The London Reunion August 28th, 2022
Nihal D Amarasekera
I have unilaterally decided to omit the “MINI” and call it a London Reunion as there is no other bigger than this gathering.
Sakuntala Balakrishnan, Dhushy Vedvanam,, Dharmini
Makalanda, Pram, Susheila, Jimmy, Maheswary Nadarajah, Sunil, ND, Bora, Attale
and Jeyaratnam
As it was late August, autumn was knocking on the door. But it was sunny and dry when we met up on the 28th of August at Satay House, just a stone’s throw away from the Paddington Station.
The reunion kicked off in grand
style. There were smiles, hugs and handshakes all round as we entered the
familiar portals of Satay House. Before lunch Pramilla gave us a short but
stirring spiel about “Maatha”, a non-political project to support Sri Lanka
during these hard times. Pram most generously distributed Sri Lankan chocolates
to everyone with Lord Naseby’s name on it for his unstinting help and support
for our country for over 45 years. The lunch was sumptuous as always and we
appreciate the friendly service.
There was the obligatory photo shoot as the smartphones popped out.
The conversation flowed freely
and it was indeed a joyous meeting of friends. We did reminisce but much less
than on previous occasions. Of course, there were some juicy tales, naughty
stories and embarrassing moments sufficiently embellished and narrated in
style. There was much talk about mutual friends of how they are, and also where
they are. The passage of years has taken its toll. Our own aches and pains did
take centre stage, but briefly. Despite the ebb and flow of life in retirement, we have all learnt to accept the status quo and enjoy life and family.
Rose Moore and Indrani have
always made a genuine effort to join us for which we are most grateful. Our
thanks to Dhushy and Sakuntala for their presence and friendship. Mohanlal,
Narada and Nilani are most welcome as always.
After the warmth, fellowship and
bonding I felt a tinge of sadness saying
goodbye to all who had gathered on this sunny afternoon.
Attendees (21)
Jimmy Wickramasinghe
Harsha and Harshi Boralessa
Susil and Rupa Attale
Sunil and Sirima Abeysuriya
Dharmini and Amala Makalanda
Rose Moore and Indrani
Susheila Thyagaraja
Dhushy Vedavanam
Sakuntala Balakrishnan
Mahes Nadarajah
Jeyaratnam
ND Amerasekera
Pramilla Senanayake
Mohanlal Fernando
Narada Wijeyatilaka
Nilani Gajawira
Hi Nihal
ReplyDeleteThanks for the accurate account of the London reunion.Agree,there was plenty of smiles,hugs,handshakes and laughter .What a contrast to the faculty days only an occasional smile,no luck with hugs.
Pram once again many thanks for organising the event,the food was delicious.we had a great time meeting batch mates,friends and recalling
the good old days.
Thank you for commenting. Although I moved around and spoke to everyone being seated with you and Jimmy was interesting with some original humour and recalling stories of mutual friends and acquaintances.
DeletePleased that it went well and you had a good attendance. Sorry to have missed it. I was in Birmigham where I went to watch that excellent Sri Lankan production "Counting and Cracking" at the Rep theatre
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to see Jeyaratnam after a long time. My thanks to Harsha and Harshi for giving him a lift to the event. Mahes lives in Manchester and it was good to see her. She was my radiology colleague from those busy days with the NHS. Susil Attale too has moved away from St Albans and now have a much longer journey from Farnborough and we appreciate his efforts to be with us. It is so lovely to see our regulars too without whom this gathering would not survive .
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts are of those absent friends including Mahendra, Zita and Rohini Abhay. They brightened up the proceedings with their presence in the past but we understand their inability to attend this time. I'm not sure if I will excuse Rohini Abhay if she gives another excuse next time round. Rohini just lookout for an Uber parked outside your door to give you a lift.
Sunil and Sirima are regulars and it is great to see them. The passage of years has not changed them one bit!! Susheila remains as lovely as I saw her at the Block in 1962. Dharmini still lives in Enfield where I met her in 1974. It was wonderful to see her after her absence from the last event. Good to see Harsha and Harshi at our gatherings, as always great supporters of this event.
ReplyDeleteMissed Sumathi too I am sure. Noticed that Doiuglas also couldn't make it. Of course we cannot expect everybidy to turn up all the time. Must keep these going!
ReplyDeleteGood to see you on the Blog Rajan, You are a true batch stalwart and we value you very much. I hope you get your planned "podi-union" together!
ReplyDeleteMahen
ReplyDeleteRajan wants the names of the people in the photo. It would be easier for you to do it closer to the photo. Thanks
Rajan and Nihal. Names added to the main group photo.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mahen
DeleteThanks ND did help. Rajan
ReplyDeleteThere is something I have forgotten to include in my notes of our reunion. Pramilla in her spiel said she went to see Zita who was in good form. Zita is happy to receive communications and keep in touch with batch-mates. So please remain in touch with Zita.
ReplyDeletePram is gem. She took so much trouble to visit Zita.
ReplyDeleteThis is a thoughtful verse from Zita's poem- "Word Spoken"
ReplyDeleteMental hurt can even be
Greater than bodily pain
Neither can be recalled you see
So, think before you act in vain