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50s to 90s Kuwait Photography

Life in Kuwait back in the 1950s – Part 2

Life in Kuwait back in the 1950s is a series of posts on simple things from life back then that many people might have forgotten or not even have known about.
If you missed the first part click [Here].

This is
Life in Kuwait back in the 1950s – Part 2
by John Beresford

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rugby

Kuwait Rugby Football Club – the first ‘Oval Ball’
My father, Paul Beresford, is doing the crowning. Photo probably taken 1949-1952. As the club house was a large nissen hut, it was held elsewhere – probably in the guest house as the Hubara Club was not built at this time. The club colours were black and amber hoops with black shorts ( alternate strip was red and white hoops with white shorts, if you had them). Note the set of rugby goal posts framing the crowning.

divingboard

Old Diving Board, Fintas, 1953
Fintas was a few huts and really just an area rather than a settlement. It was north of Fahaheel. From google maps it is now completely built up. Later on KOC fenced off a Families Beach just south of the North Pier. There were also beaches at the SBOA – Small Boat Owners’ Association and the CYC – Cumberland Yacht Club, just south of the South Pier and north of the Shaiba complex, that always smelled of sulphur. These were within the perimeter of the Mina Al Ahmadi complex.

rolling

Ahmadi, 1959
Me rolling around some of the Swedish prefabricated houses. The caption on the back says ‘John rolling round the Swedish houses’. I might have been driving it slowly. After all, it is a small roller, it wouldn’t go very fast, and there is nothing round to be hit so I might have been driving it. I don’t remember.

There are no eucalyptus trees in the photo. These were planted along every road with a hollow around the base of the trunk and the earth scooped into a circular wall around it. A lot of houses had tamarisk trees planted along the perimeter to lessen the wind and to give some shade. A lot of the roads around Ahmadi had pavements – hardly anyone walked along them as it was too hot. I remember once where the temperature got to 178 degrees Fahrenheit in the sun – 81.2 degrees c. the swimming pool in the Hubara Club was measured at about 108 degrees f (42 degrees c). I got out at 105 – no-one was swimming, we were all floating around like jellyfish. The water was above blood temperature and just warmed you up and we all became so lethargic. Since then I have wondered why a hot bath does not seem to have the same effect.

Yet I also remember once at the KOC Anglo American School, which only took children up to the age of 13 – there was a very limited choice of schooling in Kuwait at the time and KOC gave parents a grant to send children to boarding school back in the UK – all of us kids were grouped in the playground around a tap that had been dripping, and a large icicle had formed – it was the first we had seen. I caught the bus at 07:10 to go to school and we came home for lunch at 11:30. Dad arrived, and went back to work at about 12:15, and would be back at home at 16:30. At about 12:15 I got the bus back to school and was back at home at 15:30. In the middle of the morning we had break, and there would be a metal container of hot cocoa for us to drink, every day, whether it was summer or winter. It was piping hot and we were given enamel cups to drink from. These got too hot to use so the first children used to take 2 cups and pour the cocoa from one cup to the other in order to cool it down, which meant that half of the children got no cocoa at all. It was so hot – if you drank it immediately it did burn your lips. Of course, whether you really want a cup of hot cocoa in summer in Kuwait is a moot point. It was probably something about being British.

pickup

Paul with old Ford V-8 pick up #899, 1954
The seat looks to be really low relative to the window as Dad was about 5’10”. Looks like it would have made a fun little hot-rod.

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End of part 2

139 replies on “Life in Kuwait back in the 1950s – Part 2”

Best days — when Kuwait was moving into glory and prosperity — sadly the daeshis destroyed most of it, glad they have been exposed recently.

Loved reading this, bought back some memories of Kuwait and
Anglo -American school – especially the cocoa!! I was there in 1957-9. Remember the Hubara club?

My goodness all these memories I remember everything .We all played with our donkeys after school .Everything centred round the Club Friday curry , Tombola I loved my life then. My sister was born in Magwa and I had my appendix out there.

Wonderful happy memories. Is that you heather, sister of Roz? It’s Allister Parlane here from Ahmadhi, would like to catch up with you, thinking about happier times in Kuwait. Im still living on the west coast of Scotland, boys all grown up. My email [email protected].

Hi Allistair, I was a friend of your brother Maurice during the 50s. We lived above you on 22nd street and Maurice was in my class at the Anglo American school. Hope this finds you well. I left Oman after 20+ years last year and sort of retired to France and Cyprus but I’m flying back to Bahrain this weekend on a consulting job. Best regards…

Hello Heather I don’t know if you remember me, but we were at School together.
I have so many happy memories of my time in Kuwait. We had so much more
freedom there, and a wonderful life style. Jean Currie xx

What a wonderful find this has been, Ahmadi in the fifties!
Jeannie C., I often wonder where you are, we used to play together and go to the pictures with parents. I am living near to where you came from (Knockderry at Cove, I am Cardross though. Please do email me if possible!

Susan, how lovely to see your note here, yes, we were great friends and although I was so sorry to be leaving Ahmadi, was comforted to know that my dear Pussycat Blackie was being left with you to live with you. We parted company at the end of our six years there, and I was nearly 12 at that point I think.

Heather, are you the sister of phillip he was a friend of mine is lived on 22nd street on the ridge I left kuwait in 67 when my father died in have only just come across these posts and really enjoyed reading them lots of familiar names hope to hear from you soon

Hi Malcolm, are you the son of Tom Mariner. If so it was your dad who told mine how to build his still. I vaguely remember our familly visiting yours in Southampton I think it was, after you left Kuwait; you had a sister my age called Penny and your eldest sister had used tape to stick her hair down in front of her ears to curl it like Cilla Black’s very chic! And you all had a bad time one christmas because you had draped your tree in fibreglass and played with it and hadn’t realised how it would give you all a rash. Because our Dads worked together we swapped christmas presents.Yes, this site is a real trip down memory lane; if you have any old photos write on the back of them who/what is pictured because otherwise they become meaningless. Best wishes

Hello john nice to hear from you I’m afraid I don’t remember your visit to us in Southampton but you have to bear in mind it was 5 decades ago me and brothers and sisters still live in the southampton area apart from penny who lives in Lincolnshire i will look out some photos and be in touch again regards malcolm

Reading this brought back so many great memories I still have my father’s still instruction papers my father Ted Scott loved his life in Kuwait he Left in 71 was never the happy man he used to be out there

I was born in Magwa in the tent Hospital in 1959 and went to the Anglo American school. I learn to swim at the Habara club and did my bronze medal there age 6, so I could be left alone while Mum went to play golf. I have two sisters and a brother also born there. We were the only Australians.

Hi Margaret, In fact the Roses were not quite the only Australians, because my mother Pat Trott (died 2020) was born and bred in Wagga Wagga! And of course we both remember when Mum & I returned to Australia in 1976, and went to dinner at your home in Narrabeen!

Hi Margaret, I was in a couple of classes with you at the AA school. I have a some class photos of us. I think your dad played rugby with my dad, was he ‘Maxie’ Rose? Hard to remember exactly now, so long ago!

Wonderful happy memories. Is that you heather, sister of Roz? It’s Allister Parlane here from Ahmadhi, would like to catch up with you, thinking about happier times in Kuwait. Im still living on the west coast of Scotland, boys all grown up. My email [email protected].

Really interested to hear about Ahmadi. My uncle, Ron Chapman, and his wife Moyra, a nurse, were there in the late 50s. He died young, in May 1960, of leukaemia, shortly after he came back to the UK.

It’s interesting, I work and live in Ahmadi, it’s interesting to see these old pictures of familiar places to me, I start to appreciate it more now, Hubara Club, unity Center, etc, a European town in kuwait, also interesting to read your comments and memories of 50 and 60 years ago, maybe some lived in my house north Ahmadi near the main office.

Loved reading about Ahmadi I spent my complete childhood in Kuwait, Anglo
American School, mr. Wright maths teacher, mr. Nines English teacher, miss Crawford
my best friend Carole D’Arcy who now lives in Lyndhurst new Forest. Near to my house.
Hubara club the cinema
Mena al Ahmadi the Magwa hospital where I had my tonsils out. Spinners for groceries
Wonderful memories. I remember Heather Ainsworth, would love to hear from old
Kuwaities. Jean Currie

I just came across this wonderful blog and brings back memories of Kuwait. I was born in Magwa hospital in 1954 and seeing photos of the staff and buildings is fantastic. I would love to get more information from members.

I lived on the Ridge in Ahmadi, 78 Main Street, a girl called Jill Henderson lived opposite
I would love to get in touch. We spent many hours swimming at the Hubara Club.
I was 2yrs old when I arrived in Kuwait in 1947″ lived in Kuwait town next to Dasman palace
for a few years, then moved up to Ahmadi, after a near fatal car crash on my way to school
ended up in Magwa hospital. My father worked for the Shiek at the time, he then got a job
with the KOC. I had my whole education at the Anglo American School, and left Ahmadi
in 1961. I came home to go to commercial college in Southampton, and have bumped into
some old Kuwaity friends, one being Barbara Brown, and Nigel French Paris.i now live in
the lovely New Forest.

Helo Mark I also lived at 78 Main Street left in 1960′ I would love to see it again.
My Mum planted out the garden from new, as we were the first inhabitants, many
Happy memories of that time.

I knew Gillian on 22nd st Christina pitts sarah salmon my parents knew the Durham Beresfords lackeys the wallets Durham swinleys

Alison. I don’t remember you, I think you were younger. I remember your parents. Your dad could have an odd sense of humour. He came round to ours in a suit and there was some white cotton on his lapel. My mother tried to pick it off but it just got longer. He had a reel of cotton in his inside jacket pocket and had used a needle to take it through to the outside. Mum pulled, your dad walked backwards, and the other guests collapsed laughing with the cotton getting tangled. Eventually Mum realised what was happening and was none too pleased! I think he was someone else who sometimes used dad’s still.

Dear Jeannie, How lovely to see your words. I have commented on the first message I read, but now see another one here, I am so chuffed that you remember me! Great to see that you are still best friends with Carole D’Arcy. I have often wondered about you both, but no trace in the KOC kids site so far!
I will paste what I had written here.What a wonderful find this has been, Ahmadi in the fifties!
Jeannie C., I often wonder where you are, we used to play together and go to the pictures with parents. I am living near to where you came from (Knockderry at Cove, I am Cardross though. Please do email me if possible!

Hi,
I’ve just come across your blog, which is quite a find for me as I’m trying to research everyday expat life in Kuwait in the 1940s.
My parents, Julia Trubridge and Ken (Cecil) Freebury, met in Kuwait in the late 1940s when they were in their twenties and married in London in 1949, before emigrating to Australia. Both have now passed away.
I’m a writer/journalist trying my hand at a fictionalised account of this short period of family history, so it’s great to read your posts.
Jane

I came across an interesting academic study by Reem Alissa (Berkley) on the design and construction of Ahmadi. It provides a very interesting description, architectural plans and maps of Kuwait and the development of the oil industry and the housing and facilities provided for KOC employees. What strikes me when reading this is how facilities were so basic before Ahmadi was constructed. My father went there in 1946 and my mother joined him in 1949. The title of this thesis is: Building for Oil: Corporate Colonialism, Nationalism and Urban Modernity in Ahmadi, 1946-1992. Worth checking out.

Ahmadi in the 1950s was very basic, the houses were Nissan huts and prefabs
The air conditioning was run by generators and these didn’t always work, so you
had to rely on overhead fans.
Kuwait airport was also a Nissan Hut, and the runway pure sand, and when you landed
The plane created a sandstorm and quite often a fire engine would meet the plane.
My first trip back to the U.K. Was in a Sunderland flying boat. Which took forever
to reach Britain. We landed in Southampton water. Most memorable. Jean Wheddon

Hi Jean. Your posting is a very interesting description of Kuwait before the oil money started to pour in. My memories growing up in Ahmadi in the late 50s are of a very american style. These avenues and layout hadn’t changed much when I visited in 2013. Although the houses, especially on 14th Avenue were we lived were still as I had remembered. The Hubara club has been modernised and the town has spread towards Kuwait city with very little vacant desert left. Prior to 1962, living in Kuwait and Ahmadi was a joy but I know very little after that period as we were sent to Europe for school and my parents left Kuwait in 1965. Travel to England was with B.O.A.C. was this the company that operated the flying boat service?

BOAC did operate the flying boat service between Kuwait and Britain
but I don’t think it lasted long. The flying boats were retired. In fact
I live quite near where they were built, a place called Calshot which
is on Southampton water three miles from my house. They only carried
12 passengers. One of them is now in an aircraft museum in Southampton
I can’t believe I flew in one, as they are so small!! Jean Currie

(February 2021) I’m doing some family research into life in Ahmadi in 1950/51 before facilities like shopping centres, clubs etc., were built. My mother mentioned when she went there with my Dad in 1950, she would eat at the “Company Canteen or Mess”. Can anyone tell me where this was in Ahmadi and any information on food, comfort etc. Thanks. Des.

Hi Des. I’m not sure where the mess was (I was born Magwa 1952) but my father was Superintendent of Catering and Provisions for the KOC from 1948 until he retired in 1963/4 so would probably have been involved in setting up/ supplying the mess/canteen as well as the Guest House and stores in Ahmadi later on. I’ve plenty of memories from the mid 50s onwards and photos of early banquets/parties etc.

Hi Sally. Thank you for replying so quickly. When I posted my question this morning, I thought it might be a long shot and would need to wait some time for a reply – if any. My mother went to Ahmadi in Jan 1950, and she mentioned facilities were very basic so she and my dad had most of their meals at that the “Canteen”. Everything seemed to be powdered – such as powdered milk, powdered eggs and other. Fresh foods would have been rare, everything had to be brought in. I was trying to figure out where the canteen would have been situated. Thinking perhaps near the KOC building. I would be glad to know any further info you might have. Des.

It’s difficult to place anything without a map anfdat this time Ahmadi was barely built. My father arrived in 1949, was placed in a tent and then moved into a nissen hut made of corrugated iron. As a bachelor he was ten moved to the old IBI camp on the coast between the refinery area in Mina al Ahmadi and Faaheel. very few people came with wives as it was so rough and married accomodation was extremely limited. The most common building material were soft bricks from Basrah. There used to be lots of brick kilns outside Basrah, like ziggurats.KOC was organised along military lines and facilities and services were often within the industrial area, wich was a behind a large fence just north of the south tank farm, It included the stores, laundry, workshops etc and in the very early stages some shops. Spinneys was set up elsewhere, near the KOC post office, down the ridge from the main office.When brick built accomodation was built for bachelors, and female accomodation for women, there were several blocks built on top of the ridge between the main office and where the general manager-s house, known as The White House, was. Whether there were any more I don’t know. They had limited cooking facilities – there weren’t many shops. KOC had 2 x Pioneer aircraft which brough in vegetables 2-3 times a week from Lebanon. There was centralised eating somewhere, Possibly it was at the predecessor of the Guest House, where families went on fridays to have a curry. Right up until we left in 1971 singles lived and ate there. Whether the guest house functioned like that where your parents arrived I rather doubt as the transformation from a tent via a nissen hut and the IBI camp to a functioning guest house would have been unlikely in this short time span. A lot of the infrastructure got built quite quickly so the old facilities got knocked down and replaced with something else. Early on, as there was no where for people to buy much food KOC had to initially feed its staff so there were messes/cookhouses in many work locations. Sorry but I can’t tell you anymore. If you want general info on what early AAhmadi and KOC was like I can send you what my father wrote- I typed it up- but I need some kind of address to send it to.Its about what he experienced but most people then would have experienced the same or something very similar.

Hi John. Thank you for your detailed information. This platform (twofortyeightam) is wonderful to have, with postings of stories to that era in Ahmadi and Kuwait which has now almost evaporated to memory. I visited Ahmadi in 2013 and the changes were very obvious. I was born in Magwa 1954 and I’m trying to piece together some detail based on my parents experiences especially when Ahmadi and Kuwait were just being developed. My dad had been there since 1946 and as you mention, tents and Nissan-huts were the order of the day for bachelors or single staff members. When my dad married and brought my mum to Ahmadi in early 1950, things were very basic but their accommodation was “married quarters” and they had a pre-fab bungalow. She mentioned how though it was especially for wives and I’m sure there couldn’t have been many wives there at that time, and they had most of their meals at the Company Canteen. I suppose any kind of a decent store or shops were not there at that time.

John; just looking through all the comments and particularly noted your comment about a map. I have been working on restoring an old map from 1956 in an attempt to remember the various sections of Ahmadi and the principal buildings. Dad was in Ahmadi from 1953 until his retirement in 1972, I was at the AA school from 1953 to 1960, after which I returned each summer for the “kids reunion”. It appears that I cannot introduce a picture into these comments, but I would be glad to send you a copy of the map (or perhaps put it on the Kuwait Kids Facebook page

Hi Des ,
I’m Faisal Al-Hamed , I was born in 1954 , and was living in 27/16 avenue- which was close to 14 avenue.
There were three canteen and two mess in 50’s and 60’s beside the spiny & krey- Mackenzie shop for alcohol drinks all buildings “noisemaker-huts “ a prefabricated steel structure .
The Mess was near the koc pump station & the workshop and the winter- cinema opposite to Southwell hospital, it was big hall for eating and it had a special section in the back for the English and American staffs ,the rest for the labors the meal was cost 50 fils only .
After 62/63 a restaurant opened in Hubara club and the Guest-House for the English and the American staffs.
The Canteen and Mackenzie were between Southwell hospital and the Inspection Department . The Canteen was a shop for selling foods grocery and other staf same as the Sppiny, Mackenzie for supplying alcohol drinks. In Hubara club there was the “ blue room “ it was a bar for drinking and resting.
I hope I answered your questions, my thanks to you and other commentators and for John and Mark , who gathered us again.
Best wishes for you and your family Del

Hi Faisal. Thank you for your kind reply and very comprehensive detail on KOC canteens. This site is a treasure-trove of information of that bygone era in Ahmadi and Kuwait. It really is hard to believe Ahmadi had very little by way of social comforts, clubs, shops etc., in the early 50s with these coming along as families began moving there. Like you, I was also born in 1954 in Magwa Hospital. That building has probably now disappeared beneath the desert sand but those of us who happened to be born there are now a small group scattered around the world. Thanks for your input. Des

Dear Des ,
The Ahmadi – Kuwait City through Magwa road is closed since 1985 approximately.
Because this area all oil fields it been forbidden for civilians.
Magwa hospital became an inspection point after Kuwait liberation in 1991,
Now all the nessan huts & other buildings demolished .
I have pictures for Magwa hospital black/ white I’ll be honored to send for you if you want
My email is : [email protected]

Thanks for rekindling memories of Ahmadi and Kuwait. Remember the sandstorms, the layout of Ahmadi streets with eucalyptus and tamarisk trees, the Main office and its garden, the Public gardens, the Display Centre, Spinneys, tv programs like Popeye, Felix the Cat, Merrie Melodies, Hong Kong, The Saint, Lancelot, The Fugitive. Eagerly waiting for the prayer on the tv to end so that cartoons could start. Christmas was fun as there were so many parties and kids were literally spoilt with presents from Santa! Remember the interschool-sports day at the stadium. Watching the marching band and the band master. Dogs running through fire hoops. Did not like cocoa served in schools nor the flavoured milk from Danish Dairy.Orange juice in enameled cups were tolerable. We were taken to St. Pauls on Sunday during school time for a short church service. BOAC and the Jet club. The unique sounds of Water coolers and airconditioners. Drinking water fountains were fun. Collecting Canada Dry caps to see if we won prizes; The stray donkeys that walked on the roads. Morris Minors, Ford Anglias, Ford Zephyrs, Austin Cambridges, Fiat, Dodge, Chevrolets and Cadillacs. Camels on pickup trucks. The long drive to Kuwait city – long for a child. Taking trips to the fish market in Fahaheel and seeing live fish like Hamour. Children’s party in HMS Bastion. Going to see a trapped whale in the pier. Watching the Burgan well fire at a dsitance. Passing the Oil affairs ministry building on the way to Fahaheel. The Ahmadi shopping centre. The starting of the new Safeway. The new open air cinemas and slipping on the floor of the new cinema, wearing a new leather shoe! Janet and John books. The thatched fences and the wooden gates. The gas heater in the centre of the living room. Waiting for the weekly dose of Rupert the Bear in the Kuwaiti publication. Southwell Hospital – Dr Thom? Tombolas and samosas. Merry go rounds and slides. These are a few of my memories of Ahmadi…….

Mohan, can I ask which street did you live on and roughly when, as I had a good friend and neighbour in Ahmadi called Mohan those days…..

Hiya
I note you mention my Dad – Dr Thom! Did you ever do Tap ot Ballet at the AA School. If so could you write something for me about the whole period you learnt it? I am writing an article about Dance in expatriate communities around that time.

Lovely to read these memories. I was born in Magwa Hospital in July 1950 and lived in Ahmadi until 1959. My father Monty McCarthy was Chief Health Inspector with KOC. from 1948 to 1967.

Wonderful to discover this article and to read comments. I was born in 1953 in Magwa and my sister Christina (Tina ) Mckay was born in 1951 in Magwa. My brother Malcolm was 7 so had to go to boarding school in England. We only came to the UK every two years for about 6 weeks so Kuwait was definitely home for us. I do not remember many names but my sister and I went to the AA school. We lived on the Ridge, 22nd Street I think. The desert was just outside our back door. Our nearest neighbours were Jane and Margaret Parker (school friends) and Leslie Irving to the rear. My parents had an old Rolls Royce for a short time, no idea why, but my mother would take loads of children to the beach standing on the running boards. I wonder if anyone can remember this. I loved the school cocoa!

Hello Shona, I am Jane and Margaret Parker’s brother; we lived at 82, Main Street – I have passed on the link to this blog to them so you may get a response. BTW I remember you and Tina very well.

Hi Shona,

Was that a stripped out yellow Rolls Royce that was owned at one time by George Huyshe ?

Norman Young

Hi Shona. I was born in Magwa in Feb 1952 and my sister Virginia was born there in 55. I remember the cocoa at the AA school. Sunday school at St Paul’s. Mrs Walker-Date’s ballet and tap classes and the glorious Hubara Club pool on Fridays. I’ve lots of photos of me and Tina playing in our garden (3rd St North) and some of Malcolm. But I don’t think there are photos of you. I remember Tina had a nasty firework accident when about 3 or 4. We left Ahmadi with our mother Joan for the UK (and school) in 1958. Our father George Porter stayed on and took early retirement from KOC in 1962. Of course, sadly, we lost touch as we were way too young. All the best to you all. Sally Porter.

Hi Sally
I am Richard Thom, one of Dr Thoms son. I met Mrs Walker-Date ( was it Lelsey or Alma) a couple of years ago and discovered she was a Cecchetti teacher – at the time I was working for the Royal Academy of Dance. I zm interested in joining up some articles about western Dance in KOC and ARAMCO – and wonder whether you have any more memories or contacts Mra WD.

Hi Richard. I’m very interested in your research into Mrs Walker-Date’s ballet classes but I’m afraid my memories are sketchy. We left Ahmadi when I was only six in 1958. I’m sure we have a photo of my ballet class on the stage but have searched and can’t find it. All I can say is I remember clearly learning the positions, doing sautés and being told I was in time with the music. I also remember my wonderful red tap shoes. I have what I think are clear visual memories but I’m short on facts! I still have a profound love of ballet thanks to those early days and Mrs W-D. I continued ballet classes in the UK until I was 14 and always regret not having continued with tap. Good luck with your research and I hope you find more positive help amongst the other members of the group.

Hi Shona
My name is Faisal AlHamed “ Sam”, I was living in 27/16 avenue , a friend of mine his name is Ghazi AlHindi “ asked me to find some of his friends he lost their contact after he left “ KOC- London office in 1980:-

‏- Jane Burgess
‏- Anne Thom
‏- Christine (Tina) Bland
‏- Heather Sales
‏-Semone Elles
He mentioned Christine (Tina) Bland is she your sister
Thanks for your help & time 🌹

Great piece John and super photos. Did you not live right behind us on 14th Avenue? The Tydemans were our next door neighbours. Shona, I remember during one of my last visits you too were in Ahmadi, maybe Peter Wise too? Mike Green has posted on You Tube a video, either ‘Ahmadi’, or ‘Kuwait Now and Then’. The Hubara Club looks very sad these days, no diving boards! My heart is still there but have no desire to return as fear treasured memories will be sullied. Attended the ex-KOC reunion lunch this year with Richard Thom: all us ‘kids’ are now in our 60’s, but the years fall away… So difficult to explain to others, lucky us to have had such wonderful childhoods

Christine, very belatedly (it’s 2 years since I have looked at this site) yes, I lived in the house behind you , 44/14th Ave. Seems a lifetime ago. didn’t realise that anyone still did a KOC lunch/reunion. I decided that I hated work so I stopped, retired to Dorset, did an art foundation course and now potter about. The year in college was a complete mental rinse and I feel so much better for it. I have never been back although my brother did; what struck me about his photos was how small everything seemed. The fenced were just over waist height but I remember how high they seemed. I hope you are doing well and happy. You mentioned elsewhere that there is a FaceBook site for LOC Kids-I’ve had a look. Do you still have it’s address? Thanks, and take care.

Hello John, thanks your message. Lucky you being retired, and to such a lovely part of the world. I’m pretty sure the Fb site is called Kuwaiti Kids: if you give me your email address I’ll add you on. The Reunion lunch this year is in Cheltenham on 27 April. Andrea Wills (nee Francis) does a sterling job of organising it, and each year the venue is in different part of the UK. I don’t attend every year: amazing how some people have grown into their parents, and that does make recognition much easier. Hope to see you! all the best, Christine

Hello Alison, Colin Sinclair is the moderator for the Kuwaiti Kids Facebook site: I think the criteria for joining is that you have had to have lived and been brought up in Kuwait, so you are most certainly eligible! My late sister-in-law added me, I believe it’s quite straightforward. Perhaps you’d like to send Colin a message?

Hello to John Beresford!! This is Karen Fogelberg; your sister Jane was a great friend. I still remember her birthday is May 8!! Funny what sticks.
Born at Magwa 1959; all years at Anglo American school. Memories of the Hubarra Club, thatched fences, the horse stable. “Long” drive to Kuwait City and Fahaheel. Still have my brass Arabic coffee pots. Lived at 12 5th street, walking distance to St. Paul’s Church. Best wishes to all those who were there throughout the 1960s, early 1970’s.

Hi Karen, I’ve just found this site. I remember you from Ahmadi and at the AA school. I had only been thinking recently ‘I wonder what happened to her’. I’ve just posted a few photos and comments on the Kuwait Kids site on FB – you should apply to join as it has lots of photos and memories from our time in Kuwait.

Hello Gareth, I remember you too! We lived at 33 Main Street. my brother Mark was born 1960 & I in 1962….

Hello Gareth!! Yes, of course I remember you, and thinking of you too.
I rarely get to this site; will join the FaceBook site as you suggest, so that I can keep in touch with everyone.
All the best to you; I think I have a great class photo of us together.
Karen

Hi Karen, Great to hear from you. Hopefully, you will be able to find the Kuwait Kids page on Facebook – it currently has about 600 members and is fairly active with lots of old photos and reminiscences from people who you may remember. I’m also on Facebook (profile picture is me as a baby sat in a sink!) – if you want to send a friend request, I’ll accept and we can chat on Messenger to find out what’s happened in the intervening years. Best wishes Gareth

Hello Gareth, I am trying to join the Group & have sent you a friend request. Sadly we lost Mum earlier this week & I am trying to track down old Kuwait friends who would want to be informed…. Thx so much, Jan

Hello Gareth, yes, of course, I remember you. So nice to see your reply!!
Have a great annual class photo with all us AA kids, including you, and our teacher.

Hi Karen, I know this is years after your message, I don’t look at this site often but I have been clearing out a lot of things and came across AA school photos and the AA Hobby magazine that I still have! It reminded me of this site. We were good friends and I remember your brother John was a friend of my brother Simon. I hope you’re well and enjoying life 🙂

My farther was in Kuwait from 1948/49 and in the marine department , my mother and I went to live in ahamadi in 1950.

Hi Malcolm I’m trying to locate Paddy O’Shaunessy who lived in Ahmadi the same time as we did so I’m contacting people he’s been in touch with. If you have an email for him could you please forward mine to him or his to me? Regards…

(February 2021) I can see your parents were in Ahmadi in 1950. I’m doing some family research into life in Ahmadi in 1950/51 before facilities like shopping centres, clubs etc., were built. My mother mentioned when she went there with my Dad in 1950, she would eat at the “Company Canteen or Mess”. Can anyone tell me where this was in Ahmadi and any information on food, comfort etc. Thanks. Des.

Hello Des,
My father went to Kuwait around 1947/8 and my mother and I (aged just six weeks old) joined him there in May 1950.
We were given temporary housing in what was called a ‘summer bride’ house (I think the permanent residents were home on leave) before moving to an
‘aloominum’ on The Ridge — Nissan huts, basically. I think the Guest House was up and running by the early 50s, the bachelors were housed there and you could get meals there too. (And not just the Friday curry lunches!) I went to the Anglo-American school in 1955 and the Hubara Club was also functioning, if not by then, shortly afterwards. We’d go and swim there most days and spend all day in the school holidays. Food and drinks were available there from early on too. Samosas with chips! And Coke floats. I think Spinneys was also going at least by the mid-50s, i have memories of going shopping there with my mother. I’m pretty sure we had kitchens in the houses from the start, the summer bride house was really quite nice, it was very near the Hubara club and I think they were among the first houses to be built in Ahmadi. It had quite a colonial feel, with marble tiled floors and big ceiling fans, unlike the more utilitarian houses built subsequently. (But these were absolutely fine too, reasonably spacious, modern and with very efficient aircon. They just weren’t very pretty! ) If we ate in a company canteen i have no recollection of it and i only remember my parents talking about eating in the Guest House. I do remember having evening meals there as a very young child. It might have been referred to as the Mess. I expect someone else here can tell you when the Hubara club was built but I remember teaching my brother (born Magwa 1953) to swim there when i was 5 and he was 2. We virtually lived there!
Best wishes
Cheryl

Hello Cheryl and thank you for your excellent and detailed reply. Reading your memory of that time in Ahmadi and Kuwait in the 1950s describes an era that was unique and as a child born (Magwa 1954) and growing up there was exciting. Your description of the housing for young married couples is very helpful and gives me a visual of their life in the desert. My mother described, when she first arrived in January 1950, her 1 bedroom bungalow (for a married couple) did not have running water and a company tanker truck would arrive daily to provide this. She also described stepping outside her front door directly on to the dessert sand and coping with desert shamal’s when dust would cover everything, inside and out. Hard to imagine now! I don’t think Spinney’s was built then and the only company shop was basic and small. She also mentioned eating at the company mess which could have been the Guest House. I think at that time, the company town of Ahmadi was rapidly being developed to cater for the KOC employees. My father went to Ahmadi in 1946 and I’m sure lived in basic bachelor accommodation before getting married and bringing my mother out there. Naturally it took time for her to get used to the “moonscape” terrain and adjusting to Powdered milk, Powdered eggs, Powdered potato and anything else that was powdered along with cans of everything. Fresh food was rare! However strong friendships were formed because everyone had to suffer with the same hardships.

My experience of Kuwait and Ahmadi lasted until I was 7 before I and my brothers were sent to boarding school in Ireland returning home for the summer months. In the late 50s and early 60s Spinney’s was built and time spent at the Hubara Club was always something we looked forward to. I remember many British soldiers around this club because of the tensions from Iraq they had been stationed there.

Again thank you for responding.
Des.

Hey Malcolm, sure haven’t seen you in awhile, not since you headed to school in Scotland and me to Ireland. We both lived on 22nd street, me at the club end beside Christine Nelson and you at the other near Johnny Gabitas. Let me know if you receive this, I’d like to chat some. Best regards…

Hi,Does anyone know what has become of the KOC-KIds.co.uk website?

Am attempting to find out the whereabouts of some friends of my elderly father Geof Pryke[ex KOC in Ahmadi],whom are Sue Mckeon and Sheila Bramley,both with late husbands who worked in Kuwait with my dad.
Grateful any advice!

Thanks Graeme pryke

Hello Graeme, the KOC website initiated by Mark Wheeler seems to have become defunct since the facebook KOC kids site was set up – and Sue Bramley is definitely on that one ! Regards, Christine

Hello Graeme, your parents were great friends of Mum & Dad – Dick & Diana Etherington! Sadly both have passed away…. Regards Jan

Hi Jan,
Great to hear from you and sorry to hear both your mum and dad have gone,however I think am correct that your mum passed away in Poole/Bournemouth area only fairly recently?
Found a fair few photos in dads vast Kuwait slide shots of your family,which prompted many memories.Could you also update me the title of the book your brother Mark wrote about his experiences ,as my dad mentioned it was somewhere in his vast collection ,but can.t locate !
Maybe you could drop me a line on email [email protected] sometime ?Thanks Graeme

Hi,went to Ahmadi when I was six months old and was in school till 1960,possibly the only Muslim girl in the school …Linda Stanley ,Janet Burgess were in my class then ..it was lovely reading about Ahmadi and the school …took me down memory lane .Lived on the 16 th avenue very close to Heather Sales ….had a wonderful childhood there …..so was very pleased to come across this site.

Hello, Linda Stanley and Janet burgess were in the class below me in school
Barbara stanly was in my class. I left Kuwait in 1960. Kuwait was my home
for 16 years. 78 Main Street my address. I would love to catch up with my class
mates.

Hi Jean,
Lovely to read your memories! I’ve been trying to trace you via Facebook, but it doesn’t work at all strangely! Please email me so we can reminisce, Jean! xx Jill

Hello, I’m Linda Stanley’s daughter and Barbara’s niece. I’ve just been going through all their old memories again and thought I’d google to see if their names popped up anyway.

Sadly I lost my mum back in 2006 and my aunt in 2012. I’ve come across most of your names and most likely photos whilst going through all my mums/grandparents bits over the years, I’m sure. It’s really nice to see them both mentioned 🙂

I was born in Kuwait but we moved to the UK when I was 5. I remember a lot 🙂 trying to save up the money to get all the old cinefilms etc converted.

Hi Suraya. I must have been in your class too as the names you mention are very familiar to me. I was at the AA school from 1955 to 1960 when I went to boarding school. My parents stayed until spring 1966 and I spent most of my school holidays in Kuwait. We lived at 43 First street and walked out of our garden straight onto the golf course. I went to this years KOC reunion but hardly anybody I knew was there. I’d love to know what became of Sheila Herdman and Merry Becker as they were particular friends of mine.

This series is great, thanks

Hi Suraya ,
I’m Faisal Al-Hamed “Sam” who lived in 27/16 avenue
I have noticed you mentioned Heather Sale.
A friend of mine “ Ghazi AlHindi” asked me to find his a friends cause since he left the koc London office in 1980 he didn’t hear any news especially the Burgess family they were living in Canterbury
‏- Andy Burgess
‏- Jane Burgess
‏- Anne Thom
‏- Christine (Tina) Bland
‏- Heather Sales
‏-Semone Elles
I wondered if you have any one of them emails so he can contact them.
Really nice to know that we both were in 16 avenue my house was in the middle of the avenue in the curve .
My best wishes to you and your family.

Hi suraya ,
Are you Farouq sister ,
Mr. Chudry daughter .
Was your house no 33
I’m Faisal 27/16 avenue behind your house exactly

Wow these memories take me back. Dad, Bob Leask was chief refrigeration engineer at no 3 chilled water plant. Brother Robert was born at Magwa, me in the UK for medical reasons. Lovely memories of the AA school. We lived latterly at 32/11 Avenue. Left Ahmadi in 1967 at the age of 8. Now live in the Isle of Man. Other ex KOC retired here as well. The Redshaws lived locally till they both passed. One day I hope to get to the reunion, but hope it will come to the north of England to make travelling easier

Dear Jean,
How lovely finding you and reading your recollections of our childhood. I would love to contact you (but the Facebook site says there is no Jean Wheddon), have I got it right? Or maybe I could send you an email if I had address.
xx
Jill H.

Thanks so much for posting this. Was born in Magwa and brought up in Ahmadi, was sent to boarding school but my parents stayed in Kuwait until my dad passed away in 79. Met my husband in Kuwait, had both my kids in Kuwait and left when my husband retired last December. I have seen so many changes and have to say the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s were the best of times in Kuwait.

Loved reading this. Lived in Kuwait with our parents Miriam and Peter Plumtree from 1955 for about 8 years. We lived in Sulibakhat (?) and Shuwaikh. Dad worked as Chief Quantity Surveyor for Kuwait government and Mum was a teacher and then headmistress at Shuwaikh School. My sister Claire and I went to Shuwaikh School and as our schoolfriends were the granddaughters of the Ruler, we used to go and play at the palace.. We also used to go to the Hubara Club, and I remember the fab ice-cream sodas! So many memories. Fridays were spent on shark fishing trips and my sister and I were allowed to pour the beers!

Hello Jo – Most interesting to hear you lived in Shuwaikh and Sulibakat (I lived in Ahmadi). Although we left in 1955 when I was 11 (so don’t know you unfortunately), one of my very best friends was called Hilary Kitson, and she lived with her parents and young sister in Shuwaikh and I think Sulibakat, before moving away to Barbados. Her father was Ray Kitson, and I have been wondering if you knew of their family? I have no idea if they stayed in Barbados. Best wishes, Jill

Hi Jill, good to hear from you. What is Hilary’s sister’s name? I can ask my sister Claire if she remembers the Kitsons. Warm wishes, Jo

Hi Jo, Lovely to hear from you. BUT I’m so sorry I cannot remember Hilary’s young sister’s name!! Hilary Kitson was born the same year as me probably, i.e. 1944, so her sister was possibly born in 1950?
Best wishes, Jill

I was born in Kuwait my father worked there for KOC in the 50s and 60s. His name was John Sloan MacDonald (Mac). He was a member of the SBOA and I remember the Hubara club. I’d love to know if anyone remembers him or has any pictures

I arrived in Ahmadi in 1948 and I was 9 months old. I went to the AA school and my parents left in the mid 60’s. My dad Bob Mackenzie ran Spinneys store until he left. If anyone remembers me I’d love to catch up.

Hi Carol, I believe you are a bit younger than me, I was born in 1944, but am I right in saying you came to Mrs Walker-dates dance lessons, the ones I went to had a lot of young girls, we did tap, ballet and even gymnastics exercises, and had a Display in the Hubara Club once a year? Lesley Walker-date was the daughter, again younger than me. Weren’t we kids lucky!!

Don’t suppose you have a contact for Paddy O’shaunessy. I’ve been trying to track him down for some time…Carol

Hi Carol, I have often wondered what happened to you – do you remember me? I have kept in contact with Deirdre Considine, Lynne Ford, Doreen Donaldson and Brian Scott, John Fidler, Rob Lund, Jean Hawley, Alison Woodward, Nancy Ffrench and just recently Gloria Quale. I have been to a few reunions over the years. I went back to Ahmadi in 1999 with my husband – we went up to the ridge and visited our old house on 22nd Street. Mum and Dad left Kuwait in 1970 and I worked there for a year in 1966/7. Where are you living now? Mum died 22 years ago and Dad 11 years ago. Brother Richard lives in London, Charles (known as Solihin now) lives in Turkey, sister Josie lives in the same town as me, Louth, Lincolnshire, and brother James in South Africa. Love to hear from you.

On reflection I think at that time we were probably the luckiest kids on the planet. Don’t think I was into the dancing thing, more into the swimming and believe it or not the synchronised swimming

Hello, my parents (Mary and Bud Fogelberg) moved to Ahmadi Kuwait in the late 1950’s. Dad worked for KOC, and mom was a nurse at Magwa Hospital. I was born there in 1959, and attended the AA School. Great memories reading all the above. Spent a lot to time at the Hubara Club, the “White House”, and riding horses at the Saddle Club with Mrs. Skidmore.
Dad played rugby with the Scorpions.
Our family lived there (my bother John Fogelberg) until 1976.
Thank you, Karen Fogelberg

Hi Karen
My family and myself amazed to hear your commentary as we believed you had passed away,or at least my father -Geof Pryke did! He was a college pal of your father Bud and I was a school pal of your brother John at the AA! My dad is still around and mobile in his own home at the age of 94.5 yrs,and still talks about your dad and family!
Its been a long time and would be great if you could please make contact with us ?

I knew Gillian on 22nd st Christina pitts sarah salmon my parents knew the Durham Beresfords lackeys the wallets Durham swinleys

Hi all,

I am a Kuwaiti man work currently for the oil sector in Kuwait. I have started to read about the Angli American School, since I have a training lecture in one of the classes for about a week. everything still as the same. if any body is looking for a current picture I am happy to supply them with.
I am available on watsup: 00965-69696946

Dr. Talal

Hi there! Does anyone remember my mother, Lydia Malikoff? She was at the School in the early 1950s. She has asked me to try and contact some of her school friends and I came upon this site. It would be great to hear from anyone who remembers her.

Hi Lynn, I remember Lydia well, went to school with her and also attended her wedding. I am Viviane Marina. I can be found on Facebook as Viviane Marina Porter. Do pass on my best regards to your mum.

A little more information. My grandfather (Balabeg Malikoff) was the manager of the IBI Camp and my mother and her brother (Simon Malikoff) were swimming champions of Kuwait (I am told). They spent some time at the School giving swimming lessons and also time at the Hubara Club with friends. Any replies would be welcome!

Great to find this site. Went to Kuwaiti when I was 2 in 1956 left age 10 back to UK. My dad James (or Jimmy) Robinson worked on the tugs and later the desalination plant. Great times out catching scorpions.

Great reading these posts. Brought back a lot of memories My dad William(bill or billy) Lang worked for KOC. Dad played on the football team. Mum would have the ladies over for afternoon tea and then try to get the smell of cigarette smoke out of the house! We were a family of 5 kids . Oldest sister (Maureen)was a hairdresser at the Hubarra club. Stewart went to school in UK and Eileen ,Isobel (me) and billy went to Anglo American school…

Greetings all
I was born in Magwa in 1952 ( Goodwin)
I also played a lot of golf in the 60s and 70s in Ahmadi.
My father went there in 1948 and ran the hospital lab with Maurice Bagge.
We were great friends with the Jayousis.

Hello Peter, I recall your name, and lovely to read your post. I was born in Magwa in 1959. Your parents were good friends with mine (Bud and Mary Fogelberg).

Karen Fogelberg

I’m amazed to have discovered this wonderful site and have lost myself in a sea of early memories reading everyone’s posts. I seem to be younger than most of you – I was born at Magwa Hospital in Feb 1961 and lived at 9 Eleventh Avenue until Jan 1969 when we returned to England for good. Mum and Dad made the journey back by car – driving a car each with my younger brother Hugo who was 5 and myself at almost 8. Such an adventure!
Dad was a member of the Cumberland Yacht Club and used to race. I still have the barometer that was presented to Mum and Dad (‘Monty’ and Doreen Burton) when we left.
I remember the sandstorms, running for cover as the wind got up, and how it looked like an orange fog looking out of the windows. I remember the smell of rain on the arid ground and cracked mud as the wet ground dried up again so quickly. I remember how prickly the grass was in our garden and being amazed at how soft the lawn was when we returned to England.
My best friend was Lorraine Skynner and she lived quite close, I still remember playing with her. Family friends were Val and Brian Bower, I remember names like the Redshaws.
There was a sort of mini zoo along the side of the road somewhere wasn’t there? With monkeys – I remember the noises they made and their smell when we walked past.
I remember the amazingly high kerbs in Fahaheel, and the camels. I remember waiting for the school bus and turning round and round pivoting on my heel to scrape a circle in the sand. I remember the Hubara Club and the KOC Family Beach. I remember Spinneys and rolling eggs down a hill at Easter. I remember the little circular walls round the eucalyptus trees.
It’s amazing to realise how many memories are still within!

Hello Alice, you may not remember me but you may remember my bother, John Fogelberg, who was born in Ahmadi in 1961 and would have been in your class at the AA School. I was born in Magwa in 1959. Loved reading your memories….so vivid, and we all share most of them. My dad, Bud Fogelberg, spent a lot of time at the Yatch Club and probably sailed with your dad!!
Lovely to read your post,
Karen

Hi Karen, Louise Trott here. I was born in May 1962, and the name of your father Bud Fogelberg is very familiar to me. Most likely because your father sailed with my parents Ken & Pat Trott at CYC. We left Ahmadi after July 1969.

Hi John ,
Wonderful to discover this article and read these memories and comments.honestly I felt I find my family because after all my friends lift Kuwait I felt I’m a stranger in my country.
My name is faisal but my friends were calling me “sam” that time . I was born in 1954 , we were lived in 27/16 avenue,
Sorry I can’t remember the family names but for sure I knew boys & girls in my age that time in Hubara club , l remember mrs Stanley on the reception
I remember Jane she was living 12st north opposite to askoul family. Still I remember Jane with her blond her & her red ribbons,I remember Gillian I think he is scotch & used to play rugby & loved to eat the Iranian bred
I remember Nigel & his bother Chris also Martin Owen , Tom , Steve , and for sure I’ll not forget Katy my best friend ,

Thank you again and best wishes to you & your family & other friends who commented on your article

My father Geoffrey Pryke an original veteran from 1952-1970 KOC passed away peacefully in his sleep aged 96 years this May 24th .My family joked he found the first oil in Kuwait! Travelled regularly to Kuwait at 1st in old classic 4 engined propliner Argonaughts ,Constellations ,then onto Comet mark 1s amongst many forgotten and in the case of Comet 1 -dangerous aircraft -all of which needed their own seperate oil wells to run them then!!
Both myself and brother Stuart were born in Kuwait and attended Anglo American School .Dad ended up co-managing the Thistle A platform in the North Sea until retiring in 1986 to Norfolk.Anyone who knew him from KOC including any kids ,please come over if able to for his very final goodbye on 23rd June at 2 pm ,the Horsham St Faith Crematoria Norwich UK.He must be one of the last of the true veterans from this particular era of Kuwait history we believe!

My condolences for you & your brother.
God bless his soul.
I published your comment in “ Kuwaiti Kids” group in FB.
I hope you join us many friends will love this for sure

Faisal Alhamed “ Sam “

Thankyou Faisal your kind thoughts and help However can you please let me know the details of Kuwait Kids on Facebook as unable to find, and there appears to be no trace now of the website KOC -Kids.co.uk??
My family are also trying to trace the history of Colin and Barbara Davies and their children -Michael and Sue,but no info.is to be found on them…
Dad also was instrumental in supplying much essential original blueprint plans of pipelines and wells in aftermath of liberation from Iraqi occupation of Kuwait as they had systematically destroyed – all the then current records in offices and databanks in KOC,and this was a happy result of my father hoarding much ‘junk’ in his garage at home over the many years! [ just in case anybody thinks hoarding is bad!We still have much Kuwait memorabilia in his house and in his Kuwaiti antique wedding chest including whole collections of pristine copies of The Kuwaiti magazines from 60’s and 70’s!!

Good morning Graeme
Good to see your reply, yesterday Peter Turner he commented on the article I republished “ Stuart messaged me about a week ago re the passing of his Dad. Our parents were great friends through the 50’s and onwards. They were in fact witnesses to each others weddings in Cyprus only days apart.
Condolences to Stuart and Grahame 🌹“
Would you please send for me your account on FB so I can send for you the invitation to join the group.
My FB account is Faisal Alhamed
Or my Gmail:- [email protected]
Waiting for you 👍

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