Farewell MyQueenstown

Farewell MyQueenstown #7 - Farewell KTM Tracks

On 30 Jun 2011 | 6 Comments

Much has been written about KTM Tracks lately. A simple search on Google and Yahoo will bring you to numerous websites such as this and this. After all, this cantankerous relic was Singapore's brave new world in the early 20th century.  I have always been a believer of my secondary school's motto, "Rooted in Tradition, Equipped for the Future."

永别了!女皇镇!#7 一摊油条传三代

On 30 Apr 2011 | 1 Comments

一摊油条传三代 在玛格列熟食中心,“生活公市”说得上是个客至如云的摊子。这个小摊子,不售卖任何煮炒;摊子主人则一年三百六十五天,天天在摊内起个炉炸上一条条的油条。 “生活公市”摊主李马才先生(58岁)是这家油条摊的第三代。 祖父自中国南来便炸油条为业,后来其父亦继承了祖父的业务。“生活公市”自1969年起,正式迁入玛格列熟食中心营业。李先生从小便跟随父亲学手艺,在油锅边打转。 李先生的油条,以香脆爽口闻名。在80年代初,李先生每一日几乎可炸近200条油条。李家一家五人总要齐齐上阵来应付顾客的需要。 如今,虽然李先生的摊子已搬迁到亚历山大村熟食中心,但他对玛格列熟食中心仍然十分怀念。再见了,玛格列熟食中心!

Farewell MyQueenstown #6 - The Taste of Wanton Noodle Lingers...

On 24 Mar 2011 | 18 Comments

Mr. Phoon Hon Sun, 64, and his family started selling barbeque pork from a pushcart at the terminal for Hock Lee bus service no.9 some 53 years ago. The bus terminal was located next to Blocks 6B and 7 along Margaret Close, a cluster of flats which were demolished during the 1990s. A familiar sight no more Every afternoon, residents who lived in the seven

Home Sweet Home @ MyQueenstown

Home Sweet Home #15 - A New Day Has Come =)

On 24 Apr 2011 | 11 Comments

Last week, MyQueenstown team interviewed Mdm Chan about her life in Blk 15 Holland Drive. Under SERS, she was assigned a new apartment in the newly developed blocks just a stone throw sway. Today, we visit Hisham Suni, 38, who moved over from Blk 17 to his new apartment in Blk 18C Holland Drive. Hisham Suni and his son =) Hisham is delighted by his new ap

Home Sweet Home #14 - Farewell Holland Drive

On 17 Apr 2011 | 3 Comments

Blk 15, Holland Drive looked vacant and cold when MyQueenstown team visited this morning. The shop houses under the apartment block were all covered with card boards and all that was left were traces of glass panels, which could possibly be a beauty parlor in its place before. The lift was still working. Mdm Chan - a long time resident at Holland Drive A c

Home Sweet Home #13 - Commonwealth 10! Here I Come!

On 10 Apr 2011 | 3 Comments

The front door was wide open when MyQueenstown team visited Mr Lee, 78, at his apartment in Blk 74 Commonwealth Drive. Feeling curious, we knocked onto the door and was greeted by a sleepy looking Mr Lee. Mr Lee who lives alone at Block 74 Retired more than a decade ago, Mr Lee is living alone as he prefers being independent to tagging along with his chi

News@MyQueenstown

Response to Straits Times Forum: "Active Citizenry Needs Space to Find Its Feet"

On 26 Aug 2011 | 25 Comments

A week ago, Mr. Eric Tan, Director of the National Archives of Singapore, explained that the archives have generously acceded to our requests for photographs to be published in our website, upcoming book and newsletter. This was not the full story. Last year, we wrote in to the National Archives of Singapore, requesting them to sponsor photographs of the ol

MyQueenstown Celebrates: Consecration Ceremony at Sri Muneeswaran Temple!

On 10 Jul 2011 | 1 Comments

Tanglin Halt residents are wokened up by the vociferous wailing of nadaswaram and thavil ensemble at Sri Muneeswaran Temple this morning. More than 15,000 residents and devotees have gathered at the Southeast Asia's largest Hindu temple worshiping the Muneeswaran god to witness the consecration ceremony. A consecration ceremony is a festive occasion done on

女皇镇1周新闻快讯 - 第二十五期

On 08 Jul 2011 | 6 Comments

女皇弄组屋 同一垃圾糟 两年3纵火  女皇弄组屋走廊垃圾糟,三度起火,居民人心惶惶,警列恶作剧纵火处理。 位于女皇镇一带的女皇弄第21座组屋8楼的电梯口,今早7时15分左右发生大火。 一名住在事发地点附近的居民,惊见滚滚黑烟从该处冒出 最高74万5000元 最低40多万 女皇镇 四房转售价 相差近37万  在热门组屋区女皇镇里,有四房式组屋最近以74万5000元的最高价转售,但也有37万8000元。 组屋溢价回升之际,热门地点如女皇镇的组屋转售价也持续攀升。今年4月,一间位于女皇镇史达拉摩道(Strathmore Ave)的四房式高楼单位,以74万5000元售出。 最后一次乘搭火车北上  火车开动了!该各就各位了吧。经过女皇镇、武吉知马、武吉班让时看到铁路旁站着许

My Father and I

Former Tanglin Halt Industrial Estate

On 14 May 2011 | 2 Comments

The industrialisation programme took off in Queenstown when the Tanglin Halt Industrial Estate was established to generate employment in the neighbourhood. Initially, the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) planned a small industrial estate at Tanglin Halt to provide employment for the new residents. Measuring some 20 acres of land consisting of 38 factories

Queenstown Baptist Church

On 03 May 2011 | 1 Comments

The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) set aside seven sites for religious use and advertised for religious organisations to ballot in the 1950s. Of the ten enquiries received, four withdrew, leaving six Christian organisations. These went on to build the first churches of Queenstown; Queenstown Baptist Church, Queenstown Lutheran Church, Faith Methodist Ch

Archipelago Brewery Company (Anchorpoint)

On 22 Apr 2011 | 3 Comments

Established in 1931 by German businessmen, Archipelago Brewery Company was the first commercial brewery in Singapore. It was located next to the Malayan Railway, which provided convenient transportation for exporting the beer in Tanjong Pagar. Archipelago Brewery Company One of the more popular beer produced at Archipelago Brewery Company was Anchor Beer.

Makan Shiok!

Snacks Attack #13 - Ah Luck Bean Curd

On 23 Dec 2010 | 2 Comments

Mr Chua, 25, runs Ah Luck Beancurd in Tanglin Halt market for more than 2 years. He is renting the stall from the original owner who has based his stall in the same area for more than 40 years. Ah Luck Bean Curd offers drinks and deserts such as soya bean drink, grass jelly and the residents' favorite soya bean curd (60 cents). A Delicious Bowl of Bean Curd

Snacks Attack #12 - Satay Mad in Tanglin Halt!

On 16 Dec 2010 | 7 Comments

 Ann, 46 runs the family food stall for over 10 years in Tanglin Halt hawker centre. Serving halal food for over a decade in the same place, Ann has integrated her dishes to suit the taste buds of Queenstown residents, especially the Malay community. The simple food stall offers snacks such as satay, otah and seafood dishes. As a family styled bus

Snacks Attack #11 - Almond & Peanut Paste!

On 09 Dec 2010 | 0 Comments

DessertStory, located in Anchorpoint basement one, has been serving residents tasty snacks and deserts for the past four years. Wendy, the supervisor of the cafe, introduced the various homemade desserts that they offer. A bowl of Almond Paste Hot desserts are mainly the favourite choice among Queenstown residents. Firstly, they have almond paste which is m

Random Thoughts @ MyQueenstown

Random Thoughts @ MyQueenstown #9 - 7 Funerals in 2 weeks

On 22 May 2011 | 0 Comments

7 funerals in 2 weeks. There is a flurry of "activity" these two weeks for correspondents from My Queenstown. We did not leave our traces in photographs as a mark of respect for the deceased. We did leave our sincere prayers and heartfelt condolences for those present. Quietly and fleetingly, we made our way to some of the funerals and understood that all o

Random Thoughts @ MyQueenstown #8 - Block 39A No More (The Removal of Block 39A Part I)

On 05 Apr 2011 | 8 Comments

On a Friday afternoon three weeks ago, several Bangladeshi workers, presumably from the Town Council, took their tool boxes to the lift lobby of Block 39A. In less than half an hour, they carried a metallic frame on their shoulders and placed it on a lorry parked in front of the apartment block. Farewell Block 39A The letterboxes The stretch of corrid

Random Thoughts @ MyQueenstown #7 - A New Coat of Paint

On 22 Mar 2011 | 1 Comments

The Point Blocks, along with 5 other blocks at Mei Ling Street were given a new coat of paint over the past week. The familiar combination of blue, yellow and orange was a thing of the past as these foreign workers toiled day and night, rain or shine to make Mei Ling Street "attractive again." White seems to be the "in" thing in Queenstown lately. Ten-store

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XXX Restricted Access @ MyQueenstown #6 - Champions of Queenstown Stadium

By my queenstown on Sunday, October 31, 2010 with 8 comments

What makes a champion? Etoile FC, Singapore's most recognised foreign club in the S League, has already won the league cup. They are gearing themselves up for a grandstand finale to their inaugural season at the league and RHB Cup. Success has not been smooth sailing. Adapting and assimilating into a foreign culture and foreign league is one hurdle. Finding local support and recognition is another. Let Restricted Access peek into the history of Queenstown stadium and a subsequent training session to find out about the champions of the stadium as well as Etoile's FC fairytale start to the S League.


Etoile FC's training in Queenstown Stadium

Queenstown Stadium was officially opened in 1970 as one of the first neighbourhood sports complex. It is a premier location for parades and competitions in the 1970s and 1980s and Queenstown residents were often in for a treat with these colourful performances as dazzling region superstars come to the stadium to perform promote an event.
  
MINDEF First Colour Parade is Held in Queenstown Stadium

Queenstown stadium had done its part in chalking up all the "firsts" for the estate. In March 1972, the Ministry of Defence held the first colour parade in Queenstown stadium. The Guard of Honor of the parade is from the 1st Singapore Infantry Regiment. The flag in the photo is the first colour of the parade.

Parade held at the stadium. Blk 39A can be seen clearly in the background

Beside these memorable times, Queenstown Stadium was no stranger to the galaxy of cantopop stars who came to "Star Walk," a fundraising event held in March 1979. Singaporeans from all parts of the island streamed in to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. Heavy rain threatened to pour a "wet blanket" but many residents eventually smiled their way through collecting certificates of appreciation upon completion of the charity walk.
Charity Walk was almost dampened by the rain

Arrival of Hong Kong Stars at the Stadium

Charity Walk along Queenstown. Where's this road?

Decentralised parades of the national day were held at the stadium in 1983 to allow more Singaporeans and heartlanders participate in the festive occasion. Unlike the parades which are presently held at night, participants to these decentralised parades often had to brave the "hot sun." The guest of honour that day was then-Minister of Defence, Goh Chok Tong. There is neither impressive light displays nor pyrotechnics to "wow" the crowd. But the sincerity and effort in delivering the performances deserve full marks!


Preparation for the parade

March past at the neighbourhood draw hundreds of residents

Mass Display Performances at the stadium

Towards a Better Tomorrow- NDP Theme for 1983

Guns, Smoke and Marching Band Performances

Whistles and Stares for these group of female performers

National Anthem

Queenstown Stadium spent the 1990s and millennium as hosts to a never ending list of football clubs challenging for honours in the S League which is formed in 1995. First came Tiong Bahru United and then Tanjong Pagar FC. These defunct football clubs may not have won the league title, but they have won over fans in Queenstown and others in Singapore. Glory and pride was restored at Singapore's oldest sporting facilities as the stadium was completely filled in numerous occasions. Tanjong Pagar is one of the most widely supported club after SAFFC, Home United and Geylang. 

However, the notoriety of Chinese clubs Sinchi (who is the FIRST foreign side to ply the S League) and Liaoning had lend a bad name to the stadium. Match fixing, troubled finances among a plethora of problems did not do justice to the proud an historically rich stadium. 2010 marks a return to prominence for Queenstown stadium as she celebrates her 40th anniversary in Singapore's history. The impressive Etoile FC will rewrite history books if the team of "Stars" become the first foreign side to win the S League.

A training session at Queenstown Stadium

Etoile FC hold the honour of being the first European side to ply in Asia's football leagues. However establishing the football club was not an easy task. Finding sponsors and support have always been the toughest job in Singapore's football league and this task gets more difficult when the club is foreign. The team of players with French nationality arrives in Singapore on January 24 and they are already scheduled to play in mid February. Unlike local clubs, players from Etoile FC has considerable less time to bond and gel together as a team. This difficulty was expressed by their team coach, Patrick Valle.

Patrick Valle, head coach of Etoile FC

Prior to his appointment at Etoile FC, Patrick had coached in the Qatar league for 2 years. He enjoys the beautiful game and aims to improve and showcase French football to Singaporeans. The fiery coach, who had been sent off for 4 occasions this season, expressed concerns over teams who were extremely physical when they play against the French team. Nevertheless, he is determined to train the team so that they can adapt to the Singapore weather and style of football. He wants to win more titles with the club and is confident that the club can win all the honours available this season. 

Mattias Verschave (left) and Julien Deletraz

Mattias, a 32-year old striker, brings much needed experience to a young French side. A composed and clinical striker, Mattias (wore number 9) has played for French teams Olympique Nimes, Brest and Cypriot champions Olympiakos Nicosia. Julien Deletraz, the 22-year old towering defender, hails from Grenoble. He puts in impressive performances over the season and is considered an important first team player with the French club.

Mattias and Julien arrive in Singapore and stay in a condominium located in the Western part of the island. The short duration between their arrival and eventual first match in the league makes it hard for both the players in acclimatising to Singapore's weather and style of football. Hence, they are scheduled to train in early mornings and late evenings when the weather is less "hot." In their free time, they will play tennis, swim, bowl and go to the gym. They have been to the zoo and night safari. Queensway shopping centre is another favourite "haunting" site for Mattias, Julien and the rest of the team. They can check up on the latest sports wear!

The rise and decline of Singapore's first sports complex is a heartrending story. It does not boast a 50,000 capacity to host international matches. It does not have a impressive clubhouse to attract the young and the affluent. Waterlogged pitches and cracked roofs are indications of her age. While her physical features are mere ordinary sight to some individuals, she has always been a reliable location for sports enthusiasts to train their fitness and play their game of football. Queenstown Stadium has always been a champion and they are forever a champion in our eyes. 

What are your memories of Queenstown Stadium? Tell us in our facebook now!



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