SilverHairsClub

Cycling over 1500km of terrain covering high altitudes, difficult climbs and long stretches may not sound like your kind of fun.

How about exploring the Eastern Coastal Park Connectors – lush landscape, away from the hustle and bustle of traffic noise and exhaust fumes.  This is not meant to substitute or replace Yew Kwong’s (Lau Ta) monthly cycling event.  It is an extension for those who feel cycling once a month is insufficient.  The park connectors vary in lengh, ranging from 2km to 10km, cater for cyclists who prefer longer distances.

Our initial recommendation, try cycling from EC MacDonald to Changi Point.  Have some snack/drink before cycling back via the same route.  If Kakis are tired along the route, they may "U’ turn or wait/rest at the spot for our return (there are rest stops along the way and you can also see plane taking off or landing).  This route is straight, no hills, good shade, you can feel and see the distance.  It is simple and less stressful on beginners too.

BTW, Airshow is from 18-24 Feb (am I right?).  It would be a good idea if we could cycle along the park connector that is parallel to the airport runway on 24 Feb so that we could also view the fly past, provided the police do not seal off the park connector.

We do not know how many Kakis could cover that distance.  Worry you can’t do it?  Go through regular cycling regime in order to be able to maintain your strength.  It’s all in the Mind.

Much talk about this excitement! Let’s have a show of hands here before we confirmed the dates – other Sats or Sun (do not want to clash with monthly walk too)

Enjoy the festive season’s goodies first and then, come back to cycle harder.

If I am free and have no other commitments, I will be riding on either Sat or Sun – Feb 2/3

Extreme Sports fan, are you enthusiastic about this kind of ride?

Douglas and Rene

We had successfully completed 4 workshops at Henderson CC in Jan 08. A big thank you to all those who had attended. Although there were some hitches, nevertheless the workshops were great opportunities for members to get together to refresh their IT skills n to those who were new pick up new IT skills.

I hope the experiences picked up from these workshops will harness your IT skills. If they are insufficient, pls do come back for more. On the choice of centre n location selection, we are in negotiation with an external organisation in a central location fully equipped with equipment n w/o restriction in loading software that we need to use on the PCs. We await to hear the good news.

What we had done –

1) Buying n selling stuff online, 2) Internet banking, 3) Online chat & 4) Emailing Enhanced

Out of the 4 workshops, #2 was the most successful with 95% out of 100% attempted and subscribed to Internet Banking. They were also 1st timers.

I also wish to extend my thanks to members who had volunteered their time to assist at the workshops. They were Chan Kwong Wah, Ronald Lee, Edward Lim, Christina Chan CL & Jade Phua.

We may re-run the 4 workshops n some others at later dates. Other workshops like photo editing, downloading images n videos, selling on Ebay, uploading photos to n managing online photo albums, burning images n videos onto media, creating your own webpage n latest craze, blogging.

We welcome all suggestions. In the event we do take time to run those courses it’s likely that we cant find volunteer trainers. Pls excuse us. If you are able n available to run any course pls come n join us.

Until you hear from us again, a big thank you to all you once again.

Hi,

I am a new member. Will be turning 52 soon. Currently still teaching full time. Apart from reading, I love animals and walking. In fact, I have 2 beautiful dogs – a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian – and I can wax lyrical about them so I better not start. I hope I can find time to join in one or two activities this year. Hope all of you will have a great year ahead.

Christina

Dear Friends,

I’ve updated the list of attendees for the above lunch on 16th February, 2008. My apologies for inadvertently leaving out the names from the first Post. Please confirm your participation together with payment as we have to arrange the menu and the tables for the lunch. Thank you.

Roland

The headline “Global markets plunge” appears in almost all newspapers around the world.

Fear of a US recession behind plunge. World waiting for the Fed to do an emergency rate cut. Analysts looking for a catalyst to turn markets around. Another black Monday. Has the world lost confidence? Is the panic mainly in the Asia market? Is this mass behaviour?

What do you think this mean to all of us? Share what you think?

Terence Seah

We had tried car boot sales but we failed because the venue was not approved. We also like to try flea market sales or push cart sales.

The idea is to give some SilverHairsClub members the opportunity to try ways and means to make some income and keep themselves active. I suspect and believe there are opportunities as a group. It can be organised during weekends, a festive period or even monthly basis.

Now, I am going to try again. Don’t give up. Mati Mati. Must succeed. As a group, we can succeed.

Do you have any experience organising or participating in car boot or flea market sales? If you have, plse raise your hand, and I shall contact you.

If you have a private condo, that will allow car boot sales or a garage sale or bazaar, plse raise your hands too. Let’s try it. It will cost some monies, but it can work.

Any ideas, most welcome. Let’s stay active, for fun, for the money or for the friendship.

Terence Seah

Date : Sat. 26 Jan.2008, Time 3pm.-5p.m. (or thereafter)

Venue : Han’s Cafe & Cake-House, 1 Pickering Street (where we had SHC Jan 17, 2008 monthly gathering).

I shall be pleased to show you how to make fans for Lunar New Year decorations.  As some of you have seen the samples I brought to our last gathering, these fans make attractive wall, door and flower arrangements (centre pieces of art work) to beautify your homes for the coming CNY.  If you are interested, pls register your response to this post by Thurs. 24 Jan,2008.  As we are using the facilities at the cafe, pls do order snacks/tea/coffee or whatever makan to help Han’s management generate some business.

Pls bring the following material : 1 pair of scissors, stapler/staples, a couple of rubber bands, and most importantly 26 pieces of Ang Pows.

•  My mobile number : 96322081

June Chin

Hi KT Wong,  You have been very vivid, sharing your thoughts on investments with fellow SHCians.  I read your latest comment today, in Jeffrrey’s Post, and I wont let the opportunity slip.  Timing is right.  You should share your thoughts with us.  Cut it short, you gave 3 scenarios on where SHCians can go, with their monies.

1. The US has bottomed up.  Put your money  against US$assets, US equities or local equities with high exposure to US markets.  The US market has already been on the decline for a long time.
2. The markets are still trending downwards. And, most people have debts, and values are very low.  Keep selling.
3. Don’t do anything.  Sit on your money, and wait for the tides to change.

I have a timeslot next Thurs, 24 Jan, when I am back from overseas.  Judging from the recent gathering at Hans Cafe, the time will be 6.30 pm, and you can start at 7.00pm.  Over the next few days, I shall look for a venue, preferably with a overhead project and screen.  Suggestions for venue welcome.

Can you be speaker and moderator?  On this forum, I see other active an dlike-minded participants – Kenneth Tan, Dennis Har, Tim Liu and Jeffrey Lim.  Can you come and share your ideas too?  The topic can be "Markets are down.  What are the options?".

Meantime, if SilverHairs like to come, please register your interest here.  Strictly for SHC members only.  No entrance fee, just buy your F&B at the counter.

Terence Seah

Anyone for SCUBA diving? Not so much weekend dives which are limited to Singapore waters. But short trips to Tioman, Pulau Aur or Phuket. Maybe even longer trips or live on-aboard further afield.

There has been frequent requests to have more discussions on business and investment on this forum.  However, many members feel that since the club’s  objective is to provide a platform to meet new friends, and that too much of business and investments issues on this forum tend to clog up this website, especially for those with no interests in business or investments.

I guess many members are still working, and many are comfortable with their retirement plans.  Some have reacted strongly and negatively to pure business and investment discussions.  A good number sees such discussions as advertising.  Advertising is not allowed on this website.  However, I am equally aware that there is also a strong desire by some members to develop business ideas and investment.

This website isn’t ideal to meet different group’s needs.

However, we can easily allow those who are interested in business or investment discussions, to view the thread, while those who are not interested, will not see the thread.  The forum wont be cluttered.

I am not so sure how to do it yet; but for a start if you wish to lead a discussion on business or investments, please write directly to me.  Leaders of such groups must be active, and keep the discussions or projects going.  Examples:  "An adverture club", "setting up shop", "investment seminars", etc. In principle, if a member has an interest to do something worthwhile to the SHC community, we will support the idea.

Terence Seah

Hi, Gang:

Apart from some former colleagues and pre-SHCian friends who have joined SHC, I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting any of you. I find it a little odd, being new to SHC and all, but I did agree to help Terence with the organisation of the Kelong Trip.  So here I am, you got me, for better or worse. :o)

I had a bit of bother compiling the list as not everyone registered on the same thread, and a few registered more than once on different threads. As far as I can make out from the two threads that I know of, the #33 people listed below have registered for the trip.

If I have inadvertently left anyone out, spelled your name wrongly (blame it on feeble eyesight) or there are others who have not yet done so but wish to register for the trip, please let me know as soon as you are able.

If there are more than 42 people wanting to go, we will have to work something out

Thanks and best regards,

Ron Koh

Note: #62 people have registered as at 4 Feb 2008,  including 6 tentative:

1. Tim Liu
2. Lily Ho Willocq
3. Dan Huang
4. Peng Peng
5. Mary Chan
6. V Wong (Tentative)
7. Dennis Wee
8. Wendy Goh*
9. Alice Seah
10. Margaret Chan
11. Ron Koh
12. Ros Chan
    
13. Paul Leong
14. Jenny Leong
15. Christina C L Chan* (Tentative)
    
16. S B Khoo
17. L H Jie
18. Gingko
19. Veronique Lee*
    
20. Catherine Yeo
21. Joyce Tan
22. Christina Chan
23. Fong Cheong Kong
24. Eyvonne Chew
25. Josephine Yap
26. Grace Kok
27. Rene Leong*
    
28. Maria Tan
29. Douglas Chan
30. Mary Tan
31. Annie Loh
32. Peter Goh
33. Linda Chang
34. Boon Liang
35. Meifoo
36. Terence Seah
37. Janet Chan
38. Chian Wah*
39. Charles Wee*
40. Ron Lai*
41. Alice Lai*
42. Alan Bock*
43. Ann Chew*
44. Vincent Wong*
45. Eliza Chua* (Tentative)
46. Gwyneth Lee* (Tentative)
47. Kris Leong*
48. Venika*
49. Andrew Kuan* (Tentative)
50. Aileen Kuan* (Tentative)
51. S K Chua*
52. Andrew Koh*
53. Jimmy Chew*
54. Sally Chew*
55. Pearlynn Tan*
56. Wana Tay*
57. Catherine Chan*
58. Jennifer Ong*
59. William Wong*
60. Grace Kang*
61. Alfred Ang*
62. Margie Koh*
    

* updated as 5.17pm, 4 Feb 2008

Ron Koh

Charles Wee has put up the pictures of the walk on Sat 12 Jan.  See if you remember any of the walkers.  And, the place Bishan Park and Lower Pierce.

Click here to see the pictures.

On behalf of Charles Wee and team.

Just what is this game anyway?

The game of Lawn Bowls is played on a large, rectangular, precisely leveled and manicured grass or synthetic surface known as bowling green which is divided into parallel playing strips called rinks.

The general object of the game is for participants to roll each of their BOWLS as close as possible to a single small white ball called the JACK (or kitty). Bowls may hit the jack, but the jack must remain within the boundary markers or the END will be declared "dead." Bowls are likely to hit other bowls, and may propel them into a position that is perhaps nearer to the jack, or perhaps to a distant position outside the boundary marker line that will take them out of play.

Games are played between opposing teams, each with from one to four players. SINGLES games are played between two players, DOUBLES between two pairs, TRIPLES between teams of three, and rinks between teams of four players.

After all members of each team have rolled a set of bowls (the completion of an END), the bowl closest to the jack counts one point for its team, and every other bowl belonging to that same team that is closer to the jack than the nearest one of the competitors’ counts 1 additional point. Game is made up of a series of these completed ends.

Each BOWLER has a matching set of four bowls. Each bowl in a set has a matching pair of distinguishing decorations on opposite sides. The number of bowls that each player uses is dependent on the number of team members. Bowls are not perfectly spherical, and will not roll straight. One side is slightly flattened, and it is toward that side with its BIAS that will draw the path of the bowl in a sweeping arc. The mastery of this phenomenon is at the heart of the challenge and excitement of the game.

What can we do for you?

1. We’ll tell you about the game.

Lawn Bowling has its roots in antiquity and has been played where English is spoken since the l3th century. There are over 130 Clubs in the United States and thousands more around the world. We are mostly amateurs and we bowl for the fun of it.

2. We’ll meet you at the Green.

After you’ve rolled that first bowl you’ll know why lawn bowlers love the sport. You too can become addicted to the sport of the ages. Just contact me (Chin) at h/p nos 98797949 if you are interested. 

3. Training lessons are free.

Our trained instructors will soon have you bowling on the green.

4. Low cost for a lifetime of enjoyment

A set of four bowls costs about the same as a good tennis racket or one of the better golf clubs and will last as long as you want it to. The club probably has some second hand bowls for sale.

Here it is. This is one rare payback for suffering unprecedented inflation and vaporising CPF values.  But it is up to you to take it up.

If you have an idea of devices and systems for the idea, you can tap into the new established government fund.  The Government’s focus is on developing and adapting new ideas and technologies to local conditions and producing prototypes for HDB living

http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_195694.html

Any ideas? Get together?

From last night’s SHC Saturday Online, I think there is a topic which interests many people.  This is about investments in anything else, other than savings, fixed deposits and insurance.  Our newspapers carry many articles on seniors, and how to maximise returns in preparation for retirement. 

Last night, though adhoc, the participants shared some of their experience on interest rates in Australia, bonds and exchange rates.  We had a good discussion, although I must admit the discussion was not structured.  I dont know if there is a demand for such discussions, although investments can be a pretty private activity.  I use to believe that most SHC members keep their monies under the pillow.  But, in reality, I see many SHC members do try to get more than 1 – 2%.  Some make, but, of course, many do lose monies too.

Picking up from this evening, i think we can have a similar activity, a SHC investment chat online.  We pick a date and time, and if it works or is interesting, we can have a regular timing.  For a start, I would suggest 1000 to 1100 hrs on Wed 16 Jan 2008.  You can participate without leaving your home or your office, just infront of your computer.  It’s live.

For this event, we welcome the newbies investors, those who lost monies, and those who make some monies.  If you are a small or part-time trader, has some experience in equities, forex, bonds, etc, come join in too.  After this event, we shall develop further into more specific groups, if there is interest.

If you like to participate, please register your name here.  Here’s how to enter the conference.  https://silverhairsclub.com/monthly-sunday-meeting/.  This is a live event,  and participants must be on time.

Strictly for registered SHC members only.   Not for institutional traders. 

Terence Seah

I read the Straits Times today.  The heading "Retirement means death" and the sub-heading "Urging seniors to stay active" and that "those who lead sedentary lives after retirement die quickly".  Pretty gloomy; but the message was strong.  Don’t retire, work.  People must remain active.  Use all your faculties.  Use them or lose. When a person retires, he must have a second career. 

For many of us, at our age, we do have strong views on retirement.  We have experience 45 years living on this earth.

Do you agree?  What do you think?  We can shout and we can complain.  Many of us have a good feel of the situation each of us are in today, and maybe tomorrow.  What can we do?  What should we do?  And, maybe as a club, what can we do?

Terence Seah 

Sat, 19 Jan 08 from 4 p.m. at East Coat 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.

We will go for a dinner together after the session. Please come and join us.

Rain or shine, we will definitely be there 4 U. Look forward to seeing you guys.

Ah Nee, Jade Phua, Lily Ho n Yew Kwong

Who Are Coming – Ah Nee, Yew Kwong, Caroline, Andrew, Norlinda, Douglas Chan, Dan, Lina Ng, Anne To, Gingko, Veronique, Daisy Phua, Eileen Lee, Lisa Ong, Grace Kok, Mollie Tan, John Howe, Jimmy Chew & Sally & …

For guys n gals who cant make it tis time, no wori n we shall c u on 16 Feb 08.

Hi all SHCians

I came to know the club thru  the eNN newsletter and have been enjoying reading the interesting activities organised by the club. Cheers.

I am Alicia who loves the sun and that is why I look forward to my weekends doing either one of these activities like  roller-blading (not-pro), cycling, nature walking, swimming, trekking (if got kakis) etc etc. I also enjoy playing scrabble and practising yoga.

I am presently still working full time in a healthcare industry and hope to be able to work for the next ten years to come (official retirement age – 62)

Hope to see you all on the 17/1/08 meeting.

KONG HEE HUAT CHYE.

Alicia Soh

I had come across SHC quite some time ago following the article about it in the newspapers but in the hurly burly world of work (still actively working and hope never to retire) it was relegated into the black hole of the mind with all the other KIV items. Recently I was talking to a friend, Sophia Lim, and she reignited my interest and thus signed up.

Last year I should have been able to withdraw on my CPF account but it was not to be under the new regulations. That’s how old I am.

Also, I’m bi. Bi-location that is – living both in Singapore and Bangkok. The nature of my work involves the running of two offices of which I try to spend equal time on. Thus in a typical month, I’m two weeks in Bangkok and two weeks back in Singapore.

Outside of work I’m generally very outdoorsy – sailing and scuba diving, play bad golf (my golfing motto : I play bad golf for a good time!) and simple activities like jogging, walking and swimming. I run with the Hash House Harriers but it’s never considered as a serious running group. I love travelling too but never on package tours preferring to be a free and independent traveller even if it means getting lost every now and then.

That’s me in a nutshell.

Eleanor has booked Carlton Hotel for the above function to be held on 2nd February, 2008. We would like to have a "feel" of the response. The cost per head is approximately $45/= and the Dinner Menu include:

1. Raw fish salad
2. BBQ Combination
3. Beancurd with diced seafood
4. Suateed cuttlefish with vegetables
5. Steamed Perch with minced garlic
6. Sauteed shrimps with cashew nuts and pepper
7. Braised E-Fu noodles
8. Seasonal fruit sago

Your urgent feedback is required. Thank you

Roland

1. Roland Tong
2. Tim Liu
3. Yew Kwong
4. Dan Huang
5. Gwen
6. Eliza
7. ANee
8. Lina Ng

This question has been posed to me a number of times, ever since SilverHairsClub got started.  However, I must admit we have not got anywhere.  One member refers to SHC as a portal, others call it a website or a forum.  We do have sensible rules; and our  objective is well known.  SHC caters to the over 45s, and its needs to meet new friends.  So far, I think we have stayed well within the laws of Singapore.

Earlier discussion? Click here.

Of course, there are occasions some of us like to stray outside club rules; but whether we are a registered club or not, the laws of the country still apply.

Like many of us, and I know this very well from discussions, the majority prefers keeping our entity simple, flexibile and no-nonsense.  I too prefer the existing style and mode of operation.

Now, 2008 is here, and I like to highlight some points, hiccups and complications which were raised last year.  For everybody’s benefit, I point them below:

1. Project leaders had encountered difficulties with external projects eg govt bodies and corporations because we are not a recognised entity.
2. We do not enjoy the benefits and advantages of other similar social organisations.  Not possible to seek assistance from companies.

Interesting, SilverHairsClub does not have a management or committee structure.  We have no venue, and we do not collect funds.  We have no constitution, just one objective and a set of taboos.  No AGMs, etc.

But, we do have dedicated Event Organisers, and an active community of SilverHairs.

I like to take the next few months (until 31 March 2008) to hear from you.  And, would continue to maintain the following position.

1. Club objective will remain; and club taboos will stay.  No discussions on politics, sex, religion, race, direct selling and MLM.
2. Membership must remain free.  And strictly for the over 45s.
3. Members are free to organise their own activities; and other members are free to join one another.
4. Healthy activities are encouraged.  Continued jobs and entrepreneurship will be the drive for SilverHairs.

The founders have never envisaged SilverHairsClub to this size and activeness.  But, fact is we have grown, and we have to review how to manage this.  I will not call an open meeting to discuss this issue; but let’s use this forum to discuss and offer feedback.  Can we or do we need to formalise SHC as a society or a company?  You may have ideas, let’s hear them.

Terence Seah

As you all know by now, I spend almost all my weekends in Thailand.  And, over the Christmas period, I travelled one week to Chiangmai and Mae Hong Son.  Temperatures were 5 – 18C, lower if you are up there in the mountain tops.  Visited the National Parks & resorts, enjoyed the fresh air, dry season, mists, mountain views, rivers and reservoirs, and nice people. 

A number of Singaporeans enjoy great holidays in 5 star hotels and fabulous buffets.  For a change, I like to share with you another type of holidays.  Camping and tenting in the mountain and national parks of Thailand’s north.  No hotels to stay.  Clean and safe, with toilets (no hot water) and good roads.  Two persons in a 4 persons tent.  Enjoy the scenery and air.  Eat only fresh vegetables from breakfast to dinner.

Two years ago, a few of us including Oi Cheng and Ann Giri went up to the above described places.  We enjoyed it, because there was no shopping.

This year, I am pretty determined to organise something bigger for SHC members only.  Fly Singapore/Chiangmai, arrive at 6am at Chiangmai airport.  And, immediately whisked to the mountain resorts.  Hopefully, the return flight will cost us $180.  There are no hotels to book, I suggest you start to look for a 2 – 4 person tent (costing around $40 – 50) and share.  For tent mates, make sure you find acceptable snoring partners.  Sound travels far at night, even in different tents.

Food and fruits, we share, cannot cost a bomb.  If we cannot cook, I might look for a local cook to travel with us.  And, last depending on numbers, we will travel in 10-11 seater vans.  We share cost of transportation.

For those who loves cycling, walking, fresh air, quiet surroundings, waterfalls, and consider.  And, we will be comfortable, have fun and safe.  Even, if the trip is just to chat among friends, consider join this trip.  The date Tue 18 – Tue 25 Nov 2008.  Your thoughts?

Here are the list of dreamers.  The ones who wants to see the stars, be a veg for a week, bathe in cold water, wants fresh air, and a comfortable tent.  This list is tentative until 31 Aug 2008.

1. Andrew Yeung
2. Kathy Dng
3. Gingko Tay
4. Veronique Lee
5. Alice Seah
6. Rene Leong – 51% participatiang
7. Norlinda
8. Su Zhang
9. Joyce Tan
10. Kenneth Tan
11. Caroline Gee
12. Oi Cheng
13. CJ Ang
14. Ann To
15. Janet Chan
16. Ann To
17. Dee Ang
18. Alice Teo
19. LH Jie
20. Molly Chua
21. Andrew Kuan
22. Ron Koh
23. Lily Ho
24. Melissa Khng
25. June Lim
26. Sompho
27. Terence Seah – definitely on.
28. Dan Huang
29. Mary Chan
30. Grace Wong
31. Eyvonne Chew
32. Gwyneth Lee
33. Ron Koh
34. Ros Chan
35. Cheryl Ho
36. Elizabeth Hwang
37. Margaret Tian
38. Sompho Homjumroon
39. Charles Chua
40. ChristinaCL Chan
41. Annie Loh – 51% attending
42. Margaret Chan
43. William Chan
44. Helen Wong
45. Daisy Yeo
46. All names above are pending leave approval, available of hot water, comfortable tents and acceptable sleeping partners.  Closing date 31 Aug 2008.

Terence Seah

All Members,

Every  First and Third  Friday of the Month, SHC Investment Club is holding its Meeting at Scorebot Pte Ltd. 

Time: 7.00pm to 8.30pm

Cost: Purchase of F&B

Agenda: Open to members suggestion prior to meeting by posting on SHC website.

In order to better co-ordinate and subsequent follow up on the meeting. 

I had created this thread. Please use it solely for discussing matters related to meeting.

Our first meeting in 2008 was 4th January 2008.

Future meeting will have their respective comments added.

Members present:

1. Terence Seah
2. KT Wong
3. Dennis Har
4. Ronald Lee
5. Ronald Wie
6. Roland Tong
7. Eleanor Chan

Please add your comments