Ever wondered what Singapore was like in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s? Before the gleaming skyscrapers and bustling Orchard Road we know today, there was a Singapore of languid beaches, kampong spirit, and childhood games like chatek and kuti-kuti. 

Now, you can step back in time with "Footprints in Singapore: Meandering Through Memories" by K P Menon. This captivating collection of 21 essays is a treasure trove of reminiscences, painting vivid pictures of neighbourhoods that have since transformed or vanished, taking with them a piece of the soul of the nation. But this book is more than just a nostalgic trip — it’s a chance to make a difference.

What's Inside?

Step into the vibrant tapestry of 1960s Singapore as SRC Secretary General Mr Benjamin William recounts life at 6th Mile Au Kang (now Hougang). Born in 1959 to a clerk in the British forces, the author paints a captivating portrait of kampong life, where discarded bicycle wheels, five-stones, and underground war shelters became playthings for childhood imagination. This narrative weaves delightful tales of a simpler life through the sobering reality of racial tensions that simmered beneath the surface of multicultural harmony.

From heartbreaking beginnings as a baby sold for $12 by her opium-addicted father, ElderAid beneficiary Mdm Ang Chio Tee's remarkable memoir traces a life of extraordinary resilience. Adopted at just months old, she endured a tough childhood before surviving the privations of World War II. She eventually fled her controlling mother-in-law's home and worked hard to provide for children. It was only in her twilight years that she found unexpected joy through SRC's ElderAid programme, where volunteers bridged her loneliness and where she finally found peace.

Born amidst the densely populated streets of post-war Singapore's Chinatown, SRC veteran volunteer Mr Tang Chun Tuck guides us through his formative years where he witnessed Singapore's evolution from British colony to independent nation. As shophouses gave way to modern developments and street hawkers moved into organised food centres, the author's intimate recollections offer a poignant glimpse into a vanishing world. Nevertheless, celebrating the enduring spirit that continues to pulse through Singapore's ever-evolving heart.

Support Singapore Red Cross's ElderAid Programme

With thanks to Editor K P Menon, proceeds from the sale of "Footprints in Singapore: Meandering Through Memories" will be donated to the Singapore Red Cross’s (SRC) ElderAid programme. SRC ElderAid focuses on breaking the cycle of isolation among the elderly by providing holistic care tailored to their functional and social needs.

Get Your Copy Today!

Interested in reliving precious memories and discovering a Singapore you never knew?

Reserve your copy and collect your book from the Red Cross Shop next to Red Cross House at 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486 (5min from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station). 

The book is priced at $38 per copy — or a donation of your choice above $38. 

Don't miss out on this beautiful collection that captures the heart of old Singapore while giving back to our seniors.