VADHA Secretary
Grace Pereira
20, Merton Hall Gardens
Wimbledon SW20 8SN
Tele 020 8715 6549

June 2007,

Dear Vadhans and Friends,

Yet another Reunion successfully accomplished and as enjoyable as ever. I hope I speak for all who attended! Although Dereyck reckoned there were about 56 , I was surprised as the “chat level” sounded like more!! There were also many who moved around. One explanation was that some visitors, ego Dorothy Roberts (Swan Brown) had friends sitting on more than one table, and everyone joined her to chat. The food brought was far too much, as usual, but unlike other years, it did not seem as if anyone took their left-overs home. So Dereyck and I will be calling in our other friends to eat! Our sincere thanks to Jean (Reynolds) , Dorothea Inglis’s sister-in-law for arranging the hire of the hall on our behalf. She also deserves a medal for the non-stop work she did in the kitchen and food areas, as always. I wish we had the space to give her artistic accomplishments their just dues, as her arrangements with even dessert spoons was so attractive I was loathe to move them for the arrival of sweetmeats. When apologising to her for forgetting to thank her while we were all seated, we chatted and I discovered her Mother’s Father’s was a Limond and she is therefore related to the Dora Limond of Cook book fame. Dereyck’s sister has a copy, given to her Dad by Dora, who was a cousin from the Mother’s side!! What do you think of that? AND, Jean’s first cousin was CARL BLOUD!!!

We were very fortunate to have some Vadhans from overseas. Charlotte Dunne has never been to a Reunion here although she has been to this country once before. Dorothy Roberts (Swan Brown), known as Bunty to her contemporaries and family, is over for a While, and survived my cooking at lunch. We plan to see her again at Anna and Gareth’s. As I mentioned, Betty Brown (Copley), comes over every two years and it is always great to see her. Andrea Anderson (Fernandes) now resides in Canada and came over specially to join us. She is like family to us, so it is always good to see her. I now expect to see Douglas Loving here annually, and will be very disappointed ifhe does not appear. Derek Avery joined us from Goa where he spends ten months of every year. You could tell he and Douglas don’t reside here!

I coaxed Charlotte to say something and was delighted at all she said. I quote. “It is good to be here after all these years and to meet up with friends from my school days. Thank you Grace, for giving me this opportunity to address this gathering. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Crystal who made it possible for me to be here today. I can’t thank her and Donald enough for all their kindness and support since I arrived from Kolkata on the 5th night. Well folks, I was in Dow Hill from 1942 to 1949 and was privileged to have had Miss Phyllis Harley, or Gunner as she was called, as Principal of Dow Hill. Also, teachers like Clara Teyen, Rosalind Ballantine and Molly Siddons in my senior years, and Mrs. Green in my junior years, who instilled in us a deep sense of discipline. I am sure many of us have benefited enormously by leading such productive lives. I can recall, in preparation for the School’s annual sports, the gruelling hours spent by both Miss Smith and fellow students, in toiling over the intricacies of country dancing. Miss Smith was well known as a Bengal runner in her time. She had the most wonderful pair of legs and a figure to go with it, judging from her short shorts! Later Miss Olga D’Sena took over and I am so happy to see her here after all these years. Over the years Dow Hill produced some of the finest runners in the district. Three of them are with us here --- Olga, Arleen and Betty. (NO says Grace, four, including Charlotte) Another runner who comes to mind was Doreen Young, who sadly passed away. I can remember one Sports Day, the event was the 200 yards flat race, Doreen was the favourite to win, but in the day (I forget the year) I beat her at the tape. I still don’t know how I did it, but I did .I can remember Daphne Malcolm yelling out my name that I had won at the finishing tape. There was FG Smith, our Arts teacher. Who can forget FG! She was a colourful character in more ways than one! I remember my sister Julie and I had our drawings sent to the Royal Academy of Arts, London, for which we received a Bronze Star. Quite an achievement in those days. Another legend was Molly Siddons, haute coutiere and cookery expert. How can I forget the cooking exams! One year, my partner (I don’t recall her name) and I were asked to make mutton broth and banana fritters. On the day we failed miserably with the mutton broth, so concentrated all our culinary skills on the banana fritters! We made sure only the best banana fritters were on the plate for Miss Harley to eat. As luck would have it, she enjoyed the fritters and polished off what was on the plate. Just as well she didn’t see the burnt efforts under the table! However, we scored high for our fritters that just frittered away! Well, my dear Dow Hillians and Victorians, on this note I had better end. Take care and may God go with you.” Thank you for that wonderful refresher of our happy years at the Hill Top. (As Charlotte is here for a few weeks and lives very nearby, being a guest at Crystal and Donald David’s home, we plan to see much more of her.)

After Charlotte spoke Lorna Buckle informed us that in her day Megan Myers (O’Rourke) was a very good athlete especially at hurdles. She appeared to walk over them and always won .She was also a very good runner. They were sitting together, and on my thanking Lorna for that Avril Laken , who was seated nearby pricked up her ears. She had known Lorna but had never come across her in all these years. (Even though both have attended Reunions ). A valid digression--- Geoff Carrau’ s letter mentioned that Megan O’Rourke and Dolly Ball were a year above his sister Lorna, but, perhaps Megan may remember Lorna sprinting against her and Dolly.

Although I always mention the members who attend from abroad, do not believe I value the attendance of the “Locals” any less. They are the backbone of the Reunion and quietly or noisily provide the reason for this annual event taking place. They also work tirelessly, and a few, tiredly!! But all with such goodwill. I will mention one local member whom we were all SO pleased to see. Olga Barker (D’Sena) has been in and out of hospital over the past year, but her son and Olga’s own will power brought her, and we were delighted to see her, as always. Her smile still shines through and she led the singing of the School song as usual. We so missed having Mrs. Soloman and Peggy Littlewood with us but the journey is too arduous. What can I do if they live by the seaside!! We always remember that it was Padre Solomon’s Church Hall in which we attended the first Reunion, and many subsequent ones and that Peggy was the first Secretary of our Association. But we love them for the lovely people they are. I must say that in 1957 when this Association was formed I never thought I would one day be the Secretary.

Alison Blunt brought her “protege” Jayani Botterchargee from Calcutta, who is working on a thesis about Anglo Indians, and would like to speak to those who will be willing to cooperate. Jayani is a soft spoken, gentle girl (not a Dow Hill girl, did I hear you say, Dereyck?! 1) Her e-mail addressisj.bonnerjee@qmul.ac.uk and her mobile number is 07912025549. Both she and Alison are to attend the Anglo Indian Reunion in Toronto.

A new face, but not from overseas was Maung Maung Thein who brought his beautiful wife with gorgeous green eyes. It was lovely to meet Maung Maung after the long chats we have been having over the phone.

Another new face was Winston McGuire who lives here in Wimbledon. He hailed me at one point and I was dashing on a mission, so planned to get back to him. And never did. I seem to spend my time, these days, hanging my head in shame and apologising. As Winston lives here in Wimbledon I will make amends ASAP.

Prima Rajoo, who was in Dow Hill in the ‘80s, sent us all good wishes via Douglas Loving, and asked if anyone remembers her. As our youngest member present was in DH in the 70s, may I appeal to those who may read this on the internet to let Douglas know of your whereabouts, if you wish to contact Prima.

I asked Clarence Callow to take care of the only copy of a precious book I have inherited, to show it around. It is the VS Centenary 1879-1979 book, and my only copy. It has a hand written letter from C. A .Price (Puttoo) as a frontispiece. There is a lovely picture of a very young Carl Bloud which I will try to reproduce, as with the photo of the staff of 1939 .

I sold the last few copies of Stanley Prins’s book “Summoned by the Bell” so should anyone want one of these you will have to apply to Stanley himself. For my and Stanley’s records please will you let me know if you bought a book, as Dereyck took the money but not the names. Other Jewels I displayed were a book or photos of DH girls in the 1930’s with names. So if anyone wants me to look through for a particular person I would be happy to do so; A photocopy of the VS School Magazine 1949, with a photo of the Debating Teams of both schools (one I have, actually, received from a member and friend when it was taken---Brian Barraclough!); the DH Centenary Magazine 1879-1979; “Orchids and Algebra” by Denise Coelho, being the story ofDHS, and ,so sadly out of print; and the book of the 125th Year Celebrations of the two schools.

Other photos I displayed were of Crystal David (Cowan) with Glenys Wright (MacLean); one of Monty Milwright with the then Headmaster Mr. M.A.Banerjee taken in Oct. 87 at VS; a not so “Ginger” Lance Haslem, which was lately taken by Clarence Callow when he visited Lance in Oz; a card of a young Lama drawn by Grace Clark; a visitors Competition at the VS Sports 1944; song titles in Hindustani; a still life by Sally Stewart (Macdonald. She is such a talented person.); the dedication of the stained glass window in the church in VS and “Quo Lux Ducit” dedicated to the memory of Carl Bloud. I know I will be unable to reproduce all of these, so if you would like a copy, please let me know and I will oblige.

Peter Young has just returned from another trip to India, with his wife and son. They got to both VS and DH and I will reproduce his account at the end. If you wish to read it now, feel free to do so! Yes he saw the Mallory Compass but it is the Mica part that pulled at my heartstrings,. and I mentioned this at the Reunion. Whoever goes next, please may I request a piece of Mica from the DH flat!!

Daphne Brown (Harding) was planning to come to the Reunion, but it was too expensive to get here, so she planned to go to Buenos Aires instead. Now Come On!! Where would You rather be?!!! She rang after the Reunion to hear how it went and to say the trip did not materialise! Shame!

Lloyd Crump gave us a message of greetings from his sister Charmaine whose absence was due to ill health. It is heart warming to be remembered, always and we wish her well.

Betty Brown (Copley) read out a beautiful poem which I hope to reproduce and add add at the end.

Just as we were about to take the photos of the VS boys who should arrive but Amit Bose and his son Toshy, direct from the airport. It was such a lovely surprise, and as I haven’t seen Toshy since he was knee high to a grasshopper, it was great to see him now, taller than his father.

I did say a “Thank you to all who helped”, but let me say here that I could not run the Reunion without the stalwart help I receive. I mention no names as I do not want anyone to feel it is not open to others to also help. Please!!

Just as we were about to take the photos of the VS boys who should arrive but Amit Bose and his son Toshy, direct from the airport. It was such a lovely surprise, and as I haven't seen Toshy since he was knee high to a grasshopper, it was great to see him now, taller than his father!!

I did say a "Thank you to all who helped", but let me say here that I could not run the Reunion without the stalwart help I receive. I mention no names as I do not want anyone to feel it is not open to others to also help. Please!!

Merna Wakefield remembers the Reunions she, her Mum and Joan used to attend and how they looked forward to them. I did too, with nothing to think about but how to get there!!

Colleen Meinen (Lee) will be in the UK for Ascot later this month. If your horse romps in, Colleen, perhaps we will see you at the next Vadha Reunion! !

On my return from the printers in January, I found a letter from Iris Newbould awaiting me, with the sad news of Tom's demise. I phoned the printers and Rod very kindly put in the announcement where he found a space. I will quote from Iris's letter. "It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the death of my beloved husband. He died in his sleep after a short illness in hospital. The cause of his death was pneumonia. It was not expected and he was due to come out on Dec. 5th but suddenly became worse and died on Dec. 9th. We had 27 years together and were so happy. He had a good retirement for 25 years-- not many can achieve that. He spent it doing what he had longed to do for all his working life--that was to travel. India called him back many times. He loved his life out there, before World War2, and always said India gave him a wonderful education and many happy memories. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many (Amen to that, Iris). He looked forward to the Vadha Newsletters so much and kept in touch with some of his friends who became my friends too. I never saw India unti11982 when I went with Tom. I, too, loved the people and still remain close friends with a family in Bangalore with whom we used to stay. Tom had booked to go back to Goa and Bangalore in Feb. I have had to cancel with great sadness. We had so many Goan friends, it seems the end of an era. I will not be able to go back again, but I count my blessings for the wonderful memories we had. Thanks once again for the wonderful news letters I was privileged to share with him" Our thanks are to you and Tom for all the years of your friendship to so many from the Hill Top. I will miss his letters which were always a pleasure to read.

Megan Myers (O'Rourke) wrote, "I was relieved to read of Cynthia Lake's (O'Hara) funeral in the Vadha letter. We were classmates in the J.C. at D.H. and did the exams at St. Helens. During that year we were co-conspirators in several secret escapades at both schools. Cynthia left school and married Lawrence. We met again at the Vadha Reunion when they visited London, and we sat together throughout reminiscing and giggling. Cynthia invited me to contact her if I ever visited Oz and we have card corresponded since. I eventually went to Oz and we met for dinner at the hotel (curry on the menu--good start) The next day they took me on a tour of Perth ending up at their house with two other Dow Hill girls of our vintage. We kept in touch until X'mas 06 when my card was returned and the Vadha letter confirmed what I was thinking. Cynthia's eyesight deteriorated over the years and she apologised for it. I assured her, that as a teacher, I was a dab hand at deciphering handwriting. I also knew she had won golf trophies. She played at full back in the hockey team, and I was very careful when facing up to her in a tackle, to be airborne when she hit that ball the length ofthe hockey pitch. It was Trotsky who wrote in his diary, "Old age was the most unexpected of all things to happen to man" I would add that it is also very sad which is how I feel now. " Yes, it is sad, and it is because of the lives together that we have shared, Megan.

I have found and am still finding it hard to cope with the knowledge that Richard Slacke is no longer with us. He passed away on the 11th March, after a long battle with cancer, throughout which he exhibited extreme bravery. Valerie wrote a very beautiful letter to read out at the Reunion but I knew that would be an impossible task for me. If this was hand written my awful writing would be totally smudged and illegible with the tears I am shedding. He was my friend and a Legend of my time. With Clive Antram and Bob Avery they formed the Three Musketeers, and were the epitome of Handsome Attraction! In England, I got to know them as people, and found three very Great guys, each very different. Valerie is a beautiful lady and a super person, and she told me that when she ftrst saw Richard coming up their garden path, she said to her Mother, "Here comes trouble". But such handsome trouble! Over the years we have seen their happiness together, and enjoyed their friendship-- and cooking. Richard said he, secretly, enjoyed telling Val how to cook Indian food. I didn't get the story, but He always cooked the dahl!! I will now quote Valerie's letter. "I will not be able to attend the VADHA Reunion this year, but I would be grateful if you would convey my best wishes to all Richard's friends who will be there. Please let them know how much he enjoyed meeting up with them each year and how he viewed his schooldays at Victoria as a wonderful preparation for life in the adult world. It was with so much pride that he took me back to Victoria so that I could witness where he had spent his formative years. For a brieftime I shared in the atmosphere of the hills and could well understand his abiding love and pride which the school, people and location engendered in him. The training for life he received at Victoria stood him in good stead when he displayed such fortitude during his illness. I will be so sad to miss the Reunion but I know he would wish me to convey to all of you his best wishes for this year and for many more to come. He has indeed "Followed the Light", but I feel he will be with you in spirit on the 9th June. The numbers may dwindle but I am sure that the bonding of all of you will remain steadfast." Thank you, Valerie--- I am sure you know we are always here for you.

The last, but by no means the least, news of Ann Goddard's passing away in Australia saddened us all. She was a few years younger than me and I was head of the table, with Jill Adams at the other end, when Ann was with us in1950. I have a snapshot of them with us in my autograph album, but feel it will be too small to reproduce. Maureen Goddard (Larkins) was a close friend of Ann's and wrote about her life for those who did not know her. Maureen wrote, "Ann was in Dow Hill from1950 till 1956 when she completed her Senior Cambridge Examination. She was a good student and excelled in sports, representing the school in the Pliva Cup hockey tournaments and the Dmjeeling District Sports. On leaving school she completed a secretarial course at La Martiniere, Calcutta and maintained an active interest in sport, being a key member of the ex Dow Hill hockey and basketball teams. She also played in the West Bengal hockey team that enjoyed a great deal of success in national competitions. In appreciation of her skills in hockey she received the prestigious Arjuna Award from Dr. Radhakrishnan, President of India. Ann married John in 1964 and had two children. The young family emigrated to Australia where they ran a very successful business, but Ann still made time to play hockey and tennis. She joined a club in Newcastle NSW and the club achieved major honours in the Australian Masters Games in 2001. Age and ill health made her decide to ease up on hockey and so she concentrated on playing the gentler game of tennis. Tragically, she passed away on March 162007 after a long battle with cancer." Thank you, Maureen, for what must have been a difficult task, as you were her friend. Ann's daughter-in-law wrote a beautiful account of Ann as a person. It has been on the Internet, but I will quote a paragraph that was most meaningful to me. "Ann was devoted and loyal and true to herself. She was always there when you needed her, and she was honest, fair, and had integrity. She always spoke what was in her heart and her life was filled with courage, fortitude and tenacity. A hole has been created in our family with the death of our beloved Ann. She was the twine that held us together. Her strength and determination were the glue that bound us as a family." I plan to include her photograph at the end of the letter.

Stanley Prins and I have both been in touch with Robert Malins's daughter, Judy Issit, and she had hoped to join us at the Reunion. However, the date clashed with a University Open Day to which Judy was taking her daughter. She is doubly "related" to VS, as Edgar Gasper was her Godfather. They were both General Practitioners in Wolverhampton. Hopefully we will see her next year.

On April 11th Daphne Schirripa (Meade) and her husband celebrated their 61 st Wedding Anniversary, and she wrote "And they said it wouldn't last". They had just become great grandparents for the third time. Daphne keeps in touch with four girls from her class, and would be happy to hear from any of the girls who would care to write to her. Her email address is delizabeth @ pocket mail.com

I mentioned a book titled "Lilooah Revisited" by Denis Whitworth. Little did I know that Sally Stewart (MacDonald) was there at the time of which he wrote, and even included a photo of her, aged five.

Many of you lovely people write to me about your families, and I love to hear of their exploits! And achievements which they have, no doubt, inherited from you! Arleen Rice (D'Sena) wrote of her Grand daughter's academic achievement in the GCSE Examinations. The letter she received said "1 am very pleased to tell you that you are amongst the group of candidates who scored one of the top five marks in Applied Science this summer. There were 12466 candidates for the examination so this is an exceptional result." Another "Group" of achievers are Sheila Smith's (Raymond's) daughter, Mallory, and her daughters who sing with the Sing Alive Choir in Newcastle. This choir is to perform in the Westminster Abbey Gardens at the Lady Taverner's Garden party on July l0th. Talking of Sheila, Peter Young phoned and we had a long chat during which he mentioned knowing Sheila! Years ago, on the day that his family arrived in Kanchrapara, it was Sheila's family who cooked them lunch, and he even remembered it was Kofta curry! He really phoned to find out how the Reunion went, and sending special love to Valerie Slacke. Richard and Peter were always very good friends.

I am working on the feed back I have had on the dates members attended the Hill Top, and filling in names by the photos of those you recognised. So there may be some more!! Olive Ross (MacNeil) did enjoy the three photos I reproduced last time and has sent me one I plan to use this time. There are some I can recognise, but will give the names next time, if you can let me know who you can fill in. Olive wrote, "Alice Wrigley (Hardaker,) Elizabeth Bartlett (Ribbins) and I were friends all through our years in Dow Hill, and have kept in touch with letters and cards.-¬-quite remarkable." Olive was planning to join Warren O'Rourke and some others at a restaurant and she hoped to do this. If it has taken place, I know it went very pleasantly.

I must tell you about an "experience" I had recently. I watch "University Challenge" and one of the questions was "Which book in the Old Testament comes after Amos?" and I automatically shouted out "Obadiah". And then, there I was, transported back to Miss Harley's sitting room in the Burra Koti, doing Confirmation classes with Padre Solomon. He taught us the books of the Bible, breaking them down so they were easier to remember. There was the "sandwich"-- two short, one long and two short ---- Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah (and then came Nahum, the cake man!! ) I went on to recall those lessons and the most important one to me was Padre's suggestion that we question him on anything about which we were not sure. He said he may well not know the answers, but he would try, and this was the FIRST time that anyone in authority had suggested we should question anyone or thing. I can recall being gob smacked. When did we dare question teachers? And since when did teachers not know the answers? It was not till I studied Logic at University that I was allowed to question any ideas or people!! But it was Padre Solomon who sowed the seed of thinking for myself. I rang Mrs. Solomon straight away to tell her.

Daphne Brown (Harding) sent some choice memories! I quote" Miss Flo Smith, after watching me rub holes in my art work, and, basically, producing nothing at all, said "You will end up serving ice cream in Magnolias." (Well, Daphne, was she almost right, judging by the numbers of friends you have to stay with you, and for whom you cook?!!) Another memory, "Miss Rosalind Ballantine breaking chalk over my head in total frustration over my inability to do simple maths, grinding her teeth and saying, "Why can't you do this when your Algebra test got the highest marks? Miss Harley, in her own inimitable style, after reading through our homework, writing in my Scripture homework book "An excellent version of Doris Taylor's work". Yes of course, I hadn't done my homework, copied Doris' --she was very accommodating-- but certainly hadn't fooled Miss Harley."

There will be a list of members who attended the Reunion and an address list of Vadha members appended at the end. Membership remains at £3-00 per annum for Locals and Europe, and £5-00 for those living abroad. An asterisk here means you are owing subs. I am unable to decipher Rita Graham's (Pinto) new address, and the last letter was returned to me. I shall send this one to the old address and ask it to be forwarded, but I mention it in case anyone can help.

I hope that some part of this missive has been of interest, and will arouse you to put pen to paper.

Love.

Grace

Grace Pereira Tele: 020 8715 6549

Members at the Reunion:

DH.
Andrea Anderson (Fernandes); Olga Barker (D'Sena); Alison Blunt; Betty Brown (Copley); Lorna Buckle; Veda Charlton (Andrews); Crystal David (Cowan); Shirley D'Silva (Sheldon); Muriel Glen dinning (Seymour Shove); Angela Gribble (Carter); Rosemary Ingels (La Rivierre); Dorothea Ingles (Myers); Joyce Keenan; Avril Laken; Megan Myers (O'Rourke); June Nasse (Tubb); Grace Pereira (Lochner); Arleen Rice (D'Sena); Joan Steinhouse (Peters); Gwen Upshon (Howe), Irene Wayman (Sheldon) .

VS.
Ian Anthony; Derek A very; Amit Bose; Clarence Callow; Lloyd Crump; Bob Hale; Lewis Hardy; Derrick Hatton; Mike Kelly; Douglas Loving; Winston MacGuire; Kersey Moddie; Malcolm Robertson; Len Roussac Hatton; Gareth Swan-Brown; Maung Maung Thein.

The Himalayas, by Colleen Campbell, read by Betty Brown (Copley), at the Reunion. As she said, it epitomises why we were there.

"The Roof of the World" they call them.
And I surely know why they do.
Pine clad mountains reach heaven,
And the sky is so clear and so blue.
The hillsides are covered with tea shrubs,
The mountain streams crystal clear,
The air is filled with freshness,
And your soul is quite sure God is near.
The eyes look --- Below at the valleys,
They gaze at the snow covered peaks.
Your ears are filled with birdsong,
And your heart tells you,"Listen! God speaks".
You know that all man's creations
Will crumble and die with the years.
Give Him grateful thanks for His beauty.
Say Thank You". God always hears.

Calgary. May 26, 2007.

Dear Grace,

As requested I am writing you about my visit to the hilltop in April this
year, accompanied by my son Paul,.

We flew from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (Nepal), met by a chauffer and car, driven across the 2 borders through the Dooars, (New Jalapiguri area), and up the familiar hill-cart road to Kurseong. The hill-cart road is being widened where possible and the toy train tracks refurbished, metal or concrete sleepers replacing the time honoured wooden ones. The growing population of India is evident in every walk of life. More of everything and I do mean every thing. Townships have sprawled in spite of the scarce building space on the steep hillsides, yet homes stand at the very edge or ledges defying gravity. Unexpectedly, snaking along the road and railway tracks, are numerous flexible plastic pipes providing running water to the many households. Expect the next domestic advancement will be large black plastic barrels, (common in IndiaJ installed overhead to capture heat from the tropical sun, providing warm if not hot water. Needless to say, Kurseong's boundaries have expanded not only linearly but vertically too. The same goes for buildings, some 3 and 4 floors high.

I should mention that our stay in Kurseong was made all the more enjoyable by the ambiance of Cochrane House, echoing an old familiar past. The establishment is managed by an old Goethals chappie, congenial and ever ready to please. Cochrane Place is well worth a visit.

After breakfast, a taxi arranged for the entire day, took us up the hill. Our first stop was "Forest Dale" a cottage where Miss. Behen (correct spelling?), an ex Dow Hill mistress, operated a guesthouse. Further up the hill, a stop by a small "jhora" and temple at the bifurcation of the roads to Victoria and Dow Hill. Along the way we reached the "Eyrie", where again we stopped to take more photographs. Many may remember that Granny Avedol (spelling?) ran a guesthouse here as well. Next stop Windy Point, past the PO, then the Beale's guesthouse, and finally Dow Bill.

Sadly Kanchenjungawas hidden from sight and remained so for most of the time. As an aside, air pollution is a massive problem in and around India and China. Whilst in Katmandu, we never once caught a glimpse of the Himalayas and then, one early morning following a shower of rain the night before, we saw Kanchenjunga briefly, though not clearly, from Darjeeling.

We soon reached Dow Hill where classes were in progress and children's shrill voices clearly audible in the thin air. As we were preparing to take photographs of the school, the 'durwan' at the gate informed us we must first get the headmistress' permission. Dutifully, we made our way to the residence/office, where a clerk conveyed our request to the secluded authority. Permission was granted to photograph just the outside of the main buildings. This encounter seemed cool at best. Having taken quite a few photographs we made our way to Victoria arriving at the church entrance.

Feeling more 'at home' we proceeded to take photographs of the
church, which we found padlocked, but peeking inside concluded that the arranged desks in single file, suggested this venerable place is now an examination hall.
We proceeded along the top flat, deserted but for 3 uniformed lads playing a make shift game of cricket. They did not show the slightest interest in us, unlike my past visits to the school where enthusiastic lads gathered round, with a barrage of questions. Oh well!

Having reached the main senior section of the building and finding the JC classroom empty took some photographs. A couple of classes were in progress whilst other classrooms were either empty or stored with old used and abused furniture, the library being a casualty. I got the impression that the school had just a few students, not so, they number about 400.

A bell rang signaling a recess. Senior boys ignoring us, spilled out of the classrooms quietly. A well-dressed master introduced himself as the mathematics teacher and promptly introduced us to his physics counterpart and finally the Headmaster, Dr. Jayanta Pal. Since we were just outside the Headmaster's office we were ushered in to his sanctuary for a brief visit. I was asked if there were any changes since I was at Victoria. Not having had time to really inspect the school I did mention some. The natural sand stone I knew had been painted pink to celebrate the centenary I remarked, and now coloured a light gray. Wooden floorboards in the verandahs had given way to concrete and the complementing inset wooden benches on both wings of the building wer,e gone. So too were the passing out or honour boards in the Assembly Hall, as well the Irvine pavilion without its corrugated sheeting roof. I observed the hot water boilers had also been removed. Oh yes was the reply, gas geysers now provide hot water, and as for the pavilion roof, it was mangled in a storm by a large branch, torn off the oak tree that stands behind the pavilion. He went on to say that shortly after the accident an old boy visiting the school, and making the same observation as I, said he would organize old boys to club together to replace the roof and that was that. With regard to the missing assembly hall boards, well, they were stored under lock and key and it was impossible for me to se~ them since the custodian with th~ key was not available. He added the boards would be restored after improvement wi th "new technology". On a posi ti ve side, the entire road from the main refectory past the kitchen, continuing along the back of the staff quarters to commercial, has been roofed over.

Had I any request asked the HM, yes just one!

Stanley Prinz had suggested I get to see Mallory's compass. I was assured this was possible and could I meet the HM in his house/office at the top of the hill in 10 to 15 minutes time. Since it was near lunchtime, and not wanting to inconvenience the official we hurried through the rest of the school to keep our appointment. We took in the middle school section and found the art and geography rooms open but occupied with 'old sticks of furniture'. The science lab was locked and the door barricaded with dumped old furniture. (I ask myself, am I being provided an objective life's lesson, here and now? No fears!!!)

We make our way to the focal point of the school, the Assembly Hall. The walls are bare except for the school crest behind the stage. Two or three 'models' of bench/desks were scattered about the floor in bunches, dominated by the forlorn oversize desk used by the duty master, and most significant of all, the void was filled with a haunting silence. Behind the AH were small groups of boys, about 20 in number, well behaved, sitting quietly on the khudside taking in the sun? This monastic like tenor should produce scholars of the highest rank.

At the HM's house/office we received the same cool, but correct greeting as we did at DH. We were ushered into the HM's office where we sat waiting for the HM whilst he worked at his desk, on his PC. Eventually, completing his task he set about opening a huge wall safe, secured by a massive hasp and clasp with an enormous lock, from which he withdrew the encased Mallory compass. We asked permission to take photographs of the instrument and having completed our visit, bid him farewell to make our way to the next stop, Forest School.

In summation and upon reflection, I understand that neither the present staff, much less the students, have much in common with us old pupils. The only features we share with them are the school buildings and playing fields set a top a hill with a landscape that is forever changing. The deep-seated culture, and character of our everyday school life are perhaps different to those of today. Yes, they play the same sports we did, (but what of games like kick the can, sticks and stones, leapfrog, horseplay etc?), they eat in the same refectory, sleep in the same dormitories and learn in the same old classrooms, but is all this done with the same fervor, zest and typical schoolboy characteristics of our day? I would be most interested to know.

What is clear though, India has made tremendous strides towards modernization and with it, access to world TV broadcasts and the inter-net thus sating curiosity of the outside world for both staff and pupils alike; so, of what interest would an unmistakably old boy's visit be to them?

Both Paul and I enjoyed our visit very much and in conclusion I have to say, I feel a sense of great satisfaction having journeyed back to the hilltop on three separate occasions, each time accompanied by one of our three children, to show them my oId school; Victoria.

Keep up the good work.
Kindest regards.

Peter and Yvonne (?)

PS I am making a DVD, will send you a copy.

DOWHILL GIRLS SCHOOL SPORTS

October 1946

The annual athletic sports of Dow Hill Girls' School, Kurseong, was on Friday. Mr. E. G. Creek. Dy. Commissioner, Darjeeling, presided.

Jumping 4.ft 4 inches Doreen Marsden broke the school record for the "A" Div high jump while Alice Hardaker equalled the record of 4 ft 1 inch for the same event in the "B" Div.

The main event of the evening the inter-school relay between St. Helens' and Dow Hill was won by the former. Dow Hill was without its best athlete. Arlene D'Sena. who was injured a few days prior to the sports.

House Championship honours went to Wellesley House, but not without a strong challenge from Clive. who won the O'Connell Challenge Cup for the all divisions house relay.

A display of Eurhythmics and a skipping demonstration conducted by Miss M. Smith, the school's capable Games Mistress and Chief Organizer of the sports was a highlight of the meeting.

The following were the winners of the Best Athlete's Cups in their divisions:

B. Copley "A":
Y. Beale-"B";
M. Smitz "C";
S. Sherman "D";
C. Dunne "E":

Monty Milwright with Mr Banerjee (Headmaster)

Yvonne Beale Sets Up New Record Dow-Hill Annual Sports

October 1947

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

A number of promising young athletes were seen to advantage at the athletic sports meeting of Dow Hill Girls' School Kurseong, last week. Chief among them were Arlene D'Sena, Margaret Smitz and Doreen Young. Sixteen year old Arlene. in addition to winning all the flat races and junior events in A Division went on to take the open 220 yards at the Nicoll's Challenge Cup for the Best Athlete.

Margaret Smitz and Doreen Young shone equally well well in their respective Divisions. Band C. the former losing only one event - the High Jump - to Yvonne Beale, another fine athlete with a future who had unfortunately pulled a thigh muscle during practice three days earlier. Despite this handicap. Yvonne set up a new school record for the high jump. 4' 41/2". Margaret Smitz later made amends for her solitary defeat by annexing both the open events - the 150 yards flat race. and the Hop - Step and Jump.

The Inter-School Relay for the Beale Challenge Cup was won for the second year in succession by St Helen's Convent. Dow Hill being rather unlucky.

Congratulations are due to Miss M Smith, the Gym Mistress, for her brilliant organising ability and for three well conducted items displaying the School's physical fitness.

Mr F. Moncrieff presided and Mrs Moncrieff presented the prizes.

The following won the championships in their respective Divisions.

A Division: Arlene D'Senna.
B Division: Margaret Smitz.
C Division: Doreen Young
D Division: Stephanie Sherman.
E Division: Eithne Clark.

Lance "Ginger" Haslem

Glenys Maclean & Crystal Cowen

Carl Bloud on the Top Flat 1936.

Sam Parry was born in Kolkata (Calcutta) at the outbreak of World War Two. As a young boy he attended Dow Hill School, Kurseong for a year before attending Victoria High School for five years from 1950 - 1954. He moved to England in 1959 and then in 1980 to the USA where he worked as a writer, documentary film maker and film producer.

He has written several books including 'Reflections' - A Collection of Verse (including this poem) and 'Capers' - tales from an Himalayan Boarding School.

Sam is a member of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society and we are grateful for his permission to reproduce the poem.

Background photographs by Dave Priestley from the Darjeeling at Leisure 2007 tour.

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Members List June 2007