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“...CHEFOO SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION.
Presidents :
Mr. & Mrs. F. McCarthy.
Vice-Presidents :
Miss L. Blackmore. Mr. H. G. Judd.
Mr. D. E. Hoste. Miss E. Rice.
The Rev. W. H. Aldis. Miss I. A. Craig.
And the Principals of the Chefoo Schools : Mr. P. A. Bruce (Boys’ and Girls’ Schools). Miss A. Carr (Prep. School).
GREAT BRITAIN BRANCH COMMITTEE.
Chairman of the General Committee :
Mr. W. D. Muddltt,
20, Berkeley Court, Coley Avenue, Reading, Berks. Secretary of the General Committee:
Mr. H. F. Joyce,
Brook Cottage, Scrase Bridge, Haywards Heath, Sussex. Acting Branch Secretary :
Miss D. Briscoe,
35, West End Avenue, Pinner, Middx.
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 Mrs. G. Nunns Mr. E. H. Weller
Mr. J. S. Green.
Mr. J. M. Slimmon. Miss W. G. Rouse.
China Secretary:
Miss I. Taylor...”
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“...JULY, 1945.
Newsletter No. 35
Chefoo Schools Association
»Great Britain Branch.
Editorial.
The cease-fire has sounded in Europe ; and now we wait and .work for its sounding in Asia and the Pacific. We Chefusians, at least, are in no danger of forgetting that war still rages. The thought of those yet in captivity is too much with us for that—and the thought of our many friends and school-fellows engaged on the far-eastern battle fronts. Together we toil and pray for such an end of war as may make true peace possible ; and already we may take our part in laying the foundations of peace. Our Chefoo upbringing has given us a distinctive view-point and a peculiar obligation as citizens of the world, members of a Christian International. God helping us, we must be faithful to that trust.
This News-letter brings with it (as usual in these momentous days) mingled grief and joy ; but always it is joy which “ cometh in the morning ”. Don’t forget, if you appreciate receiving news of old friends,...”
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“...The Future of the C.S.A.
Dear Members,
At the Chefoo Reunion in January last the affairs of the Association were discussed. Although no accounts were available the Treasurer reported that the cash position did not then appear to be so critical as had been feared.
It was also reported that during recent war years it had not been practicable for the Committee to meet and act as an executive body. Nevertheless, it was felt that the affairs of the Association now required immediate attention and it was decided to co-opt some “ emergency ” members to assist in the place of those who were unable to act under present conditions.
The four following O.C.’s were elected for this purpose :
Doris Briscoe, Robertson Sinton, Mary Bird, Doris Rouse.
The “ Emergency ” Committee met in London early in June. Without a proper Statement of Accounts from the absent Treasurer it was not possible to review the financial position. The question of executive affairs was, however, discussed. John Green tendered his...”
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“...voices ” in many well-remembered Chefoo songs, and unitedly partook of a “ scrumptious ” Chinese meal prepared by Mrs. Jacobsen, Mrs. Swenson, Mrs. Englund and Mrs. Beckon.
Hoots of laughter resulted from comical reminiscences, also the following : “ So and So ” met “ So and So ” at Pooh Bridge. . . .«
Result : “ They were drowned in the Gulley ”,—and the like.
Following prayer for Chefusians " at home and abroad ” we adjourned with the determination of having such reunions more often.
Due to the courtesy of Eric Cedervall, with his car Wheatonites made their train, and student nurses managed to return to the Hospital before their doors were locked.
Those present were : Elsie and Ruth Jacobsen, Eric Cedervall, Ruth and Kenyon Glittenberg, Jack Fitzwilliam, David Thomas, Rhoda Jeanne Thomas, Winifred Englund, Mary Pearl Nowack, Lora and Myrtle Holton, Joan Swenson, Alvin Desterhaft, Fronsie Beckon,' Pearl Swenson.
HR.M.G.
On February 26th, 1945 a Chefoo Reunion was held at Wheaton, Illinois...”
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“...Melbourne Re-union—December2nd, 1944.
Thanks to Miss Rowe, the C.I.M. Home was again the venue for the annual Melbourne Reunion. Miss Rowe went to no end of trouble with buffet tea to begin with, and supper at the close of the evening, and all Chefusians were most grateful for her generous hospitality.
This Reunion was rather a special one, as Bishop and Mrs. Houghton were present, and after tea the Bishop gave the latest news of Chefoo-ites in internment. There followed a couple of games outside—kick can and French cricket. Alf Pike and Bill Lapper were in charge of the games. Indoors there were Consequences, Railway Riot, Brother are you there ?, and Murder. Supper, presentation to Miss Rowe and the singing of the 23rd Psalm concluded the 1944 Reunion.
Among those present were Bishop and Mrs. Houghton, Mrs. Boxer, Dorothy and Alan, Mr. and Mrs. Embery, Eric and Flo, Doris Embery, Muriel and Bill Lapper and Betty Lapper, John and Mrs. Herbert and three children, Jack and Margaret Burgess...”
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“...News from Chefoo Schools, Weihsien.
Mr. Gordon Welch writes : “ All well here, enjoying mild autumn days (November 26th). Needs supplied. Children’s education progressing slowly. Weekly evangelistic opportunities, much prayer needed together with John Kensit. Wonderful adaptations children’s clothing. Footwear difficult, but needs met in one way or another. Eva camp job preparing vegetables, mine bakery manager, producing eight hundred kilos bread daily ! Also assist on discipline committee. Fragments Mission news reach us through school children’s letters.”
Mrs. Lack writes : “ Summer millions beyond control ! Better now. Bed even desired haven these days. Still keeping 34 boys clothed. Available curtains make good trousers. Blankets, mattress covers now meet needs. Mrs. Houghton, Misses Williams and Cobb with me. We are not tailors—doing our best. Washing very heavy—four hundred pieces weekly, primitive methods, mostly brush and water.. Greetings.”
Miss Stark writes : “ Longing for news...”
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“...M’m—good-night.”
. . . And After-thoughts.
Before the July News-Letter is printed, organised resistance in Europe will probably be at an end.
How eagerly will the eyes of Chefusians then search for news of the sweeping away of the Japs from our beloved land of China.
What memories will crowd into our minds, as various places come into the limelight—even if the foregoing echoes of the past don’t ring a bell for you.
In what sort of state will the premises in Chefoo be when the Japanese occupation is over ?
How would it be to have a Chefoo Schools Reconstruction Fund into which those of us who feel like it could put a thank-offering for mercies vouchsafed to us during our own experience of the war ? CONTIE STARK.
8...”
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“...to be posted for special duties in China. I have been back here in China for about five months now and am feeling very much at home. Even after nearly eight years away it doesn’t take long to get back to Chinese food, Chinese language, and Chinese customs.
While out here I have met a few Chefusians: Mjr. J. McMULLEN, A. SODERBOM and W. H. MITCHELL (all of whom were well before my time).
There is little news I can give which would be of general interest. The weather in this part is not unlike Chefoo and we have just finished with a real North China Dust Storm. The fruit season is now just beginning, with cherries and strawberries, apricots and...”
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“...pears ; and within a week or so peaches will be coming on to the market. All these remind one very much of Chefoo with its fruit orchards—and the weather around spring holiday time. I saw an aerial photo of Chefoo the other day. The compound looks very deserted but, as far as I could tell, just the same as before. There does appear, however, to be new building in the B.S. front garden, but what it might be one cannot tell.”
CALVIN COOK writes, “ I have just finished my second year at Rhodes University College, Grahamstown, and have one more year to do before I get my B.A.—that is, provided I pass. Last year I was fortunate in winning a fairly large scholarship which is tenable for three and a half years and will therefore see me through my M.A. I also won a prize for an essay on ' The Puritans and Education For these successes I have the good old Chefoo training to thank. Coming from China as I did, I was quite a curio when I first arrived, and people who were sceptical about missionaries...”
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“...June 23rd).
HAROLD LEDGARD and FAITH HUTTON have recently become engaged. They have not met since they were at Chefoo, but both feel assured of God’s direction. Faith has received great kindness and consideration from the educational authorities and the Minister of the Interior and has been granted her release from teaching and a priority passage to England.
(Stop Press : We understand that the
wedding has now taken place—quite a Chefoo occasion ! Our congratulations and good wishes.)
MABEL LINDSAY (nee FISHE) is living with her mother in Bath and doing a part-time secretarial job.
KATHIE LYALL (nee JUDD) has arrived in England on furlough.
STANLEY MAIR is now in India as a Chaplain with the 2nd Battalion of the Black Watch. He says, “ I want to seize the chance of some contact with Chefoo again and perhaps get in touch with some of the folks I once knew. The only contact with Chefoo I’ve had in India was when I was endeavouring to get a Royal Marine officer to church service and discovered...”
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“...ADRIAN DANSEY SMITH are both in Italy still, with no news yet of a move elsewhere. They met RAYMOND KING (Captain, R.A.M.C.) not long ago, while on leave together in Florence.
JEAN TAYLOR, a new member, writes about quite a number of Chefusians. She says, “ I have recently seen a Chefoo magazine for the first time and would very much like to subscribe to it regularly. I don’t know whether you will have had news of the following people : they are all from the “Moukden Party ”, JEAN GARVEN and MARGARET WEBSTER both came over to this country from Vancouver, B.C. at the same time, arriving last fall. Jean is going to school in Glasgow and Margaret in Aberdeen. The three of us, who were all in the same form at Chefoo, find that we have dropped behind quite a lot since then, what with different schools in different countries, but we hope to write the School Certificate next year.
DICK JOHNSTON’S family, whom I saw when passing through Winnipeg, have moved West since Mr. Johnston was repatriated...”
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“...AGNES TOCHER was married to Captain A. E. Michael Smith of the 'Intelligence Corps in Mill Hill on March 22nd. Our best wishes.
EVELYN and IRENE TOONE have just taken their S.R.N. examinations. The results are not yet out.
DOROTHY is living with her husband in Glasgow. Evelyn writes, “ We had quite a Chefoo reunion in Manchester a few weeks ago when we had a team of C.I.M. missionaries here for a week-end. There were HENRY GUINNESS, DAVID BENTLEY TAYLOR and ourselves. MRS. BENTLEY TAYLOR (nee MOORE) was not here, unfortunately. Strangely enough, she was at Chefoo with us— and mother was there with her mother ! As you can imagine we found plenty to talk about, even though we had all been at Chefoo at different times.
JOSEPHINE WAKELING (nee BROOMHALL) has her husband back in England from the Middle East. He arrived in January and Josephine has been able to live with him in Deal. He has been awarded the M.C. for his part in a commando raid on enemy-occupied Jugoslav territory. Anthony their son...”
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“...Chefusians I was deeply grieved at the death in action of Terence McCarthy. We all knew ‘ Tim ’ as being the finest of sportsmen. His supreme sacrifice places the seal on a life of useful and manly example. He was all that his father and mother taught us to be at Chefoo. No man could take his crown ”.
JOHN CROFTS writes :
“ Father, retired from China, arrived in the U.S. February 2nd, 1945. ALFRED expects to sail this Spring for operations in the Pacific area. His wife and two children are in Roswell, New Mexico. VERNA sends a newsletter to 130 or so of the ‘ old boys ’ of her High School now in the Services. SAIMA (TAKKEN) keeps busy with her three children, and we with our two.' We see HAROLD RIRIE occasionally but no other Chefoo-ites of late.”
CAPTAIN HAROLD GONDER and Dorothy Van of Victoria, British Columbia (a nurse in the Canadian Army) were married in England in March, 1945. Congratulations !
MRS. O. RICHARDSON (ELEANOR
22...”
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“...in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps at the U.S. Veterans’ Administration in Hines, Illinois. It is a government hospital for veterans of World War I, but now also treats men from the present war.
THORNTON WILDER is now a Lieutenant-Colonel in the U.S. Army (Air Corps).
CARRINGTON GOODRICH writes :
“ My son has been in England since last October, his base being somewhere between Norwich and King’s Lynn. He has just reported happily on his first pass—a three-day excursion to London.
“ HOMER H. DABS, Chefoo 1900 (I think), who is visiting professor of Chinese philosophy at Columbia, spent
a week-end in Toronto in March, 1945 at the invitation of the Royal Ontario Museum authorities.”
MRS. ROBERT MOYNAN (MARY GOFORTH) writes :
“ Like so many Chefooites I feel I have a big stake in this war with my husband and two brothers in it ; and now my son, Fred, is in the Navy on the H.M.C.S. Huron, a Canadian destroyer. As the years go by I am more and more proud to be a Chefooite and to belong to a fraternity...”
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