NEWS WRITING MODULE FA2

Music to the ears or jeers

A neighbourhood gathering becomes a disturbance when it affects residents nearby.
By Charissa Joy

Uke@PP, a group of ukulele players has changed the location for their Sunday gatherings
at Yong Hong Eating House after complaints from residents.
[Lead: 23 words]

Until two months ago, on every Sunday afternoon, joyful voices would fill this coffee
shop at block 137 in Potong Pasir. Strumming their ukuleles to the beat, with their music
score sheets on the orange table, this group of musicians reminisce the past by playing the
old tunes together.

Though it may be a joyous melody to some, it is noise to others.

Theres a place for music, but its not here, Mrs Sim-Goh Lian, 60, said in Mandarin.
As one of the stallholders of the coffee shop, she feels that they should not gather at a
place meant for eating. She added that it was not suitable for them to gather there.

Another stallholder at this coffee shop, Ms Ravana Chan, 45, said that it would not be a
nuisance if they gathered for a special occasion. However, as it is a frequent meeting with

a big group of them, it annoyed residents living above the coffee shop. Sometimes, it
will affect their children usually during their examinations, she said.
After receiving complaints from stallholders and residents living nearby, the group has
moved to the neighbourhoods Community Centre. Founder of this ukulele interest group
and Potong Pasir resident for 30 years, Mr Roland Chan, 68, said that they cant please
everybody.

Two years of gathering at block 137s coffee shop had some stallholders complaining that
they took so many tables, said Mr Chan, depriving their customers of seats. Due to the
complaints, the group was hesitant in continuing their weekly meetings.

Nonetheless, their strong belief that the ukulele group was going to move forward
motivated them to find another place. Therefore, they moved to another coffee shop at
block 136 for three months before relocating to the community centre.

In spite of their efforts to keep the interest group going, this second location at block 136
was yet another disappointment. They were restricted from utilising the space after five in
the afternoon, and not six as what they wished for.

Co-founder of Uke@PP, Mr Joseph Yip, in his forties, said that he was frustrated as he
thought the group was providing people with entertainment.

Disappointment after disappointment did not daunt Mr Yip from continuing the group
and consequently, his appeal to the town council to use one of the community centres
rooms.
Member of Parliament for Potong Pasir, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin said, Such things are okay, it
fosters community gathering, he said. But there were complaints. Hence,
arrangements were made for the group to have their sessions at the community centre.

They recently had an event organised by the PAssion Arts - Ukulele Jam-along 2014 where people from all over Singapore gathered at the Potong Pasirs Community Centre
to share their love for ukulele and music.

We help them to organise events and we let them use the hall free-of-charge, MP Sitoh
said.

Uke@PP is given opportunities to perform at different events. One example would be at

the prestigious Istana, where they represented Potong Pasir among the other performers.

The ukulele interest groups members are made up of people from all over Singapore
though it is has its weekly meetings in this small estate district. It has gotten its name
known beyond Potong Pasir and has grown to over 30 members. Though most of the
members are above 60 years old, hailing from districts as far as Katong and Bukit
Panjang, they are willing to travel all the way to meet at this central point.

Mr Joseph Sng, 68, one of the members, commented that it was enjoyable to gather
together to have a happy Sunday and make new friends.