| APPRECIATION OF PETER COLERIDGE ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 Page 1 | |
| For Peter's 60th birthday celebration, Angela presented an idea to Sarmad. He wrote an open email to all who would like to participate. Then, with Sarmad's masterful execution, and all your tender email replies, this is the resulting appreciation of a beloved House Master, teacher, and leader of BHS students. | |
| From Raja Gargour: (Class of '76) |
Few teachers stood out in my memory banks as Mr. Coleridge. He made such an impression on
me. Being a "car guy" I could not believe it when I saw him one day working on his Land Rover.
He was "simply" changing the TRANSMISSION!!!! Whether it was his mechanical knowledge, his musical ability on the guitar, his knowledge of Arabic (which I thought better than mine, and most probably was!), his acting abilities, hiking interests, he was the consummate man of culture and adventure. Peter was our Little House Master. His morning wake up call is being repeated nowadays to my children. It is memories of such great people such as Peter that made Brummana the Holy Grail of places and will never be forgotten no matter what. Many Happy Returns to someone who made such a difference in his own quiet way. With respect and admiration, Raja Gargour |
| From Mostafa Ammar: (Class of '75) |
Dear Mr. Coleridge, Happy 60th Birthday! I have very fond memories of my BHS Guitar Club days and the gatherings in your apartment where we shared our music. I continue to play the guitar to this day and I am thankful for your encouragement and support while I was at BHS. Best Wishes. Mostafa |
| From Sadiq Habib: (Class of '78)
|
Dear Peter and Angela, You probably won't remember me as you have touched hundreds of lives. I on the other hand will never forget either of you. Peter the thing I've taken with me from you was to get in touch with my feelings and be true to myself. I can never forget in English class you stood in front of all of us and asked if we ever cried in a movie, or deep poem. We all laughed and said no. Being macho young men we could never let any of the others see us as sissies. You stood there in front of all of us and said that you cry under certain conditions. I was shocked, but as the shock wore off I thought about it and realised that I don't let things get to me because I shut off before I get emotional. Such a small thing changed me profoundly. I want to thank you. Angela, you taught me Geology with such passion and enthusiasm that I got involved and interested in most subjects. When I came to Brummana I was very low on self confidence, and really didn't think I was a good student in any way. By the end of the school year I was a different man, and my life from then on has been very different. I always have you two in my thoughts. I was in London when Peter was taken hostage working for amnesty international. I was so worried about you and the kids but had no way of getting in touch with you. I can't believe Peter is turning 60. I'd love to be able to see you two some day. Happy Birthday Peter. Lots of Love to you and your family, Sadiq Habib Little House |
| From Maha Massis: (Class of '77) |
I personally never forgot Mr. and Mrs. Coleridge, What amazed me about Mr. Coleridge is the fact that he was always in the right mood. There were many times when I or anybody would be in a very bad mood and there I would see Mr. Coleridge just in the right mood. He always amazed me how he could do it and to this day I never figured it out. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. COLERIDGE and many many returns. love Maha Massis |
| From Gina (Angelo) and Adel Al-Mangour: (Class of '78 & '78) |
Dear Peter, With every good wish for your birthday! Many happy returns to you and your family... Gina (Angelo) and Adel Al-Mangour |
| From Alison Robertson (nee Cook): (Class of '78) |
Peter was very kind to put up with us in guitar club! It was always a
highlight of the week. Thanks, Alison Robertson (nee Cook) |
| From Najib O. Habesch: (Class of '78) |
Dear Mr. Coleridge, Wishing you much happiness and good health on this special day. Often, I remember fondly my days at BHS which were richer because of programs that you initiated and inspired. Programs like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Guitar Club (I never did have an ear for music - something I still maintain to this day!) which I participated in. Thank you, Mr. Coleridge, for helping create such wonderful memories and for making my stay at Brummana that much more special. Happy 60th!!!! Najib O. Habesch |
| From Mr. Robert Hudson: (Teacher)  The photo is with Cookie at our home in Peyia, Paphos, Cyprus. Get in touch if you are ever in the area. |
Happy Birthday, Peter. Angela always did have odd ideas but, as she wants a few reminiscences for the occasion, I have interrupted my lotus eating for a little while to contribute, hoping that it won't sound like an obituary rather than a birthday greeting. Well, I have you in my mind's eye as young, 'fighting' fit although a pacifist, abseiling down holes in Jourah while I looked on in trepidation, climbing Sannine and, in particular, scrambling down from Salimah bridge to the Turkish bridge below Ras Al-Metn. I remember your Arabism, in particular your preference for 'ma d turiydu' or even 'shtibgha' ................anything but stooping to "shoo baddak'. I dare say the mire of South Lebanon changed that later on. And what about your guitar? Now that you are a sexagenarian, perhaps, in a few years, you can find the three hours a day I remember you needed to reach Segovian heights. In particular, I shall never forget how you struggled in the darker days of the 'events' to try to keep BHS afloat. Of course, I could go on and on but, as I said at the beginning, reminiscing about a mere sixty-year-old feels a bit odd to a septuagenarian. Sixty seems a greenish age to me. So what can I say but all the best for the next sixty years. Bob Hudson PS When's Angela's birthday? She can't be anywhere near sixty. |
| From Fayez and Karim Bayzid: (Class of '80 & '82 respectively) |
Dear Mr. Coleridge I wish you a happy Birthday and I hope all is well with you and your family My brother and I often think of you and your wife Angela we also remember when we fortuitously met you in a summer fair some place in the dart moor some time in 1975 while we were at summer school in Toor Farm. All the Best Fayez Bayzid and Karim Bayzid |
| From Kamal Jamjoom: (Class of '79) |
Dear Peter; I would like to wish you a happy 60th birthday and many more to come. You taught me English at Brummana and I completed the DOE Award scheme under your guidance. The English lessons I attended under your tuition are a very memorable part of my younger life. You inspired me and I recall looking forward to every single lesson. I enjoyed the debates, discussions and even the proverbs you taught us. My love of the English language was of the approach you took with us. I also remember you were very tolerant and patient with us. If only all teachers were like you, well I'm sure the world would be a more tolerant and peaceful place. Thank you for the great lessons you taught me. My best wishes to you and your good wife, Kamal Jamjoom |
| From Mr. and Mrs. Salam and Nada Saidi: (Teachers) |
Our message to the Coleridges: We remember with love the days we spent with the Coleridges. Peter and Angela were always good friends in Peace and in War. In Peace, Peter was a good companion to walk mountains with, to share experiences with; he was good company that we miss. In war, Peter was very reliable to support the friends and students. Peter and Angela definitely left a mark on our lives. Happy 60th Peter. Salam & Nada Saidi |
| From Gay Taweel: (Class of '79) |
Thank you for making the "English class" very entertaining, especially when you read to the
class "The Pearl". Your early morning vocabulary tests left me with actually memorising some words for life - like "GAIT". Thank you very much Peter. Have a Great 60th Birthday - God Bless. Gay Taweel |
| From Mr. & Mrs. Brian and Susan Dickson: (Teachers)  |
Dear Peter - you mere youngster! All our love and very BEST WISHES for a wonderful birthday celebration. We fondly remember our time together with you on the teaching staff at BHS. (After all, I met my wife Su in your boarding house at BHS!)...difficult, but formative years for all concerned. If EVER you are in the Washington DC area please look us up and know you have a place to stay among friends. Brian and Susan Dickson |
| From Linda Sawaya (nee Nagem): (Class of '79) |
Dear Mr. Coleridge, After my years at BHS, very few teachers have remained in my memory. You are an exception. I want to thank you for all you have done for me during my BHS days. You and Mrs. Coleridge will always be remembered. Happy 60th Birthday! Warm wishes, Linda Nagem-Sawaya |
| CONTINUE Mr. Coleridge 60th Birthday PAGE 2 | |
