Farewell Pan Trinbago Mother – ‘Miss Ellen’

 

Ellen Bascombe

Farewell Pan Trinbago Mother – ‘Miss Ellen’ (Ellen Bascombe)

by Andre Moses

I remember Miss Ellen during the period of the 1980s when I served as Treasurer and Education Officer of the Central Executive of Pan Trinbago under the tenure of Arnim Smith. In those days Pan Trinbago was transitioning from a seasonal Panorama-focused organisation to an all-year-round organisation.

Champs in Concert, Pan Through the Eyes of the Calypsonian, the School Steelband Music Festival, Classics and Steel, the Pan Trinbago Experience live on TTT, the formation of new Pan Trinbago sub regions in Central and the Far East, a Pan Tuner's Convention, and a Pan Trinbago Pan in Schools Committee were some of the new initiatives of that period.

The Pan Trinbago Office at the old electrical inspectorate building at 111 Queen Street was a daily beehive of activities. It was a kind of culture change and Miss Ellen's delicious and lovingly prepared meals were an essential part of the new culture of camaraderie and productivity. Instead of buying high priced fast food meals from Mungals and the like, Miss Ellen made sure we were, nutritiously and lovingly fed and always on time to boot.

So whenever we enjoy a national steelband event or earn a living from our national instrument, spare a thought and give thanks to Miss Ellen, whose pot, fueled the love, fortified the 'soldiers' and nurtured the togetherness that is a part of the foundation on which we all now stand. Much love to you Miss Ellen for your labour of love. You were family. Sympathies and empathies to all your loved ones, and respect 'Pan Mother' for your part which you played with distinction.

by Andre Moses