NEWSLETTER

December 1998

 

Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends,

Greetings from Oldham Hall - Its the time of the year again where we say our usual goodbyes and have a nice holiday for those who are still with us next year. Our seniors had their customary end of year "Graduation Dinner" on completion of their GCE ‘A’ & ‘O” Level examinations on Friday, 27th November 1998 at the "Café Vienna", Royal Crowne Plaza Hotel.   To those who are leaving us for good, we wish them all the best in their future endeavours and those who intend to stay on we are happy to have them on our roll call list.

And Now - All of us need to have a sense of hope.  As parents, we have hopes and aspirations for our sons.  We may hope that our sons will succeed in life and be moulded into men of integrity and honesty, or, that our family will always appreciate each other and be a source of great strength in good and in bad times.   Some will probably be very successful in their academic endeavours resulting in possibly a bright and fruitful career. However they mustn't forget to thank God for their success and be able to help those who might find life a constant struggle.

Our hopes may be different, but we all have one thing in common - FAITH.   Faith in ourselves, faith in others and faith in God.  We must always believe that we have the potential to do what we set out for ourselves and work towards a better future.   In pursuing our endeavours, we must always have faith and be at peace with others, with ourselves and with our God.  The message of this festive holiday is about hope, peace and life.

And Finally - I wish you and your families well and that the Good Lord continues to bless each and every one of you with His presence and His Grace.   There will be difficult moments ahead for sure, and we hope that you will pray for us and with us, that God will guide us in our most crucial years ahead and that we can and must survive.    Boys can be difficult (some of them) but, as they say, “Boys will be boys!”  Always remember if there is anything Oldham Hall can do to relieve the pain, please do not hesitate to call my staff or me.

The staff and management of Oldham Hall would like to wish that all of you have the gladness of Christmas which is "HOPE" (the Economic Crisis in Asia will end soon), the spirit of Christmas which is "PEACE" (especially in Indonesia & Malaysia), and the heart of Christmas which is "LOVE" (for the whole world, irrespective of race, colour and creed).

Thank you and God Bless!

"Together in Unity, Always!"  
 

David Campbell
Master

18th December 1998

  ACHIEVEMENTS  

  WELL DONE ALL OF YOU !

  WELCOME TO OLDHAM HALL  

• Mr. Stephen Loh, an ex-ACSian and Oldhamite joined our team of Housemasters this year.  He has settled in well and is now running the Youth Club, and assisting our Chaplain, Timothy Tan with Devotion and Bible Studies.

• Miss Tan Siew Khim, joined our family in July this year as a kitchen helper.  We hope she enjoys her stay at Oldham Hall.

GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES

To all our Undergraduates, Pre-University and Secondary 4 students who have studied so hard for their university, ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels examinations.  We know everyone has put in an awful lot of work and we pray you all will obtain the grades desired.   And to those of you who are moving on to a new stage in life, know that our best wishes go with you always.

PRAYERS and CONDOLENCES

The Oldham Hall community is asked to remember in your prayers the following members of our community who passed away or who have lost loved one's.

• Jeremy Chia Kin Loong (aged 22), Ex-ACSian and Oldhamite who died tragically in a car accident on 25th January 1998.  May he rest in peace and be remembered forever.
• Mdm Lim Chan Teck (aged 92), the mother of Mdm Lim Seow Bee (our Cook) who passed away peacefully on 23rd April 1998.  May she rest in peace forever.
• Mdm Leet See Fong, who died tragically in a car accident on 17th December 1998.   She is the mother of Chong Yew Hong and Chong Yew Meng, both ACSians and ex-Oldhamites.   May she rest in peace and be remembered always.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the memory of God, rest in peace.

NAMES OF THE PAST

• Mrs Moira Thomas - Recently got in touch with us and requested that I pass on to you all her and her husband Bill's Best Wishes.   Both have just recently become grandparents for the first time and are enjoying retirement together.

• Miss Sharifa (MOE) - Sent an email and requested that I send all the scholars, ex-scholars and non scholars her seasonal greetings and wish you all success in your future endeavours.  She is now working with the GEP Branch of the Ministry of Education.

• Rachmat Dewanto - Gained his Bachelor degree in USA and also lost it at the same time!   He is now working and living in Indonesia with his new wife…He got married to that little Japanese girl he met at university and they now have a 9-month-old daughter, Michelle Saori Dewanto.   We wish them all a Happy Life together and hope to see them in the very near future.

• Tan Sri Onn - Recently visited Oldham Hall and says he off to RMIT, Melbourne, Australia in February next year for further tertiary studies. He also sends his regards to all past and present Oldhamites.   He hopes to see some of you before he departs.  Watch out Australia!

• Kabilan - Still finds life in Downing College, Cambridge most enjoyable.

• Loh Yeong Shang - past through awhile back, having passed Honours at Harvard University and is thinking of doing his Masters in Boston, USA next year.   He was seen at ACJC training like mad for a future International Triathlon.   That's what you call a dedicated athlete.  He sends his best wishes to all.

• David Francis Lai Kuo Sung - Is now studying for his PhD in Electronic Materials in Downing College, Cambridge University, the same college that Kabilan is in!  He sends his seasonal greetings to all past and present Oldhamites.

• Lincoln Liew - Is now studying Law at the University of East Anglia, UK.    He also sends you all season's greetings.

• Philip Oh - Just recently returned back to Switzerland after two months in South America…Peru and Argentina to be exact, his says that the girls over there are out of this world!  (I think he means beautiful).  He sends you all glad tidings and we believe that he is at this present time trying to organize a trip back there…I wonder WHY?

• Raymond Lee Kok Pun - Has finished University and is now working in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  He asks that should any of the ex-Oldhamites be in the area, please visit him.

• Lai Keh How - Has changed his job and is now working as Account Manager with the Symbolic Technologies Pte Ltd here in Singapore.  He sends his regards to all present and past Oldhamites especially Charlie Goh his best friend!   Just think we at Oldham Hall bade farewell to him not too long ago and guess what, he has requested to rejoin us again in the New Year.

• Brian Hui - Ex Oldhamite now studying at ACJC and missing the comforts of Oldham Hall, wishes to be remembered by all whom knew him.   He also sends all past and present Oldhamites his best regards.

• Wong Kong Liong - Has also finished University and is now working at Information Systems Division in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  He, like Raymond asks that you visit him if you are ever in the Big City?

• Roy Lau Kim Seng - Visited Oldham Hall a while back and slept somewhere in the Green Block.  We didn't see much of him because he was out and about Singapore with James Woo and friends socializing. However, when we did have a chance to see him in the office, he told us that Loughborough University is a great place to study and so are the pubs and asks all his friends to keep in touch especially the "Andy's".

• Wee Cheng Giap - Dropped by for a few days to see some of his old dorm mates.  He is studying Interior Design at the Lim Kok Wing Institute of Creative Technology in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  He sends his regards to all past and present Oldhamites.

• Teng Eu-gene - Dropped by the other day after a "loooooong holiday" in Australia and stayed somewhere in the Green Block, we think with Stephen Loh.  Both were suffering the next day after their reunion dinner at a local Indian Restuarant.   I'll let you all guess of what?  Both will be making a pilgrimage to KL to catch up with long lost friends next week sometime.  So guys take care of them!

• The following ex-Oldhamites have expressed their wishes to send all past and present Oldhamites their warmest regards: Lee Kah Hin, Adrian Oon, Abhishek Kahol, Saumya Jamuar, Sovan Patra, Karan Cariappa, Aja Rangaswamy, Leong Yoon Hee, Tan Guan Hee, Lim Yen Sheng, Thomas Cheng Hoi Wai,Andrew Lee Boon Leong, Mathew George, Moong Seck Tien, Webster Lam, and not forgetting "Flipper" Khor Teik Ming…...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all and your families.

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES NEWS

Oldham Hall Computer Club

    It has been a really peaceful few months at OHCC since the last time I wrote to you. The new server really improved the performance of the network and the members were able to play games against each other with none of the problems that plagued us earlier this year. The computers are able to download the data much faster and hence provide a smooth gaming experience.
    The most popular game is still "Quake!"   The boys just don't get tired of it. At any time you walk into the club, there will be someone playing the game. Most of the time though they play it as a Death match contest between four people.  Since the office computer is also connected (I did it myself), I sometimes join them and that's when they relieve their frustration by ganging up on me and repeatedly out "gun me" in the game.
    One new system was also started.  As some students were caught playing in the club much after their bedtime. They somehow managed to get into the club and started using the computers.  To prevent this from ever happening again, all the computers have been connected to a timer that shuts them down at 11.00pm sharp and switch them back on at 10.00am the next the morning.
    The Internet Club has been a huge success.   Everyday Oldham Hall boarders are making use of this facility, sometimes earning the club more than $200/- in one month. They can use one hour Internet time for $3/-.  This is pretty reasonable when compared to the Cyber-Cafe rates.   Right now a paper and pen system is being used to monitor the signing-in and signing-out of the key for the room, but I am on the lookout for computerized control software.  If you have any ideas, please send them to me.
    We have some new plans for the club for next year. One idea is to buy a Sony Playstation with the clubs initial earnings and install it in the same room as the Internet terminal.  The boarders (not necessarily members of OHCC) can then sign out the key for a fixed charge for the amount of time they use the station. This is bound to make good money for the club while at the same time providing quality entertainment to the boarders, which has been the chief aim of OHCC since the beginning.
    I would like to thank Julius Kambuno, the club president, for doing a good job and also, Bredley Kambuno and Soo Wang Wei for giving him their support.  Oldham Hall might be moving to a new location soon. Wherever it might be, OHCC will be relocated and set-up in a way, which will keep it with, the Most Favoured Club in Oldham Hall title.

Mr Gurmeet Singh Saini, Housemaster-In-Charge

Oldham Hall Fitness Club
 

    This year the club organised the Second Endurance Challenge interpose competition.  Members from all three houses took part.    The Housemasters' team did not take part this year (we decided to give the boys a chance!).   After the three hard fought events, Kelso House became the Champions beating both Copeland House and Munson House to the finishing line.
    Seeing the improving level of fitness of the boys the club has decided to organize an individual endurance competition next year.
    The club did have some equipment problems this year. The members can be assured that this will be dealt with before you come back.
    We would like to thank club members for their support and look forward to seeing them back next year.

Mr Gautam Arya, Housemaster-in-Charge

Oldham Hall Pool Club

    Our membership base changed dramatically during the second semester with a new batch of members "taking over"  from the members from the first half. As usual, we are still very strict and some members found that their membership were not renewed.
    However, we only had one round of membership recruitment this semester as we feel that we already had enough members for the exclusive club.
    Next year we intend to recruit about 30 members to join the club and hold the first Oldham Hall Pool Competition. Also we hope to have formal coaching for our members so that we can all play pool better. Perhaps, our members would be able participate in pool competitions as and when they is the opportunity once the have gained sufficient skills.

Mr Chua Choong Thoong, Housemaster-in-Charge

Oldham Hall Photography Club

    The photography club continued on with its core members this year. Courses were held on an informal basis.  Discussions on various photography techniques were held amongst some of the members.
    Members conducted their own outings and discussed their results. We now see more serious members carrying their own cameras going out and taking photos, they no longer need to be prodded by the Housemasters.
    Next year, we are looking for more members who will be able to cover Oldham Hall's events. Hopefully, the whole club would be able to put up a join effort and produce a photo story based on Singapore Attractions very soon.
    We hope to train up new budding photographers who will be able to handle basic camera techniques, cover events and enjoy photography.

Mr Chua Choong Thoong, Housemaster-in-Charge

Oldham Hall Soccer Club

    This year, the OH Football Team has once again done us proud by winning the Inaugural "Tay Eng Soon" Youth Cup.  The Cup, kindly donated by Mrs Rosalyn Tan in memory of her late husband Dr Tay Eng Soon, Senior Minister of State for Education, will be an annual football competition between Oldham Hall, ACS Barker Road Scouts, ACS Barker Road Boys' Brigade, and the Barker Road Methodist Church Sunday School.
    The games in this year's Cup were all tight affairs.  Our boys beat off the challenges from the Sunday school and the Boy's Brigade with two hard-fought 1-0 victories.  Congratulations to our players and keep up the effort next year!
    On the "domestic"  front, Kelso House bagged the Inter-House Soccer trophy, defeating Munson and Copeland Houses respectively despite going behind early in their first game.
    We would like to thank our coach Mr. Joseph Sng for bringing another successful year for the OH Football Team.  We look forward to having even more boarders take part in football in the coming year.

Mr James Woo, Housemaster-in-Charge

Oldham Hall Rugby Club

    A number of our boarders have started playing rugby as an ECA in school, especially those in ACS, and St. Joseph’s Institution.   To capitalize on this interest, we are planning on starting up the Oldham Hall Rugby club next year.   In order to arouse interest in the game and dispel myths of danger and pain, we plan on introducing the game of touch rugby in order to let the boarder's get a feel of the game, and to allay any fears that anxious parents may feel about their precious sons’ safety.   Touch Rugby is a fast non contact game, so don't worry, the occurrence of injuries is as likely as that of falling down the stairs.   Interested boarders, please come forward, as we would like to be able to introduce an Inter House tournament as well.  Teh Chee Hoe please Take Note?

Mr Rahul Ghosh, Housemaster-in-Charge

Oldham Hall Basketball Club

    This has been a quiet year for the basketball club.   Most of the boys in the team were in Sec 4, and as a result had a heavy academic workload to cope with amidst preparations for their "O" Levels.   However, we did meet on Sundays through the year to train, assisted by an ex-boarder, Mr. Mah Chia Chiu, who must be thanked for the time and effort he put in.  Next year, we hope to see the fruits of the training appear, and plan on organizing an Inter-Hostel challenge along with the Inter-House games which are scheduled for the first half of next year.
 

Mr Rahul Ghosh, Housemaster-in-Charge

Oldham Hall Cricket Club

    The last year was a quiet one for the Oldham Hall cricket team. Unlike previous years, we did not participate in the SCA League or tournaments because our players were involved in various commitments for their schools and junior colleges.
    However the team did play one game during the year, against NUS (National University of Singapore) in what has become an annual match between the two sides.  Oldham Hall maintained its unbeaten record against NUS, ex-Oldhamite Saumya Shekhar taking 5 wickets to ensure a comfortable victory by a margin of 121 runs. The score: Oldham Hall : 181 for 8 wickets in 25 overs. NUS  : 60 all out     The next year promises to be more exciting for Oldham Hall, we are planning to organize friendly games against the various junior colleges as well as the annual fixture against NUS.   The inclusion of "Kanga" cricket, a simple and fun version of cricket, at the Orientation games next year, and Inter House Cricket Competition, should also help to spur interest in the game among the boarders.

Mr Avinash Thomas, Housemaster-in-Charge

Oldham Hall Youth Club

    Recognizing the need of guidance and interaction as boys mature to men, the club organizes activities that helps Oldhamites grow in 7 basic aspects namely spiritual, physical, social, educational, moral, recreational, and mental.   The Year 1998 was focused on establishing the foundation of the club.  The first "Youth Awakening Camp" was held in Sentosa where the guys had "no-holds-barred" fun, as well as lessons on how to be a student who respects authority and each other, who has the right attitude towards studies, a son who is a good steward of money and a child who grows in his spiritual life in Christ.   The campers made up the first members of the club.
    After the camp, weekly prayer meetings started.   More boarders came together to have a time of fellowship and worship.   We shared our lives, prayed for each other and others, and also our nations (Malaysia and Indonesia and many others).  The examination period bought the guys even closer together because much encouragement was needed.
    In the coming year, the Youth Club will continue to help Oldhamites develop their potentials and maturity.   A camping trip to Malaysia is being planned.  A nature reserve visit.   Possible visits to homes for orphans. Prayer meetings and bible studies will be conducted for those interested. And many other programmes that will help boarders to be more well rounded in their lives. "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love - Honour one another above yourselves."

Romans 12:10

Mr Stephen Loh, Housemaster-in-Charge

Oldham Hall Table Tennis Club

    The Oldham Hall Table Tennis Club has now been in operation for two years.  We now have two table tennis tables, lots of balls and rackets, which the boarders can borrow to play in Oldham Hall.
    The 2nd Inter-House Table-Tennis competition was held in September this year.  It was a great success with immense participation by the boarders of all the houses.  In the closely fought competition, Kelso House emerged as the champions and Munson House being the runners-up.  Kelso House had great support from the audience and it was the spirited game by Kelso House, which earned them the Oldham Hall Inter-House Table Tennis trophy.
    Next year Oldham Hall will not only have table tennis for recreation but also hopefully we will have a team which represents the Hall in a variety of recreational and professional local, regional, national competitions and tournaments.  Practice sessions will be held for those interested every Sunday starting in January.
    The membership fees for the club will be $5.00 per year.  Table tennis is a good means of relieving stress during the exams and is lot of fun.  Hence, all the boarders are encouraged to be a part of the club.

Mr Abhishek Oswal, Housemaster-in-Charge

NEWS AND NOTES

OLDHAM HALL CHRISTMAS PARTY 1998

    This year's Annual Christmas Party was held on Saturday, 31st October 1998 in the form of a formal sit down dinner, which was held in Dining Hall.   We were very happy to have the Oldham Hall Management Committee members and a number of teachers joining us in the annual event together with our staff.  The dinner served, by outside caterers was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
    During dinner, our Guest of Honour, Mr Ng Eng Chin, Principal of ACS Barker Road and our new Chairman of OHMC, Mr Mun Kwok On, gave out the awards to the various teams, the Champion House, and the "Integrity Cup" to two of our outstanding boys, who performed well, not only as scholars but, more importantly as all round boarders.
    At about 11.15pm after dinner had settled, all the boys changed into casual wear and together with the seniors and their housemasters set off for the LIDO Cinema to see a late night movie called "ANTZ".  A housemaster who wishes to remain anonymous gave this treat.   (Verdict of the boys: A Wonderful Christmas Celebration! ...Can we have it again next year?).
    I would like to say a big "THANK YOU" to all those boys and housemasters who worked hard to make this event successful.   Thank you once again.

OLDHAM HALL ON THE MOVE!

    At the time of going to press with the Newsletter I received some good news which I would like to share with you all.   Oldham Hall will be moving sometime during the first half of next year to a temporary location.  This move will be for only three years whilst our present location is being rebuilt.  I will, once I have all the information, write to you all, giving full details of the move and the new address.   Please be assured that the move will not effect your son.

 Our Chaplain's Page

Prayers

    We give thanks for the men and women who through the ages have dreamed dreams and seen visions, and worked to put them into practice to benefit their fellow person.  We bless you for all that have used their imagination, their minds and their energy, and spent their lives in the service of others.  Help us to follow their example of unselfish dedication, for Christ's sake.   Amen.

Reflections

    Oh dear, how time flies by so quickly, that its the time of the year again where we give our accounts on our personal performance!   I trust the results of your sons or wards have more than met your expectations.
    If they have failed to, it is my personal prayer that you will give your sons or wards yet another opportunity to make good what they failed to deliver next year.
    I must say that throughout the year, each boarder with the exception of some, has come to accept chapel as a time of learning about the very basic value system that will help one meet the challenges of life in the future.   It was a joy to be able to share and even at times pray for their well being and studies.   Majority of their success in their recent examinations have more than rewarded the efforts of all in Oldham Hall, myself in particular.
    Next year, chapel will continue to function and more will be introduced to make chapel service lively and exciting.   Plans are being drawn up to include some well known personalities both in the academic arena as well as in the political arena.
    Talented young men and women will be invited to share their personal aspirations so as to encourage all boarders to aim higher in their lives.
    Those who come from Christian homes, I would like to invite your sons and wards to join my assistant chaplain, Mr. Stephen Loh and myself in a weekly bible study cum prayer meeting.   I trust you will encourage your sons or wards to join us.   I believe this will serve to keep them focused in their lives as they are constantly being plagued by the not-so-perfect value system of the world that merely focuses on one's pleasure and ignoring the needs of others.
    Once again thank you for allowing me to play a small role in the lives of your sons and wards. May the good Lord bless you and your loved ones this Christmas and the New Year ahead.

Timothy Tan, Oldham Hall Chaplain