Our Bedok Kampong House Singapore

Here is some ‘claim to fame’ for us: In 1971, we (at aged 10 and 8 then) were thrilled to turn on our black and white TV at our Bedok kampong house to watch Mel & Joe Ferdinands compete in the RTS Talentime then. We most remembered them singing the song “I Play & Sing”. At that time, they lived further up from our place at Bedok Road at the Bedok Walk area and we took the same bus to our primary school then, St Stephen’s (at Siglap Hill). Unfortunately by the time the school bus arrived at their place, all seats were taken and they had to stand but Joe was really friendly to us and smiled mostly! (these days standing not allowed but those were the days) (photos not ours)

Our mother shared with us this story: When the younger of us brothers was just a toddler, he was exposed to a wandering but aggressive goose that was somehow let loose in the kampong and entered the compound of our Bedok kampong house. Nonchalant about what was happening, his ear almost got nipped by this angry goose if not for quick thinking intervention by our mother! 1964, and in the compound area of our Bedok kampong house

In 1969, the older of us boys was only 8 years old in Primary 2, and the younger in kindergarten – so while we enjoyed the music mostly played on the radio, we don’t recall too many wonderful songs (which we now know) that ruled the airwaves in that year of 1969 except for these great songs we recall playing in our Bedok kampong house! Hermans’s Hermits’ ‘My Sentimental Friend’. Introduced by our cousin living with us, this brings back so many wonderful memories especially singing from the lyric songbook she hand wrote. Bobbie Gentry’s ‘I’ll Never Fall in Love Again’. Honestly this was the first time we learnt the word ‘Pneumonia’ found in the song lyrics. Karen Young’s ‘Nobody’s Child’. So sad this song, that we can't forget it! Tommy Roe’s Dizzy. Such a fun song with a title we young boys could not forget! Venture’s Hawaii Five-O. This must be the greatest and most memorable TV theme song (other than Mission Impossible) ever written! Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) was the best! Fi...

Kallang Park, built towards the end of 1959, and now the site of the Singapore Sports Hub was a wonderful destination for the family then. Our trips from our Bedok kampong house made worthwhile with the wonderful playground we kids could really enjoy, and that iconic fountain to view and take photos at. The park closed in 1967 to make way for the construction of the National Stadium. 1962 1962 1962 1962 1966 - 2 families from our house visiting this place 1966

Time for the ladies of the house at our Bedok kampong house, along with relatives and friends to dress up for the camera and ‘Amik Gambar’ (take photos). These elegant shots were taken in the late 50’s to early 60’s with the house and garden proving to be excellent backdrops 1961 - Three sisters-in-law and our mother's friend posing, with the Sultan of Pahang's holiday home at the back left. Notice his 'moat bridge' side rails. 1959 - Our mother, just engaged to our dad 1961 - Our mother 1962 - Our mother's sibling 1962 - Our mother (top) with late paternal aunt

The drive from our Bedok kampong house to watch movies in Katong was always looked forward to, with Katong being such a destination point for our family – and the 3 theatres of Palace, Roxy and Odeon Katong being top of mind in this story. But because they don’t really showcase English language films, which our father being Peranakan tended to prefer watching, the family don’t find ourselves patronising them too much. However the exception was made in 1967 when the “One-Armed Swordsman” was released into theatres. This blockbuster movie was a much-watch in those days, with Wang Yu in the starring role. So memorable was this film that this 6-year writer (then) still recalls the wide-angled scene where the hero was on his knees in a canyon, with just one arm and screaming ‘Bao Chou!’ (Revenge!) 报仇 , reverberating across the cinemascope screen! 1967 movie poster Additional Photo credit - A century of cinemas, movies and blockbusters