TMGS OLD GIRLS GIVE BACK

The Star, Northern Metro

2009-09-30T16:33:00.001+08:00

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Trip down memory lane

By RASLAN BAHAROM

THERE were plenty of shrieks, hugs and tears of joy when more than 300 former students of Taiping’s Treacher Metho-dist Girls School (TMGS) gathered for dinner at a hotel in Taiping recently to celebrate the school’s 120th anniversary.

Many of them are now in the prime of their lives but memories of their school days, their ‘naughtiness’ and ‘no nonsense’ teachers are still fresh in their minds.

One ex-student Tan Sri Dr Asiah Abu Samah, who remembered praying for rain to skip the afternoon co-curricular activities, said her prayers were usually answered as Taiping is well known for its rainy weather.

Dr Asiah, who was the former Human Rights Commission of Ma-laysia commissioner, was one of the evening’s guest of honour together with Inland Revenue Department director-general Datuk Hasmah Abdullah.

Both of them paid tribute to the teachers during the dinner. They also noted that the 1Malaysia concept had already been practised since those days as they were never conscious of their ethnic or social backgrounds.

Former SM Convent Taiping teacher Muhitah Mohd Rose, who left TMGS in 1959 after completing Form Five, was the luckiest as she won a return AirAsia ticket for two to Guilin, China.

The grandmother of seven, who retired in 1996, said she would probably bring along one of her six children for the trip as her husband. Ahmad Khairuddin, passed away about two years ago.

“I have never been overseas before and I am looking forward to do just that with the free air tickets,” she said.

TMGS Old Girls Association (OGA) chairman Ahsaniah Othman in her speech said this was the biggest gathering ever organised.

While catching up on old times, the former schoolmates were entertained by a dance troupe made up of Kuala Lumpur-based OGA members calling themselves Dancing Queen.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil-fitri

2009-09-19T18:42:00.008+08:00

By now, most of our Muslim friends would be home with their families. And probably cooking up a feast for this evening's buka puasa. How many of our TMGS alumnae are back in Taiping to celebrate Raya, I wonder?

Wherever you are, I wish you and family a wonderful festival...salam kasih pada hari yang mulia ini dan maaf zahir batin diucapkan kepada sekalian!

It's making me remember the ketupat, lemang, rendang, serunding, jelly gula and cookies we used to wallop at Raya open houses. Oh, also that sugar-coated siput-shaped cookie/biscuit (hardly see this today). Dressed in our best, we would cycle from one house to another - first to Pokok Assam where Norma, Norliza and Norhayati lived; then, to Assam Kumbang where Azrinah lived; then to Permeen's house in Simpang and once even venturing to Nor Azah's house in Changkat Jering. Raya memang best - with friendship, adventure and food!

Going sentimental and remembering also Yuslipah (who passed away in Form 5), Nor'ashikin (best singer), Noor Hayah (my model for school concert)...all my classmates of 5 Science Red.

Website Out-Of-Service

2009-09-06T11:46:00.018+08:00

Our apologies. We overlooked the annual renewal fee for the Cherish TMGS domain. We are sorting out matters and hope to get the website on again soon.

A quick update on the school refurbishment - plans are still in a preliminary stage. The Board of Governors has received the RM560,ooo allocation from the Ministry of Education, but there are some technicalities to be sorted out. Let's hope that this will happen soon because the allocation has to be used by December.

The 120th celebration dinner organized by the TMGS Old Girls Association - on Aug 15; four Saturdays ago - was a hearty gathering of old and young.

We got to see old familiar faces that were missing at the hi tea - Miss Looi, Miss Satwant, Mrs Khir, Mr Mak, Mr Mahendran, Puan Zaitone, Mrs Ng and many more former teachers. I am sorry though that I was spaced out and did not "circulate," but my friends did and were very happy to meet up and chat with former teachers and schoolmates.

The whole affair felt like a family reunion. It struck me that people were saying hellos not only to their former classmates or yearmates, but also to their sisters' classmates and yearmates - many a times going beyond the initial hellos to sitting down for a good yak to catch up. And there were sisters, cousins, aunts and moms in the mix of alumnae, with TMGS at the heart of it all.

To Siew Har (1977, sis of my ex-classmate), thanks for your warm smile, hello and invititation to sit and chat after more than 20 years of no-see...say hello to Siew Ai, please. To Ting Hui, 2001, glad to meet you in person. Here she is, in black-and-white dress, with former classmates and Puan Zaitone.

Bouquets to the OGA for organizing the dinner! Kudos to Mrs Goh as organizing chairperson! Below, OGA prez Puan Ahsaniah delivering her welcoming speech. Grand ole ladies, indeed.

The programme included singing of the school song, raffle for a handphone, lucky draw, singalong and DQs. Nice touches were the cutting of the 120th cake by the oldest alumnae present (see pix below) and inviting a rep from each decade to come onstage to say a few words. The commemorative bag containing a souvenir programme and car sticker was a lovely touch too.

For quite a few of us, the celebration in Taiping was also meaningful because it meant a trip back to a hometown not seen for many, many years. Literally, a trip back in time.

My yearmate, Permeen, came from Singapore. She arrived on Friday evening and spent Saturday morning walking around the town and even took a bus to Simpang to visit familiar homeground. When we arrived near lunchtime, Permeen has a few mini bags of snacks which she had bought to taste for memory's sake. I happily chomped down her coconut candy from a mamak shop. Permeen had not been back for, if I remember correctly, 17 years.

Where her feet could not take her, Seong Chooi's car did. Off to the Lake Gardens, Maxwell Hill, TMGS primary and secondary schools, passing the museum and prison. And cendol at this nook between Station Road and Barrack Road (can never remember the name).

A look at the pictures posted by Datin Rosni and Rohana showed that they too took the trip down memory lane. Rohana made the drive from KL with Hasnita and their stops included the old market in town and the Bismillah shop for cendol (they even took a picture!).

Datin Rosni, 1972 (with black hat in pix below), took her mom, who is also from TMGS, to the school. With them is Siti Maznah, 1977, in white in pix below.

The morning after, this gang went for an early morning walk at the Lake Gardens. Here, Nita, Rohana, Siti Maznah and Ena strike a pose under the iconic raintrees -- while my friends and I were still snuggled up in our beds in Permeen's room!

We did wake up in time for the Meet-Mr-Chuah session at Prima kopitiam along Kota Road. We had heard the night before that seniors from 1974 have arranged for that. Mr Chuah was really there! Greeted him. Of the four of us, he remembered Permeen. Ratio of 1:4; 25% hit rate...trying to be mathemical here in honour of this Add Math teacher of ours. Wish I have the picture of us with him; am sure lots of girls would like to "see" him again,wink-wink. My verdict? Not bad at all.

And so, the curtain has come down too on the 120th dinner. It is already September. We hope what's left of the year will bring good outcomes for refurbishment so that our alma mater may start her 121th year in glorious shape.

God bless TMGS, one and all.

Photo credits - with thanks to Rohana, Datin Rosni and Sharifah Talha.

Dinner Soon!

2009-07-28T13:56:00.006+08:00

When the hi tea came, August 15 for the 120th dinner seemed so far away. It no longer is.

With less than three weeks away, almost all the 320 seats have been taken. My guess is many of us are on diet. I am. The pounds have been padding on and it's time they go. Am on a good workout regime too, practising dance steps.

Yes, DQs are going to dance again at the dinner. We'll be back with Abba's Dancing Queen. We are also throwing in an extra as a tribute to MJ. Take a guess. Which hit of his?

We are having a blast, practising THRILLER! All us makcik-makcik and auntie-auntie dancing to MJ's cool beat and moves. My head is twitching...

See you on at Legend Inn!

Remembering Michael, 1958-2009

2009-07-14T10:32:00.024+08:00

It'll soon be three weeks to the day. I don't want to put it off any longer.

But, first, I seek your indulgence because I am going to write about something seemingly unrelated to the focus of this blog. Simple reason is that I just feel the need to remember and would like to remember here - at a blog by someone from Taiping, a small town so faraway but impacted nevertheless.

So, please, allow me.

How do I explain this feeling that a part of me has gone missing when I don't even know the person in the first place?

When I expressed this to a friend just yesterday, she said that is exactly how she is feeling too. We are not Quincy Jones who had worked closely with him and yet, like Quincy Jones, we feel a part of us has come away.

Across the globe, the outpouring of grief is unprecedented. The same scenes of spontaneous and heartfelt street vigils and memorials were repeated in the various continents - from south to north, east to west. In the Philippines, hardcore criminals put together a song-and-dance tribute. In Kuala Lumpur, people dropped whatever was on in their lives that one afternoon and came together for a few hours at a shopping mall to honour him. Many also sent loving messages during the special broadcast of his Bucharest concert on ntv7.

On Sunday just past, during a gathering of old school friends, one had brought along a compilation of his greatest hits. We played our favourites. As his voice filled the room, we grew silent. Each with our own thoughts.

So, we mourn. All over the world.

Why did Michael Jackson's death evoke such a groundswell of emotion?

I'll Be There; Black Or White; Ebony and Ivory; They Don't Really Care About Us; Will You Be There; Heal The World; Earth Song; We Are The World; Man In The Mirror; You Are Not Alone.

For me, these are the songs which have helped to define many things about life, about being a person and about being a citizen of our world. Though I thrilled to Beat It and Billie Jean, I have been shaped by these others. What self-empowerment lies within the lyrics of Man In The Mirror!

I've heard Ben and many of his early hits during my childhood, but it was in varsity in the 1980s that I became more aware of him. I remember how his Beat It and Billie Jean videos were the rage and we used to crowd that one common room with a TV in Desa Permai to soak in his genius.

As someone who has definitely been impacted by his music and his life, I would say that he went beyond mere entertainment.

For the past 30 years, in a world growing more and more askew, through his music and dance, his was the voice of our conscience. He touched chords deep in us and uplifted us in thought, action and spirit toward a rising consciousness and humanity. He was part of our soul.

I find it utterly profound that his very self became the embodiment of "it don't matter if you're black or white." From black, he became white. Not because he aspired to be white. But because vitiligo, a skin ailment, had caused deadening of pigment cells in his skin which in turn caused white splotches all over his body, and his dermatologist had embarked on killing off the remaining pigment cells as the treatment path.

So, Michael Jackson did not choose to be white. He became white out of medical necessity. In the end, he lived his very message of common humanity and racial acceptance.

You are not alone
I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart.

Yes, Michael Jackson, you live on in us - we from Taiping, so far flung and unknown to you. And we will continue your legacy to us - for each of us to continue playing our part for a better world.

Thank you.

Author's note: I am fully aware there are those who do not share my view of MJ. I hope you will accept that is my view as I respect yours. The world is big enough. Let's respect each other. This is my tribute to a person I perceive to be a great soul.

To anyone interested, do check out Wikipedia on MJ - very comprehensive and objective.

What A Feeling!

2009-05-11T22:05:00.060+08:00

It's been a week after Hi TMGS 2009.

It was, by all accounts, a wonderful afternoon - meeting old friends; seeing again classmates, seniors and juniors who we have not met since leaving school; shrieking, laughing and giggling over the changes (or non-changes) the years had wrought.

"Aiyoo, you are still the same!"

"Hey, you girls don't eat one ah?"

"Wah, mummy already!"

"Wah, your children so big already!"

Glad to meet up - Swee Chin, Anura and Jamaliah

And so it went. From one table to another, the scene repeated itself. Alumnae started streaming in early, even before 11am though the event was set to start at 12pm. And, right through to 1pm, the MCs and even Hi TMGS 2009 chief couldn't hush the gathering.

"Ladies, we are about to start. Please be seated."

Nobody heard that said - many times. All were so intent on catching up with each other. It was a good hour later that another such appeal was finally heard and the 350 alumnae plus former teachers, present students and teachers finally went ... quiet ... enough ... (If you were there, you know what I mean.)

And, the programme could officially start!

First, the doa by Siti Salina, Year '81. Then, the singing of the school song - with an upbeat, marching tempo courtesy of Datuk Ibrahim Bachek, hubby to Datin Rosni, Year '72. Puan Noriza took the stage after that - she spoke of the allocations for refurbishment from the government and congratulated our alumnae spirit. Puan Noriza expressed her wish for TMGS alumnae to continue uniting and reconnecting with the school to help the current generation.

Keep up the spirit, girls!

That set a nice footing for the multi-media show that followed, showing our school's and our passage through the years. Nostalgia abounded when class photos flashed on the screen...those were the days. Many saw the school's present condition for the first time. Christina, Year 1979 and my sister's classmate, came to me and said, "How did the school get to such a condition?"

After the walk down memory lane, guests were finally invited to walk to where the food was! Aha, very orderly, ladylike qeueing and waiting for one's turn - testament to the upbringing at the first English girls' school in the country.

Lady Treacher would have been proud!

Food, music and chatter made merry company, and it was a battle between the music-men and the women - who would be louder?

For me, I heard the women. The music had been carefully thought through to bring back the different eras of our youth but, honestly, I didn't hear anything...just the happy sounds of women being together.

Fenners and friends! Mom (in lavender) and daughters including Zarinah
(seated, middle, mom to the KRU boys), Zaharah (left, back row) and
Sofea (bright blue, who flew in from Melbourne for the hi tea).

Fifteen minutes into the buffet, came the first lucky draw of the afternoon where 65 prizes were given away.

The programme then moved on with the perfect game for an alumnae gathering - school quiz! Alumnae gamely tackled the questions.

At my table, Mee Seong impressed us when she could mouth the school's vision while the rest of us went, "Huh? Now school got vision one ah? Our time got meh?" The question that was particularly challenging was the first principal of the school. Some of my mates piped up, "Miss Satwant!" The more logical among us said, "Can't be la. Miss Satwant's during our time; the school started long before that." We left that space empty. And, came back empty-handed though Norma ran for dear life to be the first to hand in the question paper.

No worries. Here's my gang, '80, at the former teachers table - spot the teachers!

After the excitement of the game, Siti Zaleha, Year '70, helped to calm everyone with a syair she had written. Her thank-you gifts for taking part in this Open Mic were a Cherish TMGS tee, TMGS umbrella and TMGS metal school badge. PRECIOUS!

Voice from '70

Another game followed - blindfold! (That's the picture you saw on the Cherish TMGS website.)

The fashion show came next. Our models were Gaik Hong '83, Azlynn Rose '93, Azlina '93, Kireenjit '96, Nora '97, Mei Yin '93, Zanita '90, Shafinas '95, Subhasini '98 and Nurul Hayani '97. Great spirit, these girls. They were fitted with the clothes on Saturday and came early on Sunday to rehearse the walk.

TMGS boleh!

Another game next. Scavenger Hunt, methinks.

At this time, I was cued to get changed. When I went to the restroom, a sight awaited me. There they were - the gang from 1978. They had happily gone to the Cherish TMGS merchandise table to buy the tees and now they were happily in the ladies' switching their garb.

And, here they are...happily wearing their Cherish TMGS special edition tees. I know these faces; just can't put a name to each....there's Rita on the right, back row, and her twin, Martha, second from left, seated.

WANT THE TEE? Call Chai Lan, 012-3951904.

Out of the restroom and into the "holding room" (the name of this room makes me feel like a kerbau, haha) next to the stage - my team mates were in various stages of readiness. Without a mirror around, we had to be each other's eyes. It was karaoke time and we heard "Dream, Dream, Dream" being sung. Anant, Masitah, Siti Maznah, Fooi Lin, Ena, Ai Loon and I promptly burst into song backstage. Our mood was high and somehow the lyrics came effortlessly while the younger ones - Camy, Kireenjit, Yati, Natasha Reena and Nurul Hayani - looked at us bemusedly. It helped take our minds away from what's coming next.

And, what exactly were we up to?

Yes, THE DQs!!!!

Dancing to Abba's "Dancing Queen."

With multi-hued wigs, sequinned tops and even boots, we were a hoot.

Masitah, in green, leading Ai Loon, Yati and Kireen

Five weekends of sweat culminated here.

The whole room roared its delight upon the first sight of us and then screamed us on, even when the music cd played up. Most were on their feet, dancing in their hearts with us. Then came the calls for an encore, to which we happily obliged.

As Siti Maznah aka Blondie said afterwards, "Wow! We danced not only once, but twice. Worth it!"

Who's that girl?

So much happened that afternoon, and I am only halfway. Just like in real life, some speeding up needed as the organizers crimped the programme to fit in the absolute necessities. It was running close to 4pm and we were supposed to end at 5pm.

Mmm, what came next? Suet Fun, Year '77, for Open Mic 2. Like Siti Zaleha, she read out a poem. Also like Siti Zaleha, Suet Fun received the precious stuff for her sharing.

Suet Fun wearing the Cherish TMGS special edition tee in babe blue.

Then, came the girls' turn.

They had come in a bus. leaving Taiping that morning at 8am. This was their moment - delivering their prize-winning choral speaking performance, "Live Worthily" written by Suet Fun. It was my first time watching choral speaking, and I enjoyed our girls' smooth, coordinated movements.

Wearing Cherish TMGS tees, they spoke and moved as one, under the guidance of Sharon Kanapathy

The girls pulled a surprise next! They had come with bouquets for Suet Fun, Miss Lim (team leader; left in pix below) and Puan Noriza, and had asked for a little bit of time from the organizers to do their thing.

Another sweet moment in an already memory-ful afternoon.

Fast-forward! Karaoke 2 came on. Many had booked their slot, including Bee Ai, Year '71, and Lai Peng, Year '75. They were heartily clapped on by their TMGS sistas.

Bee Ai with her backup; she had brought her guitar along!

Chris Chong Lai Peng singing for her '75 mates

It was past 4pm. Time for the lucky draw finale to find the recipients of the last 15 prizes, after 133 prizes had been given out in two earlier draws. Our Taiping sister alumnae will forever remember this as their draw because they went home with the top two prizes! Mrs Lim Chin Seng of the Old Girls Association received the Sharp microwave oven while Puan Roslena, Year '75 and present teacher at the school, received the 32-inch Philips LCD TV. (How's the family enjoying the TV, Roslena?)

A jubilant Roslena with Datin Rosni

It was getting dangerously close to 5pm but girls must have their fun!

So, next came Poco Poco and Joget Lambak. From about 10 girls, the stage filled up rather fast as the music moved from rock-and-roll to twist to a-go-go to joget and even to a Hindustani number. When the stage couldn't take anymore, others danced wherever they were. My gang danced near our table and had fun twirling around the pillars during the Hindustani number. But, Amitabh Bachan didn't come! Er, he's too old? Shah Rukh Khan better?

Let's do the Twist...

Ah, just when we were all getting warmed up, the music stopped! Now, all of us are wanting to continue the dancing at the 120th dinner in August -- OGA, please take note, MUST HAVE DANCING at the dinner, ok?

1980s doing the a-go-go

For now, the clock has struck 5 and all the cinderallas must be running home.

Hasnita, Year '81, who has led this team of merry alumnae from February in organizing the hi tea, took to the stage for her closing speech. The event raised a whopping RM18,000 toward the Cherish TMGS fund and a mock cheque had been presented to Puan Noriza after the choral team performed.

A marvellous effort from Nita (far right) and her team

Special mention must go to Jarinah @ Ena, Year '81 (awesome Facebook skills and Nita's right-hand woman); Datin Rosni (sweet and inspiring, she's our mama and most responsible for the lucky draw gifts); Rohana, '71 (registration table and production of dvds); Nurul Husna (so young but so resourceful; she's mostly responsible for the goodie bag and was floor manager); Masitah, '74 (MC as well DQ); Bathma,'95 (MC); Ai Loon. '81 (has an absolute cool head for accounts); Fooi Lin, '81 and Muntip, '92 (games); Syarifah Talha, '94 (ticketing); Anant, '74 and Siti Maznah, '77 (dancing and packing queens) and Liena (ushering).

Special mention must also go to Alynn, daughter of Ena, who good-naturedly followed her mom to all meetings and was a real help to all of us, including choreographing our dance with Camy. More daughters got in the act too and we thank you - daughters of Nita (overseeing ticket collection) and daughters of Anant (giving out the lucky draw prizes). And, to all who helped and who came!

(From front) Anant, Masitah, Ai Loon, Datin Rosni, Siti Maznah, Rohana, Ena, Bathma, Fooi Lin, Talha, Liena and Nita.

Thank you! Congrats! Hurrah for the girls!

What an afternoon! Tak cukup la....now, let's all beramai-ramai balik ke Taiping to celebrate our school's 120th anniversary. For details, click here.

SHOPPING ALERT!

Cherish TMGS special edition tee - made with top quality cotton by a producer who makes tees for top retail brands. Available in black or babe blue. Only RM20.
Dvd of more than 600 photos of the hi-tea - some of which you see here. Only RM10.
School badge - no longer in use (a cloth version is used today) and specially reproduced by the hi tea committee. Only RM10. Buy a dvd and a badge, special offer RM15.

All nett proceeds to go to the Cherish TMGS fund. For tees, please note this about sizing - if you usually wear M, our S will fit you. If your usual size is L, then our M is for you. If your usual size is XL, then our L will fit you just nice.

Call Chai Lan at 012-3951904 or Ena at 012-6845388. Delivery by mail available at RM5 for postage, which can take two tees, 1 dvd and 1 badge.

The earlier, the better

2009-02-24T11:30:00.007+08:00

Thank you to all who have visited the website and this blogspot. Please do keep telling others about the Cherish TMGS fundraising campaign.

The plan is to do remedial, restorative work as funds come in. Top on the list is bolstering the sagging support of the school hall and some preventative work to prevent further deterioration. Next is the roofing of the science lab block.

These repairs are quite urgent. So, girls, it matters that funds come in early! Thank you.

The Girls Give! Cherish TMGS

2009-01-23T18:15:00.007+08:00

Our website's launched!

And will be the happening place from now on. It's been fun having this blog. Betcha it'll be even more fun at our new place. See ya at: www.cherishtmgs.com.

Alumnae Spirit at Cyclethon

2009-01-19T17:31:00.029+08:00

The alumnae who made it to the cyclethon last Saturday, Jan 17, had a lovely time. Of course, we wished there were more of us. But, those present were totally gung-ho and so we had fun.

Thank you to Jarinah, Hasnita, Radiah, Rohana, Anura, Akmar (who came with her walking stick) and Swee Cheng who responded to my call in this blog and took part. Thank you to alumnae Ting Hui, who couldn't come from Singapore, and Seong Chooi who contributed as a sponsor to my family's cycling team. Thank you too to Dr Teh, Yick Fern and Phooi Ling (who turns out to be sis to my former classmate, Phooi Bee) for being there, representing their group of 21 alumnae of Class of '70 who sponsored the tees for the cyclethon.

Highlights...

Opening speech by Dr Teh Lei Choo, Class of '70. In her speech, Dr Teh celebrated TMGS' contribution to womanhood in this country.

"120 years of history is a very significant milestone for any institution. Over this period, thousands of young women have passed through the portals of this school - women who are now living in various parts of Malaysia or of the world; raising families, making invaluable contributions in their respective fields of work and leading meaningful lives.

"Today, we launch a series of activities to celebrate the 120 years of existence of TMGS. We celebrate the thousands of young women it has educated and nurtured. We celebrate the teachers who have served the school with dedication and commitment. Most of all, we celebrate the school, which has contributed immensely to nation-building. As an old girl of the school, I am honoured and proud to be part of the celebration," she said.

Dr Teh went on to appeal to alumnae to spread the word about the school's need for funds. "I am sure all old girls of TMGS, far and near, will be glad to contribute to their alma mater, in whatever way they can. To all the old girls out there, do contribute generously - for we will not be who we are today without the education and guidance accorded to us here."

Cheques and pledges of help. These came after Dr Teh's opening speech.

From Class of '81, represented by Radiah, Hasnita and Jarinah (left to right below in pix with Puan Noriza on far left), brought along a mock cheque and the real thing for the sum of RM3,500, which was the generous contribution of 17 alumnae, including Lean See, Poh Gaik, Oi Mei, Siti Salina, Ai Loon, Noraini, Poh Cheng, Hanaliza, Aminahtun, Nurshah, Aniza, Phoebe, Phaik See and Suan See.

The group had pooled together their contributions since Sept last year and had waited patiently for the school restoration fund to be set up. Yes, the fund is called CHERISH TMGS -- more details under "How To Help" on the left.

From Anura Hashim (pix below), who did Forms 4 and 5 in 1978 and 1979 in TMGS. Anura pulled a surprise on us when she presented over a RM1000 in cash contributions from herself, fellow alumna Jamaliah Hamdan and friend Prof Madya Dr Maheran Mohd Jaffar, as well as a pledge to sponsor furniture from Puan Maihizan Murad, Group Managing Director of Zone Furniture Sdn Bhd and Tisisit Corp (M) Sdn Bhd. What a delightful surprise!

It was a happy moment for all present - to feel the alumnae support.

Pedal Power! A quiet participant was my cousin, Lim Swee Cheng, Class of '78. She had signed on early and had time to ask around for sponsorship. She cycled with RM2,070 behind the turns of her bicycle's pedals. Thank you to Swee Cheng and her sponsors, including an ex-KE boy who gave RM1,000, her sister Swee Beet from Class of '76 and our Biology teacher, Miss Ho.

And here are the girls who took part under the mini sponsorship programme initiated by Chen Tyng Yee, Class of '96. Tyng Yee, who lives in UK, lobbied among her family members and obtained RM420, which went towards sponsoring Iyvonne Chuah, Ong Si Mei, Puah Hooi San, Nallie Chan, Yew Hooi Kheng and Lim Kah Hui (left to right in the pix below, with Puan Noriza in the middle).

Ring-off! In a lovely twist to the usual affair, Dr Teh was given the old school bell to herald the start of the cyclethon. She rang it gamely ... and the bikers were off!

Off on a very short cycle, due to a change in the route because it was suddenly realized that the trishaws carrying Dr Teh and Encik Anuar b Isa, Deputy President of the Heritage Society of Taiping, would have a tough time going up the hill as originally planned. Hmm, much to the relief of Ong Ah Sun, one of the two "trishawmen"?

So, it was literally no sweat for all cyclists - especially us alumnae who had thought we might not be able to finish the race. Rohana who spoke of her "lutut longgar," Radiah who spoke of finishing on a stretcher, and Anura who had never cycled to school before and has not been on a bike for a looooong time.

We came back to school to the cheers of the school's cheerleading team, decked out in sunny yellow outfits and colourful poms-poms.

Refreshments! We didn't expect this delightful affair. We were served at the mini banquet hall by the Catering students (one of the subjects under vocational skills). Rather special, methinks. There we were, at cosy tables set out for four, with white tablecloth and pale green table runners. TMGS ada class!

Here's the VIP table with Dr Teh, Encik Adnan bin Abdul Rahman, PIBG President, and Encik Azrai bin Hj Ismail, Deputy District Education Officer (in batik).

Here, Swee Cheng with Phooi Ling (in red) and Yick Fern of Class of '70.

After refreshments, Radiah, Nita, Ena and family (hubby and five kids came along - keep up the spirit), Swee Cheng and Rohana were game for more of the school. So, Puan Noriza took them on a walkabout which was punctuated with lots of oohs and aahs...and shrieks of happy recollections. "This is my classroom," Jarinah pointed out to her daughter. "This is where we learned folk dancing." "Who was the teacher?" "Miss Looi!" At this point, we were at the old music room (now the staffroom). My cousin and Ena did some folk dance steps there and then.

Final verdict? Well worth the drive. We are glad we came.

As Rohana Puteh put it when giving me a farewell hug, "I've no regrets" She had decided to come along at the very last minute, at the cajoling of Jarinah and Hasnita. Alumae spirit is now fiery in Rohana, who left TMGS in 1971 after Form 3 - she emailed me this afternoon that she wants to get her gang together to do something for the school. Here she is, third from the left, with Radiah, Nita and Ena. Good sports!

To Puan Noriza, Mrs Ng, Puan Sharifah, Lay Hoon and all at the school who took part in organizing the cyclethon, congrats on the excellent job done and the hospitality extended to us!

To end this narration, I'd like to introduce Esther, who is in Form 4 and helped us alumnae loads in registering and getting there. She was shy but Lay Hoon coaxed her into this pix. Hey, Esther, thanks for your patience in dealing with us dawdling old girls who could have confirmed things earlier but chose to be late. Promise we'd do better the next time!

Welcome, 2009!

2009-01-01T11:48:00.004+08:00

What a fantastic last day of 2008 it was.

Miss Lim called me about 3pm to say that she and Mrs Ng were at the bank to open the dedicated account for the school-alumni fundraising effort. YAY!

If you have been following the progress, this means that we have obtained the fundraising permit from the Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri. Yay again.

On Dec 10 last year, the school met with the Board of Governors to propose the setting up of the school-alumni committee for the restoration of TMGS under the BOG's auspices. This was approved easily. Mrs Polly Tan, the President, also offered to sit in the committee as a Vice-President and serve as a cheque signatory. Yay yet again.

Following this, the school was then able to submit the application to the JPN for the fundraising permit. So, here we are, on the very first day of 2009, the year our dear old school turns 120, with the way opened.

I later received news that the bank account has to wait till tomorrow at least. In their excitement, Mrs Ng and Miss Lim overlooked the need for the official rubber stamp and signatories' specimen signatures. :-) All in good time.

Suet Fun, Chai Lan, Li Yin and I are meeting afterwards (for a homecooked nasi lemak lunch) to finalize the dedicated website. So, watch this space!

Dec 31 deadline

2008-12-28T14:54:00.005+08:00

The closing date for the cyclethon is on Wed, Dec 31. Please email Esther Hor at silk_rehtse@yahoo.com for the registration form.

Mamma Mia, if Meryl Streep can still dance and prance the way she did at age 59, what about the rest of us? So, dancing queens, gather your gang and have a ladies day out. The last time, Suet Fun, Chai Lan, Li Yin and I left KL just before 7am and arrived just after 9am. We started the drive back at 8pm and arrived just after 11pm. Hats off to Li Yin -- she drove single-handedly. Very cool and steady driver!

Let's help to make the cyclethon merry and meaningful!

Blessed Christmas, one and all!

2008-12-24T11:03:00.016+08:00

We are on the eve of another Christmas, which also means we are on the brink of another new year. As we bring 2008 to a close, my heartfelt thanks to all. What a scrumdiddlyumptious group of alumnae and friends!

Take just yesterday, for instance. Chuah Soh Nee, Class of '79 and a former classmate of my sis, emailed me that her uncle, Mr Chan Kwai Fong, has offered to help the fundraising effort. She emailed me his hp contact, which I passed on to Puan Noriza, who called Mr Chan immediately. Through alumna spirit and networking, I understand that the school is now able to get the tees and caps for the cyclethon at a better price. YAY!

There's also Tyng Yee in UK, who has been a constant campaign stalwart. When she heard of the cyclethon, she thought of a lovely sponsorship programme. In her words:

"I'm sure there are some students within the school who would like to take part, but could not afford it. So, my idea is to sponsor some of them to cycle. This way, I can donate money and they can contribute it to the school. I find this way quite meaningful."

Within a week, Tyng Yee has raised enough to sponsor 6 girls at RM60 each -- from aunts, cousins, uncles and friends both in Malaysia and the UK. She's still on-the-job...congrats and thank you, Tyng Yee (here she is, with her dad and hubby).

And, I am still amazed at the speed which alumnae responded to the SOS for the contacts of Junaidah Aman and Azura Zainal Ratin, after Puan Sharifah had asked for them. Through Facebook, we got the numbers within a couple of hours for Junaidah and within a couple of days for Azura. Puan Sharifah has spoken to them...thanks to Rohana Puteh (pix), who left TMGS in 1971 after Form 3, and Priya, Class of '95.

Yes, Hannee Tan, on her own initiative, created our very own alumnae Facebook group called "SMK Treacher Methodist Girls School Taiping." It really helps to keep all of us girls in touch, especially useful for quick alerts. The link is provided (see top right, below the school badge) for your sign-up convenience. :-)

Suet Fun, Li Yin, Chai Lan, Lean See, Odi, Jarinah, Hasnita, Pauline, Nan See, Su See, Mrs Lim, Yoga (of TMGS Old Girls Association), Mrs Polly Tan (of the Board of Governors), Mrs Goh Lye Ngoot (alumna, former teacher and present BOG) and all other alumnae who have helped --- my deepest, deepest thanks. Of course, the team at the school has been great -- Puan Noriza and her merry women, Mrs Ng, Lay Hoon, Poh Lay, Azizan and Sharifah. Mustn't forget Esther Hor, who will be in Form 4 next year --- with Mrs Ng's help, she did the research piece on the physical development of the school, which will be used in the website (that's another story).

Oh, we have some knights in shining armour too - namely Ong Ah Sun of PIBG St George who started the email appeal which started all this; Paul Loh who gave generously of his engineering expertise to survey the school; and Mr Chan Kwai Fong who is helping the school save on costs for the coming 120th year celebrations (less costs, more funds).

So, 2008 has been historic and meaningful, in terms of renewed alumnae movement for the school. It will forever mark a time when alumnae young and old, far and near rallied to the school's distress situation, and helped in whichever way they could (expressions of support are much appreciated too).

I certainly look forward to 2009 as we walk more on this journey together to restore our dear old school to how she deserves to be.

Happy New Year, everyone.....see ya next year!

Bravo, Class of '70

2008-12-16T15:36:00.004+08:00

Sunday, Nov 30 turned up a delight for our alma mater, when Puan Noriza and some staff members received a group of eight alumnae* from Class of '70.

Here they are, from left to right: Teoh Hooi Leng, Mah Yick Fern, Ong Guat Kwee, Chia Swee Hua, Cheong Yeok Lin, Pn Noriza, Dr Teh Lei Choo, Pn Sharifah (teacher), Ms Low (teacher), Foo Quai Yeow and Cheah Leong Teen.

Except for Dr Teh who is based in Penang and Yick Fern who lives in Taiping, the rest of the girls had come all the way from KL or Singapore.

The group spent many hours revisiting familiar nooks and corners, all the while taking in for themselves the condition of the old walls, ceilings, roofs and furniture. They also listened to Pn Noriza explaining work that had been done and plans.

After some discussion among themselves, they announced their decision to Pn Noriza - that they would contribute RM3,000 toward the cost of tee-shirts for the cyclethon being organized by the PIBG. To Pn Sharifah, who is in the cyclethon committee, that is especially welcome news because tees are expected to take up half of the cost of the event.

Dr Teh has also agreed to officiate the flag-off of the cyclists on Jan 17.

And, she and her gang didn't stop there. They asked Pn Noriza to give them details of restoration projects, and pledged to help get contributions for the school.

What a lovely Sunday! Hurrah for the girls!

(Please see post below for details on the cyclethon. Closing date for registration - Dec 31.)

Puan Noriza with Dr Teh,
who is the State Health Director of Penang

*HO HO HO! Something made me curious and I opened my big, hefty Oxford...and found that "alumni" is mainly plural for male former students while "alumnae" is plural for female ones and the singular is "alumna" while the masculine singular is "alumnus." Interesting. Life being the way it is, what happens if the former students are of mixed gender?
Then, we call them, "alumni," even if there is only ONE male.
Aaahh...life.. :-)

Hmm, we do have male former students from kindy -- one of whom is Tun Ling Liong Sik. Anybody contacted him? Does he know of this appeal?

I Want To Ride My Bicycle!

2008-12-04T10:33:00.012+08:00

How long has it been since you cycled in the cool, green and refreshing environs of our world-famous Taiping Lake Gardens, and bask in the sheer poetry and beauty of the raintrees arching to the water?

If you are like me, that would be school days. Not that I've never returned to the Lake Gardens. Just never cycled there since my Form 6 days and felt the wind blowing in my face and hair. Those were the days.

Miss those days? Wish to take this trip back memory lane?

The school has come up with the absolutely brilliant idea of a CYCLETHON to kick off next year's 12oth anniversary celebrations. It's set for January 17, Saturday, in the morning. The idea is to flag off from the school, make a round of the Lake Gardens and come back to the school.

What's so brilliant about a cyclethon, you may ask?

In my humblest opinion, it is brilliant because cycling is one thread of the common fabric that binds us alumni together. We all cycled! Orang Taiping semuanya tau tunggang basikal! I know, that's generalizing things a bit, but you get the picture. My sisters and I were terrors on two wheels. Once a classmate on her schoolbus commented, "You all cycle like ribut (storm)."

So, Cyclethon Sempena Pelancaran Sambutan 120 Tahun SMK (P) Treacher Methodist Taiping 2009 (phew, what a mouthful) is simply wonderful, I say. And hope all of you agree.

It's a wonderful way for old friends to meet up again -- with all the chatting and bantering, we'll probably want to go on cycling forever, and Puan Noriza will have to blow her whistle again and again to call us back to finishing line, ha ha ha.

It's a wonderful way for alumni to come together to help our dear old school. Did I forget to say this? It's not just fun and nostalgia, ladies -- each of us will get sponsors to back our ride around the Lake Gardens. All the funds raised will go towards the restoration of the school. All the school is asking is minimum RM30 sponsorship per biker. (Note: There is no registration fee.)

It's a wonderful way for all of us to let the whole of Taiping know that we - the alumni of this very first English girls school in Malaysia - remember our roots and our alma mater, and are serious about helping her get back to her old glory. Banners will be placed all over to harken the start of the 120th jubilee. Of course, the cyclethon is open to everyone, and not just alumni.

Treacher Methodist Girls School, Taiping town will hail to thee! You are nearly as old as the town. You have groomed generations of girls. You have been there for 20,831 girls and will be there for more.

Hmm, are you already thinking where to get bikes (YAY!)? If you are not currently living in Taiping, you can get from family or relatives. If all have left the town, don't worry. Where's there a will, there's a bike!!! Yup, somehow, somewhere, we'll get a bike for you.

The important thing now is to sign up.

Get your old gang there (yoohoo, Phang, Norma, SChooi, LYin, SMing, Gaik Hua, Yew Peng, Nor Azah, Min Choo, Azrinah, Najeemu, Phooi Bee and all from 5ScR...).

Get your family there (take my word, it will be an event that they will remember forever).

To sign up and/or get further details, please email Esther Hor, Form 3 student in charge of registration, at silk_rehtse@yahoo.com or Puan Sharifah, teacher-in-charge, at sazub171@gmail.com.

COMING UP SOON! Class of '70 visits school and pledges support for the 120th anniversary cyclethon.

PICTURES COURTESY OF LOW IISHAN, BORN IN SUBANG JAYA TO TAIPING MARI PARENTS.

Forgot to say...

2008-11-23T16:36:00.008+08:00

We are waiting for end of this month.

That's because we need to talk with someone to go ahead with the plan and this person would only be back from overseas then. Just one week or so to go, and we should be able to update everyone in early December.

Thank you to alumni who have been checking up on progress and who have been passing the appeal around. Today, I heard from Ng Lan Shing, Class of '98, who knows Hwei Chin (remember the Gang of Three?). Lan Shing has pledged to help in any way she can. A group of present students have been helping to scan old copies of The Quest. And, another present student, Esther Hor, has offered to help us do some research on the school buildings and furniture. What lovely spirit!

In the meantime, my old gang of TMGS girls are hoping to go karaoke-ing this week. Ha ha ha, gals just wanna have fun. We've known each other since Standard One and we've kept together through these 38 years. We've been busy with our careers and families and have not seen each other much these last 10 years. But, we do meet at least once a year. And, we always say, of all the new friends that we make, this is the group we are most gila with.

This time, we want to meet because one member is back from Atlanta and another is migrating in January. So, it will be a kind of reunion+homecoming+farewell.

I hope the karaoke session happens. I hope I will have a breakthrough. You see, I've never been able to sing out loud with a mike in hand. Somehow, my voice has always deserted me in the face of a mike, no matter how much I visualize myself drawing out my favourite ballad or belting out a hot number.

I am hoping, with this bunch of crusty and comfy mates from school, it will finally happen. Wish me luck. Till the next post, here's a moment to share --- one of many that bind me and my gang.

Pay attention in class, awrrgiht? That's what I imagine Mr Sum would say should he see this picture. Ha ha ha, we were so caught up with having something to prop up the BBQ stove that we forgot plastic melts when heated up!!! A moment from some 27 years ago....

:-D Live worthily!

aaahhhh....

2008-11-07T15:22:00.011+08:00

It's been two weeks since the last update, and Deepavali has come and passed.

The school has been busy checking up on the legalities of the fund-raising project and committee. Not as easy as it seems, eh? I am learning patience and keep telling myself the upside is that, when all details are resolved, we will be properly launched and that's good. Can't wait to get the project off and running; hope you feel the same too.

Would you like to do something to help in the meanwhile? Here's what each of us can do:

Collect email addresses (active ones, please) of TMGS alumni.
Every time, you have 5 or more in hand, forward those addresses to me at sweebin@gmail.com.
We will enter these into the TMGS alumni database, which we are building.
When the TMGS fund-raising website is launched, all in the database will be informed. This will greatly help the launch. Your help will be much appreciated.

:-) Remember to include those Old Girls who are actually men. Yes, they are "Old Girls" because they attended the Treacher Methodist kindy. Tun Ling Liong Sik is one of them -- anybody got his email? A friend met her male cousin recently and they got talking about our school fund-raising, and he proudly identified himself as an "Old Girl." She's getting his email contact.

So, everyone, let's all go a-hunting for now?

There's another thing we can do to make the waiting pleasanter -- share stories!!! Just email me your anecdote plus a picture and we'll put it on the blog. No offensive material, of course.

I'd like to start the ball rolling.

The past week, I was busy doing a Powerpoint presentation to commemorate my mom's 80th birthday. Looked through a whole lot of photos. And, came across this one taken maybe 5 years ago that made me think of the school's presence not only in my life but also my family and my clan's. Lim Kongsi, ha ha ha -- the alumni here spans quite a few years and not all are in this picture.

Treacher Methodist Girls School, hail to thee!

Front row (L-R): Lim Swee Cheng, cousin, class of 1978; Lim Swee Gim, cousin, 1975; Lim Swee Beet, cousin, 1976; Lim Swee Choo, cousin, 1969; Lim Swee Heoh, cousin, 1975; Lim Swee Ean, cousin, 1974; Lim Swee Liew, sister, 1975.

Back row: me (yellow tee); Lim Swee Chin (black tee), sister, 1979; Lim Swee Siang (peach tee), twin sister, 1980.

:-) Hope you enjoy that. Now, a-hunting we will go, a-hunting we will go, hey ho, the merry girls, a-hunting we will go...

HAPPY DEEPAVALI to all Hindu alumni...wishing you and loved ones a meaningful celebration of goodness

2008-10-24T12:34:00.007+08:00

UPDATE! After further discussions, it was decided that the best course would be to get official approval for the fund-raising project. Yesterday, the school submitted the application to the Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri in Ipoh. Let's all pray for a speedy approval!

In the meantime, work is continuing on the website. To those who are waiting to remit their contributions, our apologies for the waiting. The dedicated bank account can't be opened as yet. Just a little while more...we'll soon be there. :-) Many thanks for the alumni spirit.

Good meeting

2008-09-29T10:19:00.008+08:00

There we were -- with Puan Noriza and Lay Hoon -- last Friday, Sept 26, at the school.

At this point of our meeting, Suet Fun was just about to present the name and logo for the fund-raising project. It's a secret...for now. :-) All will be revealed when the dedicated bank account and website are set up, after Raya, sometime next month.

We signed the agreement for the school-alumni committee, which comprised five representatives each from the school and from alumni. For the school, we have Puan Noriza, Mrs Ng, Lay Hoon, Ms Ng Poh Lay and Pn Azizan bte Shafie. For alumni, we have me, Suet Fun, Chai Lan, Li Yin and Mrs Goh Hoe Seng, who is also a former teacher and has taught us all (and is the Lye Ngoot mentioned in Mrs Lim's letter). Pn Noriza heads the committee as Chairman and Mrs Ng serves as Vice-Chairman.

And so, the ground is laid for the partnership between alumni and school, where alumni will help to raise and administer the funds for the refurbishment of the school. Our agreement includes formulating a list of repair works and accounting of funds received and disbursed. Alumni and the general public will be able to access this information in the soon-to-be-launched website.

This second visit showed up a more alarming picture. The dear old lady is truly buckling with age. The chemistry lab is now operating without electricity, after a wire on the ceiling burst into flames due to water damage (see pix). Aargh! Those monkeys!

I've been asked, "Why are you doing this?" I've thought about it. To me, it is answering to a distress call. Much like the automatic response you'd give to a person on the roadside, injured and needing help. So, to all alumni, please do accept our sincerity in initiating this effort and, more importantly, JOIN US in helping the school.

Our alumni is spread all over the globe. Wherever you are, we hope you will hear this plea for help and respond in generous spirit. A little bit from each of us will be good enough. The school lays her hopes on us.

To all Muslim alumni -- Selamat Hari Raya Aidil-Fitri .. may you and loved ones have a joyous celebration!

2008-09-22T10:58:00.004+08:00

ALERT! We - Suet Fun, Chai Lan, Li Yin and I - are visiting the school this Friday, Sept 26 and meeting up with Pn Noriza and team. Will keep you posted (see "Yummy, Yummy" post dated Sept 3). It is wonderful to see the alumni spirit burning bright. Keep circulating this appeal, please. Many thanks!

There from 1929 to 1978

2008-09-22T10:39:00.005+08:00

I emailed Mrs Lim Chin Hun a list of questions and here's her reply. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do. Best wishes to you and family, Mrs Lim! :-)

Greetings from Sydney! Good on you and your friends for helping with the "TMGS Old Girls' Give Back" project and trying to give a 'face-lift' to the 'grand,old lady' who truly deserves it. She was born in the year of 1889 and will be 120 years old next year. That should call for a grand celebration when the time comes! As her dear children, we would all uphold her motto to 'Live Worthily' for she 'hast guided in right way" (as mentioned in the school song).

Now, it's time that I get to tell you about how I have spent 'the best years of my life' in TMGS as a former student and an ex-teacher from 1929 to 1978, including the 2nd World War Years when I was away from Taiping for about 4 years.

It was in Jan 1929 and at the early age of 6, my mother sent me off to the school known as Lady Treacher Girls' School (named after Lady Treacher, the wife of Mr William Treacher, the British Resident) together with my 2 bigger sisters. We all went in a rickshaw to and from school. In those early days the classes ranged from Primary One, Two, Standards from 1 - 7 followed by Junior Cambridge and Cambridge School Certificate (Senior Cambridge). I studied hard and managed to obtain 2 double promotions (from Standard 2 - 4 and then from Standard 4 - 6). School was fun because I enjoyed reading and singing with other girls. The late Miss Mable Poulier was one of my best teachers. I liked her for her patience and kindness. My best friend was and still is Mrs Delip Singh. She will always remind me 'great minds think alike' meaning 'the 2 of us' and we would keep on laughing about the thought.

Soon enough my school days came to an end and I had to start thinking of becoming a teacher and earn a living. I joined as a 'student-teacher' in my old school whose name was now changed to Treacher Methodist Girls' School (TMGS) in 1957. The 2nd World War which lasted 3 years and 8 mths interrupted my teachers' training as the school was first used by the Japanese forces as their barracks and later by the Indian army as headquarters. The school more or less did not seem to exist back then.

In 1941, after finishing the normal class Teacher training course held on Fridays and Saturdays for 3 years, I became a qualified teacher, trained as a General Purpose teacher. I taught all subjects in the timetable in the Lower Secondary department, namely Form 1 and 2. Soon I was chosen to be the afternoon Supervisor of the Lower Secondary for at least 10 years before retiring in 1978.

Time flies but I still have fond memories of my life as a teacher. I enjoyed being in the company of fellow teachers and getting to know them and their families as well. I liked my pupils too. They made me proud and happy when they worked hard to help themselves. There are 3 of my former pupils namely Sow Siew, Lye Ngoot and Cheng Heong, who are currently Committee Members of the Old Girls' Association in TMGS. They had all been working with me when I was once the Hon. Secretary of OGA for 12 memorable years from 1973-1985.

In Jan 1986 (8 years after my retirement in 1978) together with my family members we migrated to Sydney, Australia. I am now well settled here for 22 years and am enjoying the company of my eldest daughter and her family, some relatives and friends. I go to the Wesley Uniting Church and am keeping myself busy and happy with church activities, bible study cell group and seniors' luncheons in church.

At home I spend my time studying the bible, reading storybooks and newspapers, watching TV and having afternoon naps everyday. At my age, I have stopped sewing cross-stitch, doing much housework and gardening. My son and family will take me out at weekends either sight-seeing or shopping and also for lunch.

Yes, I truly admit that the photos on the web showing the school building in a deplorable condition do touches my heart. Having contributed RM300 the first time when the main building was constructed I feel it is my duty again to donate RM1000 to restore the old building to its former glory.

To me, TMGS is an icon in Taiping offering 'quality' education to its students population.

Once again, thank you for your effort in helping the school and please thank the school for posting me the receipt and letter. It is very nice of them to send me the letter.

Do your best and be blessed!

Mrs Lim Chin Hun

2008-09-06T21:14:00.006+08:00

Treacher Girls School, hail to thee
Thou art to our hearts most dear
In all our work and play
Thoughts of thee are ever near
We would honour thee this hour
We would ever sing thy praise
For we know thy worth
Here good thoughts have birth
Thou has guided in right ways.

Jenny, Class of '69, sang to me from her memory at a symposium three weeks ago. And, three hours ago, Suet Fun, Chai Lan and Li Yin spontaneously burst into the school song, as they scrolled the history page of the TMGS website. I burst into goosebumps, awed by the moment.

yummy, yummy

2008-09-03T21:37:00.007+08:00

Oh, the carrot-walnut cupcakes topped with creamed cheese and choc chips were good!

Li Yin had made them the night before our meeting at Suet Fun's place two weeks ago. Ever the good cook and foodie, she wanted to bring something special to commemorate the get-together. The cup-cakes sure did. We had them with green tea - got to have something healthy alongside - and a mooncake from Ipoh.

Is that all I am remembering? The food?

Well, laughter abounded that night, especially when we remembered the teachers -- Mr Sum, Ms Ho, Mr Chuah, Mr Mak, Ms Satwant and Ms Surjeit among others. Li Yin and I were classmates from Year '80 while Suet Fun and Chai Lan were classmates from Year '77. So, we were close enough in years to know the same teachers. Li Yin and I couldn't help feeling awed by our two seniors' memory - these girls sure know their year-mates, seniors and juniors. In fact, after Chai Lan introduced us, Suet Fun took a good look at Li Yin and said, "You look familiar. You have an elder sister, right?" And, went on to name the sister. Golly.

Food and laughter aside, I am happy to inform you that the fund-raising initiative is moving up some notches. We are in the midst of setting up a school-alumni committee to raise as well as adminster the funds. Puan Noriza and team are excited. We are excited too.

Status at the moment - the agreement is being finalized and we should be driving to Taiping soon to formalize the committee. We do believe that alumni will give from their hearts once their minds are assured. We totally respect the concern on proper management of funds. Hence, in addition to the committee, we will have a website to keep donors updated -- with all relevant figures and even pictures or videos of refurbishment work.

It's thrilling to see things come to this stage. My special thanks to Li Yin (with spectacles), Chai Lan (in WWF tee) and Suet Fun (in red tee) for doing this with me. Here we were, night of Aug 21, before we acted on the cupcakes...

Would you like to join us in the committee? All alumni are invited. If you'd like to join our current gang of four, just drop me a line at sweebin@gmail.com. We'll find you something to do. Should be loads of fun!

TO EVERYONE: DO WATCH THIS SPACE. MORE NEWS EXPECTED IN THE COMING MONTH! AND, PLEASE DO KEEPING PASSING OUT THIS APPEAL FOR THE SCHOOL.

Do you remember Mrs Lim Chin Hun @ Ooi Kwee Kim? She is a former student and teacher of TMGS. She is 85 and living in Australia. When she heard of the appeal for funds via the Internet, she asked her daughter-in-law, Penny, to email me about making a donation. She has since forwarded her contribution to the school - many, many thanks, Mrs Lim! This is in fact Mrs Lim's second contribution; she first donated RM300 in 1941 to the school's building fund and her name can be seen on the donors plaque in the foyer. I hope to interview Mrs Lim on her days with our alma mater.

Gang of Three, Power of One

2008-08-15T01:03:00.009+08:00

Last month, three Old Girls working in the same department in a company in KL went about asking colleagues and friends for help. Just RM1 - that was all they asked of each person. Power of One.

Here, the gang of three - (from left) Li Yin, Hwei Chin and Jenny.

Here, their stories.

From the kepala, Leong Li Yin, Class of '80, mom to two teens, who says she'll always remain a 21-year-old at heart:

"The big day finally dawned - July 1. Yes, the start of our month-long donation drive. A Tuesday. Second day after pay day. Was very busy liaising with auditors on the half-yearly closing of accounts but, what the heck, I love my school. The show must begin!

An engineer-colleague who I haven't seen for a while (because my department is a restricted area) stopped by to say hi. We chatted. Then, I said, "Do you think you can spare a ringgit for my school?" I went on to tell him that TMGS was a mission school which needed to find its own funds for building maintenance and how the school buildings were in need for repairs and pest control.

He told me that he too was from a mission school, as he took out his wallet, fished out a RM50 note and handed it to me! My mouth fell open. I had asked for RM1 and he was giving 50 times more!

I asked if he was sure he wanted to part with so much money. After all, this was soon after the latest 78 sen/litre petrol price hike. He said yes. That really made my day. So, I gave him my thank-you note (see below) and invited him to visit our TMGS OGGB blogspot.

Treacher Methodist Girls School (Taiping) - Live worthily

Your Power of ONE has contributed WORTHILY.

Thank you from an Old Girl of TMGS.

Please visit http://tmgsoldgirlsgiveback.blogspot.com/

The ball started rolling since this person has given me so much encouragement and positive response. Together, Hwei Chin, Jenny and I approached our other colleagues. Some gave as asked but most gave double or multiplied.

There were not-so-pleasant encounters. I will always remember the lecture I received for five minutes or more. About how the government "would shrink from responsibilities because there are caring people like us to chip in." About how what my gang is doing would encourage the government not to take any action faster or further because "when the going gets tough, the tough will be taken care by others." Well. He gave ten-fold.

Some questioned if the money would be used accordingly and not go towards lining someone's pocket. A Chinese saying goes: "On one hand, the fingers are of different lengths." So, the three of us had expected all sorts of reactions.

On the last day of July, I went to an evening seminar and had this idea of a grand finale. Alas. Not a ringgit collected as I was a lone ranger and did not have the courage to ask a roomful of strangers.

I thought of the last weekend of June, when I sat at my table cutting out the thank-you notes. Hurrah!"

From Tan Hwei Chin, Class of '98, who studied at TMGS from Form One:

"July 1, the day an important mission needs to be carried out. The last week of June, we reminded each other the big day is coming. We even told some colleagues to be prepared for July 1 as we would carry out an important event, which would remain a secret till then. Seemed really mysterious, ha ha.

My first RM1 came from my special friend early in the morning, at 7am. I just asked for RM1 from him. He did not ask why. I told him in short, "It's for my school."

The first day was not too bad. I managed to collect RM1 from the people I went to. Some of them forked out more. My yoga instructor gave RM10. I remember what she said: "Huh? RM1? Is it enough? Never mind. I'll give you RM10." I was smiling with joy and gratefully thanked her.

The donation drive went along for the week and everyone commented that I "still remember" my school. They did read the small note that Li Yin has prepared and were very much interested to visit the blog.

I went back to Taiping in the first week of August. After breakfast at Restoran Kakak, instead of my normal route home, I made the turn heading to our school. I approached it from the direction of the museum and was shocked to see how bad our school has turned. Right from the teachers' hostel, it was without a roof. Probably being repaired. The rest of the blocks were ugly. Their paint is in bad shape. Everything is not good. How unfortunate it is."

From Jenny Lee, Class of '96:

"Doing fund-raising!! Never done it in my life! I felt challenged having to ask people to donate for my school. I also felt excited because I was able to help and give back to our school."

Just how much did Li Yin, Hwei Chin and Jenny collect through Power Of One?

"It's so co-incidental that the sum is Rm388, which means flourish, prosper and prosper in Cantonese," said Li Yin. Hmm, very auspicious for our TMGS Old Girls Give Back initiative.

To these three Old Girls - Hurrah! Hurrah! HURRAH!

In process

2008-08-07T10:39:00.006+08:00

It has been some time since I last posted. Previously, I shared my puzzlement that the visits have not resulted in contributions. The question then arose --- should this blog be continued?

Just then, angels came. First, an OG in Atlanta. A friend since Std One, Phang said we just need to keep reaching out to more OGs. A few days later, another friend asked me to hold on. A few days later, Puan Noriza called to give her assurance that the funds generated would be used for improving the school buildings (I had shared with her OGs' concern on this). She said the funds would be recorded in a separate statement under the PIBG account and that Ms Lim would be in charge.

A few days later, a mom I know from my children's class came over to me and whispered, "Live worthily," like a secret sisterhood code. Jenny went on to say: "I had just learned to get on the Net, and was surfing just some nights ago. I don't know what came over me but I decided to type in 'TMGS.' That took me to your blog. I saw your name and your picture but it didn't click that it was you! I had read through the blog and was scrolling up when it hit me...aiyoo!"

Jenny bouys me with her enthusiasm. A week after we had the above encounter, she emailed to say that her Class of '77 would do something. Then, my cousin called late in the night, when I was already in bed, to ask if the collection is still on. Told her, yes. She then told me that her gang of OGs are meeting up end of this month and she'd tell them.

Hey, things are happening, after all. I am simply heartened.

Enough to say this once again --- to all the OGs within earshot, let's just do this for our school, alright? Give. It needn't be a lot. Just give. Please.

What Do You Need?

2008-07-11T12:12:00.003+08:00

Lots of visitors to this blog. Thank you to all who visited and directed others here. The interest and concern are there.

But - and it is a BIG but - not a single contribution has been received todate by the school, except mine, in the month since this blog was started!

What is needed for Old Girls to give?

Do you feel you need to give huge sums? NO! Absolutely not. Any amount, even RM10, is received with glad hearts. Are you worried your money will not be used for restoring the old lady? Do you feel the government should be doing this and not us? Or, do you need or prefer a bank account to make your donation rather than writing out a cheque?

I am genuinely asking. I urge you to post the concern that is holding you back (click on "Comments"). Or, email me at sweebin@gmail.com.

All queries and comments welcome. Let's work towards addressing concerns, shall we?