Website Update

This website is now being updated to coincide with Fiona’s moving her Educational services from Didicimus back to Ellipsis Learning.

Communication with family members of Bahau internees

We are always delighted to hear from family members of Bahau internees either helping us to update our records or seeking further information from us.   Apologies if there is sometimes a delay in replying but we are happy to help when we can.

Recent communication has been had with:

  • a granddaughter of Laura deSouza and Edward Phillips
  • the grand nephew of Brother Brophy
  • a relation of the Perry family
  • members of the Schelkis family
  • the son of Hilary Paul Woodford

It is a pleasure to know that over 2 and a half years since the publication of my books, there is still feedback and books sales in both Singapore and the UK continue.

Voice Under the Rising Sun Book Review by Lily (age 12)

Book Review: ‘Voices Under the Rising Sun’

 

This book is called ‘Voices Under the Rising Sun’ by Fiona Hodgkins and was illustrated by Yolanda McKean.  The genre is historical fiction and really shows you what life in Malaya and Singapore was like in World War 2.

 

At the start of the book, the story is set in a house next to a papaya plantation but later on the setting is in a jungle in Bahau.

 

The books is about three children called Mary, Charlie and Rosie who tell about their lives during World War 2 by letters, diary entries and other documents.  They write about their experiences with each other and living in a jungle so far away from home.

 

The part of the book that I most enjoyed was the part when Charlie pushed Mary into the ditch near the papaya plantation because it reminds me of my brother and me when we fight.  My favourite character is Charlie because he is naughty but in sad times he brings out a little humour and turns them into good times.

 

This books was really interesting because it isn’t just taking you on an adventure through a story, it is taking you on an adventure through history.  I would highly recommend this book to people of any age!

 

Lily aged 12 TTS, Singapore June 2016

Friends of the Museum, Friday Evening Lecture, May 2016 ACM, Singapore

In this lecture, Fiona Hodgkins will share the story of Bahau, the World War II Catholic Settlement in the Malayan Jungle. She will talk about how and why she conducted her research, and include an update on developments since the publication of her books in 2014.

Fiona lived in Singapore for 14 years, and can trace her ancestry in the region to Portuguese traders who settled in Malacca in the mid-18th century. She currently lives in the UK but retains many close links with Singapore.

For more information:

http://www.fom.sg/public-event/friday-evening-lectures/

Settlers' List Updated 2nd May 2015

  • Carmen Leong - 27th April in Singapore. Fascinating to hear the stories of this ex IJ orphan in Bahau
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  • Gerald Woodford - April 2015 “the invisible man” located in Victoria Australia. Delighted to hear from him.
  • Vicky Everhart - February 2015. Contacted by her daughter in New Zealand.
  • Patrick Mowe - January 2015. Met at FOM talk at ACM and shared more family information.
  • James Low - 11th November 2014 in Singapore following information received by a reader who recognised his name on the Settlers' List and knew him from the church choir.
  • Richard and Carol Payne - October 2014. Contacted me from Townsville Australia with updates of the Bracken family.

 

 

April 2015 - Update

  • 1st April - Public book talk at the National Library, Singapore
  • 21st April - American Women’s Association (AWA) book tour to the Eurasian Association, Singapore
                                                   AWA at the Eurasian Association

                                                   AWA at the Eurasian Association

  • 23rd April - Australia New Zealand Association (ANZA) book tour to the Eurasian Association, Singapore
Thanks for the feedback!! Fiona

Thanks for the feedback!! Fiona