Fifty Old Boys
gathered that evening to renew old acquaintances and indulge in the
remembrance of times past. Several had come from Australia, others from
Thailand, and yet others from America.
The honoured guests were three
teachers of yore: Messrs Lee Hah Ing, Lim Choon Mong and Earnest Lau, all
affable and sprightly despite the passage of years. The convenor was the
indefatigable Kenney Tan, ably abetted by Tan Chee Chye, Raymond Choo and
Tay Hua Siang; and making a visual record of the events were photographers
Harold Teo and C. C. Juan who graciously donated time and talent for the
occasion.
The evening of
nostalgia began with a tour of the complex, which bore scant similarity to
the ACS Barker Road of half a century ago. The Old Boys marveled at the
new high rises, the inviting pool, and the expansive assembly hall.
They
then gathered for a group photograph against the backdrop of the clock
tower, which is perhaps the only remaining familiar feature of the ACS of
the ‘50s and a fittingly symbolic reminder that (as Mr Ong Kang Hai might
have said) “optima dies … prima fugit”, in other words (as Mr Lee Hah Ing
might have phrased it), “The best days … are the first to flee” (Virgil,
Georgics).
Conviviality was the
keynote of the evening as a bountiful buffet dinner was served, blessed by
the grace of Rev Ho Chee Sin, himself a member of the Class of ’54.
Kenney Tan called
the meeting together and tantalized his audience with the occasional and
repeated giving of prizes donated by several well-known regional hotels
and by the World Express Group.
Edwin Choo then assumed
the duties of song leader accompanied by guest Arnold Tan at the piano,
and they led the assembled company in rousing renditions of the “ACS
Anthem”, and other timeless favourites such as “Shenadoah”, “Amazing
Grace” and “Vive L’amour” – tunes and lyrics that conjured up the
camaraderie of bygone campfires and picnics.
