Circular No 661 Extra Extra

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

Caracas, 10 of July 2014 No. 661 extra extra

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Dear Friends,

Here are the Emails from 24 26 de Junio on the subject of the REUNION in 2014.

By now most of you know that it was postponed for 2015, but it is interesting to observe the difficulties that were encountered and forced the 2015 date.

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Don Mitchell

Jun 26

This is what the videographer, Clifford Seedansingh, did for Clive Pantin of Fatima College a couple of years ago. I believe Fr Harold told me he was involved in its production.

I think, if we can only afford him, I would like him to do a video history of the Abbey School before it is torn down and lost forever.

It is a bit long, so only look at it when you have an hour to spare, and if you have not seen it before. It is really very well done.

Don

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Winston

Jun 26

Greetings, Ladislao,

How's everyone?  We keep you all in prayers.  Saw your what's app no on blog cannot retrieve.

Can you give a projection on how much guys from Venezuela can attend reunion 2014 in October?

Kindly send via email

Regards

Winston 

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Don Mitchell

Jun 26

Dear All,

Just to confirm, I am arriving on Monday 18 August on LIAT 309 at 8:00 pm.  Other than a dinner engagement on Wednesday, I am free Tuesday and Thursday if we need to meet. 

I’ll have my computer with me, so I shall be on Skype while in Trinidad. My Skype address is idmitch_ell.

I leave on Friday 22 August on LIAT 772 at 1:20 pm.

God swilling, as they say.

Don

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Father Harold Imamshah

Jun 26

Clifford Seedansingh is a classmate of mine and yes, I sat at more than one meeting of the Class of 75 of Fatima College that listened to Clifford's ideas and added only a few more that resulted in Änswering the Call" our Gift to Clive Pantin on the occasion of his 80th Birthday.

I did relay the following ideas which we had shared at our very first Meeting at Living Water toplan Abbey School Reunion 2014, to Clifford recently, after a Class of 75 Monthly Luncheon Meeting:

1) to make use of as many photo shots of the Abbey School Buildings from different angles

2) to interview as many of the Abbey OB's during the Reunion 2014 events

3) to interview monks who are still alive, who once taught at the Abbey School

4) to make use of any Historical details of the Abbey School that the Monastic Community can provide.

I have copied this email to Clifford as a reminder of the above details to which we can either improve or correct, in case I mistakenly omitted any details.

Let's keep in mind that Clifford was himself the Director and Producer of this masterpiece and needed advance financial payment so as to cover the early cost of production.

humbly,

Fr. Harold

Servant of Mary for Jesus

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Don Mitchell

Jun 26

The plan was to raise the money to pay for the video by (1) making a deposit to Mr Seedansingh from the Registration Fees when they have been collected; and (2) from the sale of the videos as souvenirs during the Reunion.  Of course, that means it will exclude the Luncheon and the events of the Reunion.  There is no fund to pay for a deposit until the Registration Fees have begun to accumulate. 

In my mind the video was never about the Luncheon or the Reunion.  In my imagination, it was a sort of history and praise of the School and the work the Monks did in the 30 years it lasted.

So, if it could be completed before the Reunion begins, I would be happy.

Don

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vcl28@aol.com

Jun 26

Cheers Guys,

   To be done properly just remember that, and I think that we can rely on people like Chris Knowles and father Harold and yes especially Fathers Cuthbert and Augustine and any of the 80 year old OBs still around Trinidad, the videographer/director/producer, will end up doing months of research work before he even begins to edit the raw material for such a project.

   I did a similar thing on contract in 1988.  The contract was to do a 30 minute TV Documentary piece on the arrival of the first Indians in Guyana on 5th May 1838, for their 150th anniversary.  Demerara Distillers Limited [DDL] the manufacturers of El Dorado rum and Pepsi employed me as the owner of the only TV station with the necessary editing equipment here in Guyana to do this at the time.  I spent weeks at the public Library and the Guyana National archives researching and writing the piece.  When I submitted my bill to Easu Persaud [Chairman of DDL] he nearly got fever.  It can be done, guys, and when done properly it’s magnificent, especially if well researched and written but it can cost a lot. I am not saying I am not in favour of it, I am in favour of it, I am just cautioning that it can cost.  And Don is right [even though he does not say so] I found that any longer than 30 minutes gets boring.

Tony

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On Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 6:33 PM,

Don Mitchell <idmitch@anguillanet.com> wrote:

Hello, Winston,

Okay, I understand.  I am not sure a new website is needed to do this.  Can’t Kazim put it on his?   I can put it on mine.

 What has me worried is that it seems that this website wants me to download a programme, and install it on my computer.  I don’t know it, and I don’t trust it enough.

I started downloading the programme, and when I saw it wanted to install itself in my system, I hurriedly deleted it, and hope I have not done myself any damage.

It seems that everyone who wants to visit this page will have to submit his computer to the tender ministrations of this unknown software programme.  I can’t imagine that more than one or two of us will want to do so.

Don

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From: Winston Ramsahai

Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 12:10 PM

Subject: Reunion page

Greetings, All,

Like Don said, all the sites have historical data and it's a challenge to get events details at a glance 

A reunion page with a direct link to all emails will advise us on a direct immediate attendance poll response and centralize publish all activities.

Let's get additional comments.

Regards

Winston 

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From: Don Mitchell <idmitch@anguillanet.com>; 

Subject: Webpage www.weebly.com 

Sent: Wed, Jun 25, 2014 4:01:54 PM 

Hi, Winston,

I already visit the MSB website that Kazim maintains, and the fourteen (14) MSB websites that I maintain for the Circulars.  Then, I have to visit and upload stuff on the website I maintain for Reunion 2014.

Remind me again, why do I need to go to another website?

Don

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From: Winston Ramsahai

Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 8:52 AM

Good Day, gentlemen.

This is taking a toll on time and will like to complete the first phase of 1 page save the date to ASA ASAP. 

Web page login in password is: mtstbenedict.  Soon I will understand the template and so advise how to edit web page properly.

It's in draft.

Will visit MSB sometime today or tomorrow with Gary to take a few pics for our brochure and page.

Keith Allen advised that the track may have a lot of razor grass in Oct if not maintained.  We have to verify.

Regards,

Winston 

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From: vcl28@aol.com <vcl28@aol.com>; 

Sent: Wed, Jun 25, 2014 12:33:24 PM 

Excellent notes, Gary, but shouldn't this paragraph

"a.     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 marketing and promoting the event, and outlining the registration process.  Joe explained that the flyer will include payment for registration information, activities and events information, etc.”

reflect the fact that we, in hiring an Event Organizer, will allow him/her to advertise/promote the function as part of their responsibilities?  And, that Winston and the management committee will ensure that it be done effectively?  It’s the reason why Winston was placed on the committee, to make sure that the ASAA is well represented on it.

Everything else is OK by me. 

Tony

-----Original Message---------------------------------------------------

From: G <travellingcompanion@hotmail.com>

Sent: Wed, Jun 25, 2014 1:10 am

Attached is a copy of the minutes for the meeting held on the 19th June 2014 at J.D. Sellier + Co. with regards to the intended reunion.

Regards

Gary

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From: Winston Ramsahai

Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 7:40 AM

Greetings, Paul

The date is confirmed October 16th to 19^th.  The banquet is set for Sunday 19th .

The MSB upgrade project is an initiative to start only and based on Dennis Gurley discussion with Mr Sabga we will be guided to consider it as a project launch with the Abbot´s approval.

Regards

Winston 

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From: Paul Zeven <paul.zeven@me.com>; 

Sent: Tue, Jun 24, 2014 11:28:06 AM 

Winston,

What were the alternative reunion dates that the organising team is considering (ref the mail from Gary, distributed by Don)?

Or is that option of the table?

Tks

Paul

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Don Mitchell

Jun 24

No, Salvador,

That is not true. If it is true, then I am the only one who does not know it. That is unlikely.

If you don’t mind, I am copying this to the Organising Committee so they will know what rumours are circulating.

Keep well.

And, see you in October.

Don

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From: salvador coscarart

Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 7:42 PM

Thank you Don.

I was told that it had cancelled for good.  Was that true?  Please let me know, cause I am still not giving up on going to Trinidad.

God bless Many blessings.

Salvador

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From: idmitch@anguillanet.com

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 19:16:21 -0400

Dear all,

Ladislao’s latest Circular is up for you to read at

http://abbeyschool2014circulars.blogspot.com/

I am hearing that some of you are upset at the Committee considering changing the dates.  Please don’t be so upset that you stop supporting the Reunion.

We are in the process of retaining a new Event Organiser. The Committee is trying to get the best prices and rates, and the most exciting Programme for all of us.

I shall be in Trinidad in the week 18-22 August. I hope to learn more of what is being arranged for us.

I look forward to seeing you all in Trinidad at the Reunion.

Keep well.

Don

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Don Mitchell

Jun 24

Thanks, Colm,

Copied to the Organising Committee for their encouragement.

Don

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From: Colm Imbert

Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 8:54 PM

Don

I have no problem with a change in dates. I understand the difficulties of a voluntary group and how easily plans can change because of unforeseen circumstances.

If I'm not tied up with pressing matters, I will most certainly attend whatever the dates are.  Do what you think is best.

Regards.

Colm

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Don Mitchell

Jun 24

Dear All,

Just to advise that I shall be in Trinidad August 18-22 for a wedding anniversary party on the evening of the 20th. That means that I am available on Tuesday 19 or Thursday 21, if there is anything useful I can do.

Hope to see some of you then.

Keep well.

Don

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Don Mitchell

Jun 24

Hello, Winston,

I don’t know about the MSB upgrade.  I hope it is not any part of our Reunion.  We already have a full programme that we have been thrashing out for the past 9 months.

I hope any thought of upgrading the Ministry of National Security premises at MSB does not form a part of the programme. 

Don

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Photos:

6003 East St. George Sports Event p14

14TV0001TERMS, the draft of the minutes

14TV0002TERMS, the draft of the minutes

14GF0002GFAWFE, Gabriel Faeria and wife