NIGHT MOVES - A NIGHT IN THE LIFE OF A BOARDER

Contrary to the usual title "A Day in the life of...." I chose the title of this article because it details the shenanigans that went on in the college boarding after the lights went out - and believe me there were many! After eleven years of experience as a Boarder a few of these episodes will give the "Carry On" film series made in Britain more than a good run for their money. Which poses the question, "Where were you when the lights went out?" Reading this article, may give the reader the feeling that he is under cross examination in the witness box by that brilliant lawyer Perry Mason. But Perry Mason is a fictitious character, while the incidents mentioned here are pure fact.

Boarders will remember the numerous occasions when there were power failures at college. Power blackouts resulted in chaos and the reactions varied from one extreme to the other depending on where you found yourself in the dark!

THE STUDY HALL.

When the lights went out in the study hall, the Master in charge put on a sombre air and in the dim light of some candles or a torch, would march from one end of the hall to the other keeping an eagle eye on the boarders, looking out for those playing "Book Cricket" (a game played only at St. Anthony's College !) reading comic books, or indulging in idle chatter which was strictly forbidden. Very soon occasional whistles rent the air and then all hell would break loose! There would be an uproar which made the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution look like a Sunday school picnic!! This was accompanied by a barrage of missiles flying through the air in what was virtually an aerial bombardment, and God help the unfortunate boarder who did not duck for cover! These "missiles" were erasers, balls of paper, the odd exercise book, and anything handy which made them weapons of mass destruction! I recall one Master who tried to be a hero and command the unruly mob into silence, was rewarded for his efforts with a solid clout on the head by a wastepaper basket which came hurtling through the air with deadly accuracy! The culprit was satisfied that his missile had found its target when the Master yelled out "If I catch that bastard I will skin him alive!" The villain was never found.

On a separate occasion also in the Study Hall, the Master in Charge went berserk and, in the darkness, attempted to quell the uprising in typical wild west fashion. His fists connected with the solid wood of the desks and when the lights came on, he was seen rubbing his swollen knuckles and cursing under his breath because one boarder had squirted him with a water pistol!

THE DORMITORY

If there was a power failure in the dormitories, the results were similar. The Matron in Charge would throw up her hands in horror attempting to dodge the 'Pershing' and 'Titan' missiles hurtling through the air. Sometimes, tin basins would be sent rolling across the floor signalling a nuclear attack! All this accompanied by peals of loud laughter with some unsavoury comments thrown in. The safest tactic was to head for cover under the bed because ducking under the blankets did not afford any protective cover at the best of times. The Matron would call for reinforcements by trying to secure the good offices of the Head Boy in the dormitory or for the few who stood on the side of law and order. One 'Field Commander' who attempted to do battle was struck down by a cake of soap which caught him squarely in the face. Before he could retaliate by hurling his slipper, an old shoe caught him full on his neck and he dived for cover behind the bedside cupboard. The battle raged with no quarter asked and none given. When power was restored, an uneasy peace reigned. Prisoners of war if they were identified, were reported to the Warden, and the Matron once again took charge of the situation.

THE REFECTORY

When a power failure occurred during dinner, the result was utter bedlam! A cacophony of hoots and sometimes choice expletives rent the air and some miscreants under cover of darkness hit upon the novel idea of soaking slices of bread in meat curry and became expert sharpshooters! If you were struck on the face by such a missile you could wipe the curry off. But, if the slice of bread hit you below your neck the gravy would pour down your shirt, and the college Dhoby at Katugastota would have a difficult time trying to wash the stains off your shirt!! A blow on the head from a 5-inch sour plantain (sometimes half ripe) had very painful aftereffects! I remember one particular incident when we senior boarders were at dinner in the upper refectory. The Master in Charge occupied a table close to the one where I sat along with five other boarders. Before the power blackout my last vision was of him and the other Master present, enjoying their dinner in animated conversation. When power was restored about half an hour later, it was a picture of total disarray and shambles. The master’s table was bombarded during the prevailing darkness by slices of bread this time soaked in "Parippu" and the missiles found their mark. Whoever did the "shooting" was quick on the draw and their aim was deadly. Both master’s made a herculean effort to wipe off the gravy. One was trying to retrieve his spectacles which had fallen into the dish of fish curry. The other began to do the twist (even before this dance was invented) while attempting to dislodge the pieces of meat which had found their way into his unbuttoned shirt front!

THE CHAPEL

If there was a power failure during prayer time - usually the Rosary followed by Benediction - complete silence and dignity prevailed. There was enough light from the candles on the main altar to afford some light, while the Priest in charge gave out some candles to the congregation. Not one Boarder dared break the silence. Perhaps the darkness reminded us of what Hell had in store if we got out of line!

THE COLLEGE CARNIVAL.

A blackout during a college carnival - one of those "Anthonian Rays - Fairs and Fetes " was a blessing and a heaven-sent opportunity to the senior boarders who had female admirers in Good Shepherd Convent Kandy, St. Anthony's Convent Katugastota or simply lived in the vicinity and came for the Fair. Amazingly, permission was given to senior Boarders of Good Shepherd Convent Kandy by their Principal to attend the carnivals at college under supervision. Supervision was very ineffective in the stygian darkness, with the result that many stolen moments of bliss was Paradise to young lovers.

Finally, as you wandered down memory lane while reading this article. I am sure you asked yourself what YOU were doing when the lights went out!

My lips are sealed!