One of the reasons we visited Chennai was to go and see the birthplace of Tania’s mother Alison.
For our blog followers, you will already know that Tania’s Grandmother Diana was born in Pune. Whilst her father was stationed there as the Commanding Officer of the 49th Indian Brigade.
Diana went on to marry a Major serving in the British army in India. Alison was born whilst her father Angus was stationed in Chennai.
Whilst we were in Chennai we took the opportunity to visit the site of Lady Willingdon nursing home, where Alison was born, unfortunately, now an office block.
More fortunate with our visit to St George’s Cathedral. Where Alison was baptised. We were able to see the original baptism entry in the church records. Thanks to the meticulous Indian clerks bookkeeping, the church manager put his hands on the entry within minutes.
Information on exactly where Diana and Angus were living in Chennai at that time is a little vague. However, we visited the area that they resided in.
Alison’s christening bash was held in the Madras club. The club, over the years, outgrew its premises of that time, which are now a shopping complex and hotel. Amazingly the hotel which we stayed in was the hotel on the former site. Not known to us at the time of booking. (Spooky) The Taj Club House Hotel.
Next, we are off to Secunderabad to visit where Diana and Angus were married.