Undaunted by age and the passage of time, the Cohort in their mid-seventies assembled once again on 11 December at the usual restaurant, this time to celebrate their 58th year after leaving school.

All that was needed was a telephone call from John Chen or Tony Chan to gather the group which included those from Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Each arrival was greeted with the unmistakable 1956 chorus of elation, a symphony of sorts.

Regrettably, the gathering was deprived of the few who had passed on, including, most recently, Lim Chin Lock, a pioneer organiser of such memorable gatherings. A minute’s silence was respectfully observed for them before the events of the night.

The School Anthem, sung with rejuvenated voices, resounded in the restaurant and “echoed the sounds of ACS Forever!”

After grace was offered, the “young” septuagenarians did not hesitate to approach the tables for the irresistible spread, knowing that the menu was judiciously selected for the health-conscious.

Conversations, instead of focusing on pretty girls, sister-school products, and wealth-acquisition, indulged in days of yore, now centred round health and healthy-living issues! Laymen among them would have put to shame the medically trained, in terms of specific knowledge for the maintenance of a healthy life-style. At their age, they have become experts in their own right!

There was no need for entertainment. It was all self-generated within specific-interest groups. Evidence was in the uproarious laughter that filled the entire restaurant. The camaraderie has remained intact after all these years!

More than the atmosphere, the colour provided by the specially designed T-shirts (the generosity of Khoo Hye Tin), the vinous fragrance in the air (the generosity of Tan Wah Thong) and the efforts (the perseverance of Tony Chan, John Chen and Dennis Chew) all contributed to the success of the evening.

It was a great re-union, the best so far but for ACSians, especially this Cohort, “The Best Is Yet To Be”. They look forward to 2015!

Reported by Foo Chee Jan