 THE
FIRST REUNION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN CHAPTER OF THE ENGLISH SCHOOL CAIRO
GRADUATES August 7, 1998 |
|
|
|
Human relations. Fragile at best of times. After the passing of
forty to sixty years, Can they survive? Can they be resumed ? Can people
truly reconnect? These are some of the questions that we were asking
ourselves, with some apprehension, as we drove, to Connecticut.
|
|
During the afternoon of Thursday, August 6th, people began
trickling into the Litchfield Inn in Litchfield and others into Hopkins Inn
in neighbouring New Preston, overlooking Lake Waramaug. Rested and
refreshed, by seven o'clock, twenty five OG's, OB's and spouses had
gathered at the Hopkins Inn for dinner. Everybody looked wonderful! Grey
hairs, bald heads, and somewhat more generous waistlines, notwithstanding,
attendees quickly recognised each other and the intervening years simply
faded away.
|
|
Following drinks in the charming colonial decor of the cocktail
lounge, the company repaired to the cozy upstairs dining room reserved for
the occasion, where two tables had been set, and, under its low, oak beamed
ceiling, sat down to a wonderful dinner. The atmosphere could only be
described as that of a family gathering. Good natured banter and merriment
prevailed. Memories of school days were revived and early childhood
secrets were revealed, amidst peels of laughter. Tired by the long
distances many had travelled, the party dispersed and retired soon after
dinner.
|
|
The following morning, driving along shady paths skirted here and
there by low stone walls, huge trees, gently sloping hills, quaint
villages, houses and country stores, it was evident how New England got its
name. Around eleven o'clock, people began trickling into the English park
like setting of the country estate of our hostess, a very gracious OG. It
was a John Constable painting come to life. The rolling lawns
interspersed with perfectly manicured flower beds, dotted with massive
trees, this beautiful Connecticut country estate together with perfect
weather, provided the ideal setting for the occasion.
|
|
By lunch time, those coming for the day from relatively closer
surrounding areas had arrived and the group numbered a grand total of
thirty four. The conversation and exchanges remained lively and continued
unabated throughout the superb buffet lunch at tables set out on the lawn,
in the shade of its majestic trees. It is noteworthy that, among those
present, there were some who had come for the occasion all the way from
places as far away as Texas, California and Canada, and all the way from
the U.K.
|
|
After lunch, our two coordinators welcomed the attendees, thanked
them for their lively and warm participation, and, on behalf of everyone,
thanked our hostess for her generous gesture in offering her home as the
site for our first reunion.
|
|
A brief discussion regarding the direction the association might
take and the format and location of future reunions, followed. It was felt
that these should be held annually, and that date and location would be
decided in the coming months, based on input from members. It was nearing
four o'clock in the afternoon when fond farewells were exchanged and people
began making their way home.
|
|
Finally, with reference to the questions at the beginning of this
report, the answer is an unequivocal YES! Owing to the drive and tireless
efforts of our two coordinators, and the enthusiastic response of those who
were able to attend, the improbable became reality. This event, this very
first reunion of English School Cairo Graduates in North America, was a
resounding success, surpassing all expectations!
|
|
Three cheers to one and all. Hip! hip! hip!....Hurrah!
|
|
|
|
[ Bulletin ] [ Books ] [ Photo Album ] [ Interesting Links ] [ Alumni ] |