OLD COTTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION

2007 Winter

Chairman’s Christmas Newsletter

Dear Friends,

It has been another eventful year in the lives of OCs with the visits by Capt. Vivek Bhasin and others to the School and the recent, ongoing trip by Peter Lumboo and Elisabeth Evans, along with John and Catherine Phillips to Australia.   They are meeting up with Peter Rollo, Peter Maidment, Reg Button, Dick D’Abrue and Malcolm Petters and have an OC Reunion on Sunday 25^th November.   Unfortunately Bill Cartwright cannot attend as he has a very sick wife.

It was interesting to count the number of Rivazites among these Ozzie OCs – more than on your Committee I have to say!

The Annual Reunion Lunch at the Bombay Brasserie was another great success and now we must seriously look at the options open to OCA(UK) to celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of the foundation of Bishop Cotton School in Simla on 29^th July 2009.

There is a feeling among many old stalwarts who left the school in the 40s that this celebration in the UK should centre on our School and its Founder – Bishop Cotton.    He left from Marlborough College, where he was The Master – following his Deputy Headmastership under Dr. Thomas Arnold at Rugby School – to found the three schools in India.    So Marlborough College holds a very special place in the life of BCS because of this fundamental connection.

We have contacted Marlborough College to see if these celebrations could be carried out there.    The Secretary of the Old Marlborians, Mr. Martin Evans, has suggested we gather at the College early in the New Year to meet The Master and talk about the possibilities.    Bob Myers has made some very valid suggestions and is helping with his connections there.   He thought we might try and hold a Memorial Service in the College Chapel, followed by a tour of the campus and then a meal in its dining hall or in Marlborough.   Peter Stringer had the idea to lay on a coach from London to bring the people directly to Marlborough because of the poor train connections, which involve taking a taxi from Swindon to the College.

A separate issue is the possibility of a fund-raising event to contribute to commission and erect a statute of Bishop Cotton.   This is already circulating the web amongst OCs and is being looked into by the School itself.

We would really welcome your views and suggestions as to how you think we should mark this important date for our SCHOOL.

Please help us to bring to the notice of all Old Cottonians in the UK and worldwide the position our School holds in the academic world and how, with its history and tradition, it can contribute, through our help, to the future of pupils, past and present.

Now, may I take this opportunity to wishing you and all your family and friends a very happy Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous and healthy NEW YEAR.

Yours sincerely.

Gay Niblett.

ATTENDANCE AT THE REUNION HELD AT THE BOMBAY BRASSERIE

 Secretary’s Notes

As I sit now to compile and compose this winter newsletter I cannot believe 2007 will be ending shortly after you receive this.    Yuletide Festival and year-ending celebrations on the horizon my calendar readings seems almost empty after the summer highlights and holiday.  We had another successful Reunion at the Bombay Brasserie – 30^th June, and will have to wait till after the solstice reaches our hemisphere again for the next.    It is incumbent on me to give some account of the happy occasions.

On the Saturday 12^th May some OCs gathered at Watchbury Cottage in Barford, Warwickshire.    The late Bobby Reed’s wife Sheila and daughters Caroline and Jances made us most welcome.    We all tucked into a grand lunch and enjoyed a very lovely day.   Numbers were down on last year.   After the others had left Henry Berriff, Shirley and Arthur Jones, Maggie & I stayed over till the Monday late morning, keeping dear Sheila company a little longer.     

Maggie & I for the past 7 or 8 years have hosted a small meeting at Fairlands on Wednesday before the annual June Saturday Reunion.   This arrangement gives me an excellent opportunity to welcome all OCs from abroad supported by some UK OCs who can make it.    It allows me an easy convenient period to share and enjoy their company.    The Saturday Luncheon is given mainly to my committee duty to mix and introduce everybody and reduces my attention to each individual, as much as I do enjoy meeting everyone.

For our party we erected a marquee, having done so to shield us from the sun.   The English monsoon made me quite nervous.    For after the first few guests had arrived and we sat out on the patio it started to drizzle.    This making Maggie quite upset.    Thank goodness the shower moved away and I think the Headmaster gave us a ‘SUNSHINE HOLIDAY’.    Wonderful, in all there was 25 of us including some wives.    Our special guests were Col. Bill Wendy Dewan (OCA India Secretary) and his wife Neelem, Humayun Khan from Pakistan. [I do not know why Hashim Khan did not visit from Islamabad this year?]   Elisabeth & Lumboo Evans from Amsterdam, Elisabeth & Peter Johannes from Switzerland and Daljeet Singh (the dentist from Hounslow) brought our youngest OC member Siranjit Singh (L 2000-04).  Afterwards it poured down round 7pm.    The Dewans stayed with us till the 30^th Saturday, Arthur & Shirley booked into a room at the Travel Lodge up the road.

Up early Saturday 30^th and after breakfast we rode the train to Victoria, travelled the Underground and arrived at the venue accompanied by Bill Dewan to be greeted by our Chairman and Vinny Nanda, a committee member.    From a slow trickle to a pleasant swell in number, to I am sure over 80.   A good reward for the committee to greet a growing response of our younger members.   Shabash!   Most reassuring to see all the Houses well represented and be told that two attended from their Universities in Scotland.    What a delight to see Leena and Dimpy Mehra again – flew in from New Delhi and from Patiala Godo & Mala.   Young Deepak Anand dropped in on his way back from Malta to Vancouver.    Not long back from Shimla also attending were John Whitmarsh-Knight giving us first hand news from Patina.    Susan Whipps gracefully representing her late father, dear Freddie Brown, was another welcomed guest – [Susan’s visit to Simla in April, follows later on].     Every encouragement must be extended to all OCs especially the younger generation and stressing without their support the Association will slowly fade away.   Please don’t let this happen!

Once again the restaurant excelled in service and food and to be reminded by members the ‘khanna was both ahchar!’     Everyone did enjoy the afternoon as the greenery dressed Conservatory buzz with excitement, voices and laughter.

Before we disbanded speeches from Chairman, Gay Niblett gave his annual address, followed by Hamuyan Khan, Bob Myers and Vivek Bhasin focusing on OCA activities.    Some attention to the School, with much emphasis to prepare for the Sesquicentennial Festival Year 2009.   

Our young members assembled and sang with gusto their rendition of the School Song.   A very clear signal of their afternoon’s approval. Jess Pudwell (who took over as School Captain 1947 after Partition when Hussein Agha left for Pakistan) expressed his appreciation saying next year we older chaps should reply and sing our version (in Latin – to the music of the Austrian anthem) of the Old School Song -  Cotton ibi Simli ludum Who is up for IT?   Come in you choir boys!    

The joy of those few hours end too soon, as we packed up for another year.   Please remember the REUNION is always held on the last Saturday in June.    Only for a few precious hours spending time to remind us of nearly forgotten School Days and sharing the unique company and heritage that brings us together.     It is a Fraternity that I proudly cherish and am thankful to be associated with its members spanning from 1930s to recent School Leavers.    At intervals I receive correspondences from OC Chapters around the World and often telephone calls from many OCs I have met and others I have never seen.   

Please do not stop or otherwise I will have great difficulty to fill these Newsletter pages!!

I had been informed BCS examination results for this year have been the best for over 25 years. The seniors averaging mid 70% and one boy topped first in all India in Science.    I do not write to the Headmaster, as much as I should, I think he is too preoccupied to correspond.   I have also been told that at last Mr. Robinson has made it compulsory for teaching staff to wear proper cloak gowns.    I remember when I first visited the school in 1992 (after 45 years) I found it quite disconcerting, could not tell the difference between chowkidhars and masters!!

Hindustan stands at the threshold of a brilliant new era and the nation’s schools must prepare to undertake the reforms to meet the challenges of globalization.    BCS must take its place in the lead to seize the opportunities at every stage.   If we world scattered OCs can assist in any way I hope our efforts are well received and given in good spirit.    We are hoping that some direct formula could be founded to interact with transparency and responsibility towards OCs that desire proper contact.    Based in some form within the school, by pupils supervised and relating to OC chapters around the world.   John McLaughlin in the USA did advised me, without such a department the OC movement will be sterile to aid the school.

Many OCs having left BCS decades ago have no wish to be associated and I can well understand their will.   I suppose the UK chapter is the strongest in numbers outside of India and perhaps more attached to our dear Alma Mater.    Other India School associations in the UK are in a similar type situation and do affectionately register with passion for their schools’ future.    You also have a choice opportunity to attend a Reunion every two years of the Himalayan Hill Schools.   Intense gatherings of innocent rivalry giving much joy to those that are able to turn out.     I am no longer involved but have been asked if my name can still remain on their letter heading.    I hope many of you will join me next May at our BCS tables!

For the benefit of those who do not receive The School Mitre or are not Internet connected a very worthy Memorial Ceremony was held in April at the School.  

Susan Whipps (nee Brown) Chief School Guest, with her husband Glen and son Graham were cordially invited to honour the memory of her late father, Freddie Brown.     Susan unveiled the tribute mount to record the refurbishment of the Freddie Brown Stands on both sides of the War Memorial that Fred had constructed during his tenure as Acting Headmaster.    Later a dedicated Memorial Service was held in the School Trinity Chapel and a very solemn ritual laying his ashes in the garden of the Senior Master’s Lodge.

Thank you Headmaster for your blessing and champion response fitting to the memory of The Man and legend.    I pray these recorded moments of time adds with significance to the proud history of dear Patina and for those who are yet to come, take to the Stands and cheer our teams to victory.   

In the month of August the BBC exploded with documentaries and travelogues of India & Pakistan.     Programmed in an effort to coincide with the partition of INDIA from British rule.     Awakening in me, a son of the Raj, that this December will also be 60 years ago terminating my attendance at BCS.     Am I really all that old and how does the memory of Patina still linger.

Among the horde of collected literature in my treasure cupboard I came across a North Western Railway brochure.   In it quotes an extract from the Delhi Gazette (1846-9) a correspondent November 1847, sketched the route of a railway to Simla      

Writes “ We might then see these cooler regions become the permanent seat of Government daily invigorated by a temperature adapted to refresh an European constitution, and keep the mental powers in a state of health alike beneficial both to the rulers and the ruled”.     The railway was completed in 1903.   After the monsoons and breaks in the rain clouds – one can read on – “ Towards the end of September commences the most delightful climate in the world.   In October and November clear, bracing, exhilarating air invigorates the body and makes the soul rejoice.”   

I was very sad to leave BCS not to return again till June 1992, by invitation for Speech Day and OCA Week.     Hence I feel it is as good a reason to keep alive the PATINA spirit.

Lance Davidson-Brett (L 46-47) writes from Church Crookham, Fleet to say having turned 70 years old is still here! 

My parents retained every letter I wrote from BCS to them in Bombay.   My father had the job of sorting out all the war surplus stores and disposing of them.  Last month I found these letters in a ring binder.   Most written on Lefroy headed paper, there is also a liberal collection of Rivaz and Curzon writing paper.   I noticed that my letters never ran to more than one double sided sheet.   Obviously the compulsory weekly letter home was sometimes a fag if I was doing something more interesting.

Whilst on this subject, I digress to say that I have a monthly curry lunch with George, a fellow retired Major with whom I served in the UK, Cyprus and Borneo at some time or other.   It has to be curry and we are fast running out of Indian restaurants in NE Hampshire.   I include Nepalese which qualifies because of my 2 years in Nepal with the Gurkhas.   A lot of people don’t realise that so called Indian restaurants are nothing more than Bangladeshi, from East Bengal, who speak Bengali and not Urdu.   My Moonchi would not have approved!   

The point of all this digression is to say that George went to Sanawar.   In 1944 BCS sent a number of sports teams, which included me, by train down to Sanawar and I came across the letter that chronicled the entire event.    We are meeting this Saturday and I am going to take the letter with me, because George, who is only 4 years older than me, must have been at Sanawar when BCS visited.  Isn’t it fate that the two of us were on the same spot on the planet in 1944 and didn’t know it?   

Lance now a retired Major also spends every summer with his wife in Ireland and asks if any OCs over there he would love to meet.

Lance some points of interest for you… Two of my late cousins were Majors in the Gurkha Rifles.   Eric Stringer and Roy Downes.   Both were renowned pugilists.   Eric was heavy weight champion in the Sindh and Roy was defender of his lighter weight in the Punjab.   You miss excellent Indian khanna at the Bombay Brasserie luncheon.   I might also remind you when committee meet in Southall you are welcome to join us.   Been ages since you last attended with your mother, when we held the Reunion at the Cumberland Hotel!

Peter Rollo (R 34-42) our man in Dianella Western Australia writes to say he and his wife Thelma celebrated in July their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in style.   Accompanied with his second son and wife they flew to Singapore.    On the day starting with drinks in their hotel on the 71^st floor followed by a grand meal at the famous Raffles Hotel.   Later a cruise and languishing for five days in Phuket, Thailand.    Phuket is a very hilly place, walking was difficult as Peter has a heart condition.   Tough BCS Rivazite managed.    Returning home to more celebrations, on the 23^rd July another Birthday.   So he said to his wife Thelma if he could withstand all that they should think about an UK visit next year.   Go on Thelma I champion that!  

John Phillips (C 39-44) recently celebrated another birthday and invited Shirley & Clive Hardie (L40-45), Maggie & I for a slap-up pub lunch.    A splendid afternoon later as Catherine looked after the girls and we engaged ourselves with OCA matters and 2009.   

John & Catherine went off to Australia to meet with family and later reuniting with OCs in Perth and joined with Elisabeth & Peter Lumboo Evans (I 38-44).    Lumboo has holiday-exchanged his home in Holland with an Australian family, on the West Coast till sometime in January.    Lucky fellows and will meet up with Evelyn & Malcolm Petters (R 32-39) and the Australian West Coasters.    John is hoping to meet with Peter Maidment (R 40s) on the east side and Wanda & Reg Button (I 41-47) in Brisbane.    Greetings from OCA(UK) to all you guys and families.

Allan Bapty (R 36-38, 40-44) obligingly very kindly sent me this after his visit to Indiaaah!

I had the pleasure of returning to BCS at the end of October 2007 together with my son and two grandsons.    I had a very pleasant encounter with the Headmaster and was delighted to hear good news all round about the School.    It started hearing from him that the School no longer had the burden of debts and mortgages since March this year.   There has been a sustained effort to raise the standard of teaching and performance of the boys in their academic efforts so that the examination results have shown a considerable improvement.    The spirit of respect which now exists between the boys has led to greater trust and happier atmosphere all around.    This I was able to confirm several times in conversations, which I had with small groups of boys while I was there.     You will not be surprised that looking out from the First Flat to the silhouette of the hills around I saw no change!     The winter line is well developed, there are, as you might have guessed, more houses than ever before on the hillsides and evidence of new roads appearing along the hills.    The Gaiety Theatre is now free of scaffolding, which was a relief to see after so many years of its untidy presence.    The Lower Bazaar smells much the same as it ever did and conversation with the shopkeepers evoked their usual friendliness.    Any of you who have not been back to Simla and the School should really try to do so – I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I have done.

I receive mail from Deep Sidhu (L 48-52) in New Jersey exchanging our formed views on global warming, cultural changes in our life to life itself – innovation in thoughts!

Reg Button (I 41-48) writes from Brisbane reminding me to send him Albert Morley (I 41-47) tel. No and address – saying Albert slept six beds down in Ibbetson House, always a natty dresser, good at soccer and hockey.   He and family spent last Christmas in Kuala Lumpur and had turned 75 last March.    I hope your shoulder treatment went well.   Sends regards to all and to be remembered to Arthur Jones and Ron Plunkett.

Ron Plunkett (C43-50) and Les Homer (L 43-48) chat over the phone at intervals throughout the year and pray Pauline is repairing well after her operation.

Russell Lemur (C 50-52) has rung from Hastings to remind me of his sadness of losing his good friend David Murphy.   They both attended Christ Church School in Simla before joining BCS.

Johnny McLaughlin (I 41-48) keeps me informed by post or fax.    Helen is convalescing after a tricky spinal operation, now home and John completely in-charge of running the homestead!   Also reminding Maggie and I of the generous holiday we spent with them last autumn. 

Again I must apologise for not being Internet connected full well knowing its many advantages.    How wonderful two guys just surfing, found us, we add their names to our Register.    Peter Travers (R 41-44) and James Turner (I 36-44).  

Peter lives in Working and tells me he used to attend some monthly meetings in the Strand when late Lumboo Woods was in charge.    Having lost touch had no idea that the Association was still active.    

Peter has been to visit me, Ken Richards (L38-45) came up from Wiltshire and we three spent enjoyable happy hours reminiscing.    James lives down in Truro, Cornwall and was amazed to know we have an UK Fraternity and that BCS was still alive.   Welcome, welcome we need you all! 

I also keep up communication with Patricia Mamprin who ran the BCS Bangalore Association.    She loaned me a video taken by a member on his visit to their School.    I was amazed when he said there were near 5000 students.    I was very impressed by their most modern Chemistry lab. and the posh new computer hall.       Strangely no cover or comment of a chapel!!

Pat herself has not long returned from a grand holiday to India visiting her school she thinks for the last time. Pat experienced VIP treatment touring her Father’s 1923 posting - regimental headquarters, Madras Sappers.

Rupert Bunny I Price (I 32-40) wrote from Toronto to say he and Kathleen reminisce of past Christmases in India. Finds it quite incredible with what affection, honour and gratitude Freddie Brown’s pupils rallied around to add to the School’s history to immortalize Fred.    They felt extremely unfortunate that at their age and lack of ability to have not attended the ceremony.

Henry Berriff (L41-44) in Wombourne calls me on the phone often for a chat recalling experiences in School and the life we left behind in India.    Elisabeth & Peter Johans (I44-48) were over to their UK holiday home from Switzerland.   Came over to do some shopping and took us out for a curry lunch in Tooting.   Says he hopes to return shortly in the New Year.    

The Fourth Day after the Full Moon and it happened on the 29^th October 2007 

Yes, it was well planned and has been over thousands of generations.   The fasting by married women who dedicate their lives, their love, their bodies and everything for everlasting love for their man; toiling in the fields, sweating in the engine room groping through the smoke tube boilers, and those executive husbands, flirting with their female staff in posh new offices.  Regardless, the women of yesteryear were told to do just that.    A loving faithful wife must comfort your man even if he comes home drunk as a skunk, perfume on his neck and lipstick on his collar.    That forth day after the full moon, all those saintly women go back into the past; dream of that first night and dress up so too!

My wife felt obliged to do it just once 25 years ago on the Ridge in Simla.    I was there again 25 years later, some few weeks ago.    This time I was alone.  Dressed in my own splendour, my Kulu cap my Pashmina shawl over my hand woven waistcoat.  And plenty of time.   21:15 hours the white loomed west of Jakko hill signaled the arrival suddenly – that full moon – that gleaming ball of cheese swept across beaming down on those thousand women.    An amazing sight as a shiver ran down my spine!    The age old necessary chore – looking through a sieve, with candles alight and sprinkling holy water on Mother Earth.    The men looked on with complete boredom.    I suddenly felt so alone.

But I was back in my kingdom, my Simla, my place, my School my life and my journey.

I went to the School and met the Headmaster Mr. Robinson.     He looked very well, confident and content that the School was back where it was and should be.   Right on top!   Man have you seen the moon beams light up the Second Flat.   That silver flat and hearing the boom of the boys singing from the rafters at us OCs – Sukdev, Homer Gill, Sharat and myself – “We sing of days now past and gone…….to those who’ve yet to come”   This experience reminding us of that total feeling in 1995, as we three represented in the Class of ’70.   Sharat as always wonderful and true brother was there to support me as I will always support him.

Oh yes, I walked into the room of John Whitmarsh-Knight…….  Johnny ole chap! I salute you.   Just like the Ozzie band AC/DC said to those about to rock.   This Knight is much more than a true friend, he has become part of Bishop Cotton School soul.   May God bless him always.

To play golf a four ball at Naldhera with four illustrious OC veterans is yet again and honoured privilege. Deep Anand, General Verma and Col. Wendy Dewan (christening him The Bandito).   Four or us and can you believe, four caddies, plus a minder, plus a bearer, in arms – total ten entourage and 100 monkeys.   …..I let the seniors win!!

Suddenly I feel so alone again.   Now whenever I do I think of something special: someone very special a secure wave envelopes me.   

If you guys, you Cottonians wish to see the fourth day after the full moon; make the effort and go up to the Ridge with the white cheese assailing.    Christ Church bathed in moon lit splendour and those exquisite women…..your wives, your loves your girlfriends and you may see me there too.   The last of the lonely cowboys but always a COTTONIAN.  

Enjoy life when you can.                                                                         
Capt. Vivek Bhasin (L 61-70) roll number 123…                                 

Jal Boga (C 45-53) replied recently from Canada to say he dashed to Karachi Pakistan in August with Ava as her mother suffered a stroke and now recovered.    Staying to celebrate her 90^th birthday.    They are staying with their daughter Meher who I met when I visited Pakistan in 1997 with Lumboo Evans and our wives.

Gerry Godinho (L80-83) we stay in touch – I write he phones and promises to bring his wife Debbie and daughter to the UK next year or 2009.    Debbie has family ties with Scotland.

Finally, if I may also wish you and your family and all our readers A Merry Christmas, Peace and all the best for A Happy New Year.

STOP PRESS

I received a surprise telephone call week before last from Evelyn Petters from Balcatta, Western Australia to say John and Catherine Phillips had arrived.    John came on the phone saying ‘phew’ it was 90degrees outside as they sat in air-condition drinking cold glasses of fresh orange juice.   Malcolm came on the line and we exchanged brief pleasantries.

28^th November   Australia calling again it was Lumboo Evans to say they had had a real great Reunion with all the West Coast OCs at the local Indian restaurant.     John & Catherine Phillips had left and were on their way to rendezvous with Reg & Wanda Button on the East Coast in Brisbane. 

BISHOP COTTON SCHOOL must deserve high honours - all this happening after more than 60 years after Partition and leaving PATINA.                 

GOD BLESS OUR SCHOOL.

The Himalayan Hill Schools Reunion is on the 28^th May 2008.