Monthly Walk – Bt Brown / MacRitchie Pk, Sat, 14 Apr 2012

 

Date                 :  Saturday,  14 April, 2012

Time /Duration  :  4pm  "sharp" / approx 2.5 hours   

Meeting Place    :  EXIT B, Caldecott MRT (CC 17)

End of walk       :  MacRitchie Reservoir Park – Bus stop (opp Mt Alvernia Hosp)
                           Bus services: 52, 74, 93, 130, 132, 156, 157, 162, 165, 166, 167,
                           640, 645, 852, 855 & 980.  (74 & 852 goes to Marymount MRT)

EOs                  :  Charles Wee, Veronica Wong & Mary Tan

Brief Details:
Terrain – sandy/gravelled, forestry path and easy to walk boardwalk.
Toilet facilities: only at Caldecott MRT and near the cafe.
Bring drinking water, an umbrella (for rain or sun), mosquito repellent, camera,
cap and wear comfortable covered walking shoes.  Walk on the submerged boardwalk,
bring slippers and also towel to dry your feet after wash up at nearby toilet
facility near cafe.

1st Part – Bukit Brown – EO Charles,
Let us explore one of Singapore’s oldest burial ground which is the final
resting place of many Chinese pioneers; many of whom helped shaped our Nation.
In fact, BBC is more than a cemetery; it is 1 of the last few remaining patches
of wilderness rich in flora and fauna and certain wild life. There are some
large trees which have grown to majestic heights and, looking up from
underneath 1 of these trees gives a sense of awe.  Plenty of light, not creepy
at all along the main paths which are relative wide.
Expect to see horses as there is a riding school & polo club nearby.
Join us to appreciate the area’s historical, cultural and spiritual
aspects,,, before it is gone!
   
2nd Part – MacRitchie Reservoir Park –  EOs Veronica Wong & Mary Tan
Another gateway to nature, MacRitchie Reservoir is Singapore’s oldest reservoir.
Gazetted as a heritage building, the zig-zag bridge and bandstand has been
reconditioned and restored. Experience walking in ankle-deep water and getting
your feet wet on the submerged boardwalk to be in close contact
with water plants and aquatic life.  A relax walk along the boardwalk trail. 
Enjoy a beautiful sunset at the reservoir against the backdrop of dense rainforest.

We shall end the walk at the Mushroom Café.
It serves a wide range of food.  They have chicken, beef stew served with rice,
mee siam, curry puffs, icecream, chendol, chicken wings, coffee, many types,
fruit juices. Their signature dish is Mee Siam, quite good.  Food are available
till sold out!

Our Walk Team EOs: Charles Wee, Jeffrey Lim, Mary Tan, Joyce Tan, Veronica Wong,
Conrad Tang, Lydia Soh and I, ChristinaCL Chan,,,,, signing off

REGISTER EARLY (so we can inform the cafe staff: to expect to
                  feed xxx number of hungry folks!)

1. Daniel Chan
2. June Koh                    (makan)
3. Andrew Yeung           (makan)
4. Gingko Tay                 (makan)
5. Feztus Lim
6. Daniel Ong
7. Tan Li Li                     (makan)
8. Alice Seah
9. Charles Chua            (makan)
10. Robert Ong
11. Rosalind Lee
12. Terry Tang               (makan)
13. Jane Chua
14. Pauline Chew
15. Maureen Lee         (makan)
16. Kenneth Tan          (makan)
17. Jimmy Tsin             (makan)
18. Bernie Chung
19. Lily Ho
20. Judy Lim                (makan)
21. Irene Poh              (makan)
22. Lucy Tan                (makan)
23. Thomas Lau          (makan)
24. Andrew Koh           (makan)
25. Johnny Pow   
26. Christina Pan       (makan)
27. Tan Chor Suan
28. Ivan Lim
29. Fong Poh Chee      (makan)
30. Rosalind Soh         (makan)
31. Victor Chee
32. Steven Yuen
33. Wee Chin
34. Priscilla Wee
35. Charles Wee
36. Mary Tan
37. Veronica Wong
38. ChristinaCL Chan   (makan)
39. Evelyn Ong
40. Catherine Chong
41. Helen Wong
42. Pow T.K.
43. Daisy Yeo
44. Anna Lee               (makan)
45. Henry Ong             (makan)
46. Henry Yip
47. Debbie Oh              (makan)
48. Sock Cheng aka Sockie     (makan)
49. Audrey Wong
50. Anna Seet
51. Richard Lim
52. Lilian Teo
53. Ronald Lam         (makan)
54. Malcolm Chen     (makan)
55. Lawrence Khan

CLICK here to view photos

Author: ChristinA Chan (Walking group leader)

Interests: Health related and socials.

100 thoughts on “Monthly Walk – Bt Brown / MacRitchie Pk, Sat, 14 Apr 2012”

  1. This one must go. There has been so much talk about Bukit Brown. I stay in Bishan – may do a “pre-walk” to CC17. Thank you ALL the EOs. Need help?

  3. Hi Sister June

    ??.

    Hi EOs

    Please count me in, thanks

    Have visit the Mushroom cafe recently, besides Mee Siam, Laksa is also their signature dish. I ordered but out of stock. Die die have to try this time.

  4. Dear Charles, Veronica & Mary,

    I would like to come for this walk, but…

    Anyway, please register me tentatively.

    I have tried the Mee Siam and Chendol. Good! Will order same again, but MINUS the chilli for the Mee Siam. The cook was too generous the last time and it was burning my lips all the way down the gullet. I will ask for a separate portion of it this time…

  5. For something on the history, the controversy and the compromise (for development) concerning Bukit Brown, read Review/Insight (Pg A26/27) of the Straits Times today.

  10. #1 DanielC,

    1) I was told there is a short-cut from Bishan to Caldecott MRT, but even then you MUST be very fit to do the “pre-walk” and THE Walk… :D

    2) Need help?
    Well, you have helped already being No.1 to register and the short sentence: This one must go.

    Thanks!
    ChristinaCL Chan

  11. #3 #4 Andrew/Gingko,
    talk about food, my eyes goes “blink blink”… hehe
    Laksa is one of my favorite food; mee siam depends on the gravy,,, if gravy good, sedap! Thanks for sharing.

    JuneK, Feztus, DanielO, AliceS — thanks! Look fwd to see U again!

    #8 Tan LiLi,
    1st time joining our monthly walk? Welcome! I have a friend who has the same name and everyone assumed it as LiLy esp in writing hehe

    Thanks!
    ChristinaCL Chan

  15. Hi Christina,

    My very first activity with SHC was a walk. Piangz, I was ‘punchek’ after halfway point. I would like to see Bukit Brown before the bulldozers destroy this historical site. I hope the EOs will understand if I ‘punchek’ again before the end of the walk. My left calf on/off will give me hell so hopefully it will behave on the day of the walk.

    Cheers
    Ros

  16. Hi Veronica,

    I’ll love to set foot on BBC in S’pore. Most times, I just passed by the burial ground along the main highway on a bus or inside a car. Please list me in.

    #15 Ros, I would suggest you bring along a retractable metal walking stick just in case your left calf is working at half strength on that day. The walking stick acts like a third limb to assist your walking rather effectively and avoid tripping.

    It is still a full fortnight away before the actual event takes place. Meanwhile, it might be a good idea for you to try long distance walking with a family member – on standby to assist – to strengthen your calf muscle previously giving you hellish pain.

    Blessings,

    Terry

  18. Thanks Christina (#10). Indeed quite a distance. I used to walk from my workplace, Media Corp (SBC then) back to my house (near the Bishan MRT station) after work. BUT that was more than twenty years ago. Yah…the short cut to Caldecott station is across Braddell Road and via T Payoh rise. Still can tahan (I hope !). See u 14 April !

  20. Hi EOs

    I would like to join but would like to participate only in the MacRitchie part of the walk. Is this possible and what time and place should I meet you guys?

    Thanks a million, and of course, I will be joining the Mushroom Cafe makan.

  21. Charles Wee, Veronica Wong & Mary Tan,

    I will be back from Taiwan on Saturday morning.
    Die, die must come since so much news about Bukit Brown.

    Count me in for the makan too.

  22. Hi Christina CL Chan, Charles Wee, Mary Tan, Veronica Wong,

    I will join the Bt. Brown / MacRitchie Park Walk next Saturday.

    Cheers

    Bernie

  23. Haha!

    Jimmy @21 “Die, die must… ??” It’s just amusing that we’re going to Bukit Brown which happens to be a cemetery.

    This place has significance for me as I have recently found two direct ancestors whose graves are there. Many of the early Hokkien immigrants (and also from other dialect groups) are buried at Bukit Brown. These early pioneers have contributed much to Singapore’s history and some were well-known enterprenuers and philantropists.

    Despite petitions from interest groups and conservationists, the government will proceed to construct a dual four-lane road and about 3,700 graves will be exhumed by next year. It is a pity that Bukit Brown cemetery, the largest Chinese cemetery outside China, will one day make way for a residential development. I guess that’s the cost of progress.

  25. Dear Charles/Mary/Veronica/Christina & all EO,

    Kindly register us for this month walk.
    Irene Poh, Lucy Tan, Thomas Lau, Andrew Koh & myself.

    Thanks the efforts by organising the walk.

    Judy

  27. SORRY for the distraction. Urgent Message to all.
    DO NOT TRUST pedestrian crossings. Keep your eyes OPEN when crossing roads even with the “Green Man”. There are drivers who do not believe in giving way to pedestrians. Why sacrifice yourself to let them learn a lesson ?

  28. Forgotten to add. Tell all in the family, particularly young children who glue their eyes to their mobile phones, oblivious to everything.

  29. Hi EOs

    Friends asked me why I signed up for the BBC walk and I replied I would not otherwise have the opportunity especially since it will be gone forever. But they go : “But it is Ching Ming now leh?”

    So, why did you choose this month to do the BBC or was it coincidence? I am asking out of curiosity, please don’t take it the wrong way.

    It’s like…. when I first suggested doing the night cycling around Bedok Reservior during the 7th month and everybody goes : “You crazy lah.”

    Huh?

  30. #29

    Hi Lily,

    I hear only a part of BBC will be exhumed to make way for a highway, not the whole cemetry. There again, I might have both misread and misheard. It is way too troublesome for me to dig up past newspapers to search for the relevant write-up.

    But, Singapore being Singapore an insignificant little red dot – a derisive (root word: deride) remark from the then President Habibe of Indonesia – and so short of land, things may change.

    Something is basically wrong with our country so SMALL in size and yet so ‘BIG’ in the number of expansive golf courses to satisfy a powerful few. There is compelling evidence that it is much cheaper to play golf outside Singapore than inside it. We should reduce the number of golfing areas for use to build highways and HDB housing estates instead.

    The dead underneath BBC being dead cannot protest and many of their nearest relatives are untraceable and most probably dead as well, it is easier to move the dead than the living.

    I did sign up for the BBC walk as well. If the conscience is clear and we have not partaken in evil to hurt others, what is there to fear except unfounded, imagined fear itself. Everyday is a good day even during the Hungry Ghost
    Festival for me.

    Have a nice day, Lily.

    Praise The Lord,
    Terry

  31. Lily,
    More out of convenience than for any other reason. BBC walk section ties up very nicely with Macritchie route. Just cross over to Lornie Road and we are there.
    For non believers, BBC is a quiet place with Nature at its best. For believers, we come in peace, to observe our rich heritage and reflect on the futility of our earthly pursuits and the brevity of our human existence.

  32. #26

    Hi Ros,

    Congrats, you now have a scout to look out for dangers for you. 2 pairs of eyes are far better than a pair. So there is no chance of yourself falling down over ground hazards as you can also get strong support by resting your hand on his shoulder.

    Now, is the said ‘Ah Kor’ your husband as well? If so, you’ll have an additional benefit. Presumably, since your calf muscle has not fully recovered and sometimes it hurts badly, you may ask your hubby to give you a piggyback ride on his back. So you don’t need to sweat it out and walk the full distance.

    Please don’t tell you hubby that I told you this trick. He might come after me with a broomstick for suggesting
    “additional work” as a two-legged horse for him during the BBC walk. Or, I might get panda-like black eye patches from his boxing punches.

    Cheers

    Terry

  33. Hi Christina,

    Please register me and Annie Tan for this walk.

    Hi to whom it may concern,,

    Did anyone experience the following:

    1. It takes a long time to open the SHC website

    2. When scrolling to the “Arabian Night” posting it just freeze.

    I have been experiencing this for the past 2 days.

    All my the other favorites website do not have this problem.

    Regards,

    johnny pow

  34. Hi Johnny,

    Re: SHC Website connection – I’m also in the same predicament as you were.

    While scrolling, the site get hanged and have to terminate the programe.

    Something is not right with the site..???

    Constance

  36. To all you gals and guys coming for the walk, thank you all for your support. To date, we have 26 registered for the walk and 5 had indicated joining makan at Mushroom Cafe. Looking forward to seeing all of you at the walk!

    #14 Robert Ong

    Mushroom Cafe is inside MacRitchie Park, close to the submerged boardwalk.

    Cheers,
    Mary Tan

  38. Hi Johnny/Constance,

    There is no problem with the ‘clubhouse’. It’s a sign of old age. The ‘clubhouse’ was built about 4 years back – in human age that’s very very old. People do age so does the ‘clubhouse’.

    Let’s be serious. Meanwhile you upgrade your operating system, browsers, installed new softwares which may change some of the system components which the ‘clubhouse’ was not built to handle. So on and off you may experience some problems.

    To solve the problem try to revert back to the system you are using 4 years back. One problem will surface – most of the softwares and the websites which you visit will cause problem for you.

    The infrastructure on which the ‘clubhouse’ was built – wordpress has already make not less than 40 updates and revisions to keep up with the changes.

    Maybe the boss like things to be ‘old’ so the ‘clubhouse’ must be as ancient as possible. Although on ocassion he may have “pre-dementia syndrome” and think we are still boys and girls. :)

  39. Hi Johnny #33 and Constance #34

    When I accessed SilverHairsClub website, the following sub-heads appeared:

    “SilverHairsClub”, “Log In”, “Monthly Gathering” and several others. I encountered similar problems that you had. I overcame the problem by clicking “Log In” and keyed in my name and password (the ones you registered with SHC).

    This will bring you to a screen with all the topics. Click “manage” and then “published”

    Give it a try, and see what happened.

  41. #34 Constance

    I can now scroll freely on SHC webpages. Got to thanks Terrence.

    #38 P K Ng

    Thank you for your jovial response. I just came to know that you are an internet marketeer. Once I did consider wanting to be one but found that it need alot of time and effort to be successful.

    #39 Chew Wai Jin

    Thank for your suggestion. After log in I could not find “manage” and then “publish”. However Terrence have rectified the problem.

  43. Hi Christina,
    Sorry Ive got to miss this lovely walk but am traversing on a different path .Good for the soul though. Am going on a mission trip to Malaysia.Enjoy leading the walk !
    Cheers
    grace

  44. Hi Chris

    I thought you had reservations about doing Bukit Brown but am glad there’s going to be a walk there before it is gone…see one of the biggest graves in Singapore!

  45. Hi EOs:
    Kindly register my friend, Fong Poh Chee for the walk.

    Both of us will stay on for dinner at Mushroom Cafe.

    Fyi Poh Chee is a newly joined member.

    PS:Tried several times to go into SHC website for the past few days,,
    the monster logo appeared just cant get in at all.

    Thanks
    Maureen Lee

  47. Lily@29, Terry@30 and Anna@44

    Sorry to disappoint you folks! But Bukit Brown Cemetery (BBC) will still be in existence for about 20 more years.

    Yes, the dual four-lane highway which will be built in 2013 after the exhumation of 3,746 graves, will take a wide swathe of land about 120m wide. Two-thirds of the highway will be raised to avoid many gravesites and also allow a green corridor for fauna and flora. This comes at higher costs and is part of the government’s attempt to appease Singaporeans and interest groups.

    Although I am for the preservation of BBC, I do understand that the land acquisition will be necessary for future development and progress. I only wish that other adjacent land would be considered first for future development; like the vast ground forming the SICC golf course.

    The largest gravesite in BBC belongs to Ong Sam Leong and is the size of ten 4-roomn HDB flats. I don’t know if we will be passing the site but I could get some of my ancestors to show you guys around… it’s Cheng Beng!

  48. Hi EOs

    Victor Chee, Steven Yuen and Wee Chin are coming for the walk. Wee Chin is unable to log in and has requested me to sign up on their behalf.

    Joy

  49. Hi folks
    Call me kiasooooo or bun tan if you like, but let us observe some “unwritten” rules and be very mindful of the things we do or say when we are at the site. Never mind what faith you follow but RESPECT is the word. I am sure “they” are happy that we are there to show respect

  50. Maureen, we welcome your friend, newbie Fong Poh Chee joining the walk.

    Joy, thanks for helping to register Victor Chee, Steven Yuen and Wee Chin.

    Walkists registered now 34 and makan kakis 10.

  54. Dear Participants,

    could put up the registered list now only due swarmed with work! sorry.

    Thanks for your support!

    Rgds,
    ChristinaCL Chan

  55. #40 Chor Suan,
    please provide the names of your 2 sisters and whether they are SHC members. Else, please ask them to register as members asap!

    Thanks,
    ChristinaCL Chan

  56. #44 Anna, yeh I remembered that! FYI, a gallant knight swept away my fears! we will not get near or close to the thick thick undergrowth, or at least I will not hahahah

    Cheers!
    ChristinaCL Chan

  57. Dear Walkers,

    If you are not familar with MacRitchie area, and not having dinner at the Mushroom Cafe — do bring a snack. As by the time we end the walk, it could be late, you might be hungry. The nearest place to eat would be Thomson Plaza/Longhouse (about 15/20mins away).

    **Mushroom Cafe — it is a CAFE just a convenience to nurse the growling tummies.

    Those who wish to dine at Mushroom Cafe:
    we, the EOs are not catering or ordering any food in advance.
    Only wish to inform the cafe owner an indicative number so there is SOME food for those who have decided to dine at the cafe!
    Please confirm ASAP.

    Thanks!

    Rgds,
    ChristinaCL Chan

  62. Hello EOs

    We are coming…. i.e. Ah Nee and I. Please include us in your registration list. Would be nice if I can have dinner at the cafe too but at the moment, it has to be tentative if that’s all right. Not certain about Ah Nee though

    Kenneth, you are indeed very funny! Am sure my late grandmothers and auntie will be happy to take care of my friends’ well being too whilst we’re are visiting. he he…

    I casually mentioned my intended walk in Bukit Brown to my elderly parents and they surprised me with their openness. Cheng Beng is after all a cultural practice of honoring one’s departed ancestors much unlike the 7th month.

    I’m of the opinion we should be mindful at all times, respecting not only the departed ones but especially so for the living.

    dAISY

  63. Hi EOs

    Please register me and my husband Henry Ong for the walk and makan at Mushroom Cafe. He is also a member of SHC.

    Thank you for organising this walk.

    Anna

  64. Hi Daisy

    Yes, I was trying to inject some humour into the post… of course we must be respectful both of the dead and living.

    It is ironic to me that at Bukit Brown I have two ancestors whose graves have been all but abandoned. All the talk about respect and filial piety seems pretty devoid of meaning when we look at all the neglected graves around.

    But, there is hope: Many other graves are properly maintained. And although many Singaporeans have converted to Christianity, they see the need to preserve the graves and the cemetery.

    I look forward to the walk and commend the many who come to pay their respects during this Cheng Beng period.

  65. Hi Christina and EOs,

    Please register Henry Yip. He will be coming for the walk but not for the dinner.

    See you at Caldecott MRT, Exit B.

  70. Hi Veronica Wong(EO),

    How come I couldn’t add (makan) on the screen adjacent to my name numbered 12 while others could do it to theirs? I intend to eat at the Mushroom Cafe after the walk. Would you mind to help me to insert (makan) against my name, please.

    Thanks a lot.

    Terry Tang

  71. Dear EOs……..

    My loved one are not in favour of me walking around the cemetry during this period. So will give this walk a miss, thank you.

    Ah Nee

  74. dear Fos,

    I am so sorry that I would not be able to join the walk,not feeling too well but will join you all next time.

    Sorry once again

    Grace Kang

  85. Hi Pauline Khoo and Daisy Phua, we meet later at the walk.

    Steven Chan, Wendy Koh and Dan Huang, are joining the walkists and makan kakis.

    Helen T Wong and hubby Pow TK, now not coming.

    Lydia, see you later.

    Cheers,
    Mary

  86. Hi EOs,

    There’s a fierce thunderstorm in my area. I’ve changed my mind about coming because I cannot afford to slip and fall due to my elderliness at 68. Falling down could lead to a stroke and paralysis just as my own mum had experienced decades ago and she passed on 6 months later.

    My sincere apology.

    Terry

  88. Hi to all the EOs,

    Let me be the first to thank you for a very well-organised and enjoyable walk.

    The slight rain was not a bother as all had umbrellas and in fact brought the temperature down considerably.

    It was my first time in BBC and I did not realise it was so big.

    Let’s have some news on the next walk. Can I request for the Pipeline Ramble again?

    Thanks again.

  89. Yes EOs, I definitely enjoyed the walk too and needless to say, the fellowship as well.

    Thank you Mary, Veron and Charles.

    It was ages since I was last in BB and MacRitchie.

    Till the next walking event, take care all you EOs and walking kakis!

    Daisy

  90. Thank You So Much to EOs!

    A very gd workout for me – a long and steady walk which I rewarded myself with the signature mee siam dinner.

    Nice meeting up with many old friends and making many new friends at the same time.

    Enjoyed myself very much that I am already looking forward to our next walk again and again.

    June Koh

  91. Hi ChristinaCL Chan.

    Annie and me wish to thank you for organising this interesting walk.

    Thanks also to Charles Wee for leading us to the BB biggest tomb. I have been following my wife and her families to BB yearly and don’t get to visit this site.

    It was also my first time walking along Jln Mashor and learn to know Singapore has this horse riding association for the disable. Amazing to know the disabled learn to ride horse.

    I also get to know that SHC got a coffee connoisseur while walking along the MacRitchie Reservoir’s boardwalk. Where he bought his coffee powder and method of perparation and why some coffee taste bitter. The stretch of boardwalk is a pleasant journey. Thanks to both Veronica Wong & Mary Tan for leading us in this route.

    During dinner at Mushroom Cafe (own by Old Chang Kee, its chairman my friend), I get to learn from past SHC tour organiser their experience. I aslo get others who have been to Japan giving pointers for my plan to tour Japan the next cherry blossom season.

    Hope to see you all again for the next walk. :)

  93. I am sorry for not turning up, being the very first to say I would go.
    Of all the time, I had a gout attack on Monday, and was at its worst on Friday. The last time a similar “strike” was in May 2010. As previously, the leg was swollen to twice its size. Awfully PAINFUL.

  94. Hahaha!! Daniel

    No, I”m not laughing at you… it’s just that being Silver Hairs we are all prone to having this or that pain.

    I, too, had to cancel my walk plans due to an ingrowing toenail and a nerve pain in my thigh which just came out of nowhere. I do hope you’re better now; gout can be excruciatingly painful.

    This just shows that we’d better do all the things we want and need to do before we become decrepit and unable to move our limbs and work our mandibles.

    I really missed the walk and the food reward at the end of it!

  95. Hi all EOs,
    Thank you for the well organised walk. You have given us the boldness to intrude the properties of the deceased at Bt Brown by taking pictures and completed the Macritchie Reservoir boardwalk trail successfully in the rain. I am sure the deceased will be happy with our visits and admiration of their properties with good intention. Look forward to more adventurous walks in the future.

  96. Haha Kenneth. Agreed absolutely with your view. Make hays while the sun shines – or sun sets, if I may. Legs willing, see you in next walk. Dealing with nature’s uncertainty is bad enough. For the BBC walk, maybe we were “taunting” with supernature too. Something’s telling us NOT to set foot on …….
    Never mind. Glad the rest had an enjoyable walk. The sky did not open up. Both nature and supernature were kind. And my swollen leg is much better.

  97. Charles Chua, Daisy Yeo, June Koh, Jonny Pow, Anna Seet and Lucy, all your thank yous are most welcomed. To all you gals and guys, till the next walk, enjoy and have a great week ahead!

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