 The turnout of 46 septuagenarians from the ACS Class of 56 on 27 October 2012 to celebrate the cohort’s 56th Anniversary was most commendable, considering it was Saturday when grandpa duties were the norm. Yet, some could not avail themselves of the opportunity to be present, being indisposed. They were missed.
Sum Yee Onn (from China),
Henry Pang (from Australia) and
Leonard Tan (from Canada) took the trouble to return for the occasion.
Thanks to the organisers,
Tony Chan and
John Chen, the reunion was truly memorable. Tony deserves special mention for his perseverance in tracking down
Lau Chwee Teck and
Ong Swee Seng whom we lost contact with since leaving school fifty-six years ago. Well done, Tony!
We remembered those departed with a minute’s silence before grace was said and dinner commenced. Cautious dieting was evident as there was no rush to the buffet table. The spread was tempting with ‘white meat’ aplenty but it was the veggies that attracted the forks and spoons and overloaded the plates. Dinner progressed at a measured pace punctuated by outbursts of laughter.
When requested,
Georgie Teo regaled us with a rendition of a Hokkien song which was unheard of, and which remained unheard as everyone was too busy, orally engaged, to lend him a tolerant ear. He continued regardless and in the end was applauded all the same. This was followed by
Kam Sing Kwan, an equally keen Karoke enthusiast who bewildered everyone with his Chinese song “Midnight Voices”.
Dinner continued amidst laughter and high-pitched oral exchanges and, as if with renewed vigour, food was fast vanishing from the buffet table! Then, spontaneously a few led the singing of the ACS Anthem in full-bloated decibels. The rest took up the challenge and the Anthem was sung in the same vein and passion as it was done fifty-six years ago! In their seventies and, after so long, it was remarkable that they remembered every word and did not get off-key at all!
The delicious dinner was self-paid but there were goodies which came in the form of bottles of Red Wine and Red-and-white T-shirts emblazoned with the ACS Crest, generously sponsored by
Tan Wah Thong,
Khoo Hye Tin and
Chew Chek Chuan. This gesture was much appreciated.
Tony Chan and
John Chen were also acknowledged for their efforts in getting the function accomplished.
 The three hours fleeted by and reminded by the waiting restaurant staff, it had to be time for Auld Lang Syne. With added energy and renewed memories this came out better than the School Anthem! Soon dispersal was inevitable. There were mixed feelings. Smiles were just put on, oozing the words ‘See you again, soon!’
Of course we would! After more than half a century as alumni, the heart-felt Spirit of ACS could not be allowed to fade!
Foo Chee Jan |
