2009 Founders Day - Sydney, Australia
The Martinians in Sydney were the first to celebrate Founder’s Day, on Sep 13th,2009, as the group in New Zealand chose to celebrate in the evening.
Twenty five guests (including families ) arrived around noon at the Nilgiri’s Restaurant for the Founders Dinner. We had hoped for the number to exceed thirty-five, and would have achieved this, but for a few last minute cancellations, due to illness and family bereavements. Nevertheless, the numbers were up on last year, and a good time was had by all who attended.
After a brief meet-and-greet period, MC Michael Johannes asked us all to take our seats and he read out the Programme for the day. Which, incidentally was beautifully crafted by Armen Mesrobian, who obviously has skills he has yet to reveal.
MJ , on behalf of us all, offered condolences to David Wallington-Beddoe’s family, as well as to those others who had lost near and dear ones during the year. He then asked Stephen Carapiet (1936-41) to propose the Founder’s Toast. Which, as is tradition, was drunk in silence.
The buffet was then declared open, and guests helped themselves to the entrees. Stephen Carapiet then talked to us, an entertaining few minutes. Stephen told us about his first days in India, when he and his brother Caro joined La Martiniere Calcutta , straight from Persia, speaking no English, having no ideas of the customs of a Boarding School, babes-in-the-wood ! He then related stories about his later visits to Lucknow and to Lyons. It was a privilege to have Stephen present at our gathering. And he has promised to return next year !
MJ then summoned us to mains, and, when that was drawing to a close, Noel Peters , the first Lucknow Old Pupil to attend the Sydney function in all the years we have held it, gave a brief and humorous sketch about the traditions and folklore connected with boarding in the Mart. Some of his stories stretched our imagination, but Noel swore they were true, although the slight smile he wore led a few to doubt his tales of derring-do. Next year, we hope to have more of Noel's peers at our function, and we'll question them closely as to the truth behind some of Noel's claims. There is also a photograph somewhere of Armen and Noel discussing the revival of the Annual Lucknow/Calcutta sporting contests. Perhaps at Sudoku or some such strenuous pursuit, appropriately physically taxing to those of our vintage.
Whilst we were having dessert, Ron Holmes talked to us about his days as a Sports master at Calcutta during the mid 60’s. Ron’s stories evoked wonderful memories of some of the sporting heroes of the day, and some of our dearest teachers.He talked of the big shoes he had to fill, taking over as Cricket Coach from Mr FitzGerald, and quite honestly admitted that most of his memories of those days were related to the Sports Field, rather than the classroom.
The function drew to a close around 3 30 pm, with all the guests expressing their appreciation of the opportunity to meet as a group and exchange memories. All present vowed to be back next year, and to spread the word to those who might have missed out, and encourage an even better turnout.
Something to look forward to in the future !
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Martinians Des Harris (1957), Greg
Fitzgerald (1960), Ronnie Holmes, John Krizka (1960), Stephen
Carapiet (1931), |
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Jenny & Noel Peters (Lucknow),
Bal Menon, |
Michael Johannes, Greg Fitzgerald, |
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