No_4_November_and_December__1952 — Page 54

SERVICEMEN'S RECREATION CENTRE

FANLING

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OME little time ago, we pub- lished in this magazine an ar- chitect's perspective sketch of a pro- posed recreation and sports centre for the Forces on the main road be- tween Fanling and Sheung Shui, This building has now been com- pleted, and was formally opened on the 4th of December, 1951, by Major- General R. C. Cruddas, D.S.O., G. O.C. Land Forces Hong Kong, de- putising for Lt.-General G. C. Evans, C.B., CB.E., D.S.O, Commander of British Forces Hong Kong, who was indisposed.

Major Churn, who is the Chairman of the Institute, during a speech at the opening ceremony, stated that when the project was first mooted it was thought that approximately $60,000 would be sufficient to com- plete the building. However, by the time they were ready to start work

Photograph of the completed Recreation Centre.

on actual construction, they found that costs had risen to such an extent as to make necessary the expenditure of a far larger sum than this. How ever, with the aid of the Parent In- stitution, the building itself was successfully completed, but further funds were needed to furnish and fully equip the building.

Major Churn appealed to the citizens of Hong Kong to extend their help to this worthy cause, and men- tioned that the Hong Kong Govern- ment had made a free grant of the land on which this edifice stands; Sir Robert Ho Tung and the beneficiaries of the Estate of Lady Ho Tung don- ated Lot No. 4385 of an area of 1,500 square feet immediately adjac- ent to the Government land, Mr. R. Johannessen contributed a magnific- ent donation, and many others too numerous to mention have also

helped generously.

The amenities supplied in this centre are of both the indoor and outdoor varieties. Several tennis

courts are laid out on the ample grounds surrounding the building itself and other outdoor facilities are planned.

Inside the main hall dartboards and table tennis are the two principal forms of recreation, although books and magazines are supplied for those less actively inclined, with lounge chairs in which they can be perused at leisure.

The bar at one end of the room affords facilities for dispensing beer or tea and light meals as required and is very conveniently arranged with relation to the kitchen and pantry which are behind it but yet entirely separated from the lounge hall.

Two views of the interior of the Main Hall.

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