19 March, 2010 – London

TANGLIN TRUST SCHOOL ALUMNI REUNION

Please join current students, staff and Friends of Tanglin in thanking those of our alumni, including former Heads, for making our first ever London alumni event such a success!

We were thrilled with the response to the invitation, which saw us being able to host the event within the beautiful Grade I listed building of The Royal Overseas League - overlooking Green Park and just a stone’s throw from London’s West End.

Over some hot and cold canapés, along with a variety of refreshments, some 160 alumni from the length and breadth of the UK, from France, Holland and even one lady from Australia, who was on her way to Europe, were able to reminisce about their times at Tanglin. Almost every decade was represented, making for fascinating conversations and a finish time of nearly 10pm!

We were particularly pleased to have with us three former Heads of School, also from different decades – Veronica Goodban, Stewart Hilland and David Porritt (who was back from Holland at that time).

Mrs Helen Scrimgeour, who helped Ms Anne Griffith-Jones set up Tanglin School in the 1940s after it had moved back from the Cameron Highlands, would have loved to have been present. Now a centenarian - her 100th birthday was in February - sadly this was a little too far for her to travel. We know Mrs Scrimgeour would also have liked being back at The Royal Overseas League – the place where she used to stay on home leave from Singapore! But, undeterred and determined to be represented, she asked her granddaughter, Joanna Evans, to stand in her stead – and we were delighted to have her with us.

Many alumni from the last decade were desperately hoping that some of their old friends would turn up – lists were checked and re-checked throughout the evening to see if they had arrived - thankfully some had – some hadn’t – let’s hope those that didn’t make it are able to re-connect with everyone next year!

Stewart Hilland, a former Head of the Senior School, wrote afterwards:- "Thank you so much for inviting us to the alumni event in London. It was a most enjoyable evening and a wonderful opportunity to meet up with former colleagues and students. We didn’t have much ‘voice’ left at the end of the event…….having talked non-stop to so many different people! Please pass on our thanks to Steven Andrews and Tine Gregory”.

Our oldest ‘old-girl’, Jane Massen, rang to say how much she had enjoyed the reunion. We have a lot to thank Jane for in return. As the backdrop to the event, we were able to run film footage of Tanglin Trust School in the 1940s, courtesy of Jane kindly lending us her old film reels (suitably transferred for use on today’s machines). You may also have seen the same footage as the backdrop to the Governor’s open meeting with parents a few days later, on 23 March? It certainly makes fascinating watching…..

John Somerville and his wife, Janet, also made it up to London for this special occasion. Having shared some photographs with us of his time at Tanglin all those years ago and having visited Tanglin quite recently, it was lovely that they were able to make it.

If you would like to contribute to our alumni page, we would be more than happy to receive any photos taken during the event, entertain any queries or receive any feedback. Please write to us at alumni@tts.edu.sg

Our next alumni event will be held in Singapore on2 July 2010. If you are back in Singapore at that time, we would love to see you all. Further details will issue in due course.

Please check the website and our Facebook page (Tanglin Alumnus) for further information.