SSAS September/October 2014 e-newsletter

The Singapore St Andrew’s Society e-news: September/October 2014

chieftain’s message

Welcome back, everyone!

Having had an awesome three weeks visiting the UK, I have come back with a renewed love of Scotland and all things Scottish!

We had two nights in Edinburgh and managed to fit in a ghost tour (great fun with my wee niece and nephew) and a tour of Edinburgh Castle, then moved onto Glasgow to visit my brother and enjoy the buzz that the Commonwealth Games generated.

Sad to say, we didn’t attend any of the sporting events, but had a rare time at Glasgow Green and fully enjoyed the nightlife around the Merchant City.

What I loved the most, though, was the people. The Scots are a friendly bunch and never more so than when the sun is splitting the skies as it did this summer.

Luckily for us, the Scots abroad are equally as friendly and we encourage you all to come and get to know us better at the myriad of events we have coming up, including the fabulous Whisky Kiss at the American Club on Saturday, 27th September from 8.00pm.

Check the band out at http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialWhiskyKiss. They performed at the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony after-party; I’m sure you’ll be booking those tickets in double-quick time.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Other good news for SSAS members is that we have managed to secure a 10% discount on British Airways flights. For details on how to book, email membership secretary Carolyn at carolyn.lints@lintsdevelopment.com.

Yours Aye
Carole Ann
SSAS Chieftain 2014/2015

whisky night

When: 11th October 2014, from 7.30pm
Venue: 50G Faber Heights, 01-50 Faber Crest, 129201
Cost: Free, but donations of $20 for SSAS (to support a named charity) welcomed (cash or cheques payable to "Singapore St Andrew's Society"
Format: Blind tasting of six whiskies with seven names. There will be a special prize for those who guess the best and can walk out of the venue unaided...
Food: There will be snackie food to help cleanse the palate and absorb naughty ethanol molecules
What do I wear? Whatever you like
What do I bring? A great attitude and sense of humour
What if I don't like whisky? There will be wine, soft drinks and other stuff available
Is there a limit on numbers? Limit 30 on a first come-first served basis
Other questions? Call Derek on 9150 5842

other upcoming events
20th September: golf outing to Southlinks, Batam (contact Duncan at ssas.golf@gmail.com)

18th October: golf outing to Palm Springs, Batam (contact Duncan at ssas.golf@gmail.com)

7th November: Annual Brain of St Andrew’s Quiz at the Tanglin Club. More details to follow...

15th November: golf outing to Inda Puri, Batam (contact Duncan at ssas.golf@gmail.com)

chieftain’s chase review

After so many morning thunderstorms recently, it was great to see a clear sky on Sunday, 31st August for the Chieftain’s Chase at West Coast Park.

The course for the run was set out using the latest Location Orientation System Technology ( LOST ) which, despite its fancy name, is basically a flour filled tin can with holes in it, taped to a stick.

The full run route took in most of the park and was measured at 4.95km long although, as result of a late Saturday night, most people seemed to feel it was closer to the 10km mark. The popular walker’s route was around the Western end of the park taking in some famous local sights such as the Drive Thro McDonalds.

The full race was closely contested... for the first 20 metres at least, before the lead was taken over by the eventual men’s winner, Neville Ross.

The woman’s race, similar to the Men’s race, had only one leader... but in addition had only one starter and one finisher, indeed it only had one competitor! However, Tracy Gall, despite the lack of competition from other ladies, put in a very credible time for what was her first outdoor run in the lovely hot, humid Singapore climate. Well done to both Tracy and Neville.

In keeping with the health conscious flavour of the event there were bacon rolls for everyone at the end of the run cooked to perfection by Mhairi Higgins and Ali Halliday.

The winners were presented with their trophies, the much coveted 'Golden Shoe’ awards which were lovingly handmade using an old pair of Gerry Higgins’s running shoes. Even the mighty Mo Farah hasn’t got one of these - although there is no suggestion he’d actually want one either to be honest.

All in all a fun way for both the kids and adults to start a sunny Sunday.

Gerry Higgins

welcome back BBQ review

Coming back to Singapore after a summer in Scotland (or wherever the summer months took you) can be quite unsettling. You have to re-adjust to the pace of life, the heat and the sweat patches.

The SSAS welcome back BBQ was, then, the perfect antidote to that re-adjustment, sharing a few glasses of sparkling wine, good food and summer stories. Seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones is always expected with SSAS gatherings, and this one was no different.

Elaine Young