QESOSA Ontario |
伊利沙伯中學舊生會安省分會 |
群善己修 |
Happy 90th Birthday Dr. Hinton! |
We are so happy for the few days with Arthur*… Reported by Nancy K. Tang (65FA) Arrival Day We arrived at Heathrow early in the morning of April 17th, 2008 after an all-nighter over the Atlantic. The drive to Chesterfield, a mere three and a half hours, was not without incidents, but we arrived safely at 10 Ridd Way just short before 1:00 p.m. Arthur was already waiting by the large front window in his dining room, wondering whether he should start lunch without us! We were happy to see he was in good spirit. Shortly after, the three of us were having lunch at one of his favourite restaurants by the lake, within walking distance from his home, enjoying a rare afternoon of warm sun in England. His wound from the second operation in January was almost healed and he only used the cane as a precaution when he went out. After lunch, we had a leisure walk around the little lake, greeted by a few neighbours walking their dogs and a couple of water fowls swimming peacefully by. It was comforting to know that Arthur was feeling his strength coming back to him. Later at home, we gave Arthur his Birthday presents and also a gift from Susan Wong (FA61). He read with muse and affection the Birthday card from the FA65 graduates in Toronto, Ontario. He excitedly told me how surprised he was to receive emails and greetings from students around the globe throughout the week. He had a tentative plan for the next day. After his hospital visit in the morning, we would visit the countryside and small towns nearby. Then we would meet his daughter and son-in-law for dinner at a restaurant midway between Arthur’s home and theirs. Arthur’s Birthday Arthur woke us up at eight (Please don’t be alarmed, after being with us in Toronto a few times, Arthur knows we are late sleepers. As long as he knows where the juice, cereal, bread, butter, jam and toaster are, he is good at taking care of himself in the morning until I get up and make the coffee! ) and he already had set the breakfast table – juice poured, croissants being warmed in the oven, and coffee ready. To show my appreciation and partly cover my embarrassment, but truly from the bottom of my heart, I flew to his side and gave him a big hug and yelled, “Happy Birthday!” We opted to drive him to the hospital rather than letting him drive himself while we waited at home. Actually I delegated the driving to James as I can only handle an automatic! Honestly, after being the navigator during our stay, I wonder how many tense moments James had actually given Arthur with his driving! The fact was, it was quite a challenge for James to drive a standard transmission car after forty years, and on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, not to mention the various sizes of the numerous roundabouts, if you know what I mean… For the next couple of days, while sitting at the back seat, I heard many times Arthur spoke with his usual gentle voice, “Take a right turn here but keep left!” or “ It’s best to stay on this side of the road!” At the hospital, the doctor gave Arthur a clean bill of health after a short visit. His infection was all gone, but Arthur preferred to have his dry bandage on just to protect his ankle for a little longer. That we totally agreed. So with the three lighter hearts, we made our ways to the Peak District National Park, to test once again, James’ driving skill on windy and winding roads. We were up at Stanton-on-the-hill through steep and curved one-lane served as two-lane roads, passing through farms and acres of rolling hills and tranquil dales, a real English countryside reminding us of some British movies, like “Sense and sensibility” or “Little women”. We had lunch at another Arthur’s favourite place, the Lathkil Hotel. Our table by the window overlooked the valley below. There were endless green pasture with stoned walls (My 2007 trip-mates to Kentucky, USA: remember our trip there and Cecilia Chu, our FA65 friend, told us about the walls created by the skilled stonemason from Ireland?) with lots of pheasants running around. There were also horses, all covered with blankets and sheep, round and plump as the shearing season had not begun. After treating Arthur to his Birthday lunch, we stopped by Bakewell and bought a Bakewell pudding, recommended by Helen Cheng (FA66) as a must-try! This ‘pudding’ is definitely a pie - with crust and filling! Had the Brits got confused all that time and call it a ‘pudding’ instead! The ‘Birthday Boy’ treated us to a wonderful Italian dinner in Matlock Bath where we met Hedy Ann and Bob for the first time. He was very jubilant that day, counting the number of telephone calls he had been receiving from old students. He chatted with Savio Lee (FA64) in California in the morning. At home after dinner, with a broad smile on his face, he told us by the phone message from Mi Ki Kan (FA57) in Toronto, he listened to Susan Kan’s angelic voice singing Happy Birthday to him! Packing Day The previous day, we had a very lovely tour of the Chatsworth, the Stately home of the Duke of Devonshire. We felt it was only right for us to offer our help to Arthur with his packing since our visit had kept him busy for many days. On this rainy Sunday, Arthur finally gave in and let us helped him with some packing. Having stayed in this ‘little bungalow’ for eighteen years and with so many books, gifts and memorandum collected through the years, it was not easy for him to downsize to a one bedroom apartment. James went up to the attic to sort out the last bits of stashed away and we made room in his garage for future storing. Then we sorted out a few boxes for Hedy Ann to pick up in the afternoon for her future garage sale. Visit to Woodland Padlocks in Wolverhampton When Arthur suggested that we could visit the Woodland Padlocks on the last day of our visit, we gladly complied. Arthur’s future home is in a retirement complex run by the Quakers. The Padlock Flats is in a very nice and serene surrounding in the town of Wolverhampton, about 2 hours’ drive away. We met with the very friendly staff and even visited the home of one of his soon-to-be new neighbours. It was good to know he will be joining the weekly gathering of German speaking group and he will be among some theatre loving neighbours. Later in the afternoon, after shopped and bought the two major appliances, stove/oven and freezer/fridge, Arthur is another step closer to begin his new life in the new home, in a new town, meeting and making new friends. Good-bye, Arthur It was not easy to say good-bye but we were delighted to spend his 88th Birthday with him. We also know that we will meet again soon, if not in Hong Kong by November, then in Canada which he plans to visit after his Hong Kong trip, maybe in 2009! Arthur, we cannot wait to see you again! Have an exceptionally happy year of being 88 years young! *I have been feeling kind of awkward to call Dr. Hinton by his first name even for the last several years he has repeatedly insisted that we should. I made a conscience effort after I learnt this common practice of addressing everyone by their given names in senior complex has its benefits. Check out the photo gallery for James and Nancy's visit to Mr. Hinton here! |
Mi Ki and Susan Kan was our gracious host who took a bunch of QES schoolmates and Dr. Hinton to their beautiful home for a "warm up" Welcome Party. Then they had a dinner gathering at a Mississauga restaurant and everybody |
Exploring Chemainus while vacationing with the |
James HK and Nancy Tang arrived to join them |
Dr. Hinton's favourite bench by the water's edge |
Only meal time would get everybody together |
So much choices, even for breakfast! |
And Elisha likes eggs! |
And...there is food on the coffee table! |
Dr. Hinton: I hope you are not going to finish everything on the table! |
Elisha has to hide outside to enjoy his steamed crab! |
A rare picture of busybee leader Kinsley Lo! |
Canoe trip at Sai Kung Camp? Re-living a dream of years gone by! |
Happy campers on waters |
Need a flashlight! |
This is how we did the action to this song in the good old days! |
And I can do this! |
After a while, the sun finally rises at 5:20 a.m. |
Dr. Hinton took a break from eating and smiles at the camera! |
Another break from eating to take a picture of other students |
Davideo with his catch of the morning! |
My dinner...best to steam, so fresh! |
A strange find while digging clams |
Snack time - LB's home made sweet dumplings |
Picnic at Gold Stream Park |
Yummy! Sweet dumplings are almost ready... |
Quiet and peaceful... |
And then, dinner time!!! |
Camp fire is burning, camp fire is burning, draw nearer, draw nearer... |
Dr. Hinton, remember when... |
Waiting for mashmellows... |
Campfire song-singing time! |
A stroll in the Beacon Park, Victoria |
For once, Dr. Hinton is not the subject of our shoot |
Both Kinsley and his better half, Terry, deserves a break |
What a model! |
Look, he's here! |
I want to be in the picture too! |
Two long time friends sharing a joyous moment! |
What's so interesting? |
I've got to take this shot! |
Smile, Patrick and Julie! |
Wow, he is so friendly! |
After the double expresso at the Marina Cafe, a walk down the pier to enjoy the B.C. sun! |
Spring is here! |
My favourite teacher! |
Gone with the wind? |
Nothing much, just a typical B.C. scenery... |
From Sea to Sky! |
The FA66 group in front of Empress Hotel, Victoria |
Capturing the sunset in Victoria |
What a beautiful sunset! |
at dusk |
Lights on! |
In Vancouver by the Fraser River with Miranda Leung, (Calgary) Dr. M.C. Poon (Calgary) and wife |
Richmond Olympic Oval already in service |
most likely won't be here next year (2010) |
While Mary Chiu has an inside job |
Jackie Chiu hard at work (with Moo-moo apron, no less!) |
Tracking Dr. Hinton: Vancouver Click on the thumbnail to see the full-sized picture. |
Over 100 people attended the BBQ event! |
Dr. Hinton chit chatting with old boys and girls. He looks as young as ever! |
Watermelon time! |
Good time are enjoyed by everyone |
James So pays us a rare visit |
Picture with Dr. Hinton |
Another group shot |
The QESOSA Ontario 20th Anniversary cake |
Dr. Hinton with some committee members |
Cake cutting ceremony |
QESOSA (Ontario) 20th Anniversary Celebration Event - Welcome Party for Dr. Hinton (2009) |
Second 20th Anniversary Celebration Event - Joint-School BBQ at Milliken Park |
Dr. Hinton with Mi Ki and Susan, Nancy and Barbara |
Mi Ki's beautiful home |
Dr. Hinton with George and Winnie Wong, with Mi Ki on the right |
Dr. Hinton shares a good laugh with Woo Ming Ko (59) |
Group shot No. 1 |
Group shot No. 2 |
Third 20th Anniversary Celebration Event - Exploring Ontario (Trip to Camp Stellar) |
The dock of Camp Stellar. |
Winnie & Nancy trying out the paddle boat...Oops, forgot to put on the life jackets! Bad move! |
George is trying hard to hook the worm.... |
We're back... but no catch! |
The dining room |
Dr. Hinton relaxing in the sun porch with Winnie Wong |
and of course James. |
Bye bye! It has been a wonderful cottage experience! |
In front of Camp Stella with Nancy... |
With a book in hand, bright sun, warm breeze and lots of laughter around....he's happy! |
Hello there! |
Getting to know you... Dr. Hinton chats with Julie Sham |
The Grand Finale - 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner |
Some sing-alongs for warm up |
and of course James. |
The QESOSA Ontario mix choir performs a Tribute Song "To Sir With Love" to all our teachers |
To our health! |
Dr. Hinton is busy signing his autograph for his book "Only A Teacher" |
Lee Yun Gun (64) came all the way from LA to join! Picture taken with classmate Jennifer Ma |
Our MC of the night - James H.K. Tang, also founding President of |
When old friends meet - it's the happiest moment! Dr. Hinton greets long time friend Erika Whitney |
by some Board members, give toast to each and everyone present |
Dr. Hinton is happy to meet so many of his students |
Our President Barbara Yang welcomes everybody |
Bill and Tilda Hui show dancing to raise money for our scholarship fund |
Cindy Cheng (from NY), Yip (Calgary) and Tilda Hui (Toronto) are all from 68FA |
Toronto Elton John? George Wong shows his colours! |
prize but donates it back to the scholarship fund, in the true spirit of QES! |
Everybody was trying to hang on as long as possible to not to let the party end! |
Lee Yun Gun shares a laugh with Dr. Hinton |
George Wong, Mary Chiu, Dr. Hinton, Winnie Wong and Julie Look (left to right) |
Our "seniors" old students pose with our teachers |
I was greatly honoured by the warmth of the welcome I received at the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Ontario Chapter of the OSA. It gives me great joy to know that so many of you have happy memories of your years at QES and that the education you received there, the wider education and not just the academic learning, has stood you in good stead in subsequent years. I am very happy also to see that many of the friendships made at school have lasted over the decades. Education should aim at the development of the individual morally, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and in other ways, i.e. at the full development of the individual as a member of society, and many of us teachers tried in our various ways to be true to this ideal Friendship contributes to this development and so good friends are very important in our lives. The older I get the more I appreciate the friends I have had and the friends, many of them from QES, who I still have and who contribute more than they realise to the continuing development of my life and understanding. To conclude this short homily I would like to emphasise that my years in QES formed an important part of my own education for, while trying to help in your education, I was myself being educated by your successes and failures, your behaviour, your ideas and activities. I owe you my thanks. Arthur Hinton. |
Message from Dr. Hinton following QESOSA (Ontario) 20th Anniversary Celebrations (2009) |
Read more feedbacks and comments from participants of our 20th Anniversary events here. |