Considering that it was a Saturday night when grand-pa’s weekend duties are almost obligatory, it was a remarkable turn-out. No less than fifty made it to Level 33 of the OCBC Centre, once again, for another reunion. Leonard Tan from Canada and Peter Yeo from New Zealand came all the way. Some cut their holidays short to be back in time for the unforgettable date, 5 March, set a year ago. This reflects unmistakably the Spirit of ACS!

After a respectful minute’s silence for those who had left, Tony Chan and John Chen took the floor. The usual gratitude to the group for their presence was warmly expressed. It had been fifty-five years after the last day in school! It was an occasion for tears of joy as everyone had passed the 70th year! The resounding singing of the School Anthem which followed did not give any trace of that age!

During the dinner, George Teo, true to his being a teacher, endowed with the gift of the gap, beguiled us with a declamation on “Golf” and Peter Yeo drew roars of laughter, sharing his close observations of animal behaviour in his New Zealand farm. On a serious but informative note, Tan Wah Thong updated all on the great achievements of the Alma Mater. The applause was deafening! Meanwhile, Leonard Tan (the other “foreign talent” present) was clicking away to ensure souvenirs for posterity.

The MC did not have to formally introduce Musical Chairs. He was pre-empted. Everyone was already moving around to renew greetings, to recall school-day pranks and to admire one another’s broadening waist-lines and foreheads. Amidst laughter, they realized that at 70-plus nothing could be held back!

Soon Auld Lang Syne had to be sung but this time it was timely. No sooner had it been completed than Lee Boon Siong appeared. Of course he was met with a rousing welcome and offered the excess of the wonderful dinner. “How are you?” and “Long time no see!” to Boon Siong filled the air as the classmates trickled out for home, yelling “See you next year! ACS Forever!”