| APPRECIATION OF PETER COLERIDGE ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 Page 2 |
| From Lena Bakalian: (Class of '76)  Picture attached by Sarmad. In the picture: Hilary Baz (nee Aukland, Lena Bakalian, Faris Araktingi, and Shirley Bowman (nee Cottam.) Taken at the 2003 BHS Reunion Gala Dinner. |
Dear Mr Coleridge, I was always fascinated by your kindness and do remember the Marmite sandwiches done rapidly early Sundays at your place and we would drive up to Faraya in your jeep to ski and would meet at the end of the day after a long healthy sporty day. (You would hide the key of your car in a magnet box in the rear defender so I would have access whenever I would need anything). So reminiscing on these events that strike you along the path of your life, so I grab the opportunity on this occasion to wish happy birthday. Best regards Mr. Coleridge. Lena Bakalian |
| From Tewfik Al-Far: (Class of '76)  |
Dear Mr. Coleridge, "HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY" I still can't bring myself to call you Peter! * You weren't one of those teachers who put fear into our hearts with just a glance. * I don't remember ever getting detention from you. (Well maybe once!) * All I remember from the years we spent in BHS with you and Angela is the kindness and hospitality you both showed us. What memories do I have of the Coleridges? * English, Geography, rubbing of hands, DOE Awards, Community service, Trekking in the beautiful Lebanese countryside and frozen peaks, camping, river crossing, climbing, classical guitar, slide projection shows and so much more that would not have been offered to us if it wasn't for your presence in BHS. I shall remember fondly this very special family with gratitude for all my life. Tewfik (TOY) Al Far |
| From Lina Nashef: (Class of '75)  |
Dear Peter Happy Birthday from another voice from the past I cast my mind back to the more 'recent times' of the first Intifada when you turned up in occupied East Jerusalem .... As inmates of a virtual prison and eager for links with the free sane world, we came to look forward to your visits, and those of other brave people from outside ...For me, your visits with Angela (in addition to the great walks and outdoor excursions), were also a link with a distant past; they let out a few of the many dormant memories of Brummana and Lebanon and of youth, tightly and securely packed in a box still waiting to be unravelled... Your visits also brought us another unanticipated and much appreciated musical pleasure: that of playing duets. These were an incentive for me to play the recorder a little less badly, and, within the compound of the hospital, briefly shut out the 'situation'. Thank you! I cast my mind back a little further to the time when we learnt and worried about your detention in south Lebanon and then were relieved to hear of your release, and how later, I clearly remember, you chose to value what was positive about your experience and be grateful for people's kindness. I seem to remember that you were also grateful, this time to providence, after your precarious but courageous family adventure climbing around Kilimanjaro. I also remember an earlier time when, after my cousin Nadia put us all in touch, we visited your home in Headington, and learnt of and met up with your lovely three children and knew of the happiness they brought you. I cast my mind back to an even earlier time to a 4th form English language class some 32 years ago, when during a lesson, by way of explanation, you translated an English word to Arabic, emphatically pronouncing the more difficult letters; and I recall the surprise, questions and wonder that single word inspired. I also remember my pleasure when you recognised my portrait of AA in an essay you asked us to write. Maybe one day AA will read it. Thank you, for you taught us very well ................ though, unlike Angela, teaching has not continued to be your vocation. What were your plans then, I wonder? I also remember that it did not take me long to equate that honourable Quaker motto of 'I serve' with your and Angela's deeds. I very much hope that we will meet up again. Have a wonderful birthday and very warm regards to you all. 'Uqbal Meet Sinneh' Lina |
| From Shirley Bowman (nee Cottam): (Class of '75)  |
Dear Peter Do you remember this boat............... John and Peter Hadchity built it with Raymond and Mr. Booth.............and you kindly agreed to take it up in to the mountains and give it its maiden voyage!!!! Omar Haffar, the twins, Erica and l were with you.............and in the middle of the lake we first lost an oar, and then the boat sunk!!!! Ian remembers meeting you on the underground to Heathrow............. he is well, and wishes to be remembered to you also. Have a very special day. With very best wishes. Shirley Bowman (nee Cottam) |
| From Sinan Noori (Urfali): (Class of '76) |
Dear Peter and Angela, I would like to take this opportunity to say how wonderful it was to hear of your news and to know that you are both well. I would like to wish Peter a very happy birthday with many happy returns of the day. You both bring back such wonderful memories and your contribution to both my education and development, especially through the Duke of Edinburgh is much appreciated. It would be wonderful to continue hearing of your latest whereabouts and news and would welcome the opportunity to see you again. Thank you so very much for everything. Best wishes, Sinan Urfali |
| From Hania Nashef: (Class of '78)  |
Happy birthday to a wonderful teacher who instilled in me the love of language and
literature. Hania Nashef ( BHS 1972-1975) |
| From Ahmed Al-Shami: (Class of '78)  |
Peter Coleridge was a short-lived East Mediterranean breeze that stroked my teen-ageing imagination so many years ago in Lebanon. In one of my fathers chapters to his published book in the 60's "The Progeny of Darkness", he wrote this sentence:, ' ...there are but a few souls in life, who pass you briefly in Spring, but leave you with an enduring imprint, that accompanies you all the way through the indolence of Summer, the placidness of Autumn, and the destitution of Winter..' Mr. Coleridge has escorted me in one way or another throughout the 112 seasons since I last attended BHS. I shall never forget Mr. Coleridge's exquisite narration of "The Gun" by C.S. Forester, and how that majestic 'gun', in Peter's posture and tone of voice, endured the rough terrain and weather of the northern Iberian Peninsula during one of Napoleons wars. Peter Coleridge should not worry about what to wish before he blows out those birthday candles; I am certain, that I am only but one among many of his pupils, whom will wish Peter Coleridge another 60 rich years of feat and academic achievement, indoors...and of course in the confines of 'his' great outdoors. Ahmed Alshami, (a Yemeni student of Mr. Coleridge's English literature class at BHS) |
| From Debi Cates: (Class of '78) |
Dearest Peter, Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your tutelage. I doubt I will be able to express sufficiently the gratitude I have to you and Angela both, but I am happy for this opportunity to try. When I think back to you and Angela the first word that comes to mind is tireless. There was no corner of BHS activities to which you two didn't make amazing contributions. I am forever grateful to you for the experiences of the Duke of Edinburgh Club. Those memories of seeing the beauty of Lebanon so intimately is one of a lifetime. What a supreme gift that was! We trekked all over Lebanon, through sunshine, rain, sleet, and blizzards, over mountains, valleys, and deep into river ravines. Even on those expeditions when we were "on our own" -- learning to read maps, learning to meet unexpected challenges, learning to cooperate as a team -- we always knew you were there, following, hidden, just in case. You kept everyone of us safe, and yet, gave us the experience of struggle, of budding self-confidence, and ultimately the reward of accomplishment. There is no way I can convey the profound power of those expeditions -- of what I saw, of what I experienced in them. Another memory, one more subtle but just as durable, was of a concert that Sarmad Al-Wadi gave at Little House. I was transfixed. He was, at the time, experimenting with playing classical music on guitar. Time has erased the exact details in my memory of what he played, but not the power of it, the emotional response to it. Again, it is an experience owed to your encouragement, and to your insight into the potential of young people. I also remember how exciting it was around campus when Librum issues came out. They were the best of BHS: the pictures, the news stories, the sports articles, the opinions, the poems -- all authored by students, but only made possible as a publication by your editorial vision. At the time they were greeted with pride and enthusiasm, and now, they are ever more precious as a slice-of-life heritage of BHS of the seventies. As a teacher, you weren't easy. That's a compliment. You set the bar high, requiring difficult reading and writing assignments. You prepared us well. I remember when I began college I thought how easy it was, and gave my classes at BHS credit. Mr. C., you gave to BHS your heart, your mind, and your energies. I never have and never shall forget you. Now, go out there and have a fabulous 60th birthday, and many more! Love, Debi Cates |
| From Sarmad Al-Wadi: (Class of '76)   |
The memories that I hold of my school days at BHS are indelibly stamped in my mind and will never be forgotten. Those days were such wonderful, carefree, unforgettable magical days that I very much regard as the best and happiest days of my life. The friends I made, the times we lived in, and the activities we indulged in. Those, coupled with the beauty of the surroundings we lived in helped to shape some of the best memories I have of those days. Peter wasn't a teacher of mine at any subject at school, but I can proudly say that I learned a great deal from my extra curricular association with Peter. Quite early on I was awed by his seemingly unwavering determination to achieve any goal he set his targets to reach. I learnt from Peter that everything is achievable if you give it enough thought and with enough determination. For Peter, nothing seemed to be beyond sights. I learnt from Peter that persuasion rather than dictation was the best way to convince people to follow a particular path. The power of persuasion is a skill that is not easy to master. Peter never seemed to have any problem persuading people to do some of the most daring feats they'd done in their lives. Even before we started the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, with Peter's guidance a few of us climbed to the summit of Jabal Sannine more than once, and Jabal Kneiseh at least once. This over and above the numerous camping expeditions into the beautiful Lebanese valleys, and the thrilling river scrambling during the thaw, when the rivers were at their most dangerous. (I managed to drop Peter's prized expensive camera into a river during one of those trips.) It's fair to say that it was thanks to Peter that we saw the beauty and magnificence of the Lebanese countryside. This probably wasn't appreciated by many until well after we'd left school. Then the Duke of Edinburgh Awards materialized. For many people in school some of the most exhilarating experiences came from working towards and attaining those awards. Achieving the awards was almost secondary to the fringe benefits: like learning to abseil down a steep sheer cliff, (starting with abseiling down the side of Little House, and horrifyingly striking Angela's head with a falling rock one time.) Learning life saving skills. Learning to navigate, reading maps, getting lost and finding our way back, getting stuck in blizzards and learning to survive. Learning to cross a river or a deep ravine on a rope. Learning to overcome obstacles... And then learning to be a benevolent person, helping the community, integrating with the orphaned children at the local orphanage, (to this day I remember the beaming smiles of the kids whenever we showed up to take them out to play.) These were skills that weren't just thrilling to learn, they were preparation for life. Then there was the challenge of learning to play an instrument. Almost everyone knew how to play "Home on the Range" or "The House of the Rising Sun" on the guitar at school, or wanted to learn how to. The Guitar Club was a popular forum to do so, but I was inspired by Peter, and his constant strive to be a better achiever. With his encouragement I started to learn to play the classical guitar, an altogether different style of guitar playing, not too popular, and far more difficult. It was no surprise that amongst the many talents Peter had, he played classical guitar to a high standard. I spent many hours in the evenings with Peter contorting through elaborate finger twisting chords, learning to pick, pluck and strum masterpieces from Tarrega, Sor, Segovia, Villa Lobos etc. I still have a special love for the instrument. Peter was also a keen amateur photographer in those days, taking some of the most impressive and memorable images that have captured and immortalized many school days' memories. I still have some of those pictures. This is another hobby that I picked up from Peter and still practice. He is a steadfast unique character who breezed through our childhood leaving an everlasting impression. Thank you Peter for those times and those immortal moments you have given us. BHS was certainly a unique school, and it was made all the more special because of your presence there. Happy 60th Birthday, and wishing you many more happy returns. Sarmad Al-Wadi |
| From Toby Jordan: (Class of '84) |
Dear Peter, Others may say great and wonderful things about you but I remember a Buzzard that owes its life to you. Trust you have a good one but just be careful where you take your photographs! All the best, Toby Jordan and on behalf of my late mother, Mary Jordan. |
| From Payam Adlparvar (Class of '77) |
Dearest Mr. and Mrs. Coleridge, Many, I am sure will agree that there is so much to say, and yet we find no words to express our gratitude. You were such an important part of what made those incredible '70s in BHS so very special to so many of us. You added a spice that has not only lasted, but has given us an appreciation for so many of the subtleties in life, even led us to demand a greater experience from life itself. From the little violet upside down flowers that peppered the Lebanese country side, the notes plucked from a guitar, the pitch in a rope, to the pine trees and the mountains themselves, all of it was part of that feast of life you opened our eyes to. And then there were people. You helped us learn how to care and show kindness towards others not only with our trips to the orphanage, but in the way you treated us. You awoke within us a breath of that fresh scented spring air that allowed us to be thankful for every breath and for the gifts we might not have noticed. There are so many memories to recount, jokes and laughs, (many at your expense and some at ours), but through them all, you helped shape many a youth to taste a life that would have otherwise been beyond our reach, and for that, I thank you. Even if your sixtieth birthday comes as no surprise to you, it does to me! May it be as special as you; and I hope that these letters from all of us might help it inch towards that goal. Your student always, Payam Adlparvar |
| From Jonathan Nakouzi: (Class of '74) |
Mr. Coleridge, You tried very hard to teach me classical guitar and correct postures when all I wanted to do was rock n' roll. Still, I found myself repeating the same lessons to my son recently. You were more interested in Lebanon than I was at the time. You spoke the language, knew all the places, constantly exploring, or fiddling with your land rover. Rumour had it that you were a spy! It's very funny in hindsight. I wish you a very happy birthday. Jonathan Nakouzi (class of 71 .. 74 - Waldmeyer) |
| From Francis Hudson Nehme (Class of '72) |
Dear Peter, I felt I had nothing to offer but 'Happy Birthday', which seemed inadequate and meaningless. You taught so many high-fliers and talented students at Brummana High School, who must have left lasting memories with you. However, Sarmad cleverly sent round the various messages from others to you. It became clear to me that I could thank you for what you did specifically for me. I was an awkward child. I was a fish out of water at Brummana in many ways, though I loved it and eventually returned there to teach. I struggled at school and found everything difficult. The teachers at school encouraged me, were patient and kind. You did something more. You showed real interest in a child's ideas and made me feel I was intelligent and could contribute something. Thinking about this today made me cry. It reminded me of why I went into teaching and of why I have never lost patience with, or under-estimated, any of my students. You taught me a very valuable lesson. Thank you. With lots of love and kisses. Frances Hudson Nehme |
| From Ala Iskander Garabet (Class of '77)  |
Dear Mr. Coleridge, A few years ago I was watching the news and I was shocked when I heard the announcer mention that you had been kidnapped in the south of Lebanon. Fortunately, a few days later you were released and I could sleep more soundly. Some of the things I remember fondly about you were the grueling hikes we used to take with your dog Cassius into the woods behind Little house. We were very tired hiking back on one trip and you decided to stop a taxi. I stood in awe as I watched you negotiate the fare with the driver, in Arabic. I never knew you had a command of the language. The driver picked up your British accent and asked "Btihki Ingleezi" ? "But of course" you replied and immediately the fare went up 300% and we ended up hiking back home. One Christmas, when all the kids had gone home for the Holiday, there were four of us lonely kids that stayed behind. You were kind enough to take us to Faria in your Land Rover where you rented Toboggans for us at your expense. That was the first time I had ever done any snow sports. After we returned from that trip, I made an important discovery. If you don't want to get a severe pain in the arse that lasts for a week, then don't sit in the back of a Land Rover. Speaking of Land Rover, you were changing the oil in the Little House driveway once and you ended up overfilling the crankcase. I happened to be there and you asked me if I knew about cars and what were the implications of overfilling. I knew nothing about cars but not wanting to appear ignorant, I pretended to be an expert and assured you that the excess oil would be eliminated and not to worry about it. Years later when I discovered that overfilling can blow your seals, I always felt guilty about dispensing such reckless advice to you. How is that Land Rover? One thing I have to grant you Mr. Coleridge is your knack for always catching us breaking the rules at Little House, though your enforcement was rather Spartan at times, like turning off the shower when I exceeded the three minute time limit while the soap was still in my hair. Or, if we were a little late getting up, stripping our blankets off in the cold winter mornings as we coaxed the last bit of warmth from of our beds. The boys always wondered whether you were a graduate of Sandhurst . But hey, at least that was not as excruciating as Mr. Sawaya's wake up calls and water torture techniques. To this day I still get flashbacks of the Sawaya calls, YALLA, YALLA, YALLA, EEEH, EEEH, EEEH, .... (repeated 120 times) I am attaching a current photo (excuse the sissy pyjamas). I am sorry I don't have a BHS era photo. I am sure I look the same now 30 years later as I did then :) Happy Birthday Mr. Coleridge. We love you Ala Iskander |
| From Randa Siksek: (Class of '77) |
Dear Mr. Coleridge, Best wishes for a happy 60th birthday, and many happy returns of the day. I remember so vividly your musical evenings and the guitar club, the Little House events, as well as your love for nature and the outdoors that rubbed off on us. Thank you for your guidance and for helping me identify with the Spirit in us all. I can just picture you hiking in Tibet. Best regards Randa Siksek |
| From Nadim Nasir: (Class of '78) |
Happy Birthday Peter. Though I was at Brummana only one year, you and Angela had a profound And lasting effect on me. Thanks for everything. Nadim Nasir Jr., MD FACC |
| From Hratch Babikian: (Class of '80)  |
Hi there, hope this goes through the photo is of Daisy (fiancee)and I, at cape May, a great big happy birthday from the Babikian Brothers, Hratch and Sam, thank you for touching our lives ,and making us aware of the environment. warmest regards Hratch |
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