PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Valued Members

F1 Was Fast and Furious At SRC!

We waited with bated breath for the world’s first Formula One night race to commence and in the blink of an eye; the much-touted event has come and gone literally at lightning speeds. For members and their guests who patronised our Clubhouse for the three race days, I am sure the race was an eye-opener in many aspects: the smell of burning rubber, petrol and the deafening roar of the finely tuned super charged engines of the specially engineered cars, made many stare in awe as they took the slow corner on ‘Turn 9’ which was just outside our Club’s driveway.

In terms of Club operations, business was affected in many areas due to the early road closures, which made entry into our Club cumbersome. Much revenue was lost from the many amenities in the Club – from F&B sales to fruit machine takings.

Since the Formula One race will take place for the next four years in Singapore, we will have to take stock of the first year’s experience and look at ways to cut costs during the low periods when roads are closed before the actual race days.

Also, the Beer Garden proved to be a very popular area which unfortunately has a maximum load limit and in the interest of safety, we had to limit the number of people present at the venue at any one time. To those who had to be turned away, we apologise for the inconvenience caused. My committee and I will hold a post-mortem meeting on the F1 with a view of improving services to members next year.

To the hardworking staff of SRC, some of whom slept overnight at the Club due to the road closures, I would like to put on my record my heartfelt thanks for ensuring that members receive top priority during the three race days. 

World Economy And Singapore

At the point of writing, the turmoil in the USA caused by the collapse of major financial institutions has sent shivers down the stock markets of Asia. Since we are an outward looking economy, Singapore needs the rest of the world to stay economically viable. Let us hope the American economy stabilises so that businesses owned by our members are not severely affected. In any economy, spending keeps the wheels of motion going and as a Club; we need regular patronage to keep the Club’s finances in a healthy state.    

2nd SRC Charity Line Dance on October 4

The Club together with support from the Line Dance Section and Singapore’s Country Line Dance Association (CLDAS) organised its second Charity Line Dance event to help raise funds for the Jamiyah Children’s Home and PPIS, which is one of the oldest women association in Singapore looking after the needs of needy single parents.

I am happy to report that we were able to raise some $45,000 (pre-audited) for the two local beneficiaries through the sales of raffle tickets and dinner tables. My thanks go out to our Guest of Honour, Abdullah Tarmugi for gracing the occasion and to my hardworking Vice President, Capt Francis Koh who single-handed raised more than $30,000 for the two beneficiaries. Kudos also goes to the Organising Committee helmed by Ronald Wee, CLDAS and SRC’s Line Dance Section Committee.   

HAPPY DIWALI AND HARI RAYA GREETINGS

In conclusion, I would like to wish all Muslim and Indian members, staff and their families, Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and Happy Diwali.

Sincerely yours

Dr Johnny Goh

President