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Seven Clean Seas

Noodle Photography

Why set up Seven Clean Seas?
We founded Seven Clean Seas in July 2018, as we wanted to scale up our own beach cleaning activities. We are huge beach and sea lovers and always collect plastic when we are out and about on our adventures. Every little bit helps, but we realised that if we created a movement locally and promoted it, we could pull together a lot of like-minded people to help us and really make a difference.

How has the journey been so far?
Incredible. The reception we’ve had from the public is amazing and it’s unbelievable how many people want to fight for this cause. We’ve experienced very rapid growth in attendees and the quantity of plastic we are removing is growing exponentially with every clean up. To date we’ve removed over 15,000kg of plastic from Singapore’s beaches!

What are your goals?
Short term, keep growing. It’s amazing what we‘ve achieved so far but the scale of the issue is gargantuan. There are over 8 million metric tons of plastic flowing into the oceans every year and this is only set to increase. We hope to leverage the power of social media to show people the scale of what we are collecting, and further educate them on the issue.
Longer term, we would like to make Seven Clean Seas an international movement, and really focus on education. Unless people can understand the repercussions of irresponsible plastic usage and disposal methods, they won’t change.

How can people in Singapore get involved?
Our beach clean ups are monthly, so check out our Facebook page (facebook.com/sevencleanseas) give us a like, and come along to one of them. It’s a great experience and is suitable for all ages. Beyond this, we are now trying to get into some fairs and festivals to help spread the word, so keep an eye out for us in 2019.

Can kids help out?
Yes! It’s super fun for kids. Families that have attended so far really love it and many of them keep coming back. It’s also really rewarding to hear that it’s had a positive effect on the plastic decisions they are making in day-to-day life.

Can we really fight back against the tide of plastic and rubbish in our oceans?
Yes we can! It’s going to be one hell of a challenge but humans are capable of great feats when we work together. It all starts with education on the issue, and then individuals need to actively make alternative, responsible decisions on a daily basis. At the same time, organisations like Seven Clean Seas will continue to physically remove as much plastic and garbage as we can from the oceans themselves. Hopefully one day in the not so distant future… we can turn the tide!

Plastic facts:

  • About eight million metric tons of plastic are thrown into the ocean annually. Of those, 236,000 tons are micro plastics – tiny pieces of broken-down plastic, smaller than your little fingernail.
  • There are five massive patches of plastic in the oceans around the world. These huge concentrations of plastic debris cover large swathes of the ocean; the one between California and Hawaii is the size of the state of Texas.
  • Every minute, one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into our oceans.
  • The amount of plastic in the ocean is set to increase tenfold by 2020.
  • By 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish (by weight)
    Plastic is found in the ocean as far as 11km deep, meaning synthetic fibres have contaminated even the most remote places on Earth.

Affordable Maldives

The Maldives stilted private villas, turquoise lagoons and powdery white sand beaches make it a bucket list destination for many. But can you visit the island nation on the cheap, and not skimp on the quintessential Maldives experience? During our stay we set out to uncover an affordable Maldives experience; skipping the high air fares, $1000 dollar a night overwater villa, pricey transfers and expensive meals for dive trips, delicious local cuisine and even a dreamy private island.

Getting there
We opt to take a flight from Singapore to Gan Island (via Colombo), rather than flying direct to the capital of Male. This cuts out the eye-watering cost of the airport transfers to the resort islands by private seaplane, jet or speedboat. Transfers to the island resorts from Male often cost more than the flights from Singapore – something which catches a lot of people by surprise! Leaving Changi airport on an evening flight, we stay one night in the conveniently located Colombo transit hotel, before boarding the short early morning flight to Gan. Gan is part of the Addu atoll and is the southernmost island in the Maldives. It’s connected to neighbouring islands by causeways, so a number of budget accommodation options are accessible by taxi from the airport.

Where to stay
Staying at a hotel on Gan Island itself means we are checked in and shown to our room by friendly smiling staff within half an hour of going through airport security. The rooms at the mid-range Equator Village Resort (equatorvillage.com.mv/en) are set in a pleasant tropical garden, complete with customary chickens and cats roaming around. The resort also boasts a restaurant and bar, day spa, gym, large outdoor pool and sun loungers overlooking the white sand beach and azure sea. For a fraction of the price of an overwater villa we have a relaxing base to explore the surrounding atoll.

Dive in
The Maldives warm clear waters are the place to see manta rays, whale sharks, and an incredible array of colourful reefs and tropical fish. Scuba diving is a must in the Maldives for anyone who has their dive certification, but the snorkelling is also wonderful. As luck would have it, Equator Village Resort has its own dive centre and runs daily morning and afternoon dives, with some guests submerging at every opportunity. We complete three dives during our stay and spot turtles, sharks and manta rays, as well as beautiful coral and fish.

Robinson Crusoe experience
A trip to a nearby secluded island is the highlight of the trip. After taking a 45-minute boat ride from our hotel, we’re dropped off on the island, with a packed picnic lunch and an ice box full of drinks. Our driver leaves us to enjoy the natural beauty and the freedom of having our own private island. We take advantage of the breathtaking scenery with a quick photo shoot – making sure to capture the powdery sands and blue sea (aqua on one side and ink blue on the other!) and spend time snorkelling and relaxing. It’s a slightly strange feeling being left on a deserted island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but three hours later, the boat arrives on time to whisk us back to reality. The icing on the cake is encountering a pod of dolphins on the way back to the hotel – a real bonus!
Between dives we make use of the hotel bikes to cycle around the surrounding islands. This gives us a real insight to Maldivian life – we cycle past a school, football pitch, shops and houses, see children playing in the street and people going about their everyday lives. It’s an enjoyable afternoon activity and a reminder that the Maldives isn’t all about luxury resorts.

Maldivian dining
We’re on an all-inclusive package and meals are served buffet-style at the resort restaurant, with delicious local and western options on offer each day, including a live meat and fish cooking station. There’s also a daily afternoon tea – usually consisting of very tasty samosas, and it’s at this time when the daily cocktails begin to be blended.
We venture out one evening to a neighbouring island with another Singapore-based couple we met on a scuba dive earlier in the day. We feast on interesting local dishes of fragrant curry and fresh seafood and after converting the currency, we’re delighted to discover the whole meal only cost us a few Singapore dollars. Bargain!
As we prepare to return home, we tally up the price of our amazing Maldives holiday: $1,500 each for return flights, four nights at an all-inclusive resort, a day trip to a private island, and three scuba dives. We also saved on annual leave, as we travelled over the Chinese New Year public holiday and only required two days annual leave. So, you can travel to the Maldives on a budget!

More Maldives Money Saving Tips
$ Booking flights and hotels in the off-season between May and October will save you big bucks (if you’re prepared to risk inclement weather!)
$ Many of the low cost airlines fly to Male – including Scoot and Air Asia, and prices are competitive. Return flights can be as low as $300-400.
$ You can opt to stay in the capital Male, where Airbnb’s are very cost effective, particular for families.
$ Maafushi Island also offers affordable hotels and guesthouses – a local ferry to the island costs a few Singapore dollars and takes around 1.5 hours from Male.
$ Food is mostly flown into the Maldives, and prices can be steep. Self-cater where possible, or go for local food.

Christmas Gift Guide

 

Home grown social enterprise EDEN + ELIE incorporates hand-weaving techniques in their elegant Peranakan necklaces, inspired by the floral patterns of the kebaya ($269). Pair with matching bracelets ($169).

Is there a place on the planet that’s special to your dad? These cufflinks ($124) contain wooden inserts, etched with the coordinates of a chosen location – a beloved surf spot, wedding venue, or his birthplace perhaps?

Celebrate your little one’s first Christmas with a personalised Christmas baby romper ($39). This simple and classic white body suit is completely adorable and makes for a great keepsake.

Know a travel savvy teen who loves their phone? Gift them a personalised map phone case ($113)

** All above gifts can be ordered from giftslessordinary.com

STAPLES – NASI LEMAK, FRIED MEE HOON, CHICKEN RICE ($28 each) Adorn your keys with inexpensive, delicious and filling Hawker staples: chicken rice, nasi lemak and breakfast bee hoon. From Museum Label, nbh.gov.sg

 

Batu Batu Bliss

Photos: Batu Batu resort

Arriving by boat to Batu Batu resort, we are welcomed by smiling staff, and the delighted shrieks of children jumping off the jetty into aqua water, teeming with baby sharks and tropical fish. Before long, we are in swimmers, sipping a fruity welcome drink and contemplating a dip in a dreamy horizon pool, overlooking powdery white sands. I’d heard this private island was a screensaver come to life, but nothing could prepare me for its breathtaking natural beauty. The uninhabited island boasts eight pristine beaches, clear waters and healthy coral reefs just off shore, as well as tropical forest for hiking and exploring.

Dive in
Batu Batu means “rocks” in the local Malay language, but this laidback island resort offers much more than picturesque rocky outcrops. Set on the stunning tropical island of Pulau Tengah, Malaysia in the South China Sea, this small property delivers big on rustic luxury. We follow a sandy path to our digs for the weekend – a simple, traditional beach villa with steps leading down to soft sands and gentle lapping waters. Wandering along the deserted beach, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one inhabiting the island – there are only 22 villas set into the island’s protected environment.

Families welcome
For the adventurous guest, there’s plenty of action to be found. We try exhilarating ‘jetty jumping’ with the kids, snorkel over colourful coral reefs looking for Nemo, walk around its 3km perimeter and take out paddleboards to circumnavigate the island – stopping for a refreshing swim or two along the way in secluded beach stretches. The resort has a full PADI Dive & Activities Centre, so trips to nearby reefs and islands are available for dive enthusiasts. Kids are welcome – with dive programmes available to guests as young as five years old. After our paddle, we relax in the beach bar overlooking gorgeous Long Beach, sipping watermelon cocktails and watching the blazing sunset streak across the sky. And exhale….

Nature first

Batu Batu is heaven for families with kids – on our first day our daughter asks when we can come back! Our group includes three generations – all of us finding our own level of activity and enjoying plenty of low-key family time. Kids adore the pool area, the Play House zone with its regular movie nights, and being able to spot turtles waddling up and down the beach. There’s also a dedicated kids’ menu, and a handy kids annexe room with bunk beds in all Beach Villas and some Ocean and Jungle Villas. Plenty of room for everyone!

Resort staff are committed to the preservation and protection of Tengah Island and they take conservation of the flora, fauna and wildlife seriously. One of their initiatives is the Turtle Watch Camp (TWC). Guests can meet the enthusiastic TWC team for a hatchery tour, attend the informative Turtle Talks, and be notified of any nest hatchings or turtle movements during their stay. You can also volunteer to lend a hand at a beach clean-up, take on early morning “turtle patrol”, or even adopt a nest!

The good life

Food is something you won’t have to think about on the island – as the menu is pre-set and a delicious array of gourmet meals are included in the accommodation package. The open pavilion restaurant and bar has stunning sea views and a cooling breeze, and is the perfect spot to enjoy leisurely meals. The menu includes dishes like green papaya salad with char grilled beef, spiced coconut prawns, pan-seared black cod, as well as more traditional dishes such as the popular beef tenderloin. The bakery is a highlight with moreish home-made breads, parfaits, mousses, cakes, tarts, and of course fresh tropical fruit.
The small spa is located up a few flights of steep stairs, so you can burn off your three-course lunch on the way to your treatment. We opt for a couples massage and I pick the signature Batu Batu treatment, combining Balinese and Swedish techniques, and including both hot stone and long arm strokes. It’s the very last drop of relaxation and pampering we squeeze out of our trip, before tumbling back down the stairs, grabbing our bags and heading to the jetty to reluctantly make our way back to the mainland. But if our daughter has anything to do with it, we’ll return soon enough. Batu Batu is a repeat visit kind
of destination.

Travel essentials
Getting there: Pulau Tengah is a 20 minute boat ride off the east coast of Malaysia and is accessible by Batu Batu’s private speedboat from Mersing jetty. Mersing is approximately 130km (three hours) by road from Singapore. Book a return private car for ease of travel.
Best time to visit: Avoid monsoon season, which runs from December-February. Late March-November is a safer bet for clear skies and calm seas.
What to Pack: Take insect repellent as there are occasional mozzies and sand flies, dress code is super casual, but pack sturdy shoes to explore the island.
For more info go to batubatu.com.my

Christmas Feasting in Singapore


Brilliant buffets

Tuck into eye-popping festive spreads at these popular eateries.

Park Hotel
Clarke Quay
Enjoy a four-course Festive Dinner at Porta ($64 per person) available on 24-25, and 30-31 December from 6.30-10.30pm. Start with scallops and French onion soup with cheese toast, then a main of beef brisket paired with red wine sauce, or an Atlantic Halibut confit. Finish with caramelised banana, topped with vanilla ice-cream and served with Victoria sponge and rum. For a more tropical vibe, try the Festive BBQ Buffet at Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill. parkhotelgroup.com/clarkequay

Jamie’s Italian
Forum, Vivocity
Jamie delivers on beautiful festive menus, activities and knock out gift hampers. At Forum, feast on a four-course Christmas day set lunch. Start with Gennaro’s Turkey Ravioli, stuffed with slow braised turkey and served with a rich sage butter as well as Tuscan sausages, British trout and a Christmas pav with whipped vanilla crème fraiche tart cherries and orange zest. Kids eat free with every Xmas set. There are Christmas and NY semi buffets available at the VivoCity restaurant. jamieoliver.com/italian/singapore

Caffé B
Club Street
Looking for reasonable refined dining? Japanese-Italian Restaurant Caffé B’s Christmas menu offers four-courses for $69 per person from 18-25 December. The menu can be paired with wine for an additional $26 per person. Feast on Yuzu marinated Foie Gras Terrine served with black fig and Okinawan spinach, antipasto, followed by fragrant and creamy Porcini Risotto and either the Lamb Rack with Cauliflower Purée, or Black Cod. Finish with the Glass Montebianco with chestnuts, sprinkled with fluffy chocolate and white chocolate powder. caffebsg.com

Mandarin Orchard
Orchard Road
The Mandarin is dressed to impress this holiday season with a life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby and Santa Claus making a special appearance on Christmas day. Guests will also be serenaded with Christmas carols by the Vocal Consort from 22-25 December. On the menu at their Japanese-inspired restaurant, Triple Three, is honey-glazed ham, roasted turkey and wagyu beef, freshly-shucked oysters, seafood on ice, and sushi and sashimi. Finish with dessert classics like dark cherry yule log, fruit cake, Christmas pudding, stollen, panettone, and toffee pudding. Lunch: Adults $148, kids $48, for lunch or dinner on Christmas Day. meritushotels.com/en/mandarin-orchard-singapore

Home deliveries

Planning to eat in? Check out these time saving options…

The Fullerton
The Fullerton offers a range of glam festive takeaways. Try their locally-flavoured Nasi Lemak Christmas Turkey ($188) with coconut rice, sambal, egg and cucumbers, or the traditional Roasted Turkey with trimmings ($198) and finish with Yule Log or Snow Globe Egg Nog Tiramisu cake. To order, fullertonhotels.com (last orders 28 December)

Grand Mercure Singapore on Stevens
To host the perfect Yuletide dinner without the effort, Festive Takeaways are available for self-collection at Fudebar (located at the lobby of Mercure Singapore on Stevens) or delivered to your doorstep. Takeaways include Traditional Roast Turkey ($128) Australian Roasted Ribeye Beef ($98), Salmon Coulibiac ($98) and Honey Studded Gammon Ham ($88). Orders are open now, and ready for pick-up until Dec 31. For more information email: h9543@accor.com

The Providore
All your Christmas grazing needs are covered by The Providore – from freshly baked breads and pastries for Christmas morning breakfast, to celebratory wines and champagnes, beautiful cheeses, deli meats, chocolates, bikkies and more. Perfect for gifting, they also have a range of hampers, bursting with festive goodies. Or buy your loved one a cooking class for 2019. theprovidore.com

The Butcher
Whether your Chrissy lunch is steak and snags on the barbie, or a full turkey dinner, The Butcher has you covered with a huge range of turkeys, Christmas hams, side-dishes, stuffing and extras, and even log cakes. You can also order ‘dinner bundles’ which do all the planning and prep for you. thebutcher.com.sg

SPRMRKT
Indulge in Singaporean style with SPRMRKT’s new Claypot Rice Roast Turkey ($128) stuffed with fragrant claypot rice, lap cheong, shiitake mushrooms and salted fish. Alternatively, go with the classic Traditional Roast Turkey ($128) with two types of stuffing. End your meal on a sweet, boozy high with the decadent Eggnog Bread Pudding ($38) ; or go for the lighter Christmas Chiffon Cake ($86). To order email contactus@sprmrkt.com.sg

 

All Set for Christmas

Photo: Rafael Dalmau

Traditional & Treasured

“There’s something very special about a traditional northern hemisphere Christmas. It conjures images of snow falling, pine trees, big fires and hearty food. For this setting I’ve gone for plaids in masculine greys, classic white crockery and decorative items of copper, deep reds, and touches of white. It’s lovely to incorporate antique treasures and family heirlooms, alongside fresh touches like metallic baubles, black festive ribbon and wispy feathers. Don’t forget a great centerpiece. Here I’ve used pine, Amaryllis flowers and fresh winter fruit; pomegranates and pears. Enjoy a lightly fragrant candle, but make sure it complements the food! Here I have chosen a pinot scented one.”

Photo: Rafael Dalmau

Aussie + Kiwi Summer Picnic

“For many of us, Christmas means summer holidays. If you’re missing the sun, sea, blue skies and beaches, this picnic-inspired outdoor table setting may brighten up your Christmas day. Gingham in royal blues provides a bright starting point. Top it with a hessian runner, an assortment of blue plates and glasses, and large shells filled with bright seasonal fruit. Fill a plastic bauble with sand and add a nametag instead of a traditional place card – it can be hung on the tree afterwards or taken home as a memento of the day shared together. Native flowers, including Rata, Waratah, “Yellow bird” and Proteas, dispersed with eucalyptus, complete the look, and smell of home.”

Photo: Rafael Dalmau

Colonial-Chic Singapore

“If you’re lucky to be hosting your family and friends in Singapore this year, scour the shops in Arab Street and People’s Park in Chinatown to create a colonial-chic setting, inspired by Black and White houses and the Singapore Botanical Gardens. Pick up rattan placemats and balls, wrap gift boxes in striped black and white paper and gold ribbon, and finish it off with local tissue holders, lanterns and chopsticks – all for a contemporary, local feel. Centre stage here is a striking arrangement of orchids, red chilies, Birds of Paradise, and Philodendron leaves in reds and whites – the traditional colours of Singapore and Christmas.”

Shopping tips
– Head to Spotlight in Plaza Singapura for festive fabrics, ribbon and baubles spotlightstores.com/sg
– Arab Street or People’s Park in Chinatown sell fantastic and affordable ribbons, fabrics and textiles
– Bungalow 55 in Cluney Court is great for
placemats, candles and other decorative items. thebungalow55.com
– Pick up small table accessories and dishes at Lims in Holland Village limslegacy.com
– Flowers at Far East Flora or G.G. Fresh Flower Ltd.

Check Out – Christmas Special

1.Christmas Tree Buying
Song Lang Gardens
378 Tanjong Katong Road 437134
Does anything smell better than real pine needles? Pick up a reasonably priced fresh Christmas tree at this East Coast nursery, most trees are sized to fit into a Grab cab. Nearby, Bedok Garden & Landscaping (4A Bedok South Road, Singapore 469271) also offers a good range of festive firs, as does its parent outlet Far East Flora (555 Thomson Road, Singapore 298140) who also stock Christmassy wreaths and table settings.

2. Let it Snow
Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road 247933
www.tanglinmall.com.sg
Snow in steamy hot Singapore is an unlikely event, but over the festive season, Tanglin Mall stages regular dumpings of fake, foamy flakes, with a side of shopping and Santa appearances. Check their website for times, and dress kids in their swim gear (and goggles) with a towel and a change of clothes. They’ll get soaked.

3. Christmas on a Great Street
Orchard Road, various locations
This year, Orchard Road has partnered with Disney for their annual Christmas explosion of lights and colour. Until Jan 1, this famous shopping precinct is transformed into an OTT Christmas wonderland, with decorations running right along the 2.9 kilometre stretch, from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura. Expect Disney faves Frozen and Toy Story, plus Ariel, Mickey, Minnie, and the Disney princesses. Bring good walking shoes and prepare for crowds!

4. Gardens by the Bay Christmas Wonderland 2018
Supertree Grove and The Meadow
*Over the Christmas period, access to the Supertree Grove from 3.30-11pm will require a Christmas Wonderland ticket.
Gardens by the Bay’s impressive Christmas Wonderland village runs until 26 December and boasts a dazzling array of stunning light sculptures, festive markets and fun carnival games. There’s also a mass carolling event, as well as other performances at Golden Garden, The Canopy, between 20-25 December. Or check out the enormous live Christmas tree in Flower Dome and other festive floral sculptures.

5. Meet Santa
Cluny Court
501 Bukit Timah Road, 259760
clunycourt.com
Looking to get a selfie with the bearded guy in the red suit? Take the kids to meet Father Christmas at Cluny Court’s Meet & Greet sessions. Check out Santa’s appearance times at facebook.com/ClunyCourt. The shopping centre also has carolling and a popular Christmas fair and market.

6. Christmas Services
St Andrews Cathedral
11 St Andrew’s Road, 178959
Not forgetting Christmas is a deeply religious and spiritual time (and not just about the pressies!) – head along with loved ones to the stunning St Andrews church for their traditional Christmas Eve Midnight Eucharist, held on 24 December at 10:30pm. On Christmas Day they traditionally have a 9am Christmas Service in Mandarin and an 11am Christmas Service with Holy Communion. Check times at cathedral.org.sg

NEW YEARS:

7. Marina Bay Singapore Countdown
Marina Bay – The Promontory, Bayfront,
Civic District, NS Square
No plans for NYE? Celebrate at Singapore’s iconic annual New Year’s Eve Countdown, which lights up Marina Bay on 31 December. Join thousands of revellers and families as the clock ticks down to 2019. This year there will be pop-up food stalls, photo installations, movie screenings, water rides and rollercoasters. The official countdown starts a minute before midnight, followed by a dazzling fireworks display. For details visit marinabaycountdown.sg

8. Siloso Beach Party
Siloso Beach, Sentosa
sentosa.com.sg/silosobeachparty
Looking for an epic kid-free New Year’s bash on the sands of Sentosa? Join the Siloso Beach cool crowd on 31 December for the annual Beach Countdown Party. Listen to dance tunes spun by Asia’s finest DJs, hit the mosh pit, watch spectacular fireworks and boogie your way into 2019. The party officially ends at 6am! Will you be the last one standing?

What’s On: December

5 Dec
The Weeknd Live in Singapore
Singapore Indoor Stadium,
2 Stadium Walk, 397691
As part of his first Asian tour, R&B artist The Weeknd performs for one night only in Singapore. Don’t miss hits Love Me Harder with Ariana Grande and Earned It, along with songs from his latest album release, Starboy. Tickets from $118, Sportshub.

7-8 Dec
Hi-5 Supers!
Sands Theatre, 10 Bayfront Avenue
Prepare to sing and boogie with your little superheroes as a vibrant new cast of Hi-5’ers teach kids how to express and believe in themselves, revealing their inner super powers.
Tickets from $39, Sistic.

6-9 Dec
Sleeping Beauty by Singapore Dance Theatre
Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr 038981
Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) will close out its 30th Anniversary celebrations with the classic childhood fairytale, Sleeping Beauty. Performed to live music by the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, this timeless tale will appeal to all ages, but particularly dance enthusiasts. From $35, tickets from Sistic.

7-9 Dec
The Night Before Christmas
SOTA Drama Theatre, 1 Zubir Said Drive, 227968
On The Night Before Christmas, Eddie the mouse can’t understand why only humans celebrate Christmas and open presents. He sets out to find Santa and demand an explanation. Kids will love the live music and songs in this Christmas adaptation. Tickets from $42, Sistic.

8-9 Dec
Singapore Symphony Orchestra Babies’ Proms 2018
Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place 179558
Discover the fun and fantastic world of the orchestra and its different instruments with the kids. Now in its 16th year, the SSO Babies’ Proms promises an hour of great fun and entertainment for parents and children alike. From $32, Sistic. For grown-ups, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert 2018 is performed from the 14-16 December.

Until 9 Dec
The Great Moscow Circus
The Big Top, Bayfront Avenue (beside Marina Bay Sands)
Marvel at the acts of 45 performers – acrobats, clowns, jugglers, daredevils – all circus stars renowned world-wide for their theatrical flair and breathtaking talents. Note: There are no animals used in this circus. Tickets from $55, Sistic.

14-15 Dec
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope Film Concert
Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr 038981
70 orchestral musicians will perform the original soundtrack to Star Wars: A New Hope, created by five-time Academy Award-winning composer John Williams. As live music plays, the full movie will be projected onto the big screen. From $69, Sistic

Until 15 Dec
A $ingapore Carol
Victoria Theatre, Singapore
W!LD RICE reimagines Charles Dickens’ classic tale about a Scrooge finding love, compassion and the spirit of giving.
Ticket from $45. Sistic.

Until 18 Jan
International Schools Art Exhibition
Australian High Commission, 25 Napier Rd, 258507, singapore.embassy.gov.au
Art exhibition ‘IN’ 2018 is a collection of outstanding art from 17 international schools in Singapore. Each of the schools select high quality student works. Stir up creativity by viewing these vivid and thought-provoking works by young people.

ANZA Netball’s Amazing Volunteer Coaches

Currently we have about 60 ANZA Netball parents who don their netball uniforms each week to coach their children through drills and match play,” says ANZA Netball’s Michelle Adamson. “There are usually two volunteer coaches per netball team, which provides a good ratio, particularly for the younger age groups where the girls require a little more attention and assistance.”

At ANZA Netball, the volunteer coaches are assisted by around 10 professional coaches who take active lead roles in the training sessions in the age groups from 2009 upwards. “There are also eight teen coaches, ex ANZA players, who volunteer their time on a Saturday morning, to assist in the development of junior netballers.”

The ANZA Netball volunteer coaches are provided with the opportunity and encouraged to attend the Singapore Netball Foundation Course to receive coaching qualifications. Umpiring courses are also provided. “These courses are both theoretical and practical and provide experience and up to date knowledge in the surprisingly fast changing world of netball rules. For some volunteer coaches, it is an opportunity to step back into a classroom to learn new skills for the first time in years! “

Keeping Coaches on the Court

“It’s vital to talk to your children about the role of the volunteer coach and how they can help to ensure that these volunteer coaches will return!” says Michelle. Some of the key points that our young ANZA netballers should keep in mind are:

– Listen to your coach
– Play within the spirit of the game and by the rules of the competition
– Never argue with a coordinator, coach or volunteer
– Cooperate with your coach and teammates
– Play unselfishly and congratulate good teamwork and individual play by others
– Do not take unfair advantage of another participant
– Show respect to all participants regardless of their gender, race, ability, religion or language
– Win graciously and do not brag, or lose calmly and do not get mad
– After the game, always shake hands and thank the other team and coaches

MOST IMPORTANTLY, thank your coach at the end of the session

We are so grateful to all the ANZA Netball coaches and other volunteers. “Coaching is a rewarding and much appreciated way to spend active time with your children. Not only are you helping to create the next generation of netballers, but more importantly the next generation of volunteers.”

ANZA Netball season runs until 23 March 2019. Register now, as there are places available. netball@anza.org.sg.