Newsletter of Wesley College(Colombo) Old Boys’ Union Australia Branch Incorporated

2001 ISSUE 2 DECEMBER

From the President….

Gentlemen,

The Committee this year has worked hard to continue the high standards of service and ensure the OBU in Melbourne maintains its position as a rallying point for all Old Wesleyites in Australia.

The Wesley web page has taken us into the electronic communication arena and ensures a greater availability of information to all old boys scattered around the globe.

We have in October celebrated another successful Double Blue Ball, the Annual Dinner Dance of our Melbourne branch.

This issue of the Newsletter comes to you at Christmas time. Traditionally a time for joyous celebration, giving and receiving of gifts, carol singing and general good cheer.

Among all this celebration if we take time to look around us we see great disharmony, disunity, war and bloodshed spreading around us. To reflect however on our school days at Wesley and fondly remember the unity of that fraternal band of Double Blue, which bound us together irrespective of caste, creed, race or religion, is to relive an age of harmony and unity.

Let us hope that people all over the world, will do their best to live in peace with their neighbours, and we will all enjoy peace on earth and goodwill among men.

On behalf of the Committee, I wish all of you a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

ORA ET LABORA

AIMS OF THE OLD BOYS’ UNION AUSTRALIA BRANCH INC.

1. To unite in one fraternal band those who were educated at Wesley College, Colombo.

2. To afford an opportunity of bringing together past and present pupils of Wesley College.

3. To assist in meeting the needs of the College as they arise.

4. To do all things necessary to preserve the honour and dignity of the College.

REG BARTHOLOMEUSZ

		All correspondence should be sent to: The Editor – Double Blue Bulletin Box 123 Glenway M.D.C. Mulgrave 3170 VICTORIA - AUSTRALIA FAX +613 9562 5880

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Editorial………..

The tragic events of September 11^th and the acts of terror that the world is facing at the moment are no more important than the problems in Sri Lanka.

The recent terrorist attack on the Katunayaka Airforce base and the International airport brings home to us expatriate Sri Lankans the ongoing tragedy that has engulfed our country of birth.

The absolute destruction of a beautiful country, her people and the economy that sustains them brings a tear to the eye or a foul profanity depending on the prevailing emotion.

I reflect on my schooldays at Wesley College and try desperately to think of an occasion when there was a schoolyard altercation brought about by an argument about race or religion. I had the privilege of studying with Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers, Muslims, Malays, Chinese and Maldivians and still value the great friendships that were formed.

We all acknowledge the politics involved and lament the fact that leaders of the duly elected government and their counter parts on the other side, irrespective of whether they have a just case or not, are not able to sit down and come up with a solution.

Are we sadly to become another Ireland or Middle East? Are we to become a people whose children have known nothing but hate for one another? I hope not and pray that the powers that be realise this fact.

Insignificant as it might seem there is part to be played by institutions such as Wesley, in this process of reconciliation. The respect with which we treated each other in every facet of our daily school lives must be underlined and instilled into the new generations.

To the majority of us, Australia is our country of adoption and it would be simple to brush off the problem in Sri Lanka as not ours. But community leaders, old school organisations and other Sri Lankan institutions must at some stage speak in one voice and echo what we all feel, that enough is enough.

As the year draws to a close and we celebrate Christmas let us spare a thought for the less fortunate and hope for Peace in the world.

Editor

C’est Mystique – “that mysterious power”

“That mysterious power” - the literal translation was the title of the recent dinner dance of the OBU Australia Branch held at Camelot Receptions in Clayton. It must have referred to the power of the “Double Blues” who were there in numbers. So it was that Old Wesleyites, their partners and friends gathered for the Melbourne Branch’s night of nights. On arrival one was struck by the elegance of the ladies and gentlemen beautifully dressed for the occasion. In front of a large College flag suspended from the roof in the centre of the foyer, a blonde haired harpist entertained the guests. Amidst the handshakes and welcomes, a swarm of waiters and waitresses flitted in between the guests with an assortment of pre-dinner drinks and finger food. The service was excellent and the food delicious. As one wag was heard to remark “harpist at the start, fully pissed by night end”. Soon guests were ushered to their seats by the Committee leaving behind the lilting strains of the harp.

The Dance Committee chaired by the talented and artistic Rienzie Mahamooth had created a beautiful ambience in this unique semi-circular auditorium. The theme was gold with a hint of burgundy to add a rich contrast. Large burgundy roses with splashes of gold formed the stunning centre piece on each table. Tables covered with crisp white linen cloths and chairs draped with white linen covers and trimmed with gold sashes added a touch of grandeur. Above the round dance floor gold brocade draped the ceiling which was firmly held in place with large burgundy rose blooms. The firm evidence of it being a Wesley function were screen printed light blue and dark blue fabric panels bearing rows of the college crest. The panels were illuminated from behind. One crest on each light blue panel was in the colour of each Senior School House or Junior School House with the House named. It was a very subtle but effective way of acknowledging our beloved Alma Mater. The lighting complimented the décor and created an intimate atmosphere in the ballroom that greeted guests as they took their seats.

A good cross-section of Old Wesleyites from various eras were present. Glynn Lappen and Gerald de Zilwa amongst the oldest to Keith Rozairo a much younger man. Present were Wesley stalwarts Norman de la Harpe, Alston Koch, Dr Mahen Mennon, Dr Jackie Carnie, Lasath Algama, Tissa Abeydeera, Nihal Obeysekera and Delmer Achilles to name a few. Inter-State visitors from Sydney and Canberra, Darrell Maye representing the New South Wales Branch and Athula Fernando from the ACT made the special effort to be present and Michael La Brooy back in Melbourne from the Phillipines for a brief sojourn also found time to attend. Mover and groover Edjoy Sinnen looking at his sartorial best was in good form flitting from table to table catching up with friends and very much in the party mood. The Dance Committee had worked hard to obtain a range of excellent gifts that were prizes on the lucky souvenir draw and the fund raising raffle. In these difficult times sincere thanks to the many sponsors who supported the Dance. Through the evening music was provided by “Replay” 6 featuring Old Wesleyite Bev Nathanielsz as one of three vocalists and who also filled in as MC for the evening. The revellers ensured there was no vacant space on the dance floor for every bracket as the party rolled on..

The Latin cabaret accompanied dinner with the often spectacular dance routines performed by dusky lithesome ladies and their energetic male partners.. At midnight the customary singing of the College Song followed by the “War Cry” was once again the highlight of the evening.

The dance was well supported by the many Old Boys in Melbourne. Had the venue been larger at least another sixty tickets would have been sold. The demand for tickets was exceptional with the “sold out” sign going up weeks before the dance. Two other dances in the community on the same evening were also sold out and highlights the high esteem in which the Wesley Dance is held. It augurs well for next year. Over the past few years the Wesley College Dance has maintained a high standard and has provided excellent value for the dollar. Congratulations to the hard working Dance Committee of Rienzie Mahamooth, Bryan Wijeyekoon and Reg Bartholomeusz for another great show. The general feedback has been positive and complimentary. That mysterious power of the Double Blues once again prevailed upon us. So until next time - C’EST LA VIE!

Addab 2001

Miss Iris Blacker

Reading the article on Mr Raju Hensman written by Keith De Kretser, brought back memories to me of another great teacher who literally put the fright of Moses into her pupils, even before they reached her class. I am referring to Miss Iris Blacker.

The spectre of Iris Blacker was much a part of every students life from Grade two (standard two), you were made aware of the fact by every student and teacher, that in four years time you would be in her class.

The years rolled on and the relief at seeing the end of standard four, and welcoming the Christmas holidays, wasn’t as exciting as it should have been. The spectre had finally become a reality and at the end of January you knew that three terms with Iris Blacker awaited you.

Iris Blacker was a stickler for just about everything, but specifically punctuality and personal neatness. The routine first thing for the day was a parade outside the classroom where an inspection akin to an army boot camp would take place. Shoes had to be polished, finger nails had to be clean and uniforms had to be spotless. This process took place for a second time after the lunch break. If memory serves me right, it was the only class where the first bell didn’t have to remind you to wash up and be presentable.

To those who don’t remember her, she was the spitting image of the character “Rosa Kleb” in the James Bond classic From Russia With Love. Miss Blacker’s mode of transport was her faithful bicyle that she rode to school and back daily, it would have been a very brave boy that dared play a prank on her, or her bicycle.

Besides, expecting the best from her students, and the lack of performance resulting in two or three cuts with the cane, Miss Blaker was no different to any other teacher, quite willing to listen to any problems one would have and excuse you for misdemeanours, provided the reasons were valid.

My memorable experience was the day I forgot to take my Bible to school. Religious knowledge was two periods in the afternoon, so the problem didn’t seem unsurmountable as I was sure I would be able to borrow one before then. The Gods must have had it in for me, as every person I approached must have had the same subject at the same time as me. I decided to sweat it out and substitute an Oxford dictionary for the Bible. My plan was a good one and would work, provided Miss Blacker didn’t pinpoint me to stand up and read a passage. As luck would have it I survived this ordeal and have related this story many times.

As the year drew to a close there was a sense of sadness at leaving this great lady’s class, this was overshadowed by the pride for surviving the year and “earning ones spurs” as it were. The perceived ogre had become some

one that you loved and respected. As we filed out for the last time I am sure I noticed a quiver in her voice and a tear in her eye.

I was indeed privileged to have been taught by Iris Blacker.

Bryan Wijeyekoon

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