Category: Forum General

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

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?)

Hi SHC members

Ronald & Alice Lai we are new members, would like to get a group of members with partners to take up social dance class in LATIN RUMBA, anyone care to join us.

REGARDS

Ronald & Alice Lai

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.

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.

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 

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.

Date: 14^th 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!

chrischan5575@yahoo.com

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 

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

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

It was a truly enjoyable D & D and kudos to one and all who had a hand in making it a success. Maybe next year we can stretch the party a little longer? It was nice to finally put a face to the names on the website.

Nice meeting all of you, see you at the next event.

Catherine

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

Age – 55+ Male Still working Looking for new friends who can share same interest and as travel partners.

This is one of my favourite past times. I have been doing this since late 90’s on both personal and corporate basis.

I had personally encountered many elders like myself who have been deprived of owning a decent PC (at times even none) or rights to use one. They would also not foot out the money to get for themselves. Many a reason being that they afraid that they might offend or receive severe criticism from their children or friends.

I m just fortunate to have own not only one but three (a lappy and 2 PCs) numbers solely. My other family members have their own.

I believe its high time that I should push for such cause. Together with interested members here, we can help bring our non-IT savvy (dont know) members to the minimum level and not left behind in the digital divide.  Many may still not choose to pursuit but decisions are theirs.

Since all information about what’s happening in SHC is web-based, it would be good if members keep themselves updated by surfing the SHC’s homepage.  Being IT-savvy, it will give you an edge over getting information faster and better than those who are not. On the other hand, people cant take you as "handicapped".

So much for the blah blah blah. Let me take lead in what we can do with your help. We can go on a 2-prone direction by providing 1) hardware (PCs) and 2) software (home guided learning).

The Task –

1. Get members to donate their unwanted PCs.

2  Match and identify members (those who are not doing well or receiving no income and dont own any) who want to own the PCs.

3. Get members who wish or would like to provide home guided learning.

4. Match and identify members who need home guided learning.

5. Get members to form core group to refurbish the donated PCs at donors’ premises or otherwise.

Nothing is called achievement until the time you bring back the life of a machine that has reached its "EOL" (end of life).

Should we do not not to do, your responses are very important.

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

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

Hi ALL

I am a new member. I got to know this club through the ENN newsletter.

From the posts, I gather this club is a platform for exposures and gaining new experiences to continuous learning and growing gracefully through the years ahead.

I look forward to joining the Club in a broad spectrum.

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.

Hi, I’ve just joined as a newbie to this special club and I hope to meet all of you soon. 

My interests are watching documentaries, travel, listening to music, learning foreign languages and cultures which link to korean & japanese dramas too.

jg

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

Hi I am a new member, 62 years old, retired, likes fishing and good food. Hope to meet some of you out there. Thanks Joseph Tan Mobile 93756335 E-mail: ongpam@yahoo.com.sg Tel 65603365

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.