This weekend, a group of some 40 former residents from the 1950s and 60s are visiting Singapore, and will head to Johor for a reunion gathering. These dinners used to happen at Hyde Park Gate, but with no residents left along the street, the venue had to be moved.
Sad that the customary walk around the Camp is no longer possible. This may in fact be the last major trip by former RAF residents.
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does anyone know if 1 Lancaster gate and 4 The oval are still standing? If 1 Lancaster Gate is still occupied,can anyone name the occpant as I would like to make contact before November 2009
Hi. I’m staying at 8 Mornington Crescent now. I supposed if you’ve not had any replies yet, that me and the husband could go and have a look for you this week.
Nisa M
The initial re-union was during March 09 so I am a bit confused that you are at No.8 on 15/10
I shall be in Singapore from 14/22 November so will attempt to look around Seletar camp.Not very optimistic as my friends there say that the camp as we knew it is no more
Hi Ken. Well some of the houses are still here .. the ones that are earmarked for residential purposes are being slowly renovated and rented out through a bidding system. We’ve just moved into No. 8 in August 09, our neighbour at No. 9 is renovating and in the midst of shifting in and No. 6 has just been rented out too. I understand from our neighbour at No. 7 that the family at No. 5 has been here for 5 years.
I took a walk around the camp today and it would seem that Lancaster Gate and The Oval no longer exists. A lot of the area is sealed off and the homes there either demolished or left to ruins.
Hi Nisa M
We were on the camp last week and did take a photo of number 8 which looks in remarkably good condition. Alas, not much of the camp as we knew it remains – how sad.
Had a meal at one of the eating places on East Camp near to the hangars but that is about all.
From where we could get,it appears that the old SHQ building still exists and maybe the SAF will retain it for some reason.
Am planning a return 2010 when no doubt the camp will have changed beyond any recognition
Regards
Ken Benge
Hi Ken
If you do return to the Camp for a visit in 2010, do drop by for tea.
Nisa.
Hi Ken, both Lancaster Gate and the Oval have been expunged.
I was 15 when Mum and Dad moved into No. 5 Hyde Park Gate in 1950. I will be in Singapore in May 2010. Any point in trying to walk down memory lane ?
Can anybody help ?
John
Sadly Hyde park gate houses are no more.
We sstayed in Singapore last few weeks and did manage to drive around what can be seen of Seletar. Most of the colonial style buildings have gone although there are some still in Mornington Crescent.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news
Ken
Ken
Thanks for your comments of last year. Being an older chap might explain my tardiness in responding sooner !
My wife and I were in Singapore last month and I was shattered to see how run down everything appeared. We could not gain access to HPG and the road into the man gate from Jalan Kayu is now a bridge over a 4 lane dual carriageway !
To drive between West Camp and East Camp now means negotiating temporary roads across a large civil engineering site !
Thanks again for your interest, and it was still worth the visit.
John
Hello John Madelly, I lived in No.6 Hyde Park Gate with my parents 1953-55 , aged 7 – 9. Great memories of those days. Am now a member of the RAF Seletar Association and have been back twice with them 2007 and 2009. In 2007 we could drive along HPG, visited my old house and had a party with the residents at No.10 (Oliver and Sue Amy). Lush vegitation but no more rubber trees! In 2009 access to HPG was closed as part of the new aerospace park development.
Regards, Chris
Hello Chris
Thanks also for your kind input. As you will probably read my comments to Ken, we did at least manage a couple of visits to the Singapore Cricket Club which has a special place in my heart.
Wouldn’t have missed it for quids !
John
John
I also lived at No5 Hyde Park Gate from 1960-62 (aged 6-8) with my family. My father was a teacher at the RAF Junior school just up Oxford St by the golf course.
I visited HPG in late December 2007 and although all the houses were still there – No 5 was not. It had apparently succumed to termites a few years earlier! There was however a new No 5A , a 2 story house, built nextdoor but not where our N0 5 used to stand I believe. I have some pictures if you are interested.
Regards, Andy
For Nisa M
Thanks for the invite to call at No,8 but I didn’t pick it up until after I had left Singapore.
Unaware that you were still at Mornington crescent, I did take a photo of it,which you are welcome to have in needs be.
My visit to the camp was quite emotional. Seeing the state is was in with so many happy memories being buried under the building work
was sad.
I did get taken for a meal at the West camp restaurant behind the hangars and that was the only pleasure I got at the camp.
If I am able to visit Singapore later this year,I will attempt to get on to the camp and see how it is developing.
I used to live at No 6 The Oval RAF Seletar from 1964 – 1967. My late Father Sqn/Ldr C.J.’Bush’ Barrey was attached to 224 Group. I last visited seletar and No 6 The Oval in June 2006 on my way back from Adelaide, where I had just attended my fathers funeral. It was really strange going back there, as the then current occupants stated that they had been having strange appearances and presences of a male wearing a bush hat and a dog at his side. I thought hat this could not have been my Father but probably our gardener, his name was ‘Kaboon’ and our dog. we used to have an ‘Armor’ called ‘Gek’. Does anyone remember our family. We were , my father Clement John Barrey, my Mother, Maureen Barrey, my brother Simon and my sisters Jayne & Barbara. I have great memories of Seletar and especially the market at Jalanku, Tigerbalm Gardens, and the lovely chilli crab at Changi Pool. Regards, John Barrey.
Dear John Barry, My name is Carol Lewis and I used to live at No 6 The Oval from around 1950 -1953. My late father Leslie Joseph Lewis, my late mother Ruby Lewis, myself and sisters Jacqueline and Patricia all lived and loved it there. My father, Flight Lieutenant L.J. Lewis a navigator on the lovely old Sunderlands was in the Korean War. My son at the moment in Singapore on a world tour sent me to-day photos of 6 The Oval. It has not changed. My bedroom was the first on the left as you go down the passage. My dad played cricket at the club and I used to walk to school. That was my first visit to Seleter, the next one in 1956 where we stayed this time in Brighton Crescent off the Serangoon Road. I went to Changi Grammar on the old gharries. Those were really wonderful and memorable times. Regards Carol Lewis
I am really sorry to hear that The Oval has been obliterated — although I am also surprised to learn that it survived that long! We lived at No. 1 The Oval between March 1968 and June 1970: my (late) father was the CSFC chaplain at St Andrews church. I still have many fond and vivid memories of my time at Seletar. What a fantastic experience it was!
Hi
my name is Cheryl Norton , daughter of the late Sqn leader Dennis Norton (Chippy) . I arrived in Singapore . December 1967 . lived at Serangoon Garden until we got a quarter at Seletar . We lived at 11 Hyde Park Gate they later moved to The Oval . My mothers name Irene (Renee) . I got married at St Mary’s Church in November 1968 to Terry Creed who was a pilot on 66 squadron . We then moved to 17 Toh Avenue . Terry moved to 103 squandron search and rescue . We had our daughter Samantha at Changi Hospital and left Singapore in March 1971 . I too have the happiest memories of Singapore and Still dream of it .
We lived at 13 Oxford Street, F/Sgt. C.J.Bryan, Irene Bryan, and children (Beverley, Karen & Shona) from 1961-1963. We have never been back until this week, when my Dad, sister Beverley and I went to Seletar camp to see if the house was still there. Amazingly enough it was, although the Golf Club and school have been demolished. The house has been renovated, with the upstairs verandah enclosed, and an extension out the back from the original kitchen building.
We also lived on Seletar Hills estate for a short time, so still have that trip to make. Didn’t manage it all in one day!
Went today to Seletar Hills Estate, and found our old house at 22 Jalan Keruing. It is being renovated, big lorry outside, and builders on site, with an upstairs extension, so unfortunately unable to see the ‘original’ house. However, it was lovely to go back and see it, especially for my father who is 81 years old! I think it brought back many memories.
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Hello John Barrey,
For the last few years I have been researching 66 Squadron RAF, and had the privildge and pleasure of meeting with your father on a couple of occasions in Adelaide shortly before he died. I took a couple of photos, and have a couple of letters concerning your father. I hope you get this message and contact me.
regards Pete
My father was a pilot with 66 squadron in Odiham and then Seletar. May be able to assist. Andrew
Hello Andrew
I would very much like to get in touch via email, mine is peteremu@optusnet.com.au
regards Pete
Dear Pete, Thankyou for those kind words about Dad. It would be nice to see the letters and there are lots of entries and photos of Dad when stationed at RAF Yever.
My home address is 35, Llwyn Y Groes, Bridgend, Mid Glam, CF31 5AJ.
Best Wishes, John Barrey.
Hallo Pete, Hoping that you get this message and that you are able to send me the letters. Thanks john Barrey.
Dear Pete, Thankyou for those kind words about Dad. It would be nice to see the letters and there are lots of entries and photos of Dad when stationed at RAF Yever.
My home address is 35, Llwyn Y Groes, Bridgend, Mid Glam, CF31 5AJ.
Best Wishes, John Barrey.
Hello John
I have just found this site again by accident! I will dig out the letters and send you copies. This may have to wait untill after Christmas now. My email is; peteremu@optusnet.com.au, If I find them soon I will email them to you, in the mean time best seasons greeting to you and your family.
best wishes Pete
Well, well, well a trip down memory lane!!
I lived in Poulden Court in Jalan Kayu Village just outside of the Seletar gate.
I went to the Primary School on the base and in 1999ish took a trip to Singapore and managed to be allowed in to the base and drive up to the school and look around. The window was open and I found my old desk from Grade 2 or 3.
Does anyone remember Poulden Court (its gone now)? The Amahs market in Jalan Kayu? Mah Jong?
Please drop me a line at cliff@tooserious.com
my best to you all,
Clifford Saunders
I lived in Poulden Court 67 to 71 my father was a Civvy with the signals. I was 3-7 whilst there remember living right at the bottom in the right hand bottom flat. Few memories but good ones
Hello little brother! Remember our neighbours and still see Sue quinn, we moved to Poulden Court in 69, before that we lived in Braddell Heights and Woodsville Court. we moved to Poulden court just before Dad accepted an extension to his oversee tour in Singapore, This was due to the run down of the services in singapore. Remember Dad was not a forces signaller as you say but GCHQ spook i think his station was referred to as CK2!
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FROM PETE BLANCHARD(AT SELETAR 1968-1971)I REMEMBER KEN BENGE,WORKED FOR HIM IN ESF.I OFTEN THINK OF THE WONDERFUL TIME WE HAD AT SELETER,DOED ANYONE REMEMBER DORIS’S FISH & CHIP SHOP OUTSIDE THE MAIN GATE IN JALAN KAYU.WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS ME (TEL;01449 676526)
Fish and Chips shop outside the main gate in Jalan Kayu?
Must have been after my time 1956-59.
Best,
Cliff
Cliff i remember Doris’s fish and Chips 1967-71!
Dave Smith
Hi Pete, i remember Dori’s fish & chips too…loved going there. Lived in the airbase 1978-87′…7yrs old till 16yrs.
Hi my name’s Katrina Edwards and have just been to Seletar for the first time since we left in 1971. Went to Jalan Kaiyu to see if Doris’s Chip Shop was still there but unfortunately no. The camp is undergoing major transformation and work. It’s a sectioned off in parts redy for demolishing and is a bit derelict but I was glad I went back. My dad taught at the junior school his name is Herbie Edwards. We lived next to the golf course,near the officers mess at Hyde Park Gate on the corner. Other distinct memories are, ice cream sodas at the yacht club,swimming races at the pool, jumping in the monsoon drains in the middle of the golf course,James Bond and Sound of Music at some cinema? Eating Muktabak at cold storage, didn’t like the cane juice except the colour, days at Pulau Ubin jumping off the rock, fancy dress parties for the birthdays,Brazil nuts that used to fall from our tree in the garden I think in September, the kind Amahs who took care of us Sahura, Rouka and Shareef the gardener who used to cut us sugarcane sticks for us to chew on after school. I’m sure there’s loads more I can think of with my brothers and sister( Ifan,Ioan,Anna) and my mum Jean. I also remember Tiger Balm gardens and the horrible torture scenes which I remember vividly and is still there as we visited it with my family last week along with the rest that we could find. I know my dad took lots of photos in the late 60′s. Will talk to my siblings and forward more souvenirs of a great time in a lovely place flull of fond childhoods memories.Katrina
Hi Katrina I remember your Dad at the junior school! He held the once weekly stamp club! BTW i remember Doris’s! 20 cents worth of chips in a little paper box LOL. Message for my little brother Phil Smith I have some old arial photographs showing Poulden Court which quite clearly show our flat! If you can stop being an ass i’ll send you copies!
Hey Dave,
I’ll trade you “old arial photographs showing Poulden Court”, (we lived in #21), for pictures of Sunderlands taking off at Seletar Yacht Club.
Hey Katrina,
I have pictures of the Pula Ubin rock. Want to see?
Tiger Balm should have come with a warning, I had nightmares for weeks.
Send me an email I’m cliff@cliffordsaunders.com and I’ll send you pics.
Cliff
Well fancy seing your name after all these years ! Those were the good old days and have left an indelible mark in our memories. Last vtime I saw you ewas at RAF Hereford when you lived in a MQ near to the NAAFI shop.Have been back to Singapore twice,2007 and 2009 . In 2007 I met up with a local business man who had a motorcycle shop (New Union) in Jalan Kayu and hade been an invited guest at his wedding in 1969. Almost 40 years and was quite a nostalgic meeting..In 2009 we stopped at his daughters house -next door to his – at Lorong Tanggam at the back of JK .
Will try to phone you.
Ken Benge
Clifford
We lived in Poulden Court from November 1952 to January 1956. Initially we lived on the ground floor (No2 ) in the block just past the amah’s block and then moved to No5 in the same block. At that time the gardiner’s name was DAS and the duty driver was Chico. Like you my brother Brian and I attended Primary school in RAF Seletar and after the 11+ (Murray House exam) we transferred to the secondary school on the camp nicknamed the Basher – my father said that this was a corruption of Basha.
Reg Clarke
Nice to meet you Reg.
We lived in 21 Poulden Court, 1956-59.
I am going to put a bunch of pictures from those days on DropBox. Send me an email at cliff@cliffordsaunders.com and I’ll send you a link.
Do you remember playing on the decommissioned Sunderlands on the way to the swimming pool and dropping stones on the sea snakes at the bottom of the bridge?
Is it really the Third Millennium already? “Time goes fast when you’re in a coma.”
Cliff
Thanks to all who remember Seleta. my father served there in the sixties. always remember the monkies we use feed when crossing the mangrove swamp on the way to the officers swimming pool. water sking across to Jah haw baru. Fishing off the jetty at the Yaught Club with my brother john.caught my first Sea snake, thought it was a stick until hit hissed.saved pocket money for the beaut beef satay sticks at changi pool.swimming out to the pontoon at the Yaught club. need i gone , such fantastic days as a young lad.
My dad was in Squadron 66 in the Suez Crisis. He remembers all the great times he had when working from Singapore Lines. If anyone has served during this time, I’d love to get in touch and send messages onto my dad. He is from Scotland.
Hi Gloria
Would I would very much like to hear about your dads time with 66sqn, I have put together quite a comprehensive history over the last few years.
regards Pete
Hi Gloria
I forgot to give my email: peteremu41@optusnet.com.au
regards Pete
Hi Pete, I’ll talk to my dad at the weekend and post you some memories he has. I am unsure where he was stationed as he was in a mobile unit and worked around the airports.
I lived in a bungalow in Jalan Kayu as a schoolgirl in 1956 before moving to Birdcage walk with my parents and brothers. Left Singapore 1958 after marrying an airforce corporal and returned there in 1977 for a 3 year tour with him and our children. We rented a bungalow fro Chee Kow grocer in Jalan Jitong, Seletar Hills. LOVE Singapore and would love to visit again —-is it possible to hire a wheelchair when there does anyone know? r
roberta.kerslake@hotmail.co.uk
Hi my Name is Mike Rowlands, was in Singapore from 1959/62.First at the pasaris hotel then serangoon, Jalan kayu then onto seletar camp at
Hampstead Gardens.Went Seletar Secondary mod,some really good times, anybody remembers me perhaps reply.
Hi -Lived at Poulden Court twice. Remember 63-64 the most. Went to the secondary school in Seletar. Lover to see picture. Bill