
Sorry for the lack of blog updates on the blog as I have been busy helping my parents to pack and move.

But in due time though, as my heart is still heavy and I'm still processing the fact that I will never be able to step into Normanton Park again....


Yes, my family have lived there for many years so have strong bonds to it, but I think what makes it even harder leaving Normanton Park is knowing that there isn't even a place for us to go back and visit in the future. There will be no more Normanton Park as we know it.


Don't quote me on this, but I also heard that it was built so that in case of war, it was easier to protect the family of the military commanders and officers in the self-contained {we had our own supermarket, hairdresser, preschool, canteen, bookshop etc.} 623,000 sq ft gated estate so that they could go fight in peace..

In 1993, it was privatised and that's when a lot of residents started selling or renting out their apartments to non-SAF personnel. Because of its close proximity to NUS, NUH, and offices at Science Park, Fusionpolis etc, the demographic of Normanton Park residents changed.
There were more foreign students and nurses renting apartments there, as well as expats who worked nearby.

Holidays were extravagantly celebrated together and we'd have estate pool parties during festivals like New Year's, go lantern-walking during Mid-Autumn Festival, and one of my fondest memories was sitting the jolly choo-choo train that went around Normanton Park during Christmas.
This was my "kampong".

As of last year, it was said that only one fifth of Normanton Park residents had ties to SAF.

Took many photos and short clips of her which I've compiled in this video above. Have a look and if it's not working well, go watch it on my YouTube channel.
I also posted some memories from the last few weeks of Normanton Park and the gems I found there on my Instagram Highlights Reel. Find "Normanton #1" and "Normanton #2" folders if you'd like to check it out.
Will be sharing more later on once I've finally let it all sink it, and of course, after Lil Pumpkin's busy exam period.. so stay tuned!
Other Singapore heritage places:
Old Changi Hospital
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle & Dragon Kiln
Former Beach Road Police Station
Normanton Park Estate
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle & Dragon Kiln
Former Beach Road Police Station
Normanton Park Estate
7 comments:
Looks like it was a nice place to grow up in. Hope your parents' new place will be just as good if not better.
I saw you post about this on Facebook. It's so sad when childhood memories go bye bye. I like when they can restore. It's ideal, but can't always be done.
It's good you went back to get photos!
Some genuinely interesting details you have written.Aided me a lot, just what I was looking for :D.
Sounds like you had an amazing childhood!
It must be really difficult with this huge change. My parents stayed in the same house for 30 years and it was tough to move! (and it was just a house, not an entire community area).
How sad that your parents had to move. I am sure you will treasure the memories you made growing up there. It looked like a lovely place to spend your childhood.
It must be an emotional period of time for you and your family. All those memories and good times...Hope your parents find better place to stay. Cheers from Jakarta.
Must have brought back lots of previous childhood memories for you as you helped your parents to pack. Nice that Lil Pumpkin got to have those precious memories too. It's sad that a part of our nation's history goes as the country develops... The price we pay for being a developed country.
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