June 2002

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In this Newsletter, we follow up our appeal for contributions towards a Bath for Wisma with an account of a visit paid by Rukmawati Branting.  Rukmawati is an extraordinary Subud member who was there when Bapak laid the foundation stone of Wisma Mulia.   When I phoned her to seek her permission to use her article, this remarkable 90+ year old had been out in the garden, tidying it up.  We are grateful to Rukmawati for consenting to wider publication of her interesting account.

A VISIT TO WISMA MULIA   
by Rukmawati Branting.

It was almost dark when we turned into the drive at Wisma Mulia after a five-hour journey on a wet, windy day in late January.  Melinda had not been there before and drove slowly between the trees and shrubs until the road widened onto a spacious carpark in front of the three storey, large old building referred to as “the big house”.  To the left, on the far side of a spacious lawn, stretches the new wing. Light shone out of most windows as well as the covered walkway alongside the rooms in the new wing.  It all looked very friendly and inviting.  “It reminds me of Cilandak,” said Melinda.

We had arrived at suppertime and were guided straight to the dining area.  A happy bustle greeted us.  Many residents had come to collect their supper to take to their rooms or to eat it right there.  Everyone, including the ladies in the kitchen was so friendly and welcoming that we felt at home immediately. There was an inviting spread of salads, cold meats, cheeses, eggs, as well as a large pot of hot soup and a fruit salad.   As we were not hungry, we just had a cup of soup and a biscuit while we introduced ourselves and chatted.  The dining room is very spacious, it has high ceilings and wide windows with pretty curtains.  Tables, chairs and cupboards are made of natural pine wood, and there are lovely original watercolours and sketches on the walls.

Before we even saw our quarters, we visited Rafaelle, who has her evening meal served in her room because she finds walking, even with a zimmer-frame, very painful and slow.  Her arthritis --- “Arthur” as she calls it with a wry smile --- is giving her a hard time.  Quite often she has bad nights because of the pain, and then she feels very tired during the day.  But for the main meal at one o’clock she gets into a wheel chair and is taken to the dining room by one of the staff.

We found Rafaelle sitting in a comfortable chair, a trolley with food and drink near her.   Her own furniture, the grandfather clock, all the familiar paintings, her own cosy bed and plants on the windowsill make the room seem very homely.  It is on the ground floor, the window and door to a small patio overlook part of the garden with two beautiful old trees, and there is a bathroom and small space for coats and hats.  In all, a thoughtfully designed small apartment.  We didn’t stay very long as it was getting close to Rafaelle’s bedtime when someone arrives to assist her with getting ready for the night.

Our room was warm and comfortable, and we woke up for a rather late breakfast. Soon after Melinda departed as planned to visit friends in Bristol and Cornwall while I joined the latihan at 11 a.m.  There were only four of us because many people were still suffering from the after-effects of a bad ‘flu’.  But it was amazing just to experience the height and space around me and the feeling of being one with the people I had only just met.   There is a latihan three times a week on a Monday, Wednesday and a Friday, but of course the hall is always is always open to be used as needed.

Lunch was a lively occasion.   There are tables for four and six people, and the seating changes every day so that one gets to know everyone very soon.  The meal is served in stainless steel dishes with lids, and a hot dinner plate is set on each place mat with a gentle warning:"Careful, hot!”  Meat or fish, nice fresh vegetables and potatoes or pasta, was always plentiful.  Vegetarians are served individually.   Dessert comes round on a trolley with a choice of pudding or fruit, cream or yoghurt.  A few minutes of quiet are observed before beginning the meal.

I spent most of the afternoon, and often an hour before the meal with Rafaelle  --- there was so much to catch up on.  Other residents came to visit and we heard some interesting stories.

The day after Melinda returned the sun finally appeared and we took Rafaelle in her wheelchair for a walk to see the aconites, snowdrops and crocus in the garden.  She looked so lovely in her fur hat, warm coat and a blanket over her knees, and she enjoyed the outing. 

All in all we had a very peaceful and happy time together.  It was quite hard to leave all these dear old and new friends.  But we know that they are well cared for, they live in peace and harmony in a beautiful environment and close to the latihan --- there could not be a better setting for the last phase of life on this earth.

On the wall near the latihan hall in Wisma Mulia there is a plaque commemorating the laying of the foundation stone for the new buildings.  It reads:

“We Subud members pray to Almighty God
that those who live in this house
may always surrender to God
and receive His guidance and blessing.”

This foundation stone was laid by
Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo
On the 29^th day of June 1977.

It was 25 years ago this June.

(Look out for a further article by Rukmawati, telling us something of the history of Wisma Mulia, in a future edition of Subud Voice)

Mark McElroy, SD(B) Treasurer, provides this brief overview of...

SD(B) FINANCE FOR THE YEAR 2001

For the first quarter of 2002 our finances are:

Income  £12,200 - made up of:                                                         Expenditure £16,500 - made up of

For projects £10,000 from 34 members and 4 groups                        To projects £9,100               

Taxback £1,350                                                                             Bequest to MSF £3,900                    

Investment + interest £850                                                                 Admin £1590

                                                                                                       General £1900

DON’T FORGET OUR WISMA MULIA SPECIAL APPEAL!

When you relax in bath or shower

Enjoying water’s soothing power

Put by a coin for others’ needs

That Wisma’s bath may come with speed!

Just send your contributions to  Wisma Mulia Support Fund, c/o Mark McElroy,
6 Lothlorien Close, Derby, DE23  2RY

FOR SALE / WANTED

Advertisements in this column are FREE – in exchange for a contribution from sales’ proceeds to SD (B) funds.

Computer trolley, grey, very solid, fixed top shelf and narrower fixed lower shelf.
82cm(w) x82cm(d) x72cm(h)

Desk (ex army issue)  136cm (w) x 76cm(d) x 76 cm (h).  Screw-on legs, shallow drawer either side.

Buyer collects. Price £15 each to be paid as a donation to the Wisma Mulia Support Fund.  Phone Lorena & Suren de Silva on 01795 537365

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