Author: Terence Seah

Hi, I need some help with the SilverHairsClub T-shirts.  I have a number of T-shirts to be given out to SHC members who have participated in some of our programs.  However, I have not been able to keep track of the names and sending them out to the right persons and address.  Basically, my travelling makes it difficult for me to keep track of this process.

If you would like to help me manage the club’s T-shirts, I would appreciate it.  Essentially, I would send the stocks to your house, probably 50 – 100 T-shirts of different sizes at a time.  I shall also bring along the brown envelopes, for you to insert in the T-shirts.  You have to keep track of the stocks, and I shall replenish them every few months. 

Preferably, you should live near a post office.  Club shall pay for the postage.  I have a preference for T-shirts to be sent via mail-order, registered.

Key issue is to manage the address, as the address has to be correct, or else they dont reach the individuals.

If you like to volunteer with this task, please let me know.  Thank you.

Terence Seah

The Blue Helmet project has taken a new ange, and undergoing new developments.  A few SilverHairsClub members have taken this project to new heights.  Blue Helmet is being developed as a separate entity, and is likely to be renamed.

The group is looking to complete a team with the following skills and background.  Let me know, if you would like to join the team.  You should preferably be retired, or about to be retire.

1. HR manager, with experience in organising training programs, recruitment, staff surveys, recruitment and profiling.
2. Training manager, with experience in training, courses, career path planning.
3. IT manager, with experience in personnel database, web integration, portals
4. Interior designer, with experience with club houses, office space.
5. Exhibition organisers, with experience in exhibition space (sales and marketing).

Please indicate the postion interested, and add a comment here.  We will get in touch with you.

Terence Seah

Here are the pictures of the SilverHairsClub April gathering at the Botanic gardens, organised by Oi Cheng.  Click here.

For pictures of the cycling, organised by Yew Kwong.  Click here.

Recently, we had Shirley Wong who shared with us her idea of a Hot dog outlet.  Following which, we had supportive feedback from Lily Ho on the different licences, Tim on tenancy agreements and Guest on type of flooring to be used.  Last year, we had a session on small business ideas, and we had participation from 28 members.  Last year, some members ventured into the idea of an internet cafe along Holland Road.

I feel we should keep the small business ideas moving.  As you see from my earlier comments, I am a firm believer that SilverHairs should  continue to maintain their SilverHairs years physically and mentally active, while still able to financially support the many years ahead.

Of course, there are also many SilverHairs who treasure their retired and non-working lives, and would dread the idea of doing any business.  30 years of working is enough.  At the same time, there are business risks, and parting with hard earned money after 45 years can be an equally dreadful idea.  One SHC member with experience in financial accounting for small business wrote to me last year, saying running a F&B cafe is a sure failure.

I am more optimistic.  What do you think?

Terence Seah

Since I am asking every SilverHairsClub member to write about themselves, I shall start first.

I am 51, with a 30 years background in newspapers.  Family is in Bangkok.  Most Mon to Fri, I travel within the AsiaPacific.  Sat and Sun, I am in Bangkok.  Try SMS me, if you are around.  That’s why you can hardly find me here in Singapore.  Sorry, if you call me, and I do not pick up your call.  SMS/email excellent way to catch me.

Sports, I love swimming, lousy at golf, but am crazy enough to want to play, likes sighteeing, loves cheap and low cost travel.  I have not had enough of Thailand, and the rest of Asia.

Food – I love eating, but hates sugar in my diet.  Whisky is my game, with ice and soda.  Beer, if I am thirsty.  So, I am game for a drink, any time.  You know my contact.

My greatest concern is loneliness when I retire.  If I can walk, I don’t want to see only 4 walls.  I am a strong supporter of work and play, till I die.  50% of each, at least.

My dream for SilverHairsClub is to reach a membership of 10,000 by end 2008.  I love seeing SilverHairs being independent, meet regularly, be fluent in internet, pick up regular exercise eg walking, swimming,  and cycling.  I enjoy participating in business discussions, especially small businesses.

And, if you write to me, on this Post, I shall always respond you, in an individual capacity, not as SilverHairsClub founder.

So, please write your profile.  We all want to hear from you.

Terence Seah

Before your membership is approved, you wouid need to introduce yourself to other Club members. To read about other members, click on category "Members’ profile".

When you first try to Post, the Post will be saved as a Draft. When writing a new Post, choose a cetegory and esure the text is left Indent.  You can also use "Notepad" to write the intro, and then paste the text into the Post. 

Once your introduction is up, we will process your membership application.  Approval will be done during the 1st 7 days of each month. 

Terence Seah

We encourage SilverHairsClub members to use this website.  Please do observe some rules.

1. This website is strictly for SilverHairsClub members.  Reference to external names of companies, websites, tel numbers, names, email address of persons are not permitted.  Please note SHC is for individuals and not for companies.
2. Posts or comments with investment messages proclaiming profits/gains would automatically be deleted from the site.
3. Repeated Posts will not be published.
4. Any picture attached would be deleted.
5. SilverHairs entrepreneurs  or business individual fully supported.  Except for direct selling or MLM.
6. Activities or gatherings claiming to be SHC activities, would be deleted.  Please seek clearance from Terence, prior to publishing the post/comment.
7. Personal contact information on the website is not recommended.  You may do so at your discretion.

One of our members Gary Loke is now in Shanghai. He has bravely made the move, and is now teaching in Shanghai.

We are reviewing opportunities for retired SilverHairsClub members, with a teaching profession to teach in China.

If you are retired, interested to teach English in Shanghai or other cities in China, please leave your name here. Communications with Gary can be made on this POST.

Terence Seah

Benson Koh, our official and professional photographer, for the Dinner and Dance has finally processed and developed the photographs.  No chemicals.  Please enjoy the pictures.  Click here.

And, do share your thoughts and comments.

Time to work on the next monthly activity.  For April, we shall have an outdoor gathering and activity, at the Botanic Gardens.  We have not had a Sunday gathering before, so this will be the first time.  And, for SilverHairs who love music, here it is.  This SHC gathering is a good opportunity and platform to meet other SilverHairs.  So, come along.

If you are coming, simply add a comment here, saying you are comiing.

• Date:  Sun 28 April 2007  29 April 2007
• Time: 1600 – 1800 hrs (SilverHairsClub outdoor gathering)
• time: 1800 – 1900 hrs (Outdoor Rhapsody series by Singapore Chinese Orchestra)
• Venue: Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage
• No charges.

Details: 

1. Members can bring own snacks, drinks, wine, etc.  Don’t forget mats, umbrellas, sunshades.
2. How to get there? By bus, public transport.  Click here.
3. Map: Click here.
4. More details later.

Event organiser:  Oi Cheng.

Terence Seah

The Dinner & Dance was just over last night. The committee had made the event a truly SilverHairsClub event. And members had been very spontaneous too. It was very successful.

Please give us your feedback and suggestions. We would note this for next year’s D&D.

Terence

This year, we will start moving ahead with Blue Helmet.  Blue Helmet aims to establish SilverHairsClub as a group of experienced people, over 45, who have either retired or not working fulltime. 

• Blue Helmet’s objective is to provide opportunities for retired SilverHairs who would like to continue working, full-time, part-time or contract, locally or overseas, after their full time employment.
• Blue Helmet’s core focus would be companies and organisations which place top priorities and emphasis on skills, experience and knowledge, over youth, low salaries and outsourcing advantages.

We will start slow, and build Blue Helmet into a common name, where companies and organisations can find experienced personnel to kickstart new projects, new businesses and train new employees.  Bue Helmet offers companies the opportunity to benefit from retired SilverHairs who have built years of experience and knowledge.

Opportunities will be entered into the Blue Helmet page for SilverHairs to view from time to time.

SilverHairsClub members with contacts for overseas assignments, new projects, start-up companies, training and educational positions can enter the opportunities as a comment.  As a rule, these opportunities should be in line with the skills, experience and knowledge, acquired by the individual over many years.

Strict rules of the club will continue to apply.  Blue Helmet – strictly for SilverHairsClub members only.

To view earlier discussions on Blue Helmet, click here.

Terence Seah

I am all geared to send out the SilverHairsClub T-shirts.  but the numbers are too small, so I have not done so.  So, I want to send them out this time.

I have prepared a number of T-shirts to send out to SilverHairs, who knows 50 other SilverHairs by name and face.  In other words, you must recognise the 50 persons, and be able to spell out their names.

To get a T-shirt sent to you, simply email me the 50 names, and say I know these 50 names by face.  We will send the SHC T-shirts to you by post.  Limited to the first 20 SHC participants.

For those attending the D&D, you know we have more than 100 people attending the dinner.  Do see if your memory still holds after the evening event.

This exercise closes 31 March 2007.

Terence

Some comments do come in long after the POST is up on the internet.  Members do find it tedious to scroll through all POSTs, and checking for comments.

To make it easy, the Latest Comments are now available, by clicking on the Latest Comments, at the top of the website.

Here is a list of the confirmed attendees.  We apologise that we cannot accept any more participants as the place is booked full, and we are unable to accept walk-in during the evening.  There is no money collection, during the evening. 

For attendees, please note the evening is free seating, and signing-in starts at 5pm.

We wish members an enjoyable evening, getting to know other SilverHairs in Singapore.

Dolly Lim & committee

If you have some old pairs of spectacles, sitting somewhere in the drawer, and you are not using them, do not throw them away.  There are many less fortunate people who have difficulties with their vision, and cannot afford new specs.  We can give these to them.

I have been working with Ivy Low on the collection of old specs.  So far, Ivy has collected 15 pairs of old spectacles from her family.  We have just started this project, and if you or your family members have some unwanted old specs, please contact Ivy Low or myself here.

I am targetting one hundred pairs of old specs, and once we reach this number, I would give them to a couple of old folks groups in Thailand.  You are invited to join me, once we fix a date.

Ivy Low and Terence Seah

Posted here are the details of the Dinner and Dance 2007.  Click here for:

1. Invitation card.
2. Program
3. SHC Song – by composer and musician Ronald Wi and singer Clara Chay

The song is ready.  Give the song a go.  It will be released for the first time, during the D&D.

Dolly Lim

In 2006. Patrick Yeo was the Event Organiser for the SHC Annual Games Day, held at the Changi Beach Club.  This year, we will hold the same event on a Saturday.  Whether it will be held on a morning or afternoon depends on the venue.  We are looking for a Country Club with facilities to hold this event.  Likely, located near reservoir grounds.

Soon, we will look out for this year’s Event Organiser.  Meantime,  please put this date in your diary.  And we will start to create the registration list.

• Venue:  Not confirmed, but likely a Country Club facility. You are welcome to suggest.
• Date/Time:  Sat, 20 Oct 2007, Time: morning/afternoon (not confirmed)
• Concept:  Entrance fee:  Free.  Simply share and pay for the game.
• Event Organiser:  The person has not surfaced yet.  Let’s look out.
• Committee members: Welcome volunteers.
• Games:  (a) Mahjong, (b) Bowling (c) Scabble.  Other games can be arranged.ci
• Registration:  Starts now.  Please use this forum to register.  No emails please.

Participants:  Patrick Yeo, Loh Yew Kwong, Joy, Terence Seah, Clara Chay, Suzhang, Mary Tan, LH Jie, Lisa Ong, Steven Chan, Lee Ah Nee, Dolly Lim, Shirlena Tham, Molly Chua, Fong Cheong Kong, Maureen Tay, Sue Chan, Catherine Yeo, Eileen Lee, Caroline Gee, Jessie Tan, Leong Kim, Catherine Yip.

Patrick Yeo has volunteered to be 2007 SHC Games Day Event Organiser.  All those, who would like to help, please raised your hand.  Thank you.

Closing date: 31 July 2007.

To meet the requests of SilverHairs who are into Charity and Social services, we have a category called "Charity and Social services".  Please use it if you are into volunteer services, and wish to share with other SilverHairs the joy of volunteers, social work and charity functions.

Many have asked who is Ah Liu?  I have met him once.  He is 5.6m, a hopeless beer drinker, has a mole on his left ear, smart, terribly engaging, and very human.

On this forum, you can see he writes well, seems knowledgeable on everything from books to tree climbing, probably a Hokkien, and sometimes, he appears to be out-of-the-way in his thoughts.  But, the reality is he is very engaging, sharp and supportive of the Silverhairsclub.

I have yet to understand him.  I hope you will find some time during the D&D to meet him.  He wears a ring on the middle finger.  Cheers and have fun.

Terence Seah

Song title:  Yes, We are Silver Haired (Jingle).  Click here to hear song.

We have received a number of suggestions and ideas on how to improve the SHC website. 

Some of the complaints include difficult to register, the password never come, the text colours are too light, very difficult to find a posting, and not beautiful.

Some of the latest recommendations include taking out the "Guest" user and closing this website, password control to only registered members.

Tell us the type of changes you would like to see on this website, give us your recommendations.  We are taking orders now, on this website.  Give us a whack.  Order close 30 June 2007.

Some of us have been thinking how to write and share with other SilverHairs their interests.  Many SilverHairs would like to meet other SilverHairs with the same interests.  But, some of us are just shy, and not so sure where to start. Well, we shall make it easy for some of you.

Send an email to Vishal at Vishal@SilverHairsClub.com with your mobile telephone number.  Tell him you have some thoughts and ideas, and would like to share with others your ideas and interests.  We will call and talk with you, do a short write up for you on this website, and invite similar like-minded SilverHairs to share their thoughts with you.  Strictly for SilverHairsClub members only.

Your interests and thoughts can be on retirement plans, hobbies, going concerts, starting a small bread shop, joining travel, etc, etc, etc.

If you can do so yourself, do share with us and write your interests and ideas on this website.  Don’t be shy.  You can do so anytime.

Some 25 years ago, I was in London, and on a number of weekends, I used to visit the discotheques at Leicester Square.  With the coming of the D&D, I suddenly got into the mood this morning to share with you two songs, which I had linked to YouTube.  The first time, you listen to it, the quality is not good.  On your speakers, and listen to it the second time.

1. Dancing Queen – by Abba.  Click here.
2. Saturday Night Fever – Dancer John Travolta.  Click here.

Feel free to share your favourites, before the D&D.  Share with fellow SilverHairs your mood. 

Terence Seah

We did a summary of SHC membership.  Thought it is good to share with you.  Due to difficulty of collecting response, I would give an accuracy of +/- 5%.

Membership composition:
– Total registered – close to 3,000 with a mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay.
– to the best of our knowledge, 100% are over 45 years.
– 85% are still actively employed or engaged in own business.
– 15% are retired or not working.
– 60% are females and 40% are males.

Language:
– English is commonly used.
– 10% speaks mainly Mandarin, and not comfortable to join SHC activities because English is our common medium.

PC and internet fluency:
– 40% have no access to a PC at home, or their kids occupy most of the computer time.
– 60% have access to internet at home/office. 
– at least 50% are not comfortable with PC and internet.
– about 80% prefer phone and SMS communication.

Reasons for joining SilverHairsClub:
– a high 85% join with the aim of finding new friends, although we are not clear about the remaining 15%.
– common reasons for joining include friendship, finding travel partners, find healthy activities and sharing retirement issues.

Interesting perceptions about the SilverHairsClub:
– each month, we encounter about 5-10 queries if SHC is linked to any government agencies, in particular RC groups.  We try to stay as an informal social club.
– prior to joining SHC, common queries include "whether SHC is a dating club?"  However, after going through the SHC website, and when told SHC is not a dating club, these group still decide to join SHC.

Feedback:
– More than 80% of members prefer SHC to remain independent, simple and free and easy.
– some 5% prefer an organised structure, with a management structure or committee.  SHC operates by events.  Each event is led by an Event organiser, with a small adhoc committee.  All are volunteers.
– there are suggestions for a membership subscription of $1-2 per month to help with expenses.  SHC has taken the decision, no subscriptions will be collected.
– SHC receives strong support from members for its one single objective of providing a platform for SilverHairs, over 45, to meet new and more friends.
– Many members have accepted our taboos on politics, sex, race, religion, direct selling and MLM during club’s events.

We would like to  your feedback to this summary.

Terence Seah

We are having the 3rd SHC webchat session on Sat, Mar 17, 1400 – 1600 hrs.  For those who have never joined our activities, please come and join in.  For details, click here.  Read also what Yew Kwong has to say, from his MacDonald Cafe, East Coast.

A number of SilverHairs have had discussions about what life will be like, during our SilverHairs years.  One conclusion.  The internet will help us keep in touch with one another, even if we are overseas.  So, give this SHC webchat a go.  See you then.

Terence Seah

The response to the SHC D&D at Serangoon Gardens Country Club ballroom has been more than overwelming.  Even I am surprised at the numbers.  Many members have not met one another, yet we are all looking forward to the friendship among SilverHairs.

Event Organiser Dolly Lim has refused to let me know the program for the night, so I cannot tell you too.  The organising committee has promised an exciting evening, but like all SilverHairsClub events, we try to do everything ourselves, at the best we can.  So, be prepared for some surprises, little faults and missed timings.  I am over 50, and there are many of us over 45. So, come and enjoy the company of other SilverHairs.

Strictly for SilverHairsClub members only.  Read all about the D&D here.

Terence Seah

The idea of going out for an overnight outing in Batam, Johor Bahru, Pulau Ubin or at one of Singapore’s 7 islands has been raised a number of times, but we have never kicked it off.  One idea include going to Batam or Bintan for a 2-day overnight with games, health exercises, investment chats, etc.  Another idea was to Johor Bahru to a resort, and include games, eats, interaction, relaxation, retirement discussion.  So far, these are week-ends and supposedly very relaxing.  The aim is to increase interaction opportunities and knowing one another better.   Ok, we now set our minds to going to have one of these events.

Tentative, I have set a date for Sat/Sun 7/8 July 2007.  Please put your ideas or suggestions here.  There is no bad idea.  And, if you can come, simply register your name here.  And, I am on the lookout for SHC overnight Event Organiser too.  Raise your hands please.

If you know of a place, a hotel, a resort, a camp area with food, less than SGD 55 per pax, please share with us all.  Nasi lemak and teh tarik will do. 3 star lodgings or bungalows will do.  Domitories are ok, as long as one dunlop and one pillow per person.  No need for hot water.  One or two cockcroaches no problem. Hopefully, can bring bicycles along.

Let’s start.

There is a suggestion to go Batam, Comment 14.

Terence Seah

Opportunity to go for a photo shoot, commissioned on behalf of MCYS.
· Building strong bonds within the extended family
· Promoting active ageing among seniors and encouraging active participation
in economic, volunteering and learning activities

1,   Working professionals 50s-60s, basketball coach mentoring  students.
2.  Chinese man, 30s: to act as son to the Chinese man (preferably with resemblance to the “father”)
3.  2 Chinese women, 50s-60s: as working professionals and volunteers, preferably 1 nurse
4.  1 Chinese woman, 30s:  as daughter to the nurse (preferably with resemblance to the “mother”)
5.   1 Indian man, 50s-60s: as working professional and volunteer
6.   1 Indian woman, 40s-50s:  as dance instructor,  eg. waltz, salsa, folk dance. Preferably slender.
7.  2 Eurasian women, 50s: as sisters. 1 will be a dance student learning waltz, salsa, folk dance. Preferably slender.
8.   2 Malay men, 50s-60s: to act as brothers

Shoot dates: Mar 13 Tues, Mar 14 Wed, Mar 15 Thurs.  Alternative dates:  Mar19,  Mon, Mar 20,Tues
Talent fees: $75 for full day (8hrs), $50 for half day (4hrs).  Talents are to be engaged on a half day or full day basis.

Photos
1.  2-3 recent photos (full-face, full-height). Email photos in jpeg files.
Pls send 2 photos at a time, less than 2 mb)
2.  Basic info (name, contact numbers, email, occupation, age, height, weight, hair length, eye colour).

I think it would be nice if a number of us take part.  If you like to participate, please email or call me at 9489-4360 from today to Tue Mar 6 for the contact.  You may also add a comment here.

Terence Seah