May 2003
Monthly Bulletin
May 2003 Edition No. 1
| Dear Old Victorian, Spring had arrived first, as if to greet the old Victorian dinner of April 2003. Held at the diplomatic club, formerly club Mohamed Ali, one could not avoid but see a glimpse of history, and feel the splendor from the past. In generous attendance, the old Victorians first gathered for soft and other drinks, in one of the club’s main chic salons. After more than an hour of side- talk and friendly conversation, the old boys moved to the banquet room, where dinner was served in regal fashion, on one table stretching a cross entire of the room. Enjoying the food by the club’s exquisite cuisine, side-talk continued, with the occasional outburst from one end of the table across to the other, in classroom style. With a few bangs of expensive cutlery on glass, the noise was brought to silence, thus allowing chairman Ismail Osman to speak. With his originality and striking sense of humor, he welcomed and humored the gathering. Motaz El Alfy, Mahmoud Osman and Adnan Aqil, who attended the dinner, were early financial contributors in support of the new association. Ali Saleh, board members and treasure, was delighted with the contributions. Being himself the earliest contributor of all, he made available an apartment for the past few months for the purpose of registering the association. Mahmoud Osman extended his hospitality by inviting the old Victorians with their families, to his Haraniya residence at Giza, on Friday, 9th of May 2003, at 2:00 pm, for a picnic lunch . Suhad Zaher, vice chairman, then briefed everyone on current progress within the association. Armand Kahil, former OVA ( Alexandria ) secretary – general and newsletter editor for many years, thanked the board for inviting him as guest of honor and speaker for the evening. After expressing his happiness to be amongst his colleagues, he then went on to speak about the history of Victoria College. He ended his speech by offering support and assistance to the OVA ( Egypt ). Ashraf Daoud, a regular attendee, was absent due to having undergone surgery. Ismail called him on his mobile phone, switching the loudspeaker on, allowing every one to wish him a speedy recovery. A faint voice answered back, ” thank you ”. Mohamed Salmawi, chief editor of Al-Ahram Hebdo, the well-know writer and journalist, was present. He spoke briefly about the current Situation in the Middle East, and agreed to be speaker at the May 2003 dinner. Yasmin Samy, a lawyer, was the only old Victorian lady present with her personality and composure she did not appear uncomfortable, despite her being greatly outnumbered. Daughter of an ambassador, Yasmin felt at home within the walls of the diplomatic club. A proud example of the old girls, we look forward to having with us more female graduates at future dinners. On Yasmin departure, the old boy’s self- imposed behavior in the presence of a lady, collapsed. Party and locker- room jokes went flying across the table . With tea, coffee, and the scent of cigars, puffed by Hassan Issa, Adel Hammam and Hassan El Hayawan, the evening ended in the same elegance it had started with. We then thanked old Victorian ambassador Hassan Issa, first elected director- general of the diplomatic club, for the privilege of such grandeur extended. With genuine modesty,” the privilege and honor is ours ” replied our gracious host. Aboard meeting was held on Saturday, 26th of May 2003, at the OVA( Egypt ) office premise. Board members discussed present progress, new memberships, as well the association ‘s future plans. Obituary: Ali Aktham Khalifa (Alex) past away on Friday, 2nd of May 2003. His last OV public appearance was during the Victoria College Centenary Celebration in October 2002. As always, he added joy and happiness to the occasion. For those who knew him well, including myself, he will be greatly missed, and forever remembered . Heshmat Mahmoud Editor |