Ode to a grand 73 year old lady

As at April 2006, one of Singapore’s prominent landmark will ceased its original operational function; that of being a point of embarkation / disembarkation for seafarers.
At 73 years old, Clifford Pier has etched in my memory since childhood. 
Recollections of dad strolling us round to  Clifford Pier, and shopping at a cramp and busy Change Alley some 30 odd years ago, still linger.
Its true that we often take for granted many things, inanimate objects as well as living things. A building to many, is just a dwelling or a place of business. For many, this particular building harbours many memories.
I never would have thought that Clifford Pier would cease operation. Its be there for so very long. The good news is that the building would remain largely intact, earmarked for restoration by the government.

So, its come a full circle for me. After having left Singapore for Australia some 20 years ago, I find myself now working just across this historic landmark. Every so often I would stroll across at lunch time and take in the heady smells of the salty sea air.. mixed with diesal fumes from the old bum boats and ferrys.

In the closing days, just before the reloaction of the ferry operators to the spanking new Marina South Pier, you often see some of the wizened old ferry operators hanging about their old joint.. probably reminiscing.

You can read more about Clifford Pier at the Singapore Infopedia website
There are also a few pages and older pictures of Clifford Pier on the URA website

~ by macrocosm on January 19, 2007.