Update :
We take this opportunity to wish all our members in this first 2010 magazine a rather belated Happy New Year ( Western and Chinese ) and to also wish you all every success in your endeavours as the various economies struggle out of recession.
The Singapore branch finished the year well, with the membership record again broken by having a total of 39 Corporate Members with 65 Corporate Delegates and 189 ordinary members, making a total of 254 persons. Our bank balance finished at a record level of just under Sing $300,000, having earlier peaked at over $300,000 and with a record disbursement to beneficiaries during the year of about $70,000. Our operating costs were zero – all expenses being paid for by Council members. This financial success was achieved by our member’s generosity and support and especially the excellent attendances at our Get-Togethers and functions. Particularly significant in achieving the high level of attendances at our gatherings has been the generosity of our Get-Together Sponsors, who have been providing the attraction of free drinks to paid-up members. This feature has now settled in to be a traditional feature of these events and a very special thanks to those sponsors. We are continually looking for more such sponsorship and for those not willing to take the full impact of the cost we are able to arrange joint sponsorships where these costs are shared.
A significant amount of credit must also go to our Get-Together hosts, The Penny Black on Boat Quay and Harry’s Bar in Orchard Towers, whom we thank for their generous support in the way of free finger food and Happy Hour drink prices which have served as an added attraction of attendance by our members and their guests. We look forward to a long continuation of our friendship with these hosts.
This year is the end of the present Council’s 2 year term of office and the election of a new Council will take place at our AGM on 15th April. We take this opportunity to thank all Council members for their efforts over the past two years. It has been a very active Council under the leadership of President Punitha Govindasamy, who will be stepping down both as President and as Council Member to take a breather and catch up with other things. Hopefully we shall see her back on the Council again before long. There have been many debates at Council meetings to determine the best way forward for various aspects of the Club’s activities. From these debates, and the issues which have occasionally been the subject of disagreements, we believe that the correct courses of action have emerged that have enabled us to achieve the success that we have. We look forward to new ideas emerging from the new Council.
Cases of Assistance :
As mentioned above, we have had a record disbursement of funds during 2009 in which we continued support for three families who lost their bread winners, gave monies to the victims of some industrial accidents and gave support to some cases in need of urgent and expensive medical treatment where, without our assistance, the patients would have suffered from inadequate treatment due to their financial circumstances. In addition the Club has sponsored more than 10 students from needy families, some of whom are now completing their studies and will start on their working career, enabling them to help better their families’ lives. Part of our assistance has been in the form of Festive Season “Bonuses” to enable them also to share something extra on these special occasions. Included in our student assistance programme is a “Lighthouse Club Bursary” of Sing $45,000 spread over 3 years to support education for 6 students over their 4 year courses, with the college also receiving an equal donation from the Singapore Government under a special agreement they have with the government, making the Lighthouse Club input equal in effect to Sing $90,000.
Web Site :
You will have noticed recently that the web site has not been active or updated in recent months and we are pleased to be able to inform you that this situation os now being corrected. The problems started in the middle of last year when a number of attacks were experienced. The web site has now been revamped and is fully protected providing the usual routine precautions are taken. Arrangements are now in hand to bring it up to date and keep it that way.
Recent Events :
Annual Dinner and Dance :
Held on the 21st November at the Tanglin Club it was an enormous success, both socially and financially. With a capacity attendance – but we did manage to squeeze in all those wanting to attend – a most enjoyable evening of dining and entertainment was experienced by all, and the dancing started early and continued well into the wee hours. We thank the generosity of our sponsors and those giving prizes ( including support from the Tanglin Club itself ) a sum in excess of $15,000 was raised for our beneficiaries. We record our thanks to the organizing sub-committee, faced as always on these occasions with trying to meet the demands / suggestions from various sources – many of them with conflicting requirements. As usual they walked through the minefield without stepping on any mines !
Christmas Party :
Held at The Penny Black on 15th December this last event of the year was again well attended and a lot of fun. Organised by President Punitha and Isabella Duncan, and supported by many members of a well inebriated “Choir” which was endured by the rest of the less musically inclined (?). It also featured the traditional “12 days of Christmas” enactment, wherein it is recalled that there were some conflicts between the “Lords a Leaping” and the “Maids a Milking” – or was it the Partridge in the Pear Tree that was being anti social ? Cannot recall - other than the fact that it was a great evening, and a wonderful finish to our most successful year with our record membership.
Forthcoming Events :
Annual General Meeting :
Scheduled to take place at 7.00 pm on 15th April at Dallas Bar and Restaurant on Boat Quay ( last year’s venue ), as noted above it will include the election of a new Council As well as reports on the past year’s activities from the various retiring officers. The meeting will be followed by a buffet dinner for which an excellent election of dishes has been selected, with general networking to follow. We are pleased to be able to announce that last year’s AGM sponsor, Messrs Voltas, has comfirmed their wish to sponsor this AGM also. We are now looking for nominations for the new Council from those willing to take an active part in the running of the Club.
Horse Racing at Kranjie – 18th April 2010 :
This popular event now has tickets selling fast and provides an alternative to the newly opened Casino in Singapore as a more enjoyable means of losing money. With tickets being sold at an unchanged $70 the price also includes a good buffet lunch. The event is being organised by Eric Yeo from whom tickets are available. Please give your support to this event.
Other Events for 2010 :
We have arranged now for a full calendar of events for the year which will be published shortly on the Web Site. However new ideas for functions are always welcome so please forward any suggestions you may have to us.
That is all for this report – we wish all a successful and productive New Year.
Tony Clifford
Hon Secretary. Lighthouse Club Singapore