Serenading Miss Cooke

These BBGSians might have left school in the 1960s, but they have never forgotten their teachers. They still visit their former teachers Miss Cooke and Aunty Maisie whenever they can.

Front Row (left to right): Ng Chor Ming (1965), Mah Man See (1965), Aunty Maisie (known as Mrs Aziz during school days), Bunny-Helen Lam Boon Lun (1965)

2nd Row - Veron Wong (1967), Kok Yit Hoe (1965), Yeo Lin Eng (1953), Angeline Tai (1965).

Back Row - Fong Oy Leng (1953), Hooi Sook Ching (1965)

Although frail and bedridden, Miss Cooke’s spirit was lifted as nine former students serenaded her with her favourite songs.

In a spirit of Muhibbah, these faithful students even brought an angpow to celebrate the Chinese New Year with their beloved headmistress on 7 February 2011.

As a tradition, the Class of 1965 organises annual CNY reunions where they will sing to their hearts’ content. Before her illness, Miss Cooke had always been the guest-of honour at their reunions.

This year, the Class of 1965 decided to make a trip to see Miss Cooke before their reunion potluck lunch at the home of Miss Yeo Kim Eng on 15 February.

Of course, they started with the school song, BBGS, We Pledge to Thee which brought a smile to Miss Cooke. They sang the following songs which are Miss Cooke’s favourites.

· His Eye Is On The Sparrow

· Along The Road

· Great Is Thy Faithfulness

· Trust And Obey

· What A Friend We Have In Jesus

· All The Way My Saviour Leads Me

· Amazing Grace,

· Whispering Hope

· The Lord's My Shepherd

· Chiribiribin

· Over The Summer Sea

· Funiculi Funicula.

The girls, however, added one new song to their repertoire — You Raised Me Up – that brought encouragement to Miss Cooke.

A sign that Miss Cooke really enjoyed their visit was when she held on to the angpow tightly when her sister, affectionately known as Aunty Maisie, tried to take it away for safe keeping. May God bless Aunty Maisie with good health and joy as she lovingly attends to our beloved Miss Cooke’s needs.

Note: There is a rumour that Miss Cooke is in a coma. We have checked with Aunty Maisie who said that this is not true. It is just that Miss Cooke has not been as responsive as before. Having battled cancer, 88-year-old Miss Cooke is now suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Her spirit, however, remains strong. Please pray for God's grace to be upon Miss Cooke and her main care-giver, Aunty Maisie.

From the Class Album...

The Class of 1965 have fond memories of their reunion held at Jackie's house the mid-90's. Miss Cooke (in blue, centre front row) joined in the fun and laugher.

The Class of 1965, with a few girls from other years, held a grand reunion with Miss Cooke and other teachers (how many can you recognise?) at The Ballroom, Equestrian Club, Mont Kiara, in the late 1990's. There were fond memories and lots of laughter as the LCD projected old school photographs. Nancy Chung even came in her school uniform! How nostalgic!

News clipping from The Star, December, 2002. Practising hard for Miss Cooke's 80th birthday that was held at First Baptist Church, Petaling Jaya. The choir comprised girls from different years, but primarily from the Class of 1965.

In Roman attire...the Class of 1965 presenting a concert circa 1963.

The Class of 1965 with their Headmistress Miss Elena Cooke and Form Teacher, the late Mrs Isobel Wee. The BBGS Spirit is still very 'gungho' in the Class of 1965. Long Live BBGS!