Please send messages, especially of events you may be hosting, that you want posted to all Old Paulites around the world!!

The Old Paulite Association (Europe)

 

Honorary President’s XMas Letter 2024

 

 

16th December 2024

Dear Friends,

 

I find Xmas a time for reflection.

In the words of the John Lennon song ‘So this is Christmas and what have we done?’

Well it’s certainly been a heck of a year has 2024!

Global events.

In April, India went to the polls and returned a BJP-led coalition government to the surprise of many. The common wisdom was that the BJP would increase its majority but this didn’t happen. Prime Minister Modi got a third term and has now been in office longer than Pandit Nehru.

In July, the UK had its general election and a Labour government was returned after 14 years of Tory leadership.

In November, Donald Trump was re-elected President of the USA.

Elsewhere the Ukraine conflict and the war in Gaza continued and almost over-night the 50 year rule of the Assads in Syria came to an end.

News from Darjeeling.

We continue to get positive reports of the school’s revival from multiple sources.

With student numbers set to go over the 500 mark in 2025 and the finances into break-even and a small profit, one can rejoice in the fact that the school has not just survived but is being revived.

Our relationship with the Darjeeling Children’s Trust (DCT) continues to progress with DCT children visiting Jalapahar to use the school’s facilities.

UK News.

Our annual July re-union was terrific and members of the OPA Europe and OPA North America attended the DCT Ball in London in November.

Unfortunately, we have been informed about the sudden departure of Roy Metzkes (OP ‘59) on 5th Oct 2024 in Germany due to liver cancer. We pass our condolences to Roy’s wife Brigette Metzkes.

Looking ahead.

Reflection is good but we must also look forward.

For me the greatness of John Lennon’s song is that he also writes

“Another year over and a new one just begun.”

Global events.

What will unfold in the Ukraine and the Middle East with Trump at the helm again is anybody’s guess but keep them all in your prayers and thoughts this festive season.

Here in the UK, we just have to pray that the economic growth that the Labour budget in October is relying on does happen.

If so then it will be good news all round.

Darjeeling, St. Paul’s and Old Paulite events.

We are looking forward to news that Darjeeling and the school continue to prosper in the New Year.

Hopefully the July 2025 OPA Europe reunion will have one or more of the following attending -The Rector, Subir Choudhary and the Bishop.

So I’ll close returning to John Lennon to wish you all:-

A very merry Christmas...

And a happy New Year...

Let's hope it's a good one...

Without any fear.

Neville Raschid

"We have some sad news to share with you. On Saturday March 28th evening, Syed (OPANA President) and Ferhana Haider’s 13 year old son Shariq Laith was found unresponsive at home. Life saving efforts by Ferhana, Syed, the paramedics and ER Staff were not successful and Shariq passed away. He was laid to rest on Monday March 30th in Atlanta. 

 

The family remain in shock and we ask that all respect the Haider’s privacy in this matter. If and when there is more information they may pass it along. However, please feel free to text or email Syed but do not feel bad if he does not reply to you right away. We are sure he will do so when the time is right for him. 

 

Please keep Syed, Ferhana and little sister Zayla in your thoughts as they go through this shocking and difficult time. May Shariq Laith Haider’s soul Rest In Peace.

Our Patron, Rector David Gibbs (SPS 1964 – 1972) celebrated his 93rd Birthday!!

Our Patron, Rector David Gibbs (SPS 1964 – 1972) celebrated his 93rd Birthday with Sallly and his family in Dublin on July 9th. Cindy reports that they had many messages and good wishes from Paulites in India and elsewhere, which always gives him great pleasure and triggers fond memories of their happy time in St Paul’s and Darjeeling. Cindy has sent two photos which record the happy occasion.

The Old Paulite Association (Europe) extends our greetings and warmest best wishes to David and Sally.

Anyone for Sri Lanka in 2018??

Chris Tobin (OP living in Australia) is organising a reunion in Sri Lanka of the Class of 1963 in January 2018 and says he would be delighted should any OP wish to join in as well. The proposed itinerary which Chris has sent is as below.

Some sad news (from Joe Hammond)...

HIMALAYAN HILLS SCHOOLS’ REUNION

Next dates pending...

From Jaswant Sokey...

Please log into the new blog via this link!

 

A great idea from Jaswant Sokey on bringing talented old Paulites together. You can download/print from the word document, or view directly below, though formatting changes can occur. The original notice provides a summary of sorts.

A message from our Thailand Paulites...

...And others!!

Paul Whittle, Vice Chairman and Public Relations Officer, The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society (DHRS) writes:

 

Dear Joe,

Just following up on Janine’s note and to say how much we’d look forward to developing links with the Old Paulites. I visited the school just a few years ago and remember both the stunning views and the very elegant chapel.

I live near Woking so a trip up to London is no problem. If you’d like me to come along either before or following one of your committee meetings that would be a good chance to meet up, and perhaps give you and your colleagues a brief about the Society and the current state of the DHR.

Best regards,

Paul Whittle