Tag Archives: Letters from OCs

Christmas Letter 2019 / Vivek Bhasin

… back inside a little hole in a Fir tree trunk…
Curled like a ball
I struggle
to stretch my neck out
adjusting my shrunk body…

Making it a point to get back in
every year…
to tell myself
you did all that…

…attending OCA luncheons in Delhi, London and Chandigarh..
Worshipped at Kali Bari..
The School Chapel…
The Monasterio de Santiago de Campostela…
Christchurch On the Ridge..,
Talai Mandir Criagnano, Mashobra..
Walking on the path…
On the Ridge…
On the Mall…
Through cobwebs of Gurugram..
Swimming in the Pool at Garden Estate..
Playing Golf at Karlstad..
Looking across London with another soul mate riding the London Eye..
.. slow walk at Notting Hill
.. and the SW train to Weybridge..
Dinner in Mayfair with John Hoare Esquire…
Reading “Walking with Nanak”
.. slow an easy in liquid sunshine in Düsseldorf..
and Schloss Benrath with Lady Pureness.

I sometimes stoop and fall
but stand up eventually ..
to teach wild village boys to respect their women in Lohvan Vrindavan..

and jazz across the catwalk at ITC Grand Bharat..
a kaleidoscope of colours.

Having dinner with
Simon David Weale Esquire..
..showing Class XII Cottonians the way …
And being half the force in India Viking..
Gosh… do I realise stuck in the hole in the trunk of that tall fir tree in a thick dark forest in Karlstad …that I am now 3 score and four… ?

that it’s Christmas Day !…

I stick my head out cautiously
… and see a Moose looking at me, confusedly… “ what is he doing in there ?” Yeah what am I doing in here right now…?

So after the hectic never ending gallop through 2019, I better look ahead …
With renewed strength…
With renewed hope…

Having sung Silent Night – Holy Night in Swedish at midnight mass last evening in Karlstad’s Cathedral …

I just flashed a message to my Class of 1970..
Fact: thirty four of us rascals times ten point five years time two hundred seventy days gives an answer of approximation …

Yes one hundred thousand times we heard the bugler ringing the bell on the First Flat for Chapel…

A hundred thousand times we entered our Beautiful Chapel and prayed from 1961 to 1970…

We came from all walks of life..

Our Moms and Dads sending us on the Howrah Kalka Frontier Mails to become some Scholars, some Bankers, others Lawyers and a few those Military men, some Sea Captains and some Mountaineers , some based in Washington, others in Minneapolis, Chicago and Kathmandu, Calcutta, Stockholm and Bombay, Delhi and others in Madras and Dubai. With our precious Metal Badge and our Four colours… we became what we became.. Good Men..

On this Christmas Day.. I called my Mother in Gurugram … I spoke to her ( as I whispered too to the soul of my departed Father)…. “ Mum Thank You for sending me to Bishop Cotton School… and maybe today I sometimes do get irritated and impatient with you and “seem” to think I know more and know better than you … and you agree ….
Mum …within my heart I disagree with myself …. You sit alone .. counting the days when I will come back to spend that precious hour having tea with you…. it was you and my Father who sacrificed so much to send me away .. so I could polish my own shoes and scrub my own back and become the boy that still stays within the man within me….
YOU GAVE ME ROOTS
BUT ALSO WINGS …

so I could keep my ship and crew safe and secure.. so that I could wing away to my closest and special ones… and walk the world being both of you and with the soul of Bishop Cotton…
YOU GAVE ME ROOTS
BUT ALSO WINGS
AND MADE ME THINK…
LIFE HAS BEEN GOOD..
THERE IS A PLACE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS..
THAT BELONGS TO ME…
THAT BELONGS TO MY BROTHERS..TO ALL OF US
THAT NO ONE CAN TAKE AWAY…
IT IS THERE FOR ME
FOR THEM
FOR US…..

Thinking of All Cottonians where ever we are… At Christmas 2019.
( from within the trunk of this conifer tree)…

Vivek Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970

A christmas letter to Mrs King sent from a prisoners war camp in Marienburg (Poland today)

Webmaster OCA

I  am sending you a treasured letter from my friend Mike King whose Father Charles King (Ibbetson House, School Capt 1928) a Rector was taken in as POW in Nazi Germany during WWII.

((A very close and wonderful friend of mine based in Baumberg Germany translated the first page. I can also understand my friend’s emotions as she was not born during those days; she is truly a remarkable person Regine Ullrich Zollmarsch who walked the Camino Francis with me on the path to Santiago de Compostela in Spain)).

Many Thanks for your efforts in keeping our website in its finest…
Warmest Regards,

Vivek
[Vivek Bhasin – Lefroy 1961-1970]

Prisoner of War Post

To : Mrs Katherine King stamped: 4.12.44 (1944) after checking
Destination: Ideford Rectory
Community: Newton Abbot
Place: S. Devon
England

Checked with Camp Stamp: M-Stammlager

XX8  (5888) Passed  P.142
From: Rev. (Capt. ) C.J.W. KING  C.F.
Prisoner no: 1088
H. Stammlager XXB
Ld Prisoner of war camp
In Marienburg (Poland today), Danzig

My Dear Kate,
I was so pleased to hear from Vera that you and (dated  30.11.44) young Bill had gone to stay at the Rectory. I feel an awful responsibility towards you two now I’m the second head of the family, and wondered how I was going to fulfill my obligations. I don’t know how long you mean to stay with us but I feel that both sides would benefit if you made your home with us. We shall always have houses which will be too big for our needs, and you the problem of company for yourself and Bill while the lad is growing up. But you and Vera must decide that. Things happen Kate, to people big enough to carry them. That is the conclusion I have reached here, where I have had so much time in which to think. The loads are never more than one can bear, however heavy they may seem. Strangely enough too, the load becomes lighter with carrying and one becomes stronger. And don’t my dear, make young Bill into old Bill. You’ll never be able to make anything more than a good copy, and the child will be far more worth to you as just himself. Winter our greatest all round enemy comes and goes. To kill my disappointment I have dug myself into work and am trying hard to improve my own, and other people’s knowledge of French, German and English. I make some progress in each. My headaches fortunately have been very infrequent so far. They have in past captivity winters been my greatest curse. I did hope to be home this year! But I’ll see to it that the extra time is put to good use. Doing an hour’s Physical Training each day. At the moment I feel I am coming apart, but am, nevertheless. Much better for the exercise.
My love to you both, Charles.

The original letter:

[click to see a larger view]

They obviously opened, read and approved it before sending.

Mike King: Another precious letter

Attached is a letter from Mike King’s father, Charles King, to his youngest brother Noel who left BCS in 1934 to move to England with his parents. He was a Captain in the British Airborne Forces and saw action at the Battle of Arnhem and was actually present at the Japanese surrender in Rangoon in 1945.
Love, terrible Wars…
and then Peace….
Finally a Servant of the Almighty
Amen
Vivek Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970
[click for full view]

URGENT ASSISTANCE REQUESTED: A Old Cottonian requires a Liver donor

A Old Cottonian urgently requires a liver transplant and is seeking a liver donor [blood type B+ve] and has requested to spread the word among the OCA Community. Our teacher Mr Gauri Shankar’s son RAJIV SHANKAR was at BCS 1962-1974 [Curzon] and has recently retired from Government service in Himachal Pradesh. Rajiv can be contacted directly at India mobile number +91-941-805-0003 email kuku234@yahoo.com

Any responses that might be sent to the OCA will also be passed on directly to Rajiv Shankar.

Down memory lane – Balbir Singh

I am now 78 years old living in Pune since many years & never forget the short but good years I had at BCS.
I was there in Simla from 1948 to 53 till the Third Form in Ibbetson with my roll number of 212
my class mates there were R. Mehra, GS & RS Sahwney, RK Gupta, Gandharv Kumar, ND Mehra, Inderjit Singh, later on my cousins also joined like SS Ahluwalia, RS Ahluwalia, Harmeet Singh & others.
I remember Chippu from the tuck shop where i used to buy puri alu etc, our matron was Ms Hannah, & house master Mr Brown with his sweet wife both smoking Charminar cigarettes, & my teacher Mr Tuli.
On Saturdays, with our pocket money of RS 1.50, we would see English movie & eat puri alu in lower bazaar.
Now in Pune, I want to contact others from BCS apart from Mr KS Duggal & Mr Kocchar whom I know.
regards
Balbir Singh

Letter from Mr. Ronald Goss to Vivek Bhasin

Leave a reply

Dear Vivek:
I was delighted to get your letter and to know that you still have fond
memories of both Mrs. Goss, your Linlithgow matron, and me. We will always
cherish our memories of BCS where we spent 9 very happy years in the company
of you wonderful students and a team of dedicated teachers with whom it was
such a pleasure to work (and play – I was the second eleven soccer coach and
even coached a hockey team to victory one year, and was proudly invited into
the Spartan Club.).  It is a matter of profound satisfaction and pride to
know that you and so many of your colleagues have done so well in life and
have been such worthy ambassadors of the Old School.  This is a teacher’s
true reward and I find great satisfaction in your accomplishments and wish
you continued success in all your future endeavours.  I also compliment you
all on the beautiful letters you write and the amazing respect and affection
with which you regard your “old” teachers – a rare commodity in these times.
(Yes, I for one, am going to be 90 in another few weeks}.

With all good wishes to you and to the Old Cottonians with whom you are in
touch, Ronald Goss (BCS 1956-64)

26th Feb 2019

Good Evening Mr Goss Sir!
I was overjoyed to receive your mail and your expressing the wonderful years  spent at BCS.
It is vital for all of us to appreciate, acknowledge and respect our teachers who laid down the foundation of our upbringing at School, at home and later in the big wide world.
I am elated too that you are soon 90 and still lead an active life in Canada! Congratulations Sir!
Today’s Generation Y are fast moving, impatient to reap rewards quickly round the corner ( possible our parents thought the same on us Gen Xs!) and we all hope they will not burn
out too soon, spending nearly 50% of their work day glued to the mobile. They need to breathe easy and relax, in fact surveys state young executives jumping directly into a Gym directly after office is not going to make them healthier. We were taught that it takes patience and knowledge to achieve success.
We need to give our youngsters roots but also give them wings..
My Kindest Regards and Every Best Wish Sir.
Vivek
 
Capt. Vivek Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970
Roll no: 123

Expedition to Mount Everest in 2018 by an OC

Message received from Sandeep Mansukhani, Rivaz House (1994-95).

OCA India sincerely wishes him ‘best of luck’ for his brave adventure and may God grant him enough courage to complete his unfinished task of conquering the Great Himalayan Peak.

Ashwani Virk- Secretary OCA India
9810194724

“Prayers, good wishes and blessings pouring from all over came as an answer to my survival amidst the disastrous earthquake that hit Mt Everest/ Nepal in 2015 during my expedition to the Summit. It made me realise how blessed I am to have such lovely and caring people around. I will proceed to Nepal on 3rd April 2018 to complete my unfinished climb of Mt Everest Expd (8848m/ 29029 ft). I seek your blessings again. I request you all for any monetary contribution you wish to make to help me in my endeavour”.

Account details are as follows: A/c Name: Sandeep Mansukhani. Bank : State Bank of India. Account no: 34777505766. IFSC Code: SBIN0001282, East Patel Nagar branch

INFO PAGE REGULARLY UPDATED HERE

 

2017 Christmas letter

A 2017 Christmas Letter..

Confession :I took away some grapes from a vineyard in Chile…

“School’s out for the Summer .. “
pelted Rock Legend Alice Cooper with a Boa Constrictor around his neck. The dude was the son of a clergy man and his real name was a something- something Furnier; the band in which he kicked ass as vocalist was called A-C.

Cooper progressed from Badass Shock-Rock God to the quieter side of life where he excelled and improved his handicap at Golf..( he hit that ball straight as a flaming arrow renaming himself “Golf Monster”).

When I was a young lad at Bishop Cotton School, the seniors had formed a pop band called “The Cat” and played some really cool numbers with James Gideon, Benjamin Gilani and a few other cool cats ! I remember how James used to twist across the stage in Irwin Hall wearing skin tight trousers ( today called slim and tight fit ) and real sharp pointy shoes …
as juniors I remember the song ..
“If you missed the train I’m on
You will know that I am gone
You can hear the whistle blow
.. a hundred miles….”

I went to School in the 1960’s, at that time English Pop and American Rock were slowly entering our musical blood streams. Aku Pawa had a Red Vinyl of The Beatles Abbey Road..and we all used to crowd around the music system in the Common Room dreaming of growing our locks like John, Paul,George and Ringo..yes only dreaming.

2017 ends it’s last days here in Sweden with snow, blue skies and sharp sunshine for those brief minutes of the day.. barely four hours of daylight. Tropical tourists head further north to a place call Jukkasjärvi; book in at the Ice Hotel ( yes the creation melts away in the summer) they look up at the glorious heavens to see the Northern Lights.. a sweep of bright lights in orange reds pinks blue and greens..

Well from the first flat in School you may not see those northern lights but you do see the Belt of Orion, The Great Bear and the Pole star. Simla is crisp at this time of the year.. if you do venture in through the gates, the emptiness of School with its silence is pure deafening.

As they’ve all gone home..

Back here in Sweden it’s “Julafton”, Christmas Eve that is celebrated. This year the grandchildren will clasp my hand and we shall all dance around the Christmas Tree…

The fare…Christmas Ham, Pickled Herring, Jonsson’s Temptation, Smoked Salmon, Saffron buns with RAISINS..Ris-a-la-malta and Marabou chocolates…then a toast for peace in the world..
for peace in our lives..
for peace in our Beautiful School. ..
For peace to all Cottonians !

At a wine tasting on a vineyard in Chile two years ago , very nonchalantly I stuffed a few dark red and purple grapes in my Levi’s; then in the evening discarded the pair in a corner of my closet. For some strange reason the other day I had the urge to don that pair again… two years later. I slipped my hand inside the pocket and felt something soft like rubber .. I pulled out six little pieces of …..Grapes from Los Andes Chile; dried and “raisined”!! Tasting sweet with the right twang of alcohol, I knew I had some winners here… placing them on the saffron buns as pure beautiful raisins; part of the Christmas fare…

For Alice Cooper “ School’s Out for the Summer”..
For us Cottonians “ School’s Out
for the winter “

A Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year Ladies and Gentlemen.

Amen.

Vivek Bhasin
Lefroy 1961-1970
A day before Julafton-Christmas Eve at
Karlstad, Sweden

Message from Peter Stringer / Obituary Ron Plunkett

I would like to take this opportunity to send cordial fraternal good wishes for a happy & successful Reunion OCA Delhi next Saturday.
Would you be kind enough to add my sadness on behalf of OCAUK:
Last evening I received a call from Les Homer (L 43-49) in Bristol to say Ron Plunkett (C 43-50) passed away at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon in Somerset after a prolonged illness.     
Pauline with love & devotion nursed him through those years.
After leaving school the first time I met Ron again was at attending my first OC Reunion on Oxford Street about 1971. From that meet Ron, Les, Arthur Jones (L 42-48) & I remained in close contact.   Ron joined the Metropolitan Police force and retired as Superintendent & settled into a charming homestead on Porlock Hill Somerset.  Maggie & I and sometimes accompanied by Shirley & Arthur Jones spent many long weekends and on occasion Sylvia & Les Homer would join all of us. Happy Days & us guys recalling school years & tales of India while our wives rehearsed their exchanges. Pauline & Ron attended all the OCA lunches till Ron could no longer travel after moving to resettle in nearby Allicombe. Phone calls, letters & cards replaced contact & our presence.
I can recall the significant return to Patina OCAUK Chairman Dick Bayliss, Ron Plunkett, Arthur Jones & myself made June 1992. DC Anand kindly sponsored & made arrangement with late SM Jain to make our experience an outstanding visit. For all of us an historic moment struck that gave the arrowhead to the Spirit of BCS across the globe.  
We shall miss Ron and send our united condolence to Pauline, son Shaun and daughter Melanie – bless him another Curzonite to be remembered.
Thank you
Peter Stringer (Lefroy 43-47)

OCs GETAWAY 2015

Dear Cottonians

We are planning a 8 day exploration trip to Lahaul Spiti valley visiting Chandratal Kaza Tabo Kalpa Sangla ending at our school on September 24th in time for our school annual celebrations.

We can accommodate maximum 20 people. 10 OC couples, or individuals 20. As we intend having senior OCs (my vintage) all aspects of safety will be given high priority. Special vehicles with medical/mechanical will be escorting us. No sedan cars. You will have to bring  your own SUV. If necessary we can provide SUV s but that will be at additional cost. We prefer you have your own SUVs.

We are working out the costs, it will be approximate Rs.30,000 per head. That includes accommodation and 3 meals a day. Included the medical/mechanical support. All vehicles will be provided radio sets to keep communication alive when we are traveling where there is no cellular phone connectivity.

If you have any queries please revert or call me. Kindly DO NOT delay your confirmations as we have to do booking of accommodation and work on logistical support.

We will meet in Manali on 16th September, last night at Narkhanda 23rd September.

If this trip materializes, we hope to make this an annual feature…! Please give me your inputs.

BILLY GILL
CURZON 1961
+91-9888062948

Spiti Drive 2015 Brochure

Board of Governors BCS Shimla – response

Further to “Open Letter to Board of Governors, BCS Shimla”  here is an update from Gay Niblett

I was delighted to hear of the response from the Board of Governors to my open letter.

We all look forward to hearing of the progress with the ‘Infrastructure Development Fund’ in the School and hope that from overseas we can report a development with our meeting(s) with the Master of Marlborough College in September.

We shall also maintain and progress our efforts with the Head Masters of Rugby and Westminster.

With our thanks and very best wishes

Yours ever

Gay
Hon. Life President
OCA(UK)