Zahrah and Craig Smith from Scotland

What a great time we had yesterday when we met up with Craig and Zahrah Smith from Scotland. They are celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Zahrah was born in Kuching when her parents Captain and Mrs. Keith Sharp were in charge of the Boys' Home there.

They were appointed from England to succeed us in 1965 when we were posted to take charge of Penang Boys' Home and Primary School.

Zahrah was born in Kuching. Later the Sharp family were moved to Singapore to take charge of the Boys' Home situated at that time in Changi, the present site of Peacehaven Nursing Home.

Later they received a change of appointment and moved to Headquarters, as the Publie Relations Secretary. My wife and I worked together them until we were moved to Hong Kong.

Major and Mrs. Sharp ( Keith and Doreen) and their three children, Paul, Estelle and Zahrah were very active at the Central Corps where we were the Corps Officers. They were very good supporters of Church activities taking part in Band, Songsters and Musicals etc. The family participated in a number of musicals like Jesus Folk, The Old Corps,  Glory, Hosea etc. They were totally integrated with our local people.

The three children went to local Schools - first at Changkak Changi School, then Newton School and the spoke Singlish, plus Hokkien.

After a few years in England, Major and Mrs. Sharp were appointed to Taiwan to be the Regional Officers in the 1990's. Now they live in retirement in Scotland.

We had a great time and Zahrah is going for her favourite local dishes. She had her 'yong tau foo', ice kachang, bubo cha cha, and poh piah etc. We could not get satay for her at Bukit Panjang. Anyway the next couple of days she should be able to eat all her favourite local dishes. She is very street wise and is taking her husband to see the old haunts. Hope she will be able to get her rojak, atap chee, mee siam, char kway teow etc before they leave Singapore on Saturday for Scotland.

The old missionary officers like the Sharps were very committed and lived just like local folk. The three children used to travel by bus all the way from Changi to the church for Sunday School and other activities.

Good to meet up with old friends again and we thank God for them. Happy memories!