VIOS OF VICTORIA

One hundred and one past students, their spouses and former teachers of the Victoria Institution gathered at the Imperial Kingdom Restaurant, Glen Waverley, Victoria, on Saturday 18 February 2006 for the long awaited reunion dinner. Some had come from Sydney and even Brisbane. It was great that seven Old Teachers were able to join in a joyous evening of reminiscences.

The evening commenced with a lusty rendition of the V.I. School Song. Song sheets were provided to jog failing memories. What we lacked in musical finesse we amply made up with volume and enthusiasm.

There was never a dull moment. Whilst savouring the banquet meal, we had to put on our thinking caps for the V.I. Trivia Quiz. It was a team event and prizes were awarded to the first three teams that had the highest scores. One brain-teaser of a question was "What was PWD 205?" which did elicit one correct response. (No, no, the answer is NOT the boys' toilet, which was PWD 206.)

As the wine and conversation flowed, old boys and old girls were invited to share their favourite anecdotes and recollections of their V.I. experiences. We were treated to some hilarious episodes of the days gone by. Considering that these were events of more than 40 years ago, we had amazingly sharp recollections, particularly the impersonations of a few timeless favourites like Mr Lim Eng Thye. Prizes were awarded to the most popular anecdotes and (tall?) tales.

(1) Voting for the funniest anecdote.. (2) Fan Yew Seng doing an impersonation of his VI science teacher.

Former history teacher, Mrs. Tan Soo Hai, brought her photo album and offered prizes to those who could name any five teachers, or recognize themselves in the picture. The oldest V.I. old boy present, 81-year-old Mr. Chang Sow Khong (check out the V.I. website article on The Accidental Soldier) drew the raffle prizes.

Seven Old Teachers: Daniel Chan, Chan Kai Cheung, Mrs Tan Soo Hai, Khaw Cheng Liam, S Peethamparam, Ong Cheng Sim (Mrs Yiap), Chang Chi Yeh

... and three Ex-School Captains were there too:
Phua Juay Chee (1964), Kuan Beng Teik (1963), Choo Min Hsiung (1960)

All who attended were given a VIOS fridge magnet momento that was specially produced to commemorate the function. A fitting way to remember a nostalgic event.

The success of the function was due to the goodwill and the support of all who attended. Acknowledgement should be made of contributions from the following:

After months of planning, everything came together beautifully. The feedback for the function was excellent, and the expectation is that we will need to make this a regular event.

Ho Quah Chooi Hon

On behalf of the Organising Committee
Chee Yue Poy (1964) and Margaret Chee
Choo Min Hsiung (1960) and Irene Ma Sau Peng (1960)
Ho Yik Chee (1960) and Quah Chooi Hon (1960)
Yee Sek Kum (1962)