Happenings
Reminiscences galore at Adisadel Old Boys Reunion
As someone said, the organisers made one mistake they forgot to consult the weather man because had they done so they would have realised that the rains could be a threat to the attendance of the much publicised Adisadel Old boys Association inaugural meeting on 26th May.However the enthusiasm of those old boys and the invited guests who man aged to make it could not be dampened by the soggy weather. By 3.00 p.m. the well-appointed meeting room of No.3 Collingham Gardens hostel was packed full with Adisadel College old students and masters engaged in animated conversation centred on reminiscences of yesteryears.
Then Mr T. M. K. Mercer, the chair- man for the occasion took the chair after a brief introduction by Dr Togogbo, of Whipps Cross Hospital, the Secretary of the Association who briefed the meeting on the efforts that had been made by a small group of past students resident in London to get the association on its feet.
Mr T. M. K. Mercer, in the true tradition of the Adisco spirit launched into an address which punctuated with humour and reminiscences of the early years of the school "from Topp Yard to the top of the hill at Adisadel" illustrated the industry, selflessness, achievements in an era of political foment and educational expansion in the country.
Mr T. J. Drury, the headmaster of Adisadel College (1959-63) and currently headmaster of Heversham School, Milnthorpe, Cumbria address ing the gathering as the guest speaker took up the story where the chairman left off and recounted the ups and downs of the school during his stew ardship in the 'roaring sixties' when the government provided funds for further physical expansion.
To put the popular 'good old days feeling' in better perspective, Mr Drury rightly pointed out that though every body thinks his own period in school was the best, it is a mistake to wish that things remain the same because the world in reality changes and the fact has to be accepted.
He said that he has been invited to the school's 75th anniversary at Cape Coast, Ghana next year and hopes to see the progress after over twenty years' absence.
When Mr James Mercer Jnr and Mr Habu Haruna, comparatively younger old boys mounted the rostrum to fill in the gaps in the evening of reminiscences, the well-attended meeting was saturated with euphoria and ready to join in the well-stocked reception that awaited them.
Everything considered, it was an enjoyable evening when past students each other for years enjoyed themselves. The parting mood was: "we must do it
The smiles on their faces tell it all. A section of the old boys and past masters who attended the inaugural meeting include from left to right (front row): Mr T.M.K. Mercer, Mr & Mrs Drury, Mrs Mercer, Mr Kojo Botsio, and Mr Tony Cooper. Back row: Mr Amoako, James Mercer (Jnr), Rev. Father Godwin, and Mr Alan Frostick.
Commonwealth institute
JUNE 1-30: Bookshop focus - children's books from Africa which will feature Soma Books offer of a wide range of books for children from or about Africa.JUNE 11-14: Africa Focus program- mes for schools and families. A series of programmes similar to one held in May; again with weekend events for families.
JUNE 18-29: Music, story and dance of Uganda. These workshops for schools and families will be led by Basil Wanzira, a former Director and choreographer of the National Dance Troupe of Uganda who has just completed his doctorate at Queen's University and will shortly be returning to Uganda. Schools must always book but the weekend family sessions are free and open to everyone.
JUNE 29-30: This seminar (jointly organised with the Institute for International Studies) will explore conflict between Development and conservation. It will include case studies of urbanisation, the exploitation of minerals and the challenge to traditional agriculture and work patterns, as well as survey of ecological issues.
