In memory of Mrs. Clingeleffer

Mr John Clingeleffer of Cabarita Beach, New South Wales, shares memories of his beloved mother Heather Clingeleffer nee Graham.  Many BBGSians from the 1950's will remember her as BBGS' first science teacher who was responsible for building our curriculum and laboratories; under the headship of Miss Mary Glasgow.  She met her husband Jack while serving in BBGS from 1948 - 1960 and continued her teaching career when she returned to Australia.  Mrs Clingeleffer passed away on 1 June 2018 at Ocean Grove, Victoria, Australia.  

Thank you, John, for your generosity in sharing the eulogy and photos.  

BBGSians who remember Mrs Clingeleffer, please share your memories in comments or email me directly at joannayeoh@gmail.com

Mrs Clingeleffer (on the left of guest of honour) at the opening of the BBGS Science Labs

"Good afternoon and thank you for coming to remember the life of Heather Elizabeth Agnes Clingeleffer.

Apart from knowing that she was born on the 17th of November 1921, not a lot is known about Heather's childhood.  We do know that she completed her leaving certificate at St. George Girls' High School in Sydney in 1938 with honours in Modern History and Biology.  She then went on to Sydney University where she studied maths and science.  After graduation, she took up teaching in various locations in New South Wales.

In 1948, Heather received the call from missionaries in Kuala Lumpur to go and teach in Malaysia.  She answered this call and left the safety and stability of life in Australia to take up a teaching position at Bukit Bintang Girls' School, known as BBGS, in Kuala Lumpur in, as it was then known, Malaya.  BBGS had been established in 1983 by Betty Langlands as a Brethren school initially to teach young girls to read.  Despite the school's longevity, Heather was to become their first science teacher.

This was not a safe time to travel to Malaysia.  Following the end of the Japanese Occupation in September 1945, the Malayan Communist Emergency started in June 1946 and continued for over a decade.  During the emergency, travel outside the capital could be fatal with regular attacks by bandits.  Getting away from the emergency to highland retreats was often undertaken but even walks in the surrounding jungle could result in unexpected encounters with the local fauna.  This was a far less controlled environment than it is today.

Heather enjoyed her time at BBGS and living in Malaysia.  While there, Heather met her future husband, Jack, and after their marriage she moved from the young women's boarding house into a home on Ampang Road complete with amahs, a gardener and driver.  But, with the push for independence from the British empire, Malaysia was becoming a less pleasant place for foreigners to live.

After independence in 1957, and also due to a decline in Jack's health, in 1961, we moved back to Sydney Australia.  We initially stayed with Heather's brother Boyce and his wife Lorna and soon after that, we rented a flat in Artarmon, where, as it was assumed at the time, Heather would simply stop being a teacher and become a housewife.  It soon became clear to us all that Heather's progression from life in her parent's house, to various catered boarding situations, to a home in Kuala Lumpur with servants, had left her singularly unprepared for domestic duties.

She applied for and got a job as a teacher at Abbotsleigh Girls' School where she worked happily for many years.  The students at Abbotsleigh were graded on perceived intelligence, from White at the bottom of the scale through to Red and Green to the top level of Blue.  Heather would frequently be given the White students because she didn't look down on them and treated them all equally.  Heather revelled in frequently getting to outperform the higher levels.  Many times when I returned home from school in the afternoon, there would be some of Heather's students at our house receiving extra tuition.

Mrs Clingeleffer with her family in Australia 

After Artarmon, Jack and Heather moved several times: Warrawee, Wahroonga abd hen in 1976 to what I think was Heather's favourite, Collaroy Plateau, where they lived very happily for 13 years.  After my sister Mary was taken ill in 1987, Jack and Heather moved to Broke in Hunter Valley to be of assistance.  They initially stayed in a caravan, then in a house Jack build at the rear of Mary's residence; then in a couple of houses in Singleton.  I am fairly certain that not all aspects of this nomadic existence excited Heather.  During this period, Jack and Heather also spent time as stand-in caretakers at Camp Kedron.

In 2001, with Mary's health much improved following a kidney transplant from her cousin Helen, and Mary's sons Duncan and Leon much more self sufficient, Jack and Heather moved to Ocean Grove, partly to spend more time with their fourth grandchild Katie.  It also meant Jack and I could play golf more frequently.

Sadly after this move Heather's decline started.  She had a stroke in 2001 from which she never fully recovered.  In January 2007, she lost of her husband of 58 years, Jack and in 2016, she lost her youngest daughter, Debbie.  Both deaths were sudden and unexpected and had a negative impact on Heather's well-being.  Shortly after Debbie's death, Heather had a fall resulting in injuries that required her to go into permanent care at Sea Views Manor  This is where she passed away late on the evening of Friday, the 1st of June, after spending her last day with her granddaughter Katie who is halfway through a medical degree.  Heather was a teacher to the end

What memories do I carry of Heather?

Heather was always curious an in retirement kept her mind active with cryptic crosswords, Scrabble and Sudoku.  Her knowledge was very broad and amazingly deep.  When I went for my first job in computing, I was asked during the interview if I was conversant with Hexadecimal arithmetic.  I said, yes, of course I was.  After leaving the interview, I went straight round to see Heather and she sat me down and explained how the hex worked,  After that instruction, I was able to undertake the job with confidence.

I still wonder how Heather would have progressed through academia if she had been a man.  I comfort myself with the thought that while academia may have missed out on Heather's intellect, hundreds of girls whom she taught at BBGS and Abbotsleigh benefitted from it."

Farewell, Miss Yeap

UPDATE: Memorial service for Miss Yeap Gaik Khoon on Sat, 1 Aug 2015 at 4pm, Jalan Gasing Gospel Hall. 

I'd like to encourage all BBGSians who grew up under Miss Yeap's watch to make a donation to the ECEF.  Please tag your donation "In Memory of Ms Yeap Gaik Khoon" so that the administrators can keep track of the funds and announce the collective amount. I will start the ball rolling with a donation of RM5000 today. 

Details of donations to ECEF a can be found here:
 http://bbgs.com.my/elena-cooke-education-fund/

Roslinah Daud (Class of 1988) attended Ms Yeap's memorial wake in Seremban and shares her experience with us.  

Kar Hue and I managed to visit Ms Yeap on Sunday 12th July 2015. She passed away on Saturday morning at her brother's house in Seremban after 4 and a half years of sickness due to concussion from a snatch theft outside a church in PJ.

She had not been well recently due to pneumonia and had been in and out of the hospital. Listening to her sister-in-law's story of her last moments brought tears to our eyes. She died an easy death as she was well at the time Kamala left her to go to get some diapers in Shah Alam. Only after 15 minutes she was gone, Ms Yeap had really bad cough and phelgm but there were signs that Kamala noticed in Ms Yeap's behaviour; in that she was always staring at Kamala with tears in her eyes in the past few weeks...and once when Kamala patted her hand, Ms Yeap patted Kamala's hand using her other hand, like she knew she was going to leave.

Anyway, soon after Kamala left the house and Ms Yeap said BYE, she received a call from Mr Yeap. Mr Yeap was called by the maid as Ms Yeap was coughing really badly. While he was tending to her, her head bowed slowly to the front and when Mr Yeap tried to straighten it, her head went to the back. That's when Mr Yeap knew she was gone but still did not give up. He called Kamala to.convey the news and was asked immediately to bring her to the hospital.

When they reached the hospital, the doctor and nurses were already standing by...and they checked on her while she was still in the car and confirmed that she has passed on.

According to Kamala, Ms Yeap's body will be cremated tomorrow, Monday 13th July 2015. 

Goodbye Ms Yeap. Thank you for all you have done to BBGS. 

Nisi Dominus Frustra.

Roslinah and Kar Hue (far right) conveying our condolences to Miss Yeap's family

In Loving Memory of Ms Yeap Gaik Khoon

UPDATE: Memorial service for Miss Yeap Gaik Khoon on Sat, 1 Aug 2015 at 4pm, Jalan Gasing Gospel Hall. 

I'd like to encourage all BBGSians who grew up under Miss Yeap's watch to make a donation to the ECEF.  Please tag your donation "In Memory of Ms Yeap Gaik Khoon" so that the administrators can keep track of the funds and announce the collective amount. I will start the ball rolling with a donation of RM5000 today. 

Details of donations to ECEF a can be found here:

http://bbgs.com.my/elena-cooke-education-fund/ 

In loving memory of Ms Yeap Gaik Khoon, Headmistress of BBGS from 1980 - 1993, who passed away on Saturday 11 July 2015.

"O Captain! My Captain! Rise up and hear the bells
Rise up - for you the flag is flung - for you the bugle trills
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths - for you the shores a-crowding
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning"

- Walt Whitman

I read this poem as a tribute during Ms Yeap's retirement dinner in 1993.  It seems appropriate to share it once again in memory of a loving woman who was my teacher, my headmistress, my cheerleader, my mentor, my friend.

The memory of her sitting down to cry together with me over my SPM results will forever be etched in my memory.  It was a simple act of kindness that made me realise that she was not only an authority figure, she was my friend.

Thank you Miss Yeap, and Farewell.

May you rest gently in the arms of our Lord Jesus.

http://back2bbgs.blogspot.sg/2009/08/women-of-vision-1925-1993.html

http://back2bbgs.blogspot.sg/2007/12/calling-on-miss-yeap.html

Sexy Spaghetti Song

I made a trip back to KL on Friday 14th September for a very special event. Juwita Suwito was staging a concert at the Pavilion and dedicated the first night to BBGS. Under Mrs Abraham's guidance, Juwita and her amazing band conjured up magical music for the many BBGS girls and teachers who turned up to enjoy the evening. She even managed to surprise Mrs Abraham with a birthday dedication.

My favorite song of the night was the very sexy jazzed up version of "On Top of Spaghetti".

A Tribute to Miss Elena M Cooke

I can almost see her now, in her favourite turquoise-green silk dress, heels click-clacking as she marches through the pearly gates, heading straight for the throne room.  She beams as she sees Jesus, with that trademark sparkle in her eyes, as He says; "Well done Elena, thou good and faithful servant."

Our dear Miss Cooke has gone home to be with the Lord and is resting securely in His beloved arms.  We will miss her but her legacy of love and "seeking nothing but the best" lives on in the hearts of all BBGSians who have been touched by her.

I leave you with these inspiring words from Miss Cooke, which have been the guiding light for this blog since its inception. 

"Girls of BBGS - you have a rich heritage. I challenge you to live a wholesome, vibrant life totally committed to giving nothing less than your best while always remembering our school motto - Nisi Dominus Frustra. Without God all is in vain"


For information about the memorial and funeral services:
http://www.back2bbgs.blogspot.com/2012/05/bidding-farewell-to-miss-cooke.html


Read about Miss Cooke's achievements as Headmistress of BBGS:
http://www.back2bbgs.blogspot.com/2009/08/women-of-vision-1925-1993.html


Read about Miss Cooke's school days, in her own words:
http://www.back2bbgs.blogspot.com/2007/10/miss-cookes-story-part-1.html

http://www.back2bbgs.blogspot.com/2007/10/miss-cookes-story-part-2.html

90th Anniversary Message from Miss Mary Glasgow

As we enter the Merdeka week, let's pause to remember our school history. BBGS started as a missionary school, and we were led and taught by many teachers who left their home shores to come to Malaya, a British colony, to educate young girls. Many of them spent their entire adult lives teaching local girls, preparing them for nationhood - to become "loyal women with their race".

This message was sent by Miss Mary Glasgow (BBGS Principal, 1946 - 1957) who helmed BBGS until 1957 when she befittingly handed the baton of leadership to Miss Elena M Cooke, our first Malaysian headmistress. Miss Glasgow's message was read out during the BBGS Annual Speech Day in 1983, which commemorated the 90th anniversary of the school.


Dear pupils, staff and friends of the school,

It is a great privilege and pleasure to be able to speak to you today and give you my warmest greetings and congratulations on this auspicious occasion.

It reminds me of my first arrival in 1930 and the welcome I received. From then on, I have had the happiest possible memories of those 31 years with BBGS and I thank God for such a wonderful experience. You made teaching a real pleasure and you taught me more valuable lessons than I gave you. I shall never forget the sincerity and warmth of your approach and the help that was always available in any kind of need. Indeed, after 22 years of absence, I still find myself referring to Malaysia and BBGS as home.

Miss Glasgow (fourth from the right) with some of her former students

The 9oth anniversary! What a long way we have come from that little gathering I remember in the Fook Yam Tong on Davidson Road with your marvellous buildings and playing fields in BBGS today.

Then the pupils were rather shy and were accompanied to and from school, often by rickshaws. Many parents preferred to keep daughters at home. So numbers were small. However, time marches on and after the war, there was tremendous pressure to get girls admitted. The buildings could not rise fast enough and even yet I hear the enrollments continue to soar,

It is delightful to see how the school maintains its character and high standards. May it ever be so and continue to go from strength to strength in humility and trust in the living God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.

Are we aware of Satan's greatest weapon. Self-pity? Never succumb to that or you are lost! Forget yourself, put others first, avoid hasty words and criticism, grumbling and complaining.

Dwell deep! There is a depth in life which is too seldom used. We live too much on the surface and do not dig down to the riches beneath. Let us take a look at a verse of Amy Carmichael:

From prayer that asks that I may be,
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher,
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay,
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire,
Let me not sink to be a clod:
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

Reminiscences

This article was written by Mrs Yeoh nee Chong Shing Choo (Class of 1961) and featured in the 1986 School Magazine.

Kua Siew Lian (left) and Chong Shing Choo (right) reunited at the BBGS Mega Reunion at the Pavilion in August 2009. Both of them served faithfully as teachers in BBGS Primary School for many years.

The year 1961 - twenty five years ago...

With an anxious glance, I looked back at my Alma Mater and my friends - the girls whom I had known for so long. What did the future hold for us? Goodbyes were quickly uttered, faces perhaps trying to hide a tear or two, we went each on our own way.

Since then, the girls of 1961 have not lost track of each other. Through the untiring efforts of Miss Kua Siew Lian, we have been meeting at least once a year. What is said? What is shared? If our spouses or children would care to listen to our conversation, what would they think? Fortunately or not, they usually do the vanishing act when the girls of 1961 get together!

Let me tell you what goes on in a get-together of the old girls. During our first tete-a-tete session which was held so long ago (so long ago that I cannot recall the date), the first question was on marital status. Several of us have chosen to remain single, while others were brave enough to take the plunge. Job experiences were exchanged, the whereabouts of other classmates and our experiences at BBGS were the hot topics. The girls of '61 are dispersed all over the globe!

I remember very well Miss Cooke and her Geography lessons. Oh, how she used to drum into us the many Geographical facts which I still remember till today. Speech Day..."BBGS, we pledge to thee..." We were not let off until we had sung it the way she wanted it to sound.

Many of us will not readily forget the late Miss Too Tong Mei. Her Art lessons were a time of testing the grit and nerve of all concerned. Will I forget the day she made us paint WITHOUT water - only to use dry powder paint on newsprint! This is an incident few of us forget, even after 25 years!

Other dear "grown-ups" we remember fondly are Miss Mary Glasgow, Mrs Isobel Wee and Catherine Angus. In more than one, these dear teachers have carved a niche in our lives.

Many of us are now either happy professional women or mothers. Whatever vocation we have chosen, we have done so to fulfill the verse of the School Song -

"When we are grown
And take our place
As loyal women with our race."

The girls of '61 are a cheerful lot, who have gone through much of life, which is not surprising as they are almost half a century old.

Children, husbands, work, funny episodes which take place from day to day are common topics when we get together. To me, the happiest time of my life is still the years I spent at BBGS. It was in this place, with the help of dedicated teachers who worked for the love of teaching and nurturing young minds that I have adopted many principles which I now hold dear in my role as a mother and teacher in a primary school.

To the new girls of BBGS, take this advice from an old girl, treasure your memories of your school days.

Though much has changed with time, you should still hold on steadfastly to the LIVING words of the School Song.

Be proud to have been a student of the School on the Starry Hill. I assure you that there is none that can compare.

Updates on Miss Yeap's condition

Please note that these updates are taken from the BBGS OGA website, and have been verified with members of Miss Yeap's immediate family.

UPDATE: 25 March (Friday), 10am
Good news! Miss Yeap is now recuperating and starting physiotherapy treatment in an extended care hospital in Shah Alam.

Venue: Room 95, Columbia Asia Extended Care Hospital, Lot 2, Jalan Baung, Shah Alam, Selangor

Visiting Hours: 7am - 9pm

Request: In order not to tax Miss Yeap's energy at this time, please go in a group and keep your visit short. Try not to ask Miss Yeap if she can recognise as it will put a strain on her memory. Simply identify yourself by telling Miss Yeap your name and the class you were in. Be positive! :-)

UPDATE: 4 March (Friday), 11.10 pm
Praise God that He has answered all our prayers for Miss Yeap. This morning, she was finally transferred out of ICU to the ward and was able to recognise her family members. However, Miss Yeap is still on antibiotics and has a tube in her throat so she is not able to talk yet.

The OGA will arrange to send a bouquet of flowers to Miss Yeap first. We will let you know when she is ready for visitors.


UPDATE: 17 FEB 2011 (THURS), 7.00 pm
Still having problem getting her breathing properly - she's not getting ideal levels of oxygen. Lots of phlegm that needs to be cleared - they've put her on medication for that. Heat is stable, as is BP. Eyes open every now and again, but she's not conscious enough for recognition nor speech. Still in ICU. Not shifted to ward yet.—Mei-Lyn, grandniece of Miss Yeap.


UPDATE: 8 FEB 2011 (TUES), 2.15pm
So excited to share this sms from Miss Yeap's grandniece, Mei-Lyn: “Encouraging news! They’re weaning her off the ventilator. She’s breathing on her own! 2hrs at a time so less stress to body, but still great news I think!”

AN UPDATE BY MISS YEAP's FAMILY (POSTED ON 7 FEB 2011)
This email, addressed to BBGSians, is written by Miss Yeap's grand-niece who has been staying with her.

My name is Mei Lyn and I'm Ms Yeap's grand niece. Thank you all forall your kind thoughts, comments and fervent prayers. We are all trying to stay positive about the whole situation.My grand aunt has yet to regain full consciousness, but the doctors say that upon prompting, she opens her eyes briefly and can process simple commands, so they are very positive about the condition of her brain.

However, her body is not handling the stress of surgery well, and there are some complications with her heart & BP. She is being treatedfor that by a cardio, and was previously sedated again to stabilise. Today, they performed a minor procedure to insert a tube into the throat for better hookup to the ventilator. The procedure went smoothly, and she is resting again in ICU.

Thank you all for not insisting on visiting her in ICU. It is very obvious that she is much beloved. However, even the family has received stern advice from the doctors & nurses about the ease of infection, and how we all carry pathogens. She is so very vulnerable right now. I've heard that there is a lot of information flying about from various sources. Unfortunately, from one hand to the next, some are in danger of creating panic, etc. We are unable to curtail the spread of information, but we fear the spread of less than accurate details. Luckily Sow Yoong, has been more than considerate and checks with us to help correct the details.

Please don't rush to the hospital. We thank you for the flood of concern, but please do understand the need for a clean environment. Right now, she's sedated from today's procedure, stable but still on the critical list in ICU.

All prayers/positive energy/good thoughts are deeply appreciated.

Praying for Miss Yeap's speedy recovery

Dear Girls,

I've just received some distressing news about our dear Miss Yeap Gaik Khoon, whom many of us from the 80s and 90s know and love as the Headmistress of BBGS.

Miss Yeap was hit on the head by a snatch thief on 31 January 2011, and has undergone a successful operation to remove a blood clot. She regained consciousness at 10am on the day of the operation but remains in Intensive Care. Her family has requested that there should be strictly NO VISITORS, but all prayers for her speedy recovery are welcome.

You can get further updates from the BBGS Alumni blog. The BBGS OGA will be sending a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the alumnae soon, so your comments and well wishes are welcome. Get well soon, Miss Yeap!

"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved. For you are my praise" - Jeremiah 17:14

Warmest regards,
Joanna

Happy Birthday Miss Chua!

I just received a delightful email from Betsy Li that I can't wait to share with you. Remember our beloved Miss Chua? She served BBGS faithfully for many years as a lab assistant, accounts clerk, CU Camp kitchen coordinator (P/S: She was the master cook responsible for the delicious nasi lemak we enjoyed annually!)

Miss Chua Saw Eng turned 80 recently and a celebration dinner was held at Overseas Restaurant on 3 July 2010. Here are some photos of the special day that was celebrated in the company of many BBGS teachers.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS CHUA!

Greetings from Singapore

Eleven fellow migrants to Singapore sharing a common BBGS heritage came together this weekend. In addition to the Singapore residents, we also had visitors join us from KL and Melbourne.

Over glasses of sparkling wine and apple tea, girls ranging from Class of 1983 to Class of 1992, quickly got down to the business of introducing each other and sharing our favourite BBGS stories. It didn't take long for us to discover many interesting professions and subject matter experts including insurance, financial planning, dental, occupational therapy, jewellery and interior design and plastic surgery - which incidentally got the longest airtime (wonder why?)

Let's meet some of the ladies shall we?

Van Kit Meng and Poesy Liang

Van Kit Meng has settled in Singapore for over 20 years, having come across the causeway to study at the National University of Singapore. Her family has recently re-located back to the island state from the Middle East. She even remembers me clinging to my mother's skirt during her days in primary school so to honour that amazing memory, I called my mom in the middle of dinner and had Kit chat with her!

Poesy Liang travelled all the way from KL to join us. She had us in stitches with stories of her escapades in school such as spending hours at the Royal Selangor Golf Club instead of attending geography class, and missing her Home Science exam. She vividly recounts the tale of making up for the exam by cooking char koay teow - "I remembered to add the si ham last!"

Moonlake Lee and Mrs Chew Hai Hong

Moonlake (and her sister Tinkerbell) had the most well-remembered names in BBGS, thanks to her hippie parents. After living in US and Canada for almost 15 years, she's been in Singapore now for over 6 years and is part of the management team for her husband's multi-specialty dental practice in Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

We also had the privilege of catching up with Mrs Chew Hai Hong, who taught Modern Maths and chemistry. Mrs Chew, whom we affectionately called Mrs Chew Ha Ha because the amount of laughter that emanated from her classes, took early retirement from BBGS to travel with her husband to Abu Dhabi and Singapore. Her principal occupation nowadays is looking after her 3-year old grandson.

CLASS OF 1987 (Seated L-R) Seto Wai Ling, Tan Lu Meng (Standing L-R) Joanna Yeoh, Loh Yee Git, Chang Wei Fun

The Class of 1987 was the most well-represented at the gathering. Apart from myself, the other guests included:

Seto Wai Ling, who flew in from Melbourne to join. She describes herself as a "professional student" and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Japanese

Tan Lu Meng (Jaclyn) is an occupational therapist with her own private practice. She's lived in Singapore for over 17 years and never fails to amuse us with her stories of the infamous 3C1 vs 3K hockey game and Puan Naaimah impersonations.

Loh Yee Git (Jean) just moved back to Singapore from KL and manages regional Marketing Communications for a telco. She remembers being very quiet and shy in school and only broke out of that mould when she went to college in the US.

Change Wei Fun (Patricia) is a qualified actuarist (thanks to career advice from Miss Yeap!) and Financial Controller of a major insurance company in Singapore. She joined BBGS from Kuen Cheng and remembers being baffled about why BBGS school rules were so strict and couldn't understand why the girls were more interested in Bible Knowledge instead of Hong Kong Cantonese serials?

CLASS OF 1988 (L-R): Audra Khoo, Jeanette Poon and her daughter Jasmine

The Class of 1988 was represented by:

Audra Khoo, who's best remembered in BBGS for flouting all rules with regards to hair length, colour and school uniform, turns out to be a beautiful glamorous fashionista (of course!) We had a good time laughing over the number of offence slips she used to get from me :-)

Jeannette Poon, who brought along her daughter Jasmine, is a qualified nurse who currently works with one of the top aesthetic (i.e. plastic) surgeons in Singapore. Of course, she gave plenty of advice about botox, liposuction and face lifts....not that any of us need it but we'll keep her phone number...just in case!

All in all, it was a FANTASTIC reunion which lasted till 1 am for some of us. We can't wait to get together for the next one...KL Hokkien Mee at Big Eater Simpang Bedok anyone?

Thank you teachers

The mediocre teacher tells.

The good teacher explains.

The superior teacher demonstrates.

The great teacher inspires.

~William Arthur Ward

Garage 9

Have you ever wondered what happened to Miss Prouse and Miss Glasgow during World War 2? Up until last week, all I knew was that they were interned in Palembang, Sumatra. Thanks to Barbara Coombes, a Masters student at London Metropolitan University, we now have a unique glimpse into their lives as prisoners-of-war. I am very grateful to Barbara for sharing her research with us. We'd love to hear from you if you have any comments about this article.

Views of Palembang in South Sumatra, circa 1935

Women’s internment camp at Palembang, Sumatra

Fleeing from the fall of Singapore, many civilian women found themselves interned in camps throughout Sumatra, Java and the Philippines during the World War 2. Eva Prouse and Mary Glasgow were among the women in a camp at Palembang Sumatra, although they were moved many times during their internment. However it was at Palembang camp early in their captivity that they found themselves housed in Garage 9. The houses, previously a Dutch settlement were already occupied, often 30 to a house!

Garage 9 was to be their home for nearly a year and they shared this small space with 12 other women and one orphaned little boy. This group appeared to have a particular bond with several keeping and hiding diaries recording their captivity. There were four Presbyterian missionaries, a civilian teacher; a nurse with the Colonial Nursing Service; the wife of the choirmaster at St.Andrew’s Cathedral in Singapore with her daughter who was in her early twenties, three other wives, a young single woman and the small boy. Mary Glasgow apparently had the nickname ‘Paddy’ because she came from Ireland.

(L-R) Miss Eva Prouse and Miss Mary Glasgow

Their days centred on all the chores that they had to undertake in order to survive with tasks allocated according to physical ability. Task such as carrying great lengths of wood to cut for firewood to fuel the fires for cooking needed strength and to keep them burning one had to stoop low and keep fanning the heat, therefore the younger members took on these tasks. Mary herself said that she enjoyed getting up early to chop the wood! They cooked in pairs and for their own group, later when they were moved to another camp the cooking was done centrally. Other chores that had to be completed were: cleaning the rice as it arrived with glass, stones, weevils and maggots and had to be painstakingly cleaned. Often other rations, if they were lucky, were just dumped in the grounds of the camp so had to be collected. Water also had to be carried a long way then used for cleaning food before being able to be used for personal washing. The worst job of all was clearing the open drains that serviced what passed for toilets. The heat and humidity of course made these tasks even worse. It was amazing that in the light of this that the women managed to keep their dignity and supported each other. Physical conditions and the women’s health deteriorated, as they were move from camp to camp and many suffered from malaria, dysentery and beriberi. Only 4 women and the small boy survived from Garage 9.

Despite the conditions, particularly in the early days when they were all in much better health, some women were able to earn a little money that was used to buy extra food, albeit very small amounts. Eva Prouse volunteered for the sewing party making garments for the Japanese military. There was much debate and excitement when she came back with her first 50 cents! How were they to spend it? One diary records that once they bought a whole banana! Later it became clear that the children of the camp were running wild so a school system begun with Eva Prouse in charge of the seniors and Mary Glasgow assisting. Other women took on the younger children and also ran language classes for the adults. One of the Presbyterian missionaries, Margaret Dryburgh from Garage 9, along with another internee Norah Chambers started a ‘vocal orchestra’ giving concerts to the camp internees. The ‘orchestra’ in four parts hummed classical pieces; the scores had been written down by memory – an astounding feat. The women worked hard at trying to keep spirits high but many of the activities, as the years passed, had to be forsaken as they fought hard to stay alive. From the very beginning, Margaret Dryburgh assisted by others, ran Sunday services and bible readings, helping to sustain the women throughout their ordeal.

Sadly, Eva Prouse died but Mary Glasgow survived and returned to Kuala Lumpur to continue her work in teaching.

Barbara Coombes researching women’s internment for a Masters Degree at London Metropolitan University, London.

Women of Vision: 1893 - 1925

The "Timeless Traditions" exhibition took place on 4 August 2009 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. It showcased the pioneers of BBGS as well as school activities through the decades. Some readers who couldn't attend the function have asked me to share the exhibition online. So here it is...enjoy!

This exhibition has been researched, written and sponsored by Joanna Yeoh and photos have been re-produced with permission from Miss YL Moey. Please obtain written copyright permission from the author before reproducing any information and images for print or digital use. Thank you.

Miss Betty Langlands, 1893 - 1895

The British Empire was at its height of glory when Miss Betty Langlands left England for Malaya, an equatorial colonial outpost.

Her vision?

To educate the women in this country and elevate their status in society, in order that they might live fuller lives. In 1893, this determined missionary lady gathered a few women in Brickfields and taught them to read.

The first girls’ school in Selangor was born.

Miss Bessie Maclay and the five orphans she adopted

Miss Bessie Maclay (1895 - 1914)

Miss Maclay arrived from China in 1895 to take over the reins of the school, then known as the Chinese Girls’ School. The school grew under her care, even while it was physically moved to Petaling Hill and Davidson Road.

A hardworking, broadminded and strict Headmistress, Miss Maclay was feared but loved by all her pupils. Coming from a well-to-do family, Miss Maclay gave generously to all who needed help. As a nurse, she welcomed everyone who came to the dispensary at her house. Babies were left on her doorstep. She raised five of these children, all of whom grew up to be a credit to her.

In 1914, she went on leave via USA on board the Lusitania. The First World War broke out and the ship was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland and she was drowned. Maclay House was named in her honour.

Miss Shirtliff and her pupils in the early twentieth century

Miss Shirtliff arrived from New Zealand in 1898 and came to Kuala Lumpur in the early 1900’s. Firm, forthright and outspoken, she soon became well-known to the schoolgirls of that era. She planted a rain tree under which the girls loved to shelter at recess time. The much-loved raintree continued to provide welcome respite for over half a century. Shirtliff House was named in her honour.

L-R: Miss Ruth Lewis, Miss Molly Ham (1914 - 1918)

From 1914 – 1918, during the difficult days of the First World War, the school continued under the joint leadership of Miss Ruth Lewis and Miss Molly Ham.

Miss Lewis also came from New Zealand. She later married and became Mrs Robert Austin.

Miss Ham left Malaya after the war and went to live in Cheddar, England.

L-R: Mrs Green, Miss Luke, Miss O' Connor

Mrs W.H. Green, 1918 - 1919

Mrs Green, the sister of Miss Shirtliff, took over the reins of the school for a year. One of Mrs Green’s pupils was heard to remark, “Oh dear, she was very, very strict but most efficient as a Principal.” Green House was named after her.


Miss A. Luke, 1919 – 1925

Miss A Luke arrived in 1919, and led the school until 1925. She married and became Mrs. Bennett, and went on to reside in Brisbane, Australia.


Miss O’ Connor, circa 1922

When Miss Luke went on leave, Miss O’ Connor who later became Mrs G. Gough, was given the headship in 1922. She was the first graduate teacher of the school.

Women of Vision: 1925 - 1993

This is the second part of the "Timeless Traditions" exhibition that took place on 4 August 2009 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. This exhibition has been researched, written and sponsored by Joanna Yeoh and photos have been re-produced with permission from Miss YL Moey. Please obtain written copyright permission from the author before reproducing any information and images for print or digital use. Thank you.

Miss Prouse and the first class of Senior Students presented for the

Cambridge School Certificate Examination

Miss Eva Prouse, 1925 - 1941

Miss Eva Prouse arrived from Rockhampton, Queensland in April 1925. During her tenure as Headmistress, the school presented students for the Cambridge School Certificate Examination for the first time in 1928.

Miss Prouse was strict but fair, and a stickler for neatness and tidiness. Straight and tall, she was always impeccably dressed and walked round the school with a firm and purposeful tread.

She took a keen interest in sports and would attend all the badminton matches in which the school participated. Before leaving for the venue, the school players and supporters were usually given a talk on fair play and sportsmanship.

When the Second World War broke out, Miss Prouse was interned in Palembang, Sumatra. On 8 February 1945, just six months before the Japanese surrender, Miss Prouse died from malaria. Prouse House carried her name and Prouse Wing was built with the savings she left the school.


Miss Mary Glasgow, 1946 - 1957

In 1930, Miss Mary Glasgow arrived to serve with Miss Prouse as the school moved to Bukit Bintang Road. Together, they worked tirelessly to improve the school until the Second World War. Serving until the last possible moment, Miss Glasgow and Miss Prouse were both captured and interned in Sumatra.

Miss Glasgow survived the internment and returned to head BBGS in August 1946. Before the war, many parents preferred to keep their daughters at home so the numbers were small. However following the war, there was
tremendous pressure to get girls admitted to the school. The buildings could not rise fast enough to meet soaring enrolment.

Miss Glasgow was known for her ability to make Literature come alive and was brilliant in Mathematics. She was loved because she took personal interest in the girls, while demanding that they gave of their best. She taught, guided and inspired the next generation of Malaysian educators including Miss Elena Cooke, who took over from Miss Glasgow as Principal of BBGS in 1958.

In recognition of her contribution to education in Malaya, Miss Glasgow was awarded the MBE (Master of the Order of the British Empire) in 1955. In 1960, she retired from teaching after 30 years of dedicated service and returned home to Ireland.


Miss Elena Cooke, 1958 - 1977

Miss Elena Cooke had the rare distinction of being a student, teacher, headmistress and chairman of the Board of Governors of Bukit Bintang Girls’ School (BBGS). Her student days began in 1928 and she started her teaching career in 1945, having earned a degree from Queen’s University in Belfast.

She went on to become one of the most well-respected headmistresses of BBGS, leading the school from 1958 – 1977. Renowned as a perfectionist who demanded nothing but the best from her staff and pupils, she took on her responsibilities with thoroughness and dedication. She is known for her sharp eye for detail, her insistence on excellent pronunciation, her intolerance for laziness, rudeness and untidiness and preoccupation with discipline.

Under her leadership, BBGS flourished. The school buildings, enrolment and reputation grew from strength to strength, earning her the title of Master Builder. She was awarded a KMN in 1977 for her excellent service and dedication to the field of education in Malaysia.


Miss Yeap Gaik Khoon, 1980 - 1993

Miss Yeap came to BBGS from another well-known missionary school - Methodist Girls’ School Taiping. She is a graduate of the University of Malaya (Singapore) and University of Southampton (United Kingdom). When Miss Yeap took over the reins of BBGS, she faced the formidable task of maintaining the high standards of BBGS while carrying on the school traditions.

Fortunately, Miss Yeap has one special quality that helped her cope with the challenges – she cares. She always had a listening and sympathetic ear for her students and staff. She encouraged open dialogue between teachers and parents to talk about their children’s progress in school.

Sports, especially hockey, was close to Miss Yeap’s heart. She was always there to encourage and support the BBGS hockey team, which went on to win district, state and national championships.

Miss Yeap retired as Principal of BBGS in 1993, and went on to become Principal of Fairview International School. Today, she is retired from active teaching and resides in Kuala Lumpur.

Sneak preview of official photos

Here's a sneak preview of the official photos from the Back2BBGS gala. A DVD of photos and video will be available for sale shortly.

A big THANK YOU to Kit for allowing us to publish these precious photos...

Photos by Andy Kho Photography, www.andykho.com