Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park sits atop a low hill. It is our island historical landmark. Stamford Raffles built his first governor's residence atop the hill and grew nutmeg and clove at an experimental botanical garden here in 1822. In olden times, the native Malays called this hill Bukit Larangan or Forbidden Hill. In 1861, a fort was built and named Fort Canning after Viscount Charles John Canning. 

What brought me to this place are the two old buildings on this hill. I went to Fort Canning Arts Centre few years back for some flea market bazaar but didn't explore any further. This trip when I went over to the other side of this building and saw the cupolas for the first time. I was surprised to see they were actually that small. I was here this month because I had a wedding luncheon invitation at Hotel Fort Canning. I was so happy I get to go there.

Gothic Gate

Well, here is one of the two gothic gateways and a brick wall built in 1846, leads the visitor into Fort Canning Green. This building is the Fort Canning Arts Center used to be barracks of the British Army.

The lawn in front was the first Christian burial grounds. It was a cemetery 1822 to 1865.

By the 1970's, most of the graves were so worn out had to be removed. The headstones, remnants from the old Christian cemetery and another cemetery were embedded along the brick wall.

Tombstones at the north-east corner of the former Christian cemetery.

The Cupolas

These two minuscule cupolas were designed by an important architect of early Singapore named George Drumgold Coleman (1795 -1844). No information on its construction and purpose was documented. They could offer visitors shelter from the sun and rain. Frankly I thought it seem like a memorial for a pair infant twin.

Memorial To James Brooke Napier

This gothic monument is dedicated to William Napier's and Maria Frances's infant son who died at sea when he was about five months old in 1848. William Napier was also a Lieutenant Governor of the British outpost at Labuan, off the north coast Borneo.

The Battle Box is an underground network of bunkers and tunnels. It served as a command and control center for the British and Allied Forces in the late 1930's. A guided tour takes one through the surrender of Singapore to Japan during the World War II. A worthwhile visit to this historical site especially for military veterans and history buffs. It was discovered in 1988, and was then reopened as a museum in 1997.
 

The Fort Gate is all that is remained of the fort wall that ran completely around the summit of this hill. The wall was completed in 1861 to withstand artillery bombardment.

Old Fort Gate

I was surprised to discover a reservoir on top of the hill. To me reservoirs are vast openness of waters, how big could this reservoir be, to be even called a reservoir. Nobody knows as this is a restricted area. This service reservoir constructed in 1926 on the former site of a large artillery barrack and parade ground to supply water to the residents in the vicinity.

9-Pound Canon

     

Two of such cannons were made in the early 19th century but now is left with one.

Hotel Fort Canning was the former British Far East Command headquarters during World War II. This building was restored and converted to a boutique hotel. The military building was built in 1926 as the Administration Building of the British Far East Command HQ. It was occupied by the Japanese Military during the occupation (1942 - 1945).

As I exited the park through the other gothic gateway, there are still more to be covered. There is the Raffles Terrace where you see replicas of the lighthouse, flagstaff and time ball on the other side. The Spice Garden is just beyond this gate and the Archaeological Dig Exhibition close by. I called it a day for now.

There a quite a lot to see if you enjoy fauna and trees. Besides, information abound on info boards at designated spots around the park. The Battle Box is officially opens today after a two & half years revamp. This will be a good reason to go back for another visit. 

Till then . . . Goodbye . . . Take care.

Idyllic Country Living

Entrance

I didn't expect to be posting again about a place we visited during our Chinese New Year visitation. Nevertheless, was given another address to visit an aunt who has put up with another daughter, brought about a change in venue. I was delighted when the address led us to this black and white clusters of colonial houses which I dream of setting foot in. To say I was delighted was an understatement, I was thrilled ! We ever drove past this place admiring the charming neighbourhood with its laid back houses that were built around the late 1920's to house officers from Britain's Royal Air Force before the outbreak of World War II. Yes, we were in Seletar, located in the north-east coast of Singapore. Part of it is undergoing redevelopment into a new Aerospace Hub. 174 colonial homes are to be demolish. Where we were, houses are spared because they are outside the perimeter of the proposed aerospace park zone. It will be conserved to retain the area's rich historical past into a heritage site.

On our way there, we saw on the signboard up ahead was Piccadilly Circus. I didn't know we have a Piccadilly Circus in Singapore. Since the British were here before, some street names emulate the names in London such as Oxford Street, Sussex Garden, Maida Vale, just to name a few.

White washed walls with black coloured skirting & window frames

These semi detached houses have wide verandas, stuccoed columns, high ceiling, louvers for ventilation and overhanging eaves to keep out the rain. Some installed black & white bamboo chick blinds to keep out the glare from the sun. Matured trees provide much shade in the spacious garden at the front and back of the house.

Being here filled me with a sense of bliss, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, away from the close proximity of highrise living and away from the crowded heartland shopping malls. Spending a few quiet moments here really help to reduce the stressfulness of city life.

There was even a swing in the garden hanging from the branch of the tree. Something I would draw in a picture when I was a kid. Felt so carefree and happy the I couldn't resist the swing too.

Here is the front porch. The interior of the house wasn't so spacious after all.

Dining Room

Living area could be extended to the back of the house next to kitchen to make room for more lounging. The layout on the ground floor is L-shaped. There is also a small room at the back of the house. Below is picture of another occupant's home from Expat Living magazine who has since moved out for development.

Coming here, I come to realise the tranquil living in this kind of quiet, bucolic countryside setting actually existed. It also like stepping back in time when things were much simpler. Although mountains and hills are missing from our landscape but the lushness of the foliage will suffice. These old houses are so precious. They defined our history. If they have to be torn down, can't we replicate these buildings in another undeveloped part of our island. Imagine we have nothing much to reflect our history. On a final note, I am blessed to have this opportunity to step into a heritage home. Goodbye for now.

Victoria Theatre Reopens

Colonial Architecture

Last weekend, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall was opening its doors to the public for two days to view the newly renovated grand old dame. Once known as Victoria Memorial Hall was built in honour of the late Queen Victoria of England who died in 1901. This is the oldest performing arts centre in Singapore built between 1855 and 1862, originally used as a town hall with a theatre and some meeting rooms and offices.

Theatre Hall

After a 4 year refurbishment, the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall re-opened its doors on Tuesday, 15th July. The 152 year old national monument returns with modernised facilities, and much of its original architecture preserved. On seeing the impressive photogaphs of the place in the newspaper prompted me to drop in to snap some photos for you. Besides my family had often gone there to attend my son's performances and band competition ever since he joined the school band in primary three. I have not been to the theatre wing so far. The concert hall was the only place we been. Sure was a good chance to see the rest of the building.

Foyer at the Concert Hall Building

Hall on the ground floor

       This hall here look elegant and stately with its polished marble flooring, statuesque                columns and imposing doorways, exuding grandiose charm. 

A New Spiral Staircase 

Theater Foyer

 

Recycled timber back seat backing on walls & ceiling

Stairway to 3rd level

Looking at the opposite side Atrium

The other side of the Atrium

At the back of the 3rd level

Still at its original place, the bust of Sir Andrew Clarke

Plague to commemorate Queen Victoria

  

In memory of those who were killed during the mutiny in Singapore in 1915 

  

Concert Hall

It was an busy Sunday and I didn't queue up for the free performance in the concert hall or theatre. I have no pics of the performance halls and these two pictures were taken by my son the day before. He was there before I even suggested it. I am sure this place holds a lot of special memories for him and many more to come.

Taken from the 2nd level

Stairway to the Main Atrium

 The rest of the family wanted to leave for home because of homework

and whatnot. Let's check out the restroom before we go.

Washroom in monochromatic colour scheme in subdue lighting

These are all I manage to take. I felt disenchanted that I didn't go into that theatre or climb up to the clock tower and miss out on the tour because of time constraints. I know I will be back here again for my son's future band performances. 

Till then . . . bye for now as we trip along Queen Elizabeth Walk to the MRT

Hooray for Clear Skies

A House Worth Saving

The Dubliner - An Irish Pub Along Penang Road

The above spanking white facade of this 20th-century Colonial building, all spruced up is already been injected with a new lease of life. Considering the size of our country, Singapore, keeping such small buildings around sometimes calls for appreciation and love for old world architecture that would never quite easily replicate in our modern times. All you see are skyscrapers coming up at a rapid rate with seamless, streamlined structures clad in metal, glass and steel. Don't think of constructing impressive columns or embellish the building with fancy arches. We don't have time to waste. Get it up fast. Time is money.

Just the other day, I saw an old building from the corner of my eyes when we were driving around the round-about in Marine Parade. A slice of it was left standing in front of an on-going construction of a apartment building. It looks really pathethic. I went back to the spot another day to take a snapshot of it. It really is the remnant of 23 Amber Road, the entrance porch of 'Butterfly House' - to be integrated into this new 18 storey condominium. It's loss of the core structure is irrevocable. What is gone becomes irretrievable.

This bungalow has a special place in the hearts of some Katongites and other conservation enthusiasts. It was the only residential building with curved extensions and was designed by Alfred John Bidwell, the same architect who designed the Raffles Hotel, Goodwood Park Hotel, Chesed-El Synagogue and Victoria Memorial Hall. It had seen its better days. Waves once lapped at the house backyard and its curved verandah was designed to catch the sea breezes. However this part of the house is hidden from the road. It's no wonder that I didn't come to know about its uniqueness of this piece of architecture until the campaign to save it in 2007.

I have to be contend with a slide show to take a tour through the house. Sad to say to have lost a treasure. Nothing is left for the future generation to take a step into the past by entering the doors of 93 year old residence in Katong.

See for yourself @

http://web.mac.com/khoo/Amber/Home-No-More.html
http://www.irenelow.com/