Summer has swiftly slipped away and we have entered that beautiful season of Autumn with its cool, comfortable temperatures and the vividly colorful splendor of nature in transition. Yes, this will soon be followed by the crisp Winter air, the Santa Claus parade and the inevitable first snowfall, preferably in this order, however, mother nature has handed us an early taste of Winter - a reminder of things to come! We hope that all our subscribers and their families enjoyed the Summer which was rather slow in arriving but certainly made up for its tardiness by giving us a long spell of wonderfully warm, sunny weekends to indulge in our favourite outdoor sports. We trust that you took full advantage of this spell of excellent weather and enjoyed your vacations, camping trips and weekends at the cottage, swimming, fishing, boating and barbecuing outdoors.

We are now supposed to be entering a period of less physical activity because of the cooler temperatures outside. This will slowly limit the outdoor activities of most, however, there are alternatives because of the various community centres and fitness clubs around us. Should we choose to, we can join them and use their modern facilities to continue to keep in good physical shape. Then again, if you are the outdoors type there is an abundance of outdoor activities, the least of which is shovelling snow and scraping your car.

In the last issue of our newsletter we trust we succeeded in clearing up some misconceptions and misapprehensions that were perceived by a

section of subscribers about relations between us and the embryonic Anglo-Indian Association. If any lingering doubts still remain you may address them to us in writing and we shall be glad to clear them up once and for all.

We are open to ideas and suggestions from our readers as to how we can widen the scope and improve the quality of our newsletter and invite you to write to us about this. Each and every idea will be carefully considered by the Editorial Committee at its meetings and will be acted upon if feasible.

Judging from the tone of the new Anglo Indian Association’s first newsletter, there appears to be a very enthusiastic response from the community to the formation of an Association. We sincerely hope that this support will maintain its momentum and continue over the long-term and not diminish as the novelty wears off. Continuous support by all members of the community is absolutely necessary for the survival and success of this organization if it is to be of benefit to us and a symbol of our unity.

We are fast approaching the end of the year and this will be your last issue of the AIIT Newsletter for 1996. I would like to take this opportunity, along with the entire editorial team, to thank you for your continued support and wish you and yours a very joyous and safe holiday season. May you have a very prosperous 1997.

Sincerely,

J ... Two friends were discussing the environment. "Which of our natural resources do you think will become exhausted first?" asked one.

"The taxpayer," answered the other... J

I perused the last edition of the A.I.I.T Newsletter and I must admit it brought a smile to my lips... and a lurch in my heart.

First of all, hearty congratulations to the A.I.I.T Committee for 14 years of yeoman service on the International Newsfront! It was heartening to see such warm recognition of a job well done, albeit sometimes grudgingly. A review of its philanthropic file and social agenda would do any group proud...keep it up! It just shows what an incredible record a really committed group can achieve. Congratulations again, and warmest appreciation for the generous assistance to our needy causes back ‘home’. Home - it still brings a lump in the throat and a nostalgia for those good old days.

May I comment here that those who begrudge aid being sent back home should, perhaps, take a trip back and discover if they can really reconcile their feelings of naked opposition born of indifference, ignorance or selective amnesia with the abject misery of some of our people assisted by Sister Marissa, or inmates of homes that draws indictment of our callousness by foreigners -- how could we forget?

Next...a new Association! Bravo - congratulations, yet again. It is almost inconceivable that after 20, 25, 30+ years a group of A.I’s flourishing in their new home can see fit to form an Association with ties that bind. Well!!

(What perspicacity and good sense keep the A.I.I.T autonomous! Great going.)

I am, however, reminded of my own address to our Melbourne Rangers Club on our 10th anniversary in 1990..

Good Luck! God bless you.

Greetings from Tom in Madras (till August 17th) and Rachel in England.

Tom got back at the end of June to a temperature of 37° C. He found the flat mostly intact, in spite of severe floods when a cyclone hit Madras two weeks earlier. Although we had only 9" of water in our flat, many of the folk we help had to put up with three to five feet of water. Their main loss was any food stored at home which was simply washed away. With money donated for this purpose we were able to give help. Government aid amounted to 5 Kg. of rice per family, but only for those with ration cards. Of a group of ten interviewed by Tom, only one had received this help. The waiting list for ration cards, which enable the poor to get cheaper food, is interminable. One of the group had been waiting 18 years to receive one.

In the end of year exam results, a number of our sponsored young people did very well: First class for two in their 10th Standard (GCSE) and for three in their 12th (A Level), together with other passes. Gavin and Rebekah have both started B Comm. courses. Stephen has moved into his second year of Engineering and will specialize in Computers. (There is massive growth in the Indian Computer industry; many large foreign companies, including BR, have their computer work done in India). Unfortunately the two young men who had hoped to go on to post-graduate studies have been unable, so far, to obtain places.

At the beginning of the new school year we have helped a record number of children with their annual fees, uniforms etc., The Anglo Indian schools have raised all their charges, sometimes to nearly twice what they were last year. We thank God that we had an unexpected gift which has more than covered the extra expenditure.

You may remember that we mentioned Errol who was at a drug rehabilitation centre before Christmas. He stayed clean for two months (while he had a temporary job) but sadly went back to drugs in February. However, he is really anxious to break the habit, and Tom has just arranged for him to go to another centre, this time in Delhi, for six months. Benjamin (our driver) accompanied him; it is run on Christian lines by an Anglo-Indian man.

Re. Bank Draft for Rs28,868.36 (Cdn. $1250.00)

I have received from Ms. Philomena Eaton the cheque and letter from Mary House. I am sending the cheque and letter to Ms. Agnela Rodgers.

Although all the works for the restoration of the hostels were done by the Archdiocese, I am requesting Ms. Agnela to deposit the money in the Mary House account for any further contingencies in the future.

In this connection, if your organization is desirous to help the girls at Mary Hostel, it may to be good to send the funds in the name of "The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta" for Mary Hostels. The Archdiocese has the permission to receive foreign money and can help through the managing Committee the girls you would want to designate.

I am glad that you have recognized the good work done through the Mary Hostels. It is in consideration of the past good work and to ensure continuity that I have given the Mary Hostels a formal status with statutory guidance.

Thank you for your concern for our girls in Calcutta,

Your kind letter with cheque enclosed arrived yesterday. Many, many thanks. We are grateful to Mrs. Peters for interceding for us.

The Little Sisters have been in Calcutta since 1882, caring for the Aged Poor, free of charge, without distinction of race, caste or creed. Till a few years ago, the majority of the residents were Anglo Indians - now we have a mixture.

The old people stay with us till they die - unless they wish to leave the Home, which is rare. We cater to all their needs, in health and in sickness, and they help us in whatever way they can - with the cleaning of the Home, in the kitchen, laundry, garden, handicraft, etc.,

As the Home is maintained solely on public charity, two Sisters go out each day collecting in offices, houses, schools etc., and many people bring gifts or cash to the door - food, clothing, medicines, furniture etc.,

This old Home, not being functional for present-day needs, it was decided to rebuild and the work finally started in June 1993. Half of the Home was completed by November last year and we shifted in with our old people. The second phase of the building has just begun and we are anxious to see it completed so that we can once more go up to our former strength of 200 old people. At present due to lack of accommodation we only have 75.

We count on God for all our needs and He has never failed us...help comes often from unexpected sources!

We thank you for your kind interest in our work and assure you of our prayers and those of our dear aged, who pray very specially each day for our Benefactors.

With every good wish for God’s blessings on your organization. Yours gratefully.

What a lovely surprise to receive your kind letter enclosing your generous cheque No.6286572, dated July 30, 1996 for Rs.28,868.36. Yes, I remember your MO. of June 1995 and it is because of that I have your address. I have not been able to get in touch with Mrs. Phyllis Pereira and it is with much regret that I received the news of her state of health. May God comfort her and the family members in this time of trial.

I shall give you a brief account of the work carried on by the Little Sisters of the Poor, on a separate sheet (following) as you will probably need it for your records. Please be assured of my grateful thanks to you for being the inspiration behind the contribution from AIIT. We still have a few Anglo Indian residents of our Home but as you will see from my write up we do not make any distinction of caste or creed. The Home is meant for all.

You and all members of the AIIT will have a very special remembrance in our prayers and do please extend our sincere gratitude to each and every one.

Sr.Veronique de St. Joseph - Provincial,

The Little Sisters of the Poor is a religious Congregation which originated in France at the time of the revolution. In 1839, the Foundress, Jeanne Jugan, seeing the plight of the poor elderly people of that time was moved to compassion and explored what means she could to help them. She herself was poor, being born of a family of fisher folk. Her father was lost at sea and she, being the eldest of the family, had to work to help her mother, from her earliest years. Her service, rendered in private homes and especially in hospital, prepared her for the yet unknown work of caring for the Aged. Finally in 1839, Jeanne gave up her own bed to a poor blind old lady and thus the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor began.

Re : Teacher’s Training Scholarships.

I am indeed most grateful to you for your letter of October 4th intimating that AIIT have approved the scholarships for Stephen Rayneau and Errol Aviet doing their first year T. T. C. at Mount Hermon College, Darjeeling.

I have written today to the Principal to correspond direct with you on the balance fees due for 1st year T.T.C. so that you could send them the cheque direct, and also advise the fees for second year T.T.C. so that you can plan your funds accordingly. He will also issue you official receipts and keep you informed of the boys’ progress.

I have also written off today to the two boys, copies to the Principal of Mount Hermon, informing them that the monies for their training are from Anglo-Indians In Touch and that you would like to hear from them individually as to their progress.

As and when other requests come in for further/higher studies I will immediately contact you. Thank you very, very much for your quick and generous decision.

Taking the opportunity of sending this in a copy of our latest Newsletter.

Yours sincerely,

To The Editorial Committee,

Thanks for your August 1996 issue, which gave your members much to ponder.

But first, congratulations to Eric Peters and best wishes for a successful editorship.

The decision of the AIIT editorial board to operate independently of and parallel to the Anglo-Indian Association presently being formed is in my view a questionable one. At the very least, the existence of two organizations will require double-subscribing from members.

I anticipated, and as Peter Lovery recommended, "AIIT should be a subset of the Association." Such an arrangement would have unified the AI community and improved its finances.

Nonetheless, on the general principle that efforts by Anglo-Indians on behalf of Anglo-Indians should be supported by Anglo-Indians, I intend to maintain my membership in AIIT. My choice is further strengthened by my recognition of the exceptional work done by AIIT. I share the hope of your editorial board and of Joe D’Souza "that the Association and the AIIT newsletter can operate as stand-alone organizations without any conflict"; but I have my reservations.

The separation of mandates as defined by Lou Welsh - "the Newsletter has an international flavor and is not local; whereas the Association would be local" does not take into consideration areas where the mandates overlap. The Association will in fact liaise with AI associations in other countries and therefore will have "an international flavour." Similarly, there is an overlap of objectives. Sharon Lovery’s interest in maintaining and becoming knowledgeable about her heritage implies a non-local treatment which will apply to both mandates.

I realise international Anglo-Indian news and interests may be of many kinds and there is scope for AIIT to publish material the Association does not. That, as I see it, will be the challenge of the AIIT Editorial Board.

Meanwhile, your encouragements to the Anglo-Indian Steering Committee are appreciated.

Congratulations on the new look of the newsletter and the dedication expressed in "Changing Times"; the new look is very professional, the content covers and crosses all fields of interest, my concern is the continuation of this quality when the only source of income will be your subscription renewal.

Good Luck in your effort.

Former Junior Wimbledon Champion and India Davis Cup Hero, Leander Paes of Calcutta bagged India’s first individual Olympic medal in 44 years when he defeated Fernando Meligeni of Brazil in the men’s singles’ Tennis Championships at the Centenial Olympic Games held at Atlanta earlier this year. His Bronze Olympic Medal has earned him a hero’s status in India and accolades from all, including Tennis Ace Andre Agassi’s compliment "He’s not good. He’s strange." His singular accomplishment also merited the entire sports page of The Overseas Statesman Weekly dated Aug. 17/96 .

Mr. Jyoti Basu, present chief minister of West Bengal, also lauded the achievement, claiming in the individual victory, laurels for the whole country. Leslie Claudius, another Anglo-Indian and thrice gold medal winner in the Olympics, expressed pride in the victory, noting that Paes must deservedly be feeling on top of the world. Yet Leander in his good-natured, humble and team-spirited way, dedicated the medal to his coach, Jaidip Mukerjea, and teammate, Mahesh Bhupathy. He added "I don’t think it (the Olympic Bronze Medal) will put any additional pressure on me."

He gave full credit too to his parents: mother, Jennifer Paes (nee Dutton), a renowned basketball player and herself captain of India in the 1980 Asian Basketball Championships; father, Vece Paes, hockey midfielder, a member of the India Hockey Contingent that won a team Bronze medal in the Munich Olympic Games in 1972. Both of them have nurtured in him love for the sport and Vece has personally coached him for years - a reminder of the forces behind

the victories notwithstanding Leander’s own determination and consistency.

Furthermore Bengal’s cricket captain, Raju Mukherjee, took the tributes a step further proclaiming victory for another boy from West Bengal in the wake of Norman Pritchard (the first Indian to win an Olympic medal) and Leslie Claudius (winner of three gold and one silver in four consecutive Olympic Games) - an acknowledgment and tribute, indeed, to Anglo-Indian victory in India and the international world of sports.

So what of the future? At 23 yrs. and still in his prime, Leander Paes, with continued dedication to his game, has many more laurels to win. Anglo-Indians everywhere can only feel pride in his moments of glory, wish him further triumphs, and be inspired to follow in his footsteps.

Pedro Alvares Cablar, who followed in da Gama’s footsteps, set up a trading station in Calicut, but hostility from the local merchants forced him to move South to the port of Cochin. He laid the foundation of Portuguese power in India.

The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch, French and finally the British. The Portuguese married local people, the union resulting in the birth of a new community - which later came to be known as the Anglo-Indians. Like the Portuguese, the other Europeans also married local people and the ranks of the Anglo-Indians grew. In 1911, when Charles Hardinge was viceroy of India, he officially recognized the use of cognomen Anglo-Indian in describing the community. According to Article 366(2) of the Constitution of India, an "Anglo-Indian is a person whose father or any of whose other male progenitors in the male line is, or was, of European descent but who is domiciled within the territory of India and is, or was, born within such territory of parents habitually resident therein and not established there for temporary purposes only."

This small community was instrumental in enabling the British to rule the subcontinent. The Anglo-Indians were used to build and run the railways, set up and run the post and telegraphs and customs services, and served loyally and with distinction.

Perhaps their greatest contribution was in the armed forces. During World War I about 8000 Anglo-Indians fought in Mesopotamia, East Africa and the European theatre. In World War II they fought at Dunkirk and flew in the battle of Britain. Later they featured in the India-China and India-Pakistan wars. They earned the highest honours both in India and overseas.

The community has played a crucial role in the defence of the crown and independent India. Some of the finest Indian soldiers (Lieut-Gen. Patrick Dunn, Padma Bushan; Lieut-Gen. Reggie Noronho, MC and Bar, PVSM, Deputy Chief of Army Staff), sailors (Admiral Ronald Lynsdal Pereira, Admiral Stan Dawson) and airmen (Air Chief Marshal Dennis La Fontaine, Air Marshall M.S.D. Wollan, Air Marshall Denzil Keelor, Air Vice-Marshall John Jasper Bouche, AVSM, Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Operations, who now lives in Freemantle) played key roles in defending India against Pakistan and China and liberating Bangladesh.

Air Vice Marshall Bouche had served in the first Indian Air Force Spitfire Squadron in Burma in World War II. His brother- Air Commander David Bouche, PVSM - started the Night Fighter Squadron in India and headed the Air Crew Examining Board.

The Anglo-Indians still have a long way to go. They were used by the British, who needed trustworthy people to run the subcontinent effectively, However loyalty was not rewarded and the British turned their backs on the Anglo-Indians and did not provide any safeguards for the community in independent India.

Wherever they have gone they have made a positive impression. In a cover article in the Illustrated Weekly of India, leading Indian journalist and commentator Kushwant Singh described the Anglo-Indians as "The Good Australians"

The main focus should be the number of years left, to accumulate the required amount to meet your retirement goals. Contributing to an RRSP merely for the purposes of a tax refund and deferment is not the "BE" all and "END" all of sound retirement planning. Strategic planning, management and execution of an RRSP over these years should be the main criteria.

Let’s take a closer look at what a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is. It was introduced in 1957 to provide an income tax incentive to save money for retirement. RRSP contributors can deduct, within certain limits, their contributions from their income when filing their income tax returns. When the RRSP matures, the income from it is taxable. Banks, Trust Companies, Life Insurance companies, Credit Unions and certain types of investment/financial companies (including mutual funds) are authorized to sell RRSP’s.

RRSP’s were designed to encourage individuals to save for their retirement by granting the following tax advantages:

• deferral of income taxes on the portion of income that is contributed to an RRSP; and
• deferral of income taxes on the investment income earned in the plan.

This income tax deferral carries on until the money is received, generally, during retirement.

What is Earned Income?

In general, earned income consists of salary and wages, commissions, taxable benefits (e.g. group life insurance premiums paid by the employer), alimony or maintenance benefits, net business income, and net income from the rental of real property. Earned income also includes research grants, employee profit sharing plan allocations, supplementary unemployment benefits and certain royalties.

In calculating earned income, salary, wages and commissions must be reduced by employment expenses (such as union or professional dues, or sales expenses) claimed by the taxpayer. Earned income is also reduced by losses from business operations and the rental of real property and by alimony or maintenance paid.

Note: Dividends, interest, annuities and pensions do not qualify as earned income.

Some points to consider before contributing to an RRSP which are as follows:

1. You are willing to set aside money for spending during, not before, retirement.
2. You have other assets available for emergencies
3. You are interested in deferring taxes; and
4. Qualify for the income tax deduction.

F Please see In order, Page 12

The one who is seeking re-election here is not bothered to even come canvassing for votes. Perhaps the very existance of this remote township, part Ranchi parliamentary constituency, has escaped his mind. McCluskiegunj borders Palamau district and the Maoist Communist Centre’s (MCC) call to boycott polls had taken its toll on election preparations here.

During the last assembly elections fear of the MCC had kept settlement members away from pooling booths. Overnight, wall writings had appeared, driving fear into the hearts of the 22 families living here.

At the time this report was published however the threatening writings had not appeared. The police picket had been reinforced. Yet, the MCC’s boycott call was being actively discussed.

During the assembly polls, there were four booths and around 4000 votes in this area. Mr. D.L. Varu, an old resident, predicted a very low turnout this time too, only 10% perhaps. Mr. Glenn Mathews and his wife Christie, did not vote the last time because of the MCC fiat. Fear of the Naxalite outfit remains. "If the wall writings appear this time too, we will not go to the polling stations" some residents said.

Vote or no vote, Mr. Varu is unhappy with the local M.P. Others join him in stating their aversion to politicians.

Mr. Williams, a retired major general, is perhaps the only exception in this sorry state of affairs. He has funded some development projects in this remote area with money he got from the M.P.’s quota and the residents are moved.

"It is the first time an M.P. has cared for us" says Mr. R. Miller who retired from the Eastern Railway in 1982. He is probably the oldest resident of the community.

Altogether Rs. 50 lakh has come from the fund. Roads are being repaired and the hospital is undergoing revocation. A path breaking development has been the installation of solar-panel lit street lamps. These lamps line the road from the railway station to the settlement and light up at dusk automatically. A swank new community hall is also coming up.

Still, there are some here, whose lives are totally insulated. Nothing affects them, not even development. Mr. Brian Christensen is one of them. "It does not help me in any way," he says.

"They are used to their own way of life," explains Mr. A.G. D’Rozario, nominated Anglo-Indian MLA of Bihar, who owns property in McCluskiegunj. Some residents prefer to be aloof from the development projects. Another retired Bihar Government official, sore over the construction of bridges over small nullahs, says: "this is Indian money and not Anglo-Indian money."

Mr. Noel Charles Flaming, chairman of the local unit of the Anglo-Indian Association, says the projects are for the good of the local people. The mukhia, Mr. Tulsi Prasad Metha, agrees.

People of McCluskiegunj and the neighbouring villages are grateful to the M.P. he says.

Once nearly 350 Anglo-Indian families lived here. Tucked away in the sweeping hills of Chhotanagpur plateau, McCluskiegunj was the dream of a Calcutta businessman, E.T. McCluskie.

In the early thirties, he wanted to establish a home for the community. His search for a homeland took McCluskie around the country, before he landed up at Lapra, a village near Ranchi in 1932. He entered into a deal with Ratu Maharaja, the local chieftain. Later, he acquired 10,000 acres. The village was renamed after him in 1935 after he died.

The old Victorian style buildings with red tiled roofs are picturesque. They bear such names as "The Grange", "The Nest" or the more straight forward "Perkins". Along with these Anglo-Indian families, some affluent people have moved in here in recent years. Among them are retired generals and former Government officials.

Apart from the wireless , which connects the settlement with the world outside, a railway line brings passenger trains, newspapers and mail. A dusty road also connects the sleepy settlement with the neighbourhood.

Courtesy: The Sunday Statesman.

As the aim of "Anglo-Indian Concern" (Vine Charitable Trust) is to help people become self supporting they are always on the lookout for employers needing workers. Hotel jobs, as waiters or room-boys, are often available to Anglo-Indians, because of their good command of English. Older men with little education may become security guards. In both cases assistance is sometimes provided by Anglo-Indian Concern. Sometimes they may be asked for a grant towards tools, for instance for carpentry or bicycle mending. Recently they were able to obtain a second hand cycle rickshaw for Ronald, which has nearly doubled his income, as he no longer has to pay daily rent to the owner. He is repaying part of the cost in monthly installments.

"How much negative energy is typically expended when people try to solve problems or make decisions in an interdependent reality? How much time is spent in confessing other people’s sins, politicking, rivalry, interpersonal conflict, protecting one’s backside, masterminding and second guessing? It’s like trying to drive down the road with one foot on the gas and the other foot on the brake!"

NEWMAN-DAVIDSON Suzanne Davidson, daughter of Shirley Rodrigues and the late Ivor Davidson and James Newman, son of Howard and Pamela Newman exchanged nuptial vows on Saturday, Aug. 24, 1996 at East Center Line, Berkeley, Ontario. Warmest congratulations and best wishes for the future from all of us at AIIT.

MENEZES- Charmaine and Mark are happy to announce the birth of their daughter Ann Marie Simone, on Friday, October 4, 1996. Proud grandparents are Ray and Pam Track, Lenny and Melba Menezes. Niece of Charles Simon Track and Cherryl, Leonie and Gary Menezes.

MARTIN, Iris Esme (nee Barber) - Suddenly at Cummer Lodge Nursing Home on Monday October 28, 1996. Beloved mother of Ian, Steve, Glynis and Michael and his wife Deborah. Grandmother to Jeffrey, Andrew, Natalie, Kevin and Derek. Will be sadly missed by relatives and friends.

RAWLIN, Kevin Ian - At the family cottage on Sunday, October 13, 1996, in his 16th year as the result of a boating accident. Beloved son of Ian and Danett, loving brother of Lindsay. Will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his great-aunts, aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends.

PERRIS, Gregory - In Kingston, Ontario on October 19, 1996.

FRANCIS, Dudley - In fond memory of a prominent Anglo-Indian, and friend to the community, who passed away on September 4, 1993. We will always be grateful to you for you help and concern for the community.

1. The Tea room

(a) On Lindsay Street

(b) In the New Market

2. The American Ice Cream Palour in the New Market
3. The old fashioned Chemists shops on

(a) Park street

(b) Camac Street

4. The Factory floor which would be cleared forthe New Years Eve’s Ball
5. The twin night clubs on Chowringhee
6. The Railway Institute at Sealdah famous for its superb dance floor
7. The well known haberdasher on Park Street who would send her box wallas around
8. A department store where you could get ready made wedding dresses
9. A supplier of warm garments and school uniforms (for the hills)
10. a well patronised Beauty Salon on Park Street
11. Known for its blue and red tins of Chocolates
12. The talented group who puts on musicals like the DESERT SONG
13. The Crooner who made MAGNOLIA’s a happy place to relax in

F Turn to page 15 to refresh your memory

Many of you have been concerned about several aspects of Reunion IV to be held in Bangalore in January 1998. The greatest concern seems to be the cost of the functions. We have listened to your concerns and have addressed them with the organizers of Reunion IV. Given that the Reunion is in India and we are all aware of the financial situation of several of our countrymen, it would be a little presumptive to expect that an undertaking as extensive as a Reunion could be organized with the same capability as a Reunion in a Western country. By this, I do not mean that their efficiency etc. would be any less than any Western country, rather, the things that we take for granted would be less likely to come by. It also means that their cash flow would/could be in worse shape than any organization in Western countries.

Their commitment and dedication to ensuring a successful Reunion in terms of delegate enjoyment is not lacking; however, the realities are that while most Reunions count on local population and entrance fees to finance the functions, this Reunion in India is reliant on the overseas contingent to finance and ensure it’s success.

The fees of US$ 100.00 were based upon this premise. However, the greater number of overseas delegates, the cheaper the rates. AIIT has been in touch with the organizers and advised them of your concerns as well as some of the other factors that they were not aware of - i.e... the lean economic climate of Canada at the present time and the fact that the US exchange rate for the Canadian averages around 40%, so Canadian delegates would be looking at around $140.00 for the functions.

Joss Fernandez, Chair of the Indian organizing committee, appreciated the concern and said he would discuss it with his committee with a view to reducing the cost. Essentially the functions include two dinners, one at the Inaugural function and the other at the Farewell Ball; and to put this in perspective, Joss enquired what it would cost to have a meal at a reasonable restaurant in Toronto. I suggested it would be around CDN$ 35.00 - 40.00 including taxes and gratuities. Perhaps CDN$80.00 would be a more reasonable rate for the functions (given that there is no fee to enter the Sports day and Food day functions and expenses will be as per individual’s choice of purchases). Joss has advised he will look into this, but also indicated that the expectation would be greater numbers of overseas delegates.

In order to help with the cash flow situation, tickets could be sold in advance for 50% of the cost of the tickets to be realized immediately and the remaining 50% to be realized by September 1997. We think this would be of enormous help to the Indian organizers both in cash flow as well as an indicator of just how many people they can expect. We wait to hear back from him with a decision.

In the meantime, here is a REVISED SCHEDULE proposed by Joss Fernandez for Reunion IV. Due to a lack of appropriate indoor venues and anticipated number of delegates (over 500), all functions will be held outdoors under specially erected shamianas. The only open spaces available that have the advantage of privacy and security/control are the School grounds in the area. HOWEVER, the school year commences Monday 12 Jan. 1998, SO, the programme already advertised dates of 12-17 Jan 1998 are not feasible.

5-6 pm. Ecumenical Service

KLM - to Bangalore - 1996/1997 price is CDN$1675.00 + Taxes. This fare includes a stopover in Amsterdam. (Information on air fares was kindly provided by Bridget Vianna of WHY NOT TRAVEL 416 498 9000)

But the Royal family’s favourite singer is laughing all the way to the bank. Tickets for a musical based on Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights sold out months in advance, the tour has been extended by six weeks and there was no room for critics on opening night.

"Hitting women and swearing on the stage will be a real treat for me." said Sir Cliff, a 55-year-old Anglo Indian who has had top 10 hits over the past five decades.

Richard, who started swivelling his hips in the 1950s as the British answer to Elvis Presley, is now so respectable that last year he led a sing along outside Buckingham Palace commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Cynics have mocked his music for decades. Interviewers constantly ask if the evergreen "Bachelor Boy" is gay. No sex, no drugs and not much in the way of rock and roll, mumble the capers in the musical press. But he has had 115 hits, more than any other artist in Britain, and sold 45 million singles.

Much to his chagrin, Richard never made it big in the United States despite some high-profile musical pairings with Olivia Newton-John and Van Morrison. His staying power and allure were summed up by mother-of-three Vanda Jerzyszek as she queued before dawn to get tickets for "Heath-Cliff", which opened in October, "I’ve been a fan for about 10 years. It’s not physical, I think it’s spiritual though he’s got a nice backside," she said of the singer whose career survived twice representing Britain in the Eurovision song contest. (Reuter)

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happy holidays