The elaborate Christmas display at this corner of Bedok has become an annual tradition, started by Bedok resident Sandy Goh Siew Hua, who has been coordinating the estate's decorations and gatherings since 2011.
But on Dec 23, more than 100 residents gathered for their last Christmas neighborhood party, which was held at Blocks 702 and 703. Besides a catered buffet, there was an assortment of homemade food contributed by residents.
Madam Goh, 55, borrowed a snow foam machine from a friend to give residents an "unforgettable experience". There was even an inflatable pool for children to play in.
Children could be seen running around in the snow foam or swimming in the pool, while another group of partygoers started their own barbecue. "This is a no-rule party, people can do whatever they want," Madam Goh said.
For the past decade, she has organized a group of volunteers to put up do-it-yourself decorations for different festivals such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Hari Raya Puasa.
With different skill sets and donated items from residents, they can turn scraps into a Merlion spitting "water" made of lights for National Day, or a sleigh for Christmas.
Different residents help out each time, Madam Goh said. "They come and suggest ideas; some will even bring samples." Apart from organizing festivities, she helms the estate's community program, providing essentials like food and toiletries to Bedok Reservoir residents in need.
Denne historien er fra December 24, 2023-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra December 24, 2023-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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