St. Joseph's Boys' High School, Bangalore, India

Till Thursday 3rd September, it rained like crazy, and I guess a lot of people were on their knees praying that it stops raining, some that it wont ! (these are the guys who were in the drill display I suppose!) Guess that the Good Lord heard the more bold kind and it was an immaculate Friday morning through Sunday, and it has not really rained as yet. Now we need to pray that it does rain! The photos in this page may take some time to come up.

A few photos of the Head Boy, Mario Johnson and State Champion and International Swimmer, some displays, the Old Boys' Team for the 1500 , then there are the Inter-School Relays ( Old boys are now not allowed to participate in the Inter-School Relays) which shows who the real winners are ... sorry, not St. Joseph's .... both in the Juniors and Seniors. This covers only a pea of Day II events. I did not get to take out Day I events. I was under the impression that the School Photographer would do the honors, but apparently he did not cover the events or prize medals on the victory stands. I did have a clash with him on Day II when he proclaimed that he was the "Official" photographer and wanted a top ( Middle-Dorm) view. I asked him why he did not turn up at the other events which sad to say he relates that he was only to take out the Chief Guest and Displays and later events. Sorry guys, as there was no sponsorship from the Old Boys quarters, I could not do more than what I have done. I was told by a brilliant Old Boy that it was time that I realized that nothing comes free any more and that I should take a new look at things which hopefully I can get even. Although my friend Jimmy tells me that I should take over the Official OBA Home Page, so I will start organizing it!

The Displays were (hic) not like the old days, but they all talk of the changing times and we should move with the times. I was quite amazed by the sound track that made the boys stand still for almost 60 seconds in the middle of the field to some drone, and this was common to all events. There was NO CLUB SWINGING or FIGURE RUNNING, and even with these displays, I did not seem to find the boys making an out line of OBA or the Chief Guest's initials. If you browse at the spectators you will notice the absence of people on the top floor (Big-Dorm) and (Middle-Dorm) sides. Of course, Middle Dorm would have collapsed as Terence deNazereth remarked when we were watching from up there (only four of us who were interested in taking photos), that we were likely to "go down with the school!". I have shown the cracks and the silly metal frame that is supposed to support the arch above the Biology/Gym room. Widdy is as usual with his Lilly of Pink toffies (which dues to technical problems I do not try to sample!) and somosas, pepsi, and ground nut toffee. The Old Boys' took the 1500 from the College, I did suggest at the AGM that there should be an age group for the "Old" Boys, and runing against the younger Old Boys was not competitive, but Dr. Chit A. still keeps the old engine running with his beard flowing in the wind.

The score board gives you the final totals. The march past was smart, an improvement over last year. and on to the Old Boys' Day!

Sunday 6th September 1998, 7:15 am the Requim Mass for the Old Boys. Oscar as usual led the choir, with support from a few of us. We had a very young lad on the keyboards and he seemed to know his way around pretty well. It appears that he plays on Sunday mornings in the Chapel.

After Mass, the Scouts led the march to the War Memorial, where Fr. John Michael let us all in prayer, followed by the Revere played by the CMP bugler, not sure did not see him. The CMP fellows did as splendid job at the sports with their Band and Starters in attendance. After the prayer, all went to sing the school song and raise the School Flag, thats when all hell was let loose. Then 75 guys pretty 'jolly' sounding guys of the USA OBA were on line through INTERNET and live to join us all here. "Futty" giving the right pitch and all pretty excited, even Alvy broke into a smile. After the School Song, then there was catching up with the Old Boys across the continents, and delay in Breakfast. Just imagine 100 guys this side and 75 that side trying to talk together, blaring over the 'Woodstock' Heavy Metal horn speakers!! Next year they promised a confrence with UK, USA, Canada, Australia and India live together singing the school song. Since nobody informed me on this activity, I wasnt prepared film-wise to cover the action, only one or two shots then I finished my roll. Hence I did not get Alvy speaking on the phone and other old boys piping in, also breakfast went off with the usual pinching of extra sausages and eggs at a certain un-named table ( have to keep the location secret in case others cash in on the secret of its success year after year). Subir Bathia was the honored guest at the head of the table with the Rector and Principal.

After breakfast, we went to "catch our photos" only to zapped to find a new photographer who changed out positions and put us into the sun. Next year we must take the photo against the frontage of the school below the Chapel.

The meeting of the OBA AGM started and I caught up later with a loaded camera, but problems with the flash... boy my day was not going right.

I have however taken the photos of Middle Dorm which has developed a large crack through the building. Also the Cross above the Chapel facing the War Memorial is about to fall down presently held together by metal bands around the brick base. The School really needs to be looked into pretty soon, and it's where you guys step in to save it from crumpling into the dust.

Lunch as usual was top with the briyani, prepared by the family of Noor Mohemmed, my classmate. The Old Boys WON the CRICKET MATCH, against a good Cottonian Shield Championship Winners Team. A Scoop: Plenty of beer bottles were found under the scorers table, 'foun play' screamed the school boys, so the third umpire was called in but fortunately we were in luck, he was out!!

Cheers for now,

Ronnie

Still Down, but not yet Out! Once in a way you guys could send me a mail, I seem to have be taken for granted that I have retired. ronniejohnson@hotmail.com

A pretty dismal crowd that does not even cheer on our relay team!! Old Boy attendance is pretty low!

Juniors Start and Finish ... We lost ... no comments

Seniors Start and Finish ... We lost ... still no comments, just tongue tied!!

The OBA 1500 mts Race Team ... all finished !! I've asked the school for a handicap so that next year I can enter! And No, the guy in the beard is not Noel DN, its Doc Chit A.

A time to remember......

Below, an exicited "Futty" live on Internet, giving the "key"! He tells me that he has sent the third verse of the School Song to Cary Thomas in the UK.

An amused "Alvy" actually watching "Futty" on his haunches!! This is Alvy's first public appearance after the death of Mrs. Dorothy Alverez. Oz OBA please note, the "tie" is being included in the picture for your benefit.

The Cracks have appeared over Middle Dorm or West Wing, it's pretty wide as I went and examined it. Perhaps the foundation has sunk a wee bit! The School is going down! Hey, I mean the building!

Thats All Folks!

Bye

Cheers

Ronnie Johnson, Class of '66

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