British Club March/April 2024 Magazine

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President’sMessage

Dear Members,

I trust you had a wonderful time during the Lunar New Year festivities at the Club and welcoming the year of the Dragon with family and friends.

In January, we had our first New Members Night for this year and on behalf of the Main Committee we extend a warm welcome to all our new members. We also had the honour of welcoming Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, to the Club.

As you flip through the pages of this magazine, you'll find details on upcoming exciting events, including our very own British Club Charity Ball, Easter Celebrations, Mothering Sunday Specials, and more. This Charity Ball will be in a different format than any other so be sure to secure your tickets early – as its going to be the event of the year!

Have you noticed Jeeves the Robot? Some members have commented on this. We are looking at many innovative ideas to help and support our F&B outlets in the Club. We are not immune to significant expenses growth and resource shortages in Singapore and need to be open to all ideas that will help us continue to provide a good balance between service and efficient delivery.

March is a very important month as we celebrate Ramadan and then Easter and the International Women's Day. Ladies book your tables now and indulge at Mountbatten Bar & Grill and receive a complimentary glass of champagne.

For those with a curiosity and taste for local cuisine, we have a unique opportunity to learn and understand the "Taste of Traditional Malay Cuisine" at the exclusive event on Saturday, 20 April. Khir Johari, Educator and Author of The Food of Singapore Malays, will be taking you on an exciting culinary journey with historic meaning and interesting tastes and aromas. Register for the event via page 43!

With many exciting events on the horizon, the Club continues to be a hub of activity. I look forward to crossing paths with you in the coming weeks and extend warm wishes to you and your families for a joyous Easter!

ROGER HARROLD President

MAIN COMMITTEE 2023/2024

Roger Harrold President

Stephen Fulton

Honorary Chairman

Chair of Human Resource Committee

Paula Craigie Chair of Marketing and Communications Committee

Kristy Carter Chair of Sports Committee

Tim Williamson Vice President

Chair of Strategy, Development Health and Safety Committee

Julia Gandhi Chair of Food and Beverage Committee

David Wong

Honorary Secretary

Chair of Disciplinary Committee

Rajesh Chhabara Chair of Sustainability Committee

Kenny Cowgill Vice President Chair of Data and MI Committee

Ashley Nicholas

Honorary Treasurer Chair of Finance Committee

Margaret Alvarez

Chair of Membership and Rules Committee

Emma Pike

Chair of Activities and Events Committee

Dear Members,

The Club has recently introduced our brand-new mobile app. We launched the mobile app on Tuesday, 30 January, and at the time of writing, the app has been downloaded by 975 members. With this mobile app, we aim to enhance your experience by providing more convenient event registrations and dining reservations, ultimately improving your overall booking experience with the Club. If you haven't yet installed the app, simply search for “British Club” on your local App Store and click on the download button.

I am pleased to announce that we have confirmed the date of the British Club Charity Ball which will be held at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Saturday, 7 December. It will definitely be the highlight of the year, and proceeds will go to our Club selected charities, the Gurkha Welfare Trust, who we have now supported for 20 years, and local charity Riding for the Disabled.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new members on the Main Committee, Kristy Carter, Chair of Sports, Emma Pike, Chair of Activities and Events and Paula Craigie, Chair of Marketing & Communications Committee. Take the opportunity to get to know these ladies on a more personal level by reading their interviews on page 10 and 11. I would also like to introduce our newest addition to the Main Committee, Margaret Alvarez, who will chair the Membership & Rules Committee. Hopefully, you will be able to read more about her in the next magazine!

While our magazines are filled with captivating content like recaps of past events, previews of upcoming ones, promotions and updates from members, receiving them at your doorstep involves additional printing. If you lean towards a more sustainable approach, consider picking up a hardcopy from the Club's reception or reading them on our website. Let us know your preference by sending an email to marketing@ britishclub.org.sg.

Wishing you a great Easter break with your family!

Andrew Christon General Manager

CLUB MANAGEMENT

GM’s Message

Andrew Christon General Manager

Sunny Sia Executive Chef

Michelle Chua Head of Finance

Claire Hill Head of Membership, Marketing and Partnerships

Adeline Tan Head of Human Resource

Calven Lim Head of Food & Beverage

Victoria Supramanian Head of Member Relations, Activities and Events

Sylvia Marthen Head of IT

Ramzdan Bin Suphan Head of Facilities

Angel Thiam Catering Sales Manager

Marcus Fam Sports & Recreation Manager

Asa Shaari Housekeeping Manager

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

H.E. Hong Jin-Wook & Lee Ji-Young

H.E. Senarath Bandara Dissanayake & Tushani Shamilka Abeyratne

Martin Kent

Prashant Bhushan & Radhika Bahadur Bhushan

Nicola Barlow Jong & Matthew Barlow

Paul Burgess & Niina Maekinen Burgess

Chew Chi Ai Angela Mary & Benjamin Yam

Chua Yan Jiang Benjamin & Lo Shu Mei Michelle

Chua Kim Yong Brian & Angela Shuang Yu

Michael Thomas Gardiner & Ouyang Xiaoli

Koh Wee Lih & Kelly Loh

Stephan & Elisabeth Lanz

Goswamee Pradipto & Gopa Das

Stephen Poulson & Rosemarie Yue Mei Poulson

Adele Letitia Roberts-Hunt & Carl Hunt

Kerry-Lee Shirtliff

Shen Kan & Zhang Chi

Sai Shai-Wan

Philip & Maria Sudbury

Gautam Pratap & Tina Talwar

Leanne Tchea & David Nicholas Lee

Tricia Tong Min Wei

Darius Yeo & Jacqueline Kho

Members’ Connect Night

Thursday, 25 January

We hosted our first Member’s Connect Night of the year, and it was an honour to host His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent, for the evening. With welcome drinks and Singaporean local cuisine served at our Treetops Terrace, new members had the opportunity to connect with our Main Committee members and find out about all our sports and social sections.

We would like to thank our sponsor, The Fry Group, for their support and for the donation of a champagne hamper to a lucky winner. A very warm welcome to all our new members!

In partnership with

A Moving Child is a Learning Child

Starting from Nursery, Tanglin creates an environment where children’s natural curiosity can grow through play, movement and activity, flourishing into a lifelong love of learning.

Movement develops essential life skills such as spatial and situational awareness and Tanglin’s Early Years Programme incorporates these in its curriculum by teaching fundamental movement skills in PE or simply by playing in the school’s brand new Infant playground or exploring our new onsite Forest School area. Children find equilibrium through the balance bike programme, learn to be water safe at the pool, develop tenacity whilst scaling Tanglin’s bespoke Infant climbing wall, or have fun in the largest recreational gymnastics programme in Singapore.

Children thrive in our exciting learning landscape; one that has been cultivated through 97 years of careful planning, lovingly taught by Tanglin’s exceptional Nursery team. Opportunities abound for Infant children at Tanglin.

Find out more at www.tts.edu.sg

Revolutionise your membership experience with our new Mobile App

Download the app British Club from Apple Store or Google Play:

Unlock the power of convenience with our brand-new mobile application and its features — all without the need to open your browser or log in to the members portal.

A View your Statements instantly

A Self-ordering at Verandah Café

A Book a table at any restaurant

A Reserve Courts effortlessly

A Book in for all our events before they sell out

A Order items from the Windsor Shop And so much more!

Should you require assistance or encounter any issues, feel free to get in touch with our Member Relations team either at the Reception Desk or through email at memberrelations@britishclub.org.sg.

Inside Scoop: Get to Know More About the Club's Committee Members

Emma Pike , From Tennis Convenor to Chair of the Events Committee

Many of you may have seen Emma Pike from her active presence in the Tennis Section. Emma previously served in the Sports Committee representing the Tennis Section as their Convenor, and now, she's excited to channel that same energy into curating memorable experiences for members at the newly formed Events Committee! Find out more about Emma below.

“I grew up in Sydney and have lived in Asia for nearly 20 years (Hong Kong and Singapore). I'm married with two children and am a serial entrepreneur who loves to play any type of sport, especially Tennis and Squash.

I joined the British Club when I arrived in Singapore 6.5 years ago with the purpose of meeting new friends and playing tennis and squash. It was the best thing I did as I instantly had a new circle of friends and got to play a great level of competitive sport.

As an entrepreneur, I've had many different businesses, but at the moment I have a business called Free Spirit which sells alcohol-free beverages that taste like alcohol eg. non-alcoholic beer, wine, spirits, etc. I didn't think I'd ever be in this type of business but that's the life of an entrepreneur, always looking for new opportunities. Yes, I'm a member of the Tennis section and have been part of the Squash, Pickleball and Padel section in the past but due to injury had to remove myself for now. I joined each section to meet other people with a similar interest and be able to play socially and competitively.

The activities committee is still working hard to think of new and different ideas for the Club and I don't want to spoil the surprises we have coming up throughout the year, but I will say I'm looking forward to the new and recurring events and hope to see more members enjoying the events as it takes a lot of effort from staff and volunteers to make it all happen. Hopefully, we will see more members and their children participating in events in 2024.”

Emma Paula Kristy

Paula Craigie , Chair of the

Marketing and Communications

Committee

Paula Craigie, who was previously serving on the membership sub-committee, has now chosen to become a part of the Main Committee this year. Continue reading to discover more about Paula and what she does. If you see her around during Club events, don’t forget to say hi!

“My family are originally from the UK, but my husband, Graham, and I, moved to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur in 2004. We have two teenage sons who were born here.

Ten years ago, we joined the British Club when we moved to a new residence as we wanted to access the Club facilities such as swimming lessons, and take advantage of some of the events that the Club is known for. When the boys were younger, they loved the Christmas traditions, Halloween parties and the Little Chef. We always came along to celebrate Chinese New Year and National Day (and still do!). Now that the boys are older, they enjoy spending time in the gym, swimming with the Barracudas and, as a family, we love eating at the Mountbatten for key occasions such as Mother’s Day and Easter Sunday. On regular days, you can find us at Windsor Arms!

I am Head of Infants at Tanglin Trust School, and it is lovely to see so many of our families at the British Club. The children are surprised to see me in a different context outside of school and so say a shy hello which makes me smile. As a family, we love to travel. We also spend lots of time exploring Singapore – visiting museums, galleries, exhibitions and regularly go to the theatre!”

Kristy Carter , Chair of the Sports Committee

With a passion for sports (especially tennis), Kristy Carter’s journey from the Club’s Tennis Convenor to taking up the role of the Chair of Sports Committee is an inspiring blend of adventure and athleticism. Dive into this article to find out more about Kristy and discover the excitement and camaraderie that keeps her going in the Sports Section!

“Our family arrived in Singapore after 10+ years of living in both France and the UK. My husband Edward and I are both Australian and met at university. After years of Ed playing rugby professionally in Australia, an opportunity to play in the South of France came up, so we made the move. Post-France, we travelled to the UK, where Ed studied at Cambridge and I continued my career working in Business Development for Barclays Bank in their Financial Markets Team. Our two sons, Jack and Lachlan, were both born in the UK, so the desire to be closer to family promoted a short move back to Sydney, before our move to Singapore in 2015, with two new additions to our family - our daughter Olivia, and our beautiful Australian Shepherd Bella, who sadly passed away in 2021.

When we moved to Singapore, a few of our friends who were already living here had recommended the Club to us. We were also keen to get the kids into swimming and tennis, so the fact that the Club had both of these programmes was a big motivation for us.

We are a family of five. My husband Edward works in the finance industry. Jack (15) and Lachlan (14) are currently at a boarding school in Australia, but love coming back to Singapore for their school holidays. Finally, my daughter, Olivia (8), who you’ll often see up at the pool or down at Scores enjoying her favourite drink, 'Mango Delight', after a tennis lesson!

The Club has provided my family and I some great experiences over the years, so the opportunity to continue supporting the broader British Club community was a driving factor to join the Main Committee.

For me, the Roasted Salmon at the Windsor is hard to beat, but sitting down at the Scores balcony with a DIY salad and a cold glass of Rosé while watching a tennis match wins every time!!!”

BURNS’ SUPPER

Sunday, 21January

Here are some memorable moments from Burns’ Supper! The Scottish vibe was strong all night, with the presence of a bagpiper, members dressing in kilts, and live Scottish tunes by Ragin’ Ceilidh. A huge thank you goes to Chieftain Ian Parkinson, from Singapore St Andrew's Society, for the exceptional performance of addressing the Haggis.

FIESTA BY THE POOL A MEXICAN POOL PARTY

Sunday, 28 January

Sun's out, Sombreros on! Members had a blast at our recent pool party with a lineup of Mexican favourites including tacos, salsa, pulled pork and more. Adults gathered for margarita moments, while the kids enjoyed Candy Floss and popcorn by the poolside. What theme would you like the next pool party to be? Let us know!

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Sunday, 11 February

Keeping with the Club's tradition, our Main Committee Members gather for some Lunar New Year fun – tossing the Yu Sheng for good luck and prosperity. Members were treated to a lion dance performance around the Club for extra good vibes, and Members enjoyed games and traditional performances at the Verandah Café. It's awesome to see not only our Chinese Members but Members from all backgrounds joining in the celebration!

SEMINAR

HALF-DAY Seminar Package

9am to 1pm / 1pm to 5pm

Members’ Rate: $75+ per person

Non-Members’ Rate: $90+ per person

1 coffee break and lunch included

FULL-DAY Seminar Package

9am to 5pm

Members’ Rate: $85+ per person

Non-Members’ Rate: $100+ per person

2 coffee breaks and lunch included

Packages include:

• Use of venue

• Wi-Fi Connection

• Complimentary Parking (first-come-first-serve basis)

• Overhead Projector & LCD Screen

• Use of basic AV system

• A flipchart set

• Writing materials and mints

• Free flow of coffee and tea Terms & Conditions

Prices are for a minimum guaranteed of 10 persons. Top up of $10+ is needed per person for meetings below 10 persons & above 5 persons.

All materials and/or services not stated herein are subject to additional charges.

For bookings or enquiries, please call 6410 1100 or email banquetsales@britishclub.org.sg

All prices quoted are subject to prevailing goods & services taxes. Photos are for illustration purposes.

Saturday, 7 December 2024 7pm to 2am

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore

$320+ per adult

$3,000+ for table of 10

Introduce yourself, and what made you join the British Club?

Hi, I am Dominic Jones, and I am a Field Service Manager for Airbus in Singapore. My family and I moved to Singapore in 2018 from Hong Kong and we were members of the LRC there, so we joined the Club in 2019 as we found it a great place for our daughter to carry on her tennis lessons and her swimming coaching due to the great facilities the Club has. We found the vibe at the Club really welcoming and have been happy members ever since.

Let’s dive into family fun!

Share with us a little about you and your family.

Work commitments are full on for my wife and I, and my daughter is currently studying at XCL World Academy. When we have down time, we love nothing more than spending time as a family, chilling out or exploring Singapore and the region. Travel is big in our family and we have visited some great places like Hoi An in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Next on our list is Tokyo so that has to be done soon.

MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT

This issue's Member in the Spotlight shines a light on Dominic Jones , Field Service Manager for Airbus in Singapore and the President of the St. David's Society. Let's delve into his life, passions, and what makes him tick!

What is your go-to activity at the Club?

We have two go-to activities at the Club, the first one is the pool. There is nothing better after a stressful work week than to come to the Club and just chill out by the pool. Hearing the fun and joy from other families is a great boost to the soul. Also, the Verandah Café is a great place to have a chilled-out drink and a meal. We love the staff at the Verandah Café, they are always friendly and welcoming and do whatever they can to ensure we leave with a smile on our faces.

If you had to choose one dish from the Club to eat for the rest of your life, what would that be and why?

For my wife and I, we have to say anything from the Indian menu. We love the curry buffet and have to temper our trips as it is way too tempting to just sit there and indulge in the gorgeous food. For our daughter, she struggles as it is a tossup between a pizza or the Spaghetti Bolognese.

Share with us the most memorable event you attended at the Club.

The most memorable event for us is one of the most recent events – The King's Coronation Afternoon Tea. It was a great event to be at. The Chef made some amazing food, the Q&A session was really insightful, and it was amazing for us to have a table of friends there to share it with.

Finally, tell us something interesting about yourself.

Since 2022, I have been the President of the St. David's Society of Singapore. a Welsh society that welcomes people from, and friends of Wales. It is a great community, and we hold events, walks, quizzes and much more throughout the year. In fact, we have our annual ball on St David's Day (1st March) and all are welcome.

I was also lucky enough to meet The Prince of Wales on his recent visit to Singapore, It was such a joy to be able to have a chat with him and discuss the Welsh community here in Singapore. If anyone is interested in joining us, you can contact me directly.

Providing a voice and sense of belonging for all.

At Dulwich College (Singapore) we believe in nurturing global citizens and well-rounded future leaders who are equipped to create solutions to the world’s challenges. Our goal is to encourage our students to Live Worldwise – to make informed choices, take inspired action and create positive impact. Our innovative and world-changing education is wellbeing-focused and balances academic excellence with a wealth of co-curricular opportunities that enable our students to discover their individual talents and passions.

To learn more visit Singapore.dulwich.org or call admissions at 6890 1003

REMINDER TO RETURN HAND TOWELS AFTER USE

Maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for all members is the Club’s top priority. Unfortunately, a total of 750 towels have gone missing over the past year and we would like to remind members to return their hand towels before leaving the Club to ensure a sufficient supply of clean towels.

Our designated towel bins are conveniently located outside the Pro Shop and Gym. By simply returning your used hand towel, you're playing a vital role in upkeeping the Club’s standards and experience. Remember, small actions can make a big difference!

WORLD WATER DAY TEXTILE RECYCLING DRIVE

Monday, 11 March to Monday, 25 March

World Water Day falls on Friday, 22 March and we are hosting a Textile Recycling Drive at the Club to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Declutter your wardrobe and drop your clean and dry clothes, shoes and bags at the designated collection point outside the Hangout. All items collected will be donated to Greensquare, where recyclables are sold to second-hand textile importers in developing countries.

By recycling your textiles, you can:

• Conserve natural resources – it takes 6813 litres/1800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to make just one pair of jeans!

• Reduce environmental pollution by reduce waste going to the incineration plant and landfill

• Facilitate economical pricing for clothes and footwear for developing countries

Make a difference today!

Water Conservation in Singapore: SMALL STEPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

By Derek Murray, Member of the Club since March, 2018

Given the extensive rain we've had this northeast monsoon season and the relatively low cost of water bills, we might be mistaken for thinking water is an abundant resource in Singapore.

This month, our Sustainability Committee has been looking into how Singapore manages water, what small steps we can all take to conserve water and some of the bigger issues the world is facing. At the Club, measures have been put in place and ongoing improvements are made to be water efficient, including more water-efficient showers, taps and toilets, and equipment like washing machines and dishwashers. Furthermore, our recent re-tiling project have resulted in a impressive conservation of 665,000 litres of water!

The Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore's national water agency reported that our average daily water consumption per person was about 141 litres in 2020. The target is to reduce this to 130 litres by 2030. To achieve this goal, various measures are in place, including promoting water-efficient appliances and fittings, and encouraging all of us to adopt water-saving habits at home.

Top W-A-T-E-R saving tips:

• Wash clothes on full load to save up to 40 litres a day

• Always use half-flush when possible in the toilet to save up to 1.5 litres every time

• Turn off the shower when soaping to save up to 27 litres of water a day

• Ensure tap is off when brushing teeth to save up to 23 litres of water a day

• Rinse vegetables in a container to save up to 33 litres of water a day

At a global scale, there are major water-related issues with a United Nations observance, World Water Day (Friday, 22 March 2024), raising awareness. With a theme of "Water for Peace" the 2024 focus is on the critical role water plays in stability and prosperity in communities and countries.

Overall, water conservation is a crucial issue globally. In Singapore, the government, businesses, and us individuals all have a role to play in ensuring that this precious resource is used sustainably. By working together, we can ensure that Singapore has a secure and sustainable water supply for generations to come.

References:

Water Saving Tips | PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency

Joint Media Release - Singapore's Third National Climate Change Study (V3).pdf (mse.gov.sg)

‘Water for Peace’ - World Water Day 2024 campaign launches | UN-Water (unwater.org)

How to fund your child’s university education

By Huw Wedlock

University is still an important rite of passage for many young people, and a pre-requisite for many career paths. But the cost of tuition fees and living expenses means that funding your child’s university education can result in a substantial financial outlay, with added complexity if your family are expats. Huw Wedlock at The Fry Group, explores what you might need to consider when supporting your children financially through university.

It’s no surprise to learn that obtaining a university education is now more expensive than ever. Gone are the days when classes were tuition-free for UK residents and means tested grants could be used to cover some or all living expenses. Today the average student can expect to leave university with exceptional levels of debt; accumulated by the combination of tuition fees together with costs associated with rent, food and other bills. The cost-of-living crisis and soaring inflation has also played a part in pushing up the cost of university life more recently.

Although more UK students are choosing to live at home and attend a local university, the cost of tuition can still bite. And if your child is keen to head further afield, it’s useful to consider the options when it comes to funding their degree.

Covering tuition fees

Tuition fees typically form a large part of any university education. UK fees are capped at £9,250 a year for students who are UK residents ( source: www.gov.uk ). But if you’re an expat, and your children have lived overseas with you, they might not qualify for ‘home fee status’ and could face overseas student rates. There are concessions if you live in the EEA or Switzerland, but if your home is elsewhere in the world the general rule is that they must have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for three years before the course begins. If your child has been living overseas with you it’s worth checking the rules with their preferred university, and noting that international tuition fees can be substantially more; overseas students at Oxford will pay between £33,050 and £48,620 in the 2024/25 academic year (source: www.ox.ac.uk)

If you’re in the position to cover tuition fees and wish to make the payments out of your normal monthly income, there may be tax advantages; it’s a useful way of reducing your own Inheritance Tax liability down the line. You’ll also save your child from having to face repaying a loan at the start of their career.

For those need a different means of funding tuition fees, student loans are available to undergraduates – again with the caveat that your child must have ‘home’ status. Student loans don’t have to be repaid until the April after graduation and only when your child earns at least a threshold salary (currently upwards of £25,000). These loans don’t affect credit scores but may be taken into account for mortgage applications. It’s also worth noting that they accrue interest in line with the Retail Price Index.

Student living costs

As well as tuition fees, general living costs for food and bills can soon add up. Another form of funding which can help with this area is a maintenance loan which can provide up to £ 9,978 for students living away from home outside of London and £13,002 for those living in the city. However, these loans are means tested based on your income, with households earning more than £58,291 entitled only to the minimum loan allowance of £3,597 based on 2023/24 rates (source: www.gov.uk).

Do also bear in mind that encouraging your child to chip-in for their day-today living expenses may also be a good life lesson. If they’re able to take a part-time job to help cover their socialising or food costs it could help reduce the contributions you need to make or loans required, whilst also helping them to develop their own financial literacy and budgeting skills.

Is buying a student house a good investment?

Accommodation can total a significant portion of your child’s university expenses. With average rents topping £535 a month ( source: www.moneysupermarket.com ) you might feel that investing in property which they can live in, alongside other students, could be a sensible option. UK property has generally proved a worthwhile investment and over time has delivered good returns for many people. But there are some considerations:

• Check whether the income you receive from the property changes your tax position, moving you into a different bracket, or forces you to start completing Tax Returns.

• If you’re an expat seek advice about whether having a UK foothold could affect your resident status.

• Selling the property after three or four years could leave you with a profit – which might attract Capital Gains Tax of up to 28% if you’re a higher rate taxpayer.

• The UK housing market has slowed in recent years and you may need to consider a longer timeframe before selling the property on.

• Remember that you may need to pay a Stamp Duty surcharge when buying a buy-to-let property and, if you are an expat, you may have to pay a non-resident Stamp Duty surcharge as well.

Finally, from a purely practical point of view, don’t forget to budget for the costs of running another house, the “hassle factor” of managing a property and whether your child will be comfortable acting as ‘landlord’ to their friends or other students.

When and how to start saving

As with many aspects of finance if you are planning to fund your child’s university education it’s never too early to start to save. University costs

are rising; students leaving in 2000 had average student loans of £4,150 –last year that figure hit almost £45,000 (source: www.wordsrated.com )

Junior ISAs can be a tax-efficient way of saving for a university fund from an early age. They can’t be accessed during childhood and mature into an ISA at age 18 – exactly the same age when university plans might kick in. JISAs allow you to save up to £9,000 tax free each year, and compounding returns can help boost the funds over time. Even setting aside £100 a month from your child’s birth would build a pot of just over £35,000 if the JISA returned an average of 5% a year. Do bear in mind that JISAs and ISAs aren’t an option if you live overseas and aren’t tax resident in the UK.

Another option is to begin saving and investing on your child’s behalf to build a fund for the future. Again, even small monthly sums can add up helping pay for tuition fees or living costs when the time comes. Saving, even whilst they study, could help build a nest egg which they could use for a house deposit or to pay off a chunk of debt at the end of their degree.

Consider your own living expenses

If you are planning to support your children with their tuition and living expenses whilst they’re at university, make sure you factor the costs into

your own monthly budget. The financial commitment could soon mount up!

It might also be useful to involve your child in discussions about funding university. Even younger teens who are starting to think about career choices may benefit from being included. Planning how to cover the financial aspect of a degree can be a useful step in helping your child understand the commitment you’re making in their future. They can also pick up good tips on how to budget and begin to appreciate how sensible planning – especially around money – needs to be factored into any decision.

To discuss any aspect of your financial planning, including long-term saving and investing, please do get in touch.

advice@thefrygroup.sg

www.thefrygroup.sg

Tel: +65 6225 0825

The information in this article aims to provide information. However, this is not intended to form professional advice nor should it be relied upon as such and before taking any particular action, specific and personal advice should be obtained. All levels and basis of, and relief from taxation illustrated here are subject to change. The Fry Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd is authorised to act as a financial adviser by the Monetary Authority of Singapore - licence number FA100057.

Introducing Our New House Champagne!

Champagne Delamotte

A great champagne is, first and foremost, a great wine! This is the golden rule in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, where Delamotte was founded in 1760. If Delamotte is one of the five oldest champagne houses, it is because they respect the traditions. They are dedicated to flavour, and they craft their wines in the heart of the legendary Côte des Blancs terroir.

Champagne Delamotte Brut N.V., France

Ratings

• Robert Parker – 90

• Natalie MacLean – 90

• San Diego International Wine & Spirit Challenge 2022 – 94

• Tim Atkin MW – 88

• Wine Spectator – 91

• Jeb Dunnuck – 90

• Wine Advocate – 90

• James Suckling – 91

$148+ per bottle or $29+ per glass

Available in all F&B Outlets

Retail Promotion

$128 for 2 bottles

Only at the Windsor Shop!

From Cramant to Le Mesnil-sur-Oger through Avize and Oger, all are found in the Cote des Blancs. Its location is one of Delamotte’s richest assets. The chalky soil, the flora and sloping vineyards give the grapes exceptional character, resulting in delicate, consistent champagnes. Championing this exceptional terroir, drawing the best from it while maintaining absolute respect for the vines and the environment – that’s what Delamotte is all about.

In a bottle of the Brut, an orchestra of three grape varieties plays a particularly balanced score. The 60% Chardonnay content forms the backbone of its structure, while the 35% Pinot Noir from Tours-sur-Marne, Bouzy and Ambonnay give it depth and fruit. The 5% Pinot Meunier perfects these harmonies with aromatic density. Without ever assaulting the palate, this is a beautifully powerful champagne. Freshness and roundness merge to deliver a clean, fruity finish, with well-balanced and elegant length on the palate. A light dosage is added to Delamotte Brut Champagne after thirty-six months’ maturation on the lees, as is the case for the entire Delamotte range.

Mountbatten Bar & Grill

$68+ per Adult $30+ per Child (12 years and below)

APPETISER

Smoked Salmon or Leek and Potato Soup or Burrata, Tomato and Basil Salad (Vegetarian)

MAIN

Premium Roast Beef or Roast Lamb Leg

Yorkshire Pudding, Steamed Vegetables, Roasties, Gravy or

Oven-baked Seabass

Smashed Chats, Peas, Mint Mash or Penne Pasta, Porcini Cream (Vegetarian)

DESSERT

Apple Tart, Mascarpone Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream or Chocolate Fondant, Vanilla Ice Cream

HOME-BAKED BREADS

Crusty Loaf Bread (good for 2 to 3 pax) @ $7+

Artisan Sour Dough

(served with Premium Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar)

$19+ per loaf (good for 4 to 6 pax)

$10+ half loaf (good for 2 to 3 pax)

DELICIOUS HOME-MADE DIPS

Loaded Hummus

Pesto and Feta

$9+ each

Windsor Arms

$65+ per Adult

$30+ per Child (12 years and below)

STARTERS

Roasted Italian Tomato and Red Pepper Soup Basil Cream, Sourdough Crouton

MAIN

90-Days Angus Roast Beef or Traditional Roast Stuffed Chicken or Pan Seared Chilean Seabass

Served with Traditional Yorkshire Pudding, Creamy Mash, Crispy Roast Potatoes, Swede Mash, Garden Peas and Heirloom Carrots.

DESSERT

Lemon Curd, Broken Meringue, Biscuit Crumble Raspberries, Fresh Cream or

A Selection of Imported Fine British Cheese Crispy Bread, Apricots, Chutney, Grapes

Vegetarian menu is available upon request. Mothering

DINING

Deals

Break up the weekday monotony with our attractive dining deals from Monday to Thursday!

MONDAY

25% OFF (Food items only)

Available at Verandah Café and Scores Sports Bar

TUESDAY

$12+ FOR ALL Asian Delights at Verandah Café or Pastas at Scores Sports Bar

Available at Verandah Café and Scores Sports Bar

WEDNESDAY 1-FOR-1 HAPPY HOUR

All draft beers and house wines (by the pint/glass only) 4pm to 8pm

Available at Verandah Café, Windsor Arms, Scores Sports Bar and Mountbatten Bar & Grill

Terms & Conditions

• Not applicable on Public Holidays or in conjunction with any other food promotions, monthly specials as well as VIP and Gold cards.

• Dining Deals are exclusively for British Club Members and their guests only.

• All promotions are valid for dine-in only. Not applicable to take-aways.

THURSDAY

CHILDREN DINE FREE

Buy 1 main course and get 1 dish free from the kids menu

Available at Verandah Café and Scores Sports Bar

BYO WINE

No corkage charge for wine purchased from Windsor Shop and consumed at any of our F&B outlets

Available at Verandah Café, Windsor Arms, Scores Sports Bar and Mountbatten Bar & Grill

St Patrick’s Day Celebration

Windsor Arms

Thursday, 14 March 8pm onwards

Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with us! Enjoy unique Irish flavours and music featuring Irish Inspirational Dance and Ger Mythen's enchanting melodies. Watch skilled dancers showcase intricate steps, complemented by Ger's captivating tunes. Originating from Waterford, Ireland, Ger began his musical journey in the mid-80s and now occasionally performs at Molly Malone’s in Singapore. Don't miss this captivating blend of dance and music!

Special Irish Menu

Traditional Irish Stew @ $28+ per order

Slow Cooked Lamb, Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Thyme, Grilled Sourdough

Irish Corned Beef Sandwich Melt @ $28+

Toasted Sourdough, Corn Beef, Irish Cheddar, Homemade Pickles, Chips

Beverage Special

Guinness Pint @ $14.50+

Kilkenny Draft Pint @ $14.50+

John Jameson @ $6+ per shot

Monday, 11 March to Sunday, 17 March

ABERFELDY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY PROMOTION

Aberfeldy 12 Years Single Malt Scotch (Highland)

ABV 40%

$88 per bottle

Tasting Notes

Nose – Creamy, some sherried fruit with a trailing hint of smoke. Honeyed prunes, custard, and espresso beans.

Palate – Sweet, malty, with gentle peat and a mellow, silky texture. Vanilla fudge, peaches and cream, and subtle toasted oak follows.

Finish – Ginger, malt, nutty nougat, and maybe a little grapefruit zest.

Awards

International Spirits Challenge 2020 (Distillers’ Single Malt 12 Years and under) – Gold

International Wine & Spirit Competition 2019 (Scotch Single Malt – Highland) – Gold

Aberfeldy 16 Years Single Malt Scotch (Highland)

ABV 40%

$158 per bottle

Tasting Notes

Nose – Raisins and cinnamon at first, before moving on to butterscotch, caramel, and dried apple. A touch of floral malt too.

Palate – Well-rounded and mellow, more apple at first, along with poached pear in dark chocolate sauce, soon joined by clementine segments and honey on toast.

Finish – A spark of ginger, waxy peels, silky oak char, and a whisper of smoke.

Awards

International Wine & Spirit Competition 2022 and 2019 (Scotch Single Malt – Speyside)

– Gold Outstanding

San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022 (Single Malt Scotch 13 to 19 Years)

– Double Gold

Image by Aberfeldy Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Old World vs.

New World

Wine Degustation Dinner

Friday, 22 March

Dinner will be served at 7:30pm sharp.

$138+ per Member • $148+ per Guest Aperitif

Gerard Bertrand Cotes des Roses Rose 2022, AOP Languedoc, France

Rutini Trumpeter Malbec Rose 2019, Mendoza, Argentina

Leek and Potato Soup

Bucatini, Guanciale, Spicy Tomato Ragu, Shave Pecorino

Mauro Molino Langhe Chardonnay DOCG 2021, Italy (Sustainable)

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2021/22, Livermore Valley, USA

Braised Ox Cheek, Ox Tongue, Cauliflower Puree, Wilted Kale Shallot and Red Wine Jus

Chateau Mayne-Vielle AOC Fronsac 2016, France

Vina Centenaria Merelo Coastal Slopes Single Vineyard Merlot 2019, Colchagua Valley, Chile (Sustainable)

Vanilla Panna Cotta, Compressed Mango, Puffed Wild Rice

Chateau Talmont AOP Bordeaux 2021, France (Sustainable HVES/Terra Vitis)

Boschendal Lanoy 2016/18, Western Cape, South Africa Premium

Mountbatten

Bar & Grill

Easter Set Lunch

$68+ per Adult

$30+ per Child (12 years and below)

APPETISER

A Light Cream of Parsnip, Dash of Curry Powder, Garlic Croutons or

Sticky Roman Tomato Salad, Bocconcini, Crispy Lotus, Herb Oil (Vegetarian)

CHOOSE YOUR MAIN COURSE

Angus Beef Rump, Vegetables, Roasties, Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy

Roast Lamb Leg, Vegetables, Roasties, Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy

Crispy Porchetta, Vegetables, Roasties, Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy

Spinach Stuffed Chicken, Roasties, Caramelised Carrots

Chilean Seabass, Herb Salad, Vegetable Mash, Sesame Dressing

Crispy Tofu, Grilled Asparagus, Marinated Seaweed, Brown Rice (Vegetarian)

DESSERT

Sticky Toffee Pudding, Vanilla Ice Cream or

Queen’s Carrot Cake, Clotted Cream

SIDE ORDER

Turkish Bread with Hummus and Pesto Dips

$15+ (good for 2-3 pax)

Ancient Grain Sour Dough (served with Premium Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar)

$19+ per loaf (good for 4 -6 pax)

$10+ half loaf (good for 2-3 pax)

Windsor Arms

Easter Sunday Roast

$65+ per Adult $30+ per Child (12 years and below)

STARTERS

Wild Forest Mushroom Soup Truffle Oil, Chive Cream, Sourdough Crouton

MAIN

Mustard and Herb Crusted Easter Lamb Rack or 90-Days Angus Roast Beef or

Pan Seared Atlantic Slamon

Served with Traditional Yorkshire Pudding, Creamy Mash, Crispy Roast Potatoes, Swede Mash, Garden Peas and Heirloom Carrots

DESSERT Mango Cheesecake

Mini Meringues, Berries, Mint, Raspberry Voulis or A Selection of Imported Fine British Cheeses Crispy Bread, Apricots, Chutney, Grapes

Vegetarian menu is available upon request.

WINES PROMOTION

1) Sevenhill Inigo Pinot Gris, Clare Valley, Australia $34 per bottle

This Inigo Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris shows aromas of nashi pear, peach and jasmine. The palate is clean, fine and well-balanced, allowing the delicate fruit sweetness to shine.

2) Sevenhill Inigo Cabernet Sauvignon, $42 per bottle Clare Valley, Australia

Classic Cabernet aromas of blueberry and blackberry,with touches of juniper, eucalyptus, bay leaf, and dried herbs. Fine, savoury tannins, providing superb length and line. Well-balanced and will benefit from cellaring.

3) Chateau Des Leotins Blanc (ENTRE-2-MERS), $32 per bottle Bordeaux, France

Grape Varietals: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Nice fruity nose, very fresh in the mouth, touch of pineapple, good intensity and fresh finish.

• Sustainable HVE3

• Vivino – 3.6

4) Chateau Des Leotins Rouge AOP Bordeaux, France $32 per bottle

Grape Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

On the palate, the freshness of its body is carried by supple tannins which leave a gourmet finish on the blackberry coulis. This cuvee gives us delicate aromas of jammy strawberries. To the eye, an elegant purple colour with nice hues.

• Sustainable HVE3

• Vivino – 3.3

5) Adesso Merlot IGT 2022, Italy $32 per bottle

Grape Varietals: 100% Merlot

An easy drinking wine with subtle tannins and good acidity, this pairs well with traditional Italian dishes. This wine has ample red fruit flavours including aromas of blackberry and cherry. Smooth on the mouth, it offers a good balance of acidity and tannin.

• Lucas Maroni – 92

6) Adesso Chardonnay IGT 2022, Italy

Grape Varietals: 100% Chardonnay

Straw-yellow in colour, with light greenish hue. This wine has a well-defined and harmonious perfume of mimosa and chamomile, alternating with notes of apples, almonds, gooseberries, exotic fruit and herbs of the Mediterranean scrub.

• Lucas Maroni – 91

Vintages are correct at time of print.

$32 per bottle

DEGUSTATION DINNER

Friday, 26 April

Dinner will be served at 7:30pm sharp.

$138+ per Member

$148+ per Guest

Aperitif

Champagne Gremillet Brut Selection N.V., France

Crispy Pork Rillette, Foie Gras, Burnt Apple Puree

Champagne Gremillet Rose D’Assemblage N.V., France

Double Beef Consommé, Mushroom Tortellini, Wolf Berries

Champagne Gremillet Blanc de Noirs N.V., France

Braised Ox Cheek, Cauliflower Puree, Wilted Kale Shallot and Red Wine Jus

Champagne Gremillet Le Millesime 2017, France

Apple Bread and Pudding, Butterscotch, Vanilla Ice Cream

Champagne Gremillet Cuvee Evidence N.V., France

Premium illy Coffee or a selection of Taylors of Harrogate Tea

Photo by www.thehonestwinecompanyltd.co.uk

Photo by: https://champagne-gremillet.fr/

ROBINSON BREWERY TROOPER

Scores Sports Bar and Restaurant

Windsor Arms

ABV – 4.7%

A premium British beer inspired by Iron Maiden and handcrafted at Robinsons Brewery.

Malt flavours and citric notes for a unique blend of Bobek, Goldings and Cascade hops give this deep golden ale a subtle hint of lemon.

$13.50+ per can or $25+ for every 2 cans or

$60+ for a bucket of 5

Windsor Shop

$6.50 per can or $35 for every 6 cans

Appreciation Day for Domestic Helpers

Theme:

Glitz and Glam

Show appreciation to the incredible women who keep our homes running smoothly! Join us for an event dedicated to domestic helpers, featuring a best-dressed competition, engaging table games, and a lively dance floor with a fantastic DJ to keep the celebration going. Transform them into sparkling dresses for an afternoon of glamour!

Sunday, 10 March

12pm to 3pm

Registration starts at 11:45pm

The Elizabeth Suite

Price: $70+

Price is inclusive of lunch buffet, free-flow orange juice, and two coupons of alcoholic beverages (house wines only).

Click Here to register

UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF MAGIC SHOWS!

Ever wondered how magicians make coins vanish or objects pass through each other? Witness the magic come to life with Tommy, a renowned local magician who has showcased his talents on acclaimed platforms like "Asia's Got Talent" and Channel U's "Let's Talk 3". His magic has left its mark around the world, from Brunei to China, Thailand, and Taiwan. Join us for an enchanting live session as Tommy unveils the secrets behind his captivating illusions. Plus, your kids will have the opportunity to learn some magic tricks!

Saturday, 16 March 2pm to 3pm

Registration starts at 1:45pm

Treetops Suite

Member: $40+

Guest: $45+

Suitable for ages 9 years old and above.

Click Here to register

The Clipper Ocean Race

A Non-Sailor’s Journey Across Oceans

Hailing from Calicut, a coastal town in the Malabar Coast, India, Kaushiq currently resides in Singapore after living in Dubai, UAE for 23 years. His adventurous spirit extends beyond the seas, evident in his role as the founder of the Jellyfish Watersports Club in Kerala.

In 2018, Kaushiq Kodithodika had an encounter with the legendary ocean sailor, Sir Robin Knox Johnston, sparking a life-changing decision. Inspired by this meeting, Kaushiq eagerly enrolled in the Clipper Ocean Race 2022, embarking on a daring 40,000 nautical mile journey around the globe aboard a 70-foot ocean racing yacht.

Kaushiq's recent crossing of the South Atlantic Ocean unveils a saga of resilience and endurance as he countered lightning strikes, relentless storms, the loss of onboard electrical systems, and the challenge of running out of drinking water. Be part of this enthralling journey as he shares the highs, lows, and invaluable lessons learned from his expedition!

Thursday, 21 March

7pm to 9pm

Registration begins at 6:30pm

Treetops Suite

Member: $25+

Guest: $30+

(Includes 2 drinks – beer or house pour wine)

MASTER THE ART OF COOKING

CHICKEN

TIKKA

MASALA WITH CHEF KUMAR

Embark on a culinary journey with our expert Chef from Verandah Café! Join Chef Kumar for an aromatic adventure and explore the world of spices and their fragrance, while being guided on how to make one of the most popular dish from the Tandoori Corner – Chicken Tikka Masala.

Friday, 12 April 2pm to 3pm Registration starts at 1:45pm

Verandah Terrace

Member: $50+

Guest: $55+

Suitable for ages 16 years old and above. Click Here

HAPPY EASTER!

Ditch the ordinary because we're unleashing an Easter shell-ebration packed with surprises! Encounter the star of the show, the Easter Bunny, for cuddles, photo opportunities, and perhaps even a carrot-sharing selfie. Say goodbye to dull games as we guide you and your little ones on a thrilling eggs hunt while parents can enjoy a buffet spread, featuring Shepherd's Pie, Crispy Porchetta, Easter Chocolate Gateaux, and more!

Sunday, 24 March

4pm to 7pm

Verandah Café

Adult: $60+ • Child: $30+

Price includes buffet dinner.

Kindly e-mail verandah@britishclub.org.sg to make a reservation.

Note:

UOB Privilege Banking/Privilege Reserve Event Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit uob.com.sg/privilegebankingevent_tncs for more information. Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the event will be billed the full price. A no-show will also be billed at full price.

Event Highlights:

4pm to 6pm

Enjoy Singapore traditional Ice Cream, alongside an Aromatherapy and Tea display.

5:30pm to 7pm Kids Entertainment

In Partnership with

Little Chef

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

Grab your whisks and aprons, because our Little Chef workshop is set to whip up an unforgettable baking experience with an exciting new recipe – the Chocolate Chip Pound Cake! Prepare for gooey grins and happy crumbs, as the little ones discover the wonders of mixing, measuring, and making a sweet treat from scratch.

Saturday, 27 April

3pm to 4:30pm

*Registration begins at 2:30pm

Verandah Terrace

Member: $30+

Guest: $35+

Suitable for ages 4 to 12 years old.

Click Here

to register

Note:

Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the event will be billed the full price. A no-show will also be billed at full price. A confirmation email will be sent to you by the Events Team to confirm your participation.

AN Evening OF MALAY GASTRONOMY

Discover authentic Malay cuisine! The evening begins with a pre-dinner session at The Elizabeth Suite, featuring "In Conversation with Khir Johari," hosted by Gisella Harrold. Khir Johari, author of ‘The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels Through the Archipelago’, which won Singapore Book of the Year 2022 and the prestigious Best of the Best award at the 28th Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Sweden.

Following this engaging discussion, indulge in a sumptuous 5-course dinner which promises to be a huge exploration of Malay gastronomy, allowing guests to try the aromatic spices, fragrant herbs, and bold flavours that define this rich culinary tradition. From the spicy and fragrant sambal to tender grilled chicken, each dish narrates a unique story, transporting diners to the bountiful gardens of Nusantara. To complement the evening, members will also get to enjoy a traditional Malay dance performance.

Saturday, 20 April 5pm to 9pm

Registration starts at 4:45pm

no-show will also be billed at full price. A confirmation email will be sent to you by the Events Team to confirm your participation.

Khir Johari Author

~ MENU ~

Pindang Serani

Grouper fillet, Lemongrass, Turmeric, Tamarind soup

Ulam

Lettuce, Arugula, Baby Spinach, Frisée, Pomegranate in Limau

Purut Vinaigrette

Roti Kirai (Jala) and Lamb Curry, Cucumber

Ayam Masak Puteh (Coconut Cream Grilled Chicken) with Perkedel and Sambal Udang and Pune Rice

Agar-agar Gudir Pandan

Cake Lapis with Vanilla Ice Cream and Pineapple Coulis

Calamansi Juice

~ VEGETARIAN MENU ~

Tofu Soup with Rice Vermicelli

Mixed Greens Salad

Lettuce, Arugula, Baby Spinach, Frisée, Pomegranate in Limau

Purut Vinaigrette

Roti Kirai with Vegetarian Curry

Sayur Lodeh with Perkedel and Sambal Tomato and Pune Rice

Agar-agar Gudir Pandan

Cake Lapis with Vanilla Ice Cream and Pineapple Coulis

Calamansi Juice

19 March

16 April 8pm

7 March 4 April 8pm

BINGO QUIZ

All ticket sales will be donated to charity.

Participation fee (donated to charity): Minimum $5 per participant

29 March

The Good Spot

The Good Spot is a local band - Faz (vocals), Dan (guitar), Hadi (bass), Jude (drums). They play covers from the 60s and 70s to the current hits! As a band, they have played at various clubs including Muddy Murphy’s and Prince of Wales.

26 April

Daniel Sid

From strumming his guitar on the streets of London to captivating audiences in Singapore, Daniel Sid enchants audiences with his mesmerising voice and heartfelt lyrics. This multi-talented musician knows how to bring the fun!

CRAFT Section

By Jane Wallace, Member of the

Club since July,

2017

The Craft Section’s mission is to be philanthropic throughout our year of meeting, enjoying fellowship and producing handmade items.

Although we started later in the year, the ladies rallied together to produce plenty of handmade Christmas merchandise such as stockings, ornaments and more. You may have seen our pop up booth at the main reception area, which we held for five weekends and generated plenty of interest and sales, All proceeds will be donated to the Club’s charities – Riding for the Disabled Association and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Members and their guests were very generous in supporting the cause and enjoyed shopping for handmade items. We managed to raise a total of S$5,392, which will be split evenly between the two charities.

In addition, one of our members crocheted the Christmas ball decorations that adorned the Christmas tree in the foyer. Once again, the proceeds will be donated to the Club’s nominated charities and a further $380 was raised. A special thank you to our member, Luana, for her amazing work!

SQUASH British Club squashers visit The American Club for the Ryder Cup friendly

By Omair Azam, Member of the Club since May 2018

In January, a contingent of 13 battle-ready warriors from British Club squash visited the American Club to fight it out for the Ryder Cup. As the holders of the trophy, the British Club team was confident they would be able to retain the Cup, having beaten American Club in 2022.

For the friendly, we tried out a new format where rather than playing one best of 5 match, each player was assigned a group and played two games with 3 or 4 opposing players. This was a different experience to normal, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We will do something similar for future interclub fixtures.

Unfortunately, and despite the early confidence, British Club lost when it came to the final points tally, and so Captain Omair handed over the Ryder Cup (temporarily!) to the Americans. As this was technically the 2023 fixture, we will hope to win back the trophy later this year on home turf. Many thanks to all those who took part!

British Club Captain Omair handing back the Ryder Cup to AC captain Abesh. We’ll have it again soon.

SWIMMING Section News

By Nathalie Farrow, Member of the Club since

August 2020

Masters Swimming: Year in Review

Ah, 2023! A year that started with goggles fogged with anticipation and ended with champagne corks popping at the British Club Gala. Buckle up for a deep dive into the whirlwind that was our Masters Swimming section this past year.

New and Old:

We welcomed a wave of fresh faces to the squad, each one injecting a splash of new energy, and perhaps a dash of competitive fire into the mix. First-timers, seasoned challengers, all joined the poolside posse. We also bid adieu to a few pros who hung up their goggles. Their presence on the pool deck will be missed, but their legacy lives on in every perfect turn and explosive pull-buoy toss.

1000km challenge:

We kicked off 2023 with a 1000km challenge, which was a chlorine-scented odyssey and a tidal wave of dedication, churning through water like salmon on a caffeine rush. Yien, David and Jane - You guys are the Aquawomen and Aquaman of our crew, inspiring us mere mortals to ditch the floaties and embrace the burn.

Stroke of Genius (or Insanity):

Remember the “Stroke of the Month” challenge? You know, where Coach Alain dedicated a whole month to a single stroke for 30 glorious (or torturous) days? Um, Butterfly month was...an experience. Let’s just say, there were more underwater hiccups than Olympic records broken. But hey, we tried! And in the process, we discovered muscles we didn’t even know existed, and a newfound appreciation for freestyle.

Socialising

Our social calendar this year was a veritable smorgasbord of fun. We clinked glasses at wine tasting dinners, we learnt that Chardonnay pairs beautifully with thrashing the butterfly, and that Pinot Noir soothes brutal interval sets. We devoured mountains of English Brekkies at Club Breakfasts, and bonded over Granola, swapping tales of near-drowning dreams and suspiciously fast lap times. It was a symphony of laughter, fuelled by caffeine and the camaraderie that only comes from sharing a lane with people who understand the struggle of a mid-life crisis in a swimsuit.

Let’s not forget the Great Sport Quiz Debacle. We went all in, risked it all, and... well, let’s just say the trophy ended up in the hands of the Golf team. So yeah, this year, maybe we stick to what we know best – freestyle, backstroke, and not anything to do with Netball.

Gili Island:

This year, we weren’t just lane lovers, we were open-water warriors! We saw bodies sculpted, wills tested, and a whole lot of questionable swimwear emerge from the depths. Our mega-hard training paid off as we conquered the open water like sharks with swim caps. Jellyfish encounters, questionable currents, and existential dread under the endless blue horizon - these were the trials of an epic test of endurance and teamwork, bronzing us with sun and memories that’ll last a lifetime.

British Club Gala:

Masters swim section went head-to-head with the Cricketers in a nail-biting relay race. It was a battle of fins against flannels, goggles against goggles (well, some cricketers wore sunglasses. We don’t judge). In the end, the Swimmers prevailed, proving that once you’ve conquered butterfly month, anything is possible!

So, there you have it! A year in the life of the Masters Swimmers, a whirlwind of sweat, laughter, and the occasional existential crisis in lane 5. We swam, we laughed, and we emerged stronger, more bonded, and maybe just a little bit weirder. Onward to 2024!

CRICKET

Setting the scene for Camaraderie, Community & Cricket:

Four things to look forward to in 2024 Cricket Season

By Asad Kalimi, Member of the

Club since April, 2021

Singapore is a wonderful place from many aspects, whether it’s the kaleidoscope of its food or its people. However, when it comes to cricket in Singapore, I am often surprised by the ability of the game to not only exist but flourish, despite the challenges of weather and space, from competitive leagues to the social cricket where the British Club has garnered a special place both for its “cricket” and “social” aspects details of which can’t be shared here.

2023 was a year full of highlights: retaining the bilateral trophy against SCC, winning the Cricket 6s (actually tequila boat race), and most importantly reviving our annual tour of visiting KL for a weekend of fun, friendship and of course some good cricket.

2024 will be a new year, new season, and another opportunity to make new friendships and new memories.

Here are the four things that I am looking forward to:

1. Playing at the Iconic Padang:

A beautiful patch of green is surrounded by the historical clubhouses of Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) and Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) on its east and west, the picturesque National Gallery building to its north and the iconic Esplanade to its south.

Taking on SCC at their home ground is an opportunity that every social cricketer in Singapore looks forward to.

Now that we are back on the touring band wagon, we are looking forward to planning a weekend away (secret location) to make some new friendships, unravel some new legends and most importantly, strengthen the camaraderie.

3. Player of the Year for 2024:

Make no mistake that we are a social club first, but this doesn’t eliminate the competition among the few to win the beautiful “Player of the year” trophy. I am predicting a tough competition between the old “young” guard and some new challengers.

Fast-forwarding to the 2024 awards night, the highlight reel will showcase some of the best moments of the year (all yet to be created): praising new legends waiting to be discovered, celebrating post-game social sessions and who knows what else.

If community, camaraderie or cricket is your thing, you could join us to enjoy the amazing journey 2024 season promises to be or be a silent spectator and follow our journey through the next editions of this magazine or by following us on Instagram: @cricket_thebritishclubsg.

2. New Year, New Tour:

4. The Highlight Reel:

FOOTBALL

The Ho Chi Minh Tour 2023

By Paul Davies, Member of the Club since February, 1999

Every year (COVID permitting) for the last 10 years or so the British Club Football Section has toured twice a year to play the beautiful game outside of the Singapore shores. One tour is typically to one of our go-to venues – Bali or Phuket – where we know we will get good football and good entertainment. The other tour we try and be a little bit more adventurous and so far, have played in Cambodia, Malaysia (Penang), Philippines, Thailand (Bangkok) and Vietnam. The two tours are in March and October.

In October 2023, we visited Ho Chi Minh for the third time – and it was quite a special tour. Not only has Ho Chi Minh changed significantly since our last tour (some good some not so), we had help organising the tour from the Vietfootball Federation (the official amateur Vietnam Football Federation) courtesy of CMO of the beer brand 333 (Ba Ba Ba), who sponsor Vietfootball in Vietnam. And in addition – through a weekend recce - we found some great restaurants for our dinners and a great sports bar to watch the English Premier League (EPL) and Rugby World Cup.

As it is increasingly the custom, some of the players went early to play an extra game of golf on Thursday, whilst most of the touring party (the tourists ranged from 18 to 60) arrived on the Thursday night / Friday morning, with one straggler turning up only on the Saturday afternoon after a finding out the visa rules had changed and an aborted two-hour flight!

After golf on Friday, we played a 7-a-side tournament against local opposition but unfortunately a very heavy rainstorm intervened and made

We have claimed the moral victory though as we were down to a bare minimum of players due to illness and injuries during the game.

BCFC 2016 Grass TRC

the final games virtually unplayable – although a lot of fun. Dinner that night was a superb traditional Vietnamese meal at Hoa Tuc followed by an early night!

Saturday was the big day as the Vietfootball federation had organised a 11-a-side game at the Thong Nhat Stadium, the home stadium for both Sài Gòn and Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh who play in the Vietnam League 1. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000 spectators – although we did not quite manage to fill it out! I am not sure the pictures do it justice.

The opposition was FC 81+ featuring members from Vietnam Football Federation, national referees, and Match Commissioners. We had a full complement of referees and ball boys! Whilst the game finished in a 0-0 draw, it was an extremely hard-fought and competitive game with both sides having chances to win the game.

We have claimed the moral victory though as we were down to a bare minimum of players due to illness and injuries during the game.

After an end of tour dinner at El Gaucho steak house (the steak was superb) and the presentation of the end of tour awards, we retired to watch the EPL and some Rugby World Cup at Phatty’s Sports Bar.

For those new to the Football Section of the British Club, we have run a thriving section across all age groups (16 - 67+) playing 5, 7, and 11-a-side football on a regular weekly basis for close to 20 years.

If you would like to join in the fun and/or play some competitive football, please contact football@britishclub.org.sg or speak to the staff at Pro Shop.

Turf City - Being Dismantled Building (Dec 2023)

The Cage - Grass Pitch 2013 Adjusted

TENNIS MASTERS TOURNAMENT

- Tennis is the winner

By The Slicer, Member of the Club since

April, 2007

The Club’s Masters’ knock-out tournament wrapped up in November last year with some new and some familiar faces sharing the honours.

In the men’s singles, two newly-qualified entrants celebrated turning 50 with a hard-fought final, with Loig Pavard ending up on top against Christophe Marciano.

In doubles, Ben Kiggell and Julian Chesser won for the third time (that’s Ben’s 6th title overall), Mark Woodrow and Clytie Morgan retained their mixed doubles title, and Clytie also claimed the ladies’ doubles, partnered with Mari Goodman.

Well done to all the winners, and the committee look forward to seeing more newly-old players on court next year.

SPORTS

CONVENORS

CRICKET SECTION

Rob Annan/Will Bain cricket@britishclub.org.sg

FOOTBALL SECTION

Tim Risbridger football@britishclub.org.sg

GOLF SECTION

Nic Merrow-Smith golf@britishclub.org.sg

MARTIAL ARTS SECTION

Adam Slater taekwondo@britishclub.org.sg

PADEL SECTION

Jamie Salamon padel@britishclub.org.sg

PICKLEBALL SECTION

Manoharan Karthigasu pickleball@britishclub.org.sg

RUGBY SECTION

Nick O’Brien rugby@britishclub.org.sg

SQUASH SECTION

Andrew Vine squash@britishclub.org.sg

SWIMMING SECTION

Rebecca Turley/Cindee Allister swimming@britishclub.org.sg

TENNIS SECTION

Kim Koh tennis@britishclub.org.sg