When I started there were only 15 children. Our classrooms were thatched as was the Headmaster's house.
We did not have meat on Friday's, only fish. Meals were great, even a pudding served.
We caught the bus every day from Nairobi town; a few who lived nearby, rode their ponies to school.
Watches were big on the market (circa 1969) and most days we compared our Oris watches
to see who had a watch with 17 or 21 jewels, or even a hand that told the date!
Break time was fun. I used to play hockey or we would play with ants - pretending to see if we could handle the pain when bitten! When the School was still new, the playground near the front of the school had big spider holes and much fun was had enticing the large spider (we called them tarantulas) out!
I remember one day, during a PE class, we saw a helicopter flying over, so I started waving at it with both arms, as if to say land here. Our PE teacher got really upset and said do not do that. Lo and behold the helicopter landed. The pilot got out said hello and 15 minutes later he left.
Not doing well in School my Dad (Charles) called his Housemaster (from his previous school in the UK, Eton College). The conversation went like this:
"Maxwell, it's Charles. Colin is not doing well at school. Do you know anyone that can give extra tutoring?" Two days later: "Charles, it's Maxwell. I am at Nairobi airport. Please come and pick me up?"
"What are you doing here, Maxwell?"
"You wanted a tutor, so I am here?"
And so Maxwell Phair arrived at The Banda and subsequently taught French and Cricket.
Photographs: Colin is far left in the 1970 Lower IV photograph and in his uniform (Top Right).
COLIN ASHBY was at The Banda from 1966 - 72
AMAZING MEMORIES TO INDELIBLE SNIPPETS OF HIS REPORTS!
2 3D PRINTERS, 1 EXTRA CLASSROOM... CLASSROOMS...
70 COMPETITORS FROM THE BANDA ATTEND