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“...CHEFOO SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
Presidents :
Mr. & Mrs. F. McCarthy.
Miss E. Rice. Miss I. A. Craig.
Vice-Presidents :
Miss L. Blackmore. Mr. H. G. Judd.
Mr. D. E. Hoste.
The Rev. W. H. Aldis.
Arid the Principals of the Chefoo Schools' Mr. P. A. Bruce (Boys’ and Girls' Schools). Miss A. Carr (Prep. School).
GREAT BRITAIN BRANCH COMMITTEE. Chairman :
Mr. W. D. Mudditt,
26, Berkeley Court, Coley Avenue, Reading, Berks.
/ Ex-Officio :
Mr. H. F. Joyce,
Brook Cottage, Scrase Bridge, Haywards Heath, Sussex.
' Hon. Secretary :
Mr. J. S. Green,
C.I.M., Newington Green, London, N.I6.
Hon. Treasurer : .
Mr. B. B. Burnett,
59 Lenmore Avenue, Grays, Essex.
Editor :
The Rev. J. G. Weller,
182, Maldon Road, Colchester, Essex.
News Editor :
Miss Mary Weller,
University College Hospital, Nurses’ Home, Huntley Street, London, W.C.I.
Mr. D/ Barling. Mr. J. M. Slimmon.
Miss G. Briscoe. Miss E. J. Williamson.
Mr. E. H. Weller Miss W. G. Rouse.
Scottish Secretary :
Miss M. Findlay,
c/o 72 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh...”
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“...Newsletter No. 33
JULY,. 1944.
Chefoo Schools Great Britain
Association % Branch.
Editorial.
These words are written just a week after the opening of the assault on Western Europe. Comment on such swift and incalculable events would be out of date almost before the ink had time to dry. If only we could know what every Chefusian was doing even at this moment—and, if there were no need of censorship—what notable volumes might be added to the few pages of news we are in fact able to print ; but suppositions such as that are of little profit. We are left with many uncertainties about one another’s welfare. Yet the one unchanging certainty through it all is God—the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. If God is our hope and strength, if we know ourselves judged and redeemed by His love, if His will is our peace and the steadfast purpose of our lives—then nothing can divide us or make us afraid. And a greater victory is assured us than the victory of the Allied cause : we may share the victory...”
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“...Chefoo News from Weihsien.
From Miss Beatrice Stark :
“ Well, happy. Started school again. Have excellent stoves. Adequate coal, wood, so our rooms are warmer than last year. Ailsa (Carr) and I often enjoy meals at home. Had old Chefusian Reunion this week, with Staff about 120 present. Bryson (1884) Andrew, Howell, gave amusing reminiscences. Sang school songs, had light refreshments. Bruce ended with Prayers. We had Bishop and Miss Scott to tea last Sunday and played records of Church Music. Getting lovely apples, dried persimmons, dates, oranges and sweets at canteen. Chefoo ladies hockey (Dolphins) top of the league ! Longing for news. Much love to all.” <
From James Bruce :
“ Family all well. I like Weihsien much better than Temple Hill camp. School work daily, morning or afternoon. Enjoying football, hockey, etc., after 10 months’ absence of games. Concerts, lectures, etc., nearly every evening. Chefoo school plays Weihsien school in games. Many Old Chefusians here. Literary and Debating...”
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“...Stark, W. R. O. Taylor, Evelyn Taylor, Walter Tyler, Mrs. A. C. Vale, Mary and Margaret Weller, R. Weatherhead and Amy Wilson.
Toronto Re-union.
A Reunion was held in Toronto on February 12th, 1944, in the Hall of Immanuel Baptist Church, Toronto, to welcome the Chefu-sians who had been repatriated on the Grjpsholm. Dorothea Foucar, Mary Bell and Lawrence Olsen were able to be present ; and Dorothea gave an account of her experiences in a camp in Shanghai, and Mary of camp life at Temple Hill, Chefoo. There was a good turn out in spite of a blizzard. Ti-ti Coulthard had charge of the games, and any one who has attended a Reunion in Toronto will know that, with Ti-ti in charge of the games, a good time is always had by all. Ronald Weller just arrived in Toronto the day before on leave and was a great help in putting up the decorations suitable for a Valentine party. Among those present were :
Miss Craig, Mr. Brownlee, Dorothea Foucar, May Bell, Lawrence Olsen, Arthur Parry, Gwen Parry Heard...”
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“...Haldane (Leona Davies’ husband), Eric and Kath Bird, Alf and Armis Pike, Handley and Alec Entwistle, Eleanor Booth, Win Platt, Mary Mathews, Gertrude McIntyre, Eileen Jones, Santi Robinson and Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Bailer, Mr. Embery.
The “ star clown ” was reported to be Eric Bird, and the “ hit of the evening ” was “ Brother, are you there ? ” Among other games, Charades and Consequences came into their own as usual. The years 1895 to 1941 were represented without a break— that is, in relation to Chefoo. Th'ree-year-old Alistair Herbert presented flowers to Miss Rowe, expressing Chefusians’ gratitude for her kind hospitality. Alf Pike read letters of thanks from members irt the Forces for parcels received. After singing the 23rd Psalm Jack Burgess closed proceedings with prayer.
ADELAIDE has been holding reunions quarterly, and the last was held by the seaside at the home of Grace (Middleton) Davidsom Among those present were :
Ina (Trudinger) Meares and two children, Mel and Mrs. Middleton...”
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“...Ten Months of Camp at Chefoo.
BY BARBARA HULSE.
(Barbara and her brother, Hugh, are now attending High School in Montreal, P. Que., Canada).
The war started on December 7th, 1941, but we were not interned until almost a year later on November 5th. During that time all prices were doubled and tripled. We were not allowed to go off the compound and the Chinese were not allowed in, except our servants who had to wear arm-bands showing who they were. So all the buying was done over the walls and at the gates. It was almost impossible to get new clothes of any kind, and food problems increased. There was considerable difficulty in getting our money from headquarters in Shanghai. Later on we were allowed out if we wore arm-bands signifying our* nationality. Difficulty in making a living for the Chinese led to constant robberies inside the compound, and the Chinese were greatly ill-treated by the Japanese.
These conditions grew worse when the Japanese came in and started pulling down all the trees...”
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“...out our way of sending them, we had to stop. Then afterwards we asked them if we could write and they gave us permission to write a hundred words once in three weeks.
In the following August we had word that the Americans and all those who had applied for repatriation had to be packed up and ready to leave in three weeks. We had been hearing rumours about it all along, but nothing definite. This caused a great deal of excitement. There were fifty-five of us leaving from Chefoo, including the business people. From Chefoo we went by boat to Tsingtao and then up to Weihsien where we joined the repatriates from there. On the whole journey home God protected us and guided us through the dangerous parts.
Looking back on these ten months one could see part of God’s purpose in taking us through that time. We had meetings every Sunday and some of the Japanese used to come to them. We learnt a great deal spiritually as well as mentally during that time, and I am sure that every one would say that...”
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“...an apprenticeship with a firm of Accountants in Toronto).
It is always a sad occasion when we have to bid farewell to friends who have endured with us any privation and trial. It was especially hard for us repatriates to say good-bye to our dear friends in Chefoo whom we had to leave behind when we left China. On the morning of August 28th, 1943, fifty-five Americans and Canadians boarded the “ Rockusan Maru ”—the old “ Hsin Peking,” and still older “Tungchow,” which was pirated nine years ago when there were seventy Chefoo children on board. We sailed the following day for Tsingtao, and from there by train to Weihsien, where we stayed for about fifteen days. We were there long enough to welcome the rest of the Chefoo people as Chefoo Camp was broken up and all the internees were brought to Weihsien. This meant saying our “good-byes ” again, but we were glad to be able to continue our journey on the 15th of September.
The party which left Weihsien numbered 289 persons. The Japanese packed...”
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“...this indeed was kind of them and we did appreciate it very much. In Rio de Janeiro, Mr. and Mrs. John Fiddler very kindly entertained the Chefusians. Mr. Fiddler took us to Sugar Loaf mountain. We had to get to it by cable car, which was a new thing to most of us. After this we had a delicious supper in their home. We certainly enjoyed ourselves there and appreciated this kindness from an old Chefoo boy.
Again and for the last time we set sail for New York. During our journey from Chefoo to New York, we crossed the equator four times and had a bit of ail four seasons in ninety-seven days ! We had a Chefoo Reunion during the last lap of the journey at which we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Several Old Boys and Girls spoke and we sang our old songs, ending with “ Lord of all power and might.” We also celebrated American Thanksgiving Day. A service was held in the morning, and in the evening we all enjoyed a turkey dinner.
We owe a lot to the American Red Cross for their goodness to us throughout...”
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“...instills From just the gentle lapping of the waves—
This is the sound my restless spirit craves !
DOROTHY LOOSL^Y.
Reprint from the Carmel Pine Cone Cymbal, Carmel, California (the artist colony’s paper). x
The Worm Turns.
It was Christmas. We had almost tired of the same carols over and over for weeks beforehand, and the bright idea came to look for the little brown and green note-book (remember the type used at Chefoo in the 1920’s ?) which contained the words of carols sung in the good old days by the stayers-behind. And what a' treasure was found ! Among a medley of French idioms, Chefoo songs and other sundries was a long-forgotten collection of howlers made by the Staff, chiefly G.S., the author’s initials being quoted after each. Can you guess them ? Here are a few of the howlers (without the initials).
“ This is a very untidy exercise to be given in to a lady who is not fit to be seen.”
“ Bend over the stick and I’ll apply the chair.” (B.S., of course).
“ My dear Lois, if you are going...”
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“...ostentation. We spent lovely times together over the Word of God a'nd she delighted’to hear it and songs of love and praise recited. She suffered much and long with a victorious spirit, and now she has obtained that joyous rest so longed for and that peace like a river glorious. How we shall miss her.” There will be many who remember Mrs. Coulthard with affection and gratitude—and whose thoughts at this time will be with Mr. Coulthard and with all the family in their loss.
terence McCarthy.
The Chefoo Roll of Honour has had another illustrious name added to it by the death in action, in Italy, in January, of Terence McCarthy, affectionately remembered as “ Tim ” by all who knew him. Tim served with great gallantry in the Canadian Forces in the first war, being awarded the Military Medal. As the war clouds gathered over Europe for the second time he felt strongly that the coming struggle would be between everything that, believed in God against the forces of paganism. When war was declared...”
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“...true insight into her own outlook upon life : “ Not failure,
but low aim, is crime,” and “ Self reverence, self knowledge, self control, these three alone lead life to sovereign power.” She has passed to her reward, but her words and influence for good live on in the hearts of those who loved her and many will rise up to call her bfessed.
By an Old Chefoo Girl.
For all who knew and loved Mrs. Howard Stooke I feel that the news of her homegoing would be a call to thanksgiving that the long years of weakness and suffering are over and that she is with the Master whom she so faithfully served. My memories of her date from 1905 when I went to Chefoo and she and her sister. Miss Maggie Bailer, were on the Girls’ School Staff. I feel it is impossible to express what their'influence meant to us girls, but I know I do not speak for myself alone when I say that I thank God upon every remembrance of them. Miss Alice Bailer’s marriage to Mr. Howard Stooke was a great event in our school life and led...”
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“...prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in Me,” just revealed the whole trend of her religious aspirations. She longed to have a life so well pleasing to God that there should be ” nothing ” in her to grieve Him.
The fragrant memory of that life of service will linger long in the hearts of all who knew her.
T. GEAR WILLETT.
The news of Mr. T. Gear Willett’s passing made me think back over the years to the old Chefoo days when he was in charge of the “ B.D.” His unfailing cheerfulness and courtesy made it a pleasure to go there. He was always helpful, too, when asked for advice, whether about shopping or about more important matters.
His influence on the compound was a spiritual force. Whether in meetings or in social intercourse one felt that here was a man who walked with God. In later years I found how faithful was his remembrance before God of old friends who were in special need.
Miy Mrs. Willett be comforted and upheld in her great loss.
Margaret L. Smith.
One very practical claim...”
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“...are near by.
ARTHUR COOK has passed his second M.B. In the annual exam he came out first for his year and gained a £25 prize.
CALVIN COOK spent a two-months holiday in Durban, where he saw BEAU HOWELL. Calvin’s grandmother, Mrs. Wight, was also there ; she had just come from Chefoo with the Americans evacuated on the “ Gripsholm.”
MARJORIE COOK (nee STOBIE) took her finals in April of last year and is now a State Registered Nurse. On March 9th she “ produced a son and heir and has therefore forsaken her former occupation for one much more exciting.”
MRS. COULTHARD (nee WARREN) passed away on April 28th. Before her marriage she was on the Boys’ School Staff. We would extend our sympathy to Mr. Coulthard, who was at Chefoo for many years.
THE REV. A. DUFFY, father of
DR. RUTH DIMOND (Meimei Duffy) passed away at Guildford on January 12th and was buried at Chislehurst.
MR. J. N. DUNCAN writes, “ I am now licensed as Lay Reader in this parish (W. Buckland, Taunton) and may read the lessons, take...”
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“...He has recently become engaged to MISS BETTY RAYNER. She is not a Chefusian but will be known to several of them. Jo.e would like to know whether there are any other people from Chefoo in the neighbourhood of Sheffield. He hopes to see his parents before long.
CONNIE MANN is now in the Q.A.I.M.N.S.R. and is nursing at Hitchin, Herts. She is enjoying life very much.
ARTHUR MATTHEWS is a 2nd lieutenant in the 12th Frontier Force Regimental Centre, India Command, India.
TERENCE MCCARTHY. We are very sorry to hear that TERENCE McCARTHY has been killed in action in Italy. He was in the same form as JOHN GREEN. - In a letter to MR. and MRS. McCARTHY his chaplain said, “ Corporal McCarthy, as you will know, was my personal friend and adviser. So great has been his help and service that he was known in the regiment as the Padre’s assistant. I cannot speak too highly of his character and bearing at all times. Although he was not a young man he was allowed to remain with the fighting troops because...”
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“... She finds Cambridge a most interesting place to live in.
DAVID is still at Epsom College and is taking his Higher School Certificate in Science in July. Next year he hopes to enter for a scholarship to Cambridge. EVELYN and NOEL TAYLOR spent a week-end at the Sergeant's home recently.
GENE SINTON was married to Surg.-Lieut. Alan John on April 15th at Edgware Parish Church by the Rev. H. A. H. Lea. Robertson gave her away, Isabel was bridesmaid, and John Hirst best man, so it was certainly a Chefoo affair. Mrs. Lea gave the reception. Gene’s husband has a shore job at present, so they are able to have a home.
ROBERTSON ended his alternating career as patient and medical student by qualifying in February ; our hearty congratulations ! He is now a House Physician at the London Hospital Annexe at Brentwood.
ISABEL is still at King’s College Hospital and has been relieving the Assistant Night Sister’s holidays. She enjoys the work although it is very different from the midwifery she has been...”
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“...YORKSTON is now in England with the R.A.A.F. He writes, " After graduating as a navigator in Canada I had some leave. I took the opportunity of contacting a number of Chefusians in Toronto and had the privilege of attending their monthly Prayer Meeting. My journey took me via Niagara and Buffalo to New York, where I spent Christmas with relatives. I also made a quick visit to Washington where I called on Lieut. PAUL S. DAVIS and his wife. On my return I stopped off at Philadelphia to meet a few more Chefoo folk. I have looked up several addresses supplied by the C.S.A. since coming to this country. As opportunity affords I hope to renew more friendships. I have been doing advanced training both in Scotland and England.
GORDON YORKSTON, who has also recently arrived in England, has his commission with the R.A.A.F. as a Wireless Air Gunner. It was his fortune (or otherwise) to travel via the Cape.”
HAZEL YOUNG is in the last year of her medical studies.
NORTH AMERICA.
A number of Old Chefusians went...”
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“...acquaintance after all these years with my old Chefoo room-mate.”
WILLIAM THOMAS, who is in England, with the R.C. Signallers, writes : “ Thanks a million for the
grand parcel of food you sent on behalf of the C.S.A. Soldiering is a hungry business and all the good things to eat have certainly been appreciated . . .”
HAROLD GONDER writes : “ Thanks so much for the parcel sent by the Chefoo Schools Association. It reached me last evening (Christmas Eve)—a perfect delivery record! — and its contents are certainly appreciated, not least because most of them are edible ! . . . I have not barged into any other old Chefooites, even through coincidence ... I finished my tour as A.D.C. last August and am now back on regimental duty and hope to remain with my battalion until the whole show is over.”
MISS IDA A. CRAIG, for so many years Principal of the Girls’ School,
was unanimously appointed by the Executive in Toronto as Vice-President for the Chefoo Schools Association in North America. Even a...”
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“...and her brother HANS FOUCAR, has now taken up nursing again in Philadelphia.
JACK BELL is taking an accountant’s course with the firm of Clarkson, Gordon, Dilworth and Nash in Toronto. His work often takes him to Windsor, Ontario, where he has met MYRTLE LUDBROOK who is in the middle of her nursing course there at the Salvation Army Hospital.
HAROLD WARREN is working for the Canadian Government as an architect and has recently been in Nova Scotia.
Nine or more of the younger children from the Chefoo Schools repatriated on the Gripsholm are living in a hostel near the C.I.M. in Philadelphia and attending one of the Philadelphia Public Schools.
25...”
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“...repatriated from Japan at the end of 1942, and John travelled from China to Africa, meeting them there.
DAVID THOMPSON and his two brothers have their home in Napier, New Zealand. At least one of them is reported to be in the Army, and somewhere “ in the Islands.” David went through B.T.I. a few years ago, but we can glean no more news at present.
KITTY WATERS and JEAN LYONS decided one day to go for a row on the Yarra, each thinking the other
had gone in for boating at Chefoo. (Neither had). It was all right when they got going, but a bad start was made by rowing slap-bang across the river into the other bank before a delightful audience, shouting instructions ! ! !
IAN and GORDON YORKSTON are both in the R.A.A.F. ; the latest news from GORDON gave his address as South Australia, while Ian was training in Canada. • (Both have since arrived in England : see Great Britain news).
Stop Press. STANLEY WELLER has been to Normandy—and back. He was wounded in the same leg as in North Africa, but...”
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