Growing up as a child in Singapore and Malaya in the 1960s was an
idyllic experience. Thousands of children of naval personnel will
have the same fond memories of the time spent there, as Derek
has. Who could forget the constant hot weather or the strange
smells that you only seemed to find in the Far East? Who could
forget the heavy monsoon rains, chit-chats or Tiger Balm Gardens?
Other memories will include the markets, hawkers, amahs and snake
charmers. Shopping was an experience in itself. Bartering was a
way of life and anyone who lived there at the time would remember
CK Tang's and Change Alley. Only going to school till 1.00 p.m.
because of the heat and spending the rest of the day on boat
trips or at the beach was wonderful, as were all the fantastic
toys that were available at the time.
