Opening my computer in far off Whyteleafe to see the happy group of the batch of 1969 reunite after 48 years with family in Simla, will brighten my day. It gives me pleasure far beyond words to know the Spirit of BCS lives on.

Our daylight hours have started to shorten & hope the monsoon leaves the surrounds of Patina green & pleasant before we realise summer is nearly over

Meanwhile at home – routine follows the retired course mellowing with age & counting our blessings.

The leaves have started to fall & my garden slowly begins to look bare ……  I often feel sad when I see the colourful leaves falling and I’ve been told to learn to love the gentle decline into autumn, ignore the scruffiness of falling leaves – breathe in the soft chill air and feel virtuous!!    Well we shall try and stay warm as I have heard it is going to be a cold hard winter.

We have keenly followed the TV coverage marking the milestone 70 years after Imperil India gave Pakistan & India Independence.

Incredible to reflect back as I was young & cocooned in BCS Simla at the time & had no idea of the real gravity of partition, never understanding WHY & many of our chums sent home across the border.  

It was a hopelessly planned political strategy causing unnecessary upheaval, bloodshed & such bitterness that will take a long, long time to forgive and mend.

Still life must go on as we pray for peace

Please post this reply with cordial fraternal wishes to the Batch of 69 and Old Cottonians around the world 

Cheers

Peter Stringer (Lefroy 1943-47)

BCS Ghuntee