The Lunn Family

Written by Aubrey Lunn

PROLOGUE

The Prologue revolves around Mr. A.E. Lunn, his Father, Mr Arthur Lunn and his three brothers.

Arthur E Lunn studied at La Martiniere College, Lucknow and was an old faithful to his alma mater where he visited over the years, his last visit being 1995 to celebrate the institution’s sesquicentennial during Founder’s Day September 13. He passed on the next day. Arthur Lunn was Principal of Bishop’s School Pune. He later opened ‘Constantia Hostel’ in Dehradun. The pic is from a Hostel Facebook page. Mr Lunn was not Cambrian Hall Principal as was written earlier, but served on the institution’s board for many years. An old Martinian and vice principal of the College for many years.

Mr Frank D’Souza, also passed away shortly after the 1995 Anniversary. After retirement, Mr D’Souza continued to live on the campus, first in a residence; later, he was permitted to construct near the college infirmary, and when infirmity had set in towards his last few months, stayed in the principal’s residence. Mr. D’Souza was buried in the Bandaryabagh Cemetery where the remains of Mr. Victor Raynor and former principal, Lt Col HRH Daniel are interred.

The grave lay neglected these past 19 years, till a request for a pic of the grave from Klyne Aitkins (of Australia), who had been a teacher under Mr Lunn at Bishop’s. Warren Anderson took the pic after having the grave cleaned as well as possible. Klyne and Warren also happen to be old Martinans

The Bishop’s Mitre

Mitre, also spelled Miter, liturgical headdress worn by Roman Catholic bishops and abbots and some Anglican and Lutheran bishops. It has two shield-shaped stiffened halves that face the front and back. Two fringed streamers, known as lappets, hang from the back. It developed from the papal tiara and came into use in the 11th century.

Three types of mitres are worn in the Roman Catholic Church. The simplex is made of undecorated white linen or silk and is worn at funerals, Good Friday, and some other services. The paraphragmata is made of plain gold cloth or white silk with gold or silver embroidered bands and is worn during penitential seasons and at some other times. The Pretiosa is decorated with precious stones and gold and worn on Sundays and feast days.

The Bishop’s School may be said to have as its date of foundation, the 19th April’1864. On this day the Quarter Master General of the Bombay Army, writing to the Secretary Govt. Military Department, stated…….

” At the instance of the Lord Bishop, the Commander-in-Chief has bestirred himself to lend one of the old barracks for a school to cater for the sons of Warrant Officers and N. C. O’s “.

On May 30th, 1864 the Adjutant General of the Army, Lt. Col. Sydney T. Stock, wrote to the Secretary of Government, Education Department, Bombay, requesting for educational facilities for children of Warrant Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers stationed at Poona who, not belonging to Regiments, did not have any regimental facilities.

In 1950 the school was registered as a Public Trust under the Bombay Public Trusts Act and functioned under the Poona Diocesan Schools Committee which was responsible for both the Bishop’s School and St. Mary’s School.

In 1966, the P. D. S. C. accepted resolutions for the dissolution of the P. D. S. C. in favour of two separate societies. In 1965, the Poona Diocesan Schools Committee resolved that two new societies be formed for separate administration of the two schools

In 1967, the St. Mary’s School, Poona, and the Bishop’s School, Poona, registered as two separate societies, and in 1969 these two separate societies became the legal successors of the Poona Diocesan Schools Committee. Most of our present Trustees are the Trustees approved by the P. D. S. C. in 1967.

Bishop’s School continues to run as a minority-run Anglo-Indian School. It has always been an Anglo-Indian School. Even the indenture of 1883 clearly quotes it to be an Anglo-Indian School. The Bishop’s School, Poona, today is among the leading schools of the Nation. There are boys in the school from every state in the country and from all sections of society. In fact, we have boys from many lands as well. It is a great tribute to the school that boys from different states, different lands, different faiths live together and it can truly be said to be one of the ‘cradles of integration’ of the nation.

From a school consisting of one Teacher and 15 Bishopite’s, it has grown to a school of nearly 80 Staff Members (Teaching, Domestic and Office) and nearly 2000 Bishopite’s (230 of them are boarders). The old boys of the Bishop’s School have made a significant contribution in every walk of life, and are a living tribute to the fine training and education imparted in this school. It would not be out of place in this short history to express our deep sense of gratitude to all who in their generation, Mrs. Cooper and Mr. A. E. Lunn who between them were responsible for 75 years of this School’s History.

To the left was the Hall and to the right of the picture, was the Bungalow that Mr. A. E Lunn stayed. His Dad, Arthur Lunn, and myself were in the other wing.

Pretiosa: Type of footwear worn by the Clergy.

ARTHUR E LUNN (Father of Mr. A. E. Lunn)

DIED SEPTEMBER 14 1995

BURIED ON SEPT 15 AGED 86.

Indenture: agreement

Memories of Yester Year

THE FAMILY TREE

There were four Brothers in all:

Arnold Lunn, the eldest, followed by Harold Lunn, then Mr. Arthur Earnest Lunn, Principal, Bishop’s School, Pune, followed by my father, Mr. Leslie Clarence Lunn, who was the youngest. The first two migrated to UK decades ago, and by hear say, they were in a Home for the aged.

About My Father:

This dates back to yester year, the days of the Second World War – 1939 -1945. My father, served in the Royal Air Force during the war years, a recipient of four medals. Two Burma Stars a Defence Medal and Service Medal.

It was perhaps a sordid, sultry at Bombay, now Mumbai, in the month of May, or perhaps a dreary, dismal dark day, I know not, for I was not even thought of at that time. On this day, the fourth of May, two unknown individuals, met perchance at the Proctor Branch of the YMCA Branch at Mumbai, (Sankli Street).

This was over a game of “Whist”, a card game, played by four, known to many Mumbaites, for prize money, which was just for fun, to chill out in their own interests. Met quite often, perhaps every month or two, and their mere friendship, grew to a caring and loving relationship with each other. And as time rolled by their courtship bloomed into love!!

At this time Les was in the Royal Air Force and had to report for duty soon. He decided to get married, after consultations with Mary’s parents. Their marriage took place at Karachi on 27 February, 1941.

Probably, he had heard about Mary’s involvement in academics, BA. S.T.C and RID. STC Secondary Teachers Certificate, and RID (Religious Instruction Diploma). She was trained under the CJM banner, taught in CJM Schools, including Fort Convent, and was Headmistress of St. Blaise’s School, Amboli.

Mother, again made it as a teacher at Clare Road Convent, St. Agnes’s High School, Byculla. This was where she had done her STC., so she was easily accepted. At that time, Mother St. Catherine was the Principal and was known to my mother.

By now the feudal trend (bitter quarrel between two parties) between Leslie, my father, and Mr. Arthur Earnest Lunn lessened and I was admitted to Class 6 at Bishop’s School, Poona, where he was the Principal. (Dad’s brother). I was at Bishop’s from Class VI to Class XI; a First-Class Boarder and my ‘dormitory’ was my own ‘Grandfather’s Room’. And more often than not, I lunched and dined with the Princi-pal and his family.

Time lingered on and my dad, Leslie Lunn got a letter from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, London, that he had been appointed as a Trainee Caretaker at the Kirkee War Cemetery. The spade work was done by his brother, Mr. Arthur Earnest Lunn, who had heard about this opening. This was around the year 1960. After his training he would be sent to Delhi as Caretaker of the Delhi War Cemetery. He set off alone to Kirkee and was further trained under Mr. Aikin, Caretaker of the Kirkee War Cemetery.

It was nearly three months, so I decided to go back to Poona to bring Mum to Delhi and also to sell the ‘white elephants’ so that the bare minimum could be brought to Delhi. In a few days we were in Delhi, after a hectic time, selling, packing and the like. – I did not want to keep Dad alone for too long.

Dad was very happy that his better half was now with him – a tearful reunion. LCL managed to dodge up some sausages, Dhal and rice, of which three partook on the day of arrival.

The next day all of us got to work to settle home in the coming week. Mum needed a rest, in which time, through my contacts, when only 19-20 years of age, got her a free check-up and treatment at the Army Hospital. (This was done on the basis of his Release Certificate from the Royal Air Force). No admission allowed, but all checks were gratis. The three Doctors involved were: Lt. Colonel Gomez, Lt. Col. Rebello and Lt. Colonel Suryanarayan, a known figure on Radioactive Medicine and Isotopes. She was administered Radioactive Iodine by him, for a Thyroid problem. She was examined and all was under control. She was advised to start work so as to be occupied. Owing to her educational background, she got a job at Mt. St. Mary’s School, Parade Road, Delhi Cantonment, where she served for ten years or so.

Time moved on and we were now in our now house; fully furnished. A two-bedroom set, washroom, hall, kitchen pantry and store room. The best of everything, including an enclosed L shaped veranda.

But at that very time, as fate would have It – mum was ailing, Arthritis, Heart problem, (Left Bundle Branch Block) and a Thyroid problem. Mummy was okay, but one could see ‘sickness’ writ on her face.

In years of yore, there used to be a Yellow Coloured Directory, giving the names and addresses and phone numbers. Passing through the pages, I came across RAFA – Royal Air Forces’ Association.

The Royal Air Forces Association, also known as RAF Association or RAFA, is a British Registered Charity. It provides care and support to serving and retired members of the Air Forces’ of the British Commonwealth, and to their dependents.

The organisation was formed in 1943, and has 504 branches in the UK, with a total membership of approximately 79,000 in the UK and abroad. [citation needed] It receives no funding from the UK Government and operates entirely on donations and subscription fees. Its “Wings Appeal” raises around £2 million annually. [citation needed]

It provides five flying scholarships for members of the Air Training Corps and Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets,[1] each year. [citation needed] It also runs a website where serving or ex-serving Air Force personnel can search for comrades. [citation needed]

The person in charge of the Association was a Sardar, rather polished. He asked me to bring my dad’s Release Papers, which I did, and I was granted Pounds 75 every three months for my dad’s upkeep. This was a tidy amount. When he heard this, he was extremely happy. How did you manage all this? I said, the will of God!

It was a super power, that helped me out in these tragic times, perhaps, my guardian angel was curious to analyse my movements. Nothing diabolic or any sort of Mesmerism!!

Since, I looked after my parents to the very end, I have been given this age.

(Running 82)

Extreme Right: Pop Lunn, my Grandfather, and Staff Members

Father of Mr. A.E. Lunn, and Mr. L.C. Lunn.

Prologue: The only major problem that they had to face, was that Les was a Protestant, while Maria was a staunch Roman Catholic.

This did cause some unhappiness, as Leslie’s brother was against this marriage for two reasons. One, Mary, being a Goan and a Catholic, while the elder brother, a Protestant – Anglican. His impression of the Goan community was that they were mere cooks and butlers, and from the lower strata of society. (EWS). This, so to say, became a ‘family feud’. But in due course of time, things became better!

Yore: a long time ago.

The Maternal Family

The maternal family consisted of 4 daughters, and two sons, and their parents.

The father named Salvador Goes, and his wife, Maria Goes, were all Goans to the very core.

They were all from Margao, and had vast property, most probably ancestral.

Salvador is a [noun] saviour, savior [noun] (usually with capital) a person or God who saves people from sin, hell etc. saviour, savior [noun] a person who rescues a person, from danger etc.

The surname Gois, Goes is of Portuguese origin, meaning ‘Golden Mountain’ or ‘Golden Hills,’ and has a fascinating history related to the Jewish presence in Portugal. For centuries, Jews played a significant role in Portuguese culture, economy, and society, and the surname Gois is a reflection of this heritage.

What made them change their abode from Goa to Igatpuri. Is not known to me. Igatpuri, is now Nashik District, a small town, 85 miles from Mumbai, via Central Railway. The meaning of the Word Igatpuri: Is ‘here the Ghats end’, in Marathi. It has now become a Holiday Resort.

This is yet another resplendent waterfall with milky waters that somehow resemble the legendary Dudhsagar Waterfalls in the state of Goa. A “one of a kind” waterfall with its beautiful cascading steps that truly make it a sight to behold.

The height of this beautiful waterfall is 10 meters and is very close to Gangapur. It is one of the best waterfalls near Igatpuri.

Distance from Igatpuri: 11 km from Nasik and 2 km from Someshwar Temple

How to go there: The Best way to visit it is by train and the nearest railway station is the Nashik Road Railway station. Being in the Igatpuri region itself, the Igatpuri bus station is just 29 km away. And the CBS Nasik bus stand is 9 km away. The total road distance between Nasik and this beautiful waterfall is about 660.2 km
Nearby places to visit: The best places to visit near this waterfall site include the Sula Vineyards and the Someshwar Temple.

Salvador Goes was a Tailor master, and his wife, a seamstress. They worked in a judicious manner, using sense and logic. Maria Goes, his wife, dealt in Poultry in a big way. The use of Incubators for the hatching of chickens. Eggs and small chicks were in demand. Later on, they invested in a Flour Mill (Chakki). It was diesel driven.

Their bungalow was opposite the Post Office, and the street behind their bungalow was bought off by them, so also two shops on the Mumbai Agra Highway.

The four daughters and two sons; the eldest daughter migrated to Kenya, married a Machado by name, also a Goan. The second eldest, Maggie Dunbar, was a housewife, husband, Anthony Dunbar was in-charge of Koyana Dam Hydro Electric Project. They also invested in a Bar near residence, hence the name was changed from Maggie Fernandes, to Maggie Dunbar. The third eldest, Emily Carvalho was a housewife and also good at cooking. She started a small business of providing Lunch and Dinner to families around their area.

The youngest, Mary Lunn, nee Goes, was a trained teacher, and made a name for herself by teaching in various schools, such as Fort Convent, Clare Road Convent, {under the CJM Banner), and was Headmistress at St. Blaise’s School, Amboli, Andheri. And happens to be my mother! On coming to Delhi, she served at the Mount St. Mary’s School Delhi Cantt for ten years.

Reference is made to the two Brothers of the Goes family, Mr. John Goes, who was the elder of the two, was the Sherlock Holmes of Bombay, a Detective, and served in the Customs, for over two decades. He was decorated by the Government, “Rao Saheb John Goes”, owing to his valour and courage. He was also allowed the use of a Pistol and a Walking Stick, which had in its sheath, an ultra-sharp sword.

His duty was to control the smuggling and nefarious activities along the coast line.

Mr Roque Goes was the Secretary and Personal Assistant of the Chairman of the Western Railway, and his office was at Churchgate Station.

Her fervent wish was that she wanted to “die” amongst her maternal family in Bombay and the request was granted. She was operated at the Holy Family Hospital and nothing specific could be done. Her problem, Cancer of the Uterus; which was spreading. Dr. Manchanda, advised me not to disclose that she had Cancer, as it may have a negative impact on him. Sensing the negative vibes, I decided to get engaged on my 30^th Birthday, at Mumbai, and decided to get married in December. The wedding – 26^th December, and her demise, two days later, 28^th December. Mama couldn’t recognize me, and thought I was a cousin! That was the tragic end!!!

Mr A E Lunn Principal 1947-1972

Mr. Lunn took over from Mrs. Cooper, the Acting Principal in the second (June) term of 1947. He took over a School of seven teaching staff and 120 boys. There were approximately sixty boarders spread over three dormitories, Wadia, Jubilee and Yonkers.

He set about increasing numbers of both Staff and Students and built upt he Sschool to about eight hundred students and approximately forty Staff, before he retired.

During his term of office, he introduced the School Song and Hymn Book and restarted the Mitre. He started the Matriculation exam as an alternative choice to the Senior Cambridge, reintroduced School uniforms, made a tremendous impact on sport, revitalized the Scout movement, supervised the establishment of Bishop’s House as a fourth House and generally formalized the operation of The School.

To accommodate the large number of boarders he established Service Quarters, Framji Block and Simba House. I think it is true to say that he was the founder of Modern Bishop’s.
He was genuinely liked by both Staff and Boys and was always very approachable. He kept Open House in the Bungalow and made all welcome He gave me the opportunity to learn my craft as a teacher over 23 years I spent at Bishop’s. and for this I owe him a debt of gratitude.

To me he was an excellent leader and a very good friend and we had many happy times together travelling.