Yesterday (16/10), George wrote to Bro Columba in Ireland to invite him to come to our Grand Reunion. His email in reply is reproduced below.
Dear George,
Thanks for the email and to all concerned for the kind and generous invitation to your coming Grand Reunion of the '76 Form 5 Class. The invitation is greatly appreciated but unfortunately I will not be able to travel at that time, and am informing you immediately so that you can proceed with your arrangements for the Big Night.
As some of the class will know, I was in Kuching for 3 weeks in January of this year, and even if I were free to travel, a second trip in one year would probably be a bit much!
I have greatly enjoyed browsing through the contributions to James Yong's blog and am delighted that so many are registering for the reunion. The names bring back so many happy memories, even if I have difficulty associating 'faces' with some of the names; probably ones who were neither 'famous' nor 'infamous' in school!!
I am particularly happy to note that the Reunion incorporates the 3 classes and reflects the multi ethnic/religious composition of your society.
I find it difficult to believe that 33 years have slipped by since we campaigned together and that most of the class have passed 'Batu 50' on life's journey this year! Makes me feel ancient!
I hope you get a realy big turn out for the occasion. Thanks again for the invitation, for offers of sponsorship and to Anthony for his contacts with Air Asia, all deeply appreciated.
Please convey my very best wishes to all. My thoughts will be with you across the miles on 23rd. Have a lovely evening, enjoy it to the full, and God bless all.
Warmest regards,
Brother Columba.
October 17, 2009.
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Delighted to hear from you, Bro Columba. Hope you are well. We are disappointed of course that you can't make it to our Reunion, but we understand.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed perusing through the blog, and hope you'll check in (better still drop a line or two) once in a while when you are free. You & the other Brothers (Adrian and Mark) are often mentioned, as are the teachers who have shepherded us through our youthful years at St Joe. Thank you all. You are a big part of what we've become today.
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ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to hear from Bro Columba and a great pity that he won't be joining us for our Grand Reunion.
ReplyDeleteHowever, he will be there in spirit as he's a part of all of us.We who have been fortunate enough to have been guided and groomed by his high ideals and values. I for one, will forever be grateful to Bro Columba, Bro Adrian, Bro Mark and all the other dedicated teachers in St. Joe.
Philip Chin, ex Carrickfergus + Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, N.Ireland.
TQVM Bro Columba for your dedication and commitment to the school and to us and thousands like us who passed through SJS.
ReplyDeleteU impacted us. TQ again.