Chitra grew up in Kolkata but joined Dr Graham’s Homes at seven years, thanks to a sponsorship from DGHUKGwen Hasting
Gwen Hasting served Dr Graham's Homes through some of its most eventful years. She arrived in 1925 from her native Australia and worked at the school for a further three decades, first as an English teacher and ultimately as Acting Headmistress. Her time at DGH coincided with a period of huge change, from a World War and Independence to the death of Dr Graham (in 1942) and the transition to a new era without its founder.
Gwen passed away in 1976, but her great nephew, Greg, remembers her vividly. "I was born the year before my Great Aunt Gwen (my mother's aunt) left DGH, but I was always aware she had some connection with India," he recalls. "As a child, visiting Aunty Gwen and Uncle Fred's home in Melbourne was always fascinating, as they had [so much] Indian art and craftwork throughout the house.
"I also recall going to the docks to farewell Aunty Gwen as she occasionally returned to India for a conference, to support Fred's work at Carey Baptist Church in Kolkata, or to visit old friends."
The other thing Greg remembers is her character. "Aunty Gwen was a gentle, caring and loving person who always took time to talk about what I was doing and so on, and I was saddened by her passing in 1976," he adds.
When Greg started to visit India later in his life, he began to wonder again about Gwen's time at the Homes and what she had achieved there. "My newly acquired interest in India turned my thoughts to her. I wanted to know more about her life in Kalimpong, and I have been gradually collecting as much information as I can," he explains.
This little biography, and the pictures Greg has uncovered, paint a picture of Gwen's long and dedicated service to Dr Graham's Homes.
Gwen's great nephew, Greg
From Australia to Kalimpong
Gwen Hasting spent almost 30 years at Dr Graham’s Homes between the mid-1920s and late-1950s, initially serving as a teacher but also as Deputy Headmistress and finally as Acting Headmistress.
Born in Perth, Australia, on 20 December 1899, Gwen and her family moved to Victoria, finally settling in Box Hill. It is uncertain how Gwen (as she was known by her family and friends) first heard of St. Andrew’s Colonial Homes [as it was then known] or why she decided to take up a teaching position so far from home; however, she left Box Hill Baptist Church in 1925 to travel to Kalimpong in the Bengal Presidency of British India.
A life of service, sport, and song
Amongst other subjects, Gwen taught English, Art and Music, leading the school choir. She actively engaged in sports such as tennis, and enjoyed gardening. As an avid photographer, Gwen captured many scenes around the Homes and beyond. At one stage, Gwen lived in Woodburn Cottage, along with Edith Cracknell, and also spent a number of years at Ahava.
Woodburn Cottage: Gwen's room is top left (with X above window)
Gwen (top row) with the Woodburn girls. (Photo courtesy of Yvonne, pictured by the red arrow.)
Stepping up and finding love
In 1955, Gwen was appointed as Deputy Headmistress of Dr Graham's Homes and, in 1958, she was convinced by the school to take up the position of Acting Headmistress following the departure of the Headmaster for the USA – a role she was reluctant to take on. On 4 October 1958, Gwen married Fred Hill, who at the time was on the staff of the Calcutta Bible College. The wedding was conducted by Rev Walter Corlett in the Katherine Graham Memorial Church, Kalimpong. (Walter Corlett was pastor of Carey Baptist Church, Kolkata, from 1946 to 1969). Gwen was given away by Rev W. M. Scott of the Scottish Mission, with Rev Ewan Traill (DGH Principal) also present. Gwen was supported by her long-time friend and colleague Edith Cracknell, and Homes’ students Angelina Hilton and Ninette Tracey (née Pryke) served as flower girls. Fred’s best man was the extraordinary missionary George Patterson. The reception was held at Ahava Missionary Rest Home, where Gwen had lived for 10 years.
Gwen’s wedding, 4 October 1958, at the Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel. Flowers girls (L) Angelina Hilton (R) Ninette Tracey (nee Pryke). Middle row: George Patterson (best man), Fred, Gwen, Edith Cracknell. Back row: Rev Walter Corlett, Daisy Fowles, Rev Ewan Traill (DGH Principal)
Trekking and treasures: adventures beyond the school
During term breaks at the Homes, Gwen and friends often took the opportunity to travel – often hiking – beyond Kalimpong to explore North East India. On such trips, Gwen collected ornaments, textiles and even small furnishings to take back to Australia on her next furlough. Many of these items remain with her family today as a reminder of Gwen’s commitment.
Gwen and cottage parent Edith Cracknell
Homeward bound: a legacy in letters
After over 30 years’ service to the Homes, Gwen left with Fred to spend her remaining years in Australia – apart from a few brief return visits to India. Gwen passed away in Melbourne in July 1976. Throughout her time in India, Gwen frequently wrote letters home to Australia; however only a few of these have survived and much information can only be obtained through photos, a few documents, and family oral history.
❓ Do you know any more details about Gwen's life at the Homes? Greg would love to hear from you. Please drop us a line here at DGHUK and we'll put you in touch with him.
Gwen (left) with other Homes’ staff
Chitra grew up in Kolkata but joined Dr Graham’s Homes at seven years, thanks to a sponsorship from DGHUK
