shortly before departure because of sudden
medical restrictions on their ability to travel. We were extremely lucky to
have the willing support of “Algy” Alagappan, Chennai, and Sangita Chima,
Headmistress at Lovedale, both proving to be very gracious and generous in
the planning process and later with their welcome and splendid hospitality.
Our thanks are also due to Badri (K. Badrinarayanan), who helped with our
hotel at Upper Coonoor and Dierdre Issar (Charlie Wright’s daughter), who
assisted in all our travels while we were in the Nilgiris.
We arrived at 03.00 hours at Chennai Airport on 4th August, during what is
obviously a very busy period, given the crowds and high level of activity as
we reached the exit from the Airport. Our first land journey was by coach to
Pondicherry, planned as a rest and a gentle introduction to India after
heeding warnings that the East Coast would be a safer weather choice than
Kerala during the South-West Monsoon. As it happened, the only rain to
fall upon us until our departure from Trivandrum fell in short, sharp showers
while we were here! Pondicherry still maintains its French Quarter and
French influence and benefits from the comparatively low level of taxation
and cost of living in the Union Territory. We returned to Chennai via
Mahabalipuram for three nights, thinking en route of our “Madras Wallahs”
in the U K and elsewhere, who would be very surprised to find a much
extended city with extensive work going on erecting high level new concrete
roads, in many areas alongside work in progress on Chennai’s new rail
Metro system – not an ideal time to explore the city! “Algy” Alagappan had
recommended an excellent local guide to show us the historic and interesting
locations from San Thome Cathedral northwards along the Marina to beyond
the Fort to the Beach area. The next day ended on a high note with the tour
party being hosted by “Algy” at dinner at the Madras Club. Our last day in
Chennai included a visit to the huge “Express Avenue” Mall on Club House
Road, Royapettah, where we were surprised to find a large Marks and
Spencers Store located at one of the main entrances! In the morning,
Barbara Audley (Jones), accompanied by her daughter and grandson, had
visited our hotel in the city centre essentially to meet George Rodrigues, a
childhood friend from Wellington and Lovedale and a few in the party who
had met her in Bangalore during a previous tour to South India. Then it was
to Central Station to board the night train for Metty and the Nilgiris. On
arrival at Metty our luggage was transferred to our dedicated coach with the
entire group opting to travel on board a packed “Toy Train” as far as
Coonoor influenced, no doubt, that our seats had been reserved. The
journey was as enjoyable as ever with the oil-fired engine managing to make
good time, arriving at Hillgrove Station a little early and surprising the
resident monkeys, who had to rush to make good with their pleas for lunch!
A pleasant surprise awaited as the train finished with the cogs at the run-in
to Coonoor – the overlooking Ooty to Metty Road was lined with young
couples and an assortment of local people to cheer and photograph this
worthy Listed World Heritage item! No doubt its exposure on the Internet
and the BBC’s programmes on three “Indian Mountain Railways” are
responsible for this level of interest.
Our three days in the Nilgiris proved to be far too short, but they still
managed to be very enjoyable and the highlight of the tour. We were joined
by Phyllis Wright (a very alert 93 year old with memories encompassing
several Old Lawrencian tours of India) and her daughter, Dierdre Issar, at
the Gateway Hotel in Upper Coonoor. Dierdre was to prove a most useful
companion during our stay and showed that her organising skills were as
sharp and accurate as ever. At “Algy” Alagappan’s suggestion a visit to the
Laidlaw School / St George’s Home, Ketti, had been arranged and the
happiness and confidence displayed by the young children, mostly from “a
variety of problem homes” quickly brought to mind accounts of Henry
Lawrence at Gorakhpur where he had “gathered all the boys of poor
Christian parents to be found in the cantonments and station, and from
thence, with some of the more intelligent lads from the city, transplanted
them to the Survey office. Some of the former were little fellows, so little
indeed that Mr Bird used to call them “Lawrence’s offsets”, but his care of
them was as kind as his teaching was successful”. (Lawrence of Lucknow –
J.L. Morison, London). We were much impressed with the school and one
of its Board Members, Mrs Dierdre Issar no less, and one of its honoured
former Chairpersons, Mrs Phyllis Wright!
Then it was onwards and upwards to Ooty for lunch at the Ooty Club,
arranged by the ever generous and thoughtful “Algy”. On this occasion, we
were made very welcome by the Secretary, Mr Kamdin, who made sure that
we were able to enjoy Algy’s hospitality. The attractions and history of the
Club, including its famous Snooker Room and Table were open to us and
much appreciated by everyone. “Hats off” to both gentlemen! (If
interested, please refer to “http:/www.ootacamundclub.com/” to share our
enjoyment > Gallery).
A quick visit to St Stephens’ Church was a disappointment because, in spite
of an understanding, the gates were locked and there was no one to be seen
in the grounds.
On or way back to Upper Coonoor we met Phyllis and Dierdre at the
Wellington Club, which brought back memories of visits in the past when
Charles Wright was with us - and even as far back to 23rd September, 1947,
when the School Prefects were guests of Sir Archibald Nye at the Assaye
Day Tattoo celebrations by the Madras Regiment. Wellington and area have
not much changed over the long years, with the exception of the large
increase in the military presence, and no one from that time should have any
problem finding their way around this part of the Nilgiris..
The next day for the Lawrencian connection was something which will be
remembered for a long time. The welcome arranged so perfectly by the
Headmistress started as early as the Security check at the Flagstaff followed
by a smiling and charming greeting for the group as we alighted from our
coach outside the Main Office. Sangita and Deputy Headmistress, Chandra
Joshi, with “Jojo” on standby, extended a most gracious welcome and we
were soon seated in the sun around a purpose built tent to get our bearings
and hear an outline of recent events and future plans.
The touring party was kindly invited by Sangita to join Staff and the Senior
boys for an excellent lunch, far superior in every respect to that arranged in
the same hall in the “bad old days”, when it was unheard of for a member of
staff to sit down at a table with the boys! A pleasant surprise for the three
Old Lawrencians, who were able to make the journey, was a presentation by
the Headboy of memorabilia and two current issues of the school’s
magazines. The school bus was made available for a quick tour of the
school buildings and the Church of the Ascension. An attempt was made to
visit the cemetery, but the road beyond the new Junior School / Armoury
was badly churned after recent rain and the driver was asked to turn back –
we were not going to chance getting stuck or mucking the bus before its
return to Sangita!
Another surprise was to find a family of bison contentedly feeding on
Middle Flats, with father bringing to mind some of our muscle-bound past
contemporaries! The three animals were easily and peacefully encouraged
to return to the forest from which they had emerged and our final treat was
to briefly listen to the School Band practising manoeuvres and music for
Beating the Retreat in celebration of Independence Day, the 15th August. As
we left the School Grounds, we felt that we were leaving a happy place with
perhaps a piece of jigsaw not quite in place – and that concerned the future
of the building at the centre of the campus, the Church of the Ascension, and
what the future had in store for it. Old Lawrencians will surely continue to
hope that an Assembly Hall, either in whole or part (with the precedent at
Sanawar in mind), will emerge to guarantee the future of the building and its
grounds, with the preferred option of it playing a bigger role in the school’s
activities rather than having a separate agenda.
On leaving Lovedale, the opportunity was taken to pay a return visit to St.
Stephen’s Church. We were able to enter the grounds and briefly saw inside
the church and the immediate surrounding area. There was evidence of a
recent burial to the rear of the church but, otherwise, the cemetery grounds
were overgrown and further exploration was not recommended. In contrast
to our visit in 2009, when the church was “alive” and its surroundings of
much interest, this time the feeling was of disappointment and concern for
the future of the church. It is to be hoped that a new Pastor will soon arrive
to restore confidence within the church, the grounds and, importantly, the
congregation. As many Old Lawrencians will know, the Church of the
Ascension at Lovedale falls within the jurisdiction of St Stephen’s Church.
After Ooty we had the pleasure of again being cared for by Phyllis and
Dierdre at Wellington on our way back to Upper Coonoor. A visit to St
George’s Church, brought back many memories and we were well pleased to
be able to trace family history in the well kept registers and see around the
church and grounds before moving to Wellington Cemetery to find the
resting place of known grandparents, Again, Monsoon growth had covered
much of the area, but it was still possible to move around the cemetery near
to the road running from Wellington Lake and find the family graves with
their granite tombstones standing erect. In contrast to the lakes previously at
Burnfoot and Lovedale, which are now fertile fields producing excellent
vegetables, the lake at Wellington had been restored by the Army and in part
turned into a popular local showpiece.
Recalling the concerns about the state and upkeep of the cemetery at
Lovedale since the 1980s, this tour brought home the reality of the situation
now with us in India (and elsewhere) where burials and cemeteries are not as
much in use as they were over past centuries. Certainly, since crematoria
gained worldwide acceptance, burials in cemeteries are not to be seen as
frequently – and even in India its large cities now provide such facilities.
One has to wonder about the future use and maintenance of ageing
cemeteries in many locations, particularly when the long term effects of
adverse weather conditions have to be taken into account. Perhaps the likes
of Gardens of Remembrances and a means of paying tribute to those who
have passed on (e.g. plaques, memorial boards, etc?) is worthy of
consideration? During a recent television programme, “Sanjeev Bhaskar’s
India”, he was informed at Bangalore that the Electronic City he was visiting
had been erected over an old cemetery after an appropriate ceremony to
acknowledge its previous occupants! The deterioration in the state and
upkeep of the majority of cemeteries seen during “Friends of Lawrence” and
other tours to different parts of India since 1985 cannot be ignored as
customs and circumstances continue to change – with, perhaps, the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission site at Kirkee / Khadki (near
Pune) being a notable and impressive exception.
On leaving Upper Coonoor, we followed the route recommended by “Algy”
Alagappan and were much impressed by the stylish and quality houses along
the road to Kotagiri. After a short “convenience” stop at Kotagiri, we
descended along one side of the valley (accepted as the first road taken by
Collector John Sullivan when first finding the way to the Nilgiris) through
lovely scenery and around many sharp bends before passing through a
rainforest belt to the Plains and onwards to Metty. It was a surprise to find
such a large area in the higher grounds of the Eastern sector of the Nilgiris
so completely covered by tea plantations.
What a change as we arrived at the outskirts of Metty! The landscape
changed completely and our coach was reduced to travelling at “snail’s
pace”, forcing our driver to find his way through back streets. And so it
continued, with pedestrians, walkers pushing carts, etc. and every sort of
vehicle clogging the inadequate roadways, sending our schedule into outer
space! As the afternoon progressed, the time came to abort our plan to
reach the Athirapally Waterfalls (in the Mukundapuram Taluk District),
about 55 kms from Cochin International Airport, and the driver was asked to
take the next road for Kochi, where we eventually arrived in darkness. It
became obvious that this part of India is in urgent need of a road network to
match its economic progress – and that other means of travel in the region
should be considered by tourists pending the sorting out of this dire problem.
A stay of three pleasant nights in the Fort Cochin area allowed the group to
visit well known tourist and popular market areas during the day e.g. the
Chinese Fishing nets, Jewtown, establishments with an historical connection
to Portugal, the Dutch and British, including the church of St Francis, where
Sir Henry’s parents were married in the late 18th century; also where Vasco
da Gama’s remains were rested until being forwarded for burial in Portugal.
A day and night on the Kerala Backwaters on board local houseboats was
followed by a short stay at a surprisingly good hotel in Kollam (timing did
not allow for a visit to any cashew nut plantation) before finishing with two
nights in the Trivandrum area, which included a morning’s visit to a
Rehabilitation Centre for Elephants in the Western Ghats, where several in
the group enjoyed helping to bathe and feed the elephants in care. The
journey to and from the centre provided a great opportunity to appreciate the
geography and the special features of the southern section of this significant
mountain range.
CONSULTANT – PROJECTS AND ALUMNI RELATIONS.
Congratulations to the Headmistress for the creation of this necessary and
helpful post and for her choice of its first incumbent! Joseph John (“Jojo”),
Vindhya, 1970 – 1979, made a very good impression during the recent visit
to Lovedale and has since continued to do so. His contact details are :
E-mail : [email protected] …. The Lawrence School,
Lovedale, Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, 643.003 India …. Phone No. +91
423 2453 305
Mobile No. +91 94865 61497.
Jojo provided an update of OL contributions “to the dear Old School”
between 3rd June and 12th August, 2013, the date of our visit. Details of the
allocation of these funds and the many projects listed may be obtained from
Jojo or Derek Gaw.
Since then “Lovedale – The Second Step”, setting out planned projects under
two main headings : Infrastructure > 20 x New Projects / 13 x Renovations
8 x Restorations and Human Resources > Mentoring / Guest Faculty
(Scholastic) / Guest Faculty (Co-Scholastic) / Professional (Development for
Staff) / Welfare Funds have been programmed. Again, further information
may be obtained as indicated above.
Such transparency is to be welcomed and long overdue, given some of our
not so good experiences over the past several years. Further good news is
that much of the day-to-day management at Lovedale is now a local
responsibility with a benevolent HR hand reaching down from Delhi.
Developments will be of interest to all Lawrencians and, in keeping with
today’s management style, further information will be provided in the
fullness of time.
A piece of information for our ex- band army : “The All-India IPSC Band
Competition was organised by The Lawrence School, Lovedale, on 29th
November, 2013”.
The Register of Admission at Lovedale, which provides evidence of Entry
and basic details of pupils, was opened for sighting in the Headmistress’
Office. Unfortunately, we failed again to find any trace of Old Lawrencians
who had enlisted in the Special Emergency Department (S.E.D) during the
Rev. Brooke era - nor was there any knowledge among present staff of that
time in the 1940s. Fortunately, living proof of the SED is to be found
among Old Lawrencians residing in the United Kingdom, Australia and a
few other countries – and there are also photographs in existence to further
prove the point! We were also able to have a look at the Register of Burials
at Lovedale Cemetery, which has been well maintained.
A start has been made in extracting details from the Farewell Section of our
Newsletters for a Remembrance Book about Old Lawrencians, but this will
only take us back to Newsletter No.1. It would help if family or friends
could supply information about any other Old Lawrencians who have
passed on and missed being included in our Newsletters.
An excellent album of the 1930s at Lovedale, during the Simpson era, put
together by Tom Potts (entered Lovedale on 7th February, 1931), now living
in Canada and passed on via Allan Hipwood, was handed over to the
Headmistress along with the master copy of “Lovedale Cemetery – Book of
Remembrance, 1869 – 1983”, along with two volumes of the life of Sir
Henry Lawrence, containing many personal letters by Sir Henry, Lady
Honoria, their friends and accounts by contemporaries, including several by
Sir Henry’s “Young Men”. It is understood that these records will be kept in
the custody of Jojo. With interest now being shown about historical events
and photographs, anyone with contributions to make to develop the School’s
archives is asked to contact Jojo. One recent sad example came to notice
following the passing of a proud Old Lawrencian, who had retained a good
album with records of her time at Lovedale, only to have a zealous in-law
“dump” these along with other possessions when clearing her house.
By using your Search Engine on the Internet, you can obtain further
information about almost every location mentioned in this Newsletter – e.g.
Chennai and Trivandrum Airports; Pondicherry; Mahabalipuram; sites in
Chennai, including the Express Avenue Mall; the Nilgiri Hills (the Nilgiri
Mountain Railway and various tea plantations); the Lawrence School,
Lovedale; St. George’s / Laidlaw Foundation, Ketti; Ootacamund; John
Sullivan and Kotagiri; Fort Cochin; Kerala Backwaters/Houseboats; Kollam
– and a few others.
DONATIONS :
Our thanks to James Terry, Ruth Dunlop and Ossie Fletcher for their kind
contributions towards the cost of publishing our Newsletters. These
donations were received after No. 43 was issued.
Our thanks also to Ailsa Bissett (Wintle), whose regular and generous
donation was received on 6th December, nicely in time for Christmas and for
this Newsletter! Ailsa well remembers happy days and people from
Lovedale, in particular the boy who partnered her in a very happy marriage!
CHANGES IN ADDRESSES, ETC.
Pamela DUFFIELD (Waller), 33 Branden Road, Birmingham B48 7BE
Ainslie SMITH …E-mail = [email protected]
NEWSLETTER No. 45, July, 2014. Please send your contributions to
reach Derek Gaw at 22 Mole Close, Stone Cross, East Sussex, BN24 5QBE
before 15th June, 2014. Would members opting for the E-mail version of
the Newsletter please take a note of any event or point of personal
interest before pressing the delete button!
COMMITTEE MEMBERS : Treasurer only : Nicholas Horsburgh…. Tel. No. 0118 9787814
e-mail – [email protected]
London Annual Reunion : Vinay Vyas…Tel. No. 01753 673405
e-mail - [email protected]
LMRMS enquiries : Mike Bayliss …. Tel. No. 01325 354204
e-mail – [email protected]
Newsletter and miscellaneous : Derek Gaw …. Tel.No. 01323 741140
e-mail – [email protected]
We send our best wishes for the holiday season to all our readers and we
hope that 2014 will be a year filled with happiness and good health. To the
many readers who are not enjoying the best of health, we wish you well and
a hope that you will soon feel better.
Take care
LOVEDALE PEOPLE AND EVENTS
“And our rest will be the better
From convictions so deep within
That in spirit and in letter
We did strive and did “Never Give In”.
DEREK EDWARD FIRTH (1940 – 2013)
Bob Glenday writes from Adelaide:
“Derek Edward Firth started in
Lovedale in 1946 with brother Ian
Cecil Norman Gordon. The family
left for Australia in 1950 and,
having completed his education, he
worked for the ‘Commonealth
Railways’. Later Derek joined the
Royal Australian Army and was in
Borneo for several years. He
returned to the Railways for a
short time before joining the
Electricity Trust of South
Australia, where he served until
retirement.
Derek and family then moved to
Brisbane, Queensland, where they
were living at the time he passed
away. Derek is survived by his
Derek Edward Firth (1940 – 2013)
wife, Dorothy, their two children
and five grandchildren. He also leaves behind brothers in Adelaide who
miss him sadly”.
Our thanks to Bob for his contribution.
Margaret (Margot) Bery-Cooke, widow of Bendy Bery-Cooke, died on 7th
September, 2013. Her courage in coping with skin cancer and her positive
outlook on life can be seen in the two e-mails which follow :
From Margot on 11th July ….. “I am sorry to tell you this, but I am heading
towards those pearly gates and am not sure how much time there is. My
blood is causing huge problems and they cannot work out what is wrong”
From Lyndal, her youngest daughter, on 13th September ….. “I am writing
to let you know that my mother passed away early on Saturday, 7th
September. She received morphine to relieve any pain from Wednesday
that week and slept peacefully into the afterlife. I was with her in her house
the whole time”.
Margot’s ashes were interred at Clandon Natural Burial Grounds in Surrey
on 18th September. An Open Memorial service was held in her church at
Billingsgate later that month.
Margot lived her early years in Rhodesia, where she met Bendy when he was
working there as a school inspector. They moved on to spend some years in
New Zealand and the U.K. before returning to Africa where they took over a
garage in Knysa, South Africa, owned by Margot’s parents. They later
transferred to Australia, settling for some years in Adelaide, where they
were regulars at Old Lawrencian get-togethers. Some time after Bendy
passed away, Margot left Australia and settled in Newburgh, near Perth,
Scotland, to be near family and friends. Of Margot’s three daughters, one
lives in South Africa and two in England, the youngest, Lyndal, being in
closest contact with her over the years. More recently, when she began to
suffer ill health, she moved South to be nearer her daughters and eventually
settled in Billinghurst, West Sussex, where she quickly made good friends
and was happy until the end. A lovely person, who will be missed by family
and friends.
TONY JONKLAAS (S.E.D) TRIBUTE. Richard Stephens sent this tribute
to Tony’s son, Stewart, to be read at Tony’s funeral on 15th May, 2013, at
South Grafton, Australia :
“It was in March, 1949, my first year in the Junior School, that I was asked
to join the Church Choir of our School at Lovedale in the Nilgiri Hills,
South India. The tall Prefect, also the Vice Headboy, was seated behind us
junior boys. He had a good voice, and he had a great sense of humour – it
was Tony Jonkaas or “Jonk” as he was known. In a short time we noticed
his kindness to us young lads and that was the start of a lasting friendship
that sadly did not continue beyond this month. He was respected by all.
Tony left Lovedale for his home in Ceylon at the end of 1950. I later left
Lovedale, joined the Royal Air Force and was posted to Ceylon. In 1959, at
a rugby match between Ceylon Planters and the R.A.F. held at Kandy, I was
part of the RAF Cheer Squad. I made enquiries about Tony and was
informed that he had gone to the U.K.
In the mid 90s, Tony was heard of in Gosford and our friendship continued.
We visited one another, did a lot of memory searching about schoolmates,
and we even visited our Alma Mater in 2005. When Tony celebrated his 70th
birthday a chance was presented to meet his children, grand-children, uncles
and aunts – and his sister who had travelled from Colombo and surprised
Tony when she appeared on the lawn to complete a joyous occasion.
Tony often stayed with my wife, Diane, and myself in Blackheath, and all
who met Tony, as one, commented on his manners and friendliness. The
manners and the friendliness of the Vice Head of Lovedale Boys School, the
Senior Choirister did remain, and I will miss the friendship of that fine
gentleman and friend, Tony Jonklaas.
Diane, Laura and Helen join me in passing on our deepest sympathies to all
Tony’s family, here and in Ceylon”.
Richard Stephens.
On 1st December, 2013, Bob Glenday wrote from Adelaide, South Australia
to say that he was greatly saddened to learn from Dr. K. Mohan (Vin ’56 –
58) of the passing of Dorothy Dudley (Bosen) on 9th November, 2013.
“Bunty”, as she was affectionately known to her schoolmates, entered Prep.
School in 1948, the same year as Bob. They were in the same class for the
next 10 years when Bunty became Head Girl and they both sat the 1957
Senior Cambridge Certificate exams. Bob is sure that Bunty will be
mourned all over the world by those Old Lawrencians who knew her. “May
she rest in peace – Bob”.
Dorothy and her husband outside their home in Kotagiri. Picture courtesy of
Syd Reynolds (Vin. ’56-59)
THREE FRIENDLY VISITORS
WITH A GRACIOUS HOST – AND IN GOOD COMPANY!
COMMEMORATIVE BLUE PLAQUE
A TRIBUTE TO SIR HENRY LAWRENCE K.C.B.
SPONSORED BY THE LOVEDALE U.K. OLD
LAWRENCIANS’ ASSOCIATION
“While in Nepaul, he elaborated plans which resulted in the erection and
endowment of the noblest philanthropic establishments in the East – the
Lawrence Military asylums at Sanawar, at Murree in the Punjab, at Mt.
Abu in Rajputana and at Lovedale in the Madras Nilgiris”
- Online Encyclopedia
“It is known to all who know anything of Sir Henry Lawrence that, when
he left Lahore, he was escorted on his way for many miles by Sikh chiefs
and gentlemen, who wished to recognize what they owed to their most
faithful friend.”
……….“his Panjabi and Jammu friends found in him a sympathy,
understanding, and honest friendliness not met with, to the same degree, in
any other Englishman of the time; and they understood that Lawrence’s
friendship to them depended on their passing on its advantages to those
over whom they ruled”. J.L. Morison
LOCATION : Foyle Arts Building (Previously known as Foyle College),
Magee Campus, University of Ulster, Lawrence Hill, Londonderry,
Northern Ireland, BT48 7NJ.
LOVEDALE OLD LAWRENCIANS’ ASSOCIATION REUNION, 2014
The Lovedale Annual Reunion is to be held at the Gymkhana Social Club,
Thornbury Avenue, Osterley, TW7 4NQ, on Saturday, 19th April, 2014 at
noon for 13.00 hours.
The club is situated just off the A4 road, to the East and nearly opposite the
Osterley Underground Station on the Piccadilly (Heathrow) Line. A map of
the immediate area will be sent on request.
The catering and waiter service is provided by the Club, except for the main
course, which is set out on a help-yourself buffet basis. There is a bar
facility in the Function Room, but members have the option of bringing their
own bottles of wine for consumption on the premises.
Tables will again be set out to seat eight persons and although we cannot
guarantee to meet every seating request, you are invited to say with whom
you would like to be seated. After the starter course is completed, members
will be able to adjust the seating as they wish.
LOVEDALE ANNUAL REUNION, SATURDAY, 19th APRIL, 2014,
APPLICATION FOR TICKETS.
To: Vinay Vyas, 12 Almons Way, Slough, SL2 5UE Tel No. 01753 673 405
E-mail : [email protected]
Please send me ………tickets at £ 19.00 each (half cost for young children)
for the Lovedale Annual Reunion at the Gymkhana Club, Thornbury
Avenue, Osterley, TW7 4NQ on 19th April, 2014, at noon for 13.00 hours.
Your name and address ………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………..
Tel. No. ……………………E-mail : …………………Batch /Year………..
Name(s) of guest(s)…………………………………………………………..
Seating request ? …………………………………………………………….
Request for non-Indian food (Yes/No)……………Map required ? …………
TOTAL AMOUNT PAID £ ………Cheques payable to “Old Lawrencians
Association”, please.
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ONLINE APPLICATION : Payment to HSBC Harrow, St Anne’s Road,
A/C “Old Lawrencians Association” No. 41607367 – Sort Code 40.23.13
Please ensure that your name is entered in Reference Section and send
details to our Treasurer : [email protected]
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS : Saturday, 12th April, 2014
Anyone wishing to pay at the door on 19th April, 2014, should arrange with
Vinay Vyas to be able to do so.
PLEASE NOTE THAT CANCELLATION CAN ONLY BE ACCEPTED
IF NOTIFIED ON OR BEFORE 15th APRIL, 2014.
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U. K. Old Lawrencians’ (Lovedale) Association
Income and Expenditure Account – Year ending 30th September, 2013
INCOME
Income brought forward 1st October, 2012 ….. £ 6091.33 (Newsletter # 42)
Annual Reunion, 2013, Receipts ……………. £ 1358.50
Raffle ………………………………………. + £ 103.37
Donations…………………………………….. £ 402.00
Bank Interest ………………………………… £
3.17
Total…………………£ 7958.37
EXPENDITURE
2013 Reunion Expenses ……………………….£ 1278.00
Newsletter, postage, etc.expenses ……………..£ 387.15
Total …………………£ 1665.15
Balance carried forward to 2014…………………………………£ 6293.22
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