A reunion is set to bring together individuals who trained at Malayan Teachers’ College at Brinsford Lodge, England.
The event, organised by Brinsford Alumni Association of Malaysia (BAAM), will be held on Sept 12 and 13 at Crystal Crown Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, marking the association’s first gathering in six years.
“The normal biennial tradition was interrupted twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2023,” said BAAM vice-president Darshan Singh Aulakh at the association’s monthly high-tea session in Kuala Lumpur.
“Despite that, we Brinsfordians are still alive and kicking, and the fire is still there,” he added.
The college located near Wolverhampton operated from 1955 to 1964, producing eight batches of Malayan teachers.
It was established to meet the urgent need for educators in a Malaya that was then on the path to independence.
Around 1,200 students were trained there before returning to serve in schools across Malaysia, many of whom went on to make a lasting impact beyond the classroom.
“Brinsford-trained teachers were always excellent in whatever they did.
“Some became lawyers, one a high court judge and another served as the education director-general,” Darshan said.
Beyond professional success, the college’s alumni often emphasise the lifelong friendships and unity forged during their time together.
“I was hardly 18 when I went there, and the friendships we created have lasted until now,” recalled Rahimah Mohd Yusof, who was part of the final batch, from 1962 to 1964.
“We used to have reunions every two years, but even when that was interrupted, we still found ways to meet at our monthly high teas.”
The memories, she added, were what kept them close.
“The stories are so beautiful that they make the bond special,” said Rahimah.
The opening night of the reunion will feature a casual catching-up session, meeting and buffet dinner with karaoke and sing-along sessions.
This will be followed by a formal sit-down dinner the next evening, complete with speeches, lucky draw and live band performances.
“Although we have our monthly high-tea gatherings, this reunion gives a chance for those who don’t always get to join us to reunite.
“We’re expecting about 80 to 100 alumni to show up, and they’ll be coming from all over Malaysia,” said Darshan.
