Mrs. Kay Cressey Irwin, I think I have your name correctly this time, it was lovely to hear about the pre-war MEHS. My two aunts also taught there and my grandmother was the headmistress of the Elementary St. Phillips before retirement. We also left from Myitkhina and heard later on of incidents during the WWII. I was too young to understand the magnitude, however remember fondly our family reunited in Dehra Dun, India and granddad walking me and my cousin to St. Thomas Elementary when I first started kindergarten in 1945. Daddy was conscripted into the Indian Army and we saw him on leave; at that time the British ruled both countries. My uncle was in the RAF and one aunt a WACI (the Women's Army Corp of India). Looking forward to the photos.

Thank you for your comments, Frances. I have since heard from Pat Ling Magdamo, whose mother, Mrs. Louise Ling, who taught KG in 1949. Her younger sister Lesley Ling was in Std 7 in 1949 and the older girls in that family had attended before the war. She writes about that period: "We three sisters were educated at MEHS, a Methodist mission school founded well before the war. It had a very good reputation and a lovely building. The Anglican St. Mary's Diocesan School and St. John's Boys (near the Baptist headquarters) were good schools too. The Creek Street Methodist School was for boys and mostly Chinese students. My aunt taught there for years.

We had to stop when the war began and never went back to it, at least for me. We got to India from Myitkyina after a couple of years in hiding from the Japanese (near a small teak forest) and when we reached Calcutta my folks immediately got us enrolled up in Kurseong, near Darjeeling. I loved going back to school, etc. (after no books, writing in sand with bamboo "pens" taught by my parents and aunt), and caught up. My father went off to Simla to re-join the Burma govt. in exile. When the war was almost ended, and Merrill's Marauders fought in the battle for Myitkyina (big deal and dangerous) we got to the airport and were flown out in the C-54 carriers as refugees.

I was almost ready to sit for Sr. Cambridge exams when we packed up and returned to Burma, spent a year at the Diocesan school preparing for matriculation, tested and entered Rangoon University at age 16. Orientation Week was on when Aung San and his ministers were assassinated in the Secretariat building, such chaos with police crawling over the place. "Two years later, the Karens rose up and civil war was on, school closed!" Her interrupted education may be like many in those years. I will soon send in some photos.

In answer to Ms. Cressy's request, I can say quite unequivocally the school not only kept the Elementary Division but expanded to include several classrooms for each standard.

My sister and I joined MEHS after our grandmother died. She home-schooled us for two years. after which we attended in 1949. I was in Mrs. Manook's second standard and my sister in kindergarten. Outside the windows one could see the bombed portion of the building with rubble and rebar protruding from the mound. Our school became one of most prestigious in Rangoon and several families waited to have their children enrolled as the school expanded.

Mrs. Logie with the help of Reverand and Mrs. Manton and several Methodist missionaries provided the best curriculum in order for some of us to successfully qualify for the G.C.E. from the University of London. Others went on to the University of Rangoon or abroad for further studies.

It was a great pleaure to see Mrs. Logie again at the First Reunion even though she remembered few of us. Time had taken its toll. I am sure others will fill you in with their fond memories.

I lived in Rangoon in 1949 and attended the Methodist English School in Standard 6. Mrs Logie was principal then, and let me come upstairs to practice on her piano. With time I might recall the names of some classmates - but that was 62 years ago. The building looks the same.

My older sister, Jean Cressey, also attended the school, but the school only went up to Std 7 then so the school worked out special teaching for her. I wouldn't be surprised if the school added a class every year and then dropped of the primary / elementary division.

I am wondering about making a trip to Burma to relive some memories. I look forward to hearing from anyone who can fill me in on the intervening 62 years.

Kay Cressey
now Kay Cressey Irwin
Email: kaycirwin@gmail.com

Dr. Fuller remains in a rehab facility. His progress seems to be steady, but slow. He receives physical and occupational therapy every day. Was able to stand with assistance and rolled a ball to his therapist. He still sleeps a lot, but that is the nature of his healing process. His wife would appreciate e-mails at: mafuller@neb.rr.com

So sad to hear about Bob's health condition. Bob is an unforgettable teacher for me and perhaps for many others and I sincerely hope that he will recover gradually.

Chandroo Gopaldas
Hong Kong

Bob Fuller's condition is still very serious. There is a danger of infection in his lungs, though as of now, there has been none. He has been moved to a chair one hour two times a day to help clear his lungs. Margaret says that he sleeps most of the time. He is unable to speak, but is able to move his hands and squeeze a hand in response to a question. The healing process will be VERY slow.

Margaret Fuller's email address is: mafuller@neb.rr.com

Dear Alumni and friends:

It has been over 5 months since our reunion in Las Vegas and occasionally certain events still stray to my mind. Thank you for your participation. Hope you had fun and took home with you many fond memories of the event and your reconnecting with friends you have not seen in years. If you wrote me using "lilychen72@yahoo.com", and did not get a response, I apologize. That address was compromised 10 days before the reunion and I lost many of your email addresses. Please delete the above address from your list immediately. My new email is clily36@ymail.com. I would love to hear from you and your comments.

A very happy new year to everyone and hope to see you all at the next reunion and thereafter.

Best always,
Lily Chen (class of '65)

To alert all who attended the 2011 Reunion in Las Vegas and others who knew Dr. Robert G. Fuller: He had a ruptured brain aneurysm on Nov. 24 (our ThanksgivingDay). With timely treatment and subsequent surgeries, he is now in rehab, but still in very serious condition. Today, Dec. 29, 2011 is the 50th Anniversary of their Wedding in San Antonio, TX.

I was so sad to hear that my best and school friend Louis Shwe Baw passed away, I was really surprise to hear it and can't believe it, I was planning to see him next year on my next visit to Rangoon. Does anybody know whereabout his sister is? Condolence to Louis's family, and thanks to Edward Kyaw Min for the announcement. Gone but not forgotten

On behalf of our Wagstaff family a humble and sincere thank you to all the MEHS Alumni for prayers & thoughts for Cecil. Cecil's triple bypass surgery was completed successfully today and he is on a recovery journey.

Lynette Moss (Marilyn)
Email: lynettemoss49@gmail.com or
mms180649@iprimus.com.au

Thanks to Dr. Robert Fuller for adding the Swaying Palm to the nostalgic site of MEHS. We, the graduating class in December 1956, were the original Journalism students who produced the first and second volumes. I believe that was the first elective class of the curriculum. Such fond memories!

Dear Alums,

Calling for Swaying Palms. I am willing to scan copies of the Swaying Palm to add to the MEHSA website. Please let me know if you are willing to loan me a Swaying Palm to add to the website.

Thanks.

Robert Fuller,
Unit 33, 3901 S. 27th St.,
Lincoln, NE 68502 USA

Email: rfuller@neb.rr.com

Hello,

My name is Peter McNair and I was a student at MEHS Rangoon from late 1950 until March 1953, when I returned to England and where I have lived since then.

I was in Standard V A in 1952 and Standard VI in early 1953.

My brother and I plus our wives are planning to make a nostalgic trip to Rangoon in November 2011, which will be the first time we have been there since 1953.

The attached photo is from my class in either 1951 or 1952. I am on the back row, second from the right, and wearing a pullover (can't think why that was necessary in Rangoon !!).

I still have an autograph book with notes and signatures of some 25 of my classmates from March 1953 (one of whom was Gillian Logie, another was Gloria Hengshoon).

If any of you are still in Rangoon (or elsewhere for that matter) I would be pleased to hear from you.

Best regards,

Peter McNair

Thank you to Richard for sending me his lovely pictures of the Reunion. Mrs. Logie would have been proud of all the graduates from MEHS who later became successful, happy and healthy individuals. Tommy's photos on the website were excellent also. There were so many familiar faces in both sets of photos. It was amazing that Richard met my sister in Las Vegas after visiting with me, my husband and grandson in San Francisco. It was good seeing the face of the long lost schoolmate who at the age of 14 left with his family for the U.K. as so many did at that time. We also learned that we were confirmed at the same Church of England cathedral near Scott Market. After so many years Richard discovered my address on this website and we began corresponding over a year ago and soon after I introduced Cecil Teoh and added Alex Sharma to the group. We were surprised to learn later after Mike and I were in Ronda for a day during our trip to Costa del Sol in Spring that Alex's younger brother winters there in his cottage. What a small world! Yes Tommy, we remember when the Taws came with you and Ma ma to lunch at our home almost ten years ago on September 10th before that fateful day.

Frances (Beale) Mahoney

Dear fellow MEHSites,

Meinglaa Baa! Had to leave while studying in 9th Std (1966) - MEHS had already been rechristened for a while then to "State High School No. 1 (Dagon)". Wonder where my classmates, a few of whose names I can recollect, are now, namely, Tan Taik Hoo @ Maung Thaw Zein, Maung Aye Kyaw, ? Nita Ohn Tain, ? Pansy Thein Maung, ? Geoffrey!

Warm Regards,
Dr. R. M. Chokhani (Mumbai-India)

Our heartfelt THANK YOU to the alumni for their prayers and support for my husband Allen Htay. He is still at Spring Valley Hospital, where he remains stable. Hope to be able to get him home soon.

Sincerely,

Muriel Kin Maung (MuMu Htay) and family

I would like all my friends around the world to know that I would like to contect with them. My sister's name is Kyi Kyi Lun; she's still in Burma. I graduate 10th standard in 1967.

Dear all,

The wonderful event will take place in less than a fortnight on the 18th of July. The 5th International MEHSA Reunion in Las Vegas is fast approaching. I am glad that there will be at least 200 persons attending the great event. My Aussie friend, Cecil Wagstaff and Thai friend, Edwin Tin Tut have asked me several times to come. Edwin told me that since I have been to the 3rd meeting in Bangkok in 2008 (invited by Ko Cho Sett) and the 4th meeting in Pattaya in 2010 (invited and paid by my Yankin College friend, Winnie Tun Tin), I should keep up the record and by doing so, will give honour to President Gloria Hengshoon as well as Lily Chen and to the all-ladies organization of the 5th International MEHSA Reunion at Las Vegas.

My friend, Edwin has invited me as his guest and I am now making plans to come over there and if I can eventually make it, I do look forward to seeing again some of my old friends I have already met at the two Thai reunions. I also look forward to meet our Webmaster, Kenny Teoh for the first time and also plan to meet some other new friends. I do regret that many friends of mine would not be turning up for some personal reasons.

Sincerely,

Richard San Tint
Old Paulian 1951-1958
Paris

I was in Methodist English High School upto 1959 standard 9. And would like to get in contact with my class fellows - Kathleen Zaw Win - Elizabeth Jenkins - Maureen - Denise and others

Sarwat Ahmadi Hanif Lakhani

A Reminder and a suggestion to all Australia Resident MEHSer Alumni. The deadline for Registration for our MEHS 2011 Reunion in Las Vegas (15APR2011) is fast approaching. Now is the time to remit these as the Aussie Dollar is very strong (better than parity with the USD) Furthermore, if you want to save a wee bit more on Bank Remittance Fees, you will need to send this to me, to reach me at least ONE week before 15APR2011, to enable me to send this as one Collective or Joint Remittance to USA If you wish to save these few dollars in Bank Fees you can call me on 02.6285.1610 (+61.2.6285.1610), if calling from Kiwiland or South Pacific Nations, and I will give you my Bank Account details to which you can remit Your Registration Fees.

Sincerely,

Cecil L.W. Wagstaff,
The Reprobate of Aussieland

Just came to know that you're having an alumnus reunion in the US this summer. I am based in the UK. Please let me have the details and include me on your database. I was in MEHS between 1957 and 1962 (Wesley House) when I left for India to continue my schooling at St Paul's, Darjeeling. Would love to catch up with old friends if they're still around and still remember me.

Dear MEHS school mate friends,

I am so glad to see all our teachers photo pictures and specially Mrs. Logie picture. I miss my school and all friends. Nice to meet in here all friends.

Thank you so much and greatly appreciated to our friends who all keep this remembrance pictures and memories.

SaneThwe

Dear MEHS friends,

I think you will enjoy reading about the artists in Burma in the March, 2011, issue of the Smithsonian magazine. Fortunately, you do not have to subscribe to see it. Just visit their website.

There is also a Tour Burma link there with some additional photographs.

Best wishes,

Sayagyi Fuller,
Science Master and Softball coach
MEHS, 1959-61.

Bryan:

I have meant to write to commend you on your power of persuasion. You are able to persuade your children and their other half to attend the reunion. They will be pleased to witness how much fun the 'older' generation are having, how the reunions bring out the young in our hearts. I hope other alumni will follow your example in having their children join their parents at our next LV reunion. A fine example

Lily

I tried recently to contact Agnes Sein Tin using the email address in the Directory. However the email was returned and I am sorry I did not save the phone number of her daughter who is a doctor practising in Newcastle, England. I wonder if she and Shirley Lal are perhaps planning on attending the Reunion in Las Vegas. Perhaps they peruse this website as I do once in a great while.

Started my school days from kinder-garden till graduated year 10. Like to contact my old school mates. Friends in my class are Frank Chiong, Cyril Ba Than, David Yone Mo, Victor Yaw Hlaing, BoZaw Win, Daisey Yea, Daphene Tin Po, Thelma Aung Din. Victor & Johnny Saing. etc and many more.

It's hard to get your children to travel with you anymore, once they are on their own. However, I managed to get their interest with pictures of my self and childhood friends, my heroes and my pretty Ma Mas at the last three reunions. As of now, my two daughters who also attended MEHS (SHS No.1 Dagon) and had some of the same teachers as me, and their significant other halves have agreed to accompany me and their mother to the 5th reunion in Las Vegas. (Bryan + Theingi) (Myitta + Alex) (Zu Zu + Latt Latt). I am looking forward to the reunion again and send my thanks and best wishes to all the people working hard to make it happen.

Thank you and I love you all.

Bryan

The MEHS Memorial Foundation Committee, in Rangoon, Burma, will be celebrating its 2nd. Annual Reunion Lunch at M3 Food Centre, Inside Bahan Sports Field (In front of Resistance Park) on 17th. October 2010 at 09:00 to 12:00 hours. We cordially invite all the Alumni coming back home to join the occasion on that day. Ticket will be sold at the entrance for Kyats 7000/-. Lucky draw, speeches by Sr. Alumni, community singing, dancing will be included.

Thanks.

Cyril
Email: cyril.thanhla@gmail.com

A Call to ALL LADIES, the Maidens of Our M.E.H.S. As Reunion 2011, in Las Vegas, is being planned, organised, conducted and even the MC will be a lady, to make this a 100% Dedication to all you beautiful ladies, our Late Principal who was a lady, we sincerely request ALL you beautiful ladies to attend. Hope to see you there. Please do attend.

Sincerely,
Cecil L.W. Wagstaff

Dear Old MEHS Alumni

I am Patricia Aung (1954 - 1969), my sister is Cordial Aung and my brother is Wilfred Aung. Cordial worked in National Planning and Economics Dept; she's retired and currently doing her assignment with UNICEF (Yangon) as a National Consultant. Wilfred is Orthopedic Surgeon cum Professor in Yangon General Hospital.

Wishing to hear more from you. All the Best!

Email: khinpwint@gmail.com

I have just been told about this website, by Richard Ohara. Robert my brother and I were students from 1950-51. My mother Ellen Hindle was a teacher there too. When my father suddenly in 1951, age 44, mother sent us to Sheffield to my aunt. I now live in Newcastle upon Tyne, after 25 yrs. in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I have two children, in Newcastle, 43, 41 daughter, and son. The 3 of us went to Burma this January. We passed the old school. Hope to speak to those that remember us. I can't remember names of our circle of friends - apart from the Gilmans, Murray Forkgen(?), Geraldine ?????, also the Solomons...... Robert remembers more names - he lives in Sheffield - email bob.h11@tiscali.co.uk

Colleen Hindle
Email: colleen.hindle@virgin.net

My dearest Alumni:

As I had disappointed lots of you, my beloved Alumni for not able to attend the 2010 Reunion in Pattaya, (for personal reason) I promised that I would definately attend the next REUNION wherever and whenever the REUNION might be held. And be the VERY, VERY FIRST ONES to register. Now I have kept HALF of my promise (I am the 4th. one to register behind Edwin, William and Lily Chen). Hope my beloved Alumni will follow. SEE YA AT THE SIN CITY in July 2011.

Jon Chen