So this summer holiday I did something I had planned to do for some years- fifteen to be exact. I visited The Bishops School .
Don't ask me why I have not visited for fifteen years - just read on .
Reached the gate and wondered how to get in . There are high gates now and manned by security . Obviously times have changed and this is necessary from a security point of view.
After proving my credentials I was allowed into the gate without a fuss .
The next on my agenda was to go and meet Mr Frank Freese . To be frank this was a little more difficult as it was a holiday and after a busy week no one wants to be disturbed .
However he and I had been in touch and so I was taken in to the Bungalow .
At this juncture I have to say that there was a lot of greenery everywhere and the whole area looked clean and extremely tidy . There were many buses as well .
Entering the bungalow brought back wonderful memories of Mr Roberts and the family .
Mr Freese has done a wonderful job of renovating the structure and maintaining the antique furniture within .
Mr and Mrs Freese have truly continued in the good traditions of their predecessors . Everything has changed and nothing has changed if you get what I mean . The school still maintains the aura and dignity of the best school in Pune .
As the rain had come down in torrents , Mr Freese and I went by car across the road for the Prefect's investiture ceremony.
The ceremony was dignified , the pupils smartly turned out , the choir as melodious , and the discipline impeccable . Missed seeing Mrs Carol Jolly / Mrs Postwalla with the choir !
So pleased to see the familiar clean shoes , proper schoolboy hair cuts and all boys clean shaved . Oh yes there are girls there now and that was different but they were as smart as the boys .
As the pupils were administered the oath of office by the Principal and received their badges it took me back over the years and to the ceremony on the Uppers . The Head boy this year is extremely tall - if I can recollect the name is Malhotra .
There were definitely many more photographs both during and after the ceremony, thanks to mobile phones and I remembered Mr. David Choudhary fondly - he was the one who took snaps at our time . He then developed them in a dark room in the craft room and we saw them a week after the function . Not sure if we hired any other photographer . I do remember a man from Jagos being there as well at times - I may be wrong .
All in all a great day - many proud faces all round . Was happy to see sons of boys I had taught being administered to oath as well - one name struck me - Banejwadkar!
I was happy to meet quite a few staff who remember me and this includes support staff as well - Das, Anil Randhir and Sunil , Eeta bai are few of the names that come to mind . There was also Janardhan bearer and the daughter of good old Nainu ( Boarders and old residential staff would remember these names ) .
I was pleased to be introduced to the guests and pupils during the ceremony and taken aback when asked to say a few words . Kept it to a few as the Chief guest had gone on a bit ! Did not click any snaps that day as it was raining .
I visited Bishops for a second time a week later - this time it was sunny so I went armed with my camera - no nothing fancy .
Was taken round the school by a young member of staff deputed by Mr Freese .
Anil Randhir was also there .
Visited all the old haunts and could have done so blindfolded - Cambridge, Simba and Lunn , Jubilee dormitories - the labs, the old gym , the canteen, my old offices in Lunn and beside the Library.
The library, Harding hall , the Uppers, Lowers , the Grade 9 and 10 classrooms , the infirmary etc.
There were some classes going on and surprisingly all the senior pupils were quiet and attentive .
Also some basketball training for girls .
Nice basketball court on the Uppers which looks good and tennis courts on the lowers which has made that area useful - no more rocks and mud !
The wall and gate dividing St Marys and Bishops is still there and that would bring back memories as well .
Oh yes there were trees on the Uppers and the good old boxing ring is still there and boxing is very much part of the school activities . Any news of Aspi Irani ?
Have to say that I saw some Senior pupils - about 30 of them standing on the uppers - all wearing blazers - it was about noon and that impressed me .
It was truly an enjoyable visit and there is no denying the fact that the school is doing exceeding well .
A morning well spent and extremely nostalgic.
Don't ask me why I have not visited for fifteen years - just read on .
Reached the gate and wondered how to get in . There are high gates now and manned by security . Obviously times have changed and this is necessary from a security point of view.
After proving my credentials I was allowed into the gate without a fuss .
The next on my agenda was to go and meet Mr Frank Freese . To be frank this was a little more difficult as it was a holiday and after a busy week no one wants to be disturbed .
However he and I had been in touch and so I was taken in to the Bungalow .
At this juncture I have to say that there was a lot of greenery everywhere and the whole area looked clean and extremely tidy . There were many buses as well .
Entering the bungalow brought back wonderful memories of Mr Roberts and the family .
Mr Freese has done a wonderful job of renovating the structure and maintaining the antique furniture within .
Mr and Mrs Freese have truly continued in the good traditions of their predecessors . Everything has changed and nothing has changed if you get what I mean . The school still maintains the aura and dignity of the best school in Pune .
As the rain had come down in torrents , Mr Freese and I went by car across the road for the Prefect's investiture ceremony.
The ceremony was dignified , the pupils smartly turned out , the choir as melodious , and the discipline impeccable . Missed seeing Mrs Carol Jolly / Mrs Postwalla with the choir !
So pleased to see the familiar clean shoes , proper schoolboy hair cuts and all boys clean shaved . Oh yes there are girls there now and that was different but they were as smart as the boys .
As the pupils were administered the oath of office by the Principal and received their badges it took me back over the years and to the ceremony on the Uppers . The Head boy this year is extremely tall - if I can recollect the name is Malhotra .
There were definitely many more photographs both during and after the ceremony, thanks to mobile phones and I remembered Mr. David Choudhary fondly - he was the one who took snaps at our time . He then developed them in a dark room in the craft room and we saw them a week after the function . Not sure if we hired any other photographer . I do remember a man from Jagos being there as well at times - I may be wrong .
All in all a great day - many proud faces all round . Was happy to see sons of boys I had taught being administered to oath as well - one name struck me - Banejwadkar!
I was happy to meet quite a few staff who remember me and this includes support staff as well - Das, Anil Randhir and Sunil , Eeta bai are few of the names that come to mind . There was also Janardhan bearer and the daughter of good old Nainu ( Boarders and old residential staff would remember these names ) .
I was pleased to be introduced to the guests and pupils during the ceremony and taken aback when asked to say a few words . Kept it to a few as the Chief guest had gone on a bit ! Did not click any snaps that day as it was raining .
I visited Bishops for a second time a week later - this time it was sunny so I went armed with my camera - no nothing fancy .
Was taken round the school by a young member of staff deputed by Mr Freese .
Anil Randhir was also there .
Visited all the old haunts and could have done so blindfolded - Cambridge, Simba and Lunn , Jubilee dormitories - the labs, the old gym , the canteen, my old offices in Lunn and beside the Library.
The library, Harding hall , the Uppers, Lowers , the Grade 9 and 10 classrooms , the infirmary etc.
There were some classes going on and surprisingly all the senior pupils were quiet and attentive .
Also some basketball training for girls .
Nice basketball court on the Uppers which looks good and tennis courts on the lowers which has made that area useful - no more rocks and mud !
The wall and gate dividing St Marys and Bishops is still there and that would bring back memories as well .
Oh yes there were trees on the Uppers and the good old boxing ring is still there and boxing is very much part of the school activities . Any news of Aspi Irani ?
Have to say that I saw some Senior pupils - about 30 of them standing on the uppers - all wearing blazers - it was about noon and that impressed me .
It was truly an enjoyable visit and there is no denying the fact that the school is doing exceeding well .
A morning well spent and extremely nostalgic.
