Conclusion and Self-Evaluation

Conclusion

After going through all the national monuments and attractions we had visited, I am extremely proud of Singapore's long and interesting heritage. I feel that keeping Singapore's heritage is a must, so the future generations can appreciate and feel the journey of the older generations -- the hardships, the perseverance, and the journey. It is through heritage that we get to cherish our lives and truly appreciate what Singapore is today. I would strongly recommend for you to go for one of the many guides on Singapore's rich history. You will not only learn about Singapore's past, you will experience the true meaning of heritage. 

Self - Evaluation

Creativity - 4. Afterall, the blog might not have a really outstanding colour scheme, and not many gadgets are available.

Purpose - 5. We have shown evidence of personal response, by responding to some of the monuments in the tour. We also reflected after our tour, as shown in the conclusion. 

Audience and Tone - 4. Some posts might be written too formally, and some of them might have too little information. 

Mechanics - 5. A wide variety of vocabulary has been used in writing the blog.

Completion - 5. The blog was submitted on time.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS BLOG. WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR TIME SPENT READING THE POSTS! :)

 

Civilian War Memorial

The Civilian War Memorial, also know as "Chopsticks", was completed in January 1967. The four white pillars, each standing at 67 metres tall, represented the four different races in Singapore, who were killed during the Sook Ching Massacre during the Japanese Occupation. Every year, on 15th February (Singapore's Total Defence Day), a memorial service is held here to remember the victims of the second World War. We were also told to maintain a respectful silence when visiting the Civilian War Memorial.

The Inscription on the Civilian War Memorial

The four pillars of the Civilian War Memorial, also known as "Chopsticks"

War Memorial Park

The War Memorial Park was created in 1962, when the then Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, set aside a plot of land for the building of the Civilian War Memorial. The main monument to visit in the War Memorial Park is the Civilian War Memorial.

An aerial view of the War Memorial Park, with the Civilian War Memorial in the middle of the park

St. Andrew's Cathedral

Located across the Padang, this Anglican cathedral is Singapore's largest cathedral. The first St. Andrew's Cathedral was completed in 1836, also by Indian convicts. In 1942, before Singapore was occupied by the Japanese, the cathedral served as an emergency hospital. When we first caught sight of it, we knew it was still fully operational, as the church bells were ringing loudly, signalling the start of a new Mass.

St. Andrew's Cathedral

Tan Kim Seng Fountain

This beautiful blue and white fountain was built in 1882 in honour of Tan Kim Seng. He was a well-known philanthropist in Singapore in the 19th Century. He made a vast fortune as a trader, and used his fortune to establish a Chinese Free School, as well as to support part of Tan Tock Seng Hospital. One of his most famous donations was the $13,000 in 1857 to build Singapore's first public waterworks to ensure a more convenient and fresher water supply to Singapore. Back in those days, $13,000 was a huge amount of money. Today, Kim Seng Road in River Valley, a road he had built, and Kim Seng Bridge, also built by him, still exists. I felt a strong sense of pride and gratitude to Tan Kim Seng. Without him, Singapore would not have a constant supply of fresh water.

The Tan Kim Seng Fountain

The Cenotaph

The Cenotaph was built in memory of the 124 British soldiers who sacrificed their lives to fight in World War I. On 31st March 1922, the Cenotaph was unveiled by the then Prince Edward of Wales. Inscribed on the Cenotaph is: "They died that we might live." We were reminded to maintain a respectful silence when visiting the Cenotaph, to remember the soldiers who fought in war.

The Cenotaph

Old Supreme Court Building and City Hall

Once the courthouse of the Supreme Court of Singapore opened on 3rd August 1939, the Old Supreme Court Building had 11 courtrooms and judges' chambers. Little did we know, on 1 April 1937, the original foundation stone of the Old Supreme Court Building was laid by the Governor of the Straits Settlements, Sir Shenton Whitelegge Thomas. Buried beneath the stone is a time capsule containing six Singaporean newspapers, and a handful of coins of the Straits Settlements. The capsule is not due to be retrieved until the year 3000. On 20 June 2005, the new Supreme Court was built, and the Supreme Court of Singapore moved out of the old Supreme Court.

Old Supreme Court (Dome-shaped Roof) and the New Supreme Court Building (UFO-shaped Roof)

Singapore Cricket Club and Singapore Recreation Club

The Singapore Cricket Club was established in 1852. Today, the Singapore Cricket Club, also known as the SCC, has more than 3,000 members, and is host to many events, like the Annual Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby Sevens tournament and Annual Soccer Sevens tournament.

The Singapore Cricket Club

Next, the Singapore Recreation Club. The Singapore Recreation Club, also known as SRC is one of Singapore's oldest social clubs. Founded on 23rd June 1883, the Singapore Recreation Club aims to promote sports, recreation and social activities through a great variety of events. Today, the SRC has more than 5, 500 members, and some of the activities that can be found there are Bowling, Golf, Netball, Chess and Line Dancing.

Singapore Recreation Club

Padang

On the other side of Connaught Drive is the Padang. The Padang, also known as The Plain or Raffles Plain in the past, stands in between the Singapore Cricket Club and Singapore Recreational Club. The Padang is a venue for a number of events, like the National Day Parade in 2005 and 2010. In the past, during the Japanese Occupation, the Padang was where the victory parade of the Japanese surrendering Singapore back to the British took place. Today, the Padang is a major recreational area used by the Singapore Cricket Club, as well as the Singapore Recreational Club for a variety of sports, such as soccer, cricket and rugby.

I recall, back in 2010, when we were Primary 5, we came to the Padang for the annual National Education (NE) Show. Tall metal structures were erected for seats, and entire Padang was flooded with a sea of students from various schools, all clad in red and white to attend the NE Show. Although the NE Show was one of the actual National Day's rehearsals, everything resembled the actual National Day, and we had a whale of a time.

The Padang

Connaught Drive

Connaught Drive links Stamford Road to Fullerton Road. On its left is Esplanade Park, and on its right, is the Padang, also known as Raffles Plains. This piece of land was reclaimed in 1890, and named in honour of Prince Arthur, the then Duke of Connaught, who visited Singapore in 1906.

Connaught Drive. On the left is Esplanade Park, and on the right is the Padang

Indian National Army Marker

This marker was put up in 1995 dedicated to an unknown soldier of the Indian National Army during the Japanese Occupation, as well as to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. Today, this Indian National Army Marker is now part of a series of World War II site markers in Singapore.

Indian National Army Marker

Lim Bo Seng Memorial

The Lim Bo Seng Memorial in the Esplanade Park is one of the most prominent landmarks in Singapore. Lim Bo Seng is one of Singapore's War Heroes during the second World War. He headed many anti-Japanese activities. He was captured by the Japanese on 27th March 1944. However, although the Japanese tortured him severely, he refused to provide them with any information about Force 136, the guerrilla task force he and Captain John Davis set up. On June 29, 1944, he passed on in the early hours of the day. Lim Bo Seng will always be one of Singapore's heroes.

The Lim Bo Seng Memorial in Esplanade Park

Queen Elizabeth Walk

Bordering Esplanade Park is Queen Elizabeth Walk. This promenade was once part of the Esplanade. It was named after Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953, after the land reclamation project a century ago. As we walked along Queen Elizabeth Walk, green and pink bougainvilleas lined the promenade, creating a color contrast with the blue color of the Singapore River.

We never knew there had once been a 'Satay Club' on Queen Elizabeth Walk in the 1970s. Families would crowd round stalls in clusters and watch the satay man grill satay over hot charcoals. Sadly, the Satay Club was relocated to Clark Quay in 1995 to make way for the Nicoll Highway and Theatres on the Bay extension.

Queen Elizabeth Walk Today

The Satay Club in the mid-1970s

Esplanade Park

Upon entering this park from The Underpass, we were greeted by an astounding sight of nature. To our left were many flora and fauna, while to our right, the elegant durian-shaped Theatres on the Bay stood there majestically. The Esplanade Park was built in 1943. This park also houses a few national monuments, which include the Indian National Army Monument, the Cenotaph, the Tan Kim Seng Fountain, and the Lim Bo Seng Memorial. I was extremely surprised when I heard that Singapore's first national day (9th August 1945) was held here! How could such a narrow walkway accommodate such a large event?

The Esplanade Park. On the left is the park, and on the right is the Theatres on the Bay

Anderson Bridge

Built in 1909, Anderson Bridge was built to replace Cavenagh Bridge. This bridge was named after Sir John Anderson, a Governor of the Straits Settlements. We were quite disgusted to hear that during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, numerous heads of criminals were hung on the Anderson Bridge to warn citizens not to break the law.

The Anderson Bridge. On the background is Singapore's Financial District

The Underpass

The Underpass sounds normal, doesn't it? However, you are wrong. This is Singapore's first underpass. Also known as The Tunnel, this underpass was built in 1964 to link Connaught Drive and Esplanade Park.

The Underpass, more commonly known as The Tunnel

The Arts House at the Old Parliament

Formerly home to the Parliament of Singapore, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, also known as The Old Parliament House, was built in 1827. Today, it is an arts venue that hosts art exhibitions and concerts. This building served the Parliament of Singapore from 1965 - 1999. The Old Parliament House is the oldest existing government building in Singapore.

The Arts House at the Old Parliament

Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall

It is a combination of two buildings and a clock tower behind the Sir Stamford Raffles statue. The Victoria Theatre first served as Singapore's Town Hall when it was built between 1856 and 1862. I was surprised to discover that the People's Action Party was founded here! Today, the Victoria Theatre has a seating capacity of 904, with a stage of 168 square metres in size.

On the other hand, the Victoria Concert Hall was built in memory of Queen Victoria in 1905. This building served as a hospital when the Japanese bombed Singapore in 1941 and 1942. Later on, at the end of WWII, this building was used to serve Japanese war crime trials. Today, the Victoria Theatre can accommodate up to 883 people, with an expandable stage of 140 square metres in area.

The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall is separated by the 54m Clock Tower.

Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles

Erected in 1887 at the Padang to celebrate the Queen's birthday, the Sir Stamford Raffles Statue is one of the main attractions to look out for in the trail. It was relocated to face the sea in 1919, to salute the people who helped contribute to the Founding of Singapore. As we visited this landmark, we felt a strong sense of gratitude. Afterall, Sir Stamford Raffles helped to build the foundation of Singapore. Without him, Singapore would still be a small fishing village.

The Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, in front of the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall

Dalhousie Obelisk

The Dalhousie Obelisk was built to commemorate the then Governor-General of India, Lord James Andrew, Marquis of Dalhousie and his wife in 1850. This memorial was built to remind merchants the benefit of free trade.

The Dalhousie Obelisk

Cavenagh Bridge

Cavenagh Bridge is the oldest bridge that is still standing across the Singapore River. It is named after Sir Lieutenant General William Orfeur Cavenagh, the last Governor of the Straits Settlements under the British India Control. It was built in 1868 by Indian convicts. Today, this bridge provides a linkage between Empress Place and the Financial District.

Cavenagh Bridge. On the left is the Financial District, and on the right is the Ancient Civilization Museum.

Our Itinerary

There were various events that we could choose to attend on the HeritageFest Website. After much discussion, we decided to go for the Guided Walk at Empress Park, Esplanade Park and War Memorial Park Trail.

There were 20 landmarks we needed to visit. They are listed below in order. 

1. Cavenagh Bridge
2. Dalhousie Obelisk
3. Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles
4. Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall
5. The Arts House at The Old Parliament
6. The Underpass
7. Anderson Bridge
8. Esplanade Park
9. Queen Elizabeth Walk
10. Lim Bo Seng Memorial
11. Indian National Army Marker
12. Connaught Drive
13. The Padang
14. Singapore Cricket Club and Singapore Recreation Club
15. Old Supreme Court Building and City Hall
16. The Cenotaph
17. Tan Kim Seng Fountain
18. St. Andrew's Cathedral
19. War Memorial Park 
20. Civilian War Memorial

 In the next few blog posts, we will be looking at the landmarks in detail.


 

106 HeritageFest Blog

Welcome to our HeritageFest 2012 Blog!

Group members consist of:
- Arvin Jeremiah Rao (3)
- Han Wen Jiang (10)
- Joel Tow (13)
- Nathan Wong (23)

In this blog we will be sharing with you our interesting experience we had during a HeritageFest event.