61 years ago, the Union Jack was lowered signalling the end of the British administration in what was then Malaya,
61 years ago, a new flag was raised and a new anthem was played signalling the dawn of a new age,
61 years ago, one word echoed throughout the Selangor Club Padang as the crowd chanted,
The photographs above was taken on the opening of the Fatimah hospital which was officiated by the Late Sultan of Perak, DYMM Sultan Idris Shah on the 6th of December 1974. Were you there on the day of the opening of the hospital? Do you recognize anyone from the photographs?
courtesy of: Charlie Choong
from Gurpal Singh Bhuller (click to enlarge)
We received this via email from SK (who sent it to us on behalf of the donor). According to SK, Gurpal is looking for his former classmates.
Anyone out there from Lower Six Science 2? Gurpal is looking for you. Incidentally, SK told us that this picture was taken in April 1967 – Gurpal’s last day at Anderson School; apparently one of his classmates lent him a coat to wear – yes, the young man in the dark coat is none other than Gurpal.
Yes, “Visit Malaya” posters existed back in 1961! Here’s one which some of you may have seen… (you can read more about this poster here).
Chettiar (or Chetty) is a title used by various mercantile castes and social levels in South India – especially in the state of Tamil Nadu. They claim a legendary relationship with the Hindu God Murugan; according to the legend, Murugan married Valli (who was from a tribal group), hence her tribe was later called Chettyars – in order to restore Valli’s status as a consort to a god.
Interestingly, here in Ipoh there were more than 100 Chettiar families once. They were known as the Nattukottai Chettiar. These financiers were preferred to the usual bankers back in the day. On our database we have an interesting interview with the last of the Nattukottai Chettiars in Ipoh.
Here’s a picture of what may have been the inside of a Chettiar’s ‘office’…
from the book “Legends, Lessons and Love” by Jamilah Ariffin
“Fancy travelling down the memory lanes in Ipoh?
Commander Ian Anderson would bring you through the tourist trails of Old Ipoh, to allow you to relive the good old glorious Ipoh.
The speaker will guide the audience along the first published tourist trails of Ipoh in 1914, continuing with a look at the differences created by development in the trail of 1921.The lecture will conclude with a look at the development of today’s Old Town Heritage Trail.”
Mark your calendars, folks. Come by to STG Ipoh Old Town this Sunday 19th August 2018, from 2.30pm – 5pm.
For more details, check out the link below:
https://www.samasamaperak.my/jom/tourists-trails-old-ipoh/
We thank Lennie Brooks for these pictures. Her father once served in the 15/19 Hussars as their Company Sergeant Major Instructor. Back in 1955, they lived at No. 20, Chung Thye Phin Road – yes, at Chung Thye Phin’s mansion nonetheless. These pictures show a mosaic of Chung Thye Phin and also an interesting marble statue, which were once part of the mansion’s deco.
courtesy of Charlie Choong
But I must say, between the precious stones and a beautiful car….I would choose a car (but that’s just me!)
Quite a view, eh?
courtesy of: Charlie Choong
Here’s a photo taken in Kampar. Recognise the car? By the way, the lady leaning against the car is our donor’s mother.
