30.9.06

Circular No 256





Newsletter for Alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
Caracas, 30 September 2006. No. 256
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Dear Friends,
Here is a compendium of emails by and for Robert de Verteuil.
Lately he has been using Don Mitchell’s Blog to keep updated.
I have just removed his old address and placed the new one.
Fellow ALUMNI just wonder how many addresses that I use have been changed and the Circular disappears in the ether.
I would like you to acknowledge the receipt of this Circular and you would be one more helper of the Newsletter.
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Dear Robert,
I have received your message and the material.
I am extremely sorry that you are not receiving my circulars.
I have you as rdev@tstt.net.tt, and I send them thru Netscape.net. This server is used for all TT ALUMNI.
I am going to send your compendium of emails as Circular No. 256, so there is very little time for you to send some additional information
Such like:
How many old boys use the yacht club?
Can you give me a rundown on each???
How about Gordon Mitchell? and others?? Rolph Hive (no email?)
In my time, the thing to be in was the Royal Yacht Club.
I have no information on when the name was changed.
I am sure that a few lines would be interesting for those that went to MSB in the 1950 and 1960s.
Also I believe that it burned down??
I suppose there is the weekly regatta just like in the past?
Waterpolo?
So, please take up the quill and help me.
God bless
Ladislao
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From: Robert deVerteuil bobdev@tstt.net.tt
Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2006 9:50:13 AM
Dear Ladislao,
I had really given up hope as I had not heard from you and realised that something was wrong!!!
Anyway, delighted to hear from you again and now hope to get back on a mailing list as I have not had a 'bulletin' for about 3 years.
Attached are a few words and 2 pics.
Unfortunately I do not have a recent photo of my son.
Hope these will do for now.
Belated season greetings to you and yours.
Regards
Robert
(Please acknowledge receipt so I will know you got this)
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RESUME
After leaving MSB in 1958 went to Ratcliffe College, Kings LynnTech. and Luton Tech (all in UK).
Did a Pupilage and worked with the Rootes Group (Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers) ’63 to ’66.
Returned to T&T, married in '69 and worked with the AIL vehicle Assy. plant from ’67 until ’91 when ops ceased.
Moved to the Mitsubishi dealership and retired in ’04.
One son and 2 beautiful grand daughters.
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Sent: Monday, December 25, 2006 12:21 PM
Dear Robert,
From my last email you must have guessed that I am reading old emails and replying, all long overdue.
But I have not read the newer ones because of work and computer problems since my son left for Spain.
I now must learn to fix computers etc.
Well that is life.
Still I need a photo and the resume because your file does not have information for the posterity.
I usually check the files to see if there is something missing.
Remember Circular No. 256 has your name.
God bless
Ladislao
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From: Robert deVerteuil bobdev@tstt.net.tt
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 10:37:12 AM
Hi Ladislao,
I sent you a note a few days ago regarding one that you sent me.
Since then, a friend of mine who never went to MSB sent me your latest Circ. #243 which he received!!
He has in fact received several in the past.
Anyway, since I have not received anything from you for about 2 years and any attempt to get a note to you failed, I thought maybe you had quit with the circulars.
It appears not!
I note that you are in need of funds to keep the issues going.
I am more than happy to make a contribution but would rather do so when I see you as I do not send credit card info by email and it is still a hassle to ‘wire’ funds abroad.
So please find time to visit us in T&T.!!!
I still hang out at the yacht club and there are other MSB old boys there anxious for a small get together. (Rolph Hive, Gordon Mitchell, Malcolm Boyack, etc).
Is the old boys’ web site still kept up to date?
I would like to visit it again after the years I have not heard from you!!
Please send the address if it is still going.
I look forward to getting a note from you when you get time.
Best regards
Robert deVerteuil
(The old web site collapsed because the last webmaster quit. Ed.)
(Now we have a blog site which works well. Ed)
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Date: 2/8/2005 10:43:26 AM
Hi Ladislao,
I have not received a 'bulletin' for several weeks now and wonder if it is still in production or if my address has somehow fallen through the cracks.
I do miss the blag!!
Hope all is well with you.
Kind regards
Robert deVerteuil
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From: Robert de Verteuil
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 1:28 PM
Subject: Rolph Hive
Hi Ladislao,
I have been meaning to send you a note for some time now to congratulate you on keeping the MSB old boys circular going and reminding us of the 'good times' we had while at the Mount.
It's amazing how many people you can bump into who spent (did) time at the Mount, which then generates a long series of stories, sagas, tales and experiences...good and bad...and to discuss about the interesting folks met there and what they are doing now.
Rolph Hive is anxious to get on your mailing list and can share many of his experiences with others, as he has done with me.
Looking forward to meeting you again when next you visit T&T
Regards
Robert deVerteuil (bobdev@tstt.net.tt)
(Rolph´s address does not work. Ed.)
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From: "J & M de verteuil"
Date: 21 Jul 10:49 (PDT)
Subject: Hello from Jason de Verteuil
Dear Mr. Kertesz,
I am the son of Robert de Verteuil, I read all of your emails as I find it so fascinating.
I myself went to boarding school in Barbados.
Some of the pictures and copies of documents etc.
I see and read I can identify with as our school was run by English masters to which life was about the same.
For me it was great friends, bad food, great experiences and memories.
Anyway, I write because I own my own business and market safety identification products, signs, labels and other various products, my dad mentioned that you manufacture and or market safety lighting and other types of products.
If possible could forward to me some documentation about what your company manufactures etc. maybe we can look at the possibility marketing your products here if they aren't already.
Yours sincerely,
Jason de Verteuil
West Venture Limited
5 Fitt Street
Woodbrook
Port of Spain
Trinidad
West Indies
Phone: 868 625 8849
Fax: 868 623 4656
(My WEB page is KAVIACION.COM. Ed)
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From: "Robert de Verteuil"
Date: 23 May 07:27 (PDT)
Hi Ladislao,
I have a new address for Email at my home.
Please forward any mail / circulars to this address.
Will drop you a line soon.
Please acknowledge confirming receipt.
Best regards
Robert deVerteuil
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Can you provide the names on for the photos?
God Bless
Ladislao
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Photos in this issue:
06RD0001RDVTT, Robert de Verteuil
06RD0002RDVTT, Grands
58RB0004, ??????????????
58RB0005, ?????????????

23.9.06

Circular No 255


Newsletter for Alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
Caracas, 23 of September 2006. No. 255
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Dear Friends,
Another newcomer to the Circulars.
The prayer to an Editor, long lines and good prose.
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From: "George Mickiewicz"
Subject: THE WAY WE WERE
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 16:14:11 -0500
TO: ALL MSB BOYS
FROM: George (Yury) Mickiewicz better known as SHISH due to my polish accent/ pronunciation of the English language when as a 10-year old began to learn it at MSB.
Sho here we go……………..
The above titled 1973 movie THE WAY WE WERE, has a song that captures the emotions that I felt when I recently and accidentally connected to the MSB Blog page:
Mem'ries,
Light the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored memories
Of the way we were
Scattered pictures,
Of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another
For the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then?
Or has time re-written every line?
If we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me, would we? Could we?
Mem'ries, may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember?
We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter
We will remember
Whenever we remember...
The way we were...
The way we were...
I attended the Mount from 1956 through Form V graduation in 1962.
I was one of the “pagnols” and lived in Maracay , Venezuela .
My family immigrated to the USA in 1963 and I currently live in Collierville, a suburb of Memphis , Tennessee .
I worked with Du Pont at many different locations for 37 years and retired this past April.
Below is a list of some folks who came to mind as I reflected on the different individuals and personalities that shaped and impacted my early formative years.
1962 FORM V GRADUATES, DECEMBER 1962, CAST OF CHARACTERS:
STUDENTS:
David Bratt, Peter De Morvay, Jeffrey Henderson, Eden Hutton, David Da Costa, Norman Tang , Jacques de Verteuil, Paul de Verteuil, Gerhard Most, Jeffrey Gransaull, Peter Laughlin, ? O’Connor, a seminarian???, me and ……
My apologies to anyone whom I named incorrectly or forgot to mention.
OTHER BOYS WHO WOULD HAVE GRADUATED WITH THE CLASS OF ’63 BUT LEFT US AT DIFFERENT POINTS AND TIME DURING OUR 7 YEAR JOURNEY AT MSB:
George Iwaszkiewicz, Alan Ho , Gerard Gioanetti, Luis Izquierdo, Monsieur TonTon?????, Paul Zeven, Joel Blandin, Juan Nunez, Edward Lloyd, plus some others that I do not recall. (need the email address for those that are underlined, ed.)
MSB STAFF THAT WE INTERACTED WITH BETWEEN 1956 AND 1962:
Fathers Bernard, Eugene, Jerome, Augustine, Peter, Gregory, Cuthbert, Anselm, Paul, Benedict, Christopher, Ildefons, Francis, Ignatius, Chrysostom, and ……….
Brothers Vincent, Bruno, Crispin, Anthony, and …..
Miss Kitty, Hugh Henderson (he taught us in Form IV), Mr. Rai, Mr Yip Chuck, Mr Thomas (he was groundskeeper for the playing fields, pool, tennis courts, etc.), Coaches ?????, the driver who took us to the “dentist” on Wednesdays in POS, and ……
God willing, I hope to contribute to future editions with the Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Beautiful of my MSB memories plus my current life.
May God bless y’all and your families,
George
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From: "Don Mitchell, QC"
Subject: THE WAY WE WERE
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:49:35 -0400
Thank you, George,
I am sure that Ladislao will be happy to hear from another long lost survivor.
It is really good to hear from you.
Keep well.
don
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From: aj.mickiewicz@mail1.dupont.com
Subject: SENDING INFORMATION
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 11:03:12 -0500 (CDT)
Que tal Las:
Terrific job, my brother, in creating the circulars and, most importantly, the benefits derived from them for the Mount boys.
In reading the different circulars it seems to me that you would like to have different information (pictures, attachments, message, etc.) sent to different "addresses".
Please send me the latest specific instructions so I can send you the right information to the right place.
Have you received 2 notes that I sent you in the past 7 days?
Dios te bendiga,
Jorge
(You can use the kertesz12@yahoo.com, which is reserved for those that sent in 50 words a year. Ed.)
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From: "George Mickiewicz"
Hello Ladislao:
I was very happy to accidentally come across your web page.
Lots of good memories came back from 45 years plus ago as I read the articles and viewed the corresponding photographs.
I attended the Abbey School from 1956 through graduation in 1962.
Like you, my family lived in Venezuela .
We immigrated to the US in 1963 and have lived here since.
I married my wife Fara, a Cuban refugee, in1970 and we have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.
I recently retired after 37 years with Du Pont but continue to consult for Du Pont on a part time basis.
We live in Collierville which is a suburb of Memphis , Tennessee .
Attached is a recent picture with my grandson Tanner.
May God bless you and all the Old (“NEW”) Boys and your/their families,
George “Shish” Mickiewicz
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Dear George
Good to hear from you.
Sorry for the late reading but I have been a bit busy and the Circular have soled down a bit.
Your Circular would be No. 255 soon to be published.
I am glad for your photo, any xmas photos??
Also please send a short run down on your classmates, where are they??
Any contact with them?
God Bless
Ladislao
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From: "George Mickiewicz"
Subject: 1956-1962 MEMORIES - THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2006 07:33:37 -0500
I am not referring to the proverbial apple, July mangoes, oranges nor grapefruits but rather that enigma commonly referred to as the opposite sex, women, fillies, girls, broads, chicks, babes, and have forgotten the Trinidadian idioms that we used……….
Greetings from Wilmington , Delaware , where I am attending a team meeting prior to a consultation trip to Baroda , India , next week.
I took time during the flights to reflect on my 7 years at MSB.
I decided to capture a few reminiscences on a topic that always has lots of interest to the male species and, in this process, provoke readers to share their memories and boast (lie) of their accomplishments in their early years.
My apologies to the ladies who read these circulars if you misinterpret my intent.
Please remember that I am going back 45-50 years to when we were very young kids.
My intent is not to demean but to honour you and all that you represented to us.
You were indeed a very important part of our lives.
I also invite you to share your recollections around this topic if you visited the mount.
MSB staff applied constant energy to prevent any contact between the sexes at the Mount in the period between 1956 and 1961.
The first breakthrough came in 1962 when, through some miraculous intervention, the Form IV and V boys were allowed to attend a dance at the catholic girl’s school in POS whose name escapes me.
Below are glimpses of my memory as they relate to this general topic.
* Boys with sisters were very valued friends as it gave one at least a chance to talk to a girl when the family visited the mount on a Saturday or Sunday. Being told that a sister liked you was one of the greatest things that a boy would experience.
* Boys strutting like peacocks in front of the young ladies to attract their attention when they visited resulting in a to and fro dance of eye and body movements.
* A very good classmate friend being almost expelled for actually going all the way with the attractive young lady who lived near the sports field. Then being granted “superhero” status due to this achievement for the rest of his tenure at the mount.
* The French invading Farfan territory…. By the way I met Priscilla in 1962 at the Howard Ho homestead and must confess that I developed a crush on her at the time. She, on the other hand, wanted absolutely nothing to do with me.
* Sports Day, Family Day, Anniversary Celebration were anticipated with great excitement because these events opened the door for lots of fantasies and potential opportunities but very, very few ever materialized as the mothers, fathers and monks were always on the lookout.
* Going to dentists with attractive female assistants; especially the orthodontist in POS with the blond bombshell. Then walking the streets before the bus left to pick up a girl. My personal record in this event was zero in 83 attempts.
* Non-Trinidadians not allowed to play Carnival to “avoid the potential to sin”; here having good Trinidadian friends was an asset because you could potentially be invited to their home and then be able to enjoy the festivities.
* The non-Trinidadians going to Mayaro Beach or The Islands during Easter vacations which was usually too short and, therefore, not cost effective to fly back home. In the presence of an attractive young lady you would always see a pack of hungry wolves frothing at the mouth with lust in their eyes. Boys would boast of conquest but no one ever believed them.
* The infamous “FEEL UP”, or similar term, denoting male-female skin contact with the inherent understanding that greater recognition was given by the boys for certain segments/parts of the female anatomy than others. This was the first topic of conversation when the boys returned to the mount after their vacations. The “conquerors” would share their experiences. The young boys would listen with great awe and respect to the old boys sharing their successes. These poor young innocents never knew that in most cases these stories represented lies, dreams and wishful thinking versus actual accomplishments.
* Let me now share with you one of my “feel ups”. I was invited by Howard Ho’s family to spend a day at their beach house located after you passed Maracas Bay . We had to go by boat as a road did not exist then. On the way there I got an opportunity to sit next to one of their cousins whose name I cannot recall. The young lady was probably 5 years or older than me. As the boat travelled and the waves rocked it, my leg came into contact with hers on numerous occasions. A little bulge developed in my swim suit and the SHIS brain went on overload with sinful carnal emotions, thoughts and desires. Eventually the little bulge deflated and moisture developed in my bathing suit………. due to the wave spray coming into the boat. Of course this contact meant absolutely nothing to the young lady. I do not remember today but I can just imagine the boasting and exaggerated untruthful stories that I told my friends upon returning to the mount.
* On another occasion I was “pelting” (recall this as the term that we used for throwing) for mangoes at the bottom of the small field. A young cute East Indian girl who lived in one of the homes in that area approached me with an indecent proposal. I got real scared, panicked, and ran away. I shared this event with 2 other friends who immediately rushed to the mango tree but the girl was no longer there.
In closing, T women were/are indeed attractive, beautiful, sexy, silky, mysterious, challenging, statuesque, interesting, and intelligent. Their black, brown, yellow, red, white and mixed countenances were/are indeed a sight to behold. If interested call 901-854-3950 for a ……
Hopefully some happy, good memories were rekindled in your mind and, perhaps, a few smiles shined on your face as you read these words.
Be blessed, be good and be safe y’all,
George (Shish, Yury)
PS – in my next note I will reflect on a different topic also starting with the letter S.
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We shall wait for the next S topic, coming soon in your favourite Circular.
God Bless
Ladislao
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Photo in this issue:
06GM0001GMI, George Mickiewicz
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16.9.06

Circular No 254





Newsletter for Alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
Caracas, 16 of September 2006. No. 254
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Dear Friends,
Another newcomer to the Circulars.
TIM HEALY
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From: "Tim Healy"
To: Salco56@cs.com
Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2006 23:11:50 +0800
Subject: Hello Old Fart
My phone numbers are 865-388-8956 (Cell, it will change soon) and my Home is 423-318-6757.
Where did you see Joe Berment, he spent some time with me in Florida a couple of years ago.
I have an email address for him but he has not replied...
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Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 23:25:43 EDT
Hi Tim,
long time.
How are you doing?
Send me your phone # so I can call you.
My cell # is 337-303-6124. and my home is 337-668-4595.
I am going offshore tomorrow at 5 a.m. and will be back around Saturday.
I spoke with Joseph Berment from Trinidad, do you remember him.
Any way we spoke for a while and reminisce some old good times, well take care and best wishes to you and your family,
Regards Salvador.
Adios baby. Hahahahah
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From: Anthony Cintra
Sent: 6/21/2006 8:31:06 AM
Gentlemen,
The attached is self explanatory.
Past students of the 1950 to 1956 era would have known the late Fr. Francis.
May his soul rest in peace.
Regards,
Anthony
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Wednesday, December 6, 2006 11:43:38 AM
Hello again Jan:
Although I am not "Doetch" as you say, I used to fly with KLM via Paramaribo to Schiphol, Amsterdam.
I know that KLM stands for Koninklije Luchtmachtschapijj and I love dark bitter Van Houten and Droste chocolate which are incidentally made from premium world class Venezuelan cocoa.
I am e-mailing you attached comments regarding Abbey School MSB Circular Nr.229 which I received from Fr Christopher via his e-mail address: htt41@hotmail.com
It includes an update on all the Benedictines at the Mount, deceased as well as living, and also a special update on Kitty Marcus who is in her nineties in the old people's home down by the sports field on the way to Tunapuna.
By the way, maybe Fr Christopher could have God willing an update on Josh Schoemacher in Hawaii.
It might be well worth asking him.
Groeten van Andrés Larsen
Caracas, Venezuela
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Henry Theunissen wrote:
Dear Andres,
This is Fr Christopher.
Upon reading your memories I felt compelled to update you a bit.
I still have vague memories of you and some of the others you mention.
I believe you had more contact with my cousin Fr. Edward, who
unfortunately died at the relatively young age of 50 from cancer about 17
years ago.
I myself left to study for my theology doctorate by the middle of 1966 and when I returned you had left abbey school already.
I want to refresh your memory of some of the other priests who are still with us today: Fr. Benedict (Vush),
Fr. Augustine (Rughead),
Fr. Odo.
You may also remember Br. Gerard (or Rupert as he was then known).
Miss Kitty Marcus is still among the living and retired to a nursing home which we opened some twenty years ago near the sportsfield.
She is in her nineties.
Her mind is still very clear and if you go to see her you must at least put aside some two hours.
She does ask for you from time to time and remembers you very well, you were one of her special boys I get the impression.
Mr Basanta still lives down the road not far from the abbey.
The many others priests you must have known have all passed on (Frs. Bernard, Peter Canisius, Chrysostom Lee Singh, Francis, Abbot Adelbert, Br. Camillus of the apiary, Fr. Gregory and his brother Theo and so many others.
You must try and visit us some time after all these years.
You will be most welcome.
Wishing you the very best and especially a glorious Easter.
Fr. Christopher
(Any way for Mr. Basanta to receive the Circular? Ed.)
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SOME NEWS FROM ROGER HENDERSON
From: "Roger Henderson"
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2006 08:39:36 -0400
Ladislao,
I have been kept very busy these past months and I do apologize for not contributing.
As far as the photo of 61 goes I can recognize the following:
#1
#2 Jeffrey Henderson (Zop). Please help with email address, ed.
#3 Gerard Gioanetti (I think),
#4 Geoffrey Ames (Big Head),
#5
#6 Juan Marini (I think),
#7 John Golding,
#8
#9
#10 Rolph Hive,
#11 Mac Seheult,
#12 Geoffrey Agostini (bubbles),
#13, Stephen Clerk (Squeaks), Please help with email address, ed.
#14
#15
Hope this helps, I do not know the others but they may include Manuel Prada and/or Phillip Marfisi.
Roger
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From: laszlo kertesz [mailto:kertesz11@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 10:33 PM
Subject: Class photo 61
Dear Roger
My regards to Micheal, sorry I have not been able to take my ferry trip to TT.
I am sending you a photo for which I have no abundant names.
Can you fill.
I presume that you are not getting the Circulars???????., since you always were a good commentator.
But now you can get them in a BLOG fashion for easy reading, thanks to Boxhead.
Best regards
Ladislao
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From: "Roger Henderson"
Date: Tue, 8 Feb 08:33:52 -0400
I have not seen nor heard from Bro. Vincent so I don't know what the story is.
Roger
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From: lazslo kertesz [mailto:kertesz11@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2005 9:44 PM
Subject: Bro Vincent
Dear Roger
Finally what happened??
I lost track of the visit, due to travelling in November and December.
You may have noticed that I have not caught up.
You changed Jobs??
God Bless
LAdislao
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Roger Henderson wrote:
I would certainly be prepared to help, and possibly a committee should be formed.
Dinner at Xmas is always difficult as there are usually so many things going on.
I would suggest a lunch or an after work gathering one day with drinks and snacks.
I could possibly do something at the Oval where we have a bar and a food caterer, just to make things easier and less expensive.
When is he coming?
Roger
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From: lazslo kertesz [mailto:kertesz11@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 24, 9:32 AM
Dear Roger
When Bro. Vincent get to TT this Xmas, what can be done, dinner?? lunch? or what you suggest.
Who would be best to organize something, if there should be a meeting??.
God Bless
LAdislao
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Here at the Circular´s headquarters, we lost track of Bro. Vincent´s visit.
No report has been forthcoming.
Can anyone fill in the missing names???
God Bless
Ladislao
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Class 61
58RB0001RBO, Roberto Bodinton and ?????????
58RB0002RBO, Dam ???????????
58RB0003RBO, ???????????