Circular No 151

Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
Caracas, 25 of September 2004. Circular No. 151-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends,

Here is on new oldboy for the Circular, John Skinner.
If you remember he was mentioned in the Bull.
I have done some editing of his emails as some of the information that I got go back to 1800´s.
I have included John’s description on his malady because he asked me to, so if you write him, please be patient.
From the emails he must have been to our school for about a year and in 1948. Maybe Arthur can help.
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From: John Skinner
Subject: School, Aphasia
Date: 8/16/2004 4:54:39 PM

Dear Ladislao,
I did not send you my schooling years, I presume it was in 1947-1948, I don't know, probable about one year, I started work about that time 1948.
My schooling was:
Mount St. Benedict College, Trinidad.
Jamaica College, Jamaica. –
St. Benedict, San Fernando Trinidad.
The Covent, San Fernando, Trinidad, where I started school.

I wrote this with difficulty, as I have been diagnosed to have: APHASIA: THE HIDDEN DISABILITY

Communication is fundamental to our lives. It's how we relate to each other; how we express our personalities. But what if, overnight, your ability to talk, to convey our language was erased? a tragedy.

The words are in your head but you can't utter them; numbers mean nothing to you; you can't even write your own name. That's the reality for the people with APHASIA, a crippling disability that affects all of us, some more so than a speech difficulty. Some speak a lot other don’t say a word.

Then one day without warning, my life was changed for ever. I was at a meeting away from home, it was in Birmingham, I sat down to meeting, all of a sudden the coffee spilt from my cup in my right hand, it spilt right down my leg, I mumble, the speech was not there, all of them around me. Any way, I was admitted to Sandwell Hospital in Birmingham, and then the Derby Hospital, D.R.I. It was a long time ago.

I have APHASIA, due to a stroke. Although I know what I want to say, I have great difficulty getting it out because I have very real problems speaking, and writing. I have had help writing this letter. Aphasia is a DISABILITY that I share with about 255,000 other people in the UK, but because we have difficulty communicating, everybody ignores our needs.

I am a member of a Self-Help Group, that is part of the network of self-help groups set-up by the charity SPEAKABILITY. The charity helps in different ways: Organising information workshops for people without aphasia who work with people with aphasia. Campaigning for greater recognition of aphasia and the needs of people with aphasia.

There sufferers meet to discuss how they can break down barriers they encounter, for example, how to combat a transport system that won't give them free passes because they don't recognise APHASIA AS A DISABILITY, even though you can't work and therefore have no income.

"APHASIA is very, very poorly understood" It's A HIDDEN DISABILITY. Most people don't know its name or how to react when they're confronted with it. But its effects can be devastating. Speech may not be an option, but there are other ways you can communicate using gesture, facial expression, pointing, materials such as maps and newspapers.

I want everybody to understand that when I tell them I have APHASIA, it means that I need help with communicating so, I COMMUNICATE with sign and gesture. Remember APHASIA affects each one of us differently, and that our communications abilities can vary from day to day depending on factors such fatigue and stress levels. Having APHASIA doesn't mean you are stupid.
Yours Sincerely
John Skinner

Like to keep on getting the newsletter???. Yes
Did you look up the web page?? WWW.theabbeyschool.com, Yes
Maybe the photos would bring back good memories, Yes

Jems
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From: kertesz12@icqmail.com
To: John@renniks23.freeserve.co.uk
Date: 10 August 2004 02:33
Subject: Re: family over there

Thank you John,
I sent you a newsletter where you can see Arthur’s address and you can correspond with him.
Who else did you know of the Mount St. Benedict??
Your curriculum is extensive, impressing!
Maybe you would like to keep on getting the newsletter???.
Maybe there are others that you would know of the era, and even they may have an email address?.
Retake contact with old friends.
Did you look up the web page?? WWW.theabbeyschool.com
Maybe the photos would bring back good memories, I hope.
God Bless
Ladislao Kertesz
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From: John Skinner
Date: 8/9/2004 4:50:38 PM

Dear Ladislao,

oh! I am 71 year old. The same as Arthur.
Jems

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From: kertesz12@icqmail.com
To: John@renniks23.freeserve.co.uk
Date: 04 August 2004 19:22

Dear John,
I wrote to you a several days ago.
Please inform me if you knew Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell General Manager Tate & Lyle, when you were in Trinidad 1963 - 1964 and their sons, Don, Gordon and Alix?.
Also if you knew Arthur Knaggs who was an alumni of the Abbey School??
God Bless
Ladislao Kertesz
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El día Mon, 2 Aug 2004 21:43:29 +0100, "John Skinner" escribió

Dear Ladislao,
Do not know Mr & Mrs Mitchell
I returned on the (Aug 1963 appro.) from Trinidad.
Arthur is my 1st cousin.
My class mates were Ian Shoul, Stanley Ferguson, Arthur Knaggs.
I think Abbot Bernard was then in charge.
John D. Miller, I met him at Fletcher’s in Derby.
jems
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From: John Skinner
To: kertesz12@icqmail.com
Date: 8/2/2004 4:50:06 PM

Dear Ladislao Kertesz,

I am John Shinner, My wife is Gill
My full name: John Edgar Martyn Skinner

Career :-
1948 - 1951 Apprentice & Shift Superintendent Sevens Ltd, Jamaica, West Indies
1951 - 1956 Premium Apprentice Geo. Fletcher, Derby, England
1956 - 1959 Assistant EngineersGrays Inn Certral, Annotto Bay, Jamaica
1959 - 1960 Assistant Engineers Sevens Ltd, May Pen, Jamaica
1960 - 1963 Assistant Engineers Ste Madeleine (Tate & Lyle), Trinidad
1963 - 1964 Technical Estimator Fletcher & Stewart, Derby, England
1964 - 1965 Assistant Installation Engineer Bacita, Northern Nigeria
1965 - 1967 Contracts & Projects Engineer Fletcher & Stewart, Derby, England
1967 - 1071 Quality Engineer Rolls Royce, Derby, England
1971 - 1977 Senior Project Engineer Fletcher & Stewart, Derby, England
1977 - 1984 Senior Quality Engineer Internation Combustion, Derby, England
1984 - 1985 Senior Project Engineer Scomack Eng. Ltd. England
1985 - 1987 Inspection & Quality Audit Engineer Renniks Q A Services, Derby, England
1988 - Suffered a Stroke in February 1988 Right side was weak & had speech difficulties (I could speak)

The members of the Skinner Family.
Robert David Marc Skinner is my Son.
Gilbert Sweyn was my father.

jems
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I hope that this long exchange makes us aware of problems that some of us live through, please elevate our prayers to our Lord so that His will be done. He is the only one that knows the strange road of our lives.

God Bless
Ladislao
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Photo. By Luciano Mellone, Family and photo of MSB
Photo of John skinner and wife.
Column: dbratt , The massa mentality
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Look us up at http://www.theabbeyschool.com an all class msb web site.
Look at www.paxabbey.com for information on the Monastery, Mt St. Benedict.
For those that want to communicate with the web, use, webmaster@theabbeyschool.com
Send information to: Ladislaokertesz@hotmail.com if you would like to be in the circular’s mailing list or any old boy that you would like to include. Telf. 0 (212) 263.5346 Caracas.
Use Kaviacion@cantv.net or yv1aci@yahoo.com for photos as I leave enough storage space for these.
Please note: you may have missed some of the circulars, if you have not received one every week, do not hesitate to ask for the missing number to idmitch@anguillanet.net
For those that would like to contact me here I include my telephones:
Telf.Office: 58 (212) 263.5346, 267.2416, From: 11:00GMT to 22:00GMT
FAX: 58 (212) 261.0829,
Home: 58 (212) 238.4084. From: 00:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Cellphone: +58 (0416) 612.5695
Remember that Venezuela’s time is the same as Trinidad’s, -04:00 GMT.

Circular No 150

Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

Caracas, 18 September 2004. Circular No. 150

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Dear Friends,

I have received the following photos that Edward Lloyd has sent so that you may enjoy the moments.

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From: Ed Lloyd

Date: 9/6/2004 2:23:21 AM

Ladislao,

I am afraid that my scanner can not get a higher resolution than the 126 KB (768 x 624 pixels), so I am resending it. 600 to 1000 KB is a huge file and I can only get that resolution if a camera were used! am sorry.

Chris Ferguson? Maybe if you contacted Mac Seheult he may be able to get you Chris' email address.

The last time I saw Chris and Mac was in Tulsa Oka., back in '84, but Chris and Mac may still be in contact, if not try Wayne O'Connor in Trinidad as they are first cousins.

Good luck.

I am also attaching a photo of me accepting the swimming victorlodurom in 61 as Capt. of St Lawrence.

Edward Lloyd

Tel:- 01330 822 930 Mobile:- 07900 616 107

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From: Ed Lloyd

Date: 8/23/2004 3:10:32 AM

Ladislao,

Going through some old photo albums, I found the attached and after looking at it for a while I wonder if isn't Prep A & Form I combination photo.

Reason being is that you can spot the brothers in the group. John and Gordon Thavenot, John is on Fr Augustine's right and Gordon down the same row 7 from the right of Esmond Lange.

The da Costa boys, Simon is first left front row, and David is back row first left next to Michael Azar (Big Joe).

I am third left middle row next to Brian Lewis (Squeekie) then there is Jean de Meillac, Joel Blandin.

The back of the photo is also signed by a few guys and Fr Augustine.

Hope you all enjoy this oldie.

Edward Lloyd

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From: Edward Lloyd

Date: 24 Apr 07:07 (BST)

Ladislao,

I must have been having a senior moment.

The message was for you was to please direct all further Circulars to my new email address, which is edwardlloyd@tiscali.co.uk

Keep up the good work, it's a pleasure to read and view what some of the old Mount boys are sending in from time to time.

I've been in touch with Michael Azar by phone from Oregon USA (8 hours time difference from Scotland),

Howard Ho by email and my old pal Tony Vieira on numerous occasions am presently waiting for a reply from him on the result of the cricket in Guyana with the WI vs England.

Let's hope that we can turn around the result today and tomorrow in POS.

Regards

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From: Edward Lloyd

Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 21:57:09 +0000 (GMT)

Hi Lazslo,

I went to Mt from 55-62 and left in form 4, same class as Box head Mitchell.

I am retired now and have been living in Scotland these past 24 years (an old oil engineer).

Also just did 2 years consultancy work for BP in Trinidad working offshore Mayaro, so saw some of my old class friends now and again.

I've got some photos from yesteryear some where in the house, so will scan and forward to yourself.

I was captain for the AS swimming team in 62, also for St Lawrence and still have some records for my age group that still stand till today.

I've enjoyed getting the few most recent Circulars, which came as a surprise and I believe through Gregory Farfan.

I've noted with interest Eden Hutton writing in.

Is it possible to get his email address?

I also many years ago worked in Eastern Venezuela (65-77),in Anaco and San Tome and had the pleasure of meeting Fr Bernand during one of his visits in 73.

Saw some of the Farcheg boys in El Tigre (they ran a ferrateria).

Take care.

Edward Lloyd

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From: Michael Azar

Date: 9/17/2004 6:55:51 PM

Ladislao,

Hope you have a good weekend

Joe

(Good to hear from you. Ed.)

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Another oldie from 1982

Hey There

Got your bulletin and the invitation to the Carnival fête. We received the invitation 2 days after the fête so naturally we could not attend.

I wrote you shortly before you went to Barbados, or perhaps you had already left, to let you know that our eldest son Ricky died suddenly from an Aneurism that burst in the brain. We were devastated by this and Bernice has not recovered from the shock as yet. Up to this morning she wept as she admired “Fall” on the way to work and recalled that he, like herself, used to count leaves remaining on the trees in our yard when they became scares of course.

We went on a trip to Miami by car in February for 2 weeks and enjoyed it immensely. We didn’t camp, we stayed in Motels. We even saw the Daytona 500 race. When we got back we learned that the Apartment building had been sold and the new owners wanted changes that were unacceptable to us so we had to leave. We moved in with Bernice’s Mother, brother and sister supposedly for a few weeks while I looked around in Toronto and Mississauga for a suitable position but Mother became very ill. Eman, the brother (Father Pinard) is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease which left him crippled and unable to speak. With both of them unable to fend for themselves and Claire incapable of coping with the situation alone. I had to stay on to be able to assist with lifting them, onto wheelchairs etc. I am therefore looking for something in St. Catharine’s without much luck so far.

No.3 son Gerard got married to his long time girlfriend Janet Reid on July 1^st in Calgary. They were supposed to come to St. Catharine’s to be married but Gerard got into a Computer School and could not get the time off so they tied the knot there. Janet and Gerard went to school together and have been going steady ever since. She is a Canadian. We, unfortunately, were unable to attend the wedding.

No.2 daughter Susan, plans getting married on January 8 to Cristo Bernard, son of Bernard and Binco (Millar). The date is somewhat tentative.

Susan lives in T´dad but they plan coming up here to get married. We are hoping that you can arrange to come to Toronto at that time in order to attend the wedding. We can’t offer to put you up ourselves but we may be able to arrange something with the Furbachers. Let me know whether you can make it or not before I ask them.

Geoffrey’s daughter Lisa got married on July 17 and his son Ricardo was supposed to have gotten married on August 21. I haven’t heard from him on that wedding as yet.

Best of everything to you and yours.

Regards

Charles Prada.

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It is unfortunate that I have had no answer from Maurice Lloyd, so that I may include his email in this resume.

I hope that he gets thru the optic fibers, one of these days.

God Bless

Ladislao

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Photos: Went by Edward, Prep A and Form I 1958, Signatures of the photo, Victoriodurom 61

Column: dbratt ,

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Circular No 149

Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad
and Tobago, W.I.
Caracas, 11 of September 2004. Circular No. 149
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Dear Friends,

Some news from the Scouting group. Thanks to Roger and David Ames.
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From: David Ames
Date: 9/6/2004 6:05:02 PM

Ladislao,
I think it better that my brothers speak for themselves.
Regarding me, I left Mount in 1957 and spent 3 years at St Mary’s College in Port of Spain studying for A levels exams before going on to McGill University in Montreal.
What an adventure it was to come from Trinidad to the big cosmopolitan city, winters loaded with snow.
Ah, to be young again and at university!
Graduating from medical school I came south to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study psychiatry.
It was my goal to return to the West Indies to practice but that was not to be; in the early 70s things were just too unsettled, there was too much social-racial conflict.
So my wife and I chose to stay in these parts and I have practiced in community mental health programs ever since, 30+ years.
These days much of my time is spent working with people addicted to drugs and alcohol as well as promoting community education/prevention efforts.
From time to time I have come back to Trinidad and Tobago to visit but have not been to Mount.
On my next trip I will visit the substance abuse treatment program being operated there and write something about that.
Thanks for all the good work you do.
The pictures and stories are stimulating some very dormant memories.
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Sent: Saturday, September 04, 2004 7:36 PM

Dear David,
I am preparing a Circular for the photos.
Also in the circular I shall send out the letters that the Ames family sent recently.
I hope you can send new information, like info on your brothers.
God bless
Ladislao
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From: David Ames
Sent: 8/15/2004 4:00:26 PM

Do you want me to resend the photos to the other address?
I don't have any scouting material from Mount. - Sorry.
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From: kertesz12@icqmail.com [mailto:kertesz12@icqmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2004 8:14 AM

Dear David
Thank you for the photos.
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From: "David Ames"
Date:14 Aug 19:16 (PDT)

Ladislao,
Here are a few pictures from my time at Mount.
The first is Castro with an armadillo captured at camp in Scotland Bay.
That animal was subsequently cooked and eaten.
The second is the old “bell tent” we used.
An ancient design and very heavy, especially when wet.
Everyone slept with their feet towards the centre pole – efficient.
The third is a tower built for “Pioneering Badge”.
Built in 1956 on the area that was subsequently used for the pool.
Look at the enormous height – in those days no one was concerned about liability and there was no shortage of building material.
I have been a scoutmaster here in North Carolina and no one in his wildest dreams could ever do something like this.
There is a picture of the assembled troop with Fr Ildefonse – must be about 1955-56
Lastly there is a picture of some boys ( I can see Geoffrey Ames and Matias de Fedak) posing in the handicraft shop.
This shop was a unique feature of the education at Mount – I am still using the skills.
Thanks for all the work.
Its fun and stirs up some old synapses.
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From: David Ames

Greetings. I graduated in 1957 from Form 5 and then went to St. Mary’s for Form 6.
My brother Geoffrey graduated in 60 or 61, I'm not sure.
I sent the web page link to all of my brothers - Michael 54, Peter 56, Geoffrey 61, and Roger 63 as well as the last circular.
Hopefully you will hear from them
I have a few pictures from those days that I will scan and send to you.
However I have lost contact with all the members of my class.
But I do talk to Maroth De Maroty and Urban de Fedak.
Maroth sent me the original page link.
Many thanks.
David

(Thanks to you I have their email addresses. Ed)
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From: "David Ames"
Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 21:50:55 -0400

Here are some pictures from Roger.
It's clear that the scouts were a very important part of the lives of many boys at Mount.
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From: Roger & Martine Ames [mailto:americanpie10580@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 9:11 PM
To: David Ames

Here are the three mount picture for you to forward.
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ROGER AMES, (insight from a Web page)

About Roger Ames

What led you to a career in the music industry?
I grew up in Trinidad where my father owned a general store where records were sold.
I was a big music fan from an early age.
After graduating from university, I landed a job in EMI's international department.
After a few years there I moved over to the A&R department.
Twenty years ago I left EMI and went to PolyGram where I spent the next 18 years before coming to the Warner Music Group.
I've spent my entire adult life and career in the music industry.
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Mr. Ames began his association with PolyGram U.K. in 1979 in the A&R department of the Phonogram label and subsequently headed up PolyGram's relaunched London Records operation.
He started his career in the music industry in 1975 with EMI U.K.
Mr. Ames was born and educated in Trinidad in the West Indies.

(“Educated” at The Abbey School. Ed.)

(Maybe he can tell us news that he would like to share about his plans after having left his present job. Ed.)
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PETER AMES (insight from a Web page)

Radio 96.1 FM is considered one of the more popular media outlets here and also hosts a variety of shows featuring regional and internationally acclaimed recording stars.
Nicholas Inniss, chief executive officer of the Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT), says he was shocked at the latest attempts to get local bands' music played on the airwaves.
"I can't believe there is that level of desperation out there. I am really very distressed," he says.
Peter Ames, executive member of the Publishers and Broadcasters Association, adds that it is "terrifying" that this should be the result when someone's song is not played on the radio.

(The ongoing every day musical problems. Ed.)

Radio 97’s easy listening program and accurate newscasts gives the listener a blend of light-hearted humour, information ranging from the latest sports news to trivia speckled with hard-hitting facts and health/fashion tips and of course, “More Music, Less Talk’.
Ebony 104 FM is anchored in the Creole culture of Trinidad & Tobago.
It reflects the conversations, music, humour, life style and swagger of the East/West Corridor. Ebony 104 FM is irreverent, opinionated and unafraid to challenge Authority. It is now and forever an unrepentant Trinidadian.
Mr. Peter Ames
General Manager
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MICHAEL AMES

From: "Michael Ames"
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2003 05:05:28 -0400

Ladislao,
All your messages are being received but the attachments are being removed by the OE as being unsafe.
Please check and advice.
Regards
Mike Ames

(I hope that the attachment matter has been resolved, otherwise I suggest you to use Yahoo.com, the server I use for your mail. Ed.)
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A brief note from a Dayboy, taken from the annals of history.

From an old friend on Dayboys.

As you may recall, I was one of about 7 dayboys who attended Mount, my 2 years there allowed me a very nice, very valuable lesson which in later years has afforded me to benefit of trying to help others.
This valuable lesson was the psychological reality of being “one of the less fortunate observing the better off with all their built in security they had”, while I, as a Dayboy at Mount, I often had the feeling, which I could not analyze specifically at the time that the Dayboys were 2nd best. I hold no bitterness but I have never forgotten the lesson. CI

(I also felt the same way after the regular hedging and harassing of the Dayboys, those that did not go home early, by the 1st best?? Ed.)
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I have placed the “insight” note because I have not heard or read from these oldboys, who were about three to four years older. I started Form I in January 1956.
I can testify that the tower was large and it was not easy to build.
The tower was built on its side with the idea of up-righting it using ropes.
This method did not work as the bamboo was green, recently cut and the ropes new.
When the first try to upright was tried, some of the ropes splicing the bamboo gave way and slipped, and some bamboos snapped.
The Scouts did not give up, ropes were added and bamboo strengthened.
The final action should be told by one of those that were there at the final moment.
All that I can say was that my first look at the structure in the upright position, I was overwhelmed by its height.
On the first day it was not beautiful since it was bent and needing squaring up.
I presume that this was done by the time the photo was taken and the judges arrived.
Thank you for the photo.
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Here is an oldie for you from John Skinner

31 January 1982

Received all your Christmas Greetings and BULL No.2 which I wish I could open a bit of a correspondence with some of the Oldboys, the list is fantastic.
I don’t know how you manage to keep it up.
I certainly could not, one thing which did stand out, was that everyone has left T´dad to live in Canada.
Well let’s begin by wishing you all a Prosperous New Year.

Well I am now a member of the 2H Club (Hernia and Haemorrhoids).
I went into the Hospital on the 7th of January and they operated on the 8th, left all to plan on the 15th and all is going well only ting is the boredom as the weather isn’t what you call suitable for a stroll in the garden with the temperature about zero.
The winter has been pretty bad although in Derby we have been fortunate and have not had the floods and any blizzards, but very cold and lots of snow we have been fortunate and have had no frozen pipes.
Martin had one freeze up could not get any water in the kitchen and the toilet froze how ever the young married couple have learnt that there are other things that require keeping warm, so now they have a heater in the bathroom.
Gill is busy with the wedding preparations she has made the cake, it will have is be iced and that is going to be a job.
I suppose mentioned that Joy is getting married to Connor Macmahon, the wedding will be at St. Mary´s on 1st of May. Top hat and tails do, must get down and order the suit, hire of course.
Joy is having to do a lot of travelling back ad forward between London and Derby ( Connor by the way is a Chef) and with them living in London and getting married in Derby it does have difficulties.
We did expect to go to Broadstairs to Mona´s wedding, she is getting married to a Aussie and was to be in July but I heard from Peter and Sheila that his sister is also getting married and they plan a joint wedding some time in August.
So the Motorcycle Scrambling starts in March and we are looking forward to a good season.
I am hopeful of getting the Group Coordinator job for the North East Midlands.
Derby Sporting are in a new group formed this year and it looks to be a very strong group with some of the top riders in the country.
Derby is fortunate to hove the 1981 Superclass Champion and runner-up in the 250cc class.
Robert has got on well and is now an expert, he has done better since he changed from 250cc to the 125cc. mainly due to the 125cc being a better bike, can’t afford a new one this year so we have to give it a good overhaul and right now its being stripped down, new rings, all bearings greased up, etc.
Alison is quite grown up and at 15 she could pass up for 18, when all painted up she is quite tall and it makes her look older.
Studying hard for her “O” levels and seems to be getting on very well.
And it is in these hard times, when so many seem to be having trouble getting work, we have only hope that things change and when the time come to leave school, there are many more opportunities going.
Robert has had a short period last year when he was on short time but has been fortunate till now.
Martin has not been so lucky as he has been on 3 day and 4 day weeks for many months and looking to change jobs is a bit of a risk as you never know which is more stable.
Well I have jumped about a bit and hope to finish this letter tonight.
Gill has gone to bed and I am watching (with one eye) the T.V. and trying to write some sense.
The few birds I have are getting through the winter.
I have bred a lot of the small Chinese Pointed Quail last year was not able to sell them so have wintered them in the shed and hoping when the spring comes I can get rid of the surplus also bred a lot of Bengalese Finches must get rid of them as they breed too fast would like to get some soft bills but they take a lot more care and I haven’t got as much time now with being away every Sunday at the Motocross meetings.

Thanks once again for all your news and hope we keep in touch the years fly and who knows we may one day take a trip your way.

John and Gill
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And that is for now, keep your photos and letters coming in.
For those in the 1960, 1970, 1980 until 1985, If you do not send photos, how can I attach them to the Circulars????

God Bless
Ladislao
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Photos. By Roger and David Ames, 617280, Roger Ames, Armadillo lunch 150 15, hungry 150 15
(These photos are part of the ones received, so they shall be sent in various editions so that your inbox is not overloaded. Ed)
Column: dbratt ,
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Circular No 148

Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad
and Tobago, W.I.
Caracas, 4 of September 2004. Circular No. 148
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Dear Friends,

As for the last few weeks, every fourth, one new O.A.S.I.S.

So here is Bull No.6, May 1983, by Arthur Knaggs
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Dear Beloved:

I have been asked once more on how we arrived at our title and it is quite simple “Overseas Abbey School Interested Students”. So as you roam through the deserts of life looking for the Fountain of Youth – look to your buddies as a source of information and knowledge, and treasure those precious years at our “Alma Mater”.
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Thought of the month: A smart man can work his way out of a difficulty that a wise man would not get into in the first place.
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Here is some news from DAVID DE CASTRO, who lives in Florida and is into the Import / Export trade and wants contacts amongst the “Old boys” . His address is – 226 Winchester Dr., Palm Harbour, Florida, 33563 U.S.A.

His inclusion on our mailing list brought back fond memories of his years at Mount, and he shares deep feelings with all his “compadres”.

He has been in touch with ADRIAN ACHE, DELANO (his brother) and PHILLIP NASSIEF. Adrian and Helen Ache were recently on a Marriage Encounter weekend - Love power to us all.

David has 4 girls and 2 boys, all doing extremely well at school and work. Cassandra, who graduated this year has got an Honour Award, (one of 27 out of 3.000 students). He sends a Christmas letter out each year.

Dave also suggests we revive some old jokes and funny situations for the publication – so send them in.

(See the photo. Ed.)
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Ability is the power of applying knowledge to practical purposes.
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Fr. Cuthbert has written with some news about the Scouts.

They have now 7 boys in a Venture group and 14 new boys joined the group in November. Brother Francis runs the Scout group and Bernard Lange rules the Ventures.

He also tells me that Russell Cunha is P.R. for a “Jolly Roger” cruise (like Barbados) and the troop rented the boat to make some money, - “the cruise was jolly – but the financial success was not so hot”. They hope to send three Scouts to the Canadian Jamboree this year.

Fr. Peter is in good health and full of vitality. The good Lord knows his children.

A whole section of St. John’s road collapsed in January and no traffic could go to or from the Mount – “Cloistered Monks” for a few days.

Will Carter (once a Scout always a Scout) and Kitty Marcus (Girl Friday) are retired in St. Peter’s home (North of the Sports field – I guess, near the Motherhouse.)

Fr. Ildefonse, is charismatically driving his motor bike all over the island. One is never too old to feel young.
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Got a lovely letter from Phillip Nassief (Dominica) who not only sent his subscription in but has made a fantastic contribution to the continuation of our Newsletter.

He is well and heavily involved in his various occupations, and the industrial welfare of Dominica. He also enclosed his company bulletin called “The Nut Shell” which contained one of the most sincere Christmas messages I have come across.

For free men, any form of rule is better than rule of thumb.

Phillip obtained his Bachelor in Chemistry Engineering in 1957 at McGill in Canada and is involved with Coconut By Products, Distilleries and sits on many Boards and Associations.

He has passed on DONALD BOYD,s name who is an Engineer and Contractor in Dominica as well. He has loosed touch with the MEKDESSIES. If anyone knows their whereabouts let me know.

Newest member is PAUL SLINGER (Grenada) he operates Antilles Insurance Ltd., and is H.O. in Trinidad and travels on weekends to Granada – says NIGEL runs an Insurance Brokerage firm, has an Estate, cattle and race horses; plays a keen golf game and has 3 girls and 1 boy.

He also gave me CLIVE BETTENCOURT-GOMES (B.G.) address – he is no longer in Costa Rica, he is now in U.K. – wrote him, Thank for the cheque – more news needed about yourself. Paul is going to seek out BISHOP RAYMOND CHARLES who should be in Grenada.
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CHAIRMAN´S MESSAGE (Phillip Nassief)

As we approach the end of the year, we must pause to take stock of our performance over the last twelve months.

In doing so we must be honest and analytical in order to asses accurately our achievements and our shortfalls. We must apply the principles of credit and debit both to the Company and to ourselves.

We must ask ourselves what I have done for the company over the past year to increase productivity and skills, to improve working relationships and attitude to work, to prevent unfair and unsafe practices?. Have I really helped Management in carrying out their objectives and archiving their targets? These are some of the questions which will help us asses our achievements and identify our shortfalls.

At the end of this exercise, we can then make our resolutions for the New Year and plan an implementation strategy for the new challenge ahead.

The New Year may present some problems because of the marketing difficulties which we are experiencing. It is not only difficult to obtain licences, but it is even more difficult to obtain payment for products supplied. The severe economic problems, particularly in our major markets, will make 1983 a difficult year for the Company.

DCP has had yet another year of success. I thank all of you at DCP for helping us achieve another year of success. I must thank in particular, the Management team for their hard work, commitment and loyalty in steering DCP through this difficult year.

On behalf of the Boars of Directors and myself, I extend best wishes to all at DCP – the workers – and all of DCP – the shareholders – for a joyful Christmas season and a New Year of happiness, health and success.

(Look at the photo. Ed.)
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Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.
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Another new member – Chis Krogh – sent his $10.00 subscription, and reported a Major Fire in Port of Spain which destroyed the entire block between Henry & Charlotte St., on the lower Independence Sq. He reports that despite the depression Trinis were “shaking their behinds” and “win´ing their cares away”.
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Value your life – think.
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BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Year has left out to protect the aged.

Raymond Devaux (Canada) – 21 April
Peter Tarr (Trinidad) – 29 of April
Cont your age by friends not years.
Count your life by smiles not tars.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
Don’t be shy give us your date.
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Remember if you have information on the oldboys mentioned in the above Bull, give us a line or two.

So until Bull No. 7

God Bless
Ladislao
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Photos. David De Castro Family (1983), Phillip Nassief (1983)
Column: dbratt ,
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