Celebrating the successful launch!

With much anticipation leading to the launch day, our book "Patchwork of Reminiscences" was successfully launched at Jurong Point Shopping Centre on 25th July 2010! It was a joyous occasion for our Patchworks Committee members as we witnessed the fruit of our labour!

Members and friends of Patchworks Committee celebrating the success!

Many thanks to all who have contributed in one way or another in creating a much-hyped event and presenting "Patchwork of Reminiscences" to the public! It was a great opportunity to showcase the talents of our story contributors through their dance and song performances. Through interview segments on-stage, these story contributors got to share with the audience their life experiences. Also, not forgetting the fun that shoppers at Jurong Point had as they took part in stage games and lucky draws to win vouchers and attractive prizes!

Volare! The Golden Gals put up a lively performance to a raucous applause from the audience.

It was a heartwarming moment as Othman and Halimah recounted their Kampong love story.

The elderly story contributors were each presented with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Aunty Anna and Uncle Bian show that you're never too old to work your feet!

The crowd at Jurong Point.

This huge supporter of "Patchwork of Reminiscences" won himself the grand prize of the lucky draw.

More winners of the lucky draws.

"Patchwork of Reminiscences" is available at selected Kinokuniya and Popular bookstores. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase online. Once again, thank you for your generous support!

Read more about us!

A big thank you to the media for supporting "Patchwork of Reminiscences" (:

Featured on The New Paper, 20.07.2010

Featured on 联合早报, 21.07.2010

The committee will also be interviewed on 93.8FM, check back or stay tuned to our facebook page to catch the volunteers on air, sharing more about the book and their experiences! (:

Snippets of "Patchwork of Reminiscences"

As we countdown to the launch of "Patchwork of Reminiscences" on 25th July 2010, we present to you some snippets of the stories featured. Each story tells a unique tale of bravery, of motivation and of dreams not hampered by old age.

A Pocketful of Sunshine

The seams of Kim Neo's life

The pig had to die. It was up to her. Alone, she struggled to tie its legs. Her arm protested the mighty weight of the cleaver as she raised it high above the helpless pig. Could she do it?

Indignant, she cornered the Japanese general. A mere teenager, she demanded to know why he killed that man. Would he have her punished?

Now more than 80 years old, she welcomed strangers as she opened up the chapters of her life. Would you listen to her story?

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Live to Learn, Learn to Give

In the classrooms of R. Krishnavani

Children today would not mind running away from school. They might leap for joy when their parents insist they stay home to play.

But Krishnavani, at 8 years of age, was just the opposite. She ran to school for her classes. She resisted when her parents told her to stay home. It was her dream to be a teacher but obstacles waylaid her time and again. Did she give up?

Find out by attending the special class with this great-grandmother and the recipient of Council for Third Age’s Active Ager award!

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A Life Without Regrets

From the notes of Wong Heng Choy

Born to a poor family in Malaysia, Mr Wong started life as a shipyard’s apprentice. Decades of hard work later, he finally retired…but his new life was only just beginning. In his twilight years, he fulfilled his long cherished childhood dream of learning to play the piano.

Before he knew it, Mr Wong found himself with a group of fellow musicians, touring countries and giving concerts. He rubbed shoulders with celebrities, appeared on television and even met a former President of Singapore!

He may have since retired from the music industry, but his contentment at a life well lived remains a shining beacon to all.

Presenting "Patchwork of Reminiscences" to our elders!

Hi everyone!

"Patchwork of Reminiscences" had been successfully published and delivered to us on the 12th July 2010 and we will be mailing out the books to those who have ordered shortly! A big thank you to all of you who have pre-ordered the book and/or checking back on the blog for updates! (:

Excited with the progress, the committee visited some of our elders to present the book last saturday! Their happy faces definitely made our day! Hope the photos will brighten yours too! (:

An enthusiastic discussion of the published book with the elders,

Writer, Yip Jie Ying and Photographer Choo Yan Bing with Uncle Soh Yong Kee,

With our amiable aunty seeni who's always so keen to learn,

And of course, the patchworks committee, writers and photographers, Uncle Soh, Aunty Kim and Aunty Seeni posing together to mark a memorable date! (:

Do check back the blog for more snippets release and updates!

Have a great day ahead! (:

Exclusive Preview of "Patchwork of Reminiscences"!

With the launch of our blog, we share with you two inspiring and thought-provoking stories of Bertha Hang - Try, Try, Try and Sur Keng Geok - Thirty Cents for Love.

Try, Try, Try!

Was there ever a moment in your life when you felt most despair?

Life is never a bed of roses.

For Bertha Hang who had all four of her limbs amputated after a serious illness, the phrase could never be more apt.

But within Bertha's small frame a lies a fighter’s spirit, one emanating willpower and courage.

Thirty Cents for Love

Would you seal your fate with a deck of cards?

At 14, Mdm Sur heeded the advice of a fortune-teller whose predictions were eerily accurate.

Was it a mere chance of luck? Or was it a case of mastery of fortune-telling?

If it were you,

Would you have your future told for 30 cents?

Flip through the pages below and be heartened by their inspiring stories!

All about Patchwork of Reminiscences (:

"Patchwork of Reminiscences" is a sincere publication brought to you by volunteers from Nanyang Technological University Welfare Services Club, Patchworks.

This project means so much more than just a book to us. The committee had worked hard in recording the elders' stories faithfully and writing the stories as vividly and factually as possible, entwining the experiences and emotions of the elder with our reflections and admiration for them. Beyond just text and facts, we hope the stories will speak to your heart – bringing you through the lives of these elders.

Purchase the book now to discover the lives of more elders with strong passion for their careers, who had suffered and overcame hardship from World War II etc.

We promise that this compilation of 17 touching and exciting unique accounts of Singaporean elders will be a rewarding read! Selling at S$15, proceeds from the sales of book will be donated to our beneficiaries. (:

Please stay tuned to this space for snippets of more stories, photographs and update of our book launch on the 25th July 2010.

And your kind support, will make a big difference to this project! (: