Dear Shovon,

I was a classmate of Robin Rakhit. Is he your brother? Please put me in touch with him, giving me his e-mail address. Thanks. I too am trying to locate Keval (Cuckoo) Sirpaul. I last met him in 1964, in Hong Kong.

I am in touch with many of the class you mention: Lily Chen/Carol Nelson (nee Clift)/Sundee Lwynn (nee Setkya)/Edward Hussein and others. Please advise me if you need me to reciprocate and put you in touch with them. I will do this later this month as I am curently visiting my Grand-daughter, my Son & my Daughter-in-Law who live in Kuala Lumpur. Mrs. Myat San & Mr. Henderson are still alive; Ms. Myat San is in Myanmar & Mr. Henderson is in Perth, Western Australia.

Sincerely,
Cecil Wagstaff

Tears are streaming down my eyes... 48 years have passed since I had left my old alma mater and when I saw the picture of my school I was overwhelmed by nostalgia and my childhood centred around that building. I recall Mrs. Brinley, Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Mya Than, humorous Mr.Eiliffe, Mrs.Logie, Mrs.Greenwell, Miss Sen - God bless them all.

I would not be what I am today without their guidance and firm discipline and lots of caning/writing lines to instill principles that goes toward forming of a child's character and helps him subconciously to take the correct decisions in crisis situations in later life. I appreciate that now.

I was in the afternoon class till 5th standard and thereafter, morning classes. I recall a lot of old classmates and senior ones too like Sundee Setya, Kewal (cuckoo) Sirpaul. My classmates Dennis Chen, Patricia Clift, Mra Htun, Dorothy De Myers, Edward Hussain, George Hussain, Brenda Pereirra, Lilian Chen most of them and I am sure I will recall the rest too.

With kindest regards,
Shovon Rakhit

Dear Peter,

I regret to advise you that Dennis Henderson passed away, many years ago. He was living in Canberra, where I live, and I went to see and condole with his dad, Master E. Henderson and his now Late Mum, when they came to Canberra, for his funeral. I hope you have heard from Edward Henderson, who lives in Perth. I direcetd him to your e-mail so he could write direct to you when I first saw your comment posted.

Sincerely,
Cecil L.W. Wagstaff

I have been scanning through the comments and note to my great regret that I last made on in the year 2000. Its amazing how quickly the past decade has flown. Reading the posts, I realise that I missed a great deal of fellowship due to the many changes of schools that I attended. I recognised a number of names in the Alumni and Comments lists, but due to the shortness of time I spent at MEHS, its unlikely that mine will be remembered. I certainly didn't make much of a splash while there. I note with regret that the number of posts have diminished greatly over the years, I hope that this is not due to a dropping off of interest in the past. I do know that many of the early posters are still around... so guys (and dolls) please keep up the good work.

I am thrilled to locate this website recently despite its existence since many years. I studied in MEHS from Std.1 through Std.8 (GCE) and left in Dec. 1962 for IES School. My father Dr. J.R. Barua was a Child Specialist in Rangoon and I left Burma with my parents at the end of Dec. 1963 and then settled at Calcutta.

I travelled to Burma exactly after 43 years in Dec. 2006. Unfortunately, due to hectic tour I could not visit dear old MEHS. With the passage of time my memories of teachers and classmates are not so vivid. However, I can recollect the names of Kenny Wong, William Fu, Robert Keng, Brian Tien Thing, Ahmed Ispahany and Edward Hussain. Incidentally I often meet Subhas Neogi, Chabi Rakhit and Anup Mehta who stays at New Delhi and immediately informed them on discovering this site.

I vividly remember Mr. Iliffe, Physics teacher. Going through the pages of photo gallery, it was a pleasant suprise to see the photo of Tong Shin Bee. I almost forgotten him! Also delighted to view the picture of Edward Henderson. Is he the son of Maths teacher, Mr. Henderson? Where is Dennis (Putu) elder brother of Teddy?

Wishing all my classmates and friends of MEHS best regards.

Peter Barua
Email: pritishlibra@yahoo.co.in

Have you noticed that dress code for the MEHS has come full circle twice. Look at the picture for 1946, then look at 1966. Look at photos of 1959 and 1977. Dark skirt and later dark longi. In other photos what was so cute was little girls wearing those waspie belts. I loved those belts. My grand-daughter was wearing one a little while ago. Where did the time go?

I have attended the 2010 reunion and we all had a lot of fun; we are still thinking and talking about it here in Myanmar and looking forward to meet more friends of MEHS in future reunions.

I was very sad to learn of Louisa Benson's death. We were in almost weekly contact during the 1990s. A friend from California told me they received complimentary tickets to attend the premiere of a movie that Louisa's daughter had a role. I thought she had a small role, perhaps as an extra. Two years later, I saw in TV Guide that Louisa's daughter was the lead actress in the Disney movie "White Fang 2". Louisa's daughter graduated with honors from Harvard. They used to have mini-MEHS Re-unions during Parent's Day at Harvard.

What a surprise to receive an email from Richard on my old address. I shall view the addresses to obtain his email and reply. I immediately saw his face once he told me who he was. Those were certainly the good old days!

Frances

I went on the Internet recently to research my family tree & background for the benifit of my three sons & searched for Methodist English High School, Rangoon & hey presto found the M.E.H.S.A. site and to my suprise it has a photo of my class provided by Frances (Beale) Mahoney - I am 3A in the Class of 1956 (Std.IV). Not sure about the date of 1956 as I left Rangoon for the UK on 28 May 1954. Student 3J is ? Rauf who was I believe the son of the Indian High Commissioner & he also had an elder sister called Alia Rauf at the same school. On the second row Betty ? is Betty George. I notice that Frances (Beale) Mahoney is a regular contributor on this site & I wish her all the best for a full recovery from her fall at Heathrow Airport.

I find the site very interesting & informative & this is my first visit of many. Nostalgia in abundance.

Kind regards
Richard O'Hara

I am trying to locate my friends and class mates. I was in the 5th standard (GCE) and my class teacher was Mrs Brindley. I can remember a few of my class mates who was with me, one was Patricia Hengshoon, and the other was Seema Benson. If any of you or other class mate have any picture of our teacher and the class please kindly pass it on to me, I would love to have it.

My email address is montague.red@gmail.com

I would like to personally thank Jon Chen for providing most of the pictures in the "Thanks for the Memories" presentation given by Winnie Khin Perotti Tun Tin. He spent hours going over his collection of pictures when I approached him with my request. Thanks, Jon.

Other pictures were also used from our website in the presentation and for that, I offer my thanks. Those of you who missed the 2010 event, really missed a fun one. However, hope to see you at our next one.

Lily Chen

Happy New Year.

I would like to contact Sandra Chit and Pamela Maung Maung. May I request their email addresses from anyone who might be able to help.

Thanks.

My Greatuncle was Frank Manton from the early founding of the Methodist English School. I am interested learning more about the school's history, the work of my relatives, and the plight of Christians in Myanmar today. I also would like to be in contact with any people today who have an active faith in Christ as a result of the work of Frank and Karis' work at the school. Does your website include any pictures of Mr. or Mrs. Manton? Thank you for your help.

May God bless you,
Kirk Manton
Email: kirkmanton@tfchurch.org

I would like to contact my friends, such as (nee Barbara Dwe) Barbara Wunna. Also Audrey Kyin Thaung. I would like to hear how they are doing.

Best regards
Thazin

I read the article about Mrs. Elsie Evans - I was also in class 9 in 1958 and Miss Irene Rosair was my 9th & 10th Standard English Literature Teacher, along with Ma Hein Tin, as history teacher. Mrs. Evans was English language teacher. I would like to communicate with all my classmates of standard 8-9 during 1957-1958. Since then I am settled in Orlando, Florida, America.

If any of my class mates in class 8 and 9 during 1957-1959 (names I remember are Kathleen Zaw Win, Elizabeth, Sarwat Ahmadi, Lorna Rauf, Arthur Chen, Amin Lakhani) remembers me - please email to haniflakhani@hotmail.com

Hello Friends,

My name is Sarah Wright (nee Daniels) and was one of the Class of 1964 (GCE). I migrated to Australia in 1965 with my parents and unfortunately have had no contact with any of my old classmates and other friends since then, and have often wondered what course their lives might have taken! I have only just stumbled upon the MEHSA site and became quite emotional reading some of its contents.

What a great job Juliet Teoh has done - was saddened to read of her passing. Best wishes to her family. Cecil was actually a friend of my brother Jerry's. Of course, I remember most of my classmates, and I have previously tried to find my dear friend Niloofa Ariff but have not been successful so if anybody knows her whereabouts I would be eternally grateful for her address or e.mail address. Niloofa's brother Ahmed was also my classmate.

If anybody else out there remembers me I would love to here from them. Another old friend I am seeking is Saw Lwin Aung who possibly graduated from MEHS in about 1962 (not GCE). When I left Burma he was doing Medicine so I can only assume he graduated successfully and is practising somewhere. He had a younger brother Kyaw Min Aung. We were very good family friends, our parents now having passed away, and it saddens me that our childhood ties have been cut. If anyone has any information on Saw Lwin or his brother please contact me.

I will be visiting Burma for the first time (after 45 years) in January 2010 and if any of my classmates/friends are still in the old country I would be delighted to catch up with them. Sorry, June Rajh, I was unable to meet with you in Perth but work commitments prevented me coming up to Perth to see you. Hope all went well. My e.mail address is: sarahfly46@yahoo.com.au

Sarah

Hi friends and classmates,

I am Winston Aye Maung and my official name is Kyaw Myaing. I am now living in the USA, New Jersey. I look forward to seeing all my friends in Pattaya on the 9th of January 2010.

Warm regards,
Kyaw Myaing (Winston Aye Maung)

Just want to say I went to MEHS as well, and my late grandma was a teacher there. Mrs. Agnes Lansdowne just would like to say 'Hello' to all who went to that school. Mrs. Logie was the head teacher when I was there.

A great night was enjoyed by all when we welcomed June Rajh to our beautiful state of Western Australia. June visited us from England and Alfred Pereira arranged a get-together at his home, there were others from MEHS together with friends. See a photo or two at
www.mehs-class55-56.net

TO MEHS ALUMNI ALL ...................... yes, even those who are only attending the MEHS 2010 Reunion 'In Spirit'.

The Assembly Bell is about to ring, opening the event. The Assembly Hall is ready and waiting for us to rush in and line up as we did in School.

What we need is your help to make it a wonderful occasion.

How????? You may ask.

We need you to share your Memories of those wonderful days, with all of us:- Funny Stories, Romantic Interludes, Episodes with you being 'in trouble' or congratulated personally by any teachers, Sporty Stuff anything that you can contribute.

PLEASE SEND these yarns direct to Edwin and/or Lily who are compiling these stories, to share with all those who attend and to help us all revisit those wonderful days when we were at school. Their E-Mail address are: consultantsmarine@yahoo.com; lilychen@ix.netcom.com

Please do not wait till the last moment, PLEASE SEND THESE NOW, or at least start, revisiting your memory banks, and make a withdrawal to share.

We hope to see as many of you who can be in Pattaya, if at all possible. Hope to see you in January 2010.

Sincerely,
Cecil

Cecil L. W. Wagstaff
MC 2010 Reunion and Chief Mate, under Captain Edwin
MV MEHS 2010 Reunion Ship
'Craimich'
19 Scottsdale Street
Lyons. A.C.T. 2606. Australia

Phone: 02.6285 1610 (Within Australia) or +61.2.6285 1610 (International)
E-Mail: cecil@wagstaff.id.au

Great site. I would like to know when the next reunion would be held in Burma. Sorry to hear about our Geography teacher, what a jewel she was. Thanks.

This is kind of like a footnote to the photos and comments sent in by my true blue Paulian, Richard (ST) on 8/31/09.

An acknowledgement to the photographer.
The photos came out very nice simply because of the photographer, not the subjects. They were taken by Albert Khant, a very close cousin of my classmate, Popsy Gale. Most of you may remember aunty Khant Khant Gyi, who became the first and famous lady photographer at a time when only the men were reigning in such fields. Well, Albert is the son of this famous lady and both he and his wife, Bobbi, are really 'quick on the draw' when it comes to aiming and shooting pictures. Our age group has known many many 'aunties', whom we have loved and after whom we have modelled ourselves. Now there are only a few left, but aunty Khant Khant Gyi is still going strong and is now residing in Florida.

Thank you Albert and Bobbi.

Winnie Tun Tin
Rome, Italy

Wonderful pictures of the Colonial buildings in Rangoon. Derek Finch did a marvelous job. I remember the Custom House where my father was an Appraiser after World War II and Holy Trinity Cathedral where we attended services with dad and I was confirmed. Rowe & Co. where we could not afford to shop since after we declared ourselves British Nationals, daddy lost his jobs one after another and his income diminished drastically as he worked wherever he was hired. Poverty did not impair my thinking at all. I do firmly believe that my parents made the right decision to remain in Burma till I completed my schooling at MEHS. It was superior!

Dear Kenny,

How time passes! Three years ago, I first came to know your website and I still go through it every now and then. I do enjoy reading the contents and looking at the photos. Brings me back many nostalgic memories and also nice to know how our MEHS friends are keeping.

During the course of last year, I have made some more new friends, Marguerite Hla Baw from Switzerland and Patricia Tin Win from Peru. I also met again, for the second time, my Aussie friend, Cecil Wagstaff at our school, Old Paulians Reunion, last year (September 2008) in Rome. Cecil and I, we have been friends since 1954 when we were about 11 years old and played tennis together. I had met him for the first time, after 52 years in Bangkok at the MEHS school reunion in January 2008.

You won't believe me, together with Cecil, I also met another long lost friend of my Yankin College days, Winnie Tun Tin (MEHS class 1959), in Rome. We haven't seen each other for more than 48 years and you can imagine how happy we both have been.

For me, all these have been possible, thanks to you and also to your sister, the late Juliet Teoh who founded the website. As Tommy Htay has put it in his Welcome Message, you are running this webside single-handedly and with professionalism. You have succeeded in keeping all the MEHS alumni and friends all over the world well-informed, connected and stay connected.

Keep up with your excellent work and thanks again for your effort and dedication.

Best regards,
Richard San Tint (Maung Maung Tint)
Old Paulian 1951-59
Paris

Hello,

My name is Hpone Thant, but when I was at MEHS I was known as Harry Tin Maung. I matriculated in 1963 from Daw Ma Ma Gyi's class and my classmates were Tee May Thein, Peter Chit Shein, Willy Han, Dolly Khan, Robert Khan, Han Tin, etc. Olive Tun Hmi, Quilly Teoh, Shelly Saing were, I think, in Mrs. Rosair's class. I met Danny Kyin in Yangon about a year back. Our classroom was on the top floor immediately in front of Mrs. Logie's apartment. I saw Tee May Thein (I guess she is now in USA) in Bangkok about 3 years back.

I have emigrated to Australia in April 2009 and now living in Blacktown, a small town about 35 kms to the west of Sydney. If there is anybody near our place or in Australia I would like to get in touch. I can be reached at harryhponethant@gmail.com.

My address is:
U Hpone Thant,
No (6), Douglas Road,
Blacktown, NSW 2148,
AUSTRALIA
Tel (res) ++612 9676 1909
WBRGDS
Harry (Hpone Thant)

Dear Derek,

I read your comments and went into the website you mentioned and have found many interesting photos. Among those was our old school, St. Paul's High School. As I am a member and also a moderator of our Old Paulians Site (OPA), I will post your message on our website, to share your interesting photos with our friends. This will probably enable those who can give more information or comments on your photos as per your request. Thank you for your nice work.

Best regards,

Richard San Tint (Maung Maung Tint)
Old Paulian 1951-59
Paris
Email: tintm@neuf.fr

I've revisited the web and find myself back in time, seated in class with Jacqueline Wade, Doreen Sharma, Muriel Lee, Kim McKertich, Ivy Chit, Winnie Pe Than, Shirley Khader, Margaret Tan and how could I refrain from mentioning Kathleen Manasseh, (my tuition pal at Fytche Road) and Colleen Hindle. I wish I could connect with these friends of bygone years, a chapter in my life indelibly inscribed in heart and mind. A golden city... radiant people. Here's my e.mail. kalyanidavidar@live.in

The host of names at the MEHSA website evokes memories of a bygone but never-to-be-forgotten phase. I remember most of my classmates, seniors and some of my juniors. I'd be happy to connect with any to whom my name rings a bell, so here is my e-mail kalyanidavidar@live.in or touchstonekkk@yahoo.com.

Waiting for your letters...

Antonia

I have posted a number of photographs of Rangoon's colonial architecture on my flickr site which may interest some former MEHS students. Please feel free to drop me a line if you know the origins or history of any of the buildings. I would welcome your comments, anecdotes and any help to identify these reminders of Old Rangoon.

Many thanks,
Derek Finch
Email: dcrfinch@yahoo.com

I was in London for a year in the 1970s and visited with 8th Standard Teacher Miss Phyliss Tin, but was unable to locate Sayama Rita Johnson. Miss Rita Johnson was one of my favorite teachers and I clearly remember her "threshold of new life" farewell letter to MEHS students in 1960. My thanks to Cecil for finally locating her.

Last month my husband and I were on vacation in Alaska. On our return journey we stopped in Vancouver, British Columbia for a few days - for sightseeing. And guess what - my friend from MEHS - Margaret Tin Maung came to see me at my hotel. What a wonderful couple of hours we had - remembering the good old school days and all our friends. We saw each other after many years... though we do keep in touch via email. But to see her in person was the best thing to happen!

MEHS friends are the best!!

Malika

Many of you will remember and been taught by Mrs. Rita Lonsdale (nee Johnson), our Respected MEHS General Science Teacher. Many of you who are in Medical & Surgical and Medical Research Careers today, probably took your first steps towards this, during the General Science Classes conducted by Mrs. Lonsdale. I am in touch with our respected teacher, who would love to hear from you. It is at Mrs. Lonsdale's personal request and for her reasons that Ges, her son, has requested that all those wishing to contact, to please advise me. I will forward these to her via Ges.

Thanks, and my E-mail address is cecil@wagstaff.id.au

Dear Cecil, Frances, Richard and Ivan,

I'm deeply moved by your very kind comments on my unexpected illness. For many years I've had high blood pressure but I've never thought I would have a heart attack. Jenny Lim and I were at the movies and half way through the movies I was not feeling very well. We went to the Emergency room of the local hospital and found out that I was having a heart attack at that time. From that moment on the excellence of the American Health Care system showed itself. I was stabilised and sent by ambulance to the Lawnwood Medical Center and Heart Institute. The doctor was waiting and placed a stent as a temporary measure. Four days later I went under the knife of a brilliant Surgeon who performed a quadruple bypass. Then four days later they released me to go home to undertake the long recuperation.

I've been getting very good care at home and have been told that I must not do too much work too soon. Every day my heart and body feels better. I'm most grateful to my caregivers and I call my heart surgeon "a life-giving doctor". Many thanks for your prayers and thoughts during this incredibly difficult ordeal.

Thanks,
Tom
Email: riatradech@yahoo.com

Thank you for sending me Tom's email and phone number. I have just sent him a message. Also please excuse any typographical errors, I have suffered some nerve damage after three vertebrae were replaced in my neck after a fall at Heathrow Airport. I was not able to walk or use my hands for quite some time but I am grateful to be alive. I know I appreciated all the warm well wishes I received and happy to have so many friends.

1. Best wishes to Tom Manton for a speedy and a complete recovery.
2. Tom, where are you residing, now ?
3. See photo of The Nation Softball Team, already on mehsa.org Website. You, Dr. Robert Fuller and I were team-mates, and we shared some great games.

Sincerely,
Cecil Wagstaff

If Richard Yu Khin would kindly give Tom Manton my best wishes for a speedy recovery, I would appreciate this very much. Where is he now?

I have a letter from Mrs. Manton (Illinois) thanking me for purchasing The Rangoon International Cookbook in 1989. Tom sent me an email many years ago when he was a preacher in Czechoslovakia if I remember correctly, but we lost touch after that. He probably does not remember me now but all the Mantons were well known in the early days of MEHS when Mrs. Logie and Reverand Manton revived our school. I came from kindergarten at St. Thomas in Dehra Dun and after a few months' home-schooling with our grandmother, they both as good family-friends, convinced my father to enroll us at MEHS.

I started in the second standard with Gillian, David Manton, Marina Pereira and Gloria Hengshoon. So I witnessed our school grow from ruins outside Mrs. Manook's classroom window. The following year I went on to the fourth standard. At the ripe old age of 69 I cosider these formative years as the only education I needed. What happy memories!

Talked to Jenny Lim and Tom Manton. Tom is still a bit sore, but is being discharged from the hospital today after quadruple by-pass surgery on June 23, 2009.

Jenny Lim e-mailed me yesterday, and asked me to let MEHSA know that Tom Manton had a heart attack last week, but is now doing well after having a quadruple bypass surgery on June 23. He is now in a stepdown unit and walking 4 times a day.

In April/May 2009, my wife Perveen & I were in Kuala Lumpur for a little over a month, to be present at the birth of our first grandchild. Asha Isabella was born on 11May 2009, to Son Craig & Daughter-in-law Tamara, who live there. While I was there a dear friend and MEHS school mate, Robert Ah Khin and his family, hosted a Welcome Burmese Banquet Lunch which included Hin Gyo and Nga Tha Lauk (Fried Burmese style), at his home, for myself and other Burma friends. Thank you so much Robert, we greatly appreciate your warm welcome and generous hospitality. Robert sends his regards and best wishes to all MEHS Schoolmates.

Sincerely,
Cecil Wagstaff

I was in Perth to celebrate my sister Lynette's Birthday, last week. While there I spoke with our respected Teacher, Mrs. Phyllis Nott. Mrs. Nott has moved and her new address is: 3/19 Bradford Street, Marrangaroo (Perth) W.A.6064. Phone +61.8.9343.8325 (if calling from Overseas), or 08.9343.8325 (if calling from within Australia). Mrs. Nott is well and would love to hear from any students. Please do phone or write to her. Thanks.

Also met up with Alan Simpson & Chris Manook, and spoke with Alfred Pereira by phone. They are all in Perth.

Sincerely,
Cecil

Memorial Service for Mavis Edwards

I apologize for this very informal way of getting this to you but I do not have addresses for you (or most of you) and I hope you don’t mind. We would love to see you at the gathering. It will be in Southfields, which is on the District Line to WIMBLEDON.

I do need to know numbers for the catering lady so I would be grateful if you could let me know if you can make it.

For those of you overseas, this is more in the way of information, but by some chance you do find yourself in London at this time, we would love to see you.

Lots of love to everyone

Jennifer Edwards
mail addresss: Apartado 1084, EC Olivais Sto. Antonio, Loule 8101-904, Algarve, Portugal

On our recent vacation including Athens and a brief stay in Mykenos before a cruise through six other Greek Islands, we met the sister-in-law of Agnes McIntosh who also knew Maureen Lal. She lived behind MEHS on Sandwith Road but attended St. John's convent! Her friend was also from Burma and knew several of my contemporaries. We intended exchanging email addresses but in the various travels and tours we neglected to do so.

It so happened that our cabin boy was also from Burma and on the last night on the ship he brought me a nicely wrapped jar of "some chilly spices from my country". The next morning before disembarkation the Burmese girls told my husband that our cabin boy had brought them some balachaung also since we had informed him of their presence on the ship. What a lovely surprise and what a small world.

Cedric Sharp wrote recently on those that were with him in 1955. I did not arrive at MEHS until Jan 57, I think, and stayed until Jun/Jul 59 before returning to the UK. I believe Cedric was in my class along with Cuckoo Sirpaul(?). Memory is a strange thing, but if Cedric could be in touch we may be able to piece together my MEHS history!

Best wishes
David Bray

I recently visited the UK and met with a few classmates at Annie Yin's home.

I was so pleased to learn that Mrs.Baxter (age 95) (Upper Kindergarten Teacher) is alive and well living with Valerie & Tim.

I know Misses Hallegwa, where about I have no clue, but there's one Jewish Temple in Rangoon near the corner of 25th street and Maha Bandoola Road, and there's one Jewish person taking care of it but don't know his name.

Good luck

Hi All,

I am looking for info about the Misses Hallegwa, who I understand were "The last Jews of Burma." If you have further info, please contact me. E.g. which country did their ancestors come from, were they Ashkenazi Jews, do you know anything about the Jewish cemetery or synagogues in Rangoon, etc. Their personal history. Any other people of Jewish origin from Burma that I can contact. I am doing research for a possible book.

Thanks,
kmk
Email: kolorama@yahoo.com