SilverHairsClub April Gathering, Sun 29 Apr 2007

Thanks to the sunshine, I hope that all who turned up had a good time.  There were altogether 40 of us.  I had said a mini potluck but most of you were naughty and made it into a MAXI potluck that no dinner was needed at the end of the show. 

Ron Lai had a suggestion that we have a little SHC flag or banner that we could use at activities outdoor so that we could be found easily especially by the newbies.  I agreed and had also thought of using a placard, but somehow slipped my mind on the day.  Perhaps whoever is the event organiser at an outdoor activity can consider this proposal.I want to thank Lily Yen for helping me with the registration, Kenneth for being there early to reserve the nice spot away from the sun, Pheng Sok, Kristy, Peggy, Clara  for helping with the litter and everyone else for their help in one way or the other.  Thank you Terence for  this opportunity to do something I have never done before.  I enjoyed every moment of it.  Most of all thanks to all of you who were there for without you this event would not be.

To see the pictures, click here.

 

  • Date:  Sun 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.
  1. Getting there: transport and parking information and entrances..  Click here.
  2. Map: Click here.
  3. F&B outlets: http://www.sbg.org.sg/visitorinfo/fnbgiftsoutlets.asp
  4. Gardens’ rules: http://www.sbg.org.sg/visitorinfo/usageparktc.asp

This is the first outdoor monthly gathering and I hope you guys can bring along your mats and come down to meet up with the others and then sit  back to enjoy the music by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. 

As the afternoon may be hot so dress cool and do remember your umbrella, sunshades and very important water.

I have mentioned mini potluck as it would be easier to bring snacks, sandwiches, puffs, titbits, crackers, chips, fruits, jelly, whatever that is light and convenient.  Bring just enough to share with two or three persons as we can have dinner after the show.  The Taman Serasi Food Garden  would be a good choice and there is variety and everyone can choose whatever they want.  It is situated near the Tanglin Gate entrance.

 

Event Organiser: Oi Cheng

Participants

 

  1. Ann 
  2. Tim Liu
  3. Lily Ho 
  4. Yew Kwong
  5. Caroline Gee 
  6. Ann Lim
  7. Beng Wi
  8. Eileen Ang 
  9. Melissa
  10. Linda Chang
  11. Steven 
  12. Annie Loh
  13. Clara
  14. Terence
  15. Eleanor Chan 
  16. Gladys Tan
  17. Jade Phua
  18. LH Jie
  19. Peggy
  20. Joseph Tan
  21. Robert
  22. Kristy
  23. Irene Chan
  24. Shirley Wong 
  25. Pam Ong
  26. Jessie Tan 
  27. Pheng Sok
  28. Petera See
  29. Eyvonne Chew
  30. Lesley Ho
  31. Zariah 
  32. Dolly
  33. Joy
  34. Pauline Au Yong 
  35. Priscilla Wee
  36. Christina Chan
  37. Kenneth Tan 
  38. Ronald Lai
  39. Alice Tan
  40. Eliza Chua
  41. Nina Gan
  42. Veronl 
  43. Gwyneth 
  44. Catherine 
  45. Oi Cheng
  46. Lily Yen
  47. Daniel
  48. Lina Tan
  49. Maria

 

SHC Monthly Walk in May

Date: 12th May 2007 (Saturday)

Park:  Clementi Woods/West Coast Park

Start Time:  4.30pm
Meeting point: Bus stop at Clementi Woods Park (West Coast Rd)
Getting there:  by MRT/BUS

  • Bus No 189:  B Batok Central Interchange or at Clement Ave 2, Clementi MRT Stn).  It is roughly 4 stops from Clement MRT station at Clementi Ave 2.   Alight after Ginza Plaza/Pink overhead bridge.  The bus stop is in front of Clement Woods Park (West Coast Rd)
  • Bus No 51:  From Hougang Central Interchange. Alight after West Bay Resort Condo at Jin Tai Pr Sch before the pink overhead bridge (Ginza Plaza) along West Coast Rd.  Clementi Woods Park is on the opposite side of the road.
  • Bus No 30:  From Bedok Interchange.  Details as in Bus No. 51
  • Bus No 143: From Toa Payoh Interchange.  Details as in Bus No. 51

Be prepared for long bus ride journey.

By Car:  Park at West Coast Park (carpark 3) along Westcoast Highway.

The Walk: Take a stroll at Clementi Woods Park accompanied by wooded ambience trees and natural vegetation. The size of the park is approximately 12 ha. Facilities such as amphitheatre, reflexology footpath, fitness corner, playground, shelters, woodball lawn and viewing tower.  Clementi Woods Park is connected to West Coast Park by West Coast link (Park connector). West Coast Park – Park 1, 2 and 3.

Standing at the centre of the area 3 is the adventure play area that caters to people of different age groups from toddlers to young adults. This is the heart and most active zone of the West Coast Park. If you like a quiet and peaceful environment, the eastern portion at the area 1 would be a good choice for park users to rest and relax. Facilities: Adventure playground, bicycle distance course, fitness corner, exercise garden (including chess garden, foot reflexology facilities and bird cage trellis), grand lawn, sand play area, marsh garden, bird sanctuary, 15 boat-shaped barbeque pits, tent pitching ground and dog run corner.

After the walk:  You can enjoy tea/coffee & muffin at McCafe in West Coast Park or walk to the HDB estate opposite Ginza Plaza for dinner. BTW I heard from colleague that Ginza Plaza has been sold and is now closed. Bus 176 runs along West coast Highway (West coast Park).  We can also take this bus to somewhere (?) for dinner.

Bring along umbrella and water bottle.  See You there!

cheers!  Veronica Wong emoticon

Lily Ho – Profile

  

Here’s my profile :

Born in 1956, I am a single parent with a teenage daughter.  I was married to a French expatriate and moved with him to Cairo (4 years), Shenyang (4 years), Beijing (2 years) and France (2 years).  Prior to that, I worked and lived in England for 3 years.  My daughter and I returned to Singapore in December 1998 and the long-distance divorce procedure was finalized by 2000.

I am currently a secretary to the MD of a French MNC.

I am not much into sports.  In my early 20s, I used to swim 3 times a week, play a little badminton, table tennis and billiard.  I started bowling when I was 15, and for about 2 years, my average score was around 150.  Although I can do some ice-skating and skiing, my only exercise regime these days, is dancing.   I dance 4 to 5 time a week doing line-dancing, social and Latin dances.  (I was a part-time dancer for the People’s Association in my mid 20s performing for National Day and Chin-Gay parades.)  I also enjoy cycling for leisure.

Unlike Terence, I’m not into cheap and low cost travel because of safety and time factor.  When I was single, I travelled mostly alone either for work or for holidays.  For work, I traveled mainly to Asian countries.  For holidays, I traveled mostly to Europe (I’ve seen more of Europe than my French husband).  After I got married, I travelled only first class because my ex-husband wouldn’t have it any other way.  All in all, I’ve been to 36 countries.

Food wise, I’m the type who eats to live and not lives to eat.  I’m not fussy with food and will not go out of the way or join a long queue for food like how some of my fellow Singaporeans do.  However, I do pine for certain gourmet food such as caviar, fois gras, couscous, steak tartar, salade gourmande, moules, fruits de mer, tarte flambé, jambonneau, rillettes en baguette and paté de lapin.

My greatest concern is my daughter – that, I will bring her up well to be a responsible and sensible person, strong in her faith and belief.  So far, she hasn’t given me any cause for worry.

My primary goal in life – is to be strong in my faith.  My secondary goals, is to be financially independent, fit and healthy, and to remain active for as long as I can.

I joined SHC since Oct. 2005 (Terence, please correct me if I’m wrong) and joined the first cycling meet in Nov.  There were only 4 of us (Charles Wee, Andrew Yeung, Low Yew Kwong and myself).  Charles added bubbles with remarks on the pictures taken on that day – they were so funny.  I tried to attach these photos of SHC’s first cycling meet here but was not successful.   (Charles, may be you can post those pictures on the SHC website huh?)

Terence Seah – profile

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

Used PCs for SHC members Project

1st Meeting –
Date : Sat, 14 Apr 07
Venue : McDonald Restaurant at Toa Payoh HDB Hub (just outside bus interchange/above mrt)
Time : 4pm (commence) to 6pm (end)
Why Here : Free Internet Access and Convenience of coming by bus or mrt

Agenda :
1) Form the group and delegate tasks
2) Coordinate & receive donated hardware
3) Coordinate & despatch donated hardware
4) Guided learning (centralised and home)
5) Repair / maintenance services
6) Delivery and installation services
7) Stockup spare parts
8) Other related issues

All suggestions are welcome. If you have the time, please come along to join the 1st meeting otherwise, you can email your thoughts to me at lohyks@hotmail.com

After a long wait, we are going to see the birth of this project. Rain or shine, the meeting is on. So far, I have 4 members confirmed attending (coincidentally, 1st cycling activity also started with 4. In Chinese, it means "yes" and "yes 4 sure"). Although this number is small, it is a good sign that we really want to see it happens.

MONTHLY WALK – APRIL 07

Dear Walkists,

Thanks to those who had responded: via direct emails and on the website…. see you on 14April 07.

For those who drives – to address your concerns as to where
to park your cars:

park at Ghim Moh, near block 12A.    OR 

The MRT track at Clementi runs along road named: Commonwealth
Avenue West. 
Park your car at any carpark nearer to Clementi MRT station, as it will
be easier for you to find it later – take note of the relevant HDB Block
#.  I will be able to guide you back
there.

Clementi and Ghim Moh are 2 stations away: “Clementi – Dover
– Buona Vista.

Alternatively, you may take a bus.  Several buses from Clementi do pass by Ghim
Moh. However, I believe for most drivers, it will be more complicated for you
to commute by bus. You know what I mean, no offence   {smile}   

 

Stay coool  emoticon

 

Cycling Activity on Sat, 21 Apr 07

Sat, 21 Apr 07 from 4 p.m. at East Coast Park

Meet at the rear of McDonald Marine Cove (former East Coast Recreational Park). Rented bicycles are abundantly available at reasonable rates. Activity will not be cancelled even if it rains but will be brought indoor to turn into chitchat session. Rain or shine, we will definitely be there 4 U.  Look forward to seeing you guys.

Yew Kwong, Lily and Jade

Teaching English in China

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

MONTHLY WALK – APRIL 07

Date: 14th April 2007 (Saturday)

Walking Trial: Ulu Pandan Park Connector

  • Start Time:  4.30pm
  • Meeting point: Ghim Moh Block 12A

Getting there: 

  • by MRT – Buona Vista MRT Station: pass Control station, straight down the next escalator.  Then turn left walk thro’ the tunnel, it is sheltered all the way to Ghim Moh Block 12A.
  • by Bus – Bus service nos. 92, 100 & 111.  After the bus turns into Ghim Moh, alight immediately, walk against traffic flow and Block 12A is on the opposite side.

Introduction: The Park Connector Network is an island-wide network of linear open spaces that link up major parks, nature sites and housing estates in Singapore. When the entire network is completed, it will form a green network, spanning over 300 km across the whole island, making it convenient to travel from park to park.

For this month, we have selected one of the park connectors ie., the Ulu Pandan Park Connector.  It is about 9 km long. The T-shaped park connector has three end points: at Bukit Batok East Avenue 2 (near Bukit Batok Nature Park), the Ayer Rajah Expressway near Pandan Reservoir, and Commonwealth Ave West near the Buona Vista MRT station.  Stretches of the Ulu Pandan Park Connector are fringed with lush landscaping beside a canal, while other areas have been left virtually untouched.

No worries, we are not walking the entire  9km  {smile}.  Be assured it is a leisure walk.

The track is paved, making it an enjoyable and safe walk or even for cycling.  Do look up among the trees and shrubs, you would probably see colorful birds and butterflies flitting among the greenery.

Recently, someone had written to the ‘Forum’ (as Ghim Moh flats are to be redeveloped soon) commented: why disturbed…the connector has served as a tranquil retreat for a great many neighboring residents…to start building on such a piece of well-used, mature green lung would be a shame.

So, let’s get our feet on it before another stretch of lush greenery is gone!

We shall curtail our walk at Clementi Avenue 4.  For the growling tummies, at the nearby blocks of flats are some coffee-shops or walk another 10mins to the Central where there are more selection of food at both coffee-shops and food centre.  I heard there is also a small joint serving Japanese food (near NTUC).  The Clementi MRT station is in the vicinity. 

Note: For those who wish to continue the walk, you may proceed all the way to Jurong East.

See you there!   Stay cool!emoticon

chrischan5575@yahoo.com

SHC Club ?

Hi Terrence,

Whatever has happened to your musings on having a club premise for SHC where members can stroll in at any time to meet other members, perhaps hv lunch, play gin rummy, or just chit-chat? Place need not be a building, though there has to be one as weather is quite unpredictable and SHC members are more at home with at least minimal comforts like table and chairs; preferably with adjoining facilities for stretching legs. Personally I think SHC is getting big enough to seriously think abt acquiring a place for its myraids of meetings, activities and putting up posts etc. There seems no shortage of able-minded individuals who are adept at helping out.

KathyD 

OLD SPECS COLLECTION

A BIG THANK YOU to those who gave away their unwanted specs at the D&D nite, although the number collected is still far below our target.  Please note that the collection does not stop here.  I can arrange to pick up the old specs from you at a time and place convenient to you.  Do not hesitate to contact me even though you have only one pair available for my collection.

If you know of members who have unwanted old specs to give away but have no access to computers or are not aware of this project, please help to pass a word to them.  Looking forward to your support ….Many thanks.

Ivy & Terence

Lilian Chan – Profile

Hi,

My name is Lilian, I’m 50 years old, currently still working in a MNC.  Married, with a girl, who will be going to uni soon.  

I have been branded as a workaholic from all my friends, so I really fear the day when the company retire me (closing down).  I hope that after retire, I wl b able to do some kind of charity work, as this is 1 of the area I have been trying hard to branch in since the past 5 years, but due to my travelling schedule, a demand from my job, I dont seems to be able to make it. 

I also hope to meet up with all the members as I am not able to attend the gathering in April, as I wl b out of town, while I miss the D&D since I join only recently.

Blue Helmet

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

How many other SilverHairs do you know?

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

D&D – Confirmed members list

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.

SilverHairsClub’s D&D Sat, 24 Mar’ 07
Confirmed Members
S/N Name S/N Name
72 AGNES TAN 65 LESLEY LEE
86 ANDREW YEUNG 7 LH JIE
115 ANNA HENG 26 LIAU AH KIM
117 ANNE TO 11 LILY HO WILLOCQ
1 ANNIE LOH 56 LINA TAN
36 BENSON KOH 15 LINDA CHANG
16 BERNADETTE CHUNG 25 LINDA LIAU
99 CAROLINE GEE 8 LISA ONG
92 CATHERINE HO 10 LOH YEW KWONG
51 CATHERINE YEO 58 MARGARET LEE
37 CATHERINE YIP 124 MARGARET TIAN
64 CHARLES WEE 102 MARGARET WU
53 CHERYL HO 33 MARIA TAN
70 CHIA PHENG SOK 23 MARY TAN
34 CHRISTINA CHAN 3 MAUREEN TAY
18 CLARA CHAY 77 MAURICE LOH
111 CYNTHIA ONG 59 MELISSA KHNG
73 DAVE TAN 106 MOLLIE TEO
93 DEE ANG 6 MOLLY CHUA
13 DOLLY LIM 60 MOLLY NG
113 DORIS TEO 52 NANCY TAY
119 DORIS WONG 81 NINA GAN
42 EILEEN LEE 39 NORLINDA M ALI
67 ELIZA CHUA 71 PATRICIA CHIANG
88 ELIZABETH HWANG 104 PAULINE AUYONG
22 EYVONNE CHEW 63 PAULINE CHEW
2 FONG CHEONG KONG, JEFFREY 46 PEARLYNN TAN
85 GIBSON TAN 76 PEGGY HO
100 HARVEY CAMPBELL 62 PHILIP WEE
35 IRENE CHAN 61 PRISCILLA WEE
44 IRENE SEET 55 RENE LEONG
14 IVY LOW 30 RICHARD LAM
112 IVY ONG 109 RICHARD LEE
107 JACQUERINE LIM SOOK SHING 90 ROBERT QUEK
68 JADE PHUA 21 RONALD WI
94 JAMES CHAN 122 ROSALIND TAN
78 JANE WONG 50 SB KHOO
45 JANET LOW 82 SERENE LOW
75 JANET NG 120 SHARON CHANG
47 JENNIFER ONG 84 SHIRLENA THAM
80 JENNY GWYNETH LEE 29 SHIRLEY CHUI
108 JESSIE LEE 118 SIMON WONG
121 JIMMY CHEONG 87 SOPHIA LIM
116 JOCELYN SOH 83 STEVEN CHAN
38 JOY CHUANG 5 SUSAN CHANG
12 JOYCE CHEE 97 TAN HOCK
79 JUDY LIM 123 TAN SONG THIAM
24 JULIE TAY 4 TERENCE SEAH
96 JUNE LEE 57 TERESA HWANG
110 JUNE LEON 9 TIMOTHY LIU
20 KC LAU 54 VENIKA LEONG
91 KRISTY NG 89 VERONICA LEE
114 LAURA LEE 69 VERONICA WONG
66 LEE AH NEE 48 WANA TAY
105 LENA CHIN 103 WU SER WAH
    43 ZAHRIAH

Dolly Lim & committee

Collecting old spectacles

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

SilverHairsClub Annual Games Day – Sat, 20 Oct 2007

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.