Circular No 664 Extra Extra

Newsletter for alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

Caracas, 30 of July 2014 No. 664 extra extra

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Dear Friends,

July 22 and other emails on the REUNION

Also, see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzyBqLqoO80

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Don Mitchell

Jul 22

Hello, Roger,

It occurs to me that Ladislao, who compiles the Abbey School Circulars, may want to know if you have any old photos from your Abbey School days. 

We are always hoping to collect new ones. 

If you do, it would be wonderful if you could have them scanned and emailed to Ladislao.

He also enjoys receiving memories and accounts from Old Boys that he can put into his Circulars. 

Each time he does that, more of us emerge from the woodwork.

Keep well.

Don

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From: Don Mitchell

Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 5:47 AM

Hello, Roger,

Good to hear from you, and to learn that the website has been useful.

I have visited the School a couple of times myself. 

We gained access to the premises, and had a guided tour on the last reunion several years ago. 

I wrote a couple of articles about it

here: http://corruptionfreeanguilla.blogspot.com/search/label/Abbey%20School 

A pity about the Reunion.  Everything depended on the Event Organiser.  It took three months to learn that she could not advise us on the best procedures, and had no means of receiving registration funds.  We needed the guys to register months in advance so we could book the various halls and facilities.  They typically require a 50% deposit on reserving, and the Association had no seed money to fund the deposits.

I am still hoping that the Trinidad alumni will proceed with their plans for a mini-Reunion.  I have an unused ticket to Trinidad, so I would attend if they do.  If I hear anything I shall circulate everyone.

Keep well.

Don

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From: Roger Chenault

Sent: Monday, July 21, 2014 10:44 PM

Hi Don,

We have never met but I am one of The Abbey School Old Boys.

My brother Christopher and I attended MSB from late 1948 until April 1950 when we moved to the US.

Still have many great memories of those days and given the opportunity, will tell stories of my experience; my wife and sons have heard them all.

Fr. Placid Ganteaume was the headmaster at that time, (he was a cousin of my mother’s and had been our Parish Priest at Forest Reserve);

Fr. Lee Singh was dean of discipline and I felt the sting his cane more than once.

Br. Anthony (Quenk) was our Dormitory Master.

Michael Ames and I served Mass when the new church was consecrated.

Visited MSB with wife and sons when we were there in 1982 and then again with wife only when we returned in 2010.

Of course, saw Fr. Cuthbert:  he didn’t remember me, but we knew a lot of the same people.

Sad today the school is now a rehab center and we were unable to go into the building.

Disappointed that the reunion will not be taking place as I had every intention of attending.

Some of the planned events looked great.

I’ll keep looking for your updates and hope that something will work out.

We are going to be away most of November and also next February; we stay at home in December and January.

I became aware of the Old Boys when our younger son attended a friend’s wedding and met Peter Ganteaume;

Googled him and eventually found the web site and the rest is history.

Got the data base from Nigel Boos and re-established contact with Earle Kayne from our childhood days at Forest Reserve and MSB.

Best to all.

Roger Chenault

252 Hunter Avenue

Seepy Hollow, NY 10591

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On Jul 8, 2014, at 9:59 PM,

Don Mitchell <idmitch@anguillanet.com> wrote:

Dear All,

Things have not come together for the planned Grand Reunion in October. 

We have been let down by two Event Organisers, who have not helped us do the organising in time. 

It is now too late to make the final arrangements and to give you enough time to plan for travel to Trinidad and to register for the event in October. 

We will have to consider rearranging the Grand Reunion for another time. 

If you have the time, take a look at the attached PowerPoint presentation made by Tony Vieira to show what was planned.

Meanwhile, the Trinidad Organising Committee are still considering putting on a more impromptu, informal Reunion this year, and I shall attend it.

I’ll keep you informed as news comes to hand, and hopefully, you may be able to make it to Trinidad as well.

So sorry for the dashing of hopes and plans.

Don

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From: mckoy43glen@hotmail.com

Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:44:56 +0000

My Dear Sir Anthony,           (To be a Judge, you must be a Knight).

You are working hard, my friend, hopefully you get some rest also.

A balanced life style at our age ha! ha!  

I am working myself into retirement in two years.  

My job here with a bank, is leading the banking world in scanning & imaging, now my little Halifax is the test site, for a bunch of trial runs, before we get some big clients south of the border, so no time off for 3 months.   

I like my job, they pay me to keep fit and a sharp mind, then I'm drained when ah get home ha! ha!  

If it was not for my classical nylon string guitar, I would be loco, mi amigo.  Glad you took time to write, in the heat of the moment.  

Muchas Gracias, Mi Hermano.  Have a glass of good wine, for a clear mind, ha! ha!  Now get some rest, 

Adios, Glen.       (I will tell Shaun, you liked this one).

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From: celandaal@hotmail.com

Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:57:42 +0000

Dear Sir Glen, Chief Knight,

Thanks Glen.  This is refreshing especially after a hard day's work.

I am still here in Hamburg in fact in my office reviewing my draft Judgment in the Case.

This morning we attended and I participated in a Seminar on Gas Emissions by Ships and GHE and Climate Change.

Keep in touch,

Anthony

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Glen Mckoy

Sep 26, 2013

My Dear Joe,   

Thank you for your blessings.

It’s been a long and winding road, but it’s good to know we are still here with our Alumni.  

I recognize your great efforts in keeping things together for so long, on the home front, so many events etc. over so many years.  

I hope there were more good times than bad.  

You said you were ill, I pray everything is O.K now.

Joe, I know you are very busy with life. 

Just want you to know, please feel free, to contact me anytime, if I can be of service in any way.   

We must open up our hearts to the universe, and the universe will open up to us.

Best regards.  Take care, my brother,

Cheers, Glen. 

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Subject: Re: Contribution to Fr. Cuthbert's travel expenses

From: bermentmcdowald@yahoo.com

Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 12:08:46 +0000

Dear Glen,

My pleasure.  Thank you for your kind words.

Although I don't respond, I recognise the valuable contribution that you make to our fraternity and salute your efforts.

Be good to yourself.  I wish you happiness, good health, luck and that your needs will be amply supplied by the Lord.

Love and Best Wishes,

Joe

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From: mckoy43glen@hotmail.com

Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:58:04 +0000

My Dear Brother & Friend, Sir Shaun,               

You made my day & also made me proud to be a Mount boy all over again.

How can you not be proud?  This aerial footage says a billion words.  Welcome to your club - mis hermanos & mis amigos - long live our Mount. 

Always a pleasure to hear from you, hope all is well with you and yours.  

You must be busy, have not heard from you for some time now, amigo.    

This is the best I have ever seen, what great footage, will treasure this one hombre.    

Oh yeah, I am personally inviting you to the reunion, if you can't afford it.  Don't worry I will take care of that too, no excuse is accepted,

There are lots of people I also don't know, but you have done so much behind the scenes for us in the Club,

I must personally want to thank you and many others, I hope to see. 

Thank you again, for making this Club a nice place to be,

Cheers, Mis Amigos – Its Sunny, 0 degrees.  It’s Spring.

Adios, Glen.   

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Brother Gabriel Mokveld

He was born on 31th January 1894, in Delft, Holland. The young Everard, his baptismal name, desired to be a missionary and left in 1921 for the Benedictine Abbey in Bahia, Brazil; the same year this Abbey was making a foundation in Trinidad.  So, early in 1913 he was sent to the new foundation where he would make his noviceship, receiving the name Gabriel, and put his skill at carpentry to work.  His contribution lay in the field of construction, and he is responsible for nearly all the buildings on Mount St. Benedict and for several churches, convents and schools.

Brother’s personal life was marked by a humble devotion to the Eucharist and the Mother of Christ, hard work and a childlike innocence.  He kept active and useful work to the end, and his final words were his oft repeated name of Mary: “Maria!  Come and take me, Maria”.

A week after fracturing his left femur, complicated by chronic bronchitis, he died peacefully early Sunday, 18^th July, 1982 at 88 years of age.

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Me

To carolamokveld@gmail.com

Aug 18, 2013

Dear Carola

You could read thru the BLOG, where there is mention on the Mount St. Benedict construction

Also, two books that were published recently, and sold at the monastery.

But, outside a mention on Bro. Gabriel, nothing really long.

I knew him personally since I graduated in 1960.

But then lost track of the School, and by the time I started to publish the Newsletter most of the Bros. and Priests were dead.

I am sending you some info on what I have.

I would appreciate information from that era, photos or writings

God bless

Ladislao Kertesz (editor)

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From: Carola Mokveld carolamokveld@gmail.com

Sent: Wednesday, August 7, 2013 6:35 PM

Subject: History of monastery 

Dear Kertesz,

On the internet I found information about the Monastery in Trinidad, a building by Bro Gabriel Mokveld.

I found letters from him in the post of my grandfather, brother of Evert Mokveld.

I like to get more information about him, and I would like to visit Trinidad and the place he lived.

He was the uncle of my father.

My father is at the moment 84 years.

Do you have more information about this?

Thank you much,

Carola Mokveld, the Nethetlands

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Photos:

6003 East St. George Sports Event p22

82AKBULL04BROGABRIEL, Bro Gabriel

13FH0001FHE, Fr. Harold Imamshah

08HE0001HENBRO, Henderson brothers

Circular No 664 Extra

Newsletter for alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

Caracas, 28 of July 2014 No. 664 extra

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Dear Friends, 

Here is the preliminary worksheet of the Minutes of the “Future of the Reunion”.

It is sad that the opportunity was lost in 2014, but the Circular has put trust on ASAA and collaborators.

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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ABBEY SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

AND INTERESTED PARTIES FOR THE 2014 REUNION

HELD ON THE 19^TH JUNE 2014

AT THE OFFICES OF J.D. SELLIER + CO

129/131 ABERCROMBY STREET, PORT OF SPAIN

Meeting started at 13:15

            Present:           Joseph Berment-McDowald  (President)

                                   Peter Sammy (Treasurer)

                                   Gary Matthews (Secretary)

                                   Dennis Gurley

                                   Tony Vieira

                                   Winston Ramsahai

                                   Michael D’Ornellas

                                   Ron Hadeed

                                   Chris Knowles

                                   Fr. Harold Emamshah

            Regrets           Ladislao Kertesz

                                   Jimmy Samaroo

                                   Don Mitchell

2014/1             Management/Ownership

a.       Joe formulated the structure of the meeting where firstly Tony Vieira will be given an opportunity to present a synopsis of his finding on the possible arrangements for the reunion and what he perceives es as  the Association’s role in the event. Secondly that members present will follow the circulated Agenda.

b.      Joe began by saying that this reunion was not originally planned as an association event. Given what had passed so far, if the event is to he held it would be best that the Association has a say in its planning and execution. He stated that the impressions he received from the e-mail correspondence raised concerns about the readiness and the depth of planning, creating the need for today’s meeting, especially assume alumni are of the belief that the arrangements have not addressed the needs and circumstances of all the generations.

c.       Tony explained that some of the old boys asked him to select an appropriate venue for [insert: them to stay when they visited Trinidad to attend] the event and that he should also work with the Association on planning the event if asked to. Joe explained that it had become obvious that the Association has to be involved if the Association’s name is being used for the event and he felt that we were not sufficiently involved in the arrangements and that we would become responsible by implication if  these arrangements are not sufficiently finessed and go ahead as planned. He reminded that the Association had  not before this juncture anticipated having to be intimately involved in the planning and execution. Tony had seen two venues before the commencement of the meeting and he is leaning favourably towards recommending the [Insert:Regency Star hotel] [delete:Renaissance Hotel] near the airport as the venue for the overseas old boys to stay, since it was offering a better deal than the Hiloday Inn. He also intimated that they were offering their 250 person dining room, but the price was high TT$25,000 for the room and TT$180 per plate for the food and do not allow outside caterers, whilst Boomarang was offering a TT$80 per plate buffet and the COE was only charging TT$19,600 for a hall which can hold 300 or 400 people at the same price so the choice was clear.[Delete;.]The Holiday Inn Express he felt was not offering an attractive group rate [delete:] and did not have adequate amenities [Insert:such as dining room and breakfast area.]

2014/2             Business Plan / Event Planner

a.       Tony suggested that someone be appointed to oversee the planning of the event and that he would like to present  a well developed terms of reference  for the event before he leaves Trinidad.

b.      Peter agreed that engaging the services of a planner in this situation would probably be be stand that the individual will be the responsible for planning and execution.

c.       Joe indicated that there is a need to support Don's and Tony's initiative and would like to know who around the table would volunteer to  take an active role in planning, organizing and running the event. Tony indicated that hiring an event planner was the most practical course of action. Joe again raised his concerns over the ownership and management of the reunion and suggested that those in the lead should actively recruit others to become involved in the planning and management. For example, who amongst the alumni will be involved in liaising with the event planner and giving daily direction and guidance? How will the planner be paid?

d.      Tony reiterated that a new event planner needed to be engaged although he felt that Ms. Shira Mohammed and Justine Low, who were initially asked to undertake the task were unable to [nsert: produce, due to the lack of administrative focus and  direction from the persons who were guiding []them to insert: organize [delete:] the said task.

e.       Joe suggested that should the event produce surplus funds, that Ms. Mohammed and Ms. Low be given some compensation for their services.

f.       Michael suggested that the group gathered find an OldBoy to be given the responsibility of planning the event. He suggested Fr. Harold.

g.      Fr. Harold indicated that if he were to a accept the job he would give whatever compensation  he receives for his efforts to a charitable cause, but that he would not accept the responsibility however  because he is not a past student and because of this, on principle, he is unable to accept the offer.

h.      Michael stated that he has little time to devote to organizing the event mainly due to his business commitments.

i.        Tony expressed his doubts about Don’s ability to supervise an event planner from where he currently resides. One needs to be in close proximity or within easy reach of those organizing the event. Tony wanted clarification as to whether the ASAA was prepared to accept responsibility for the organization and management of the reunion.

j.        Joe envisages that if the event were to be held as planned it would probably produce a deficit given the current level of preparedness. However, before deciding omits involvement the association  needs to be satisfied with the organization and  efforts around organizing and that there are a sufficient number of committed individuals involved in the planning and execution and a realistic estimate of  the financial outcomes as  indicated by the number of individuals who register in advance. Additionally, he asked whether it would be better to postpone the reunion to the following year, but before that can be decided upon Chris suggested the committee needs to be ascertain the impact this may have on perspective attendees. Thus Don will be asked to find out if there are any persons who have already paid for their travels and registration for the reunion.

2014/2             Business Plan / Event Planner (Cont…)

k.      Joe asked Gary to ask Don to circulate a request for information to persons on his mailing list asking them as to what commitments they have made for the reunion.

l.        Michael commented that people may have to be compensated if they have already paid to travel to the reunion. He stated that this can only be done if the money has been paid.

m.    Joe needed to have a feasibility study for the time to hold the event and the prices of the tickets.

n.      Peter believes that there is sufficient time left to plan, organize and execute and was concerned about  the effect that  cancellation of the event could  have on perspective attendees.

o.      Fr. Harold indicated that he will consult with Brian Pantin, and event planner, and report to the executive committee the results of his meeting with Brian Pantin. Tony arranged to meet with Brian Pantin and Fr. Harold tomorrow Friday 20^th June.

p.      Fr. Harold recommended Mr. Brian Pantin and after some discussion, it was agreed that if he was available and we could strike a reasonable bargain that we would work with him.

q.      Tony responded by saying that he will present  a workable plan that will include the payment for food, payment for the venue, collection of registration fees, the booking of and payment for reception venue and arrange for the use of the former college grounds for the picnic, and otherwise detail the collection and disbursement of funds.

r.        Tony has agreed to prepare and present Terms of Reference to the proposed planner and to the rest of the committee by tomorrow Friday 20^th June. The Terms of Reference will address  issues such as procedures for collecting cash for the event and establishing roles and responsibilities for  the event planner..

s.       Michael volunteered to approach the Abbot to obtain his permission to use the Mount's premises (the precincts of St. Bennet's Hall) for the picnic but  will do so only upon confirmation of the event  being held and after being given  the exact date .

t.        From these contributions it was agreed that Don Mitchell, Tony Vieira, Winston Ramsahai, and Fr. Harold Imamshah would organize and manage the reunion together with the event planner.

2014/3                  Event Costing / Funding& Bank Account Resolution

a.     Joe emphasized that it was never intended or agreed that the funds of the association would be expended on this event. Thus the question as to who will be responsible for the funding of this event was raised. Tony responded that it was intended to be self-funding with seed capital and the event planners remuneration being generated from the registration fees.

b.      Peter explained that the directors had agreed that a bank account with the Association’s funds be held is in his name and that he has concerns about the transparency and convenience of any arrangements for the collection and disbursement of funds. He emphasized that there is a need to have some structure in the financial aspects of the event. Tony accepted this necessity.

c.       Peter noted that he need to keep his finances separate from that of the Association, especially given that he is subject to audit, and would also have to account for transactions in this account. Peter expressed concern about the comingling of funds from the upcoming reunion and the other ASAA funds especially with what could potentially be several small deposits (accompanied by multiple requests for verification) and several requests for disbursement and consequently a need for a robust transparent procedure for authorizing payment.[1]

2014/3Event Costing / Funding & Bank Account Resolution (Cont…)

a.       Ron opined that the Association should have trustees to which it was replied that this was not the issue but rather that the arrangements to open an association account previously were too intricate. Dennis in hindsight felt that it was not necessary to have so many signatories to the account and instead he is of the view that there need only be three. He suggested that the Chairman, the Treasurer and the Secretary be signatories with any two of the three registered signatories be authorized to sign cheques. All present agreed, whereupon on confirming that there was a quorum to make such a decision a resolution was passed confirming the nomination of the three persons who are to be signatories to the account. These persons are Joseph Berment-McDowald (Chairman), Peter Sammy (Treasurer) and Gary Matthews (Secretary).

2014/4             Promotion and Publicity

a.       Joe mentioned that there are several functions important for a successful reunion that need attention, especially the marketing and promotion of the event. Winston produced a copy of a flyer and a detailed itinerary of the marketing and promotion material used in 2014 St. Benedict College’s, Kansas alumni reunion. Thereupon Winston was asked if he would undertake the task of marketing and promoting the reunion.

b.      Joe asked Winston if he will be able to do the advertising and promotion for the event. Winston accepted the offer and all at the meeting agreed that Winston be appointed to undertake the task of preparing the marketing and promotions for the event, and arranging the solicitations for registration. Joe suggested that the flyer should include payment and registration information, activities and events information, etc.

c.       As part of the promotion campaign Ron had agreed to provide printed polos for the attendees. He confirmed his availability and willingness to provide the service. The polos will need to be pre-ordered (by size and house name) at the time of registration process. Speaking with Don via Skype, he indicated that the reasons for having the reunion in October were that it is the end of the busy summer season where the cost of travel will be considerably cheaper, children of parents who are Old Boys will be settled in school. This will afford the parents to be more flexible with their time, a condition that acts as an incentive for them to come to the reunion. Don is of the view that the time was sufficient to bring off the event.

014/4               Promotion and Publicity(Cont…)

d.      Don suggested April/May as a possible alternative time period to have the reunion but it was felt by all present that this time period coincided with the rainy season and it would not be appropriate.

2014/5             Participation and Registration

a.       Michael raised the issue that there will some amongst a generation of the alumni who may not come due to recent exchange of e-mails.

b.      Joe suggested that the choice of events and promotional activities should be deliberate in attempting to attract the participation of and cater to the needs of the entire alumni community. He suggests that a new energy is needed and this could be achieved by carefully selecting attractive activities and finding ways to encourage the widest participation in this   publicity and promotion would be crucial. Thus it is important that, the activities of the reunion is well nuanced and that the communications convey  the correct messages and have an inviting tone so that many will enroll and the event will  be well patronized.

c.       Winston suggested that one of the Venezuelan Old Boys be included in organizing aspects of the event as this will encourage the Venezuelans to attend. Joe indicated that Ladislao will be included all correspondence leading up to the event and that we will invite him to attend a meeting in person and otherwise solicit his input.

d.      Tony recommended that the cut off time for registration be in the middle to the end of August and not at the end of September as Don has suggested. Tony stated that the end of September is too close to the date of the event and it will not give the planners sufficient time to cater for the group properly.

The meeting was declared closed at 14:50.

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Photos:

6003 East St. George Sports Event p.21

13TH1040THEGRP, unknowns with Timothy Healy

14LK0010CACHEW,  Delicious fruit

08ND0001NDV, Nicholas de Verteuil