(From the "West Australian," dated March 11, 1996 - This week marks a watershed for AngloI-ndians. WALTON RABERTS traces the origin of the community and its contribution, particularly to Western Australia.)
"CHILDREN OF THE RAJ".
What do Defence Minister ROBERT RAY, Senator CHRISTABEL CHAMARETTE, the hockey-playing PEARCE brothers, researcher SHARON LA FONTAINE and cricketer MARK LAVENDER have in common?
They are all Australian however, either they or their ancestors have migrated from the land of the tongawallah (one who drives a horse and carriage), boxwallah (an itinerant pedlar), chaiwallah (one who sells tea) and the rickshawwallah (one who pulls a rickshaw).
It is also the land of the majestic Himalayas, the Taj Mahal, countless palaces and forts, houseboats, god-men and the snake charmer - in short, a land of breathtaking beauty and charm, but also a land of poverty and plenty - India. And it is the country that has nurtured a cosmopolitan community which came to be known as Anglo-Indian. This unique heritage has stood them in good stead wherever they have gone.
Mark Lavender says: " It means a lot to me. The feelings are mainly through the stories my father has told me. The community has a particular sense of humour. The Anglo-Indians fit in very well wherever they go. We've got the best of English and Indian heritage." And Senator Chamarette says: " I think it's helped me see myself as a global citizen rather than with one distinct nationality. It helps me in Australia to identify with Aboriginal Australians as well as the multicultural community."
After India's independence from Britain in 1947, there was an exodus of AngloIndians to England and Canada. In the 60's it was an exodus to Australia. Most of the Anglo-Indians melded into the society of their adopted country.
This week marks a watershed in the history of the community. After reunions in London and Canada, Anglo-Indians from four continents have gathered in Perth for Reunion E. Organised by the Australian Anglo-Indian Association in Perth, the occasion allows old friends and relatives the chance to get together.
Anglo-Indians have made a great impact on all walks of life. Among entertainers who have enthralled audiences worldwide and topped the pop charts are TONY BRENT (real name Reginald Brentagne), who was born and educated in Bombay; CLIFF RICHARD (real name Harry Roger Webb), a boy from Lucknow and ENGLEBERT HUMPERDINCK (real name Arnold George Dorsey, born in Madras).
WILSON JONES won the world amateur billiards title twice, boosting India's image on the international sporting scene.
Anglo-Indian women have proved to be dedicated and skilful nurses, teachers and secretaries. Even today there is a great demand for them in these professions in India.
The achievements of the Anglo-Indians, particularly in Western Australia have been out of proprtion with their relatively small numbers.
WA's remarkable hockey progress began with the arrival of top coaches and players in the late 1940's and '50s. Among them was FRED BROWNE, (Australia's first Olympic coach in hockey), IVAN MEADE, RAY WHITESIDE, GORDON TAYLOR, CYRIL CARTON, RALPH BLAZEY, PAT JANSEN, and the gifted MERV ADAMS. Perhaps the greatest contribution was by the PEARCE brothers - Cecil, Melville, Eric, Gordon, and Julian. They migrated to Perth in 1947-48.
Born in Jubbulpore, the brothers had their early education in Nagpur. They played for Australia from 1950-1970. Mel, Eric and Gordon took part in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne; Eric, Gordon and Julian, the 1960 Olympics in Rome; Eric and Julian, the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo; Eric, Gordon and Julian, the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
Eric was the flag-bearer at the closing ceremony in Mexico. But the greatest honour came when he was inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame. Julian has been inducted into the WA Hall of Fame.
On the professional side, Gordon joined the public service in WA as a junior clerk in 1951. In 1975 he was seconded to the Premier's Department. In 1983 he rose to Director, Cabinet Secretariat, Premier's Department and in 1987 he was appointed Chief Executive to the WA Inc. Royal Commission. He retired at age 59. His outstanding leadership and service were recognised when he was appointed a member in the general division of the Order of Australia at the Australian Day Awards.
KEVIN CARTON migrated to Australia with his parents in 1948. He learned hockey in India and perfected his skills in Australia. He was selected for Australia in 1955 and played in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. He was vice-captain of the team at the Rome Olympics. From 1953-58 he worked with the Australian National Airways and from 1962 to '70 was the Area Sales Manager Western and South Australia for Air-India. He then turned his attention to the hotel industry. He became senior vice president and Director of Operations of the Sheraton Hotels for the Pacific Region.
CHARLES GAUDOIN left Bangalore for Perth in 1970. He has three sons Jason, Paul, and Bradley - who have benefited from his hockey coaching. Paul played for the WA senior team when he was 15 and has played for the past five years. He was a member of the Australian squad at the World Cup tournament in November '94. Charles coaches the renowned Harlequin Club in Perth.
(To be continued). In our next issue we cover more of the honours won by our small, but vibrant community in Western Australia, confirming the adage that 'the best of our European and Indian heritage has spread excellence around the world'.)
THIRD INTERNATIONAL ANGLO-INDIAN REUNION, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
MARCH 10 - 18. 1995.
MARCH 07. 95. Few words could aptly describe the joy in embarking on an excursion where one is visiting a new land to meet relations and friends, with whom we may have lost contact with over the years, since the big exodus from our former home country. When a Singapore Airlines 747, carrying attendees from Canada, touched down at Perth International Airport, the joy of meeting some of these friends was overwhelming. I am greatly indebted to Denzil Bruce (President) and Joy Gasper (Secretary) of the Anglo-Indian Association of Perth for taking the time and trouble to meet us at the airport. Their presence seemed to set the entire tone for the celebrations that were to follow.
MARCH 10. MEET AND GREET PICNIC AT WHITEMAN PARK.
The day dawned bright and clear. By mid-morning the temperature had climbed into the mid- 30's range. At a rough estimate 1200-1500 gathered at the park and, despite the gruelling heat, the air was electric as friends found each other and joyfully exchanged notes that covered, in most cases, many years of separation. The emcee was constantly calling people to meet people. Soon the 'barbies' were in operation and picnic baskets were opened to reveal the many A.I. goodies that are staple foods in every A.I. home across the world. The heady aromas of 'kati kababs pulaos and curries was enough to tickle the tastebuds of the revellers and Australian beer flowed freely.
By 2 p.m. the euphoria was still magical, but now some of the picnickers started to leave. Whiteman Park is located well away from the city and travelling time to and fro used up some valuable hours. Many were also anxious to get home, perhaps rest a while and then dress for the Opening Ceremony which was scheduled to start at 7 p.m. All were anxious to be on time and to renew friendships at this important follow-up event.
The curtain raiser for Reunion III was staged at the Burswood Resort Casino Showroom, an immense complex housing the casino, numerous theaters, bars, restaurants, all tastefully laid out for the convenience of customers. The on-stage show presented the birth, growth and status of the community to the present day. There was a childrens choir, an adult choir, numerous singers and dancers. It was, all-in-all a very joyous celebration, an extremely classy function, augmented by the presence of WA's Ministers of Immigration who spoke highly of the community and its achievements. For me the nicest segment was the sultry tones of MARIE SAMPSON of Brisbane, who belted out the old songs we all loved to dance to when we were growing up in India during the war days. I heard many hummming or whistling those oldies as they departed in the early hours of the morning.
MARCH 11.DAY OF SPORT - SWAN PARK RECREATION CENTRE.
The Association operates a unique radio programme on Saturdays from 95.3 FM. International A.I. personalities were invited to the studio for 'on air' interviews. I shall be publishing some of these interviews in future publications.
From the studio we made a dash for the Swan Park Recreation Centre in Midvale. It was a gorgeous day - sunny and warm - ideal for a function of this nature. The complex comprises a vast area of playing fields whilst the main building houses basketball, badminton and volleyball courts and a gymnasium. There were smaller ante-rooms for the exclusive use of quieter and less energetic pursuits like cards, carroms and billiards. The splendid swimming pool was a hive of activity. Meanwhile, out in the brilliant sunshine, a game of hockey was in progress. This was followed by a soccer game and sports events for the adults and children. Later, as the afternoon wore on, folks sought the calm, cool atmosphere of the cafeteria and the bar-room to hoist a few jars with friends. All in all, it proved to be a most satisfying day.
MARCH 12 TRAIN TRIP TO YORK
Our party was at the Perth, Wellington Railway Station before 9 a.m. to find a seething mass of A.I.'s already assembled for the trip. We learnt the response for this event had been phenomenal. Originally just the one train had been commandeered, but because of the response a second unit of six coaches had to be pressed into service. Now I cannot rightly vouch for this, but I was told they had to take out a few coaches from the Railway Museum in Perth to cope with the overflow!
The organisers had wisely arranged to allow only those booked on the first train on to the lower platform. Travellers for the second train jammed the upper concourse. Nevertheless, there was a certain gaiety in the air that took us back over the years to travel in India. As one wag was heard to remark, "This scene is reminiscent of Howrah Station." And, to add to the flavour, a snake charmer, a pan-beerie, cigarette-wallah, and a chai-wallah made the rounds to the great delight of the crowd. There were even the odd coolies, resplendent in their red turbans who, oddly enough, could not speak a word of Hindi, but still managed to get by with an occasional, "G'dai Memsahib."
In typical A.I. tradition the 3 hour trip to York soon blossomed into one big, happy party. At York passengers disembarked and headed for any shady spots. It was unbearably hot. Even the local kangaroos could not be coaxed into the noonday sun. With the invasion by 1700 A.I.'s the peace and tranquillity of the little 'bush' town was seriously shattered that day. The Motor Museum, the York Pottery & Art Studio, the Town Hall and the Art Gallery were soon bursting at the seams. The dear ladies at the Country Womens' Club were run ragged trying to cope with orders for tea and crumpets and the pastor at the lone St. Patrick's Catholic Church was overjoyed with the unprecedented rise in attendance at the 1 p.m. Mass. Those who could not get in consoled themselves with copious drafts of cold brew and spicy sandwiches from the ice-coolers which had been carefully packed overnight for just such an emergency.
The journey back was more subdued. The younger ones continued to party. The more elderly relaxed or dozed by the windows watching the Australian Outback whizzing by. It's possible memories were transporting them back into time memories of many happy days on the East Indian, the B.N.R., the G.I.P. or the B.B. & C.I. By sunset the trains were back in Perth and the crowds dispersed, still animated, a little tired, but nonetheless content for the brief journey back into the past. Mercifully, March 13 was set aside as a day of rest. It was a day to recuperate after the train trip and it was perfectly timed because the temperature soared to 37 degrees that day. For the British and North American attendees, now unused to this type of heat, it was a most welcome respite.
MARCH 14. THE ANGLO-INDIAN FOOD FAIR
The line-up for this extravaganza at the Cyril Jackson Recreation Centre in Ashfield from 6 p.m. extended well into the parking lot, but nobody in the 'breadlines' seemed to mind, for it was a beautiful evening and the spirit of camaraderie was on a high. The food stalls (about 12) may have under-estimated the voracious appetites of the community because some soon found stocks running low. But a slight delay here and there did not deter friends from meeting, greeting and catching up on the local gossip. A number of Anglo-Indian dishes were on display - kati kababs, Chittagonian curry and rice, hako chow, pantrass, panthe kao swe, birianis, chatputtis, bhujias, puris and Indian sweets - dishes from many areas of the Indian sub-continent recreated the atmosphere of fine dining that has always been the hallmark of A.I. hospitality, past and present.
MARCH 15. THE ANGLO-INDIAN SYMPOSIUM.
If the community has often, cruelly and mistakenly, been alluded to as a "fun loving" community and little else, then this day certainly helped to spoil that illusion. They gathered at the Fremantle Town Hall, on the waterfront to listen to speakers from countries of the world where our people have made new lives; they listened to a proud history of outstanding achievements of the community; they discussed facing the challenges of the day that confront them in their respective countries; delved into the ways and means of helping their own less- previleged people around the world; and plotted to carve out an identity for their future generations. Without doubt, all the speakers contributed to a most educational and entertaining day.
There was a touching moment when one speaker, Tyrell Grieff (Lt. Col. Indian Army, Retd.) spoke with much feeling on the predicament of some of our senior citizens in the aged homes in India. His first-hand accounts, following his return from there, struck a nerve in many a listeners heart as he struggled emotionally to conclude his appeal for consideration of easing the sufferings of these gentle people of a bygone generation.
It was at this time I was afforded the opportunity to address the assembly. I confirmed that many international A.I. organisations, including our own, were presently assisting our less privileged young people and struggling adults, whereas very little had been done for our seniors in India, who were now undoubtedly, the most vulnerable. I stressed that 'Anglo- Indians In Touch" was always prepared to 'put our money where our mouth was" and, on your behalf, I promptly presented three cheques, as directed by our Editorial Committee earlier, to Sister Marisa of Calcutta for the Marian Education Foundation; to Elva Freedom of the Calcutta Anglo-Indian Service Society who help poor A.I.'s in that city; and to Melvyn Brown, editor of 'The Anglo- Indian", a community newsletter that is distributed free to members of the community. I confirmed that, on return to Canada, I would approach my committee to consider ways and means of extending help to our deserving seniors.
The symposium has now become an integral part of the reunion programme because, not only does it give us a better understanding of our history and achievements, it also gives us a remarkable opportunity to plan the best ways of bringing relief to our people struggling to maintain a decent living commensurate with our glorious heritage. It is worth mentioning here that, from the initial reunion held in England in 1989, the overall objective of these get- togethers has carried much more that a mere social connotation. Funds generated from these reunions are now being used strictly for the betterment of our people who do not have the blessings we enJoy in foreign lands.
The assembly agreed an initial founding committee be set up to handle future reunions and set up guidelines. It was agreed that Canada, England and Perth, Australia be represented on this 'founding' committee which will later bring more international representatives into the fold. Details of their deliberations are contained further on in this newsletter.
MARCH 18. THANKSGIVING ECUMENICAL SERVICE
A joint Anglican & Catholic service of praise and thanksgiving for the wonderful week of celebrations was held at St. Mary's Cathedral in Perth. A colourful procession of flag-bearers comprised of Cornell Partridge, Noel Daniel, Darryl Bellety, Reg Burnaby, William Harney, Alex Gasper and Merv Gaynor preceded the celebrants into the church. Revd. Father James Valladares delivered a most appropriate and touching homily. Tahlia Gibbs, Tracy D'Cruz and Crystal D'Silva performed a liturgical dance movement. A most fitting finale for this event is the inscription on the back page of the programme. It reads, "...And we will meet again and again, because we are ONE FAMILY."
MARCH 18. THE FAREWELL BALL.
Would you believe 2000 revellers showed up for this event at the Robinson Pavilion Claremont Showgrounds? Two bands, U2ME and Silhouette, pounded out the dance rhythms all night and the ten bars operated at full tilt into the wee hours. This was a most courageous undertaking and would undoubtedly have gone into the books as a remarkable finish to a remarkable week had not the catering arrangements fallen apart as they did. To feed such an enormous gathering from outside catering was a tenuous idea at best. Despite the long and impatient lines that had to wait stoically for hours, the celebrations never did let up. No doubt some of our international attendees may have been upset, but in the calm and placid days that followed, when reason was apt to prevail, we would have to admit that, but for this 'faux pas', the organisers put together a magnificent show. If 'somewhere along the line; somebody failed to perform up to par, let it be acknowledged we can learn by our mistakes, always taking consolation in the fact that there is no way one can plea6e 2000 people in a function of such magnitude. The redeemable feature i8 that the organisers kept their cool even, as I mentioned before,"under some trying circumstances."
The main programme for Reunion III had now been concluded, but we should mention that the Old Martinians Association of Perth, working in conjunction with the reunion hosts, organised two other events that were well attended and went off extremely well. Their dinner- dance on March 11 at the Sheraton Perth Hotel drew a sell-out crowd. I was not able to attend but from reports received from some of our Canadian attendees it was an enjoyable function. The Swan River Cruise on March 17 was a most happy event. The crew were efficient and courteous. Their young helpers kept moving among the guests all evening with plate-loads of the most appetizing snacks. Two tremendous pluses for this jolly jamboree were the availability of good Aussie beer in jugs (eliminating those interminable trips to the bar for refills) and the raunchy music provided by just two young Anglo-Indian lads (guitar & keyboard) that had us all rocking on the poop-deck till we were pooped!
There were other smaller school groups that organised parties and get-togethers but I am unable to report on them for lack of information. Our own numerous friends from Delhi put on one such event for our benefit. Aptly termed "The Delhi Durbar" about 48 of us met at the residence of Garth and Venie Vears on March 16. On a beautiful summer night, with coloured lights twinkling in the trees of their spacious back garden and with plenty of home-cooked food on the table, we reminisced and caroused like the good ole days till 'it was time to go to church.' Our thanks to Garth and Venie for their gracious hospitality and for granting us the opportunity to meet dear and old friends.
With all these pleasant memories behind us we now headed for the east coast to Melbourne where more celebrations had been arranged by the Australasian Anglo-Indian Association of Victoria.
MARCH 24. MELBOURNE GREETS THE A.I.'S OF THE WORLD.
They turned out, 1800 strong, at the World Congress Centre for the opening dinner-dance. Sister Marisa of Calcutta was the guest-of-honour and two ministers of the Government of Victoria also graced the occasion. Following short speeches by notable guests and heads of visiting international groups, a colourful dance cabaret preceded a sit-down supper. An all A.I. band kept us hopping. Dancing space appeared inadequate, but such minor irritants have never deterred our community members from having a good time. They dance on the carpeted floor, wherever space was available. It was again a gala night for renewing old friendships and making new ones.
MARCH 26. THANKSGIVING MASS & JAM SESSION.
The community worshipped together at the Sacred Heart Church in Oakleigh. An Anglo-Indian choir provided the inspirational music and international visitors participated in the readings. The assembly retired to the Parish Hall following the Mass for a jolly jam-session, Anglo-Indian style. About 400 participated. The food was excellent and I retired to the kitchen to compliment the chef. His name was Cyril Christopher, the son of a very dear friend of mine in Delhi. I embarrassed him by mentioning I had bobbled him on my knee when he was in diapers. My family later took us for a meal at his restaurant in downtown Perth.
-oOOo-
...AND NOW ON TO REUNION IV - 1998
At the reunion III Symposium in Perth on March 15, the general body agreed a committee should be set up to centralise negotiations for Reunion IV and future A.I. reunions. This body would initially be composed of founding member representatives from the U.K., Canada & Australia. They would initiate a mandate and set the administrative machinery in motion before inviting representatives from other international countries on to the committee for input and finalisation of reunion plans.
This international body (the INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION) now comprises Mervyn Gaynor (Canada) - President; George Hillier (U.K.) - Vice President; Denzil Bruce (Australia) Secretary & Errol D' Rozario (Australia) - Treasurer.
BANGALORE (INDIA) was the only city to express interest in staging the next reunion and the Federation is now actively pursuing all aspects of their request. At this point in time no commitment has been made. A great deal of research will have to be undertaken to assess the viability of the project and we shall keep our subscribers advised of the progress in the months ahead.
EVENTS & COMMENTS - THE COMMUNITY SPEAKS
(" REUNION THOUGHTS " by CHERYL PEREIRA, Anaheim Hills, California, USA)
"If anyone had told me when I was growing up in Calcutta, or even a few years ago, that I would attend an Anglo-Indian reunion in 1995 and actually enjoy the experience, I would have laughed more than a little derisively. But I did attend my first Anglo-Indian Reunion in Perth, Australia in March and have brought back many warm, wonderful memories and even a sort of revelation.
I attended the Day of Food, the Day of the Future, the Day of the Thanksgiving Mass & the Farewell Ball and even managed to (legitimately) gate-crash the La Martiniere Sunset Cruise. When I think back on the reunion, a kaleidoscope of brightly coloured memories floats through my mind - savouring tandoorie chicken and 'cowswey' outdoors at dusk; swaying on the deck of a cruiser watching a brilliant orange sun sink slowly into the water; singing old Beatles songs at an impromptu jam session' of formerly famous musicians who used to play in the best Calcutta night-spots; unexpectedly running into old friends from Loreto House and catching up with good buddies in marathon chat sessions that often lasted till sun-up.
But even beyond a great vacation, this reunion gave me much more. It created for me a special sense of community, one in which physical distances and differences became irrelevant in view of shared common history. The people who came together for that week were of all ages, shapes, sizes and colours. They all spoke English - though in accents ranging from clipped British to British-Indian to North American drawl, and everything in between. They came from many different occupations in a bewildering number of cities around the world. Yet, in spite of their obvious differences, they all knew what it was like to grow up in India, had experienced the sweltering summer heat, the humid monsoons, the mind-numbing poverty and overwhelming congestion, the exotic food and customs, the hardships and delights of the enigmatic country we all used to call home.
That shared collective experience has created a strange phenomenon - thousands of people scattered around the globe who form a viable community, bound together with invisible threads that transcend the physical. And as I live now in the melting pot that is America, an active member of my local community here in Southern California, just the fact of my membership in that other international community, serves to bring an added dimension to my life, to enrich it in a manner I never thought was possible - or even necessary."
(More thoughts from Pat & Myrna Fohshow of St. Catharine6, Ontario, Canada)
Overall we had a wonderful time and the Perth A.I. group are to be congratulated on their efforts. The main benefit was the opportunity to meet with dozens of cousins and to renew friendships with acquaintances with whom we had lost touch. A very emotional and rewarding experience.
MEET & GREET PICNIC. Fabulous location. No Beer Tent? Poor food & service - and was it ever hot! GRAND OPENING. Excellent location and programme. Very moving. Something to remember. A hard act to follow. TRAIN RIDE. Another great idea. Somewhat nostalgic. Food and drink service - poor to inadequate. We could have used an additional dining car. Picnic area too far from train station. No activities while at York... and wow, was it ever hot !! SPORTSDAY. Very poor publicity on the sports events. Did they stage a golf tournament? DAY OF THE FUTURE. Excellent location, well-run programme. Good lunch. No waiting! Excellent speeches with a 'special mention' for the speech by young Miss Chalon of Perth. Remarks made by an obvious Canadian that our children are Anglo- Indians but, more importantly, citizens of their country of birth were most relevant and appropriate. FOOD FAIR. Wonderful idea. Poor crowd control. Out of beer - again? I still have beer tickets worth $3.00 Aus. LA MARTINIERE CRUISE. Wonderful shipboard dance and songfest. Well worth it. LORETO CONVENT DANCE. 200 Lorettians enjoyed a great party. Excellent food and music. Salaams to organisers Jennifer Busby, Maureen Currie, Patsy Sheratzee, Charmaine Findlay, Monica Callow and the Chalon family. ECUMENICAL SERVICE. Very touching. Appropriate and interdenominational. Showed A.I. diversity and ability to stay united. Merv, perhaps the Canadian flag could have been raised higher! FAREWELL BALL. Great international gathering. Good music, ample facilities. Once again the food service was a disaster. Somehow less of a dance, more greet & goodbye. Dance events no comparison to Toronto experience. REUNION IV. Bangalore, India - a sentimental choice. SOUVENIRS. Poor selection and very expensive. FAREWELL DANCE AT MELBOURNE. 1800 people. Sitdown dinner - Toronto style. No hassles. Everyone enjoyed this function.
DAKWALLAH, HAZUR .... trying to locate MARIE JONES (nee ASHWORTH), formerly of Calcutta and U.K. Known to be 'somewhere' in Toronto, Canada. If you can help, please advise Bess Red, ex Duncan Bros. of Calcutta, now residing at 7/8 Deeley Street, Maylands, W.A. 6051. Tel.# 271-1436....the ARMSTRONGS - BOB, AUSTIN, COLIN, BARBARA & COLLEEN, a former E.I. Railway family are being sought by Louis (Jumbo) & Katie De Cruze of Toronto, Canada. Please send info. to The Editor, A.I.I.T. Toronto, Canada.
ROOKS FOR YOUR LIBRARY.
THE BATTLE OF DOGRAI by Brig. Desmond E. Haide, MVC. This distinguished Anglo-Indian Officer of the famous 3rd Dogra Jat Regiment. His leadership qualities and personal bravery are modestly understated as he recounts the fierce encounters between the Indian and Pakistan Armies just outside Lahore in 1965. Cost $ 12.65 plus postage, available from Warren O'Rourke, 139 Marilake Drive, Agincourt, Ontario, M1S 1V8, Canada. (Tel.# 291-0573).
THE ANGLO-INDIAN VISION by Gloria Jean Moore of Australia. cost $ 20 plus postage & the first ANGLO-INDIAN COOK BOOK by Dorothy Green of Toronto. Cost $ 10 plus postage. Both publications available from the Editor, AIIT, 113 John Street, Weston, Ontario, M9N lJ9, Canada.
THE BEAT GOES ON. 33 Subscribers and guests utilised our chartered a/c coach to make the pilgrimage to Marmora, outside of Peterborough, on June 11. Excellent weather rounded out a most enjoyable trip.
Our Youth Committee hosted the "MAY QUEEN DANCE" to a sold-out crowd at St. Gabriel's Parish Centre on May 27. The contestants for the title, most of whom were university students, brought along their own cheering sections to root them on. ANGELA FITZGERALD of Willowdale, a Seneca College student, was chosen the 2nd runner-up. Her sister, JOANNE FITZGERALD, a graduate from the University of Toronto, was the 1st runner up. And the MAY QUEEN FOR 1995' was JEANETTE FISCHER of Hamilton. A student of the University of Western Ontario, Jeanette is Canadian born. Her parents immigrated from India some years ago. Pleasant, intelligent, this young lady is well-spoken and displays a warm personality. We have much pleasure in adding her name to our Roll of Honour alongside that of: LYNN BRUNTON (St. Catharines) 1983; STACEY REYNOLDS (Markham) 1984; LINDA RAWLIN (Bramalea) 1988; ANNA-MARIE D'BRAS (Scarborough) 1990; JEANETTE FISCHER (Hamilton) 1995.
Our congratulations to all the 25 contestants and to the members of our Youth Committee for organising such an enjoyable evening.
THE IVOR DAVIDSON MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 1995 will be held on Sept. 09 at the Cresthaven Golf Club in Scarborough. For entry and other details call Victor Plunkett 825-9215; Carl Hastings 742-3442; Octave Orian 44-3749; George Mannooch 4473670 or Robin Gaynor 823-5796.
IN MEMORIAM
ANDREW ARTHUR BROWN. Under tragic circumstances, in the Dominican Republic on June 17, 1995. Beloved son of Alex and Patricia Brown of Toronto. Brother of Gordon, Bruce and Michael, loving grandson of Arthur Peters. Grieved by many relatives and friends. God go with you, Andrew.
GWEN D'CROIX. Peacefully on June 30, 1995 in Toronto. Beloved wife of the late Neville, mother of Carl, his wife Blossom, Rodney and his wife Ruthann, Cedric and Darla Mae and Cheryl. Sadly missed by the grandchildren and great grandchild Dylan. Peace, perfect peace Mumsie.
MAUREEN FERNANDEZ (nee HIGHLAND). On Nov. 19, 1994 in Toronto. A former resident of Madras & Bangalore. Maureen was employed with the Bangalore Transport Service for 29 years before immigration to Canada. Sadly missed by her husband, children and many friends in S. India and the U.K.
---BERYL YOUNG (nee D'SANTOS). Peacefully in Feb. '94 in Toronto. A former resident of Calcutta. She leaves behind her husband Donald, children and families Steve/ Dorothea (Jeff, Jill, Gary/Kate), Kevin/Rita (Jennifer and David), Claudette Pereira of Calcutta (Amberleen & MaryAnn), Rosalind/Mark Patel (Jeffery, Andrew, and Marcus), great grandchildren Colin & Cara. "Sleep in peace in the arms of Jesus."
---NOEL D'CRUZ. In Toronto on Feb. 18. '95 in his 75th year. Beloved husband of Rita, loving father of Wandra, Sandra, Glenda, Clyde and Austin. Dearest grandpa of Sonya, Calvin, Kyle, Tanya, Keri-dee, Keenan and Jesse. Dear father-in-law of Phillip, Gary and Bobbie. Formerly of Air-France and Lufthanza, Calcutta, India. Recent retiree of the Federal Govt. of Ottawa.
The more we sorrow in the present, The greater will be our joy in the future."
CANADA REUNION FUNDS., One of the criteria required for staging an Intl. A.I. Reunion was recommended by our Editorial Committee, A.I.I.T. Canada and the Intl. Federation for Reunions has accepted that "all revenue or profits generated from staging an Intl. A.I. Reunion must be deployed for welfare work for disadvantaged Anglo- Indians or toward such activities which are designed to perpetuate Anglo-Indian culture and Heritage."
Since we held our reunion here in Canada in 1992, we have, in accordance with the mandate received from our subscribers, been assisting deserving institutions in India on a fairly regular basis. Our last monetary presentations were formally made at Reunion III in March to Sister Marisa for her Marian Education Centre in Calcutta; to Elva Freedom for the Calcutta Anglo-Indian Service Society and to Melvyn Brown, editor of "The Anglo-Indian" - a free publication distributed to members of the community for the promotion of culture and togetherness in that city. Assistance has also been given to St. Mary's Hostel for Anglo-Indian girls in Calcutta and to "Anglo-Indian Concern"- a Christian ministry among Anglo-Indians offering education, health care, family needs, employment, housing and elderly care to the community in the Madras area of S. India. We are also currently pursuing the awards of scholarships to deserving A.I. students in Secunderabad, Ootacamund, Madras and Bangalore. We are now compiling a combined statement showing all disbursements from this fund. We hope to mail this statement to all subscribers in the next month or so.
THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: SERVING THE COMMUNITY
Advisory Members
Editor Merv Gaynor 245.1775 Eric Feegrade 961.6790
Administrator Lou Welsh 820.4785 Eric Peters 456.0790
Comptroller Maicolm Mercado 639.0946 Maureen Peters 456.0790
Secy. Treasurer Jenny Welsh 820.4785 Edna Gaynor 245.1775
Social Dirtr. Robin Gaynor 823.5796 Toni Houston 762.6235
SUBSCRIPTIONS YOUTH SUB-COMMITTEE.
Anna Gaynor 823-5796 Denise Mercado. Lynn Clayton,
Elsie Mercado 639.0945 Melanie Jennings
Russell Peters. Neville Charles
LIFE MEMBERS: Charles & Liliane Barraclough; Louis & Kathleen de Cruze.
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