T H E P A DA N G S I N G A P O R E
Established 1852
C R I C K E T
C L U B
M A G A Z I N E
Ava i l ab l e o n w w w. s c c . o r g. s g
#SCCUNITED
May / June 2020
General Committee 2020 PRESIDENT
Mr. Sher Baljit Singh sherbaljit.singh@scc.org.sg
FINANCE MEMBER
Mr. Rangachari Raghavan rags.raghavan@scc.org.sg
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
CHAIRMAN GAMES CONTROL BOARD Mr. Martin Goerojo martin.goerojo@scc.org.sg
Mr. George V. Abraham george.abraham@scc.org.sg
Mr. Lim Khoon lim.khoon@scc.org.sg
Mrs. Margaret Cunico margaret.cunico@scc.org.sg
Mr. Ananda Kumar ananda.kumar@scc.org.sg
Mr. Anwar Gaffoor anwar.gaffoor@scc.org.sg
Mr. Paul Lawlass paul.lawlass@scc.org.sg
Mr. David Jones david.jones@scc.org.sg
Ms. Fathima Mohietheen fathima@scc.org.sg
Subcommittee Members GAMES CONTROL BOARD
Mr. Martin Goerojo (Chairman) Ms. Sunita Kapoor Mr. David Yim Ms. Edith Somogyi Mr. Ganesh Ramanathan Mr. Suresh Kalpathy Ms. Helen Campos Mr. Steve Dawson Mr. Bala Supramaniam Mr. Subhas Nathan Ms. Nanthini Visvalingam Mr. Henry Winter Mr. Sarat Chandran Mr. Soenke Langhoff
FINANCE
Mr. Rangachari Raghavan (Chairman) Mr. Sher Baljit Singh Mr. Martin Goerejo Mr. Zoher Motiwala Mr. Hamish Christie Mr. Jon Robinson Mr. Nigel Stead Mr. Victor Olsen Mr. Shanmugham Ganeson
RULES AND MEMBERSHIP Mr. Lim Khoon (Chairman) Mr. Martin Goerojo Mr. Moiz H. Sithawalla Mr. Chandra Mohan K. Nair
SPECIAL PROJECT – E COMMERCE AND SOCIAL / SPORTS OUTREACH
Ms. Fathima Mohietheen (Chairlady)
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Mr. Paul Lawlass (Chairman) Mrs. Margaret Cunico Ms. Tracy Jones Ms. Nalini Willetts Ms. Fatimah Mohietheen Mrs. Ravina Bhojwani
ESTABLISHMENT
Mr. Ananda Kumar (Chairman) Ms. Preeti Dubey Mr. Rajan Menon Mr. Harpal Singh
SOCIAL
Mr. Anwar Gaffoor (Chairman) Mr. George V. Abraham Mr. Vikram Raman Ms. Soma Devi Ms. Darlene Kasten Mr. Srikanth K. V.
Contents CLUB NEWS President’s Message Club Departments Update General Club News FEATURE SCC Bits of Fun History Immunity Boosting Juices In Conversation with Andrea Nicholas Maintaining Mental Well-Being SCC Crossword Puzzle SCC Kids! Activities
1 2 4—8
9 12 13 14 15 17 — 18
UPCOMING EVENTS SCC Night Race Ticket Sales SCC Night Race Hospitality Suites RECENT EVENTS
21 22 19 — 20
SPORTS Balut 24 Bowls 25 Bridge 26 Darts 27 Cricket 28 — 29 Golf 30 Hockey 31 Netball 32 Squash 33 Tennis 34
PROPERTY
Mr. George V. Abraham (Chairman) Mr. Andrew Moore Mr. Retna Sabapathy Mr. Ong Chin Leong Ms. Cynthia Robless Mr. Jeyan Nadarajah Mr. N Thangavelu
MARCOM
Mrs. Margaret Cunico (Chairlady) Ms. Monica Alsagoff Ms. Daisy Irani Mr. Tushar Doshi
SPECIAL PROJECT – SPORTS Mr. David Jones (Chairman)
SCC BITS OF FUN HISTORY 9
Singapore Cricket Club Established 1852
Connaught Drive Singapore 179681 Tel: 6338 9271 Fax: 6333 0119 Email: scc@scc.org.sg Website: www.scc.org.sg
Like and follow the Singapore Cricket Club on Facebook Follow @singaporecricketclub on Instagram MCI (P) 042/07/2019 | The Padang is published bi-monthly and is produced for the Singapore Cricket Club by Grenadier Press Pte Ltd. All rights reserved, copyright ©2018 by Singapore Cricket Club. Opinions expressed in The Padang are solely those of writers and not necessarily endorsed by the Singapore Cricket Club. For editorial and advertising enquiries, please contact the Marcom Department at marcom@scc.org.sg
SCC KIDS!
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PRESIDENT ’S MESSAGE I have been missing spending time at SCC - relaxing, dining, playing sports, and socialising with friends - and I am sure many of my fellow Members feel the same way. As we enter the second month of our Circuit Breaker (CB), we are all hoping that we can expel the unwanted “intruder” soonest. Unfortunate as it is, there is always a silver lining - our “collective efforts” have contributed to an 8% decrease in global emissions in 2020, which is almost 2% above anyone’s expectations. The lands are cleaner, the waters clearer, and the air much fresher. Many have also opened their hearts and continued to give to the many vital causes that aid society; I would like to thank the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation for very recently donating $50,000 through our Club to SportCares – raising SCC’s total donation so far to $350,000 that will especially help children- and youth-atrisk. Let’s enjoy this break, pause and take stock of our lives and expand our skillsets, and strengthen our bonds with our families; I personally have improved my meditation time to 45 minutes. As a Club, we have also been making good use of this time to re-evaluate our processes and service offerings, and plan new strategies and initiatives for the post-CB months ahead. In every adversity lies opportunities waiting to be seized, and I can assure you that your General Committee (GC) and management are not resting on our laurels. Each Subcommittee and Department has set themselves goals to achieve this period and in the coming months. The following pages lay things out on greater detail but to summarise, the goals include the following: •
Launch of F&B takeaway service from 26 May 2020.
•
Complete digitization of the back end and elimination of all paper/ cheque/ purchase orders etc.
• Go green with elimination of all plastic, paper use and planting of more trees (I am told however that we cannot convert Padang and Dempsey into a forest). • Menu re-engineering. Introduction of vegan and vegetarian dishes, study and maximization of profitability of different beverages and dishes. • Revising the facilities of the Club, creating more touchless entryways, sinks, and toilet flushes. In addition to having a disinfection protocol in place that clearly spells out the locations, timing and frequency of cleaning – which is critical - as well as training cleaning staff on these new procedures. •
Effective increases in the sport population of the Club, leveraging our existing resources while maximizing our ground facilities.
Let me also assure you that all staff are safe and healthy and salaries are still being paid in full; we are very grateful for the government’s wage support scheme. To assist Members, the General Committee (GC) has decided that the entire monthly subscription paid by each Member, which includes the subscription for Family Members, for the months of April and May 2020 shall be returned to Members in the form of F&B Credits. This shall only be given to Members who have been current with their membership payments and to the following Membership categories: Ordinary Transferrable Membership, Ordinary Non-Transferrable Membership, Term Membership, and Sports Membership. Additionally, Members who pay car-parking fees and locker rental fees will receive F&B credits equivalent to the amount paid for April and May. Meanwhile, decisions about Section subscriptions will be left to the discretion of the individual Section Committees, subject still to oversight by the GC. These F&B Credits can be used for in-house dining at all F&B outlets, retail sale, and takeaway options. Valid until 30 November 2020, they will be automatically credited into your member accounts in June 2020. Members who have expressed their wish to show their support for the Club may choose to opt out of the F&B Credits scheme; please email sccfnbcredits@scc.org.sg with your full name and membership number and advise us as such. The government has repeatedly emphasized, it will not be business-as-usual after the CB is lifted. We know and understand that, and as part of our preparations for the Club’s reopening, we will ensure that a framework that ensures the safety of our people while mitigating any negative impact to our business is set in place. We will explore new opportunities to better serve you while maintaining as much as possible the financial health of the Club. It is fortunate that our cash balances and reserves are healthy, but we forecast an impact on our profitability with reduced revenues and additional costs. While we wait for the green light to kick the ball on our field and visit our favourite F&B outlets in the Clubhouse, please visit our SCC Facebook and Instagram pages to keep updated on our activities, including online Yoga classes and quiz nights. We also have weekly fitness challenges, exercise videos and cooking videos for everyone to try at home. The SCC Lion has been roaring for 167 years and so long as we continue to stay #SCCUnited, it will roar louder.
• Outsourcing jobs, working from home, extending operating hours and working in shifts, especially for the immediate period after the CB. •
The management is working on different scenarios, factoring the possibility of extension of the existing CB measures.
Sher Baljit Singh President, Singapore Cricket Club
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CLUB NEWS
SCC DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES The SCC management and staff have been busy during this circuit breaker (CB) period with day-to-day administrative matters, new measures and programs for the CB period, as well as strategizing initiatives for implementation after the Club reopens. Here, we highlight what the Departments have been working on:
FOOD & BEVERAGE DEPARTMENT Menu Engineering and Conceptualisation • Complete revamp of all menus in all F&B outlets. • This includes introducing new menu items and increasing the selection of Light and Healthy, and Vegetarian options. • More information for menu items will be provided, i.e. ingredients, calorie count, etc. F&B Takeaway and Delivery • This will be launched even before the Club reopens.
SPORTS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT Sports Facilities Maintenance • Both SCC fields, indoor and outdoor sports facilities including the gym continue to be on a daily maintenance routine during the Club closure. • Pre-open checks will be carried when the CB ends. Sports Engagement Activities New initiatives are being planned to meet the Club’s goal of expanding its sporting population. Sections and interest groups have turned to exploring and enhancing engagement with their Members through e-platforms like Facebook, video conferencing tools like GoToMeeting and ZOOM, section/ dedicated WhatsApp chat groups etc. Members who would like to find out more information on the activities, please contact sportsdept@scc.org.sg.
EVENTS DEPARTMENT The Events Department has been organising virtual events to promote Member engagement during this period. Our first virtual Quiz Night was held on Friday, 1 May 2020. We also organised virtual informative wellness workshops for Members, including the Virtual Wellness Workshop on Protecting Your Hearing on Monday, 11 May 2020. Updates on new events are publicised on our Facebook and Instagram channels.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT Digital System and Information Technology • We are working on fully harnessing digital platforms on processes like payment and documentation to further improve productivity and Member satisfaction. • Reducing and ultimately going paperless as our green initiative.
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CLUB NEWS
HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT Maintaining Communications with Staff • HR telephones/emails are always available for staff communication. • Leadership communication is critical and we are providing guidance to staff to protect their health and well-being: o Alert to employee anxiety. o Keeping abreast of staff’s wellbeing especially if staff are unwell and on medical leave. o Ensure our Malaysian staff went home safely to be with their families at the start of CB. o Reinforce job security to boost staff morale. • HR is also ensuring that essential staff physically working at the Club remain safe and that we remain aligned with government measures. Staff Training and Development Training is critical for the build-up of staff operations to meet members’ expectations. One of HR’s purposes is to develop staff for career progression and development. Since late last year, six of our senior F&B service staff were trained in the “Train the Trainer Program ” in bar operations. When the Club reopens, they will work behind the Bars for cross exposure, and to be operationally ready to meet the ever-changing business needs. Training will be an integral part of our programmes for 2020 /2021.
PROPERTY & HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT Maintenance of Facilities • During the closure, we have implemented measures to preserve serviceability and maintenance of the facilities and equipment. General maintenance of the Clubhouse continues with weekly repainting works of the Oval kitchen, Changing Rooms, and repair works, etc. • To ensure good Housekeeping, carpets at the Main Lounge and Oval were steam-cleaned. In addition, the upholstery of furniture at both outlets were also steam-cleaned and curtains sent for laundry. • More works are scheduled in the weeks ahead. Exploration of Green Initiatives • Have online subscription of newspapers and magazine and provide tablets for Members for reading. • Implementation of e-signing for Guests; do away with physical record books. This could also be implemented for gym users too. • Instead of physical menus, provide tablets at each table so Members can view menu digitally; possibility for Members to place their orders via the application. • Planting of more trees on Club grounds.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT Maintaining Communications with Members • The Club is keeping Members updated on new developments and updates via eBlasts, and news and announcements on the SCC website. • At the same time, we are exploring other tools such as SMS service for quicker and more effective communications with Members, particularly for key news developments (e.g. Club closure and reopening). Keeping Members Engaged with the Club • During this period of social distancing, we recognise the importance of strengthening Members’ connections with the Club so Members continue to feel part of the SCC Family. • Via our Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, we have created and will continue to work on new content to engage with Members – i.e. Weekly Fitness Challenges, SCC Exercise Videos, SCC Cooks! Videos, most of which feature our own Members. Website Updates • We have been working with the Sports Department and Convenors on updating the Sports Sections’ webpages on the SCC website. • Other sections of the website will also be updated to maintain the freshness of our content.
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CLUB NEWS
“Train the Trainer” Programme by Milton Monterio Conducted back in December 2019, six of our staff successfully completed the “Train the Trainer” programme. Besides further developing their professionalism, communication, and presentation skills, this programme also better equipped our staff to train others.
Above: Assistant Bar Manager Kenn Lee Boon Kean, Bar Captain Leonard Beh Chian Kit and Bar Supervisor Marimuthu A/L Vikenasenan.
From left to right: Bar Manager Cadelina Mary Jane Padaloy, Assistant Bar Manager Kesavadass Janice De Leon, Banquet Operations Supervisor Kesavadass P Chandran.
Honesty Awards
Tan Kuan Chye Assistant Restaurant Manager
Mohd Husaini Bin Rahmat MSD Manager
Commended for finding and returning Mr Tan Tiat Huat’s handphone.
Commended for finding and returning Mr Dennis Foo’s handphone and credit cards.
Doris Ng Lee Kain Changing Room Assistant Commended for finding and returning a $50 note to Mrs Joy Robertson.
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Vasathan A/L Samugam Housekeeping Assistant Commended for finding a Member’s wallet in the changing room and returning it to its owner.
CLUB NEWS
Townhall, 5 March 2020 Staff Commendations Padang Restaurant
Oval Restaurant
• Kesavadass P Chandran – Banquet Operations Supervisor
• • • •
Bar • • • • •
Jerlyn Ramos Oliva – F&B Supervisor Kenn Lee Boon Kean – Assistant Bar Manager Leonard Beh Chian Kit – Bar Captain Sam Seah Keng Cheow – Bar Captain Uthayarasu Rajendran – Senior Waiter
Ahmad Bin Salim – Senior Waiter Tan Kuan Chye – Assistant Restaurant Manager Daniel Phua Hwee Cheong – Captain Perreras Jennifer Trinidad – F&B Supervisor
Events & Sales • Becky Xu – Assistant Catering Sales Manager • Jasmine Tan – Catering Sales Manager Membership Department • Serene Chew – Senior Membership Executive
Long Service Awards
Doris Ng Lee Kain Housekeeping Assistant (15 Years)
Ganesen A/L Suppayah Bar Captain (10 years)
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CLUB NEWS
OBITUARIES The Club records with deep regret the passing of our Members. Our sincere condolences go out to the families of the departed.
Mr Tony Kho Bun Kui
Mr Lim Teck Lee
Mr V Ramakrishnan
Mr Ahmad Iqbal Saddique
Mr Philip G Duckworth
CLUB NOTICE The Club would hereby make notice to all Members that the Club has terminated its current reciprocal arrangements with the Swiss Club with effect from 30th April 2020.
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CLUB NEWS
In Memoriam: Mike Yeomans Mike was a Permanent Resident of Singapore with British Nationality and was admitted to the Singapore Cricket Club in 1980; he subsequently became a Member of the Billiards & Snooker, Balut and Lawn Bowls Sections. Mike first arrived in South Asia as a military man doing his National Service (NS) with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Ceylon, now called Sri Lanka. Upon demobbing from NS, Mike worked for a large tobacco company in the United Kingdom. However the lure of the East was by now in his blood and Mike landed on Singapore shores to be further involved with the Tobacco and Spirits business eventually with Ballantine’s as their agent for the area. Through this firm Mike sponsored many Club tours and events with most of the Sections he was involved with. Mike was also keenly involved with the Sections’ yearly overseas tours, including the Hong Kong 7s. Mike, or perhaps “Snowy” as he was often called due to his shock of thick white hair, was a keen snooker player in the “old” Men’s Bar and this continued up to the present day in the existing Men’s Bar. On a fairly recent trip to Vietnam and belying his age, he acted as a 40 year old at F1 speeds on a motorbike and had to be dragged off upon his return to the hotel! Mike also frequented the Main Lounge with his trade mark “ready smile” and positive attitude where it was obvious he was held in high esteem with many Members surrounding him and his glass of “Burong” or perhaps a Ballantine from time to time!. Mike, rest in peace. Ian Falconer He was a good old friend, low key and I can’t recall any outlandish spectacle or incident. A real GENTLEMAN, always a smile and a good word. Supportive of the Club. Rest in Peace Mike! Rod Murchison Always a man with a ready smile and forever positive attitude to life. Laurence Poots
Michael and Catherine at the Billiards & Snooker Christmas dinner in December 2019.
Affectionally known as Mike to many particularly at the Men’s Bar, long-time SCC Member and good friend to many, Denis Michael Yeomans, was a popular visitor in the afternoons where he would enjoy a couple of frames and a few rounds of drinks with the snooker boys. Mike joined the Club in 1980 and was a member for 40 years. He had always been a good supporter of the Billiards and Snooker Section and would take part in many of its Interport events. A model English gentlemen is how many will remember him. Always polite, always smiling and happy with an easy- going and gentle courteous nature that was a hallmark of the man. Rest in Peace Denis Michael Yeomans. We will salute you at the Men’s Bar when the Club reopens in June. The Section would like to extend our deepest condolences to Catherine and his family. David Yim, Convenor – Billiards & Snooker Section
My regular drinking kaki at the Club, I miss him already! Expected his call most days,“Rob, you down at Club today?“ and we would be there at least 3 or 4 times a week in the Main Lounge having a few “ burongs”. We travelled on a number of tours together like the HK R7s, Balut trips to Bangkok etc. Great company and he will be very much missed by all his mates at the Club. Robin Tessensohn Mike and his brother Peter (who passed away about 25 years ago ) gave the snooker boys so many laughs with their banter in the old Men’s Bar!! He was part of the Old Boys Lawn Bowls group, having won gold with me and Robin Tessensohn (Team Balut) and he not having bowled a ball. John Taylor We have lost a stalwart of the Club! I met Mike at the old Men’s Bar in the Club in the mid sixties with his younger brother. It was not long before I made him a member of the H.I.G.H. Club. Mike had honesty, integrity, generosity and humility. He will be missed by many . May his soul rest in peace. Deepest condolences to Cathy and family.
Mike was very much a people’s man, Mike, lots of beers and cheers and “burongs “ wherever u are. We will always remember u. got on with everyone. I sincerely hope in George Sandosham the near future we can get together and raise a glass to one of the most genial and pleasant person we have all had the He was fiercely competitive at Snooker; never ever gave up. He would take his time and priviledge to know. wear you out with his safety shots and pounce when you let your guard down. Martin Langdon Photo: Mike with baby Pete Langdon, the son of Martin & Buffy Langdon.
If there was only a blue, pink and black remaining and he needed 4 snookers, he considered the odds “good”. INFURIATING!!! Manu Bhojwani MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
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CLUB NEWS
In Memoriam: Annabel Pennefather The daughter of two national hockey players, Annabel Pennefather played hockey for our SCC Ladies Hockey team in 1970s, and also captained the team. She also represented Singapore from 1964 to 1979. In 2004, Annabel became the first female president of the Singapore Hockey Federation (SHF) and led the association till 2012. She later on became the first female Vice President of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) and the first female Vice President of the International Hockey Federation (IHF). She also served as Chef de Mission for Singapore at the 2004 Olympics, the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2010, the 2006 Asian Games and the 2013 SEA Games. She was an integral part of the-then SCC Ladies Hockey Section, and helped the Section grow into a force to be reckoned with. Rest in peace, Annabel.
She was a trailblazer who pioneered the path for Singapore and other Asian officials, smashing many glass ceilings along the way.
Mathavan Devadas – Vice-President, Asian Hockey Federation; President, Singapore Hockey Federation, SCC Member
A demanding but fair person whose greatest legacy in hockey was the initiation and subsequent completion of the dual astroturf pitches at Sengkang Hockey Stadium when she was President of the Singapore Hockey Federation (SHF). Intekhab Khan – Immediate past Convenor, Hockey Section
Sad day for all of us in Singapore as we lost a trailblazer and ambassador for sports as well as a great champion for women in sports. Annabel was a class act, great athlete, intelligent, quick-witted, warm and graceful and had such an abundance of patience! A great mentor to many, including myself. She will be dearly missed but fondly remembered. Jessie Phua – President, Singapore Bowling Federation; SCC Member
Annabel was an important catalyst for my interest in the history of sport in Singapore. We worked together on the Women and Sport Working Group. She challenged me, in the nicest possible way, to find as many female Olympians as possible for a special celebration in 1999. This venture led to my first book: To The Finishing Line. Annabel was a quiet persuader! Nick Aplin – Academic, Author, and SCC Member
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FEATURE
F O S T I B SCC Y R O T S I H FUN ev en ts tha t of wh ich is fill ed wi th ch mu – y tor his g lon ub ha s a we loo k at Sin ga po re Cr ick et Cl ga po re. He re tho ug h, Sin A Cl ub as old as the in nts me lop ve de po liti ca l ing , so cia l an d ev en led to im po rta nt sp ort SC C’s his tor y. es fun ny mo me nts in tim me so d an ng sti so me of the int ere
The “Pink Elephant” Some time in the 1880s or ‘90s, the SCC cricketers perpetrated a practical joke which briefly caused the drinker’s proverbial “pink elephant” to come to life. Under the cover of night, the young men stole across the road from the Club pavilion to the front of the Town Hall (today’s Victoria Theatre). There stood the statue of a Thai elephant, presented to Singapore by the visiting King of Siam in 1871. The Cricket Club pranksters painted the poor elephant a tasteful shade of pink and green. According to one 1921 account, “An indignant Municipality speedily restored him to a proper sense of decency. But after all, cricketers will be crickets and in those halcyon days, paint was as cheap as whiskey!”
The Thai elephant statue now stands in front of The Arts House at The Old Parliament, opposite the Club.
The Presidents’ Drinks Charles Stringer (President: 1882, 1889 – 1891, 1899-1900) was so fond of his gin and tonic that fellow Members used to order a “Stringer gin and tonic”. Andrew Gilmour’s (President: (1947-1949, 1962 – 1967) favourite tipple was a whisky-water in his personally preferred proportions and was so well known in the Club that SCC aficionados would simply order “A Whisky Gilmour, please”. In the 1980s, most members knew that President Haider Sithawalla’s (President: (1981 – 1985) drink was a non-fattening, non-alcoholic “Gunner”- a drink still popular with Members today.
SCC Past Presidents Charles Stringer, Andrew Gilmour, and Haider Sithawalla.
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FE ATURE
Visit by “The Napoleon of Cricket” The visit of Charles Gordon Macartney and his Australian cricket eleven to Malaya in 1927 was “the” sporting event of the Pre-World War II era in Singapore. The tour was organised and financed largely by the SCC, but arranged on the initiative of AP Penman of Selangor. The Australians played nine matches, three of them on the SCC Padang, the rest in Malaya; they won five games (including all that were played on Padang), drew three and lost one. The Australian tour brought normal life in Singapore almost to a complete halt. The Straits Times remarked that the number of managers, junior assistants and even tambies (Indian messenger boys) gathered around the Padang suggested that very little work was being done and that “a good many office messages must have been an unconscionable time getting there”. The spectator crowd at one of the Australian matches was estimated at around 4,000. The first “Singapore” team to play the Australians on the Padang was apparently a solid SCC eleven, which drew a storm of protest from the public; in the remaining two matches, non-European and non-SCC players were selected for the Singapore side.
Transformation of the Padang! In 1982, the Straits Times played an April Fool’s Day joke on its readers. Under the unlikely heading “Hot-air High-rise”, the April 1 edition of the paper declared that there were government plans to “transform the Padang in front of the City Hall and Supreme Court from a sleepy football field into a dazzling new heart of the city.” Singaporeans, long inured to almost daily announcements of some new building project or other, swallowed this fantastic tale hook, line, and sinker. But this time they were instantly up in arms, outraged at the lese majeste that could even contemplate such a fate for the Padang and its treasured sports clubs. Callers jammed the Straits Times switchboard, some of them specifically lamenting the supposed imminent demise of the Singapore Cricket Club. At the Club itself, General Manager Mr. K Balasundram and his staff also had to cope with a flood of calls.
Macartney described the tour as “one of the finest trips of my career”. For SCC, one memorable performance was notched up by Andrew Gilmour, later to become a long-serving SCC president and nowadays, the Club’s Honorary Life President. He was in his late twenties in 1927 and a fine slow-medium bowler who caught Macartney out at cover point The magazine Straits Produce said the Australian performance had inspired the people: “Small Malay and Chinese boys may often be seen in Singapore playing cricket at odd corners where before they would have been kicking a football. So the time may come when Malaya can raise as good an Asiatic cricket eleven as it can a football one.”
The Australians vs SCC at the Club pavilion – fourth from the left, sitting to the left of Macartney, is the SCC’s Andrew Gilmour.
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FEATURE
A mixed cricket match in 1949, recalling similar matches when women first joined the Club in 1938. In this particular match, the women won by 49 runs against the men, who were handicapped by having to bat, bowl and field left-handed. (Photo courtesy of Cecil Cooke)
Women Accepted for Associate Membership Members voted unanimously at an Extraordinary General Meeting in July 1938 to accept women for associate membership, and thus fell what the press said “was once Singapore’s most famous male sanctum”. It seems to have been the first Singapore club to take such a step. Members’ ladies and daughters would not be charged; other women would be accepted on application and would be charged $1 a month. No women members would have voting powers – this was to remain the situation into the 1980s. Previously, the ladies of SCC, if and when they were allowed into the SCC pavilion at all, were relegated to the upstairs verandah to view games or other events on the Padang. They moved up and down by a rear staircase which avoided their ever having to cross the path of the men in the front verandahs or main bar, right up to the 1930s. The women marked their coming of age with a novelty cricket match between their own eleven and a male Club eleven. In deterrence to the ladies, the men were handicapped by being required to bat, bowl and field left-handed, if they were right-handers. Watched by cheering spectators, including the Governor Sir Shenton Thomas, they thus made a good-humoured entry into the mainstream of Club life. Within a year, 22 women associate members had been elected to the Club.
The “S.t. Shovellers” During a refuse collectors’ strike in 1936, the Club’s rugby section turned out in full force, its ranks swollen somewhat by a few passing sailors recruited en route, and set about clearing the rubbish accumulating in Singapore’s streets. Thus the acquired the insalubrious tag “S.t. Shovellers”. Fuelled by beer and Cold Storage sausage rolls kindly donated to their cause, the rugby players toiled away. A grateful Health Department said that in two hours they have removed as much as one of their Department trucks usually took away in one day. After this unorthodox warm-up, ex-President Peter Frend had to be hosed down in the garden before his wife Dorothy would let him into the house. “The smell was pretty terrific,” he recalled.
Rugby player and former SCC President (1951) “Peter” MBC Frend was a S.t. Shoveller in the 1930s.
All these information is taken from the SCC History Book written by Ilsa Sharp.
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FE ATURE
3 JUICE RECIPES TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY
Your immune system is constantly trying to figure out which are the right cells for your body. This means that it is important to ensure that your immune system has healthy doses of vitamins and minerals to keep its energy up and going, and feeding your body certain foods may help. What better way to do this than with refreshing juices made from a variety of fruits and vegetables! Fortify yourself and learn more about the immunity boosting nutrients in the following juice mixtures that can keep your immune system strong:
1. TURMERIC. GINGER. LEMON. INGREDIENTS: 1” piece of turmeric 1” piece of ginger 1 lemon (Juice) BENEFITS: • High level of antioxidants from turmeric and ginger, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C. • Turmeric also contains the powerful healing compound curcumin that increases cells’ defences to infections. • Notable antimicrobial and antibacterial properties from ginger and lemon to keep you healthy.
2. KALE. PEAR. CUCUMBER. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 large cucumber (5” – 6”) 1 large pear
4 large stalks of kale 1/2 lemon (Juice)
BENEFITS: • Incredibly high level of antioxidants, including the immune-boosting vitamin C, from the superfood kale. • Pears are also a great source of vitamin C, and are revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine as effective in relieving a cough. • Cucumbers are extremely hydrating (they are approximately 96% water), and contain a range of antioxidants that promote a strong immune system. They also make a great addition to your juice options, with their gentle flavour profile that pairs well with most fresh juice ingredients.
3. A.B.C. INGREDIENTS: 1 apple 2 beets 3 carrots
1 small knob of ginger 1 lemon (juice)
BENEFITS: • Super rich in nutrients, including vitamins A, B1, C, E and K, Zinc, and Potassium, that build your immune and nervous systems, and help protect the cells from free radicals. • Packed with antioxidants that help build the immune system and control the level of bad cholesterol. • Beetroot provides betalaine which is an anti-inflammatory substance that helps to protect the liver. It also has soluble fibers that help to shed the extra kilos. • Vitamin A from the apples and carrots help to flush out toxins and reduce bile and fat in the liver, leaving you with youthful skin. JUICING TIPS 1. Wash your ingredients 2. Juice flimsy with firm to get the most out of your flimsy ingredients (like baby kale). The firm ingredient will help to push everything through the juicer. 3. Wear an apron or old clothes because it can get messy (especially with the beets) 4. Drink your juice immediately after juicing as rich nutrients will start to disappear within minutes 5. Experiment with different flavours! For your convenience, you can order fresh and cold-pressed juices and juice mixtures either directly from The Deli, or from any of our F&B outlets to accompany your meal!
FEATURE
In : n o i t a s r e v Con s a l o h c i N a Andre An extremely active SCC Member especially in the Squash Section where she serves as Secretary, Andrea Nicholas works as a pharmacist at a community/ rehabilitation hospital with mainly elderly patients, where she is part of a healthcare team that manages the use of medicines in the hospital, including preparing and supervising the dispensing of medicines. In an email interview with The Padang, Andrea shared how work has changed since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, how has your job differed? In late January we began to change how we worked in order to protect our patients and staff from Coronavirus. Emphasis was put on infection control by increased hand hygiene, wearing of masks when up in the wards, and physical distancing. In early February we moved to Dorscon Orange and more things changed. We have to record our temperatures and health status daily. Masks are worn at all times; safedistancing strategies were introduced, access to wards was restricted. We are continually washing our hands and disinfecting surfaces. Meetings and training went online. The Pharmacy department split into two teams - one week we are Pharmacy-based and the next we work remotely in another location within the hospital. Since mid-April, two of our wards have been admitting Covid-19 patients. This has taken our infection control and distancing practises
“We will get through this and things will get back to normal eventually, although it may be a new normal.”
up another notch. To help, we have staggered our work hours so as to accommodate late admissions or discharges.
What are the challenges you face at work? Has that impacted on your personal life? Our hours and work load have changed a bit with two teams, but luckily I don’t have young children so the change in work hours doesn’t affect me so much.
What is the atmosphere at your workplace like now during this circuit breaker period? Staff morale is good and we feel we are doing our bit. We have got used to the new ways of working, but miss being able to mix with the other pharmacy team during or after work.
What motivates you? I am just doing my job and am grateful to be able to contribute at this time.
What do you most look forward to doing when the circuit breaker period ends? Coming back to the Club to play squash and see my friends - the social isolation is hard, and like a lot of us – go on holiday!!
What would you like to say to your fellow Members? We will get through this and things will get back to normal eventually, although it may be a new normal. But we shouldn’t be complacent; good hand hygiene and social distancing will help keep us all safe.
MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
13
FE ATURE
Coping with
9 1 D I V CO
Self Care
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a completely new experience for all of us as we learn to cope with an unusual and ever-changing situation while managing anxiety in one form or another. To manage your mental health during this Circuit Breaker period, consider these guidelines and tips that are based on sound psychological principles.
ANAGEME A N X IE T Y M
NT
news ay away from m anxiety, st self fro ur g yo rin d ffe un su read and surro • If you are d, ea st In . ia ed and social m lifting. ion that is up , with informat ergy – people the electric en l al lf st se id ur am yo ” nded unders es. Stay grou • Find “gro s, and activiti places, object . rs lp ground othe create so you can he rol over and u have cont yo t . ha w fe sa • Focus on e yourself feel utines to mak temporary ro itations/body ed m ths or guided ea br lly be . • Take deep n techniques scans/relaxatio ss. pa l r, this too shal • Remembe gratitude. aos? • Practice te calm or ch – will this crea e ar sh u yo re dress those • Think befo and try to ad are afraid of u yo t ha w y • Identif w may fears. night. Tomorro have an early to try d, sa el • If you fe night’s sleep. after a good feel different
HOME O R K IN G AT T IP S F O R W Hours”. and set “Office
dule n take Create a sche ble so you ca er but be flexi rd ha t no r, te ar • Work sm family time. ible advantage of as far as poss siness roles al bu rb d ve an nily no m fa your family • Separate area and give on the ce n bo offi rib an a up – set (eg. hang u are working signs that yo to door) you are trying cupied while oc e ar n re ild ch • Make sure ns. for interruptio not work but plan when you are er nf ence calls co g rin du e ut • Stay on m speaking. ed it. help if you ne rs feel • Seek extra family membe or any of your u health l yo ta e, en m tim a y • If, at an time to talk to be ay le can m ib it ss , soon as po overwhelmed ing stress as ag an M . al on professi sues. longer-term is help us avoid
•
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THE PADANG MAY / JUN 2020
SCC CROSSWORD PUZZLE
FEATURE
Test your knowledge of your Club with this puzzle!
Across 1. To be gazetted as a national monument. 4. The National Club, which is one of SCC’s reciprocal clubs, is located in this country. 6. SCC conferred the title of “Distinguished Visitor” on this person in December 2019. 10. The minimum number of months for a term membership. 12. The oldest sports trophy the Club has in its possession. 13. The venue for SCC’s monthly quiz night. 15. The Hawker Fare is held on this day every week. 16. This Section elected the Club’s first female sports convenor, Lyn Hodgins, in 1984. 18. A combination of curry soup, rice and other ingredients. Down 2. Name of the SCC Rugby7s tournament trophy. 3. This is one of the Club’s popular non-alcoholic cocktails. 5. This ex-Club President, who was a governor of the then-Straits Settlements, has a street as well as an estate named after him. (hint: first and middle names respectively) 7. F&B outlet named after a piece of sporting equipment. 8. Until what time in the evening can laptops be used at designated areas of the club? 9. This is one of the Club’s two colours. 11. One of the Oval Daily Lunch Specials on Thursdays. 14. This is the other Club colour. 17. First name of the ex-Club President who has a Room in the Clubhouse named after him. Answers are on page 20. MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
15
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The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. You are advised to seek independent tax advice from suitably qualified professionals before making any decision as to the tax implications of any investment.
CONTACT US TO REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR Select Investors, A Division of St. James’s Place (Singapore) Private Limited Tel: +65 6390 4719 | Email: select.investors@sjpp.asia | www.selectinvestors.sg The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Singapore represent St. James’s Place (Singapore) Private Limited, which is part of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group, and it is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is a member of the Investment Management Association of Singapore and Association of Financial Advisers (Singapore). Company Registration No. 200406398R. Capital Markets Services Licence No. CMS100851. St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group Ltd Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom. Registered in England Number 02627518.
COLOURING PAGE
SCC K I DS!
NAME:
AGE:
Cut along the dotted line
Hi Kids! Colour the SCC Lion and ask your parents/ grandparents to submit your artwork to the Member Services Desk (MSD) when the Club reopens – the top submissions will receive fun prizes! You can use any type of colouring tools; for kids 12 years and below. Have fun!
MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
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S CC KID S!
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Hi Kids, can you spot the differences? There are a total of 10 of them! Try it out, then check the answers on page 20.
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THE PADANG MAY / JUN 2020
R E C E NT EVENTS
Living with Ink Exhibition Tour On 28 February, Members and guests gained a better understanding of the turbulent art world of 20th century Singapore at the Asian Civilisation Museum where SCC Member Darlene Kasten led an exclusive tour of the collection of Singapore’s renowned art collector Dr Tan Tsze Chor.
SCC Ladies’ Night Members and guests commemorated International Women’s Day on 18 March at the SCC Ladies’ Night. Chef and restaurateur Jenny Pang presented a specially curated 4-course dinner while guest mixologist and Hendrick’s Gin brand ambassador Charmaine Ann Thio brought flair and creativity to the table with a presentation of four exclusively concocted Hendrick’s cocktails. The night ended with an interactive and hilarious Mamma Mia-style performance that got everyone involved.
MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
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RE CE NT EVENTS
French Wine Pairing Dinner The 14th SCC Wine and Gourmet Series brought Members and guests on a journey of some of the finest drops from France. Held on 21 February, they got to experience lively and enticing French flavours paired with an intricate and luxurious 5-course dinner prepared by the skilled culinary team at The Padang Restaurant.
s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C ng the KET for winni to STICKY WIC uiz Night! Q ly our month of n io it ed March
March Winner – Sticky Wicket
Book Launch Celebrating Singapore’s Sporting Heritage On 18 March 2019, SCC Member and former academic Nick Aplin launched his latest book titled “Sport in Singapore: The Colonial Legacy” in Gilmour Room. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu was the guest of honour at the event.
ANSWERS FOR SPOT THE DIFFERENCE ANSWERS FOR SCC CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across: 1. Padang 4. Canada 6. Lee Hsien Loong 10. Twelve 12. Challenge Cup 13. Mens Bar 15. Friday 16. Squash 18. Mulligatawny
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THE PADANG MAY / JUN 2020
Down: 2. Ablitt 3. Gunner 5. Cecil Clementi Smith 7. Stumps 8. Seven 9. Yellow 11. Chicken Rice 14. Black 17. Andrew
E C A R T H G I N S C C EP 0 2 0 S 2 0 2 . 9 1 18 . R E C E NT EVENTS
Launch of 3-day Passes and Special Child Tickets* Sales
Launch of Single Day Tickets Sales
THURSDAY, 29 MAY, 10AM
THURSDAY, 4 JUNE, 10AM
Member
Guest
Child
3 –Day Ticket
SGD 568
SGD 888
—
Friday, 18 Sep
SGD 138
SGD 248
SGD 75
Saturday, 19 Sep
SGD 238
SGD 398
SGD 125
Sunday, 20 Sep
SGD 338
SGD 578
SGD 175
(Limited quantity available)
Be at the only place where you can catch the action from 3 race circuit turns!
Get your tickets now at https://bit.ly/SCCF12020 *Limited Special Child Tickets • Only 20 Child Tickets are available for purchase each day. Subsequent tickets for children are chargeable in accordance to the prices of Guest Tickets. • Only children aged 12 years and below are entitled entry with Child Tickets.
• All ticket prices are inclusive of GST, free flow food, and 1 welcome drink each day. Subsequent beverages are chargeable. • Please note that bookings may only be made through the SCC Night Race website at https://bit.ly/SCCF12020. NO OTHER METHODS OF BOOKING WILL BE ENTERTAINED. • Tickets are free roaming/seating, with the exception of ‘Victoria Room’, ‘Victoria Suite’, ‘Gold Box’, and ‘Padang Box’. • Each SCC Night Race ticket is inclusive of an official SGP Zone 4 walkabout ticket and an entrance ticket to the SCC. • Please note that BOTH TICKETS ARE COMPULSORY FOR ENTRY to both the SGP circuit and the SCC. • All guests must be signed in by an active SCC Member upon entry to the event. • Each member may purchase an unlimited number of Guests Tickets. For enquiries, please email to sccnightrace@scc.org.sg MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG 21
SCC NIGHT RACE 2020
Exclusive VIP Hospitality Suites Closed Tender The SCC Night Race is a closed event organized by the Singapore Cricket Club in conjunction with the Singapore Grand Prix, which will be held from 18 to 20 September 2020. Situated within the SCC Clubhouse, the Victoria Suite, Gold Box and Padang Box provide perfect vantage points to experience the race up-close and set your adrenaline pumping as the drivers race along the notorious “Singapore Sling”. Available only for SCC Members, these three hospitality suites are exclusive venues for the perfect private experience during the three days.
MEMORIAL CORNER
SINGAPORE SLING
SHEARES CORNER
SINGAPORE CRICKET CLUB
Exclusive Hospitality Suites Privileges • Corporate entertaining at its best • Classy private air-conditioned suites • Elevated and premier viewing of race track • Personal hostess and private butler service • Complimentary champagne on arrival • Inclusive of afternoon tea, dinner, supper • TV displays to follow the race
To register your interest or for more information, please contact Cassie Wong , Head of Events, Sponsorship and Member Relations at cassie.wong@scc.org.sg. 22
THE PADANG MAY / JUN 2020
U P CO M ING EVENTS
THE
The Padang Box
B OX
• Capacity: Up to 30 people per day • 1st level
PADANG
The Gold Box • Capacity: Up to 35 people per day • 1st level
The Victoria Suite • Capacity: Up to 25 people per day • 2nd level
MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
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S PORTS
Balut
Convenor: Sunita Kapoor | Article by: Cindy Cindy Raman Raman
From left: Winners of 25 Feb in-house Balut session - Cynthia Robless receiving the top prize; Jasmine Fisher with her 2nd prize; and Soma Devi with Huned Hassanbhai.
IN-HOUSE BALUT 2020 Tuesday, 25th February Our second in-house game scheduled to be held on the 11th of Feb was postponed and was held on the 25th of Feb instead. We had an amazing turnout of 35 members. The top three spots were taken by Cynthia Robless, Jasmin Fisher and Huned Hassanbhai with scores of 651, 647 and 646 respectively.
Tuesday 10th March For the in-house game held on 10th Mar, our convenor Sunita Kapoor took home 2 prizes, one for the highest individual in one column and for the highest aggregate with scores of 146 points and 708 points respectively. Second place went to Alice Jiang, with a score of 634 and third place to our captain, Raj Kumar, with a score of 625.
CESSATION OF GAMES Due to the Covid-19 situation and the closing of the Gilmore Room, all in-house Balut games have been temporarily cancelled until further notice. Section members will be updated via email and or text messages.
From left: Our Convenor Sunita accepting her top prize; Sunita presenting Raj with his prize.
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SP ORTS
Bowls
Convenor: Ganesh Ramanathan | Article by: Candy Lai
Section members joined by guests, all geared up for a fresh start to the year.
SCC BOWLS SECTION OPENING CARNIVAL The new Bowls green made of synthetic grass was ready for play in mid-January 2020. We had a soft launch for Members to try it out. After a month of seasoning the green with social bowls, we decided to have an “official opening” of the new green. We organized an Opening Carnival on 29th February 2020 and we invited various guests related to SCC and Bowls Singapore, as well as CEO of Sports Singapore, Mr. Lim Teck Yin, to grace the occasion. Mr. Lim kindly accepted our invite, and encouraged us to take the sport to the next level. Mr. Lim and our Club President Mr. Sher Baljit Singh officially opened the green in a simple ribboncutting ceremony.
The new green was officially opened by Club President Sher Baljit Singh and Sports SG CEO Lim Teck Yin..
The guests had an introduction to the game and a roll out. Thereafter, we had a friendly competition among the bowlers
present, followed by makan kechil at the deli verandah. It was a great start to a new chapter of bowls at SCC.
FROM ARMCHAIR PLAYER TO GOLD MEDALIST Mary Lim first started bowling in 1988, after being introduced to the sport by her husband, former High Court Judge TQ Lim, who was an active bowler at the Club. Her interest was further kindled when her friend sent her video tapes on lawn bowls. “It allowed me to be an armchair player as I could learn the game and everything about it through the videos,” said Mary. She added, “By the time I actually went down to try the game, I had a very good idea of the whole game, the principles, and to appreciate the skills involved.” She was such a good learner that within a year, she leapt from being an SCC bowls player to being a National bowls player. Mary’s first overseas bowls outing was in 1989 when she represented Singapore in the Asia-Pacific Bowls Championships in Hong Kong. The most impressive achievement for her was when she and fellow SCC bowler Rosemary Tessensohn won the gold medal in the inaugural Asian Lawn Bowls Championships which was held in Hong Kong in 2001. “We were the golden girls. That made an impact,” enthused Mary. Another impressive achievement was her National outing to the SEA Games in Brunei in 1999 when she won a silver medal in the Women’s Pairs with another fellow SCC bowler, Yong Lew Foong. “It was memorable because I had injured my leg then and I was bowling in crutches. It was quite dramatic. We just lost in the last end to Malaysia. It was very tense.” Around 1995, Mary introduced lawn bowls to Catholic Junior College (CJC) where she was a lecturer. The Principal gave
her the full support to promote the game during Co-Curricular Activity time for the students. There was a good following during the three to four years that she continued to lecture there. A group of the youngsters subsequently joined SCC under the JSM programme and excelled in the game under her mentorship. Mary explained that the value of the game for her is that it helps her to focus and be patient. “If anything, what I get out of playing bowls even today is the sense of competition that I still enjoy. In addition, after all the years of playing bowls at SCC, I will never forget the people, the friendships and the camaraderie that we have.” Needless to say, Mary has won numerous medals playing bowls at SCC and National levels. She is still passionate about the sport and is ever-ready to help newcomers learn to play bowls. She is the Section’s nominee for the Spirit of Sports for Bowls this year. MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
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S PORTS
Bridge
Convenor: Edith Somogyi | Article by: Charles Macgregor
COVID-19 UPDATE The Bridge Section, like every other Section, ceased physical association in March in line with circuit breaker guidelines. The Section’s activities however, have not been completely thwarted by the virus/fever. Rather than meeting in the Clubhouse on Monday evenings for our regular session, we have now switched to a virtual environment. Thanks to Carl, our Director, we have been able to continue playing on Bridge Base Online. We held our first tournament on Monday, March 30, with 14 pairs. Since then we have had a number of sessions with 22 pairs, something of a record for our Monday evening events. Some Members miss the conversation, camaraderie, and inevitable/interminable post-mortems after each hand. Some are being caught out by the inadvertent clicking (fixed by way of required a two click confirmation of intended bids or plays). Others are delighting in the flexibility and efficiency that comes with the online version.
LEARN-TO-PLAY
Section Convenor Edith Somogyi and Section Treasurer Charles Macgregor playing Bridge Base Online.
The Section will holding a beginners’ bridge course once the coronavirus warning has de-escalated. This will consist of four 3-hour sessions on a Saturday and will likely take place in the Gilmour Room. The Section will send out an information poster once the dates have been finalised. The course will be open to both Section Members and nonSection Members.
WEBSITE
(HTTPS://WWW.BRIDGEWEBS.COM/SCCBRIDGE/) Our website contains past results and will allow players to track their progress. The Club Bridge Section generally meets every Monday evening in either the Gilmour Room or the Victoria Room, and will recommence once the circuit breaker concludes. There is also a calendar on the website for upcoming events and contact details for anyone wishing to play on Mondays and/or join the Section as and when physical meetings are allowed.
Screenshot of the SCC Bridge Section’s website.
BRIDGE ANECDOTE (COURTESY OF EDDIE KANTAR, BERMUDA BOWL WINNER 1977 & 1979) Helen Sobel, probably the greatest woman player of all time, was a chorus girl before taking up bridge. Not forgetting her roots, she used this little ploy when she was missing an important queen in a slam or grand slam contract playing against two men: she raised her skirt a little above her knees before playing. It never failed that the fellow without the queen would look and the one with the queen was so intent on taking a trick with that card that he didn’t. Helen always found the queen. When I tell this story to my classes, I tell the ladies that if they are playing against me in a tournament not to pull that one on me. Whether I have the queen or not, I always look. Helen Sobel Smith (1909 – 1969) was the first woman elected to the Bridge Hall of Fame . Photo from the American Contract Bridge League.
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THE PADANG MAY / JUN 2020
SP ORTS
Darts
Convenor: Helen Campos | Article by: Fahmida Huned
SECTION NIGHTS Our monthly Section Night was held on 6th February. The evening commenced with traditional Yu Sheng to welcome the Lunar New Year. Members were in a festive mood dressed in the traditional red and helped along with generous servings of liquid refreshments and food. Next was the March Section Night on 12th February. It was an extra special evening as Members took the time to relax and enjoy several rounds of darts in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere and forget the tumultuous events of the past few weeks from the fallout of COVID 19.
MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
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S PORTS
Cricket
Convenor: Suresh Kalpathy | Article by: Tim McMahon, Scott Mckechnie, Vikas Shenoy and Arjun Kakar
SCC CHENNAI TOUR The Cricket Section undertook a historic tour to Chennai in February this year. Nearly 35 of the Section Members experienced the joys of playing at an international venue like MA Chidambaram Stadium. Our gracious hosts and long-time friends, Madras Cricket Club, opened the doors of their backyard at “Chepauk” stadium and hosted us for four games, including three competitive fixtures and a social fixture. SCC instituted two rolling trophies this year to build on the excellent relationship and history between our two prestigious clubs: Chepauk-Padang Interport Trophy and the SCCMCC Spirit of Cricket. Regrettably for SCC, both the trophies had to be left behind in Chennai as the hosts scored convincing wins. Surya Azad was the pick of the batsmen for SCC being the top run getter (and launching a few into the Chepauk stands!), while TM Vikas Shenoy was adjudged Man of the Match for the Interport game. Overall, it was an intense cricket tour with eight games played over four days and supplemented by wonderful local food and even a comedy night for the touring party! The participation by Section Members was overwhelming, with several of our SCC Lions players joining the tour, including some of our Singapore national cricketers. We were able to field our Sat XI team, ably led by former national Bala, for two games on the tour as well! If the Chennai tour is anything to go by, the touring culture is truly well and alive. The Section thanks the Tour Managers (Vikas Shenoy & Aditya Bhargava) and the entire organising team for making this one of the most memorable SCC tours in recent memory.
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THE PADANG MAY / JUN 2020
SCC CRICKET IN COLLABORATION WITH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB SCC Cricket are always looking to collaborate with highly professional partners from around the world. Excitingly, March 2020 saw the launch of an exciting new relationship, as we hosted Northamptonshire County Cricket Club’s pre-season preparation, in what we expect to be an annual event for the marking on your calendar! What a great week it was, starting with NCCC going through their paces in some intense pre-season physical & technical workouts
SP ORTS
NCCC ultimately winning by a margin of 30 runs. To be awarded the opportunity to rub shoulders with a number of first-class Cricketers here at our esteemed Padang, is something that so many Members (present and future!) will reflect on most fondly, undoubtedly taking away lessons aligned to what is required to achieve at the high-performance level. We are already looking forward to the NCCC tour of Singapore next year which we have no doubt will be even bigger & better!
SCC CRICKET LADIES DAY
on our incredible Padang. This week also presented vital Coach Education opportunities, as the SCC coaches were offered unlimited access to a full program, which included shadowing first-class coaches at the professional sessions in order to gather tips on how first-class teams & first-class coaches go about their business in the professional environment. Saturday 14th March was the marquee day of the tour, with NCCC competing against SCC in two Twenty20 fixtures to which presented a tremendous day for all involved. The SCC Juniors, our “stars of tomorrow”, were boosted by incredible engagement with the Northamptonshire players, who were assisting with the running of the training! Tips & tricks were offered, with the NCCC Head Coach (David Ripley) even jumping in to run (and very much partake within) a number of fielding drills! It was great to see a coach at such level giving back to our stars of tomorrow, coaching with such enthusiasm just moments before having to run his own team through their high-performance warmup. A day our kids will surely not forget in a while! A large crowd gathered for the marquee fixtures against NCCC. SCC were soundly beaten in game one but put in a brilliant and brave showing in game two, scoring over 200 in a high-scoring chase and looking for a long time well positioned to snatch victory, albeit the experience of the first-class squad shone through with
The SCC Cricket Section are passionate about giveback, a passion which was fuelled with intensity on Saturday 14th March following the inaugural launch of the SCC Cricket Ladies Day. A crowd of 110 generous & like-minded individuals ascended onto the Gilmour Terrace for an afternoon of fun, laughter and celebration, as two amazing charities in SAHR (Strategic Advocacy for Human Rights) and AIDHA, were presented a platform to share, discuss and create awareness towards their incredible and selfless operations. With free-flow refreshments, live music and two great presentations from our esteemed guests, the SCC Members were treated to an entertaining (and at times emotional) afternoon that will without doubt expand the footprint of these two worthy causes. Our partners have reported that direct support from the Members, by way of cash donations and purchase of charitable items, raised in excess of *four-thousand dollars*. In-turn, AIDHA are now positioned to get six domestic helpers through a full course of highly-specific education, aligned to finance management and maintenance of safe working environment. SAHR are now better positioned to use their highly capable legal resources to support Women’s Rights around the world - many of whom are in desperate need of representation. All of this thanks to the support of SCC Cricket and it’s incredible external network. We would like to sincerely thank everyone associated with the event - in particular our named sponsors in Petersons Wines. Additionally, support in-kind was gratefully received from Swissotel, Hong Seh Marine, Eastern Carpets, Hilton Group, UFIT, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, Mr Wu Restaurant & Caffe Beviamo. SCC Cricket is truly indebted for your warm contributions to such a brilliant cause.
MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
29
S PORTS
Golf
Convenor: Bala Supramaniam | Article by: Ravi T Chandran
SCC Golf Section’s post-Ang Pow Game dinner at SICC.
This report incorporates the events that transpired in the Golf Section from January to March 2020 as the report for the Mar/ Apr issue was inadvertently missed out. Apologies to our Section Members who were looking forward to the report and photos!
ANNUAL FRIENDLY GAME WITH CHANGI GOLF CLUB 18 JAN 2020 This game tee-ed off the golfing calendar and was well-participated by our SectionMmembers. There were a total of 17 pairs from SCC. SCC gave the hosts a good run for their money but had to contend with being the runner-up! The post-game makan kecil was well-received by the participants and copious amounts beer and whisky (as is the tradition of our section with Chivas Regal 18 yrs) were quaffed.
ANG POW GAME – 13 FEB 2019 The annual ‘Ang Pow’ game was held at the SICC Island Course and was tremendously supported and participated with gusto by our Members. There was a total of 15 flights (60 golfers). The Island course is one of the better courses in Singapore and was welcomed and was thoroughly enjoyed by our Members. A grand and sumptuous dinner was organised by Richard Loo and PT Hong and it was held at the SICC Island Clubhouse in Ballroom 3. The dinner incorporated a ‘Lo Hei’ (tossing of the salad and raw fish), as is generally customary in this part of the world, for good luck. Needless to say, there was no shortage of beer, wine or whisky at the dinner and everyone left the dinner in a very happy and pleasant state!
of Thomas Mummert and Ravi Chandran! Even that match was fought right up to the 17th hole. It was particularly sporting and decent of this SCC pair to be gracious guests and lose their match!! This was followed by dinner at the open-air veranda of the Windsor Bar and Restaurant at the British Club. Beer and wine were sponsored by our hosts and the SCC contingent, in typical style, sponsored a couple of bottles of Chivas Regal 18yr whisky for the hosts.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC The overseas tour to Bogor, Indonesia which was well subscribed to and eagerly anticipated by our touring Members was called off due the current COVID-19 pandemic. Even the subsequent minitour to Batam in May which was to substitute the Padang Shield game was also cancelled due to the COVID-19 concern. The game against SAFRA was also cancelled as was the social game that was planned to be held at Marina Bay GC to provide some relief to our golfers. Amidst such gloom, and on an optimistic note, it is hoped that the tour to Capetown, South Africa, would still be on.
BRITISH CLUB FRIENDLY – 15 MAR 2019 It was the British Club’s turn to host SCC this year and the game was played at the Warren Golf and Country Club. There were a total of 6 flights with 6 pairs from SCC. It was almost a ‘clean-sweep’ for the SCC. Every SCC pair won their match with the exception
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THE PADANG MAY / JUN 2020
Dinner after the Friendly with British Club.
SP ORTS
Hockey
Convenor: Subhas Nathan | Article by: Kanan Packrisamy
HALLOWED LAWNS OF THE PADANG TO THE RESCUE The renovation of the national hockey stadium at Sengkang and its predecessor Delta also going down for renewal a few months before has left the hockey fraternity with limited training venues and slots to prepare for the 2020 season. The all conquering COVID-19 has continued to threaten the cancellation of much of the hockey season, having already consumed the National Junior Leagues in January and February and the SCC International Hockey 6s in late February and early March. The National Indoor League is also suspended after reaching the half-way mark. Despite these circumstances, we at SCC managed to get some training under our belts by utilising the immaculate Padang. The ground crew at the Club truly must be commended on their splendid craft as the pitch was flat, crisp and a sheer joy to play on. Cast on the picturesque setting in the heart of the Civic District, many hockey Members enjoyed their rare run out on the Padang under lights. Although visibility especially for goalkeepers was poor the sessions were well attended and fun. There were also late evening sessions from 6pm where as much of daylight was used to enjoy as much hockey as possible.
setback derail our enthusiasm as many of our young players have been coming to training regularly and eagerly looking forward to the end to the threat posed by the virus. Many of our Section Members and other members of our Club alike have been working out as they stay and work at and from home respectively. Our Section is going to engage members to participate on a fitness challenge for the coming weeks to ease the strain caused by the current circuit breaker mode that our country is in. Finally, our hearts do go out for all our Members, residents of Singapore and everyone in the world to stay safe during these extraordinary and testing times. We are sure that we can stay strong and come back stronger. During this time we have learnt to be innovative and can deal with many a situation. Stay Safe everyone!
The highlight of all these so-called back-to-your-roots grass sessions was the February monthly social which was held on what would have been the opening day of the SCC International 6s. The Section formed eight teams and played a mini 6-a-side tournament complete with guest of honour for each of the four finals. A massive social was held right after and all those that came truly had a great time. Our junior boys and girls were top of the table and looking good to win Boys and Girls National Junior League title before the championship was cancelled due to COVID-19. We didn't let this MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
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S PORTS
Netball
Convenor: Nanthini Visvalingam | Article by: JL Lim
The 2nd round of the Pre-Season Ladies League 2020 got off to a soaring start with all four of our teams securing wins during the first two weeks of the league – only to have preparations abruptly suspended by the Covid-19 situation. Down but not out. During the circuit breaker period, the Netball Section is keeping spirits up by doing a variety of virtual activities including Friday drinks, workout challenges and exercise inspiration videos. To keep it competitive, our players have also been sharing daily workout routines and participating in our Section’s weekly challenges. These challenges kicked off with a lateral agility round, with Jasmine Smith taking out the crown for Challenge #1 with a grand total of 309 points. Challenge #2 saw everyone participating in the “Split Step Reaction” agility challenge, with Laura Heyworth taking the crown, coming in with a score of 120. We also introduced a cook-off/bakeoff challenge which saw our team showcase their off-court skills. Some worthy dishes and contenders from Gen Chase, Anushree Prasad, Ranjini Visvalingam, Nanthini Viknesh, Chrisney Smith (Jasmine’s mum) among others were notable standouts. With six more week of circuit breaker measures to go at this time of writing, we are looking forward to the next few challenges. Videos of the weekly contests and leaderboards are available on the Section’s social media pages (Instagram: @sccnetball & Facebook: “SCC Netball”) along with fitness inspiration. Besides netball and fitness, Fridays drinks saw a good turnout including
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our juniors (no drinks for them!) joining in for a social call. There is also a Section quiz and other initiatives in the pipeline so keep an eye out! The team also brainstormed and came up with an “SCC Bingo” sheet for fun and as a way to look forward to the Club reopening to check off more boxes for themselves. Want to join the Section that keeps things alive even in iso? Haven’t played in a while and looking for a social team? Best in the country and want to play competitively? With five teams across the section, and ages ranging from 13 to 57, we have something for everyone. Email us at sccnetball@gmail.com.
SP ORTS
Squash
Convenor: Sarat Chandran | Article by: Jodee Lee
SCC SQUASH SECTION IN SUPPORT OF SINGAPORE SQUASH The Kallang Squash Centre is expected to be torn down by next year to make way for the Kallang Alive Project. The Kallang Squash Centre is and has been the training venue for the Singapore National Squash Team and the primary location in Singapore for squash tournaments and matches. Besides being the best public facility for squash and the only respectable public facility that can host international competitions, the Kallang Squash Centre holds many fond memories for generations of squash players since its inception in 1978. Many of our SCC Squash Section players are active members of the squash community in Singapore and are passionate about the sport and local squash. The Section is doing our part to support the advancement of Singapore squash in this time. The Singapore Squash Rackets Association (SSRA) is intending to hold a Squash Fundraising Ball and the SCC Squash Section Members have purchased three tables for the night, with tickets sales going towards the development of local squash infrastructure and promotion efforts. A fundraising event was organized by Ultimate Squashers at the Kallang Squash Centre with a “donate-to-play” concept, where donors could play matches against Singapore’s national players. Amongst the national players were SCC Squash Section members.
SQUASH/TENNIS SOCIAL The players from the SCC Squash Section and Tennis Section got together for an inaugural Squash / Tennis Social. Prior experience in either sport was not necessary, and a good number of players signed up from both Sections. It was a good opportunity for players from the Squash and Tennis Sections to mingle and to have a chance to play (or for some, to learn) another racquet sport. Players were all smiles throughout the afternoon and had ball sense in droves where sometimes proper technique failed.
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S PORTS
Tennis
Convenor: Soenke Langhoff | Article by: Vishal Vijay
Victorious Mens A team won the final match against Tanglin Club!
SCC TENNIS MEN’S A TEAM WIN STA INTERCLUB SINGLES LEAGUE 2020 February and March were all about the Interclub singles league and SCC set a new record again with the number of teams submitted with eight across the Men’s and Ladies’ categories. Across all of Singapore there were only 64 teams submitted so it is clear the strong market share is a testament to the enthusiasm for the sport at the Club! Our teams were faring well when the season got curtailed due to the Covid-19 shutdown, with the Men’s B and C teams qualifying for the semis and the Ladies’ A teams both well placed for silverware in their league. However there was enough time for our Men’s A team to win all four of their matches and come home with the title! This was a seminal moment for the Section as the last time we won the title was more than a decade ago with our current President Sher Baljit Singh captaining the side at the time to the title. This time Andrew Hill led his charges expertly, with a team that blended the vigour of youth and the experience of a former pro in a perfect combination. The final match with Tanglin Club was a vociferous affair with a strong turnout from SCC descending to Orchard to watch our boys take home the title. Former World No. 162 Guillermo Olaso played in the first singles match and won easily to put the club 1-0 up. Then it was left to Aneish Sawney and Varun Banati, two of our strongest JSMs to take it home. Varun came up short against a quality opponent but Aneish displayed moments of tremendous skill and nerves of steel to vanquish his opponent in two tight sets and bring the title home. Soenke our Convenor luckily had a bottle of bubbly on hand to celebrate the occasion which turned out to be the last bit of tennis before the season was called to a halt. Hopefully the tournament can continue in 1-2 months but for now we have happy memories to take us through this period
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From top: Previous Mens A champions from a decade ago; Our Convenor with the bubbly handy to celebrate the win!
of no tennis. For our Section Members, while we all are missing the courts, do take this time to volley indoors against a wall (thanks Rodger!) and watch your favourite classic match highlights on YouTube (Sampras Becker Masters Cup 1996 anyone?). This period will pass and we will all be back to playing tennis soon!
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MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
57% of our Members are company directors, with the second largest majority being specialists and financiers holding senior key positions in the business community.
MEMBERSHIP BASE
Total active membership of about 6,000, of which 55% being Singaporeans and 45% being expatriates from a wide range of countries including Europe, Australasia and Asia. SCC also has over 100 reciprocal clubs from all around the world, to which this magazine is sent.
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Circulation – 4,000 copies Readership – 20,000 Frequency – Bi-monthly Issues: • January/February • March/April • May/June • July/August • September/October • November/December
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Marketing & Communications Department Email: marcom@scc.org.sg Contact: 6338 9271
Special Packages Available MAY / JUN 2020 THE PADANG
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CLUB INFO RM AT IO N
Business Hours
(These opening hours are subject to change after Club reopens; please check SCC website for updates.)
MEMBER SERVICES DESK Monday – Thursday Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday Sunday & Public Holiday MAIN LOUNGE Monday – Thursday Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday Sunday & Public Holiday STUMPS Monday – Wednesday Thursday Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday Sunday & Public Holiday
0900 – 2400 0900 – 0200 0900 – 2200
0900 – 2400 0900 – 0100 0900 – 2200
1500 – 2400 1100 – 2400 1100 – 0200 1100 – 2200
THE PADANG RESTAURANT Lunch Monday – Friday & Sunday 1200 – 1500 No lunch operation on Saturday & Public Holidays. Dinner Monday – Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday 1900 – 2300 Sunday & Public Holiday 1900 – 2200 JACKPOT ROOM Monday – Saturday 1200 – 2300 & Eve of Public Holiday Sunday & Public Holiday Closed
THE OVAL & VERANDAH Monday – Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday Sunday & Public Holiday
0800 – 2300 0800 – 2200
THE VICTORIA ROOM Lunch Monday – Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday Dinner Monday – Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday Lunch Sunday & Public Holiday Dinner Sunday & Public Holiday THE DELI Monday – Friday & Eve of Public Holiday Saturday – Sunday & Public Holiday
1200 – 1500 1900 – 2300 1200 – 1500 1900 – 2200
1100 – 2200 1000 – 2200
MEN’S BAR Monday – Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday 1100 – 2300 Sunday & Public Holiday Closed *The Men’s Bar will be open for billiards & snooker only. F&B services are available at the Main Lounge. GYMNASIUM Monday – Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday Sunday & Public Holiday
0600 – 2300 0600 – 2200
Members are advised to refer to the Club’s Bye-Laws for more information on attire. Club Rules and Bye-Laws are also available on the SCC website at www.scc.org.sg and at the Member Services Desk. For sports attire, please refer to the Section’s Bye-Laws. Information is correct at time of print.
SCC Departments Direct Lines Events/Banquet Enquires: 6309 9115 The Oval & Verandah: 6309 9116 The Padang Restaurant: 6309 9117
Sports (Including facilities bookings): 6309 9110 Membership Admin: 6309 9114 Members’ Billings: 6309 9112
Accounts Payable: 6309 9113 Human Resource: 6309 9111
Club Management General Manager/Secretary Mr. Sean Boyle, BEM Email: sean.boyle@scc.org.sg
Executive Secretary/PA Ms. Jill Woo Email: jill.woo@scc.org.sg
Financial Controller Mr. Ng Hong Leng Email: FinanceDept@scc.org.sg
Head of Sports & Recreation Ms. Janet Ng Email: sportsdept@scc.org.sg
Head of Events, Sponsorship & Member Relations Ms. Cassie Wong Email: Cassie.wong@scc.org.sg
Head of Property & Housekeeping Ms. Judy Ting Email: judy.ting@scc.org.sg
Head of Human Resource Ms. Alice Tang Email: HR@scc.org.sg
Head of MarCom Ms. Trina Tan Email: marcom@scc.org.sg
Executive Chef Mr. Raymond Lee Email: F&BDept@scc.org.sg
36 THE PADANG MAY / JUN 2020
THE AD MAKETH THE BUSINESS. SCC Members enjoy an exclusive 30% off for this period (usually 20% Member discount). Special packages apply. Contact our Marketing & Communications Department at marcom@scc.org.sg today.
