Tag Archives: OCA UK

OCA (United Kingdom) TRANSITION OF CHAIRMAN: Vivek Bhasin

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Dear Old Cottonians and Young Cottonians,

The United Kingdom Old Cottonians has been the senior most fraternity of all world OCA Chapters.This noble chapter has been held rock fast with the untiring, dedicated support and blessings of our Senior Cottonians who hold Bishop Cotton School at the forefront of their lives, living their days in the UK with sentimental reunions, memories of their time in the hills of Simla; memories of their time in India. Our Seniors have had steadfast support of their wives who became part of such a large family in the UK.

The annual reunion and get together in London; the last Saturday in June every year is a MUST. A day etched in stone by every OC; he arrives from all over the world to share and remember the common ground of  his beautiful Alma mater. He exchanges episodes and incidents in his life that  are invariably are coupled to Bishop Cotton School and other fellow OCs. Yes Old Cottonians never grow up!!!

Mr Kuljinder Bahia , an exceedingly remarkable Old Cottonian based in the UK has agreed to take over the reins of the OCA (UK) on 01 March 2012.

I am confident with his Chairmanship, the fraternity will go from strength to strength and prosper even further; opening its arms to the younger generation of Old Cottonians who arrive at the shores of the UK; to study, to work, to settle. Kuljinder will have the support of ALL Old Cottonians in the UK; especially Raj Lamba, Vinod Nanda*, Gursant Sandhu, Rana Datar, Sam Grewal. One must never forget Allan Gay Niblett, Peter Stringer, Arthur Jones, John Phillips, Allan Bapty, Anil Bhasin, Bob Myers, Puneet Singh, John Maclaughlin, Ken Richards, Daljit Jaijee, Mrinal Vijay, Sanjiv Talwar,Tony Sinha, Lamboo Evans, Vijay Bhalaik, Jogi Chahal, Paddy Singh, Dr Aulakh, Fred Hardy, John Whitmarsh Knight , Homer and David Gill and a host of others who have given so much to the cause of the OCA (UK); they will continue to do so for Kuljinder Bahia.

All what remains for me to convey are my Best Wishes and continued onwards success of this wonderful and great fraternity

I was priviledged to be part of this chapter for 13 years. I will be returning to India in the next 6 weeks and will give as much time as possible to the OCA (India), Bishop Cotton School and Old Cottonians. I hope to work with my Brother Sharat Bhasin (Lefroy 1965-1975) and also look at opportunities in emerging India.

Allan Gay Niblett, Honorary Life Chairman (OCA) United Kingdom will be representing the fraternity as Chief Guest at the OCA (India) luncheon on 19th Feb 2012. He will be carrying with him all good wishes from the Old Country!!!  For me; I will be missing this grand reunion in New Delhi for the first time in 25 years….

God Bless the OCA United Kingdom and its newest and young Chairman  Kuljinder Bahia.

Vivek
Capt. Vivek C. Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970
Chairman (OCA UK)

* (This letter is also dedicated in loving memory of the departed, wonderful Mother of Vinod Nanda; committe member; fellow Lefroyan, a Cottonian with Guts, a Cottonian with compassion, A true friend. May the soul of his Mother rest in peace.)

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OCA UK Newsletter – Winter 2011

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OCA (UK) Winter News letter

Capt. Vivek C.Bhasin
Chairman
Greetings from the OCA (UK) Chapter

Greetings Dear Old Cottonians here in the UK and those across the Channel in Europe, those across the pond in the Americas both South, Central and North, those in the Middle East, in the great African Continent, the Indian ,Pakistan and Bangladesh Sub-Continent, SE Asia, The Far East and Oz and New Zealand.. ( I guess I have covered the Globe!)

We are in the third week  of December 2011 and its still beach weather here in Surrey….!! Though the trees have turned in to solid gold, red and pink and come raining down as I take my walks along the Thames here off Weybridge.  The mercury is languishing on its hammock and it’s a mild 10C, though the weather Gods predict, the milder it stays for a longer period the harder the on coming winter will be.  Yes it just snowed in the North and Scotland.

The year is rapidly passing by. …I have been admonished by Peter Stringer Sahib for running late with the newsletter and so its pen to paper.

Our Summer Luncheon on the last Saturday of June 2011 was a grand success and the congregation of Old Cottonians was indeed an amazing and welcome sight at the Bombay Brasserie. The diehards continue to make it across from the US, Australia, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Pakistan and India. We remain ever grateful to all who made it; especially D.C Anand, Anil and Lena Mehra, Ronny and Mrs Das, ALL our Seniors and Juniors, AND  Anil Bhasin, Homer Gill and Kuljinder Bahia( it requires tact and diplomacy to coax these three dudes to attend!) Also young Charanji, who is doing his Hotel Management in Switzerland.  Special tributes were paid to the Ladies by yours truly; these sweet and gentle wives of us OC’s who have endured and tolerated us through the ages… without them we would still be in shorts, house shirts, gym shoes and holes in our socks, forgetting to brush our teeth and apply Vaseline on our faces!

Our committee has not met that often but I appreciate the constant contact with Gursant Sandhu Secretary and Puneet Singh Treasurer. Sam Grewal another die-hard OC has set up the OCA (UK) Face Book page where all are welcome to become friends!!

I know for a fact that both Senior Committee members Raj Lamba and Vinod Nanda are always at our beck and call whenever we need them. Many young OC’s were invited by Senior OC Dr Daljit Jaijee and his wife Mohinder Pal to the Hounslow Gurdwara in October 2011 to spend some very divine moments in the midst of prayer and song.  Daljit’s Son and daughter-in-law were visiting from Australia and it was a wonderful evening spending time with the family. Daljit’s beautiful and gentle daughter too did a great job in organizing the event.  OCs who attended were Raj Mohinder Singh from Delhi, Rana Datar, Sam Grewal, Gursant Sandhu, Puneet Singh.

On Friday 02 December 2011 I drove down to Whyteleafe to meet Maggie and Peter Saheb. We spent a few hours enjoying each other’s company and I relished the samosas and the ‘Gaajar ka halwa’ that Peter had made especially for the occasion.  Que Rico!!

Honorary Life President Allan Gay Niblett continues to be a pillar of great strength to the fraternity. He has taken upon himself the task of strengthening ties between BCS and Marlborough College.

LETTERS from Old Cottonians:

So what I now wish to do is leave ample space for Allan Gay Niblett Esq., as he writes to me; his letter has great significance and is please be taken as addressed to ALL  of us: Continue reading →

Calling all OCA Chapters from around the four corners

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[Click for a larger view]

Peter Evans(I 38-44), Arthur Jones(L42-48), Peter  Johans(I44-48), Clive Hardie(L40-45), Raj Lamba(L42-49), John Phillips(C39-44). Rana Data Singh, Daljit Jayjee Singh, Peter Travers(R42-45), Peter Stringer(L43-47), Johnny McLaughlin(I41-48), Gay  Niblett (R40-47), Hashim Khan(I43-47).

OLD COTTONIANS (United Kingdom)

Dear Friends
Calling all OCA Chapters from around the four corners.
Another year and another reunion luncheon and I must tell you, a great gathering and a brilliant success.  As usual, always the last Saturday in June, this one on the 25th instant. And I would like to draw your attention to your 2012 social calendar – We will meet again on the 30th June 2012 D.V.
Our new young Chairman Vivek Bhasin, and promising secretary Gursant Sandhu, our stalwarts Treasurer Puneet Singh and committee members Vinod Nanda and Raj Lamba pulled off a wonderful act bringing in a host of young OCs – swelling the crowd to the pleasure of us veterans …… outnumbering us oldies by far. SABASH!
Message for you young OCs and school leavers, OCA (UK) depends on you and your support.
Some regular OCs bullied-off on Wednesday 22nd at Fairlands, Whyteleafe.  Maggie laid on the gala khana, Daljit Jayjee Singh brought in samosas and pakoras for starters, Rana Data Singh, our established wine merchant, the sharab. More wines and refreshments followed as OCs and wives arrived. Now here is something for the record.  Evelyn, wife of late Malcolm Petters (R 32-39) from Perth, Australia, came along. Evelyn, having spent a short holiday with Elizabeth and Lumboo Evans (I 38-44) in Amsterdam joined Catherine and John Phillips (C 39-44) at their home in Ickenham and drove over together.  Hashim Khan (I 43-47) came all the way from Islamabad. Helen and Johnny McLaughlin (I 41-48) flew in from Michigan, USA, to London Gatwick and after a week’s sojourn with his cousin in North East London stayed with us from Sunday, 19th to 28th instant.  Sheila Reed wife of the late Bobby Reed (R 40-46) drove over from her home in Warwickshire and stayed with us from Tuesday 21st to the following Monday.  Elisabeth and Peter Johans (I 44-48) accompanied by a friend from Canada arrived from Switzerland.  My House and School Captain Clive Hardy (L 40-45) and his dear wife Shirley, and Chris their son, from Buckinghamshire joined the numbers.  Young Chairman Vivek (L 61-70) with his dear Swedish wife Sophia and the late Tubby Whitmarsh-Knight’s engaging nephew John Whitmarsh-Knight, after his 3-year teaching assignment at BCS, graced us with their presence.  Arthur Jones (L 42-48) and daughter Julie drove in from Cambridge.  Peter Travers (R 42-45) from Woking and veteran committee member Raja Lamba (L 42-49) arrived by train with our honoured patron and ex Chairman Gay Niblett from his island home in Mallorca.  As our special guests we welcomed Pat and Chris Krishnan (ex La Martiniere, Lucknow) who resides in the next village up on the hill.  To our sad disappointment we were overcome with a windy and rainy afternoon.  We lads congregated under the marquee and the ladies watched out from the windows indoors!  We boys accepted it all in good BCS monsoon spirit.  My School Captain had warned Maggie in advance to plead for a sunshine holiday!!
Friday 24th we rendezvoused at the home of Shirley and Clive Hardy with Catherine and John Phillips, Evelyn Peters, Elisabeth and Lumboo Peter Evans.  Sheila Reed taking the strain behind her limo kindly drove Helen, Johnny, Maggie and yours truly to Beaconsfield, Bucks.  Refreshments, excellent food and cheerful company shared over a happy afternoon, one we will remember.
Saturday the Twenty Fifth morning dawned with a fall of rain soon to clear leaving a glorious day to celebrate our annual luncheon at the now fond Bombay Brasserie noted for the excellent Indian cuisine.   Once again the restaurant rose to its warm good standard and served a super lunch with all the trimmings and good service.  A high benchmark scored by our new young appointed committee – once again FULL MARKS.  After the meal, Vivek gave an introductory speech followed by an up to date school general report from Anil Dimpy Mehra (a School Board Member).  Deep Anand, also a school board governor, voiced his support for BCS and the OC world involvement, with short speeches from Gay Niblett and our esteemed globe ambassador Humayun Khan from Peshawar, Pakistan.
It was a tremendous reuniting of OCs that we had not seen for some time.  The whole assembly raised the Spirit of BCS to a refreshing high, bringing our friendships a lot closer.  My thoughts go out to those who could not attend for whatever reason that kept them from us.  We wish you well, keep in touch with the flock and hope to see you soon or next year D.V.
CHEERS.
Peter A Stringer (Lefroy 1943-47)

Old Cottonians (U.K.) Annual Luncheon Saturday 25th June 2011

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From the Chairman (OCA United Kingdom)

Good Day Cottonians!

The Annual Luncheon last Saturday 25th June 2011 in London was a roaring success!!
It was HOUSE FULL!!
84 members of the International OCA Fraternity attended at Bombay Brasserie.
They came from the US, Australia, Netherlands, Switzerland, Pakistan, the UK and India.
It was a gathering of our illustrious Seniors and our ambitious Juniors.

Great speeches and snippets on life, the OCA and the progress of our Bishop Cotton School were shared.

Greetings were received from Headmaster Roy Robinson, Col Wendy Dewan, the OC’s from Oz and many many more.

I would especially like to Thank my Committee members and
Mr. Gay Niblett
Mr .Peter Stringer
Mr. D.C.Anand
Mr . Anil Mehra
Dr Humayun Khan
Mr Anil Bhasin
Mr Kuljinder Bahia
Mr Peter Evans
Mr Peter Johans
and EVERYONE else who attended.
I would also like to thank those who did not make it!  They were there in spirit!!!  BCS means everything to us!!
I was humbled and especially paid tribute to the ”Cottonian Ladies”
They have always stood side -by -side, with patience, understanding and words of comfort as we continue our journey through life with sentiments, forever of BCS and the tree
crowned hills of Simla. We Thank You Ladies.

To charge our batteries for another year, The School Song was emotionally sung, so befitting to our Founder and Alma mater.
I may not be here next year as my company decides to shut down operations and move out of the UK; possibly with No Job!!

But until our next Great Reunion, again confirmed for Saturday 30th June 2012 at The Bombay Brasserie, I wish you well.

Lets hope numbers will further increase; as Kuljinder Bahia said….lets aim for 120 next year!!!

Three Cheers for BCS! Hip-Hip Hooray! Hip-Hip Hooray!! Hip-Hip Hooray!!!

My Kindest Regards,
Vivek Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970
Chairman : OCA (UK) Chapter

Last call

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Fellow OC’s
Last Call!!!

The OCA (UK) Luncheon takes place:
Saturday 25th June 011 at 1200 hrs.
The Bombay Brasserie, London
Nearest tube: Gloucester Road Station ( Circle and District Line)

Price:   Full Time Students (including Girl Friends): FREE!!

OC’s ( with Wives-Partners-Girl Friends): £ 25.00 + £ 10.00 = £ 35.00

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Kindest Regards,
Vivek Bhasin
Chairman OCA (U.K.)

OCA UK Newsletter : Spring 2011

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SIMLA
OLD COTTONIANS ASSOCIATION UK

Old Cottonians Association (United Kingdom) Spring Letter 2011

Message from: Chairman Captain Vivek Bhasin ( Lefroy 1961-1970)
Greetings fellow Cottonians, our esteemed Seniors and our ambitious juniors residing in the United Kingdom or for that matter anywhere on this planet or in outer space.
It is soon coming to a year since I took over command of the good ship OCA (UK) from an incredible, passionate and philanthropic gentleman Alan Gay Niblett, who steered and guided this chapter for over a decade. Gay serves as Honorary Life President and continues in his very generous ways, helping and assisting our fraternity. His present object/project is to establish a firm foundation between Bishop Cotton School and Marlborough College. There are numerous possibilities in a joint-venture and studies towards various opportunities are being under taken.

At the same time rock steady pillar Peter Stringer also decided to step down and hand over the reigns to Gursant Sandhu, a young lawyer.  Peter again has ‘ not-been-given-permission-to leave’ and will always be part of the committee. It is he who still maintains contacts with the seniors and makes it a point to attend get togethers of fraternities of the Great Himalayan hill schools here in the UK [......]

Read/download the entire letter here.

OCA UK committee meeting – Feb 2011

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At the request of our new chairman Vivek Bhasin I attended a committee meeting on 12/2/11.  We gathered at the home of Vinod Nanda in Norwood Green, Southall, Middx.

Picture: Left to Right are : Vinod Nanda (L59-68) ~ Sam Grewal ~ John Whitmarsh-Knight  ~ Daljit Singh Jaijee (R47-54) ~ Raj Lamba (L49-59)  ~ Vivek Bhasin (L61-70) ~ Rana Data Singh (L 50s) ~  Gursant Sandhu (New Secretary).
Front : Gursaant Singh (C95-00) ~ Puneet Singh (C91-00, Treasurer).

Reunion Luncheon at the Bombay Brasserie is on 25 June 2011.

Best regards
Peter Stringer

Message from the Chairman [OCA UK]

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Dear Fellow Old Cottonians,

As you know the OCA(United Kingdom) is the oldest fraternity in the Bishop Cotton School Shimla family.
It behooves all Old Cottonians residing, working,studying and visiting the UK to get in touch with any one of the listed members below and come forward to further strengthen our association. Our Seniors have handed over the Baton to a younger set and it is going to take a lot of hard work; be it coaxing and insistence to ensure the Flag of BCS continues to fly here in the UK. We therefore seek the young generation to come forward, make contact and express their thoughts and ideas. What is a tremendous advantage to all OCs are our connections; networking is so important in today’s fast moving world and the OCA (UK) gives us all wonderful opportunities to connect, seek help and advise and in some cases possible placemnt in industry.

vinod@tata.co.uk,
puneet.singh@barclayscapital.com,
gursaant.singh@redapplesolution.com,
gursant@yahoo.com,
grewalsam@hotmail.com,
jwwwknight@aol.com,
vivek.bhasin@dole.com

As a start be it known and recorded that a very informal get together is being planned in London in early April 2011. The venue cover food, drinks, music and dance and we encourage all OCs to join in with their wives and girl friends for fun and frolic.
Place & date to be advised.

The Annual OCA (UK) Lunch is confirmed for Saturday 25th June 2011/1200 hrs at Bombay Brasserie (near the Gloucester Road Tube Station), London.
More details will be advised in the next coming months.

In the meantime..
The Weather in London this Sunday evening, 23rd Jan 2011 at 2130 hrs:
Cloudy with temperatures of 7C

My Kindest Regards,
Vivek Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970
Chairman OCA (United Kingdom)