Two-night stay in a Private Pool Villa for two people, including daily breakfast, one way airport transfer and welcome drink on arrival
VALUE SGD $800
Puri Mas Beach Resort is located directly on the beachfront of Mangsit Bay just 4km from Senggigi the tourist centre of Lombok. Just an hour’s drive from Lombok International Airport.
Puri Mas Resort offers 45 rooms in total with 21 private pool villas within their own private garden meaning where guests can enjoy peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. To chill just laze by the infinity pool gazing over to Bali and Mount Agung, walk the beach and check out the snorkeling just off from the Puri Mas beachfront terrace.
T&Cs:
Voucher not exchangeable for cash. Subject to availability. Reservations by email only info@purimas-lombok.com.
This gift certificate is not valid on 20th December 2023 – January 5th 2024, and in August 2024.
Voucher must be presented on arrival. Voucher will expire Nov 2024.
As ANZA celebrates its rich 75 year history, Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) joins in the celebrations, marking its 10th anniversary this year. Founded in 2012, MCM has expanded significantly since its inception, adding a range of new world-class resources to its growing community as well as enriching students’ experiences with the addition of a student-run farm, a watersports lake and a driving range to complement the outstanding existing sports facilities.
The anniversary was marked by the unveiling of MCM’s 10th Anniversary plaque by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Queen Consort of Johor, mirroring her opening of the College a decade ago. In addition, Marlborough has hosted events over the past 12 months to celebrate this year.
The year began with an alumni reunion, then the addition of the final tree to the College’s Queen’s Canopy project, symbolising continued growth and long life. A similarly permanent celebration was made in the Michaelmas Term as pupils from throughout the College contributed memorable items from their time at MCM to the 10th anniversary time capsule. Buried at the entrance to the College, current and future pupils arriving to school every day pass by the capsule’s plaque, awaiting the day to open it once again.
Momentous occasion
Not all of the 10th anniversary celebrations contained knowledge for future generations; the Lecture Series presented by ten Old Marlburians brought a fountain of wisdom for current pupils. Beginning with OM royalty, YAM Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Muhriz, eldest son of the reigning Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and Chairman of the College’s governors, discussed his time at Marlborough in the UK, and gave advice to the current cohort of MCM pupils. Entrepreneurs, surgeons, travel writers, policy experts and investment bankers all delivered an exceptional series of lectures, giving advice to the current generation of Marlburians, and reflecting on their time at Marlborough UK.
The Spring Festival and Gala Ball were momentous collegial events, enveloping all of the Marlborough family in community spirit and fun. In between the College-wide artistic 10th anniversary batik and musical symphonies of the Gala Concert, Marlborough College Malaysia has truly marked this momentous occasion for current and future generations to Marlburians. Congratulations once again to ANZA for reaching its 75th year of community service.
For further information or to visit the College, please go to our website at www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org or visit us at our latest Admission Event at The British Club on the 29th August 2023.
Marlborough College Malaysia Jalan Marlborough, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Malaysia
Three-night stay in a Deluxe Room for two people, including daily breakfast
VALUE SGD $395
A warm welcome awaits at IZE Seminyak, a stylish and perfectly located in the heart of the 24-hour action in Bali’s most fashionable district. Modern architecture and interiors combine with just the right amount of Balinese bonhomie to create a cool urban retreat. Share delicious East-meets-West food with friends at Meja restaurant, chink cocktails at the Rooftop Pool Bar or sip drams in our cosmopolitan Single Malt Bar. IZE Seminyak is your ideal hub for shopping, sightseeing, hitting the beach, chilling out, or simply lounging poolside up on the roof.
Voucher includes daily breakfast at Meja Restaurant & Bar, complimentary use of gym and library, complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel are
T&Cs:
Reservation is subject to availability. For reservation, please call our Reservation Manager at + 62 361 300 1011 or email us at bliss@ize-seminyak.com.
Certificate is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash – is inclusive of 21% Government tax and Service charge and must be presented upon check-in.
This gift certificate is not valid during PEAK SEASON period (24 December 2023 – 5 January 2024) and HIGH SEASON period (15 July – 31 August 2024).
Flor De Caña, the renowned Nicaraguan rum brand, has united bartenders worldwide for the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge 2023, vying for the coveted title of “World’s Most Sustainable Bartender.”
In Southeast Asia, over 200 venues have joined the cause, committing to a month-long celebration of sustainability by crafting cocktails with Flor De Caña for the month of July, 2023. Singapore boasts 11 participating bars, including esteemed establishments such as Employees Only, Smoke & Mirrors, Writers’ Bar, Gibson Bar, Last Word, Kafe Utu,Manhattan,Night Hawk,Potato Head,Sugarhall, and 1880 Singapore, all presenting their innovative concoctions to meet the challenge.
We had the opportunity to try various cocktails at Smoke & Mirrors,Writers’ Bar, and Last Word. As we approach the last few days of this brilliant event, here’s just some of the highlights.
At Smoke & Mirrors, we were presented with the Roti Cana created by bartender Wong Wee Siong, Smoke & Mirrors. The Roti Cana is a delicious libation that gives bread and discarded orange peels a new lease of life by soaking them in vermouth. This cocktail is then served in a homemade vessel made entirely of orange skin.
At Writer’s Bar, bartender John Caballes presented us with the Billy O’Tea , this sustainable drink boasts a clarified milk punch fashioned from strained homemade pomelo demerara tea and coconut cream that is accompanied by a trio of pomelo coconut candy, pomelo marmalade and chilled milk curd to be savoured with each sip.
At Last Word, Rice & Shine is the creation of Lam Ho Yung. This was perhaps my favourite cocktail for its creativity. The Rice & Shine combines usual bar leftovers like flat champagne and egg yolks discarded from egg-white based drinks, with homemade rice milk to create a subtly sweet yet rich cocktail served in porcelain-ware with lashings of grilled salted egg yolk served on the side. Wonderful texture and balanced flavours.
Discover more details about the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge 2023here
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s the power of connection and the importance of strong relationships. Throughout the changing pandemic restrictions, ANZA members continued to pull together to provide as much familiarity and routine as possible. The sense of togetherness kept many of us sane (and away from the banana bread/sourdough/gin).
Our sports groups were whittled down into tiny teams, Ladies Nights became cosy tête-à-têtes with strangers, Mahjong turned into mini meet-ups at someone’s home. But we all kept in contact and remained as affiliated as possible. Why? Because community is what drives our association, and it’s what also keeps us happy and healthy as human beings.
It’s no secret that good connections boost our wellbeing. Research shows that positive social connectedness can improve quality of life, promote better sleep, reduce stress and increase our ability to recover from anxiety and depression. Being part of a collective also provides opportunities for self-development and support. With others around we get to learn and share knowledge, whether that be gaining new skills or picking up everyday hacks such as where to find the best fried carrot cake to how to handle a tricky conversation with your boss.
“Humans are neurologically wired to connect with others from birth and have an innate need for togetherness and belonging,” explains Anne Sprosen, Counsellor at Alliance Counselling in Singapore (alliancecounselling.com.sg). “After the basics of sustenance, shelter and safety, it’s the most important need we have. We crave human contact in the same part of our brain as we crave food, and feel social rejection in the same part of our brain that processes physical pain.”
Craving connection
Creating meaningful friendships and maintaining them in adulthood isn’t always easy. Life is busy and carving out time to forge new relationships is not often high on our list of priorities. However, what sets expats apart when it comes to scouting out new acquaintances is the speed at which we are forced to let go of existing circles and create new ones. Says Anne, “It’s normal for our communities and those we connect with to evolve over time, but this is usually a gradual process. With expats, the transition of people coming and going can mean that friendships are formed, and also change, at a much harder and faster pace.”
No matter what your circumstances are, if you’re craving more connection in your life, you’re not alone. According to a global survey in 2022 by Statistica, about 33 percent of adults stated that they experienced feelings of loneliness. An often-cited analysis led by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience, concluded that loneliness is as harmful to physical health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
But how to boost your social circle (without looking a bit weird)? Anne suggests looking to children for initial tips. “Kids tend to be more focused on the current moment than adults. This means they worry far less about what others may think of them or how an interaction might transpire,” Anne explains. “Adults often worry about how they will be perceived or judged by others, which often leads us to holding back part of ourselves.”
Indeed, through ANZA’s many young groups we see children making new pals constantly because being willing to be honest and show vulnerability is essential in forming meaningful connections. The good news is that being a member of the ANZA family (or at least knowing that we’re there if you need us) means that opportunities for community and connection are constantly available. After 75 years, offering support and friendship is what we do best!
Get yourself connected
Anne’s advice for forming & maintaining close bonds
Reach out
Show you’re interested in connection. This could be through a text, phone call, or a post on a Facebook group. Or contact ANZA at info@anza.org.sg and we can point you in the direction of our groups. You aren’t going to connect with everyone, but the more people you initially bond with, the more likely you are to find your tribe.
Meet acquaintances in a new setting
If you normally see friends at the school gates, suggest meeting for a coffee, a yoga class, or a hike. Invite the family you chat with every week at ANZA Soccer over for a playdate, BBQ, or out to lunch. The more sides you show of yourself, the closer a relationship becomes. By meeting in a different context you’re sharing more about who you are.
Maintain regular contact
Interacting regularly is how we build and maintain relationships. Think about making a fortnightly or monthly plan, or make sure you schedule your next catchup before you leave the current one. Even just texting or replying to a text continues the interaction and builds relationships.
Stay open
To make true friends, you have to share about yourself and ask people questions, so that they share back. Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to unveil your deepest, darkest secrets. Start with your passions, how you spend your free time, or what you’re looking forward to, and ask them for the same.
Be brave
The thought of following these tips might make you cringe, but putting them into practice means doing things differently. To prevent anxiety about what might happen, try acknowledging your discomfort whilst reminding yourself why you’re doing it. Saying ‘This makes me really nervous but I’m doing it for me and a good life’ will help to boost your confidence.
Singapore National Day doesn’t just come with a day off, a cool parade, fancy fireworks and a catchy new song. Across the island, there are endless F&B outlets and hotels offering exciting National Day promotions and special offers so that we can all celebrate in style. Here’s where to head to (wearing red and white of course), for some great tastes, a vibrant atmosphere, and to say Happy 58th Birthday to Singapore!
Live it up at Lantern this National Day 2023. Photo credit: The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Lantern at The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Offering one of the best views in town, Lantern at The Fullerton Bay Hotel is hosting National Day ‘Preview Saturdays’ over the next few weeks, where you can relax and watch the fireworks rehearsals. With the Table Package ($688, for up to four pax), you bag a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne and premium spirits, a sharing platter of rojak wings with shredded cuttlefish, mackerel otah fritters, and salted egg yolk soft shell crab. (A vegan version is available, too.) On actual National Day itself, Lantern will be screening the parade live. Reserve table packages for groups of up to six, priced at $1,200. Alternatively, pay a cover charge of $118 per person which includes two glasses of champagne, wine, or house spirit, as you soak up the festivities in style.
Lantern, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, 80 Collyer Quay, 049326. fullertonhotels.com
Butcher’s Block
This National Day, guests to Butcher’s Block at Raffles Hotel Singapore can enjoy a special meun put together by the venue’s super-creative and inventive staff. The multi-course experience features an exceptional spread of locally-inspired flavours: think Mantou wrapped around Kam Heong King crab and sakura ebi; Basque Country Red Mullet with lychee sambal atop; and tender Iberico Pork Ribs accompanied by black garlic purée and confit leek.
Butcher’s Block, Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road, 189673. butchersblock.com.sg
LeVel 33
Parents! Book a babysitter sharpish and head to LeVeL33. This is a standing cocktail event, so you won’t get a specific table, but you will get awesome views of the party. This one-night-only knees-up includes live food stations, unlimited pours of house-brewed beers, wines and – of course – the Singapore Sling. Tuck into soy chicken wings, Westholme Wagyu Rendang and ice-cream sandwiches ($268+ per person). Pssst! They’re also hosting a preview event on 29 July.
LeVel 33, #33-01, 8 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, 018981. level33.com.sg
Make your treats sweet ones at The Marmalade Pantry. Photo credit: The Marmalade Pantry
The Marmalade Pantry
Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea of local delights at The Marmalade Pantry. This gorgeous session offers refreshing beetroot rojak shooter, flavourful Hainanese chicken quinoa, and coconut cake with sambal prawn mayo. Sweet treats include kueh salat petite cupcake, gula melaka mousse cake, and pandan cream puff. The afternoon tea inspired by Singapore’s rich culinary heritage takes place at multiple locations, including Ion Orchard and Anchorpoint, from 1 August to 31 October (starting from $64++ for two).
Head to the ultimate rooftop party in celebration of Singapore’s 58th Birthday on Wednesday, 9 August 2023, from 4pm – 10pm. Enjoy shareable platters such as the Classic BBQ Platter ($150++) or the Surf & Turf Platter ($200 ++), or indulge in the live food stations including Satays, Tutu Kuehs and Muah Chee. Expect an electric atmosphere ignited by rhythmic beats from resident live DJs and fun, kid-friendly temporary tattoos. while you anticipate the magnificent firework displays later in the evening. The magnificent firework displays later in the evening will complete night with a bang!
If you’re big on burgers, spend the National Day celebrations at 25 Degrees where they’re paying homage to the island’s most beloved dishes by transforming them into a burger and milkshake duo. The 25 Degrees National Day Soft Shell Chilli Crab Burger ($20) is a soft-shell crab coated in spicy chili crab sauce, served with a fried or steamed mantou bun. Pair with a nostalgic Kaya Toast Milkshake ($18), a creamy blend of kaya jam topped with kaya bread. Available until the end of August 2023.
Hotel G Singapore, 200 Middle Road, 188980. randblab.com
Mini versions of Singapore favourites await at The Kempinski Hotel. Photo credit: The Kempinski Hotel
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Throughout August you’ll find fabulous nibbles at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. Their special National Day Afternoon Tea (SGD 56++) offers elevated local treats such as the Chili Crab Tartlet, Charred Carrot Cake, Beef Satay and Pandan Scone. Pair with premium teas or sparkling wine to make it a proper party.
The Kempinski Hotel, 15 Stamford Rd, 178906. kempinski.com
The Westin Singapore
Find National Day Specials at Seasonal Tastes, the signature restuaramt at this lovely CBD hotel that’s ideally located and comes with an elegant vibe. On 9 August they’re hosting a seafood buffet dinner from 6pm – 10pm with prices starting from SGD 108++. Those born in 1965 can take their pick from two special offers: either dine on the day for SGD 58++ only or get 58% off their next Seasonal Taste dinner.
Celebrate Singapore’s 58th birthday with fantastic food and views to match! Photo credit: Artemis Grill
Artemis Grill
Artemis Grill is putting on a spread to remember for Singapore’s birthday. The three-course menu ($98++ per person) includes the likes of burrata with black figs and prosciutto di parma, hamachi crudo and Fremantle octopus, black cod with bouillabaisse and Moroccan lamb chops with cauliflower saffron pilaf rice. Still got room? Get a sticky date cake, chocolate and coconut rice pudding, or apricot tart down you!
We are heavily dependent on digital devices, whether for work or play. While technology has brought us many benefits, it’s important to be aware of the impact it can have on our physical and mental health. This is where digital wellness comes in. It’s about finding a healthy balance between using technology and spending time offline.
We reached out to our friends at Pacific Prime Singapore to shed some light on the importance of digital wellness in today’s world, and here’s what they had to say:
Understanding the concept of digital wellness
Digital wellness, also known as digital wellbeing, is about using technology in a way that supports our physical and mental health. Recently, digital wellness has gained popularity in the workplace as employers recognise the detrimental effects of excessive device use on their employees’ well being and, as a result, their productivity.
The growing importance of digital wellness in Singapore
With the widespread use of smartphones and increasing reliance on the internet, digital wellness is becoming increasingly important in Singapore. Spending too much time on digital devices can lead to a number of health problems, such as eye strain, neck and back pain, poor sleep and anxiety. It can also have wider social and economic implications, such as reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs.
To practice digital wellness in Singapore, it’s important to set clear guidelines for technology use, take regular breaks and create a healthy digital environment. By being mindful of the impact of technology on our lives and seeking support when needed, we can ensure that technology enhances our lives for the better. Here are some ways to take a break from the digital world:
Take the occasional break to step away from your desk and stretch
Limit your use of digital tools at work
Meet people face-to-face whenever possible
Limit digital conversations
Prioritise your health with Pacific Prime Singapore
With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry Pacific Prime Singapore has helped thousands of expats secure comprehensive health insurance plans. From individual health insurance to family insurance and travel insurance, the insurance experts at Pacific Prime can help you find the right plan that meets both your budget and requirements.
Oh, magical Morocco. The Mediterranean melting pot where African, Arabic and European cultures are entwined, gorgeous daylight and golden sunsets swathe the cities, maze-like souks and alleyways pull you sideways, and the roofs of riads conceal spots made for evening martinis and mysticism. How far away that world feels from Singapore, but also how near thanks to new Moroccan tapas and cocktail bar, Tajine.
For a country that – like Singapore – is big on food, sharing dishes, intriguing flavours, and puts its heart, soul and culture into cooking, Moroccan food is not particularly familiar around these parts despite the parallels. Indeed, Tajine is perhaps the most well-known Moroccan recipe, but we’ll get to that later as we start proceedings with a Mesmeric Potion, a light and refreshing cocktail with gin-infused grapes, thyme, orange bitters, and tonic. Settling into deep blue seats set against soft lighting, arabesque walls, enormous indoor palm trees and a playlist straight out of North Africa, the holiday vibe is on!
Helmed by Executive Chef Remy Carmignani, who used to work at luxury hotel La Mamounia in Marrakech, the sharing dishes start immediately with perfectly pillowy warm pita; batbout, a traditional fire-grilled bread; and vibrant salads and dips. This mixed platter of delights (S$58) features six small bowls including Zaalouk (grilled eggplant seasoned with paprika and parsley), Chlada (chilled lentil salad with cucumbers and orange blossom water), Khizou Mchermel (cooked carrot with preserved lemons), and Bessara (creamy, light fava bean hummus drizzled with extra virgin olive oil). Our can’t-stop-dipping-it favourite was the Gar’a M’asla, a smooth roasted butternut pumpkin puree with orange.
From left: Milk Fed Veal Tajine. Mesmeric Potion cocktail
The nibbles continue with wild caught Atlantic sardines in a lightly fried filo triangle, served with Muhammara sauce, but the bar was raised higher with the Spinach and artichoke pastillas. This Moroccan savoury pastry pie looked innocent from its filo-pastry exterior, but inside packed sweet and savoury spinach, artichoke, whipped ricotta and chickpea. A wood fired oven-finish and sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon made for a unique taste sensation and potential new go-to snack.
For meat-eaters, Kefta comes in the shape of biteable pieces of grilled black angus beef served with harissa sauce (a fiery chilli paste made with dried chilli peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway seeds). The Tangia Marrakchia, slow-cooked lamb shoulder with an almond pistachio crust and mint sauce, is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
It was at this point we were thankful to be dining en masse as the dishes keep on coming, just in larger sizes! The authentic Couscous Royal is served with fluffy hand-rolled semolina cooked with lamb merguez, lamb chop, spring chicken, kefta, onion tfaya, and chickpea, complemented by a silky lamb and chicken bone broth.
Of course, the pressure was on when it came to tasting Tajine’s namesake. We tried the Milk Fed Veal Tajine, aka a slow-cooked North African stew, which was a mouthwatering mix of veal shank osso buco with bone marrow, prunes, apricot, organic saffron, almonds, and hints of honey and sesame. Due to what must be some kind of stomach-stretching miracle we had space for dessert, a frozen sorbet spiked with almond syrup, orange blossom water and candied lemon.
Inspired by Morocco’s rich tea-drinking culture, we ended on a sweet note with a punchy Mint Tea concocted from bunches of fresh mint which provided a fructose high all the way home.
Verdict: Tajine is about meeting, relaxing, sharing, and celebrating life over hearty Moroccan food. It’s perfect for groups of friends or family who love digging in together – just don’t blame us if you come to blows over who’s hogging the dips!
A Kapa Haka performance at the Melbourne Cup in the 80s
It’s incredible to think that the Australian and New Zealand Association (ANZA) we know and love today was founded in Singapore in 1948. Although it started as a male-only club, ANZA soon became a family organisation, with women at the forefront of organising activities, fundraising and events. Early initiatives included The Women’s Auxiliary Committee (now known as ANZA Action) which was formed in 1974, with a focus on raising money for local charities. ANZA Soccer and ANZA Tennis both launched in 1979. ANZA Action will celebrate 50 years of service next year.
1938: Troops in the ANZA Club, Singapore (1939 – 1945)
Today ANZA has a membership base of more than 6000 people, representing a range of nationalities and age groups including Australian, New Zealand, British and the USA as well as from countries as diverse as the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. Current sports groups include Cycling, Soccer, Netball, AFL, Nippers,Cricket, Walking, Running and so many more.
Our annual ANZA Ball and ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day host more than 500 guests each and include fundraising components supporting ANZA Action charities. Our regular events range from Ladies Nights, AFL Grand Final, Volunteer Appreciation evenings and New Members Welcome sessions. Our annual Great Australia Day BBQ with the Australian International School (AIS) attracts over 4000 people. There are more than 100 additional events per year across our
sub-groups.
In the beginning: ANZA began as a registered society in the Colony of Singapore in 1917 and was known as the Australian and New Zealand Association of Malaya. In 1948 ANZA was founded, and the original society ceased to exist. It took until 1961 for official registration to begin, as there was re-building to be done after the Second World War and the administration process took some time.
Black and white photos courtesy of the National Library of New Zealand
ANZA Magazine
Back in the 1960s, the ANZA magazine members recieve today was a simple ‘newsletter’ of happenings, helpful advice and contacts. One of the earliest copies in existence is from June/July 1962 which opens with ‘News From Home’ including upcoming tours of Australia by Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh and the opening of Canberra TV station CTC-7. There’s also a round up of activities in Singapore, news of people arriving, passing through or leaving the island, and a sports section featuring the likes of Ladies Golf.
In 1979 a publication called First Edition was printed which included a competition to name the magazine; the winning title was ANZA Antics. Moving into the 1980s, an official ‘newsletter team’ typed, copied, collated and mailed a newsletter out – by March 1987, it boasted 36 pages and a one-page advert. The earliest copy in existence (that we know of) is from January 1992. While the format and style of the magazine has evolved, becoming more like the glossy publication it is today in the 2000s, the content and focus on community, information, support and fun has remained at the core.
In 1953, the annual ANZA subscription for a married couple was S$10; an individual was S$8 and a junior member (18 – 21 years) was S$5
1960-1970s
Although ANZA began as a male-only club, it soon became a family organisation, with women at the forefront of organising activities, fundraising and events. The Women’s Auxiliary Committee (now known as ANZA Action) was formed in 1974, with a focus on raising money for local charities. The first ANZA Ball was held at Singapore’s Seaview Hotel in the 1950s-60s. In 1979, ANZA Soccer sent out its first registration letter to parents inviting young players to join the ANZA International Junior Soccer League. ANZA Tennis also began in the same year, with social games played on Thursday mornings at the Minden Road Courts. ANZA Swimming was also popular, with meet-ups at the Singapore Swimming Club and Island Country Club.
Early ANZA Events
From Left: ANZA held a tea party in 1953 at The Cathay restaurant for New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and wife Louise who’d got married four days earlier. New Zealand Forces Troupe Performers take part in the ANZA Fete in 1979In 1981, the fun of the fair involved the arrival of a giant bear. See the kids cute ANZA t-shirts too!
1980-1990s
By the 1980s ANZA was running a range of classes for expats, from craft to cooking, alongside regular cultural tours throughout Singapore. Events were in full swing, with the ANZA Fashion Parade a particular hit throughout the decade. The ANZA ‘Black and White’ Ball was launched and became an instant success. A Children’s Christmas Party was a yearly highlight, with families turning up to meet Santa and watch children’s performers. In 1987 a Newcomers Coffee Morning was introduced, which still runs today as Casual Coffee.
1990-2000s
Right: Haka at the Golden Jubilee BallANZA Tours today visiting Little India
ANZA celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1998 and a grand Golden Jubilee Ball was held at the ballroom at Shangri-La Singapore. To commemorate the occasion, a team of members compiled a book entitled ‘Snippets from the Past’, documenting ANZA’s history. The Women’s Auxiliary Committee also celebrated their Silver Jubilee in the same year. ANZA Netball began in 1991, catering to the demand for the sport in the Lion City. ANZA Tours were super-popular with adventures to Pulau Ubin, Little India, Changi Prison Chapel – just a few of the destinations we still visit today. Classes were held in computing, hat making, perfect dinner parties, and mahjong.
The Melbourne Cup
Party-goers at the1998 MC
The first ANZA Melbourne Cup happened in 1998 at Singapore Turf Club where the venue had the license to televise the event. Unbeknown to revellers, panic set in a few days previously when rumours circulated that the Singapore government had banned the public broadcasting. However, it all came good in the end and there was a Hat Parade, a Grand Sweep Draw and a buffet lunch. The ANZA Melbourne Cup 2023 will be ANZA’s 25th MC, and this iconic day is still ANZA’s signature and most popular event which raises funds for Riding For The Disabled, Singapore (RDA).
The Balls
In 1977 the Annual ANZA Dinner Dance was held in the Churchill Room of the Tanglin Club. The menu included salmon, soup, pork and peach melba – fancy!
In 1980 the Black and White Ball was held at Raffles Hotel
The 1987 Black and White Ball was held at Sheraton Towers and attended by 400 people. The band was Ruff ‘n’ Ready Roadshow – wonder where they are now?
In 1989 a ‘sheep dog trial’ was the entertainment during the band break. Apparently, some guests were not impressed by the dogs’ presence and felt it inappropriate!
In 1997 Phil McDonough and Mark and Joy Greedy arrived in fancy dress as the Ugly Sisters (see pic above!)
Momentous occasion
Butcher’s Block
We are heavily dependent on digital devices, whether for work or play. While technology has brought us many benefits, it’s important to be aware of the impact it can have on our physical and mental health. This is where digital wellness comes in. It’s about finding a healthy balance between using technology and spending time offline.
Oh, magical Morocco. The Mediterranean melting pot where African, Arabic and European cultures are entwined, gorgeous daylight and golden sunsets swathe the cities, maze-like souks and alleyways pull you sideways, and the roofs of riads conceal spots made for evening martinis and mysticism. How far away that world feels from Singapore, but also how near thanks to new Moroccan tapas and cocktail bar, Tajine.
