Ipoh. Valley Dreams. MAIN FEATURE Expat Interview: IPOH FEATURE Draw for the Love of Drawing. IPOH HERITAGE The Merryweather Steam Fire Engine

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1 ISSUE 34 Jan - Mar 2017 Ipoh Property Golf Resort Education Lifestyle of Valley Dreams MAIN FEATURE Expat Interview: From Frosty Finland to Tropical Malaysia IPOH FEATURE Draw for the Love of Drawing IPOH HERITAGE The Merryweather Steam Fire Engine KDN : PP16192/03/2013(033397)

2 contents Main Feature 04 From Frosty Finland to Tropical Malaysia Tenby Feature 06 Raising Children in the Post Truth World Meru Special Feature 14 EcoVillage Health Centre & Wellness Centre 16 Property News The Perfect Family Link Homes Precinct 18 Ipoh Feature Draw for the Love of Drawing 20 Ipoh Heritage The Merryweather Greenwich Steam Fire Engine IVOD wishes you 2017 EDITORIAL TEAM Advisor Dato Lim Si Boon Editorial Board Shu Wern Sze, Leong Mei Yee, Annaliza Villas Bisnar, Renita Rhea, Tan Mei Kuan, Tang Sook Wah Contributors Mark Parkinson, Ian Anderson Graphic Designer & Photographer Penny Teng PUBLISHER Media Masters Publishing Sdn. Bhd. No. 151, Jalan Dato' Lau Pak Khuan, Ipoh. Tel: Fax: PRINTER Konway Industries Sdn Bhd Plot 78, Lebuhraya Kampong Jaya, Bayan Baru, Pulau Pinang Tel: Ipoh Valley of Dreams (IVOD) is the corporate lifestyle magazine of the Kinta Properties Holdings, Meru Valley Resort and the Tenby Schools Group published quarterly. The aims of the publication are to update our readers on the activities of the Group, as well as to celebrate the quality of life in Ipoh through featuring beautiful homes and interesting personalities both in our community and within the Group. The views and opinions expressed or implied in IVOD are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of IVOD, its directors or editorial staffs. Unsolicited transparencies and articles are sent at owner s risk and the Publishers accepts no liability for loss or damage. Copyright 2017 by Media Masters Publishing Sdn. Bhd. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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9 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS We bid a warm welcome to our new members who joined the Club between 8 September and 23 November 2016: - 10 Meru News INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP Chew Peck Tee Tan Sin Cheng Ng Kong Seng Woo Yet Fei RESIDENTIAL MEMBERSHIP Suzithra Naidu A/P V Poovasparan Raja A/L Subramaniam Leong Soong Yew Chan Wai Cheng, Gina Sen Soon Mun Yeong Suan Jue Peter Neff Chew Kok Peng Liew Chee Aun Tan Eng Bong Khor Kee Eng Shigeru Furusawa Wong Pui Ching Asogan A/L Nadarajan Yeoh Keat Choon Yasuhiro Kuwahara Chong Fook Vincent Chong Chan Meng Kuen Yew Kok Lim Low Ah Cheng Tan Hock Hieng Poh Kah Weng Wong Tin Hooi Chang Chee Kai Ong Chin Siang Woo Sow San Koh Lee Lian Tan Geik Hua Koh Tat Chong Chan Yein Yein Chin Meng Wai Kavvithiran A/L S Rajendhiran Fu Chee Wai Ng Mee Seong Yeong Sow Kuin Yeong Kum Ho Shaw Yun Feng Lim Yoke Kuen Chor Yeen Lai Yap Lee Meng SBSK Properties Sdn Bhd Sukhbir Singh A/L Pritam Singh HONORARY MEMBERSHIP Mejar Ahmad Fuad Bin Othman Datuk Samsudin Bin Hassan Teng Yoke Bee Loke Yi Chin Foong Lek Foong Daw Kwong Lim Phek Geok Jasbir Kaur A/P Sawaran Singh Tham Chew Kong Hiroshi Iwasaki Loh Ui Lyn Wong Tian Chong Lee Chee Wai Loh Ui Cheng Chan Yin Lai Ho Yew Chow Liew Kar Hoe Chang Shing Yng Evan Seow Keat Leong Lau Loon Hong Straits House Sdn Bhd LIAISON COMMITTEE MEMBER During the Club s 24th Annual General Meeting held on 26th November 2016, the following members were elected to serve on the Liaison Committee: 1. Sithambarnathan A/L Ramasamy Pillay S Ceasar Nair C Dr. Mana Na Chakr Sri Na Nagara N Dato Arthur William Abernethy A Siew Cheng Fatt S-131 PERAK SULTAN AWARDS Congratulations to the following members who received the DARJAH AHLI MAHKOTA PERAK (AMP) at the recent Perak Sultan s birthday awards: 1. Ahmad Suqairy Bin Alias 2. Anas Bin Mohd Yusof 3. Pon Heng Kit ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICES NEW Car Stickers The collection of the new Car Stickers can be made at the Membership Service Office from 15 December 2016 onwards during office hours: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A Meru Valley Trolley Bag and the Golf Fixtures for 2017 Please collect your gift from the Golf Reception from 1 January onwards. From 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. daily. EVENTS CALENDAR Month/Date Day Time Rate Event Format 18-Hole Course/Venue January Sun Sun Sun 8:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. TBC RM30.00 Nett TBC TBC Monthly Medal With Senior Medal Gold/Silver/Bronze Medal Chinese New Year Activities Bogey Play Stroke Play N/A TBC TBC Café 28 February Sun Sun 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. RM30.00 Nett N/A Monthly Medal Recycling Day Stableford N/A TBC Tennis Court Area March Sun 8:00 a.m. RM30.00 Nett Monthly Medal Stroke Play TBC

10 OCT 11 Meru News Zija Health Talk Stephen & Yih Shyue ROM Cabaran Premix Charity Golf NOV L1 Golf Tournament Mida Meeting & Exhibition DEC ACS 5 Commerce Lunch Unisem Mini Golf Tournament Kiwanis Club Laos Charity Expedition Thank You Dinner Brilliant Rich & Glamorous Inspired Ho Fah See Charity Golf Kejohanan Persahabatan / Persaraan & Pertukaran Pegawai Kanan Kontinjen Perak

11 MONTHLY MEDAL Results 12 Meru News October Monthly Medal - Bogey Play 18 Holes - 09th Oct 2016 PLACING NAME HCP SCORE LADIES Winner Noriko Makita A MEDAL Winner Chen Yee Kwan, John st R/Up Siew Cheng Fatt nd R/Up Johari Sham Bin Ahmad Shohor Affendi B MEDAL Winner Leong Swee Mor st R/Up Wan Ahmad Bin Wan Din nd R/Up Norzaidi Bin Che Ismail OCB C MEDAL Winner Teon Woon Kuai OCB 1st R/Up Azizee Bin Hussain nd R/Up Muhammad Aminuddin Bin Nordin From left : Leong Swee Mor, John Chen, Teon Woon Kuai, Noriko Makita November Senior & Monthly Medal - Stableford 18 Holes - 13th Sept 2016 PLACING NAME HCP SCORE LADIES Winner Tomoko Ikawa OCB 1st R/Up Noriko Makita A MEDAL Winner Siew Cheng Fatt 9 34 OCB 1st R/Up Mohd Zailani Bin Razalli B MEDAL Winner Johari Bin Idrus st R/Up Muhammad Afiq Bin Nordin nd R/Up Kong Hoi Leong C MEDAL Winner Chai Kim Kong st R/Up Wong Shuey Haur, Jack OCB 2nd R/Up Lee Swee Thong, Jeffery SENIOR MEDAL Winner Leong Swee Mor st R/Up Takashi Yoshida nd R/Up Tn Haji Abd. Hadi Bin Baharudin December Monthly Medal - Stroke Play 18 Holes - 11th Dec 2016 PLACING NAME HCP SCORE LADIES Winner Pok Lee Choo A MEDAL Winner Ng Peng Seng, Simon B MEDAL Winner Muhammad Afiq Bin Nordin st R/Up Hor Chee Hon nd R/Up Shaikh Abdul Halim Bin Shaikh Abdullah C MEDAL Winner Wong Shuey Haur, Jack OCB 1st R/Up Yoshikazu Furutani nd R/Up Chan Yew Ming From left : Mohd Afiq, Simon Ng, Jack Wong & Pok Lee Choo

12 EcoVillage Fitness Centre HUR FOR LIFELONG STRENGTH 13 Meru News EcoVillage Fitness Meru Valley Resort is an all-encompassing wellness haven, combining exercise, therapy services and programmes delivered through highly-personalized service. It is the first community-based health centre which accommodates to senior exercise, rehabilitation and wellness. The fitness centre is well-equipped with the renowned HUR equipment designed to serve the entire spectrum of gym clients, from beginners to routine exercisers. SmartZone is a clever solution that makes fitness training more comfortable and, above all, more effective. The system is both user-friendly and advanced, through advanced automation of following and monitoring of a training program, but through clean user-interfaces. The HUR SmartCard Software stores performed workload, sets, reps, average heart rate, maximum heart rate, exercise time and time of visit. It has never been so easy to operate and exercise! Get into shape today! Gym Instructor: Jonathan Thong Certified Titleist Performance Institute Level 3 Golf Fitness Professional Certified Level 2 Medical Professional Stand Alone Pulley - Wide variety of exercises. With easy adjustments and features, it is wheelchair-user friendly too Push up / Pull down - Dual function provides targeted training of shoulder and back. 3. Leg Press - Effective machine for exercising all leg muscles. 4. Chest Press - Ideal for upper body muscles, especially chest muscles. 5. Abdomen/Back - Exercising both abdominal and back muscles. For more information and enquiries please contact Meru Suites or to merusuites@meruvalley.com.my

13 14 Meru Special Feature EcoVillage Health Centre Meru Valley s newly completed EcoVillage is proud to house a first-of-its-kind community-based health centre providing medical, home nursing, rehabilitation and physiotherapy services. It is the focal point of the Resort s fully-integrated healthcarehospitality development. The EcoVillage health centre is open to all residents, members and visitors of Meru Valley. Come and receive your personalised preventive health care consultation designed to meet your needs based on your age and health status. The services available are as follows: Physiotherapy for: Musculoskeletal Problems (e.g. back, neck, knee and shoulder pains) Orthopedic Problems Soft Tissue Injuries Stroke Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Aids The EcoVillage Health Centre also provides rehabilitation services for the physically challenged. Patients can purchase rehabilitation aids here. Treatments Electrotherapy Modalities for Pain Management Personalised Exercise Programme Mobilization Ice Therapy Traction Relaxation Techniques Soft Tissue Manipulation Ante/Post Natal Exercise Trigger Point Release For information and enquiries please contact Mrs. Krishnamah I Physiotherapy Liaison Officer I krishna@ish.kpjhealth.com.my Practice Hours for Physiotherapy Operation Hours of EcoVillage Health Centre: Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays Mondays Fridays: , Saturdays: EcoVillage Wellness Centre Fancy a little peace and quiet? How about a short escape to relaxing wellness, far from the hustle and bustle of the city but just a short drive away? Combine your stay at Meru Valley s EcoVillage with a relaxing and revitalizing visit to our Wellness Centre. We offer a range of holistic health and beauty treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind. Choose from a wide range of skin and body services offered to all members and residents. Come relax and revitalize yourselves through the services offered below: Pedicure & Manicure Prep. Polish. Dry Basic pedicure and manicure with nail color Basic pedicure and manicure with gel nail color Foot Reflexology Relax. Recharge. Heal Traditional Foot Massage Relaxing Foot Massage Facial Restore. Revitalize. Rebalance Relaxing Facial Treatment Intensive Facial Treatment Body Massage Relax. Relieve. Release Relaxing Body Massage Treatment Massage Hair Styling Bold. Daring. Beautiful Shampoo Wash & Cut

14 Set A Soup or salad of the day Lamb Shoulder Rack Dessert of the day RM42.00 Set B Soup or salad of the day Prawn Tandoori Dessert of the day RM33.00 January - March 2017 Set C Soup or salad of the day Saba Fish Bento Dessert of the day RM29.00 Set D Soup or salad of the day Spicy Chicken & Shrooms Arrabbiata (Squid Ink Pasta) Dessert of the day RM26.00 Top 5 Winning Dishes of The Year Yong Chow Fried Rice Wat Tan Hor Meru Fried Kway Teow Grilled Chicken Chop *All images used are for illustration purposes only All prices are inclusive of 6% GST Nasi Goreng Special

15 16 Property News The Perfect Family Link Homes Precinct For many young couples or families, the decision to purchase their first dream home is very likely the first and largest investment they will ever make together. This unique experience, although a very exciting one, can potentially be overwhelming due to the myriad of decisions and choices to be made. Aside from the budget considerations, there are many other concerns such as the ideal size, number of rooms, safety and environmental issues, and of course the location of the property concerned. homes. These were the premium and larger link homes, ideal for an expanding family, each showcasing a modern contemporary façade with high windows for natural lighting and ventilation. Other features include attached bathrooms for each bedroom and 3-phase wiring. Launching Soon in January 2017 Cypress, a 22 x75 2-storey link home, is the next home type to be launched at Pine Park come the Lunar New Year. Cypress is designed to be the starter home for young families and first time homebuyers. At Pine Park in Sri Klebang, we understand the important details you have in mind when choosing a perfect first home for your young family. And that is why Kinta Properties has come up with a unique and safe, guarded precinct of only link homes, specially created for young and growing families such as yours. Cypress features a very practical interior layout, with very comfortable sizes for the living, dining, kitchen and private areas. The exterior is stylish and modern, complete with a wide and covered front porch to accommodate two cars side by side. Pine Park, located in the heart of our integrated township Bandar Baru Sri Klebang, is a unique enclave complete with its own 3-tier security system. It has a perimeter fencing secured with CCTV cameras fixed along the fencing and its own team of patrolling guards. Based on iproperty.com s Asia Property Market Sentiment Survey (H2) 2016, demand for affordable housing remains strong in the coming year. Respondents are looking to purchase newly developed property, with 64% of them hoping to lock in a home purchase between 6-24 months from now. In September 2015, the link homes precinct first launched 68 units of 24 x 75 Maple 5+1 bedroom link homes, followed by 61 units of Aspen 22 x 75, 4-ensuite-bedroom link Maple 24 x 75 To register your interest in Kinta Properties new Cypress home at Pine Park, or to view the larger link homes Maple or Aspen, please call or Aspen 22 x 75

16 We were all in for a real treat as Bandar Baru Sri Klebang (BBSK) celebrated 15 years of town-building with a curated light installation, Field of Lights 17 Property News An exclusive preview of the big switch on was held on Sunday, December 11 followed by the actual unveiling of the extravaganza on Sunday, December 18 at the Klebang Flora World Nursery. Upon entrance, visitors were greeted by Christmas lights in the form of snowman, an eight-metre tall Christmas tree and reindeer-drawn golf buggies (not your ordinary Santa s sleigh!). The illuminations were given that extra punch with a fog machine and trimmed evergreens. Other highlights of the night included the canopy of multi-hued fairy lights and fireworks display. However, everything paled in significance when the crowning luminosity made its debut. Against the backdrop of the township, starry sky or silhouette of the trees, it was Instagram-worthy from every angle. An instant crowd favourite, people were seen stopping by even outside the fence just for a shot. Over 400 frosted glass beacons dotted the field before culminating in an outline of a Christmas tree with a 15 to signify BBSK s anniversary right at the heart of the display. The lights were of different shapes and sizes to represent the diverse communities that already bring so much sparkle to this growing garden township. Equally admirable was the reflected effort and attention to detail from the Kinta Properties team. For instance, raincoats, thoughtfully prepared beforehand, were quickly distributed to the visitors when it drizzled. Present from Kinta Properties were director, Dato Lim Si Boon; director, Miss Chong Wai Lin; Datin Lin Hui Yi and Dato Lim Kheng Loy. The one-of-a-kind family day out was interwoven with live musical performance, diverse food truck lineup, handmade craftwork showcase, festive Christmas markets and Santa Claus appearance at the weekends. Food coupons, available at RM10 per booklet, came with free cotton candy and popcorn. Diners headed for seats underneath the clear-top tents made for unobstructed view of the stars. The young ones got balloons and embellished the wall of smiles with their message. The Meru Valley Resort was one of the more popular stalls, featuring crafted delicacies from Chef Desmond, Broadway favourites from SMJK Poi Lam military band and powerful vocal from live band. Did I mention the glowing furniture too? Held from December 18 till January 1, admission was free. To find out on upcoming events, do swing by the Kinta Properties Facebook page.

17 18 Ipoh Feature Draw for the L VE 1. Urban Sketchers Ipoh Sketching at Old Town of Drawing Sketching at Ipoh back lane To quote one of the most famous artists of all time, Vincent Van Gogh, If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. IVOD speaks to some inspirational Ipohites, who prefer the pencil over the camera anytime, to kick-start your own artistic journey or rekindle that inner fire of creativity! Urban Sketchers Ipoh is a self-funded and non-profit NGO attached to the international Urban Sketchers. Inspired by Urban Sketchers Penang, Chin Kok Yan led the establishment of the sketching group in Ipoh in Running on the slogan, Sketching Ipoh for Future Generations, drawing enthusiasts draw on location, indoor or outdoor, capturing what they see from direct observation to share with the next generation. The family-oriented group brings their own drawing materials (basics such as pen/pencil and paper/book will do too) and meets every Sunday from 9.30am to noon. If the weather permits, the session continues till 4pm. The sketching venues are decided weekly and posted at their Facebook page: Urban Sketchers Ipoh. Here is what Chin and the team enjoy the most: We are a lively group when we draw sitting down. Young and old alike, we will laugh and chatter! Plus, passers-by will motivate us with their positive feedback. Besides going around Ipoh, they have been to Kuala Kangsar, Kuala Sepetang, Taiping, Pulau Pasir Hitam, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. They lean towards buildings of heritage value, especially those disappearing ones. I think childlike drawings are beautiful as it reflects their pure mind and perspective that is lost as we grow up. Do not be engrossed in creating pretty drawings because there will always be other prettier drawings overriding it. What s important is for it to be unique so that it will leave a lasting impression, explains 49-year-old Chin. Practice makes perfect. Your strokes will get more natural over time. There is no borderline in art anyway. I always advise the members not to worry about what others think as long as they enjoy the drawing process, says the humble leader, who welcomes masters and amateurs of all age groups and ethnicities to join the group. There is no joining fee. Family sketchers S.M.K. Convent Ipoh Gopeng Jalan Sultan Idris Shah

18 19 Ipoh Feature The lively group Sketching at Kuala Kangsar Many of the older artists used to draw at home. After spotting us outside and browsing our Facebook page, they started to join us. The group learns from one another through their weekly interaction, and their completed work is taken home to be kept. Occasionally they are showcased in exhibitions to promote the group s work. According to Chin, what is lacking in Ipoh right now is a space or gallery for them to showcase their works. Urban sketchers chapters first started in the US in In Malaysia, there are currently four chapters located in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang and Kuching respectively. This global community of urban sketchers supports one another. For instance, Chin and a team went sketching around Bangkok with host, Urban Sketchers Bangkok, in November. In 2015, a sketching session was held in Singapore. Urban Sketchers Ipoh Contact them through Facebook : Urban Sketchers Ipoh 2. Lydia of Grace Art Studio Upon entering the Grace Art Studio, one cannot help but marvel at its pristine white interior and well ventilated space, setting the perfect mood to lift the paint brush. It was at this premises that IVOD had an exclusive one-on-one with Lydia Chew Siew Ling, the owner. When asked on the challenges she faced along the way, the mother of three replied, I wish I could be a full-time artist but I need to take care of my family and students too. Plus, it is difficult to obtain some art supplies here. In the 2nd International Symposium on World Chinese Women by the World Chinese Women s Association in 2003, she was awarded a consolation prize for her oil painting depicting herself and her son. In October, she emerged champion for the Plein Air Challenge and third placing for the Portrait Challenge in HERarts, organised by PORT (People of Remarkable Talent). This is her major painting principle cum advice for other aspiring artists out there: Painted in every heart is a distinctive picture that belongs only to each. Listen to the voice within you and search for it. You will then find peace and yourself. By all means, paint! Do not be afraid. And her job is to help one to express it. It is by God s grace that I got to set up the studio, hence the name of my studio, she added. For more information on lessons and studio visits, readers can contact Lydia at the following: Grace Art Studio 70A, Lebuh Lapangan Siber 2, Bandar Cyber, Ipoh. Facebook : lydiachew72@yahoo.com Contact Numbers : or Hailing from Bukit Mertajam, Penang, the 44-year-old moved to Ipoh at the age of 21 to start a family. She picked up her painting skills via visits to art galleries, guidance from her mentor and self-learning on her own. Lydia named her Malaysian mentor, Dzull and a Taiwanese artist, Chien Chung Wei as her favourite artists. Her forte is in portraiture and in both oils and watercolour. Your look is God s creation and everyone is unique in their own special way. Hence, I enjoy painting portraits because I can see the beauty in each person, the amiable Lydia told IVOD recently. Sketching a portrait with pencil takes her around twenty five minutes while an oil painting can take up to one month. Teaching for over twenty years, her students range from four to eighty years of age. I always tell my students that they must let go and relax themselves when they paint. When I teach them, I learn something from them in return. There is no right or wrong in painting. The key point is you must enjoy the painting process, she explained. Lydia started out teaching from home before establishing Grace Art Studio in January Her art studio, brimming with her masterpieces, is open to the public for visits too. Fees for art classes start from RM70 per month, and one-on-one home tutoring is also available. On some weekends and public holidays whenever she is free, Lydia runs a sketching booth at Concubine Lane.

19 20 Ipoh Heritage Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Merryweather The Greenwich Steam Fire Engine by Ian Anderson 1893, a very important year in the history of Ipoh, has been featured in an earlier article (IVOD Issue 29). As the year after the Great Fire of Ipoh on 1 June 1892 there was much to be done to rebuild the town and turn what had been a haphazard collection of insanitary wood and attap shacks into a modern town of wide streets and brick built houses. And all this, according to W J P Hume, the Collector of Land Revenue, Kinta, without any budget! Nonetheless the objective was achieved and the very same streets remain today - although the names have been changed, thus obliterating their history. But, as the story goes, there were many other outstanding events in the wake of the fire - both the Ipoh Club and the Hakka Miners Clubs were founded as was the Kinta Sanitary Board. Civilisation was coming to the once mess of squalid hovels, surrounded by piles of tin. However, perhaps the most momentous event that took place in early 1893 was the delivery of Ipoh s (and incidentally Malaya s) first fire engine. This was ordered by the Ipoh Town Council immediately after the fire in It was to be delivered within six months. No doubt there was much consideration, argument and sucking of teeth, before the final decision was made. While we will never know, it is almost certain that two companies, Messrs Merryweather and Sons, and Shand Mason and Co., between whom there was always fierce competition, would have been discussed. But in the end the preferred technology, The Greenwich, from the most prestigious fire engine manufacturer of the time was selected. It was of course Merryweather and Sons with their premises close to the River Thames in Greenwich, London. Returning to the story of Ipoh s purchase and for the technically minded the website British Made Steam Fire Engines describes the Greenwich thus: Merryweather introduced the Greenwich pattern steam fire engine in It had a horizontal double cylinder pump, which was produced in numerous sizes from 300 to 1,800 gallons per minute (gpm). This type of steamer can be identified by the mid-ships mounted pump and air vessel. This is similar to earlier models but now Merryweather have shortened the distance between the boiler and the pump. In later years they also produced a double-vertical model. The model selected for Ipoh was capable of pumping 400 to 600 gpm. Merryweather and Sons was a famous, prize winning company with steam fire engines delivered across the world; the company roots going back as far as 1690 and the original engineering company established by Nathaniel Hadley in Cross Street. However it was not until 1836 that the name Merryweather appeared when the company was taken over by Moses Merryweather, previously an apprentice in the same company who married one of the partners daughters. Such is the way to success in business that is not uncommon today!

20 One wonders how the wise men of the Ipoh Town Council knew about such things as steam fire engines but of course Ipoh did get newspapers and magazines from London, albeit they were some 6 to 8 weeks out of date and there is no doubt prestigious publications like the Illustrated London News would have carried drawings and descriptions of the latest machines. Certainly, all the medals and prizes won by Merryweather would have helped with the decision making. Another mystery is how the machine and horses actually get to Ipoh? Undoubtedly the engine was shipped from London to Singapore and possibly onwards to Teluk Anson in a smaller steamer. But after that was it by boat, elephant of bullock cart that it reached its final destination. One feels it must have been broken down into sections and reassembled in Ipoh, but did Merryweather engineers accompany it to undertake the work? Then there is the question of the horses. Were they shipped from London or from British India? I doubt we shall ever know. Finally where in Old Town were the horses and fire engine stabled? The first evidence of a proper Fire Station is a photograph from 1915, taken in Brewster Road, just to the East of the bridge in New Town and we know there was nothing that side of the bridge before Hill Fire Station from 1897 to 1921 when it was replaced by a motorised vehicle. Unfortunately we do not have a similar photo from Ipoh. But back to Ipoh and 1893! Imagine. A bright red steam fire engine drawn by a pair of magnificent horses, galloping down the streets to the latest conflagration. This was a spectacular and unusual sight even in Victorian Britain. In Ipoh where all but the few Europeans had no shoes and most local people were simply dressed, it must have been a terrifying sight at first. History tells us that it was said to be the fastest thing on wheels in the whole of the nation. A local legend is that unless a property had an insurance company plate prominently displayed on the building, the brigade would not put out the fire! Why not? Because it is said that they only got paid if the building was insured. Whether this is true or not we have no knowledge but a few of these plates like the Commercial Union one shown here do still exist on the beams above the 5-foot way. Either way it was a great marketing ploy for the insurance companies. One thing is certain and that is that in 1895, the Kinta Sanitary Board started to charge for fire brigade contributions - an additional two per cent on annual rates. I doubt it went to the firemen! 21 Ipoh Heritage Whatever the answers the glorious machine did arrive and caused the Kinta District Magistrate to authorise the formation of the Ipoh Fire Brigade under the jurisdiction of the police. Manned by Sikhs it was a great step forward in firefighting which during the early years, was a voluntary job, with each shop sending one or two workers to help, whenever the fire alarm sounded. Equipment was limited to buckets of water and brooms, although after the Great Fire of 1892, the Chinese community organised their own fire brigades under the guidance of William Cowan, the Assistant Protector of Chinese. The above photograph, courtesy of the Powerhouse Museum Collection, shows the Merryweather Greenwich delivered to Australia in It was in service at the Broken Meanwhile, as already mentioned, many other things were taking place in the wake of the fire and one of them was a most amazing coincidence. It relates to the famous biscuit makers Huntley and Palmers and the fact that Malaya was one of their biggest overseas customers, next only to British India. The company, founded in 1822 and known as The Most Famous Biscuit Company in the World. They not only made biscuits and cakes for which they won many Gold Awards both before and after 1900, but also crafted the most wonderfully shaped tins depicting highly detailed and descriptive illustrations. These provided a wealth of information for purchasers at home and abroad, not only on exotic foreign lands but also on many different aspects of British life and history. And, believe it or not, in 1893, just as Ipoh was receiving their Greenwich, Huntley produced their latest tin, The Fire Brigade. This was an ornate four leaved clover shaped tin 16cm high and 17.5cm across the corners. The tin shows continuous fire brigade scenes round the sides with a horse-drawn fire engine on the lid. The engine is so similar to the Greenwich that it was probably the inspiration for the design. The tin, a collector s piece, is from the ipohworld collection.

21 22 Meru Special Feature Ideas for New Year Party Finger FOOD PARTY HOT POT DIP INGREDIENTS (For 20 servings) 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 cups sour cream 6 ounces Havarti cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups) 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped Parmesan cheese shards Assorted dippers: cut up vegetables, tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, flat breads, and/or crackers DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, havarti, mustard and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese with an electric mixer until combined. Prep time: 25 min Bake time: 40 to 45 min Fold in spinach and artichoke hearts. Transfer to an 8-inch diameter by 2-inch deep cast-iron skillet or 1 1/2-quart casserole. Spread evenly. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degrees F oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with Parmesan shards and serve with assorted dippers. APPLE BACON CHEDDAR CROSTINI INGREDIENTS (For 24 servings) 6 slices bacon 4 cups finely chopped peeled apples (3 medium) 1 teaspoon grated gingerroot 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons apple juice 24 slices (1/2 inch thick) baguette French bread 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (6 oz) Additional fresh thyme sprigs, if desired DIRECTIONS In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon; set aside. Reserve drippings in skillet. Prep time: 35 min Total time: 50 min Cook apples and gingerroot in bacon drippings over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and tender. Stir in brown sugar, thyme and salt. Cook 1 minute; stir in apple juice. Cook 1 minute; remove from heat. Cool completely. Heat oven to 450 F. Place baguette slices in single layer on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until toasted. Turn slices over; brush with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Bake 3 to 5 minutes longer or until toasted. In skillet, add cheese and bacon to apples; toss. Place about 1 tablespoon apple mixture on each baguette slice. Bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with thyme sprigs. Serve immediately.

22 Years Offers you the lifestyle you desire S.J.K.(C) POI LAM Jalan Chemor Chemor Town Ready for occupation Tenby International School Jalan Jelapang Mydin Bus Terminal Jalan Kuala Kangsar KLEBANG MH Hotel Jalan Tasek *2-Storey Detached Homes Lot Size : 70 x 90 Viewing by appointment, please contact :

23 To enrol, please walk in to EcoVillage Fitness Centre or Meru Suites Reception. Call Syamil at or at