Greetings from Kalimpong

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Since the last time we wrote there has indeed been lots of activity. We would have been in touch sooner only our USB pin ran out of credit and we have had some difficulty getting it recharged. Thanks to everyone who has written sending good wishes and thoughts. We really do appreciate the fact that so many people are thinking about us. Well, the Birthday celebrations have come and gone. The Homes celebrated 108 years of service to children over a period of 5 days culminating in a big bash in the hall and on the field with buns, julibees and sweet, milky tea for everyone. The pupils and adults all had a great time. There were lots of guests including Nigel Graham, grandson of the founder and Jennie Chapman, the founder’s great granddaughter. There were lots of official functions and lots of fun for all. Fraser Hostel which accommodates year 11 boys celebrated its centenary on 22 September with another birthday bash; a lunchtime reception with a display of Bhutanese dancing given by a group of students in lovely traditional costumes. Philip had the honour of being the Chief Guest for the event, getting to cut the cake and propose the birthday toast. So lots of fun, dancing, drill and band displays and the Birthday Ball for the seniors, to which we were invited, but the highlight of the week was definitely the buns and julibees at the conclusion.

After all the fun it was back to work for us. We have now completed our training with all the cottage parents and have had 2 sessions with a group of teachers, looking again at children’s behaviour but moving on to self evaluation of the school’s performance and next week we will conclude with work on assessing children’s needs and a model for pastoral care. The group have been very engaged and are delighted to be offered a chance to reflect on their practice. The guest house has been full with visitors for the celebrations including OGBs and relatives from Australia, Sikkim and Bhutan. It is nice to have lots of people around and when they all leave next week there will be a party of Japanese visitors arriving. We are working today, Sunday, as we need to fit in a meeting with the Principal to review progress. And before we know it, it will be Durga Puja when we hope to go to Bhutan for a few days, provided we can get through the visa process which is extremely tight and expensive. Still we may not be back this way for a while and we want to take advantage of the opportunity. Along the way we have had the great pleasure of taking a couple of youngsters to town to buy some clothes and treats - many of the children here literally have nothing apart from school uniform and one set of to change with. So the generosity of so many of you who gave us money before we left has brought a smile to the faces of Kevin, Amanda, Samantha and all the boys of Murray Cottage, now proud owners of a new table tennis table. And the great thing about India is that a little money goes a very long way so we will continue to spend, spend, spend on your behalf to bring a little sunshine into the lives of some of the neediest kids here. Thank you all.

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Photos

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Eleanor and Roxanne enjoy the fun

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Birthday Bash complete with julibee

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We do work sometimes - in the office

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The new TT Table in action

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Drill display on the field