Anglo-Indians in Touch


A COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER VOL. XVIII - REUNION ISSUE OCT. 1992
EDITORIAL ( By Merv Gaynor)

Dear Friends,
April 08, '90 - the Editorial Committee agrees to host the 2nd International Reunion in Toronto in 1992. Nov. 04, '9s - AIIT calls a general meeting of subscribers at the Canorient Club and sets up subcommittees to cover the various aspects of the reunion. July 25, '92 Anglo-Indians attend the Farewell Ball, a culmination of a week's festivities celebrated by 4000 attendees from all parts of the world. In those last eight months of preparation our E.C. and the sub- committees worked hard, putting in long hours of preparation, meeting many times, endeavouring to ensure that the programme would proceed smoothly enough to bring joy and happiness to all attendees. It was a tricky undertaking accomplished successfully because willing hands and hearts worked harmoniously for a single cause - for the good of the community.

We have published two unbiased accounts of the events. What they do not include are the numerous nuances, the doubts, the heartbreaks, the moments of trepidation as we rely on the vagaries of the weather and other unforeseen or uncontrolled factors that can so easily ruin the best-laid plans. All that is now past history. Somebody up there was looking after us. The many letters and cards of congratulations we have received from all parts of the world prove it was a smashing success and we are most grateful to all who helped make it so. The Editorial Committee was anxious to show their gratitude to all who helped directly and on Oct. 18 an "Appreciation Night" was put together for all registered volunteers at the Knights of Columbus Hall in the Keele/Lawrence area. At this homely function a roast beef supper was served, a deejay provided dance music and some speeches were made by members in grateful acknowledgement for the excellent work done by our 130 volunteers.

From my personal standpoint I extend my warmest thanks to my Editorial committee who were unstinting in giving me their support in all the reunion projects and to the sub-committees and volunteers who proved we can unite and pull together for the community whenever the need warrants it. There were rough passages along the way - this is normal whenever an undertaking of this magnitude has to be put together. One has to contend with many different personalities and opinions. But as we progressed the little difficulties were overcome and one could sense the rise in enthusiasm, the rush of adrenalin, as the big week drew nearer.

My sincere thanks, once again, to all who contributed in any way.


"WHEN OLD FRIENDS MEET"

(By Len Cardozo - Canorient Christian Asscn. of Canada)

A remarkable and intriguing community are the Anglo-Indians. The fruit of 200 to 300 years of British influence in India - a more charming, versatile, worldly- wise, adaptable and fun-loving group you have yet to meet. Their contribution to India before and after Independence, and to other countries of their adoption, is far greater than their numbers warrant.

In July they came together for a glorious week in Toronto for the second world Anglo-Indian Reunion. They came from far and wide, from East and West, Australia, many parts of England, the U.S.A., New Zealand and even from Italy. They flew in from Vancouver and the East Coast, from Montreal and Ottawa. They motored in from the sovereign state of Mississauga and far away Scarberia (!) and from many parts of India.

The festivities got under way with a mammoth picnic at-the Croatian Park in Mississauga, located on the banks of the rapid-flowing Credit River - a joyous series of reunions, food, games and fun in a 'mela' Fhat was attended by 2000 happy picnickers.

The following day commenced with an Ecumenical Service at the Burton Auditorium in York University. A Symposium of tremendous interest followed and a four-hour variety stage show, featuring a scintillating succession of stand-up comics, banjo players, crooners, classical pianists, jazz musicians, orchestras and dancers. There was a tremendous outpouring of appreciation for the high standard of performances. Many of the artists were professionals who freely donated their time and talent to entertain the community.

Of special interest was the Symposium. A wide selection of aspects of Anglo- Indian history, contribution and life were dealt with most ably. Warren O'Rourke, a retired educationist, dealt with some sociohistorical angles. It was touching and refreshing to hear him lovingly salute his Indian grandmother - obviously a brave and beautiful woman. He also gleefully reminded his audience what a 'makhan, roti, chini' accent was.

His daughter, Shanti - named after her great grandmother - an attractive Canadian-born Undergrad, spoke of how her A-I background surfaced only in her late teens. She recounted some wonderful exploits on her first visit to the home country. This included an unforgettable, frightful crossing of 24 railway tracks on a pitch-dark Indian tropical night as the family wended its way home following a visit with friends.

The Revd. Reginald Shires of the U.S.A. an ex-Bangalore boy, made a 'tongue-in- cheek' delivery of his early assimilation following immigration. He admitted he still felt humbly foolish remembering how he once placed his order into the opening of a trash can at a MacDonald's Drive-In . His wife, Norma, President of the A-I Asssn. in the U.S.A. touched on the formation of her group and her hope that it would grow strong and united in the years ahead.

Dudley Francis of Toronto spoke on the importance of the English language to the community. As the mother-tongue of a well-spoken community it assured members of ease of assimilation in most foreign lands. This is a deep study and certainly merits much research. He touched on the landmark struggles of Frank Anthony to make English a recognized language of India after Independence - a hazardous journey right up to the Indian Supreme Court, a part of Anglo-Indian history that every A-I should cherish.

Raymond Platel, who now resides in the Channel Isles, was also a defender of Anglo-Indian rights during the transition years. A past member of the Provincial Legislature of the West Bengal Assembly, he was also a signatory of the Indian Constitution in 1947. He spoke nostalgically of those early years of struggle.

Colonel Charles Campagnac (Australia), bemedalled and resplendent in his Gurka uniform recounted the excellent contributions of the community to the past and present Armed Forces of India. The tradition goes back to the days of the illustrious James Skinner, of Skinner's Horse, to the numerous senior officers serving today in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

Frank Carter, ex-Indian Air Force, now residing in Perth, West Australia highlighted the need to aid our less privileged A-I's in India. He confirmed his Australian A-I Asssn. in Perth would be happy and willing to hold the next reunion there.

Sister Marisa, A.C., foundress of the Marian Education Centre in Calcutta, concluded the session with an appeal for the continued goodwill of her many overseas benefactors. She was most thankful for their ongoing support, without which it might be stressful to meet the needs of Calcutta city's poorer community members.

Chairperson Linda Daniels was quietly competent, considerate and totally in control. The reunion was a tremendous success. It is hoped all Anglo-Indians, particularly the youth, will sense the surge of pride and goodwill that existed during these seven days of camaraderie and companionship.


REUNION REFLECTIONS

A certain indiscretion caused animosity between two families back in India. A step-brother and sister from each family remained dear friends despite the dire threats from parents on both sides to 'keep away from each other.' One departed to Canada, the other to England. Fifty years later the sister attended the 2nd Anglo-Indian Reunion in Toronto, Canada, found a familiar name in the Directory she picked up at the picnic, called and .... yes, she found her long-lost and long-loved brother !! It was a most joyful (tearful) reunion.


SMILE A WHILE

We are constantly being reminded that the world is in a recession. How much more positive can we be. I spotted a sign in a shoe store the other day. It read: "BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE."

The 5 year-old gazed in disgust upon his newly-born brother who wailed loudly in his cot. "Has he come from Heaven?" he enquired. "Yes, dear," said his mother. "No wonder they put him out."


REUNION REFLECTIONS

Results of Reunion Donation Draw held during the Farewell Ball. Consolation prizes kindly donated by Singapore Airlines, Air India, Cathay Pacific and Air Canada, courtesy of Audrey DeDombal of Toronto :- CAROL GOODWIN, CLARENCE D'CRUZ, DANETTE RAWLIN, MAUREEN SIMS, ERIC ROZARIO, R. DIAS, MAUREEN HOLDER (U.S.A.), CARMEL POLACCO, LUCY PULES, CRAIG EDMONDS & GEOFF MACLEOD.
6 bottles Italian wine - M. COLE; Magnum of Scotch - HELEN NORONHA;
20" colour T.V. - AUBREY BALLANTINE.

A-I.I.T. wishes to express their appreciation to the following performers for their contributions to a most enjoyable Musical Revue.

Johny Barretto & the "In the Mood' Trio - Sandra Maxwell, Jacqueline Egan & Anna DiCostanzo, Eric Rozario - Mr. Music Man, The Melody Makers, Roy Sexton & Gerry D'Souza, Cedric D'Croix - The Entertainer, Audrey & Michelle DeDombal - Hawaiian Dancers, The "Not Yet" Quintette - Eugene Haliburton, Leader, Mel Collie - The Banjo Man, "The Urge" Quintette, led by William Soraine, Ferdie Furtado (U.S.A.) & Remy D'Souza, the Rap 'N Rock Dance Duo - Adriano Marrello & Jamie Bunberry, all under the able direction of emcee Mike Danton.

During the symposium a pertinent question was raised from the floor. With the exception of two panel members there appeared to be no strong feeling about acknowledging the Indian side of our heritage. The reply from one panel member was inadequate. We would welcome any comments from our readers on this subject. Your views should be short and to the point.


LOST & FOUND

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of EDDIE AMABLE who left India about 1963 may please contact Leuba D'Souza at 255-4709.
Albert Holder of Baltimore, U.S.A. would welcome the telephone numbers or addresses of STAN SARRIE8 of Australia and RONNIB HICR8, Toronto. Call the Editor if you can help.
Neville D'Costa of Toronto (439-2099) is seeking information on the whereabouts of ANNETTE PETERS & DONELLA GILLOLEE.
Irene Phillipowsky, 32 Saint Maurice, Chateauguay, Quebec, J6K 1S2, would like to get in touch with her long lost cousin PHYLLI8 NAR8HALL (nee Gillespie). Left Calcutta for Australia in the 40's. Please help.


REUNION 1995

The city of Perth in Australia had expressed a desire to host the next reunion and, in fact, had already begun making plans but a formal application from Melbourne was received by us during the reunion here. Following a hastily convened meeting of our Editorial Committee and international representatives it was decided to suggest that the two committees of Perth and Melbourne sit down and sort the matter out. A formal letter to this effect was mailed to both parties last month and we await their decision.


SMILE A WHILE

Our telephone systems have come a long way today. Now they have a 'dial-a-prayer' service for atheists. You call a number and nobody answers.

Life is easy in Samoa. Samoan dogs have flat noses from chasing parked cars.


"AN ANGLO-INDIAN AFFAIR.....A VIEW FRON DOWN UNDER"
(By Colonel (Retd.) Charles Campagnac, AVSM.)

The diaspora of the Anglo-Indian community began in August 1947, when Britain granted India its independence. The British, who had brought the community into existence as a matter of policy, and who had been served so loyally by it, did a Pontius Pilate-cum-St. Peter act, washed their hands and said: "We know them not."

Deserted and betrayed, many thousands of Anglo-Indians left India and settled in the United Kingdom, while others chose Australia and Canada. It was left to three Indian Statesmen - Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Valabhai Patel - to grant those who remained, representation in thegLegislature and safeguards in the Constitution. This recognition enabled about 100,000 Ang]o- Indians to live on in India. But their troubles were not only legal. They were also cultural. There is nothing so lonely as an isolated Anglo-Indian in India, especially at Christmas.

For those who left India there was another kind of loneliness. Suddenly they were strangers in a foreign land, torn from the comfort of familiar ways and the company of friends and relatives. Often they faced the hostility accorded to most newcomers. Some were singled out as special tarqets because of their dark complexions.

But it is the Anglo-Indian gift to survive, to cope, to work hard, to adapt to new circumstances, and to show the host country that they are worthy citizens.

Four decades after the exodus from India began, Anglo-Indians are now comfortable in their new countries, proud of their own and their children's success. Proud even of those mixed-race roots which some had tried to disguise or obscure. It was time to get together and proclaim confidence about their role in their new countries, and to recall their Indian heritage without shame or distaste. A time for a mature reassessment of who they are, what they have achieved and to target heights still to be scaled.

Anglo-Indians held their first international reunion in London in 1989. News of a second international reunion, scheduled for Toronto, Canada, reached us through Merv Gaynor's Newsletter, "Anglo-Indians In Touch." I had met Merv in New Delhi in the 50's but had never got around writing to him. Merv lives in Toronto and we read his Newsletter with interest here in Australia.

My wife Cynthia and I have lived in Melbourne for the past two decades. I served in the Indian Army for 28 years before retiring and immigrating to Australia. Our two daughters, Jennifer and Jean, are now grown up and are happily married. Cynthia and I promised ourselves a holiday in the United States and Canada (where we have relatives) when I retired for the second time in my life, in August 1990. However, after seven operations, my right forefoot was amputated and I lost the use of my left eye. On the first of May this year, I slipped and fell, breaking my left arm. When my friend, Desmond Hayde, heard of my afflictions he wrote: "How much can the human body bear?" (Desmond and his wife Sheila, have retired to Kotdwan, Garhwal, in the foothills of the Himalayas).

By the first of June my arm improved enough for us to decide that we would make the journey and attend the Anglo-Indian Reunion. I wrote to Merv, telling him we were on the way. Linda Daniels, chairperson of a symposium to he held at Toronto's York University as part of the reunion events, invited me to be a speaker. My theme was to be "Anglo-Indians and the Armed Forces in Independent India." Linda asked me to bring along my grandfather's Mutiny medal, awarded to those who fought to keep India for the British in 1857, and my own service medals.

We left Australia on the 3rd of July. After an 18 hour flight over the Pacific, we arrived in San Francisco and stayed with my cousin Sheila in the suburb of San Pablo. Sheila and her family were taken prisoners by the Japanese in Burma, in the Second World War. We had not seen each other for 44 years. Sheila married Tom Timmins, an American Marine who fought at Okinawa. He died earlier this year. Their son, Scott, now grown up, polished my medals for the reunion.

San Francisco was more beautiful than I had imagined. After five delightful days there we flew to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the rather splendid and well- organised wedding of my grand-nephew, Martin. His mother is Sandra, the daughter of my late brother Raymond, who served with General Orde Wingate's famous Chindits, a long-range penetration force which fought behind Japanese lines in Burma. Raymond was a close friend of General Aung Saan, father of the imprisoned Burmese political rebel and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung Saan Suu Kyi.

From Milwaukee we flew East to New York, which is as every bit exciting as I expected. We stayed at Long Island with more relatives. Long Island, nearby Connecticut and Bronxville are beautiful, forested areas, quite a contrast to the concrete jungle of Manhattan. We had crossed the American continent from southwest to northeast and now we headed north to Canada.

We landed in Pearson International Airport , Toronto on the 17th of July. Shirley and Lionel Lumb met us at the terminal. Lionel worked as a journalist at the Statesman in Calcutta, and Reuter and BBC in London and then for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Canada. He now teaches journalism in Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada's capital. Our joy at meeting them again after two decades was mixed with dismay because our baggage had not arrived with us in Toronto. We left the airport in some trepidation. The only comforting thought was that I was carrying the medals and my uniform, stuffed complete with Gurkha hat, in a small bag. But the next morning the baggage was delivered by a Sikh cabbie who grinned broadly when Cynthia welcomed him with a "Sat Shri Kal", the traditional Sikh greeting.

We were staying with Lionel's sister Pat and her husband, Jim Brady. Jim is Irish but played host with flair and generosity to quite a gathering of his Anglo-Indian relatives. We were all made to feel very much at home in their large house North of Toronto. The Brady's pretty 17-year-old daughter, Catherine, graciously gave up her bedroom for a sofa downstairs. Most of the Anglo-Indians who came to Toronto for the reunion were similarly put up by relatives or friends; for some, the organisers arranged reasonably priced hotel accomodation.

Toronto is a sprawling city on Lake Ontario. To the South is the major tourist attraction of Niagara Falls and to the East, across the lake, is Upper New York State. Most houses are double-storied with spacious basements and in the newer suburbs the ubiquitous double garages jut out into the front yard. This is in sharp contrast with Australia where the garages are neatly tucked in at the side or back of the house.

The first event on the Anglo-Indian get-together was an all day 'meet and greet' picnic held at the Croatian Recreation Centre in Mississauga, a satellite town just west of Toronto. "Mississauga" is an Indian name. North America's aboriginals do not like the word 'Indian' and prefer to be called natives. The word 'native' bore derogatory connotations in India. The Croatian Centre has a soccer field, shady trees and is bordered by a scenic, fast-flowing river. A roomy tent sheltered a display of books by Anglo-Indian authors and a souvenir stall selling Tshirts, key rings, pens, books etc. More than 1800 people attended the picnic. Two enthusiastic soccer teams booted the leather around all day. The older people sat by the river, reminiscing and meeting old friends. Young swains ogled the pretty girls - the old buffs didn't do too badly either ! Gallons of Canadian beer were consumed and the time-old 'puchca man' did a roaring business. A good time was had by all.

The next day, Sunday, July 19, a Family Day was held at York University. This university was built in 1967 on land owned by a Mr. Strong. It has Faculties of Arts, Fine Arts and Pure and Applied Science for its 50,000 students. The law school, Osgoode Hall, is one of the finest in Canada. In the Tennis Complex that week, world tennis champions Agassi and Lendl were playing in a tournament.

The ceremonies began with an All Faith Ecumenical Service at 3 p.m. The Burton Auditorium, which seats 600 people, was filled to capacity. One had to descend steep stairs to reach the stage below. Luckily for Cynthia and I, Tony Moushino appeared from nowhere and helped me through the crowd and down the stairs. We met Tony after 20 years. He had worked with me in an oil company started by the late Lt. Col. Henry Roach in Australia. Tony now lives and works in the car sales business in Toronto. He won a Vir Chakra (India's equivalent of the MC or Military Cross) fighting in the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Father John Turner, an Anglo-Indian Catholic priest from England and the Revd. Fr. Francis Paul, of Delhi (Ontario), spoke and prayed for the community. A 24-voice Anglo- Indian Reunion Choir, dressed tastefully in pastel coloured gowns, sang under the direction of John Barretto. Sandra Maxwell sang a solo - The Lord's Prayer - in a most moving rendition with a superbly trained voice, and stole the show. There wasn't a dry eye in the auditorium.

Next came the speakers. Warren O'Rourke of Canada spoke eloquently, choosing his words as fastidiously as a hard-to-please housewife at a shopping centre. Somewhat daringly, he told the crowd it was time that Anglo-Indians acknowledged their Indian heritage with pride. Warren is one of the few Anglo-Indians who can remember his Indian ancestor. At 69, he is a likeable academic who should be invited to speak by Anglo-Indian communities wherever they exist in the world. He served in the Bengal Education Department. His attractive daughter, Shanti, named after her Indian great-grandmother, also spoke of the Anglo-Indian legacy and what it means to the younger generation. Both speakers were loudly applauded.

The Revd. Reginald Shires, M.A. and his wife, Norma, also addressed the gathering. Reggie who now lives in the U.S., attended my old school in Bangalore - Clarence School - and knew the headmaster, the late Mr. Flack, who eventually emigrated to Australia.

Dudley Francis of Canada spoke on "The Anglo-Indian and the English language." It was a witty speech, larded with familiar Hindustani words which have found permanent places in the English medium.

Another speaker was Raymond Platel, a former member of the West Bengal Legislature who was an actual signatory of the Indian Constitution after Independence. He spoke about the importance of preserving the AngloIndian identity.

One of those taking part in the symposium sat bshind a proudly displayed flag of Australia. He was Frank Carter of Perth and he urged Anglo-Indians now prospering abroad to help the community in India. Chatting with Frank later, he confirmed SBS had allotted Anglo-Indians in Perth an hour each week to broadcast community and Indian news.

During my turn at the microphone I listed some of the many heroic Anglo- Indians who served in the armed forces of the Raj and the new India. There were soldiers aplenty, of course, but people were intrigued to learn how many nursing sisters had served with heroism and distinction. I also held up my grandfather's Mutiny medal, which a lot of people later asked to see.

The last speaker was Sister Marisa, AC from India. Her organisation is doing very worthwhile work amongst the Anglo-Indians of Calcutta. Unfortunately she was unable to complete her talk, having to retire to hPr Reat due to illness.

During a break for supper, we had a chance to visit a display of Anglo- Indian memorabilia - mementos, photographs, press clippings, medals and trophies, a military roll of honour, pioneers and personalities, sports celebrities, educationists and entertainers. The books of Australia's Gloria Jean Moore, Evelyn Abel of Montreal and others were prominently displayed, as they had been at the picnic earlier.

After supper we trooped back into the auditorium for an evening of entertainment. It was a topnotch musical review, with a sprinkling of comedians and some astounding, young break-dancers. Sandra Maxwell, who had earlier thrilled the audience with her 'Our Father', now starred with Jackie Egan and Anna DiConstanzio in a melodious medley of wartime hits, titled "In the Mood." They were followed by Roy Sexton and Gerry D'Souza who usually get folks in the mood on cruise ships; Eric Rozario, who used to tinkle the keys at Trinca's in Calcutta and hasn't lost an ounce of his magic; Mel Collie, who does the greatest George Formby imitation I have ever heard; and a host of others, including John Barretto (who trained the great choir by the way), Cedric D'Croix and Audrey and Michelle (a hula dancing mother and daughter act), all led skilfully through the evening by the witty, velvet- throated emcee, Mike Danton. The crowd sang along with many of the talented performers. It was an altogether excellent evening of entertainment - well worth crossing the Atlantic and the Pacific to attend. But there was more - a golf tournament, an evening aboard a sailing vessel on Lake Ontario, a chance to visit the mighty Niagara Falls and a Grand Farewell Ball, to cap off the week.

The Ball was held in a suburban hall which was big, but not quite big enough for the 1700 Anglo-Indians that attended. Many hundreds more would have attended but tickets for this event sold out months in advance. We were lucky to get two last minute cancellations. The food was excellent, the music terrific and it was a great chance to meet old friends. Every few minutes someone would burst into happy and surprised laughter, recognising some old school chum or colleague.

It was a poignant and wonderful trip down Memory Lane. A big 'shabash' to the Toronto organisers. It's going to be a tough act to follow for those preparing for the 1995 Anglo-Indian Reunion in Australia.


FUN IN THE SUN

The Ivor Davidson (Intl.) Memorial Golf Tournament was held at the Summerlea Golf Club in Oshawa on July 22nd. 70 golfers vied for the handsome trophy and later, 136 diners savoured a steak dinner. It was fitting that, in this year of the reunion and the international flavour of the tournament, the trophy should be won by an Australian golfer, Tony Pierce. Canada's Ron Rozario gave him a good run, finishing even, but the Aussie's par on the 16th hole took precedence over Ron's bogie.

Trophy winners:
Low Gross Winner .............TONY PIERCE (Australia)
Low Gross Runner-up ..........RON ROZARIO (Canada)
Low Nett Winner (Lady) .......GAIL HARDING (Canada)
Low Nett Winner (Gent) .......BLAIR WILLIAMS (U.S.A.)
Low Nett Runner-up (Lady) ... GRACE CHEN (Canada)
Low Nett Runner-up (Gent) ... RAY COUTURIER (Canada)
Low Nett Winner (Seniors) ... VICTOR PLUNKETT (Canada)
Low Nett Runner-up (Seniors). DICK STUART (Canada)
Low Nett Winner (Overseas ... KEITH HARDING (U.K.)
Guests)
Longest Drive (Lady) .........GRACE CHEN (Canada)
Longest Drive (Gent) .........ROBERT HENDERSON (Canada)
Closest-to-Pin (Lady) ........ALETHIA MANNOOCH (Canada)
Closest-to-Pin (Gent) ........BLAIR WILLIAMS (U.S.A.)
Honest Golfer (Lady) .........ANNA GAYNOR (Canada)
Honest Golfer (Gent) .........ANDRE ORIAN (Canada)
Putting Competition ..........CARLTON HASTINGS (Canada)
Most Senior Golfer ...........SENNEN HICKMAN (Canada)
(a young 79 years)
Special Overseas .............GAIL HARDING (Canada)
& Visitors' Prize

Our sincere thanks to the Golf Sub-committee members and their many volunteers who worked so hard to make this event a fun afternoon. Special thanks to our members Charles Barraclough, Dick Lawrance and Dave Inward as well as Wally of the Summerlea Golf Club for their generous donations of trophies and prizes.

Octave Orian (Co-ordinator)


SMILE A WHILE

Announcement - "Today's lodge meeting is postponed. The Supreme, Exalted, Invincible, Unlimited, Sixty-Ninth Degree Potentate's wife wouldn't let him attend."

Little Jimmy took the following note to his teacher next morning. "Please excuse Jimmy from being absent from school. He had a new baby brother. It wasn't his fault.


A "THANK YOU" FROM ALL OF US - I had the pleasure of being present at the Reunion Farewell Ball as well as the "Appreciation Night." I was indeed disappointed to note that the thanks given to Merv Gaynor at the Reunion Ball was done without much gusto. He should have been carried around the room and praised skyhigh for all he had done to put this mammoth week together. This should have been the highlight of the show or at least a fitting conclusion. At the "Appreciation Night", many thanks were meted out to the sub- committees and again no one said Nthanks" to the Man Himself. As far as I'm concerned, no amount of thanks will ever be adequate. Mervyn, on behalf of A-I.I.T., we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we salute you. - Doug Peters


SOME BOUQUETS

"Something on the scale that you presented must have taken a great deal of time, planning and helping hands. It was an absolute success. The symposium was a real highlight for me and I felt drenched in nostalgia and pride and a sense of who I am. Thoroughly enjoyed your grandson's rap dance. What moves !" (Yvonne Snow, Nepean, Ontario).

"The Reunion in Toronto was excellent in every way and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I would like to convey my appreciation to you and your committee for a job exceedingly well done. Congratulations."
(Blair & Ellen Williams, New Jersey, U.S.A.).

"I want to thank you and your committee for the fabulous Anglo-Indian week you put on in July. The logistics of such a project must have been enormous. The picnic was a joyous occasion. My family and I enjoyed the symposium immensely. The speakers were excellent. I was ashamed to think that I knew so little of the community and its history. Gloria Jean Moore's and Evelyn Abel's books were eye-openers. The entertainment part of the evening was delightful. Anglo- Indians are very talented - I was so proud of the performers." (Joan Jebb, Orillia, Ontario).

"The most enjoyable event was the variety entertainment. Many thanks for all that you and the other very capable volunteers did to make the whole week such a resounding success." (Margaret Deefholts, Surrey, B.C., Canada).

"Now you've done it ! Thanks for doing it so well - you and your super crew that made a great reunion." (Mel & Phil Gallagher, Milton, Ontario). "All your efforts towards organising the enormous undertaking of the reunion were absolutely great - the picnic, the socialising, the symposium and dance (we missed out on the cruise). Hats off to you and your team." (Allan & Phyllis Unger, Bramalea, Ontario).

"We are home now sharing our experiences with our children with regards to the reunion. It was a wonderful affair. Many thanks." (Joe & Yvonne Tucker, Kingsburg, California, U.S.A.).

"Merci, Gracias, Eucharisto, Danke, Tack, Grazie - in any language, a world of thanks to you all for a job well done. We had a wonderful time. Best wishes." (Laurie & Helen Noronha Don Mills, Ontario).

"Merci, Merci - that's French for Gracias, Gracias. You and your committee did a fantastic job. We had a great time and I met a lot of old friends, besides making new ones. Please convey my salaams to Octave Orian and Lou and Jenny Welsh." (Rod Harding, Winnipeg, Manitoba).

"What a wonderful job you and your members of AIIT have done. There is no way to repay you for the kindness that you show, but I think you guys were wonderful - and I wanted you to know." (Norma Shires, President and all the members of the Anglo-Indian Asscn. of the U.S.A.).

"We all had a ball being together at the hotel, meeting the U.S.A. crowd, some Aussies and some out-of-towners. Meeting old friends and having fun is what it's all about. The transport you arranged for the four events was a blessing, the drivers being most helpful. After the cruise our driver took us sight- seeing downtown - to the delight of all.

Thanks also for arranging the bus to Niagara, which everyone thought was a bargain and thoroughly enjoyed. We would like to thank Lynn and Sheila for all their help at the airport and at the hotel, getting us settled in and supplying us with area maps to find our way about. Thank your committee for all they did in preparation for this great event in our lives. It is only those that do it who actually realise what goes on into putting on a week of excellent functions like you folks did." (George Hillier, Secretary, Anglo-Indian Social Club of London, England, Sudbury, Wembley, Middlesex).

"Please convey my thanks and appreciation for a job well done." (Phyllis Moniz. Weston, Ontario).

"I congratulate you and the various sub-committee members and their helpers on the resounding success of Reunion 2 in Toronto. The programme of events was elaborate and yet, in spite of the tight schedule, everything appeared to run smoothly. Once again congratulations - and thanks for the memories." (Alma McCarthy, Bramalea, Ontario).

"Hope you know how much your kindness is appreciated. Thank you." (Vernon & Avril Dique, Tenerife, Canary Islands).

"Thank you for all the help you gave us and for the wonderful efforts of your committee in staging a marvellous reunion." (Rex D'Costa, Secretary, A-I Asssn. of the U.S.A., wife Nita and boys Darrel & Sean).

"The music in the Main Hall was excellent. Can we have the same for the New Year's Dance?" (Etobicoke, Ontario).


.................... AND SOME BRICKBATS !

"The music provided in the Main Hall was below standard." (Ajax, Ontario). "Was disappointed with the tape of the review. The music was not effectively reproduced and most of the jokes were left out." (A U.S. visitor).

"The golf facilities were not, to coin a phrase, up to par. No one in the Disco Hall was aware that prize winners were being announced in the Main Hall. No real send-off at the conclusion of the dance." (Bramalea, Ontario).

"The music at the golf function was non-functional. The location was too far. There was nothing for non-golfers to do for the major portion of the day. The meal was excellent." (Mississauga, Ontario).


REUNION REFLECTIONS

During the Farewell Ball A-I.I.T. presented two cheques of $ 2000 each to Sister Marisa of Calcutta and Elva Freedom of the Calcutta AngloIndian Social Service Society for their ongoing work with the community of that city.


A-I.I.T. HOT LINES
Left-over souvenirs are now available at greatly reduced rates. T-shirts (S,M,L) $ 6.00; Caps $ 4.00; Pens $ 1.00; Key Chains $ 1.50; Reunion Posters $ 3.00; limited number of books - "The Anglo-Indian Vision" by Gloria Jean Moore of Australia $ 20.00 per copy. Ideal gifts for Christmas. Make your purchases now. Call Merv at 2451775.

Our annual Childrens' Christmas Party will be held on Sat. Dec. 19 at the Malton Community Centre. Our New Yearxs Eve dance goes at the Thornhill Recreation Centre. Details are set out in the accompanying flyer.

IN MEMORIAM - FATHER, THY WILL BE DONE

GLENN RODRIGUES - On July 19 in Toronto, following sustained illness, during the reunion he helped us plan. He was a member of our Editorial Committee from 1982. Mourned by family and friends. A good friend - a man for all reasons. (RIP)

PETER BURGESS - On June 26, 1992 in Toronto following prolonged illness. He was a student at Kurji Boys' School then joined the Port Commissioners, Calcutta where he worked his way to Asst. Dock Master. Deeply mourned by wife Pamela and sons Robert, Peter and Timothy.

ERNEST RAWLIN - Peacefully at home on August 21, in his 70th year. Sadly missed by wife Audrey Mary, sons Glenn & Ian and wives, brother Douglas and family, grandchildren Kimberley, Lindsay, Michael & Kevin. Ex Kharagpur, Calcutta. Let there be peace. (RIP)


ANGLO-INDIANS IN TOUCH : SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Editor - Mervyn Gaynor
Administrator - Lou Welsh
Secretary & Treasurer - Jenny Welsh
Social Director - Carl Conroy
Asst. Social Director - Robin Gaynor
Advisory Members: Eric Feegrade (Membership)
Malcolm Mercado (Finance)
(Social) Eric & Maureen Peters
Edna Gaynor
Elsie Mercado
Anna Gaynor
(Newsletter compiled and published by : Douglas Peters) Correspondence may please be addressed to : The Editor, 113 John Street, Weston, Ontario, Canada, M9N lJ9 or The Secretary, 3852 Seebring Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L5L 3S9.

DEAR ...........................

BEFORE YOU USHER IN THE NEW YEAR ON DEC. 31, 1992, PLEASE REMEMBER TO
RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
YOUR CURRENT 8UB8CRIPTION8 ARE VALID TO ............................

A RENEWAL CHEQUE FOR $ WILL ENSURE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS
TO ........................


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